INDEX TO
AUTHORITY MEETING #6/12
Friday, July 27, 2012
MINUTES Minutes of Meeting #5/12, held on June 22, 2012, 2012 237
PRESENTATIONS Venoitte, Pamela, Field Unit Superintendent, Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada, re: Rouge National Urban Park. 237 Meek, Sonya, Manager, Watershed Planning, TRCA, re: Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan Updates. 237
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD RETROFIT ACTION PLAN Status Update 239
MARIE CURTIS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT - PHASE 2 247
KORTRIGHT VISITORS CENTRE RETROFIT PHASE 2 PROJECT Contract PMO12-07 249
MIMICO WATERFRONT PARK PROJECT (PHASE 2) Contract RSD12-86 254
CHERRY BEACH Drainage Improvements 255
SUPPLY OF RENTAL RATES FOR OPERATED HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND DUMP TRUCKS Contract Extension 259
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT FUND 260
TORONTO AND REGION REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN 265
HIGHLAND CREEK WATERSHED GREENING PROJECTS UPDATE 267
BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT Partnership Memorandum of Understanding 274 DRAFT GREAT LAKES STRATEGY AND PROPOSED GREAT LAKES PROTECTION ACT, 2012 277
HERITAGE TOURISM TRAIL PLANNING AND A FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL CENTRE IN THE HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED 281
NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - ECOENERGY INNOVATION INITIATIVE (ECO II) - RENE 092 Contribution Agreement 287
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program 289
MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK PROJECT (PHASE 2) Landscape Improvements Contract RSD12-91 300
2011 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 301
GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York 956414 Ontario Limited 311
GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York Yorkwood Homes (RH) Limited 311
GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Royal Rouge Trail Erosion Control Project 312
GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Greenbrooke Developments Inc. 314
GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Infinite Homes Ltd. 314
EASEMENT AGREEMENT George Johnson 315
ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION AREA VISITOR SERVICES CENTRE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 316
ADMITTANCE POLICY 316
SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENTS Mid-year Review - January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012 317 GOOD NEWS STORIES 330
IN THE NEWS 333
WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #5/12, held on May 10, 2012 335 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/12, held on June 12, 2012 335 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/12, held on April 20, 2012 335
BLACK CREEK HISTORIC BREWERY Status Report 336
ONTARIO REGULATION 166/06 336 MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #6/12 July 27, 2012
The Authority Meeting #6/12, was held in Weston Room B, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, July 27, 2012. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:54 a.m.
PRESENT Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow Member Ben Cachola Member Bob Callahan Member Ronald Chopowick Member Vincent Crisanti Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Michael Di Biase Member Jack Heath Member Colleen Jordan Member Mujeeb Khan Member Gloria Lindsay Luby Member Glenn Mason Member Mike Mattos Member Peter Milczyn Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member Dave Ryan Member Gino Rosati Member Richard Whitehead Member
ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member Chris Fonseca Member Chin Lee Member Anthony Perruzza Member John Parker Member John Sprovieri Member Cynthia Thorburn Member Jim Tovey Member
236 RES.#A119/12 - MINUTES
Moved by: Linda Pabst Seconded by: Ben Cachola
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #5/12, held on June 22, 2012, be approved. CARRIED ______
PRESENTATIONS
(a) A presentation by Pamela Veinotte, Field Unit Superintendent, Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada, in regard to the Rouge National Urban Park.
(b) A presentation Sonya Meek, Manager, Watershed Planning, TRCA, in regard to item AUTH7.1 - Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan Updates.
RES.#A120/12 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
THAT above-noted presentation (a) be received. CARRIED RES.#A121/12 - PRESENTATION
Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Ronald Chopowick
THAT above-noted presentation (b) be received. CARRIED ______
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) A letter dated July 23, 2012 from Ms. Carol Sheedy, Vice-President, Operations, Eastern Canada, Parks Canada, in regard to Rouge National Urban Park transition strategy.
RES.#A122/12 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
THAT above-noted correspondence (a) be received. CARRIED
237 CORRESPONDENCE (A)
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238 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION
RES.#A123/12 - SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD RETROFIT ACTION PLAN Status Update. Approval of three pilot sustainable neighbourhood retrofit action plans (SNAPs), progress toward their implementation and launch of two additional SNAPs.
Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Ronald Chopowick
THAT the County Court, Lake Wilcox and Black Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plans be approved;
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to continue to work with municipalities and other neighbourhood partners toward the successful implementation of the plans and the further development of new retrofit plans;
THAT the Region of Peel, City of Brampton, Region of York, Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Toronto be asked to endorse the respective Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan and consider ways to implement the plan, as appropriate, through corporate business planning, annual budget planning and other innovative arrangements in partnership with TRCA and others;
AND FURTHER THAT Paul Gay and Marisa Mancuso of 71 Turtlecreek Boulevard, Brampton be thanked for offering their home as the subject of the Green Home Makeover and for being ambassadors of this model in support of the neighbourhood-wide residential retrofit program. CARRIED BACKGROUND The SNAP projects represent an innovative model for sustainable urban renewal. SNAPs are plans for measurable environmental improvement and community transformation. They address environmental objectives by identifying solutions that are well aligned with local community interests and implementation challenges. The plans address multiple objectives of municipalities, TRCA and other partners as drawn from higher level strategic plans. Many municipal departments and a wide range of community partners are involved in the planning process through a variety of forums.
Three pilot SNAPs were initiated in 2009 in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Toronto, and two new SNAPs were launched last year in Markham and Mississauga. Over the past year, work on the three pilot SNAPs has focused on finalizing the action plans, developing implementation programs for the initial priority action areas, and completing strategic demonstration projects - all in cooperation with local partners. Work on two new SNAPs has involved formation of project management teams with appropriate representation from key partners and workplan development.
239 The pilot SNAPs have been breaking new ground for addressing urban retrofit implementation challenges. Innovative approaches have emerged through the SNAP’s planning approach, which is cross-cutting and collaborative. It is open to solutions that cross property lines at a neighbourhood scale, tailors solutions to local community interests, addresses a range of environmental objectives in an integrated way and fosters involvement by many partners. Key features from TRCA's pilot SNAPs that may prove transferable to other urban retrofit settings include: Green Home Makeover demonstration project, in partnership with private homeowners and others, is serving as a catalyst for a neighbourhood-wide residential program by showcasing examples and creating local champions (County Court SNAP). The project fostered relationships among relevant private and public sector suppliers of innovative products and services, which led to crowd-sourced deals and partnerships in delivery of a neighbourhood-wide program of indoor and outdoor retrofits (i.e. Green Home Discount Package). Creative retrofit solutions that require cooperation by adjacent property owners, including private landowners and public sector authorities, but solved problems that would have been difficult individually – e.g. collection of neighbourhood stormwater run-off and re-use for golf course irrigation water supply (County Court SNAP). County Court SNAP has identified multiple design objectives for public realm projects that may provide the business case for cost-sharing opportunities among partner beneficiaries in implementation – e.g. park renewal, stormwater pond retrofit. Front Yard Makeover designs and associated promotions set a landscaping trend that marries ecologically sound design objectives with local homeowner tastes, in a neighbourhood where “being green and stylish” are important (Lake Wilcox SNAP). Black Creek SNAP has recommended a locally tailored marketing strategy that is geared to boost homeowner participation in municipal basement flood prevention subsidy programs and other available retrofit programs, which to date have had low uptake in this neighbourhood. This marketing strategy appeals to local cultural values and interests (e.g. residential rain harvest supported vegetable gardening incentives are expected to be a door opener to promote other strategic retrofits). A neighbourhood-wide urban agriculture expansion program, promoting rain harvest supported gardens to achieve objectives for stormwater management, food security and community building, as part of the Black Creek SNAP.
Summary documents containing a full description of each of the three pilot Action Plans can be found at www.sustainableneighbourhoods.ca.
The following sections summarize the unique action plan, demonstration projects and implementation program directions for each of the three pilot SNAPs, the main areas of focus for the two new SNAPs and next steps for the SNAP program overall.
240 County Court SNAP, Brampton Located in the Etobicoke and Mimico creeks watershed, this SNAP aims to improve the water management functions of the Upper Nine stormwater management pond and its catchment, a facility identified as a top retrofit priority by the City of Brampton. The project is engaging businesses, residents and institutions in identifying integrated retrofit solutions to achieve water management and biodiversity targets, while achieving other sustainable community objectives and creating a stronger sense of place and identity in the neighbourhood. Representatives of the Region of Peel, City of Brampton, Peel Village Golf Course and Brampton Golf Club form the Project Management Team, along with TRCA.
Action Plan The County Court SNAP promotes place making and suburban renewal. Action Plan recommendations and lead roles include: retrofit of the aging Upper Nine stormwater pond to address water quality and volume objectives and also serve as a community amenity and natural area destination – City of Brampton lead; renewal of County Court Park to better suit recreational needs and integrate environmental education features and community gathering space – City of Brampton lead; enhancement of the urban forest and bioretention along the boulevards to provide stormwater filtration and other benefits – City of Brampton and TRCA; a system of neighbourhood rainwater harvesting and storage as an irrigation option for nearby golf clubs – Brampton Golf Club, Peel Village Golf Club and City of Brampton with TRCA support; habitat restoration along the creek valley and in the golf courses – golf courses with TRCA support; green parking lot design at the Court House as a model for other paved spaces – Infrastructure Ontario; and active promotion of green home renovation and landscape to address energy and water conservation – TRCA lead.
Green Home Makeover The Green Home Makeover is a key demonstration project of the County Court SNAP. Given the predominance of low density residential land use and the opportunity to achieve greater water and energy reductions, this demonstration is part of a targeted effort to promote residential participation in indoor and outdoor green home renovation. In collaboration with SNAP partners, associations and private sector suppliers, one older home was selected to showcase a total green home transformation of water and energy systems and outdoor landscapes. Located at 71 Turtlecreek Boulevard, the Makeover is meant to showcase green home improvements, educate residents and the renovation industry and monitor energy and water savings. A series of videos featuring aspects of the Green Home Makeover are posted on the TRCA’s SNAP website. Following renovations and a ribbon cutting celebration on May 23, 2012 to officially kick-off the program, homeowners Paul Gay and Marisa Mancuso are acting as local champions to share their experience and learning with others interested in undertaking similar projects. Monitoring of hydro, natural gas and water as well as a series of tours will be ongoing from spring of 2012 to the fall of 2013.
241 Implementation Directions Implementation plan directions and immediate actions for County Court include the following: launch of the Green Home Discount Package, a package of discounts on strategic indoor and outdoor renovations exclusive to the neighbourhood (in July 2012) – led by TRCA in partnership with many private and public sector partners; Project Management Team shift to SNAP Implementation Team to provide coordination among projects – initially led by TRCA; City of Brampton is exploring how to operationalize SNAP in the longer term; ongoing community outreach to build capacity for neighbourhood leadership, and to continue to inform future SNAP direction - TRCA continuing outreach in the short term, with City of Brampton considering its longer term role; development of Performance Monitoring Plan and ongoing monitoring - TRCA to lead in partnership with Brampton, Peel, and community.
Expected Outcomes The SNAP was designed to meet or exceed established municipal and watershed management targets. Highlights include: expand urban forest (from 8 to 18% of area); Green Home Makeover and residential retrofit program to reduce water (31%) and energy use (39%); rainwater harvesting for irrigation (provide 100% of water needs; offset municipal water use and water taking from creek); reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (18%); provide increased ecoservices (540 tonne carbon storage, 214 tonne carbon sequestration, 11 tonne pollution removal).
Lake Wilcox SNAP, Richmond Hill Located in the headwaters of the Humber River, this SNAP complements the Town of Richmond Hill’s lake-based remediation initiatives by focusing on private land measures to reduce nutrient loading (especially phosphorus) to Lake Wilcox, the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Other objectives are to foster stewardship of local wetlands and forests, reduce outdoor treated water use and cultivate a shared sense of identity among the long term and newer residents. TRCA is leading this SNAP in partnership with representatives of the Region of York and Town of Richmond Hill.
Action Plan The Lake Wilcox SNAP promotes embracing nature in the community through three primary action areas: Residential Eco-landscaping – Homeowners are encouraged to adopt ecologically sound landscaping to help achieve stormwater run-off reduction and pollution prevention (nutrient load reduction), reduced treated water use, expanded urban forest and enhanced native plant biodiversity. Priority implementation zones have been identified, capitalizing on local soil and groundwater conditions conducive to stormwater infiltration, and opportunities to buffer existing natural areas. Visitor Stewardship – Visitors and residents are encouraged to become stewards of the natural areas they visit through adoption of simple practices that help minimize the spread of invasive species and reduce encroachment on sensitive areas.
242 Green Renovations and Energy – Widespread infill construction, home renovations and re-builds offer opportunities to advance renewable energy options and green building techniques, resulting in improved energy and water conservation.
Front Yard Makeovers Front Yard Makeover demonstration projects are profiling eco-landscaping on two private residential lots in Oak Ridges. Champion homeowners were selected by jury to receive free Makeovers and a landscape designer was engaged to create customized front yard designs. The gardens are being installed in summer 2012 and feature rainwater soak aways, a rain garden, native and water-efficient plants, canopy trees, permeable paving and high-capacity rain barrels. Funded by York Region’s Long Term Water Conservation Strategy, and supported by private sector sponsors, these Makeovers represent a shift from demonstrations on public lands to engaging private homeowners to showcase desirable practices. Monitoring will confirm anticipated reductions in use of treated tap water for irrigation (on both lots) and the performance of the soak aways (on one lot).
The Makeovers are the first step in prompting a trend towards adoption of eco-landscaping. The experiences of those participating in the Makeovers will be captured in a series of short, engaging videos that will profile the Makeovers and SNAP, and promote eco-landscaping. The videos will be available on TRCA’s SNAP website.
Implementation Directions The Makeovers are forerunners of an upcoming neighbourhood-wide program promoting residential eco-landscaping. The program is being led by TRCA in partnership with York Region’s Water for Tomorrow, Richmond Hill’s Healthy Yards, LEAF (Local Enhancements & Appreciation of Forests) and local environmental groups. The program will endorse landscaping that marries contemporary design with the latest in ecologically sound technologies and practices. This innovative program will explore third-party delivery by engaging landscaping sector businesses and motivating them to advocate for ecologically sound landscaping with their clients. An incentive package for homeowners is expected to include design templates and supply lists, and time-limited financial offers from local businesses. The program model builds on residents’ appreciation for local natural areas and their desire to be environmentally friendly. It responds to their wish for convenient and sound environmental solutions with clear business cases. With many new and renovating homes in the neighbourhood, the potential to influence residential landscaping is high at this time.
Next steps are to fully develop the program model with SNAP partners and engage local landscaping businesses. Ontario’s Showcasing Water Innovation fund is supporting implementation of the neighbourhood-wide program in 2013, creating a provincial platform to showcase SNAP and lessons learned from implementation.
Expected Outcomes The Lake Wilcox SNAP is targeting strategic retrofits for pollution prevention and expanded urban forest. Preliminary analysis shows that water quality targets for reduced nutrient loading to the lake can be achieved with 46% uptake of eco-landscaping in priority areas, while tree cover in residential areas can be doubled with 55% uptake of eco-landscaping. With 100% uptake, the urban forest can be expanded from 27 to 35%, and at maturity, could remove 25,000 kg of air pollution and sequester 1,212,000 kg of carbon annually at a combined economic value of $246,000 per year. 243 Black Creek SNAP, Toronto Located in the Black Creek subwatershed of the Humber River, this SNAP has focused on seeking ways to reduce the risk of basement flooding through lot level measures, improve health of Black Creek and expand urban forest, within the context of community interests. This SNAP area is centred around the Jane-Finch area, extending from Steeles Avenue in the north to just south of Finch Avenue and from roughly Hwy 400 in the west to the Black Creek valley in the east. Within this neighbourhood, there is a strong interest in having more opportunities to grow food, improved access to fresh food and job opportunities. TRCA is leading this project in partnership with the City of Toronto, Jane Finch Family and Community Centre, Black Creek Conservation Project and many other community stakeholders.
Action Plan The Black Creek SNAP promotes growing food and green opportunities through four primary action areas: Vegetable gardens supported with rain harvesting for homes and open spaces; Stormwater management and basement flood prevention - focus on lot level measures for homes, paved areas and roads, aimed at reducing run-off volume before entering sewers, and also promotion of backwater valves, sump pumps and other key basement flood prevention measures; Energy conservation and renewables - focus on greenhouse gas reduction for single family residential homes through weatherization, furnace and appliance replacement and electricity use reduction within the commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential sector; and solar power installations associated with large commercial or multi-unit residential roof spaces; and Urban forest enhancement - expand natural cover along creek corridors and promote additional plantings within the built up area to reduce the heat island and provide for improved ecosystem services.
Specific targets and strategic locations for actions have been outlined in the plan. Building on the strengths of existing programs, local green job creation and skills development are principles that will be built into the delivery of these action areas.
Demonstration Projects Several projects have been underway over the past year: Rainwater harvesting for community vegetable garden at Edgeley Apartments, 35 Shoreham Drive – TRCA installed two 500 litre rain barrels in summer 2011 to provide a low cost water supply and improve stormwater management at this Toronto Community Housing Corporation seniors residence. Rainwater harvesting design and vegetable garden creation at University Presbyterian Church for their Reaching Up Homework Club – TRCA, with help from the Black Creek Conservation Project, constructed a vegetable garden in May 2012 and we are in the process of retrofitting an existing shed on the property and installing two 500 litre rain barrels as a rainwater collection system to support a low cost water supply. Children learn gardening skills and share harvest with their families. Green parking lot design for the Jane-Finch Mall – TRCA is coordinating this design in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Landscape Design Faculty (underway July 2012).
244 TRCA is preparing to launch in August 2012 a series of demonstration projects involving single family residential homeowners. These projects would recognize up to five great vegetable gardens by providing downspout disconnection services and providing rain barrels and other strategic water and energy retrofits. These demonstration homes will be the forerunners of a neighbourhood-wide residential retrofit program, delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto, local community groups and local private retailers, and targeted for initial launch in fall 2012.
Implementation Directions Implementation plan areas, immediate actions and lead roles for the Black Creek SNAP include the following: Neighbourhood-wide agriculture supported by rain harvesting – TRCA is leading in cooperation with local agriculture groups, and will explore the role of the Toronto Urban Farm as a central component of this program. Single-family residential eco-edible landscaping and other strategic retrofits – TRCA is leading the design and launch of this program in partnership with the City of Toronto and other groups. Urban forest enhancement – Black Creek Conservation Project is leading this component of SNAP in close coordination with TRCA and other groups Greening of paved areas and building on institutional, commercial and multi-unit residential properties – green parking lot design project with the Jane Finch Mall is an initial focus; TRCA will explore this area more fully with partners after the residential implementation program is underway. Project Management Team shift to SNAP Implementation Team to provide coordination among projects – led by TRCA Ongoing community outreach to build capacity for neighbourhood leadership, and to continue to inform future SNAP direction - TRCA is leading in close collaboration with a wide range of local SNAP partners and community leaders.
Expected Outcomes The SNAP was designed to meet or exceed established municipal and watershed management targets. Highlights include: produce 20% of the community’s vegetable needs locally; reduce the risk of basement flooding; reduce stormwater run-off by 30%; expand urban forest from 26 to 34% of the area; increase ecoservices provided (5,700 kg pollutant removal; 128,000 kg carbon storage); reduce electricity use (10%) and natural gas use (17%) below 2007 levels.
245 Bayview Glen SNAP, Markham The Bayview Glen SNAP is located in an established neighbourhood of 750 homes in the Upper East Don River subwatershed in Markham’s Thornhill community. The area is located north of Steeles Avenue, east of Bayview Avenue, south of the CN Rail line and bounded on the east by the Bayview Golf and Country Club. The area is the subject of a City of Markham flood remediation study and has been identified by York Region as a priority for resolving high inflow and infiltration to sanitary sewers. SNAP will focus on integrated strategies to address multi-faceted water challenges (surface and basement flooding, storm and sanitary sewer capacity, water conservation, Don River impacts) and opportunities to address additional objectives, such as urban canopy succession planning, promotion of green infill development and community interests. The SNAP will demonstrate implementation of the City of Markham’s Greenprint Sustainability Plan at the neighbourhood scale.
A scoped characterization phase was launched in April 2012, consisting of a suite of cross-agency technical workshops to establish baseline conditions and identify potential retrofits. Workshops focusing on water management and urban forest have been held. Next steps over the spring and summer of 2012 include the remaining technical workshops, integration with Markham’s West Thornhill Flood Control Implementation Alternative Refinement study, and community engagement in cooperation with the local councillor.
