Humber Bay Park Master Plan Project Team

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Humber Bay Park Master Plan Project Team CITY OF TORONTO AND THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY / DECEMBER 2018 HUMBER BAY PARK MASTER PLAN PROJECT TEAM Prepared For: City of Toronto Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Prepared By: DTAH Project Lead, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Schollen & Company Landscape Restoration Specialists North-South Environmental Inc. Terrestrial Ecologists LURA Public Facilitation A.W. Hooker Quantity Surveyors/Costing Mott MacDonald Engineering Consultant With special thanks to the staff of TRCA and the City of Toronto Capital Improvements and Parks, Forestry and Recreation Departments. Thanks is also extended to the dedicated individuals who participated in the Community Resource Groups and to those members of the public who attended the open house sessions or otherwise provided comments that assisted in shaping the Master Plan. 2 HUMBER BAY PARK MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Humber Bay Park is an important waterfront park in the west end of the city that plays a key social and ecological role for the residents of this growing Toronto neighbourhood. Humber Bay Park, with its system of • The design capitalizes upon new 4. Improve water quality and trails, rugged shoreline and dramatic opportunities for recreational function of the ponds and views, offers a unique and rare activities and new programmable water channel to support waterfront experience within the social spaces while maintaining ecological and recreational larger metropolitan Toronto area. and protecting the natural and functions while reducing Defined by two separate peninsulas, ecological attributes of the park the resources required for the park is comprised of a collection • The design is flexible, resilient, maintenance and operation. of spaces, each with its own distinct adaptive and able to evolve and 5. Identify opportunities for character, function, form and sense respond to the current needs as improved park programming, of place. The park has been loved well as the future needs of the including redefining existing by the community for decades and is community. spaces and the introduction of now showing signs of wear and tear, new seating and lookouts, while deterioration and disrepair. This Master Plan strives to establish a strong vision for the park and protecting sensitive habitats. Park The vision for Humber Bay Park is one establish a framework to balance programming is intended to be of greater integration of the park as preservation and restoration of the flexible, catering to the adjacent a whole, while reinforcing the unique natural environment while identifying growing community. character and setting of each area of areas for improvement and growth 6. Integrate architectural the Park in the context of the overall that support the overall character and improvements within Humber site. The Master Plan proposes a new function of the park. This vision is Bay Park with adjacent landscape, comprehensive design approach that based on the following objectives: to meet ecological, regulatory will enhance the valued naturalized and overall site enhancement landscape, habitat and recreational 1. Protect and enhance existing objectives. uses in the park, while identifying natural environment by creating 7. Improve the lighting strategy, new opportunities for improvements new aquatic and terrestrial habitat areas that enhance to enhance public safety, while that will respond to both the existing achieving the highest standard of and future needs of the community. biodiversity and ecological functions. habitat protection, the reduction The proposed plan is based on the of light pollution and enhanced following guiding principles: 2. Improve overall connectivity, energy efficiency. unifying the overall park, • The design will celebrate and establishing a hierarchy of The organization of the Master enhance the existing natural beauty routes, trails and pathways that Plan document is based on five and sense of respite from the meet AODA criteria, where geographic areas of the park, urban city, while accommodating appropriate. The design involves identified by the unique defining the growing number of park adjusting the existing layout, characteristics and outlined in chapter users and managing existing user reducing areas of conflict 5. Each area is assessed based on conflicts. between cyclists and pedestrians the above stated objectives and • The existing flora and fauna to and creating new connections considered both independently and be protected, while providing with the goal of improving as part of the park as a whole. opportunities for interpretation pedestrian and cyclist movement. Through strategic site reorganization, and appreciation of the park’s 3. Improve parking and vehicular topographic changes, planting, natural heritage attributes. circulation in order to address habitat and materials, a new vision • The park continues to be a local existing and future parking and identity will be established for park for nearby residents while requirements, while reducing the Humber Bay Park. This vision will embracing its place in the larger extent of paved surfaces and the build upon and enhance the park’s network of open spaces along quantity of storm water run-off. existing character, while providing Toronto’s waterfront. The park a strong organizing framework that should accommodate a diversity of will improve overall operation and park users and needs. allowing for the park to evolve with the needs of the adjacent community. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 7 1.1 Humber Bay Park Today ................................................................................. 8 1.2 Context of Humber Bay Park .......................................................................10 1.3 Evolution of the Site .....................................................................................12 1.4 The Master Plan Process ..............................................................................14 1.5 Purpose of the Master Plan ..........................................................................16 2.0 BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 19 2.1 Getting to the Park........................................................................................20 2.2 Parking ...........................................................................................................22 2.3 Getting Around the Park ..............................................................................24 2.4 Wayfinding & Signage................................................................................. 