Phase 1: Baseline Report

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1 Phase 1: Baseline Report Environment Strategy November 2013

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3 Phase 1: Baseline Report Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... I 1.0 OVERVIEW OF REPORT INTRODUCTION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES KEY FOCUS AREAS REPORT FRAMEWORK ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AIR CLIMATE CHANGE HABITAT AND WILDLIFE POLLUTION AND WASTE WATER SEVERE WEATHER REGULATORY / POLICY DRIVERS FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Federal Government Provincial Government TRCA AND YORK REGION REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Regional Municipality of York RICHMOND HILL - STRATEGIC PLAN AND OFFICIAL PLAN REGULATORY AND POLICY DRIVERS FOR EACH KEY FOCUS AREA Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources BENCHMARKING AND BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES METHODOLOGY SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Presence of Green Fleet Promotion of Active Transportation Implement Transportation Demand Management Development Standards that Promote Sustainable Infrastructure Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques November 2013

4 Phase 1: Baseline Report Water Quality Monitoring of Streams and Rivers Stormwater Management and Monitoring Alternatives to Stormwater Quality/Quantity Control Salt Management Plans Examples of Protection of Groundwater Presence of Invasive Species Strategies Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors Community Gardens, Farmer s Markets and Urban Agriculture Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food REPORTING AND MONITORING PURPOSE METHODOLOGY WHY IS MEASURING AND MONITORING IMPORTANT? CURRENT STATE OF THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL SELECTING ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE METRICS HOW DO MUNICIPALITIES TRACK ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE? HOW DO MUNICIPALITIES REPORT PERFORMANCE? CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES November 2013

5 Phase 1: Baseline Report LIST OF APPENDICES Regulatory and Policy Reviews: Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D York Regional & Toronto Region Conservation Authority Plans/Policies Review Richmond Hill Strategic Plan & Official Plan Overview Table 1: Summary of Federal and Provincial Environmental Legislation Table 2: Summary of Town Environmental Policy, Plans and Programs Benchmarking Results: Appendix E Appendix F Table 3: Selection of Municipalities used for Benchmarking Table 4: Summary of Benchmarking Results Background Studies: Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Invasive Species Management Wildlife Management Protection Against Biodiversity Loss Ecological Restoration Practices (Urban Forestry Focus) Community Energy Conservation Programs Rehabilitation Practices for Streams and Rivers November 2013

6 Phase 1: Baseline Report Executive Summary The Richmond Hill community is strongly committed to protecting the local environment. The Town has been recognized as a leader in waste management, stormwater management, clean air programs and stewardship programs for natural systems. These green initiatives have been highly successful and have garnered many awards of recognition. The Environment Strategy will direct management of Richmond Hill s natural environment through a holistic approach aimed at preservation and restoration in a parallel process as urbanization occurs. The Strategy will define the vision, goals, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Richmond Hills Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The objective of this report, Phase One Baseline Research and Background Studies, is to research the macro and micro challenges facing Richmond Hill from an environmental perspective, to undertake research to develop an understanding of these challenges and possible responses. This report also provides information on municipal best practices and innovative options for municipal management in each of the Key Focus and Sub-Focus areas. This work has been undertaken to complete baseline research and background studies that will: Identify the macro and micro environmental challenges facing Richmond Hill Identify applicable environmental regulatory and policy drivers Benchmark Richmond Hill s environmental programs against municipalities with similar attributes; Research methods for tracking environmental performance metrics at the municipal level; and, Conduct background studies in key areas of environmental concern. The information gathered in both Phase One Baseline Research and Background Studies, and Phase Two Consultation, will be used to generate recommendations provided in Phase Three - Key Findings and Future Directions, and ultimately in the final Environment Strategy. November 2013 i

7 Phase 1: Baseline Report 1.0 Overview of Report 1.1 INTRODUCTION The Town of Richmond Hill covers an area of approximately 102 square kilometres in the southern portion of York Region, and is one of 29 municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). York Region has been described as one of the fastest growing urban areas in North America. With a current population of about 185,000, it is projected that Richmond Hill s population will increase to 242,000 by the year Today, the Town can be described as a predominately urban municipality with over 65% of its area occupied by urban land uses. It has been recognized as the first municipality in York Region to effectively build out to the limit of lands designated for urban land use, and the Regional Centre at Yonge Street and Highway 7 has been identified as an Urban Growth Center within York Region through the provincial growth plan, Places to Grow. The population in York Region is anticipated to grow 17% by the year 2026 and it is expected that Richmond Hill will accommodate a significant portion of this growth. Over 65% of Richmond Hill s area is occupied by urban land uses. Notwithstanding this high level of past and projected growth, Richmond Hill boasts one of the most diverse assemblies of healthy natural areas within York Region. In past decades, urbanization and farming practices in the Town interfered with natural environment features and functions; however Richmond Hill s current Official Plan provides strong policy protection for these sensitive areas. Strategically located at the centre of the GTA, Richmond Hill is a community influenced by common trends within the larger GTA, such as intensification, traffic congestion and changing community profiles. Consequently, the Town is facing a number of environmental challenges including but not limited to climate change, air quality considerations (e.g. smog), and a call to protect green space and water resources. Through the development of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan, the community identified that new development should occur in a way that protects and, where ever possible, enhances the benefits provided by a healthy natural environment. The Plan also identified that the protection, restoration and enhancement of the Town s environment should continue through the implementation of programs that encourage clean air, energy conservation, and waste reduction. The environment in Richmond Hill has been shaped by thousands of years of evolution. It is unique and rich with valuable natural features including kettle lakes, headwaters and tributaries of the Don, Rouge and Humber watersheds, significant wetland complexes, woodlands, and a portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM). The unique physical land features of the ORM forms the watershed divide between the Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario watersheds, and also plays an essential role in the recharge of both stream and groundwater systems. November

8 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill has an estimated 2.6M trees growing on both public and private land. These trees provide countless benefits for the community and contribute to approximately 25% canopy cover across the Town. Natural areas occupy about 35% of Richmond Hill s land area and many of these natural areas are concentrated in the northern portion of Richmond Hill where they are protected under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. Richmond Hill s natural environment is not only essential for the environmental functions it serves but also for the social and economic benefits that it provides to the community such as enhanced landscape aesthetics, increased property values, unique educational resources and the availability of space for recreational opportunities. Through the protection, restoration and enhancement of the environment, Richmond Hill s natural systems will be better equipped to regain their capacity for long-term health and survival. This would result in enhanced species abundance and diversity, greater availability of natural areas, improved water, air and soil quality as well as an ultimately healthier community and improved quality of life for the residents of Richmond Hill. 1.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The Richmond Hill community is strongly committed to protecting the local environment. The Town has been recognized as a leader in waste management, stormwater management, clean air programs and stewardship programs for natural systems. These green initiatives have been highly successful and have garnered many awards of recognition. Through the People Plan Richmond Hill process, the Town heard that Richmond Hill should continue to protect, restore, and enhance Richmond Hill s environment while putting into place projects and programs that contribute to clean air, healthy rivers and streams, and strong ecosystems. Throughout the development of our Strategic and Official Plans we continually heard from the community that protecting the environment should continue to be a top priority Mayor Dave Barrow Following the recommendations of the Richmond Hill Strategic Plan, Town Council approved direction for creating Richmond Hill s Environment Services Division in A key element of the Division s mandate is to integrate Richmond Hill s green initiatives into one coordinated strategy; the Environment Strategy. The Environment Strategy will direct management of Richmond Hill s natural environment through a holistic approach aimed at preservation and restoration in a parallel process as urbanization occurs. The Strategy will define the vision, goals, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Richmond Hills Strategic Plan and Official Plan. In addition, the Environment Strategy will align with corporate directions set out in Richmond Hill s other strategic documents such as the Transportation Master Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Cultural Master Plan, and the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan and Joint Waste Management Strategy. November

9 Phase 1: Baseline Report To develop the Environment Strategy, the Town will undertake several phases of work. The objective of this report, Phase One Baseline Research and Background Studies, is to research the macro and micro challenges facing Richmond Hill from and environmental perspective, to undertake research to develop an understanding of these challenges and possible responses, and, to provide information on municipal best practices and innovative options for municipal management. This work has been undertaken to complete baseline research and background studies that will: Identify existing policies, plans and programs at the Local, Regional and Conservation Authority level; Identify federal and provincial environmental legislation that apply to municipal environmental management; Determine Richmond Hill s environmental challenges; Benchmark Richmond Hill s environmental programs against municipalities with similar attributes; Research methods for tracking environmental performance metrics at the municipal level; and, Conduct background studies in key areas of environmental concern. This information will inform recommendations on the preferred practices and approaches for environmental management in Richmond Hill, to be outlined in the Phase Three - Key Findings and Future Directions Report, and ultimately in the final Environment Strategy. 1.3 KEY FOCUS AREAS Three key focus areas were identified during the initial planning stages of the Environment Strategy: air quality, water resources and land resources. As a starting point for research and consultation efforts, issues of environmental concern having clear ties to areas of municipal management and responsibility were selected as a foundation for further exploration. These sub-focus areas are summarized in the following chart. Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Sub- Focus Areas -Sustainable Energy Use -Sustainable Transportation -Watershed Management -Surface and Stormwater -Quality and Quantity -Groundwater Protection -Water Conservation -Green Development -Natural Environment Management -Solid Waste Management -Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Local Food Production November

10 Phase 1: Baseline Report During the research, it was found that a sub-focus area related to toxic substances and air contaminants (e.g., ozone depleting substances, or precursors of smog) were not identified. These contaminants have the potential to result in local environmental challenges including impacts to human health, reduced air quality, and damage to natural environments and wildlife. While toxic substances and air contaminants can contribute to climate change, some, such as chlorofluorocarbons, represent significant contributors to global warming. This sub-focus area is one largely of compliance to existing legislation and regulations and should continue to be addressed as an operational compliance issue. Further, in light of feedback received during the consultation and information produced during the research phase of the Strategy, refinements to the manner in which sub-focus areas are grouped will be addressed in the draft strategy to align more suitably with the municipal management structure within Richmond Hill. The preliminary focus and sub-focus areas are described in more detail below: Air Quality Various aspects of air quality are recognized to have an impact on Richmond Hill residents, and conversely, the actions of Town residents have an effect on local air quality. Although Richmond Hill cannot control air quality in the GTA, local activities contribute to overall airshed health and the Town can take responsibility for its own contribution in several ways, including: Sustainable Energy Use Use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices in both Town operations and the community. Sustainable Transportation Active transportation policy, planning, programs and infrastructure that support active transportation. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) planning for transit ready communities, advocacy for transit-friendly projects, and, local business programs (e.g. car pooling). Corporate Fleet - Town green fleet management. November

11 Phase 1: Baseline Report Water Resources Protection of water resources is an important consideration for not only Richmond Hill, but for the whole of the GTA. The ORM provides the headwaters for many of the streams and rivers in Richmond Hill. In many cases, Richmond Hill s activities are the first influence on watercourses that later pass through other municipalities. As with air quality, the Town cannot control the GTA water system, but it can address its local impact on water resources in a variety of ways: Watershed Protection Working with Conservation Authorities and local partners to establish best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management. Low Impact Development (LID) techniques applied to both community development and municipal infrastructure. Surface and Stormwater Quality and Quantity Management of Town activities that impact surface water, including rivers, streams and lakes. Management of stormwater, including impacts to both the linear and green systems with a focus on flood protection and water quality treatment alternatives. Groundwater Protection Protection of high vulnerability aquifer areas on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Water Conservation Land Resources Water conservation through community education and conservation practices. Richmond Hill s natural environment plays an important role in contributing to local quality of life. As with all aspects of the environmental management, the relationship is reciprocal; local activities affect the health of the natural environment, and the environment affects the health and well being of local residents. Land resources and natural heritage features can be protected, enhanced and restored in a number of ways: Green development efforts Standards and specifications that promote environmentally-responsible infrastructure. Tools to encourage green built-form in developing communities. Natural environment management strategies, including the protection, restoration, enhancement and stewardship of urban forest and soils. November

12 Phase 1: Baseline Report Provision of connected greenspace to protect biodiversity and therefore resiliency of our local ecosystems Management of invasive species Wildlife management (e.g., terrestrial animals, such as beavers, that reside on or impact land and can pose a risk to persons or property) Ecological restoration and management of natural features such as woodlands, wetlands and valley lands. Solid Waste Management through waste reduction and diversion Municipal policies (e.g. garbage bag limits). Community education (curb-side, high-rise and mixed-use). Planned opportunity for wise waste management (e.g. Waste Development Standards, currently underway). Education and partnerships in the IC&I sector. Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Local Food Production Community gardens, farmers markets and urban agriculture opportunities. As described above, these focus and sub-focus areas served as a starting point for the research undertaken in Phase One of the Environment Strategy. The results of the baseline research, in combination with information discovered through the background studies provided as Appendices to this report, has lead to a number of refinements that will be put forward in subsequent reports. 1.4 REPORT FRAMEWORK This Report includes the outputs of the baseline research. It is divided into the following topics: Environmental Challenges Significant existing and/or emerging environmental issues that have bearing on the municipal environment and/or municipal services in Richmond Hill and that Richmond Hill affects, leading to the identification of sub-focus areas for the Strategy. Environmental challenges are categorized into air, climate change, habitat and wildlife, pollution and waste, water, and weather. November

13 Phase 1: Baseline Report Regulatory/Policy Drivers Existing federal/provincial government legislation and regulations relevant to environmental management at the municipal level in Richmond Hill. A summary of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and York Regional and plans and policies relevant to the Strategy. An overview of the Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan, Official Plan and master plans as they relate to the Environment Strategy. For each Key Focus Area, a summary of environmental regulatory and policy drivers, as well as existing Richmond Hill plans, policies, programs, studies and bylaws. Benchmarking & Best Management Practices Benchmarking of the Richmond Hill s environmental programs against similar municipalities selected from local, provincial, North American and international jurisdictions, with a summary and review of trends, best management practices and innovative tools and techniques used for municipal environmental protection. Reporting & Monitoring Methods for tracking environmental performance metrics at the municipal level. Section 3.0 of this report includes a list of references used to complete the baseline research, and the detailed information used to compile the body of the report is provided in the appendices. Background Studies In addition to the baseline research provided in the body of this report, several background studies were undertaken in key areas of environmental concern. These include: Rehabilitation Practices for Streams and Rivers Ecological Restoration Practices (Urban Forestry Focus) Invasive Species Management Wildlife Management Protection Against Biodiversity Loss Community Energy Conservation Programs These reports are intended to be stand-alone documents that will help inform the recommendations of the Environment Strategy. They have been included as appendices to this report. November

14 Phase 1: Baseline Report 2.0 Environmental Challenges Environmental challenges arise as a result of disturbance to natural process and are most often attributed to the harmful aspects of human activity on the environment. In Richmond Hill, over two hundred years of intensive land use, including land clearing for farming early in Richmond Hill s history, and rapid urban development has impacted the health and amount of Richmond Hill s environment through: Removal of over 80% of the natural vegetation cover to accommodate farming and urban use; Increased stress on remaining natural areas through impacts from nearby human land uses that can reduce the quality of water, air and soil and quantity of water supporting these areas; Increased contacts and conflicts between humans and nature through human population growth; Introduction of invasive and non-native plants and animals that directly compete with native species; and Over-harvest of native plants and animals. (Environmental Policy Review Background Report) In the larger context of the global impacts of human activities, changes to our environments at global, national and local scales are occurring as well. These changes can represent environmental challenges which have the potential to negatively affect our environments, our health, our infrastructure, our way of doing work and our way of life. The main environmental challenge topic areas identified as relevant to Richmond Hill, based on information provided by Environment Canada, are: Air Climate change Habitat and Wildlife Pollution and Waste Water Severe Weather November

15 Phase 1: Baseline Report This section provides a discussion of how each environmental challenge identified above affects Canadian municipalities with a focus on how the challenge directly affects Richmond Hill. An evaluation of how Richmond Hill affects or could affect an environmental challenge is also provided. An analysis of the overlap between these two areas will identify sub-focus areas to be included within the Environment Strategy. This is illustrated in the figure below. 2.1 AIR Air quality has been identified by Canadians as a significant contributing factor to quality of life. Several commonly measured contributors to reduced air quality are ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants largely occur in the lowest part of the atmosphere which holds the air we breathe. Poor air quality occurs when pollutants reach high enough concentrations to endanger human health and/or the environment. How Air Affects Us Ground level ozone and particulate matter are the two primary air pollutants identified as contributing to smog. Smog appears as a haze in the air, which has been linked to adverse effects to both health and the environment. Smog has been shown to increase health risks in high risk individuals including children, individuals with asthma, lung diseases and heart conditions and seniors. Smog, which includes chemicals and particles, causes irritation and inflammation in the human respiratory system, which can result in breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath. Over time and repeated exposure can lead to chronic health issues throughout the body. Individuals who are of good health are also at risk during high smog levels if they are engaged in outdoor activities and sports. What is smog? The term smog was coined more than fifty years ago to describe a mixture of smoke and fog. Today, smog refers to a noxious mixture of vapours, gases and particles that appears as a yellowishbrown haze in the air. Smog is formed in the lower atmosphere, just above the Earth s surface, when a variety of sources such as factories, power plants and vehicles release pollutants into the air. The pollutants are usually warmer than the surrounding air and tend to rise. While rising in the air, heat and sunlight cause chemical reactions to occur between pollutants. These reactions form ground-level ozone, one of the two principal components of smog the other being particulate matter. cleanaircommute.ca/what-is-smog/ November

16 Phase 1: Baseline Report In 2008, the Ontario Medical Association found that there were 9,500 premature deaths related to smog in Ontario with 590 of these deaths occurring in York Region (OMA, 2008). It is reasonable to anticipate that increasing smog levels will further exacerbate problems associated with health complications and premature death from smog. Smog also damages plant life by inhibiting its natural ability to make and store food through photosynthesis. Smog also weakens plants that are more susceptible to disease, habitat stressors and pests. Consequently, these plants die out and become unable to contribute to the ecosystem (e.g. oxygen replenishment, shade/cooling, etc.). The nitrogen oxides in smog can also kill fish in water habitats by increasing levels of nitrates and nitrites in the water, which in turn causes the growth of algae that deplete oxygen in the water required to support and maintain a healthy aquatic environment. In 2012, the Ministry of Environment issued 12 smog alert advisories for the Province of Ontario, lasting a total of 30 days. This is an increase from three alerts lasting a total of four days in 2000 (MOE, 2012). As noted previously, the presence of smog may result in respiratory complications in humans, especially those with existing medical conditions, children and the elderly. As a result, during times of smog alerts, increased frequency of use of emergency response services such as fire and ambulance may occur due to health impacts on residents. Smog alert advisories may also result in lost productivity of Richmond Hill staff performing activities outdoors, if smog conditions require stoppage or modification of work. Air pollution has been shown to contribute to acid rain, occurring through the deposition by precipitation of nitric and sulphuric acids onto soil and into lakes, streams and rivers. The result is reduction of the quality of soils and damage to organisms in receiving waterways which reduces the health of these systems. A decrease in ph of receiving waterways is toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms and acid rain causing rapid reduction in ph below 5 will kill the majority of organisms in an aquatic ecosystem (EPA, 2012). How We Affect Air Air quality in Richmond Hill is affected by industrial pollution and other pollution originating from sources outside of Richmond Hill including neighbouring municipalities, provinces and even countries. For this reason, air quality issues can be difficult to manage within municipal boundaries. However, smog and greenhouse gases can be influenced by decisions at a local level relating to energy use and transportation choices. Decisions relating to energy use and transportation choices are made at the local level and while municipal governments do not have control over climate change policy, they have exclusive control over local solutions such as public transportation, active transportation, and public education regarding energy conservation. These types of decisions can have a large influence over individuals choices which in turn will affect air quality. While municipal governments do not have control over climate change policy, they have exclusive control over local solutions such as public transportation, active transportation, and public education regarding energy conservation. November

17 Phase 1: Baseline Report Transportation Vehicle use by the community and Municipal operations generates greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds commonly associated with negative impacts to air quality. Richmond Hill has three major transportation corridors that include Highway 404, Highway 407, Highway 7 and Yonge Street. With continued population growth and urbanization in Richmond Hill, additional pressure will be placed on existing transportation routes by vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. Richmond Hill has identified that road infrastructure cannot be widened indefinitely to expand capacity for vehicular transportation, due to limited space and resources. Traffic patterns identified in the Transportation Master Plan (2006) indicate that Richmond Hill faces an increased demand for road space as the traditional northsouth residential traffic has progressed to include a significant influx of east-west mobility demand that contributes to a growing level of congestion and gridlock throughout Richmond Hill. Congestion on arterial roads increases travel times, diverts traffic to residential streets, and, causes delays in transit schedules deteriorating the quality of transit service. Based on projected population growth of 33% between 2006 and 2021, the average morning commuter travel time for a Richmond Hill resident in 2021 is estimated to increase by 40%. The impact on air quality as a result of increased congestion is estimated to be an increase in annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle travel in Richmond Hill from 73,000 tonnes per year in 2006 to 110,000 tonnes per year by 2021 (TMP, 2006). Increased particulate matter and volatile organic compounds are also associated with traffic congestion, are primary precursors to the formation of ground level ozone and the main constituents of smog. Trips by community members to and from grocery stores to purchase their food, and the transportation of food into Richmond Hill from other areas by truck, are examples of transportation activities resulting in the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Energy use from non-renewable and fossil fuel derived resources in Richmond Hill by the community and in Municipal operations contributes to the generation of greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds commonly associated with negative impacts to air quality. An increase in population will impose increasing demands on energy. Higher energy use will increase the amount of GHGs, particulate matter and smog precursors emitted to the atmosphere. Another potential source of air pollution is caused by chemicals such as ozone depleting substances. The Town along with its residents and the commercial and industrial sectors use these substances in air conditioning and fire suppression systems. If these systems are not properly maintained and serviced, these substances can be released to the environment resulting in a negative impact on air quality and are a major source of smog. November

18 Phase 1: Baseline Report 2.2 CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change is defined as the change in weather patterns in a region s overall weather pattern (e.g. precipitation, extreme weather, cloud cover, etc.) caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (CCCSN, 2012). Canada and its communities have experienced more dramatic temperature increases as a result of climate change than other countries around the world. The average annual temperature in Canada has risen by 1.3 C since the middle of the 20th century (US Global Change Research Program, 2009). Between 1948 and 2008, the average annual temperature in Ontario has increased by up to 1.4 C, with the greatest warming in the western part of the Province (MOE, 2011). For Richmond Hill, the mean annual temperature is anticipated to increase 1.2 C in the 2020s from baseline levels (Environment Canada, 2012b). This forecasted increase in temperature may not seem significant to the average Canadian, however, it is anticipated to manifest itself in a number of new environmental pressures, including increased extreme precipitation events, increased potential drought, increased number of heat waves and ecosystem and species composition changes. Climate Change is recognized as an important issue facing the Town. The Official Plan recognizes and promotes proactive measures aimed at mitigating fluctuating water levels, monitoring bio-indicator species, encouraging development to mitigate heat island effects, and working with partners to prepare for climate change impacts such as flooding. How Climate Change Affects Us Climate change is defined as the change in weather patterns in a region s overall weather pattern (e.g. precipitation, extreme weather, cloud cover, etc.) caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Environment Canada predicts that the probability of daily extreme precipitation events in Canada will increase by a factor of at least 2 by the end of this century as a result of changing climate (Environment Canada, 2012). Increased precipitation can result in runoff causing reduced surface water quality; an issue which will be explored further in the water environmental challenge. Conversely, changing weather patterns due to climate change have the potential to result in periods of extended dry weather or drought. Conditions of drought and water scarcity are explored in greater detail in the water environmental challenge. As global temperatures rise, so does the potential for prolonged heat waves experienced by communities in southern Canada. By the end of this century, the number of days per year exceeding 30 C in southern Canada could increase by four to six times their current number (NRTEE, 2010). If an average annual global temperature increase of 2 C occurs, the number of deaths caused annually by heat waves in Canada could double. Environment Canada estimates that by 2055, Toronto could experience as many at 10 days per year with temperatures exceeding 35 C, and this number could rise to 20 days per year by 2090 (Environment Canada, 2012). In the last decade, there have been an average of 2.4 Heat Health Alert days per year in Toronto; but by 2050, averages of 7.4 Heat Health Alert days are estimated to occur per year. Heat Health Alert days and heat waves may also result in lost productivity of Richmond Hill staff performing activities outdoors, as high temperatures represent a health risk to employees which may require stoppage or modification of work. November