Mississauga SNAP In partnership with the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel, TRCA is working to develop a SNAP in the community located north of Bloor Street, south of Eastgate Parkway, east of Dixie Road, and west of the west branch of the main Etobicoke Creek. This SNAP will specifically demonstrate implementation of Mississauga’s Living Green Master Plan at the neighbourhood scale, along with advancing objectives of the Etobicoke-Mimico Watershed Plan and other municipal management plans and strategies. This community of 21,000 residents is highly diverse in terms of demographics, and as such the project team is taking a multifaceted approach to engagement and working closely with the local councillor and staff working in the area to understand community interests and help shape the scope of the project. A Community Leaders Focus Group was held in April, and the SNAP team has been present at local Town Hall meetings and in the Mississauga Ward 3 newsletter. The team is currently undertaking technical scoping meetings with staff groups and utility partners Enbridge Gas and EnerSource to explore baseline conditions, identify working goals and targets based on existing strategies, and identify retrofit opportunities, challenges and synergies.
SNAP Program Directions SNAP Program Evaluation TRCA has partnered with a York University researcher to conduct an evaluation of the SNAP program with input from a variety of partners. The goal of the study is to learn from the three pilot SNAPs and relevant initiatives around the world, to improve the design and delivery of the program in the future, and explore its transferability to other jurisdictions. The SNAP program evaluation is supported, in part, by MITACS Accelerate, a national research internship program. A final report is anticipated in fall 2012.
246 Implementation Business Cases As the pilot SNAPs move into the implementation phase, TRCA is pursuing new partnerships with financial institutions, insurance industry and real estate boards to develop the business cases for undertaking retrofits as a way to maintain market value of one’s property and also as ways to finance strategic retrofits.
Neighbourhood Retrofit “State of the Art” TRCA continues to pursue opportunities to share our SNAP models and learn from other groups in this emerging area of practice.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for the SNAPs is in part from the Region of Peel, Region of York and City of Toronto capital budgets. SNAPs have continued to be successful at leveraging the municipal funding to secure additional grants and awards. Over the past year, these awards have included: Ministry of the Environment Showcasing Water Innovation grant ($175,000); Toronto Community Foundation Vital Ideas grant ($30,000); Green Home Makeover – private and public sector sponsorships of products and services (valued at over $100,000); Front Yard Makeovers – private and public sector sponsorships of products and services (valued at over $30,000); Shell Canada Environment Fund ($10,000); Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan ($15,000); MITACS Accelerate Ontario ($11,250).
Report prepared by: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Email: [email protected] For Information contact: Sonya Meek, extension 5253; Shannon Logan, extension 5708 Emails: [email protected]; [email protected] Date: July 11, 2012
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RES.#A124/12 - MARIE CURTIS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT - PHASE 2 Approval to enter into an Agreement with the City of Toronto to implement specific elements of the Marie Curtis Park Revitalization Project - Phase 2 on their behalf.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT approval be granted to enter into an agreement with the City of Toronto to implement specific elements of the Marie Curtis Park Revitalization Project - Phase 2 on their behalf;
THAT the agreement be subject to availability of funding from the City of Toronto;
247 AND FURTHER THAT authorized Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) officials be directed to take any action necessary to implement the agreement including obtaining any required approvals and the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND Since 2010, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)'s Watershed Management Division and the City of Toronto’s Parks Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) Division have partnered on the revitalization of Marie Curtis Park East and West on the waterfront, which is being carried out in tandem with the City of Mississauga’s and TRCA’s development of a new park on the former Arsenal Lands which is located immediately adjacent to Marie Curtis Park West.
The intent is that Marie Curtis Park West and the Arsenal Lands site be developed as a regional destination park, while Marie Curtis Park East will continue to serve as a local park. The lands comprising Marie Curtis Park are owned by TRCA and will continue to be managed and operated by PF&R in accordance with the existing 1972 Waterfront Agreement between the two agencies.
The revitalization efforts generally consists of creating new park uses such as a Dog Off Leash Area, upgraded facilities, restored and new pathway connections, decommissioning of old lighting and parking areas and the creation of a new bioswale within an existing parking area to provide improved stormwater controls at the site.
RATIONALE PF&R staff has requested the assistance of TRCA's Restoration Services Division to assist with the implementation of select components of the Phase 2 revitalization efforts in light of the environmental sensitivities at the site which include: surrounding aquatic and riparian habitat of Etobicoke Creek; impacted soils from historic land uses; and the proposed bioswale, which requires specialized knowledge of soil and plant care for proper installation.
To ensure that the above-noted sensitivities are managed with due care during construction, PF&R has requested assistance with the following specific elements of the Phase 2 works: 1. restoration and creation of pathway connections, including the removal of surplus soils to appropriate disposal facilities as required by Ministry of Environment Guidelines; 2. construction of the bioswale and associated features.
The scope of work to be undertaken by TRCA consists of the following general tasks: 1. Prepare a detailed cost estimate and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of restored and new pathway connections, bioswale and associated features. 2. Prepare, issue, award and manage all subcontracts for equipment, materials and services related to the construction of the aformentioned works. 3. Implement the works as per the approved design. 4. Provide financial and other documentation as specified in the MOU.
248 Recognizing that the City of Toronto is funding the implementation of the Phase 2 works, TRCA will adopt the City of Toronto's purchasing policy regarding the use of union and skilled trade workers for any subcontracted work associated with the above. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, works such as the final surfacing (e.g. paving) of restored and new pathway connections.
FINANCIAL DETAILS The preliminary budget is estimated at approximately $950,000.00, plus HST, plus a 10% contingency to be expended by TRCA with permission from the City of Toronto. The cost of the project is 100% recoverable from the City of Toronto within account #214-01.
Report prepared by: Moranne McDonnell, 416-392-9725 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Moranne McDonnell, 416-392-9725 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 06, 2012
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RES.#A125/12 - KORTRIGHT VISITORS CENTRE RETROFIT PHASE 2 PROJECT Contract PMO12-07. Award of Contract PMO12-07 for roof replacement, exterior recladding and new glazing at the Kortright Visitors Centre, City of Vaughan.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
WHEREAS the Kortright Centre, constructed in 1979, a 30,000 square foot, three level post and beam structure has major deficiencies including severely deteriorated roof and walls;
AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) preliminary capital budgets have made requests for approximately $700,000.00 of ongoing capital funding over the next five years to address the state of good repair of the Kortright building, and additional funding is being sought through the Federal Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund for essential renewal of the Kortright building and The Living City Campus at Kortright;
AND WHEREAS the retrofit of the building has been planned to ensure minimal disruption of the operations, including access and rental for corporate and social functions, including the growing "green" wedding business and use by over 65,000 program participants and 40,000 visitors during the maple syrup season;
249 THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Contract PMO12-07 for the Kortright Visitor Centre Retrofit Phase 2 Project be awarded to Compass Construction Resources Ltd., at a cost not to exceed $1,271,440.00, plus 10% contingency, plus HST, subject to receipt of all necessary approvals and funding, it being the lowest bid meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications;
THAT award of tender be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and legal advisers (if necessary), including but not limited to determination of the final contract cost not to exceed the approved amount;
THAT should staff be unable to negotiate a mutually acceptable tender agreement with the above-mentioned contractor, staff be authorized to enter into contract negotiations with other contractors, beginning with the next lowest bidder meeting TRCA specifications;
THAT staff be authorized to spend in excess of available funding in any one year in order to carry out the most effective phasing of the work, as long as the total project does not exceed available funding over the life of the project;
THAT staff continue to implement the project in phases which have the highest regard for the needs and safety of the students and other visitors to Kortright;
THAT authorized officials be directed to take the necessary action to implement the contract including the signing and execution of documents;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Authority on funding status prior to initiating future phases of the retrofit. CARRIED BACKGROUND Situated just north of Toronto, on 325 hectares of pristine woodlands, Kortright Centre for Conservation (KCC) combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. KCC hosts 135,000 visitors annually and offers over 50 environmental education programs for schools and 30 sustainable technology workshops for the public, trade and professionals. It is also a popular location for green weddings and corporate functions.
Constructed in 1979, the Kortright Visitor Centre is a 30,000 square foot, three level post and beam structure, with a 140 seat theatre, eight classrooms, a cafe and gift shop. The Visitor Centre is the hub of all educational and recreational programs and activities that provide avenues to nature-based adventures such as hiking, skiing, orienteering, geocaching, birding, dogsledding and a natural classroom.
250 TRCA staff has identified significant deficiencies in the overall energy efficiency of the building which coincide with the failing structure. The mechanical system has deteriorated beyond its life expectancy and the windows and doors of the building are in need of replacement. The balcony overlooking the surrounding valley environment has been condemned for several years. In more recent years, the roof has been leaking excessively resulting in water damage to the interior of the building. These factors have all contributed to the increased ongoing maintenance cost, excessive energy bills and constant equipment failures which significantly impact daily programming. In order to continue as Ontario's premier environmental and renewable energy education and demonstration centre, TRCA plans to retrofit the Kortright Visitor Centre focusing on reducing the buildings overall energy/carbon footprint.
Beginning in 2010, TRCA staff worked closely with Levitt Goodman Architects Ltd. to prepare and refine detailed design and construction drawings required to move forward with a phased approach to retrofit the aging building. The Kortright Visitor Centre Retrofit Phase 1 project was subsequently completed in March 2012 and concentrated on the operations aspect of the building in order to improve its energy efficiency. The scope of work completed for Phase 1 included: 1. replacement of the existing HVAC system with a geothermal ground source heat pump system; 2. structural repairs to the balcony; 3. replacement of clerestory windows on the mezzanine and balcony level; 4. new doors at every level of the building; 5. installation of an Energy Recovery Ventilation unit; and 6. all abatement work related to the Designated Substance Survey report completed December, 2010.
Having addressed the internal energy deficiencies, the focus has now shifted towards the building envelope for Phase 2 of the retrofit. The scope of work includes completing the detailed design for the rehabilitation of the exterior walls and roof of the existing building. Additional insulation will be added to several areas of the building to increase the thermal resistance (R-Value) to improve the interior temperature conditions. Additional glazing has also been proposed along the south and east walls and skylights in the north and west sloped roofing sections to bring more natural light into the three levels of the Visitor Centre. The Phase 2 works will ensure that the building exterior issues are addressed in conjunction with improving the building aesthetics to support the Kortright Centre programming.
RATIONALE Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) for general contractors to perform the Phase 2 retrofit was advertised on-line with Biddingo.com on May 25, 2012 and closed on May 30, 2012. The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment required to complete the scope of work for the project. The general contractor will coordinate all construction activities which comprise of a new roof, new siding and additional windows on the lower level of the building.
Interested general contractors in pre-qualifying were advised that the criteria for evaluation will include the following in order to receive a tender package: CCDC 11 (Canadian Construction Documents Committee) requirements and completion; past experience in the construction of buildings of similar size;
251 past experience with similar buildings; experience of suggested personnel for this project; project record over the past five years; ability to meet construction schedule milestones; ability to coordinate work by others; experience dealing with designated hazardous substances; experience dealing with projects with construction budgets of $750,000.00 to $1,500,000.00; references focusing on firms history of project control and experience.
All interested general contractors will need to be bondable and will require a bid bond of 10% of the contract price at the time of the tender submission. Pre-qualification information was submitted by the following 14 firms: BECC Construction Group; Chart Construction Management; Compass Construction Resources Ltd.; Elite Construction; Everlast Restoration; J.D. Strachan Construction; JJM McGuire Contractors; Limen Group; Martinway Contracting; Morosons Construction; R-Chad Contracting; RTM; Rutherford Contracting; and Struct-Con Construction.
The pre-qualifying documents were reviewed by the selection committee made up of TRCA staff whose evaluation was based on the previously defined criteria and reference checks for past completed projects.
Based on the evaluation process, Tender documents were made available to the following nine general contractors: BECC Construction Group; Compass Construction Resources Ltd.; Elite Construction; J.D. Strachan Construction; JJM McGuire Contractors; Limen Group; Martinway Contracting; Rutherford contracting; and Struct-Con Construction.
All pre-qualified companies attended a mandatory site meeting on June 12, 2012.
252 Tenders closed on July 5, 2012 at 12:00pm and were opened by the Tender Opening Committee on July 6, 2012 with the following results:
BIDDERS TOTAL (Plus HST) Compass Construction Resources Ltd. $1,271,440.00 BECC Construction Group $1,293,694.69 Struct-Con Construction $1,353,000.00 Martinway Contracting $1,398,000.00 Rutherford contracting $1,436,508.00 J.D. Strachan Construction $1,550,300.00
Having previously pre-qualified the bidders qualifications, TRCA staff evaluated the tenders on the bid prices and the ability to complete the project as specified in the tender documents. TRCA reviewed the bids against its own cost estimates and has determined that the bids are of reasonable value. Based on evaluation of the bids received, staff recommends that Contract PMO12-07 be awarded to Compass Construction Resources Ltd. for the total cost not to exceed $1,271,440.00, plus a 10% contingency plus HST, as they are the lowest bidder that meets TRCA specifications.
FINANCIAL DETAILS The costs associated with Kortright Centre Retrofits will be offset by funding requested for 2012-2017. The table below outlines the projected budgets for each applicable year.
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Funder ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) York Region (418-22) 242,000 255,000 255,000 260,000 260,000 270,000 Peel Region (425-01) 175,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 300,000 York Region (425-01) 242,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 Funding Subtotal 659,000 705,000 705,000 710,000 710,000 820,000
The Phase 2 Retrofit will require additional funding from the 2013 budget to subsidize the costs over and beyond the 2012 budget. The reasoning behind this financing strategy is to prevent any disruptions to the Kortright Centre programming such as green weddings and school groups. The phases of the retrofit will be dependant on each other to ensure that the building will be able to continue with its revenue generating operations by providing a suitable venue to its clients. With the anticipated completion of the Phase 2 retrofit, the aesthetic improvements will allow for the scheduling of Phase 3 of the retrofit without having to turn away future business.
Additionally, the federal government has recently announced the Community Infrastructure Improvement Funding. Funding will be sought through this program to accelerate the retrofit of the building and to restore the Campus trails to a state of good repair.
2012 funds required are available in from the regions of York and Peel. Additional funds required to complete this project are identified in preliminary 2012-2017 Kortright Retrofit Capital Budget requests to York and Peel regions in accounts 418-22 and 425-01.
253 Report prepared by: Aaron D'Souza, extension 5775 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 10, 2012
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RES.#A126/12 - MIMICO WATERFRONT PARK PROJECT (PHASE 2) Contract RSD12-86. Award of Contract RSD12-86 for the supply and installation of Decorative Pathway Lighting.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Contract RSD12-86 for the supply and installation of Decorative Pathway Lighting, to the Mimico Waterfront Park Project (Phase 2) and the Humber Bay West Park, in the City of Toronto, be awarded to Stacey Electric Company for a total cost not to exceed $248,387.40, plus a contingency amount of $25,000.00 to be expended as authorized by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff, plus HST, it being the lowest bid meeting TRCA staff cost estimates and specifications;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized officials be directed to take the necessary action to implement the contract including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Mimico Waterfront Park Project (Phase 2) is located between Superior Avenue and Humber Bay West Park along the north shore of Lake Ontario, in the City of Toronto. The proposed pathway lighting will be an important element that ties Mimico Linear Waterfront Park (Phase 2) together with the surrounding city. Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) authorized TRCA to assume a leadership role in the planning, design and implementation for the construction of the Mimico Waterfront Park Project (Phase 2).
The decorative pathway lighting will be used along Mimico Linear Waterfront Park’s pathway to provide the necessary light and aesthetics to the area. It will continue along to the connecting Humber Bay West Park to replace the existing lighting fixtures to create a more uniform lighting scheme.
RATIONALE Request for Quotation (RFQ) packages were sent to a total of nine potential bidders as follows: Sturdy Power Lines Ltd.; Dilisado Enterprises; Langley Utilities Contracting Ltd; TBG Landscape Inc.; Stacey Electric Company; Black and McDonald; Beacon Utilities Contractors;
254 Guild Electric; and Platinum Electric.
Tender RSD12-86 was publicly advertised on the electronic procurement website Biddingo ( http://www.biddingo.com/) on June 19, 2012. Tenders were opened at Tender Opening Committee Meeting #3/12, held on July 6, 2012, with the following results:
Contract RSD12-86, Supply and installation of Decorative Pathway Lighting
TOTAL VALUE OF CONTRACT BIDDERS (Plus HST) Stacey Electric Company $248, 387.40 Platinum Electric $253,895.00 Guild Electric $257,530.00 Dilisado Enterprises $315,750.00 TBG Landscape Inc. $342,220.80 Beacon Utilities Contractors $479,693.70
The Project Design Engineer (Stevenson Engineering) reviewed the Tender submitted by Stacey Electric Company and agrees with staff's review of the same that the contract is of good value. Based on the bids received, staff recommend that Stacey Electric Company be awarded Contract RSD12-86 for the supply and installation of Decorative Pathway Lighting for a total amount not to exceed $248,387.40, plus a contingency amount of $25,000.00 to be expended as authorized by TRCA staff, plus HST, it being the lowest bid that meets TRCA staff cost estimates and specifications.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds are available within account #205-90 from TWRC.
Report prepared by: Rudra Bissoon, 416-393-6336 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: James Dickie, 416-392-9702 Email: [email protected] Date: July 06, 2012
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RES.#A127/12 - CHERRY BEACH Drainage Improvements. Approval to enter into an agreement with the City of Toronto to complete the planning and design of drainage improvements for Cherry Beach, City of Toronto.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
255 THAT approval be granted to enter into an agreement with the City of Toronto for the planning and design of drainage improvements for the roadway, turning circle and east parking lot at Cherry Beach, in the City of Toronto;
THAT implementation be subject to funding from the City of Toronto and terms and conditions satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff;
THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the approved projects, including obtaining needed approvals, tendering work, signing of contracts and execution of documents; and
AND FURTHER THAT the City of Toronto be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA has partnered with the City of Toronto for many years to provide project design, coordination of approvals and implementation services in support of City-led natural environment projects throughout the City and across the Toronto waterfront.
In 2006, the City formalized the process and requested TRCA to enter into an agreement which stipulated terms and conditions for the supply and delivery of projects and services in accordance with an approved list of projects. The agreement also provided a mechanism by which TRCA could invoice the City to recover costs for the services and material supplied.
In November 2011, TRCA was approached by the City of Toronto Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department to provide the lead role in the planning to re-design the existing roadway, turning circle and east parking lot to address deficiencies and improve stormwater drainage at Cherry Beach.
TRCA staff submitted a proposal to the City outlining the approach to the agreement, which was approved by the City of Toronto’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department in July 2012.
SCOPE OF WORK TRCA will be responsible for the overall project management including the following items: Retain the services of a professional geotechnical engineering firm and registered Ontario land surveyor to assist with the planning and design of the project. Contract management of the successful consultants. Manage the project schedule and budget. Ensure the completion of all project deliverables. Actively participate in meetings (including organization, attendance and preparation/distribution of meeting materials and minutes). Provide details on project approvals as project progresses through the planning process (including application(s) and notices). If required, complete the restoration/landscape plan for the project area.
The proposed consulting team will be responsible to complete the following items: Investigate and advise on drainage properties of existing soils, and provide recommendations for drainage improvements with respect to the development of design options.
256 Investigate and advise on the geotechnical properties of existing soils and granular parking lots, and advise on design recommendations for the repair of parking lot surfaces (and prevention of future potholes), and roadway design. Provide technical input into the construction/tender documentation to implement accepted design recommendations. Recommend and execute a materials and compaction testing quality control program during construction of park and drainage improvements.
RATIONALE TRCA involvement in the planning and implementation of this project was requested based on the history of cooperative project management between the City of Toronto and TRCA, and TRCA's specialized expertise in works of this type.
TRCA is recognized by the City of Toronto as being able to provide cost-effective management of watershed related projects due to highly specialized expertise, the ability to expedite required approvals and permits, facilitate community involvement and meet tight timelines. As such, the City has requested that TRCA enter into an agreement to implement the project.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Works will proceed by TRCA staff once approval is given by City of Toronto staff. Procurement of services will be conducted in accordance with TRCA's Purchasing Policy.
The total estimate value of work based on preliminary information is $90,000. Account code 197-01 has been setup for this project. The full costs of the project are 100% recoverable from the City of Toronto.
