Regional Municipality of Waterloo Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee Agenda

Media Release: Friday, March 23, 2018, 4:30 p.m.

Regional Municipality of Waterloo

Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee

Agenda

Monday, March 26, 2018

Dinner: 5:30 p.m.

Meeting: 6:00 p.m.

Room 110

150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2018

2. Introduction of New Members: Don Drackley, Garrett Gauthier, Ken Hough, Daniel Marshall

3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under the “Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”

4. Approval of Minutes - December 18, 2017 Page 3 5. Delegations/Reports

5.1 Community Climate Adaptation Planning i. David Roewade, Sustainability Specialist and Nicholas Cloet, Climate Change Coordinator, Region of Waterloo Community Planning

5.2 EEAC-18-001, Tri-City Lands Limited Germet Pit Extension, St. Agatha Forest Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA 15) Page 6

Should you require an alternative format please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: 519-575-4400, TTY: 519-575-4605, or [email protected] 2685270 EEAC Agenda - 2 - 18/03/26

i. Rick Esbaugh, Tri-City Lands Ltd., Brett Woodman, NRSI and Stan Denoed, Harden Environmental

5.3 EEAC-18-002, Long-Term Target for Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in Waterloo Region Page 16 i. Kate Daley, Climate Action Waterloo Region

5.4 EEAC-18-003, Proposed CRH/Dufferin Aggregates Chudyk Pit, ESPA 53 (Alps Woods), Dumfries Carolinian Environmentally Sensitive Landscape, Township of North Dumfries Page 19 i. Brian Zeman, MHBC Planning and Ken Zimmerman, CRH/Dufferin Aggregates

6. Information/Correspondence

6.1 Cedar Creek Subwatershed Study – Public Consultation Centre #1, April 25, 2018, North Dumfries Community Complex

6.2 Regional Comments on Proposed Study Area for Greenbelt Expansion

i. PDL-CPL-18-07, Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring Page 25

6.3 Final Provincial Natural Heritage System Mapping for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe

6.4 Kitchener Urban Forest Strategy – Upcoming Consultation

7. Other Business

8. Active EEAC Subcommittees Page 37 9. Next Meeting – April 30, 2018

10. Adjourn

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Regional Municipality of Waterloo

Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee

Minutes

Monday, December 18, 2017 4:30 p.m. Room 110

150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

Present were: Chair A. Featherstone, W. Caston, A. Dean, , G. Michalenko, J. Nowak, C. Priddle, S. Ramsay, N. Semper, C. Weatherall, and A. Woroch

Members absent: R. Donaldson, L. Ehnes, J. Kimantas, J. Kingsbury

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Under The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

None declared.

Minutes Moved by J. Nowak Seconded by G. Michalenko That the minutes of the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee of June 27, 2017 be approved. Carried

Delegations

a) Kate Daley, Climate Action Waterloo Region appeared before the Committee and provided a presentation about a proposed long term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. Ms. Daley also asked for the Committee’s support for a reduction target of 80% below 2010 emissions levels.

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G. Michalenko asked if striving for a 100% reduction target would make it more likely that an 80% reduction target would be achieved. K. Daley responded that the target should be realistic and express what should be achieved.

J. Nowak asked about the nature of the question when asking people what kind of emissions reduction target citizens wanted to achieve. K. Daley responded that they asked people “how much change to do you want to see?” and that most people believe that something needs to be done to curb emissions.

G. Michalenko suggested that carbon sequestration and tree planting be considered as part of the plan. K. Daley acknowledged this comment and that these items may be part of the plan moving forward.

A. Woroch suggested that shorter term targets also be looked at in addition to a long term target. K. Daley responded that interim targets will likely be included in the comprehensive plan.

S. Ramsay suggested that more detail be provided to explain to people the implications of an 80% reduction target. K. Daley acknowledged this comment.

Moved by C. Weatherall

Seconded by A. Woroch

That the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee strike a sub-committee to review the information provided by Climate Action Waterloo Region and report back to the Committee with recommendations.

Carried

C. Weatherall, A. Woroch and J. Nowak volunteered to sit on the subcommittee.

Information/Correspondence

a) East Side Lands, Stage 2, Master Environmental Servicing Plan (Phase 2) was received for information.

b) Cedar Creek Subwatershed Study was received for information.

c) Regional Comments on Growth Plan for the Great Golden Horseshoe Proposed Natural Heritage System was received for information.

d) EEAC and LCH ESL Appointments for 2018

e) Regional Forests was received for information.

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Other Business

Chair A. Featherstone thanked outgoing members G. Michalenko, C. Priddle, L. Ehnes and J. Kimantas for their service on the Committee and wished them all the best in their future endeavors.

J. Nowak informed the Committee that the Community Environmental Stewardship Fund was approved $150,000 in the Region’s operating budget.

Active EEAC Subcommittees

Staff gave a brief update on the progress and status of active EEAC subcommittees.

Next Meeting – January 29, 2018

Adjourn

Moved by C. Weatherall

Seconded by A. Dean

That the meeting adjourn at 6:10 p.m.

Carried

Committee Chair, A. Featherstone

Committee Clerk, E. Flewwelling

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Report: EEAC-18-001 Region of Waterloo Planning, Development & Legislative Services Community Planning

To: Chair and Members of the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee

Date: March 26, 2018 File Code: D04-20/015/DA

Subject: Tri-City Lands Limited Germet Pit Extension, St. Agatha Forest Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA 15)

Recommendation: That the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee provide the following advice to Community Planning staff with respect to the proposed zone change and aggregate licence for the Tri-City Germet Pit Extension at 2264 Snyder’s Road in the Township of Wilmot on lands contiguous to the St. Agatha Forest Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA 15):

1. That the scoped Environmental Impact Statement and additional information provided by the applicant in support of the proposed zone change and aggregate licence application pursuant to Regional Official Plan (ROP) Policies 7.C.10 and 7.G.4(b) satisfactorily fulfills the Terms of Reference adopted on September 26, 2016, and that the Committee has no objection in principle to the approval of the required zone change application;

2. That the boundary of, and buffers to, the St. Agatha Forest Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA 15) be interpreted as shown on Map 5 of the Natural Environment Level 1 & 2 Technical Report and Scoped EIS (NRSI, July 2017), reproduced as Attachment B to this report;

3. That only the proposed extraction area be re-zoned to permit aggregate extraction, and that ESPA 15 and the recommended buffers, shown on Attachment B, be re-zoned for environmental conservation pursuant to ROP Policy 7.A.2;

4. That the applicant consider developing a cycling trails plan, in consultation with

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the Region and the Township, if any trails within the ESPA are proposed in the future.

