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

107 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A The scenario modelling revealed that the pressures on the watershed will continue to build as more and more residents settle in the watershed, either in the last areas of greenfield development in the northern reaches, or in the four urban growth centres designated for intensive redevelopment by the Ontario government. The TRCA s updated Don River Watershed Plan (2009) was developed as an adaptive management approach to address the challenges the watershed faces. Going forward, the primary challenge in the Don Watershed will be to better manage wet weather flows and to restore a more balanced flow regime to the river and its tributaries Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future (2007) The Rouge River watershed spans 336 km 2 of land and water in the Regions of York and Durham, Cities of Toronto and Pickering, and Towns of Markham, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch Stouffville. Land use in the Rouge watershed today is approximately 40% rural, 35% urban, 24% natural cover and 1% open water. It includes all the lands that drain to the Rouge River and its tributaries, including the Little Rouge River, starting in the hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine and flowing south to Lake Ontario. The Rouge watershed will experience major changes in land use over the next few decades. Approved official plans allow for an additional 4000 hectares of new urban lands beyond 2002 land uses. Once these plans are implemented, additional urban development pressure to the boundaries of the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine established in legislation can be expected. Although this legislation will be subject to review in , the scientific foundation of this plan should provide the Province with strong support for the continued protection of these areas. In order to understand how the watershed might react to changes in land use and environmental management in the future, the TRCA developed a set of eight scenarios and undertook modelling studies to compare their impacts on watershed conditions and assess the relative effectiveness of management approaches. Modelling was undertaken to help describe potential future conditions. Experience from other watershed jurisdictions was reviewed, a list of potential management actions was developed to achieve the objectives and targets, and a series of management summits was held to identify key management strategies and refine the specific actions. The intent of the modelling studies was not to predict specific future conditions, but to compare different land use and management scenarios, determine the types of change that might occur and identify areas of relative sensitivity in the watershed. Modelling was just one source of information. To complement it, existing conditions and trends in the watershed were also examined, watershed research in other areas were reviewed, and best professional judgment of a range of experts in many fields were utilized. Descriptions of current conditions within the plan, as well as relationships and issues in the Rouge watershed are based primarily on results of studies undertaken between 2002 to 2005, and are provided in the Rouge River Watershed Plan (2007) and in more detail in the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report, The results of this Watershed Plan indicate that if future development proceeds with current approaches to community design and stormwater management, it will not be possible to maintain current watershed conditions, let alone improve them. If development practices are November 2013 A-16

108 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A changed to use the best foreseeable community designs and management techniques, it may be possible to maintain and in some cases enhance current conditions. However many of the new designs and technologies for sustainable urban developments are still evolving and being tested so it is recommended that where permitted, development should proceed with caution. Evaluation should be undertaken, with extensive and meaningful public consultation, to assess how well watershed objectives and targets are being met and recommend adjustments to development practices when necessary. November 2013 A-17

109 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 4.0 Conclusion York Region s (Official Plan along with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority s Watershed Plans provide invaluable direction to environmental management in Richmond Hill. In fact, the key policy directions and recommendations in both the Region s Official Plan and the TRCA s Watershed Plans contain the same messages around protection, enhancement and restoration of the natural environment, developing people-oriented, pedestrian and transit based communities, conservation of resources, encouragement of use of alternative energy, water and storm water technologies, and increasing education and stewardship of the natural environment. Implementation of the TRCA Watershed Plans relies on the adoption of supportive policies, programs and practices by the various partners. Implementation of these strategies will be most effective if existing partners coordinate their efforts, and make creative use of new and existing tools including a reliance on existing policies and programs, provincial initiatives, stewardship and regeneration, education and awareness, enforcement, operations and maintenance, monitoring, and implementation oversight. The Environment Strategy strives to explore all essential and relevant policies and plans arising out of the York Region Official Plan and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Watershed Plans in the development of its implementation strategy for the long-term environmental management and stewardship in the Town of Richmond Hill.. November 2013 A-18

110 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix A 5.0 References Regional Municipality of York The York Region Official Plan Package January 14, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Action Plan for Sustainable Practices. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. Report of the Rouge Watershed Taskforce. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Don River Watershed Plan Beyond Forty Steps. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), The Living City Report Card. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Watershed Report Cards for the Don, Rouge and Humber Watersheds. Available online: Town of Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill Strategic Plan: A Plan for People Plan for Change. Town of Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Official Plan Building a New Kind of Urban. As Recommended for Approval by the Region of York Annotated Version Showing York Region Modifications As Modified by York Region on May 19, 2011 as partially approved by order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, 2012 Case No. PL November 2013 A-19

111 Appendix B Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan Overview November 2013

112 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Strategic Plan A Plan for People, A Plan for Change Goal One: Stronger Connections in Richmond Hill Goal Two: Better Choice in Richmond Hill Goal Three: A More Vibrant Richmond Hill Goal Four: Wise Management of Resources in Richmond Hill From Vision to Action Official Plan Building a New Kind of Urban Air Quality Sustainable Energy Sustainable Transportation Noise, Odour and Emissions Climate Change Water Resources Wetlands Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Quality and Quantity Lake Wilcox Watercourse Restoration Groundwater Protection, Recharge and Discharge Land Resources Sustainable Green Development Natural Environment Management Greenway System Woodlands Wildlife Management Biodiversity Invasive Species Solid Waste Management Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Conclusion Resources November 2013

113 Executive Summary The Town of Richmond Hill is in the process of developing its first Environment Strategy. This Strategy will define the vision, goals and actions necessary to manage, protect and enhance Richmond Hill s natural environment consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. As part of the background research in developing the Strategy, a series of background papers have been completed. This paper summarizes the key policies contained in the Town s Strategic Plan and Official Plan with respect to environmental management. The Environment Strategy will act as a complimentary implementation tool for the environmental components of the Strategic and Official Plans, in addition to the development process. The 2009 Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan establishes a 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 goals of the Environment Strategy will be aligned with the goals of the Strategic Plan to set a clear direction for environmental management and stewardship in Richmond Hill. Goal One: Stronger Connections in Richmond Hill refers to fostering social connections between people and to developing stronger connections on the ground, such as physical networks like roadways and transit, as well as environmental networks. This work includes the integration and protection of green spaces to allow for the active movement of plants, animals and people. Goal Two: Better Choice in Richmond Hill does not refer to more choice, but rather better quality options as we build our community. This includes providing better choice for transportation through transit and roadways, as well as opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians. Goal Three: A More Vibrant Richmond Hill refers to fostering Richmond Hill s unique identity and rich heritage, and celebrating our natural and cultural diversity. This includes creating and promoting opportunities for people to experience the Town s natural environment. Goal Four: Wise Management of Resources in Richmond Hill refers to becoming a more sustainable community. It means being even more responsible and less wasteful in our use of resources through 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. The Official Plan expands on the directions set by the Strategic Plan. The Official Plan contains the following guiding policies for environmental management: 1. Protect and enhance natural environmental systems functions and resources over the long term. November 2013 B-i

114 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 2. Incorporate and promote sustainable development practices and initiatives. 3. Direct growth to built-up urban areas with existing infrastructure and services in a network of centres and corridors. 4. Plan for transit and pedestrian oriented development. 5. Promote connectivity, mobility and accessibility within and between neighbourhoods, employment lands, parks and open spaces. 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, including linkages with urban open spaces. New developments will be encouraged to use sustainable design practices and to integrate the built and natural environments. This includes pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with energy efficient buildings using low-impact development strategies. The Town will continue to foster a culture of waste reduction and reuse. The Environment Strategy will serve as one of the practical implementation mechanisms for the environmental policies established in the Strategic and Official Plans though a suite of goals, objectives, targets and strategic actions. November 2013 B-ii

115 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 1.0 Purpose The purpose of the Environment Strategy is to convey the vision, goals, objectives, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment, consistent with the directions set out in the Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization continues and guide Richmond Hill s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The Environment Strategy will: Identify and address the environmental challenges faced by a rapidly growing and evolving municipality. Engage with residents and other stakeholders, building on the environmental priorities identified in public consultation efforts for the Strategic and Official Plan processes. Outline what must be accomplished for Richmond Hill to realize the environmental goals and outcomes outlined in the Strategic and Official Plans. Develop a list of strategic directions, initiatives and recommendations for action, as well as a timeline for their implementation. Identify indicators to measure progress of environmental initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the policy direction of the Town s Strategic and Official Plans as it relates to environmental stewardship, and thereby shape the directions ultimately put forward in the Environment Strategy. November 2013 B-1

116 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 2.0 Introduction Richmond Hill is a municipality that has experienced a tremendous amount of growth and development over the past 25 years, and was described as the fastest growing municipality in all of Ontario during the 1990s. Although the rate of growth has slowed in recent years, Richmond Hill is projected to grow to a community of just over 242,000 by Richmond Hill can be described as a predominately urban municipality with over 65% of its area occupied by urban land uses. Natural areas occupy 35% of the Town s land area, with 14% of the Town forested (17% forested if street trees are included). Most of Richmond Hill s natural areas are concentrated in the northern portion of the Town in areas protected under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. A majority of the settlement area in Richmond Hill is located in the central and south portions of the municipality, bounded by Bathurst Street to the west, Leslie Street to the east, Highway 7 to the south and north of 19 th Sideroad/Jefferson Road to the north. Oak Ridges, a smaller settlement area is located in the northwest portion of Richmond Hill bounded by Bathurst Street to the west, Bayview Avenue to the east, Bloomington Road to the north and south of King Road to the northern Bond Lake area. West Gormley is also a settlement area. As the Town experiences urbanization and intensification, it also faces a number of environmental challenges, such as climate change, air quality (e.g. smog), traffic congestion. In order to meet these challenges, the Town has developed the new Strategic and Official Plans to proactively shape and guide future growth and development and have created a connected natural heritage system that is well-defined and protected under the Official Plan and backed up by the Province s Oak Ridges Moraine Plan and Greenbelt Plan. Policies in the Official Plan provide for protection of the Greenway System on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine. November 2013 B-2

117 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 3.0 Strategic Plan A Plan for People, A Plan for Change The 2009 Town of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan establishes a long-term vision for the Town. 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. 1 The goals of the Environment Strategy will be aligned with the goals of the Strategic Plan to set clear direction for environmental management and stewardship in Richmond Hill. Below is a summary of the environmental content contained within these goals and desired outcomes. 3.1 GOAL ONE: STRONGER CONNECTIONS IN RICHMOND HILL The first goal refers to fostering social connections between people, and developing stronger connections on the ground such as physical networks like roadways and transit, as well as environmental networks. This work includes the integration and protection of green spaces to allow for the active movement of plants, animals and people. Strategies: Strengthen connections to transit from other modes of transportation Develop connections for people to access local amenities by means other than by car Designate and construct trails throughout the Town that build on and connect existing trail systems Improve the function of buildings, streets and neighbourhoods Work towards stronger connections of natural corridors and green spaces Advocate for other levels of government and agencies to meet our community s needs 3.2 GOAL TWO: BETTER CHOICE IN RICHMOND HILL Goal Two, Better Choice in Richmond Hill, does not refer to more choice, but rather better quality options as we build our community. This includes providing better choice for transportation through transit and roadways, as well as opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians. Strategies: Continue to advocate for commitment and funding to extend the subway to Richmond Hill Centre Develop and promote Richmond Hill Centre as a transportation hub 1 Town of Richmond Hill. (2009). Richmond Hill Strategic Plan 2009: A Plan for People, A Plan for Change. November 2013 B-3

118 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Continue to advocate for two-way all-day GO Train service to Richmond Hill Identify and prepare for necessary infrastructure projects to support better transportation options here Construct and promote safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians Pursue the better use of roadways through high occupancy vehicle lanes and other improvements Promote and enhance the Smart Commute program Increase awareness of the Town s recreational offerings, pedestrian trails and cycling networks 3.3 GOAL THREE: A MORE VIBRANT RICHMOND HILL Goal Three, A More Vibrant Richmond Hill, refers to fostering Richmond Hill s unique identity and rich heritage, and celebrating our natural and cultural diversity. This includes creating and promoting opportunities for people to experience the Town s natural environment. Strategies: Celebrate, promote and enhance the Town s unique places Create and promote opportunities for people to experience the Town s natural environment year round Maintain a clean and safe community through education, community involvement and enforcement Initiate change through leadership, collaboration, innovation and the exchange of ideas 3.4 GOAL FOUR: WISE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES IN RICHMOND HILL Goal Four, Wise Management of Resources in Richmond Hill, refers to becoming a more sustainable community. It means being even more responsible and less wasteful in our use of resources through 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. Strategies: Plan for and promote energy efficient buildings, renewable energy, water conservation and low emission vehicles Emphasize reducing and re-using in the Town s waste management strategy, while furthering greater waste diversion November 2013 B-4

119 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Develop a Green Purchasing Policy Explore a Buy Local and Grow Local Food Strategy Advocate, plan for and promote the protection and enhancement of green spaces Serve as a role model for environmental management and the management of natural heritage and water resource systems Increase natural landscaping and the urban tree canopy on both Town and private property Commit to use land responsibly Serve as a role model for municipal management 3.5 FROM VISION TO ACTION Further to these goals, the Richmond Hill Strategic Plan also outlines how we will bring about change by addressing how we will act. The Town will: Provide leadership Engage the community Focus on communication These concepts were also found to be key themes voiced as priority for achieving change, throughout consultation for the Environment Strategy. November 2013 B-5

120 4.0 Official Plan Building a New Kind of Urban Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B The Official Plan is governed by the Planning Act and regulates land use within the Town, which conforms to various provincial initiatives, particularly the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Official Plan will implement the land use component of the Strategic Plan. The Official Plan received direction from both residents and from York Region to incorporate sustainable design through the planning of energy-efficient, pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with increased densities focused on centres and corridors. 2 The Official Plan focuses on connecting, enhancing and restoring the Greenway System in Richmond Hill. The Greenway System includes the core natural features and linkages both on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan area and within the Greenbelt Plan area, as well as open spaces both within and outside of the settlement area. The Greenway System also includes the open space areas of the Parkway Belt West Plan and urban open spaces such as parks, stormwater management works, community courtyards, and rooftop gardens. Growth and development is directed away from the Greenway System in order to protect key natural heritage and hydrological features. 3 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 within the Town and to adjacent municipalities, and protecting agricultural, countryside, parks and urban open space areas in a connected system. Water Resource Management systems contribute to the Greenway System, protecting and enhancing water resources that are essential to the ecosystem and human functions. Sustainable Design practices are recognized as an essential component of integrating the built and natural environments and focus on enhancing the Greenway System over the long-term by decreasing the impact of urbanization. The policies of this Plan are intended to continue to implement the Town s role as a leader in environmental protection and management by protecting, enhancing, restoring, and actively managing the environment within the process of urbanization. 4 The Official Plan s guiding principals related to the environment are to: Protect and enhance natural environmental systems, functions and resources over the long term. Incorporate and promote sustainable development practices and initiatives Context in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Greenway System in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp. 3-21: Environment in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Guiding Principles in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-6

121 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B The key directions set by this Official Plan for each key focus area identified in the Environment Strategy, are listed below. Please note that certain sections of the Official Plan are under appeal. 4.1 AIR QUALITY Richmond Hill s air quality is affected by energy consumption, transportation, emissions and impacts resulting from climate change. The Official Plan addresses these issues through specific policies related to sustainable development, sustainable energy use and conservation; the development of an active transportation plan; and through mitigating the impacts of climate change resulting from emissions. The following policies provide broad and specific direction for the Environment Strategy as directed by the Town s Official Plan Sustainable Energy With respect to energy conservation, the Official plan sets broad direction to 6 : a. Allow and encourage renewable energy projects b. Update and expand the Energy Management Plan for Town facilities c. Investigate district heating feasibility d. Create Community Energy Plan for Richmond Hill Centre For development specifically, the Official plan states the following 7 : Development shall be encouraged to include on-site renewable or alternative energy systems which produce 25% of a building s energy use. Development is encouraged to achieve the energy efficiency and conservation standards: o Buildings 3 stories or less, with the exception of industrial buildings shall be designed to achieve a minimum performance level that is equal to an ENERGY STAR standard. o Buildings 3 stories or less, with the exception of industrial buildings, shall be designed to achieve a minimum performance level that is equal to a rating of 83 or more when evaluated in accordance with Natural Resources Canada s EnerGuide for New Houses: Administrative and Technical Procedures Energy Conservation Richmond Hill Official Plan: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp Sustainable Design: Building Design Richmond Hill Official Plan: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp. 3-55:3-57. November 2013 B-7

122 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B o Buildings 4 stories or greater, with the exception of industrial buildings, shall be designed to achieve 40% greater energy efficiency than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. o Industrial buildings shall be designed to achieve 25% greater energy efficiency than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Development is encouraged to be designed and certified to LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum standards, or alternative equivalent. The Town may establish complementary incentive programs to foster the successful implementation of LEED buildings, or alternative equivalent, across Richmond Hill, in consultation with York Region. Development shall be designed to maximize solar gains and be constructed in a manner that facilitates future solar installations (i.e. solar ready). Renewable energy systems projects and alternative energy systems shall be permitted throughout the Town in accordance with Provincial and Federal requirements and shall be promoted in accordance with the policies of this Plan Sustainable Transportation The 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. 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. 9 Other policies listed in the Official Plan include: Regional Corridors shall be planned as regional public rapid transit corridors Energy Conservation in Richmond Hill Official Plan: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp The Transportation System in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-8

123 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Transportation decisions, strategies and investments shall be coordinated with the Town s Transportation Master Plan Development may be required to submit Transportation Studies and where feasible development shall incorporate pedestrian and cycling facilities, to encourage walking and cycling as a means of travel among destinations within the Town 2 The Town shall work with Metrolinx, York Region and other public agencies to implement the planned transportation improvements in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) The Town will work with York Region to achieve an overall transit modal split of 30% during the peak periods within the settlement area and 50% in the Regional Centres and Regional Corridors across the Region by 2031 The Town shall promote active transportation in accordance with the Town s Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan 10 Public transit is a key component of the Town s transportation system. Public transit has significant environmental, economic and social benefits and can help to improve the overall health and quality of life in the Town by lowering impacts on air quality and helping to reduce traffic congestion. Our Official Plan recognizes the need to provide connections to public transit that are walkable and pedestrian-oriented and contributing to the objectives of increasing transit ridership and improving connectivity and mobility throughout the Town. 11 Rail is an important mode of transportation and the official plan supports rail as an efficient mode of transportation for commuting and goods movement. The plan encourages the Town to work with Metrolinx and the Province to encourage all-day, twoway GO Transit rail service within the Town Noise, Odour and Emissions The Official Plan states: The Town shall require appropriate mitigation of adverse impacts on sensitive uses from noise, odour and vibration emanating from noise, odour and vibration generating sources such as airports, rail yards, railways, Provincial highways, arterial streets, primary transit corridors, industrial uses and commercial uses Active Transportation in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp. 3-87: Public Transit in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Rail in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp. 3-93: Noise, Odour and Vibration in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-9

124 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Climate Change Climate Change is recognized as an important issue facing the Town. The Official Plan states: The Town may consider the following proactive measures towards climate change mitigation: a. Re-planting to mitigate water level fluctuations; b. The incorporation of water retention or water recycling devices; c. Monitoring landscape-scale changes to the environment associated with climate change through measures such as the incorporation of bio-indicator species 14 The Town will work with York Region and the Conservation Authority to prepare for climate change impacts such as floods. Development is encouraged to mitigate local heat island effects through various design techniques WATER RESOURCES 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, as summarized below, refer to general water resource management, primarily related to managing surface water and protecting and enhancing sub-surface water features and functions. The following are key hydrological features as defined in the Official Plan: a. Permanent and intermittent streams; b. Wetlands; c. Kettle lakes; and d. Seepage areas and springs 16 All development and site alteration within a key hydrological feature or the related minimum vegetation protection zone is prohibited. Development or site alteration on lands within the minimum area of influence, but outside of the key hydrological feature itself, shall be accompanied by a hydrological evaluation Sustainable Design: Climate Change in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Sustainable Design: Building Design Richmond Hill Official Plan: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp Table 3: Minimum Areas of Influence and Minimum Vegetation Protection Zones for Key Natural Heritage Features and Key Hydrological Features in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-10

125 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B Wetlands The Official Plan s aims to protect all wetlands and to ensure no loss of wetland function or area within the Town. Development or site alteration is not permitted within wetlands and all lands within 120 meters of a wetland, fish habitat, significant woodland and other environmental features must undergo a natural heritage evaluation prior to development Watershed Management The goals and objectives of watershed plans shall be supported through the implementation of the Official plan. The Town will work with York Region, the Conservation Authority, adjacent municipalities, and other agencies 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 f. Wherever possible, facilitate modifications to existing neighbourhoods to ensure better hydrologic function. The Town will promote increased public awareness, foster stewardship and further the understanding of watershed health and protection in partnership with the Conservation Authority and other stakeholders. 18 Major development within the Oak Ridge Moraine shall conform to the applicable watershed plan Surface and Stormwater Quality and Quantity Stormwater runoff affects water quality as the rural landscape becomes more urbanized. Stormwater management involves directing rainwater and snow runoff from built-up areas in ways that protect local streams and lakes. Good stormwater management 17 Ibid Watershed Planning in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp 3-43:3-44. November 2013 B-11

126 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B requires the planning of new communities and redesigning older ones to protect and reestablish the natural flow of water within a watershed. Development shall adhere to or exceed Provincial and Conservation Authority guidelines for stormwater management best management practices (BMPs). Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative stormwater management works to control the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff, erosion control, sedimentation control and temperature control subject to the Town s approval, in consultation with the Conservation Authority. In areas where soil types and site size would permit, the Town shall require on-site infiltration and retention through permeable surfaces, bioswales, and other innovative alternatives to the practice of collecting and piping stormwater runoff. Development may be required to create and implement an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan consistent with Town and Conservation Authority requirements. The Town shall pursue opportunities to implement quantity and quality controls for stormwater management works and/or source control programs within the settlement area where current controls do not exist or are not adequate Opportunities for creating wetland areas will be explored and encouraged as part of the design of new stormwater management works and the rehabilitation of existing stormwater management works in accordance with the Town s Stormwater Management Landscape Design Criteria and Implementation Guidelines. 19 Development shall include an integrated and innovative approach to water management, be water efficient, minimize stormwater volumes and contaminant loads and maximize infiltration through an integrated treatment approach. These may include techniques such as rainwater harvesting, runoff reduction of solids and materials at source, constructed wetlands, bioretention swales, green roofs, xeriscaping, permeable surfaces, clean water collection systems, and the preservation and enhancement of native vegetation cover. 20 The Plan also promotes water conservation by using water efficient, drought resistant landscaping Lake Wilcox The Town will continue to invest in restoration projects around Lake Wilcox, including the naturalization of the shoreline associated with the Oak Ridges Community Centre and Park. It is the policy of Council that: Stormwater Management in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp. 3-14: Sustainable Design: Site Design in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp. 3-54:3-55. November 2013 B-12

127 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 1. Over the time horizon of this Plan, Lake Wilcox remediation projects shall focus on: a. Reducing the historic phosphorous levels that have built up in the Lake; b. Connecting and restoring the shoreline to support a greater diversity of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and wildlife; c. Creating and enhancing linkages to the Town s Greenway System; and d. Creating aesthetically pleasing urban waterfront experiences that foster a sense of civic pride and provide places for residents to enjoy being close to the water. 2. Where development that is demonstrated to contribute groundwater or surface water recharge to Lake Wilcox, Council shall be satisfied that the development will not have an adverse impact on the water quantity or quality of the Lake. 3. Development on lakefront properties shall be required to enhance the Lake Wilcox shoreline by restoring the minimum vegetation protection zone required 4. The Town will work with York Region, the Conservation Authority, and other public agencies to implement the Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) within the Lake Wilcox area Watercourse Restoration The Official Plan focuses on improving the health of the Town s watercourses through appropriate design, construction and operational measures that reduce overland flow, increase infiltration and restore riparian lands. 22 A Watercourse Restoration Strategy may be undertaken that will include an inventory of existing conditions, monitoring, technologies to be undertaken and restrictions on development abutting a watercourse Groundwater Protection, Recharge and Discharge The Official Plan prohibits certain activities, such as hazardous waste storage, from taking place in areas of high aquifer vulnerability. Also development shall be restricted in areas within sensitive groundwater features. Protection of high aquifer vulnerability areas on the Oak Ridges Moraine is required by this plan Lake Remediation in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp. 3-50: Watercourse Restoration in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Ibid Lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area Areas of High Aquifer Vulnerability in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp November 2013 B-13

128 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 4.3 LAND RESOURCES Richmond Hill s Official Plan identifies the natural environment as an important component of what connects people and contributes to the unique character and identity of Richmond Hill. The Official Plan directs staff and residents to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs. The approach applies a comprehensive view of the Town, protecting and enhancing both the natural and built environments by the combined use of a natural heritage system approach and sustainable design techniques. This represents a fundamental shift in the Town s approach to land use planning that reinforces connections between the natural and built environment Sustainable Green Development Sustainable design techniques are an essential component of integrating the built and natural environments and enhancing the Greenway System over the long term. Minimum sustainable design performance will enhance the Town s environment through the promotion of energy and water conservation and efficiency, a healthier community, and sustainable building and site design practices. Through the process of urbanization, Richmond Hill will continue to provide leadership and foster innovation in sustainable design. 25 This Official Plan supports the ongoing conservation and protection of the Greenway System, requiring that the system be managed and enhanced through linkages to the built-up areas and by innovative sustainable design and infrastructure. An interconnected parks and urban open space system shall be planned with the long term objective of providing access to the system within walking distance to all dwellings within the settlement area 26 and to increase the size, diversity, connectedness and resiliency of the Greenway System. Natural linkage areas are areas where restoration or naturalization should be undertaken to enhance connectivity and minimum vegetation protection zones between areas of the Greenway System. 27 Other ways to achieve a connected Greenway system as detailed in the plan included: Partnerships and ongoing stewardship Acquiring lands within the Greenway System by developing a Greenway Acquisition Strategy to prioritize which lands should be acquired Ecological Connections to Adjacent Municipalities Sustainable Design in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp Parkland in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp Lands South of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area Natural Linkage in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp November 2013 B-14

129 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B The Official Plan sets out the following policies for development. Some of these policies are under appeal and the latest version of the Official Plan should be consulted. Growth shall be directed away from the Greenway System In order to protect Key Natural Features in Richmond Hill all development and site alteration within a key natural heritage feature is prohibited. All lands within 120 meters of a wetland, fish habitat, significant woodland and other environmental features must undergo a natural heritage evaluation prior to development Improved connectivity of the Greenway System shall be established by the creation of new natural and urban open space linkages where possible through the development approval process, publicly initiated capital projects, and the Town s community stewardship initiatives. The Town shall seek the dedication of key natural heritage features and key hydrological features and their associated minimum vegetation protection zone(s), through the development approval process to an appropriate public agency at no public expense. The limits of a key natural heritage feature or a key hydrological feature or its functions must be determined through the approval of a draft approved plan of subdivision, consent or through a site plan approval. Once the limits of the feature have been determined through an approval process, the limits shall not be reduced. 28 The Town shall develop Sustainable Design Criteria to ensure the sustainable design policies of this Plan are addressed through individual development applications. 29 Development shall achieve a minimum baseline of sustainable design performance for energy, water and storm water management and other sustainable features. Identified high density growth areas will provide walkable streets and transitoriented development. Development is required to, the greatest extent possible, to preserve existing trees Natural Environment Management The Official Plan directs us to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment by continuing to promote public awareness and stewardship initiatives that Greenway System in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp. 3-22: Sustainable Design in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp November 2013 B-15

130 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B educate residents about the value and importance of protecting the natural environment and that involve residents in the planting and care of trees Greenway System The Official Plan also focuses on preserving, connecting, enhancing and restoring the Greenway System in Richmond Hill. This Greenway System includes environmental, agricultural and urban open space lands and the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM). The Greenway System shall include the core natural features and linkages both on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area and within the Greenbelt Plan Area, as well as open spaces both within and outside of the settlement area Woodlands Woodlands are essential components of the Greenway System, and at present, woodlands comprise approximately 14% of the total land area of Richmond Hill. Because much of the remaining woodland cover is fragmented and lacking in interior habitat areas, maintaining and enhancing woodlands and integrating them into new and existing communities is of utmost importance to the Town. 30 The Official Plan aims to protect woodlands as part of the Greenway System recognizing the importance of the urban forest. The Town shall strive to increase tree cover to a minimum of 25% of the Town s total land area. New development and site alteration will be limited or prohibited within or adjacent to Woodlands. A vegetation protection zone of 10 meters or more shall be used. The Official Plan directs Richmond Hill to work with York Region in developing the Regional Urban Forest Management Plan that may determine locally significant woodlands and a strategy to increase tree cover in the Town Wildlife Management There are no specific policies that address the management of urban wildlife in the Richmond Hill Official Plan. However, similar to the regional plan, there are policies that address the protection, enhancement and maintenance of wildlife habitat. These 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 Natural Linkage designations Biodiversity While Richmond Hill s Official Plan does not have any specific policies that directly address biodiversity, there are several policies that work to mitigate the threats against Lands of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Area Woodlands in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp to ORM Natural Linkage in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp. 4-41:4-42. November 2013 B-16

131 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B biodiversity. Habitat loss is addressed through policies on the preservation, enhancement and protection of Richmond Hill s Greenway System. Within Sections 3.2, and of the Plan are policies that commit to: Expanding Richmond Hill s urban forest canopy to 25% Preserving, protecting a defined Greenway System Building the greenway system through the acquisition of natural features and buffers defined through the development process (under appeal) Protecting environmental features such as wetlands, forests, vegetation and individual trees Supporting restoration efforts, stewardship, planting native and public education about the value and importance of protecting the natural environment Maintaining existing tree cover and ensuring appropriate planting compensation for removal of trees Connecting and restoring the Lake Wilcox shoreline to support a greater diversity of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and wildlife Invasive Species The Town shall promote the planting of native species. The planting of invasive species shall not be permitted. 32 Surface parking areas should be designed to include native, non-invasive landscaping and low Impact development techniques that enhance the ecological character of the Oak Ridges Moraine Solid Waste Management The Town shall support programs to divert waste from landfills, including but not limited to a waste reduction strategy, building design, and guidelines that support waste reduction and diversion. New multi-unit residential development shall participate in and incorporate three-stream waste collection in the building design Lands of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Area Managing the Urban Forest in Richmond Hill Official Plan 2010: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, pp Design: Walkable Streets and People Places in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp Waste Management in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-17

132 4.3.9 Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B The Town encourages the growing of produce through urban agriculture, including communal gardens. High density residential development shall be encouraged to provide permanent and viable growing space with solar access and related facilities such as rainwater harvesting systems and storage areas for tools Sustainable Design: Local Food Production in Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban (2010). pp November 2013 B-18

133 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 5.0 Conclusion The Strategic and Official Plans in Richmond Hill set clear direction to actively manage, protect, restore and enhance the natural environment. Future urban growth will be directed away from the Greenway System, which will be protected and enhanced over time. 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 will continue to support programs to divert waste from landfills, including but not limited to a waste reduction strategy, building design, and guidelines that support waste reduction and diversion. The Environment Strategy will address the policies set out in the Strategic and Official Plans, and serve as an implementation tool for them. November 2013 B-19

134 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix B 6.0 Resources Town of Richmond Hill. (2009). Richmond Hill Strategic Plan 2009: A Plan for People, A Plan for Change. Town of Richmond Hill. (2010). Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban. Town of Richmond Hill. (2012). Richmond Hill Official Plan: As Partially Approved by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, (Case No. PL110189). November 2013 B-20

135 November 2013 C-1 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Key Focus Area Departments Legal Summary Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Corporate & Financial Services Environmental & Infrastructure Services Planning and Regulatory Services Community Services Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 S.C. 1999, c. 33 This Act focuses on the prevention of releases and management of toxic and other harmful substances. It also manages the environmental and human health impacts of certain products including fuels, hazardous wastes, environmental emergencies and other sources of pollution. Specifically, this Act requires organizations to report to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and Greenhouse Gas Program (GHG), implement Environmental Emergency Plans (E2 Plans), register applicable hazardous substances before manufacturing and import, report spills with potential international impact, and manifest c.ca/eng/act x x x x x x x x hazardous wastes shipped interprovincially and internationally. s/c- To date, the Town of Richmond Hill does not emit air contaminants above reportable 15.31/FullTe thresholds under the NPRI and GHG Program (50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide xt.html equivalents or more). Under the Canada-United States (U.S) Air Quality Agreement, Canada is obligated to notify the U.S. of any proposed activities that would likely cause significant transboundary air pollution. This notification is restricted to actions taken within 100 km of the Canada-U.S. border. International air and water releases and envirornmental emergencies are likely not applicable to the Town's departments

136 November 2013 C-2 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Domestic Substances List, SOR/ Summary The DSL is an inventory of substances manufactured in, imported into, or used in Canada on a commercial scale. With few exemptions, all substances not on this list are considered new and must be reported under the New Substances Notifications Regulations (Chemicals and Polymer) SOR/ prior to importation or manufacture so that they can be assessed to determine if they are toxic or could become toxic to the environment or human health. The Town of Richmond Hill divisions responsible for importing substances should ensure these substances are on the DSL prior to ordering. Hyperlink c.gc.ca/subs tances/nsb/s earch/eng/c p_search_e. cfm Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services x x x x x Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works New Substances Norifications Regulations (Chemicals and Polymer) SOR/ If a substance is being imported into or being used in Canada on a commercial scale and is not yet found on the Domestic Substances List, a notification must be made under the New Substances Notifications Regulations (Chemical and Polymers), SOR c.ca/eng/reg ulations/so R /index.ht ml x x x x x Release and Environmental Emergency Notification Regulation, SOR/ In the event of a release to the environment of a toxic substance (s. 95), air pollutant (s. 169), water pollutant (s. 179), or of a substance in contravention of a regulation (s. 212) or in the event of an environmental emergency (s. 201), the Ministry must be notified of the release using the 24-hour emergency telephone service. In Ontario, it is the Spills Action Centre or International air and water releases and envirornmental emergencies are likely not applicable to the Town's departments. c.ca/eng/reg ulations/so R /page- 1.html x x x x x x x x x

137 November 2013 C-3 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Fisheries Act R.S.C. 1985, c. F-14 Summary Where there is a deposit of deleterious substances in water frequented by fish that is out of the normal course of events, the person who owns or has charge of the deleterious substance, or who causes the deposit, must report the release. The Act also prohibits work in a watercourse or waterbody which results in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat (s. 35). Where activities such as construction are proposed, which may result in negative effects to fish habitat, the Town must submit plans and specifications for the work to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). DFO will use this information to determine if work may proceed, and provide modifications to the plans, mitigation measures and timing windows regarding the work (s. 37). Hyperlink stice.gc.ca/e n/f-14/ Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works x x x x x x x DFO provides Operational Statements, which provide conditions to be met during the performance of low risk activities to avoid negatively impacting fish and fish habitat. If these conditions can be met, the project may proceed without DFO review. Ontario Operational Statments can be found online at :

138 November 2013 C-4 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Deposit out of Normal Course of Events Notification Regulations, SOR/ Summary Where the deposit of deleterious substances to waters frequented by fish is out of normal events, the facility must notify the Ministry of the release using the 24-hour emergency telephone service. In Ontario, this is done through the Spills Action Centre or Migratory Birds Convention Act, Prohibits the deposit of substances in water or in areas frequented by migratory birds, that 1994 S.C. will harm them. 1994, c. 22 Hyperlink c.ca/eng/reg ulations/so R /index.htm l stice.gc.ca/e ng/acts/m- 7.01/page- 1.html Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Migratory Birds Prohibits persons from disturbing, destroying or taking a nest, egg or shelter without the Regulations, authorized permit. C.R.C., c Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22 Plant Protection Regulations (SOR/95-212) Prohibits any person from growing, raising, producing anything that is believed to be a pest, or may be infested with a pest without authorization from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Also 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 current an Infested Place Order in place for the Asian Long-horned Beetle in parts of Toronto and Vaughan. c.ca/eng/reg ulations/c.r. C.,_c._1035/ c.ca/eng/act s/p- 14.8/index.ht c.ca/eng/reg ulations/so R-95- x x x x x x x x x x x x x

139 November 2013 C-5 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Federal This regulations prohibits the manufacturing, using, selling, offering for sale, importing, or exporting of the controlled substances (ozone-depleting substances) before prescribed Ozonedates. Notable to the Town of Richmond Hill, CFCs may no longer be used as of January Depleting 1, Substances Regulations, As of January 1, 2020, HCFCs, excluding HCFC-123 will be prohibited SOR/99-7 Species at Risk Act, S.C. 2002, c. 29 HCFC-123 will be prohibited as of Jan 1, This Act prohibits killing, harming, harrassing, or capturing an animal which is listed as being extirpated, endangered, or threatened. Also prohibits damage or destruction of residences endangered or threatened species. Hyperlink c.ca/eng/reg ulations/so R-99-7/index.html c.ca/eng/act s/s- 15.3/index.ht ml Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services x x x x Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management x x x x x x x x Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 S.C. 1992, c. 34 The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (and Regulations) apply to the handling, offering for transport and transportation of dangerous goods. "Handling and offering for transport" includes activities such as assembling, packaging, storing, loading and unloading. "Transportation" generally means transportation on public roadways, for example, to and from a workplace. "Storing" for transport is storage in which goods will not be further handled at the workplace other than to load goods directly onto a transport vehicle for the purposes of removal from the workplace. The purpose of the Act is to make sure that any shipping is done in a way that enhances the safety of: 1) the person involved in the transport; and 2) the general public. ctsregulations/a cts- 1992c34.ht m x x x x Note: the Town of Richmond HIll does not currently offer Dangerous Goods for transport.