Report prepared by: Lindsay Prihoda, extension 5787 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Lindsay Prihoda, extension 5787 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 05, 2012 Attachments: 1
257 Attachment 1
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258 RES.#A128/12 - SUPPLY OF RENTAL RATES FOR OPERATED HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND DUMP TRUCKS Contract Extension. Extension of Contract RSD11-25 for the Supply of Rental Rates for Operated Heavy Construction Equipment and Dump Trucks, for the period August 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Contract RSD11-25 for Supply of Rental Rates for Operated Heavy Construction Equipment and Dump Trucks, awarded in 2011 to Sartor & Susin Ltd., be extended from August 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 subject to terms, conditions and performance satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff, at an estimated total cost of $3,200,000 plus HST, for a total estimated contract cost not to exceed $6,000,000 plus HST. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #7/11, held on July 29, 2011, Resolution #A168/11 was approved, in part, as follows:
THAT the Restoration Services Division utilize, as required, the services of Sartor and Susin for the supply of operated heavy construction equipment and dump trucks for the period August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012, be awarded to Sartor and Susin Limited, it being the tender that bests meets Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA's) requirements at a competitive cost;...
The current contract expiration date of July 31st is less than ideal as the summer months are extremely busy for construction, and the potential disruption in the provision of equipment by changing suppliers adds unnecessary risk to meeting project delivery dates. To mitigate this risk, staff recommend that the current contract be extended to March 31, 2012 to allow for the annual heavy equipment contract to commence April 1st annually thereafter, which is traditionally less demanding of heavy equipment at TRCA given the in-water construction restrictions between April 1st and July 31st. A contract commencement date of April 1st also aligns better with annual capital budget approvals, giving staff a better understanding of heavy equipment needs when preparing the new tender documents.
Sartor & Susin Ltd. have agreed to a contract extension and have submitted, in writing, a request for an increase of three percent (3%) to all unit rates to cover increases in their operating costs should the contract be extended on August 1st.
RATIONALE TRCA and Sartor & Susin Ltd. have worked together on numerous successful projects for more than 25 years, and through the tendering process, Sartor & Susin Ltd. has consistently provided the lowest unit rates with a broad spectrum of equipment and experienced operators. During this long-standing relationship Sartor & Susin Ltd. has always strived to accommodate TRCA's changes in scheduling, scope and equipment needs to help TRCA keep its projects on time and on budget.
259 Staff has reviewed the proposed new rate structure, in conjunction with a review of performance over the past year, and are satisfied that the requested three percent increase is reasonable.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Under the existing contract, Sartor & Susin Ltd. will have supplied approximately $2.8 million in heavy equipment services to TRCA between August 1, 2011 and July 31st, 2012. Based on a review of Restoration Services' tentative construction schedule between August 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, the estimated value of this contract extension is $3.2 million, which was determined based on an average annual monthly expenditure in heavy equipment of $234,000 x eight months, plus the addition of a special project approved under Resolution #A2/12 at Authority Meeting #1/12, held on February 24, 2012 (Armouring of the Flood Protection Landform at the West Don Lands) which is estimated to require up to $1,000,000 in heavy equipment alone between August 1st and October 31, 2012, plus a 10% contingency for additional work that may be identified during the extension period. It is noted that an increase or decrease in workload will have an impact on the value of this contract extension. The operated equipment is rented on an "as required" basis with no minimum or maximum rental hours guaranteed.
Report prepared by: Rudra Bissoon, 416-393-6336 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: James Dickie, 416-392-9702 Emails: [email protected] Date: June 29, 2012
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RES.#A129/12 - COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT FUND Project endorsement to meet Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund application requirements.
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Jack Heath
WHEREAS the federal government has announced the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), a funding program for the renovation and rehabilitation of community infrastructure between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2014;
AND WHEREAS project applications must be duly authorized or endorsed by a resolution of the Authority and submitted as a component of the application;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) submit funding applications to the CIIF program for the following projects: Kortright Centre For Conservation Retrofit, Municipal Water Connection and Trail Plan; Black Creek Pioneer Village Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure; Communication IT Services and Upgrades across all TRCA Facilities;
260 Petticoat Creek Aquatic Facility Enhancements; Accessibility Upgrades at all TRCA Facilities; Claremont Field Centre Accessibility and Energy Efficiency Retrofit; Albion Hills Conservation Area Road Upgrades; Bolton Camp Recreation Centre Revitalization; Arsenal Building Renovation;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff report to the Authority for additional approvals as required. CARRIED BACKGROUND First announced in Economic Action Plan 2012, the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million for the repair and improvement of community infrastructure facilities across Canada. Eligible projects include expansion of existing community infrastructure facilities such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural facilities and other community facilities. This will improve the quality of community facilities and provide economic benefits, including support for job creation, in communities across Canada.
FedDev Ontario is delivering the CIIF in Ontario with an allocation of $49.6 million over two years. Applications are being accepted for projects in Ontario until August 24, 2012.
Under CIIF, eligible recipients may receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50 percent of eligible costs of an infrastructure project, with recipients providing the remaining balance. However, priority may be given to those projects that require a CIIF contribution of only 33.3 percent. Eligible recipients may receive contributions of up to a maximum of $1,000,000. The total funding from all federal sources will not exceed 50 percent of total eligible project cost. Eligible projects must be substantially completed by March 31, 2014.
Project applications must be duly authorized or endorsed by a board resolution. The resolution must be submitted at the time of the application.
TRCA staff would like to submit applications for the following projects. The application requires projects be ranked in terms of priority for a submitting agency, and ranking will be determined as full project applications are developed. Project names, details, costs grant percentages provided below are preliminary and may be updated as staff work through the application process.
Kortright Centre For Conservation Retrofit, Municipal Water Connection and Trail Plan Upgrade and enhance existing facilities as follows with the aim of revitalizing the programs and facilities of the Kortright Centre: retrofit of the Kortright Visitor Centre; installation of municipal water servicing; and upgrade and reconfiguration of existing trail systems and learning spaces to enhance learning activities related to renewable energy, biodiversity and cultural heritage, including The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk
261 The budget for this project is approximately $3,000,000. TRCA is seeking a 33.3% contribution of $1,000,000 from the CIIF for this project. Planning for this project is underway with $2,000,000 funding secured from Peel and York regions.
Black Creek Pioneer Village Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure Improve emergency preparedness at Black Creek Pioneer Village to protect its property, infrastructure, staff and visitors as well as reduce the potential for economic losses by undertaking the following: installation of a generator at the Visitors Centre to reduce impacts of power outages on: public safety of the more than 135,000 visitors annually; and historic artifacts and perishable products that must be maintained in a climate controlled setting; and staff training in, emergency procedures and protocols, and purchase of emergency equipment.
The budget for this project is $250,000. TRCA is seeking 50% contribution of $125,000 from the CIIF. Remainder of the funding is available through Black Creek Pioneer Village 2013 Capital Budget through the City of Toronto.
Communication IT Services and Upgrades across all TRCA Facilities This project involves upgrades to the computing power and network call carrying capacity across all TRCA facilities in order to drive: employee productivity and learning; quality customer service to clients; and cost effectiveness; through improved computer hardware, connectivity, consolidated databases, e-government website services and process automation.
The budget for this project is $1,170,000. TRCA is seeking 50% contribution of $585,000 from the CIIF. The remainder of the funds are available through TRCA's IT and Website Development budgets.
Petticoat Creek Aquatic Facility Enhancements Construction of Petticoat Creek Aquatic Facility was completed in 2012 through funding from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) and Ontario Recreation programs as well as TRCA reserve funds. Several design components of the facility were omitted from the original project due to budget constraints. The TRCA submission for Petticoat Creek Aquatic Facility Enhancements will include: retrofit of existing snack bar building; replacement of existing playground facility; installation of a central shade structure and two smaller structures; and installation of additional water play features in the splash pool.
The budget for this project is $600,000. TRCA is seeking a 50% contribution of $300,000 from the CIIF and will work jointly with our municipal partners and others to provide the remainder of the required funds.
262 Accessibility Upgrades at all TRCA Facilities TRCA is committed to improving opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that may otherwise preclude them from visiting TRCA facilities. One in six Canadians has some form of disability, comprising a significant portion of the consumer market. Furthermore, due to the aging Baby Boomer generation, the percentage of the population requiring barrier free access to recreation facilities is likely to increase in the next decade. Therefore, accessibility improvements and the removal of barriers at TRCA facilities provides opportunities for engagement in recreation and learning activities by a larger segment of the population, and a resultant potential increase in revenue generation.
All proposed upgrades and retrofits will follow the City of Toronto Accessibility Design Guidelines and be in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Building Code. Accessibility retrofits will meet the following objectives: make approaching, entering and using buildings and structures easier. In this respect, accessible design must address a wide variety of internal and external building elements; provide an equivalent level of life safety for everyone, including methods of leaving a building and communicating in an emergency; and emphasize dignity and independence, providing those features that will allow people to function in their day to day activities.
Scope of work will include: establish barrier-free access trails and paths to existing washrooms/public use facilities across all TRCA locations; create accessible camping areas and adjacent facilities; and retrofit existing washroom facilities to meet accessibility standards.
The budget for this project is $500,000. TRCA is seeking a 50% contribution of $250,000 from the CIIF. TRCA is currently pursuing other grant applications as well as capital asks from its municipal partners for the remainder of the funds.
Claremont Field Centre Accessibility and Energy Efficiency Retrofit Renovation and retrofit of Claremont Field Centre to provide barrier free access for students of various levels of ability (physical, visual and auditory) to outdoor education programs through: redevelopment of outdoor education assets, including wetlands, pioneer cabin, group dynamics course and associated trails; and retrofit and renovation of Claremont Field Centre building.
In addition, improvements will be made to the building envelope to achieve a high level of environmental performance, thereby reducing the climate change impact of Claremont Field Centre and improve visitor comfort, while providing a learning opportunity for visiting students on climate change.
The budget for this project is $380,000. TRCA is seeking a 50% contribution of $190,000 from the CIIF. Planning for this project is underway with funding available in the Claremont Field Centre Operating Major Maintenance Account, Public Use Capital and The Living City Foundation (proceeds from Sunny Days for Conservation).
263 Albion Hills Conservation Area Road Upgrades Albion Hills Conservation Area requires significant road upgrades to the internal road network as many are in a state of disrepair and pose a health and safety issue for staff and visitors. Works include paving or repaving auxiliary roads at the conservation area.
The budget for this project is $450,000. TRCA is seeking a 50% contribution of $225,000 from the CIIF. Remainder of the funding is available through the Region of Peel capital budget.
Bolton Camp Recreation Centre Revitalization Upgrade and enhance existing recreation facilities as follows at the historic Bolton Camp in the Town of Caledon in order to kick start the efforts of TRCA and its municipal partners in re-establishing a recreation use at this significant community asset: upgrade the ‘Dining Hall’ and gymnasium to allow for barrier-free access and to return the buildings to a usable state; and recreation infrastructure upgrades including pool retrofit, replacing and upgrading changerooms to meet Ontario Disability Act Standards, turf sports field restoration and nature trail enhancements.
The budget for this project is $1,200,000. TRCA is seeking a 33.3% contribution of $400,000 from the CIIF. Remainder of the funding of $800,000 is identified in the TRCA budget from the Region of Peel and City of Toronto.
Arsenal Building Renovation The Arsenal Building has been designated by City of Mississauga under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Lakeview Legacy Foundation, created by a group of local residents, is looking at adaptive reuse opportunities for the building. Future uses proposed by the Lakeview Legacy Foundation include: Arts: with artists in residence and others sharing studio/display/performance space; Culture: with programming to celebrate culture in Mississauga; Heritage: to commemorate the role of the site and building history; Science: to examine brownfield sites in relation to culture and community development.
In order to accommodate such use, this heritage structure needs to be preserved and prevented from further deterioration, therefore requiring the following upgrades: replacement or improvement of the heating, plumbing, electrical supply and distributions systems; replacement the roof on the rear portion of the building and other minor structural work; and abatement of existing asbestos.
The budget for this project is $3,000,000. TRCA is seeking 33.3% contribution of $1,000,000 from the CIIF. $2,000,000 has been requested from the Region of Peel.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will submit CIIF funding applications for the aforementioned projects by August 24, 2012. Approved projects will be presented to the Authority for further approvals as required.
264 Report prepared by: Kate Pankov, extension 6418 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Kate Pankov, extension 6418 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 13, 2012
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RES.#A130/12 - TORONTO AND REGION REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN Renewal of Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan agreements between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, respectively.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff continue to work with federal and provincial representatives to finalize the 2012-2013 Remedial Action Plan (RAP) agreements between TRCA and Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, respectively;
AND FURTHER THAT staff continue to work with the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) team, federal, provincial and municipal staff, the academic community, environmental non-governmental organizations and others to implement the 2012-2013 RAP workplan and advance RAP objectives. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan was instituted in response to the 1987 designation of Toronto and Region as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC). The AOC designation was one of 42 (later 43) made by the International Joint Commission. The Toronto and Region AOC consists of six watersheds stretching from the Rouge River in the east to Etobicoke Creek in the west.
Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA), Environment Canada (EC) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) share responsibility for ensuring progress on the Great Lakes AOCs. Since 2002, TRCA has led the administration of the Toronto and Region RAP under agreements with EC and the MOE. Management of the Toronto and Region RAP is undertaken by representatives from EC, MOE, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and TRCA.
On June 13, 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced their intention to renegotiate the GLWQA. The GLWQA came into effect in 1978, and was last amended in 1987 - the time at which areas of concern and remedial action plans were introduced through GLWQA Annex 2. The renegotiation of the GLWQA is currently ongoing, and Conservation Ontario has been involved as a respondent in the associated GLWQA public consultation processes.
265 On March 31, 2010, the 2007-2010 COA expired, as did the respective 2007-2010 RAP agreements between TRCA and EC and MOE, respectively. As the GLWQA is the agreement on which COA negotiations are predicated, the federal and provincial governments have to date deferred the renegotiation of a subsequent COA. Instead, the governments extended the 2007-2010 COA over the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 federal/provincial fiscal years and maintained program scope and funding at existing levels. Remedial Action Plan program delivery in the 2012-2013 fiscal year is anticipated to be supported through the second year of a four-year, $1,000,000 agreement with EC, as well as a single year, $250,000 agreement with the MOE.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The activities of the Remedial Action Plan 2012-2013 fiscal year will build on the milestones of 2011-2012. The first of these milestones was the re-designation of two categories of environmental degradation, or Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), from “Requires Further Assessment” to “Not Impaired”. At the completion of the RAP Stage 1 report in 1989, Toronto and Region was deemed to be “Impaired” for eight BUIs, as well as to require additional research on three Beneficial Use Impairements. Three additional BUIs were deemed to be “Not Impaired”. Additional assessment, research, analysis and public review were completed 2011-2012 for two of the three Beneficial Use Impairments that required further assessment: Fish Tumours or Other Deformities; and Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems. The research results indicated that these Beneficial Uses were Not "Impaired" within the Toronto and Region AOC; their respective changes in status to “Not Impaired” marked the first such re-designations for the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan.
A second milestone attained in 2011-2012 was the launch of a review and update of the criteria against which the remaining Beneficial Use Impairments will be considered “Impaired” or “Not Impaired”. The existing criteria were set forth in the 1994 RAP Stage 2 document Clean Waters, Clear Choices. The review of these criteria involves a public consultation process underpinned by dialogue with academic and agency technical experts. The anticipated outcome of these proceedings will be updated targets based on indicators of both environmental quality and program implementation - these targets will outline an ambitious but achievable path forward toward delisting Toronto and Region as an Area of Concern by 2020.
Current Remedial Action Plan Initiatives The TRCA RAP workplan for 2012-2013 was approved at the RAP Team meeting of July 12, 2012. The 2012-2013 workplan is similar to those of previous years, with the majority of resources being directed toward the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP), the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP), habitat initiatives, watershed strategies, and education and outreach programs. Collectively these programs reflect the RAP’s priorities in supporting Low Impact Development (LID), stormwater management, effective stewardship and environmental monitoring of the AOC.
The City of Toronto Don River and Central Waterfront Project (Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan Implementation) continues to constitute an important element of a revitalized Toronto and Region AOC.
266 In collaboration with TRCA and Conservation Ontario, in 2012-2013 the Remedial Action Plan has contributed, and will continue to contribute, feedback as requested in response to the June 6, 2012, MOE draft Bill 100: An Act to protect and restore the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin and draft Great Lakes Strategy. If passed, this Act could represent significant opportunity for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes, and Great Lakes Areas of Concern thereof.
The Remedial Action Plan will also continue to fund a public outreach program – the Lake Ontario Evenings (LOE) – throughout 2012-2013. The LOE program was initiated in 2009 with the mandate to provide casual public venues in which attendees can listen to, and ask questions of experts on issues currently faced by Lake Ontario. There have been nine LOE events to date, and the audience and media response have been sufficiently positive to maintain this initiative through 2012-2013.
Challenges for the Future As noted above, federal and provincial support of the RAP in 2012-2013 is similar in scope and resources to that provided in recent years. While the review and update of AOC targets will provide realistic and achievable endpoints for the Toronto and Region RAP, these targets will only be met and the Toronto and Region be delisted as an Area of Concern with significant financial commitments by all levels of government.
FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA funding for RAP initiatives in 2012-2013 will be provided by funding agreements between TRCA and EC ($250,000), and TRCA and MOE ($250,000). Project proponents from within TRCA apply to the Toronto and Region RAP team for funds, and the TRCA RAP workplan is developed on the basis of these proposals. It is anticipated that the agreement between TRCA and MOE will be for one year and will expire on March 31, 2013; a four-year agreement with Environment Canada was implemented in July 2011 and will expire on March 31, 2015.
In addition to dedicated RAP funds, certain TRCA projects (e.g. STEP and Rural Clean Water Program) also receive funding through municipal capital funding, MOE, MNR and federal Great Lakes Sustainability Fund which also advances RAP objectives.
Report prepared by: Stephanie Hawkins, extension 5576 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Meg St John, extension 5576 Emails: [email protected] Date: May 03, 2012
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RES.#A131/12 - HIGHLAND CREEK WATERSHED GREENING PROJECTS UPDATE To report on current Highland Creek watershed greening projects and recent accomplishments.
267 Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to continue to work with the Highland Creek watershed communities and City of Toronto staff to plan and implement Neighbourhood Greening Plan projects;
THAT staff continue to apply for external funding to support the implementation of Neighbourhood Greening projects;
THAT staff apply the Neighbourhood Greening Project planning and community engagement approach to other areas of the Highland Watershed as opportunities arise;
THAT the final Neighbourhood Greening Plans be circulated to the project’s community partner organizations and made available to the public on TRCA’s website;
THAT the Ontario Trillium Foundation be thanked for their generous contribution to make the Highland Creek Watershed Neighbourhood Greening Project possible;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report back to the Authority on this project and the Greening Strategy as appropriate. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Highland is an “urban creek” with more than 85 kilometres of watercourses draining an area of 102 square kilometres. It is located primarily within the City of Toronto (Scarborough) with its northern-most limits within the City of Markham. Whereas the watershed was once nearly 100 percent forested, it is now 85 percent developed and home to over 360,000 people. Due to intense pressures from urbanization, the watercourses and natural ecosystems in the Highland Creek watershed are affected by compromised water quality, erosion caused by high storm flows, and degradation of terrestrial natural heritage. Only 0.5 percent of its original wetlands remain.
While the Highland Creek watershed has been extensively developed, remnant forests, wetlands and meadows provide habitat for a range of wildlife, particularly through the ravine system south of Highway 401 which includes Morningside Park, Cedarbrook Park, Colonel Danforth Park and Stephenson’s Swamp at the mouth of the creek. Many of the Highland’s watercourses have been buried or channelized as land was developed, particularly north of Highway 401.
The Highland Creek watershed is the only remaining watershed within the City of Toronto's jurisdiction that has not undergone a comprehensive process to develop an integrated watershed strategy to address the multiple issues and opportunities for regeneration of urban watersheds.
268 A State of the Watershed Report was completed by TRCA and City of Toronto for the Highland watershed in 1999, that provided a comprehensive document on the natural and cultural heritage conditions of the Highland Creek watershed and an assessment of then-current environmental and related social conditions. The report also provided suggestions for future management of the Highland watershed.
The City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Master Plan (WWFMP), adopted in 2003, has provided an excellent basis to address a number of serious water quality and quantity issues found across the City of Toronto, including the Highland watershed. Subsequent to completion of the WWFMP, the City proceeded with a geomorphology study of the Highland watershed to protect infrastructure and improve fish habitat. The objectives of this Highland Creek Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan are to: gain a detailed understanding of the Highland Creek system; reduction in risk to public health and safety; enhancement of channel stability; preservation/enhancement of fisheries habitat; and prioritization of works and management of capital and operational costs.
The August 19, 2005 storm had a significant impact on Highland Creek, including extensive erosion, damage to Toronto Water infrastructure and private property. Down-cutting of the creek bed from ongoing stormwater erosion led to exposure and damage to a sanitary sewer crossing in Morningside Park requiring Toronto Water to undertake emergency works while simultaneously working on the comprehensive Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan for 40 valley segments across the watershed.
