Environmental Screening for the River Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Prepared by: Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. Land & Water Resources Management Consultants

Environmental Screening for the River Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Final Report February 19, 2020

Prepared for: 619613 Saskatchewan Ltd.

File: WER119-37

Prepared by:

Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. Suite 601 1040 – 7th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3G9

Phone: 403.264.9366 Fax: 403.264.8796 Email: [email protected]

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Corporate Authorization This document entitled Environmental Screening for the River Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan was prepared by Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. It is intended for the use of 619613 Saskatchewan Ltd. and approval authorities for which it has been prepared. The contents of the report represent the best judgment of Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. based on information available at the time of preparation. Any use a third party makes of the report, or reliance on or decisions made based on it, are the responsibilities of such third parties. Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on the report.

Duplication or distribution of this report or any portion hereof is forbidden without approval from Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc.

Unauthorized use of the concepts and strategies reported in this document and any accompanying drawings and/or figures is forbidden. They are the sole intellectual property of the author.

Report prepared by: Andrea Zemrau, B.Sc., P.Ag.

Report reviewed by: Karen Oldershaw, M.E. Des., P. Biol. Authenticating Professional in Wetland Science

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Executive Summary Westhoff Engineering Resources Inc. (Westhoff) was retained by 619613 Saskatchewan Ltd. to prepare a desk-top Environmental Screening for a proposed subdivision within the Moose Jaw, SK at NW/NE-29-16-26 W2M. The objectives of the Screening are identified based on common best practice for environmental assessment within Canadian municipalities.

The Environmental Screening was prepared with available desk-top information only. No field surveys of the Project Site were completed. As well, a detailed review of the provincial regulatory framework for new development projects was not completed as part of this Environmental Screening.

Terrain conditions within the Project Site are variable with three main topographic features: an escarpment, adjacent lowlands, and a riparian zone associated with the Moose Jaw River. The Project Site is situated in Moose Jaw River Valley with a portion of the property designated as Floodway based on municipal zoning districted presented in the Moose Jaw Zoning Districts interactive map (City of Moose Jaw, Planning and Development Department n.d.)

Since 1950, a single farmstead is visible in the central portion of the lowlands with access provided from a roadway intersecting 7 Ave. In 1972, the Site appears to have been established as a tree farm.

A HABISask database search January 10, 2020 identifies three provincially listed plants: two have the potential to occur within the Site: Racemose milk-vetch (Astragalus racemosus var. racemosus) and Tall beggar’s-ticks (Bidens frondosa). A range of wildlife may use available habitat with potential for five HABISask database species of conservation concern: northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi).

The Site is within the Moose Jaw River Valley, which is expected to support wildlife movements between habitat patches along the watercourse. 9 Ave SW, 7 Ave SW and Highway 2 have the potential to act as physical and sensory barriers to wildlife movement and as potential collision hazards.

Potential impacts of the proposed development were identified that include:

• Soil erosion and surface runoff;

• Accidental spills of fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials;

• Local changes in surface water drainage patterns;

• Changes in the water quality of the Moose Jaw River;

• Accidental damage of retained forests and riparian lands; and

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• Damage or disturbance of wildlife, wildlife habitat and wildlife movement.

Mitigation measures applied to eliminate, reduce, or control the predicted negative impacts of a Project Site are:

• Erosion and Sediment Control and Environmental Protection planning to meet current municipal standards;

• A rare plant management plan in the event rare plants are identified through field surveys;

• Landscape planning and weed management initiatives in support of naturalized open space;

• Building development setbacks to conserve the riparian zone of the Moose Jaw River;

• Stormwater management strategies during construction and in post development conditions; and

• Pre-construction wildlife surveys or construction timing to avoid the primary breeding season between April 1 and August 31 (Environment Canada 2014).