5. Advise the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that the applicant has satisfied the Committee’s comments with respect to the Site Plan of the proposed Germet Pit Extension Class A, Category 3 Pit Licence and that the Committee has no further objections, subject to the following:

5.1 That Note #1 under “Recommendations from Technical Reports: Scoped Environmental Impact Statement” on the Site Plan (Sheet 4 of 5) be removed as the note is no longer applicable due to revisions to the Rehabilitation Plan.

5.2 That biological and groundwater monitoring programs submitted by the applicant (Letter from IBI Group, February 26, 2018) be included as proposed on the Site Plan:

i. Annual reporting of the hydrographs with comparison to established thresholds will be forwarded to MNRF upon request and submitted to the Region of Waterloo and the GRCA as part of the ARA – Compliance Assessment Report reporting.

ii. The findings of biological monitoring components (including amphibian, significant wildlife habitat, natural feature buffer, and wetland monitoring) will be outlined in a brief summary report in years 1, 3 and 5 following the commencement of operations. If the year 5 report does not coincide with the final extraction of the pit, the licensee shall submit a subsequent report after final extraction has occurred but prior to the license being surrendered. The report will be submitted to the Region of Waterloo, Township of Wilmot, GRCA, and upon their request, to the MNRF.

iii. The findings of the linkage feature monitoring will be outlined in a brief summary report in year 2 following the planting of the linkage feature. The report will be submitted to the Region of Waterloo, Township of Wilmot, GRCA, and upon their request, to the MNRF.

Report: Tri-City Lands Limited is operating the Germet Pit at 2264 Snyder's Road in the Township of Wilmot (see Attachment A). The pit is located immediately south of and contiguous to the St. Agatha Forest Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA 15). The pit was licensed many years ago, and the original zone change application was reviewed by EEAC (Report EEAC 9/91, dated April 24, 1991, and was supported on the recommendation of a sub-committee at the June 25, 1991 meeting). At the time, staff and the Committee were most concerned about the creation of an appropriate buffer to

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the contiguous portions of the ESPA and the prevention of sedimentation into the wetland community at the northeastern corner of the property.

Tri-City is now proposing to expand the pit northward to recover aggregate lying beneath a meadow created by the placement of overburden from the existing licensed operation. The subject area is located between the wetland community and an area of upland woodland, and is therefore contiguous to ESPA 15. The extension would bring extraction even closer to the wetland now identified as part of the Waldau East Wetland Complex.

On April 25, 2016, EEAC received Report EEAC-16-06 and adopted a recommendation to scope terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required in support of the proposed zone change and aggregate licence applications as per Policies 7.C.10 and 7.G.4(b) of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). Staff and the subcommittee visited the subject property on July 19, 2016 with the applicant and its consultants. Staff and the subcommittee also reviewed the following documents and plans in support of the applications:

• Planning Summary Report (IBI Group, August 18, 2017) • Germet Pit Extension Site Plan (IBI Group, revised January 26, 2018) • Natural Environment Level 1 & 2 Technical Report (NRSI, July 2017) • Level 1 and Level 2 Hydrogeology Report (Harden Environmental Services, July 2017) • Response Letters to EEAC Comments from IBI Group (January 2, 2018 and February 26, 2018) • Enhancement and Monitoring Plan (NRSI, revised February 26, 2018) • GRCA Letter, Comments on Germet Pit Expansion (November 1, 2017) • MNRF Letter, Comments on Germet Pit Expansion (November 3, 2017)

In addition, the proposed pit expansion is subject to the policies of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017) and the lands are entirely within the plan’s Natural Heritage System, which was released by the Province on February 9, 2018.

The subcommittee is of the opinion that the studies and follow-up information submitted for review generally fulfill the requirements in the Terms of Reference approved in 2016 as discussed below.

1. Confirmation of boundary of and buffers to ESPA 15

Most of the proposed extraction area between the woodland and wetland areas within the subject lands consists of an overburden pile that was created as part of extraction operations at the existing Germet Pit. The subcommittee reviewed the ESPA boundary in the field on July 19, 2016 and recommends that the boundaries of ESPA 15 be interpreted as shown on Map 5 of the EIS, which is reproduced as Attachment B to this 2676212 9 9 March 26, 2018 Report: EEAC-18-001

report.

Policy 7.C.10 of the ROP requires a minimum 10-metre buffer around Core Environmental Features. Proposed buffers from ESPA 15 have been included on the Site Plan as the greater of 10 metres from the woodland dripline or 30 metres from the Waldau East Wetland Complex. In summary, the subcommittee is satisfied with the proposed buffers. In addition, the subcommittee recommends that ESPA 15 and associated buffers on the subject lands be placed in suitable conservation open space zoning pursuant to Policy 7.A.2 of the ROP.

2. Biophysical Surveys and Conservation of Significant Species

Field surveys were conducted on the subject lands throughout 2016 including, but not limited to, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), vascular flora inventories, breeding bird surveys, ESPA delineation, and amphibian/reptile surveys. The subcommittee is of the opinion that the type and frequency of biophysical surveys undertaken by the consultants is consistent with the Region of Waterloo Greenlands Network Implementation Guideline with respect to a scoped EIS.

Noteworthy results of the various surveys are as follows:

• A single Red-spotted Newt (Regionally significant) was incidentally observed within the wetland area during field surveys;

• Regionally significant plants were observed including Floating Manna Grass and Tuckerman’s Sedge which were found within the ESPA that will be protected from extraction; and

• Nine (9) Regionally significant birds were observed including Turkey Vulture, Brown Thrasher, Ovenbird and Red-bellied Woodpecker. Provincial species-at- risk (SAR) were also observed including Bank Swallow, Eastern Wood Peewee, and Wood Thrush (the latter two are listed as Special Concern).