140 November 2013 C-6 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, SOR/ The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (and Regulations) apply to the handling, offering for transport and transportation of dangerous goods. Specifically, this regulation prescribes that employees that handle or offer dangerous goods for transport require adequate training in the transportation of dangerous goods and hold a valid training certificate. Shipping documents and proper packaging and labelling are also required when offering dangerous goods for transport, as prescribed. Subject wastes that are classified as dangerous goods are regulated by these Regulations. g/safetymenu.htm x x x x Note: the Town of Richmond HIll does not currently offer Dangerous Goods for transport. This code requires all new and renovated buildings (construction for which a permit has Model National been applied for after December 31, 2011) to be modelled to prove compliance with the Energy Code fo energy efficiency standard. The Ontario Building Code requires that all buildings shall be Buildings designed to exceed the energy efficiency levels attained by this code by not less than 25%. Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from the National Research x x x x

141 November 2013 C-7 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial The Act prohibits any discharges of emissions (i.e. air, waste, water) to the natural environment above the prescribed limits outlined in regulations and/or approvals, or which may cause an adverse effect. The Act describes who to report discharges to and responsibilities to remediate the release. Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19 As of October 31, 2011, Ontario s approval process has been streamlined, creating two processes: the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) and Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECA). Prescribed stand-by power generators and comfort heating systems are now registerable on the EASR. The Environmental Protect Act restricts the deposit of waste onto any land or land covered by water without an environmental compliance approval. Environmental Compliance Approvals (formerly known as Certificates of Approval) as referenced in Part II.1 of the Act, are held by the Town of Richmond Hill's Asset Management and Wastewater department. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90e19_e. htm x x x x x x x x Air Pollution Local Air Quality, O. Reg. 419/05 The Air Pollution - Local Air Quality Regulation prohibits the discharge of certain air pollutants before specific future dates above the concentrations prescribed in the Schedules, as well as any air pollutant that will cause discomfort to a person, damage to a property, loss of enjoyment of normal use of property or interference with normal conduct of business operations. This regulation also requires an Emissions Summary and Dispersion Modeling (ESDM) Report to be completed when an application for an environmental compliance approval (air) is completed. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x Where equipment containing ozone depleting substances (i.e. CFCs = R12; HFC = R22; Ozone HCFC = R404A, R134A and R410A) are owned by the Town of Richmond Hill, they are to Depleting be maintained by certified personnel (outlined in s. 34 of the Regulation) to prevent the Substances and accidental release of refrigerant into the atmosphere. Only approved refrigerant may be Other used. As of January 1, 2012, CFCs are no longer able to be used in any equipment with Halocarbons compressors having a total capacity greater than 22 kw. Where there is a release of Regulation, refrigerant, a leak test must be conducted and the leak repaired. If more than 100 kg was O. Reg. 463/10 released, the Town must report the release to the Ontario Spills Action Centre. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x

142 November 2013 C-8 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal General Waste Management Regulation, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 347 This regulation governs the generation, storage and disposal of subject wastes, as defined in the regulation, and may include waste oils and lubricants and waste compressed gases. Included in this regulation are requirements for registration as a generator of waste, the use of certified waste carriers and disposal sites, the use of waste manifests, and storage of waste to prevent spills/leaks. The regulation requires notification to be given to the Director when waste is stored on-site for more than 90 days, and requires application for an ECA in the case that subject waste will be stored on site for longer than 24 months. Roadside hazardous waste removal performed by the Roads Department is exempt from the need for an initial generator registration report, use of generator number when transferring wastes, and manifesting requirements under the field operations exemptions, if the subject waste is destined for a local waste transfer facility. (s. 29.1, 29.2 and 29.5). The recovery and disposal of roadside animal carcasses (roadkill) is also governed by this ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x regulation. If the animal is suspected to be infected with a communicable disease it is designated as a 'pathological waste' under this regulation, and must be treated as such. All other roadkill is exempt from the need for co The Waste Department should be aware that waste collection contractors require an ECA to operate collection vehicles.

143 November 2013 C-9 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Provincial Summary Waste Audits and Waste In Ontario, specific industries are required to conduct waste audits and develop and Reduction Work implement waste reduction work plans. The Town of Richmond Hill would have to follow Plans O. Reg. these requirements for buildings with office space of 10,000 square meters or greater. 102/94 Industrial, Commercial and Institutional In Ontario, specific industries are required to develop and implement source separation Source programs. The Town of Richmond Hill would have to follow these requirements for Separation buildings with office space of 10,000 square meters or greater. Programs O. Reg 103/94 Hyperlink ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works x x x x x x x x Registrations Under Part II.2 of the Act - General, O. Reg. 245/11 As of October 31, 2011, Ontario s approval process has been streamlined, creating two processes: the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) and Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECA). This regulation outlines the requirements to register prescribed systems on the EASR and ensuring the EASR is updated when required. The Town may need to register comfort heating systems and standby power systems ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x Registrations This regulation outlines the registration requirements for stand-by power systems less than Under Part kw powered by biodiesel, diesel, natural gas or propane and comfort heating systems of the Act - using natural gas or propane having a total thermal input of less than 10.5 million kj/hr per Heating combustion unit and a total thermal input rating of all the combustion units greater than Systems and 1.58 million kj/hr. If the facility s stand-by power systems or heating system fit this criteria, Standby Power these systems will need to be registered on the EASR the earlier of when the C of A that Systems, O. currently governs the system is amended, or October 31, Further, if a new stand-by Reg. 346/12 generator or heating system is installed at the facility, it must be registered on the EASR. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x

144 November 2013 C-10 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Classification and Exemption of Spills and Reporting of Discharges, O. Reg. 675/98 Summary This regulation outlines exemptions to reporting releases and discharges under section 15(1) and 92(1) of the Environmental Protection Act. The Town is exempt from reporting a discharge under the following conditions: Class I - Approved Discharge: Where the discharge is authorized under an ECA; Class IV Planned Spill: Where the discharge was planned and consent was provided by the Ministry of the Environment; Class VIII Petroleum Sector: The release of gasoline or diesel in quantities of not more than 100 L in areas restricted from public access or not more than 25 L in areas with public access, from the fueling of motor vehicles, and where the release is not likely to enter any waters or to cause an adverse effect; and Class IX Transportation of Dangerous Goods: The release of dangerous goods in quantities less than the minimum reportable quantity specified in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, and that does not enter any waters or is not likely to cause an adverse effect. Hyperlink ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works x x x x x x x x Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.17 Part II of this regulation outlines the reporting requirements for releases and discharges under section 15(1) and 92(1) of the Environmental Protection Act. This Act ensures that all drainage works constructed under a by-law are maintained and repaired by the local Municipality. Drainage works include a drain constructed by any means, including the improving of a natural watercourse, and includes works necessary to regulate the water table or water level within or on any lands, or to regulate the level of the waters of a drain, reservoir, lake or pond, and includes a dam, embankment, wall, protective works or any combination thereof. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90d17_e. htm x x x x

145 November 2013 C-11 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Provincial Ontario Water Resources Act,.S.O. 1990, c. O.40 Summary The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has the supervision of all surface water and groundwater in Ontario. The Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) protects the province s water resources from industrial and commercial users who might draw more water out of provincial aquifers than can reasonably sustained, or who may discharge any material that may impair the quality of the water. The OWRA prohibits the discharge of any material of any kind into or in any waters or on any shore or bank or into or in any place that may impair the quality of the water of any waters. Where the facility discharges a material out of the normal course of events that may impair the quality of the water, the facility must report the discharge to the Ontario Spills Action Centre immediately. The Certificate of Approval for storm ponds held by the Environmental Services Department is governed by this Act. Hyperlink ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90o40_e. htm Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology x x x x x x x Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Water Taking Regulation O. Reg. 387/04 This regulation provides power to the Ministry to issue permits allowing for the taking of groundwater and/or surface water, including consideration of the effect these takings may have on surrounding ecosystems. Any person who wishes to perform prescribed water taking as outlined in s. 34 (3.1) of the Ontario Water Resources Act must apply for a permit under this regulation. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x A regulation to protect groundwater contamination from the development of wells. The R.R.O. 1990, regulation and Ontario Water Resources Act set out minimum requirements for siting Regulation 903, (choosing a location), constructing, maintaining, and abandoning (shutting down) wells. Wells They also set out licensing requirements for well contractors and technicians ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x

146 November 2013 C-12 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Licensing of Sewage Works Operators, O. Reg. 129/04 Provides guidance on the classification of wastewater facilities, criteria for licensing of wastewater system operators, and operating standards for facilities including overall responsible operators, duties of operators in charge, recordkeeping activities, operations and maintenance manuals, and operator training. The Town's wastewater collection system is classified as a class II collection system. As a minimum, the Overall Responsible Operator of the Town's system must hold a class II collection license. Refer to s. 15 for exceptions. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x Ontario Building Code 2006 Part 6 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) applies to systems and equipment for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning services. It states requirements for heat recovery ventilators in section Ventilation, including ventilation of storage and repair garages, air contaminants, and hazardous gases, dusts, or liquids, is outlined in section Part 7 of the OBC applies to the design and construction of plumbing. The most important section with regards to the environment in the plumbing section is Protection from Contamination. This section outlines the requirements for backflow preventers. Part 12 covers Resource Conservation, and outlines requirements for energy efficiency design and modelling of the building by the requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Builidngs. Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from ServiceOnta rio Publications. x x x x x x x x Ontario Fire Code, O. Reg. 213/07 Division B, Part 4 of the Ontario Fire Code outlines requirements for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids. Division B, Part 5 outlines requirements for the storage of compressed gases. Specifically, the Town of Richmond Hill is classified as storing these products for incidental use, thus s applies. Other possibly applicable sections may be 5.10 for Combustible Dust Producing Processes,5.12 for Spray Applications using Flammable and Combustible Materials, and 5.17 for Welding and Cutting. Most of these processes require exhaust to the outdoors and possibly an Environmental Compliance Approval with the Ministry of the Environment. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x x x

147 November 2013 C-13 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Liquid Fuels O. Reg. 217/01 This regulation governs petroleum storage tanks used for fueling mobile devices, such as vehicles. Where there is a discovery of petroleum products that has escaped into the environment or inside a building that is more than 100 L in areas restricted from public access or more than 25 L in areas with public access, the Town of Richmond Hill must report the release to the Spills Action Center, who in turn will report the release to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) through Ontario s one-window reporting system. The regulation adopts the Liquid Fuels Handling Code under the Liquid Fuels Handling Code Adoption Document June 1, ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x Liquid Fuels Handling Code 2007 The Liquid Fuels Handling Code 2007 outlines requirements for the design and operation of petroleum storage tanks used for fueling mobile devices, such as vehicles. This applies to the fuel outlet located at the Operations Centre. All Town staff should be aware of the emergency procedures for responding to a spill while fueling their vehicles. The Fleet department should be aware of all code requirements, as this group is reponsible for the operation of the fuel outlet. Leak detection is an important part of this code, as are the requirements for the tanks. Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from the TSSA. x x

148 November 2013 C-14 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial Fuel Oil, O. Reg. 231/01 This regulation governs petroleum storage tanks connected to fuel burning equipment. Where there is a leak of fuel from the storage tanks connected to the fuel burning equipment that causes or may cause an adverse effect to the natural environment, the Town must report the release to the Spills Action Center. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x Ontario Installation Code for Oil- Burning Equipment B139ON-06 became law in Ontario after it was adopted by the Fuel Oil Regulation. This code provides criteria for the operation and maintenance of fuel oil tanks and associated piping. Where there is a discovery of petroleum product that has escaped into the environment or inside a building from a stand-by power generator, the Town must report the release to the Spills Action Center. Part 4 covers Venting and Air Supply and requires the removal the products of combustion (contaminants) from the space by means of venting. Part 4 also discusses heat reclaimers which can be used to heat air using the reclaimed heat from the venting. Part 6 covers aboveground and underground fuel oil tanks and their requirements such as inspection and construction. Part 8 covers Fuel-containing devices, fuel oil pumps, piping and tubing, and valves and their requirements. Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from the Canadian Standards Association. x x x x Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, RRO 1990, Reg. 860 Endangered Species Act, S.O. 2007, c. 6 The WHMIS Regulation ensures that information about the hazards of materials used in the workplace is provided by suppliers, and that both employers and employees are trained and educated in the use of hazardous materials. It also ensures that Material Safety Data ca/html/regs/ Sheets (MSDS) and supplier or workplace labels are provided for each hazardous material english/elaw stored on-site. MSDSs and labels provide information on the product in the case of a leak s_regs_900 or spill. Every controlled product, as defined under the Controlled Products Regulation, is a 860_e.htm hazardous material. Prohibits the killing, harming, harassing, capturing or taking of a living member of a species, or damaging the habitat of a species that is listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List as an extirpated, endangered or threatened species, unless provided with a permit. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x x x x x x x x

149 November 2013 C-15 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 32 An act to recognize that people of Ontario are entitled to safe drinking water, and to provide control of drinking water systems and testing of drinking water. The act provides requirements for administration, general operating requirements, criteria for accreditation of operating authorities, criteria for municipal drinking water systems, drinking water testing and inspection. As prescribed in Part V, the Town must have a municipal drinking water license, drinking water works permit, financial plan and operational plan related to its drinking water system. This Act relates specifically to the Town's Class II distribution system. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_02s32_e.h tm x Certification of Drinking-Water System Operators and Water Quality Analysts, O. Reg. 128/04 This regulation is intended to strengthen the certification and training requirements for certified operators and water quality analysts. The Town's water distribution system is classified as a large municipal residential class II distribution system. Operators must hold a certificate applicable to water distribution. As a minimum, the Overall Responsible Operator of the Town's system must hold a class II distribution license. Refer to s. 23 for exceptions. ortal.gov.on. ca/drinkingw ater/ pdf X Drinking-Water Systems, O. Reg. 170/03 A regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act that provides criteria for safe drinking water systems. This regulation requires the Town to sample from their distribution system to ensure the quality of water meets the parameters outlined in the Schedules of the regulation. It also requires the Town to prepare an annual report no later than February 28 of each year. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x

150 November 2013 C-16 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial Licensing of Municipal Drinking-Water Systems, O. Reg. 188/07 A regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act which dictates the date on which the Town of Richmond Hill must hold a drinking water license (February 1, 2009). ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x A regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act that requires holders of a municipal drinking Financial plans, ca/html/regs/ water license to create financial plans. Financial plan criteria are given for new systems as O. Reg. 453/07 english/elaw well as for license renewal of existing systems. s_regs_ _e.htm Weed Control Act and General Regulation, R.S.O. 1990, c. W.5 Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27 An act stating that those in posession of land have a duty to destroy noxious weeds. The act also states that road authorities are considered to be in possssion of all land under their jurisdiction and thus have a duty to destroy all noxious weeds on this land. This Act divides the province of Ontario based upon watershed deliniations, and gives power to Conservation Authorities responsible for each watershed. Conservation Authorities have the power to regulate the use of water and construction/alteration of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands within the watershed. This Act enforces O. Reg. 166/06 described below. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90w05_e. htm oogle.com/u rl?sa=t&rct=j &q=&esrc=s &frm=1&sou rce=web&cd =1&cad=rja &ved=0cce QFjAA&url= http%3a%2 x x x x x x x x

151 November 2013 C-17 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal TRCA: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses O. Reg. 166/06 Under the Conservation Authorities Act, a regulation by which the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has established areas within the watershed where development is prohibited (s.3) as well as areas where development may occur given that an application has been submitted to, and approved by, the Conservation Authority. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x Green Energy Act 2009 S.O. 2009, c. 12, Sch. A Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plans O. Reg. 397/11 The Green Energy Act was created with the intention of promoting the development of renewable energy sources and green jobs. It gives the Ministry 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. Specific to the Town of Richmond Hill, it also gives the Ministry the power to require that public agencies create and implement energy conservation and demand management plans. A regulation under the Green Energy Act which 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. ca/html/sour ce/statutes/e nglish/2009/ elaws_src_s 09012_e.ht m ca/html/sour ce/regs/engli sh/2011/ela ws_src_regs _r11397_e.h tm x x x x x x

152 November 2013 C-18 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Clean Water Act, 2006 S.O. 2006, c. 22 Under Part III of the Act - Effect of Source Protection Plans - the Town must conform with all obligations imposed on it by significant threat policies or designated Great Lakes policies as set out in the source protection plan. Source protection plans are developed by upper tier municipalities, Richmond Hill must adhere to the policies developed by York Region. In the case of conflict between the Official Plan or bylaws and the source protection plan, the source protection plan takes precedent. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_06c22_e.h tm x x x x x x x x

153 November 2013 C-19 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial General O. Reg. 287/07 This regulation establishes activities which constitute potential threats to source drinking water. These include: - the establishment and operation of a system that collects, treats, or disposes of sewage (wastewater) - the application of road salt (roads) - the handling and storage of road salt (roads) - the storage of snow - the storage of fuel (fleet) Source protection plans are developed by upper tier municipalities, Richmond Hill must adhere to the policies developed by York Region. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x x x x x Records of Site Condition - Part XV.1 of the Act O. Reg. 153/04 Protection from environmental cleanup orders for property owners is contingent upon documentation known as a record of site condition (RSC) being filed in the Environmental Site Registry. In order to file a RSC, the property must have been properly assessed and shown to meet the soil, sediment and groundwater standards appropriate for the use, such as residential, proposed to take place on the property. Where contaminated soil is discovered, the Town of Richmond Hill may need to remediate the contaminated area and submit a record of site condition as per this Regulation. A RSC is only required by the MOE when changing the site to a more sensitive property use; however, the municipality may include a RSC as part of their approval process. This regulation prescribes requirements, objectives, qualtified persons, and responsbilities associated with conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments of Site Condition. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x Fish and This regulation provides restrictions for hunting activities, safety requirements for huntng, Wildlife protection of property, wildlife in captivity and the sale and purchase of wildlife. In order to Conservation trap fur bearing mammals such as beavers, the Town must have authorization from the Act, 1997 S.O. Ministry through a license (s. 6). In order to destroy nests or eggs of wild birds such as 1997, c. 41 geese, the Town must apply for authorization by the Ministry. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_97f41_e.h tm x x x x x

154 November 2013 C-20 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Greenbelt Act, 2005 S.O. 2005, c. 1 An Act which designates that areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan as greenbelt areas, for the purpose of creating a plan to sustain the countryside and protect the land base needed to maintain, restore and improve the ecological and hydrological functions of these areas. This includes planning to ensure that infrastructure and transportation development occurs in an environmentally sensitive manner. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_05g01_e. htm x x x x x Green Belt Plan, 2005 This Plan is established under the Greenbelt Act to frame urban growth and development patterns in the Golden Horseshoe Area of Ontario. The Plan 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. ah.gov.on.ca /Asset1277. aspx x x x x x Prescribed Applications, Matters, Proceedings A regulation under the Greenbelt Act, stating that Official Plans or Official Plan and Policies for amendments made within the Town of Richmond Hill must conform with the Greenbelt Act. the Purposes of Subsection 24(3) of the Act O. Reg. 61/05 ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x x Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act R.S.O. 1990, c. L.3 An Act with the purpose of managing and protecting watercourses within Ontario, as well as managing and perpetuating all fish, wildlife and other natural resources dependent upon these watercourses.the Act authorizes employees of the Ministry to enter onto land and clear obstructions to watercourses such as rocks or dams for improvement of the watercourse or to achieve purposes of the Act (s. 24). This Act prohibits the depositing or discharge of substances into a watercourse, and gives the Ministry power to require that the person who discharged the substance take steps to remove it (s. 36). ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90l03_e.ht m x x x x x x

155 November 2013 C-21 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Federal Provincial Waste Diversion Act, 2002 S.O. 2002, c. 6 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, O. Reg. 393/04 Motor Vehicle Regulation 361/98 Enviromental Assessment Act and exemptions O. Reg. 616/98 Summary An Act to promote the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste and to provide for the development, implementation and operation of waste diversion programs. This Act allows the Ministry to require that Waste Diversion Ontario create waste diversion programs for designated types of waste. Under the Waste Diversion Act, this regulation makes electrical and electronic equipment a designated waste for diversion programs, and lists the types of electronic equipment to which diversion programs apply. This regulation requires that motor vehicles be equipped with approved emission control devices such as catalytic converters, and that vehicles meet prescribed Drive Clean emisions standards. The Environmental Assessment (EA) Act ensures that all proponents wishing to proceed with an undertaking as defined by the Act, obtain approval from the Ministry of the Environment by submitting proposed terms of reference followed by an environmental assessment for the undertaking. The Environmental Assessment Act establishes a "Class Environmental Assessment" process to streamline the planning of municipal projects - including some road, water, sewage and stormwater projects. Hyperlink ca/html/sour ce/statutes/e nglish/2002/ elaws_src_s 02006_e.ht ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_980 ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation x Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction x x x x x x Environmental Services x x x x Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works x General - Environmental Assessment R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 334 The EA Act and Regulations provide details of what must be contained in the terms of reference and the process for conducting an environmental assessment. Under Section 15.2 of the General EA Regulation, municipalities in Ontario have the benefit of using the Municipal Engineers Association's Class EA process for certain municipal road, water and wastewater projects. ca/html/regs/ english/elaw s_regs_ _e.htm x x x x x

156 November 2013 C-22 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, CHAPTER 31 The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act was established to protect the hydrogeological and ecological integrity of the area and ensure that it is maintained as a natural landform and environment to benefit future generations. As such, the Act is the basis for the creation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan to establish land designations for the moraine, restrict or regulate land development and prohibit the development of bylaws or official plans that conflict with the contents of the Plan. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_01o31_e. htm x x x x x x x x x x Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 This 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 are only applicable to the northern section of Richmond Hill which fall within the Oak Ridges Moraine, and take precedent over the Town's Official Plan. ah.gov.on.ca /AssetFactor y.aspx?did= 1779 x x x x x x x Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, CHAPTER 25 An Act designating powers for activities performed by Ontario municipalities. These include waste management, utilities, flood control and drainage, and natural environment issues such as tree cutting bylaws and energy conservation plans. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_01m25_e. htm x x x x x x x

157 November 2013 C-23 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial This 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. This Plan identifies the Town as a major growth area within York Region. Places to Grow - A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 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 -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 x x x x The purpose of this Act is to promote sustainable economic development within a healthy Planning Act natural environment through the integration of provincial interests in provincial and R.S.O. 1990, municipal planning decisions. This Act contains criteria for the official planning process and CHAPTER P.13 land use controls. placestogro w.ca/content /ggh/plancons-englishall-web.pdf ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_90p13_e. htm x x

158 November 2013 C-24 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 The Provincial Policy Statement is adopted by the Planning Act to provide policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. Municipalities must ensure that their official plans and decisions on land use policies are consistent with the PPS which: -direct municipalities to protect natural heritage features and functions of provincial signficance, such as wetlands, areas of scientific and natural interest and fisheries habitats; -provides municipalities with a strong policy basis to plan for natural heritage systems and to protect significant woodlands, valleylands and wildlife habitat; -directs protection, improvement and restoration of the quality and/or quantity of water; and -provides strong policy support for municipalities to use watershed planning, identify and protect water related features and promote sustainable water use practices ah.gov.on.ca /Asset1421. aspx x x Water Opportunities Act, 2010 S.O. 2010, CHAPTER 19 Schedule 1 Other Requirements Snow Disposal and De-icing Operations in Ontario Guideline B-4 An Act to promote efficient water use in municipalities by identifying innovative solutions for drinking water, storm water and sewage systems as well as optimizing systems for water conservation. No regulations applicable to RH have yet been passed under this Act as of February Guidelines detailing requirements for snow disposal and de-icing operations in Ontario taking into account practical and environmental concerns related to snow accumulation and traffic density. ca/html/statu tes/english/e laws_statute s_10w19_e. htm ne.gov.on.ca /stdprodcons ume/groups/ lr/@ene/@re sources/doc uments/reso urce/std01_ x x x x x x x x

159 November 2013 C-25 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix C, Table 1 Title of Legislation Summary Hyperlink Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Area(s) Financial Services Information Technology Town Clerk Human Resources Asset Management Design and Construction Environmental Services Development Planning Regulatory Services Events Services Fire & Emergency Services Parks Operations Recreation & Culture Public Works Federal ASHRAE Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality ASHRAE Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low- Rise Residential Buildings This standard is referenced in the Ontario Building Code and specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide indoor air quality that is acceptable to human occupants and that minimizes adverse health effects. It outlines air contaminants that have to be exhausted to the outdoors. Certain contaminated exhaust requires an Environmental Compliance Approval from the MOE. This standard is also referenced in the Ontario Building Code and establishes the minimum energy efficiency requirements of buildings, other than low rise residential buildings, for design, construction, and a plan for operation and maintenance, and the utilization of onsite, renewable enregy resources. It outlines requirements for designing buildings which are energy efficient in order to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It covers building envelope, HVAC, water heating, power, lighting, and miscellaneous other equipment Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from ASHRAE. Not publicly available online. Available by purchase from ASHRAE. x x x x x

160 Appendix D Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs November 2013

161 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Energy Management Plan (EMP), 2010 This plan was published in 2009 and updated in 2010, by the Asset Management Division of EIS. The document inventories the built assets operated by the Town, and compiles a list of energy consuming facility components. The EMP establishes baseline energy consumption for facilities, and sets reduction goals and targets from 1990 levels to be achieved by Roles and responsibilities for achieving the goals and targets are assigned to Town staff. Analysis is provided to support the Plan, including energy consumption and associated cost projections. Finally, provisions are made for communication of the plan, as well as reporting and evaluation of implementation. Section 4.1 a list of past facility energy efficiency retrofits since 1996 Recommend ed Future Energy Efficiency Projects see Annexure 8 November 2013 D-2

162 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP), 2010 A plan presented to Council in 2009, intended to guide the development of a Town-wide pedestrian and cycling transportation network over the following 25 years. The vision of the plan is to support a complete streets philosophy for walking, cycling and public transit. The Plan includes an implementation schedule with short ( ) and long term ( ) actions. The PCMP provides an analysis of existing facilities, and makes recommendations for routes to expand both cycling and pedestrian networks. The PCMP gives a strategy for public outreach and education regarding the cycling and pedestrian networks, and provides for monitoring of implementation and performance measures. It also provides estimated costs (approximately $27.3 million) for the construction and maintenance of the integrated networks over the 25 year span of the PCMP, and proposes funding strategies to cover the costs of implementation. _study_final_report.pdf Recently installed: 90 km of signed bike routes 57 km of signed bike routes with edge line 13 km of bike lanes in residenti al and business areas Table of proposed short and long term actions on EX-10 to EX- 13 November 2013 D-3

163 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, No Date Richmond Hill and Markham joined forces with the Regional Municipality of York, the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Markham Board of Trade, local business leaders and the Federal Urban Transportation Showcase Program (UTSP) to create this transportation management initiative to address congestion. This initiative provides a portal to help commuters organize carpools and provides information for commuters to understand their commuting options. mute_4047 Telework Program, No Date Initiated as a pilot program in 2001, qualified Town staff is encouraged to work remotely from a home office for part of each week and stay in contact with other staff via telephone, and fax. The webpage outlines the benefits of telework to the employer and employee, and provides tips for business owners to implement a telework program in their business. gram November 2013 D-4

164 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Town of Richmond Hill Environmental Policy, No Date Provides the Town s vision to become and environmentally sustainable community and states that the Town s Environmental Management System aligns with their Strategic Plan. Gives the Town mandate to provide exceptional municipal services to the businesses and residents of Richmond Hill. Gives the Town commitment to minimize impacts to the environment through the Environmental Management System. Clean Air Local Action Plan, 2004 A local action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was developed by the Environmental Services Division in 2004 with help from ICLEI, using funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The resulting local action plan fulfills the first 3 milestones of the Partners for Climate Protection program. Reduction targets established by the Town were a reduction in corporate emissions by 20% from the 2000 baseline by the year 2009, and a reduction in community emissions by 6% from the 2000 baseline by the year The document contains a listing of historic and future corporate and community measures to reduce GHG emissions, with quantification of their impacts on emissions reductions. The Town Environment al Policy has been implemented through the EMS and is based upon continual improvement Corporate reduction target achieved in Significant progress towards community target has The Town Environment al Policy has been implemented through the EMS and is based upon continual improvement November 2013 D-5

165 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing been made. Wind Power Feasibility Study, 2007 A feasibility study conducted in 2007 regarding a small scale wind power generation installation within the Town of Richmond Hill. The feasibility study analysed the economic climate and energy demand for wind power in Ontario and proposed that up to 3 turbines with a total capacity of 5 MW could be placed on a Town-owned site. The project was proposed as a link to the Clean Air Local Action Plan and to show that community wind power is viable. A MET tower was placed at the potential site and collected 1 year of wind data in order to develop the business case for wind energy. Be Idle-Free! Campaign, No Date A campaign by the Town to attempt to reduce vehicle related smog. The campaign requests that drivers turn off their vehicles if they are idling for longer than 10 seconds, except when in traffic. This action is in coordination with the GTA Idle-free campaign coordinated by the Clean Air Partnership. November 2013 D-6

166 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) Sustainable Energy Use Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Program, 2010 The Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Project has rehabilitated aging stormwater infrastructure (built in 1985) to provide modern standards of water quality treatment, erosion control and flood control. Pioneer Park is a 26-hectare open space parcel that receives stormwater discharge from the surrounding Don Head Village community. It provides erosion and flood control protection for approximately 700 hectares of land. Project also included Redside Dace habitat enhancement. ater_management_project Crosby Park Water Play Recirculation Field Test, 2010 A project funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal fund to determine if the water used in splash pad play facilities could be captured and recirculated, conserving water. The Crosby Park Water Play facility was used as a pilot for this idea, with capital costs of constructing a recirculating system measured, as well as the water quality in the recirculating system (E.coli and suspended solids). The amount of water saved in the system was cubic meters per year, resulting in the approval of upgrading water play facilities to recirculating technologies. Pond construction complete Recirculating splash pad facility at Crosby Park. 10 year watershed monitoring program Retrofits of existing splash pad facilities, and construction of new facilities as recirculating facilities November 2013 D-7

167 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Key Focus Areas Actions Initiatives Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Sub-focus Areas Water Sub-focus Areas Land Sub-focus Areas Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Sub-focus Areas Implemented Ongoing Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) rk_water_play_recirculation_field_test_en.pdf November 2013 D-8

168 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Community Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Garbage and Recycling Programs, No Date The Town has a goal of diverting 70% of household waste from landfill. One activity to help achieve this goal is the curbside green bin program for the collection of household organic wastes. Green bin and blue bin collections occur weekly in the Town, and garbage collection is every two weeks. Resources, such as the Waste Management Calendar, are available to inform residents about appropriate source separation of materials. nagement Salt Management Plan, 2005 The plan details an operational and procedural framework for ensuring that the Town minimizes the amount of road salt penetrating the environment generally, and surface and groundwater particularly, during its use in winter maintenance operations and commits Richmond Hill to furthering its explorations of new approaches and technologies of salt reductions. It also ensures that road safety is not compromised. gement_plan Work with Water resources protection to identify areas that are more vulnerable to road salts Goal of diverting 70% of household waste from landfill Develop new alternative methods of keeping road safe in winter November 2013 D-9

169 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Community Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Trees in New Subdivisions, No Date Street tree planting is a requirement of the Town within new subdivisions. The City provides general requirements for street tree planting locations, species and information for the care of newly planted trees. This page links to other Urban Forest links including Watering of Trees. y_section_new_resident y_section_watering_of_trees Town of Richmond Hill Urban Forest Study, 2012 The Town in conjunctions with the TRCA, York Region, City of Vaughan and Town of Markham completed a joint Urban Forest Study that utilized i-tree Eco modelling to generate a baseline analysis of the urban forest. This study determined that there are approximately 2,559,000 trees in Richmond Hill, which represents a 25% canopy cover for the Town. The Study included 20 recommendations for urban forest management and next steps for utilizing this baseline information. The Study reviewed the option for the Town to increase its canopy cover to 40%. TTo maintain the current canopy cover (25%) the Study recommended that approximately 60,000 trees must be planted annually. If the Town was to increase its canopy cover to 40%, approximately 134,000 trees would need to be planted annually to achieve this target. November 2013 D-10

170 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Office of the CAO Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing People Place Richmond Hill Civic Precinct Study, 2012 A community engagement and corporate planning initiative with the focus of creating a people place in downtown Richmond Hill. The boundaries of the precinct are on the Town-owned lands within the southwest quadrant of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive. The initiative has resulted in the development of a Vision and Concept Report (2012) providing a vision and key directions for the civic precinct as well as a basis for weighing financial options for consideration. A list of recommended actions generated through engagement includes: providing parks and public spaces for people to assemble and connect; promote business development along Yonge street; promote a vibrant downtown; promote energy efficient buildings; and provide transportation facilities. The key elements of the proposed plans were buildings and structures, open space and circulation (transportation). The following phase of the project will research mechanisms for implementing the community s vision for a people place mond_hill November 2013 D-11