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Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...... 7 Purpose ...... 7 2 Methods ...... 7 Existing Information ...... 7 Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) ...... 7 Previous Wildlife Observations ...... 9 Saskatchewan Soil Information System ...... 9 Historical Aerial Photograph Review ...... 9 Identification of Impacts ...... 9 Mitigation Measures ...... 10 3 Existing Environment ...... 10 Natural Ecoregion ...... 10 Local Site Description ...... 10 Historical Land Use ...... 14 Rare Plants and Rare Ecological Communities...... 14 Wildlife ...... 16 Historical Resources ...... 18 4 Identification of Impacts ...... 18 Impacts to Soils and Terrain ...... 18 Loss or Alteration of Plants and Plant Communities ...... 20 Impacts to the Moose Jaw River ...... 20 Loss or Disturbance of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ...... 20 Landscape Connectivity and Wildlife Movement ...... 21 5 Mitigation ...... 21 Erosion and Sediment Control ...... 21 Environmental Protection Plan ...... 21 Rare Plant Management Plan ...... 22 Landscape Plan and Weed Management Program ...... 22 Development Setbacks ...... 22 Stormwater Management Strategies ...... 22 Timing of Construction ...... 22 Monitoring ...... 23 6 References ...... 24

Appendix A Historical Aerial Photographs ...... 26 Appendix B HABISask Database Results ...... 45

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Appendix C Potential Wildlife Species ...... 46

List of Figures

Figure 1: Project Location ...... 8 Figure 2: Escarpment ...... 11 Figure 3: Lowland mixedwood/non-native grassland ...... 11 Figure 4: Riparian Zone ...... 12 Figure 5: Disturbed ...... 12 Figure 6: Biophysical Conditions ...... 13 Figure 7: Floodway...... 15

List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of Potential Impacts ...... 19

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1 Introduction 619613 Saskatchewan Ltd. is planning a proposed River Pointe Park subdivision within the City of Moose Jaw at NW/NE-29-16-26 W2M (Figure 1). The Project Site is bordered by 7 Ave SW to the west, 4 Ave SW to the east, residential properties to the north, and the Moose Jaw River to the south. Under existing conditions, the Project Site is within the Moose Jaw River Valley and consists of one country residential property.

Purpose Westhoff Engineering Resources Inc. (Westhoff) was retained to prepare a desk-top Environmental Screening for submission to the City of Moose Jaw. The objectives of the Screening are identified based on common best practice for environmental assessment within Canadian municipalities. The Environmental Screening objectives are:

• describe the existing environment (including terrain, soils, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, and possible sensitive areas); • describe the proposed development; • predict the potential impacts of the development on the environment; and • recommend mitigation measures that would reduce or eliminate potential impacts of the development on the environment.

The Environmental Screening was prepared with available desk-top information only. No field surveys of the Project Site were completed. A detailed review of the provincial regulatory framework for new development projects was not completed as part of this Environmental Screening.

2 Methods

Existing Information

Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) is a provincial government organization that maintains a database and tracks information on species, communities, and sites of conservation interest. The Centre administers the Hunting, Angling and Biodiversity Information of Saskatchewan databased called HABISask. We completed a 3 km radius HABISask database search on January 10, 2020 to determine whether any federally-listed Species At Risk or provincial species identified as Sensitive, May Be At Risk, or At Risk have been previously observed on or in the vicinity of the Site (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019).

MOOSE JAW Moose Jaw River

¤£2

NW/NE-29-16-26 W2M

Source: Google EarthTM Client: ALVIN REINHARD FRITZ ARCHITECT INC. Project: LEGEND RIVER POINTE PARK Project_Site Title: Railway PROJECT LOCATION Water Body Date: Project No.: Scale: 12-02-2020 WER119-37 1:75,000 FIGURE: 1

Note: Project Site is an approximation based on imagery provided by Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. Land & Water Resources Management Consultants Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. Environmental Screening for the River Westhoff Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Engineering Saskatchewan Resources, Inc. Final Report February 19, 2020

Previous Wildlife Observations We reviewed HABISask database search to develop a list of amphibian, reptile, mammal and bird species that may potentially inhabit areas within the Project Site (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019). Federal and provincial wildlife databases were accessed for information on the general distribution of wildlife species federally-listed as Species At Risk under the Species At Risk Act (SARA) (Government of Canada 2002) or provincially identified as Sensitive, May Be At Risk or At Risk as per the General Status of Saskatchewan Wild Species (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019).