19 Phase 1: Baseline Report Due to rising temperatures, scientists predict that ecosystems will change in composition and move northward, with some species thriving in a warmer climate and others being outcompeted. These shifts in ecosystem ranges represent opportunities for invasive species to expand their ranges as well and could threaten the biodiversity of Canadian ecosystems (NRTEE, 2010). Similarly, there will be significant changes in the composition of species in aquatic habitats like lakes, rivers, and wetlands. With warming water temperatures, cold and cool water fish will lose habitat while warm water species will gain habitat (MOE, 2011). These issues will be explored further under the environmental challenge of wildlife and habitat. How We Affect Climate Change The two most significant activities performed by the community and the Municipal Corporation of Richmond Hill contributing climate change relate to transportation and energy use and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. As discussed in the environmental challenge section for air, based on projected population growth of 33% between 2006 and 2021, the average morning commuter travel time for a Richmond Hill resident in 2021 is estimated to increase by 40%. This has the potential to result in an increase in annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle travel in Richmond Hill from 73,000 tonnes per year in 2006 to 110,000 tonnes per year by 2021 (TMP, 2006). By exploring opportunities An increase in population will also impose increasing demands on energy resources. Higher energy use from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuel will increase the amount of GHGs emitted to the atmosphere in Richmond Hill. By exploring opportunities to generate energy locally within the municipality such as district energy, preferably through the use of renewable source of energy rather than fossil fuels, and promoting support for the creation of renewable energy sources across the Province, Richmond Hill may affect climate change by helping to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use Richmond Hill operations include the handling and use of chemicals with the ability to impact climate change if released to the environment. These substances include substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, which are refrigerants with global warming potentials of 3000 to times greater than carbon dioxide that can contribute to global warming if released into the environment (BBC, 2009). 2.3 HABITAT AND WILDLIFE to generate energy locally within the municipality such as district energy, Canada is home to a quarter of the world s boreal forests and wetlands, and contains many globally important ecosystems. The country is home to approximately 70,000 species of wild plants and animals, with more than 500 of these being listed as Species at Risk (Environment Canada, 2010). Habitat and wildlife represent the biotic component of Canadian ecosystems, and are inextricably linked to abiotic factors such as weather, water and climate. Impacts of climate change on habitat and wildlife which affect us are explored further in this section. preferably through the use of renewable source of energy rather than fossil fuels, and promoting support for the creation of renewable energy sources across the Province, Richmond Hill may affect climate change by helping to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use. November

20 Phase 1: Baseline Report However, the environmental challenges relating to water and weather will be explored further in their respective sections. How Habitat and Wildlife Affects Us As a result of climate change, scientists predict that species ranges will begin to shift northward and ecosystems will change in composition. Some species will thrive in a warmer climate and others will be out-competed. Shifts in ecosystem ranges and compositions have implications for parklands and areas currently designated for habitat conservation. Park systems have been established to preserve significant ecosystems in today s climate, which may not necessarily reflect significant ecosystems in the climate of the future (NRTEE, 2010). In addition, changes to species composition of ecosystems may result in reduced biodiversity within that ecosystem. Shifts in ecosystem ranges as a result of increasing temperatures also present opportunities for invasive species, such as the mountain pine beetle, to expand their ranges and could threaten the biodiversity of Canadian ecosystems (NRTEE, 2010). Reduced biodiversity may result in compromised ability of the ecosystem to provide the services that humans rely on to sustain our quality of life, including clean air and water, nutrient cycling, flood control and crop pollination (Environment Canada, 2010). Further, warmer temperatures have already begun to allow the appearance and spread of mosquito and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus, and the potential spread of malaria (MOE, 2011). Although these diseases are largely a concern to human health, West Nile Virus is known to infect birds, occasionally resulting in death. Climate change will result in the changing composition of species in aquatic environments, with cool and cold water species losing habitat and warm water species gaining habitat. As a result, the productivity of recreational fisheries may be reduced. Changing species composition will also affect the biodiversity and health of aquatic ecosystems. For example, cool water species such as Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) may become less prevalent in kettle lakes such as Lake Wilcox due to increasing temperatures; as the species avoids areas with air temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius (DFO, 2009) A reduction in predatory species in Lake Wilcox has the potential to allow plankton eating forage species to thrive, which could impact water quality of the lake (Richmond Hill, 2012). Some wildlife species such as Canada geese, coyotes and raccoons have been able to thrive in close proximity to humans. As a result, excessive populations of these species and the close proximity of habitat to humans have resulted in negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Examples of these interactions include Canada geese overgrazing parks and soccer fields and coyotes and raccoons scavenging residential garbage. Another species whose activities negatively affect Richmond Hill is the beaver. The building of dams by beavers has the potential to result in flooding, damaging property and infrastructure. Beavers may also remove trees in parks and open space, which may have to be replaced at a cost to Richmond Hill. November

21 Phase 1: Baseline Report How We Affect Habitat and Wildlife Richmond Hill s northern landscape is predominately composed of natural features such as the Oak Ridges Moraine, where the south area of the municipality has undergone heavy urban development, resulting in two drastically different areas that require different management. Sixty five percent of Richmond Hill s total land area is urban, with the remaining 35% being natural areas, of which 14% is forested. As Richmond Hill expands, it will be challenged with balancing growth with the preservation of natural landscape and the ecosystem Sixty five percent of services it provides. Development and land use planning will be influenced by Richmond Hill s legislative pressures, such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act and Plan, total land area is which protect what is considered to be one of Ontario s most significant landforms. urban, with the Preservation of the Oak Ridges Moraine will limit development in the north while remaining 35% further intensification of the urban south will result in impacts to the natural being natural areas, environment associated with population growth. of which 14% is forested. As Challenges relating to realizing green development include a conflict between the Richmond Hill desire of residents to live in low density developments versus the preferred model for expands, it will be sustainable communities based upon higher density living. While Richmond Hill is challenged with not completely built out, the majority of planning has been completed and approvals balancing growth for lower intensity / density of residential housing forms in new developments have with the been granted. This presents the challenge of achieving the intensification of existing preservation of built areas, while maintaining green space linkages in order to preserve biodiversity. natural landscape Valley systems inhabited by wildlife within Richmond Hill have become narrower due and the ecosystem to the encroachment of urban development. As development expands and natural services it provides. area is lost, there is greater potential for interactions between wildlife and humans to occur. Many of these interactions are negative for both parties. Urban development also results in light pollution. The introduction of light at night affects organisms and ecosystems. Light pollution contributes to negative impacts on plants and animals, especially nocturnal wildlife, by confusing animal navigation, altering competitive interactions, changing predator-prey relations and causing physiological harm. Light pollution is also believed to prevent zooplankton from eating surface algae in surface waters, helping contribute to algal blooms that kill plants and lower water quality (Moore et al., 2000). Lights on tall structures are also known to disorient migrating birds, resulting in a higher mortality rate as a result of birds flying into these higher buildings. An increase in population has the potential impact of creating increased strain on natural environments due to higher pedestrian/cycling traffic, particularly for recreational purposes, in natural areas. Residents who enjoy outdoor activities and exploration, but do not necessarily understand the ecological sensitivity of natural areas, may feel compelled to create their own footpaths and cycling paths. This activity results in the destruction of natural areas, which will be compounded by the increased traffic of a larger population. Invasive species are plants, animals and microorganisms that are introduced through human influence to areas outside of their natural range. When a foreign invasive species is introduced to an ecosystem, it upsets the balance of that ecosystem. In their new environments, invasive November

22 Phase 1: Baseline Report species become predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers and diseases of the native and domesticated flora and fauna. The ecological effects of this are often irreversible and, once established, invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to control and eradicate Examples of invasive species threats to Richmond Hill include the Emerald Ash Borer (insect), Giant Hog-weed (plant), European Fire Ant (insect) and West Nile Virus (microorganism). 2.4 POLLUTION AND WASTE How Pollution and Waste Affects Us Waste management in York Region is a two-tier system where the Region provides processing and disposal of materials and the lower tier municipalities provide curb-side collection services and promotion/education to their residents. While there are no landfills within Richmond Hill, the effects of landfills upon the natural environment must be considered as the generation of waste in Richmond Hill contributes to the use of landfills. The production of solid waste requires the creation of landfills to properly and safely dispose of these unwanted materials. As a result, lands must be consumed to create additional landfill space. As well, the effects of such facilities often have impacts on other related and/or nearby ecological areas and functions. Improperly constructed and operated landfills can result in contaminants leaching into groundwater sources, and contaminating these sources so that they are no longer fit for human consumption (Environment Canada, 2010c). In addition, the contamination of groundwater can result in far reaching effects of contamination to soil and plants. Contaminated sites are commonly unsafe for human habitation, and must be remediated through costly and time consuming processes. As waste stored within landfills is broken down by microbial organisms, landfill gas is produced as a by-product. This gas is commonly characterized as being composed of carbon dioxide and methane, both of which are recognized as having global warming potential (EPA, 1991). Methane has a global warming potential 20 times greater than carbon dioxide and can have a significant impact on climate change. York Region is taking a multi-pronged approach to waste reduction and management, with reduction and diversion as the first approach, followed by energy recovery and then landfill. This includes the Dongara pelletization project to compress waste into fuel pellets, and the Durham/York Energy-From-Waste Facility (EFW), with landfill disposal remaining as the final and least preferred option. The approved Environmental Assessment for the Durham/York EFW facility limits all material processed at the facility to be free of diversion program materials. York Region is taking a twofold approach to waste reduction and management, with reduction and diversion as the first approach, and will manage residual waste in the near future primarily through energy recovery. Energy from Waste (EFW) is part of the planned waste management program within York Region but capacity at the Durham/York Energy Centre is limited operating capacity is 30,000 tonnes per year allocated to York Region, representing 20-25% of the anticipated residual waste with provisions to increase this in the future. For the foreseeable future, landfill disposal of residual waste will continue to be required. November

23 Phase 1: Baseline Report Although there are benefits to incineration (i.e. energy to power approximately 10,000 homes when at capacity) there are still the disadvantages such as operating costs and environmental impacts including emissions from transporting and incinerating waste. Diversion through reduction and reuse strategies is the preferred approach, must be demonstrated as part of the Environmental Assessment approval process required for incinerators. Pollutants and harmful toxins emitted by human activities into the environment can bioaccumulate in other organisms. Plants and other autotrophic organisms passively absorb toxins from the environment, introducing them into the food chain when plants are consumed by herbivores and omnivores. As predatory species eat other organisms, toxins are concentrated in their bodies at much higher levels. The result of bioaccumulation can be death or decreased health and/or reproduction of predatory species. Additionally, as humans consume many predatory species such as tuna and other fish species, human health can be negatively impacted. A common example of bioaccumulation impacting human health is methylmercury from contaminated fish impairing reproduction, growth, neuro-development, and learning ability (Environment Canada, 2010b). How We Affect Pollution and Waste As the population of Richmond Hill grows, community activities will generate more solid waste. This waste will result in an increase in waste removal truck trips, which will contribute to traffic congestion and GHG emissions. The municipality and its residents will incur increased costs to collect and process wastes. The increased volumes of solid waste being generated will result in reduced availability of landfill space, and, the destruction of natural environments for the creation of additional landfill space. Increased amounts of solid waste may also result in the requirement for reduced bag limits for collection, which would result in a challenge to residents to manage their wastes differently through alternatives such as backyard composting. The purchasing decisions of Richmond Hill, both corporately and by individual citizens and companies, contribute to the production of solid waste. Current manufacturing processes make it easier and cheaper for consumers to buy new products than to repair/reuse the products they currently own. This promotes a disposable lifestyle and contributes to a greater need for disposal and diversion programs. Unnecessary consumption of disposable materials as well as the selection of products with excessive packaging results in the creation of additional physical waste which must be sent for disposal. The correct source separation of materials at the end of their useful life will help to divert the majority of this material to recycling and composting. Waste diversion represents an activity that is undertaken by the Municipal Corporation for the community in Richmond Hill to reduce the negative impacts associated with waste. Conversely, irresponsible actions are highly visible, and contaminate our environment, and these materials may not be captured and managed appropriately. Activities of Richmond Hill operations as well as the activities of households and IC&I facilities have the potential to generate substances characterized as hazardous wastes. Hazardous wastes are defined by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment as substances which pose risks to both human health and the environment if they are not disposed of properly (MOE, 2011). These substances include paint, batteries, used oil and hundreds of other products. Failure to November

24 Phase 1: Baseline Report divert these products from general waste can result in negative impacts to natural environment and human health. If these materials are allowed to enter the ground and water at a site, either through accidental spills or negligent disposal, the result can be contamination of soil and groundwater which is costly and time consuming to remediate. The primary contributors to airborne pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are transportation and energy use for heating and cooling buildings. These activities have been discussed under the environmental challenge of air quality. The release of toxic substances and other air contaminants also contribute to air pollution and reduced air quality. 2.5 WATER Canada is ranked the third country in the world with respect to available quantity of renewable fresh water, and 18 percent of the world s fresh surface water is estimated to be in the Great Lakes (Environment Canada, 2009). For this reason water is inherently linked to the identity of Canadians, and, it is important to understand how we affect this resource and how it affects us. How Water Affects Us As was identified in the climate change section, shifting weather patterns and increased global temperatures have the potential to effect water. Issues relating to water and climate change which will be explored in further detail in this section include drought and water scarcity, flooding and increased volumes of runoff. Historically, periods of dry weather and low water levels or drought have been relatively uncommon in Ontario (about every years). However, recent studies on changing weather patterns indicate low water levels may become more common, potentially compounded by the province's steadily increasing demands for water. During the spring and summer of 1999, southwestern and eastern Ontario experienced an extended period of low rainfall and high temperatures. These weather conditions resulted in some of the lowest surface water levels and driest soils recorded for several decades (MNR, 2012). Low water levels or drought can result in reduced stream flow and/or baseflow, reduced soil moisture and reduced groundwater storage. Reduced stream flows impact aquatic life and threaten biodiversity as well as contribute to a decline in water quality. This is particularly a concern for the Oak Ridges Moraine, which is the area s prime groundwater recharge area. As soil moisture drops, the productivity of farm land is threatened and crops may be lost or the types of crops that must be grown must change, which may impact food supply and the economy. Dry forested areas also increase the potential for fires. Environment Canada predicts that the probability of daily extreme precipitation events in Canada will increase by a factor of at least two by the end of this century (Environment Canada, 2012). Due to the increasing amounts of paved areas and rooftops in the urban environment, the amount of water that permeates into the ground is being drastically reduced, causing everlarger amounts of water to run-off over land. Runoff related to intense precipitation events may November

25 Phase 1: Baseline Report capture more chemical pollutants, nutrients and sediments, increasing turbidity and decreasing the quality of water resources (NRTEE, 2010). Extreme precipitation events and high volumes of runoff also result in flooding and erosion of stream and river banks, which in turn cause erosion, damage to infrastructure, poor water quality and loss of fish and other habitat. An example of how Richmond Hill may anticipate impacts to infrastructure as a result of stream flow changes from precipitation is the development of a 10 year Valleyland Capital Plan to prioritize capital works in valleyland systems. This type of Plan will help ensure the protection and function of Richmond Hill valleyland systems and associated watercourses and infrastructure. How We Affect Water Urban development has the potential to increase stream flows and reduce quality of water entering watercourses as a result of increased runoff from impermeable surfaces. Urban water runoff results in temperature increases in receiving waters, impaired water quality, reduced biodiversity and overall degradation of water resources and related natural systems. The entry of high volumes of stormwater into urban streams may flood downstream areas, erode stream banks, damage surrounding natural systems (such as adjacent woodlands/vegetation) and fish habitat, and increase the concentration of waterway pollutants. When streams are unstable, bank erosion can occur at a rapid pace. This erosion can put both public and private infrastructure at risk as channels widen or deepen and begin to expose pipes or migrate towards roads and buildings. Municipalities and community stakeholders face potential costs associated with maintaining ground stability and/or relocating or repairing affected infrastructure. There may be devastating impacts due to the sudden loss of the infrastructure. Stormwater runoff has the potential to significantly affect the quality of surface water resources and demands on Richmond Hill s stormwater management system. Concerns regarding erratic and unusually large runoff episodes are being exacerbated as a result of climate change as changing weather and precipitation patterns have the potential to result in increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events such as 100 year storms and floods. Stormwater management facilities (SWMF) are designed to assist with the attenuation of flows before runoff is discharged to a receiving watercourse. Ensuring post-development flows are released at pre-development rates has helped protect receiving watercourses from flooding and erosion. The erosion potential for a stream and the potential to transport pollutants increase with higher runoff volumes entering a stream, even at pre-development flow rates. If flow and volume are not mitigated, runoff from urban sources will further reduce water quality, due to the availability of sources of physical (e.g. sediment), chemical (e.g. petroleum hydrocarbons) and nutrient (e.g. phosphorus) pollution related to urban activities. An increase in population will generate increased demand on water services. Demands on water services lead to increased withdrawals from source waters, which may affect other receiving water courses resulting in low and high flows, stream habitat and ecology damage and altered groundwater levels. Of increasing concern are the discharge of toxic substances and chemicals that conventional treatment plants cannot remove, including pharmaceuticals, November

26 Phase 1: Baseline Report antibiotics and endocrine disrupters that inhibit reproduction and other biological processes in aquatic organisms. The impacts related from liquid waste into natural water bodies are realities today. Population growth will intensify these impacts. 2.6 SEVERE WEATHER Severe weather represents a critical abiotic factor influencing ecosystems and affecting human activities. Climate change has a significant impact upon the unpredictability and severity of weather events, and has been identified as a primary driver of the effects of severe weather on us outlined in this section. How Severe Weather Affects Us Municipal infrastructure may experience more frequent damage as a result of severe weather events such as storms and floods, ice and wind storms, and rapid temperature changes. Richmond Hill s buildings and linear assets may experience more wear and tear from high winds and extreme temperatures. Watermains may be influenced by significant swings in temperatures. Increased frequency and severity of weather events have the potential to increase the costs of regularized maintenance of the Town s infrastructure. Municipalities in York Region have already experienced some of the impacts of severe weather such as downbursts, flooding in older urban areas, and more recently, a tornado in the City of Vaughan. These severe weather events have damaged both municipally owned natural spaces and trees and infrastructure such as power lines, as well as private property. More frequent and severe weather events come with negative consequences to the environment. In particular, severe winds result in wind erosion, which is a major source of land/soil degradation, evaporation, harmful airborne dust and vegetation damage. Wind erosion becomes more severe during times of drought. Increased surface water run-off and larger inflows from severe precipitation events will generate a larger demand on Richmond Hill s stormwater management system. Richmond Hill s current infrastructure for stormwater collection may become inadequate for the larger flow and treatment strategies required to manage severe weather events and may need to be reviewed and further measures implemented to mitigate increased flows. Increased demand on cooling and heating systems, as well as emergency back-up power systems is expected to keep pace with increasing severe temperatures and frequency and duration of power outages related to severe storms. This includes arena cooling systems needed to maintain ice during the warmer winter months and in hotter summers. In addition to the higher operating costs, more frequent maintenance and repair may be required due to the increased demand during heat waves and higher temperatures. Heat waves and severe weather events may increase the number of emergency service calls made to the Fire Department. Richmond Hill is also responsible for the planning, management and execution of a community Emergency Response Plan which is tested annually through mock scenario planning. More frequent and severe weather events will continue to be a consideration in the resources required to implement the Emergency Response Plan effectively. November

27 Phase 1: Baseline Report Heat waves may also create demand for community centres and other buildings to serve as cooling centers. Historically, periods of dry weather and low water levels or drought have been relatively uncommon in Ontario (about every years). However, recent studies on changing weather patterns indicate low water levels may become more common, potentially compounded by the province's steadily increasing demands for water. During the spring and summer of 1999, southwestern and eastern Ontario experienced an extended period of low rainfall and high temperatures. These weather conditions resulted in some of the lowest surface water levels and driest soils recorded for several decades (MNR, 2012). How We Affect Severe Weather No activities performed by either the community of Richmond Hill or municipal operations have the potential to directly affect severe weather. However, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events is directly affected by climate change, which is largely being driven by human activities. As previously mentioned, the three activities performed in Richmond Hill with the greatest influence upon climate change are energy use, transportation, and the release of toxic substances and other air contaminants. These issues were explored in detail under the climate change environmental challenge. November

28 Phase 1: Baseline Report 3.0 Regulatory / Policy Drivers In order to identify key regulatory and policy drivers relevant to development of the Environment Strategy, a review and summary of federal, provincial and local legislation and policy was conducted. 3.1 FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Federal Government The Canadian environment is addressed in several areas which fall under various Federal and Provincial legislative powers depending on the nature or scope of the issue. The Federal Government has primary jurisdiction over matters of national or international concern, such as toxic substances and cross-border air and water pollution and waste disposal. The majority of these matters are governed by Environment Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Many key Acts for which the Federal government is responsible for administering and enforcing were identified in an Environmental Policy Review as part of the development of Richmond Hill s Official Plan. Two of the most significant pieces of Federal legislation to consider in terms of environmental protection at the local municipal level include the Species at Risk Act, 2007 and the Fisheries Act, The Species at Risk Act is enforced by the Environment Canada and is intended to prevent Canada s wildlife from becoming extinct or extirpated, secure the recovery of extirpated, endangered and threatened species on the SARA list and manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. This Federal legislation is implemented by building an accord with the Provinces and other stakeholders to protect species at risk through fostering complementary stewardship programs with its partners and by developing recovery plans in partnership with its partners. Assistance from Richmond Hill in implementing SARA is expected through renewed direction from the Province once developed. The Fisheries Act is administered by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and manages aquatic resources in Canada by: management and monitoring of fisheries; conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat; and, pollution prevention. Although this legislation is administered by the Federal government, the authority for its application and enforcement is delegated to either the Ministry of Natural Resources or Conservation Authorities within most jurisdictions of Ontario. Projects that may affect fish habitat require authorization permitting the modification of fish habitat under conditions applicable to the specific project. A complete list of Federal legislation applicable to the Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy is outlined in Appendix C. For each Act and Regulation, the relevant Key Focus Area and Town Department impacted by the legislation are identified. November

29 Phase 1: Baseline Report Provincial Government Initiatives related to the environment that fall under Provincial legislative powers include property and civil rights. Provinces regulate land use, mining, manufacturing and other impacts from business activities such as air and water emissions that could pollute the environment. The provinces have authority to regulate permitting associated with air quality, waste disposal sites, water and wastewater treatment. Provinces also have the power to authorize municipal institutions to enact regulations for local activities that impact the environment, such as zoning, construction, water purification, sewers, and garbage disposal. Specifically, in Ontario, the Municipal Act, 2001, allows municipalities to have certain powers in management of land uses, and prohibiting and regulating outdoor illumination and may pass bylaws that are not in conflict with provincial or federal legislation and orders, licenses and approvals. Many key acts for which the Provincial government is responsible for administering and enforcing were identified in an Environmental Policy Review as part of the development of Richmond Hill s Official Plan. These include the Endangered Species Act, 2007, Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and Plan, Greenbelt Act, 2005 and Plan, Places to Grow Act 2005 Planning Act, 1991 and the Provincial Planning Policy Statement, 2005 and the Ontario Water Resources Act, The Endangered Species Act 2007 is administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and aims to identify and protect species that are at risk and to encourage stewardship for the protection and recovery of these species. Several species found in Richmond Hill are designated by this Act. The Act also provides for the development of recovery strategies for each endangered and threatened species. The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS, 2005) contains clear, overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The PPS is adopted under section 3 of the Planning Act, 1990 to provide policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. Municipalities must ensure their Official Plans and decisions on land use policies are consistent with the PPS which: Directs municipalities to protect natural heritage features and functions of provincial significance such as significant wetlands, significant areas of natural and scientific interest and fisheries habitat; Provides the municipality with a strong policy basis to plan for the establishment of natural heritage systems and to protect significant woodlands, valleylands and wildlife habitat; Directs protection, improvement or restoration of the quality and / or quantity of water in their jurisdiction; and Provides strong policy support for municipalities to use watershed planning, identify and protect water related features and functions, promotes sustainable water use practices and support the use of innovative stormwater approaches. November