3. Maintaining Hydrological and Hydrogeological Regimes

The wetlands within the subject lands form part of the Waldau East Wetland Complex. Even though this is a non-Provincially Significant Wetland Complex, the applicant will be protecting the wetland feature with a 30-metre buffer and the subcommittee finds this to be appropriate. In addition, the applicant has proposed extraction within part of the surface catchment area of this wetland. To compensate for the loss of this catchment area, the applicant will be re-creating part of the catchment area as part of rehabilitation on the existing adjacent pit.

The proposed pit will be above the water table however the applicant has agreed to undertake an annual groundwater monitoring program and submit the results to the 2676212 10 10 March 26, 2018 Report: EEAC-18-001

Region, the Township and the GRCA. In summary, the subcommittee is of the opinion that the hydrological and hydrogeological regimes will be maintained across the site and that the proposed groundwater monitoring program is acceptable.

4. Cycling Access

The northern limit of the subject area includes part of the Hydrocut cycling trail running along the Hydro right-of-way between trail loops within the Petersburg Regional Forest to the west and on the Waterloo Landfill property to the east. Over the years, this trail complex has become a significant recreational facility in the Region.

The subcommittee is satisfied that the applicant has minimized disruption to the cycling trail. The applicant has adjusted the limit of extraction to provide space for the cycling trail within the hydro corridor across the north end of the property. In addition, the subcommittee recommends that the applicant consider developing a cycling trails plan, in consultation with the Region and the Township, if any trails within the ESPA are proposed in the future.

5. Ecological Enhancement and Restoration

As mentioned previously in this report, the proposed pit expansion is subject to the policies of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017) and the lands are entirely within the plan’s Natural Heritage System (NHS). Specifically, Policy 4.2.8.5 b) of the Growth Plan requires that no less than 35% of the land subject to each license in the NHS is to be rehabilitated to forest cover. The proposed license area is 5.3 hectares and therefore 1.86 hectares (35%) would require rehabilitation to forest cover in order to meet this policy requirement.

An ecological enhancement plan has been prepared by the applicant’s environmental consultant (NRSI, revised February 26, 2018) and has been incorporated into the rehabilitation plan for the pit (see Attachment C). In summary, the rehabilitation plans for the Germet Pit Extension will include reforestation of 1.86 hectares (35% of licensed area) of land thereby strengthening the connection between the two portions of the ESPA. In addition, the applicant will be removing imported overburden material from buffer areas, applying topsoil and replanting buffers with a native seed mix. In summary, the subcommittee finds the enhancement plan and rehabilitation plan acceptable.

6. Monitoring Program

In addition to the groundwater monitoring program discussed in Section 4 above, the applicant has proposed a biological program to monitor the success of the operational and rehabilitation plan. The monitoring program will include:

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• Monitoring of the wetland complex for changes in structure and/or composition and for the presence of breeding amphibians; • Breeding bird surveys including monitoring of Significant Wildlife Habitat for Eastern Wood-Pewee and Wood Thrush (both designated as Special Concern species); • Visual inspections of buffers to ensure establishment of native vegetation; and • Inspection of the rehabilitated linkage feature in the second year after planting to ensure that desired outcomes are being achieved. The findings of biological monitoring components (including amphibian, significant wildlife habitat, natural feature buffer, and wetland monitoring) will be outlined in a brief summary report in years 1, 3 and 5 following the commencement of operations. If the year 5 report does not coincide with the final extraction of the pit, the licensee shall submit a subsequent report after final extraction has occurred but prior to the license being surrendered. The report will be submitted to the Region of Waterloo, Township of Wilmot, GRCA, and upon their request, to the MNRF.

In addition, the findings of the linkage feature monitoring will be outlined in a brief summary report in year 2 following the planting of the linkage feature. The report will also be submitted to the Region of Waterloo, Township of Wilmot, GRCA, and upon their request, to the MNRF.

In summary, the subcommittee finds the proposed monitoring program acceptable and appreciates the inclusion of Site Plan notes requiring that monitoring reports be submitted to the Region, Township and GRCA.

Submitted by Subcommittee Members: Wayne Caston, Ron Donaldson, Amy Woroch

Area Municipal Consultation and Coordination:

Copies of this report have been provided to the Township of Wilmot and Grand River Conservation Authority staff.

Corporate Strategic Plan: This review supports Strategic Objective 3.5 – Preserve, protect and enhance green space, agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands, and Regionally-owned forests.

Financial Implications: The prescribed fee for review of a scoped EIS will be required.

Other Department Consultations/Concurrence: This application is also being reviewed by Transportation and Water Services staff.

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Attachments Attachment A – Location of Subject Lands and Core Environmental Features

Attachment B – Core Environmental Features – Boundaries and Buffers

Attachment C – Germet Pit Rehabilitation Plan

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Attachment A: Location of Subject Lands and Core Environmental Features

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Attachment B – Core Environmental Features – Boundaries and Buffers

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Attachment C: Germet Pit Rehabilitation Plan

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Report: EEAC-18-002 Region of Waterloo Planning, Development & Legislative Services Community Planning

To: Chair and Members of the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee

Date: March 26, 2018 File Code: D04-20

Subject: Long-Term Target for Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in Waterloo Region

Recommendation:

That the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee provide the following advice to Community Planning staff with respect to a long-term target for community greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Waterloo Region:

That the Committee supports in principle the development of short, medium and long-term targets for reducing community greenhouse gas emissions in Waterloo Region.

1. That Climate Action Waterloo Region and Regional staff consider developing additional measurable community action plans to ensure that targeted emissions reductions are achieved.

Report:

On December 18, 2017, Climate Action Waterloo Region (Climate Action WR) appeared before the Committee to seek support for a long-term target for community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in Waterloo Region. Climate Action WR is a collaborative effort between the Region of Waterloo and the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo focused on climate change mitigation led by Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region. The group coordinates the activities of Waterloo Region’s Community Climate Action Plan and measures progress towards achieving the current short-term GHG reduction target of 6% below 2010 levels by 2020. The Townships are also generally supportive of Climate Action WR and their Mayors were a part of Regional Council’s approval of the group’s initial action plan and 2676195 17 17 March 26, 2018 Report: EEAC-18-002

emission reduction target established in December 2013.