We also compiled wildlife observations from eBird, an online database that is associated with Cornell University Lab of Ornithology. Birders submit their location specific observations to this database where they are compiled and made available for public use (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2015). An eBird location at Kingsway Park, approximately 500 m south of the Project Site, and Wakamow Valley Maryland Trail, approximately 1.5 km east of the Project Site, were included as species from this location have the potential to be encountered on Site.

Saskatchewan Soil Information System The Saskatchewan Soil Information System (SKSIS) identifies soil classes and groups that have been mapped throughout the Province. We performed a database search to determine the types of soils that have been mapped for the Project Site (University of Saskatchewan n.d.).

Historical Aerial Photograph Review We reviewed available historical aerial photographs and Google Earth™ images to describe changes in environmental conditions in the Project Site over time. Photographs were chosen based to represent multiple years, (1950 – 2016), and different seasons, from Spring to Autumn.

We referenced the following photographs, which are provided in Appendix A:

▪ June 27, 1950 ▪ June 13, 1989 ▪ September 30, 1965 ▪ July 2, 2003 ▪ May 28, 1972 ▪ July 21, 2016

Identification of Impacts We completed an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the River Pointe Park development. We referred to the preliminary concept provided by Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. on December 20, 2019.

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Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are measures applied to eliminate, reduce, or control the predicted negative impacts of a Project (Government of Canada 1992). We present mitigation measures that could eliminate, reduce, or control the predicted negative impacts of Site development.

3 Existing Environment

Natural Ecoregion Moose Jaw is within the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion, which comprises the northern extension of open grasslands in the Interior Plains of Canada and is closely correlated with semi- arid moisture conditions and Dark Brown Chernozemic soils. Native vegetation is relegated to non-arable pasturelands, dominated by spear grass and wheat grass, and a variety of deciduous shrubs including buckbrush, chokecherry, wolf willow, and saskatoon. Patches of scrubby aspen, willow, cottonwood, and box-elder occur to a limited extent on shaded slopes of valleys, on river terraces (University of Saskatchewan 2008). The region is composed of upper Cretaceous sediments and is covered almost entirely by hummocky to kettled glacial till and level to very gently undulating, sandy to clayey lacustrine deposits (University of Saskatchewan 2008).

Local Site Description Field surveys of the Project Site were not completed as part of this Environmental Screening. Photographs acquired through Google Earth TM are provided below (Figures 2-5). A Desktop spatial evaluation of biophysical features within the Project Site is provided in Figure 6.

Terrain conditions within the Project Site are variable with three main topographic features: an escarpment, adjacent lowlands, and a riparian zone associated with the Moose Jaw River. Associated vegetation communities are presented in Figure 7 based on our review of available historical and Google EarthTM Imagery. Residential areas are separated-out and identified as “disturbed”.

There is a considerable grade from the top of the escarpment on the north Site boundary to the lowlands along the River. The escarpment appears to consist of grasslands with low shrubs and scattered trees and may retain near-natural conditions. The adjacent lowlands are mixedwood forest of poplar (populous sp.) and conifer (picea sp. and pinus sp.) trees. Google Earth Images combined with historical aerial photographs indicate the lowlands have been modified through tree farming resulting in the introduction of non-native trees and probable grass, forb and shrub species, including weedy and invasive species. Residual native forest vegetation appears present at the based on the escarpment. The riparian zone consists of poplars and tall shrubs and is expected to represent near natural conditions.

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Figure 2: Escarpment

Looking northeast at the grassland community associated with the relatively escarpment (background of the photograph)

Figure 3: Lowland mixedwood/non-native grassland

Looking west at the deciduous forests associated with the lowlands and riparian zone adjacent the Moose Jaw River (left margin of photograph)

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Figure 4: Riparian Zone

Looking east at the riparian zone associated with the Moose Jaw River. Note open (non-native) grasslands to the north (left) of the riparian zone

Figure 5: Disturbed

Looking east at residential access from 7 Ave.