26 2.5 Water Bodies .................................................................................................28 2.6 Inland Water Features ..................................................................................30 2.7 Natural Environment ....................................................................................32 2.8 Vegetation Communities .............................................................................34 2.9 Wildlife ...........................................................................................................36 2.10 Buildings ........................................................................................................38 2.11 Programming ................................................................................................40 2.12 Site Drainage ................................................................................................42 2.13 Site Services ..................................................................................................44 2.14 Lighting ..........................................................................................................48 2.15 Challenges & Opportunities ........................................................................50 3.0 VISION & OBJECTIVES 55 3.1 Master Plan Vision ........................................................................................56 3.2 Guiding Principles ........................................................................................58 3.3 Master Plan Objectives ................................................................................60 4.0 THE MASTER PLAN 65 4.1 The Illustrative Master Plan ..........................................................................66 5.0 THE INTEGRATED PARK 69 5.1 An Enriched Shoreline Experience .............................................................70 5.2 Humber Bay Park Character Areas ..............................................................72 5.3 A Unified Park Core ......................................................................................74 5.4 West Entrance Market ..................................................................................76 5.5 Western Peninsula ........................................................................................80 5.6 East Entrance Meadow.................................................................................84 5.7 Ponds & Linear Wetland ...............................................................................88 5.8 Eastern Naturalized Peninsula .....................................................................92 4 HUMBER BAY PARK MASTER PLAN 6.0 PARK COMPONENTS 95 6.1 Vehicular Access ...........................................................................................96 6.2 Parking ...........................................................................................................98 6.3 Active Transportation .................................................................................100
Recommended publications
  • Progress on the Rexdale – Casino Woodbine Community Benefits
    Attachment 9: Employment and Labour Market Advisory Working GroupEX11.1 Terms of 2 Reference Preamble Ontario Gaming GTA LP (OGGLP or "the Partnership") is committed to ensuring the Woodbine renewal is a force for positive change in the GTA – particularly for nearby neighbourhoods and for residents who are at a social or economic disadvantage. To this end, the Partnership has designed a 20-year Employment and Labour Market Plan that will align with the City’s ongoing work and exceed the Partnership’s already-strong practices across Canada to create thousands of high-quality jobs, establish valuable skills training programs, and facilitate equitable access to the unique opportunity afforded by redevelopment. Based on extensive discussions with City Staff and other stakeholders, the core of the Partnership’s Employment and Labour Market Plan is a collaborative approach to strengthening the employment pathway for local residents and equity-seeking groups. The Partnership’s core strength as a private sector job creator is hiring, training, and upskilling team members, with redevelopment and enhanced operations leading to increased labour market demand. Meanwhile, a strong cluster of City and social sector organizations are primarily focused on identifying, strengthening, and supporting a pool of candidates, with a focus on local residents, youth, and disadvantaged groups. When each player in this employment ecosystem is helping to build and strengthen program alignment, this plan will help to ensure that supply and demand connect. Through the Employment and Labour Market Advisory Working Group, OGGLP will work with the City of Toronto and key stakeholders in order to monitor inputs and outcomes and receive feedback that will allow its plans to be measured and strengthened.
    [Show full text]
  • Humber River State of the Watershed Report – Nature-Based Recreation
    Humber River State of the Watershed Report – Nature-based Recreation 2008 Humber River State of the Watershed Report – Nature-based Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • The variety of landscapes, features and nature-based recreation destinations in the Humber River watershed provide potential for a wide range of recreational activities including walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife-viewing, picnicking, camping, bicycling, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, swimming and exploring cultural heritage sites. • Urban development and population growth in Humber watershed municipalities will likely result in increased use of existing greenspace and nature-based recreation facilities and demand for additional greenspace and facilities. • There are approximately 8,800 hectares of public greenspace in the Humber River watershed (10% of the watershed). Most of the greenspace is owned by the TRCA (6,644 hectares or 75%). The quantity of greenspace in the Humber watershed increased by 243 hectares between 2000 and 2005. • Oak Ridges Corridor Park, created through the transfer of 428 hectares of land from private owners and developers to the Province of Ontario in 2004, protects the last remaining natural corridor link between eastern and western parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill and represents a major addition to the Humber watershed greenspace system. • The length of inter-regional trails in the Humber River watershed totals 213 km. The total length of inter-regional trails has increased by 28 km since 2000 and an additional 15 km of inter-regional trails are proposed to be built in the watershed. • Numerous municipalities have proposed new local trails in the Humber River watershed, totaling 168 km in length.