30 Phase 1: Baseline Report The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 (ORMCP) established under Section 3 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001, and administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, provides direction on land use and resource management planning to municipalities such as how to protect the moraine s ecological and hydrological features and functions. Approximately 52% of Richmond Hill s area is subject to the policies of the ORMCP, and large parts of the moraine are designated as Natural Core, Natural Linkage and Countryside Protection which prevents urban development beyond existing or approved land uses. In addition, Key Natural Heritage Features and Hydrologically Sensitive Features are protected throughout the ORMCP area. Approximately 52% of Richmond Hill s land mass is comprised of the Oak Ridges Moraine and subject to the policies of the ORMCP. The ORMCP plan provides direction on land use and resource management planning to municipalities such as how to protect the moraine s ecological and hydrological features and functions. The environmental policies of the ORMCP are only applicable to the northern section of Richmond Hill which falls within the Oak Ridges Moraine, however, Richmond Hill s Official Plan requires natural features and functions to be protected, enhanced and restored both on the Moraine and off. The Greenbelt Plan, 2005 was established under Section 3 of the Greenbelt Act, 2005 and is administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This Plan is established under the Greenbelt Act to frame urban growth and development patterns in the Golden Horseshoe Area of Ontario. The GBP identifies where urbanization should not occur in order to provide for permanent protection of the agricultural land base and ecological features and functions occurring on this landscape. This includes planning to ensure that infrastructure and transportation development occurs in an environmentally sensitive manner. The Greenbelt Plan includes lands within, and builds upon the ecological protections provided by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP). The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Places to Grow Plan) 2006, was established under the Places to Grow Act, 2005 and is administered by the Ministry of Infrastructure, and was prepared to guide future population growth and to address growth challenges by, among a number of things, promote transit supportive communities, identify and conserve natural and agricultural areas, confine development within designated growth boundaries, and support the protection and conservation of water, energy, air and cultural heritage, as well as integrated approaches to waste management. Place to Grow provides a framework for accommodating anticipated growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area of Ontario. Growth targets are allocated to counties, regions and cities and growth is directed into designated areas and specified to occur through more compact forms of development and through intensification within existing built up areas. This Plan identifies the Town as a major growth area within York Region. This plan encourages municipalities to: develop publicly accessible parkland, open space and trails establish an urban space system within "built-up areas", which may include rooftop gardens, communal courtyards and public parks November

31 Phase 1: Baseline Report maintain, improve and provide opportunities for farm-related infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation establish and work with agricultural advisory committees and consult with them on decisionmaking related to agriculture and growth management Develop and implement Official Plan policies and strategies for water conservation; energy conservation; air quality protection and integrated waste management. The Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008, administered by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, responds to ecosystem health concerns of the Lake Simcoe basin. This Act will specifically address excessive phosphorus and other pollutant source loadings to Lake Simcoe, and will require municipalities to adhere to design criteria in the development of new stormwater management facilities, however, only a very small portion of the East Holland watershed is located in Richmond Hill. The policies of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan currently apply solely within the Lake Simcoe watershed. Authority is provided in the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008, to prescribe areas outside of the watershed boundary for the purpose of applying future policies to those areas. There are currently no areas prescribed as outside areas. The Clean Water Act is administered by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and requires that local Source Protection Committees develop a source protection plan to implement and eliminate threats to water. The committees are chaired by the Conservation Authorities and represented by the regional and local municipality, businesses, agriculture, the general public and First Nations. The Ontario Water Resources Act, 1990 is administered by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and regulates discharges into, and takings of, fresh water, including groundwater. The discharge of pollutants into the natural environment is prohibited, unless permits or approvals have been issued. Richmond Hill holds Environmental Compliance Approvals (formerly called Certificates of Approval) for the operation and maintenance of municipallyowned storm sewers and stormwater management facilities (storm ponds) within the municipality. The Green Energy Act 2009 was created with the intention of promoting the development of renewable energy sources and green jobs. It gives the Ministry of Energy power to designate technologies for energy conservation as well as renewable energy projects. The Act also gives the Ministry the ability to establish regulations surrounding the planning, development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects. The Green Energy Act also gives the Ministry the power to require that public agencies, including municipalities create and implement energy conservation and demand management plans. Ontario Regulation 397/11 under Act Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plans establishes that municipalities and municipal service boards are public agencies which are required to prepare, publish, make available to the public and implement energy conservation and demand management plans. As part of this plan, public agencies are required to list energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the year. A complete list of Provincial legislation applicable to the Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy is outlined in Appendix C. November

32 Phase 1: Baseline Report 3.2 TRCA AND YORK REGION REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) The Conservation Authorities were created in 1946 by an Act of the Provincial Legislature. They are mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario's water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs, consistent with the following objectives: Ensure that Ontario's rivers, lakes and streams are properly safeguarded, managed and restored; Protect, manage and restore Ontario's woodlands, wetlands and natural habitat; Develop and maintain programs that will protect life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion; and, Provide opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from and respect Ontario's natural environment. Conservation Authorities are non-profit organizations, each with their own Board of Directors with members appointed by local municipalities. Richmond Hill is located within the Don River, Humber River and Rouge River watersheds, which are governed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); as well as a small portion within the East Holland River watershed, a part of the Holland River watershed which is governed by Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. Watershed plans for the Don, Humber and Rouge River were updated beginning in 2005 as a requirement of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The ORMCP required watershed plans to be prepared to guide land use and management decisions, to protect and enhance watersheds, manage ground and surface water systems in a more comprehensive and sustainable way in new and intensifying areas of growth within Moraine municipalities such as Richmond Hill. The Watershed Plans were developed to guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, the TRCA, non-governmental organizations and private landowners as they updated their policies and practices for environmental protection and stewardship. These updated Plans consider: Current and forecasted growth New scientific information Mitigation and adaptation actions for climate change Strong community support for state of the art Watershed Management Plans November

33 Phase 1: Baseline Report TRCA Watershed Plans relevant to the Richmond Hill include the Humber River (2008), the Don River (2009) and the Rouge River (2007). A summary of the TRCA s Watershed Plans and programs are outlined in Appendix A. Along with specific recommendations around protection and enhancement of resources, the Watershed Plans outline indicators and targets which will provide valuable guidance during the development of the Environment Strategy s strategic actions, indicators and targets. The Town is required to consult with the appropriate Conservation Authority and proponents of projects must undergo a review and obtain a Conservation Authority Permit for work proposed within the a Conservation Authority Regulation Area. Specifically, the TRCA's Regulation O. Reg. 166/06 ensures public safety and protects property with respect to natural hazards and safeguards watershed health by preventing pollution and destruction of sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands, shorelines and watercourses. The Regulation establishes Regulated Areas where development could be subject to flooding, erosion or dynamic beaches, or where interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses might have an adverse effect on those environmental features. Under Regulation 166/06, any proposed development, interference or alteration within a Regulated Area requires a permit from TRCA. Conservation Authorities may also perform a technical advisory role in the municipality s development of policies, the assessment of water quality and quantity, environmental impacts, as well as watershed science and technical expertise associated with activities close to sensitive natural features. In Richmond Hill, the TRCA provides such services as input and technical support in the development and implementation of Official Plans, Secondary Plans, environmental studies/reports and special municipal by-laws (e.g. tree, ravine, sediment and erosion control, fill and grading, etc.). The TRCA also reviews and comments on development applications to protect and regenerate natural systems and to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the risk to life and property from flooding, erosion of riverbanks, and slope instability. Through its work with partner agencies such as the Town, the TRCA provides information and advice on flood control, stormwater management and the conservation of significant natural features and functions within its watersheds. Traditionally Richmond Hill has informally managed, on an as needed basis, several parcels of open space land owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. This partnership arrangement was developed in an effort to provide assistance to both parties towards reaching a common goal of managing Richmond Hill's publicly owned land in a sustainable and efficient manner. For more information regarding the TRCA s Watershed Plans, please refer to Appendix A Regional Municipality of York The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) has a two-tier government structure with services provided by the Region and local area municipal governments. Richmond Hill is one of nine local area municipalities located in York Region. York Region provides services for residents and businesses that include transportation services, transit, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste processing and disposal, policing, emergency services, human services and planning services. November

34 Phase 1: Baseline Report York Region is responsible for providing guidance and approval on matters of land use planning for the local area municipalities. The York Region Official Plan 2010 was approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in September It is currently in the final stages of decisions on specific outstanding sections at the Ontario Municipal Board. The key directions of the Official Plan are based on the directions of the Provincial Planning Policy Statement and are premised on implementation through creating new partnerships and building on existing ones. York Region s Official Plan provides direction for Richmond Hill s Official Plan, requiring the incorporation of sustainable design through the planning of energy-efficient, pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with increased densities focused on centres and corridors. Growth is to be directed away from both environmentally sensitive areas as well as potential and existing Greenland System that are to be identified, protected and enhanced to improve important natural features of a connected Greenlands System. The Greenlands System is the focus of the Region s natural heritage enhancement and land securement initiatives. Comprehensive monitoring will help York Region measure the success of the plan and will allow the region to respond to new trends and ensure continuous improvement and the effectiveness of the plan. A series of regional strategies, plans and guidelines will support and implement the policies of the York Region Official Plan 2010, and have provided guidance in the development of Richmond Hill s master plans including the Transportation Master Plan, Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan and the Natural Heritage Strategy, Joint Waste Diversion Strategy. These documents will also provide guidance during the development of the Environment Strategy. A summary of York Region s existing plans, policies and programs is outlined in Appendix A. 3.3 RICHMOND HILL - STRATEGIC PLAN AND OFFICIAL PLAN Richmond Hill s mandate as a local area government is to deliver services to the community. Departments within the Town include Planning and Regulatory Services, Community Services and the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. Local services delivered by the Town include the operation and maintenance of local roads, the local water distribution system and local wastewater collection system, stormwater management facilities, and waste collection, parks operation, public facility operation, and regulatory services such as local planning, building code and by-law enforcement. The Environment & Infrastructure Services (EIS) Department oversees the design, construction and overall management of the Town s municipal infrastructure and environmental programs such as Healthy Yards, Smart Commute, and the development of the Environment Strategy. The integration of all design and construction projects for facilities, parks, roads, water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure resides in this Department. Richmond Hill Strategic Plan (2009) establishes a long-term vision for the Town over the next 25 years. The vision: Richmond Hill, where people come together to build our community, is supported by four goals that are powerful guiding principles and represent a public consensus of community priorities. The Environment Strategy s goals will be aligned with these principles to set a clear direction for environmental management and stewardship in Richmond Hill. November

35 Phase 1: Baseline Report In addition to providing these services, Richmond Hill aims to establish and implement the community s future vision for the Town. This Vision is captured in Richmond Hill s Strategic and Official Plans which are discussed below. Richmond Hill Strategic Plan (2009) establishes a long-term vision for the Town over the next 25 years. The vision: Richmond Hill, where people come together to build our community, is supported by four goals that are powerful guiding principles and represent a public consensus of community priorities. The Environment Strategy s goals will be aligned with these principles to set a clear direction for environmental management and stewardship in Richmond Hill. Goal One: Stronger Connections in Richmond Hill emphasizes the importance of stronger connections, integration and protection of green spaces to allow for the active movement of plants, animals and people. It also means developing stronger connections on the ground, such as physical networks, like roadways and transit, as well as environmental networks. Goal Two: Better Choice in Richmond Hill directs the community to re-thinking the future of urban environments in order to better plan for sustainable communities. This means providing better choice for transportation through transit and roadways, as well as increasing opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians. Goal Three: A More Vibrant Richmond Hill directs staff to create and promote opportunities for the community to experience the natural environment. Goal Four: Wise Management of Resources in Richmond Hill sets the path for sustainable environmental management. This means being more responsible and less wasteful in our use of resources in the consumption of goods and production of waste. It also involves better choices for greening our community and creating more energy efficient homes and businesses. Richmond Hill s Official Plan, Building a New Kind of Urban, is intended to proactively shape and guide the future growth and development of Richmond Hill over the next 25 years. The Official Plan expands on the directions set by the Strategic Plan. In regards to the environment the Official Plan establishes the following guiding policies: Protect and enhance natural environmental systems functions and resources over the long term. This means that growth will be directed away from environmental areas which are to be enhanced as important natural features of a connected Greenway System that includes linkages with urban open spaces. In addition community stewardship of the natural environment will continue to be promoted and sponsored. Incorporate and promote sustainable development practices and initiatives. Direct growth to built-up urban areas with existing infrastructure and services in a network of centres and corridors. Plan for transit and pedestrian oriented development. Promote connectivity, mobility and accessibility within and between neighbourhoods, employment lands, parks and open spaces. November

36 Phase 1: Baseline Report Support for programs to divert waste from landfills, including but not limited to a waste reduction strategy, building design, and guidelines that support waste reduction diversion. Goals to protect and enhance water resources essential to ecosystem and human functions. This means that new developments will be encouraged to use Sustainable design practices to integrate built and natural environments by creating a pedestrian and transit-oriented community with energy efficient buildings and innovative low impact development strategies for dealing with stormwater. The Town is to continue its support programs to divert waste from landfills, including but not limited to a waste reduction strategy, building design, and guidelines. It is crucial that the, Environment Strategy being developed, addresses all the policies set in the Strategic and Official Plans and becomes the implementation piece for them. Clear goals and actions plans need to be identify for each policy and progress needs to be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure Richmond Hill is moving forward. Additional information regarding the influences of both Richmond Hill s Official Plan and Strategic Plan upon the development and outcomes of the Environment Strategy can be found in Appendix B. 3.4 REGULATORY AND POLICY DRIVERS FOR EACH KEY FOCUS AREA The following section describes the regulatory and policy drivers that apply to the Town under each of the Key Focus Areas that should be considered during the development of the Environment Strategy Air Quality The Air Quality Key Focus Area contains three sub-focus areas that divide Richmond Hill s greatest impacts on air quality into areas of practical municipal management. The sub-focus areas identified are Sustainable Energy Use, Sustainable Transportation, and Toxic Substances and Other Contaminants. Air quality in Richmond Hill is affected by industrial pollution and other pollution sources originating from sources outside of Richmond Hill including neighbouring municipalities, provinces and even countries. For this reason, air quality issues cannot be exclusively controlled within municipal boundaries; however Richmond Hill can take responsibility for its contribution to local airshed health. Two important air quality concerns at a local level, smog and greenhouse gases, are influenced by local activities relating to energy use and transportation choices. The Official Plan calls for Richmond Hill to work to improve air quality through the active transportation and land use policies that encourage connectivity and mobility and by continuing to improve and enhance Richmond Hill s urban forest. Decisions relating to energy use and transportation choices are made at the local level and while local governments do not have control over global climate change or policies at the Federal or Provincial levels, they do have exclusive control over solutions such as public November

37 Phase 1: Baseline Report transportation, active transportation, and public education regarding energy conservation. These types of decisions can have a large influence over individuals choices which in turn will affect air quality at a local level Sustainable Energy Use The Federal responsibility for regulating and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy falls to the Ministry of Natural Resources. With respect to buildings in Canada, minimum energy efficiency standards are established in the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. The Ontario Building Code also sets the energy efficiency standards for buildings in Richmond Hill. The Town s Official Plan encourages development to meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards set in by these codes as well as LEED Silver standard (or alternative equivalent) and Resource Canada s EnerGuide for New Homes and industry. The Official Plan permits and encourages on-site renewable energy projects. Other directions set by the Official Plan with respect to sustainable energy use include updating/expanding the Energy Management Plan 2009, investigating district heating feasibility, and creating a Community Energy Plan for Richmond Hill Center. York Region s Official Plan also encourages the use of energy efficiency and conservation standards for site design and development that meet or exceed the Model National Energy Code, LEED Silver and Resource Canada s EnerGuide for New Homes and industry. For additional information regarding policy drivers and recommendations for Community Energy Management Plans can be found in Appendix K. Greenhouse gases (GHG) are regulated at both the Federal and Provincial level. The annual emissions of GHGs from Richmond Hill s current activities and services are less than the Federal Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (50,000 tonnes) and Ontario Environmental Protection Act and Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulation (25,000 tonnes) reporting requirements, hence the Town is not obligated to report GHG emissions through these mechanisms. The newly enacted Green Energy Act was created to expand Ontario s production of renewable energy, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean-energy green jobs. As further prescribed in the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plans Regulation, Richmond Hill, starting July 1, 2013, is required to report annually on energy use and GHG emissions. Further, by July 1, 2014, the Town is required to develop a five-year energy conservation plan that sets goals and objectives for conserving and otherwise reducing energy consumption and managing its demands for energy, proposed measures for a plan and cost and saving estimates for the plan. By July 1, 2019 and every five years thereafter, Richmond Hill must report on the current and proposed measures for conserving energy, revise the forecast of expected results of the measures and report the actual results. Richmond Hill s Solar Installations to date include: Bond Lake Arena - Solar Hot Water Shaw House - Photo Voltaic Bayview Hill CC- Solar Hot Water Municipal Offices - Solar Hot Water Richmond Green - Photo Voltaic/Wind Elgin Barrow Arena - Solar Hot Water In 2013, projects will include: Centennial Pool - Solar Hot Water Elgin West CC - Solar Hot water Elvis Stojko Arena - Photo Voltaic November

38 Phase 1: Baseline Report Over the years, Richmond Hill has taken many steps towards using energy in a sustainable manner. The Town has improved the energy efficiency of its buildings and operations by undertaking regular energy audits and retrofits of equipment and lighting systems. It has instituted a Council approved policy that the construction of all municipal buildings larger than 500 square meters must achieve LEED Silver (or alternative equivalent) classification, and installed several renewable energy projects such as solar panels, wind power and geothermal heating. With respect to the municipal vehicle fleet, Richmond Hill has taken several steps to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency including the use of bio-diesel, idle monitoring and reduction programs, right-sizing the fleet and purchasing fuel efficient vehicles such as hybrid and electric vehicles. Richmond Hill s Energy Management Plan was updated in 2010 and establishes baseline energy consumption for facilities and sets reduction goals and targets from 1990 levels to be achieved by Richmond Hill also developed a Clean Air Local Action Plan to reduce GHG emissions and to fulfill all 5 milestones of the FCM s Partners for Climate Protection Program. The Plan includes reduction targets for corporate GHG emissions by 20% from the 2000 baseline by 2009 and for community emission by 6% from the 2000 baseline by The Town not only met its corporate target of 20% below 2000 levels by 2009, but also exceeded its target by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33 % below 2000 levels. Steps towards meeting the community emissions reduction target are underway. Richmond Hill undertook a Wind Power Study in 2007 analysing the economic climate and energy demand for wind power in Ontario and examining the feasibility for up to 3 turbines with a total capacity of 5 MW to be placed on a Town-owned site. The study found that such an installation is not currently feasible for Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill is also working to develop a review process to consider applications put forward under the Ontario Power Authority Feed in Tariff Program (FIT) for roof top solar installations. Council endorsement of FIT projects in Richmond Hill would provide priority points to local applicants, which would accelerate the processing and installation of local green energy projects. Although Richmond Hill does not currently partner with sectors, groups or individuals within the community regarding energy conservation and does not formally track community-based energy conservation programs, it is working with PowerStream to monitor energy use at municipal facilities, and sees an opportunity to educate and engage the public in existing PowerStream programs that would help residents reduce energy consumption Sustainable Transportation In 2005 Transport Canada released a report, Strategies for Sustainable Transportation Planning: A Review of Practices and Options, giving guidelines to integrate sustainable transportation principles into municipal transportation plans. This promotes integration with land use planning and considerations for environmental health and modal sustainability. The report November

39 Phase 1: Baseline Report was considered by York Region in the development of the Region s Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Study. Ontario s Ministry of Transportation has released Transit-supportive Guidelines to assist planners and developers in creating an environment that is supportive of transit and developing services and programs to increase transit ridership. These guidelines are designed to act on different scales, including community wide, district level and site specific. The Ministry of Transportation has committed $11.5 billion to expanding public transportation networks in the Greater Toronto Area. The Ministry supports a plan for expanding these networks called The Big Move which will require collaboration across the GTA to implement and will be coordinated by Metrolinx. Richmond Hill was engaged in the consultation process for the development of The Big Move, and continues to be engaged in the process which has recently resulted in the announcement of a subway extension terminating at Yonge Street and Highway 7 which would connect Richmond Hill to the GTA network. On April 22, 2013, Richmond Hill Council endorsed the various investment tools being considered by Metrolinx to fund the next wave of projects identified in the Big Move Regional Transportation Plan. The extension of the Yonge Subway to Richmond Hill Centre and the provision of two-way allday GO service continue to be priorities for Richmond Hill. Discussions with Metrolinx will continue in order to advocate for investment tools to support implementation of the next wave of projects. Richmond Hill s Official Plan promotes sustainable transportation through policies for new development that will allow for a pedestrian and transit-oriented community with increased densities focused on centers and corridors stating, The Town shall promote a safe, balanced, efficient, accessible and well connected transportation system in accordance with the planned Transportation System. The Town shall encourage a range of choice in mobility with priority given to public transit and active transportation while balancing limited street capacity and competing uses. The following transportation system user hierarchy shall be supported: a) Active Transportation (Pedestrians and Cyclists); b) Public Transit; c) High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and goods movement; and d) Single Occupant Vehicles. Transportation Master Plans have been developed by York Region and Richmond Hill to ensure transportation decisions are made within the context of development strategies and legislative requirements. The Plans consider the elements of sustainable natural environment, economic vitality and healthy communities. York Region has also developed a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, which promotes alternate forms of travel such as walking, biking and public transit. York Region is working with the nine local municipalities to implement a comprehensive pedestrian system and region-wide cycling network over the next 25 years. The York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan includes long term plans for development of pedestrian November

40 Phase 1: Baseline Report routes within both Richmond Hill and the greater Region, and includes plans for a Lake-to-Lake route connecting Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario using a number of proposed and existing offroad trails, and some on-road trails. To implement this plan, Richmond Hill contributed to a Technical Advisory Committee providing insight into the design of the plan. The Town will also be responsible for developing or improving identified trail linkages within the municipality, and may receive Regional funding through the Municipal Partnership Program for improvements to the links. Richmond Hill has joined forces with the Regional Municipality of York, the Province (Metrolinx) and the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce to implement the Smart Commute Program. This popular program works with local business and their employees to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road and their associated emissions. The goals of the program are to help businesses and their employees explore alternative commuting options such as carpooling, cycling and public transportation in order to reduce gridlock and improve air quality. Richmond Hill provides a portion of operating funding for the Markham-Richmond Hill chapter. The webbased car pool program, Carpool Zone, is one of their most successful tools to measurably reduce vehicle emissions. Richmond Hill has also developed and is actively implementing a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP). The PCMP aligns with York Region s Plan and guides the development of a long term, on and off-road commuter and recreational cycling and foot trail network in Richmond Hill. The PCMP identifies a prioritized list of sidewalk, on-road and off-road foot and bike trail connections to be developed based on factors such as connections to local transit, and provides an implementation schedule with short and long term actions to Key achievements of the PCMP include installation of approximately 90 km of signed only bike routes; 57 km of signed bike routes with edge line or sharrows, and 13 km of bike lanes in both residential neighbourhoods and business parks. Beyond physical infrastructure-related recommendations, the PCMP includes an outreach strategy to support walking and cycling. This outreach strategy includes considerations for educating citizens about the trail network and the benefits of using it safely. It also includes social marketing and Shift Gears branding to promote active transportation. Finally, outreach plans have been developed for enforcement of safe and appropriate use of active transit trails by Regional Police and Bylaw Officers. Future directions for the PCMP include further development of off-road trails and cooperation with the Region to create the Lake-to-Lake route passing through Town jurisdiction. Ontario s Motor Vehicle Regulation requires that motor vehicles be equipped with approved emission control devices such as catalytic converters, and that vehicles meet prescribed Drive Clean emission standards. As such, Richmond Hill s fleet of vehicles must pass emission testing in order to be drivable. Of particular note is Richmond Hill s green fleet initiative, which includes a fully electric vehicle and charging station and the use of biodiesel to fuel Richmond Hill s diesel fuelled vehicles. The green fleet initiative has resulted in Richmond Hill fleet vehicles being equipped with monitoring systems to measure the amount of time a vehicle is idling. This technology helps inform decisions to install additional batteries and inverters so that power is available to operators without vehicles running unnecessarily. November