Client: LEGEND ALVIN REINHARD FRITZ ARCHITECT INC. Project Site Project: Plant Communities RIVER POINTE PARK Title: Disturbed BIOPHYSICAL CONDITIONS Escarpment Date: Project No.: Scale: Lowland mixedwood forest/non-native grassland 10-01-2020 WER119-37 1:2,500 FIGURE: 6 Riparian Note: Plant communities have been desk-top delineated. Project Site is an Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. approximation based on imagery provided by Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. Land & Water Resources Management Consultants Environmental Screening for the River Westhoff Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Engineering Saskatchewan Resources, Inc. Final Report February 19, 2020

The Project Site is situated in Moose Jaw River (Figure 7) with a portion of the property designated as Floodway based on municipal zoning districted presented in the Moose Jaw Zoning Districts interactive map (City of Moose Jaw, Planning and Development Department n.d.). There is no clear evidence of any wetlands, springs or other natural waterbodies occurring within the Project Site.

Historical Land Use We reviewed historical aerial photographs showing the Project Site in the 1950s when the majority of the lowlands were cleared. In 1950, a contiguous zone of riparian vegetation is present along the River. In 1972, the Site appears to have been established as a tree farm with cultivated tree rows concentrated in the south west, along the River. The clearing for tree planting expanded in 1989 to include areas north and east of the River adjacent the escarpment.

Since 1950, a single farmstead is visible in the central portion of the lowlands with access provided from a roadway intersecting 7 Ave. No additional development or Site disturbance is noted in the photographic record since 1989.

Rare Plants and Rare Ecological Communities We completed a 3 km radius HABISask database search January 10, 2020 to identify any past observations of provincially listed plant species on or in the vicinity of the Project Site (Appendix B). HABISask database documents the occurrence of the following provincially listed plants:

• Tumble grass (Schedonnardus paniculatus) is provincially listed as S3: vulnerable (Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council 2016). Tumble grass is traditionally found in disturbed areas including overgrazed rangeland, lawns, shoulders of roads and railroad tracks (Montana Natural Heritage Program n.d.). The last documented occurrence of tumble grass was in 1939 (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019). Tumble grass is not expected to occur within the Project Site.

• Hairy pepperwort (Marsilea vestita) is provincially listed as S3: vulnerable (Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council 2016). Hairy pepperwort is often found in the shallow water of ponds, ditches and depressions; often where ground has dried late in the season; elsewhere, on shores of lakes and streams, often tolerant of alkali soils (Linda Kershaw 2001). The last documented occurrence of hairy pepperwort was in 1896 (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019). Hairy pepperwort is not expected to occur within the Project Site although there is potential habitat within the Moose Jaw Valley.

Client: ALVIN REINHARD FRITZ ARCHITECT INC. LEGEND Project: RIVER POINTE PARK Floodway Title: FLOODWAY AND FLOODLINES Floodlines Date: Project No.: Scale: 22-01-2020 WER119-37 1:3,500 FIGURE: 7 Imagery Source: City of Moose Jaw - Flood Map Westhoff Engineering Resources, Inc. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=74f84a8667f74d52a5c749264ae929fd Land & Water Resources Management Consultants Environmental Screening for the River Westhoff Pointe Park Subdivision in Moose Jaw, Engineering Saskatchewan Resources, Inc. Final Report February 19, 2020

• Racemose milk-vetch (Astragalus racemosus var. racemosus) is provincially listed as S2: imperiled (Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council 2016). Racemose milk- vetch is often found on gullied bluffs, barren knolls, and alluvial bottomlands (NatureServe 2019). It typically grows in grasslands on heavy clay soil derived from shale; it is confined to alkali soils high in selenium (Montana Natural Heritage Program n.d.). The last documented occurrence of racemose milk-vetch was in 1970 (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019). There may be potential habitat for racemose milk-vetch available within the Project Site, depending on localized soil conditions.

• Tall beggar’s-ticks (Bidens frondosa) is provincially listed as S3: vulnerable (Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council 2016). Tall beggar’s-ticks is traditionally found in clay flats, slough edges, moist ground and in irrigation ditches (Linda Kershaw 2001). It is also found along riverbanks, plains and valleys (Montana Natural Heritage Program n.d.). The last documented occurrence of tall beggar’s-ticks was in 2013 (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2019). Potential habitat for tall beggar’s-ticks is available at the Project Site. Field surveys for rare plants or rare ecological communities were not completed as part of this Environmental Screening.