Climate Action WR has proposed a reduction target of 80% below 2010 emissions levels by 2050. The group suggests that the proposed target is consistent with similar targets set by other Ontario municipalities and those set by the provincial and federal governments. In addition, the target is based on current climate science communicated during the UN Conference on Climate where the Paris Accord was drafted in 2015. Local support has also been indicated through stakeholder consultations and survey results that the group completed in the community throughout 2017.

1. Support for Targets

The members of the subcommittee are not experts in the field of climate change or climate science but rather have a range of knowledge and experience in ecological and environmental matters. However, the subcommittee is concerned that climate change and rising GHG emissions have great potential to create adverse impacts on the environmental resources that the Committee seeks to protect through its mandate. For example, as a result of rising GHG emissions, the local climate in Waterloo Region is projected to change in a number of ways:

• Local climate is expected to get warmer with an increase in the annual average temperature by 2 - 3 degrees Celsius by the 2050s; • More extreme summer heat is expected with an increase in the number of days above 30 degrees Celsius each year; • Major rainfalls and wind storms are projected to be more frequent; and • Winters are expected to be warmer with average temperatures in February expected to be 3 – 5 degrees Celsius higher in the 2050s than today1. The subcommittee is concerned that these projected changes are likely to create adverse impacts on natural heritage and water resource systems in the following ways:

• Decreased summer precipitation and higher temperatures may increase the probability of summer drought, thereby affecting woodlands and wetlands; • Changes in seasonal temperatures may lead to shifting ecoregions for flora and fauna communities, leading to increase spread of invasive species and changes to native species abundance and variety; • Increased freezing rain events can increase the use of road salt which may adversely impact surface and groundwater resources and/or biodiversity; and • More days over 30 degrees Celsius may increase water temperature, which will impact fish and aquatic habitat. In Ontario, many municipalities have a chosen a long-term GHG reduction target of 80%

1 Based on Localized Climate Projections for Waterloo Region, Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change, University of Waterloo (2015) 2676195 Page 2 of 3 18 18 March 26, 2018 Report: EEAC-18-002

by 2050 using various base calculation years (from 1990 to 2007). These municipalities include Durham Region, Hamilton, London, Peel Region and Toronto. In addition, the Provincial target has been set at 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. In summary, while subcommittee members do not have specific expertise in setting GHG reduction targets, the subcommittee supports in principle the development of short, medium and long-term target for reducing community GHG emissions in Waterloo Region.

2. Action Planning The subcommittee is of the opinion that the proposed long-term target by Climate Action WR is ambitious and will require significant policy changes, commitment from the public and Area Municipalities, and assistance from provincial and federal governments to achieve successful implementation. As such, the subcommittee recommends that staff consider building on their current short-term plan by developing additional measurable local action plans to guide the community in achieving targeted GHG reductions. For example, action plans could be developed by sector including residential, commercial/industrial, transportation, agriculture and waste similar to the sectors identified in Climate Action WR’s progress report2 on the region’s short-term GHG reduction target (6% below 2010 levels by 2020). In addition, action plans should be developed in collaboration with Area Municipalities, stakeholders and the public in order to increase the likelihood of success.

Submitted by Subcommittee Members: Joe Nowak, Cathy Weatherall, Amy Woroch

Area Municipal Consultation and Coordination:

Copies of this report have been provided to Area Municipal staff.

Corporate Strategic Plan:

This review supports Strategic Objective 3.5 – Preserve, protect and enhance green space, agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands, and Regionally-owned forests.

Financial Implications:

Nil.

2 Our Progress, Our Path: An Update on Waterloo Region’s Community Carbon Footprint 2676195 Page 3 of 3 19 19

Report: EEAC-18-003 Region of Waterloo Planning, Development & Legislative Services Community Planning

To: Chair and Members of the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee

Date: March 26, 2018 File Code: D04-20/053/DA

Subject: Proposed CRH/Dufferin Aggregates Chudyk Pit, ESPA 53 (Alps Woods), Dumfries Carolinian Environmentally Sensitive Landscape, Township of North Dumfries

Recommendation:

That the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee take the following actions with respect to the proposed CRH/Dufferin Aggregates Chudyk Pit on land contiguous to ESPA 53 (Alps Woods) in the Dumfries Carolinian Environmentally Sensitive Landscape:

1. Advise Community Planning staff that the Environmental Impact Statement required in support of the proposed zone change application be scoped, as per Policies 7.B.12, 7.C.10, 9.C.6, 9.C.10, 9.C.11 and 7.G.4(b) of the Regional Official Plan, to address the following:

a. confirmation of an ecologically appropriate boundary of ESPA 53 on the subject lands;

b. delineation and design of a suitable buffer between ESPA 53 and the proposed aggregate operation within the subject lands;

c. a biophysical survey to identify natural habitats and/or populations of Regionally significant plant and animal species in ESPA 53 on the subject lands that might be adversely affected by the proposed aggregate operation;

d. maintaining quantitative and qualitative aspects of the hydrological and hydrogeological regimes sustaining the contiguous part of ESPA 53 within the subject lands;

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e. identification of ecological enhancement, restoration and long-term stewardship opportunities on the subject lands to be incorporated in the site rehabilitation plan; and

f. content of an ecological and groundwater monitoring program for the proposed aggregate operation.

2. Strike a sub-committee to review the scoped Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed aggregate operation when it is submitted.

Report:

CRH / Dufferin Aggregates is proposing to establish a new above-water pit at 1662 Alps Road in the Township of North Dumfries. The subject lands are located adjacent to the CRH / Dufferin Aggregates Cedar Creek and Alps Pits which were reviewed and accepted by EEAC in June 2017 (see Attachment 1). During the EEAC review, the Committee was informed that the company was attempting to acquire the Chudyk property to include it with the Cedar Creek and Alps operations.

The Chudyk property is 40.3 hectares and includes a portion of ESPA 53 (Alps Woods). The ESPA is within the recently released Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and is designated as a Core Environmental Feature in the Regional Official Plan. At 146 hectares, Alps Woods is one of the larger ESPAs in the Region and the area is a good example of a Carolinian forest near the northern edge of its range. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has designated the area as a provincially significant life science site and regionally significant earth science site. The latter designation is due to the presence of part of the Cottrel Lake esker. In addition, the area forms part of the Dumfries Carolinian Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL).