41 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill Noise Bylaw, Chapter 1055 includes an anti-idling prohibition that bans the operation of motor vehicle for a continuous period exceeding five (5) minutes, while such vehicle is stationary in a residential area or a quiet zone unless certain provisions apply. Richmond Hill is actively pursuing an Idle Free Campaign to attempt to reduce vehicle related smog. Toxic Substances and Other Air Contaminants Stationary sources of air emissions are governed under the Provincial Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and associated regulations which require the emitters to apply for an approval or register equipment on the Environmental Sector and Activity Registry prior to operation. Air emission parameters associated with this equipment, including suspended particulate matter, smog precursors, toxic substances, visible emissions, odours and noise, are regulated under the EPA and the Provincial Air Pollution Local Air Quality Regulations and Registrations under Part II.2 of the Act Heating Systems and Standby Power Systems Regulations. Richmond Hill does not currently emit toxic substances above thresholds governed by the Federal National Pollutant Release Inventory, and therefore does not report through that mechanism. Some refrigerants used in air conditioners, fridges, and chillers contribute to depletion of the ozone layer. The Federal Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulation and Ontario Ozone- Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbon Regulation restrict the use of refrigerants with ozone depleting potential and continue to phase out ozone depleting substances as new technological options become available. Currently, all carbon fluorocarbon (CFC)-containing substances are prohibited from use in Canada. The next phase-out relates to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), other than refrigerant-123, which comes into effect in January Refigerant-22 is a common HCFC used in building cooling systems. Refrigerant- 123, also a common refrigerant used in chillers, will be phased-out of use beginning January Richmond Hill currently follows compliance requirements under existing legislation and regulations as required for toxic substance emissions. Richmond Hill has an ISO Registered Environmental Management System (EMS) intended to track and manage performance of Municipal operations with respect to the environment. This has helped Richmond Hill to identify equipment requiring registration in Environmental Sector and Activity Registry and to ensure that registrations and environmental compliance approvals are up to date and adhered to. The EMS also helps Richmond Hill to identify toxic substances and refrigerants to be phased out of operations. November

42 Phase 1: Baseline Report Water Resources The Water Resources Key Focus Area contains a collection of sub-focus areas relating to interactions between Richmond Hill and a variety of water related environmental aspects. The preliminary sub-focus areas identified are: Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection, and Water Conservation. Richmond Hill s water systems include aquifers, headwaters, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, kettle lakes and man-made water systems including stormwater management works. The policies within the Official Plan provide direction on water resource management related to managing surface water and protecting and enhancing groundwater features and functions Watershed Management The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority works closely with York Region and Richmond Hill to implement land-use planning within the Don River, Humber River and Rouge River watersheds. The TRCA has been given authority by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to screen and process applications for development affecting watercourses. As part of this process the TRCA may: advise applicants on how to avoid damage to fish habitat; advise the applicant on how to mitigate effects to fish habitat; or prepare a consultation package requiring DFO authorization. As outlined in the Richmond Hill s Official Plan, the TRCA may also undertake development of a Watercourse Restoration Strategy in concert with Richmond Hill and York Region to determine opportunities for watercourse improvement and priority restoration areas. The TRCA has prepared Watershed Plans with the intent of informing and guiding municipalities, provincial and federal governments, non-governmental organizations, private landowners and the TRCA itself as they update their policies and practices for environmental stewardship. TRCA Watershed Plans relevant to Richmond Hill include: Humber River (2008) Provides recommended management strategies falling into three broad categories: protect and expand the terrestrial natural heritage system; build sustainable communities; and, recognize the distinctive heritage of the Humber through an enhanced regional open space system. Don River (2009) The three principles which form the basis for the plan are to: protect and sustain what is healthy; regenerate what is degraded; and, take responsibility for the Don. November

43 Phase 1: Baseline Report Rouge River (2007) The goal of this plan is: To work towards a healthy and sustainable Rouge watershed by protecting, restoring and enhancing its ecological and cultural integrity within the context of a regional natural heritage system. Watershed Plans for Humber River, Don River, and Rouge River are developed and were updated beginning in 2005 to conform to the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. These updated plans considered current and forecasted growth, new scientific information, mitigation/adaptation actions for climate change and strong community support for state of the art watershed management plans. Further, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses establishes Regulated Areas where development could be subject to flooding, erosion or dynamic beaches, or where interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses might have an adverse effect on those environmental features. Under this Regulation, any proposed development, interference or alteration within a regulated area requires a Permit from the TRCA. The York Region Official Plan states that Watershed Plans emphasize the importance of managing both ground and surface water systems in a comprehensive way that support more sustainable land use planning decisions. This is particularly important in new and intensifying areas of growth. The Region works closely with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority) in the preparation of Watershed Plans for York Region with the objective to protect, restore or improve water resources through the implementation of Watershed Plans. Similarly, Richmond Hill s Official Plan states that the Town will work with York Region, the Conservation Authority, adjacent municipalities, and other agencies to support the goals and objectives of the Watershed Plans through the Richmond Hill s Official Plan, and to co-ordinate and implement updates to watershed planning initiatives and implement watershed plan objective that include: a) Protect and enhance river system functions, linkages and sensitivities; b) Achieve water quality and quantity objectives for the watershed; c) Address the long term cumulative impact of development on the watershed through regular monitoring, reporting and adaptive management as necessary; d) Protect and enhance existing geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, limnology, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and the quality, quantity and function of groundwater recharge areas; e) Provide guidelines for sustainable development, design and construction. For more information regarding watershed management, please refer to Appendix L. November

44 Phase 1: Baseline Report Surface and Stormwater The Federal Government has jurisdiction over seacoast and inland fisheries. Under the Fisheries Act, the Federal Government regulates water pollution and prohibits any discharge of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish, and any works or undertakings that result in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat. If a restoration project, such as storm pond rehabilitation, is found to have the potential to cause HADD, Richmond Hill may be required by the TRCA and DFO to take action prior to receiving a Permit to perform work. This action could be: determine in consultation with the TRCA how work can be performed without damaging fish habitat; propose an approach which will mitigate effects to fish habitat; or consult with the DFO in order to determine how to proceed. Under the Navigable Waters Protection Act, some streams within Richmond Hill s boundaries are considered to be navigable and Richmond Hill must consult with Transport Canada prior to conducting work to determine if a permit is required. The Navigation Protection Act will replace the Navigable Waters Protection Act when it comes into force (expected early 2014). The Proposed List of Scheduled Waters lists the oceans, lakes and rivers which will require notice to Transport Canada before work can be completed. The lakes, streams and rivers in Richmond Hill are not included in this list. On July 18, 2012, the Federal Government released the new Wastewater System Effluent Regulations, which will, effective January 1, 2015, restrict the discharge of effluent that contains any of the 5 deleterious substances above the prescribed parameters from a wastewater treatment plant at the final discharge point. York Region is responsible for the treatment of Richmond Hill s wastewater and governing the Sewer Use Bylaw; however, Richmond Hill and their residents and businesses are required to comply with the York Region Sewer Use Bylaw No. S This Bylaw governs the discharge of stormwater, including the quality and origin of water entering storm sewers and land drainage works. The Province of Ontario s Ministry of the Environment regulates discharges into, and takings of, fresh water, including groundwater, through the Ontario Water Resources Act, Water Taking Regulation and Wells Regulation. Typically, the discharge of pollutants into the natural environment is prohibited, unless permits or approvals have been issued. The Town holds Environmental Compliance Approvals (formerly called Certificates of Approval) for the operation and maintenance of Town-owned storm sewers and stormwater management facilities (storm ponds) within the municipality. Environmental Compliance Approvals for facilities, such as the stormwater management facilities at Rumble Pond and Pioneer Park, contain requirements and operating standards for the allowable quality and quantity of water they may release into the natural environment. Large water takings from surface or groundwater, in excess of 50,000 litres of water daily, also require a permit, except for special uses such as firefighting. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority provides guidance for developers, consultants, municipalities and landowners as it relates to stormwater management in the guidance document, Stormwater Management Criteria. This document specifies 80% total suspended solid removal through stormwater management, and requires that post-development peak flows are controlled to pre- development levels, or specific flow unit rates if identified for specific watercourses. Stormwater control criteria provided in this document is presented on a creek by November

45 Phase 1: Baseline Report creek basis. Richmond Hill Standards and Specifications Manual also provide standards and stormwater management design criteria. Richmond Hill s Official Plan lists 5 mm retention on site and various Low Impact Development techniques to help manage stormwater on site and through conveyance. Richmond Hill currently has 66 assumed stormwater facilities. These facilities include both dry quantity control facilities and wet quantity and quality control facilities. Ontario s Environmental Assessment Act requires that major public sector projects with potential to significantly affect the environment undergo an Environmental Assessment. Stormwater installations are included in the list of facilities requiring Environmental Assessments. Construction of stormwater management infrastructure and related erosion and sediment control, flood control and water quality control facilities is covered by the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which describes the process to be followed in order to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. York Region s Official Plan contains policies to maintain and enhance water resources recognizing that they are part of a more complex system and are essential to ecosystem and human function. In addition, the Plan calls for continued monitoring of both surface and subsurface groundwater systems in partnership with the local municipalities and conservation authorities in order to assess the sustainability of current activities and land uses; and, to identify those areas that are susceptible to, or currently experiencing, water quality and quantity problems. In addition, York Region s Official Plan states that stormwater should be managed as a resource, and that the use of sustainable stormwater planning and practices will help ensure the continued health of the streams, rivers, lakes, fisheries and terrestrial habitats in our watersheds. The Plan contains the objective to ensure the careful management of stormwater through the use of innovative techniques. In 2008, Richmond Hill adopted a Stormwater Management Ten Year Capital Plan to rehabilitate its existing stormwater facilities in order to provide better water quality and flood protection. In addition, the Town conducts stormwater facility monitoring to ensure that facilities are operating according to the terms of their ECAs prior to the Town assuming facilities from developers. Stormwater facilities under Richmond Hill s control are monitored through a hydraulic and quality monitoring program which includes water level monitoring, total suspended solid sampling, visual inspections and sediment surveys. The Town has implemented The Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy 1996 provides Richmond Hill with 15 of the 17 priority guidance regarding monitoring and strategies to minimize contaminants recommendations of the entering the lake, including phosphates and sodium chloride. This strategy Lake Wilcox Remediation has identified phosphorous loading as the most significant water quality Strategy including the issue surrounding Lake Wilcox. Internal and external loading calculations construction of four performed as part of the strategy indicate that water quality in the lake has stormwater management the potential to improve through internal processes on the condition that facilities to enhance introduction of phosphorous into the lake from external sources is limited. phosphorus removal, As a result, the Remediation Strategy promotes the continued removal of decommissioned septic phosphorous from water flowing into the lake through continued efforts to systems, and watershed reduce external phosphorus sources, such as maintaining current education programs. November

46 Phase 1: Baseline Report structures and treatment facilities and outreach and education to residents. The Remediation Strategy proposed enhancements to the current water quality monitoring program for Lake Wilcox, which has been implemented and includes a number of indicators taken from different levels of the water column at different times of year. The Town has implemented 15 of the 17 priority recommendations of the Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy including the construction of four stormwater management facilities to enhance phosphorus removal, decommissioned septic systems, watershed education programs, The Lake Lung aeration project (interim measure) and a Hypolimnetic Withdrawal pilot project. The latter two met with limited success. In addition to the Remediation Strategy, Richmond Hill is piloting several projects in the Lake Wilcox subwatershed to explore technologies to remove phosphates from stormwater before it enters Lake Wilcox. For example, in partnership with Environment Canada, Richmond Hill is field-testing a variety of phosphorus removal media by passing stormwater through them before it enters the Lake. This allows Richmond Hill to compare the efficiency of each medium to determine technologies with the best cost/benefit ratio. Preliminary results indicate that iron-rich sand can be very effective, but further study is needed to understand the long-term performance of this media. Further, Richmond Hill owns and operates 11 stream gauges to monitor stream flow in the Humber, Rouge and Don Watersheds, as well as three rain gauges as part of the Watershed Monitoring Program. Gauges were originally installed to assist the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in calibration of their watershed models used to approve development. Some gauges are positioned in streamflows throughout Richmond Hill s borders which helps to mitigate risk with respect to the volume of water passing to neighbouring jurisdictions. The stream gauges are also used to assess streamflow trends and to calibrate models for Richmond Hill s projects. For more than 20 years, the Town has taken many proactive steps with regards to reducing the application of road salt as a de-icing agent, including pilot programs ranging from a "no salt use" practice to alternative de-icing agents. Richmond Hill's past initiatives in salt management placed the Town in a good position to meet Environment Canada's requirements based on safety, environmental protection and fiscal responsibility, among others. As a result of these measures, Council adopted a Salt Management Plan in 2011 to provide a safe transportation network for all users, as well as to meeting Environment Canada's goal of managing and reducing the use of salt for winter maintenance. The plan, of which details an operational and procedural framework for ensuring that the Town minimizes the amount of road salt entering the environment during its use in winter maintenance operations, commits Richmond Hill to furthering its explorations of new approaches and technologies of salt reductions. It also ensures that road safety is not compromised. Chloride ions found in road salt are toxic to freshwater plants and fish not adapted to living in saline water; in addition, chlorides may enter groundwater For more than 20 years, the Town has taken many proactive steps with regards to reducing the application of road salt as a de-icing agent, including pilot programs ranging from a "no salt use" practice to alternative de-icing agents November

47 Phase 1: Baseline Report sources and cause groundwater contamination. Road salt has been designated as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environment Protection Act (Environment Canada, 2007). For these reasons, the Salt Management Plan is an important tool for guiding the storage and use of salt, and the storage of removed snow. Richmond Hill s award winning Snow Storage Facility was designed to collect debris and sediment, as well as remove other contaminants through sediment deposition and uptake from vegetation before discharging to the Rouge River. However, chlorides from road salt cannot be removed by this type of facility. Richmond Hill has completed four studies to determine the conditions of existing drainage features within Richmond Hill s Open Space corridor and assessed the form and function of each watercourse. These comprehensive studies were: Lake Wilcox Outlet Channel/Humber River Hydraulic Study (2005); Richvale Greenway Hydrology Study and Stream Assessment (2007); German Mills Creek Hydrology Study and Stream Assessment (2009); Rouge River Hydrology Study and Stream Assessment (2011). The four studies evaluated threats to infrastructure within the valleyland system and proposed a number of capital improvements. Groundwater Protection. The Ontario Provincial Policy Statement, which provides government policies on land use planning is used by municipalities when developing their Official Plans, and includes requirements for groundwater protection. The Policy Statement requires that planning authorities identify groundwater features necessary for ecological and hydrological integrity of the watershed, and protect, improve or restore these features. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan identifies objectives for maintaining the quality and quantity of groundwater and maintaining groundwater recharge. Groundwater quality and recharge areas outside of the Oak Ridges Moraine are also addressed within Richmond Hill Official Plan. The plan requires that the quality and quantity of groundwater is maintained by the use of low impact development techniques and by locating development away from sensitive groundwater features. In addition, there is a growing movement to protect drinking water sources, including groundwater in York Region, by regulating land use in source areas as per the Ontario s Clean Water Act. The Act requires that local Source Protection Committees develop a Source Protection Plan to implement and eliminate threats to the water. The committees are chaired by the Conservation Authorities and represented by the regional and local municipality, businesses, agriculture, the general public and First Nations. York Region s Official Plan contains a broad range of policies to maintain and enhance groundwater within the Region and in partnership with local municipalities, conservation authorities and other agencies, and states that groundwater is important as a supply of drinking water, and provides significant quantities of cool water to the Region s streams and rivers as base flow. Water systems play a crucial role in ecological function and are also important for recreation, agriculture and industrial purposes. It highlights that the Oak Ridges Moraine is the origin of headwaters for the watersheds in York Region, and is also a significant source of groundwater recharge and discharge. November

48 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill s Official Plan also contains a wide range of policies to protect groundwater, directing development away from sensitive groundwater areas and areas of high aquifer vulnerability and significant recharge areas. Richmond Hill is located within a Source Protection Region made up of, and named for, three Source Protection Areas: Credit Valley, Toronto & Region and Central Lake Ontario (CTC). A Draft Source Water Protection Plan for the CTC region was submitted to the Ministry of the Environment in the fall of 2012 and is awaiting approval. Richmond Hill has highly vulnerable aquifers and significant groundwater recharge areas located across the municipality. Within these areas, the CTC has identified several moderate/low threats which include the application of road salt and handling and storage of dense non-aqueous phase liquids and organic solvents. As part of the Plan, a number of land use planning policies have been created, including annual reporting of salt monitoring which is already conducted under the Safe Drinking Water Act to the CTC, and, education and outreach responsibilities. If the CTC Proposed Source Protection Plan is approved, Richmond Hill will be required to report annually on actions completed, have regard to the applicable land use planning policy, and consider strategic action policies surrounding the above mentioned moderate/low threats. York Region will be taking the lead on outreach and education initiatives; however, Richmond Hill may have an opportunity to partner with them to further promote their key messages Water Conservation The Water Opportunities Act promotes efficient water use in municipalities by identifying innovative solutions for drinking water, stormwater and sewage systems as well as optimizing systems for water conservation. The Act requires municipalities to prepare municipal water sustainability plans that will promote water efficiency, and, will apply to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. Water Sustainability Plans can be required to include asset management plans for physical infrastructure, financial plans, water conservation plans and a risk assessment regarding future delivery of services and the impacts of climate change. Under the Act, the MOE is authorized to set performance targets for municipalities relating to the financing, operation or maintenance of prescribed municipal services, and require that municipalities report on their progress towards meeting performance targets. The Act also enables the Ministry of Environment to establish water conservation targets for municipalities. No regulations are in force at this time. York Region is currently constructing the Southeast Collector (SEC) trunk, beginning in the City of Markham s community of Box Grove and ending in the City of Pickering near the intersection of Finch Avenue and Valley Farm Road. The Ontario Minister of Environment approved the Individual Environmental Assessment and placed stringent conditions of approval including requiring a Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy and an Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Strategy be created. Building on York Region s and the local municipalities ongoing efforts, an Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Strategy has been created for the Region. Building on the Water Efficiency Master Plan (2007) and in response to the condition requiring a Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy for the SEC trunk, York Region developed the Long Term Water Conservation Strategy, which enhances and extends, to 2051, the Region's November

49 Phase 1: Baseline Report commitment to innovative water conservation and efficiency programming, water resource protection, energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction. It builds on the Water Efficiency Master Plan that was completed in 2007, which provides recommendations for a 10 year strategy for water efficiency and conservation programs in York Region. The Long Term Water Conservation Strategy has the inspirational goal of no new water by 2051, meaning that water use across all sectors in 2051 is equivalent to the water use in The plan relies on the ability of the 9 municipalities within York Region cooperating in the implementation of proposed water conservation initiatives, and Richmond Hill is expected to play a role in the municipal working group in the governance of the plan implementation. Richmond Hill s Water Use Conservation By-law restricts water use from June 15 to September 30 each year based on your home address to protect the environment and use water resources wisely Land Resources The Land Resources Key Focus Area contains a collection of sub-focus areas relating to interactions between Richmond Hill and a variety of terrestrially-based environmental aspects. The sub-focus areas identified are: Development and Green Development planning, site design and building design practices which exceed conventional building standards and seek to achieve more sustainable performance. Natural Environment Management managing the municipality s interactions with the natural environment in order to preserve its functions while balancing use by residents. Invasive Species Management planning for the mitigation of impacts related to invasive species. Solid Waste Management identifying commitments and goals relating to waste management and waste diversion. Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Local Food Production promoting urban agriculture and access to local food in Richmond Hill Sustainable Development The 2005 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction to protect the natural environment and create more livable communities through sustainable development. It provides policy guidance for protecting natural heritage features, functions and systems including wetlands, significant woodlots, valleylands and wildlife habitat. The PPS directs municipalities to improve and restore water quality and quantity, and use watershed planning to identify and protect water resources and promote sustainable water use practices. The PPS directs development away from these areas and encourages development patterns that promote a mix of housing, employment, parks, open spaces and transportation choices to facilitate pedestrian mobility and other modes of travel. In addition, land use development patterns in settlement areas must promote water and energy efficiency, including renewable and alternative energy sources. November

50 Phase 1: Baseline Report The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 (ORMCP) is established under Section 3 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The ORMCP provides direction on land use and resource management planning to municipalities in order to protect the moraine s ecological and hydrological features and functions. Approximately 52% of Richmond Hill s area is subject to the policies of the ORMCP, and large parts of the moraine are designated as Natural Core, Natural Linkage and Countryside Protection which prevents urban development beyond existing or approved land uses. In addition, Key Natural Heritage Features and Hydrologically Sensitive Features are protected throughout the ORMCP area. The Greenbelt Plan, 2005 (GBP) guides urban growth and development patterns in the Golden Horseshoe Area of Ontario. The GBP identifies where urbanization should not occur in order to provide for permanent protection of the agricultural land base and ecological features and functions occurring on this landscape. This includes planning to ensure that infrastructure and transportation development occurs in an environmentally sensitive manner. The GBP includes lands within, and builds upon the ecological protections provided by the ORMCP. The Places to Grow Plan provides a framework for accommodating anticipated growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area of Ontario. Growth targets are allocated to counties, regions and cities and growth is directed into designated areas and specified to occur through more compact forms of development and through intensification within existing built up areas. The Plan calls for a 60/40 split of urban growth through greenfield development (60%) and intensification of existing urban areas (40%) and provides specific directions for environmental protection including water and energy conservation, air quality protection and waste management. This Plan identifies Richmond Hill as an Urban Growth Centre within York Region. The York Region Official Plan 2010 helps to co-ordinate more detailed planning by local municipalities, including Richmond Hill s Official Plan, and includes overall guidance on environmental protection, enhancement and restoration. Specifically in relation to Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy, key elements of the Region s Official Plan include: City building, focusing on Regional Centres and Corridors, including innovation in urban design and green building. New community areas, designed to a higher standard that includes requirements for sustainable buildings, water and energy management, public spaces, mixed-use, compact development, and urban design. Updated York Region Master Plans for transportation and transit, water and wastewater, and pedestrian and cycling. Enhanced mobility systems using a people and transit first approach to connect land use and transportation planning. Progressively higher standards in energy and water efficiency, renewable energy systems and waste reduction. Richmond Hill s Official Plan, Building a New Kind of Urban, recognizes the Town s rich natural heritage both on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Plan directs growth away from environmental areas and establishes a connected Greenway System with linkages to urban open spaces. The Official Plan policies also foster innovation in sustainable design through new development and redevelopment opportunities. November

51 Phase 1: Baseline Report Urban development and infrastructure projects that contribute enhancements to the Regional Greenlands System. A natural heritage legacy based on a linked and enhanced Regional Greenlands System. A full-cost accounting approach to financial management that considers the economic, environmental, and social costs. Protection of rural and agricultural countryside. York Region s Official Plan requires that certain uses be built to varying sustainable development standards over the next 25 years, and includes policies which encourage new buildings in new communities, Regional Centres and Corridors to be constructed to LEED or alternative equivalent standards. Richmond Hill s Official Plan, Building a New Kind of Urban, recognizes the Town s rich natural heritage both on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Plan directs growth away from environmental areas and establishes a connected Greenway System with linkages to urban open spaces. The Official Plan policies also encourage innovation in sustainable design through new development and redevelopment opportunities. The Official Plan establishes the Greenway System as a key tool to implement the holistic environmental policy approach by protecting natural features and functions, enhancing linkages, and protecting agricultural, countryside, parks and urban open space areas. The Plan recognizes Sustainable Design practices as an essential tool to integrate built and natural environments, and enhance the Greenway System over the long-term by decreasing the impact of urbanization. The policies of this Plan aim to protect, enhance, restore and actively manage the environment within the process of urbanization. The Official Plan recognizes Richmond Hill is undergoing a rapid transformation from suburban to urban. The Plan directs that most of the Town s future growth will take the form of mixed-use development concentrated in a network of centres and corridors supported by public rapid transit and infrastructure. These areas will contain predominantly mid-rise forms of growth and will be pedestrian-oriented, compact and human-scaled, with the objective of promoting walkability with connections to neighbourhoods. New developments will be encouraged to use sustainable design practices to integrate built and natural environments by creating pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with energy efficient buildings and low impact development strategies for managing stormwater. Richmond Hill s Sustainable Building Policy is applicable to all new and large municipal facilities, requiring that a minimum sustainable building design and construction standard of LEED Silver (or equivalent) be achieved for buildings over 500 square meters. This applies to major retrofits and renovation projects as well. Please refer to York Region s and the Town s Official Plans and Strategic Plans summary, found in Appendix A & B, for further details. November