Wildlife A range of wildlife species have the potential to be encountered along the escarpment or in lowland and riparian habitats available within the Project Site. We identify a total of approximately 289 wildlife species with the potential to occur within the Project Site, including 251 birds, 29 mammals, 5 amphibians, and 4 reptiles (Appendix C includes scientific names). A number of these potential species have been provincially identified and/or federally listed as species of conservation concern.

We compiled this list of potential wildlife species with information from the SKCDC website as well as ebird observations from Kingsway Park and Wakamow Valley Maryland Trail. Wildlife field surveys were not completed as part of this Environmental Screening.

We completed a 3 km radius database search of HABISask (Appendix B). The HABISask database documents the occurrence of wildlife species of conservation concern as follows:

• Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) habitat consists of open, treeless areas, with low, sparse vegetation. Burrowing owls may be found in grasslands, deserts and steppe environments including pasture and agricultural fields (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). The Project Site is not expected to support habitat for burrowing owls. • Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) prefer buildings, loose bark on trees, or covered areas for roosting that are near waterbodies to ensure a large supply of insects (Pattie and Fisher 1999). Potential habitat for the little brown bat is available at the Project Site.

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• Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) prefer grasslands and open habitats with short vegetation and well-spaced shrubs or low trees, preferably areas with thorny vegetation (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). They hunt insects, birds, lizards and other small mammals from utility poles, fence posts and other perches. Loggerhead shrikes skewer their kills on thorns or barbed wire (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). The Project Site supports potential habitat for loggerhead shrike. • Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) is associated with permanent watercourses and waterbodies (Russel and Bauer 2000). Northern leopard frogs prefer streams, creeks and rivers for overwintering habitat. Over-wintering habitat consists of well oxygenated water bodies (7-10 parts per million) that do not freeze to the bottom (i.e., streams, creeks, rivers, spillways below dams, deep lake ponds and springs) (COSEWIC 2009). Breeding occurs in pools, ponds, marshes and lakes. In the summer months, northern leopard frogs are found in moist upland meadows and riparian areas. Potential habitat for northern leopard frogs is available within the Project Site. • Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) occur primarily in forested and sometimes bushy areas, close to waterbodies (Pattie and Fisher 1999). The northern bat roosts and hibernates in caves and mines, with nursing colonies formed in tree cavities, under loose bark or bridges in the spring (Pattie and Fisher 1999). Potential habitat for the little brown bat is available at the Project Site. • Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) breed mostly in the boreal forest, preferring to nest in openings, burned areas or the edges of coniferous forests (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). Often, they will be found nesting near rivers, streams and meadows, areas that provide an abundance of aerial insects (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). The Project Site offers potential habitat for the olive-sided flycatcher. • Whooping cranes (Grus Americana) in Canada are only found breeding in Wood Buffalo National Park (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). As they migrate south to Texas they feed in croplands and harvested fields and roost in shallow, freshwater wetlands (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2019). There is no anticipated habitat for whooping cranes in the Project Site. Landscape connectivity is a scientific term that refers to the degree to which a landscape facilitates or impedes the movements of organisms among resource patches (Taylor, et al. 1993). In other words, landscape connectivity refers to the degree to which a landscape functions to provide organisms, such as wildlife, access to preferred habitats. Physical landscape connections between habitat patches can either be corridors (a strip of land connecting habitat patches), or stepping stones (small habitat patches in a row) (Forman 1995).

We describe landscape connectivity based on the extent of connected natural habitats present within and adjacent to the Project Site. The Site is within the Moose Jaw River Valley, which is expected to support wildlife movements between habitat patches along the watercourse. 9 Ave SW, 7 Ave SW and Highway 2 have the potential to act as physical and sensory barriers to wildlife movement and as potential collision hazards.

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Historical Resources The scope of this Environmental Screening does not include an historical review for the purpose of identifying any historical or archaeological features within the Project Site. We note an archaeological site identified on the City of Moose Jaw Natural Development Constraints Map (City of Moose Jaw 2007). Further investigation by a qualified professional may be required to confirm the nature and condition of the site

4 Identification of Impacts The predicted impacts of the River Pointe Park Subdivision on identified biophysical conditions were determined with reference to a preliminary concept provided by Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. on December 20, 2019. The proposed development will consist of a mixture of residential housing and community amenities. The majority of the escarpment and forested areas at the escarpment base will be retained within the development along with the vegetation of the riparian zone. Development will be concentrated within the central areas of the property, primarily outside the Floodway, as delineated in the City of Moose Jaw Zoning Districts map (City of Moose Jaw, Planning and Development Department n.d.).