    [Show full text]
  • Toronto's Milkweeds and Relatives 8 Trail Marker Trees in Ontario 10
    Number 587, April 2012 Female cardinal photographed by Augusta Takeda during TFN outing at High Park, February 11 REGULARS FEATURES Coming Events 18 Toronto’s Milkweeds and 8 Extracts from Outings Reports 16 Relatives From the Archives 17 Trail Marker Trees in Ontario 10 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Trees for Toronto Web 12 Monthly Meeting Report 7 Resources President’s Report 6 Toronto Island Tree Tour 13 TFN Outings 4 Canada’s Forest Birds TFN Publications 5 14 Weather – This Time Last Year 19 at Risk TFN 587-2 April 2012 Toronto Field Naturalist is published by the Toronto Field BOARD OF DIRECTORS Naturalists, a charitable, non-profit organization, the aims of President Bob Kortright which are to stimulate public interest in natural history and Past President Wendy Rothwell to encourage the preservation of our natural heritage. Issued Vice President monthly September to December and February to May. & Outings Margaret McRae Views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Sec.-Treasurer Walter Weary of the editor or Toronto Field Naturalists. The Newsletter is Communications Alexander Cappell printed on 100% recycled paper. Membership Judy Marshall Monthly Lectures Nancy Dengler ISSN 0820-636X Monthly Lectures Corinne McDonald Monthly Lectures Lavinia Mohr Outreach Tom Brown IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! Webmaster Lynn Miller We welcome contributions of original writing, up to 500 words, of observations on nature in and around Toronto, MEMBERSHIP FEES reviews, poems, sketches, paintings, and photographs of $20 YOUTH (under 26) TFN outings (digital or print, include date and place). $30 SENIOR SINGLE (65+) Include your name, address and phone number so $40 SINGLE, SENIOR FAMILY (2 adults, 65+) $50 FAMILY (2 adults – same address, children included) submissions can be acknowledged.
    [Show full text]
  • Trailside Esterbrooke Kingslake Harringay
    MILLIKEN COMMUNITY TRAIL CONTINUES TRAIL CONTINUES CENTRE INTO VAUGHAN INTO MARKHAM Roxanne Enchanted Hills Codlin Anthia Scoville P Codlin Minglehaze THACKERAY PARK Cabana English Song Meadoway Glencoyne Frank Rivers Captains Way Goldhawk Wilderness MILLIKEN PARK - CEDARBRAE Murray Ross Festival Tanjoe Ashcott Cascaden Cathy Jean Flax Gardenway Gossamer Grove Kelvin Covewood Flatwoods Holmbush Redlea Duxbury Nipigon Holmbush Provence Nipigon Forest New GOLF & COUNTRY Anthia Huntsmill New Forest Shockley Carnival Greenwin Village Ivyway Inniscross Raynes Enchanted Hills CONCESSION Goodmark Alabast Beulah Alness Inniscross Hullmar Townsend Goldenwood Saddletree Franca Rockland Janus Hollyberry Manilow Port Royal Green Bush Aspenwood Chapel Park Founders Magnetic Sandyhook Irondale Klondike Roxanne Harrington Edgar Woods Fisherville Abitibi Goldwood Mintwood Hollyberry Canongate CLUB Cabernet Turbine 400 Crispin MILLIKENMILLIKEN Breanna Eagleview Pennmarric BLACK CREEK Carpenter Grove River BLACK CREEK West North Albany Tarbert Select Lillian Signal Hill Hill Signal Highbridge Arran Markbrook Barmac Wheelwright Cherrystone Birchway Yellow Strawberry Hills Strawberry Select Steinway Rossdean Bestview Freshmeadow Belinda Eagledance BordeauxBrunello Primula Garyray G. ROSS Fontainbleau Cherrystone Ockwell Manor Chianti Cabernet Laureleaf Shenstone Torresdale Athabaska Limestone Regis Robinter Lambeth Wintermute WOODLANDS PIONEER Russfax Creekside Michigan . Husband EAST Reesor Plowshare Ian MacDonald Nevada Grenbeck ROWNTREE MILLS PARK Blacksmith
    [Show full text]
  • City Planning Phone Directory
    City Planning 1 City Planning City Planning provides advice to City Council on building issues. The division undertakes complex research projects, which lead to policy development in land use, environmental sustainability, community development, urban design and transportation. City Planning reviews development applications and recommends actions on these matters to Community Councils and the Planning and Transportation Committee. The division administers the Committee of Adjustment and provides expert planning advice to four Committee panels. Toronto City Hall Director 12th fl. E., 100 Queen St. W. Neil Cresswell ....................................... 394-8211 Toronto ON M5H 2N2 Administrative Assistant Annette Sukhai ...................................... 394-8212 Facsimile - General ..................................... 392-8805 Central Section (Wards 1, 2, 4, 6 – East of Royal York) - Chief Planner’s Office .............. 392-8115 Manager Bill Kiru ................................................. 394-8216 Administrative Assistant Chief Planner & Executive Director Kelly Allen ............................................ 394-8234 Jennifer Keesmaat ................................. 392-8772 Senior Planner Administrative Assistant Carly Bowman ....................................... 394-8228 Helen Skouras ........................................ 392-8110 Kathryn Thom ....................................... 394-8214 Adriana Suyck ....................................... 392-5217 Planner Program Manager Ellen Standret .......................................