52 Phase 1: Baseline Report Natural Environment Management The Provincial Policy Statement 2005 (PPS) speaks generally to the protection and enhancement of natural heritage features as it relates to impacts from development. The PPS includes criteria for preserving the diversity and connectivity of natural features in an area, as well as the biodiversity and ecological functioning of natural heritage systems. The PPS attempts to achieve this goal by establishing types of areas where development and site alteration is not permitted and as such the municipality would be required to protect. Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy: Protecting What Sustains Us has goals to protect, restore and recover Ontario s genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. It also has goals to protect ecosystem functions and processes, and to use Ontario s biological assets sustainably. This Strategy identifies the importance of biodiversity and connectedness of greenspace in sustaining ecosystem functions and has the goal of integrating these considerations in Province-wide decision-making. The York Region Greening Strategy provides a context for regional decisionmaking affecting the natural environment and focuses on coordinating regional initiatives with agency and private sector partnership efforts in order to improve the environment. The Strategy has action areas pertaining to information management, naturalization and rehabilitation, securement of priority greenlands, education and promotion and Regional operations. York Region regularly engages its nine municipalities to help implement elements of the Strategy. For example, Richmond Hill was engaged by York Region and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) to help implement the Backyard Tree Planting Program as part of actions relating to naturalization and rehabilitation. The Backyard Tree Planting Program is a partnership between York Region, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) and Richmond Hill, that promotes the planting of trees on private properties by subsidizing the cost of trees and providing a site consultation with a qualified arborist and full planting service. The Richmond Hill Official Plan outlines the policies that strive towards preserving, connecting, and enhancing the Greenway System. The Greenway System is envisioned in the Official Plan as a legacy of environmental, agricultural and urban open space lands that will be protected and actively managed over the long term. Policies included to preserve, enhance and restore the Greenway System include the following: lands within the Oak Ridges Moraine; protection zones and minimum vegetation protection zones; key natural heritage features and hydrological features; and endangered and threatened species and their habitats. In 2008, Richmond Hill adopted a Community Stewardship Program as a measure to protect the significant natural features, contribute to urban forest cover, increase connectivity on Town land and promote biodiversity in our natural Environment. This program is Richmond Hill s largest natural heritage program with 56 environmental restoration initiatives in 2012 The Natural Heritage Strategy was developed in 2005 by Richmond Hill to help including the promote the long-term health of natural features as well as provide information for planting of 10,000 Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and projects. This working document is trees. used internally as baseline data to guide staff in developing programs and projects including: parks design, construction projects, open space acquisitions, community involvement initiatives and environmental education programs. November

53 Phase 1: Baseline Report The Natural Heritage Strategy is divided into three volumes. Volume 1: Framework outlines the overall methodology, goals and objectives of the Natural Heritage Strategy. Goals include: maintain healthy and diverse vegetation communities; maintain healthy and diverse wildlife communities; maintain healthy and diverse aquatic systems; create an integrated and connected open space system that balances recreational and ecological functions; minimize negative impacts to natural areas. Volume 2: Area Specific Plans breaks Richmond Hill into several Area Specific Plans. The plan areas are based on planning blocks in new areas of Richmond Hill and on a subwatershed basis in the old areas of Richmond Hill. This document provides a visual presentation of natural heritage information for each Natural Heritage Strategy Area, and provides management recommendations specific to each area. Volume 3: Implementation Guide provides recommendations for implementation. These recommendations are broken into 5 major parts: Richmond Hill policy recommendations (to improve efficiency and effectiveness of natural area management); conservation and restoration projects (capital projects); operations and maintenance plan (assessment of routine and ongoing operating needs); community involvement and awareness plan (promotion of ecologically sound interaction with environmental resources); and monitoring plan (a five year review for area specific plans, and procedures for monitoring restoration projects). Richmond Hill s Encroachment Policy prohibits residents from inappropriate uses of parks, open space areas and natural lands including: mowing, using pesticides, dumping debris, erecting structures and making trails. This Policy is intended to protect natural areas and is based on a zero tolerance policy, and is enforced on a complaint basis. Exceptions to this policy exist in certain boulevard areas where residents are permitted to follow criteria to naturalize or plant. In 2008, Richmond Hill adopted a Community Stewardship Program as a measure to protect the significant natural features, contribute to urban forest cover, increase connectivity on Town land and promote biodiversity in our natural Environment. It also provides a forum for staff and program partners to work directly with the community to increase environmental awareness and provide hands on assistance to protect and enhance Richmond Hill s natural areas (specifically public lands). Richmond Hill works with community partners to co-fund and undertake restoration activities on municipal land, such as planting trees and shrubs, fish habitat restoration, and stewardship of newly restored sites through invasive species removal. This program is Richmond Hill s largest natural heritage program with 56 environmental restoration initiatives in 2012 including the planting of 10,000 trees. The Province of Ontario has implemented a ban on cosmetic pesticides under the Pesticide Act, 1990 which took effect on April 22, The Pesticides Act also regulates the storage, transportation and disposal of pesticides and licensing of commercial pesticide applicators. Richmond Hill is required to follow the requirements of the province-wide pesticide use ban for its entire open space and parks inventory. Richmond Hill also promotes pesticide free lawn care alternatives through Organic Lawn Care Workshops; however, landowners must still adhere to the requirements of the Pesticides Act. November

54 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill s Healthy Yards Program aims to improve the natural environment, biodiversity and the urban forest canopy by promoting healthy natural space connections on privately owned lands. It provides information to the public about creating healthy yards and gardens using native plants, as well as alternatives to using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The program offers Richmond Hill residents the opportunity to purchase rain barrels and subsidized native plants kits for their gardens (trees, shrubs and wildflowers). This program increases tree cover and helps to mitigate the negative impacts of yard maintenance on the environment. Richmond Hill s Native Species Selection Guides, three in total, assist Richmond Hill residents in selecting native plants that are suitable for their property and aesthetic taste and encourages backyard naturalization, which helps to increase urban forest areas, improve environmental health, decrease landscape maintenance costs, and decrease the spread of invasive species. Richmond Hill s Tree Planting Bylaw regulates the planting, injury to and removal of trees on public property, including trees planted in parks and along streets in the municipal right of way. Richmond Hill s Tree Preservation By-law regulates the injury and removal of larger trees from private property. A permit must be obtained before any tree with a diameter at breast height of 20cm or greater is removed from private property. Depending on the size and species of tree that is removed, the Town may require that (a) new tree(s) be planted on the property to compensate for the loss of tree canopy. Additional information regarding Biodiversity in Richmond Hill including recommendations for management can be found in Appendix I Invasive Species Management At the Federal level, a suite of legislation is in place to manage invasive species, a few of which include the Plant Protection Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Seeds Act, Pest Control Products Act, and Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulations of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Several policies are also in place to set guidelines and priorities for invasive species management in Canada, in particular, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004). This strategy seeks to protect Canada s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and their native biological diversity and domestic plants and animals from the risks of invasive alien species and is applicable to a wide range of sectors including agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, wildlife, forests, transportation, industry and human health. The Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations prohibit any person from growing, raising, producing any thing that is believed to be a pest, or may be infested with a pest without authorization, as well as prohibits the importation or exportation of a pest or thing that may be infested with a pest. A pest is defined as anything that is injurious to plants. There is currently an Infested Place Order in place for the Asian Long-horned Beetle in parts of Toronto and Vaughan that prohibits the movement of any tree materials out of or through the regulated areas unless authorized by a Movement Certificate issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA, 2013). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also monitors invasive species that are not yet found in Canada, and determines if an invasive species has become established. November

55 Phase 1: Baseline Report Provincially, the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2012) has objectives to stop new invaders from arriving and surviving in Ontario, to slow and where possible reverse the spread of existing invasive species, and to reduce the harmful impacts of existing invasive species. Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy: Protecting What Sustains Us (2011) identifies invasive species as a threat to biodiversity and has the goal of integrating biodiversity considerations into province wide decision making. The Ontario Weed Control Act prohibits noxious weeds on lands and states that owners of the land have the duty to destroy the noxious weeds. There are approximately twenty-four noxious weeds in Ontario. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is developing a Terrestrial Invasive Species Strategy that will help prioritize and manage exotic invasive plants. At present, they continue to lead several initiatives focused on monitoring and managing invasive species in the Toronto region such as the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program. This program engages volunteers and trains them on how to collect data on native indicator species to help evaluate the condition of the Region s terrestrial ecosystems. Richmond Hill has developed the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy, which guides its response to EAB and the environmental, aesthetic and financial impact that this insect will have on the community. It is estimated that this insect will destroy more than a quarter million trees in Richmond Hill on both public and private lands. Recommended tools and options include monitoring, pesticide treatment, active ash tree removal, ash tree replacement, communication and public awareness. Additional information regarding drivers of Invasive Species Management and recommendations for management can be found in Appendix G Urban Wildlife Management Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which prohibits the deposit of substances in water or in areas frequented by migratory birds that will harm them, and provides for further protection of migratory birds through the Migratory Birds Regulations and Migratory Birds Sanctuary Regulations. The Act also prohibits the possession or sale of migratory birds or their nests. The Migratory Birds Regulations prohibits persons from disturbing, destroying or taking a nest, egg or shelter without the authorized permit. The Canadian Species at Risk Act was enacted to prevent wildlife, fish and plant species from becoming extinct and to provide for recovery of endangered or threatened species. As well, the Act provides for management of species that are of special concern. Ontario s Endangered Species Act came into force on June 30, Its purpose is to identify and protect Ontario native species at risk and their habitats, and to promote recovery of species at risk. Richmond Hill s Official Plan contains policies to address the protection, enhancement and maintenance of wildlife habitat. The policies center on the preservation of natural linkages that facilitate the movement of plants and animals between key natural heritage features, hydrological features and land with the, Greenway System, Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core and Oak Ridges Moraine. November

56 Phase 1: Baseline Report Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for administering the regulations and policies defined by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, This is one of the main statutes regulating fishing, hunting and trapping in Ontario. It provides for the management, maintenance and rehabilitation of the wildlife resources in Ontario, and provides for the establishment and maintenance of sustainable wildlife populations that are consistent with all other proper uses of provincial natural resources. With respect to the management of urban wildlife, the Provincial government plays an advisory role with local MNR offices providing support to local governments, agencies, groups and individuals dealing with wildlife. Richmond Hill s approach to addressing urban wildlife is proactive in comparison to many similar municipalities across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Richmond Hill has two council approved species-specific management plans to guide how staff address wildlife conflicts on Town-owned land. Each employs progressive measures that demonstrate the proactive approach to dealing with wildlife conflicts, as well sensitivity to wildlife preservation and protecting biodiversity loss. Richmond Hill s Official Plan contains policies to address the protection, enhancement and maintenance of wildlife habitat. The policies center on the preservation of natural linkages that facilitate the movement of plants and animals between key natural heritage features, hydrological features and land with the, Greenway System, Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core and Oak Ridges Moraine. The Richmond Hill Canada Goose Management Strategy, adopted by Council in 2005, provides direction on the management of excessive goose populations on municipally owned land. The strategy prescribes a variety of different control measures that include habitat modification, egg sterilization, hazing, and public education. Richmond Hill manages the implementation of several control measures. This contract is administered by the Natural Environment Section. The Beaver Management Policy, adopted by council in 2002, provides direction on the management of beaver activity on municipal-owned property and is in keeping with the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Through this Act the Province of Ontario provides (with some exceptions) property owners with the ability to remove wildlife conflict situations on their own property if the wildlife is causing damage. In these circumstances, property owners are able to harass, capture and/or kill most wildlife; however these actions cannot be inflicted on more animals than is necessary to protect property. These actions also cannot cause any unnecessary suffering to the animals. The Richmond Hill Beaver Management Policy includes several different approaches to managing beavers including tree wrapping, dam maintenance, flow/exclusion devices as well as trapping. Trapping is a method of control that is only used as a measure of last resort when all other measures have been exhausted and the beaver activity continues to pose significant risk to human health, safety and or property. Richmond Hill also contracts a wildlife management consultant for furbearing animals (beavers, coyote, deer, raccoons, muskrats, fox etc.) to address and provide advice on wildlife issues as they arise. November

57 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill uses a number of communication measures to educate and inform the public about urban wildlife, including web-based information, publications, face-to-face education, and articles for newsletters etc. Richmond Hill strives to provide educational materials to the community about living in harmony with wildlife and what the Town is doing to manage interactions with species such as Canadian Geese, Beavers, European Fire Ants and the Jefferson Salamander. Additional information regarding wildlife management in Richmond Hill including recommendations for management can be found in Appendix H Solid Waste Management Waste management in York Region is a two-tier system where the Region provides processing and disposal of materials and the lower tier municipalities provide curb-side collection services and promotion/education to residents. There are two levels of jurisdiction that guide Richmond Hill s waste management program: Provincial and Regional. Provincially, the Waste Diversion Act provides the legislative framework under which Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO), a permanent, non-government corporation operates. Waste Diversion Ontario is made up of industry, municipal, and nongovernmental representatives and is operated by a board of directors. York Region and area municipalities deliver the local Blue Box Program under the Waste Diversion Act, which is partly funded by industry through Stewardship Ontario. York Region is responsible for the implementation of the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste Program, which intends to divert hazardous materials generated by households from the landfill. Hazardous and liquid wastes are regulated by both Federal and Provincial governments; however, as wastes are not exported or imported or shipped interprovincial by Richmond Hill, only provincial regulations apply. The Provincial General Waste Management Regulation O. Reg. 347, provided under the Environmental Protection Act, requires generators of hazardous waste to register reports and pay fees for each type and quantity of waste they generate. Generators must track waste transfers until final disposal at an appropriate facility using a manifest. Hazardous wastes can no longer be land-disposed without pre-treatment, which is also the generator s responsibility. Anyone engaged in collection, transfer, storage, processing or disposal of provincially regulated waste requires an Environmental Compliance Approval, as well as correctly completed manifest documents required by the General Waste Management Regulation. The Waste Diversion Act defines Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and requires Producers, in cooperation WDO, to develop, implement and operate stewardship programs that demonstrate financial responsibility for the handing of their product and its packaging. The Act empowers the Minister to designate materials under the act for which stewardship programs must be developed. Materials designated to date include blue box materials, waste electronics & electrical equipment (WEEE), municipal hazardous and special wastes (MHSW) and tires. Municipal governments have the opportunity to leverage stewardship programs for these November

58 Phase 1: Baseline Report materials. Municipalities must report annual diversion information to WDO in order to receive blue box funding through Stewardship Ontario. The Provincial 3Rs Regulations were created under the Waste Diversion Act to define diversion programs municipalities must implement, including blue box programs and yard waste programs. These regulations also require that waste audits and waste reduction plans be completed for various sectors. The 3Rs Regulations 102/94 and 103/94, Waste Audit and Waste Reduction Work Plans Regulations and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Source Separation Programs Regulations, require Richmond Hill to conduct annual waste audits and implement a waste reduction workplan and source separation program for buildings with office space of 10,000 square meters or greater. This requirement applies to the Richmond Hill s Main Municipal offices at 225 East Beaver Creek. An annual audit is carried out each fall, and the results of the audits have led to the implementation of recycling in all municipal facilities (Libraries, Community Centres, and Arenas) and organics collection in most facilities, where feasible. The development of a source separation program is also required during construction and demolition projects of one or more buildings with a total floor area of at least 2,000 square meters. Regionally, the Joint Waste Diversion Strategy, 2009 was developed in partnership between York Region and member Municipalities. This document established a goal of 70% waste diversion, region-wide, by The strategy sets out a suite of initiatives that the local municipalities can implement as resources allow. Some of the initiatives include high-rise recycling, public space recycling, garbage bag limits, mandatory recycling and public education initiatives. The GoingGREEN program consists of weekly collection of Blue Box materials and Green Bin organic household waste. Blue box collection has been implemented in all high-rise buildings in Richmond Hill, and the GoingUP program has successfully launched organics collection in roughly half of Richmond Hill multi-residential and high-rise units. Yard waste is collected seasonally and household garbage is collected every other week. York Region s Integrated Waste Management Strategy is currently being created in partnership with the nine local municipalities to guide waste management in York Region for the next 40 years. The Plan will focus in shifting public beliefs and values to drive waste prevention and reuse while maximizing recycling, composting and energy recovery. Richmond Hill s Waste Management Bylaw restricts the number of items placed out for garbage collection, unless a purchased collection tag is attached, and allows for an unlimited volume of recyclables, organic materials and yard waste, provided it is in an Approved Container. Richmond Hill is currently in the process of finalizing new Waste Management Development Standards in partnership with the Region of York, under the auspices of the Integrated Waste Management Master Plan. The standards will require new development to accommodate three stream recycling programs, and to provide adequate space to accommodate future diversion programs anticipated under the EPR. November

59 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill currently only collects waste (i.e. unseparated garbage ) in park areas; however, a pilot program is being investigated to test the collection of recyclable and organic materials in several parks. Richmond Hill also initiated a pilot project in 2012 to test collection of recyclable materials at super mailbox locations throughout Richmond Hill. This project resulted in the installation of 36 recycling containers in 2012 and an additional 54 containers were added in In 2012, Richmond Hill piloted a program to implement three stream waste separation at three large town events Rib Fest, Canada Day and Taste of the Hill. As found through a Richmond Hill Communications survey in 2007, one of Richmond Hill s most widely read publications is the Waste Management Calendar. The calendar is issued to all Richmond Hill households annually and includes waste collection schedules, rules and guidelines, as well as valuable information about other Town environmental initiatives. The calendar is available on the municipal Website and is also available in an App format for download to Apple and Android Smart phones Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Local Food Production The York Region Official Plan has objectives to support local food production and procurement through means such as a Local Food Charter, buying and production co-operatives, and farmers markets at key locations in York Region communities. Parts of section Sustainable Design in the Richmond Hill Official Plan state that local food production is a policy of Council, and states that Richmond Hill will encourage the growing of produce through urban agriculture and communal gardens. The Official Plan also states that Richmond Hill will encourage high density residential development to provide permanent growing space with related facilities to residents. Richmond Hill recently conducted a study to evaluate the current function of the allotment garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson Park, and other municipalities that have successfully implemented allotment and community gardens. The 2012 Draft Parks Plan recommends that a community garden policy be created. The purpose of the proposed community garden policy would be to design a process for Richmond Hill to provide and partner with local community groups in the administration and provision of local gardens and to clarify Richmond Hill s and the community participants roles and responsibilities. The 2012 Draft Parks Plan further recommends that Richmond Hill explore options for relocating Richmond Hill s existing community garden to a more centralized location such that it would better service residents in high density areas who do not have access to their own garden space. November

60 Phase 1: Baseline Report 4.0 Benchmarking and Best Management Practices As part of Phase One of the Work Plan to develop the Richmond Hill Environment Strategy, Richmond Hill s environmental programs were benchmarked against 10 similar municipalities from the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada, North America and International. The benchmarking exercise provides a summary of environmental programs from municipalities with similar characteristics. It also identifies best management practices and innovative tools and techniques that are implemented within other municipalities. These will be considered for their applicability as options as Richmond Hill sets its strategic actions in the Environment Strategy. 4.1 METHODOLOGY The 10 municipalities were selected to benchmark based on pre-existing knowledge of or relationships with municipalities, the presence of an environmental strategy or similar and/or that the municipality is comparable in size, demographics, landscape and municipal organization. The following municipalities were selected: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario City of Markham, City of Vaughan, Town of Oakville and City of Mississauga Ontario City of Cambridge and City of Waterloo Canada City of Calgary, Alberta and City of Winnipeg, Manitoba North America City of Alexandria, Virginia International Kent County, United Kingdom Appendix E outlines how these 10 municipalities compare to the attributes selected to describe Richmond Hill. November

61 Phase 1: Baseline Report In order to concentrate the research within the benchmarking exercise, Priority Areas within each of the Sub-Focus Areas were selected. Within each of these Priority Areas, a foundation of internet research was conducted to obtain preliminary information related to the programs implemented at each of the municipalities. In order to expand on the available information, obtain a further understanding of the effectiveness of program implementation and learn of existing programs that may not have been communicated on the internet, contacts from the following municipalities were interviewed: City of Calgary: Jennifer Koole, Manager Environmental Programs ; Peter Reed, Corporate Properties & Buildings Team Lead, Environment, Health & Safety City of Waterloo: Robyn McMullen, Environmental Policy Planner ; Phil Quickfall, Senior Project Engineer, ; Jessica Kellerman, Project Manager - Water Resources City of Vaughan: Chris Wolnik, Manager Environmental Sustainability ext Town of Oakville: Donna Doyle, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst ext Research and phone calls were conducted between February 26, 2013 and March 13, A summary of the programs that exist at Richmond Hill and the 10 benchmarked municipalities within the Priority Areas is outlined in Appendix F. The municipal websites used to collect benchmarking and best practice information are included in the References section. 4.2 SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES The following provides a summary of the benchmarking exercise, including: Qualitative review of how Richmond Hill compares to the other 10 municipalities (high level) Trends among all 11 municipalities Example municipality(ies) that have implemented best management practices that Richmond Hill may consider for applicability and implementation Example municipality(ies) that have implemented an innovative tool or technique that Richmond Hill may consider implementing. November

62 Phase 1: Baseline Report Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use In analysis of programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the municipal organization and the community, Richmond Hill compared well to its peers. Richmond Hill participates in the Mayor s Megawatt Challenge striving to achieve 1 MW energy reduction, as does its benchmarking peer Mississauga. Richmond Hill also has an Energy Management Plan; a plan which only four of the benchmarking municipalities Calgary, Waterloo, Mississauga and Oakville have in place. Richmond Hill performed better than most benchmarked municipalities in the area of municipal development of renewable energy, with solar installations at East Beaver Creek and Richmond Green, geothermal at the Performing Arts Centre and wind power generation at Richmond Green. The only benchmarked municipality which also generated renewable energy on municipal facilities was the City of Markham, which has a 10 kw solar installation on top of the Markham Civic Centre. In addition, the Town also manages a green fleet, including hybrid and electric vehicles and uses on-board fuel monitoring equipment to track and manage fuel usage. The Town of Oakville and City of Calgary have common best practices surrounding the promotion of energy and energy efficient sources. Both of these municipalities have agreements in place to purchase green electricity for use in their facilities. The City of Calgary has a green electricity agreement with ENMAX, which started with 75% green electricity for corporate operations in 2011 and targeted 100% green electricity use by the City by The Town of Oakville purchased kwh of green power annually from the Oakville Hydro Green Light Pact Program from 2006 to 2009 and kwh of renewable energy credits from Renewable Choice Energy in 2010 and Another interesting best practice comes from Markham, where the City and Enbridge Gas Distribution have established a partnership to offer education and incentives to residents of Markham to improve energy efficiency in their homes. The program includes discounts on energy-efficient products such as furnaces and low-flow toilets; low-rate, fixed-term loans and other financing plans; and also provides residents with energy efficiency advice Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use When benchmarked against peers, Richmond Hill is a leading municipality in terms of the presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans. Richmond Hill has in place a Clean Air Local Action Plan which achieves all 5 Milestones of the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) corporately and Milestone 3 for the community, with a reduction target for corporate emissions of 20% from the baseline year and community emissions of 6% from the baseline year. In comparison, all of the 8 Canadian peers also participate in the PCP which is a Canadian program, and Alexandria and Kent also have emissions inventories; November

63 Phase 1: Baseline Report however, only the City of Calgary has achieved Milestone 5 corporately and Milestone 4 for the community. A best practice from the benchmarked municipalities comes from the City of Waterloo. Waterloo is participating in a local partnership called ClimateAction WR (Waterloo Region) to develop a community-scale greenhouse-gas inventory, action plan and reduction target for Waterloo region. This approach allows for collaborative action and sharing of ideas between municipalities within the Region, and may result in greater impact on emissions reduction. The City of Calgary provides another best practice example through their participation in the Calgary Climate Change Accord, which has partnerships with eight municipalities across the globe to share best practices and target an 80% emissions reduction from the baseline year of 2005 by Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use In the area of innovative measures and technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Richmond Hill has opportunity for improvement when benchmarked against peers. Richmond Hill has adopted a policy requiring LEED silver (or alternative equivalent) development for all new municipal buildings with a floor area over 500 square meters. A similar policy has been adopted by the Oakville, Cambridge, Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, Waterloo, Winnipeg and Alexandria. Richmond Hill, along with five of ten benchmarking municipalities, has implemented programs to retrofit street lights and traffic signals to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which consume less energy than conventional lights. Richmond Hill has installed a solar water heating system on the roof of its municipal offices to reduce the energy required to heat water used in the building. The City of Mississauga undertook a similar solar water heating project on the rooftop of Huron Park Recreation Centre in This program preheats domestic hot water with solar energy before it enters conventional boilers, saving approximately 25 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year over the next 25 years. There are other aspects however, such as district energy where RH could consider innovative advances. Many of Richmond Hill s peers are implementing innovative approaches to reduce energy demand and GHG emissions. Markham District Energy Inc., owned by the City of Markham, is a centralized system which provides district level heating, cooling and backup electricity to residents. This earned the City of Markham a Community Energy Conservation Award from Ontario Power Authority in The City of Calgary has a similar district energy heating system where a heating plant in the city s downtown core provides space heating and hot water through an underground thermal distribution system. This is a closed loop system where high efficiency boilers reheat the water coming in and return it to the customer. November

