Re: PE12.1

TORONTO RAVINE STRATEGY

DRAFT PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS VISION A ravine system that is a natural, connected sanctuary essential for the health of the city, where use and enjoyment support protection, education and stewardship.

Since early 2015, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, City Planning and Water have been working with other City divisions and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and consulting with the public and a wide range of stakeholders to develop a Toronto Ravine Strategy.

The final strategy will act as framework to guide policy, investment and stewardship related to ravines. This document represents the work to date and includes proposed guiding principles and actions that aim to balance the fine line between protection and use in our ravines. We have published this document as an invitation for further input as we begin to finalize the strategy.

For more information on the strategy and details on how to provide additional feedback, visit toronto.ca/ravinestrategy.

June 2016 1 NO OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD HAS A RAVINE SYSTEM LIKE TORONTO’S.

Toronto was built around its ravines. They give the city a unique identity and have defined how it has grown.

While many of the ravines have been reshaped over the years to accommodate important infrastructure, the devastation of Hurricane Hazel in 1954 highlighted the importance of the river and ravine systems and the need to conserve them. This acted as a catalyst for major public investment and has left a legacy for all Torontonians to enjoy.

Toronto’s ravine system is the heart and soul of a remarkable natural environment system that spills out of the river valleys into the city’s parks, neighbourhoods and urban landscape. “Largely undiscovered and The largest ravines connect the Oak Ridges Moraine north of Toronto to Lake , carrying water, wildlife and people underappreciated, ravines are the through Ontario’s most densely urbanized area. They also physical soul of the city and define connect us with the Toronto’s rich history and Aboriginal heritage. our landscape. It is unique for a city the size of Toronto to have this much Cutting across the whole city, Toronto’s ravines intersect with a diverse array of cultures and communities. Rich green space. We need a deeper in natural character and biodiversity, they provide many connection to our ravines and this ecological benefits and are for many a cherished escape from the fast pace of urban life. strategy starts that process.”

MAYOR JOHN TORY 2 TORONTO’S RAVINES: The heart and soul of the city’s natural environment system The Numbers

of Toronto’s total land area is protected under the Ravine and 17% Natural Feature Protection By-law

60% of ravines are public land

40% are private land

30,000 private addresses

of Toronto's Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) are 87% found in ravines

4 5 “Toronto’s ravines are RAVINES ARE UNDER PRESSURE. critical to our identity Toronto is growing. The downtown population is and wellbeing. expected to double over the next 25 years and the city’s overall population is expected to grow to 3.4 million We need to take the by 2041. The population increase and renewed interest necessary steps to in health and connecting to nature will put additional demands on ravine lands for recreation. Anticipated ensure that these spaces impacts of climate change, such as flooding and can be enjoyed and erosion, will also put ravines under stress. continue to function and The contribution of the ravine system to the liveability flourish for the next 100 of Toronto — in terms of the health and wellbeing of its residents and resiliency from future weather events — years and beyond.” cannot be underestimated. A healthy and robust ravine system is crucial to the future of Toronto. JENNIFER KEESMAAT Chief Planner and Executive Director City Planning

6 7 RAVINES ARE CRUCIAL TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CITY.

Ravines are home to vital infrastructure such as trails, bridges, roads, hydro lines, water and sewer pipes, railways and oil and gas pipelines.

They also play an important role in with stormwater management facilities and rivers and creeks that absorb and move much of the rain that falls on Toronto and the cities north of it.

As the pressures on ravines increase, so will the need for the maintenance and enhancement of this critical infrastructure and the system as a whole. Significant ongoing investment is needed to ensure that ravines continue to provide the ecological benefits, recreation opportunities and infrastructure the city depends on.

“Ongoing investment in Toronto’s ravines and the infrastructure that runs below and within them is critical to the future of this system.”

LOU DI GIRONIMO General Manager, 9 “Ravines are among THE TIME TO PLAN FOR THE the city’s greatest FUTURE OF TORONTO’S RAVINES assets and are IS NOW. essential to individual Ravines provide a vast array of recreational and community health. opportunities — such as hiking, cycling, bird watching, soccer, and picnicking — as well as important ecological It’s important that services. They are also a fragile resource. we provide people While aspects of the ravine system are addressed in a number of different City plans/strategies, regulations with sustainable and by-laws, the City does not have a comprehensive ways to enjoy and strategy that brings all of these together and focuses celebrate these specifically on ravines. extraordinary spaces.” As we are all guardians of Toronto’s ravines, the City has been working with the Toronto and Region Conservation JANIE ROMOFF Authority (TRCA), the public and a wide range of General Manager stakeholders to develop a strategy to help navigate the Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation fine line between protection and use and identify the actions and investments needed to ensure Toronto’s ravines remain resilient and are celebrated and enjoyed for years to come.