171 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Office of the CAO Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Water Conservation Program, No Date Conservation of drinking water through Summer Outdoor Water Use Guidelines and indoor and outdoor water conservation tips. Links to York Region Water For Tomorrow initiative. nservation Rebate programs Goal to reduce residential water consumption by 20% November 2013 D-12

172 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Strategic Plan: A Plan for People A Plan for Change, 2009 The 2009 Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan establishes a longterm 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 a public consensus of priorities in the community. 1. Stronger connections, integration and protection of green spaces allows for the active movement of plants, animals and people. It also means developing stronger connections on the ground, such as physical networks, like roadways/transit,environmental networks. 2. By re-thinking what the urban environment is, and what it must provide to people in years to come, we can plan for sustainable communities. Better choice for transportation involves transit and roadways, as well as opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians. 3. A healthy environment is essential for a healthy and vibrant community 4. Sustainable environmental management will protect local air, water and land resources for generations to come. This means being even more responsible and less wasteful in our usage of the resources, the goods we consume and the waste we produce. It also involves better choices for greening our community and creating more energy efficient homes and businesses November 2013 D-13

173 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Phase 1: Blue Sky Consultation Findings, 2008 Overviews and summaries of the engagement process for the People Plan Richmond Hill a process to result in a Strategic Plan and Official Plan for the Town. The process actively engaged more than 1000 people through a kick-off event, openhouses, a 2.5 day summit event, and an online survey. Engagement was intended to determine the current strengths of the Town as perceived by stakeholders, as well as their aspirations for the Town in the future. Themes identified included: location amenities and services, community values, parks and open space, transportation, urban planning, arts and culture, diversity, government, environmental stewardship and business opportunities. The Phase 1 findings also include an overview and next steps for the development of the Strategic Plan. e1_blue_sky A Plan for People, A Plan for Change - the Town s Strategic Plan was approved in November 2013 D-14

174 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Phase 2: Community Roundtables and Online Survey Results, 2008 To continue the development of the People Plan Richmond Hill, the 9 main themes identified in Phase 1 (Transportation; Active Places, Green Spaces; Community Values; Environmental Stewardship; Opportunities for all People; Arts, Culture, Heritage; Multicultural Diversity; Complete Communities; and Business Opportunities) were developed further with outcomes and strategies during community roundtables. The roundtable and online survey resulted in the engagement of more than 300 people, and summaries of engagement results organized by theme were created, including background context for the theme, discussion summaries, proposed outcomes and strategies, and benchmarking opportunities. e2_roundtables_surveys A Plan for People, A Plan for Change - the Town s Strategic Plan was approved in November 2013 D-15

175 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Strategic Plan: Key Findings and Future Directions Report, 2009 An interim report for the process to develop a Strategic Plan and Official Plan for the Town, summarizing the results of engagement in Phases 1 and 2. This document gives context about who Richmond Hill is and how they fit into the Region, GTA and Province, what residents think of Richmond Hill, and trends opportunities and challenges facing the Town. Based on this information, directions are identified which are important to the vision for the Town and which can help inform the creation of actions in the Strategic Plan. These key directions are: invest in our people; recognize our environmental and social responsibility; celebrate our identity and place; live, work and play in our community; cultivate strong neighbourhoods; support a competitive economy and connect to our community and beyond. A Plan for People, A Plan for Change - the Town s Strategic Plan was approved in November 2013 D-16

176 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing 2012 Community Survey Results (related to Strategic Plan), 2012 A survey conducted in 2012 which asked 600 Richmond Hill residents questions designed to measure satisfaction with Town services and the progress on implementing the 2009 Strategic Plan. The results of the 2012 survey were compared with results collected during surveys in 2000, 2002 and 2007 for the categories of: garbage and recycling collection; parks and recreation programs; snow clearing; parks, open spaces and pathways; sidewalks; environmental protection; water and sewage; libraries; animal control; fire protection; administration; bylaw and parking enforcement; street lighting; road quality and maintenance and land use planning. d_hill_strategic_plan Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-17

177 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Strategic Plan Annual Reports (2010, 2011 and 2012) The 2010 Annual Report provides an update on progress towards completion of Phase 1 of the Strategic Plan ensuring the Town s plans are completed on time and include policies and recommendations supporting the Strategic Plan goals. The report uses case studies to discuss six key areas of Phase 1 (leadership, engagement, communication, plan alignment, community investment and new initiatives), and the work accomplished during 2009 and early The 2011 Annual Report provides a summary of the completion of Phase 1 and is also organized by the key areas outlined in the 2010 Annual Report. The 2012 Annual Report outlines the progress made towards Phase 2 of the Implementation Plan, organized into the six key areas identified previously. The report also introduces three Council task forces involved in the implementation: the People Plan Task Force, the Civic Precinct Task Force and the Economic Development Task Force. d_hill_strategic_plan 2010: pages 14 to : pages 16 to : pages 19 to : pages 10 to : pages 13 to : pages 15 to 22 November 2013 D-18

178 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Building a New Kind of Urban, 2010 The Official Plan, which is governed by the Planning Act, regulates land use within the town and conforms to various provincial initiatives, particularly the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Official Plan will implement the land use component of the Strategic Plan. The Town of Richmond Hill s Official Plan, adopted by council on July 12, 2012, will proactively shape and guide the future growth and development of the Town of Richmond Hill over the next 25 years. The Official Plan received direction from both residents and from York Region to incorporate sustainable design through the planning of energy-efficient, pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with increased densities focused on centers and corridors. The Official Plan also focuses on preserving, connecting, enhancing and restoring the Greenway System in Richmond Hill. This Greenway System includes environmental, agricultural and urban open space lands and the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM). Growth is directed away from these environmental areas that, over time, are to be enhanced as important natural features of a connected Greenway System that includes a linkage with urban open spaces. The Town will continue to support programs to divert waste from landfills, including but not limited to a waste reduction strategy, building design, and guidelines that support waste November 2013 D-19

179 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing reduction and diversion. Water systems are essential components of the Greenway System, providing environmental, economic and social benefits. The Official plan guides us to protect and enhance water resources that are essential to the ecosystem and human functions. Sustainable Design practices are recognized as an essential component of integrating the built and natural environments and focus on enhancing the Greenway System over the long-term by decreasing the impact of urbanization. The policies of this Plan are intended to continue to implement the Town s role as a leader in environmental protection and management by protecting, enhancing, restoring, and actively managing the environment within the process of urbanization. icial_plan.pdf November 2013 D-20

180 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Socio-Economic Study, 2008 An evaluation of demographic and economic characteristics, traffic, commuting and recreation patterns, housing profile, housing affordability, homelessness and poverty, and quality of life performed to help inform the development of the Town s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. Projections ( ) are included for population, employment by industry, households, income and retail spending potential. These evaluations were used to answer the questions: Who is Richmond Hill? Where does Richmond Hill fit in York Region and the GTA? and What opportunities are there for Richmond Hill in the future? f Official Plan Background Studies Policy Context Paper, 2008 An analysis, performed in 2008, to present the existing legislative and policy framework in which the Official Plan will be developed. This review provides the Provincial, Regional and Local planning contexts for the Official Plan. Provincially, the Official Plan process is governed by the Planning Act. The Town s Official Plan must also conform to the York Region Official Plan and any recent Policy Amendments. The Provincial and Regional frameworks, in combination with the results of engagement from the People Plan engagement process and the Strategic Plan were used to identify major policy themes to be included in the Official Plan. Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-21

181 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Urban Structure Studies: Existing and Recommended, 2009 Two companion studies were conducted in 2009, one evaluating the current urban structure of Richmond Hill and a second presenting a recommended urban structure for the Official Plan. In evaluating the current urban structure, the report takes stock of centres and features within Richmond Hill and the movement areas and linkages between them. The Reports also describe the aspects of the current urban structure valued by residents and stakeholders. The Reports also evaluate how upper-tier planning policies will affect urban structure in Richmond Hill. The document recommending a future urban structure for Richmond Hill recommends that the Town direct growth away from greenspace and cultural areas, and instead develop in settlement areas using a structure of centres and corridors. A goal of the urban structure would be to promote compact, pedestrian friendly and transit supportive built form which protects both the environment and employment. cture Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-22

182 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Economic Policy Review, 2008 A report intended to review current economic policies in place in 2008, and provide recommendations for new economic land use policies to support the Official Plan and provide input to the Economic Development Strategy. The study addresses the shift of Richmond Hill to a more urban community during the planning period (up to 2031) and how this will affect employment growth, policy implications, and new ways for the Town to accommodate employment growth. omic_policy Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-23

183 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Environmental Policy Review, 2009 The environmental policy review to support the Official Plan was initiated with an Environmental Policy Discussion Paper to introduce the review and aspects such as the Greenway System and sustainable development techniques. The Environmental Policy Review Background Report (2009) provided a policy gap analysis, environmental mapping and recommendations to protect and enhance natural features in Richmond Hill s urban landscape. This resulted in the development of an environmental goal for the Official Plan: To position the Town as a leader in environmental protection and management by protecting, enhancing, restoring and actively managing the environment through the process of urbanization. Under this goal, a number of objectives were established including the restoration of natural features, promoting linkages in the Town s Greenway System, and proactively protecting groundwater features. onmental_policy Not applicable Restoration of natural features, promoting linkages in the Town s Greenway System, and proactively protecting groundwater features. November 2013 D-24

184 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Housing and Residential Intensification Study, 2009 As a result of advocacy by the Province of Ontario for intensification to be the key direction for managing growth in communities, as well as development pressures along Yonge street, a housing and residential intensification study was performed to support the Official Plan development. The Study examines the Provincial and Regional policy framework for the Plan, growth projections for the Town to 2031, existing urban structure conditions, and provides a recommended land use design framework and implementation strategy. ng_intensification Official Plan Background Studies Transportation Review, 2009 In response to a population growth forecast of a 40% increase by 2031, and the understanding that transportation capacity cannot be achieved by widening roads indefinitely a transportation review was performed to support the Official Plan. The review discusses: accommodating economic and pop. growth; supportive land use and urban form; providing and promoting transportation alternatives to single occupancy vehicles (transportation demand management, active transit, public transit); and the Town s role in funding. portation - Implementati on strategy pages 117 to 120 of Intensification Study Recommend ations Report Not applicable November 2013 D-25

185 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Infrastructure and Servicing Review, 2010 A report to review sustainable infrastructure opportunities and sustainable techniques and technologies which could be applied in the Town s Official Plan. The Report outlines policy directions for Low Impact and Sustainable Infrastructure which could be used by the Town. Identifies the need to connect land use planning and infrastructure planning to achieve best results. The Review recommends that the Town adopt a sustainable infrastructure policy, promote site appropriate adoption of techniques and technologies, and adopt Master Environment Servicing Plans (MESPs) as a development protocol. _00/Item%204.pdf Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-26

186 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Parkland Review, 2009 The Parkland Review to support the Town s Official Plan consisted of a discussion Paper, a Background Paper, and a Policy Recommendations Report. The Discussion Paper was intended to gather input from the public regarding the Town s future parkland planning strategy. The Background Paper summarizes relevant information and makes recommendations regarding the development of parklands policies. The Background Paper evaluates the social, economic and environmental significance of parks and classifies and quantifies the parks and recreational facilities in the existing parkland system. The review benchmarks the Town s parks and recreational facilities against other Ontario municipalities. The review also identifies future needs for parkland and reviews Provincial and Regional legislation drivers for its development. The Policy Recommendations Report is not available on the Town website and was not reviewed. and Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-27

187 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Urban Design Review, 2010 Background research, policy review and recommendations to help shape the development of the Town. Recommendations included: strengthening the character of the Town by preserving special places and creating new places to foster social interaction and engagement; recognize that placemaking occurs at the Town scale, area scale and site scale and create policies that foster excellence across all scales; create policies that strengthen the Town s existing landscape identity. ndesign Official Plan Background Studies Heritage Review, 2009 A review of Town policies to preserve culture and manage cultural heritage resources, as well as a review of best practices by other municipalities and public agencies, which resulted in the recommendation of cultural and heritage policy directions for inclusion in the Town Official Plan. Recommendations included: key heritage policy directions; policy directions for the evaluation of cultural heritage resources; and policy directions for the protection of cultural heritage resources. age Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-28

188 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Official Plan Background Studies Research and Demographics, 2011 A collection of fact sheets, updated annually, containing statistics such as population growth, estimated future growth, housing type costs and dwelling types. This section of the Town website also contains a 2006 demographics profile, as well as profiles for each of the Town s six wards. search Official Plan Background Studies Low Impact and Sustainable Infrastructure Policy Review, 2010 A review of sustainable infrastructure and policy that interacts with sustainable infrastructure in the context of the Official Plan. Recommendations include: adopting a sustainable infrastructure policy to consider planning, environmental and engineering functions; promoting site appropriate adoption of sustainable techniques and technologies; adopting urban master environmental servicing plans as a development protocol. Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 5_00/Item%204.pdf November 2013 D-29

189 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Downtown Design and Land Use Strategy, 2009 An area specific study undertaken as part of the Town s Official Plan. The Study included public consultation to understand what aspects of Richmond Hill s downtown are valued. Residents value the downtown as the heart of Richmond Hill in a cultural, historic, and civic sense. The strategy was based on three principles: protecting the character and qualities of downtown; promoting downtown as mixed use, transit supportive and sustainable; and enhancing downtown s character defining elements. The design strategy addresses land use, public spaces and circulation. _land_use_strategy Richmond Hill Regional Centre Design and Land Use Study, 2010 An area specific study undertaken as part of the Town s Official Plan. The intention of the Study is to provide a long term vision and strategic directions to promote the Regional Centre as a transit hub and an Urban Growth Centre. The Study used 7 guiding principles in the categories of: efficient use of infrastructure; mobility choices; balanced public realm; land management and built form diversity. The study makes recommendations relating to transportation policies, land use and development policies, urban design policies, sustainability policies, parks/open space policies, servicing policies. entre_design Implementati on Plan pages 77 to 92 November 2013 D-30

190 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Natural Heritage Strategy Pamphlet, 2003 In recognition of the importance of natural features to Richmond Hill, and under the direction of Town Strategic Plan, a Natural Heritage Strategy has been developed for the Town. This strategy includes public consultation and is developed in partnership with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. The Strategy includes an environmental inventory, capital projects strategy, operations and maintenance plan, community involvement and awareness strategy and monitoring activities that will need to be undertaken to support the strategy. e_natural_heritage_strategy Natural Heritage Strategy Volume I: Framework, 2005 This document outlines the overall methodology, goals and objectives of the Natural Heritage Strategy. This strategy is intended to help promote the long term health of Richmond Hill natural features, as well as provide information for Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and projects. Goals include: maintain healthy and diverse vegetation communities; maintain healthy and diverse wildlife communities; maintain healthy and diverse aquatic systems; to create an integrated and connected open space system that balances recreational and ecological functions; to minimize negative impacts to natural areas. No link, document provided by Town. Not applicable Not applicable November 2013 D-31

191 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Natural Heritage Strategy Volume 2: Area Specific Plans, 2006 The Strategy breaks the Town into several Area Specific Plans. The plan areas are based on planning blocks in new areas of the Town and on a subwatershed basis in the old areas of the Town. This document gives visual presentation of natural heritage information for each Natural Heritage Strategy Area, and provides management recommendations specific to each area. No link, document provided by Town. Natural Heritage Strategy Volume 3: Implementation Guide, 2007 A document providing recommendations for implementation of the Natural Heritage Strategy. These recommendations are broken into 5 major parts: Town 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 safe, meaningful and ecologically sound interaction with environmental resources); and monitoring plan (a five year review for area specific plans, and procedures for monitoring conservation and restoration projects). No link, documents provided by Town. Progress towards achievement of Goals outlined in Volume 1 on Page Proposed conservation and restoration project on page 49 The entire report provides recommendat ions for actions to be implemented. November 2013 D-32

192 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Village Core Neighbourhood Design Guidelines, 2002 A plan to promote new construction which recognizes and enhances the character of the Village Core Neighbourhood (on both sides of Yonge Street from Major MacKenzie Drive north to Benson Avenue on the west side of Yonge and Dunlop Street on the east side). The study is conducted in two parts: the first part examines the Village Core Neighbourhood to identify the components of its design which contribute positively to its image (architecture, land use, heritage, building age, lot size, trees); the second part of the study is the development of design guidelines to meet or exceed criteria for the components identified as positively contributing to the Village Core Neighbourhood s image. North Yonge Street Richmond Hill Urban Design Study, 1999 A study, initiated in 1999, intended to develop an implementation tool for evaluation of proposed development along Yonge Street and provide an urban design framework for future streetscape improvements. The study recommended that the built form should reinforce the pedestrian environment, attention be paid to streetscapes, and consistently sized right of ways be enforced. Implementation for the plan is addressed on page 5 November 2013 D-33

193 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development, 2010 A project in collaboration between the Town of Richmond Hill, City of Brampton and City of Vaughan to establish sustainable design guidelines. These guidelines will be used as a tool to create sustainable communities in these three municipalities. The project was initiated in 2010 and had two phases. Phase 1 developed draft sustainable development guidelines, and Phase 2 is intended to generate sustainability metrics to evaluate performance against the draft sustainable development guidelines. g_policy_sustainability Lake Wilcox Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan, 2011 A program led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in collaboration with the Region, Town, and community partners. The program is intended to improve the local environment on a neighbourhood scale and build resiliency. The plan for Lake Wilcox is for Embracing Nature in the Community with focuses in: improving water quality in Lake Wilcox, its tributaries and wetlands; protecting and restoring natural areas; energy conservation and water conservation. Not yet completed Pilot programs and implementation plans not yet developed Not yet completed Pilot programs and implementati on plans not yet developed November 2013 D-34

194 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Lake Wilcox Special Policy Area Review (developed to date), 2011 In 2011, the Town accepted terms of reference to review the Lake Wilcox Special Policy Area (SPA) based on updated TRCA floodplain mapping. The SPA is an area within the floodplain where development is permitted according to OP policy (11). The review will include revised floodplain mapping and an SPA justification report. ke_wilcox Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy, 2006 PowerPoint presentation outlining remediation strategy for Lake Wilcox, a kettle lake in Richmond Hill. Remediation required for water quality and lake stratification. Recommends treating runoff or reducing phosphorous loading prior to discharging to the Lake. ategy.pdf SWM control for phosphorous (4 facilities) Town has implemented 15 of 17 Priority 1 recommendation s from 1996 report. Passive Phosphex treatment for phosphorous November 2013 D-35

195 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Beaver Management Policy, 2008 Updated in 2008, the Policy was established to provide response to presence of beavers on Town-owned and managed lands. The Policy recommends prevention and exclusion techniques for beavers causing problems on private property. The Town s policy will be consistent with the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, recommendations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the policy of the TRCA. pdf Healthy Yards Program, No Date This program is designed to promote the native species within the urban environment. The Town will provide kits for residents to purchase that will provide native trees, shrubs and wildflowers that can be planted as well as rain barrels. The program provides public education on natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and provides Richmond Hill residents with an opportunity to acquire native plants for their gardens, rain barrels, and other items that can help mitigate the negative impacts of yard maintenance on the environment. althy_yards November 2013 D-36

196 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Native Species Guide, No Date The Town has created three native species guides that provide general lists of vegetation that is suitable for planting within the Town and region. The guides include trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Each species includes details such as common name, botanical name, light requirements, soil requirements, flower colours, etc. s LEAF Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests, No Date This is a backyard tree planting program supported by the Region of York. Residents of the Town of Richmond Hill can purchase a tree that includes a 30 minute consultation with an arborist, a 5 to 8 foot native tree, a tree care guide and installation. Community Garden Report, 2012 The Town has reviewed the current functioning of their Community Garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson Park location. The report highlights the current methods of programming and maintenance within the garden. Successful community gardens in other municipalities were reviewed to generate recommendations for the continued operation of the Community Garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson. This Report also recommended that a community garden policy should be considered for the Town. November 2013 D-37

197 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Noise and anti-idling Bylaw, 2008 A bylaw providing times at which certain noises are not to be emitted, and regulating the idling of vehicle engines. Dumping and Fill Bylaw, 2008 Provides for the dumping or placing of fill in all areas of the Town. This includes restrictions for Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine areas as well as requirements prohibiting the injury of trees. Light Pollution Bylaw, 2007 A bylaw to regulate outdoor lighting in the Town of Richmond Hill. This relates to institutional, recreational, commercial, and industrial uses and also applies to residential uses where there are five dwelling units or more on a single lot. Long Grass and Weed Bylaw, 2008 Regulates the maximum length of grass and weeds on all properties in the Town to 8 inches ( 20 cm) between May 1 and October 15 of each year. This is in accordance with the Weed Control Act of Ontario. Weeds considered noxious under the bylaw include ragweed, thistles, poison ivy and wild carrot. November 2013 D-38

198 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Lawn Watering Restrictions Water Use Bylaw, 2008 The Town's Water Use Conservation By-law restricts water use from June 15 to September 30 each year based on odd and even house numbers. ering_restrictions Waste Management Bylaw, 2007 Regulates the number of Approved Containers set out for garbage collection from residential properties each week. An Approved Container is also restricted by weight. df Tree Preservation By-law, 2007 The Town has instituted Tree Preservation By-law 41-07which regulates the removal of trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 20 cm or greater on private property within the Municipality without a permit. The permit application requires an arborist report be prepared by a Certified Arborist. There are permit exemptions within the by-law for specific situations. The permit application costs $ for the first tree plus $50.00 for each additional tree up to a maximum of $ The permit is valid for twelve months. _bylaw November 2013 D-39

199 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Department: Planning and Regulatory Services Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing chure.pdf Tree Planting By-law, 2007 The Town has instituted Tree Planting By-law Chapter 821 that regulates the removal and planting of trees on public property. If an individually needs to remove a tree on public property they must prepare an arborist report that identifies the trees in question including species, size and condition. Tree planting on public lands must also be approved by the Town prior implementation. All work under this by-law must be approved by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Culture. November 2013 D-40

200 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (TRCA, 1994) The purpose of this Program is to undertake an integrated valley and stream corridor management program to prevent, eliminate or reduce the risk to life and property from flooding and erosion of river banks and from valley slope instability to protect and regenerate the ecological health and integrity of these systems and to provide opportunities for compatible public use and enjoyment. The document defines valley boundaries and stream corridor boundaries and limits activities within these areas through policies and criteria. Enforcement procedures are outlined. Figure 10 presents an illustration of legislation routinely affecting valley and stream corridors. Program approved by Conservation Authority as a regulation on October 28, November 2013 D-41

201 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Watershed Plans, Various Beginning in 2005, watershed plans for the York Region/Oak Ridges Moraine municipalities and watershed stakeholders embarked on a comprehensive and integrated update program to update existing watershed plans. This update was undertaken in order to conform to requirements in the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan 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 These updated plans considered: Current and forecasted growth New scientific information Mitigation/adaption actions for climate change Strong community support for state of the art watershed management plans TRCA watershed plans relevant to the Town of Richmond Hill include: Humber River (2008) Don River (2009) November 2013 D-42

202 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Rouge River (2007) Watershed Report Cards are published periodically but not on a regular basis, and now have been rolled into the Living City Report Card, see below. Living City Report Card-2011 The Living City Report Card is an assessment of the current environmental health of the GTA. Within each of the report s six measures are indicators that describe current conditions. It delivers a unique analysis of the drivers that influence the GTA s environmental performance, assesses where we re making progress, sets out short and long-term targets, and assigns grades by rating current environmental conditions against the longterm targets. It goes on to identify opportunities for action by GTA leaders, organizations and residents. November 2013 D-43

203 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions City of Toronto Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing City of Toronto Public Information For Stream Restoration to Protect Infrastructure The Stream Restoration to Protect Infrastructure Municipal Class Environmental Assessment was developed to serve as a broadscale blueprint for channel restoration where interaction with municipal infrastructure has created risk to the environment and public health and safety. The presentation presents 2 case-studies of infrastructure exposed in a watercourse and identifies a preliminary preferred alternative that involves stream restoration for each case. Construction Winter 2012 according to presentation schedule. November 2013 D-44

204 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing York Region Official Plan, 2010 Adopted by Regional Council in December 2009 and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in September 2010, this Official Plan represents York Region's ongoing collaboration with its partners and stakeholders to rethink the way communities are designed, serviced and supported. Key elements of this Plan include: City building in the Regional Centres and Corridors. Minimum 40% intensification in the built-up area. Higher standards for new communities. Well-designed and intensified commercial, industrial and institutional developments. Protection of strategic employment lands. Co-ordination with updated infrastructure master plans. Mobility systems that prioritize walking, cycling and transit use. Higher standards for green buildings and water efficiency. Context-sensitive design for infrastructure projects. Linked and enhanced Regional Greenlands System. Minimum 25% affordable new housing units. Full-cost accounting approach to financial management. The Region of York Official Plan was approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on September 7, 2010 and appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Since that time, the York Region Official Plan 2010 has been partially approved by the OMB (current as of January 1, 2013) November 2013 D-45

205 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Protection of the rural and agricultural countryside. The policies of the Official Plan will guide economic, environmental and community building decisions to manage growth. A series of regional strategies, plans and guidelines will support and implement the policies in this Plan. In addition, the policies in this Plan will help co-ordinate and set the stage for more detailed planning by local municipalities. This Plan will also provide a framework for coordinated planning with adjacent municipalities, as well as with other jurisdictions. York Region Transportation Master Plan, 2002 The Regional Municipality of York approved its first Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in The emphasis of the plan was to support the four designated Regional centres (Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan City Centre, and Newmarket) which are located along the major transit corridors of Yonge Street and Highway 7. An update to the TMP was completed in 2009 to ensure that continuing transportation decisions for an integrated network can be made within the context of recent development trends and legislative changes. The TMP is an essential element in allowing the Region to reach its goals of Sustainable Natural Environment, Economic Vitality and Healthy Communities, while providing safe, affordable, efficient and effective transportation for people and goods. November 2013 D-46

206 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Key objectives of the Transportation Master Plan Update were: Work with the Region's Growth Management Study to select a preferred growth scenario for the Region based on a systematic analysis of transportation implications of potential land use concepts. 1. Update the 2011, 2021, and 2031 infrastructure plans for road and transit based on up-to-date travel demand forecasts for the preferred land use scenarios. 2. Develop a 2036 plan for roads and transit. 3. Determine the need for additional land use / transportation strategies and programs to support the preferred Regional land use growth scenario and the "Centres and Corridors" growth strategy. 4. Assess the implication of the new growth projections and anticipated changes in travel behaviour and transportation demand on the time and extent of rapid transit expansion in the Region; and 5. Define a five-year action plan focussed on plans and programs needed to successfully move people and goods, manage congestion, including specific elements to accelerate a modal shift towards transit and reductions in single occupant vehicles. _Reports.htm November 2013 D-47

207 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing York Region Water and Wastewater Master Plan, 2009 The Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update was completed in 2009, and is the Region's water and wastewater servicing plan to the year The plan also provides an outlook for sustainable servicing to the year The Master Plan update makes more than 50 policy and program recommendations supporting sustainable water and wastewater servicing. To support the Region's Sustainability Strategy, a set of guiding principles were developed to ensure that the Water and Wastewater Master Plan and all subsequent plans will encourage sustainable servicing practices in the Region of York. The key objectives of the Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update are as follows: 1. Work with the Region's Growth Management Study to select a preferred growth scenario for the Region based on a systematic analysis of transportation implications of potential land use concepts. 2. Update the 2011, 2016, 2021, 2026 and 2031 infrastructure plans for water and wastewater servicing based on up-todate unit rates for the preferred land use scenarios. 3. Develop 2031 and 2051 plans for water and wastewater projects. 4. Determine the need for additional land use / servicing November 2013 D-48

208 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing strategies and programs to support the preferred Regional land use growth scenario. 5. Assess the implication of the new growth projections on the water and wastewater servicing in the Region; and 6. Define a five-year action plan focussed on plans and programs needed to successfully services in a way that would protect and enhance its natural environment, ensure healthy communities, and promote on-going economic vitality. tructure+planning/home.htm York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, 2008 On April 24, 2008, York Regional Council endorsed the final Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP), a blueprint to develop walking and cycling infrastructure. The plan will also promote alternate forms of travel, such as combining walking and cycling with public transit, to help The Regional Municipality of York reach our sustainable transportation objectives. The York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan is intended to guide York Region as it works with local municipalities over the next 25 years and beyond to implement a comprehensive pedestrian system and on and off road region wide cycling network. rian+and+cycling+master+plan.htm November 2013 D-49

209 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing York Region Long Term Water Conservation Strategy, 2011 The Long Term Water Conservation Strategy, completed in 2011, enhances and extends, to 2051, the Region's 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 The measures fall into the following four main categories: 1. Residential programs initiatives targeting single and multifamily dwellings and addressing indoor water use with fixture and appliance incentive programs and water audits; and addressing outdoor water use, through landscape audits and water efficient lawn and garden care information and guidance. 2. Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) programs initiatives aimed at ICI building owner/managers, proprietors of laundromats and commercial kitchens and large volume industrial clients. The Region provides rebates for water efficient fixtures, equipment and in the case of industrial clients, water audits including a capacity buy-back incentive to replace inefficient processes with water efficient ones. November 2013 D-50

210 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing 3. Distribution Leakage Detection an International Water Association water audit and water balance of the municipal and regional distribution system was undertaken and a proactive leak detection and repair program was initiated. 4. Education Program water conservation and efficiency outreach and education initiatives including workshops, web site, displays, DVDs, informational resources, partnerships with garden centre retailers and marketing incentives for water efficient plant material targeting residents. Curriculum resources including an interactive web site, York Children s Water Festival and a calendar contest have been developed to help educate and engage students. aterconservationstrategy.pdf York Region Sustainable Strategy, 2007 In November 2007, York Regional Council approved the York Region Sustainability Strategy. This key document represents the first of many steps towards stronger sustainability and will position the Region as a leader in this field. Sustainability means: Leaving our communities, our Region, our World in a healthy state for our children and grandchildren. Evaluating the community, environmental and economic November 2013 D-51

211 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing effects of our actions. Thinking differently, being more innovative and collaborative. Making smarter decisions about our lifestyle, community design, infrastructure and financial decisions. Practising prevention and adaption so that our communities become more resilient to long term social, economic and climate change. The Sustainability Strategy provides a new approach to decisionmaking integrating the environment, economy and community, as well as, emphasizing engagement, monitoring and continuous improvement. This Sustainability Strategy will inform Regional initiatives to address the dynamic growth forecasted for the Region by using the nine principles of implementation. Principle Provide a long-term perspective on sustainability. 1 Principle Evaluate using the triple bottom-line elements of 2 environment, economy and community. Principle Create a culture of continuous improvement, minimizing 3 impact, maximizing innovation and increasing resiliency. Principle 4 Identify specific short-term achievable actions that contribute towards a sustainability legacy. November 2013 D-52

212 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing Principle Set targets, monitor and report progress. 5 Principle Foster partnerships and public engagement. 6 Principle Create a spirit of stewardship, shared responsibility and 7 collaboration. Principle Raise the level of sustainability awareness through 8 education, dialogue and reassessment. Principle Promote sustainable lifestyles and re-evaluation of our 9 consumption and expectations. h+management/growth+management+sustainability.htm Sm4rt Living York Region Integrated Waste Management Strategy, 2011 York Region s Integrated Waste Management Plan is being created in partnership with its nine local municipalities as partners to guide waste management in York Region for the next 40 years. The Plan will focus on shifting minds, beliefs and values to drive waste prevention and reused while maximizing recycling, composting and energy recovery. It will ultimately highlight the need for lifestyle changes and for more informed decisions around the way we buy materials and generate waste. This Strategy is still in development. November 2013 D-53

213 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix D, Table 2 Table 2: Summary of Town, Region & TRCA Environmental Policy Plans & Programs Initiatives Key Focus Areas Air Quality Water Resources Land Resources Other Air Subcategories Water Subcategories Land Subcategories Actions York Region Sustainable Energy Use Sustainable Transportation Toxics and Other Air Contaminants Watershed Management Surface and Stormwater Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Other Green Development Natural Environment Management Invasive Species Wildlife Solid Waste Management Urban Food Other Subcategories Implemented Ongoing York Region Greening Strategy Update, 2012 Provides a context for Regional decision-making that supports a sustainable, natural environment Forms partnerships to drive policies related to greenlands and natural heritage features into action Provides a framework for initiatives to restore habitat, increase forest cover, secure greenlands and their linkages, and promote and protect the natural environment Demonstrates strong environmental leadership Action Areas for implementation include: 1. Enhancement and rehabilitation: private land tree planting, species at risk (NEW), public land naturalization, and naturalization of Regional properties 2. Stewardship and education: educational programming, outreach events, public engagement and marketing 3. Environmental land securement: natural environment land securement, natural heritage trail linkages (NEW), agricultural land natural feature protection (NEW) 4. Leadership, innovation and knowledge: technology/innovation, sharing and transfer of technical knowledge, sustainable communities, investigate funding opportunities November 2013 D-54

214 Appendix E Table 3: Selection of Municipalities Used for Benchmarking November 2013

215 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix E, Table 3 Table 3: Selection of Municipalities Used for Benchmarking Region Greater Toronto Area Ontario Canada North America International Key Attributes Richmond Hill Markham Vaughan Oakville Mississauga Cambridge Waterloo Calgary, AB Winnipeg MB Alexandria, VA Kent, UK Stantec Relationship Stantec project team members have worked with the municipality or have a key contact with the municipality to gain further insight of the environmental programs implemented. Environmental Strategy (Strategy, Program or Plan related to management of the natural environment) ISO 14001:2004 certified Strategy developed and implemented Environmental performance indicators monitored and measured Location (Proximity to major metropolitan area) Centre of the Greater Toronto Area South portion of York Region (Upper Tier Municipality) Borders City of Toronto Main transportation routes include Hwy 404 (north / south connected to Hwy 401) and Hwy 407 (east / west) Public Transit: York Region Transit, TTC, GO Transit (bus & train) Population & Growth (Rapid recent and projected growth) Current population 188,000 Population growth between 2001 and 2006 was 23.2%; 6 th fastest growing municipality in Ontario (behind Barrie, Markham, Whitby, Vaughan and Brampton) Estimated growth to 231,400 by 2021 Similar = +/- 25% current population and similar growth patterns Landscape (Blend of highly dense urban core with high % natural areas) 65% of total land area is urban 35% natural areas (14% forested) Environmental areas primarily kettle lakes, head waters and November 2013 E-1