At Authority Meeting #7/07 TRCA staff provided an update on the City's Geomorphic Systems Master Plan studies and design process to implement channel restoration works. Authority direction to develop a Highland Creek Watershed Greening Strategy was approved via Resolution #A207/07, in part, as follows:
...THAT the City of Toronto be requested to explore opportunities to enhance the Highland Creek valley system by restoring natural habitat, reconnecting the channel to the floodplain and improving the trails and other recreational amenities through the development of a comprehensive Greening Strategy for the Highland Creek watershed;...
In 2009 a TRCA capital budget request, supported by the City of Toronto, was approved to develop a Greening Strategy to integrate various TRCA and City of Toronto objectives and plans. The Greening Strategy was to serve as a restoration strategy to, in part, accompany the Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan. TRCA and City staff decided to defer undertaking the development of the Greening Strategy, and associated plans such as the Habitat Implementation Plan and Aquatic Habitat Management Plan, until the City’s Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan was complete.
269 In early 2011, the City of Toronto completed the Highland Creek Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan under the Municipal Class EA Master Planning process. The Plan identified geomorphic and aquatic habitat-based solutions to manage the impacts of historical channelization and excessive stormwater run-off in the stream channels of the Highland Creek watershed. TRCA staff provided technical input to the plan including archaeological screening of the study area, York-Peel-Durham-Toronto Groundwater model and TRCA’s base flow measurements comparisons, and an assessment of potential terrestrial heritage impacts as a result of the proposed valley segment works. Key recommendations of the study include: The study confirms the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan study finding that in-stream intervention is the necessary solution to resolve stream restoration issues. A variety of solutions that vary in scale are needed to address priority infrastructure protection and aquatic habitat issues, ranging from stream realignment projects to complete channel reconstruction to site scale repairs and channel maintenance solutions. A limited number of opportunities for end-of-pipe facilities exist. These solutions would be implemented over the next two to three decades.
With the City of Toronto’s Highland Creek Geomorphic Systems Master Plan study completed, TRCA staff moved forward with development of a work plan for the Greening Strategy, establishing goals and objectives, and compiling updated existing conditions mapping. Community engagement and education efforts also commenced through the Ontario Trillium Foundation funded Highland Watershed Neighbourhood Greening Project (see below).
Greening Strategy An internal steering committee of TRCA and City of Toronto staff from Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Toronto Water worked to develop and refine the following goal and objectives of the Greening Strategy:
Goal: The goal of the Highland Watershed Greening Strategy is to provide a strategic restoration action plan to enhance the Highland Creek valley system and overall watershed functions. The strategy will complement the City of Toronto’s Highland Creek Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan and focus on urban stormwater management and terrestrial natural heritage system improvements. The target audience is landowners, land managers and planners, community groups and residents. It will address City of Toronto and TRCA plans including: Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan; Remedial Action Plan for the Toronto Area of Concern; Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy and Urban Tree Canopy targets; Aquatic Habitat Management Plan; Climate Change Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan; The Living City Objectives.
Additional elements such as opportunities for green energy and the socioeconomic structure of the watershed will also be considered.
Objectives: provide input to restoration requirements associated with the City of Toronto’s Geomorphic Systems Master Plan Implementation Project;
270 identify opportunities to: protect and restore natural aquatic and terrestrial habitat and species; reconnect the channel to the floodplain; manage stormwater to protect people and health of streams and rivers; address flooding and erosion through greening actions; protect and improve surface and groundwater quality; improve trail connections and recreational amenities; apply climate change mitigation and adaptation measures; provide recommendations to retrofit infill and redevelopment projects; and apply innovative approaches and sustainable technologies; concentrate and integrate efforts in strategic areas where multiple objectives of various plans, policies and practices can be met; support and build the capacity of landowners, land managers, community groups and residents to understand and implement greening initiatives, through education, awareness, stewardship, partnerships, social marketing and demonstration projects; recognize the diverse population in the watershed and work to engage a wide range of communities in the Highland; and gauge success and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented projects.
A workplan was developed identifying three key phases of work: Phase 1 - Scoping and Characterization, Phase 2 - Analysis and Evaluation of Options, and Phase 3 - Development of the Greening Strategy. A Public, Partner and Stakeholder Involvement Strategy was also developed with ongoing consultation with City of Toronto departments and other agencies such as Ministry of Natural Resources and Hydro One. Currently, Phase 1 - Scoping and Characterization is near completion and includes an update of existing conditions mapping using best available data, a Restoration Opportunities Plan, an Aquatic Habitat Management Plan, identification of urban tree canopy enhancement opportunities and recommendations for lot level stormwater management.
Phase 2 - Analysis and Evaluation of Options, is commencing in summer 2012 to identify priority restoration and strategic implementation actions through review and integration of findings of the various Phase 1 study components.
Key next steps include reconvening the internal steering committee to review and select priority restoration opportunities and recommendations, develop a draft implementation plan, circulate a draft Greening Strategy for review by partners and stakeholders, hold public information sessions to present the strategy to the larger watershed community, and finalize and make available the Highland Creek Watershed Greening Strategy. The Greening Strategy is anticipated to be completed in 2013.
It should be noted that in addition to the technical study component of the Greening Strategy, community interests, constraints and opportunities are being explored and are to be addressed in the Greening Strategy through the two-year Highland Creek Watershed Neighbourhood Greening Project and the development of Neighbourhood Greening Plans for three pilot project areas of the watershed.
271 Neighbourhood Greening Project In 2010 TRCA received $131,000 over two years from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the Highland Creek Watershed Neighbourhood Greening Project. The objective of the project is to build the capacity of communities in three neighbourhoods to address the key issues facing the Highland Creek watershed – urban stormwater run-off and degradation of terrestrial natural heritage systems. Further, the project aids in building our understanding of the watershed communities, and identifying opportunities for stewardship projects associated with Greening Strategy initiatives.
Residents’ interests have also included greening initiatives such as green energy options, water conservation and waste reduction/management and are being incorporated into the project through the Greening Plans and connecting residents with existing programs offered by the municipality and others.
The project: uses education and engagement activities to build capacity of communities to develop a vision for neighbourhood greening activities in the Highland Creek watershed; has developed Neighbourhood Greening Concept Plans for three focus areas within the watershed; and is establishing ‘Green Teams’ and resources for each of the three focus areas to move concept plans forward to the planning and implementation stage.
The three pilot project areas in the Highland Creek are the neighbourhoods around Milliken Park, Cedarbrook Park and Morningside Park.
A strength of the project is its collaborative nature, including the following partners: ACORN Canada; Centennial College; Centennial College Student Association – Environmental Student Society; Curran Hall Community Association; City of Toronto - Parks, Forestry and Recreation and Toronto Water; Live Green Toronto; and Toronto Chinese for Ecological Living.
Key deliverables of the project include: development of community-supported Neighbourhood Greening Plans for three pilot project areas of the watershed, through a series of community based workshops; establishment of Green Teams to help drive identified projects forward through the planning to implementation stages; a Neighbourhood Greening Resources guide as a companion piece to the Greening Plans, compiling local resources for residents to aid them in taking action to start projects; survey of residents of the three pilot project areas to better understand community interests, concerns, opportunities, constraints and outreach mechanisms; a Community Characterization Report, based on surveys, interviews with community leaders, Toronto Neighbourhood and Priority Neighbourhood data, and census information; development of a self-guided interpretive walk for Milliken Park; communications materials including an informational brochure on the watershed and its programs, a biannual Highland Highlights e-newsletter, and website updates; and
272 over 30 community stewardship events, such as tree plantings, workshops and clean ups, with original and new community partners.
The Neighbourhood Greening Plans developed for the three pilot project areas are similar to other TRCA community action site plans such as the Don watershed regeneration plan’s concept site plans and Humber River watershed plan’s community action sites. The Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plans (SNAPs) represent a more intensive and technically detailed planning process. The Neighbourhood Greening Plans may serve as initial high level plans for future, more comprehensive SNAP-type projects depending on funding and interest levels.
In addition to the deliverables noted above, significant added value benefits have been realized as a result of the project to date. TRCA’s presence, working in collaboration with community partners has increased communities’ ecological literacy and understanding of specific watershed issues and related solutions, identified watershed champions to work with TRCA and City of Toronto to advocate for implementation of greening projects into the future, developed an effective door-to-door and personalized outreach method to engage residents in surveys and workshops, increased our understanding of Scarborough communities, and led to new initiatives beyond the scope of the Neighbourhood Greening Projects, including the Scarborough Butterfly Trail and a Friends of Birkdale Ravine group.
Key next steps include sourcing additional funding for the implementation phase of identified priority projects of the Neighbourhood Greening Plans, continued community capacity building through working with Green Team members, work with City of Toronto departments to support community based projects, and the application of the Neighbourhood Greening Plan model to other watershed communities. Funding applications for these future phases of work are planned for fall 2012.
Copies of the Neighbourhood Greening Plans will be available at the July 27, 2012 Authority meeting.
Related Projects Scarborough Centre Butterfly Trail The Habitat Implementation Plan developed for the Greening Strategy included a review of hydro corridors in the Highland to identify potential habitat restoration projects. The review led to the more detailed plans for the Scarborough Centre Butterfly Trail in Ward 38. This habitat restoration project is designed to improve the environmental integrity of the Gatineau Hydro Corridor, particularly meadow habitat, with a pilot project phase that began in spring 2012 between McCowan and Brimley roads. The site will be restored, from non-native fescue grass, to meadow habitat including native wildflowers, grasses, shrub nodes and habitat structures. Future phases of work are planned pending availability of funding. The project is in partnership with City of Toronto, Hydro One and the Rural Lambton Stewardship Network.
273 Friends of Birkdale Ravine Through community engagement initiatives as part of the Neighbourhood Greening Project, interest from the Midland Park Community Association in establishing a Friends of Birkdale Ravine group was raised. Interests include habitat enhancement projects, education and awareness initiatives, and garnering support for implementation of Greening Strategy projects. TRCA, along with City of Toronto staff, attended the initial Friends of Birkdale Ravine group meeting to provide input and identify areas of potential support. Further, discussions with the local councillor about habitat restoration project opportunities in Birkdale Ravine are underway.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds for finalizing the Greening Strategy and undertaking implementation of priority projects are available in the Highland Creek Valley and Stream Greening Program account 113-94 in the 2012-2022 Toronto capital budget. In addition, the Greening Strategy will serve as a guide for directing restoration actions that will be required as Toronto Water implements the Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan and the Geomorphic Systems Master Implementation Plan through the Environmental Assessment and Ontario Regulation 166/06 permitting process. Staff will also seek additional funding opportunities to continue community engagement and implementation of Neighbourhood Greening Plan projects through the existing budget processes, in collaboration with City of Toronto departments and through other external funding sources, including partnerships and in kind resources.
Report prepared by: Keri McMahon, extension 5243 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Keri McMahon, extension 5243, Adele Freeman, extension 5238 Emails: [email protected], [email protected] Date: July 6, 2012
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RES.#A132/12 - BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT Partnership Memorandum of Understanding. Authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Building Research Establishment and to develop a business plan for a Canadian innovation park.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to collaborate on research, education and training initiatives;
THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to implement the agreement;
274 AND FURTHER THAT TRCA be authorized to spend up to $50,000.00 to fund the development of a business plan for a Canadian innovation park to be located at The Living City Campus at Kortright, subject to funding being available. CARRIED BACKGROUND With over 90 years of building research to its credit, BRE is a world-leading research, consultancy, training, testing and certification organization delivering sustainability and innovation across the built environment and beyond. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, BRE is owned by BRE Trust, a registered charity. Profits earned by BRE go to BRE Trust and are used to conduct key research projects that benefit the construction sector and the greater society.
The following is a list of services offered by BRE: Consultancy – help to create safe and healthy, high quality, cost effective buildings, communities and businesses, while meeting legislative, client, social and environmental requirements at every stage of the project. Research – an ability to generate new knowledge to tackle today's challenges head on. Provision of information needed to underpin national building regulations, and to help develop and use new and improved processes and products. Testing - with an extraordinary range of cutting-edge facilities, BRE can test the performance of everything from individual products to whole buildings. Innovation – BRE’s specialized knowledge of the built environment, combined with their research and development capabilities, can help bring new ideas to life. Sustainability – BRE can help clients reduce environmental impacts of buildings, communities and businesses at all stages, from planning and design, through use and refurbishment, to end of life disposal. Training and Events – a very wide range of training courses, seminars and conferences are offered by BRE experts.
In October, 2011 BRE Canada was launched with an aim to: improve the quality of the economic, environmental and social legacy for future generations; help Canada be more competitive internationally; partner with Canadian industry, government and education to advance research and innovation for the built environment; innovate, test and showcase best practices, new methods and construction materials through the development of a BRE Canada Innovation Park; bring world-class expertise to Canada; influence consumer behavior through improved awareness.
275 The development of innovation parks is at the core of BRE’s business services. In 2005, BRE established the first Innovation Park in Watford, England. Its aim was to provide a mini-community test bed for architects, designers, planners, manufacturers, materials producers and technology suppliers where they could try out their innovations before applying them in the real world. Encouraged by the success in Watford, BRE has developed two additional innovation parks in the UK (Scotland and Wales) and are developing a network of innovation parks across the world in places such as China, Mexico and Brazil in order to provide inspiration, demonstration and innovation for the local construction industries within each country. The innovation parks have helped shape national sustainability policy, supported manufacturers to develop new products, taught designers and contractors how to build more sustainable buildings, supported companies to sell their products and services, and helped over 50,000 people live in a more environmentally conscious manner.
RATIONALE TRCA staff has met with BRE representatives on a number of occasions to discuss the potential for partnership opportunities recognizing there is a mutual interest in advancing the Canadian sustainable building industry. TRCA and BRE have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize this partnership between the two organizations based on the following shared vision:
To support sustainable economic development and to influence environmental change in Canada through high quality and sustainable built form, innovative construction methods and materials and the adoption of clear and challenging standards that improve the quality of life for all who live and work in the region.
This partnership, the first of its kind between BRE and a Canadian organization, will mark a significant milestone in the future of the built environment in Canada. As outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, both parties will work to address the wider issues related to the built environment covering issues such as sustainable development, innovation, business enterprise and wealth creation, green jobs, skills and training.
Both parties will collaborate on the following key areas of business: development of an Innovation Park to demonstrate the latest innovative technologies for new and existing buildings and further demonstration opportunities for design, construction process, renewable energy and quality of place; collaborate on the role out of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Evaluation Assessment Methodology) within Ontario; collaborate on education and training; collaborate on research activities.
Both parties will collaborate on the following key areas of research: low carbon construction technologies; sustainable building materials; sustainable construction standards such as BREEAM; green building science; low impact development/sustainable urban drainage system; low water and energy housing;
276 sustainable communities; healthy indoor environments; renewable energy.
At this time, BRE Canada is in the beginning stages of planning a BRE Canada Innovation Park. It will become part of the BRE Innovation Park Network which aims to facilitate collaboration, partnerships and unlock export opportunities between countries and organizations. A BRE Canada Innovation Park will bridge trial concepts to large scale implementation/development, showcase construction innovation and emerging technologies and demonstrate how practical and affordable sustainability can be. Through this process, BRE Canada will partner with Canadian organizations to innovate, test and showcase best practices, new methods and materials suited to the Canadian built environment.
FINANCIAL DETAILS A total of $60,000 is required to fund the business planning exercise, including development of a business model and market testing. BRE has committed $10,000 in-kind to assist with this process and TRCA is currently seeking partners to contribute to the additional $50,000. At this time the Earth Rangers Foundation has committed $10,000 and Roxul Inc. has committed $5,000. An additional $10,000 has been committed from TRCA's Community Transformation Program budget. TRCA staff is currently seeking additional funding partners to support the project, including the Region of York, the City of Vaughan and other industry organizations. This project is consistent with the objectives of The Living City Campus at Kortright Development Program and the balance of business planning cost will be charged to that account.
Report prepared by: Patricia Lewis, 289-268-3903 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Glenn MacMillan, 289-268-3901 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 05, 2012
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RES.#A133/12 - DRAFT GREAT LAKES STRATEGY AND PROPOSED GREAT LAKES PROTECTION ACT, 2012 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority comments on the Draft Great Lakes Strategy and the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012.
Moved by: Colleen Jordan Seconded by: Mujeeb Khan
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario is seeking comments on the Draft Great Lakes Strategy and Draft Bill 100: An Act to protect and restore the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin (short title, Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012);
277 AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has provided comments regarding the Draft Great Lakes Strategy and the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012 to Conservation Ontario;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the comments on the Draft Great Lakes Strategy and the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012 be forwarded to the Ministry of the Environment and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's member municipalities. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Province of Ontario is seeking feedback from Ontarians on the Draft Great Lakes Strategy (EBR011-6418) and the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012 (EBR 0116461). The two proposals are currently posted for a 62-day public review and comment period from June 6, 2012 to August 7, 2012. All comments received in this review period will be considered as part of the decision-making process. Comments are not intended to replace public consultation that will be undertaken on any potential legislative, regulatory or other policy changes.
Draft Great Lakes Strategy The Minister of the Environment, following consultation with other Great Lakes Ministers, has developed the Draft Great Lakes Strategy. The scope of the Draft Strategy includes water quality, water quantity, aquatic ecosystem health, climate change adaptation and environmentally sustainable economic development opportunities. The Draft Strategy: explains why action is needed on the Great Lakes by identifying important ecosystem issues and socioeconomic opportunities; provides an overview of Ontario’s Great Lakes accomplishments and explains the current Great Lakes protection framework; outlines key elements of the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012; and organizes future actions around six Great Lakes Goals to protect and restore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
The Draft Strategy is proposed as an adaptive, evolving document with a nine-year review cycle.
Great Lakes Protection Act The Minister of the Environment met with and heard from municipalities, First Nations and Métis communities, environmental experts and stakeholders including industry, agriculture and the tourism sector, to obtain their views about the issues facing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin. In response to the comments received, the government introduced the Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012. The proposed Act would empower the province to take targeted action to improve water quality, and protect coastlines, beaches and wetlands, with the overall intent of helping to attain Great Lakes that are drinkable, swimmable, and fishable.
The purposes of the proposed Act are to protect and restore the ecological health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin, and to create opportunities for individuals and communities to become involved in its protection and restoration.
Purposes of the Act also include: to protect human health and well being through the protection and restoration of the ecological health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin; 278 to protect and restore wetlands and beaches and other coastal areas of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin; to protect and restore the natural habitats and biodiversity of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin; to advance science relating to existing and emerging stressors, such as climate change, that improves understanding and management of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin; and to enrich the quality of life in communities in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin through support of environmentally sustainable economic opportunities and innovation through environmentally sustainable use of natural resources.
The proposed Act was introduced in the Legislature on June 6, 2012.
RATIONALE TRCA staff reviewed the Draft Great Lakes Strategy and the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, 2012 and is generally supportive and encouraged by the potential they represent for Great Lakes protection and restoration.
1. Although the Draft Strategy and Act make reference to the scientific community and to collaborative and science-based decision-making, neither of these documents define clear processes through which science-based decision making, and/or linkages with local, regional or watershed plans and associated expertise, are ensured. TRCA recommends that the Draft Strategy and Act more clearly articulate the decision-making process through which priorities, metrics and response timescales for protective and restorative actions will be established. 2. Neither the Draft Strategy nor Act articulates the mechanism by which agreed upon desirable end-points (“restored”) conditions of the Great Lakes (i.e. the defined endpoints of ‘drinkable, swimmable, fishable) might be identified, and/or the timeframes under which these conditions might be reasonably achieved. In the absence of such contexts, it will be difficult if not impossible to provide objective or subjective rankings to ‘greatest need’ areas or issues, and/or the requisite physical, cultural or economic initiatives required to achieve the desired yet undefined end states. 3. TRCA strongly advocates that both the Draft Strategy and the Act be supported by a science-based understanding of specific and particular physical, chemical and biological processes at play within each of the Great Lakes. Successful achievement of the Strategy’s and Act’s stated objectives requires a science-based determination of each Lake’s limits of carrying capacity, resilience, productivity and other similar metrics. Such an understanding includes the recognition and reconciliation not only of how land side abatement efforts may or may not result in meaningful lake responses, but also of the inability of the Great Lakes to accommodate all current humans wants and still maintain ecosystem health. It is from science-based understandings that the Strategy and Act might best be used to curtail activities that push the Great Lakes near or beyond their ecosystemic limits, and to use any observed proximity to such limits as a reasonable and appropriate mechanism for identifying areas of greatest need and/or concern.