10 11 PROTECT Ravines are fundamentally natural spaces. Ecological function and resilience DRAFT GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS is the foundation for long-term sustainability of the ravines and watersheds. We are all guardians of these spaces and must treat them with care and respect. All actions related to ravines should be guided by the overarching goal of protecting these spaces by maintaining The following principles have been developed to represent the and improving their ecological health. core ideas and values that will guide the City in future decision- INVEST Managing the multiple pressures on ravines — from population growth and increased recreational use to climate change, weather events and invasive making related to ravines. Each align with actions designed to species — requires consistent and significant ongoing investment. In addition to looking for efficiencies in the way we manage ravines and opportunities to expand the system, address the challenges and opportunities in the ravine system we must make ongoing investment in these spaces a priority. and act as catalysts to move the strategic vision forward. CONNECT Toronto’s ravines provide great opportunities for people to connect with nature and the city’s rich history. We must ensure that people understand and appreciate the value of our ravine system and have physical opportunities to connect with these spaces in a safe and sustainable manner.

PARTNER Many individuals and organizations are interested in becoming more involved in the care and enhancement of Toronto’s ravines. The City must work in partnership with the community, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), neighbouring municipalities, other levels of government, property owners, utility providers and other stakeholders to create more opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to these spaces in meaningful and sustainable ways.

CELEBRATE No other city in the world has a ravine system like Toronto's. Our ravines are a signature feature of Toronto and a vital city asset. They act as place-makers, distinguish neighbourhood boundaries and character and help to define Toronto’s identity on the world stage. We must celebrate these spaces and encourage recognition of and respect for this magnificent system throughout Toronto and the rest of the world.

12 13 “The number one PROTECT priority must always be to protect remaining Ravines are fundamentally natural spaces. Ecological function natural habitats in ravines and resilience is the foundation for long-term sustainability and restore and enhance of the ravines and watersheds. We are all guardians of these other ravine areas.”

spaces and must treat them with care and respect. All actions BRIAN DENNEY related to ravines should be guided by the overarching goal Chief Executive Officer Toronto and Region Conservation Authority of protecting these spaces by maintaining and improving their ecological health.

Action 1: Develop and implement management Action 3: Develop a set of criteria for staff to Action 5: Expand the network of partnerships Action 6: Improve collaboration and plans for Environmentally Significant Areas assess requests for appropriate activities, with the Toronto and Region Conservation coordination among the different City (ESAs). events and temporary installations in ravines. Authority (TRCA) and academic and divisions and external partners involved in educational institutions to identify research ravines through the Interdivisional Steering Action 2: Develop best practices for capital Action 4: In partnership with the Toronto needs and develop baseline inventories of Committee on Ravines. projects and ongoing maintenance of and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) ravine health, recreational use, and public infrastructure and natural ecosystems, to and other key stakeholders, undertake an engagement activities. ensure high quality planning, design and assessment of potential climate change maintenance in our ravines. impacts on the ravine system, including impacts on the natural systems and existing and proposed infrastructure.

14 15 How Ravines are Protected Crothers Woods Success Story

Toronto’s network of ravines forms the core of the city's natural heritage system and contains most of the Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) and six Provincially Significant Wetlands designated in the Official Plan. Official Plan policies and land use designations generally prohibit development within ravines and identify areas that are appropriate for active recreational use and areas that must be maintained in a natural state.