216 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix E, Table 3 Table 3: Selection of Municipalities Used for Benchmarking Region Greater Toronto Area Ontario Canada North America International Key Attributes Richmond Hill Markham Vaughan Oakville Mississauga Cambridge Waterloo Calgary, AB Winnipeg MB Alexandria, VA Kent, UK tributaries of Don, Rouge, Humber and East Holland River, Oak Ridges Moraine, significant wetland complexes and forest communities Predominantly urban development in the south and natural areas in the north Municipal Organization (Shares jurisdiction and responsibility for major regional infrastructure) Lower Tier Municipality - responsible for Recreation and Culture, Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works Operations (maintenance of infrastructure including municipal roads, water, sewer and stormwater lines), Parks Operations, Local Planning, Local Economic Development, Bylaw Enforcement, Solid Waste Collection, Tax Collection, Building Code. Does not include Public Transit System, Solid Waste processing, Water and Wastewater treatment, Public Health, Long Term Care, Housing, Police Services, EMS, Court Services, Regional Planning and Economic Development. Environmental Division responsible for management of Town s natural environment Economics (Service economy, low unemployment, high income and education) Predominantly services oriented (87.7%). Personal services (23.4%), Retail Trade (18.4%), Business Services (16.5%) and Health Care & Social Assistance (10.7%) Low unemployment rate Highly educated population (40.1% of population 20 years and over having at least university education) Over 40% of economic families make $100,000+/year Culture (Ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse) Large ethnic diversity: Chinese (22.3%), Italian (12.9%), Iranian (7.3%) and East Indian (6%) Predominant languages: English, Persian Farsi (7%), Chinese (7%), Russian (5%) and Italian (5%) November 2013 E-2

217 November 2013 F-1 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Renewable energy installations on municipal facilities: Clean Air Local Action Plan, 2004 LEED standards for new municipal buildings Solar on East Beaver Creek, geothermal at performing arts centre,solar and wind at Richmond Green, Energy savings of 650,000 kwh/yr. (70 homes/yr.) (Town presentation) GHG reduction of 100 tonnes/yr. (20 cars/yr.) Wind Power feasibility study conducted in 2007 investigating opportunities for the municipality to create a pilot project Priority Areas A local action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was developed by the Environmental Services Division in 2004 with help from ICLEI, using funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The resulting local action plan fulfills all 5 milestones of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. Reduction targets established by the Town were a reduction in corporate emissions by 20% from the 2000 baseline by the year 2009, and a reduction in community emissions by 6% from the 2000 baseline by the year The document contains a listing of historic and future corporate and community measures to reduce GHG Vehicle Idling Time tracking and management Idling policy Richmond Hill The Lake Wilcox Sustainable Neighbourhoods Retrofit Action Plan includes activities focused on energy conservation. The Town Energy Management Plan (2010) sets energy use reduction goals for Town facilities to be achieved by 2012 and provides an implementation plan for achieving reductions. Building Automation Systems. and motion sensors Switched to LED traffic lights, crossing lights and Christmas Lights We are currently pilot testing LED Street Lights Energy Audits and implementation of recommendations Education and promotion of energy conservation initiatives for staff and the community (Earth Hour) One of 10 participants in the Mayors Megawatt Challenge

218 November 2013 F-2 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Greater Toronto Area City of Markham and Enbridge Gas Distribution 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 energy efficiency advice. Completed a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Local Action Plan for Emissions Reductions in 2009 for Corporate and Community (Milestone 1) s_emissions_inventory_and_local_action_plan_for_emissions_reductions_20 09_EN.pdf Markham Energy Retrofit Program in partnership with Enbridge Gas Distribution to offer education and incentives to residents of Markham to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Greenprint Community Sustainability Plan includes the objectives of achieving net zero energy, water, waste and emissions by 2050 Uses 2001 as the baseline year for the inventory, and reductions are forecasted to the year The plan resulted in short term actions for energy conservation, development planning to reduce urban sprawl, and investment in alternative energy vehicles 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 OPA in Markham Markham Energy Conservation Office was established in 2005 which is responsible for developing and leading energy conservation programs and creating a culture of conservation in the City. This group will also be responsible for the development of a Corporate Energy Plan (not yet created) In 2010, the City of Markham began developing a project to install a 250kW grid tied solar photovoltaic system atop the roof of a warehouse on Warden Avenue, which was already connected to the district energy utility. In the first year of operation, the Warden Avenue system generated $189,000 in revenue. Reductions in GHG emissions range around 75 tonnes per year the equivalent of about 178 barrels of oil. As a result of this project, Markham now specifies that all municipal buildings be solar ready or include solar, and has four more leased rooftops to develop with PowerStream Solar: a new division of the local distribution company that Markham jointly owns with the cities of Vaughan and Barrie. (GHG Reduction Initiative of the Month) Participation in FIT program with 10 kw rooftop solar project at Markham Civic Centre

219 November 2013 F-3 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Solar Roundtable Event was held in early April, The roundtable hosted Vaughan businesses involved in all aspects of the solar industry such as the manufacture, installation and leasing of rooftop space. A few meetings were conducted thereafter; however they dwindled when the Feed in Tariff program stalled. It is expected to start up again shortly, now that the FIT program is back in place. City of Vaughan is active participant in Partners for Climate Change Initiative. The baseline inventory is complete and will be presented to Council for review in March/April It is anticipated that a Corporate and Community Local Action Plan will be developed with assistance from a consultant in Two Parks have had walkway lighting fully converted to LED lighting. Pilot projects are continuing, including the consideration of solar powered lighting Vaughan Energy audits will be conducted at 28 municipal facilities in 2013 as part of the Green Energy Act. Currently working on the final approvals for PowerStream to lease out space on City s rooftops to own and operate solar panels. The City will be paid for lease. Rooftops on several City facilities will house solar photovoltaic units in order to maximize opportunities under the Green Energy Act Feed in Tariff Program Promotes the Kortright Centre for Conservation located on Pine Valley Drive just east of Vaughan, which provides educational demonstrations of renewable energy and energy efficient activities A new hospital to be developed in Vaughan and the new Vaughan Metropolitan Center are key development areas for the use of District Energy. The City is working with the developers to promote the implementation of District Energy.

220 November 2013 F-4 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Oakville Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Town purchased kwh of green power annually from the Oakville Hydro Green Light Pact program (2006 to 2009) Town purchased 1,470,000 kwh of renewable energy credits from Renewable Choice Energy in 2010 and 2011 Corporate Energy Management Plan to prioritize departmental energy management and optimize energy usage ( ) _Energy_Plan.pdf Environmental Strategic Plan Target for the Town to reduce the use of non-renewable energy resources and to encourage the use of alternative energy Sustainable Design Guidelines to ensure the efficient use of resources in energy in the construction and operation of Town facilities. This includes a requirement that all new municipal buildings over 500 square meters must be built to LEED Silver Certification Standards Oakville s Urban Forest: Our Solution to Our Pollution an attempt to quantify urban forest functioning with respect to air pollution reduction. The report identifies management tools to support urban forest in Oakville. Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs PCP milestones 1 and 2 (inventory and reduction target) completed for a baseline year of HGEmissionsInventory.pdf A corporate operations GHG emissions target of 20% below 2004 levels by 2014 and a community GHG emissions target of 6% below 2004 levels by 2014 creation of a corporate local action plan (2009) elap.pdf and a community energy plan (2011 Appendix D) ESPFINAL.pdf Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Sixteen Mile Creek Sports Complex LEED Gold certified optimized energy performance resulting in energy cost savings of 42% Town green energy purchases from 2008 to 2011 Energy retrofits of Town facilities resulting from MCW Custom Energy Solutions Energy Feasibility Study gave an estimated 1,172 tonne reduction in annual GHG emissions.

221 November 2013 F-5 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Mississauga One of ten participating municipalities in the Mayors Megawatt Challenge. The Mayors' Megawatt Challenge brings GTA municipalities together to share their energy management knowledge, experience, best practices and group purchasing with the goal of a One Megawatt energy reduction. Municipalities are partnering to benchmark their facilities' performance against other similar facilities and to demonstrate leadership. Communitywide benefits of the Mayors' Megawatt Challenge include reduced municipal operating costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner local air, improved buildings and opportunities for local businesses. Municipalities are about halfway to reaching their goal of saving One Megawatt. Based on energy savings from 2003, 48% of one Megawatt has been saved (One megawatt equals 1000 kilowatts; a megawatt hour would cost approximately $90). The Mayors' Megawatt Challenge is supported by the Office of Energy Efficiency of Natural Resources Canada and adopted by the Toronto and Region 2003 Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air. City of Mississauga developed a staff energy awareness program called Energenius PCP Corporate Milestone 3 and Community Milestone 2 Target to reduce per capita eco2 emissions to 12% below 1998 levels by Current initiative to replace all street and traffic lights with LEDs. Since 2007, the roof of the Hershey Centre has been home to a team of 144 photovoltaic panels that connect to form one of the largest solar installations in Mississauga. The project is jointly funded by the City of Mississauga and Enersource. These solar panels generate approximately 25 kilowatts of electricity, which is equivalent to the power required to light a typical fire station in one year. The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 kilograms per year for approximately 25 years. The City of Mississauga conserves energy by purchasing locally sourced green power from Bullfrog Power for its Civic Centre (between 5,000 9,999 MWh) The installation of the Huron Park recreation Centre Solar Water Heating Project was completed in December Domestic hot water (DHW) is being pre heated with solar energy before entering the natural gas fuelled water heaters. Installation of waste heat recovery systems from ventilation systems and from pool dehumidifiers

222 November 2013 F-6 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Cambridge Waterloo Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Boxwood Business Park Workshop workshop to explore the development of Sustainable and Ecological Principles and Guidelines that could be incorporated into the development of the Boxwood Industrial Subdivision. This included the integration of renewable energy A priority of the Economic Development Strategy for the City is to promote the development of solar and other renewable energies through a Solar Industry Network Group Creation of the Energy Management Plan was intended to decrease GHG emissions and energy consumption. Region of Waterloo s Official plan encourages renewable energy Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Ontario GHG Inventory Report Facilities, Management and Development was created in 2010 (achievement of Milestone 1 of PCP Corporate and Community). Next steps identified for the project included an inventory of fleet emissions, communications of results to the public, and working towards emissions reductions. no local action plan has been developed The City of Waterloo is participating in a local partnership called Climate Action WR to develop a community scale greenhouse gas inventory, action plan and reduction target for Waterloo region. Climate Action WR is led by REEP Green Solutions, Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Region of Waterloo in collaboration with the area municipalities (Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo) and local electric and natural gas utilities. In 2011, Climate Action WR which was first referred to as the Climate Collaborative received $180,000 in initial funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, and was recently approved for a Green Municipal Fund grant of $143,500 to further support the community action planning process. To date, the Corporate and Community inventory (milestone 1 of PCP) is complete. Milestone 2 and 3 are anticipated to be complete in June Corporate Milestones for PCP is on City s radar; however, first goal is to comply with Green Energy Act and may use the inventory data to assist in completing inventory for PCP. Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Energy efficiency design summary form a requirement of building permit applications for the City 75% natural lighting in City Hall in order to reduce energy consumption associated with lighting Installation of geothermal heating system at WG Johnson Utility costs reduced by 50% at 9 City facilities due to energy efficiency programs LEED Gold City Hall featuring a green roof, living wall, and water and energy efficiency features. Study included: public survey, selection of sites for 50 m meteorological (MET) towers, creation of Wind Energy DVD documenting installation of MET tower for educational purposes, two public open houses, creation of information on a website about the Study and analysis of the measured results of final analysis of wind regime. City Hall along with a number of other buildings (not necessarily municipal) have adopted green roofs to reduce energy costs. Conducted Wind Energy Feasibility Study in 2010 with Region of Waterloo and Wind Energy Group at the University of Waterloo. Recommended the installation of a demonstration wind turbine and solar panels at RIM Park s Green Lab. Determined to only implement solar panels as wind turbines did not generate enough return on investment and the turbines would be located near a large residential area which would cause concerns. A report will be provided to Council to build a Solar Shade Structure in the near future. FCM granted $55,000 and the Region of Waterloo and City of Waterloo matched the cash contributions in kind

223 November 2013 F-7 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Calgary Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Green electricity agreement with ENMAX (city owned natural gas and electricity company), which started with 75% green electricity for corporate operations in The target in 100% green electricity by the City by ENMAX owner of 2.5 wind farms Municipal Development Plan, 2009: mandate from Calgarians to reduce City s dependence on fossil fuels by creating opportunities to generate renewable energy Goal for 2036 is for 30% of Calgary s energy to come from low impact renewable sources Sustainable Building Policy supports exploring options for onsite renewable energy generation for City of Calgary facilities Urban Forest Strategic Plan to offset carbon emissions Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 caters to a variety of renewable energy technologies, but not wind energy generation. Currently conducting project to accommodate wind turbines of various scales in certain Land Use Districts. Policy document likely to be developed to supplement the Land Use Bylaw. Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Canada Calgary Climate Change Accord: 8 other Work Energy Cities Partnership municipalities (Houston, USA; Perth, Australia; Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Stavanger, Norway; San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago; Aberdeen, UK; and Halifax and St. John s) committed to reduce emissions by a minimum 20% by 2020 and minimum of 80% from the 2005 baseline by Each WECP cities must develop a plan to reduce GHG emissions. Also requires municipality to establish a 2005 baseline of all community GHG sources, create a plan to reduce emissions and promote lower carbon living and establish a mechanism to report community progress; as well as to take a lead role in building collaborative relationships between business, government, NGOs and postsecondary institutions by creating an annual forum to develop progress strategies and reporting procedures and create opportunities for energy efficient economic development. Calgary Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2011): 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 50% below 1990 levels by 2036 and 80% below 2005 levels by n_nov_2011.pdf imagine CALGARY target of 50% reduction below 1990 levels by 2036 Since 1994, signed up for Partners for Climate Protection program Calgary Regional Airshed Zone Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Plan (2008) focus on future management of PM and O3 in accordance with the provincial policy Corporate Milestone 5 and Community Milestone 4 within PCP program Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Install flat lens energy efficient street lights Retrofitted traffic lights with LED bulb lights (more visible and use 80% less energy) Downtown district energy: heating plant in the city s downtown core provides space heating and hot water through an underground thermal distribution system. Downtown facilities will not have to maintain their own boiler systems and occupies significantly less space that a traditional heating system. Closed loop system which high efficiency boilers reheat and return to customer. At least City buildings are connected to district energy and piping being installed for one additional building. Use of Green Building Index to measure reductions in energy consumption and GHG emissions (still in development stage) Greenhouse Gas Action Toolkit for Alberta Communities

224 November 2013 F-8 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Winnipeg Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Building User Energy Efficient Practices Education / Promotion Program: The measurability of this is well proven in the energy industry. Recently and locally, the Pembina Trails School Division ran a multiyear program with a focus on lowcost/nocost energy solutions. The low-cost solutions involved training and promoting energy conservation in classrooms and empowering students to track and innovate ways to save energy. Priority Areas Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs Corporate Milestone 4 and Community Milestone 1 of PCP program Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Implementation of Power Smart project retrofits to reduce electricity and natural gas use around city facilities such as the Pan Am Pool Complex The sale of Winnipeg Hydro is attributed to recent decline in GHG emissions. However the project did not reduce them it merely displaced them to another jurisdiction that did not fall under the municipal inventory Manitoba Hydro has switched the source of fuel at its Selkirk generating station (which supplied power to customers in Winnipeg) from coal to natural gas, reducing emissions by approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This was reflected in the database software used to develop the inventory The City of Winnipeg is in the process of replaced the older incandescent bulb traffic signals with newer LED technology. The newer technology is more reliable, has a longer lifespan and uses considerably less energy. As of July 31, 2006, the Department of Public Works had installed approximately 5,950 LED systems out of a total of 18,700 units. Winnipeg enjoys an advantage over other cities because of our use of hydroelectric power. Hydro power does not produce anywhere near the greenhouse gas emissions of fossil fuels.

225 November 2013 F-9 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Energy Use Alexandria, VA Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Practices Programs and initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient practices within the Municipal Organization AND the community Alexandria City Public Schools has chosen to have 10% of its energy supplied by renewable energy company, which supports more than 55 different wind farms across the U.S. In addition, the City will purchase 5% of its electricity needs through green certificates, which promote the use of renewable power in City government buildings. Priority Areas Presence of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Local Action Plans Use of the inventory and local action plans to guide policies and decisions and programs to reduce GHGs North America The City s GHG emission inventory report identifies the most significant sectors contributing to the City s carbon footprint. Measures implemented due to increased reporting are: the hiring of an Energy Manger and established an energy conservation committee, developed an internal green building policy as well as a green building committee Greened the city fleet by expanding the purchase of biodiesel and hybrids Distributed CFLs to the public as an education and awareness campaign Innovative Measures to Reduce Energy Demand and GHG Emissions Examples of innovative measures/technologies to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions Using funding from the Department of Energy EECBG (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant) program, the City and Alexandria Library worked jointly to complete installation of a solar photovoltaic system at the Beatley Central Library. Alexandria Renew installed 40 solar panels on the roof of its main pump station building The City has already installed eight solar illuminated bus shelters. The City received a $500,000 federal grant for bus shelter design The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services has partnered with Dominion VA Power to retrofit approximately 34 streetlights with light emitting diode (LED) technology Kent, UK Thanet College, Swale Skills centre and Dong Energy (London Array) have established a Wind Turbine Technologies Apprenticeship. Nine Apprenticeships have been studying since October The UK Renewable Energy Strategy sets out how Kent will meet legally binding target of 15% of all energy from renewable sources by Put out a Low Carbon Opportunities for Growth document in 2010 highlighting the direction Kent is taking in the coming years. This includes drastically expanding the renewable energy sector ment/lowcarbonopportunities.pdf Energy Grant 500 is a programme managed by Business Support Kent which helps firms understand where they are using most energy and provides grants of up to 500 for energy reduction measures. So far, the scheme has saved over 580 tonnes of carbon annually, generated nearly 2,000 in new spending on energy saving measures and saved small businesses an average of 210 per year. International Kent has created an inventory that lists emissions broken down into Scope 13. The report includes data from An explanation of the trends in also provided. ange/environment_policy_and_targets/greenhouse_gas_emissions.aspx Valley Park Community School, Maidstone heats its classrooms with a biomass boiler that uses fuel from local woods within a 15mile radius Kentish Flats, a completed development of 30 turbines serviced from Whitstable Thanet Offshore, a development of 100 turbines currently under construction, using the Port of Ramsgate as its construction base and site for future operations and maintenance London Array, a development of 271 turbines, with the first phase now proceeding, and a major new substation under construction at Graveney. The developers (DONG Energy and E.On) also intend locating future operations and maintenance at Ramsgate.

226 November 2013 F-10 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Richmond Hill Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (2010) intended to guide the development of a Townwide pedestrian and cycling transportation network over the following 25 years. The vision of the plan is to support a complete streets philosophy for walking, cycling and public transit. 90 km of signed only bike routes; 57 km of signed bike routes with edge line and 13 km of bike lanes in both residential neighbourhoods and business parks Smart Commute Markham/Richmond Hill partnership works with 22 businesses and has 20,000 members involved in carpooling programs Electric vehicles and charging station Reduced 2.5 million vehicle km traveled (since 2005) Noise and ant idling Bylaw, 2008 Bike Pathways Map for Richmond Hill residents Telework Program initiated as a pilot program in 2001, qualified Town staff is encouraged to work remotely from a home office for part of each week The webpage outlines the benefits of telework to the employer and employee, and provide tips for implementation in businesses Be Idle Free! Campaign, a campaign by the Town to attempt to reduce vehicle related smog. The campaign requests that drivers turn off their vehicles if they are idling for longer than 10 seconds, except when in traffic. This action is in coordination with the GTA Idle free campaign coordinated by the Clean Air Partnership. Bike Valet offered at all Town events Offer discounted transit pass for full time employees SHIFT GEARS Promotional Program for sustainable transportation (Facebook, twitter, runs events and contests to promote) Participates in annual Bike to Work Day with local businesses and residents Actively promote active transportation news and events through dedicated twitter and Facebook accounts Promote residential participation through Luv2Shift Gears event Coordinate with Regional Municipalities to develop an active transportation corridor known as Lake to Lake Offer access to 8 car pool parking spots for registered car pool participants Provide End of Trip Facilities such as bike storage and showers at the Municipal office Provide bike racks and bike lockers at Municipal buildings such as Community Centres to promote cycling Promote Smart Commute Week and Car Pool Week to employees and residents Vehicle fluid testing & recycling Vehicles oil is sent off for testing to determine whether it actually needs to changing rather than changing it on a time/ mileage basis Fuel consumption monitoring Most fleet vehicles are installed with a vehicle monitoring system, this allows the Town to determine how much fuel a vehicle is using which helps with vehicle downsizing Idle monitoring: The vehicle monitoring system also measures the amount of time a vehicle idles. Those vehicles that are required to idle for safety or for power generation have extra batteries & inverters installed so that power can be generated without running the vehicles engine Use of biodiesel in the Towns diesel fuelled fleet Green fleet purchasing Town currently owns one electric vehicle used by the Fire Department, and many hybrid electric vehicles Fleet strives to purchase new vehicles that are hybrid electric, the parks department replaced all its 2stroke trimmers with 4 stroke engines for emissions reduction.

227 November 2013 F-11 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Markham Pathways and Trails Master Plan completed in f33ba050/MkmTMP_03_ExSummary.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHE ID=1f b44a2dfbc1cbca0f33ba050 Supports a goal of the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Libraries Master plan ( ) to improve walking and road cycling routes to better serve residents Goal to increase the trail network to 175 km over the next 50 years, from the 2009 level of 32 kilometres of trails Greater Toronto Area Participation in and promotion of the Smart Commute carpooling program City website provides references to transportation demand management Transportation Canada database, no indication of TDM activities specific to Markham No information obtained. With funding approved in the 2012 Capital Budget, the City will install an additional 6km of bicycle routes, new bicycle parking, and design and implementation of the City's first bike lanes. Staff is also developing the Vaughan Cycling Forum (VCF) to help shape and provide input into future cycling initiatives The Smart Commute North Toronto Vaughan Employee Trip Reduction program improvements in the past year Have included installing carpool spots at JOC and City Hall, and increasing staff participation in the program. A Green Fleet strategy was created April, Includes right sizing and looking into a bike share model. The City measures the % of low emission vehicles in their fleet. First data calculation will be provided in April Vaughan The City participated in the Personal Travel Planning pilot project in late 2010 and throughout 2011 coordinated by Region of York s Infrastructure Planning, Planning and Development Services. The Personal Travel Planning (PTP) employs a community based social marketing approach to behavior change which identifies a key barrier to a desired behavior and implements a strategy to mitigate that barrier. PTP addresses residents lack of information about transportation alternatives as a barrier to increased use of sustainable travel modes. The target area of the pilot in Vaughan was 2,500 households in Thornhill bounded by Yonge, Bathurst and Centre Streets, The results of the pilot in Thornhill showed a 17 percent drop in single occupant vehicle trips and an overall doubling of transit trips attributable to a strong transit infrastructure in the area. City fleet. The City of Vaughan enter into a partnership with other Ontario municipalities in a Pure Electric Vehicle Municipal Feasibility Program, where each municipality would pilot the use of two pure electric vehicles for a 24 month period and collect and share information on best practices. The City is interested in this Program because it involves the use of ½ tonne vehicles and one of the manufacturers in from Vaughan. Source funding for the Program has been difficult and has delayed the Program 68 months. The City is still interested if it starts up. One of the initiatives within the Green Fleet Strategy involves integrating electric vehicles into the PowerStream, the City of Vaughan and Nissan partnered to provide an incentive to City employees to purchase an electric vehicle. To support this incentive, the City installed an EV Charging Station.

228 November 2013 F-12 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Oakville Official Plan requirement for a town wide cycling and pedestrian network to connect the community Active Transportation Master Plan which includes a ten year implementation strategy to increase the length of available pedestrian and cycling network by 500 kilometres. This would bring the entire network to 1500 km of on and off road trailways, and includes a funding strategy rt.pdf Switching Gears, Oakville s Transportation Master Plan Update (2012) designed to meet transportation needs of Town s growth to 2031 supports active transportation initiatives such as outreach and education, as well as network improvements Switching Gears, Oakville s Transportation Master Plan Update (2012) provides consideration for Transportation Demand Management through coordination with Smart Commute Halton promoting activities such as: carpooling, employer subsidized public transportation, telework and offpeak travel. Environmental Strategic Plan (2005) Action 3.3: to promote and use Transportation Demand Management North Oakville East Secondary Plan resulted in considerations for TDM through the provision of parking services, such as pricing parking higher than transit fares, reducing fees for van and carpooling, and specifying parking supply limits in zoning bylaws Sustainable Green Fleet Procedure, which prioritizes the right sizing of vehicles and purchasing of low emission and alternative fuelled vehicles in purchasing. No evidence available that monitoring is in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, however a report to council gives progress on its level of implementation port.pdf Fleet emissions are tracked through commitments to monitoring for the Partners in Climate Protection Program. However, this value is only the eco2 total for the entire fleet and does not subdivide green fleet emissions. Get Active Mississauga promotes active transportation Mississauga has implemented a Ridesharing for City employees, the Cycling Master Plan, paid parking at City operated parking in the City Centre and other main street areas. Mississauga Walk + Roll Peel program is a joint effort between Peel Region, Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. It is a trip planning program based around walking and biking The City has made considerable investments in the trails system for walking and cycling The City has implemented an Idling Control Bylaw Smart Commute is a non-profit Transportation Management Association (TMA) that works to reduce traffic congestion and to take action on climate change by encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transportation in the City of Mississauga and the Pearson Airport Area In 2005, the City of Mississauga began "The City Fleet Emissions Reductions Study". The study recommended that the City downsize some of its fleet vehicles and replace them with fuel-efficient hybrid electric vehicles. As a result, by 2010 right sizing of 94 fleet vehicles had occurred and investigation of the use of biodiesel was underway. f

229 November 2013 F-13 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Ontario Cambridge Waterloo 140 km of cycling lanes on City streets. Core Areas Parking Master Plan identifies need for a Transportation Demand Management Plan with an emphasis on promoting active transportation 70 km of recreational trails Staff carpooling program introduced in 2007/ km of trails along the banks of the Speed and Grand Rivers Promotion of Carpool Zone website for matching commuters A Bikeway Network Master Plan was developed in 2008 to update existing bike routes and to create new routes. The plan also looks to participates in Smart Commute increase the availability of bike parking Cambridge Cycling Focus Group as a subcommittee of the Trails Committee, is helping to implement the Bikeway Network Master Plan Core Areas Parking Master Plan identifies need for a Transportation Demand Management Plan with an emphasis on promoting active transportation A priority action of the Bikeway Master Plan is the development of an Active Transportation Master Plan, targeted for 2013 Waterloo Advisory Committee on Active Transportation advises Council on existing and proposed modes of transportation for the planning and development of safe, sustainable and accessible transportation system (John Griffin) Transportation Master Plan, April 2011, has 4 guiding principles: accessible, choice, sustainable and fiscally responsible. Recognizes multimodal system of walking, cycling and transit The City is registered as a member and promotes the Travel Wise Program, which encourages alternative forms of transportation to reduce parking needs including walking and cycling. Members are provided information brochures on cycling and walking as well as a map of the cycling pathways in the city Davenport Road Diet shifts roadway space use to accommodate alternative forms of travel. Other road diets are planned. Conforms to City s developing Complete Streets approach to roadway planning and design. Travel Wise is a Transportation Demand Management program run by the Region of Waterloo that provides an assortment of transportation tools and services for individuals and employees that register as part of the Travel Wise Transportation Management Association (TMA). Includes ride matching for carpoolers, personalized trip logging and reporting, emergency ride home program and a discount of GRT Corporate Passes. City is exploring fleet management through the installation of GPS in vehicles to determine the most fuel efficient routes. The City developed a Green Fleet Plan and conducted a fleet assessment, which focused to: Shift to alternative fuelled vehicles and equipment Increase preventive maintenance Use environmental friendly products and procedures in fleet service centre Fleet use optimization Right sizing equipment

230 November 2013 F-14 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Calgary s Transportation Plan (2009) links to Municipal Development Plan. 60 year target for the transportation mode split: walking and cycling mode split 2025% Canada Calgary s Transportation Plan (2009) links to Municipal Development Plan. 60 year target for the transportation mode split: transit mode split 1550%. 60 year target of 3.7 transit service hours per capita annually. Enables the development of a primary transit network consisting of high frequency transit service operating every 10 minutes or better, 15 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Council Priorities : increase facilities for pedestrian and bicycles. Design and construct key pedestrian, cycle and roadway projects to maximize mobility Centre City Plan: Target of a 60% transit mode split to downtown Calgary City Council adopted Sustainability Principles for Land Use and Mobility, one of which is create walkable environment Pedestrian and Bicycle Policies and Design reports (2008) provide guidance on how to plan, design, build, operate and maintain walking and cycling as accessible forms of transportation 2009 City focused on improving quality of existing bikeways rather than adding more kilometres Local groups across the City attributed to increase number of cyclists Online and hard copy Pathways and Bikeways map to plan your route Mobile app to navigate the pathway and on street bikeway system (includes detours/closures, safety messages, and park information) City provides now clearing services on 300 kilometres of pathway Over 700 km of pathways connect along Bow & Elbow Rivers, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Creek, West Nose Creek, the Western Irrigation District Canal and perimeter of Glenmore Reservoir 138 km pathway that loops around Calgary 290 km of on street bikeways City operates a transit system that includes light rail trains, buses and community shuttles Promotes car sharing, carpooling and Calgary transit Calgary Alternative Transportation Cooperative, stations vehicles throughout the inner city to be rented to members online Green Fleet Program: 200 city vehicles powered by biodiesel (mainly from waste and recycling services, water services, parks and the fire department); 4 gas electric hybrid cars and 5 gas electric hybrid pickup trucks; idling reduction policy, preventive maintenance program and Best in Class Vehicle Acquisition Policy includes a right sizing vehicle needs assessment

231 November 2013 F-15 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? Winnipeg currently has developed or has funding identified for the The transportation master plan outlines a strategy to build new communities with development of approximately 274 km of active transportation compact urban form with roadways more conducive to mass transit, walking and infrastructure. This includes 149 km of multiuse pathways, 61 km of cycling. neighbourhood pathways, 13 km of bike lanes, 35 km of sharrows and 16 km of bike boulevards. TMPFinalReport.pdf Winnipeg Fleet Management Agency owns approximately 50 hybrid sedans and SUVs. The Agency has more hybrid vehicles on order and continually monitors and assesses vehicle performance and fuel economy of the hybrid vehicles Winnipeg Alexandria, VA The Pembina Bike Lane Project will turn the northbound lanes of Pembina Highway into buffered bike lanes next to the curb lane on both the northbound and southbound directions. These buffered bike lanes will connect the Bishop Grandin Greenway and the bike route along Crescent Drive. Through mixed-use zoning, interconnected pathways, and targeted density increases around public transportation hubs, land use planning encourages walking, biking and other forms of active transportation. The City completed several bicycle and pedestrian projects in 2012 aimed at making bicycling and walking safer. The Charles Barrett Safe Routes to School Project completed construction in October The project included shortened pedestrian crossings through geometric reconfiguration of intersections by the school, sidewalk installation, and parking changes. In Jones Point Park, the Mount Vernon Trail has been constructed with new park and trail connections at North Royal Street linking North Royal Bike Route to Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail. For the Dora Kelley Park Trail, an ecofriendly material has been used for trail surface. As an initiative of the Green Fleet Plan, the City has initiated a transportation demand management project to reduce the number of vehicle kilometres travelled for Corporate operations. North America In April 2012, Alexandria Transit Company (ATC), the operator of DASH (Driving Alexandria Safely Home, the public bus system), took over operation of the King Street Trolley using five brand new 30foot low floor hybrid electric trolleys. With these new buses, over 30% of DASH s fleet is powered by hybrid electric drive train. The City has switched from gasoline to diesel fuelled vehicles for some vehicle types. The City of Winnipeg is evaluating a Plug In Hybrid Gas Electric Vehicle. As the vehicle fleet turns over, the EAP calls for purchasing new sedans or hybrids with an average city fuel economy 20% greater than Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements. The City normally purchases about 15 sedans per year. The City has received EECBG (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant) funding to cover the incremental cost of conventional vehicle replacement with approximately 12 hybrid vehicles. The City launched its participation in the Capital Bike share Network with the installation of eight Bike share stations in the Old Town area. The City Office of Transit Services and Programs established the Transit Incentive Program for City employees. This program encourages transit use and vanpooling by providing a transit incentive, effective July 1, 2005, of up to $75 per month. There is an up to $150 additional pre-tax option to employees who commute to/from work via bus, rail or qualified vanpool. In 2008, the City partnered with Alexandria City Public Schools to obtain a grant for $70,000 to retrofit approximately 40 school buses with clean air technology that reduces pollutants emitted by diesel engine school buses.

232 November 2013 F-16 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Air Quality Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Transportation Promotion of Active Transportation (Human powered transportation) Policies, planning, programs and infrastructure that promote active transportation in the community Implement Transportation Demand Management Do they use TDM for planning transit ready communities, advocacy for transit projects and local business programs (i.e. carpooling)? Presence of Green Fleet If they have a Green Fleet, do they have a Plan and measures and monitoring programs in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Fleet? International Kent, UK Support for a range of walk to school initiatives including Walking Buses, Walk on Wednesday (WoW) and Active Bug. Roll out of Kent Rider + National Standard Cycle training with grant funding from Department for Transport Growth Without Gridlock report highlights how Kent is to expand its transport infrastructure without causing increased congestion and travel times Smartlink a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme which will provide fast, frequent, bus services for Ashford s residents and commuters. The service will benefit from dedicated bus priority measures and will link the town centre to the new development and park and ride sites, as well as existing communities. A successful Green Bus Fund bid will see the delivery of 11 Low Carbon Electric Vehicles on the A20 Kings HillMaidstone corridor in March KCC will also publish a statutory Quality Partnership Scheme, which will set minimum standards for buses operating along the corridor.