A summary of the potential impacts of the proposed development and recommended mitigation measures are presented in Table 1. Mitigation measures are described in further detail in Section 5.

Impacts to Soils and Terrain Portions of the Project Site will be cleared, resulting in impacts to local soils and terrain. Within construction zones, impacts to soil include soil removal, loss, compaction, erosion, and admixing. Where the Site is stripped of topsoil and/or subsoil, this material should be stockpiled and re-used at varying depths in areas to be landscaped (i.e., residential lots, parks, and other open spaces). There is the potential for soil erosion and sedimentation due to surface runoff and wind unless proper control measures are applied. There will also be changes to surface drainage patterns and surface water conditions as a result of the proposed development. These changes may result in erosion and sedimentation as well as changes in water quality in area water bodies.

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Table 1: Summary of Potential Impacts Environmental Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Component

Soils/terrain/ • loss of soil from removal, erosion • Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) Plan hydrology and/or admixing during construction • Environmental Protection Plan • soil compaction from heavy equipment • Re-use of soils in landscaping used during construction • Stormwater management strategies • sediment runoff to surrounding areas, • Retention of the riparian zone and including the Moose Jaw River escarpment • accidental spills of fuels, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous materials • modification of drainage patterns due to site grading Vegetation • accidental damage of retained • Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) Plan vegetation during construction • Environmental Protection Plan • accidental spills of fuels, chemicals, • Landscape, Restoration, Weed and fertilizers during construction and Management Plan pre, during and community residence post construction • introduction of weeds or other invasive • Educational signs along recreation plants during construction and trails to encourage trail usage community residence • damage to retained plant communities due to post development recreational activities Moose Jaw River • Local loss or modification of the • retention of the majority of the riparian zone. riparian zone • loss or alteration of riparian vegetation • Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) Plan and habitat due to accidental spills of • Environmental Protection Plan fuels, chemicals, and other hazardous • Stormwater management strategies materials, or sedimentation during construction • Building Development Setbacks • changes in water quality due to surface • Educational signs along recreation runoff trails to encourage trail usage Rare Plants and • potential loss or damage during • field confirmation of the potential for Rare Ecological construction or due to surface runoff rare species occurrence Communities • Rare Plant Management Plan Wildlife • damage, disturbance, or loss of • Time construction to avoid critical individual wildlife species and their time periods for wildlife residence (active nests and burrows) • Retention of wetland 1 and the central watercourse as local habitat features

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Environmental Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Component

• temporary and long-term sensory • Educational signs along recreation disturbance, barriers to movement and trails to encourage trail usage and habitat avoidance by wildlife access controls • changes in diversity towards species more tolerant of human activity • accidental spills of fuels, chemicals, and other hazardous materials resulting in loss or alteration of habitat

Loss or Alteration of Plants and Plant Communities The preliminary concept indicates the majority of the escarpment and riparian zone will be retained within the development as natural open space. There may be localized impacts to forested vegetation at the escarpment base and in the riparian zone. The lowlands representing previous tree farming areas will be lost as a result of the development. Some accidental damage to retained forested vegetation communities may occur if site clearing is not restricted to designated areas of construction. Accidental damage may also occur if stormwater runoff is not properly managed.

Weed invasion is a potential impact of the proposed development that can influence the quality and diversity of residual native plant communities. Recreational activities in areas of retained natural vegetation may result in damage or disturbance to native plant communities from vegetation trampling and trail braiding.

Impacts to the Moose Jaw River The majority of the riparian zone of the Moose Jaw River will be retained. Impacts may potentially occur to the watercourse during construction unless proper erosion and sediment control measures are applied.

This Environmental Screening does not include a review of potential impacts related to the installation and operation of water and sewage services in support of the proposed development. Potential impacts and mitigation measures should be provided by a professional with expertise in best management practices for servicing the development.