Any development proposed in or near a ravine is required to be set back from the top of the ravine bank. The Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law protects both the forest and the ravine landform by prohibiting the injury or destruction of trees and filling, grading, or dumping of fill, soil or other materials in areas covered by the by-law unless a permit has been issued by the City. Crothers Woods is a 52-hectare woodland located in the Valley. In 2002, the City began Most of the ravine system is also protected by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority working with local trail users to address the environmental impacts of trails on the forest. In (TRCA) Regulation 166/06 which regulates filling, changing grade, or building anything 2007, the award-winning Crothers Woods Trail Management Strategy was developed to guide within the protected area which includes valley and stream corridors, wetlands and the trail management and restoration activities in the area. From 2008-2012, the City worked with shoreline. a wide range of stakeholders including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), contractors specialized in sustainable trail construction and community stewards to implement The Parks Plan (2013-2017), Strategic the strategy. Forest Management Plan (2012-2022) and Recreation Service Plan (2013-2017) guide the The planning, construction and restoration took time and utilized specialized techniques and development, management and operation of equipment. The result is safe, well-built trails that have allowed both recreational activity and ravine areas in public parkland. protection of the natural environment. An important learning was that negative impacts from recreational use in natural areas are often the result of poorly planned and built trails, rather than The Natural Environment Trail Strategy the use itself. provides guidance to staff on how to encourage the safe and sustainable use and discovery of parks and ravines by residents and visitors. 16 17 INVEST Highland Creek Success Story

Since the urban development of the 1960’s ­– 70’s, stormwater runoff within the Highland Creek Managing the multiple pressures on ravines – from population Watershed has presented a number of challenges including creek bed erosion, increased risk to infrastructure, such as creek bank trails and underground pipes, and loss of fish species due to growth and increased recreational use to climate change, the degradation of habitat. As a result, Highland Creek was identified as a priority watershed in weather events and invasive species – requires consistent Toronto Water’s Wet Weather Flow Master Plan. and significant ongoing investment. In addition to looking for Focus on this area became even more critical when a major storm event in August of 2005 caused efficiencies in the way we manage ravines and opportunities to severe erosion of the creek channel that resulted in exposed sanitary sewers and a sewer break and discharge into the creek. expand the system, we must make ongoing investment in these Creek before restoration As part of the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan, Highland spaces a priority. Creek was the first watershed to undergo a geomorphic systems study to address stream erosion, restore the ecological integrity of the watershed and protect vulnerable Action 7: Leverage planned investment in Action 9: Develop a Ravine Plan that identifies infrastructure. The Geomorphic Master Plan completed in early infrastructure to make improvements in areas of demand and vulnerabilities in the 2011 identified various restoration projects in the Highland ravines and coordinate these activities through ravine system to help focus management Creek watershed to be carried out over the next two decades. annualized capital coordination. efforts and prioritize areas where improved physical access and ecosystem protection will Creek after restoration Between December 2011 and June 2015, the City of Toronto Action 8: Work with the Toronto and Region be required. Conservation Authority (TRCA), as well invested over $10 million to restore a valley segment east of as other agencies, municipalities and the Action 10: Identify key opportunities to develop Highland Creek from west of Markham Road to where the East province, to develop a valley lands acquisition ‘hubs’ within or ‘gateways’ or ‘portals’ into the Highland and Malvern Creeks meet. Riffle pool structures were strategy that identifies opportunities to bring ravine system based on planned investments built to protect underground infrastructure and improve aquatic additional lands within the ravine system into and the assessment of future demand and habitat, and the channel was realigned away from the glacial public ownership, with a focus on natural vulnerabilities. valley wall to protect valued wooded areas and property from habitat and trail connections. erosion and provide areas for new wetlands and flood relief.

18 19 CONNECT Toronto Parks & Trails Wayfinding Strategy

The Toronto Parks & Trails Wayfinding Strategy, currently under development, will produce a Toronto’s ravines provide great opportunities for people to consistent, accessible and predictable signage and information system for all of Toronto’s parks, including ravine areas. It is an opportunity to reduce visual clutter and encourage the connect with nature and the city’s rich history. We must ensure use and discovery of parks and ravines. The new wayfinding will be piloted in the Lower Don that people understand and appreciate the value of our ravine later this year. system and have physical opportunities to connect with these spaces in a safe and sustainable manner.

Action 11: Evaluate the Toronto Parks & Trails Action 13: Develop opportunities to honour Wayfinding Strategy pilot in the Lower Don and share stories of special and historic Valley and provide recommendations on how spaces within our ravines in collaboration to implement wayfinding throughout Toronto’s with Aboriginal communities, City of Toronto ravine system. Economic Development, Heritage Services and the City Manager’s Office. Action 12: Review existing trails and access points in ravines and develop an implementation plan to address gaps in our system and connections to adjacent municipalities.