233 November 2013 F-17 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Richmond Hill Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Beginning in 2005, York Region/Oak Ridges Moraine municipalities and watershed stakeholders embarked on a comprehensive and integrated program to update existing watershed plans. This update was undertaken in order to conform to requirements in the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan 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 Watershed Plans, Various These updated plans considered: Current and forecasted growth New scientific information Mitigation/adaption actions for climate change Strong community support for state of the art watershed management plans TRCA watershed plans relevant to the Town of Richmond Hill include: Humber River (2008) Don River (2009) lan.dot Rouge River (2007) Priority Areas.ustainable Design Guidelines (SDGs) focused on qualitative urban design and community development principles. Phase 2 of the project will focus on the preparation of sustainability metrics to quantify the design principles outlined in the SDGs. A draft of these metrics is expected to be presented to council in Spring TRCA and CVC s Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide 3. CVC s Designer s Guide for Low Impact Development Construction (September 2011 DRAFT) 4. CVC s Low Impact Development Construction Manual Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? Watershed Report Cards are published periodically by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority but not on a regular basis, and now have been rolled into the Living City Report Card. Monitoring is done using a Water Quality Index which gives a measure corresponding to contamination, magnitude and frequency of excessive inputs of the following contaminants: Chloride, E.coli, Phosphorous, ammonia, nitrogen, nitrate, copper and zinc Town s Watershed monitoring program Stream Gauge Network helps update TRCA models, and used in other Town studies Three Rain Gauges Total Suspended Solids monitoring at stream sites Temperature monitoring at stream sites Watershed Report Cards are published periodically but not on a regular basis and now have been rolled into the Living City Report Card, see below. Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy, 2012 Phosphorous management projects to control Algae growth and improve O 2 levels Environment Canada Partnership Hydrology and Stream Assessment Studies This will lead to the future Capital Work Prioritization Plan and future 10 Year Capital Plan

234 November 2013 F-18 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? Greater Toronto Area Watershed plan partnership with TRCA, and the Rouge Park Alliance. Plans for implementation include: Rouge North Management Plan, Rouge Watershed Plan, Duffins and Carruthers Creek Watershed Plan and Don Watershed Plan. TRCA and CVC s Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide Watershed monitoring is primarily conducted by TRCA, as part of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Network. The City of Markham only publishes information regarding drinking water quality monitoring on their municipal website. Consideration of the Oak Ridge s Moraine Conservation Plan in the development of the watershed implementation plan Markham Vaughan Ecological Criteria created in the Rouge North Management Plan to protect important habitats centered on a watercourse. A demonstration rain garden was created in partnership between TRCA Does not use the standard approach of setting a fixed number and Markham Museum in 2012 to demonstrate the benefits of low impact for the distance from a watercourse to leave natural, but a set development techniques to reduce runoff on private properties. This of 9 natural environment and one cultural heritage criterion is project was sponsored by the Markham Environmental Sustainability used to assess the areas and features. Town of Markham was Fund the first to incorporate the criteria in their Official Plan. Partnership with TRCA, Humber Watershed Alliance and Don Watershed Regeneration Council (City of Toronto) Watercourse Identification Signage Program to identify the watercourses on City and Regional roadways within the Don and Humber Watershed. Signs were paid by TRCA and installation was $5,120 Integrated storm water management within site plan for Bill Crothers Secondary School including underground storage and rainwater recycling systems underneath sports fields. TRCA and CVC s Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide CVC s Designer s Guide for Low Impact Development Construction (September 2011 DRAFT) CVC s Low Impact Development Construction Manual TRCA Monitoring includes: Stream Water Quality Terrestrial Fixed Plots Groundwater Wells Aquatic Species & Habitat Fluvial Geomorphology Precipitation Gauges Water Quality Indicators include: total suspended solids, chloride, total phosphorous, nitrogen compounds, E. Coli, metals, organics and water temperature. No information obtained at this time. Contact Saad Yousaf ( ext. 8251) for more information.

235 November 2013 F-19 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? Oakville Water Sustainability Plan partnership between the Town, the Ministry of the Environment, Halton Region, Conservation Halton and Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to identify water management initiatives and to consider cumulative impacts on watersheds for water quality and quantity. This partnership has been formed in anticipation of the requirement of municipalities to create Water Sustainability Plans under the Water Opportunities Act. Sustainable Design Guidelines provide consideration of low impact development in Town facilities Ap pendix_a.pdf North Oakville Sustainable Development Checklist includes requirements to reduce the impact of development on receiving watercourses. The checklist awards points for innovative practices. Scoring on the checklist is used to assess a development s compliance with the secondary plan. 5 of 84 points available in the subdivision section relate to low impact development innovations and11 of 73 points in site planning. The Town generally relies on Conservation Halton to provide annual results of water quality monitoring programs. This information is used in annual State of the Environment Reports by the Town. Specifically, total suspended solids is reported under biodiversity as it results in impacts on fish and macro/micro benthic species, phosphorous and chloride are reported as water quality parameters. pdf Mississauga Partnership with Credit Valley Conservation Authority No addition information obtained TRCA and CVC s Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide: CVC s Designer s Guide for Low Impact Development Construction (September 2011 DRAFT) CVC s Low Impact Development Construction Manual The CVC monitors CVC Monitoring includes: Stream Water Quality Terrestrial Fixed Plots Aquatic Species & Habitat including benthic invertebrates and fish Groundwater movement Fluvial Geomorphology Hydrology, including rainfall, snowfall and stream flow Water quality samples are analyzed for over 50 parameters and include metals, bacteria, nutrients, oxygen and water temperatures No info obtained to identify if the City conducts any further monitoring.

236 November 2013 F-20 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Cambridge Waterloo Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Participate in the Annual Grand River Watershed Heritage Day Workshop and Celebration Partnership between Community Services Department and Grand River Conservation Authority Watershed management is led by the Grand River Conservation Authority The City has no best management practices or tools for watershed management beyond the Watershed Management Plan. Priority Areas Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? Ontario Monitoring Program metrics: streamflow levels, groundwater levels, water temperature, Contemporary Stormwater Management Policy includes low impact development erosion, vegetation, wildlife, water quality (surface and groundwater), benthics and fisheries considerations (if required) ug% pdf oring%20program.pdf provides a list of lot level stormwater controls which should be considered for management Watershed monitoring strategy is proposed in the Hespler West Subwatershed Study (2004), however no evidence can be found of implementation on the City website The City monitors creeks and streams within the City in accordance with the Laurel Creek Watershed Monitoring Program. Since 1996, the City has contracted the monitoring of City s new Official Plan encourages low impact development water quality, aquatic habitat, terrestrial habitat and bacteria to the University of Waterloo, who under the lead of a professor hires coop and grad students. The University provides a report annually to the City Approximate cost of monitoring: Typically adopts the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Credit Valley Conservation Authority guidelines including: Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide, CVC s Designer s Guide for Low Impact Development Construction (September 2011 DRAFT) and CVC s Low Impact Development Construction Manual. There is minimal LID development formally implemented at the City and data has not been collected to understand community LID development. anagement_practices.pdf 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. Water quality: $40,000/year for 10 stations monitored bimonthly between May and September Aquatic habitat: $20,000/year for 24 stations monitored twice a year Bacteria: $15,000/year Determined not to continue monitoring program for bacteria in 2013 as there are no recreational swimming areas that the City of Waterloo is responsible for and the data already collected provides reliable trends. Money will be used to focus on infrastructure monitoring Pilot study will be conducted in 2013 to determine feasibility to apply Laurel Creek Watershed Monitoring Program to infrastructure (i.e. storm ponds). A Best Management Practices Manual for the Stormwater Credit Program is developed and outlines requirements for properly working stormwater control for residential, multiresidential and nonresidential properties. Many of these requirements relate to LID

237 November 2013 F-21 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Member of Bow River Basin Council, Elbow River Watershed Partnership, Ghost Stewardship Monitoring Group and the Nose Creek Watershed Partnership. Management Plans developed for 3 of 6 watersheds to help define guidelines, targets and recommendations to protect the watersheds. Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership and Canadian Water Network Priority Areas Canada A study completed in collaboration with University of Calgary demonstrated promising results in reducing stormwater runoff volumes and reducing total suspended solids loading through the use of bioretention cell research. Sustainable Streetscape Residential Pilot Project conceptual design was developed for a sustainable streetscape project in a community that incorporates low impact development stormwater management practices. Too much opposition from residents due to reduced on street parking and perceived cost. Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? State of the Watershed Tool provides information related to the watershed s water quality and quantity, its landscape and biological community and land use activities Water Quantity Indicators: River flow Quantity Index Water Quality Indicators: Surface Water Quality Index, Dissolved Oxygen, Water Temperature, Phosphorus, Nitrogen: Nitrate, Total Suspended Solids, Bacteria Calgary Calgary s Transportation Plan (2009) links to Municipal Development Plan. 60 year target to have 1020% of land cover impervious surfaces Environmental Reserve Setback Guidelines (2007) require a minimum setback for development of 50 meters from Nose Creek, Elbow River and Bow River. Setbacks for new developments adjacent to wetlands raised from 6 m to 30 m New subdivision developments are required to include retention facilities that remove at least 85% of TSS Founding member of the Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership: promote change in land development practices that prevent or reduce the degradation of the natural environment Landscape and Biological Community Indicators: Riparian Assessment and Conditions, Groundwater Allocations and Use, Wetlands, Land Use and Cover: Agricultural Intensity, Fragmentation and Native Vegetation Coverage, Aquatic Life Indicators are colour coded to flag the following conditions: Natural (blue), Good (green), Fair (Yellow), Cautionary (Red) Indicators will form part of adaptive management reporting system based on the most current data available. Adaptive management is a proactive process that optimizes decision-making and aims to improve management reduce uncertainty through performance assessment Low Impact Development subdivision checklist recommends best management practices that developers can use when designing new subdivisions to ensure applications are complete and align with LID (Absorbent Landscaping, Bioretention areas, Bioswales, Green Roofs, Permeable Pavement, Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Capture)

238 November 2013 F-22 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Watershed Management Winnipeg Partnerships and Programs in Watershed Management to Examples of Low Impact Development Guidelines and Techniques Establish BMPs Examples of partnerships and best management practices and implementation tools for watershed management, including Applied at both community development and Town infrastructure plans and programs that were created through these partnerships Lake Winnipeg watershed in the second largest watershed in Canada and is managed by multiple partners. The Province of Manitoba implements many watershed management plans through the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board. Within Winnipeg, there are a number of barriers that hinder their ability to adopt these source control technologies which are referred to in various forms as Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)/Green Technologies, Low Impact Development (LID), or Best Management Practices (BMPs). The barriers include but are not limited to issues resulting from our extreme winter climate, clay soil conditions which inhibit natural infiltration into the soil, flat topography which can result in large areas being affected if these technologies fail and operational/traffic safety requirements such as the application of sand, salt and deicing chemicals which can affect the long-term operation of these facilities. North America Degree of Water Quality Monitoring What degree of water quality monitoring is being done (water quality, flow, level, benthic, fish) and how does it inform decision making, capital projects, operations and maintenance? No information obtained. Alexandria, VA No information obtained. No information obtained. No information obtained. International Kent, UK No information obtained. No information obtained. No information obtained.

239 November 2013 F-23 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Surface & Stormwater Quality & Quantity Examples of Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, Sediment Removal and Measuring Stormwater Quality Include indicators that are actively monitored and measured if possible Alternatives to Stormwater Quality Treatment and Quantity Control Examples of stormwater quality treatment and how water levels are controlled (i.e. watering municipal parks or gardens, firefighting) Presence of Salt Management Plans If yes, have they been effective at reducing the use of salt Installation of permeable pavement at Town facilities e.g. Lake Wilcox roundabout beside Canoe Club and Mill Pond Park parking lot Salt Management Plan, 2005 Richmond Hill The Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Project has rehabilitated aging stormwater infrastructure (built in 1985) to provide modern standards of water quality treatment, erosion control and flood control. Pioneer Park is a 26hectare open space parcel that receives stormwater discharge from the surrounding Don Head Village community. It provides erosion and flood control protection for approximately 700 hectares of land. Project also included Redside Dace habitat enhancement. Received Watershed Award by the FCM in The plan details an operational and procedural framework for ensuring that the Town minimizes the amount of road salt penetrating the environment generally, and surface and groundwater particularly, during its use in winter maintenance operations and commits Richmond Hill to furthering its explorations of new approaches and technologies of salt reductions. It also ensures that road safety is not compromised. water_management_project Oak Ridges Community Centre has a green roof, cistern and parking lot bioswales with phosphorus treatment technology in the bioswale Rumble Pond Park SWMF will have two Jellyfish units installed, permeable pavers and Sorbtive Media (phosphorus removing media) on the east side of the walkway Some SWMFs near Lake Wilcox have phosphorus treatment technologies built in. Greater Toronto Area Decrease in salt use per application: In 1985: 700 kg per 2 lane km In 2006: 75 kg per 2 lane km The West Thornhill Stormwater Flood Control Implementation Strategy provides recommendations for rehabilitation of existing stormwater management facilities. These include: system lining and repair to reduce secondary inflows inlet control devices to reduce inflows to undersized systems Markham No information obtained Salt Management Plan created in No indication of its effectiveness. eral/gc111031/west%20thornhill%20stormwater%20flood%20contr ol.pdf The City is currently undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment to identify and prioritize opportunities to improve the management of Stormwater within the City (to be completed in 2013)

240 November 2013 F-24 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Surface & Stormwater Quality & Quantity Examples of Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, Sediment Removal and Measuring Stormwater Quality Include indicators that are actively monitored and measured if possible Reduce water pollution by treating storm water through the use of: bioswales, storm water planters, rain gardens, polishing areas, infiltration trenches in City Parks. Alternatives to Stormwater Quality Treatment and Quantity Control Examples of stormwater quality treatment and how water levels are controlled (i.e. watering municipal parks or gardens, firefighting) The ongoing Phase 2 Drainage Study and Storm Water Management Master Plan Study will provide a storm sewer system assessment model for the Thornhill area and a detailed assessment of remedial works required within the Rainbow Creek subwatershed. Anticipated completion is Q1 of Presence of Salt Management Plans If yes, have they been effective at reducing the use of salt Testing of alternative deicing materials in 2012 with the use of "Thawrox", a treated salt product continues. A new tandem axle salter has been approved, which will have onboard liquid prewet capabilities. This will allow for a full review of all current technologies and materials, with a view to setting a long term course for reduced salt usage in the City. Vaughan The Public Works Department continues to maintain Storm Water Management (SWM) ponds on a regular basis. In addition to the routine maintenance, sediment removal from 4 SWM ponds was completed in 2010 to bring these ponds back to their design capacity. Further information may be obtained from Saad Yousaf, Storm Drainage Engineer, Development / Transportation Engineering. Telephone: ext Environment Canada shows that salt usage for the winter season was 31,999 tonnes, which is under the running 3 year average of 33,000 tonne Oakville Further information may be obtained from Saad Yousaf, Storm Drainage Engineer, Development / Transportation Engineering. Telephone: ext Guidelines for monitoring of stormwater management facilities In 2012, 2 creeks on 14 Mile creek at Dundas road were monitored for in North Oakville were implemented in This includes water quality to establish current dry and wet weather conditions of the monitoring of the receiving system s ability to accept inflow, as creek. Flow monitoring was performed during dry weather condition to well as monitoring of water quality at the outfall of the system. develop a rating curve the estimate flow condition at different creek Water Quality Indicators: total phosphorous, total suspended levels. This pre development monitoring work will continue during post solids, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chloride. Monitoring development of North Oakville to monitor if development has affected the informs decision making by triggering action if performance conditions of the creek. There are plans to add 2 more sites, one at east targets of 80% removal of total suspended solids on an Morrison and one at Joshua Creek at Dundas to expand this monitoring average annual basis and no net increase in total phosphorous program in concentrations are not met. Stormwater Management Plan ntioringnorthdundas.pdf.pdf Road Salt Management Plan (2011 update) in accordance with Environment Canada s Code of Practice no report regarding the effectiveness of this plan is available online

241 November 2013 F-25 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Surface & Stormwater Quality & Quantity Examples of Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, Sediment Removal and Measuring Stormwater Quality Include indicators that are actively monitored and measured if possible Alternatives to Stormwater Quality Treatment and Quantity Control Examples of stormwater quality treatment and how water levels are controlled (i.e. watering municipal parks or gardens, firefighting) Presence of Salt Management Plans If yes, have they been effective at reducing the use of salt Stormwater Best Management Practices that will be considered when possible include: Bioretention, rainwater harvesting, permeable pavement on low traffic roads, grass and dry swales, and green roofs. Salt Management Plan continually updated each year and forms an outline for the reduction in salt use, with the vision of a safe roadway system that has minimal impacts on our environment Mississauga No information obtained. Mississauga has installed bioswales to address runoff from roads. In 2011, cost $199,000 in sand and salt materials Cambridge Waterloo 2007 a Master Plan to address the flooding potential within Groff Mill Creek Watershed was prepared and included an earthen flood control berm, an upgrade culvert crossing and enhanced capacity in a bioengineered channel. Stormwater Management Master Plan includes plans and strategies to manage the City s infrastructure related to flooding and stormwater quality, including retrofits to existing systems. n%20_final%20aug% pdf No monitoring of stormwater management facilities on a regular basis. City staff conduct yearly visually inspections of storm ponds to note any deficiencies. Action is taken based on annual inspections or complaints from the public. Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning & Design Guide available at: rainbow/lang en/tabid 57 8/DesktopDefault.aspx Ontario No information obtained Water harvesting system present at RIM Park that recycles about 10 million litres of rain water each year by allowing water to percolate through the upper gravel layers of the artificial turf fields and storing it in the lower gravel level. Soil moisture levels in the grass sports fields request water from the storage system when required. Extra water from storm and rainy periods flow into two nearby ponds that are used for natural habitat. Participate in the Region al Municipality of Waterloo Winter Salt Management Program erloo.pdf smart about salt which is for contractors and facilities Also have a Salt Management Plan as a requirement of Environment Canada s Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts no indication of how effective the program is The City has a Salt Management Plan. A target salt application rate of 25 tonnes/2 lane km road was met as early as The significant reductions in road salt use have been achieved by using computerized salt spreaders, use of diluted salt brine, operator education and an ongoing monitoring program to track progress. Some City staff have been trained in Smart About Salt, which improves salt management skills. Smart About Salt is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of drinking water and the environment through programs that improve management of winter salt used to control ice.

242 November 2013 F-26 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Surface & Stormwater Quality & Quantity Calgary Examples of Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, Sediment Removal and Measuring Stormwater Quality Include indicators that are actively monitored and measured if possible Stormwater Management Strategy (2005) is to protect watershed health by reducing both rate and volume of stormwater runoff to ensure regulatory compliance by reducing total suspended solids to the Bow River at or below 2005 levels by water_report.pdf Stormwater Management and Design Manual, developed 2011, outlines the required operation and maintenance activities to be conducted at storm management facilities in Chapter 10 as well as the water quality monitoring programs that must be implemented for wet ponds and wetlands in Chapter 7. During the maintenance period, the developer is responsible to cover the costs to implement the water quality program. nt/bulletins/2011stormwatermanagementanddesign.pdf Alternatives to Stormwater Quality Treatment and Quantity Control Examples of stormwater quality treatment and how water levels are controlled (i.e. watering municipal parks or gardens, firefighting) Canada Construction of new rain gardens, wet ponds and wetlands City s Water Centre: reuses stormwater and grey water, minimizes stormwater runoff through bioretention (grass and vegetation runoff), green roof and porous pavement in the parking lot Aurora Business Park: stormwater guided through vegetated swales, rather than pipes, plus green roofs, bioretention and porous pavement Sustainable Streetscape Project: construction of a model residential street that improves rainwater management by controlling quality and quantity of runoff Presence of Salt Management Plans If yes, have they been effective at reducing the use of salt Road Salt Management Plan in accordance with Environment Canada s Code of Practice Winnipeg City guidelines are established in terms of lot grading and drainage measures sibilities.stm The city maintains a number of retention ponds but warns not to use the water for anything due to contamination concerns. Water in filtered through sediments and returned naturally to rivers. Snow Clearing Policy outlines the use of sand and salt; however, there is no Salt Management Plan. Looked into less corrosive alternative, such as liquid derived from sugar beets, however the cost was substantially higher

243 November 2013 F-27 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Surface & Stormwater Quality & Quantity Alexandria, VA Examples of Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, Sediment Removal and Measuring Stormwater Quality Include indicators that are actively monitored and measured if possible Alexandria Renew is currently going through a multiphase facility upgrade called the State-of-the-Art Nitrogen Upgrade Program (SANUP) to enhance its ability to remove nitrogen from wastewater. As part of the program goals, it incorporated sustainable requirements directly into the construction contract documents, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviours and the use of green resources. Contractors are required to report their efforts on a monthly Sustainable Construction Log Alternatives to Stormwater Quality Treatment and Quantity Control Examples of stormwater quality treatment and how water levels are controlled (i.e. watering municipal parks or gardens, firefighting) North America 4 recently implemented green roofs: T.C. Williams High School James Duncan Branch of the Alexandria Library: The first City building with a green roof, Duncan s green roof was sown in early September 2005 with a variety of sedum. The 2,850 square foot vegetated roof has been effective at filtering stormwater runoff and reducing heating loads in the summer. Alexandria Health Department: This new vegetated roof covers 10,765 square feet and is projected to reduce stormwater discharge by 10,000 gallons of rainfall from a 1.5 rainstorm. Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology: has a 5,000 square foot green roof and a bioretention area. The green roof reduces no point source runoff and provides added insulation for the classrooms below. The Bioretention area provides water quality improvements to parking lot runoff. The green roof is presently not available to the public but will eventually be integrated across the curriculum as a teaching tool. Presence of Salt Management Plans If yes, have they been effective at reducing the use of salt No information obtained. International Kent, UK No information obtained No information obtained No information obtained

244 November 2013 F-28 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Sub Focus Area: Groundwater Protection, Recharge and Discharge Richmond Hill Markham Vaughan Priority Area Examples of Protections of Groundwater (focus on water as a resource rather than drinking water resource) What types of protections do municipalities with areas of groundwater vulnerability have in place through partnerships, research and other programs? Partnerships and planning to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine, recognized as a groundwater recharge area. This is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act and occurs in partnership with the TRCA oraine The Official Plan and North Leslie Secondary Plan require the protection of groundwater recharge areas. Greater Toronto Area The Official Plan indicates that development will be directed away from groundwater recharge areas, and that partnerships with provincial agencies and adjacent municipalities will help to protect these areas /Chapter+3++Environmental+Systems.pdf?MOD=AJPERE S&CACHEID=fdf3c5004ccad4ce9892ba Coordination of efforts with the Oak Ridges Moraine Plan and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Development Engineering Staff are working with Policy Planning Staff to look at feasible policies and programs around the implementation of sustainable technologies that promote groundwater recharge and/or a reduction in storm drainage flows. Such low impact development measures may include green roofs, infiltration trenches within public right-of-ways, porous pavement materials and grey water reuse. Assessment of impervious thresholds and alternate surfaces is an aspect of the project to develop sustainability guidelines. Oakville Mississauga Conversation with Oakville staff indicated that the Town participates in a groundwater source protection group, but the Region is primarily responsible for groundwater protection. No information obtained

245 November 2013 F-29 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Water Resources Sub Focus Area: Groundwater Protection, Recharge and Discharge Cambridge Priority Area Examples of Protections of Groundwater (focus on water as a resource rather than drinking water resource) What types of protections do municipalities with areas of groundwater vulnerability have in place through partnerships, research and other programs? Ontario Cambridge Groundwater Guardian established in 1997 for educational awareness as well as the development and implementation of wellhead protection plans. This group is a subcommittee of the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee, and area a member of the Groundwater Foundation Cambridge Water Awareness Through Education and Resource Stewardship focuses on education, surface and groundwater protection, and awareness building activities. Cambridge WATERS is a subcommittee of the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC). Cambridge WATERS Committee is composed of volunteers within business, agriculture, education, government, and citizen organization/interest groups. ( ambridge_waters) The Region of Waterloo has a Water Conservation Bylaw that limits outdoor water use. Watering days are based on address Waterloo Calgary Winnipeg Alexandria, VA Kent, UK In 2000 the Region launched a water efficiency program for the ICI sector called Saving Water It s Everybody s Business (SWEB). The main focus of this program was educating large Businesses about water efficiency and completing jointly funded water audits with them. In 2006 the Water Efficiency Master Plan established a cumulative water saving target of 1,041 m3 per day for the ICI sector by 2015 and launched a new program to achieve that. Canada No information obtained No information obtained North America No information obtained International No information obtained

246 November 2013 F-30 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Sustainable Design Guidelines (SDGs) focused on qualitative urban design and community development principles. Phase 2 of the project will focus on the preparation of sustainability metrics to quantify the design principles outlined in the SDGs. A draft of these metrics is expected to be presented to council in Spring ainability Village Core Neighbourhood Design Guidelines, 2002 Richmond Hill LEED Silver standard for all new municipal construction. A plan to promote new construction which recognizes and enhances the character of the Village Core Neighbourhood (on both sides of Yonge Street from Major MacKenzie Drive north to Benson Avenue on the west side of Yonge and Dunlop Street on the east side). The study is conducted in two parts: the first part examines the Village Core Neighbourhood to identify the components of its design which contribute positively to its image (architecture, land use, heritage, building age, lot size, trees); the second part of the study is the development of design guidelines to meet or exceed criteria for the components identified as positively contributing to the Village Core Neighbourhood s image. Markham Greater Toronto Area Sustainable Development Standards and Guidelines developed in opment%20services/pl080624/sustainabledevelopmentstandards.pd f Requirement of LEED Silver or higher for all municipal buildings Requirement of LEED Silver or higher for medium and high density residential development Requirement of LEED Silver or higher for medium and high density residential development Awards for excellence in urban design within Markham, recognizing sustainable designs and urban intensification projects A section of the City s Official Plan is dedicated to urban design and sustainable development and require the development of comprehensive sustainable urban design guidelines 1/Chapter+6++Urban+Design+%26+Sustainable+Development.pdf?MOD=AJPE RES&CACHEID=6c9b90004ccad7f998a5ba

247 November 2013 F-31 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Vaughan Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure Vaughan s Green Building Policy ensures that all new municipal buildings will be built to LEED Silver certification. Low flow fixtures have been become the required standard for new city buildings and during retrofits where applicable. Motion activated / no touch faucets have been retrofitted into existing buildings to reduce wasting of water. Drought resistant landscaping has become the standard for new buildings, reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. In all City owned facilities continue to recycle and reuse construction material using the LEED building criteria where possible. Costs would be built into future construction tenders under the direction of an overall procurement policy. This has been established as a standard practice for all projects. The City current measures the amount of electricity and natural gas are used by each LEED facility to determine reduction in GHG emissions. No formal report of effectiveness of LEED buildings to Council to date. Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Initiated meetings with TRCA/Kortright, York Region and others to discuss establishing a Centre of Excellence focused on green technologies and advanced manufacturing in the building products sector ( ents/gdv%202012how%20we%20livepr.pdf) A new hospital to be developed in Vaughan and the new Vaughan Metropolitan Center are key development areas for the use of District Energy. The City is working with the developers to promote the implementation of District Energy. In City parks, material quality and makeup is specified to ensure durability and recyclability. E.g. engineered wood products, vegetable fibres, reclaimed metals and concrete. The City of Vaughan is partnering with the City of Brampton, the Town of Richmond Hill, with support from the Federation for Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, to conduct a community based study and develop sustainability guidelines that will inform the processes their Councils use to review new development and redevelopment projects. The creation and adoption of the Environmental Master Plan is key to the success of the Growth Management Strategy The EMP is intended to establish principles of sustainability that can be applied to other master plans

248 November 2013 F-32 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Oakville Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure Sustainable Design Guidelines Provides a holistic approach to the design, construction and preventative maintenance of the town s facilities with sustainability as the core principle. edesignguidelines.pdf Active Transportation Management Plan and Transportation Management Plan provide a focus on the development of sustainable transportation infrastructure such as connected trailways. Sustainable Building Design Procedure intended to guide sustainable design for construction of new Town buildings The City now requires that development applicants achieve LEED silver certification for New Construction of City infrastructure. Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Livable Oakville, the Town s new Official Plan (2009) has prompted an update to urban design guidelines which has not yet been released. These guidelines are intended to preserve, enhance and protect the distinct character, cultural heritage, living environment and sense of community in Oakville's established neighbourhoods. Mississauga Cambridge The Green Development Strategy advocates that private new development will include best sustainable technologies and practices that affect site works, building design and construction methods that best contribute to the City s sustainability priorities. ( _Oct2012.pdf ) Experimenting with a living wall sounds barrier. The wall made of willows will absorb noise rather than deflect it the way normal concrete barriers do. They are an environmentally friendly alternative to other noise attenuation barrier products because they provide the additional benefit of absorbing carbon dioxide ( root ) Ontario A goal of the 2011 Corporate Sustainability Plan is the development of green building policy that ensures that the City of Cambridge s own facilities are built to a minimum environmental standard of the City s choosing (more aggressive than the 2012 Ontario Building Code). However, there is no evidence on the City website that this policy has come to fruition. Region of Peel is partnered with Fusion Landscaping to provide free landscaping consultations and workshops to help create a more environmentally friendly yard ( nsultations.htm; kshops.htm ). Energy efficiency design summary form a requirement of building permit applications for the City nal.pdf

249 November 2013 F-33 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure Green Building Policy, June 2008, requires all new facilities greater than 500m 2 to be built to at least LEED silver. One Fire Station is built to LEED gold and one library and YMCA is built to LEED sliver. Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Waterloo Conducted a Green Roof Feasibility study to explore the possibility of apply Green Roofs across the city where possible. It was determined that there is considerable space where this can be applied and will be done as funds and interest allow of_feasibility_study.pdf Development Monitoring Protocol, developed in 1999, is a recommendation from the Laurel Creek Watershed Study (1993). The Protocol is to ensure that environmental features receive ongoing evaluation before, during and for 2 years after development by the developer. The developer will work with the City and Grand River Conservation Authority during each stage of development. The Protocol also outlines reporting requirements that the developer must abide to Height/Density bonusing introduced in City s 2012 Official Plan, which allows any facility, service or matter registered on title to the land to enter an agreement to develop above the allowable floor area ratio or height in areas

250 November 2013 F-34 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure Canada Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Corporate Workplace Framework: Strategic workplace infrastructure framework to help guide the growth and development with Calgary and facilitate the coordination of workplace infrastructure policies, Sustainable Design Declaration Form (2009): tracks and evaluates the programs and capital investment. Supporting principles include: safe, adoption of sustainable technologies and design elements in new secure and healthy work environments, highly functional, equitable construction projects by developers throughout Calgary. Permit work environments; best solutions based on corporate values, open requirements for sustainable technologies are outlined in the Sustainable and integrated process, sustainability and evaluation. Technologies Permitting Matrix pdf Calgary Municipal Development Plan (2009) and Calgary Transportation Plan (2009), which describes the vision for long term pattern of growth and development in Calgary for the next 60 years. The policies integrate social, economic and environmental objectives for the next 30 years. There are seven goals in the MDP, one which is Greening the City. The Greening the City policies include land use planning and development, urban design and transportation planning processes should 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 and encourage play and learning; facilitate the development of ecoindustrial/business parks; and integrate green infrastructure horizontally and vertically to maximize the provision of ecological services. MDP specifies that new communities in future Greenfield areas should achieve a minimum intensity threshold of 60 people and jobs per gross developable hectare and demonstrate how they will achieve 70 people and jobs per gross developable hectare over time Sustainable Building Policy (2008) requires all new city buildings and renovations to meet or exceed the gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. Report developed at least annually that summarizes performance of each LEED building Building Permit Rebate Program: offered reduced permit fees for buildings that met a green standard. Program ended July 31, 2010.

251 November 2013 F-35 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4

252 November 2013 F-36 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Winnipeg Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure All newly constructed City owned buildings and major additions with a footprint greater than 500 square meters (5,400 square feet) shall: Be certified by one of the following green building standards: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification at the Silver level or better; Green Globes Design at the 3 Globes level or better; Other such third-party verified standards deemed to fulfill the Policy intent by the Chief Administrative Officer or designate. Deliver improved energy performance and be certified by the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart New Buildings Program; Utilize lifecycle costing to ensure maximum value of projected capital and operating costs & savings in financial decisionmaking and reporting; Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? No information obtained Alexandria, VA Include in the design team an expert in green building and integrated design with a defined minimum level of project experience of similar scope and scale to ensure performance and cost effective implementation of this policy North America The Green Building Policy approved by City Council in 2009 has been successful in ensuring new developments commit to obtaining a minimum level of green building certification. By 2020, all new buildings must be up to the LEED Gold standard No information obtained

253 November 2013 F-37 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Green Development Kent, UK Examples of Development Standards and Specifications that Promote Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure How is the municipality updating and maintaining their development standards and specifications, or development guidelines to promote environmental responsible municipal infrastructure International Kent has implemented the EcoSchools accreditation. EcoSchools is an international award programme that helps schools to embed environmental principles and save money on utility bills. Schools work towards gaining one of three internationally recognised awards Bronze, Silver and the Green Flag award, which symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity STEM (Steps to environmental management scheme) is a stepby-step guide to putting an environmental management system in place within a business. It is a free and self certifying scheme. STEM has three levels; blue, silver and gold. These levels correspond to the three phases of the National Standard BS Promotion of Green Built Form in Development Communities What incentives or tools are used to encourage green built form in developing communities? Rain Gardens in Minnesota, a rooftop garden initiative. Households receive cash, reduction in flooding and a 5% increase in flood plain property prices

254 November 2013 F-38 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Sub Focus Area: Natural Environment Richmond Hill Markham Vaughan Maintenance and Watering of Restoration Sites How does the municipality maintain and water their restoration sites (note: restoration sites often can t be reached through conventional means such as watering trucks) Currently the Town is developing maintenance and watering program for the newly restored sites completed through Community Stewardship Program. Some of the restoration sites are in the valleys and maybe hard to manoeuvre around. We are including various methods of maintenance (i.e. installing coco mats, planting drought tolerance species, mulching & etc) to help establish these sites. No information obtained The City is not currently aware of any restoration sites that are not accessible by vehicles and require watering. Priority Areas Presence of Invasive Species Strategies What invasive species strategies/programs/policies have been developed? Are there any best management practices for controlling Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle? Emerald Ash Borer management strategy including management, treating trees with TreeAzin and removal of infected trees. This includes public education in identifying infected trees. Community Stewardship Program involved an Invasive species removal component, which was completed through partnerships with different environmental groups such as Evergreen, Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Stewardship Rangers Program, and Ontario Streams. In 2011 resulted in the removal of 120 bags of invasive plant species from Phyllis Rawlinson Park, Hunter s Point & Russell Tilt Park, 264 bags removed in 2012) Invasive species removal in partnership with Ontario Stewardship Rangers (in 2011 resulted in the removal of 120 bags of invasive plant species from Phyllis Rawlinson Park, 250 bags removed in 2012) 800 trees treated with TreeAzin to protect from Emerald Ash Borer in 2012 Greater Toronto Area North American Native Plant Society Invasive Species Education Program, to increase awareness of invasive species in Markham residents and conduct restoration projects in the City. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan included a street level inventory with condition measurement and mapping exercise in 2012, trees with diameter greater than 20cm in good health will be treated against EAB using TreeAzin every two years. Trees rated as dead or in significant decline will be removed and replaced with plantings on a 1 to 1 basis. The plan includes estimated costs. Currently there is no confirmed infestation of Asian longhorn beetle in Markham, but the City provides information about identification and contact information for residents. The Municipality has implemented collection and drop off restrictions for residents and business within the designated Asian Long-horned Beetle Regulated Area ( LongHorned%20Beetle/Pages/default.aspx) The City of Vaughan recently updated their One TREE at a Time: Expanding the Urban Forest, which updates their 5 year plan to expand the urban forest. The Report addresses the strategy for dealing with the Emerald Ash Borer. It is anticipated that 13,000 Ash Trees will have to be removed by 2022 and their strategy to remove and replace the trees must be extended over 20 years.