Although Dufferin Aggregates is applying for a separate aggregate licence for the Chudyk property, plans are being made to operate the three pits as an integrated operation. It is proposed to establish a central processing plant on the Cedar Creek site. There will also be a common pit entrance and scale at Cedar Creek Road. The total maximum allowable tonnage for the three pits together would be 1.5 million tonnes.

While no development or site alteration is proposed within ESPA 53, ROP policies still require the submission of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) when development is proposed on lands within an ESL (Policies 7.B.12 and 9.C.10) or contiguous to a Core Environmental Feature (Policy 7.C.10) such as an ESPA.

In summary, staff recommend that the EIS required to support these zone change applications be scoped pursuant to ROP policies to include the following items:

a. confirmation of an ecologically appropriate boundary of ESPA 53 on the subject 2659243 21 21 March 26, 2018 Report: EEAC-18-003

lands;

b. delineation and design of a suitable buffer between ESPA 53 and the proposed aggregate operation within the subject lands;

d. maintaining quantitative and qualitative aspects of the hydrological and hydrogeological regimes sustaining the contiguous part of ESPA 53 within the subject lands;

f. identification of ecological enhancement, restoration and long-term stewardship opportunities on the subject lands to be incorporated in the site rehabilitation plan; and

g. content of an ecological and groundwater monitoring program for the proposed aggregate operation.

Staff further recommend that the applicant review the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe to ensure compliance with policies related to the Natural Heritage System (Section 4.2.2) and Mineral Aggregate Resources (Section 4.2.8).

In addition, staff recommend that EEAC form a subcommittee to review the scoped EIS for the proposed aggregate operation when it is submitted.

Area Municipal Consultation and Coordination:

Copies of this report have been provided to the Township of North Dumfries and Grand River Conservation Authority staff.

Corporate Strategic Plan:

This review supports Strategic Objective 3.5 – Preserve, protect and enhance green space, agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands, and Regionally-owned forests.

Financial Implications:

The prescribed fee for review of a scoped EIS will be required.

Other Department Consultations/Concurrence:

This application is also being reviewed by Transportation and Water Services staff.

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Attachments

Attachment A – Location of Subject Lands and Core Environmental Features

Attachment B – Preliminary Overview of Cedar Creek, Alps and Chudyk Pits

Prepared By: Tim Van Hinte, Principal Environmental Planner

Approved By: Rod Regier, Commissioner of Planning, Development & Legislative Services

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Attachment A: Location of Subject Lands and Core Environmental Features

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Attachment B: Preliminary Overview of Cedar Creek, Alps and Chudyk Pits

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Report: PDL-CPL-18-07 Region of Waterloo Planning, Development and Legislative Services Community Planning

To: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

Date: February 27, 2018 File Code: D01-01(A)

Subject: Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring

Recommendation:

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions regarding the Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring Consultation Document: a) Forward Report PDL-CPL-18-07/TES-WAS-18-07, dated February 27, 2018 to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as its response to document. b) Advise the Province that the Region opposes any extension of the Greenbelt Legislation in Waterloo Region unless it provides for the following: i) Add policy language that encourages municipalities to go beyond the minimum standard set by the Greenbelt Plan; ii) Include policies that provide for the highest level of protection to prevail; iii) Include a policy framework that provides for the protection ground water resources that supply municipal drinking water; iv) Revise the policies to permit municipalities to be stronger than the Greenbelt Plan with respect to aggregate resources and specifically permit municipalities to regulate the depth of extraction as it relates to the protection of municipal drinking water supplies; and c) Requests the Province commit to enhanced municipal consultation beyond the minimum standard, and the use of best available technical information and municipal land use planning information as well as allowing for either current and/or ongoing municipal planning initiatives to be completed and respected prior to establishment of final mapping associated with the proposed Greenbelt 2620558 Page 1 of 12 26 26 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

expansion.

Summary:

On December 7, 2017 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs released “Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring Public Consultation Document”. The purpose of the consultation document is to seek feedback from stakeholders on a study area (Attachment ‘A’) for potential Greenbelt expansion in the outer ring of the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). The study area includes large portions of the Region of Waterloo.

Predominance of Strongest Planning Controls

There is a long tradition of agricultural, natural heritage and ground water resources protection in the Region of Waterloo. The Region is unique in Canada in that it is the largest urban municipality to rely almost exclusively on groundwater supplies for its drinking-water. Strong local protections for these features should not be weakened as a result of Greenbelt expansion. Prior to considering expanding the Greenbelt, the Province should revise the Greenbelt Plan to definitively provide for and encourage stronger municipal official plan policies and to ensure that those policies can remain in place during any Greenbelt Plan conformity exercise.

Ground Water

The ground water resource policies of the Greenbelt Plan do not provide specific policy direction related to the protection of water resources that supply municipal drinking water wells. While ground water resources are important component of the natural heritage system, in the context of the Region of Waterloo, these resources are critical from a public health and safety perspective particularly as it related to municipal drinking water. This perspective is not reflected in the Greenbelt Plan and prior to considering expanding the Greenbelt, the Plan should be further amended to provide policy direction of the protection of municipal drinking water supplies.

Aggregate Resources

With respect to aggregate resources, municipalities cannot be more restrictive than the Greenbelt Plan. The Regional Official Plan (ROP) currently contains policies that are more restrictive. In addition, some policies regarding aggregates in the ROP have been deferred. The restrictions in the Greenbelt Plan prevent the Region from moving forward with the resolution of these deferrals in a manner which would reflect the unique context of the Region of Waterloo with respect to protecting ground water resources. The Greenbelt Plan restrictions related to mineral aggregate resources should be removed prior to considering any Greenbelt expansion to the Region of Waterloo. In addition, provisions to allow for municipalities to regulate the depth of mineral aggregate extraction should be added to the plan. 2620558 Page 2 of 12 27 27 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

Mapping

Greenbelt mapping is of critical importance and should reflect the best available information. In the Region of Waterloo context, the Regional Official Plan (ROP) mapping is based on the best available technical information including recent subwatershed studies. This information contributed to the development of the ROP’s Countryside Line which is a hard stop for future growth. The tier 3 vulnerability area source water protection mapping is now available and the Cedar Creek Subwatershed study is underway. The intent is to utilize this information to inform future amendments to the ROP and to assist in the resolution of the Southwest Kitchener Policy Area in the southwest area of the Region. In addition, the Townships are undertaking work to rationalize and set the boundaries around the Township Urban Areas and refine Countryside line relative to their urban areas. The information used to develop the ROP mapping and the outcomes of ongoing work need to be considered and respected.