64 Phase 1: Baseline Report Presence of Green Fleet Sub Focus Areas: Sustainable Energy Use, Sustainable Transportation Richmond Hill has a similar level of performance when compared to the majority of benchmarked peers regarding the presence of a green fleet. Six of ten municipalities evaluated have a green fleet plan which includes the right sizing of vehicles and the use of hybrids and biodiesel vehicles. Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Kent all have at least one fully electric vehicle in their municipal fleets. Concerning monitoring of the effectiveness of green fleets, Richmond Hill is performing well in comparison to their peers due to the fact that few benchmarked municipalities appear to be conducting this type of monitoring. Richmond Hill fleet vehicles are also equipped with idling monitoring equipment which helps with decision making regarding the requirement to install additional batteries and inverters so that power can be generated without running the engine. The Town of Oakville measures fleet emissions through commitments to monitoring for the PCP Program. However, this value is only the eco2 total for the entire fleet and does not subdivide green fleet emissions. The City of Vaughan measures the % of low emission vehicles in their fleet. First data calculation will be provided in April The City of Alexandria, Virginia, has an innovative procedure for converting their fleet to more fuel efficient vehicles. As the vehicle fleet turns over, the City s Environmental Action Plan requires purchasing of new vehicles with an average city fuel economy 20% better than Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulation requirements. Alexandria typically purchases 15 vehicles for its fleet each year, and has secured Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program funding, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to cover the incremental cost of conventional vehicle replacement with approximately 12 hybrid vehicles Promotion of Active Transportation Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation With respect to plans, programs and activities to promote active transportation, Richmond Hill is performing at a similar level to other benchmarked municipalities. The Town has in place a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan intended to guide the development of a Town-wide pedestrian and cycling transportation network over the following 25 years, and has made significant progress towards constructing on and off-road trails. Six of the ten municipalities researched had similar plans, or components of transportation master plans, geared towards the development of active transportation networks and the promotion of their use. Richmond Hill also offers a Shift Gears Cycling on road and off-road Map to residents, which shows the connected pathway system that residents can use to travel around Town. In addition, Richmond Hill has created dedicated Twitter and Facebook accounts to support outreach for the Shift Gears Cycling program. Six of ten municipalities researched also made a pathways map available to residents, and the City of Calgary demonstrates an innovative practice by offering a mobile phone application for download to help residents navigate the pathway and on-street bikeway system. This app also includes information about detours/closures, safety messages, and park information. November

65 Phase 1: Baseline Report The City of Mississauga participates in the Walk + Roll Peel program which is a joint effort between Peel Region, Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. This is a trip planning program based around walking and biking, which provides information on travel routes, bike safety, and estimated emissions reductions from active transit trips. Kent, in the United Kingdom, promotes a program called Walk on Wednesdays where residents are encouraged to use active transportation every Wednesday. Alexandria, Virginia, participates in Capital Bikeshare with the installation of 8 bike stations where bicycles are made available for shared use. These stations are part of a network of 175 stations with 1,600 bicycles across the Washington and Arlington area. Users may pick up or drop bikes off at any of the stations. The entire program has generated over two million rides since its inception in Implement Transportation Demand Management Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation In comparison to other benchmarked municipalities, Richmond Hill is performing well with regard to implementation of transportation demand management. Richmond Hill participates in the Smart Commute program, an initiative to match commuters and create carpools. All six eligible Ontario municipalities benchmarked also participate in the Smart Commute program; and Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga and Oakville also received GOLD designations through the program for significant positive outcomes of participation. Richmond Hill also promotes a telework program for municipal employees, and provides information for local businesses to use when creating their own telework programs. Of the municipalities reviewed, only two of ten were also found to promote telework. Richmond Hill offers discounted transit passes for full time employees. Waterloo and Alexandria were the only municipalities researched which offer similar incentives. The Region of Waterloo runs TravelWise, a Transportation Demand Management program that provides an assortment of transportation tools and services for individuals and employees that register as part of the TravelWise Transportation Management Association (TMA). This program includes ride matching for carpoolers, personalized trip logging and reporting, an emergency ride home program and a discount of Grand River Transit Corporate Passes. The City of Alexandria Office of Transit Services and Programs has a Transit Incentive Program for City employees. This program encourages transit use and vanpooling by providing a transit incentive of up to $75 per month. There is an up to $150 additional pre-tax option to employees who commute to and from work via bus, rail or qualified vanpool Development Standards that Promote Sustainable Infrastructure Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Development A review of development guidelines to promote environmentally responsible municipal infrastructure shows that Richmond Hill is performing at a higher level than its peers. As indicated when exploring innovative measures to reduce energy demand and GHG emissions, November

66 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill has adopted a policy requiring LEED silver (or alternative equivalent) development for all new municipal buildings with a floor area greater than 500 square meters. A similar policy has been adopted by Oakville, Calgary, Cambridge, Markham, Vaughan, Toronto, Mississauga, Waterloo, Winnipeg and Alexandria. The City of Mississauga has developed a Green Development Strategy in order to provide a broad range of environmental, social, and economic benefits for Mississauga, including improving environmental and human health, reducing demand for services, raising the bar of the building industry to adopt green development practices, and attracting leading edge business investment. The City of Mississauga is experimenting with living wall sound barriers. The wall, made of willows, will absorb noise rather than deflect it the way concrete barriers do. They are an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional noise attenuation barrier products because they provide the additional benefit of absorbing carbon dioxide. The City of Calgary s Municipal Development Plan (2009) contains Greening the City policies that direct land use planning and development, urban design and transportation planning processes to incorporate the principles of green infrastructure; identify and protect strategic parcels, blocks and corridors that increase ecosystem connectivity; provide opportunities for source control of stormwater infiltration; promote food production and composting; encourage play and learning; facilitate the development of eco-industrial/business parks; and integrate green infrastructure horizontally and vertically to maximize the provision of ecological services. The City s Sustainable Building Policy (2008) requires that all new city buildings and renovations to meet or exceed the gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. Further, the City reports at least annually on the performance of each of its LEED buildings. The City of Toronto has developed the Toronto Green Standard (TGS) and the Better Buildings Partnership New Construction program (BBP NC) as a two-pronged approach to encourage sustainable building design and address several of the city s environmental challenges. Toronto s Green Standard includes both mandatory and optional performance measures for sustainable building, and the BBP NC provides incentives for energy-efficient building design. Together both programs provide direction and incentives to encourage development to exceed the energy efficiency standards of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings by at least 25 per cent, reducing operating costs, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and infrastructure demands. Currently, condominiums constructed under the BBP NC program have achieved 45 per cent greater efficiency than the levels outlined in the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, while office buildings have achieved up to 63 per cent greater efficiency. The Town of Oakville has developed Sustainable Design Guidelines for municipal buildings which use sustainability as a core principle in the approach to the design, construction and maintenance of Town facilities. November

67 Phase 1: Baseline Report Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Development When examining the incentives and tools used to encourage green built form in development communities, Richmond Hill is part of a collaborative effort with Vaughan and Brampton which establishes them as leaders among the municipalities reviewed. This group of municipalities, with support from the Federation for Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, has conducted a community-based study and is developing Sustainable Development Guidelines focused on qualitative urban design and community development principles that will inform the processes their Councils use to review new development and redevelopment projects. A draft of the metrics used to quantify sustainable development guidelines is being developed as Phase Two of this project and was received by Council in April Three of ten municipalities reviewed included requirements for urban design and sustainable development in their Official Plans. The City of Calgary implemented a Sustainable Design Declaration Form in 2009, which tracks and evaluates the adoption of sustainable technologies and design elements in new construction projects by developers throughout Calgary. Permit requirements for sustainable technologies are outlined in a Sustainable Technologies Permitting Matrix created by the City. An incentive program at the City of Calgary, which concluded in 2010, offered reduced permitting fees for buildings which met a certain green standard. The Town of Oakville created and implemented the North Oakville Sustainable Development Checklist in This checklist awards points for innovative and sustainable development practices and is used to assess a developer s compliance with the North Oakville Secondary Plan. Oakville s checklist has metrics developed and has been in place for several years, making it a good resource for Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Brampton to draw from in the creation of their Sustainable Development Guidelines and metrics. The City of Toronto s Green Standard (TGS) use set of guidelines and a two-tiered set of performance measures for sustainable site and building design for new public and private development. The standards work within the regular development approvals and inspections process. As of January 31, 2010 new planning applications are required to document compliance with Tier 1 environmental performance measures. Applicants who also choose to meet Tier 2, a voluntary higher level of environmental performance, may be eligible for a Development Charge Refund Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Richmond Hill has established partnerships and implemented best management practices and tools in watershed management which are generally comparable to the municipalities benchmarked. Among the local municipalities located in Ontario, partnerships were all made November

68 Phase 1: Baseline Report with the appropriate Conservation Authority and similar organizations. A common trend identified in Ontario was that the Conservation Authority took the lead when developing many implementation tools such as Watershed Management Plans, while local municipalities played an active but supporting role. Richmond Hill undertook a program during winter 2013 to update watercourse identification signs along City roads. This will educate the general public about where watercourses are present which will assist in watershed protection. Under the Watercourse Identification Signage Program, both the Town and TRCA worked together to confirm the names of the tributaries within the municipality through a public consultation process as well as through the examination of historical records. The City of Vaughan also undertook this program in co-operation with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The Town of Markham was one of the first municipalities in York Region to implement an innovative technique to watershed management developed by the Rouge Park Alliance. Ecological Criteria has been created in the Rouge North Management Plan to protect important habitats centered on the Rouge River. This Criteria does not use the standard approach of setting a fixed setback based on distance from the River, but presents a set of 9 natural environment and one cultural heritage criterion that must be assessed before an activity is approved for use Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Richmond Hill is following Low Impact Development (LID) Guidelines developed by the TRCA and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) for development of municipal infrastructure, which is a common trend among the Ontario municipalities benchmarked, including those not within the TRCA and CVC watersheds. For community development, Richmond Hill, in partnership with City of Vaughan and City of Brampton, are among the leaders of developing LID Guidelines through the development of the Sustainable Design Guidelines, which will focus on qualitative urban design and community development principles. The Town of Oakville has implemented the North Oakville Sustainable Development Checklist, which was completed in 2008, and is similar to the Sustainable Design Guidelines being drafted by Richmond Hill, Brampton and Vaughan. The City of Calgary also has developed Low Impact Development Subdivision Checklists that recommend best management practices that developers can use when designing new subdivisions to ensure their applications are complete. The Town of Oakville s North Oakville Sustainable Development Checklist is a tool used to assess the sustainable features of development applications in the North Oakville Secondary Plan area. The checklist awards points for innovative practices. Scoring on the checklist is used to assess a development s compliance with the Secondary Plan. Five of 84 points available in the subdivision section relate to low impact development innovations and 11 of 73 points to site planning. The Town may consider reviewing this Checklist during the completion of Phase Two of the Sustainable Design Guidelines project to prepare sustainability metrics to quantify the design principles. November

69 Phase 1: Baseline Report The City of Waterloo developed a Stormwater Credit Program that offers financial incentives (i.e. lower monthly stormwater management fees) for reducing the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants that enter the municipal stormwater collection system. This incentive is offered to existing properties and new developments in the community, including residential, industrial, commercial and institutional. This Program was formally implemented in January A Best Management Practices Manual for the Stormwater Credit Program has been developed and outlines the necessary requirements for properly working stormwater control in order to receive the financial rebate. Many of these requirements relate to LID Water Quality Monitoring of Streams and Rivers Sub Focus Area: Surface and Stormwater Quality/Quantity Limited information was obtained during the benchmarking exercise related to the degree of water quality monitoring conducted by the 10 municipalities. Generally, it appears that local municipalities rely on the Conservation Authority to conduct water quality monitoring of creeks and rivers in the area. With the exception of the City of Waterloo, Richmond Hill appears unique in that, in addition to the TRCA monitoring, they conduct stream monitoring. Specifically, Richmond Hill conducts total suspended solids and temperature monitoring as well as measures the amount of rainfall using three rain gauges. In addition, Richmond Hill has 11 stream flow gauges positioned in streams across the Town. The City of Waterloo has been monitoring the water quality of streams and creeks in the City since In order to keep costs manageable and to encourage education in the field of water protection, the City has subcontracted the monitoring to the University of Waterloo, where under the lead of professors, students implement the monitoring program. Indicators monitored by the program include total phosphorous, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, E. coli, base flow, storm flow, precipitation and benthic invertebrates Stormwater Management and Monitoring Sub Focus Area: Surface and Stormwater Quality/Quantity Limited information was obtained during the benchmarking exercise of examples of stormwater management rehabilitation, sediment removal and monitoring within the 10 municipalities. Based on the information available, Richmond Hill appears to be implementing leading-edge stormwater management rehabilitation practices. Although municipalities such as Markham and Cambridge are rehabilitating stormwater infrastructure, the main objective is focused on control of water quantity, not quality. Markham is currently undergoing a Municipal Class EA to investigate the improvement of their stormwater management system through the retrofitting existing facilities and constructing new facilities in areas currently lacking appropriate controls (City of Markham, 2013). Richmond Hill s Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Project is an innovative example of how to control erosion and flooding, as well as to control water quality through the installation of the oil/grit separator and wet pond. In addition, a new stream channel was constructed to restore fish passage for the Red Side Dace, and endangered fish Species. November

70 Phase 1: Baseline Report Richmond Hill also conducts monitoring at Rumble Pond as part of the conditions of an MNR Endangered Species Act 17(2) (b) permit. The Town of Oakville completed their first stormwater facility sediment removal in Typically, they aim to perform this maintenance every five to ten years, depending on sediment accumulation rates, to ensure that the pond continues to function as intended. To remove sediment the stormwater management pond must first be drained. Soil testing is conducted to ensure that sediment has been removed and disposed of safely. Richmond Hill conducts sediment surveys in its stormwater management facilities every 5 years. Richmond Hill is in the process of implementing a Stormwater Management Rate program, which will collect a flat rate fee per property based on property type. The collected funds will be used for stormwater management rehabilitation projects and ongoing operations and maintenance requirements. A similar mechanism is being used by the City of Waterloo to fund stormwater rehabilitation projects; however, in the Waterloo program fees are based on a tiered flat rate funding model. The City of Calgary and the Town of Oakville each have stormwater quality monitoring programs in place that are in partnership with local developers. Water Quality Indicators measured in the Town of Oakville include: total phosphorous, total suspended solids, temperature, dissolved oxygen and chloride. Richmond Hill measures total suspended solids as part of their Watershed Monitoring Program. Richmond Hill also measure water quality at Pioneer Park and Rumble Pond facilities as part of various permit conditions. Richmond Hill also performs sediment surveys at stormwater ponds. Similar to Richmond Hill s practices, the Town of Oakville s Stormwater Monitoring Guidelines North of Dundas Street require a comprehensive monitoring program to be developed for each stormwater management facility by the developer and implemented by the landowner from construction until final assumption by the Town. The monitoring program must include monitoring of the receiving system to ensure the effectiveness of the stormwater management facility. Monitoring progress reports must be submitted to the City for review. Looking beyond the 10 municipalities for best management practices, the City of Kitchener was awarded $1.38 million in federal and provincial infrastructure funding to rehabilitate multiple key stormwater drainage and stormwater management infrastructure assets. The rehabilitation focused on the remediation of infrastructure at each facility, sediment removal where required and installation of equipment at each facility to treat stormwater quality, in addition to the current function of only controlling stormwater quantity. Richmond Hill was awarded a total of $2.37 million for Pioneer Pond and $1 million for Rumble Pond through the same funding mechanisms. In addition, the City of Kitchener conducts a comprehensive assessment of its stormwater management system and develops a report card containing a summary of findings every 5 years. The City of Kitchener s Stormwater Management Policy specifies that the City would monitor its streams to establish the effectiveness of the policy on improving water quality, aquatic habitat and stream stability. The 5 year report card characterizes the physical, biological November

71 Phase 1: Baseline Report and chemical condition of the receiving streams, provides an overview of the effectiveness of the City s Stormwater Management Policy and provides an opportunity to identify gaps in stormwater management practices within the City. The City also transferred stormwater management funding from property taxes to a user-fee program effective January 1, 2011, which allows the City to dedicate dollars specifically to stormwater management which had been consistently underfunded through the tax base Alternatives to Stormwater Quality/Quantity Control Sub Focus Area: Surface and Stormwater Quality/Quantity Richmond Hill is performing at a similar level to the majority of peers reviewed with respect to alternatives to stormwater quality treatment and quantity control and has demonstrated innovation in some aspects. Richmond Hill has adopted practices to increase water infiltration such as the installation of bio-swales in the Oak Ridges Community Centre parking lot, permeable pavers on the Sunset Beach circular drop off, and future plans to install those permeable pavers at the Lake Wilcox Waterplay parking lot, and the the Mill Pond east parking lot/circular drop off. The Aurora Business Park and City Water Centre in the City of Calgary use similar technology in parking lot areas. Richmond Hill has used green roofs and cistern water collection to limit runoff at the Oak Ridges Community Centre. This practice has been used on four municipal buildings in the City of Alexandria. One example of this is the Alexandria Health Department Building, which is projected to reduce runoff by 10,000 gallons for a 1.5 inch rainstorm event. Richmond Hill has installed phosphorous treatment technologies at some stormwater treatment facilities located near Lake Wilcox. This is a novel approach compared to the benchmarked municipalities. The City of Waterloo has developed a water-harvesting system at RIM Park, a new sports facility with two artificial turf playing fields and four natural fields. This system recycles approximately 10 million litres of rain water each year by allowing water to infiltrate through the upper gravel layers of the artificial turf fields to be stored in the lower gravel level. Smart sensors in the natural fields control irrigation by drawing on water stored underneath the turf fields. Rainwater from storm events that cannot be accommodated by this system flows into two nearby ponds that are used for natural habitat. This system was awarded a Sustainable Community Award in the Water category by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Salt Management Plans Sub Focus Area: Surface and Stormwater Quality/Quantity Richmond Hill is a leader in salt management compared to the municipalities benchmarked, specifically related to its Snow Storage Facility. The state-of-the-art snow storage disposal site is made of impervious deck to prevent melt water from draining into groundwater and instead directs it through a stormceptor and then into a water quality pond before discharging to a tributary of the Rouge River. A majority of the municipalities benchmarked have implemented Salt Management Plans which include techniques such as computerized salt spreaders, use of diluted brine and operator education. November

72 Phase 1: Baseline Report The Region of Waterloo supports the Smart About Salt program and encourages contractors and city staff responsible for salt application to be Smart About Salt Certified. Smart About Salt is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of drinking water and the environment through programs that improve management of winter salt used to control ice. In 2012, the City of Vaughan began testing the use of Thawrox, as an alternative to conventional de-icing materials. Thawrox was awarded the Design for the Environment label by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its environmental benefits including: natural, environmental friendly additives, reduction of chlorides entering the environment, the achievement of less product required and non-staining colorant so it won t impact roadways, waterways or vegetation. Thawrox has been tested to show that 95% of all Thawrox applied will stay on the road when applied as it has less bounce. Information related to cost and effectiveness based on the City s tests was not available at the time of reporting Examples of Protection of Groundwater Sub Focus Area: Groundwater Protection, Recharge and Discharge Richmond Hill is performing better than many of its peers with respect to protection of groundwater, as many municipalities researched appear not to conduct such protection programs. Richmond Hill and the City of Markham both act in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to protect groundwater recharge areas under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, by identifying sensitive areas with respect to groundwater and restricting development on land within the Moraine. Three of ten municipalities surveyed provide for protection of groundwater recharge areas in their official plans. Three of the ten benchmarked municipalities regard groundwater protection to be a Regional priority and responsibility, although these municipalities participate in source water protection programs. In response to contamination of wells in the Town of Elmira, the Region of Waterloo developed a Water Resources Protection Master Plan with the goal of minimizing risks to groundwater sources as a result of historic, current and potential future land uses. This plan was implemented in 2008, prior to the requirement for Source Protection Plans (SPP) under the Clean Water Act, and takes into account a secondary phase from 2012 to 2017 after the SPP requirement is in force. The plan estimates available water supply from groundwater sources as well as water use requirements of the Region, in order to determine that capacity is available to meet the needs of municipalities without overuse of the resource. The plan also delineates vulnerable source areas and potential threats to groundwater, so that mitigation strategies may be developed Presence of Invasive Species Strategies Sub Focus Area: Natural Environment Management Richmond Hill compares favourably with the benchmarked communities. Richmond Hill has created two detailed invasive species strategies, one for the Emerald Ash Borer and the second for the European Fire Ant. Richmond Hill has an Emerald Ash Borer specific management November

73 Phase 1: Baseline Report strategy that includes treating trees with approved insecticide and tree removal when necessary, which is being tracked within an existing GIS inventory of Town-owned trees. The strategy also includes an element of public education to help the people of Richmond Hill identify infested trees. Given the close proximity of Richmond Hill to the other GTA municipalities benchmarked, similar strategies and action plans are found in Oakville, Markham, Mississauga and Vaughan. Through Richmond Hill s Community Stewardship Program, the Town has also partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Stewardship Rangers Program to remove herbaceous invasive plant species. Both Calgary and Oakville use GIS to identify and catalogue vegetation to track invasive species. Oakville has both insect and plant species while Calgary only has a strategy for invasive plants. The Calgary plan includes early detection and rapid response, applies research and development to suppress and manage, GIS maps that identify location and extent of weed infestation to help in strategic management, landscape redesign and reclamation activities, public awareness campaign to prevent plants in backyards and integrated weed management. The Town of Oakville uses GIS to identify, catalogue and map town-owned trees in Oakville, including ash trees, to create a tree inventory. This inventory has been mapped and identifies the trees the Town has identified for treatment. It is also available online for public viewing. This inventory has been used for creating their Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, which is considered the most aggressive plan in Canada Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Richmond Hill is among the top performers in the field of solid waste management in comparison to the other benchmarked municipalities. Richmond Hill has seen an increase in its curb-side waste diversion rate in part due to the blue and green bin programs. When measuring progress towards the 70% Joint Waste Diversion Strategy goal, in 2011 York Region achieved a overall diversion rate and Richmond Hill achieved 54% overall diversion. This value includes all materials collected in Richmond Hill and factors in the waste collected at municipal depots minus residual waste. In addition, Richmond Hill has a limit on the number of waste items allowed for pickup as well as weight restrictions. Richmond Hill has already established a successful green bin program and has expanded to a new program called GoingUP to encourage green bin use in high rise buildings. This is in line with the programs set up in Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, Cambridge and Waterloo. The City of Calgary has only recently implemented a green bin program and is expecting its first results in early The goals and programs set out by Winnipeg (35% diversion by 2016), Kent and Alexandria are less aggressive than those of Richmond Hill. Alexandria has implemented a simple and inexpensive method of increasing waste diversion and separation at public events. The City has created the Special Events Recycling Container Loan Program. There are 47 clear-stream recycling containers available for residents and organizations to borrow for use at special events. November

74 Phase 1: Baseline Report Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Richmond Hill compares favourably with regard to waste standards for new development in comparison to the other benchmarked municipalities. Richmond Hill was one of the few municipalities that had explicit guidelines for new development regarding solid waste management. A draft of metrics for Phase Two of the Sustainable Design Guidelines (SDG) is to be expected in spring Phase Two will focus on preparing sustainability metrics to quantify design principles outlined in the SDG. Vaughan has some guidelines in development but they are not yet endorsed by Council. The City of Calgary has developed a Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy and Action Plan. This is aimed at reducing the amount of materials that go to the landfill during construction projects. The pilot study occurred in The City of Calgary has developed a best practice through its Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy and Action Plan. This is aimed at diverting waste from construction, demolition and renovation with a focus on cardboard, asphalt shingles, drywall and wood. Taking this plan one step further is the City s plan for Effective July 2, 2013 the cost of recycling construction and demolition recycling will be half the cost of tipping fees for designated materials and $30/tonne less than regular tipping fees Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Like the majority of other benchmarked municipalities, Richmond Hill has very little involvement in solid waste management in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector. Much of the ICI sector waste is handled privately. Alexandria, VA has recently seen a 56% increase over the past year in ICI sector recycling due to a new ordinance that requires recycling. The City has aggressively pursued the private sector to undertake recycling programs. The Solid Waste Division has also created a campaign to document these recycling efforts in required Recycling Implementation Plans. Markham has implemented the Zero Waste School Program. Beginning in 2013 schools can apply to the Waste Management Department for resources and staff assistance to become a Zero Waste School. The Markham Civic Centre became the first Zero Waste municipal facility in Ontario - recycling 96.5% of its waste from landfill Community Gardens, Farmer s Markets and Urban Agriculture Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food Richmond Hill has conducted a review of the Community Allotment Garden at Phyllis Rawlinson Park. This report generated recommendations for the continued operation of the Community Allotment Garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson Park location and how Richmond Hill could add new Community Group run gardens. This report also recommended that a community garden policy November