279 4. TRCA supports the reference made in the Act and Draft Strategy to both Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development. TRCA recommends that this direction be continued and expanded. 5. TRCA recommends that more direct emphasis be placed on urban watershed regeneration actions within the Focus areas for action, particularly in the GTA. Significant proportions of GTA watersheds have already been urbanized, so “retrofit” is a required focus. Retrofit areas provide an ideal site for testing innovative technologies and approaches as, in contrast to Greenfield settings, there is little risk (but considerable advantage) to the application of innovative technologies and approaches. TRCA recommends that the Strategy consider a specific action area for urban retrofit, and advocates for integrated, multi-objective approach to projects (e.g. initiatives such as TRCA’s Sustainable Neighborhood Retrofit Action Plan or Partners in Project Green initiative). 6. TRCA recommends that the watershed, and watershed based activities, be more clearly recognized and articulated throughout the Draft Strategy and Act. 7. TRCA applauds the apparent shift in responsibility for Great Lakes from provincial control to a shared model with multiple partners. The Act and Draft Strategy are sufficiently flexible to enable geographically-based priority setting and to empower local groups to lead the development of strategic actions, thereby increasing local support. The Act and Draft Strategy further provide mechanisms to establish practical, locally relevant, yet legally enforceable policies or shoreline regulations, builds capacity by funding local group-led projects, and should help coordinate provincial ministerial priorities and directions (e.g. Growth Plan vs. Watershed Protection). TRCA notes that while the Act and Draft Strategy make reference for the need to consider current initiatives (eg. Lake Ontario Management Plans (LaMPS), the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the Canada-Ontario Agreement), the province will need the further cooperation of federal government, U.S. agencies, universities, municipalities and stakeholders, as well as the support of the International Joint Commission lead activities such as State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference. 8. TRCA recognizes the significant role that collaborations and partnerships play in advancing Great Lakes objectives. Accordingly, TRCA recommends that, wherever appropriate, the role of partnerships with non-public body institutions such as the International Joint Commission, universities and all levels of U.S. Government be acknowledged. Further, TRCA recommends that a description of partnerships be added to the required components of an initiative proposal. 9. TRCA strongly recommends that conservation authorities, or Conservation Ontario, be represented on the Great Lakes Guardian’s Council.
280 10. TRCA notes that certain elements of the Act could require conservation authorities to become involved in target setting, policy implementation and/or new enforcement roles. Such additional roles and responsibilities, while potentially welcomed, could cause significant financial and human resource implications to conservation authorities should they fail to be accompanied by adequate scope and scale of additional resources. TRCA therefore very strongly advocates that the Act articulate how accompanying resources will be provided in concert with any such imposed obligations. TRCA notes that there could be significant financial and human resource implications for conservation authorities as public bodies, defined under the Act 11. TRCA suggests that, once the geographic boundaries and therefore specific public bodies with jurisdiction(s) relevant to the proposed direction are known, that the Act require the Minister of the Environment to consult directly with the public bodies with jurisdiction. TRCA therefore recommends the removal of the term “of the interests” from Part V, Section 1(ii) of the proposed Act. 12. TRCA further recommends that the Draft Strategy and Act commit to working with the Government of Canada to collectively secure and commit the necessary resources to achieve delisting of all Canadian Areas of Concern within the next ten years.
TRCA will continue to monitor and participate in opportunities for input throughout the completion of the Draft Strategy and throughout the legislative process.
Report prepared by: Connie Pinto, extension 5387 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Nancy Gaffney, extension 5313 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 11, 2012
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RES.#A134/12 - HERITAGE TOURISM TRAIL PLANNING AND A FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL CENTRE IN THE HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED To endorse the concept of a heritage tourism trail within Claireville Conservation Area in the City of Brampton and along the William Granger Greenway in the City of Vaughan, as well as the potential creation of a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre within the City of Vaughan.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
WHEREAS the story of Aboriginal habitation of southern Ontario within the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) jurisdiction including both the cities of Vaughan and Brampton in both pre- and post-Contact periods is extraordinary, complex and little understood by the over 5-million inhabitants of the Toronto region;
281 AND WHEREAS the traditional territories of many Aboriginal nations (Huron-Wendat Nation, Anishnaabe nations, Haudenosaunee nations and the Métis Nation of Ontario) overlap to provide a rich and varied cultural history in the Humber River watershed;
AND WHEREAS the Councillors and staff of the City of Vaughan have over the past 10 years expressed an interest in working with Aboriginal nations, including the Huron- Wendat Nation whose ancestral villages and ancestral burials date from the 15th to the 17th centuries, to recognize and celebrate the heritage of these nations;
AND WHEREAS the sacred Skandatut First Nations archaeological site, located within the City of Vaughan, is now permanently protected through a generous private donation of land and is now in process of being incorporated in public ownership;
AND WHEREAS the City of Vaughan is interested in exploring the potential for a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre in partnership with Aboriginal nations as a means of celebrating their ancestral heritage;
AND WHEREAS The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© program offers a successful model for inclusive interpretation reflecting the rich and varied cultural history;
AND WHEREAS both the cities of Vaughan and Brampton have continually over many years invested in trail infrastructure and conservation areas within their municipalities with the goal of promoting major recreation gateways for outdoor recreation and tourism;
AND WHEREAS TRCA has a policy to conduct archaeological assessments on TRCA lands and to curate the artifacts resulting from investigations of archaeological sites, and is able to incorporate the artifacts and teachings about the past peoples at those sites into education programs for students, such as the Boyd Archaeological Field School (35 years running);
AND WHEREAS TRCA led, in partnership with The City of Toronto, Heritage Toronto, the Huron-Wendat Nation, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and La Société d’histoire de Toronto the nationally award winning The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© program in Toronto in 2011, consisting of 13 story circles with interpretative signage along the pedestrian trails of the lower Humber River;
AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport may provide financial support to municipalities interested in initiating tourism development plans through a tourism feasibility study grant;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA staff be directed to participate in the preparation and planning for the creation of heritage tourism trails in the cities of Vaughan and Brampton in partnership with municipal staff, regional staff, representatives of Aboriginal nations and other vested stakeholders;
282 THAT staff be directed to participate in the discussions and preparation of grant application submissions to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for a tourism feasibility study that would assess the tourism economic development potential for the creation of a heritage tourism trail, as well as identify product packages and outline the preliminary economic opportunities for a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre in the City of Vaughan;
THAT staff be directed to participate in discussions and subsequent study being led by the City of Vaughan in conjunction with the Region of York to explore the potential for the location of a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre within the City of Vaughan;
THAT a potential location for a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre be investigated within the lands known as the Boyd Tract, which includes Kortright Centre for Conservation, and Boyd North and Glassco Park;
THAT TRCA staff be directed to review current opportunities as part of the Kortright Centre building retrofit to house, initially on a temporary basis, displays or other installation developed in collaboration with representatives of Aboriginal nations that would celebrate the unique and vibrant cultural heritage of the area;
AND FURTHER THAT the regions of York and Peel, the cities of Vaughan and Brampton, Friends of Boyd Park and the Humber Watershed Alliance be so advised.
BACKGROUND The proposal to create First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre within the City of Vaughan has been in discussion with Vaughan Councillors and staff over a period of ten years, as a means of celebrating the rich and varied history of Aboriginal nations ancestral to the area. Proposed to be situated within the Humber River watershed, the inclusive First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre will highlight Aboriginal history unique to the area, including the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, which was a trade and transportation route for all Indigenous peoples throughout the ages, as well as the many archaeological sites in this part of Vaughan which speak to the varied cultural history of the area.
A successful model for highlighting Aboriginal nations and their heritage is The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© launched in the Humber River valley in Toronto in 2011, in partnership with TRCA, the City of Toronto, Heritage Toronto, the Huron-Wendat Nation, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and La Société d’histoire de Toronto. As a nationally award winning project by the Heritage Canada Foundation, The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé tells the early history of Toronto and Canada from the perspectives of its founding nations (Aboriginal nations, and early European settlers, the French and British) through a series of story circles containing interpretative signage. These story circles are installed along existing pedestrian trails and follow the banks of the Humber River, the Greater Toronto Area’s only Canadian Heritage River.
283 The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé contains thirteen story circles that are installed at contextually relevant locations, where events significant to the development of Canada took place. Tracking across centuries, the trail connects an ancient Aboriginal portage route to modern roads and railways, Aboriginal settlements to 18th-century, French trading posts, and the ruins of water-powered mills to the birth of industrial Toronto. The trail highlights how the Humber River is an ancient corridor of Aboriginal settlement and trade, a route for the fur trade with Europeans, and a reason for the founding of the modern City of Toronto.
Building upon the success of The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé, both the cities of Vaughan and Brampton have expressed an interest in extending the concept of a heritage tourism trail up from the City of Toronto, along the inter-regional trail network, into both respective municipalities along existing and proposed trail networks, and within Claireville and Boyd conservation areas, Kortright Centre, Nashville Resource Management Tract and two designated Heritage Conservation Districts (Woodbridge and Kleinburg).
The opportunities for extending the The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé model into both Vaughan and Brampton are extraordinary. Some of these opportunities are summarized as follows:
In the City of Vaughan The proposed heritage tourism trail: promotes the inter-regional trail in the Humber valley from the top of Vaughan to the bottom; crosses over three heritage bowstring bridges; connects Vaughan to Toronto and Bolton along a continuous trail network; links Nashville Resource Management Tract, Kortright Centre and Boyd Conservation Area; links two designated Heritage Conservation Districts: Kleinburg to Woodbridge; promotes the recently protected Skandatut First Nations archaeological site in Vaughan; ties in major anchors such as McMichael Art Gallery, The Living City Campus at Kortright, conference facilities, businesses in Kleinburg and Woodbridge, the Board of Trade Country Club, etc.; complements newly proposed major initiatives such as the First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre, and the proposed Pierre Berton Discovery Centre; provides opportunities for promoting natural and cultural heritage as well as active living in the valleys;
The majority of the trail is developed, in development or under review for future development.
The following partners are interested in participating in The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© model in Vaughan: Kleinburg Area Ratepayers Association, Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association, Kleinburg BIA, Woodbridge Heritage groups, Woodbridge Farmers Market, Humber Watershed Alliance and Central Counties Tourism/RTO6. The project also provides opportunities for near urban agriculture and culinary tourism development.
284 In the City of Brampton The proposed heritage tourism trail: links the inter-regional trail from Toronto into Brampton through Claireville; promotes Brampton, the Humber and Claireville as a primary trail tourism destination; crosses over one heritage bowstring bridge, the Wiley Bridge, which is in process to become heritage designated; ties in major anchors such as Wild Water Kingdom, Humber Arboretum, surrounding golf courses, etc.; has potential to highlight unique cultural heritage area of the designated McVean Farm site; provides opportunities for near urban agriculture and culinary tourism development;
The majority of trail is developed, or is under development in 2012/13. Many dozens of archaeological sites are already identified within Claireville which tell the story of 10,000 years of pre-Contact Aboriginal habitations as well as post-Contact pioneer settler habitations.
The following partners are interested in participating in The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© model in Brampton: City of Brampton, Humber Watershed Alliance, Claireville Subcommittee, local BIAs, arts councils, trail groups and RTO6. Claireville subcommittee members are already assisting with identification of areas of interest and scenic secondary trail options as part of the trail planning process for the Claireville Trail Plan.
Furthermore, The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé: Discovery Walk© model may serve as a successful example for promoting the unique Aboriginal culture history of the area that not only enhances existing municipal investment in the form of trails, Heritage Conservation Districts and conservation areas, but may lead to new potential investment, in the form of a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre in Vaughan.
Project Benefits and Components: The benefits of this project include: Civic pride - celebrates Vaughan and Brampton’s rich and diversified heritage as well as the City of Vaughan’s Vision 2020 “to preserve our heritage and support diversity, arts and culture”. Increased public awareness - educates and informs the general public by revealing shared Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian experiences. Tourism industry - offers residents and visitors a broader horizon of the history of Vaughan and Brampton. Public education - offers pedagogical resources for public school curricula. Environment – promotion of the existing designation under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System as well as both the cities of Vaughan and Brampton’s Official Plans will help further promote, enhance and protect the Humber River. Cultural and historical festivals - provide a setting for festivals highlighting the cultural and historical contributions of the Humber River to the development of Canada. Health and recreational activities - incorporates existing hiking trails and specific areas of fitness and suggests improvements to the trail network through specific projects.
285 The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Tourism Development Fund Tourism Development Fund supports projects that encourage tourism investment, tourism product development and industry capacity building. 1. Supports the creation or revitalization of tourism attractions, sites and experiences. 2. Supports innovative product development for emerging sectors that have demonstrated market potential. 3. Enhances the quality of tourism services, businesses and practices through training. 4. Assists with tourism planning and capacity support to ensure that the tourism industry is well positioned to make future strategic decisions, address issues and opportunities. 5. Assists communities with investment readiness, investor relations, investment attraction and communications.
Tourism associations, economic development corporations, municipalities, tourism businesses and organizations interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives which support industry development and increased visitation are all eligible to apply.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. Seek council endorsement of the concept by the City of Vaughan and the City of Brampton to pursue The Shared Path/Le Sentier Partagé model with a First Nations/Aboriginal cultural centre in the City of Vaughan. 2. Identify project champions, Aboriginal community representatives and form stakeholder committees in each respective municipality. 3. Apply for Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Tourism Development funds in partnership with local municipalities. Confirm funding. 4. Retain a tourism planning consultant to prepare a Tourism Feasibility Study for both proposed trails that identifies project potential, opportunities, product packages and short, medium and long range goals for implementation with estimated costs outlined. 5. Circulate completed feasibility study to stakeholder committees for review as well as the Authority and both municipal councils; 6. Implement project goals based on funding availability and current priorities.
FINANCIAL DETAILS Through the completion of a tourism feasibility study, staff will have a clearer idea of the financial implications for the short, medium and long-term project goals.
Prepared by: Susan Robertson, extension 5325 Email: [email protected] For Information contact: Adele Freeman, extension 5238 Email: [email protected] Date: July 18, 2012
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286 RES.#A135/12 - NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - ECOENERGY INNOVATION INITIATIVE (ECO II) - RENE 092 Contribution Agreement. Authorization to enter into a Contribution Agreement with Natural Resources Canada for research in the field of photovoltaics
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a Contribution Agreement with Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) to receive funding in the amount of $1,065,609.00 and perform research in the field of photovoltaics;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to implement the agreement. CARRIED BACKGROUND Natural Resources Canada’s EcoEnergy Innovation Initiative (Eco II) provides funding for activities that will help reduce barriers to the deployment of sustainable technologies. TRCA has a proven track record managing photovoltaic energy yield studies with multiple stakeholders including Canadian manufacturers, universities and accredited test laboratories. This project builds on significant contributions in photovoltaic (PV) systems and performance analysis by TRCA, including the analysis of PV projects on numerous City of Toronto properties as part of the Solar City Partnership, a performance and energy yield study of PV arrays at varying tilts, and energy yield testing for Ontario PV manufacturers as part of the Kortright Photovoltaic Performance Verification Program. This work has great value for the Canadian photovoltaic industry and helps establish TRCA as a non-biased test facility of photovoltaic modules.
RATIONALE TRCA has developed the Kortright Energy Yield Test Standard project (RENE 092) and received conditional approval for funding in the amount of $1,065,609.00, subject to the successful execution of a written contribution agreement, building on 30 years of experience in renewable energy at the Kortright Centre and 75 years of combined staff experience in photovoltaics. This project is consistent with the goals of the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) to conduct third party evaluation of clean water, air and energy technologies; assess barriers and opportunities for implementing technologies, develop supporting tools, guidelines and policies, and promote broader uptake of effective technologies through research, education and advocacy.
287 The Kortight Energy Yield Test Standard is intended to provide more realistic energy yields for PV modules through the validation of an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 82 Working group 2, an international team of experts in the field of photovoltaics. This standard for PV Module Performance assesses performance under a variety of light levels and temperature conditions and provides realistic expectations of photovoltaic performance at sites with different environmental parameters. Testing and validation of this standard is required to assess its value and applicability to Canada’s diverse climate. The IEC creates technical documents and international standards for the testing of products and systems, that can then be adopted by national agencies.
This research will inform Canadian standard development organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) on the importance of adopting this standard. The validation of this standard will help provide stability for investment in the solar sector, increase consumer confidence and improve the economic competitiveness of Canada. The ability to more accurately and efficiently optimize system performance leads to reduced risk on solar investment across Canada and for Canadian exports. This research, intended to increase the level of quality assurance on Canadian products, will lead to increased reliability of PV performance in Canada and greater investment opportunities in the Canadian Solar sector. This project will allow for recommendations in collaboration with key project partners as to the adoption of this standard and contribute to its successful implementation in Canada. Should this standard be adopted in Canada, these functions of improved reliability and performance will become standard for the Canadian photovoltaic industry. Early adopters will have the opportunity to incorporate the findings of this research to build successful energy models contributing to reliable performance standards and enhanced business opportunities for Canadian investment in clean technologies.
FINANCIAL DETAILS This is a four year agreement with a total project cost of $1,442,609. To be eligible for funding TRCA and partner contributions meet the 25% stacking requirement for the ECO II funding with overall contributions of $377,000 made up of $85,000 from TRCA in the STEP and Community Transformation Program budgets, $65,000 cash contributions from manufacturers and George Brown College, and $227,000 of in-kind contributions.
Project Partners include: Exova Canada Inc., Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Toronto Hydro, Solar City Partnership, Eclipsall Energy Corp., Heliene Inc., Ontario Solar Manufacturing Corp. York University and George Brown College. These partners have all confirmed their commitments with letters of support submitted with the project proposal.
Additional letters of support were submitted by PowerStream Inc. and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CANSIA).
Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Paul Luukkonen, 416-277-3849 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 18, 2012
______288 RES.#A136/12 - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program. The Professional Access and Integration Enhancement audited financial statement and management letter for the period April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 are presented for Authority approval.
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT the Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) audited financial statement and management letter, as presented, be approved, signed by the Chair and Secretary-Treasurer of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in accordance with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Bridging Projects - Project Audit Guidelines. CARRIED BACKGROUND Funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI), since 2006 TRCA has been delivering the PAIE Ontario bridge training program to assist internationally trained professionals to access training, licensing and employment opportunities in their field within the environmental sector. As part of its project audit guidelines, MCI requires Authority approval of PAIE financial statements and management letters, as attached, as verification that the financial information in the audit report is complete and accurate.
The accounting firm of Grant Thornton LLP, has completed its audit. The audited financial statements are presented as Attachments 1 and 2.
RATIONALE The approval of the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures attests to the following: project funding has been solely applied to costs directly related to the project; deferred revenue refers to receipt of cash in advance of rendering a good or service and while initially recorded as cash coming in, is also a liability because the organization has an obligation; funding and/or expenditures from other sources, not directly related to this project, have not been included in the report; reported expenditure is net of HST rebates; shared costs have been properly apportioned to the project; the project bears full responsibility for absorbing any project deficits; project funds that were provided to the project prior to their immediate need were maintained in an interest-bearing account; and interest earned on project funding has been credited to the project.
289 The Authority is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the financial statements. The management letter confirms that management and the Authority have fulfilled their responsibilities, as determined in the transfer payment agreement dated June 2, 2010. The management letter is presented as Attachment 3.
Report prepared by: Marisa Iorfido-Sdao, extension 5582 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Rocco Sgambelluri, extension 5232 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 09, 2012 Attachments: 3
290 Attachment 1
Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) Program (A Project of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority) Statement of Revenue and Expenditures For year ended March 31, 2012
Organization Name: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Organization contact: Rocco Sgambelluri, Chief Financial Officer Name: Marisa Iorfida-Sdao Telephone #: 416-661-6600 ext. 5582 Project Name: PAIE – Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program
PROJECT REVENUE
Approved Carryover Funding from Previous Reporting Period(s) $ 63,296 Ministry Funding for audit period as per Schedule B (2011 / 2012) $ 548,787 Interest Earned on Ministry Funding $ 396 Total Revenue for the audit period as per Schedule B (2011 / 2012) (A) $ 309,534
Deferred Revenue
Deferred Revenue for audit period as per Schedule B (2011 / 2012) (if appropriate) $ 302,945
PROJECT EXPENDITURE
Total Expenditure (B) $ 309,534 Unspent funding (C) $- I verify that the above financial information is correct and that: Project funding has been solely applied to costs directly related to the Project; Funding and/or expenditures from other sources, not directed related to this project, have not been included in the Report; Reported expenditure is net of HST rebates; Shared costs have been properly apportioned to the Project; The Project bears full responsibility for absorbing any project deficits; Project funds that were provided to the Project prior to their immediate need were maintained in an interest-bearing account; and Interest earned on Project funding has been credited to the Project.
I certify that the information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and claimed in accordance the Bridge Training Agreement.