If approved by Regional Council, this report would be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as part of the public consultation on Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring Consultation Document. The study area contained in the consultation document is not a proposed Greenbelt boundary. In keeping with the requirements of the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Province has committed to consulting with the public, municipalities, conservation authorities, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations on any proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Plan and/or boundary prior to any changes being made. Ultimately, any expansions of the Greenbelt to Waterloo Region would need to be reflected in the Regional Official Plan and each of the seven Area Municipal Official Plans.

Report:

Background

a) Describes the Province’s approach to identifying moraines, coldwater streams and wetlands as key building blocks for protecting water in the outer ring; b) Outlines the processes followed for mapping the study area based on the locations of these features; and c) Describes and seeks input on other factors to be considered when mapping a 2620558 Page 3 of 12 28 28 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

proposed Greenbelt boundary, such as accommodating forecasted population and employment growth, and other provincial interests including agriculture, natural heritage, aggregates and infrastructure and any other local considerations.

The release of this document follows the release of the revised Greenbelt Plan in spring 2017. The revised Greenbelt Plan contains new policy (5.6.1.1) to support a provincially led process for Growing the Greenbelt to provide additional protection to sensitive areas from development pressures. The particular focus of Greenbelt expansion at this time is to protect important water features from urban development pressures in the outer ring of the GGH.

The study area released for consultation is not a proposed Greenbelt boundary. In keeping with the requirements of the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Province has committed to consulting with the public, municipalities, conservation authorities, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations on any proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Plan and/or boundary prior to any changes being made. However, based on a revision to the Greenbelt Plan, 2017, municipal support is no longer required to add lands into the Greenbelt.

The Greenbelt Plan provides for a broad band of permanently protected land in an effort to reduce the fragmentation and loss of agricultural land and protect significant natural heritage and water resource systems. The Greenbelt Plan applies to a broad band of nearly two million acres (810,000 hectares) of protected land surrounding the GGH. Currently, only a small portion of the Greenbelt Plan extends into the Region of Waterloo near the Beverly area of the Township of North Dumfries.

Recognizing Strong Regional Official Plan Policies

The Region of Waterloo has a long tradition of protecting natural heritage features, ground water resources and prime agricultural areas in an innovative manner. This tradition has resulted in a well-preserved agricultural area that provides stability for continued agricultural investment, the protection of natural heritage features such as Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas in a manner that has provided the foundation for natural heritage system planning and the pioneering of policies to protect municipal drinking water supplies. Over time the Region has worked diligently to increase the level of protection for these features. These efforts are entrenched in polices to protect municipal drinking water sources and regional recharge areas in the Region’s Water Resources Protection Strategy, as well as the Regional Recharge Area, Environmentally Sensitive Landscape, Countryside Line and Protected Countryside designations and related policies in the Regional Official Plan (ROP).

The ROP also provides strong direction regarding the location of future urban growth and while ensuring the protection of the agricultural area, ground water resources and natural heritage features and systems relative to that growth. Direction for the location 2620558 Page 4 of 12 29 29 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

of future growth is provided through the Countryside Line designation such that future urban boundary expansions can only occur on lands located between the current urban area boundaries and the Countryside Line.

Furthermore, the ROP restricts future urban boundary expansions into areas designated Protected Countryside, Environmentally Sensitive Landscape and/or Regional Recharge Area. This policy framework ensures that future growth can continue to be accommodated in Waterloo Region while continuing to protect prime agricultural areas, groundwater resources and significant natural heritage systems.

The policies and mapping of the ROP strike an appropriate balance between accommodating future urban growth and protecting water resources and in many ways, this policy direction aligns with the Greenbelt Plan. However, there are several instances where the policies of the ROP provide a stronger or higher level of protection, including restrictions on surplus farm house severances, rural residential severances, mineral aggregate extraction in certain natural heritage features and policies related to the protection of ground water resources.

Generally, the Greenbelt Plan does not limit the ability of municipalities to adopt policies that are more stringent than the requirements of the Plan unless doing so would conflict with any of the policies or objectives of the Plan; however, with respect to policies concerning agricultural uses and mineral aggregate resources, the Greenbelt Plan provides specific direction that municipalities cannot be more restrictive. Therefore, should the Greenbelt be expanded to Waterloo Region, the policies of the ROP related to aggregate resources and agricultural uses could not be more restrictive than the Greenbelt Plan. This matter is of great concern to the Region particularly with respect to aggregate resources. In addition, by virtue of the establishment of a Provincial standard, municipalities are put on the defensive to justify the need to have policies stronger than that of the standard established in a provincial plan. This is of particular concern when the latitude afforded to municipalities in the policies of the Greenbelt Plan to be more restrictive is not definitive.

Prior to the consideration of any Greenbelt expansion to the Region of Waterloo, Regional staff strongly recommends that the language in the Greenbelt Plan be strengthened with respect to going beyond the minimum standards set out by the Greenbelt Plan. For example, the Greenbelt Plan could more closely reflect the language of the Growth Plan where “…the policies of this plan represent minimum standards. Within the framework of the provincial policy-led planning system, decision- makers are encouraged to go beyond these minimum standards to address matters of importance, unless doing so would conflict with any policy of this Plan.” Alternatively, the policies could reflect the language associated with the relationship to other Provincial Plans, Legislation and Regulation in that “where the plans, regulations, or standards are more restrictive than this [Greenbelt] Plan, the more restrictive provision

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shall prevail.”

There is also a need for the Province to consider whether the restriction on stronger municipal official plan policies with respect to agricultural uses and mineral aggregate resources is appropriate where Greenbelt expansion and any subsequent municipal official plan conformity exercise would “lower the bar” with respect to the protection of certain features. Strong, local protections should not be weakened as a result of inclusion in the Greenbelt. Accordingly, prior to any consideration of expanding the Greenbelt to the outer ring of the GGH, Regional staff also recommends that the Greenbelt Plan be amended such that stronger policies (including policies regarding mineral aggregate resource extraction) in municipal official plans prevail during any exercise to conform to the policies of the Greenbelt Plan.