75 Phase 1: Baseline Report should be considered for Richmond Hill. All other municipalities have some form of community garden program, except for the City of Kent, UK. The setup of the garden programs is very similar across municipalities. The plots are rented from the City by a non-profit organization with a goal of promoting community involvement, local food production and health. Richmond Hill has granted permits for a farmer s market at Hillcrest Mall. Having at least one farmer s market is commonplace among the benchmarked municipalities and it is not uncommon to have more than one. (Cambridge, Oakville, Markham). Waterloo Region, with the local area municipalities including the City of Waterloo, have a program wherein they facilitate neighbourhood markets in a variety of local settings and where local food producers set up temporary markets in neighbourhoods to sell their locally grown produce. Seeds for Change is a grassroots organization that has partnered with Markham and Vaughan to implement community gardens with their jurisdictions. It is a grassroots organization partnered with the York Region Food Network, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, United Way and other smaller organizations. The program has the goal to increase health through community gardens, and to promote the development of school gardens and educational programming surrounding organic food cultivation. The program acts as a resource hub to link like-minded organizations in the development of community gardens. Seeds for Change also provide workshops, seed exchanges, volunteer coordination and joint funding opportunities to help support the development of community gardens. Mississauga also utilizes a non-profit to advance its best practice in community gardens. EcoSource is encouraging greater local access to fresh foods through the development of community gardens and sustainable urban agriculture plots throughout Mississauga. Calgary has a very innovative approach to community gardens. The Parks Department supports the creation of new community gardens on public lands, as well as the retention of existing community gardens in the city. Interested Calgarians must submit a Community Gardens Application Form for location approval. For the application to be approved, they must develop a partnership with a local community association, organize a volunteer group (at least 10 people) to develop a plan, establish garden guidelines to support the development and outline the operations, develop a conceptual garden design, outline how the garden provides a public educational component and accessibility to others, create a financial plan and budget, gather support of 2/3 of the residents in sight lines, demonstrate community need and ensure compliance with local bylaws, policies and procedure Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food Richmond Hill currently does not implement any such strategy. This practice is emerging and seen among only a small number of municipalities. Several GTA communities are beginning to explore this area, but overall the practice is not widespread. November

76 Phase 1: Baseline Report In Mississauga, the new Official Plan supports such urban gardening, community gardening and the creation of rooftop gardens. Farmers markets are encouraged by the Official Plan, especially in Intensification Areas. Markham has a School Food Garden Program that seeks to integrate growing food into the Ontario School Board curriculum and give children an opportunity to learn how food grows and where it comes from. This is part of the Seeds for Change initiative Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food Richmond Hill does not presently have a program to purchase locally produced food. Richmond Hill lags behind Oakville, Markham, Calgary and Kent, all of which have some form of program encouraging residents and businesses to consider purchasing locally produced food. In the City of Kent, the organization Transition Town Faversham supports and encourages growing food, sourcing & buying local food. It focuses on encouraging residents and businesses to think about local and seasonal food, whether it is through growing your own (at home, in a public space), foraging, or buying local produce. Calgary has implemented best practices to encourage locally produced food. Firstly, Slow Food Calgary aims to make connections between consumers, chefs, food processors and producers of sustainable agricultural products, builds public awareness of local farmers products and acknowledges the restaurants and processors who support them. Secondly Calgary has established the Calgary Food Committee, comprised of farmers, local businesses, chefs, educators, industry experts, scientists and other key players in the local food system, whose purpose is to provide information and guidance as part of the Food System Assessment and Action Plan (2012) for Calgary. The Assessment evaluates the current food system, highlights a range of issues, barriers and existing assets and provides key baseline information identifying connections and gaps within the food system. The vision of this assessment is to create a sustainable and resilient food system within Calgary so that every Calgarian has access to local, healthy and environmental friendly food. November

77 Phase 1: Baseline Report 5.0 Reporting and Monitoring 5.1 PURPOSE Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy will include environmental indicators set for each goal/target. An investigation of methods for tracking environmental performance at the municipal level was conducted, which will assist in the creation of indicators during Phase Four of the Strategy. 5.2 METHODOLOGY Online research and interviews were conducted with representatives from selected municipalities. Municipalities were selected which had a performance measurement program in place that aligned with an Environment Strategy or similar type of program/effort. The following municipalities were interviewed: Town of Oakville: Donna Doyle, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst ext City of Calgary: Jennifer Koole, Manager Environmental Programs The Resort Municipality of Whistler: Dan Wilson, Tourism Business and Monitoring Specialist City of Windsor: Averil Parent, Environmental Coordinator In addition, a desktop review of the City of Boston s performance measurement program was conducted which illustrates another innovative way to report performance. 5.3 WHY IS MEASURING AND MONITORING IMPORTANT? Measuring and monitoring environmental performance on a regular basis serves many purposes, such as: Tracking progress on meeting policy commitments, achieving objectives and targets, and continual improvement; Monitoring emissions and discharges to verify compliance with applicable legal requirements or other requirements; and, Providing data to support or evaluate operational controls and operational efficiency. November

78 Phase 1: Baseline Report There are several key performance indicators that can be examined to provide information about the organization s performance related to environmental management and operations. Management performance indicators such as training, resource allocation purchasing and funding, should provide information on the organization s capabilities and efforts in managing. Operational performance indicators should provide information on the environmental performance of the activity operations, such as inputs (e.g. quantity of garbage vs. recycling, or energy or water used); operation and maintenance; emergency events and non-routine operations; outputs (waste, emissions, heat, light, etc.); and service provided by activity. The most effective environmental monitoring and measurement systems use a combination of process and outcome measures. Outcome measures look at results of a process or activity, such as the amount of waste generated, water quality, percentage of urban forest added, hectares of connected greenspace or kilometres of off-road trails developed. Process measures look at upstream factors, such as the number of storm ponds rehabilitated, number of public education events or creation of environmental management plans, such as energy conservation plans. It is important that an organization select a balanced combination of management and operational performance indicators along with process and outcome measures that support the strategy and align with the organization s plans. It is also important for an organization to select meaningful and effective methods for measuring environmental performance in order to balance the cost, labour and resources expended to achieve the outcome of protecting the natural environment. Indicators should be limited to items that data can be readily collect for, and to situations/outcomes that can be controlled or substantially influenced by the municipality. 5.4 CURRENT STATE OF THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL Several of Richmond Hill s divisions have implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on the ISO 14001:2004 Standard. A key element of this Standard is to develop, implement and maintain a procedure to monitor and measure the key characteristics of its operations that can have a significant environmental impact. Within the scope of Richmond Hill s EMS, there are four environmental objectives: To improve management of water resources To improve management of the natural environment To encourage clean air measures through transportation and energy conservation activities To reduce waste There are several initiatives identified for each of the objectives that include measurable targets. However, there are no formal indicators identified that are associated with the objectives and targets. November

79 Phase 1: Baseline Report Based on interviews conducted in early 2013 with key department leads, it was identified that some performance indicators are measured and tracked; however, they are not aligned with the EMS objectives and targets. Generally, the indicators that are currently measured and tracked relate to storm, sanitary and potable water infrastructure, gas, electricity and water use, greenhouse gas emissions and generation of hazardous waste. Electricity, water and gas usage are tracked using EnergyCAP, which is an energy management software used to track utility expenses. Richmond Hill also uses a database management system, Intelex, which is housed on Richmond Hill s server. Intelex may be used to track environmental performance; though currently only used to track Drinking Water Quality Management System performance indicators. 5.5 SELECTING ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE METRICS Environmental performance metrics / indicators are key characteristics of the state of the natural environment or operations and activities that play a significant role in managing the natural environment. Establishing baseline environmental indicators and measuring the performance against this baseline allows an organization to determine and report on the impact their operations and services have on the environment and the management of the natural environment. The selection of measurements is arguably the most critical piece for meaningful and effective performance measurement but also proves to be the most challenging. The interviewed municipalities based on their experience, identified the following as factors to consider when selecting key performance indicators: Issue and user relevance Select indicators that provide valuable information to the municipal audience (Council, community members). This will encourage stakeholders to implement strategic actions that have an impact of the performance of these indicators. Accuracy and availability of data Information that is readily available will keep costs to a minimum and avoids frustration trying to gather data. Ensure the information collected is obtained from reliable sources to ensure it accurately reflects what it is intended to measure. Measurability against goals, targets and baseline The information selected to track should align with overall goals. The information should also be collected in a consistent manner so that it can be evaluated against baseline data and show trends over time. Cost effectiveness Select indicators that can readily be measured and tracked with existing tools and resources, or can be outsourced at a reasonable cost. It is important to strike a proper balance of cost vs. benefit. Control Track information that is within municipal control. It can be difficult to obtain information tracked by other parties, or information on processes beyond municipal control. November

80 Phase 1: Baseline Report The Town of Oakville has selected 31 environmental indicators that represent each of 6 goals and subsequent objectives outlined in their Environmental Strategic Plan. The 31 environmental indicators are outlined in the most recent State of Environment Report (Town of Oakville, 2012). Public reporting related to these indicators occurs through the State of Environment Report, which is released on an annual basis. The Town of Oakville had asked the general public to participate in the development of their environmental indicators. This proved to be an issue as the indicators recommended were not always within Oakville s control to measure or feasible to monitor, and some members of the public were concerned when their indicators were not selected as part of the Environmental Strategic Plan. The City of Calgary has selected over 50 environmental indicators that represent the 3 focus areas (Land, Air and Water) and 13 sub focus areas. The indicators are outlined in the most recent State of Environment Report (City of Calgary, 2010). There is no evidence online that this report has been updated since 2010, and frequency of reporting cannot be commented on. The City of Windsor has selected approximately 30 environmental indicators that represent 5 goals. The indicators are outlined on their website under each goal (City of Windsor, 2008). The indicators were identified through interview sessions with internal staff as well as with community members, including representatives from the university, non-profit organizations and residents. They did report that monitoring and measuring 30 indicators does prove to be a challenge to manage; however, by involving multiple departments to implement initiatives and track the indicators the workload is more evenly distributed. There is no evidence online that this report has been updated since 2008, and frequency of reporting cannot be commented on. 5.6 HOW DO MUNICIPALITIES TRACK ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE? Based on the 31 environmental indicators identified in the Town of Oakville s Environmental Strategic Plan, one full-time equivalent from the Environmental Policy Department is responsible to gather the relevant data from the respective departments through interviews and review of Council Reports. This information is compiled into excel spreadsheets and then analyzed and summarized in the State of the Environment Report and Annual Let s Go Green Together Report (further described below). It was advised to set up standard excel spreadsheets so that a student could be hired to assist in gathering the data and prepare the information for analysis. A central database to track and monitor environmental performance indicators, coined the EPICenter (Environmental Policy Information Centre), was investigated so that all departments could enter data in a consistent manner. As the Town is looking to implement a Corporate-wide performance monitoring system, the EPICenter never came to fruition. It is not known when this Corporate-wide monitoring system will be developed and implemented. The Town of Oakville also takes advantage of the data that is supplied through Conservation Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on OPEN Portal (Ontario Partner Environmental Network). The OPEN Portal improves accessibility to environmental information from within the MOE and provides integrated provincial datasets through a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS). November

81 Phase 1: Baseline Report The City of Calgary is the only municipality in Canada which is entirely registered to ISO Business Units within the City of Calgary have established and implemented an Environmental Management System (called an EnviroSystem) that is individually registered to the ISO 14001:2004 Standard. As a result, many Business Units have identified their own environmental objectives and targets and track their own performance indicators. The Waste Business Unit, for example, has one full time person that is responsible for measuring performance metrics. This is not the case for all Business Units. Individual Business Units have their own method to track these indicators there is no central tracking system. In addition to indicators that may be identified by Business Units within their EnviroSystem, ESM tracks and measures the performance indicators reported in the State of the Environment Report. The City of Windsor has two environmental coordinators within the Pollution Control Department that are responsible for overseeing the Environment Master Plan. Indicators that are related to mandatory reporting or that are measured by third parties (Ministry of the Environment and Windsor Water Utilities Commission) are updated annually as the information is readily available. The remaining indicators that are monitored and measured by other departments within the City are not updated on a regular frequency. As a minimum, these indicators are updated for the Report on the State of the Environment (ROSE), which is issued every four years. It was reported that obtaining information from the departments can be challenging. Reportedly, there are no spreadsheets or software used to monitor and measure the performance indicators. 5.7 HOW DO MUNICIPALITIES REPORT PERFORMANCE? The Town of Oakville reports their environmental performance in two ways. The Let s Go Green Together Report is published annually and outlines the progress of the Oakville Environmental Strategic Plan, including highlights of the successful implementation of individual strategic actions within the year. The State of the Environment Report is also published annually and identifies the outcomes related to the 31 environmental indicators and shows how the indicators compare year to year. A State of the Environment Report Card was also generated to illustrate the performance of their key indicators in one page. The City of Calgary also releases a State of Environment every 4 years as well. The content of this report is very similar to Oakville s State of the Environment Report and identifies the outcomes related to the environmental indicators and analyzes the outcomes. Calgary recommended to issue the environmental performance reports at the beginning of a Council term so that the new Council can review the progress made and incorporate the performance into their strategic plans for the next 4 years. November

82 Phase 1: Baseline Report The City of Windsor develops a Council Report every 2 years that provides an update on the initiatives completed within the Environmental Master Plan. They also develop the Report on the State of the Environment (ROSE) every 4 years, which is posted online and available to the general public. The ROSE is published in alignment with the Council term. In addition, the Environmental Coordinators update the City s website with the performance for the environmental indicators that have information readily available (as described above) on an annual basis. Other indicators are updated on the website when the information is available, or at least every 4 years. The City highlighted that reporting performance regularly on their municipal website has proven effective. The City of Boston has implemented a performance management program that internally collects and tracks data for all departments using a web-based system. The data is analyzed to identify trends, raise questions and devise new management strategies. The City hopes this process will increase accountability and transparency within the municipality and with its community members. This information is then published on the City s website for public review (City of Boston, 2012). A scorecard for each department presents the strategies and measures that are in place and uses icons and charts to illustrate their performance. The information is updated on a quarterly basis. November

83 Phase 1: Baseline Report 6.0 Conclusions This paper has undertaken an analysis of how environmental challenges affect Richmond Hill, and how Richmond Hill affects environmental challenges, resulted in the identification and refinement of sub-focus areas for the Environment Strategy. These sub-focus areas will be used as the foundation for the development of goals, actions and targets in future phases of the project. The review of existing plans, policies, programs, studies and bylaws at the Local, Regional and Conservation Authority level contained within this Report will help in the creation of an Environment Strategy which aligns with current policy and program initiatives and builds upon the successes of initiatives already underway. Some of the key plans which have been identified as influencing many of the sub-focus areas for the Strategy are the Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban and related background studies, the Strategic Plan: A Plan for People a Plan for Change and related, relevant background studies including the Town Environmental Policy, Natural Heritage Strategy and Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development study. By understanding the regulatory and policy drivers corresponding to sub-focus areas identified for the Environment Strategy, Richmond Hill will be able to ensure that the Strategy conforms with regulatory requirements and complements initiatives being performed at the Federal, Provincial, Regional and Municipal levels. The existing and ever-changing Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations surrounding the environment contribute to driving the operations and services provided by Richmond Hill, its mandates and partnerships with the community, such as the Provincial and Federal government, and upper tier municipalities and Conservation Authorities. These regulatory drivers set the framework within which the Strategy will be shaped. A benchmarking exercise was completed to understand how Richmond Hill is performing with respect to priority areas identified for each sub-focus area and to identify best practices in other municipalities which could be considered for incorporation into Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy. This exercise showed that Richmond Hill is performing at a similar level to its peers in the majority of priority areas, and, is leading in areas of greenhouse gas inventory and Local Action Plans, Salt Management Plans, and promotion of green built form in development communities. Many innovative best management practices were found which will be considered during subsequent phases of development of the Strategy. An investigation of methods for tracking environmental performance at the municipal level was also conducted. This review will assist in the creation of indicators during Phase Four of the Strategy. It was found that it is important that an organization select a balanced combination of management and operational performance indicators along with process and outcome measures that support the strategy and align with the organization s plans. It is also important for an organization to select meaningful and effective methods for measuring environmental performance in order to balance the cost, labour and resources expended to the outcome of protecting the natural environment. November

84 Phase 1: Baseline Report The information gathered during the first two phases of this Environment Strategy process, being Phase One Baseline Research and Background Studies, and, Phase Two Consultation, will be considered, synthesized and utilized in the development of the Key Findings and Future Directions Report in Phase Three. The Key Findings and Future Directions Report will be a key directional document for the development of the subsequent Draft Environmental Strategy in Phase Four and the Final Environment Strategy in Phase Five. November

85 7.0 References BBC Weather Centre Climate Change Halocarbons. Accessed April 7, Available online: Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network Effects of Climate Change. Accessed February 19, Available online: cccsn.ca/ Canadian Food Inspection Agency Anoplophora glabripennis - Asian Long-horned Beetle. Accessed April 2, Available online: City of Alexandria City of Alexandria Virginia. Accessed March 13, Available online: www. alexandriava.gov/ City of Calgary City of Calgary Homepage. Accessed March 13, Available online: City of Calgary State of the Environment Report. Accessed February 20, Available online: City of Cambridge City of Cambridge Homepage. Accessed March 13, Available online: City of Boston Boston About Results Performance Management. Accessed February 20, Available online: City of Markham Stormwater Management Facilities Retrofit. Accessed April 3, Available online: City of Mississauga City of Mississauga Homepage. Accessed on March 13, Available online: City of Toronto. Toronto Green Standard Making a Sustainable City Happen. For New Low- Rise Residential Development. Accessed April 15, Available online: FCM CH2MHill Sustainable Community Winners Toronto Green Standard and the Better Buildings Partnership New Construction Program. Accessed on April 15, Available e online: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The Official Site of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Accessed April 8, Available online: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Stormwater Management Criteria. Accessed April 3, Available online: November

86 City of Vaughan City of Vaughan Official Website. Accessed March 13, Available online: City of Waterloo City of Waterloo Official Website. Accessed March 13, Available online: City of Windsor Environmental Master Plan. Accessed February 20, Available online: City of Winnipeg Official City of Winnipeg Homepage. Accessed March 13, Available online: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Underwater World Northern Pike. Accessed April 6, Available online: Environment Canada Climate Change Information for Municipal Decision Making. Accessed February 9, Available online: fwww.cm.ca Environment Canada. 2012b. Localizer Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network. Accessed February 19, Available online: Environment Canada Environmental Issues. Accessed on April 1, Available online: Environment Canada. 2010b. Mercury in the Food Chain. Accessed on April 4, Available online: Environment Canada. 2010c. Groundwater Contamination. Accessed on April 6, Available online: Environmental Protection Agency Effects of Acid Rain. Accessed on April 1, Available online: epa.gov/acidrain/effects/surface_water.html#a2 Environment Canada Water How Much Do We Have? Accessed on April 4, Available online: Environment Canada Existing Substances Evaluation CEPA Registry. Accessed April 3, Available online: EPA Environmental Protection Agency Air emissions from municipal solid waste landfills: background information for proposed standards and guidelines. EPA-450/3-90/011a. March Government of Canada Justice Laws Website. Accessed April 4, Available online: lwww.aws-lois.justice.gc.ca November

87 Kent County Kent County Council Homepage. Accessed March 13, Available online: Marianne V. Moore, Stephanie M. Pierce, Hannah M. Walsh, Siri K. Kvalvik and Julie D. Lim Urban light pollution alters the diel vertical migration of Daphnia. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 27: 1 4. Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Climate Ready Ontario s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan Accessed February 19, Available online: Ministry of the Environment Hazardous Waste. Accessed on April 4, Available online: ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/subject/hazardous_waste/index.htm Ministry of the Environment (MOE) How many smog advisories were issued in previous years? Accessed March 12, Available online: Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Low Water and Drought. Accessed February 19, Available online: Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Local Premature Smog Deaths in Ontario. Accessed March 12, Available online: National Roundtable on the Environment and Economy (NRTEE) Degrees of Change: Climate Warming and the Stakes for Canada. Accessed February 7, Available online: Ontario Power Authority Supply Mix Directive. Accessed on April 3, Available online: SENES Consultants. Background Report Environmental Policy Review for the Town Of Richmond Hill. March 2009 SENES Consultants. Recommended Directions Report Environmental Policy Review For The Town Of Richmond Hill, September Service Ontario E-laws Database. Accessed on April 3, Available online: Town of Markham The Official Site of the City of Markham. Accessed March 13, Available online: Town of Oakville State of the Environment Report. Accessed February 20, Available online: Town of Oakville Town of Oakville Website. Accessed March 13, Available online: November

88 Town of Richmond Hill. Standards and Specifications Manual. Accessed April 3, Available online: richmondhill.ca/documents Town of Richmond Hill Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy. Town of Richmond Hill. Water Conservation. Accessed February 19, Available online: richmondhill.ca/environment Town of Richmond Hill. Environmental Policy Review Discussion Paper. January 2009 Town of Richmond Hill. Recommended Major Policy Directions for the Town's New Official Plan (SRPD ) October 2009 Town of Richmond Hill. Urban Forest Study Technical Report. October 2012 US Global Change Research Program (2009). Climate literacy: The essential principles of climate science. Second version. November

89 Appendix A Regional and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Plans and Policies Review November 2013

90 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction York Region Official Plan Greenlands System Agricultural & Rural Areas Water Strategy & Wastewater Servicing Urban Design & Development Waste Management Sustainable Transportation Air Quality & Climate Change Energy and Utilities Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Watershed Plans Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008) Don River Watershed Plan Beyond Forty Steps (2009) Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future (2007) Conclusion References November 2013

91 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Town of Richmond Hill is in the process of developing an Environment Strategy that will define the vision, goals, targets and actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment. The Environment Strategy will achieve this in a way that aligns with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. As part of the background research in developing the Strategy, a series of background papers have been completed in key focus areas. This study has been prepared to extract and summarize the essential policies and plans contained in the York Region (Region) Official Plan (2010) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority s (TRCA) Watershed Plans as they inform the management of air, land and water resources for the development of the Environment Strategy. The Environment Strategy acts to provide the mechanism with which to connect the directions provided by these plans with the Town s environmental policies and programs. York Region s Official Plan (2010) represents the Region s ongoing collaboration with its partners and stakeholders to rethink the way communities are designed, serviced and supported. The policies in the official plan help to co-ordinate more detailed planning with local municipalities, including Richmond Hill s Official Plan, and contains overall guidance on environmental protection and enhancement. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority receives its jurisdictional responsibilities from Ontario s Conservation Authorities Act and protects 3467 square kilometres of land and water-based areas comprised of nine watersheds in partnership with its six member municipalities including City of Toronto and York Region. Three of these watersheds, the Rouge, Humber, and Don, are located within the Town of Richmond Hill. The Town s Official Plan contains the direction to adopt TRCA s watershed plans and to work with Regional authorities and other agencies to coordinate and implement updates to watershed planning initiatives and plans. This report identifies the key directions and supports that the Region s Official Plan and the TRCA s watershed plans provide to the Environment Strategy. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance, restore and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs. It will also guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. November 2013 A-i

92 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 1.0 Purpose The Town of Richmond Hill is in the process of developing an Environment Strategy that will define the vision, goals, targets and actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment. The Environment Strategy will achieve this in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. As part of the background research in developing the strategy, a series of papers summarizing the policy and regulatory environment and municipal best practices have been prepared. This paper has been prepared to extract and summarize the York Region Official Plan and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority watershed plans and policies relevant to the Strategy. November 2013 A-1