    [Show full text]
  • Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber June 2008
    HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN PAThwAYS TO A HEALTHY HUMBER JUNE 2008 Prepared by: Toronto and Region Conservation © Toronto and Region Conservation 2008 ISBN: 978-0-9811107-1-4 www.trca.on.ca 5 Shoreham Drive, Toronto, Ontario M3N 1S4 phone: 416-661-6600 fax: 416-661-6898 HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN PATHWAYS TO A HEALTHY HUMBER JUNE 2008 Prepared by: Toronto and Region Conservation i Humber River Watershed Plan, 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Humber River Watershed Plan—Pathways to a Healthy Humber—was written by Suzanne Barrett, edited by Dean Young and represents the combined effort of many participants. Appreciation and thanks are extended to Toronto and Region Conservation staff and consultants (listed in Appendix F) for their technical support and input, to government partners for their financial support and input, and to Humber Watershed Alliance members for their advice and input. INCORPORATED 1850 Humber River Watershed Plan, 2008 ii HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN PATHWAYS TO A HEALTHY HUMBER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Humber River watershed is an extraordinary resource. It spans 903 square kilometres, from the headwaters on the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine down through fertile clay plains to the marshes and river mouth on Lake Ontario. The watershed provides many benefits to the people who live in it. It is a source of drinking water drawn from wells or from Lake Ontario. Unpaved land absorbs water from rain and snowfall to replenish groundwater and streams and reduce the negative impacts of flooding and erosion. Healthy aquatic and terrestrial habitats support diverse communities of plants and animals. Agricultural lands provide local sources of food and green spaces provide recreation opportunities.
    [Show full text]
  • Instructions Nautiques Légende Des Pictogrammes
    Pêches et Océans Fisheries and Oceans Canada Canada Corrigé jusqu’à l’Édition mensuelle n° 06/2020 CEN 300 PREMIÈRE ÉDITION Renseignements généraux Grands Lacs Instructions nautiques Légende des pictogrammes Mouillage Quai Port de plaisance Courant Avertissement Feu Point d’appel par radio Station de sauvetage Pilotage Ministère des Pêches et des Océans Renseignements généraux 1-613-993-0999 Garde côtière canadienne Recherche et sauvetage Centre de coordination de recherche et sauvetage Trenton (pour la zone des Grands Lacs) 1-800-267-7270 Photographie en couverture Le NGCC Limnos accosté à Burlington Service hydrographique du Canada F A S C I C U L E C E N 3 0 0 Corrigé jusqu’à l’Édition mensuelle n° 06/2020 Instructions nautiques Renseignements généraux Grands Lacs Première édition 1996 Pêches et Océans Canada Les usagers de cette publication sont priés de signaler les dangers nouvellement repérés, les changements des aides à la navigation, l’existence de nouveaux hauts-fonds ou chenaux, les erreurs d’impression ou autres renseignements utiles à la correction des cartes marines et des publications hydrographiques touchant les eaux canadiennes au : Directeur général Service hydrographique du Canada Pêches et Océans Canada Ottawa (Ontario) Canada K1A 0E6 Le Service hydrographique du Canada produit et distribue des Cartes marines, des Instructions nautiques et des Tables des marées des voies navigables du Canada. On peut se procurer ces publications auprès des dépositaires autorisés du Service hydrographique du Canada. Pour les renseignements sur la façon d’obtenir ces publications, s’adresser à : Service hydrographique du Canada Pêches et Océans Canada 200, rue Kent Ottawa (Ontario) Canada K1A 0E6 Téléphone : 613-998-4931 Ligne sans frais : 1-866-546-3613 Télécopieur : 613-998-1217 Courriel : [email protected] Ou visiter le site Internet du SHC : www.cartes.gc.ca pour connaître les adresses des dépositaires ou pour obtenir tout autre renseignement.