255 November 2013 F-39 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Natural Environment Oakville Mississauga Cambridge Maintenance and Watering of Restoration Sites How does the municipality maintain and water their restoration sites (note: restoration sites often can t be reached through conventional means such as watering trucks) The Town is not aware of any restoration scenarios which fit this description No information obtained No information obtained Ontario Presence of Invasive Species Strategies What invasive species strategies/programs/policies have been developed? Are there any best management practices for controlling Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle? Invasive species information for the Emerald Ash Borer, Garlic Mustard, and Giant Hogweed is available on the Town website. 75% of Oakville trees have been treated with biological insecticides against Emerald Ash Borer. Removal and replacement of infected ash trees with trunk diameters less than 20 centimetres. Use of prism traps in ash trees to monitor Emerald Ash Borer populations in Oakville. Adopt and Ash program allows residents to sign an agreement with the Town to care for ash trees with trunk diameters less than 20 centimetres (which are ineligible for treatment by the Town). The Town of Oakville and its partners used cutting edge technology to identify, catalogue and map public (town owned trees) in Oakville, including ash trees, to create a tree inventory. This inventory has been mapped and is available online for public viewing. The inventory was used when creating the Town s Emerald Ash Borer management plan. The online mapping of the inventory identifies the trees the Town has identified for treatment. This inventory has been used for creating their Emerald Ash Borer management plan, which is considered the most aggressive plan in Canada. Information on Giant Hogweed published by the Region of Peel ( ) Information on various tree pests and diseases can be found here: The City is working with the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to address the problem of Emerald Ask Borer. As the Region is not designated as a Regulated Area for EAB, management is performed primarily through education of residents to help them identify signs of Emerald Ash Borer. Waterloo No information obtained. The Region of Waterloo has published a statement of the Emerald Ash Borer here: Calgary No information obtained Canada Invasive Plant Strategic Management Plan (2008): 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 No plans for invasive species

256 November 2013 F-40 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Natural Environment Maintenance and Watering of Restoration Sites How does the municipality maintain and water their restoration sites (note: restoration sites often can t be reached through conventional means such as watering trucks) Presence of Invasive Species Strategies What invasive species strategies/programs/policies have been developed? Are there any best management practices for controlling Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle? Winnipeg No information obtained Invasive species action info at: And There are a number of harmful pest and plant species identified in the Winnipeg area. Residents are to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency when a harmful species is identified North America Alexandria, VA No information obtained No information obtained International Kent, UK No information obtained Produces a biodiversity report in which key species are identified. To deal with potentially harmful invasive species, the city has created the Countryside Management Partnership. This partnership provides info on how to manage harmful species. Some identified as harmful are: Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, Floating pennywort ( _your_local_cmp.aspx)

257 November 2013 F-41 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Richmond Hill Examples of Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs What types of waste reduction and diversion programs, plans, policies are in place, including community education? Since the launch of the Blue and Green Bin programs to collect recyclable material and organic waste, Richmond Hill has reduced the amount of garbage going to landfill each year by more than 37,400 tonnes and achieved a waste diversion rate of 67% in Community Environmental Centre on Elgin Mills Road to accept recyclable materials Increased waste diversion target to 70% Garbage and Recycling Programs, No Date The Town has a goal of diverting 70% of household waste from landfill. One activity to help achieve this goal is the curbside green bin program for the collection of household organic wastes. Green bin and blue bin collections occur weekly in the Town, and garbage collection is every two weeks. Resources, such as the Waste Management Calendar, are available to inform residents about appropriate source separation of materials. agement Waste Management Bylaw, 2007 Regulates the number of Approved Containers set out for garbage collection from residential properties each week. An Approved Container is also restricted by weight. Going Up Program to initiate green bin organics collection in high rise buildings. The program was rolled out in 10 high rise buildings in Richmond Hill in stream waste separation at public events such as Rib Fest. Priority Areas Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Sustainable Design Guidelines (SDGs) focused on qualitative urban design and community development principles. Phase 2 of the project will focus on the preparation of sustainability metrics to quantify the design principles outlined in the SDGs. A draft of these metrics is expected to be presented to council in Spring ainability The Town is currently in the process of finalising new Waste Management Development Standards in partnership with the Region of York, under the auspices of the IWMMP. The standards will require that all new development be designed and built to accommodate three stream recycling programs and that there be adequate space also planned for diversion programs that are anticipated through new Extended Producer Responsibility programs being designated by the MOE Promotional Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors What types of education and partnerships do municipalities have in place with the ICI sector? staff will explore opportunities for leadership and support of waste diversion in the local Industrial, Commercial & Institutional sector February 2012 This project has been moved to the 2013 workplan. Some of it will come into play with the implementation of the Regional Integrated Waste Management Master Plan.

258 November 2013 F-42 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Examples of Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs What types of waste reduction and diversion programs, plans, policies are in place, including community education? Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Promotional Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors What types of education and partnerships do municipalities have in place with the ICI sector? Markham 72% waste diversion from landfill, with a goal of 80% diversion bd9b8c26d3/final+waste+strategy+%283%29.pdf?mod=ajpere S&CACHEID=2d341f804db6be4a946195bd9b8c26d3 Blue bin, compost and waste collection The 2012 strategy includes initiatives for the creation of a mandatory source separation bylaw,, enhanced promotion and education, a depot for reuse of renovation materials, zero waste for all city facilities and events, and the amendment of bylaws to ban the curbside collection of electronics and batteries The 2011 curbside diversion rate was 69% Greater Toronto Area No information obtained Markham s Business Improvement Areas receive weekly collection of recycling, cardboard and residue. The Zero Waste for Schools program: Beginning in 2013 Schools can apply to the Waste Management Department for resources and Staff assistance to become a Zero Waste School. Vaughan Work with the Ministry of the Environment to support the enforcement of regulations to encourage waste audits, waste reduction work plans and source separation programs for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional waste generators. It is anticipated that Waste Standards will be included as part of the Community Sustainability Guidelines being developed for new developments in cooperation with Richmond Hill and Brampton. As the City of Vaughan provides limited services to ICI businesses, there is very little involvement to promote waste programs. Reportedly, programs in place are very similar to Richmond Hill. Towards Zero Waste is a Town initiative to achieve zero waste goals in Town operations through actions including paper use reduction, cafeteria and catering services, hazardous waste collection, and the hosting of Town events. The strategy focuses on waste diversion, includes an events user guide and a sustainable purchasing policy Oakville Halton Region collects organic waste and blue box recycling on a weekly basis, and promotes a Take It Back! program which No information obtained No information obtained provides a directory of local businesses that accept materials for reuse, recycling and disposal. Mississauga The Town s Littering Bylaw designates the disposal of waste in a receptacle other than that which it is designated for as littering, promoting source separation in public areas C500688DB0/$File/ pdf?OpenElement 5R Public Education program intended to make the public aware of their choices and options around consumption and waste ( ) 2 bag limit at the curb for household pickup No information obtained No information obtained

259 November 2013 F-43 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Examples of Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs What types of waste reduction and diversion programs, plans, policies are in place, including community education? Waste management is handled by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, who are also responsible for setting waste diversion programs. The Region performs blue bin, green bin and landfill waste collection and has a waste management master plan OCS_ADMIN974845v1WMMP_UPDATE_2011 REPORT CONT ENT PDF.pdf This plan has a 70% waste diversion from landfill target through green bin collection, blue bin collection, electronic waste collection and education of residents. The City is not responsible for waste collection and does not play a role in community or ICI outreach. Waste management is handled by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, who are also responsible for setting waste diversion programs. The Region performs blue bin, green bin and landfill waste collection and has a waste management master plan OCS_ADMIN974845v1WMMP_UPDATE_2011 REPORT CONT ENT PDF.pdf This plan has a 70% waste diversion from landfill target through green bin collection, blue bin collection, electronic waste collection and education of residents. Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Ontario Promotional Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors What types of education and partnerships do municipalities have in place with the ICI sector? Cambridge No information obtained No information obtained Waterloo No information obtained. The City is not responsible for waste collection and does not play a role in community or ICI outreach.

260 November 2013 F-44 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Calgary Winnipeg Examples of Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs What types of waste reduction and diversion programs, plans, policies are in place, including community education? Blue Cart Recycling Program launched in 2009 to approximately 300,000 single family residential homes 52 Community Recycling Depots are co-mingling recycling, so no sorting is required Target to divert 80% of waste from landfill by 2020 Leaf and pumpkin composting, Christmas tree recycling, backyard composting, household chemical drop-off depots and electronics recycling Green Cart pilot program just begun and will report back to Council in April 2013 with results and recommendations Provides backyard composters at a subsidized cost (not effective) As part of a diversion program the Brady Road Landfill area be changed from waste burial to resource Recovery The garbage and Recycling Master Plan intends to increase the diversion rate to 35% by 2016 and 50% by nid= The surplus waste service allows for the disposal of up to three additional bags of waste for a $5.00 fee Methane capture program form the Brady Road Resource Management Facility Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Canada Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy and Action Plan (2007) Pilot study conducted in 2010 to divert waste materials from construction, demolition and renovation activities (focused on cardboard, asphalt shingles, drywall and wood) Effective July 2, 2013, construction and demolition recycling available at a cost of $70/tonne, less than half the cost of tipping fees for Designated Materials and $30/tonne less than regular tipping fees No information obtained Promotional Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors What types of education and partnerships do municipalities have in place with the ICI sector? Provides waste pickup to commercial organizations No information obtained

261 November 2013 F-45 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Solid Waste Management Examples of Waste Reduction and Diversion Programs What types of waste reduction and diversion programs, plans, policies are in place, including community education? Presence of Waste Standards for New Development Promotional Programs with Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors What types of education and partnerships do municipalities have in place with the ICI sector? North America A 56% increase in recycling over the previous year in the ICI sector. Much of this increase can be attributed to the private sector aggressive sales campaigns to promote recycling as a result of the City s recent ordinance requiring recycling in all Commercial buildings and the Solid Waste Divisions campaign to document such recycling in required Recycling Alexandria, VA The City also partnered with a local nonprofit foundation to recycle 110 tons of electronic items including 2,271 televisions and computer monitors. City residents dropped off 38,000 Gallons of Toxic Waste during 2012 due to the extended open hours of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. No information obtained Implementation Plans In October and November 2011, the City distributed new recycling carts and containers to all 19,000 residential recycling customers In 2009 the City created the Special Events Recycling Container Loan Program to Increase recycling at private and public events. The program has 47 ClearStream recycling containers available for residents and organizations to borrow for use at special events. Kent County Council has agreed a long term contract with the operators, Kent Enviropower, to recover energy from 349,000 tonnes of waste a year. This is converted into electricity that is put back into the National Grid International Kent, UK Kent Enviropower Limited (a part of FCC Environment) operates the integrated waste management facility at Allington Quarry on the outskirts of Maidstone. The facility takes non hazardous waste from households and businesses in Kent and the surrounding area for recycling and energy recovery. No information obtained Produces a guide for Business waste services. It provides the names of both collection and sites that accept different forms of business waste.

262 November 2013 F-46 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Opportunities for Community Gardens, Farmer Markets, Urban Agriculture Are opportunities, either directly or through partnerships (e.g. York Region Food Network), provided for community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture, schoolyard gardens through land use planning policies, bylaws and active programs? Examples of Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas (i.e. green roofs) Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food Are there local food charters or other programs in place to buy locally produced food for the Town s events or to encourage residents to buy local food? Community Garden Report, 2012 Richmond Hill The Town has reviewed the current functioning of their Community Garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson Park location. The report highlights the current methods of programming and maintenance within the garden. Other successful community gardens in other municipalities were reviewed to generate recommendations for the continued operation of the Community Garden at the Phyllis Rawlinson Park location and how the Town could add new Community Group run gardens within the Town. This Report also recommended that a community garden policy should be considered for the Town. None exist Richmond Hill does not have these types of programs; however, York Region Food Network has a draft Food Charter that they are developing. They are inviting all municipalities in York Region to participate. Markham Summer farmers markets occur at Hillcrest Mall three different farmers markets, held weekly from May to September York Region Food Network has created 85 plots in Markham Seeds for Change, a grassroots organization partnered with the York Region Food Network, has the goal of making communities healthier with community gardens Greater Toronto Area School Food Garden Programs integrate growing food into the Ontario school board curriculum and give children an opportunity to learn how food grows and where it comes from. The City of Vaughan partnered with the York Region Food Network and Seeds for Change to undertake a two-year community garden pilot project at Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Station #71. Considered a success within the community ( abountifulharvest.aspx; Documents/Community%20Garden%20InitiativeGrowing%20to%20Give %20Pilot%20Project=%20Aril% pdf) City of Markham partnered with Local Food Plus to provide catering for the Markham Civic Centre and neighbouring high school, serving up to 1500 people. A five year program, starting with 5% local sustainable food and increasing to 30% over the life of the program. Sustainable_Food_Procurement_EN.pdf

263 November 2013 F-47 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Opportunities for Community Gardens, Farmer Markets, Urban Agriculture Are opportunities, either directly or through partnerships (e.g. York Region Food Network), provided for community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture, schoolyard gardens through land use planning policies, bylaws and active programs? Examples of Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas (i.e. green roofs) Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food Are there local food charters or other programs in place to buy locally produced food for the Town s events or to encourage residents to buy local food? Oakville three existing community gardens with plots available for rental by residents for non-commercial use a farmers market is held every Saturday from May 12 to November 24 in Oakville Town Centre Harbourside Organic Farmer s Market Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership, a not for profit organization to support local eating and farming partnerships within the community. This group is part of the Halton Environmental Network No information obtained Growing and Sharing Food in Halton has three related projects intended to ensure that food grown within the Region is harvested and used locally: Halton Fruit Tree project volunteer pickers harvest orchard fruits and 1/3 of harvest goes to pickers, 1/3 to food banks and 1/3 to property owner 2.Cooperative garden sharing programs Community Orchards, where harvest is shared between harvesters, growers and food banks. Mississauga EcoSource (a local not for profit organization) have encouraged greater local access to fresh foods through the development of community gardens and sustainable urban agriculture plots throughout Mississauga. Hillside Park Community Garden and at the Garden of the Valley in Mississauga Park. 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. Ontario Sharing/growing sharing.html No information obtained Cambridge A Community Gardens Policy was adopted by the City in 2011 to support the creation of community gardens and give criteria for the selection of suitable areas %20%20Community%20Gardens%20Policy.pdf Farmers markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays from May 8 th No information obtained No information obtained to October 9 th Waterloo The Region of Waterloo typically manages community gardens within the public health responsibility. In an inventory completed in 2005, there were 31 community gardens offering at least 679 individual plots to gardeners and at least 6 rooftop gardens in the Region of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo typically manages community gardens within the public health responsibility. The City currently does not have any policy; food charters or programs in place to encourage the purchase of locally produced foods or encourage locals to buy food. The City of Waterloo s Partner s in Parks program supports 3 community gardens through funding and staffing.

264 November 2013 F-48 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Opportunities for Community Gardens, Farmer Markets, Urban Agriculture Are opportunities, either directly or through partnerships (e.g. York Region Food Network), provided for community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture, schoolyard gardens through land use planning policies, bylaws and active programs? Examples of Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas (i.e. green roofs) Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food Are there local food charters or other programs in place to buy locally produced food for the Town s events or to encourage residents to buy local food? Canada Community Garden Resource Network assists with community garden development Established the Calgary Food Committee (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 in completion of the Food System Assessment and Action Plan (2012) for Calgary. This Assessment evaluates the current food system, examples the range of food 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. em%20assessment%20%20action%20plan%20for%20calgary%20may2012.pdf Calgary 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 procedures No information obtained City may provide up to $5,000 in materials and irrigation from the City Slow Food Calgary: makes 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. Promotion of local Farmer s Markets on City s Website

265 November 2013 F-49 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report, Appendix F, Table 4 Land Resources Priority Areas Sub Focus Area: Sustainable Urban Food and Local Food Production Opportunities for Community Gardens, Farmer Markets, Urban Agriculture Are opportunities, either directly or through partnerships (e.g. York Region Food Network), provided for community gardens, farmers markets, urban agriculture, schoolyard gardens through land use planning policies, bylaws and active programs? Examples of Innovative Practices to Grow Food in Urban Areas (i.e. green roofs) Programs to Purchase Locally Produced Food Are there local food charters or other programs in place to buy locally produced food for the Town s events or to encourage residents to buy local food? Winnipeg Individual garden plots available for rent through the City of Winnipeg Public Works Department Park Rental process Community garden policy here: ages/garden%20policy.pdf No information obtained No information obtained Alexandria, VA Community Gardens throughout the city as part of the Healthy Food Alexandria Initiative. An initiative to expand farmer s markets, increase low income residents access to gardening and offer classes on nutrition. North America No information obtained International No information obtained Produced in Kent is a membership organization dedicated to promoting local food, drink, products and services in Kent Kent, UK No information obtained No information obtained Transition Town Faversham supports & encourages growing food and sourcing & buying local food. It focuses on encouraging Faversham s residents and businesses to think about local and seasonal food, whether it be through growing your own (at home, in a public space), foraging, or buying local produce

266 Appendix G Invasive Species Management Background Study November 2013

267 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Richmond Hill s Natural Environment What are Invasive Species? Why are Invasive Species a Problem? Principals of Invasive Species Management Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Federal Provincial Conservation Authorities (Provincial) Municipal Other Stakeholders Benchmarking Richmond Hill What we do Today What Others Do Moving Towards Environmental Sustainability: What we need to do next Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for Improvement Goals, Objectives, Indicators and Targets Recommendations Conclusion Resources November 2013 G-ii

268 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 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 in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The development of the Environment Strategy is being informed through an extensive public consultation process as well as a series of background studies that will examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. With a rise in global trade and travel, the introduction and spread of invasive species has become more prevalent, causing increased harm to the environment, society and economy. This background study explores the topics of applicable legislation, roles and responsibilities, available resources and options for municipal management of invasive species. It is intended to serve as a resource for the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy with respect to the management of invasive species in Richmond Hill. Invasive species are plants, animals and microorganisms that are introduced through human influence to areas outside of their natural range. 1 When a foreign invasive species is introduced to an ecosystem, it upsets the balance of that ecosystem. In their new environments, invasive species become predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers and diseases of the native and domesticated flora and fauna. 2 The ecological effects of this are often irreversible and, once established; invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to control and eradicate. 3 Examples of invasive species threats to Richmond Hill include the Emerald Ash Borer (insect), Giant Hog-weed (plant), and West Nile Virus (microorganisms). Invasive species are currently considered to be the second most significant threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss. 4 Without biodiversity, ecosystems become vulnerable to disturbance and their ability to recover is compromised. Biodiversity is an essential component of all life on earth as it maintains the availability of resources which people need to live such as food, medicine and clean water. Responsibility for the management of invasive species spans a number of different governments, agencies and organizations. In Richmond Hill, three levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal) are involved in invasive species management as well as other stakeholders and local residents. Several federal departments and agencies have a shared responsibility for the management of invasive species as they impact agriculture, forests, fisheries and wildlife. Provinces and territories are the predominant managers of agriculture, forests, freshwater fisheries and wildlife. They have a broad responsibility for the management, eradication, containment and control of established and spreading invasive species. Municipalities also play an important role in the management of invasive species such as forest pests in urban environments and control of noxious and invasive vegetation on municipal land. 1 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy. 2 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. 3 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy 4 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. November 2013 G-i

269 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Invasive species management from a municipal perspective varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some municipalities take great care to manage the introduction and spread of invasive species, creating policies and programs to proactively deal with the impacts that invasive species have on the environment, society and economy. Other municipalities address invasive species on a case-by-case basis, often dealing with conflicts once they have become a serious risk to health or safety. The City of Coquitlam is an example of a municipality that has developed an over arching strategy to manage invasive plant species, while several municipalities in Ontario have developed species-specific plans, such as those for the Emerald Ash Borer. In many ways, Richmond Hill has been able to address local invasive species challenges despite not having an overarching Invasive Species Management Strategy. The two speciesspecific management strategies/plans which are in place, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy and the European Fire Ant Management Plan, have been essential to manging the threat posed by these two invasive species. The Natural Heritage Strategy, while not yet endorsed by Council, is also a fundamental document for directing the management of Richmond Hill s natural environment. Several programs to engage the community have stemmed from the document such as the Community Stewardship Program and the Healthy Yards Program. Through identifying the strengths in Richmond Hill s management of invasive species, it is also recognized that there are areas where invasive species management can be improved. At present, there is a lack of understanding about the location and abundance of invasive species already present in Richmond Hill. Before an invasive species can be successfully managed, its distribution must first be understood. An inventory that identifies where and how invasive species are spreading and changing over time in Richmond Hill will allow for more effective local invasive species management. Through the development of the Environment Strategy, goals, objectives, targets and indicators will be identified to direct future initiatives and measure progress. While this background study recommends that Richmond Hill consider developing an Invasive Species Management Strategy it also recommends that Richmond Hill will need its Environment Strategy to provide high level direction for invasive species management and be able to measure the success of this management. For this reason, it is recommended that the Environment Strategy be developed with a vision to work towards the protection of local biodiversity. November 2013 G-ii

270 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 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 environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed through an extensive public consultation process as well as a series of background studies that will examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. Together, the public consultation and background studies with be summarized into a key findings report that will be used to drive the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy. With a rise in global trade and travel, the introduction and spread of invasive species has become more prevalent, causing increased harm to the environment, society and economy. This has become a growing concern and as a result the management of invasive species has become a more prominent theme. This background study explores the topics of applicable legislation, roles and responsibilities, available resources and options for municipal management of invasive species. It is intended to serve as a resource for the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy with respect to the management of invasive species within the Town of Richmond Hill on both public and privately owned property. November 2013 G-1

271 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 2.0 Introduction 2.1 RICHMOND HILL S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Richmond Hill values its natural environment and places a high priority on the protection of local ecological resources. The community is fortunate to contain several natural features including kettle lakes, headwaters and tributaries of the Don, Rouge and Humber watersheds, significant wetland complexes, the Jefferson Forest, and a portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Richmond Hill s greenway system is the foundation of the Town s valuable natural resources. The continued protection and enhancement of the natural environment is an essential part of maintaining a high quality of life for residents of Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill can be described as a predominately urban municipality with over 65% of its area occupied by urban land uses and natural areas occupying the remaining 35% of the Town s land area. 5 Over 120 flora and fauna species of local concern can be found in Richmond Hill and each relies on a healthy natural environment to provide the habitat and resources they need to survive WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? Invasive species are plants, animals and microorganisms that are introduced through human influence to areas outside of their natural range. 7 The introduction and spread of invasive species is causing harm to the environment, economy, and society and this threat is growing at an alarming rate locally, nationally and globally. For a species to be considered invasive, it must successfully out-compete native species, spread through its new environment, increase in population density and harm ecosystems in its introduced range. 8 Invasive species occur in all taxonomic groups and can affect all types of ecosystems. Some examples of invasive species currently present in Richmond Hill include: Invasive animals: Emerald ash borer (insect), rusty crayfish (crustacean), mute swan (bird). Invasive plants: Giant hogweed (terrestrial), Yellow iris (aquatic), Garlic mustard (terrestrial). Invasive microorganisms: West Nile virus, Dutch elm disease (fungi), Butternut canker (fungi). 5 Richmond Hill, Official Plan Background Report Environmental Policy Review. 6 Richmond Hill, Official Plan Background Report Environmental Policy Review. 7 Ontario Government, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy. 8 Convention on Biological Diversity, November 2013 G-2

272 2.3 WHY ARE INVASIVE SPECIES A PROBLEM? Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G The rapid spread of invasive species has become a growing environmental concern among ecologists, naturalists, biologists and land managers worldwide. 9 When a foreign invasive species is introduced to an ecosystem, it upsets the balance of that ecosystem. Many native species are outcompeted by invasive species that move in and take over. Often, the impacts that invasive species have on an ecosystem are not recognized until the invasive species has become established and the native species have been displaced. The displacement of native species is a serious concern because ecological processes such as community dynamics, food webs and nutrient cycling are impacted. In their new ecosystems, invasive species become predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers and diseases of the native and domesticated flora and fauna. 10 In the absence of their natural predators or controls, invasive species can have devastating effects on native species, habitats and ecosystems. The ecological effects of invasive species are often irreversible and, once established; they are extremely difficult and costly to control and eradicate. 11 Invasive species are considered the second most significant threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss. 12 Without biodiversity, ecosystems become vulnerable to disturbance and their ability to recover is compromised. Biodiversity is an essential component of all life on earth because it maintains the availability of resources that people need to live, such as food, medicine and clean water. 2.4 PRINCIPALS OF INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT The overall goal of invasive species management should be to prevent, reduce and mitigate the negative impacts that invasive species have on a community and natural environment. Invasive species are a local, national and global concern and require cross-boundary collaboration to be effectively managed. There are two primary approaches to managing invasive species: proactive and reactive. Reactive management means reacting to change or crisis after it happens; it tends to be costly and not very effective. Proactive management involves thinking ahead, anticipating and planning for change or crisis. It involves collaboration and information sharing with other levels of government, strategic planning, and public education. 9 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. 10 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. 11 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy 12 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. November 2013 G-3

273 3.0 Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Responsibility for the management of invasive species spans a number of different governments, agencies and organizations. In Richmond Hill three levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal) are involved in invasive species management as well as other stakeholders and local residents. The following section provides an overview of the policies and role of each group when it comes to invasive species management as well as an overview of legislation and guiding principals that affect how responsibilities are managed FEDERAL The Government of Canada is a signatory on several international conventions related to invasive species including, the International Plant Protection Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity. As a responsible trading partner, Canada has an obligation to ensure that invasive species are not exported to other Countries while ensuring that the import of invasive species is also prevented. Several federal departments and agencies have a shared responsibility for the management of agriculture, forests, fisheries and wildlife which is reflected in the arrangement for the management of invasive species that have been introduced to Canada. A suite of existing federal 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, Forestry Act, Natural Resources Act, and Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulations of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. There are several federal agencies and departments responsible for administering this suite of legislation including, but not limited to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service (NRCAN-CFS). Notwithstanding all of these groups, it is the responsibility of all levels of government to comply with the rules and regulations laid out in these acts. Several guiding documents 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). As an example, the CFIA is Canada s plant protection organization and as such have an important role in invasive species management. Primarily, the CFIA prevents the introduction of invasive species through import regulations. They regulate the movement of invasive species within Canada, monitor invasive species that are not yet found in Canada, and determine if an invasive species has become established. With regards to the spread of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer insect, the CFIA has established a regulated area to control the movement of potentially infested ash wood material. Richmond Hill is within the regulated area so Town staff and residents may not move ash wood material outside of the regulated zone without permission from the CFIA, or they could face fines and/or prosecution. An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004) The Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, produced by several federal government departments and agencies, seeks to protect Canada s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and their native biological diversity and domestic plants and animals from the risks of invasive species. The strategy is applicable to a wide range of sectors including agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, wildlife, forests, transportation, industry and human health. November 2013 G-4

274 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G The Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada proposes to respond to the invasive species challenge through a hierarchical approach that prioritizes the prevention of new invasions, early detection of new invaders, rapid response to new invaders, and management of established and spreading invaders (containment, eradication and control). It seeks to establish a framework to address invasive species by: integrating environmental considerations into decision-making with economic and social factors; enhancing co-ordination and co-operation to respond more rapidly to new invasions and pathways of invasion; strengthening programs to protect natural resources under pressure from increased global trade and travel; and maximizing collaboration between adhoc and regional/issue specific efforts to ensure the limited resources are used on highest priority issues PROVINCIAL Provinces and territories are the predominant managers of agriculture, forests, freshwater fisheries and wildlife. They have a broad responsibility for the management, eradication, containment and control of established and spreading invasive species. In Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) has identified invasive species as a serious threat to Ontario s biodiversity. 14 They employ several measures to combat invasive species which include outreach and education, monitoring and research, control and management, and policies and regulations. The OMNR develops and enforces regulations to help combat invasive species, including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fishery Regulations (under the federal Fisheries Act). For example, a regulation under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act bans the import into Ontario parts of dead animals in the deer family that have a high risk of transmitting chronic wasting disease, an invasive pathogen. Guiding documents are also in place to set guidelines and priorities for invasive species management in Ontario such as the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2012) and Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy; Protecting What Sustains Us (2011). There are also several provincially supported facilities and programs dedicated to safeguarding Ontario s natural resources and addressing the threat that invasive species pose to Ontario s biodiversity such as the Ontario Invasive Species Centre, the Ontario Forest Health Research Institute and the Invading Species Awareness Program. Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2012) The OMNR the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOGLTC) are working with other government agencies, partners and the public to prevent the arrival and spread of invasive species and the negative effects they have on Ontario's ecosystems, economy and society. In response to the threats posed by invasive species, these three ministries developed the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan. Ontario s Invasive Species Strategic Plan highlights work that has already been undertaken, identifies gaps in current programs and policies, and outlines future actions necessary to meet objectives. The objectives of this Strategic Plan are to prevent new invaders from arriving and surviving in Ontario, to slow and where possible reverse the spread of existing invasive species, 13 Government of Canada, An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. 14 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy. November 2013 G-5

275 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G and to reduce the harmful impacts of existing invasive species. The goal is to prevent harmful introductions before they occur, detect and identify invasive species before or immediately after they become established, respond rapidly to invasive species before they become established or spread and to manage and adapt by implementing innovative management actions and take practical steps to protect against the impacts of invasive species. 15 Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy: Protecting What Sustains Us (2011) Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy identifies the importance of biodiversity and speaks to how healthy ecosystems sustain healthy people and a healthy economy. The vision of the Strategy is a future where biodiversity loss is halted and recovery is advanced and where people value, protect and enhance biodiversity and the ecosystem services essential for human health and well-being. There are six main threats to Ontario s biodiversity: habitat loss, invasive species, population growth, pollution, unsustainable use and climate change. Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy highlights four strategic directions that reflect the critical components required to conserve Ontario s biodiversity: engage people, reduce threats, enhance resilience and improve knowledge. The goals of Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy are to: to mainstream biodiversity by incorporating the consideration of biodiversity into decision-making across the province, in different sectors and in our homes, workplaces and schools; to protect, restore and recover Ontario s genetic species and ecosystem diversity and related ecosystem functions and processes; and to use Ontario s biological assets sustainably. 16 Ontario Invasive Species Centre The Ontario Invasive Species Centre was initiated in 2011 when the CFIA, DFO, CFS and OMNR formally agreed to coordinate their efforts to deal with invasive species. The centre is a not-for-profit entity established in Sault Ste. Marie. The role of the Invasive species Centre is to facilitate and improve coordination, collaboration and decision-making on invasive species issues, so available resources can be used in the most effective and efficient manner. 17 Ontario Forest Health Research Institute The Ontario Forest Research Institute in the OMNR facilitates research on forest health and invasive species, including invasive tree diseases such as butternut canker and white pine blister rust. The OMNR also furthers research through partnerships with others such as NRC, universities, and private companies. 18 Invading Species Awareness Program In partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), the OMNR developed the Invading Species Awareness Program. This program addresses the critical threat 15 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Invasive Species Strategic Plan. 16 Government of Ontario, Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy 17 Ontario Invasive Species Centre, 18 Ontario Forest Health Research Institute, November 2013 G-6

276 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G that invasive species pose to Ontario s biodiversity by working cooperatively to prevent the introduction of invasive species through multiple pathways, including recreational watercraft, use of live bait, and the aquarium, water garden, live food fish, and horticulture industries CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES (PROVINCIAL) Conservation Authorities are watershed-based resource management agencies created by the province in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation Authorities Act. Conservation Authorities work in conjunction with municipalities to develop business plans, watershed plans and natural resource management plans within their jurisdictions (watersheds). These plans may recommend specific approaches to land use and resource planning and management that should be incorporated into municipal planning documents and related development applications in order to be implemented. Richmond Hill is located within the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and works with the TRCA to collaborate on invasive species initiatives. In particular, the TRCA has provided educational material on invasive species to be distributed at Richmond Hill events in the past. Currently, the TRCA 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 MUNICIPAL Municipalities play an important role in the management of invasive species such as forest pests in urban environments and control of noxious and invasive vegetation on municipal land. They play a key part in detecting new introductions and in the management of new and established invasive species. It is important for municipalities to develop and apply local invasive species management strategies and support the activities of local organizations interested in undertaking management activities. In many cases, municipalities contribute to the enforcement of provincial weed and pest control legislation. For example, in Richmond Hill, the By-law enforcement section enforces the provisions of the Ontario Weed Control Act on agricultural lands or lands in close proximity to agricultural lands. Different jurisdictions may have different levels of municipal government in place. The Town of Richmond Hill is located within York Region where there are two levels of municipal government, the upper tier Regional Municipality of York (York Region) and the lower tier local area Municipality of Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill). There are several policies and plans within both levels of municipal government that influence the management of invasive species. Regional Municipality of York (York Region) York Region provides services for residents and businesses that include things like transportation services, water, wastewater and solid waste management but they also offer 19 Invading Species Awareness Program, 20 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, November 2013 G-7

277 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G planning services and have several plans and strategies in place that influence the management of invasive species. In particular, the York Region Official Plan (2009), the York Region Greening Strategy (2001) and York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions (2008) documents each provide some direction when it comes to managing the natural environment. York Region Official Plan (2009) York Region s Official Plan identifies creating a sustainable natural environment as one of its three main objectives. The Region plans to meet this objective by identifying, protecting and enhancing the Regional Greenlands System, ensuring a healthy system, rich in native biodiversity and ensuring that significant environmental features and functions are protected and natural hazards avoided. While York Region s Official Plan does not include direct references to invasive species that would impact Richmond Hill, it does acknowledge the importance of preserving and enhancing native vegetation cover in the following sections: Stormwater Management , Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Communities , Building Complete, Vibrant Communities c, and Rural Area g. 21 York Region Greening Strategy (2001) York Region s Greening Strategy identifies nine broad delivery themes: information, naturalization, land securement, environmental education, Regional operations, legislation, urban forest, green partnerships and monitoring. These themes have been refined into four focused action areas which include enhancing and rehabilitating the natural environment, developing stewardship and educational program, securing environmental land and being innovative when it comes to natural environment management. The Strategy provides a context for Regional decision-making that supports a sustainable, natural environment and also provides a framework for initiatives to restore habitat, increase forest cover, secure green lands and their linkages, and promote and protect the natural environment. It encourages partnerships to drive policies related to green lands and natural heritage features into action and demonstrates strong environmental leadership. 22 York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions (2008) York Region s Natural Heritage Strategic Directions recognizes that a robust natural environment is the key to ensuring the sustainability of York Region, and that natural environment system planning requires the protection of remaining areas and restoration of degraded areas. The purpose of York Region s Natural Heritage Strategic Directions document is to raise awareness on the issues related to natural heritage protection in light of growth challenges faced by the Region. This document identifies several themes which must be addressed in order to enhance and maintain a sustainable natural environment. These include habitat protection for plant and animal species; maintenance of biodiversity, species richness and ecosystem complexity; 21 Regional Municipality of York, York Region Official Plan. 22 Regional Municipality of York, York Region Greening Strategy. November 2013 G-8