______Signature of Agency Signing Authority Date Name: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Title: Chair I have authority to bind the Recipient
291 Attachment 2
Statement of Revenue and Expenditures
Professional Access and Integration Enhancement
(A Program of Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority)
Year ended March 31, 2012
292 Contents
Page
Independent Auditor’s Report 1
Statement of Revenue and Expenditures 2
Note to the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures 3 - 4
293 Grant Thornton LLP Suite 200 15 Allstate Parkway Markham, ON L3R 5B4 T (416) 366-0100 F (905) 475-8906 www.GrantThornton.ca
Independent auditor’s report on compliance with agreement
To the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
We have audited the statement of revenue and expenditures of the Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for the period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012, with the criteria established by the terms and conditions described in sections 4.6, 5.1, 5.3, 6.2, 6.3 and 7.1 of the Funding Agreement dated April 1, 2010 issued by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Compliance with the criteria established by the provisions of the agreement is the responsibility of the management of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this compliance based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority complied with the criteria established by the provisions of the agreement referred to above. Such an audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting compliance, evaluating the overall compliance with the agreement, and where practicable assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management.
In our opinion, the statement of revenue and expenditures of the Professional Access and Integration Enhancement Program for the period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 is in compliance, in all material respects, with the criteria established by provisions described in sections 4.6, 5.1, 5.3, 6.2, 6.3 and 7.1 of this agreement.
Markham, Ontario Chartered Accountants June 27, 2012 Licensed Public Accountants
Audit • Tax • Advisory Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd
294 See accompanying notes to the statement of revenue and expenditures. 2
295 3
296 4
297 Attachment 3
July 27, 2012
Ms. Julia Pemberton Senior Program Advisor Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Labour Market Integration Unit rd 400 University Ave., 3 Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2R9
Dear Ms. Pemberton:
This management representation letter is provided in connection with the audited financial statements of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) Program for the year ended March 31, 2012. The financial statements of TRCA’s PAIE Program are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Authority, the board of TRCA.
The financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Policies. Management has determined that its choice of accounting policies supporting the amounts presented on the financial statements, are presented fairly, in all material respects.
TRCA maintains systems of internal accounting and administrative controls of high quality. Such systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information is relevant, reliable and accurate and that TRCA’s operations are appropriately accounted for and assets are adequately safeguarded.
All transactions have been recorded in the accounting records and are reflected in the financial statements. All liabilities have been reviewed by management in consultation with its external auditor, Grant Thornton LLP. There are no material liabilities or contingencies as of the date of this report.
Significant assumptions used by management in making accounting estimates, including those measured at fair value, are reasonable and approved by the Authority. The effects of uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole.
This letter confirms that management and the Authority have provided; access to all information to the external auditors of which they were aware of that is relevant to the preparation of the financial statements, such as records, documentation and other matters; additional information that was requested by the external auditors for the purpose of the audit, and provided unrestricted access to persons within the entity who would be determined necessary to provide audit evidence.
Member of Conservation Ontario 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 (416) 661-6600 FAX 661-6898 www.trca.on.ca
298 The Authority is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the financial statements. This letter confirms that management and the Authority have fulfilled their responsibilities, as determined in the transfer payment agreement dated June 2, 2010.
______Signed: Gerri Lynn O’Connor Chair
______Signed: Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer
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299 RES.#A137/12 - MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK PROJECT (PHASE 2) Landscape Improvements Contract RSD12-91. Award of contract RSD12-91 to complete the landscape improvements for the East and West pedestrian nodes at the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project (Phase 2).
Moved by: Michael Di Biase Seconded by: Dave Ryan
THAT Contract RSD12-91 for Mimico Phase 2 Landscape Improvements be awarded to Hank Deenan Landscaping Ltd. at a cost not to exceed $130,771.00, plus HST, it being the lowest bid meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications;
THAT TRCA staff be authorized to approve additional expenditures to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total contract price as a contingency allowance, if deemed necessary;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to implement this contract, including the signing of contract documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project (Phase 2) (MLP) is located between Superior Avenue and Humber Bay West Park, along the north shore of Lake Ontario, in the City of Toronto. Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) authorized TRCA to assume a leadership role in the planning, design and implementation for the construction of the MLP phase 2, which includes the construction of an East and West Pedestrian Node. These Pedestrian Nodes will be key features of the waterfront park, linking the existing Waterfront Trail coming from the east to the residential communities west of the MLP phase 2. The construction of these nodes will include the installation of concrete unit pavers, armourstone garden edging, and the creation and planting of garden beds.
RATIONALE Request for Quotation RSD 12-91 was sent out to the following six companies for prices to supply and install the required work: Hank Deenan Landscaping Ltd.; Mopal Construction; Griffith Property Services; Glenoaks Landscape Contractors Ltd.; Landscaping By Leedle; Loc-Pave Construction.
All of the companies have proven abilities to perform the required work, and have done work for TRCA in the past.
300 The companies were invited to a voluntary site inspection meeting to review the project requirements. Three quotations were received on or before the bid closing of noon on July 13, 2012. Preliminary project costing was expected to be less than $100,000 so a Tender Opening Committee meeting was not scheduled to open the bids as they are held only when the contract is expected to come in over $100,000. Qualified bids were opened at 2:00 pm on July 17, 2012 by TRCA staff (Derek Edwards, Mark Lowe and Ted Elmhirst) with the following results:
Contract RSD12-91 for Mimico Phase 2 Landscape Improvements
COMPANY PRICE (Plus HST) Hank Deenan Landscaping Ltd. $130,771.00 Mopal Construction $138,160.00 Griffith Property Services $154,174.00 Glenoaks Landscape Contractors Ltd. No Bid Landscaping By Leedle No Bid Loc-Pave Construction No Bid
Staff recommends that the contract RSD12-91 be awarded to Hank Deenan Landscaping Ltd. at a cost not to exceed $130,771.00, plus 10% contingency, plus HST, it being the lowest bidder meeting TRCA specifications and requirements.
FINANCIAL DETAILS All funding for this project, including project management fees, are being provided by TWRC, and will be charged to account #205-60.
Report prepared by: Mark Lowe, extension 5338 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Mark Lowe, extension 5338 Emails: [email protected] Date: July 19, 2012
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RES.#A138/12 - 2011 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT Receipt of report on progress towards operational sustainability in 2011
Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Mike Mattos
THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) 2011 Corporate Social Responsibility Report be received;
301 AND FURTHER THAT staff report back on what strategies TRCA is using to achieve zero waste and what TRCA is doing to change public awareness and engagement in waste reduction at all TRCA facilities.
BACKGROUND In 1999, TRCA approved a corporate Environmental Policy statement and a framework to implement an environmental management system. In 2000, staff researched suitable environmental metrics and engaged in extensive consultations both internally and with various outside institutions to determine and test environmental management targets, objectives and tools. The program was expanded in 2004 to allow for inclusion of social and economic targets and renamed Sustainability Management System in order to better manage TRCA's organizational commitment to sustainability. In 2009, the program was renamed the Corporate Social Responsibility Program to more appropriately align with accepted international terminology for sustainability reporting. In 2011, quantifiable social metrics have been included in the report.
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program and associated report is the primary vehicle for communicating TRCA's sustainability performance to internal and external stakeholders. The report encompasses four key areas of sustainability:
1. Our People The impact TRCA has on its employees: Equity, Diversity, and Staff Retention; Employee Engagement;
2. Our Environment The environmental impact of our operations: Carbon Footprint; Energy Use; Water Use Vehicles, Fuel and Travel; Land Management; Waste Management.
3. Our Business The overall impact of our business practices: Sustainable Business Practice; Green Purchasing.
4. Our Community The impact TRCA's social programs have on the community.
Outlined in Attachment 1 is Sustainability Scorecard. Hard copies of the complete 2011 Corporate Social Responsibility Report will be available at the meeting and subsequently posted on line.
302 Highlights of 2011 Sustainability Performance
Our People
Equity, Diversity, and Staff Retention The national average rate of employee turnover is approximately 22% across all industries in Canada, while at TRCA, employee resignations were only 3.6% in 2008, 4.1% in 2009, 4.5% in 2010, and 2.85% in 2011. TRCA is exceeding its objectives on this metric.
Employee Engagement In 2011, TRCA staff participated in Pollution Probe’s annual Clean Air Commute and the City of Toronto's 20 Minute Makeover. TRCA continued its membership (since inception) in Smart Commute, North Toronto and Vaughan running car pool and trip reduction events, and providing staff with access to a car pooling database and a guaranteed ride home for “green” commute. As well, EcoCentres and TRCA EcoOffices “green teams” were operational at five educational facilities and four offices. With the support of The Living City Foundation (formerly Conservation Foundation), TRCA's employee sustainability outreach program - CarbonCats, continued engaging staff with sustainability tips, highlights of TRCA initiatives and contests.
In 2012, TRCA will continue with CarbonCats and staff participation in external, sustainability related initiatives. As well, TRCA will hold staff-led rehabilitation projects at conservation areas (CAs), achieve Audubon certification for CAs and Kortright Centre.
Our Environment
Carbon Footprint TRCA’s carbon footprint, 2,839 tonnes in 2011, has decreased 623 tonnes from 2009. This is a decrease of 18%. From 2010 to 2011, the carbon footprint decreased 280 tonnes. This decrease in carbon footprint has been primarily driven by three factors. The first and most impactful was a dramatic reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill between 2009 and 2010, and sustained at the lower level in 2011. The second most important factor was a reduction in facility energy consumption in 2011 over 2010. This may be partially weather related, but is more likely related to a meter failure at one of our facilities. Staff is investigating and more detailed analysis will be conducted to assess trends. Finally, purchasing Bullfrog green natural gas for Head Office has reduced TRCA's carbon footprint.
In 2012, TRCA will continue with the sustainability-focused redevelopment of the Kortight Centre, as well as develop a corporate energy plan, which will enable further footprint reductions by developing options for further facility conservation improvements, and opportunities for converting to renewable energy sources.
303 Energy Total TRCA energy use in 2011 was down 6% from the 2005 base year. Over the same period, TRCA staff levels has increased, attesting to the conservation measures TRCA has taken. In 2011 total facility energy consumption decreased 11% from 2010. Most of the decrease was in electricity consumption, particularly at one TRCA facility. Staff is investigating, but early indications are that an electricity meter may have partially failed. However, more analysis of individual facilities will be done in 2012 in order to assess the reasons for these trends.
In 2011, TRCA completed energy audits for four facilities, converted to green natural gas at Head Office, upgraded to efficient HVAC systems at Albion Hills CA and Indian Line Campground, made efficient lighting upgrades at Heart Lake CA, and installed solar tube natural lighting and biowalls at Claremont Field Centre.
In 2012, TRCA will conduct lighting retrofits at Black Creek Pioneer Village and Lake St. George Field Centre, develop a corporate energy management plan and continue with the Kortright Centre energy retrofits.
Water Since 2007, when a number of TRCA facilities switched from well to municipal water, TRCA’ 3 3 s water use varied between 43,000 m and 61,000 m annually. This range would have been narrower were it not for a large water leak at Albion Hills CA in 2009. Petticoat Creek pool, traditionally, a consumer of 30 to 40% of TRCA’s municipal water use, was not operational in 2010 or 2011, but at the same time the pool at Albion Hills CA became active, effectively offsetting any potential reduction in water use at Petticoat Creek. With both pools expected to be operational in 2012, TRCA is likely to see an overall increase in water use.
In 2012 TRCA will determine metrics for measuring and reporting on TRCA stormwater practices at its facilities, and address short and long term planning for water conservation as part of the corporate energy management plan.
Vehicles, Fuel and Travel Although we moved from no hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles in 2006 to a total of nine in 2011 (12.5% of TRCA's fleet), the overall fuel efficiency of the fleet did not change. Since 2003, fleet fuel efficiency has fluctuated between 16.1 litres/100km and 17.7 litres/100km (17.1 in 2011). In order to make further improvements in fuel efficiency we will need to dramatically increase the percentage of alternative fuel vehicles in the fleet, and especially electric vehicles where appropriate.
In 2011, TRCA established designated car pool slots at Boyd Office, Restoration Services Centre and Head Office, completed a study of five TRCA vehicles to determine feasibility of replacing them with electric cars, and initiated use of non-corn-based biodiesel at Claremont Field Centre.
In 2012, TRCA will continue to research options for acquiring electric vehicles, implement a video conferencing room at Downsview Office, and prepare a report on best practices in Green Fleet and Green Commuting in Canada.
304 Waste TRCA diverted 40% in 2007, 41% in 2008, 22% in 2009, and 21% in 2010, and 21% in 2011. TRCA continues to struggle with unreliable data from haulers, and, consequently will include an internal auditing process in 2012 in order to check the hauler data.
In 2011, TRCA continued revamping conservation area recycling centres, providing new bins, better signage and more public education, installed new Head Office lunchroom waste and recycling centre for greater diversion potential, moved to electronic purchase and employee expenses reporting systems. As well, Black Creek Pioneer Village reduced waste by 80% from parking lots by removing waste bins, and Albion Hills Field Centre changed to monthly waste and recyclables pickup in order to reduce their footprint.
In 2012 TRCA will also prepare a corporate waste management plan and consider new targets and objectives for waste reduction and diversion from landfill. Parks staff will continue revamping conservation area recycling centres, providing new bins, better signage and more public education.
Our Business
Sustainable Business Practice In 2012, TRCA will develop and refine goals, objectives and metrics for measuring the sustainability of TRCA business practices, complete first draft of the TRCA strategic plan – including greater levels of input from all staff, and develop a TRCA partnership map, identifying all TRCA partnership relationships across all TRCA offerings.
Green Purchasing In 2011, staff completed new green cleaning request for proposals to be used at TRCA facilities. Kortright Centre converted to green office supplies, and the education centres adopted standard operating procedures for purchase and lifecycle use of carpeting.
In 2012, TRCA will carry out green procurement training for staff, transition cleaning practices to meet new green cleaning standard operating procedures, and investigate additional goals, objectives and performance metrics for green procurement
Our Community
TRCA continued its three innovative social development programs: PAIE (Professional Access and Integration Enhancement), M2P (Mentoring to Placement) and EVN (Environmental Volunteer Network). These programs achieve many positive outcomes simultaneously. They help new Canadians gain access to meaningful experience and networking opportunities, increasing the pool of planners, ecologists, geoenvironmental professionals and engineers in the GTA, as well as allowing TRCA staff and program participants to network, collaborate and share ideas and best practices pertaining to sustainability.
In 2012, TRCA will launch the next round of PAIE and M2P with new clients.
305 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Key activities of the Corporate Social Sustainability Program in 2012 will be: complete corporate energy management plan; develop corporate waste management plan; conduct facility waste audits; assess implication/opportunity for Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for 2012 report; complete TRCA online facility sustainability reporting tool and EcoCentre registration tool; assess effectiveness of employee engagement.
FINANCIAL DETAILS The CSR program is funded by TRCA's municipal funding partners in the TRCA operating budget.
Report prepared by: Brian Dundas, extension 5262 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Emails: [email protected] Date: March 22, 2012 Attachments: 1
306 Attachment 1 TRCA Sustainability Scorecard
New for the 2011 CSR report, staff has prepared a Sustainability Scorecard. The purpose of the Scorecard is to provide a concise summary of TRCA progress towards its CSR targets as of the end of 2011, including whether the measure is improving (up arrow), getting worse (down arrow), or remains unchanged (horizontal arrows). These measures, our CSR key performance indicators, are presented under four categories: Our People; Our Environment; Our Business; Our Community. TRCA is proud to highlight that TRCA continues to be an employer of choice with staff retention well above the national average. TRCA continues to leverage its core municipal funding allocation through revenue from a wide range of other sources, and the sale of products and services. The corporate carbon footprint has continued to decline in 2011 and is expected to fall further as retrofits of facilities such as the Kortright Centre are completed in 2012. The award winning PAIE and M2P programs continue to be oversubscribed and provide new Canadians with valuable mentoring and training.
*Bold and italics indicates targets met or exceeded.
Our People Measure 2011 Trend Target Performanc e/Status Equity, Diversity, and Staff Retention My work gives me a sense of 92.8% Achieve 90% on staff survey accomplishment I would recommend TRCA as a good place 91.8% Achieve 90% on staff survey to work Overall I am satisfied with my job 88.0% Achieve 90% on staff survey
TRCA is socially responsible 83.6% Achieve 90% on staff survey
TRCA is environmentally responsible 87.5% Achieve 90% on staff survey
Morale at TRCA is high 73.9% Achieve by 2025, 80% on staff survey TRCA is well managed 71.1% Achieve by 2025, 80% on staff survey I am sufficiently informed about where 61.2% Achieve by 2025, 80% on staff TRCA is going in the future survey TRCA is economically responsible 74.5% Achieve by 2025, 80% on staff survey Staff Retention 87% Not Achieve, annually, at least 2% reported below national average in last year employee turnover.
307 Our People Measure 2011 Trend Target Performance/Status Employee Engagement Staff participation in Clean Air 62 Have 80 staff members participate Commute in Pollution Probe’s Clean Air Commute by 2012 Staff participation in 20 minute 68 Have at least 200 staff members makeover participate in the 20-Minute Makeover by 2012
Work location green programs Green teams or Have EcoSchool/EcoOffice type Audubon in place at 10 “ecoteam” programs at all work TRCA work locations locations (18 total) by 2012
Our Environment Goal or Objective 2011 Performance/Status Trend Target Carbon Footprint Carbon neutrality 2,760 tonnes 2011 TRCA will be carbon neutral by 2025
Energy Energy reduction 6% Reduce total energy consumption by 30% from 2005 levels by 2015; and by 50% by 2025. Renewable energy 31.4% 50% of TRCA facility space is heated and cooled from renewable sources by 2015. Green electricity 24% Source 80% of electrical energy from green sources by 2015. Water Water use 19% Reduce total potable water consumption from 2009 levels by 35% by 2025
Vehicles, Fuel, and Travel Fleet fuel efficiency 17.1 litres per 100 km TRCA’s average fleet fuel (average, all vehicles) efficiency is 12 litres per 100 kilometres by 2018
Fleet GHG emissions 3.4% decrease in fleet Reduce TRCA greenhouse gas contribution to carbon emissions from fleet and travel by footprint since 2009. 50% from 2009 levels by 2018
This descriptor needs to stay in – 3.4% means nothing Alternative fuel vehicles 12.1 % of fleet TRCA’s fleet will be 50% alternative fuel vehicles by 2020
308 Our Environment Goal or Objective 2011 Performance/Status Trend Target Land Management Land Management Plans 8 of 14 land management Complete baseline land plans completed management plans for 14 major TRCA properties.