    [Show full text]
  • Attachment 1: Table of Projects Being Planned Under the ERMP in 2021
    Attachment 1: Table of projects being planned under the ERMP in 2021 Municipality Ward Project Name Portfolio 2021 Project Status City of Brampton 2 Wegneast Valley Erosion Control Project Region of Peel Erosion Control & Infrastructure Protection Construction City of Brampton 7 I-360/I-361 Region of Peel Erosion Control & Infrastructure Protection Study, Planning or Design York Region Streambank Infrastructure Erosion Control City of Markham 1 German Mills Settlers Park Sites 2-3 Sanitary Infrastructure Protection Management Program Study, Planning or Design City of Markham 4 70 Main Street South Erosion Control Project TRCA Maintenance & Other Hazards (York Region) Construction City of Mississauga 5 Brandon Gate Park - Bank Stabilization Project Region of Peel Erosion Control & Infrastructure Protection Construction City of Mississauga 5 I-700 Region of Peel Erosion Control & Infrastructure Protection Study, Planning or Design York Region Streambank Infrastructure Erosion Control City of Richmond Hill 5 Patterson Creek I-066, I-067, I-065, I-064, P-102 Management Program Post-Construction York Region Streambank Infrastructure Erosion Control City of Richmond Hill 5 Patterson Creek near North Richvale Sanitary Infrastructure Protection Management Program Construction City of Richmond Hill 5 Patterson Valley South Richvale Erosion Hazards Fee For Service Post-Construction City of Toronto 1 22-24 Bucksburn Road Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization Project Valley Erosion Hazards Study, Planning or Design City of Toronto 1 Hadrian Drive
    [Show full text]
  • New Track and Facilities Transit Project Assessment Process
    New Track and Facilities Transit Project Assessment Process Final Environmental Project Report – Chapter 1 23-Nov-2020 Prepared by: Contract: QBS-2017-CKU-001 Revision 00 Authorization X X Alexia Miljus Kevin Coulter Environmental Planner Senior Environmental Planner X X Amber Saltarelli, MCIP, RPP, PMP Andy Gillespie, P. Eng. Environmental Assessment Lead Program Manager REVISION HISTORY Revision Date Purpose of Submittal Comments 00 23-Nov-2020 Final submission to Metrolinx. N/A This submission was completed and reviewed in accordance with the Quality Assurance Process for this project. Revision 00 23-Nov-2020 DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY This Environmental Project Report (“Report”), which includes its text, tables, figures and appendices, has been prepared by Gannett Fleming Canada ULC (“Consultant”) for the exclusive use of Metrolinx. Consultant disclaim any liability or responsibility to any person or party other than Metrolinx for loss, damage, expense, fines, costs or penalties arising from or in connection with the Report or its use or reliance on any information, opinion, advice, conclusion or recommendation contained in it. To the extent permitted by law, Consultant also excludes all implied or statutory warranties and conditions. In preparing the Report, the Consultant has relied in good faith on information provided by third party agencies, individuals and companies as noted in the Report. The Consultant has assumed that this information is factual and accurate and has not independently verified such information except as required by the standard of care. The Consultant accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions that are the result of any deficiencies in such information.