93 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 2.0 Introduction York Region Official Plan York Region (Region) is an upper-tier municipality recognized by the Province of Ontario under the Planning Act, 1990 and the Municipal Act, This legislation establishes the roles and responsibilities for the Region and provides it with the authority to operate its municipal activities. The Regional Official Plan is an important document that allows the Region to direct land use planning and environmental protection activities of its partner, or lower tier, municipalities, which includes the Town of Richmond Hill. Under the Planning Act, 1990 the Town is required to align its municipal land use planning and environmental protection activities with the Region s through the local Official Plan. York Region s Official Plan (2010) provides significant planning direction to the development of the Town s Environment Strategy. A thorough review of its guiding policies demonstrates the Regional support and direction which will help strengthen the implementation measures of the Environment Strategy. The York Region Official Plan (2010) is directed by key legislative requirements established by the Province which require sustainable planning and protection of natural heritage features and functions. Sustainable planning involves improving operational activities and levels of service to residents by implementing waste diversion programs and collection for its residents, developing a transportation plan, implementing a water management plan, enhancing the natural environment alongside development activities, preparing for climate change impacts, and adjusting its corporate activities to demonstrate energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Protection of natural heritage features and functions is an important part of planning because the Region s boundaries include large portions of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Greenbelt that form part of the Region s Greenlands System. The Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt areas are prioritized by the Province under the Provincial Policy Statement (2005) and involve specific direction for their long-term protection. The principles of the York Region Official Plan are informed by the following Provincial Acts and Plans: Planning Act, 1990 Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 Greenbelt Act, 2005 Greenbelt Plan, 2005 Places to Grow A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 Green Energy Act The Parkway Belt West Plan Waste Diversion Act, 2002 Clean Water Act, 2006 Metrolinx: The Big Move Endangered Species Act, 2007 November 2013 A-2

94 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Watershed Plans Beginning in 2005, York Region, Oak Ridges Moraine municipalities, and watershed stakeholders embarked on a comprehensive and integrated update program to revise existing watershed plans. This update was undertaken in order to conform to requirements in the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan, 2002 which required watershed plans be prepared to guide land use and management decisions, to protect and enhance watersheds, manage ground and surface water systems in a more comprehensive and sustainable way in new and intensifying areas of growth. The TRCA prepared detailed watershed plans for its six partner municipalities and stakeholders. Watershed plans emphasize the importance of managing both surface and sub-surface water systems comprehensively. Watershed report cards were released by the TRCA and will now be prepared by Conservation Ontario, an organization that represents 36 conservation authorities across Ontario reports have been released, with a five year report-back interval. Richmond Hill contains portions of four different watersheds including the Don, Rouge, Humber, and a very small portion of the East Holland River (part of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority) as well as numerous sub-surface water systems that exist across the Town. Detailed review of the East Holland River watershed plan was not completed given the very small area of the watershed in Richmond Hill. Along with specific recommendations around protection and enhancement of resources, the Watershed Plans outline indicators and targets, which will provide valuable guidance during the development of the Environment Strategy s strategic actions, indicators and targets. November 2013 A-3

95 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 3.0 Policy Direction 3.1. York Region Official Plan Towards a Sustainable Region to Building a New Kind of Urban The Town of Richmond Hill has developed an Official Plan which represents a fundamental shift in the Town s approach to land use planning. By adopting a holistic environmental policy approach that reinforces connections between the natural and built environments, the Town s vision centres on Building a New Kind of Urban one that protects the natural environment and plans for a range of economic opportunities. Richmond Hill s Official Plan policy framework complements the York Region Official Plan by embracing the Region s priorities for environmental management and sustainability. Through its Triple Bottom Line Objectives, York Region provides direction for the Town s Environment Strategy by focusing on Sustainable Natural Environment, Healthy Communities, and Economic Vitality for its nine partner municipalities. This represents the Region s ongoing collaboration with its partners and stakeholders to rethink the way communities are designed, serviced and supported (York Region Official Plan, 2010). Sustainable Natural Environment prioritizes protection and enhancement of the Region s natural heritage and is comprised of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Greenbelt and several watersheds in TRCA and Lake Simcoe Conservation Authorities jurisdiction. It emphasizes protecting environmental features and functions, both through Regional responsibilities as well as development approvals, taking the necessary precautions to avoid natural hazards, and ensuring that the health of ecological systems are rich in native biodiversity. These objectives also continue to further the economic vitality of the Region through integration with infrastructure delivery and urban development. Economic Vitality is an essential key to development and promotion of healthy communities. Its objectives recognize the need to balance job creation with population growth, encourage entrepreneurship, retain and attract highly skilled labour, promote economic diversity and resilience, deliver context sensitive and efficient infrastructure, and attract green industry employment. Healthy Communities achieves a balance of housing types available to residents, promoting their health and well-being in accessible and safe communities. This objective recognizes the need to conserve and promote cultural and natural heritage by addressing climate change through improving air quality, and working with partners to provide adequate and quality human services to its residents. Key elements of this Plan relevant to Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy include policies that address: i) the Greenlands System; ii) Agricultural and Rural Areas; iii) Water Strategy and Wastewater Servicing; iv) Urban Design and Development; v) Waste Management; vi) Transportation; vii) Air Quality and Climate Change; and viii) Energy. November 2013 A-4

96 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Greenlands System The Region s Greenlands System is comprised of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Greenbelt and significant river valley systems. The Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt features define the regional topography, comprising 69% of its land area. There are limits to growth and development in these areas as directed by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and the Greenbelt Act, In Richmond Hill the Oak Ridges Moraine covers over 50% of the Town and is the defining feature of the Town s landscape and environment along with the Don, Rouge and Humber River Valleys. York Region s Official Plan is dedicated to enhancing the Greenlands System and its components within York Region. With some of the most environmentally sensitive natural environments and hydrologic features in Ontario, York Region s Official Plan identifies, protects, and enhances a linked Greenlands System as a permanent legacy of its natural heritage. Key policies of York Region s Official Plan related to the Greenlands System include a focus on linking and enhancing its features through continual investment established through the Regional Securement Program. Development and infrastructure design will be context-sensitive, which will prioritize enhancing the Greenlands System in new community areas. Protection and enhancement of hydrologic features and natural heritage are addressed by Key Hydrologic Feature and Greenbelt Key Natural Heritage policies, which include woodlands protection and stronger protection for species at risk by incorporating the Endangered Species Act, Chapter 2: Towards a Sustainable Region is dedicated to protection of the natural environment of the Greenlands System which includes the Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine. This section stipulates the following policy directives which are relevant to Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy: To identify, protect and enhance the Regional Greenlands System and its function to ensure a healthy system rich in native biodiversity. To ensure that key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features and functions are protected and enhanced where possible. To ensure that the key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features on the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt are protected in accordance with provincial plan. To ensure no loss of wetland function or area in the Region. To protect significant woodlands and their biodiversity and encourage reforestation to provide environmental, social and economic benefits for the residents of York Region. To encourage and support the conservation of significant landscapes, views and vistas. To minimize risks to human health and safety and property associated with natural hazards. November 2013 A-5

97 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A To protect and where possible improve or restore the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine. To protect mineral resources for possible future extraction and to ensure rehabilitation of extraction areas Agricultural & Rural Areas Agricultural and Rural Areas form an important part of the fabric of York Region, supporting a vibrant agricultural community and contributing to the economy, quality of life and natural heritage legacy. A large portion of the Region s Agricultural and Rural areas are protected within the Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan areas, which comprise 69% of the Region s land base. Agricultural production bestows a cultural legacy for the Town of Richmond Hill and has played a significant part towards the Town s cultural heritage and natural heritage. In 2005, the Province of Ontario passed the Greenbelt Act and associated Plan which increased the area of protected lands within York Region by 38%, by extending limits to urban development for the protection of agricultural land areas and their ecological features and functions. Chapter 6 Agricultural and Rural Areas of the York Region Official Plan identifies the policies and protect the important land uses of agricultural and rural areas through the following objectives: To protect Agricultural and Rural Areas within the Greenbelt from incompatible uses. To protect Agricultural Areas for the future to ensure a sustainable agricultural industry. To support York Region s farmers and agricultural organizations as valuable contributors to the community. To ensure that agricultural land is available for growing and producing, among other things, local food that is accessible to York Region residents and neighbouring communities. To retain the character of lands in the Rural Area and to protect the viability of existing agriculture, agriculture-related and secondary agricultural uses Water Strategy & Wastewater Servicing Watershed protection is a key component to maintaining a sustainable natural environment, and York Region s Official Plan includes a mandate to implement a regional water strategy which addresses long-term protection and enhancement guidelines, including monitoring requirements. This comprehensive approach to water management includes maintaining linkages and function between surface water, groundwater, and hydrological and natural features by working in partnership with local municipalities, conservation authorities, adjacent municipalities and other agencies to coordinate watershed planning initiatives and watershed plan objectives. 1 The Region s policies on mineral Aggregate Resource Areas are detailed under Section 6.5 but are relevant to the Town under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (See: Section The Greenway System, Richmond Hill Official Plan, July 2010). November 2013 A-6

98 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A The Regional Water Strategy addresses protection of water sources by encouraging agricultural practices that minimize the use of pesticides and nutrients, and by implementing watershed plans that support sustainable land use planning. Management of stormwater will be achieved through implementing innovative techniques and alternative measures to conventional storm ponds. Finally, a water management plan would prepare for climate change impacts by reducing the risks and costs associated with natural hazards. The key policies related to water management are outlined in Section 2.3 of Chapter 2 A Sustainable Natural Environment and Section 7.3 in Chapter 7 Servicing Our Population in the York Region Official Plan and include the following objectives: Maintaining and enhancing water system health to ensure water quality and quantity and to maintain the natural hydrologic function of water systems. Protecting and enhancing water resources through the implementation of watershed plans. Ensuring the careful management of stormwater through the use of innovative techniques. Ensuring adequate water resources for today s residents and future generation, through conservation and efficiency. Delivering safe, clean drinking water and providing long term water and wastewater services to York Region s communities that are safe, well-managed, and sustainable. Ensuring that municipal well water quality and quantity is protected from contamination from incompatible land uses. Protecting areas of aquifer vulnerability to ensure safe potable water quality Urban Design & Development Healthy Communities are highlighted in the York Region Official Plan as a primary component of its Triple Bottom Line objective. Planning for continued urbanization and population growth, the Region has outlined significant policies to ensure that its urban centres be defined as vibrant places to live and work; where the health of its residents can thrive; and where the built environment fosters increasing social cohesion among and within its communities. Through the lens of sustainability, York Region has outlined key planning policies and directives that will inform the activities and implementation of the Environment Strategy, their objectives are: To create high-quality, sustainable communities. To ensure that buildings throughout York Region achieve a high level of water and energy conservation performance as a key component of sustainable communities. To create vibrant and sustainable urban areas. To achieve an urban, integrated and connected system of Regional Centres and Corridors. To achieve attractive and vibrant urban Regional Corridors that link Regional Centers. November 2013 A-7

99 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A To achieve complete, diverse, compact, vibrant, integrated and well-designed Regional Centres that serve as focal points for housing, employment, cultural and community facilities, and transit connections. To ensure the Region s new community areas prioritize people, sustainability, and liveability Waste Management York Region provides key services to its residents and shares the responsibility to deliver municipal services with its local partners. Waste management is essential to achieving the objectives of the York Region Sustainability Strategy and is focused on the 4R hierarchy which prioritizes reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery in order to dramatically minimize dependence on landfills. With a zero waste ideal, the Region addresses waste management planning by establishing targets for waste diversion through the implementation of an adaptable and flexible system founded on progressive policies and the use of innovative technologies. York Region s Official Plan identifies the objective to achieve an efficient waste management system that minimizes material entering the waste stream, and is managed in the most economically efficient, environmentally sensitive and socially responsible manner (Section 7.4), through the following policy measures and issues specific directives for its partner municipalities: To develop a York Region Waste Management Master Plan based on a sustainable life-cycle approach containing comprehensive strategies to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover all forms of waste in York Region. To surpass waste management regulatory requirements by: - achieving at least 80% diversion from landfill by 2010; - achieving over 90% diversion from landfill by 2016; and, - eliminating the disposal of unprocessed waste in landfill by To work with local municipalities to achieve consistent delivery of waste management services across the Region. To work with local municipalities to develop and implement a comprehensive public awareness program, including waste reduction strategies, strategies to increase 4R participation rates and reduction regarding the environmental, economic and social effects of waste. To work with local municipalities to streamline and coordinate waste collection and diversion responsibilities to optimize program delivery. To require agreements with local municipalities and their collection contractors to encourage compliance with the Region s processing facility requirements. To require that all new multi-unit residential buildings incorporate three-stream waste collection capabilities and to work with local municipalities to require existing multi-unit residential buildings to participate in three-stream waste collection. To encourage the diversion of construction and demolition waste to meet or exceed the Region s diversion targets. November 2013 A-8

100 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A To pursue partnerships with local municipalities and other jurisdictions for shared infrastructure and resources to optimize the efficiencies and provide consistent waste management programs across municipal boundaries. To promote local solutions for waste management and to ensure that the location of any new solid waste management facility has regard for public health and environmental impacts Sustainable Transportation In partnership with Metrolinx, York Region is participating in the Province s regional transportation plan titled The Big Move which provides a 25-year blueprint to develop an effective, integrated, and multi-modal transportation system. Servicing transportation solutions for York Region residents is achieved by providing opportunities for active transportation which includes promoting pedestrian, cycling, transit use and a reduction of automobile dependence. This will help to enhance air quality and protect the Region s natural heritage by reducing the need for expanding infrastructure by diverting automobile trips towards more sustainable modes of transportation. York Region s Official Plan also conforms to the Province s Parkway Belt West Plan which directs regional, greenbelt and greenway planning, through the goals of: i) separating and defining the boundaries of urban areas to provide residents with a sense of community identity; ii) linking urban areas with extra-judiciary areas to provide space for the movement of people, goods, energy and information, without disrupting community integrity and function; iii) protecting land reserves for future linear facilities, unanticipated activities, and natural heritage corridors; and iv) providing a system of open space and recreational facilities to be linked with nearby communities and other recreational areas. 2 The key policy and planning directives relevant to the Environment Strategy are contained in Section 7.2 in Chapter 7 Servicing Our Population in the York Region Official Plan and address the following objectives: To reduce automobile dependence by enhancing opportunities for residents and workers to walk, cycle, take transit, and carpool. To create an active transportation system and programs that encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transit. To provide transit service that is convenient and accessible to all residents and workers of York Region To ensure streets support all modes of transportation including walking, cycling, transit, automobile use, and the efficient movement of goods. To plan and protect future urban and rural streets to accommodate transportation demands. To promote a linked and efficient network for goods movement that supports economic vitality and minimizes conflicts with sensitive land uses. 2 November 2013 A-9

101 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Air Quality & Climate Change Improving air quality to build healthy communities is an important measure for the protection of human health and environmental functioning. The use of fossil fuels for transportation, manufacturing, electricity generation, heating, and cooling, result in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. The effects of climate change significantly impact services provided by the Region and place people, property and infrastructure at risk through changes in air quality, water, wastewater, transportation, energy supply and demand, pressures on healthcare systems and emergency response capabilities. The Region recognizes that almost half of its air pollution arises from outside sources but that reducing local sources of air pollution is an important initiative to reduce emissions and greenhouse gases. These efforts will be accomplished through compact urban form, a mix of land uses, active transportation, public transit, energy conservation and renewable energy sources, and by protecting natural areas and agricultural lands. Addressing air quality and efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change are discussed in Section 3.2 of Chapter 3 Healthy Communities in the York Region Official Plan and provide the following directives: To implement the York Region Sustainability Strategy: Towards a Sustainable Region and prepare a climate change adaptation plan. To reduce vehicle emissions by ensuring that communities are designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, reduce single occupancy automobile use, and support public transit and Transportation Demand initiatives. To establish greenhouse gas reduction targets for York Region in partnership with community stakeholders and local municipalities. To require health, environmental and cumulative air quality impact studies that assess the impact on human health for development with known or potential air emission levels near sensitive uses such as schools, daycares and seniors facilities; and that these not be located near significant known air emission sources such as controlled access provincial 400-series highways. To work with partners such as the GTA Clean Air Council to conduct research, develop toolkits and share information on air quality and climate change impacts. To work with local municipalities, agencies and stakeholders on the development and implementation of clean air initiatives. To work with local municipalities and the building industry to develop best practices in construction to reduce airborne pollutants Energy and Utilities Providing a range of energy supply through public and private utility networks which include facilities and corridors for the transmission of electricity, gas and communication/telecommunication services is recognized as important to sustain a high standard of living in York Region. Energy and Utilities are discussed in Section 7.5 of Chapter 7 Servicing Our Population in the York Region Official Plan. This section directs the way in which best practices for energy use and demand management will be employed through the objectives to demonstrate leadership in energy conservation and November 2013 A-10

102 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A innovation and to encourage the coordinated, efficient and safe integration of utilities to better serve residents and businesses. The relevant aspects of energy and utility servicing for the Town s Environment Strategy are listed as follows: To work with municipalities to identify and protect existing and proposed infrastructure corridors as determined through the Environmental Assessment process where applicable or identified in Provincial Plans to support expected growth within the Region and its neighbouring municipalities. To require local official plans to identify and protect infrastructure corridors for long term servicing needs, including and in compliance with corridors identified in Provincial Plans. To encourage complementary uses on utility corridors, such as trails, transit, commuter parking, community gardens, and appropriate vegetation. To engage local municipalities, local utilities and other stakeholders in the advancement of energy conservation, demand management, renewable energy systems and local generation. To investigate the development of an Energy for Tomorrow program that raises awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy systems in partnership with local utilities and other stakeholders. To encourage the land development, building and construction industries to obtain the expertise and training required to implement green building standards such as LEED and ENERGY STAR, and other emerging technologies. To work with local municipalities, the Province and other stakeholders to investigate suitable criteria for the construction and use of renewable energy systems within York Region. To advocate for flexibility in the Ontario Building Code to allow municipalities to set higher standards for energy and water efficiency, and the use of renewable energy systems. To encourage local municipalities, schools boards and conservation authorities to adopt sustainable building policies for all buildings and facilities. To permit on-site alternative energy systems and renewable energy systems for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and to work with local municipalities on design requirements. To develop incentive programs complementary to the sustainable building policies in this Plan together with local municipalities. These programs may include water and wastewater servicing allocation credits, density bonusing, expedited processing of development approvals or the use of local municipal community improvement plans and associated financial tools. November 2013 A-11

103 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 3.2. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Watershed Plans The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority s The Living City Report Card is an assessment of the current environmental health of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Within each of the report s six measures there are indicators that describe the current environmental conditions fundamental to measuring the health of the GTA. The six measures include carbon, air quality, water, waste, land use and biodiversity. They were identified in order to consider their current and forecasted growth, new scientific information, mitigation and adaption actions for climate change and methods to build strong community support for watershed management plans. The Report Card delivers a unique analysis of the drivers that influence the GTA s environmental performance, assesses where we are making progress, sets out short and long-term targets, and assigns grades by rating current environmental conditions against long-term targets. It goes on to identify opportunities for action by GTA leaders, organizations and residents. TRCA s Action Plan for Sustainable Practices (2006) is a social marketing study which was conducted with the goal of protecting the health and long-term viability of the Humber, Don and Rouge watersheds. Identification of opportunities and barriers related to lot-level stormwater management and naturalization in the residential and business sectors indicated that there is a modest basis of understanding and support for sustainability, but the public needs more specific information, marketing campaigns and assistance to inspire action. This study also highlighted a number of recommendations for the residential and business sectors to adopt sustainable practices to plan for a longterm remediation strategy and protection plan for the watersheds. The Toronto and Region Watersheds Report Cards (2013) are update reports evaluating the health and watershed plan progress for the seven watershed plans in the GTA. The TRCA watershed plans relevant to the Town of Richmond Hill in the development of the Environment Strategy include: Humber East Holland Humber River (2008) Don River (2009) Rouge River (2007) Rouge Don York Region Official Plan Map 7 - Excerpt November 2013 A-12

104 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008) The main branch of the Humber River flows more than 126 kilometres from its source on the Niagara Escarpment to Lake Ontario. Today, about 26 per cent of the watershed is developed, up from 15 per cent in Rural lands account for 40 per cent of the area and natural cover makes up the remaining 32 per cent. The West Humber begins in Caledon, in the rolling hills of the South Slope, and flows 45 kilometres over the Peel Plain in Brampton before joining the Main Humber in Toronto. The East Humber (63 kilometres) originates in the kettle lakes region of the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill and King Township. The watershed includes over 750 streams, comprising a total of 1,800 kilometres of waterways, and 600 lakes, ponds and reservoirs. However, less than 5% of the Humber watershed is located within Richmond Hill. Approximately 27 per cent of the watershed is in urban land use, with 40 per cent in rural use and 32 per cent under natural cover (Figure 1). Figure 1: Humber River watershed general land use/land cover, 2002 Humber River Watershed in Richmond Hill Humber River Watershed Report The Humber watershed will experience major changes in land use over the next few decades. The TRCA plan has a strong technical foundation, based on several years of monitoring environmental conditions combined with a leading edge approach to modelling of potential future conditions. 3 The watershed planning process is part of a continuous cycle of adaptive watershed management, whereby a plan is prepared and implemented, progress is monitored, and the plan is updated. Approved official plans 3 For detailed descriptions of the Humber River Watershed Plan see: TRCA (June 2008). Humber River Watershed Plan: Pathways to a Healthy Humber River. Toronto and Region Conservation. November 2013 A-13

105 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A allow for an additional 8,845 hectares of new urban lands beyond 2002 land uses, increasing the amount of the watershed that is urbanized from 27 per cent to 36 per cent. Once these plans are implemented, there will probably be further development in some watershed municipalities up to the boundaries of the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Plan protected areas, assuming these policies are maintained. To help develop an understanding of how the watershed might react to changes in land use and environmental management in the future, nine potential future scenarios were developed, analyzed and examined in relation to existing conditions. This enabled comparisons of the impacts of different land use and management scenarios on watershed conditions and assessment of the relative effectiveness of management approaches. The land use scenarios included existing (2002) land uses, build-out of approved official plans, and full build-out of all the lands in the watershed not protected by the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine, and Niagara Escarpment legislation and other accepted policies, such as TRCA s Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program. Environmental management measures such as expanded natural cover, better stormwater management and sustainable community design were superimposed on these land use scenarios. A healthy, sustainable Humber watershed is within reach, although many challenges lie ahead. This plan shows that a business-as-usual approach to future development will result in continued losses of environmental quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage. There will be considerable costs to address the health, social and economic consequences of degraded environmental conditions, and damaged infrastructure and property. Instead, there are opportunities to create a better future, with healthy natural systems and a rich natural and cultural heritage, supporting a high quality of life for our communities. The Humber watershed offers unique opportunities, including the protection of natural lands in the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine, as well as the continuation of agriculture on public and private lands in the Greenbelt. With the guidance offered in this plan, a concerted effort by all watershed partners can bring these opportunities to fruition Don River Watershed Plan Beyond Forty Steps (2009) The Don River flows through the heart of central Canada s urban nexus. From its headwaters on the Oak Ridges Moraine and South Slope, its two principal tributaries flow south through the City of Vaughan and Towns of Markham and Richmond Hill, all in the Regional Municipality of York. The Don watershed offers unique opportunities, most notably regeneration and revitalization of the Mouth of the Don at the centre of the Greater Toronto Area. Don River Watershed in Richmond Hill Don River Watershed Report November 2013 A-14

106 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A Today, almost half of the watershed is devoted to housing, and a fifth to industrial, institutional or commercial development. There is little undeveloped land left. The natural areas and greenspaces of the watershed serve as wildlife refuges and a recreational magnet for the 1.2 million residents that live within its boundaries. Unfortunately, the river also serves as a stormwater conduit, carrying millions of litres of rainwater and snowmelt, together with polluted runoff and sewage overflow, south to the lake. Currently, natural systems are degraded and municipal infrastructure (water, sanitary sewers, stormwater sewers and facilities, trails) the backbone of our communities continues to be threatened by age, lack of maintenance, and erosion and degradation in the valleys. The Don River watershed has suffered extensive degradation as natural cover was removed and the hydrologic system altered through the spread of agriculture and subsequent urbanization of the watershed. Lack of stormwater control has resulted in flooding, erosion, poor water quality and degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Rising population density has led to expanded areas of impervious cover and heavy use of public greenspaces and natural areas. Concerns about ecological health, the sustainability of our communities, loss of cultural heritage, and the potential impacts of poor air quality and climate change are widespread. Management and implementation strategies were created to help develop an understanding of how the watershed might react to changes in environmental practices and land use in the future. Two potential future scenarios were developed, modelled and analyzed, to compare their impacts on watershed conditions and assess the relative effectiveness of management approaches and are summarized below: November 2013 A-15