Waste Management Waste diversion 21% diversion rate from landfill Diverting 80% of total waste at all TRCA facilities by 2018
Our Business Goal or Objective 2011 Performance/Status Trend Target Sustainable Business Funding diversity – leveraging 55% of funding from At least 50% of funding from partnerships non-municipal sources non-municipal sources Green Purchasing Local Food 29% of food is sourced locally Not 40% of food purchased by measured TRCA is sourced locally by last year 2012
Our Community – Social Goal or Objective 2011 Trend Target Performanc e/Status Employment programs for internationally trained professionals (PAIE and M2P) Number applicants 647 435 applications received by end of 2014
Number participants accessing 97 170 participants accessing programs programs by end of 2014
Number participants completing 35 150 participants complete program by program end of 2014
Number participants obtaining 64 133 participants gain employment by employment in professional field end of 2014
Number participants obtaining 29 55 participants receive credential for licensure/Certification/Credential for licensure by end of 2014 Employment Number M2P Participants (mentees) 100% 100 % M2P participants matched to matched to a Mentor in their field mentor in field by end of 2014
Percent M2P Mentors from TRCA 50% 50% mentors recruited from community at large for M2P program by end of 2014
309 Our Community – Social Goal or Objective 2011 Trend Target Performance/ Status Environmental Volunteer Network (EVN) Number new volunteers registered 570 900 new registrants by end of 2014 with EVN
Number volunteer passes issued to 280 625 volunteer passes issued by end of individuals who have volunteered 30 or 2014 more hours at TRCA Number external (non TRCA) volunteer 530 900 external volunteer opportunities opportunities posted on EVN posted on EVN by end of 2014
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310 RES.#A139/12 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York 956414 Ontario Limited, CFN 47419. Acquisition of property located on the east of Bathurst Street and south of Gamble Road in the Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York, under the 'Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011-2015', Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res.#B84/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT 0.36 hectares (0.89 acres), more or less, of vacant land, being Part of Lot 57, Concession I, EYS , designated as Block 12 on draft M-Plan prepared by Krcmar OLS under job no.10-246, Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York, be purchased from 956414 Ontario Limited;
THAT the purchase price be $2.00;
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;
THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction including obtaining needed approvals and signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A140/12 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York Yorkwood Homes (RH) Limited, CFN 47513. Acquisition of property located on the west of Yonge Street and south of Gamble Road in the Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York, under the 'Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011-2015', Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res.#B85/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
311 THAT 1.05 hectares (2.59 acres), more or less, of vacant land, being Lot 26, 27 and 28, Registered Plan Lot 4667, designated as Block 11 and 12 on draft M-Plan prepared by Salna Surveying OLS under job no.11029, Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York, be purchased from Yorkwood Homes (RH) Limited;
THAT the purchase price be $2.00;
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;
THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction including obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A141/12 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Royal Rouge Trail Erosion Control Project, CFN 45537. Partial Takings or financial contribution from multiple property owners on the north side of Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, to facilitate the construction of the Royal Rouge Trail Erosion Control Project. (Executive Res.#B86/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) acquire the following partial takings to facilitate the construction of the Royal Rogue Trail Erosion Control Project:
Parcel ‘A’ THAT a parcel of land containing 0.002 hectares (0.004 acres) being part of Lot 23 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0087, designated as Part 1 on Registered plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 30 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Katherine Sparks;
Parcel 'B' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.007 hectares (0.016 acres) being part of Lot 24 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0088, designated as Part 2 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 32 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Debora Gyimah;
312 Parcel 'C' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.002 hectares (0.006 acres) being part of Lot 25 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0089, designated as Part 3 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 34 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Stephen Joseph Foster and Linda Josephine Foster;
Parcel 'D' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.003 hectares (0.006 acres) being part of Lot 26 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0090, designated as Part 4 and Part 5 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 36 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Abdool Jhuman;
Parcel 'E' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.006 hectares (0.014 acres) being part of Lot 27 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0091, designated as Part 6 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 38 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Carlo Corvese;
Parcel 'F' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.004 hectares (0.011 acres) being part of Lot 29 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0093, designated as Part 7 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 42 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Trevor D’Souza and Winnefred D’Souza;
Parcel 'G' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.006 hectares (0.014 acres) being part of Lot 30 on Registered Plan 66M-2169, PIN 06209-0094, designated as Part 8 on Registered Plan 66R-25966, at the rear of 44 Royal Rouge Trail, City of Toronto, be purchased from Jaime Marie and Korah Thomas;
THAT the purchase price for each of the land Parcels ‘A’ to ‘G’ inclusive be $2.00 plus each vendor's reasonable legal costs, if any;
THAT TRCA acquire the necessary temporary easements from the owners for construction access;
THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the lands Parcels ‘A’ to ‘G’ inclusive free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;
THAT Gardiner Roberts LLP, be instructed to complete the transactions at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid;
THAT in the event any of the landowners wish to retain ownership of their property, each of landowners shall have the option to make a financial contribution to TRCA for the Royal Rouge Trail Erosion Control Project in an amount to be determined by TRCA in accordance with the cost-sharing policy and provide an easement and restrictive covenant over the parcel with terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA;
313 AND FURTHER THAT the authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transactions including obtaining needed approvals and signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A142/12 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Greenbrooke Developments Inc., CFN 47592. Purchase of property located west of Weston Road, south of Teston Road, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011-2015", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res.#B87/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT 0.14 hectares (0.36 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 23, Concession 6 and designated as Blocks 178 and 179 on a Draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by KRCMAR Surveyors Ltd., under their Job No. 00-183, dated April 3, 2012, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located west of Weston Road, south of Teston Road, be purchased from Greenbrooke Developments Inc.;
THAT the purchase price be $2.00;
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the lands free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;
THAT Gardiner Roberts LLP, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction including obtaining needed approvals and signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A143/12 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2011-2015 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Infinite Homes Ltd., CFN 47512. Purchase of property located south of Sicilia Street, east of Martin Grove Road, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011-2015", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res.#B88/12) 314 Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT 0.04 hectares (0.10 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 12, Concession 8 and designated as Block 13 on a Draft Plan of Condominium prepared by P. Salna Ltd., Ontario Land Surveyors, under their Job No. 5285, dated June 1, 2009, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located south of Sicilia Street, east of Martin Grove Road, be purchased from Infinite Homes Ltd.;
THAT the purchase price be $2.00;
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the lands free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;
THAT Gardiner Roberts LLP, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction including obtaining needed approvals and signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A144/12 - EASEMENT AGREEMENT George Johnson. Entering into an easement agreement for a five year term with automatic extensions until terminated for the purpose of constructing and permitting a public trail system on the Johnson property, located on the south side of Chalk Lake Road, west of Lakeridge Road, Township of Uxbridge, Regional Municipality of Durham. (Executive Res.#B89/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into an easement agreement with George Johnson for the purpose of constructing, and permitting the public use of a trail system, said land being Part of Lot 5, Concession 7, Township of Uxbridge, Regional Municipality of Durham;
THAT the term of the easement agreement be for five (5) years with automatic extensions until terminated and in no event will the initial term and any renewals or extensions thereof, exceed in aggregate twenty-one (21) years, less a day;
THAT TRCA pay an annual fee to George Johnson of $6,000.00, with such fee increasing by 4% annually beginning August 1, 2013;
315 THAT TRCA erect barriers on both sides of Chalk Lake Road (where the proposed trail is to cross) to help ensure trail users to slow down before crossing at Chalk Lake Road;
THAT TRCA be responsible for signing the trail to ensure trail users understand the trail rules including the need to stay on the trail and not to trespass off the trail;
THAT the agreement be on terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and solicitors;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction including obtaining needed approvals and signing and execution of documentation. CARRIED ______
RES.#A145/12 - ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION AREA VISITOR SERVICES CENTRE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Award of contract for construction of Albion Hills Conservation Area gatehouse. (Executive Res.#B90/12)
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT the contract for Albion Hills Conservation Area Visitor Services Centre Construction Project be awarded to Frontier Group of Companies. at a total cost not to exceed $312,500.00, plus HST, it being the lowest bid meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications;
THAT award of the contract be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and solicitors, including but not limited to determination of the final contract cost not to exceed the approved amount;
THAT should staff be unable to achieve an acceptable contract with the above-mentioned contractor, staff be authorized to enter into and conclude contract negotiations with other contractors that submitted tenders, beginning with the next lowest bidder meeting TRCA specifications;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized staff be directed to take the action necessary to implement the contract including obtaining any approvals and the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED ______
RES.#A146/12 - ADMITTANCE POLICY Approval of the Admittance Policy and Operational Procedures for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. (Executive Res.#B91/12)
316 Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Maria Augimeri
THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Admittance Policy, dated May 23, 2012, as outlined in Attachment 1, be approved;
THAT facility access associated with the TRCA Admittance Policy and Operating Procedures take precedence over the current Fee Schedule for Public Facilities and Programming and that this policy be referred to in future Fee Schedules;
AND FURTHER THAT the Operational Procedures, dated May 23, 2012, as outlined in Attachment 2, be received. CARRIED ______
SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD
RES.#A147/12 - SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENTS Mid-year Review - January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Receipt of the 2012 mid-year summary of procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate.
Moved by: Ben Cachola Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate for the period January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/05, held on June 24, 2005, Resolution #A124/05 approved the Purchasing Policy, and resolved, in part, as follows:
...staff report to the Business Excellence Advisory Board semi-annually with a list of all Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals approved by the Chief Administrative Officer pursuant to Schedule 'A'...;
Pursuant to the resolution quoted above, the summaries of Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, are found in Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. The report includes approvals of $10,000 or greater, to the maximum allowable limit under the policy, falling within the purview of the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate.
Attachment 1 includes the criteria as to why non-competitive procurement was appropriate for the particular goods or services procured, as per Section 1.14 of TRCA's Purchasing Policy.
317 As permitted under the approved policy, the Chief Administrative Officer has designated senior staff, generally including director and manager level positions, approval authority for purchases up to $10,000 (including HST not recoverable by TRCA). The total purchases (including contingencies) approved by the Chief Administrative Officer/designate from January 1 to June 30, 2012 was as follows:
Procurements (Plus HST) $ Sole Source 333,591.49 Lowest Bid/Competitive 3,165,898,66 Not Lowest Bid 11,040.00 TOTAL 3,510,530.15
Email: [email protected] For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: [email protected] Date: July 4, 2012 Attachments: 3
318 Attachment 1
TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PURCHASING POLICY
Section 1.14 Non - Competitive Procurement Process
A non-competitive procurement process shall only be used if one or more of the following conditions apply and a process of negotiation is undertaken to obtain the best value in the circumstances for the TRCA. Authorized Buyers are authorized to enter into negotiations without formal competitive bids, under the following circumstances:
1. The goods and services are only available from one source or one supplier by reason of:
A statutory or market based monopoly A fluctuating market prevents the TRCA from obtaining price protection or owing to market conditions, required goods or services are in short supply Existence of exclusive rights (patent, copyright or licence) Need for compatibility with goods and services previously acquired and there are no reasonable alternatives, substitutes or accommodations Need to avoid violating warranties and guarantees where service is required
2. An attempt to purchase the required goods and services has been made in good faith using a competitive method and has failed to identify a successful supplier.
3. When the extension or reinstatement of an existing contract would prove most cost-effective or beneficial. The extension shall not exceed one year.
4. The goods and services are required as a result of an emergency, which would not reasonably permit the use of the other methods permitted.
5. The required goods and services are to be supplied by a particular vendor or supplier having special knowledge, skills, expertise or experience that cannot be provided by any other supplier.
6. Any other sole or single source purchase permitted under the provisions of this policy including those noted in Schedule ‘B’.
319 Attachment 2 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received Standard First Aid Training & Recertification Hespro EMP Canada Services 12,711.00 3/3 Ltd. +10% contingency Detailed Design Drawings & Construction Cost GD Jewell Engineering Inc. 69,067.00 5/2 Estimates for Two Pedestrian Bridges - +10% contingency Claireville Conservation Area Inter-Regional Trail BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE Cable Replacement to Shoreham Drive Ainsworth 37,647.00 4/2 Transformer Snider Drive Shed and Cider Mill Restoration Byte Construction Limited 43,920.00 4/1 and Building Stabilization + 10% contingency Repair & Construction Worl for Slaughter House Byte Construction Limited 17,850.00 4/2 +10% contingency Repair, Painting & Animal Proofing of Harness G.V. Miller Custom 12,310.00 3/2 Shop Contracting +10% contingency Restoration & Repair Work to Tinsmith Shop D & L Laurin Construction 31,634.94 3/2 +10% contingency Replacement of a Faulty Fire Hydrant & Nor-Line Plumbing & 19,055.00 3/3 Installation of Water Line to the Grain Barn Mechanical Ltd. +10% contingency MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK Supply & Delivery of 700 Tonnes of Glenn Windrem Trucking 16,100.00 4/3 100mm-200mm Gabion Stone by Triaxle Truck +2,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 2,000 Nelson Aggregates Co. 55,000.00 10/4 Tonnes of 100mm-200mm Cobble Stone by +6,000.00 contingency Triaxle Truck Supply & Delivery of Approximately 875 Tonnes CDR Young Aggregates Inc. 47,197.50 6/4 of 2-4 Tonne Stackable Armourstone +5,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 1,750 Strada Aggregates 34,037.50 6/3 Tonnes of Concrete Sand +4,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 500 Tonnes Strada Aggregates 14,250.00 10/4 of 100mm-200mm Gabion Stone by Tri-axle +1,000.00 contingency Truck Supply & Delivery of Approximately 1,700 Lafarge Aggregates 28,050.00 10/5 Tonnes of 19mm Crusher Run by Tri-axle Truck +3,000.00 contingency Relocation of Grand Harbour Gazebo McPherson-Andrews 81,680.00 4/4 Contracting Limited +8,000.00 contingency KORTRIGHT CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION Kortright Water Well & Hand Pump Installation Ontario Well Drilling Ltd. 8,000.00 Contract Extension Purchase & Installation of Ultrafiltration System Aquasoft Water Centre 12,500.00 3/2 for the Greenworks Building
320 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received YONGE - YORK MILLS CHANNEL PROJECT Concrete Panel Restoration (Reach 1) McPherson-Andrews 9,992.00 3/3 Contracting Limited +3,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 1,000 D. Crupi & Sons Limited 10,200.00 8/5 Tonnes of Recycled Concrete 19mm Crusher +2,500.00 contingency Run (Reach 3) Supply & Delivery of Approximately 660 Tonnes Strada Aggregates Inc. 15,180.00 8/3 of 150mm-300mm Gabion Stone (Reach 3) +2,000.00 contingency Off Site Disposal of Woody Debris Via Disposal Service Co. Ltd. 12,025.00 7/2 +3,000.00 contingency Supply of One Three-person Crew of Certified Barricade Traffic Services 14,400.00 2/2 Traffic Control Operators +2,000.00 contingency Erosion and Sediment Control Products Terrafix Geosynthetics 3,710.64 Contract Extension Supply of One Extra Certified Traffic Control Barricade Traffic Services 6,600.00 Contract Person Extension Digital Topographic Base Mapping for Lake First Base Solutions 8,350.00 2/2 Wilcox Area 1083 BEACHPOINT PROMENANDE Asbestos Abatement & Removal Priestly Demolition 28,127.00 7/4 Incorporated +3,000.00 contingency Rental of One Operated Hydraulic Excavator Priestly Demolitions Inc. 10,445.00 4/3 +1,135.00 contingency Rental & Disposal of Ten 40-yard Garbage Bins Via Disposal Service Co. Ltd. 12,945.00 3/3 +1,300.00 contingency ROUGE PARK PROPERTIES Bathroom Renovations at 9 Reesor Road Benedetto Plumbing Inc. 11,800.00 6/3 +10% contingency Roof & Eaves Replacement at 7401 Reesor B.W. Doucette Roofing 9,508.25 6/2 Road +10% contingency Roof Replacement at 2273 Meadowvale Road Tony K. Aluminum/Roofing 11,022.50 4/3 +10% contingency MUD CREEK EROSION CONTROL PROJECT Design & Delivery of Supplies for Creek Bypass Xylem Water Solutions 35,356.00 3/3 System for Mud Creek Erosion Control Project +3,600.00 contingency Rental of One Operated Hydraulc Excavator & Galcon Marine Limited 67,980.00 7/3 One Rubber Tire Loader +7,000.00 contingency Supply and Delivery of 100mm - 200mm Gabion Nelson Aggregate Company 27,580.00 9/4 Stone by Triaxle Truck +2,800.00 contingency
321 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received Update Floodplain Maps for Section of East R.J. Burnside & Associates 13,487.00 3/2 Humber River from Lake Wilcox to Bathurst Limited +1,350.00 contingency Street 149 Chesterton Shores Demolition Project - Envirosafe Incorporated 10,500.00 6/6 Asbestos Abatement & Removal +2,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of 150mm-300mm Fowler Construction Company 12,080.00 Contract Roundstone Limited Extension EAST DON RIVER SOUTH OF FINCH AVENUE EAST BANK RESTORATION Supply and Delivery of Approximately 400 J.C. Rock Limited 19,200.00 8/2 Tonnes of 2-4 Tonne Stackable Armour Stone + 2,000.00 contingency Supply and Delivery of Approximately 400 Miller Paving Limited 11,180.00 8/3 Tonnes of Stackable 100mm-200mm Gabion + 1,200.00 contingency Stone Rental of One Operated Hydraulic Excavator Dynex Construction Limited $51,100.00 7/4 and One Rubber Tire Loader +18,400.00 contingency Asphalt Paving Works Bryron Contracting Limited 21,310.00 6/6 +2,500.00 contingency MEADOWCLIFFE DRIVE EROSION CONTROL PROJECT Supply & Delivery of approximately 1,800 Glenn Windrem Trucking 84,600.00 9/3 Tonnes of 4-6 Tonne Stackable Armourstone +8,500.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of approximately 1,500 Dufferin Aggregates 39,525.00 9/6 Tonnes of 225mm-450mm Rip Rap Stone +4,000.00 contingency Horse Drawn Wagon Rides for the Sugarbush Tiger Paw Exotics 22,600.00 10/4 Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright Centre for +10% contingency Conservation and Bruce's Mill Conservation Area PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN Case Study Filming Powerline Films 20,400.00 4/3 Venue Facilities & Refreshments for Training & Centre for Health and Safety 10,000.00 30/4 Networking Events Innovation Venue Facilities & Refreshments for Training & International Centre 10,000.00 30/4 Networking Events Caledon Canada Day Pyrotechnics Display North Star Fireworks 11,504.43 3/1 Entertainment Inc.