Loss or Disturbance of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat There will be a loss of lowland habitat as a result of the proposed development. This habitat is considered disturbed but still provides suitable conditions for a wide range of species benefiting from the expansive tree cover. Habitat will, however, be retained along the Moose Jaw River and the north escarpment, including considerable patches of forested habitat.

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The proposed construction activities may result in local sensory disturbance and damage or disturbance of individual wildlife species and their residence (active nests and/or burrows). This potential impact is of particular concern during the breeding season, which for many species is between approximately April 1 and August 31. This sensitive time period will vary based on yearly shifts in climatic conditions. Damage or harassment of certain species is prohibited under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (Government of Canada 1994), the Species at Risk Act (Government of Canada 2002) and the Alberta Wildlife Act (Government of Saskatchewan 1997).

Landscape Connectivity and Wildlife Movement The proposed development will result in some local loss of landscape connectivity for terrestrial wildlife travelling through the local area. However, the corridor of open space retained along the watercourse is expected to support continued wildlife movement through the Site, especially for species more tolerant of human activities.

5 Mitigation

Erosion and Sediment Control An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESC Plan) should be developed as per current City of Moose Jaw or equivalent guidelines. The design and implementation of site-specific erosion and sediment control measures will be completed prior to, during, and following the completion of each phase of the proposed development. The purpose of the ESC Plan is to provide measures to limit or control the potential for deleterious substances, like sediments in runoff, from leaving the Site or entering the Moose Jaw River. Emphasis will be placed on preventing stormwater runoff from directly entering the watercourse in both the construction and residential occupation phases of the development.

Environmental Protection Plan An Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) should be prepared as per City of Moose Jaw or equivalent guidelines. Best Management Practices documented in the EPP Plan will include vegetation protection, dust control measures, management of mud-tracking off-site, designated stockpile storage, designated re-fueling areas, waste management and recycling. The EPP Plan will be completed prior to construction and should be implemented by the prime contractor completing the work.

Retained natural plant communities, forest stands, and the watercourse will be identified as sensitive features in the EPP Plan. Snow fencing, or another similar visible physical barrier, will be used to provide a barrier around these features to limit construction equipment access. The barrier will be located well beyond the outer edge of these natural features and beyond the drip line of retained trees.

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Rare Plant Management Plan Two known rare plant species have the potential to occur within the Project Site. Field surveys are recommended ahead of construction to identify individual specimens that may occur within the Site. If any rare plants of rare ecological communities are identified, Best Management Practices based on available guidelines should be defined in a Rare Plant Management Plan prepared and implemented to mitigate species loss or alteration.

Landscape Plan and Weed Management Program A landscape and weed management plan should be implemented to maintain and enhance post-development conditions in terms of native plant communities and wildlife habitat. Where possible, restoration activities should be implemented adjacent to the Moose Jaw River in areas where historical land use have altered or damaged riparian vegetation. Restoration activities may include establishing native shrubs, typical to the Natural Subregion, as well as weed control measures to meet current municipal and/or provincial standards.

Development Setbacks A development setback is recommended adjacent the Moose Jaw River for the purpose of pollution prevention and riparian habitat conservation. The setback should be determined using available municipal or provincial setback guidelines. Land uses within the designated setback should be restricted to passive recreational activities.

Stormwater Management Strategies This BIA does not include a comprehensive evaluation of potential impacts related to stormwater management practices. Stormwater management planning for the Site should include Best Practices to mitigate potential impacts to the Moose Jaw River and surrounding landscape.

Timing of Construction We recommend that the proposed activities be completed outside the critical time period for many wildlife species: approximately April 15 to July 31 (Stebbins 2003, Smith 1993, McGillivray and Semenchuk 1998). This is the primary breeding period for many wildlife species that may be encountered within the work site.

If stripping and grading is to take place within the April 1 to August 31 period, a pre-construction wildlife survey will be completed prior to stripping and grading commencing. The wildlife survey will support the avoidance of sensitive wildlife features including active burrows or nests. The following steps will be implemented:

1. A qualified biologist will complete the survey of the area four days prior to any activities commencing.

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2. If active breeding activity is observed, no construction activities can occur until mitigation measures are applied. These mitigation measures may include a construction setback designated around the breeding site. The Canadian Wildlife Service should be consulted to determine the required width of the setback.