278 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G improvement of air quality; water management to improve quality and quantity; and mitigation of the impacts of climate change through carbon sequestration. 23 Municipality of Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill) Richmond Hill has experienced significant growth over the years and was identified as one of Canada s fasted growing municipalities through the 1990 s. The physical, social and economic growth of the community must be considered during decision making processes to ensure that the specific needs of the community are met and several policies and plans have been put in place to help guide these processes. In particular, the Richmond Hill Strategic Plan (2009) and the Richmond Hill Official Plan (2010) each provide direction in terms of programs and operating decisions when it comes to managing the natural environment. Richmond Hill Strategic Plan (2009) Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan was developed based on the principal of sustainability, which is the balance between people, the environment and the economy. The plan is centered on four goals, each of which either directly or indirectly identifies the importance of a healthy natural environment. The four goals include (1) creating stronger connections, (2) providing better choice, (3) creating a more vibrant community and (4) managing resources wisely. Within these goals, several of the expected outcomes call for the maintenance of a healthy natural environment. In particular, goal four: the wise management of resources calls for the advocacy, planning and promotion of the protection and enhancement of green spaces. Effective management of invasive species in these green spaces is an essential component of properly managing this resource. Additionally, providing opportunities for the community to get involved and participate in the management of invasive species meets the goal of providing better choice through offering options for the community to be active and get involved. Richmond Hill Official Plan (2010) Richmond Hill s Official Plan establishes policies for the physical, social and economic growth of the community. It reflects planning direction from the Province and York Region for more compact, complete communities, while managing growth at a scale that reflects the local context and positively contributes to the Town s character and identity. The Official Plan identifies the natural environment as an important component of what connects people and contributes to the unique character and identity of Richmond Hill. It encourages leadership and innovation and includes the protection and enhancement of natural environment systems, function and resources as one of the guiding principals which was considered throughout its development. Richmond Hill s Official Plan includes two direct references to invasive species: Urban Forest The Town shall promote the planting of native species. The planting of invasive species shall not be permitted. 2. Walkable Streets and People Places 23 Regional Municipality of York, York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions. November 2013 G-9

279 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Surface parking areas should be designed to include native, non-invasive landscaping and low impact development techniques that enhance the ecological character of the Oak Ridges Moraine OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Along with government agencies and organization, other stakeholders such as private land owners, non-government organizations, educational institutions and the general public may all play a role in the management of invasive species. In Richmond Hill, other stakeholders that currently play a role in invasive species management include private land owners and nongovernment organizations. Private Land Owners The responsibility of invasive species management reaches beyond the mandates of government organizations and conservation authorities. It also falls to individual private land owners as a general responsibility to manage invasive species on their land. While there is no legislation directly enforcing the management of invasive species on private land, local property standards by-laws may enforce the removal of invasive or hazardous plant material if there is a risk of injury or property damage. Non Government Organizations (NGO) There are several non-government organizations such as councils or networks that work to disseminate information on invasive species. Of particular interest, the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) and the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) are both organizations which undertake public education and have developed educational resources relevant to Richmond Hill which are available for the community to utilize. Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) is a multi-sector, non-profit group committed to the collaboration of organizations and citizens in order to more effectively respond to the threat of invasive plants in Ontario. Members are citizens and representatives from conservation authorities, academic institutions, aboriginal organizations, stewardship networks, private consultants, industry and environmental non-government organizations as well as municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. 24 North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) The North American Plant Society (NANPS) is a volunteer-operated charitable organization concerned with preserving native plant habitat in wild areas and restoring indigenous flora to developed areas. Their key purpose is to provide information and inspire an appreciation of native plants with an aim of restoring healthy ecosystems across the continent. 24 Ontario Invasive Plant Council, November 2013 G-10

280 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G NANPS hosts a number of seminars and workshops on various topics related to native plant conservation and cultivation each year. They provide resources and will give presentations to groups that wish to learn more about how they can promote and protect local native flora. NANPS also coordinates native plant rescues from natural areas prior to significant disturbance such as development. They recruit volunteers to help salvage the native plant material from these areas so that they may be transplanted to new areas nearby. This not only offers an opportunity to educate volunteers on the importance of native plants, but it also protects the local seed source and may contribute to the ecological restoration of another disturbed site North American Native Plant Society, November 2013 G-11

281 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO TODAY In Richmond Hill, the management of invasive species is the responsibility of several different departments. The following section outlines key directions, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each department as they exist today. Richmond Hill has two species-specific strategies in place: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy and the European Fire Ant Management Plan. Richmond Hill also has a Natural Heritage Strategy to guide the management of natural areas in the Town along with a Community Stewardship Program to engage the community in ecological restoration efforts and a Healthy Yards Program to encourage the use of native plants on private property. Richmond Hill s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that is threatening to kill all of the ash trees in Richmond Hill, a loss equivalent to approximately 12% of the Town s canopy cover. A management strategy was developed to help mitigate the impacts of this invasive insect in light of the significant damage that it has the potential to cause. This Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy directs the Town s response to EAB and the environmental, aesthetic and financial impact of this insect on the community. The Strategy employs five tools: monitoring; pesticide treatment; ash tree removal; ash tree replacement; and communication and public awareness. Four different divisions sit on a working group committee to coordinate the implementation of the strategy. Environment Services is the lead and is responsible for overseeing pesticide treatment and also coordinating communication efforts in collaboration with Communication Services. Parks Operations is responsible for the removal and replacement of ash trees as they become infested and Parks Planning is responsible for issuing permits for the removal of ash trees on private property. Richmond Hill also participates on the York Region EAB Technical Committee which is made up of various agencies from different levels of government such as the CFIA, OMNR, Conservation Authorities and local municipalities. The committee meets on a regular basis to share best practices, discuss new ideas, harmonize survey efforts and develop communication material with consistent messages. Richmond Hill s European Fire Ant Management Plan Richmond Hill has a European Fire Ant Management Plan which incorporates recommendations for control made by both the University of Guelph Pest Diagnostic Clinic and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension s Pest Management Office. The plan provides guidance for managing European fire ants on both public and private property. It focuses on continued control attempts with boric acid and/or diatomaceous earth while communicating the issue and recommended personal protection measures to nearby residents and people using the open space area, as well as to Town staff and contractors that are working on behalf of the Town. Unfortunately, the continued spread of the European Fire Ant has made attempts to control the species increasingly difficult. As a result, Richmond Hill no longer actively manages this insect on Town land, but does continue to provide advice to private land owners seeking guidance on how to manage this insect on their own property. November 2013 G-12

282 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) Richmond Hill s Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) builds upon existing data sources and is consistent with federal, provincial and regional government policies as well as local watershed strategies. It identifies the importance of a healthy natural environment and highlights the many benefits that Richmond Hill s natural features provide to the community. The purpose of the NHS is to establish fiscally responsible management strategies to ensure the continued health and sustainability of Richmond Hill s open space and environmental lands, while providing accessible, safe natural areas suitable for passive recreational use. There are four main goals identified in the Natural Heritage Strategy. Goal 1: Maintain healthy and diverse vegetation communities. Goal 2: Maintain healthy and diverse wildlife communities. Goal 3: Maintain healthy and diverse aquatic systems. Goal 4: Create an integrated and connected open space system that balances recreational and ecological functions. The NHS has set a number of targets to help achieve the goals and objectives, the majority of which can be tied directly to preventing the loss of biodiversity. Monitoring protocols were put in place through the strategy and data has been actively collected for spring ephemerals, amphibians and restoration planting success. An inventory of natural areas was initiated and data collection in the form of Ecological Land Classification (ELC) has been partially collected for the Town internally as well as through the TRCA. To assist with achieving the targets of the NHS, the Community Stewardship Program and the Healthy Yards Program were developed as well. The importance of invasive species management is highlighted throughout the NHS, but the specific target of preventing the introduction of invasive species to new ecosystems and the spread of invasive species within ecosystems identifies the Town s dedication to effectively managing invasive species to the negative impacts that they have on the environment. Richmond Hill s Community Stewardship Program The Community Stewardship Program was developed to facilitate ecological restoration and community education. It involves engaging the community through partnerships that have been established with external organizations and agencies to work towards establishing healthier natural corridors and green space connections throughout Richmond Hill s greenway system. Stewardship involves working together with the community to make positive environmental changes and provide hands-on assistance to clean, manage, protect and enhance Richmond Hill s streams, woodlots and other natural areas, ensuring a healthy natural environment. The creation of the Community Stewardship Program in 2008 brought together a number of partnerships that the Town was engaged in, some for many years, under one unifying program. Today, these partners include: York Region, Evergreen, Ontario Streams, TRCA, and the OMNR Ontario Stewardship Ranges, who have each committed to working with the Richmond Hill through multi-year restoration and stewardship projects. These partners contribute to the November 2013 G-13

283 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Community Stewardship Programs financially and by providing in-kind support. Some examples of projects undertaken through this program have included, community tree planting, stream rehabilitation and invasive species removal. The Community Stewardship Program contributes directly to the management of invasive species on Town land primarily through the partnership developed with the OMNR Ontario Stewardship Rangers. The projects that this group undertakes typically involve the removal of invasive species or weedy plant material from areas such as wildflower gardens or between rows of newly planted trees. Richmond Hill s Healthy Yards Program The Healthy Yards Program provides information to the community about creating healthy lawns and gardens using native plants. This program was developed with the intention of increasing native plant cover on private land, which is often difficult for a municipal government to influence. The natural environment is a connected system and spans both public and private land. Promoting the use of native plant material on private land contributes to a healthier connected system across the Town. Through the Healthy Yards Program, Richmond Hill residents may purchase subsidized native plants kits for their gardens, which contain an assortment of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. It has become increasingly popular over the years, with its greatest success being seen in 2012, where plant kits sales more than tripled from the previous year. The Healthy Yards Program not only emphasizes the value of back yard naturalization, it also addresses the importance of minimizing the use of invasive plants for private property landscaping. This program helps mitigate the impacts of invasive species by preventing their introduction into natural areas. Through the provision of education material, such as Richmond Hill s Native Species Brochures, residents are becoming more aware of native plant alternatives for their property. By offering incentives, such as subsidized native plant kits, resident have better access to native plants as opposed to invasive plant choices that are often more available through local garden centers and retailers. 4.2 WHAT OTHERS DO Invasive species management practices from a municipal perspective vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some local governments take great care to manage the introduction and spread of invasive species, creating policies and programs to proactively deal with the impacts that invasive species have on the environment, society and economy. Other governments deal with invasive species on a case-by-case basis, often dealing with conflicts once they have become a serious risk to safety or property. The City of Coquitlam is an example of a municipality that has developed an over arching strategy to manage invasive plant species, while many municipalities in Ontario have developed species-specific plans, such as those for the Emerald Ash Borer. Invasive Plant Management Strategy City of Coquitlam The City of Coquitlam developed an Invasive Plant Management Strategy for the purpose of guiding the management of invasive plants in publicly-owned parks and natural areas, and specifically to help manage invasive plants affecting adjacent private properties. Through this strategy, the City of Coquitlam has employed the early detection and rapid response (EDRR) tactic for invasive plant management. This has involved creating a watch list of plants likely to November 2013 G-14

284 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G be invasive and utilizing a community based monitoring system ( report-a-plant ) to identify and track the location of invasive plants. Once invasive plant populations, such as Giant Hog-weed or Japanese knotweed are identified, funds are designated specifically for the eradication of these populations. The City of Coquitlam uses mechanical, biological and chemical means to control invasive plant species and once a species is adequately controlled, the City will employ restoration methods such as seeding and planting to return the plant communities to those which are appropriate for the site s environmental conditions. Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategies - York, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Burlington, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan and Oakville Several Ontario municipalities, both upper tier and lower tier, have developed Emerald Ash Borer Management Plans to mitigate the impacts that the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) insect will have on the environment, economy and society. Some examples of Municipal Governments that have developed Emerald Ash Borer Management Plans include the Regional Municipality of York, the Cities of Ottawa, Toronto, London, Burlington, Mississauga, Markham and Vaughan and the Town of Oakville. Each municipality has taken their own approach to management based on available resources as well as the number, character and location of ash trees that they are responsible for managing. Management approaches range from minimal management to aggressive management and employ various tools and tactics to achieve the goals set out in individual management plans. November 2013 G-15

285 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 5.0 Moving Towards Environmental Sustainability: What we need to do next 5.1 STRENGTHS In many ways, Richmond Hill s approach to addressing invasive species management is proactive compared to many similar municipalities. The following is a summary of the strengths of Richmond Hill s programs: Council Approved Species-Specific Strategies/Plans Richmond Hill has two council approved species-specific management strategies/plans (Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy and European Fire Ant Management Plan) to guide how the Town manages invasive species on Town-owned land. Each employs proactive measures to mitigate the environmental, social and economic impacts that invasive species have on the community. By having these strategies/plans in place, Richmond Hill continues to demonstrate due diligence in the protection of the natural environment. Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) Richmond Hill s Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) is a fundamental document for directing the management of Richmond Hill s natural environment, ensuring the protection, enhancement and long-term sustainability of natural features while still providing access for residents to explore and enjoy these areas. The NHS has served as a big picture plan for the greenway system and has also been the driver behind ecological monitoring and data collection for the Town. While, the NHS has not yet been endorsed by Council, it remains a viable document with relevant content for the continued support of natural environment management. Community Engagement Richmond Hill has two council-approved programs (Community Stewardship Program and Healthy Yards Program) that engage the community in invasive species management and native species planting on both public and private property. Involving the community with activities such as invasive species removal and native tree and shrub planting not only creates a sense of pride and ownership in the Town for participants, but also encourages individuals to undertake similar initiatives for their own yard. It is difficult for municipal government to influence how private property is managed, but through these programs, private property owners gain access to native plant material as well as a financial incentive (subsidy) to use native plants on their own property. Communication and Public Awareness Richmond Hill employs a number of communication tools and tactics to educate and inform staff and residents about invasive species and native species alternatives. These include the use of web-based information, publications, translated materials, interpretive signage, public information centres, notification lists, and articles for newsletters to name a few. Awareness around invasive species and the potential impact they may have on the environment, society and economy is essential for gaining resident support for programs dedicated to managing invasive species and protecting the natural environment in Richmond Hill. November 2013 G-16

286 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Staff Specialists Richmond Hill has knowledgeable individuals on staff to address issues as they arise, coordinate a response or action plan as well as to respond to resident and council inquires. 5.2 WEAKNESSES While Richmond Hill s has taken a proactive approach to managing some invasive species there are several areas where performance can still be improved. The following is a summary of these areas: Invasive Species Management Strategy Given the wide range and variety of invasive threats, the lack of an invasive species strategy has limited Richmond Hill s ability to plan in advance of these threats becoming imminent. The development of an Invasive Species Management Strategy would allow for advance planning, establish priorities and focus on program efforts. Species Specific Plans While Richmond Hill has already developed two species specific strategies, there are numerous other invasive species threatening Richmond Hill s environment, economy and society. Without individual strategies for managing invasive species, Richmond Hill has only been able to reactively manage invasive species such as Giant Hog-weed thus far. Where individual invasive species represent a significant threat to Richmond Hill, management strategies for these species would be beneficial for directing a more proactive response. Inventory and Monitoring of Invasive Species A lack of understanding of location and abundance of invasive species present in Richmond Hill has placed the Town at a disadvantage when it comes to being able to react to threats quickly and efficiently. Before an invasive species can be successfully managed, its abundance and distribution must first be understood. An inventory that identifies where and how invasive species are spreading and changing over time will allow for more effective invasive species management. Community Education and Engagement While Richmond Hill has several programs in place that engage the community in invasive species management and provide educational material on native species selection, many residents are still unaware of the negative impacts that invasive species can have on the community. Through education and engagement, behaviour can be changed to help minimize the introduction and spread of harmful species in the community. Active community engagement in invasive species monitoring could also contribute to early detection of harmful introductions. November 2013 G-17

287 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT Richmond Hill s weaknesses as they pertain to invasive species management should also be viewed as opportunities for improvement. Below is a summary of recommendations that would assist with placing Richmond Hill in a better position to proactively and effectively manage invasive species on both Town and privately owned land. Invasive Species Management Strategy Develop an overarching Invasive Species Management Strategy to define guiding principals, identify strategic goals and objectives, as well as develop prioritization criteria to determine how individual invasive species should be managed. Engage the Region, neighbouring municipalities, Conservation Authorities and other cross-boundary stakeholders and identify areas for collaboration and partnerships. Assemble an internal working group to lead the implementation of an Invasive Species Management Strategy and to ensure good communication and consistent management. Species Specific Plans Develop Species Specific Management Strategies for individual invasive species based on criteria which would be outlined in the overarching Invasive Species Management Strategy. Incorporate restoration plans to re-establish areas that have become significantly degraded as a result of invasive species. Inventory and Monitoring of Invasive Species Develop and implement an invasive species monitoring protocol to identify new introductions and to monitor the spread of invasive species throughout Town. Conduct regular risk assessments to identify new invasive species that may be of concern or pose a future risk to Richmond Hill. Complete an inventory of the flora and fauna present in natural areas throughout Richmond Hill, using tools such as the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system, to better understand the current ecosystem communities and to monitor the change in these communities over time (ELC is a system developed by the OMNR to delineate natural regions based on ecological features such as plant communities and soil type). Natural Heritage Strategy Update the Natural Heritage Strategy so that it may better serve as a basis for a Council endorsed Natural Environment Strategy. Place a greater emphasis on the management of terrestrial natural environment systems as opposed to focusing on the entire natural heritage system which would include aquatic systems as well. November 2013 G-18

288 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Community Education and Engagement Develop a community education and engagement plan to inform residents about local invasive species and the impact they have on the natural environment, and to provide informational support for the management of invasive species on private land. Engage the community in invasive species management activities such as invasive species monitoring or invasive plant removal. 5.4 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, INDICATORS AND TARGETS Through the development of the Environment Strategy, goals, objectives, targets and indicators will be identified to direct future initiatives and measure progress. While this background study recommends that Richmond Hill develop an Invasive Species Management Strategy as a result of the Environment Strategy, the Environment Strategy should still provide high level direction for invasive species management and be able to measure the success of this management. It is recommended that the Environment Strategy be developed with a vision to work towards the conservation and protection of local biodiversity. It should consider a goal of reducing the negative impacts that invasive species have on the community. The objectives should also be considered: (1) prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive species to areas where they did not previously exist, (2) slow and possibly reversing the spread of existing invasive species, (3) reduce the negative impacts that invasive species have on the community and natural environment as well as (4) communicate and collaborate with others to achieve the successful management of invasive species. Measuring success is essential for monitoring progress towards achieving goals and objectives. It is recommended the Environment Strategy consider incorporating annual indicators for invasive species management such as, but not limited to, the total area of natural environment restored, number of native plant kits distributed to private households, number of bags of invasive species removed, number of invasive species management activities and number of community members engaged in the management of invasive species. November 2013 G-19

289 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 6.0 Recommendations Richmond Hill has demonstrated great strength when it comes to protecting and enhancing the natural environment, however there are always opportunities to improve as well. In order to better address the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement as discussed in section 5.0, the following actions are recommended for the continued improvement in natural environment management: Continue to implement the Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy. Continue participation with the York Region EAB technical committee and participate in other in invasive species forums and initiatives. Update Richmond Hill s European Fire Ant Management Plan to better address the limitations for control of this invasive insect. Update Richmond Hill s Natural Heritage Strategy so that it may better serve as a basis for a Council endorsed Natural Environment Strategy. Continue engaging the community in invasive species management through Richmond Hill Community Stewardship Program. Continue providing subsidized native plant kits for private property through Richmond Hill s Healthy Yards Program. Continue to create and/or distribute educational material about invasive and native plants. Promote the use of native species wherever possible. Develop species specific management plans for invasive species that pose a risk to health and safety (i.e. Giant Hog-weed) in the interim while the Environment Strategy is being developed. Develop or adopt best management practices for invasive species that are problematic on Town managed land such as within parks (i.e. European buckthorn, wild grape, etc.). Increase communication efforts around invasive species and explore other opportunities for outreach. Identify and initiate opportunities for cross boundary collaboration on invasive species management. Identify and initiate opportunities for partnerships with external agencies, organizations and the public to manage invasive species. November 2013 G-20

290 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 7.0 Conclusion The consideration of invasive species management as part of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy is an important step towards developing a comprehensive plan for ensuring Richmond Hill s environment is being looked after for the community today as well as for the future. The recommendations highlighted in this background study are not intended to be a complete list but rather a collection of suggested best practices and approaches already being employed by the Town or by others that Richmond Hill could benefit from. The Environment Strategy should be developed with a vision to work towards the conservation and protection of local biodiversity, encouraging the use of innovative approaches for the management of invasive species. November 2013 G-21

291 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G 8.0 Resources Richmond Hill Strategic Plan Richmond Hill Official Plan Richmond Hill Official Plan Background Report Environmental Policy Review, York Region Official Plan mjqsan7etnwtv2yojvqyfafvtur52u4e/dec+09+adopted+rop+-+for+web.pdf York Region Greening Strategy York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions awfcgdib6elrk6jjkbeqzilhls72zzgnvma/natural+heritage+strategic+directions+- +FINAL+PDF.pdf Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2012) /stdprod_ pdf Sustaining Biodiversity: A Strategic Plan for Managing Invasive Plants in S. Ontario (2000) Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy (2011) Ontario Government Plan to Conserve Biodiversity (2012) An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004) A03C5E9/Final_IAS_Strategic_Plan_smaller_e.pdf Richmond Hill Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy (2011) Richmond Hill European Fire Ant Management Plan (2006) Richmond Hill Natural Heritage Strategy (2005) November 2013 G-22

292 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix G Coquitlam Invasive Plant Management Strategy (2008) lant_strategy_march_2008.sflb.ashx Ontario s Invading Species Awareness Program Ontario Invasive Species Centre Ontario Invasive Plant Council North American Native Plant Society November 2013 G-23

293 Appendix H Wildlife Management Background Study November 2013

294 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Federal Government Provincial Government Regional Government Richmond Hill Conservation Authorities Property Owners Benchmarking Richmond Hill What We Do What Others Do Moving Forward Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for Improvement Goals, Objectives Targets and Indicators Recommended Actions Conclusion November 2013

295 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 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 in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill 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 area of focus. This paper has been prepared to provide information and direction in the area of wildlife management. Wildlife and their natural habitat have been impacted by development and growing urban landscapes causing them to come in contact with humans much more frequently, in turn causing a potential risk to human health, safety and risk to property. As a result many municipalities have developed ways to manage wild animals and their habitats to mitigate the impacts. This background study provides information on municipal best practices, innovative options for municipal management, preferred practices and approaches for managing Richmond Hill s urban wildlife. Responsibility for management of wildlife spans a number of different governments, municipal departments, agencies and organizations. In Richmond Hill four levels of government (federal, provincial, regional and municipal) are involved in wildlife issues as well as other stakeholders including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. While there are few overarching policies that provide guidance on how wildlife is managed in Richmond Hill, direction is provided through a number broader guiding documents and plans that originate from several levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Regional). Generally speaking, these policies address wildlife management through the protection, enhancement and maintenance of wildlife habitat and through biodiversity conservation. Only a few pieces of legislation specifically impact how municipalities address wildlife including the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997), Species at Risk Act (2002) and the Endangered Species Act (2007). Wildlife management practices from a municipal perspective vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some local governments take great care to balance relationships between wildlife and people, creating policies and programs to proactively deal with wildlife conflicts. Other governments deal with wildlife issues on a case-by-case basis, often dealing with conflicts once they have become a serious risk to safety or property. In the latter scenario, wildlife is often dealt with through extreme measures. A survey of surrounding jurisdictions demonstrates that municipal approaches to dealing with wildlife can be summarized into one of five different categories: reactive approach, anti-feeding by-laws, species specific management plans, wildlife friendly development guidelines and comprehensive wildlife strategies. Richmond Hill s approach to addressing wildlife conflicts involves a number of different measures including two council endorsed plans/strategies, one for beavers and the other for Canada geese. In addition Richmond Hill has retained expert consultants on contract to address wildlife as needed, it has knowledgeable staff who can address questions and issues as they arise and several communications pieces including a general wildlife brochure and information on the Town website. November 2013 H-i

296 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H The Richmond Hill Environment Strategy will provide direction on municipal environmental stewardship through a defined set of goals and objectives. With respect to wildlife management, it is recommended that the Strategy establish goals that aim to achieve a harmonious relationship between residents and wildlife within our community. It is also important that these goals aim to encourage an approach to managing wildlife that supports the preservation and conservation of biologically diverse ecosystems. In a, effort to achieve the potential goals that been identified several actions are recommended in this report. Some of these items are already being implemented such as the continued support and implementation of the Canada Goose Management Strategy and the Beaver Management Policy. Other actions are new and will require an assessment of feasibility as well as budget analysis and approval. These new recommended actions include the development of a comprehensive wildlife management strategy together with a comprehensive communication strategy for urban wildlife. November 2013 H- ii

297 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 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 in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed through an intensive public consultation process as well as series of background studies that will examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. Together the public consultation and background studies with be summarized in a key findings report that will be used to drive the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy. Wildlife and their natural habitat have been impacted by development and growing urban landscapes causing them to come in contact with humans much more frequently, in turn causing a potential risk to human health, safety and risk to property. As a result many municipalities have developed and adapted ways to manage wild animals and their habitats to mitigate the impacts. This study will explore the topic wildlife management from a municipal perspective. It will provide a summary of current policy guidance and identify programs, strategies, challenges, and opportunities for improvement through the review of policy/programs used by comparable municipalities. This report will also define goals for Richmond Hill that that can be achieved by working towards realistic targets, building on existing Town programs. Note: In this document, wildlife management refers to the management of conflict situations between people and animals that have become a common occurrence in urban and suburban environments. For example, beavers causing flooding and removing trees in parks and open space, excessive Canada goose populations overgrazing parks and soccer fields, coyotes and raccoons scavenging residential garbage and amphibians and turtles getting hit or run over by cars. This study does not address wildlife conflicts in relation to invasive species or species at risk. For information relating to these specific areas please refer to the Invasive Species Management Background Study. November 2013 H-1

298 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 2.0 Introduction Richmond Hill is a municipality that has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the last 25 years and, during the 1990 s, was described as the fastest growing municipality in all of Ontario. Between 1971 and 2009 the Town grew from a population of approximately 33,000 people to over 181,000. Although growth has slowed in recent years, Richmond Hill is projected to grow to a community of just over 242,000 by What was once a farming community dominated by agriculture fields has transformed into an urban landscape organized around many key sensitive environmental features. Some of these features include kettle lakes, wetlands, significant woodland and valley lands, all of which are associated with tributaries of the Don, Rouge, Humber and East Holland River systems as well as Oak Ridges Moraine. The impact of this growth on the Town s natural systems has been felt in a number of ways, including an increase in the number of human wildlife conflicts. There are several reasons for this: As a result of urban development, more and more people are living in close proximity to natural areas. Development has inevitably reduced habitat size creating smaller areas for animals to exist. The encroaching urban communities have forced animals to survive in a limited amount of space. Certain animals have adapted very successfully to urban and suburban environments and have learned how to thrive. 1,2 Urban wildlife is a valuable resource in our community, enriching the lives of urban dwellers as well as contributing to a healthy environment and biologically diverse ecosystem. The difficulty with urban wildlife is achieving a balance where humans and animals can exist with limited threat to health, safety and damage to property. Richmond Hill is very fortunate to have many types of wildlife existing in our community, several even classified as species at risk. Notwithstanding, there are only a few specific species that impact Richmond Hill residents to a point where a concerted management effort from Town staff is needed to minimize risks. These animals include the Canadian beaver (castor Canadensis), Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis), and to a lesser extent, coyotes (Canis latrans), skunks (Mephitis mephitis), white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), turtles (multiple species) and frogs (multiple species). 1 Proceedings 4 th International Urban Wildlife Symposium. Shaw et al., Eds. (2004), pg 50 2 DeStefano S., DeGraff R. (2003). Exploring the ecology of suburban wildlife. Front Ecol Environ 2003, 1(2), November 2013 H-2

299 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 3.0 Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Responsibility for management of wildlife spans a number of different governments, municipal departments, agencies and organizations. In Richmond Hill four levels of government (federal, provincial, regional and municipal) are involved in wildlife issues as well as other stakeholders including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and local residents. The following section provides an overview of the policies and role of each group when it comes to wildlife management as well as an overview of legislation framework and guiding principals that affect how responsibilities are managed. 3.1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Policy and strategic direction related to wildlife management that originates at the federal level is centered on the subject of habitat protection and the conservation of biologically diverse systems. These broad based themes form the statues, regulations and strategies that serve as the foundation for how provincial, regional and local governments approach the development of wildlife management programs. Federal Agencies and Statutes Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for protecting fish and fish habitat across Canada. Under the Fisheries Act no one can carry out work or undertake a project or action that will cause the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat unless it has been authorized by DFO. For a number of routine projects around streams that pose little risk to fish habitat, the DFO has developed a series of Operational Statements to assist with project planning. For these low risk works around waterways such as beaver dam removals and bridge maintenance, work can proceed without DFO review or a permit as long as you meet the conditions within the applicable Operational Statement. If there is no Operational Statement developed for the type of work being proposed or if it is not possible to comply with the conditions and measures found within the Operational Statements, a project proposal needs to be submitted to DFO or the responsible agency for review and possible authorization. The Canadian Wildlife Service, which is a branch of Environment Canada, is the national wildlife agency for Canada whose core area of responsibility is the protection and management of migratory birds and their nationally important habitats. It is also responsible for the implementation of the Canada Wildlife Act (1985), the Species at Risk Act (2002), the Migratory Birds Convention (1994) and the Wild Animal Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (1992). The Canadian Wildlife Service also develops and implements policy, conduct research as well as issues licences and permits for hunting, fishing, trapping and damage to habitat. 3 3 Environment Canada. (2000). Canadian Wildlife Service Strategic Plan, 2000 November 2013 H-3

300 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H At the municipal level the management of wildlife must adhere to the statues and regulations implemented by the federal government such as those mentioned above. For example, species at risk like the butternut tree or regulated species like migratory birds need to be considered in the actions that are taken during development as well as during the regular operations and maintenance of municipal property like removing debris from a stream or repairing a culvert. In situations where conflicts between humans and wildlife arise like the over population of Canada geese in parks or flooding caused by beaver dams, federal regulations must be considered as they apply to Richmond Hill s work to manage these issues, where permits and guidelines need to be considered. Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, 1995 Environment Canada s biodiversity and wildlife conservation mandate is derived largely from Canada s participation in international treaties such as the Migratory Birds Convention (1916) with the United States, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance ( 1971), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1975), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992). These commitments have lead Canada to develop the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy (1995) that defines the vision, guiding principals and framework for implementing actions to ensure the productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural systems. The Strategy emphasizes that the conservation of biodiversity is the responsibility of local, provincial, territorial and federal governments, in cooperation with stakeholders and members of the public. It encourages all of these groups, including municipalities, to pursue the implementation of the strategic directions contained in the Strategy, in accordance with their jurisdictional capabilities PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy, Protecting What Sustains Us ( 2011) This document is the guiding framework for coordinating the conservation of Ontario s rich variety of life and ecosystems, providing background on the province s current biodiversity as it exists today and highlighting the threats that are acting upon it. Habitat loss and population growth are listed among the top six main threats to biodiversity, both of which are fundamentally connected to the management of wildlife in urban settings. This Strategy provides a framework for the conservation of Ontario s biodiversity over the next 10 years outlining several objectives, targets and key actions that directly and indirectly link to urban wildlife. For example, the Strategy identifies the protection Ontario s genetic, species and ecosystem diversity as a priority and highlights that this will be achieved through the development of proactive approaches to maintaining common species and common ecosystems. Provincial Policy Statement (2005) and Natural Heritage Reference Manual (2005) Richmond Hill s policies and practices with respect to how development impacts wildlife is driven by the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), 2005 under the Planning Act. The Natural Heritage Reference Manual (2005) provides the recommended technical criteria and approaches for being consistent with the PPS in protecting natural heritage features and natural 4 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Biodiversity Working Group. (1995). Canadian biodiversity strategy: Canada's response to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Environment. November 2013 H-4

301 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H heritage systems in Ontario. 5 Together these guiding documents provide policy direction for protecting wildlife and their habitats. Policies focus on the protection of significant woodlands, wetlands, valleylands and habitat of endangered and threaten species. Richmond Hill s main vehicle for ensuring consistency with the PPS and implementation of its policies is through our official plan. The polices included in Richmond Hill s official plan will be addressed in section 3.5 of this report. Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MRN) is responsible for administering the regulations and policies defined by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, This is the main statute 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. These offices use a variety of management tools to regulate hunting and fishing to ensure healthy populations are maintained. For example, the regulation and issuing of licenses and the provision of mandatory training delivered cooperatively by trapper organizations. Local offices also provide assistance when it comes to dealing with local wildlife by providing resources and advice on management techniques, how to locate trappers, and by providing resources and educational messaging. 6 Endangered Species Act (2007) It is illegal under the Ontario s Endangered Species Act (2007) (EAS) to willfully (or attempt to) kill, injure, interfere with or take any species of flora or fauna threatened with extinction listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List which has been established under the regulations of the act. This same statute also applies to habitat of any species listed on the SARO list. From a municipal perspective the ESA may influence the timing and or location of construction or other potentially disruptive activities both on public and private lands. The Town and the local conservation authority assume development review for species at risk under the ESA. In the event that a development or activity is flagged the Ministry of Natural Resources is notified, as they are ultimately responsible for implementation of the act. 3.3 REGIONAL GOVERNMENT York Region Official Plan (2010) There are several policies within the regional official plan that speak to wildlife with a focus on the protection of wildlife habitat that may be impacted as a result of development within defined greenlands system as well as outside the system. Wildlife protection is realized through the 5 Ministry of Natural Resources. (2005). Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement 6 Ministry of Natural Resources. (February 13, 2013). Retrieved on November 2013 H-5

302 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H maintenance of natural linkages, corridors and key natural features. These policies are contained within section 2.1 and 2.2 of the plan, parts of which have been appealed and are under review. The Regional Municipality of York does not any policies or guidelines for wildlife and as such does not impact how urban wildlife is managed at a municipal level. 3.4 RICHMOND HILL Richmond Hill Official Plan (2010) There are no specific policies that address the management of urban wildlife in the Richmond Hill Official Plan however; similar to the regional plan, there are policies that address wildlife management through the protection, enhancement and maintenance of wildlife habitat. Protection of significant habitats and habitat of endangered and threatened species will contribute to an environment where there is a balance between wildlife and urban form. These policies are found within section Greenway System of the Official Plan (note that some policies included within this section are under appeal). In addition policies centered on the preservation of natural linkages throughout the Town contribute to better management of wildlife. Preserving and restoring natural linkages will 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 Natural Linkage designations. Policies relating to natural linkages are contained within section Linkage within the Plan. This section of the plan is not under appeal. Richmond Hill Strategic Plan (2009) Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan places great emphasis on building strong connections within the community. It has identified the improvement of environmental connections as a priority and has specifically identified that this can be achieved by building stronger connections between natural corridors and green spaces. Such focus on building these connections will improve habitat for local wildlife, in turn alleviating the pressure of adjacent urban environments on these systems. 3.5 CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES The authority of Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is derived from the Conservation Authorities Act, is known as Ontario Regulation 166/06 or the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses. The main objectives of Ontario Regulation 166/06 are to ensure public safety, protection of property and to ensure impacts to sensitive natural areas and wildlife habitat are avoided if at all possible or mitigated. The TRCA achieves this by regulating, through a permit process, activities within and around watercourses. All development, including Richmond Hill s own municipal activities and projects are subject to this permitting process. November 2013 H-6