322 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received ACQUISITION OF VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT One 2012 Extend Cab Truck Bolton Motor Products 28,456.00 14/6 One Service Van Humberview NCV 29,711.20 8/8 One Compact SUV Parkway Honda 30,121.95 15/5 One 4x4 Chassis Cab Truck with Hydraulic City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac 36,192.20 14/6 Dump Box GMC Ltd. Two New Kubota RTV900 Worksite Utility Kooy Brothers Lawn 31,325.00 5/2 Vehicles Equipment Limited One New Kubota F3680 4WD Front Mower Kooy Brothers Lawn 33,393.00 5/2 Equipment Limited Three New John Deer 1445 Front Mowers Hutchinson Farm Supply 57,876.00 6/2 One John Deer 5065E Tractor/Loader Hutchinson Farm Supply 35,609.00 7/2 One New 2012 Midsize 4x4 Pick-up Truck Brimell Toyota 28,397.35 15/5 One New 2012 Compact Hatchback Automobile Yorkdale Toyota 18,741.20 15/5 One New 2012 Full Size Pick-up Truck East-Court Ford Lincoln Sales 25,756.00 15/5 Glen Haffy Conservation Area - Fish Food Martin Mills Inc. 35,000.00 2/2 Supply +10% contingency Head Office South Office Building Insulation Air Seal Insulators Inc. 14,450.00 5/4 Bathurst Glen Golf Course / Bruce's Mill Armstrong Petroleum LTD. 18,000.00 3/3 Conservation Area - Supply and Delivery of Fuel 2012 Cleaning & Washroom Supplies for all Rally Distribution 75,000.00 6/4 Parks and Culture Facilities +10% contingency Lake St. George Field Centre - Supply & Summers and Smith Heating 38,899.00 7/2 Installation of Ductless Split Air Conditioners in and Cooling Limited Davies Hall 2012 Bathroom Products for Head Office, Mr. Janitorial Supplies 21,000.00 3/3 Downsview Office, Boyd Office & Restoration +10% contingency Services Centre Supplier of Safety Footwear Imagewear by Mark's Work 25,000.00 2/2 Wearhouse KLEINBURG NEW FOREST NORTH TRAILS Supply and Delivery of Approximately 2500 Strada Aggregates 46,000.00 3/3 Tonnes of 19mm Crushed Limestone Aggregate Supply and Delivery of Approximately 400 Strada Aggregates 6,360.00 3/3 Tonnes of Limestone Screenings Removal and Replacment of Porch Roof and Meridian Construction Inc. 47,820.00 7/4 Deck Components at Former Maciver Property +3,000.00 contingency
323 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received BATHURST GLEN GOLF COURSE Golf Carts Rental Bennett Golf Carts 15,000.00 3/2 +10% contingency Course Hardware, Pest Control Products & AllTurf Ltd. 15,000.00 4/3 Grass Seed +10% contingency WILKET CREEK EMERGENCY WORKS Supply & Installation of 19mm Limestone Bryron Contracting Limited 17,295.00 6/6 Crusher Run & Asphalt Paving at Sites 6 & 7 +2,000.00 contingency Albion Hills & Heart Lake Aquatic Facilities - Water and Ice North America 16,132.00 4/4 Supply of Commercial Pool Heaters Inc. +10% contingency Asphalt Paving Works at Taylor Creek Park Mopal Construction Ltd. 22,012.50 6/6 +2,500.00 contingency PETTICOAT CREEK CONSERVATION AREA AQUATIC FACILITY Supply & Installation of Slides & Rubber ABC Recreation LTD. 58,031.00 5/1 Surfacing + 10% contingency Entrance Unit Paving LandVision Contracting 28,050.00 biddingo/10 Limited +10% contingency PORTICO DRIVE MAJOR MAINTENANCE PROJECT Supply and Delivery of 300mm - 600mm Fowler Construction Company 32,500.00 contract Boulders Limited extension Supply and Delivery of 150mm - 300mm Fowler Construction Company 15,250.00 contract Boulders Limited extension Water Line Installation at Bruce's Mill Somerville Co. Limited 15,000.00 3/3 Conservation Area +10% contingency PORT UNION WATERFRONT PARK (PHASE 2) Supply and Delivery of Approximately 500 Strada Aggregates 9,125.00 8/7 Tonnes of Granular A (19mm Crusher Run) +1,000.00 contingency Strada Aggregates 10,950.00 8/7 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 600 +1,000.00 contingency Tonnes of Granular B (Crushed Limestone) Purchase of 12 New Water Level Sensors for Rice Engineering and 22,044.92 2/2 Stream Flow Monitoring Network Operating Ltd. +2,500.00 contingency Claireville Dam Asbestor and Mould Removal JMX Environmental 26,500.00 7/7 Incorporated +5,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 1,500 Canadian Building Materials 24,675.00 8/7 Tonnes of Granular A (19mm Crusher Run) (CBM) Aggregates +2,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Approximately 2,000 Glenn Windrem Trucking 61,800.00 8/2 Tonnes of 75-200mm Cobble Stone +6,000.00 contingency Supply & Delivery of Sediment Erosion Control Terrafix Geosynthetics Inc. 14,663.74 3/3 Measures for Alfred Kuehne Boulevard Stream +10% contingency Realignment & Restoration Project TOTAL 2,441,575.36
324 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Competitive Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received 3030-3068 Weston Road Erosion Risk Analysis Stantec Consulting Ltd. 18,483.00 5/4 +1,200.00 allowance for additional borehole +4,000.00 contingency PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN Energy Leaders Consortium Facilitation 360 Energy Inc. 58,800.00 26/6 Energy Leaders Consortium Energy Monitoring Innovative Solultions Inc. 30,920.00 36/11 Conduct Construction Risk Mitigation & Impact Stephenson Engineering 50,066.00 8/1 assessment for Properties Along 30-48 Rouge Limited +5,000.00 contingency Rouge Trail, Toronto Detailed Design & Specifications for AECOM Canada Limited 5,200.00 Contract Construction of Steel Pedestrian Bridge - Extension Contract Extension at Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project (Phase 2) Website & Application Support & Development Three Wise Men Inc. 46,000.00 Biddingo/2 Services for TRCA Managed Websites Climate Change and Water Resources: National ESSA Technologies Ltd. 129,775.90 8/8 Water Adaptation Guidance Best Practices Compendium Mimico Waterfront Park Project (Phase 2) - Stephenson Engineering Ltd. 21,751.00 7/4 Complete Detailed Design for Power Service, Distribution & Pathway Lighting, & option for Geotechnical Testing, if Required Phase 3 Stormwater Modelling Services for Aquafor Beech Limited 24,345.00 3/3 County Court SNAP Seaton Improvement Project - Geotechnical DBA Engineering Ltd. 12,150.00 4/2 Investigation Services for Construction of Steel Staircase Detailed Design & Specifications for Water, Stephenson Engineering Ltd. 33,153.00 6/3 Sanitary & Hydro Servicing at Tommy +6,000.00 additional Thompson Park Infrastructure Project testing +3,500.00 contingency LAKEVIEW WATERFRONT CONNECTION COORDINATED PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Undertake Third Party Facilitator Services Hardy Stevenson and 50,747.00 biddingo.com/4 Associates +20% contingency Marine Archaeology Services Scarlett Janusas 63,265.00 4/1 Archaeological and Heritage +20% contingency Consulting and Education
325 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Competitive Bid (up to $100,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received Erosion Risk Assessment at the Rear of 4 to 14 Terraprobe Inc. 25,530.00 5/4 Hardwood Gate, Toronto Slope Stability Assessment & Erosion Risk Sarafinchin Associates Limited 12,315.00 5/4 Analysis of Scarborough Bluffs along 26 to 30 +1,250.00 contingency Livingston Road, Toronto Frenchman's Bay Harbour Entrance - Marine Scarlett Janusas 16,450.00 4/1 Archaeology Services Archaeological and Heritage +20% contingency Consulting and Education Detailed Design for Bank Stabilization Works, Aquafor Beech Ltd. 20,230.00 7/6 Highland Creek +2,500.00 contingency Filming & Video Production for Lake Wilcox Powerline Films 25,000.00 8/6 SNAP Front Yard Makeovers & Neighbourhood-wide Residential Eco-landscaping Program Economic Costs of Not Adapting to Climate Econometric Research 30,600.00 8/1 Change Phase 1 (ORCCC) Limited TOTAL 724,323.30
326 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid Not Accepted (up to $25,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Number of ($) Quotations Plus HST Requested/ Complete Bids Received PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN Filming & Editing Services for Event & Training Images Made Real 11,040.00 4/3 Filming TOTAL 11,040.00
327 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Sole Source (up to $50,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Sole Source ($) Criteria Plus HST (Section 1.14 of TRCA's Purchasing Policy) Heart Lake Conservation Area - Outdoor Pool Griffin Koerth 20,000.00 5 Deck Forensic Engineering Services +10% contingency Two Month Rental of Crawler Carrier (Reach 3) Hub Equipment Inc. 11,000.00 1 at York - York Mills Channel Project +2,250.00 contingency Processing Fish Tissue Samples for 2012 Sport Chuck Cox 20,000.00 5 Fish Contaminant Project Senior Climate Scientist & Advisor to Ontario Neil Comer 9,734.51 5 Regional Climate Change Consortium Partners in Project Green Website Maintenance WirelessLinx Inc. 10,000.00 3 & 5 New Canadian Environmental Work Experience Career Edge 18,340.00 5 Program Job Search Workshops to M2P for ACCES Employment 10,512.00 5 Environmental Professionals Program Clients Telemetry Fish Tags VEMCO 13,925.00 5 Native Grassland Enhancements at Bob Hunter Rural Lambton Stewardship 40,000.00 5 Memorial Park, Claireville CA & Gatineau Network Corridor Workplace Communciation Training for M2P JVS Toronto 16,011.00 5 Clients Hotel to Host Mainstream: The National Water Marriott Toronto 19,380.00 4 Adaptation to Climate Change Forum Bloor-Yorkville Purchase of Mike Flood Hydraulic Modelling DHI Water & Environment 19,085.00 5 Package 630 Square Metres of Vast Permeable IOWAT 35,398.23 1 Intrelocking Recycled Rubber Composite Pavers for Kortright Green Parking Retrofity 630 Square Metres of Permeable Interlocing Eco-flex 34,955.75 1 Recycled Rubber Composity Pavers for Kortright Green Parking Retrofity Printing Draft Proposed Source Protection Plan Swiss Print International 11,000.00 5 & Approved Credit Valley Source Protection Area Assessment Report TOTAL 293,591.49
328 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Sole Source (up to $50,000) Project/Product Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed Sole Source ($) Criteria Plus HST PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN Delivery of Eco-Efficieny Program for Food Guelph Food Technology 15,000.00 5 Processors Centre Management & Delivery of Sustainability High Power Solutions Inc. 25,000.00 5 Consortiums TOTAL 40,000.00
______329 RES.#A148/12 - GOOD NEWS STORIES Overview of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority activities from April - June, 2012.
Moved by: Ronald Chopowick Seconded by: Glenn Mason
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of Good News Stories from April - June, 2012 be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND As per Authority direction during 2006, a report covering highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) activities is provided to the Authority every few months. The stories for April - June, 2012 are as follows:
April
Sunny Days fundraising event raised approximately $30,000 for Claremont Field Centre and will be used to improve accessibility to TRCA lands in the Duffins Creek watershed. Completed two major maintenance projects with more than $400,000 in Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) funding. Black Creek SNAP (Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan) received a $30,000 Vital Ideas grant from Toronto Community Foundation. Goose tracking system by cellphone is up and running, and data is available online. Twenty collars are being used in Toronto, as part of a larger Canadian Wildlife Service study. 500 people involved in Port Lands Acceleration Initiative consultation. Undertaking major project for Infrastructure Ontario this year on West Don Lands. The work will cost approximately $11 million dollars and include soil remediation, armouring of the landform and landscaping. At the first annual meeting of The Living City Foundation, the 51st annual meeting of the foundation, four new board members were elected. The foundation board is more diverse than ever before and better reflects the community. Authority approves 2012 budget totalling $103.1 million to implement Living City programs and projects. Over 650 employees from Pearson Eco-Business Zone companies attended the Earth Day planting in Etobicoke Creek watershed. TRCA to present our watershed management model in the Philippines. Enbridge Gas and Trout Unlimited announced one year investment of approximately $200,000 in Duffins watershed for habitat improvements and community engagement. The Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill and Kortright wrapped up another successful season attracting 43,000 visitors. Staff has done approximately 40 interviews with landowners in the flood vulnerable areas (FVA) in the vicinity of Pickering Beach, on how to deal with residing in FVAs. Residents are pleased with this hands-on approach. McMichael Canadian Art Collection and 300 guests participated in Humber Earth Day Event.
330 May
Town of Ajax Council endorsed the Lower Carruthers Municipal Class EA for flood protection and the planning approach to provide for the future remediation of a flood spillway and flexible approach to the regulation of floodplain lands. Two major projects with a combined value of $3 million were completed on behalf of the City of Toronto; Wilket Creek Park Phase 2 Emergency Works and Glen Stewart Ravine Management Plan Implementation Project. At Wilket Creek 300 m of channel reconstruction, including infrastructure protection, the replacement of two bridges and the construction of a 40 m boardwalk to protect an ephemeral wetland were implemented. At Glen Stewart Ravine trail improvements for the protection of the ecologically significant habitat, and to improve user accessibility, were completed through the installation of a 100 m boardwalk with a lookout platform, the replacement of a 27 m high staircase, and upgrades to the fencing and granular trail. Launched Black Creek's 4th beer in the LCBO which is selling very well. Black Creek Pale Ale received 91/100 rating from the Globe and Mail. Black Creek Pale Ale received Ontario Brewers Award as best North American style pale ale. A juvenile Atlantic salmon was caught by Restoration Services staff during routine fisheries monitoring of the lower Don River. Native Atlantic salmon have not been seen in the Don River for over a century and is a potentially significant find for the GTA Atlantic salmon re-introduction program. Hosted 150 Durham Catholic School gifted elementary students and secondary students for their dig days at Lost Brant site (Lake Wilcox) as part of their archaeology program. Boyd Archaeological Field School will run for its 35th year, through Claremont Field Centre. Approved to be on Huron-Wendat site in Duffins watershed with Boyd Archaeological Field School students in August. Green Home Makeover ribbon cutting and street party were both well attended. TRCA will host additional tours for those that could not be accommodated at the street party. Bathurst Glen Golf Course's annual Audubon audit was held and reduced Class 9 pesticide use by 20%. Partners in Project Green Annual Report was released and over 3,500 companies were engaged in energy conservation measures in 2011, saving 46,479 MWh of electricity and 3 3.5 m of natural gas. The Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) Bird festival was a huge success hosting over 1,500 participants engaged in bird walks, workshops and activities. TTP Banding Lab banded a very rare townsend’s warbler – a black-throated gray warbler hybrid. Only five have ever been reported in Canada. In partnership with Region of Peel and Credit Valley Conservation, the draft Terms of Reference for the Lakeview Waterfront Project EA was submitted for review and comment. TRCA hockey team won the conservation authorities hockey tournament for the eighth year in a row. Phase I of retrofit at Kortright is complete, with the forced air system changed to ground source heat pump. The deck has been completed so visitors can walk out there for the first time in years. Rouge National Urban Park approved for $143 million over 10 years as a new national park run by Parks Canada. Rouge Park Alliance will be retired at the end of June. TRCA will be the transitional manager. Parks Canada will appoint a transitional advisory committee. Metcalf Foundation provides $30,000 for the Toronto Urban Farm.
331 TRCA has been selected to be a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council. 300 students, teachers and the Richmond Hill Rotary Club pitch in to plant more trees at Oak Ridges Corridor Park. A new TRCA corporate logo and watermark was approved. The new logo, to be put into use later this year, has evolved from the existing logo with a new visual symbol and updated lettering that represent today's TRCA while recognizing our rich past. 19th Paddle the Don raised over $70,000 with approximately 900 people paddling or volunteering.
June
Black Creek Pioneer Village welcomed over 22,000 school students to the Village in May and June alone. BCPV will have many more attending our new summer programs. Major repair work has been carried out on buildings at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The Snider Drive Shed and Edgeley Slaughter House have both had a "face lift" and are looking forward to the next forty years. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, a new patio has been constructed outside the Half Way House. Visitors will now be able to enjoy a meal from the restaurant, or a refreshing pint of ale from the Black Creek Historic Brewery, outside under the shade trees. The Province of Ontario recently announced renewed funding for PAIE and M2P programs. With funding from the Province and Government of Canada, these programs have assisted skilled newcomers since 2006 to get licensed and find employment in their field of expertise. For the period December 1, 2011 to May 31, 2014 these projects will assist over 90 new clients with a background in engineering, planning, ecology and green building to develop the technical, cultural and/or language skills required to be successful in finding and retaining employment in their field. The Living City Foundation and TRCA were pleased to host over 200 RBC Royal Bank employees in three community days events across the region. 1. Canoers paddled in the Humber River and learned about this great heritage river and vital link to Canada's fresh water source on World Environment Day. 2. Over 100 employees were engaged at Kortright Centre for Conservation in water testing experiments that explored a number of factors making up our water systems, along with planting and learning about sustainable agriculture at Kortright's urban farm. 3. Another 50 employees painted 245 yellow fish symbols next to the storm drains on the streets in Scarborough and distributed 1,500 flyers to their households - three times the work of past community groups. The W. Garfield Weston Foundation donated close to one million dollars supporting TRCA's various education programs, including: The Weston Family Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow Program at three TRCA facilities; the expansion of this program to five additional field centres across Ontario; and the Monarch Teachers Network Canada expansion program. TRCA received $100,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to assist the Town of Caledon in creating the Coleraine West Eco-Business Park in Bolton. 160 people attended the second annual Erosion and Sediment Control Field Training Workshop.
332 Through the Peel EcoSchools Project, 167 schools in the Region of Peel have been successfully certified in the Ontario EcoSchools program this year. The Peel EcoSchools Project is managed and supported by TRCA, with funding from the Peel Climate Change Strategy. TRCA produced the Peel EcoSchools Celebration Video, which was distributed to all certified Ontario EcoSchools in the Region of Peel. The video features a message from the Minister of Education, The Honourable Laurel Broten, as well as the Directors of Education from both school boards. A provincial version was also created and made available to schools participating in the program across Ontario. In a decision released June 2012, the Mining and Lands Commissioner upheld TRCA policies for valleyland protection and dismissed an appeal of a TRCA permit application to build a structure located on the valley slopes at a Banbury Road residence, in Toronto. Planning and Development staff concluded review of a new French language K-12 school proposed by the Conseil Scholaire Viamonde. The site design and LEED certified building will provide for extensive renaturalization of the adjacent Ganatsekaigon Creek valleylands and a clean storm water infiltration system that will help conserve adjacent wetland communities. TRCA agreed to assist the City of Toronto on an Impact Assessment for Scarborough Waterfront Trail Connection, and Environmental Assessments for: Humber Bay Landform; Amberlea Creek Erosion Control Project; Ashbridge's Bay; Eastern Beaches; East Don Trail. Tiger muskie (pike/muskellunge cross) found for first time in Toronto Harbour. For the fifth year, TRCA staff took part in the 24hrs of Summer Solstice mountain bike relay race at Albion Hills. The TRCA Tree Fairies managed a respectable 19th out of 99 teams in the club category. Team members issued a challenge within the development and environmental community to participate in the race and some sustainable trails initiatives. In addition to TRCA, seven teams from consulting firms participated with approximately 75 individuals. TRCA Racers tied for first place in the 2012 Oak Ridges Moraine Relay Race. TRCA Underdogs finished in 26th place.
Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: [email protected] For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: [email protected], [email protected] Date: July 12, 2012
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RES.#A149/12 - IN THE NEWS Overview of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority activities April - June, 2012.
333 Moved by: Ronald Chopowick Seconded by: Glenn Mason
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of media coverage from April - June, 2012 be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND As per Authority direction during 2006, a report covering highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) news coverage for the preceding few months is provided to the Authority every few months. The stories for April - June, 2012 are as follows:
Media Coverage Highlights A search on a news archives database (FPInfomart) for the period from April 1 to June 30 that mentioned Toronto and Region Conservation or Black Creek Pioneer Village produced 176 media hits. These results only reflect a portion of media coverage, since the database does not monitor some online media, some broadcast, smaller community papers and trade publications. The highlights are examples of noteworthy media coverage secured.
To raise awareness about Paddle the Don, media were invited once again to experience the event first had. Media participants included: 680 News, Newstalk1010, CBC Here and Now, Discovery Channel, Don Valley Girls Bloggers, Outdoor Canada, Toronto Star and Globe and Mail. Media coverage from the Globe and Mail appeared in a half page print story with accompanying photo title “Upstream fight, but there’s hope for the fish in the Don“ on May 7 and Toronto Star column “Thrills and spills on the normally placid Don” on May 12; raised awareness about the Don River and the Paddle the Don event. Interviews on 680 News, Newstalk1010 and Rogers TV Daytime Toronto aired in the days leading up to the event. TRCA was mentioned in many print and broadcast news stories in the months of May and June, regarding a request for the sale of a parcel of park land owned by TRCA. TRCA Media Management assisted in providing information and coordinating interviews. From the stories, TRCA’s role as on of Toronto’s largest public landowners and protector of greenspace was brought to the forefront. Media were working on very tight deadlines and were very appreciative of TRCA’s cooperation in providing information on a timely basis. Rogers Daytime Toronto filmed two segments at Black Creek Pioneer Village for its Summer in the City episodes. The segments air on July 6, July 20, August 4, August 17 and August 31 on Rogers TV Channel 10. A tour of “birds in the city” with a TRCA expert was arranged for a Toronto Star writer during the week leading up to the Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival. The result was a half page story “Song bird 'superhighway' runs through Toronto“on May 11. Local community media relations were the focus for the Green Home Makeover Ribbon Cutting event held on May 16. The event drew media coverage from Rogers Daytime Peel Region, Brampton Guardian, Municipal Information Network news and eieihomes.com. Brampton Guardian also did several interviews for a full length feature story that will analyze why more homeowners are not embracing green alternatives, the reasons, the policies and the overall climate for green innovation. A story is also being submitted to Green Building and Sustainable Strategies Magazine for their Fall issue.
334 Green Buildings and Sustainable Solutions Magazine published TRCA bylined article “The Living City Campus hosts Canada’s Outdoor Photovoltaic Test Facility” on May 31. The launch of the Grow Me Instead Nursery Outreach Campaign media event was a success. Media coverage was secured from: Omni News, Yonge Street Media, CBC Radio Metro Morning, CBC Radio Ontario Morning, CBC Radio International The Link. A tour of native/invasive plants in the GTA was also organized for a Toronto Star writer for the half page feature story “Invasive Plants Taking over Landscape“ June 18. The media coverage helped to raise awareness about choosing native plants over invasive plants. Several TRCA experts and spokesperson from Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation participated in a CBC French TV two hour special feature documentary on the "health" of the St. Lawrence River from Lake Ontario to the Gulf. Interviews and tours were coordinated over two days to showcase good examples of watershed restoration projects. Spokespeople took the crew to: waterfront habitats, Spadina wavedeck/wetland, Toronto Island wetlands and Tommy Thompson Park. The documentary is tentatively set to air in mid-November. On June 29th, a tour of Black Creek Pioneer Village was given to the TV crew from Amaury Jr. Television Show out of Brazil. The crew made stops at tourist destinations in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. The show is targeted to the upper social class audience in Brazil, airing a variety of entertainment options to an audience of millions. Black Creek Historic Brewery continues to make news with two announcements this period. A new series of historic beers available at LCBOs was announced as well as a new series of limited edition ales available only onsite. Positive reviews/stories of Black Creek Historic Beer were received from the Globe and Mail, May 1st; and The Newspaper (University of Toronto student paper), May 1st. Black Creek Historic Brewery's Pale Ale won People's Choice in the North American Pale Ale Category at the Canadian Brewing Awards 2012. Several beer bloggers including: Canadian Beer News and Great Canadian Beer Blog, also give positive reviews about the new beer.
Report prepared by: Rowena Calpito, extension 5632 Email: [email protected] For Information contact: Rowena Calpito, extension 5632 Email: [email protected] Date: April 24, 2012
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RES.#A150/12 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES
Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Ronald Chopowick
THAT Section IV items AUTH8.5.1 - AUTH8.5.3, inclusive, in regard to Watershed Committee Minutes, be received. CARRIED
335 Section IV Items AUTH8.5.1 - AUTH8.5.3 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #5/12, held on May 10, 2012 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/12, held on June 12, 2012 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/12, held on April 20, 2012.
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RES.#A151/12 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD
Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Linda Pabst
THAT Section IV item EX9.1 - Black Creek Historic Brewery contained in Executive Committee Minutes #5/12, held on July 6, 2012, be received. CARRIED ______
ONTARIO REGULATION 166/06
RES.#A152/12 - ONTARIO REGULATION 166/06
Moved by: Richard Whitehead Seconded by: Michael Di Biase
THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items EX10.1 - EX10.141, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #5/12, held on July 6, 2012, be received. CARRIED ______
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:28 a.m., on Friday, July 27, 2012.
Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary-Treasurer
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