3. The construction setback would be in effect as long as breeding activity occurs.

4. If construction stops for four or more consecutive days, the area will be surveyed again for active breeding activity before commencing works with heavy machinery.

5. A qualified biologist will re-survey the area to determine if breeding activity is still present.

6. Once breeding activity is no longer present, the setback can be removed, and construction activities can begin.

This monitoring will facilitate compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act (Government of Canada 1994), the Species at Risk Act (Government of Canada 2002), and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act (Government of Saskatchewan 1997).

Monitoring A monitoring program is recommended during construction to document the implementation and success of the ESC Plan and EPP Plan.

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6 References

Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council. 2016. "Wild Species 2015: The General Status of Species in Canada." City of Moose Jaw. 2007. Natural Development Constraints. 09 07. Accessed 01 22, 2020. https://moosejaw.ca/wp- content/uploads/Natural-Development-Constraints-Map.pdf?ts=1578933860818. City of Moose Jaw, Planning and Development Department. n.d. Zoning Districts. Accessed 01 22, 2020. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=048e2c9aa6754ac4aef50ed0d90f5cce. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2019. All abouts birds. Accessed 01 14, 2020. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/. COSEWIC. 2009. Assessment and Update Status Report on the Northern Leopard Frog. Ottawa, ON: COSEWIC. Forman, R. 1995. "Some general principles of landscape and regional ecology." Landscape Ecology 10 133-142. Government of Canada. 1992. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Ottawa, ON.: Minister of Justice. Government of Canada. 1994. Migratory Birds Convention Act. Ottawa, ON.: Queen's Printer. —. 2002. Species at Risk Act . Ottawa, ON. Government of Canada. 2002. "Species at Risk Act." Ottawa. Government of Saskatchewan. 1997. Wildlife Act. Regina, SK.: Saskatchewan Queen's Printer. Linda Kershaw, Joyce Gould, Derek Johnson and Jane Lancaster. 2001. Rare Vascular Plants of Alberta. Edmonton: University of Alberta Press. McGillivray, W. B., and G. P. Semenchuk. 1998. The Federation of Alberta Naturalists: Field Guide to Alberta Birds. Edmonton, AB: Federation of Alberta Naturalists. Montana Natural Heritage Program. n.d. Montana Field Guide. Accessed 01 23, 2020. http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=PDFAB0F7C0. NatureServe. 2019. An Online Encyclopedia of Life. March. Accessed 01 23, 2020. http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?sourceTemplate=tabular_report.wmt&loadTemplat e=species_RptComprehensive.wmt&selectedReport=RptComprehensive.wmt&summaryView=tabular_re port.wmt&elKey=143351&paging=home&save=true&startIndex=1&nextStartInd. Pattie, D., and C. Fisher. 1999. Mammals of Alberta. Edmonton, AB: Lone Pine Publishing. Russel, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. 2000. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta. A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary Press. Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre. 2019. Hunting, Angling and Biodiversity Information of Saskatchewan. 11 17. Accessed 01 10, 2020. http://biodiversity.sk.ca/HABISask.htm. Smith, H.C. 1993. Alberta Mammals: An Atlas and Guide. Edmonton, AB.: Lone Pine Publishing. Stebbins, R.C. 2003. Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. Taylor, P. D., L. Fahrig, K. Henein, and G. Merriam. 1993. "Connectivity is a vital element of landscape structure." Oikos 68 571-572. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2015. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Accessed September 1, 2016. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/lifehistory. University of Saskatchewan. 2008. Ecoregions of Saskatchewan. Accessed 01 09, 2020. https://www.usask.ca/biology/rareplants_sk/root/htm/en/researcher/4_ecoreg.php. —. n.d. Saskatchewan Soil Information System. Accessed 01 08, 2020. https://sksis.usask.ca/#/map.

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Appendix A Historical Aerial Photographs

Imagery Source: National Air Photo Library Client: ALVIN REINHARD FRITZ ARCHITECT INC. LEGEND Project: RIVER POINTE PARK Project Site Title: JUNE 27, 1950 Date: Project No.: Scale: 10-01-2020 WER119-37 1:3,000 APP A