    [Show full text]
  • GTBL Champions
    GTBL Champions: Year Winner Finalist Pennant 2019 Pickering Red Sox Thornhill Reds Newmarket Hawks 2018 Thornhill Reds Martingrove White Sox Thornhill Reds 2017 Pickering Red Sox Thornhill Reds Pickering Red Sox 2016 Thornhill Reds Pickering Red Sox Leaside Leafs 2015 Newmarket Hawks Pickering Red Sox East York Bulldogs 2014 Thornhill Reds East York Bulldogs Leaside Leafs 2013 Thornhill Reds East York Bulldogs Peterborough Riverdogs 2012 Leaside Leafs Martingrove White Sox Peterborough Riverdogs 2011 Markham Mariners Leaside Leafs Thornhill Reds 2010 Leaside Leafs Markham Mariners Leaside Leafs 2009 Leaside Leafs East York Bulldogs Oshawa Royals 2008 Leaside Leafs East York Bulldogs Oshawa Royals 2007 Leaside Leafs Thornhill Reds Leaside Leafs 2006 Newmarket Hawks Leaside Leafs Oshawa Royals 2005 East York Bulldogs Peterborough Riverdogs Peterborough Riverdogs 2004 Northumberland Whisky Jacks Newmarket Hawks Newmarket Hawks 2003 Thornhill Reds Newmarket Hawks 2002 Leaside Leafs Thornhill Reds 2001 Northumberland Whisky Jacks Leaside Leafs Northumberland Whisky Jacks 2000 Thornhill Reds North York Thunder North York Thunder 1999 North York Thunder 1998 North York Thunder Newmarket Hawks North York Thunder 1997 Etobicoke Rangers North York Shooters North York Shooters 1996 Etobicoke Rangers East York Bulldogs North York Shooters 1995 Leaside Leafs North York Shooters North York Shooters 1994 Etobicoke Rangers North York Shooters North York Shooters 1993 Etobicoke Rangers Leaside McSorley’s Etobicoke Rangers 1992 Etobicoke Indians North York
    [Show full text]
  • History of Toronto from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia the History of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Begins Several Millennia Ago
    History of Toronto From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The history of Toronto, Ontario, Canada begins several millennia ago. Archaeological finds in the area have found artifacts of First Nations settlements dating back several thousand years. The Wyandot people were likely the first group to live in the area, followed by the Iroquois. When Europeans first came to Toronto, they found a small village known as Teiaiagon on the banks of the Humber River. Between visits by European explorers, the village was abandoned by the Iroquois, who moved south of Lake Ontario and the Mississaugas, a branch of the Ojibwa settled along the north shore of the lake. The French first set up trading posts in the area, including Fort Rouillé in 1750, which they abandoned as the British conquered French North America. In 1788, the British negotiated the first treaty to take possession of the Toronto area from the Mississaugas. After the United States War of Independence, the area north of Lake Ontario was held by the British who set up the province of Upper Canada in 1791. See also: Name of Toronto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DavenportBathurstSoutheast.jpg Davenport Road, as shown here in 1914, does not follow Toronto's standard street grid pattern, as it originated as a First Nations travel route between the Humber River and the Don Valley named Gete-Onigaming, Ojibwe for "at the old portage."[1] Toronto is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, and was originally a term of indeterminate geographical location, designating the approximate area of the future city of Toronto on maps dating to the late 17th and early 18th century.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fish Communities of the Toronto Waterfront: Summary and Assessment 1989 - 2005
    THE FISH COMMUNITIES OF THE TORONTO WATERFRONT: SUMMARY AND ASSESSMENT 1989 - 2005 SEPTEMBER 2008 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to thank the many technical staff, past and present, of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources who diligently collected electrofishing data for the past 16 years. The completion of this report was aided by the Canada Ontario Agreement (COA). 1 Jason P. Dietrich, 1 Allison M. Hennyey, 1 Rick Portiss, 1 Gord MacPherson, 1 Kelly Montgomery and 2 Bruce J. Morrison 1 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON, M3N 1S4, Canada 2 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lake Ontario Fisheries Management Unit, Glenora Fisheries Station, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0, Canada © Toronto and Region Conservation 2008 ABSTRACT Fish community metrics collected for 16 years (1989 — 2005), using standardized electrofishing methods, throughout the greater Toronto region waterfront, were analyzed to ascertain the current state of the fish community with respect to past conditions. Results that continue to indicate a degraded or further degrading environment include an overall reduction in fish abundance, a high composition of benthivores, an increase in invasive species, an increase in generalist species biomass, yet a decrease in specialist species biomass, and a decrease in cool water Electrofishing in the Toronto Harbour thermal guild species biomass in embayments. Results that may indicate a change in a positive community health direction include no significant changes to species richness, a marked increase in diversity in embayments, a decline in non-native species in embayments and open coasts (despite the invasion of round goby), a recent increase in native species biomass, fluctuating native piscivore dynamics, increased walleye abundance, and a reduction in the proportion of degradation tolerant species.
    [Show full text]