20 21 PARTNER Don Valley Brick Works Park and Weston Family Quarry PHOTO ? Many individuals and organizations are interested in becoming Garden Success Story more involved in the care and enhancement of Toronto’s ravines. From 1889 to 1989, the Don Valley Brick Works was the location of a thriving brick-making and The City must work in partnership with the community, the distribution industry in Moore Park Ravine. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), neighbouring (TRCA) and the City of Toronto began restoration of the site in 1995 with the generous support of the W. Garfield Weston Foundation. Today, the former quarry, now known as the “Weston Family municipalities, other levels of government, property owners, Quarry Garden” has been transformed into a flagship restoration site and natural environment utility providers and other stakeholders to create more park, providing crucial habitat for a variety of species. The park highlights the City’s dedication to healthy ecosystems and strong partnerships. opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to these spaces in meaningful and sustainable ways. Working Together

Action 14: Explore partnership opportunities Action 17: Establish a framework to support to Protect and to expand the resources for the Community further opportunities to engage volunteer Enhance Ravines Stewardship Program to include additional sites. groups, such as “Friends of” groups, in ravine stewardship. These opportunities should be in There are many stakeholders Action 15: Initiate a discussion with the line with the ongoing PFR Volunteer Strategy with an interest in ravines. This Province, the TRCA and other municipalities and guided by the assessment of demand and graphic represents the City divisions, to establish best practices for all urban river vulnerabilities in the Ravine Plan (Action 9). valleys that connect to Toronto’s ravine system. groups and organizations that work Set up a one-day summit that brings these Action 18: Identify opportunities to partner within or are involved in the parties together to begin this discussion. with and leverage private philanthropic support enhancement, protection and/or to invest in specific ravine enhancement celebration of Toronto’s ravines. Action 16: Establish a Ravine Advisory Group projects, such as improved access, hubs, and to provide advice on implementation and gateways, and natural feature enhancements. communication of the Ravine Strategy. 22 23 CELEBRATE Evergreen Brick Works Success Story No other city in the world has a ravine system like Toronto's. Evergreen Brick Works is a popular destination in the Lower Our ravines are a signature feature of Toronto and a vital city Don that is housed, in part, in a converted brick-making factory. asset. They act as place-makers, distinguish neighbourhood It is home to many social and cultural events such as weekend farmers’ markets, heritage tours, children’s activities and boundaries and character and help to define Toronto’s identity public forums focused on sustainability. Evergreen is a non- on the world stage. We must celebrate these spaces and profit organization with a mandate to deliver on sustainable city-building activities. encourage recognition of and respect for this magnificent system throughout Toronto and the rest of the world. Paddle the Don Success Story Action 19: Develop a campaign and events and enhance natural areas. Develop outreach such as “Ravine Day” to engage communities plans to particular population groups including Once a year, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to celebrate the ravines and foster park users, property owners adjacent to ravines, (TRCA) provides an opportunity for people to paddle the understanding and appreciation of the scope pet owners and underserved communities. Don River from Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the mouth at and value of Toronto’s ravine system. Action 21: Develop a communications strategy the . Action 20: Communicate good stewardship to promote ravines as a natural asset and a key practices for uses and activities in ravines part of Toronto’s identity in collaboration with The event focuses on enjoying nature, celebrating the Don to ensure that these do not adversely impact Tourism Toronto and other key stakeholders. River Watershed and providing an opportunity to reflect on natural habitats and, where possible, restore all the benefits we derive from the natural environment and their integral role in the health and functioning of the city and surrounding region.

24 25 TIMELINE HAVE YOUR SAY!

Consultation on the work to date will take place over the summer with the final strategy scheduled to be completed in How can we April of 2017. What type better protect of investments ravines? could improve ravines?

How can we What better connect partnership people with opportunities ravines? should we explore? How should we celebrate ravines?

26 For more information, visit toronto.ca/ravinestrategy. To have your say, contact: [email protected]. “Perhaps it will be the city that reawakens our understanding and appreciation of nature, in all its teeming, unpredictable complexity.”

JANE JACOBS The Times Magazine

PHOTO CREDITS Robert Burley: Front cover and pages 1, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16, 23 (bottom), 26, 27 & 28 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA): page 3 and Paddle the Don Success Story photos on page 25 City of Toronto: pages 17, 19, 21 & 23 (top) Evergreen: Top photo for Evergreen Brick Works Success Story on page 25 Morgan Yew: Bottom photo for Evergreen Brick Works Success Story on page 25 28