Ground Water Resources that Supply Municipal Drinking Water Wells

Waterloo Region is unique in Canada in that it is the largest urban municipality to rely almost exclusively on groundwater supplies for its drinking-water. Approximately three quarters of the Region’s drinking-water comes from over one hundred municipal wells, many of which are located in urban areas and tap into highly productive aquifers of the Waterloo Moraine and bedrock aquifers in the Cambridge area. The remaining quarter of the region’s drinking-water is drawn from the Grand River.

As a result, the Region recognizes the importance of protecting the recharge areas of the Waterloo Moraine and the Escarpment Area Moraines which supply recharge to the bedrock aquifers of Guelph and Cambridge and has incorporated protections for the Waterloo Moraine into the ROP. Additionally, Regional staff recognizes the need to protect areas that supply local recharge to urban wells. Protecting these areas from continued urban growth that adds more impervious surfaces and roads that could hinder local recharge and contribute contamination, particularly road salt, is essential to maintaining human health, economic prosperity and a high quality of life in the Region of Waterloo.

In May 2009, the Land and Water Policy Branch of the Ministry of the Environment released a report on the Review of the State of Knowledge for the Waterloo and Paris/Galt Moraines (Blackport et al, February 2009) which was commissioned in response to a request on the Environmental Bill of Rights. The review concluded that, unlike the Oak Ridges Moraine which crosses multiple jurisdictions and benefits from provincial policy or legislation to protect it, the Waterloo Moraine is located almost entirely within the borders of the Region of Waterloo, and through the policies in the Region’s Water Resources Protection Master Plan the level of protection is equivalent (or better) to the level provided in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act.

The water resources policies of the Greenbelt Plan do not provide specific policy direction related to the protection of water resources as municipal drinking water. While 2620558 Page 6 of 12 31 31 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

water resources are important component of the natural heritage system, in the Region of Waterloo context, these resources are more critical from a public health and safety perspective. This should be reflected in the policies of the Greenbelt Plan.

Study Area Methodology

At a high level, Regional staff understands the concept of the building block approach used by the Province, however, the criteria for determining the study area for potential Greenbelt expansion are unclear. While the three provincial building block data sets (moraines, coldwater streams, wetlands) were layered together to determine the study area, the Province should address the following to improve the clarity of this approach:

• Are all three building blocks required within a given area in order to qualify for inclusion in the study area boundary? It is not clear how the layers have been applied and why some areas have been included and why other areas have not been included.

• The consultation document makes reference to “high densities of cold water streams and wetlands” and identifies areas “where features are concentrated in the outer ring”. It is unclear as to how the building block criteria have been applied with respect to concentrations of wetlands and coldwater streams and further clarification on this aspect of the methodology is required. What are the threshold levels for these densities and concentration levels and how were they determined?

• How did the Province determine “the importance of connections between features and their associated hydrologic function”?

• Moraine Area Exclusions: It is unclear to Regional staff why certain areas of the Waterloo Moraine that are not distinctly separate from other parts of the moraine have been excluded from the study area.

• Were other water based features considered and then excluded from the development of the study area? If so, why were they excluded?

The Province should also clarify why the following information has not been used the delineation of the study area:

• Municipal Wells and Source Water Protection Areas: Given that Waterloo Region is the largest urban municipality to rely almost exclusively on groundwater supplies for its drinking water, in 1993, the Region was one of the first communities to implement a Water Resources Protection Strategy and to delineate Wellhead Protection Sensitivity Areas (WPSAs) around its municipal drinking water supply wells to protect the quantity and quality of drinking water sources, including policies to protect regional recharge areas. An updated Water 2620558 Page 7 of 12 32 32 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

Resources Protection Master Plan was implemented in 2008 and included policies to protect a Regional Recharge Area on the Waterloo Moraine. These Source Water Protection policies were brought together and incorporated in the ROP.

The Region has further delineated groundwater and surface water vulnerability areas in the Assessment Report for the Grand River Source Protection Area under the Clean Water Act, 2006 and developed policies in the Region’s local Source Protection Plan to mitigate drinking water threats which are unique to the Region and compliment the Source Water Protection policies in ROP.

• The Agricultural and Natural Heritage System: One of the key goals of the Greenbelt Plan is to protect agricultural viability and prevent loss of the agricultural land base. In addition, the Greenbelt Plan also seeks to protect, maintain and enhance natural heritage features and functions. It is not clear whether the Province used the agricultural and natural heritage systems to inform the study area.

Mapping and Data Considerations

Data Sources

In 2016, staff from the Region of Waterloo, at the request of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, attended an introductory meeting on the Growing the Greenbelt initiative organized by that Ministry. The purpose of this meeting, which was also attended by staff from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and other neighbouring municipalities, was to discuss potential sources of data relating to hydrology, land use planning, and growth pressures. It was the understanding of Regional staff that this information would assist the Province in identifying potential areas of ecological and hydrological significance that could potentially be added to the Greenbelt.

Following this meeting, and at the request of the Ministry, Regional staff provided the Ministry a series of technical reports, hydrological data, various GIS layers from the ROP as part of the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange, as well as the Tier 2 Water Quantity Stress Assessment and Tier 3 Local Area Risk Assessment reports and mapping. It does not appear that this data was used to inform the delineation of the study area.

Ensuring that mapping associated with any Greenbelt expansion is accurate is of critical importance. While it is understood that the Province may want to use common criteria and common data across the entire study area, best available information should be used even when that information is not available across the entire study area. For example, water resources, particularly recharge and moraine areas are challenging to 2620558 Page 8 of 12 33 33 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

define and the Province should utilize the municipal and conservation authority information to ensure the correct delineation of these areas.

It is unclear in the consultation document whether or not the Province intends to apply the mapping for the agricultural and natural heritage systems that has been developed under the Growth Plan into the Greenbelt Plan. Consistency in mapping between the Greenbelt Plan and the Growth Plan is important to ensure clarity and avoid confusion, provided the mapping does not trump the availability of high quality technical mapping.

In addition to Provincial information and data, the Province should consider more detailed local information, knowledge and expertise, including verifying data in the field, throughout the study process in order to produce more accurate and defendable outcomes. In the Region of Waterloo there are two subwatershed studies (Breslau and Randall Drains and Cedar Creek) currently underway. These studies will collect valuable local information related to water resources and natural heritage features that would certainly further the Province’s understanding of the study area.

Countryside Line

The ROP includes a “made in Waterloo” designation called the Countryside line. The delineation of the Countryside Line has taken into account the appropriate locations for future urban boundary expansions and has been done so with the intent of protecting sensitive areas including the moraines, wellhead protection areas, prime agricultural areas and the natural heritage system. The Countryside Line establishes a hard line between the area where urban growth may occur and the areas that will be protected from future development. Future urban boundary expansions will only be considered on land between current Urban Areas/Township Urban Areas and the Countryside Line. It is the intent of the Countryside Line designation to focus future growth and urban boundary expansions in order to make efficient infrastructure investments as well as to direct growth away from sensitive ground water resources, natural heritage features and prime agricultural lands. This delineation also informs other processes related to future urban growth, including prioritizing the undertaking of Subwatershed studies.

With the approval of the ROP in 2015, a policy framework was established to allow the Region’s four townships a one time opportunity to further review and refine the boundaries of their respective settlement areas and the Countryside Line. This review, referred to as a “rationalization exercise”, was intended to give the townships an opportunity to review and, if necessary rationalize these boundaries to make better use of municipal services and promote more efficient development patterns. The exercise also allows for the townships to refine the direction of future urban growth through adjustments to the Countryside Line. No increase to lands designated for development or lands within the Countryside Line is permitted through this exercise. The Townships of Wellesley, Wilmot, North Dumfries and Woolwich are currently in various stages of this rationalization exercise and Regional staff recommends outcome of the 2620558 Page 9 of 12 34 34 February 27, 2018 Report: PDL-CPL-18-07

rationalizations exercises specifically relating to the ultimate location of the Township Urban Area boundaries and the Countryside Line be respected. Mapping of both the Countryside Line and the rationalization work to date is available.

The ROP as approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2015 includes the Southwest Kitchener Policy Area. The intent of the Southwest Kitchener Policy Area was to allow additional technical assessment to be completed (including the Cedar Creek Subwatershed Study) prior a determination of the applicability of the Regional Recharge Area designation to these lands and the ultimate delineation of Countryside Line in this location. The outcome of the Cedar Creek Subwatershed study and resolution of the appropriate ROP designations for these lands should be respected.

Accordingly, the Countryside Line, the rationalization exercises and the resolution of the Southwest Kitchener Policy Area should be respected in any future Greenbelt expansion work completed by the Province.

Mineral Aggregate Resources

With respect to aggregate resources, municipalities cannot be more restrictive than the Greenbelt Plan. Regional staff recognizes the importance of mineral aggregates and the need to balance mineral aggregate extraction with the protection of ground water resources, natural heritage features and prime agricultural lands. Aggregate extraction is of particular concern within Waterloo Region given our reliance on groundwater as our source for drinking water. The Region currently has policies that are more restrictive. In addition, some policies regarding aggregates in the ROP were deferred as part of the approval of the ROP in 2015. The intent is to bring these matters forward through the Region's next Municipal Comprehensive Review. The restrictions related to mineral aggregate resources in the Greenbelt Plan prevent the Region from moving forward with the resolution of these deferrals in a manner which would reflect the unique context of the Region of Waterloo with respect to protecting ground water resources.

The Greenbelt Plan restriction on stronger municipal official plan policies related to mineral aggregate resources should be removed prior to considering any Greenbelt expansion to the Region of Waterloo. In addition, provisions to allow for municipalities reliant on ground water for municipal drinking water supplies to regulate the depth of mineral aggregate extraction should be added to the Plan.

Proposed Next Steps

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intends to review the submissions on the study area and develop a proposed Greenbelt Boundary. To date, the Province has indicated that there will be an opportunity to comment on the proposed Greenbelt Boundary. The timing of the overall process is not clear.

Corporate Strategic Plan:

The Protecting Water for Future Generations Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring Public Consultation Document supports the Region’s priorities with respect to Focus Area – Environment and Sustainable Growth of the Corporate Strategic Plan.

Financial Implications:

Nil.

Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination

Regional staff has consulted with all of the Area Municipalities and the Grand River Conservation Authority and in the preparation of this report and a draft copy of the report was provided for comment.

Other Department Consultations/Concurrence:

Staff from Transportation and Environment Services (Hydrogeology and Source Water) were consulted in the preparation of this report.

Attachments

Attachment ‘A’ – Study Area for Potential Greenbelt Expansion

Prepared By: Michelle Sergi, Director, Community Planning

Approved By: Rod Regier, Commissioner, Planning, Development and Legislative Services

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Attachment ‘A’ – Study Area

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Active EEAC Sub-Committees

Application Members Date Status Struck CRH/Dufferin Cudyk Pit Mar 26/18 GHG long term target JN, AW, CW Dec 18/17 Reporting Mar 26/18 EA for Stage 2 ION AD, CP, WC Sep 26/16 Report received, under review Hallman/Domm Subdivision AD, AF, GM, Sep 26/16 Reported December 12/16, Cambridge West WC Appealed to OMB Germet Pit Expansion RD, GM, AW, Sep 26/16 Reporting Mar 26/18 WC Transportation Master Plan AF Sep 26/16 Serving on Stakeholder Panel Waste Water Treatment Master AF Feb 29/16 Serving on Planning and Plan Update Technical Advisory Committee 20Vic, Main and Franklin WC AD LE AF Apr 25/16 Awaiting scoped EIS JK GM NS Northgate Plan of Subdivision WC RD AF GM Feb 29/16 Comments issued, CP NS Appealed to OMB East Boundary Road EA WC AD RD LE Oct 26/15 Second Report, Dec 12/16 AF GM CW Freure Huron South Subdivision WC AD LE AF Sep 30/14 Reported June 26/17, GM awaiting follow up studies Ripplewood Subdivision AD AF Sep 30/14 Reported Dec 14/15; awaiting follow up studies River Road Extension E.A. JE, GM Mar 30/04 Reported Feb. 25/14; Oct 29/13 Awaiting detailed design

Revised: March 9, 2018

DOCS 2657906