303 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H The TRCA works to protect and restore wildlife habitat, however it is not its mandate to manage wildlife, except on their own property. 7 In Richmond Hill the TRCA owns and/or manages two very large properties, the Oak Ridges Corridor Park (which is owned by the province of Ontario) and the Lake St. George Field Center. TRCA works closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), who manages the provinces wildlife to ensure its health. 3.6 PROPERTY OWNERS Wildlife matters on private property are the responsibility of the land owner and are subject to the same legislation and policies that municipal governments must follow such as the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997). Property owners must also comply with all municipal by-laws. 7 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. (February 11, 2013). retrieved on November 2013 H-7

304 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO In Richmond Hill the management of wildlife is the responsibility of serveral different departments. The following section outlines key policy directions, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each department as they exist today. Environment & Infrastructure Services, Environment Services Division, Natural Environment Section The Natural Environment Section is repsonsibile for dealing with urban wildlife conflicts in Richmond Hill. Much of these responsibilities are dervied from the administration and implementation of two key policy documents incluidng the Canada Goose Management Strategy (2005) and the Beaver Management Policy (2003). In additon section has assumed responsibility for investigating common wildlife human conflicts occurrances as they arise as well as providng general educaiton messaging with respect to urban wildlife. The Canda 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 vareity of different control measures that include habiat modificaiton, egg sterilizaiton, hazing, and public education. The Town employs a Canada Goose Management consultant who implements several of the contorl measures on behalf of the Town. This contract is administred by the Natural Environment Seciton. The Beaver Management Policy, adopted by council in 2002, provides direction on the management of beaver acitivity on Town-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 damge. 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 proeprty. 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 mainteance, flow/exclusion devicies 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 healthy, safetly and or property. The Natural Environment Section has traditionally provided public eduction with respect to urban wildlife. Several publications and informational pieces have been developed and published throughout the Town in the local media, on the Town website, in and phone correspondance, Council newsletters, the Community Bulletin and the Recreation Guide among others. November 2013 H-8

305 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Community Services - Parks Operations Parks Operations is responsible for addressing wildlife issues as they arise in parks and open space areas. Some of these tasks are completed in consultation with the Natural Environment Section. These responsibliities include but are not limited to the following: Beavers: Wrapping speciment trees to protect against damage from beavers Damaged tree removal and debris clean-up Geese: Habitat modificaton including plantings Installation of barrier fencing Other: In-stream debris removal Installation of signs Community Services Public Works Operations Similar to Parks Operations, Public Works is responsible for addressing wildlife issues as they arise within the road right of way and related infrastructure. Some of these tasks are completed in consultation with the Natural Environment Section. These responsibliities include but are not limited to the following: Beavers: Cleaning out culverts, catch basins, storm sewers and ponds from collected debriss Other: In-stream debris removal Picking up road kill on local streets Installation of signs Planning and Regulatory Services, Regulatory Services, By-law Section The By-law Section of the Regulatory Services Division is responsible for investigating by-law complaints and enforcement of Town By-laws. The two main by-laws that deal with wild animals include the Parks Use By-law and the Animal Control By-law. The Parks Use By-law contains provisions prohibiting the harmful treatment (including kill, attempt to kill, trap, hunt, pursue or in any manner disturb or cause to be disturbed, remove or injure any nest or eggs) of any animal including wildlife. This by-law is enforced by the Town s by-law enforcement officers on a case by case basis as situations arise. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is contracted by the Richmond Hill and is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Town's Animal Control Bylaw, as well as ensuring that all owners of dogs have licensed their dogs. They also enforce the poop and scoop provisions, dogs running at large and the animal trespassing regulations of the by-law. Although local municipalities are not obligated to address wildlife issues within their jurisdiction, Richmond Hill s OSPCA contract includes the provision of a telephone hotline to respond to public and staff concerns. The OSPCA also provides, where necessary and appropriate, transport of sick or injured animals to a wildlife rehabilitation center or other authorized species-specific organization. November 2013 H-9

306 Planning and Regulatory Services, Planning Development Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Wildlife Crossing Structures A number of wildlife crossing structures have been installed throughout Richmond Hill including amphibian tunnels, culverts and underpasses. These structures are usually secured through the development process and then assumed by the municipality to manage and maintain was the development is complete. 4.2 WHAT OTHERS DO Wildlife management practices from a municipal perspective vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some local governments take great care to balance relationships between wildlife and people, creating policies and programs to proactively deal with wildlife conflicts. Other governments deal with wildlife issues on a case-by-case basis as they arise, sometimes dealing with conflicts once they have become a risk to safety or property. In the latter scenario, wildlife is often dealt with through extreme measures. A survey of surrounding jurisdictions demonstrates that municipal approaches to dealing with wildlife can be summarized into one of five different categories: Reactive Approach Quite often municipalities deal with wildlife in a reactive manner, attending to problems when risk to human health, safety and property is high or has been impacted. The consequence of addressing wildlife in this manner is that often it limits your options for dealing with the wildlife and likelihood of having to remove and/or destroy the animal becomes quite high Species Specific Management Strategies These plans are developed by local authorities to deal with specific on-going wildlife issues. The two most common species include the Canadian beaver and Canada goose. Some municipalities have also developed plans for dealing with coyotes. Often the strategies/policies/plans have been approved by council and combine several different approaches and tactics to deal with the problems. In most cases, an important part of the Strategy includes public education because changes in public behaviour can help to alleviate wildlife problems, for example, the intentional or unintentional feeding of coyotes, racoons and birds. Richmond Hill falls into this category, having species specific strategies for beavers and geese. November 2013 H-10

307 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Anti-Feeding By-laws A very common problem for many municipalities relates to excessive and persistent feeding of animals by people. Although many residents believe this to be an act of kindness, there are a number of different reasons why feeding is problematic: Animals become habituated 8 Animals can become aggressive Handouts, usually breads, are very unhealthy for animals Large populations of animals congregating where feeding takes place can lead to an increased chance of disease amongst the animals Areas where feeding is occurring can become unsanitary and unsightly Habituated An animal that has lost their natural wariness of people due to routine proximity to people, usually related to persistent feeding, without negative consequences/stimuli. In an effort to address this issue several municipalities have adopted anti feeding by-laws for wildlife (see Table 1: Municipal Benchmarking). These by-laws generally deal with feeding on public and private lands, however some specifically regulate feeding on public land only, and some even regulate feeding of specific species of wildlife, for example just coyotes or waterfowl. Richmond Hill s Parks Use By-law prohibits the disturbance of animals, however, this prohibition does not enable staff to enforce a no-feeding policy. In order to enforce this type of offence, the prohibition needs to specifically state that feeding is prohibited. Wildlife Friendly Development Guidelines Few municipalities have invested in creating Wildlife Friendly Development Guidelines which provide guidance and direction on measures that can be taken to mitigate the impacts of the urban form on wild animals. These guidelines typically focus on bird-friendly measures (Toronto, Calgary, and Chicago) 9 to limit the amount of bird fatalities from hitting large buildings with highly reflective surfaces. The City of Toronto has incorporated some of these measures into broader scoped Toronto Green Standard which is a two-tiered set of performance measures with supporting guidelines related to sustainable site and building design for new public and private development. 10 The City of Pickering s Sustainable Development Guidelines also provide some guidance to protect against wildlife impacts Fox C. (2003). Project Coyote: Protecting America s Song Dog. Earth Island Journal, 24(3), pg City of Toronto. Fatal Light Awareness Program. (February 11, 2013). Retrieved on 10 City of Toronto. Toronto Green Standards. (February 11, 2013). retrieved on 11 City of Pickering. Sustainable Development Guidelines. (February 11, 2013). guidelinesc553.php November 2013 H-11

308 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H At this time the Town does not have Wildlife Friendly Development Guidelines; however, the 2009 Richmond Hill Official Plan has recommended that Sustainable Design Criteria be developed where these guidelines can be incorporated. Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy The City of Ottawa and the Town of Oakville have opted to create comprehensive wildlife management strategies to address wildlife issues throughout their jurisdictions. Oakville s in particular was developed in response to an action item identified in their Environmental Strategic Plan which stated, to develop a Wildlife Management Plan in order to maintain biodiversity. The Strategy was developed with input from stakeholders including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Oakville Milton Humane Society and Conservation Halton. As part of Oakville s Wildlife Strategy, it was recommended that education form a key part in supporting a livable relationship between residents and wildlife Town of Oakville. Oakville wildlife Management Strategy. (February 17, 2013). retrieved from November 2013 H-12

309 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Table 1: Municipal Benchmarking Municipality Species Specific Plans Overall Coyotes Deer Beavers Geese Wildlife Strategy Edmonton Hamilton Markham Mississauga Niagara Oakville Oshawa Ottawa Pickering Toronto Edmonton Urban Coyote Project, Wildlife Conflict Protocol (2012) Coyote Chapter, online reporting form and information Included in Strategy Wildlife Conflict Protocol (2012) White Tailed Deer Chapter Internal policy only Wildlife Conflict Protocol (2012) Beaver/Muskrats Chapter Beaver Management Policy (2011) Included in Strategy Canada Goose Management Program (2001) Wildlife Conflict Protocol (2012) Canada Geese Chapter Oakville Wildlife Strategy - OWLS (2012) City of Ottawa Wildlife Strategy, Draft, (2012) Wildlife in the city information age on their website with fact sheets for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and wildlife proofing your home, rabies etc. Antifeeding By-law Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw (excluding birds except for waterfowl) Animal Control Bylaw Coyote Bylaw Rules and Regulations of Parks By-law Vaughan Case by case basis no formal policies Geese Bylaw Waterloo In process of writing one. Whitby By-law prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl York Region Case by case basis no formal policies Wildlife- Friendly Development Guidelines Sustainable Development Guidelines Fatal Light Awareness Guidelines November 2013 H-13

310 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 5.0 Moving Forward 5.1 STRENGTHS In many ways Richmond Hill s approach to addressing urban wildlife is proactive in comparison to many similar municipalities across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. The following is a summary of the strengths of our program: Council Approved Species-Specific Strategies/Policies - 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 Town s due diligence and proactive approach to dealing with wildlife conflicts, as well sensitivity to wildlife preservation and protecting biodiversity loss. Trained Consultants - The Town contracts two separate wildlife consultants to address wildlife address in Richmond Hill: A wildlife management consultant for furbearing animals (beavers, coyote, deer, raccoons, muskrats, fox etc.) on retainer to address and provide advice on wildlife issues as they arise (beaver dams, trapping, tracking, removals etc.) A Canada goose management consultant on contract to administer population control measures (egg sterilization) and mitigation of impacts (hazing and dropping clean-up) Expert advice on staff The Town has knowledgeable individuals on staff to address issues as they arise and to respond to resident and council inquires. Communications Richmond Hill uses a number of communication measures to educate and inform the public about urban wildlife, including web-based information, publications, face-toface education, and articles for newsletters etc. 5.2 WEAKNESSES Notwithstanding the Town s progressive approach with respect to wildlife management, there are still some areas where Richmond Hill s performance can be improved. The following is a summary of these areas: Division of responsibilities between departments As noted in section 4.2 of this report there are three departments responsible for various aspects of wildlife management in Richmond Hill. From time to time, responsibilities overlap (especially as it pertains to public education efforts, or gaining permissions to remove stream obstructions such as beaver dams). An interdepartmental team to coordinate Town efforts could result in more effective, efficient and proactive wildlife management. Consistent messaging to the public As noted above, the division of responsibilities between Town departments and the resultant overlap in responsibility for public education could be managed more consistently through an inter-departmental working group. November 2013 H-14

311 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Education and Enforcement Richmond Hill has made significant effort in recent years to provide information to the public about urban wildlife. In spite of this, some residents continue to exhibit behaviours that are harmful to wildlife (such as excessive feeding). Further, the Town continues to receive concerned calls from residents about nuisance wildlife. These residents often have a misinformed understanding of the Town s responsibilities. This demonstrates the need for an on-going, coordinated education and awareness program. An anti-feeling bylaw could be considered if education efforts do not provide satisfactory results. Protection against biodiversity loss The management of wildlife using species- specific plans in isolation of a comprehensive wildlife strategy does not ensure that the Town s efforts are working towards maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. These additional benefits could be achieved through a comprehensive strategy. Wildlife crossings As noted in section 4.2 of this report, Richmond Hill through the development process, has ensured the installation of several wildlife crossing structures throughout the Town. Although many of these structures are relatively new, staff should be trained and/or equipped to ensure the structures are maintained according to the original specifications. If these structures are not maintained, they will become ineffective at providing safe passage for wildlife. 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT A review of municipal wildlife management best practices has highlighted several opportunities for Richmond Hill to improve and become a leader in this area of environmental management. These opportunities include: Comprehensive Wildlife Management Strategy that incorporates: Species specific management policy for beavers and geese General wildlife management policy for all other animals to minimize conflict, ensure biodiversity and ecosystem health Wildlife Friendly Development Guidelines: o Guidelines for minimizing bird fatalities due to building design o Wildlife crossings Guidelines for wildlife passageways and crossings (installation and maintenance, signage to reduce road kills) Communication Strategy - To improve the public s understanding of wildlife interactions, and help residents appreciate the benefits of living in a biodiverse community. Anti-feeding by-law Consider and assess the benefits of adopting a by-law that will help to address persistent wildlife feeders. Better communication between departments Develop an interdepartmental Town team to collaboratively develop a coordinated urban wildlife strategy and communication plan. November 2013 H-15

312 Official Plan Consider including a policy with the following wording: Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H Support and encourage sustainable design, management programs and public education initiatives that encourage a harmonious relationship between residents and wildlife within our community and that help to preserve biologically diverse ecosystems. 5.4 GOALS, OBJECTIVES TARGETS AND INDICATORS The Richmond Hill Environment Strategy will inform how the Town will manage its environment, now and in the future, and it will do this by providing a strategic direction for the corporation through a defined set of goals and objectives. With respect to wildlife management the Strategy needs to establish a set of goals and objectives that aim to achieve a harmonious relationship between residents and wildlife within our community. It is also important that these goals aim to encourage an approach to managing wildlife that supports the preservation and conservation of biologically diverse ecosystems. Progress towards meeting these goals and objectives will be achieved by establishing targets that are realistic using indicators that practical and measurable. One possible indicator that could be used to gauge progress towards improved wildlife management is a measure of how many times wildlife has caused an imminent risk to human health, safety and/or risk to property. Number of complaints received about wildlife causing a nuisance, risk or perceived risk to human health, safety or property could also be a measure towards reaching a goal centered on achieving a balance between humans and wildlife. November 2013 H-16

313 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 6.0 Recommended Actions There are many actions Richmond Hill can take that will help us achieve the goals and objectives adopted as part of the Town s Environment Strategy. This section of this study provides and comprehensive list of actions that are being recommended to assist with improving wildlife management in the Town. Several of these action items are already being implemented while others are new and will require an assessment of feasibility as well as budget analysis and approval. These actions have been divided into three sections; program actions, corporate actions and community actions. Program Actions Continue to support and implement the Canada Goose Management Strategy Continue to support and implement the Beaver Management Policy Develop stronger by-laws to address wildlife feeding in public parks Develop and implement a communication strategy for urban wildlife Develop a comprehensive wildlife management strategy that provides recommendations and approaches to wildlife management that are adaptive and adopt an ecosystemsbase approach. Public education will be a fundamental component of this plan. Develop sustainable development guidelines that incorporate wildlife-friendly design criteria as well as a maintenance program for these designs. This will include a Fatal Light Awareness Program and Road Ecology Program Corporate Actions Develop interdepartmental relationships to better communicate and coordinate wildlife management programs and messaging. Sections to be involved in this process include: EIS, Environment Services, Natural Environment PRS, Planning and Regulatory Services, Planning Development CAO, Communication Services CFS, Office of the Clerk, Access Richmond Hill CS, Public Works Operations and Parks Operations Collaboration between departments can be initiated with the establishment of an interdepartmental team to develop the recommended urban wildlife management strategy and communication plan. Community Actions More often than not most wildlife-human conflicts are the result of a lack of awareness and understanding of wildlife behaviour. In most cases, the understanding leads to people overreacting to a perceived risk rather than an actual risk. A better informed community about urban wildlife will help to decrease the frequency of wildlife conflicts and will create a public that respects and appreciates the value of these animals in our community and a healthy environment. It is recommended that an urban wildlife communication strategy be developed to November 2013 H-17

314 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H inform first and foremost residents of Richmond Hill, as well as, Council, and staff about urban wildlife within our community. Key messages can include: Why is urban wildlife important? How can you wildlife proof your home? What do you do if you encounter a wild animal? Develop species-specific fact sheets that provide general information about behaviour and identification characteristics. What is the Town s responsibility? What is the public s responsibility? November 2013 H-18

315 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix H 7.0 Conclusion The consideration of wildlife management as part of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy is an important step towards developing a comprehensive plan for ensuring Richmond Hill s environment is being looked after for today s residents and for future generations. The goals, objectives and recommended actions that are being put forward in this document are not meant to be a complete list but rather a collection of the best practices and approaches already being employed by others that the Town could benefit from. The Strategy should leave open the opportunity for Richmond Hill to develop its own innovative approaches or adopt new approaches that are developed over time. November 2013 H-19

316 Appendix I Protection Against Biodiversity Loss Background Study November 2013

317 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Canada Ontario York Region Richmond Hill Conservation Authority Benchmarking Richmond Hill What We Do What Others Do Moving Forward Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for Improvement Goals, Objectives and Indicators Recommended Actions Conclusion May 2013

318 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 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 approach defined in this Strategy will be consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed by the public through varying public consultation mechanisms as well as series of background studies. This particular background study examines biodiversity and the protection against its loss. Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on earth including the ecological processes interacting within and between all types of environments forests, ponds, rivers wetlands and others. 1 It includes diversity at the genetic level, species level and ecosystem level. In simple terms, a healthy environment is one that is biologically diverse. Its complex make-up ensures that over time it can withstand and recover from outside pressures and disturbances including catastrophic natural events from forest fires and storms to human induced stresses like development, the introduction of invasive species and climate change. The protection of biodiversity is an assumed responsibility that spans a number of different governments. In the broadest sense, the federal and provincial governments both have strategies that expressly address biodiversity, placing emphasis on making the threats that impact the integrity of our biological systems such as, habitat loss, population, invasive species and climate change. Both strategies also note that actions to protect biodiversity must come from all levels of society and emphasize the importance of working towards ensuring the productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural systems is preserved. With respect to legislation, there are several acts and regulations that help to protect biodiversity. Some of these include: Species at Risk Act (2002), Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), Fisheries Act (1985) Endangered Species Act, (2007), Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act (2002) and the Places to Grow Act (2006). From a municipal perspective, Richmond Hill s actions to protect local biodiversity are extensive and vary from adopted policies and by-laws such as a zero tolerance encroachment policy for addressing unauthorized uses of publicly owned parks and open spaces, to on-the-ground natural restoration projects implemented through the Community Stewardship Program. In most cases, the protection of biodiversity is not the primary intent of Richmond Hill s actions but rather an indirect benefit. Nevertheless, these are important steps that Richmond Hill is taking to protect against the loss of biodiversity. 1 Rueggegerg Harriet. (2009) Choosing our future Foundation Paper Series, Biodiversity, Habitats and Ecosystem Health November 2013 I-i

319 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Very few local municipalities have developed strategic plans that specifically address biodiversity and protection against its loss. Municipalities such as Calgary, Thunder Bay and Oakville have implemented and/or demonstrated varying degrees of emphasis on biodiversity in their corporate environmental plans and policies. These have been highlighted within this study. Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy will communicate how Richmond Hill will manage the environment now and in the future by providing strategic direction for the corporation through a defined set of goals and objectives. With respect to biodiversity, the Strategy will focus its goals on protecting and maintaining a healthy urban forest and connected greenway system that supports a diversity of native habitats and ecological communities (both terrestrial and aquatic). A healthy system will help minimize the negative influences of surrounding land uses and environmental pressures such as invasive species. Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy should consider establishing a goal that aims to increase general awareness and knowledge about biodiversity and its value to the wellbeing of our community. The concept of biodiversity should be familiar to the staff of Richmond Hill as well as to the average resident. In order for Richmond Hill to reach its biodiversity goals and objectives that will be endorsed as part of its Environment Strategy a number of actions are being recommended in this study. Several of these items are already being implemented while others are new and will require an assessment of feasibility as well as budget analysis and approval. November 2013 I-ii

320 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 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 approach defined in this Strategy will be consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed by the public through varying public consultation mechanisms as well as series of background studies. Areas of environmental concern will be examined as they relate to Richmond Hill and the results will be summarized in a key findings report that will inform the overall Environment Strategy. This particular background study will examine biodiversity and the protection against its loss. Biodiversity is a very broad concept that can encompass a wide range of topics, disciplines and practices. This paper will place emphasis on the areas that are not being investigated in other background reports prepared for the Environment Strategy. November 2013 I-1

321 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 2.0 Introduction What is Biodiversity? Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on earth including the ecological processes interacting within and between all types of environments forests, ponds, rivers wetlands and others. 2 It includes diversity at three different levels: Ecosystem diversity - Diversity among ecological communities and the natural processes that link them together. Ecosystems can be very small like a pond or a backyard, to very large like a forest or a lake. 3 Species diversity Refers to the variety of different species (for example in a forest there are many different types of plants and animals). Genetic diversity within a species Diversity at the genetic level (the DNA and individual genes differ between individuals within a species like no two humans are alike) allows species to adapt to environmental stressors, such as habitat change, new diseases and climate change and to persist through time. Why protect against biodiversity loss? In simple terms, a healthy environment is one that is biologically diverse. Its complex make-up ensures that over time it can withstand and recover from outside pressures and disturbances including catastrophic natural events like forest fires and storms to human induced stresses like development, the introduction of invasive species and climate change. One of the best examples of why biodiversity is so important is the recent introduction of the emerald ash borer (EAB) to Richmond Hill. This invasive insect, originally from Asia, feeds on and kills ash trees, which is a species of tree that was commonly planted along our municipal streets and in our parks for decades. With the arrival of EAB to Richmond Hill and the certain loss of entire streets lined with ash trees, the importance of planting a diversity of trees species within our communities has become Ecosystem Services are the tangible and intangible benefits and resources the environment provides that we often take for granted such as clean water, timber, habitat for fisheries, and pollination of native and agricultural plants. Whether we find ourselves in the city or a rural area, the ecosystems in which humans live provide goods and services that are familiar to us. apparent. The impact of this invasive insect not only affects the aesthetics of the community but has also created a huge economic burden as Town tries to manage the huge loss of trees and the risks associated with a large volume of trees dieing and becoming hazardous. The impacts of loosing such a significant amount of trees on our 2 Rueggegerg Harriet. (2009) Choosing our future Foundation Paper Series, Biodiversity, Habitats and Ecosystem Health 3 Ontario Biodiversity Council. (2011), Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy, 2011: Renewing Our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us November 2013 I-2

322 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I municipal streets, in our parks and our forests is immeasurable, especially when considering how it will affect wildlife habitat, stormwater management, local microclimates (contributing to local heat islands) and biodiversity. It is estimated that millions of ash trees have already been infested and killed by EAB since it arrived in North America. A biologically diverse and healthy environment provides many ecosystem services that we benefit from such as regulating our climate, cleaning our air and water and providing useful materials like wood, plants and food. Biologically diverse environments also have an intrinsic value that many people appreciate regardless of what human benefits it provides. Protection against biodiversity loss is a shared responsibility among many levels of government. There are a number of things that can be accomplished at a local level to preserve and maintain biodiversity. Richmond Hill, a Biologically Diverse Community Richmond Hill is a rapidly growing lower tier municipality within the Regional municipality of York. Approximately half of the municipality is located within the Oak Ridges Moraine which is an irregular ridge of land stretching from the Trent River on the east to the Niagara Escarpment to the west. This landform supports significant ecological and hydrological features with a diverse collection of habitats found in Richmond Hill. The first of these is a group of glacial lakes that include Lake St. George, Swan Lake, Bond Lake, Phillips Lake, Haynes Lake and Lake Wilcox, the largest kettle lake on the moraine. Next is a series of provincially and locally significant wetlands including the Snively Wetland, the Bond Lake Bog, Forester Marsh, Mallard Marsh, the Phillips Lake Wetland Complex and Radio Tower Wetland. In addition, forests such as the Whitchurch Common, Cardinal Woods, Jefferson Forest (home to the Jefferson Salamander, a nationally and provincially designated threatened species) and the Parker Forest with its plantation of Butternut trees (federally and provincially designated as endangered) exist in comparison to one of the largest expanses of native meadow in Richmond Hill found at Briar Nine Park Wildlife Reserve. The portion of Richmond Hill within the Oak Ridges Moraine contains the Town's largest variety of wildlife and plant species as it is home to a diverse array of amphibians, birds and fish, many of which can be found within the Oak Ridges Moraine Corridor Park. This natural reserve provides an east west natural corridor and linkage on the moraine. Finally at the base of the moraine, Phyllis Rawlinson Park represents an important component of Richmond Hill s park system in the Rouge Watershed with a number of upwelling and seepage areas. The aggregate soils of the moraine filter rain and snow before it is absorbed into the earth as groundwater, where it becomes an important source of drinking water. The moraine forms the headwaters and is the source of many tributaries that stretch across its entire length, four of which are found in Richmond Hill. A small portion of the East Holland River watershed drains north to Lake Simcoe while the Humber, Rouge and Don river systems all drain south to Lake Ontario. Snap Shot of Richmond Hill s biologically diverse environment 7 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest 6 Kettle Lakes 4 Provincially Significant wetland complexes 30 Provincially Significant wetlands (approx.) Over 120 flora and fauna species of local concern 5 species of provincial or national concern Variable topography from 165 to 325 meters above sea level A large concentration of natural forests, wetlands and healthy headwater streams and recharge areas within the Oak Ridges Moraine 4 watersheds converging within the municipality November 2013 I-3

323 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I The southern portion of Richmond Hill is far more developed than the northern moraine portion and this is due in part to the planning legislation that was in effect as it developed over the last few decades. For instance, subdivisions like Bayview North that were developed in the last ten years have benefited from stricter regulations allowing a large wide valley corridor that is in keeping with the floodplains and existing natural vegetation. Areas of the Town, like Richvale Greenway, where development is more than two to three decades old have much more restricted valleys with natural features and flood plains that are tightly integrated into the community, or blend into the development as if lots they didn t even exist. The resulting landscape across southern Richmond Hill is a mix of manicured parkland with numerous wetlands, forests and natural tributary corridors that Richmond Hill has acquired as parkland when the land was developed (like Pioneer Park, Mill Pond Park, Rumble Pond Park, Twickenham Park, Headwaters Community Park, and Beaver Woodland). Many of these natural areas boast mature forests with a variety of vegetation types as well as a rich array of spring ephemeral flowers, native wildlife and migrating songbird populations. Why protect against biodiversity loss? Through the People Plan Richmond Hill process, the public consultation mechanism that contributed to the development of the Town s Strategic Plan, Richmond Hill residents identified that green spaces were highly valued and needed to be protected and taken care of. 4 Based on the People Plan input received to date as well as Provincial and Regional policy direction, the Town must identify a comprehensive Greenway System to protect, enhance and actively manage the natural environment over the long term. What must be done to protect against the loss of biodiversity in Richmond Hill? Protecting against the loss of biodiversity in Richmond Hill can be achieved by working towards the elimination of the many pressures that threaten it. Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy (2011) identifies six factors that significantly impact the health of the province s biodiversity: Habitat Loss Loss of habitat is the primary threat to biodiversity in Ontario and the most serious problems are in southern Ontario, where urbanization, agriculture and road density are greatest. Invasive Alien Species Plants, animals and micro-organisms that are accidentally or deliberately introduced into a habitat outside of its normal range. Without any natural predators and competition these species quickly infest, damage, displace and destroy native species and ecosystems. Population Growth Sprawling urban environments and more people puts pressure on local habitats by reducing habitat size, increasing emissions and the consumption of natural resources. 4 Richmond Hill. (2008), People Plan Richmond Hill, Key Findings & Directions Report November 2013 I-4

324 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Pollution Emissions into the soil, air and water have direct and indirect negative impacts to biodiversity. Unsustainable use The harvest of species at a rate higher than can be sustained by the natural reproduction of population being harvested. Climate Change Threatens composition of ecosystems as species have trouble adapting to environments. 5 Often each of these threats is considered in isolation of one another; however in many cases these threats are linked. The cumulative impacts of all of these together can result in slower recovery times, complexity of mitigations measures and costly restoration efforts and in some cases irreversible damage. Although many of these identified threats seem very challenging and cannot adequately be addressed by Richmond Hill alone the accumulation of our actions together with our neighbours can make a difference, and are therefore worthwhile. There are many things that Richmond Hill is doing, and can do, to address the threats that are impacting biodiversity and this report will attempt to identify these. 5 Ontario Biodiversity Council. (2011), Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy, 2011: Renewing Our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us November 2013 I-5

325 3.0 Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities 3.1 CANADA Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, 1995 Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I The Government of Canada, with support from provincial and territorial governments, signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, believing it to be a very important global and national instrument for promoting and guiding efforts to conserve biodiversity to use biological resources sustainably. As soon as the Convention was ratified, work on a Canadian Biodiversity Strategy began to determine the measures which were required to meet the obligations of the Convention and to enhance coordination of national efforts aimed at the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. Canada s Biodiversity Strategy presents a vision for Canada and in support of the vision it presents a series of guiding principles that provide a foundation for implementing the strategic directions of the Strategy. The Strategy provides a framework for action at all levels that work towards ensuring the productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural systems. It promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, and describes how Canada will contribute to, and be involved with, international efforts to implement the Convention. The Strategy has five goals, which are: 1. To conserve biodiversity and sustainably use biological resources; 2. To enhance both our understanding of ecosystems and our resource management capability; 3. To promote an understanding of the need to conserve biodiversity and sustainably use biological resources; 4. To provide incentives and legislation that support the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources; and 5. To work with other countries to conserve biodiversity, use biological resources sustainably and share equitably the benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources. Successful implementation of the Strategy will be determined by the degree to which all parts of society adopt its vision and principles and contribute to achieving its goals. The primary responsibility for conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of biological resources is shared among provincial, territorial and federal governments. Therefore, an intergovernmental Biodiversity Working Group, with representation from every jurisdiction, was established to develop the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy by the November 2013 I-6

326 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I end of Private property owners, businesses, indigenous people, conservation organizations, research institutions, foundations, municipalities and other groups also play an essential role in conserving biodiversity. Therefore the Strategy encourages all of these groups, including municipalities, to pursue the implementation of the strategic directions contained in the Strategy, in accordance with their jurisdictional capabilities. 6 Federal Statutes The federal government has enacted several acts that work to protect biodiversity and apply to the way local governments manage land within its jurisdiction. For the most part, these acts apply to development and are triggered at specific points during the development process. In most cases a review and permit process is required while others may require a mitigation plan, restoration and or prohibitions. Some of these federal acts include: Species at Risk Act, 2002 Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 Fisheries Act, ONTARIO Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy, Protecting What Sustains Us (2011), Biodiversity: It s in our Nature (2012) The Ontario Biodiversity Strategy and accompanying implementation plan, Biodiversity: It s In Our Nature, together provide the guiding framework for coordinating the conservation of Ontario s rich variety of life and ecosystems. These documents provide background on the province s current biodiversity as it exists today and highlight the threats that are acting upon it. Habitat loss and population growth are listed among the top six main threats to biodiversity, both of which are familiar phenomenon in Richmond Hill. The Strategy and implementation plan provide a framework for the conservation of Ontario s biodiversity over the next 10 years outlining several objectives, targets and key strategic directions including: Engaging people through education, and promoting active participation in biodiversity conservation through stewardship activities as well as by incorporating biodiversity values into policies, programs and legislation. Reducing threats to biodiversity and the impacts of existing threats, which will simultaneously improve ecosystem resilience and protect the services they provide. Enhance resilience of our ecosystems by increasing their capacity to cope with change and stress such as climate change, invasive species and pollution. 6 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Biodiversity Working Group. (1995). Canadian biodiversity strategy: Canada's response to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Environment. November 2013 I-7

327 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Improve knowledge about Ontario s biodiversity and what motivates people and sectors to work towards biodiversity conservation. Long term investment in research and monitoring and the establishment of strategic partnerships are essential to meeting biodiversity goals. 7 The implementation plan includes a series of over 100 actions and activities that will be carried out over the next decade across all ministries of the Ontario government. The plan also encourages other sectors, like municipalities, to join the provincial government and consider how biodiversity values can be incorporated into their own activities and planning. 8 Provincial Statutes Ontario has a foundation of legislation and policy on which it builds actions to protect biodiversity and to guide how biological assets can be sustainable used or impacted. The province s current legislative and policy framework supports biodiversity conservation on numerous fronts, including sustainable forest management on Crown lands, clean air and water, local planning and protection of green space and environmentally sensitive areas, private land stewardship and environmental assessment. 9 There are several provincial acts and policies that work to protect against the loss of biodiversity and as a local municipality apply to the way we manage land within our jurisdiction. These acts and plans include: Endangered Species Act, 2007 Natural Heritage Reference Manual, 2003 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2002 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 Ontario s Invasive Species Strategy, 2012 Ontario s Action Plan on Climate Change, 2007 Places to Grow Act, 2006 Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 The Greenbelt Act, 2005 The Greenbelt Plan, YORK REGION York Region Official Plan, 2010 The York Region Official Plan contains several references to the significance of biodiversity in relation to the Region s Greenlands System. As such, biodiversity is 7 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Biodiversity. Retrieved on March 11, 2013, html 8 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Biodiversity: It s In Our Nature. Ontario Government Plan to Conserve Biodiversity, Queen s Printer for Ontario 9 Ontario Biodiversity Council. (2011), Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy, 2011: Renewing Our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us November 2013 I-8

328 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I highlighted in Chapter 2, A Sustainable Natural Environment, where the Greenlands System has been identified and specific objectives are defined as a priority. Section 2.1, Regional Greenlands System: A Sustainable Natural Environment Legacy, contains policies that are designed to identify, protect, and enhance a linked Greenlands System as a permanent legacy for York Region. More specifically biodiversity is referenced in the objective for this section: To identify, protect and enhance the Regional Greenlands System and its functions to ensure a healthy system rich in native biodiversity. Section 2.2, Natural Features: Components of the Greenlands System, also speaks to biodiversity with policies geared towards identifying the key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features within York Region as the building blocks of the Region s natural systems. Specifically protecting significant woodlands and their biodiversity is identified as a priority with reforestation being encouraged to provide environmental, social and economic benefits for the residents of York Region. It is also important to note that Chapter 2 of the York Region s Official Plan is subject to site specific/area appeals. York Region Greening Strategy, 2001 York Region s Greening Strategy identifies nine broad delivery themes: information, naturalization, land securement, environmental education, Regional operations, legislation, urban forest, green partnerships and monitoring. These themes have been refined into four focused Action Areas: Enhancement and rehabilitation: private land tree planting, species at risk, public land naturalization, and naturalization of Regional properties. Stewardship and education: educational programming, outreach events, public engagement and marketing. Environmental land securement: natural environment land securement, natural heritage trail linkages, agricultural land natural feature protection. Leadership, innovation and knowledge: technology/innovation, sharing and transfer of technical knowledge, sustainable communities, investigate funding opportunities. The Greening Strategy provides a context for Regional decision-making that supports a sustainable, natural environment and also provides a framework for initiatives to restore habitat, increase forest cover, secure green lands and their linkages, and promote and protect the natural environment. It encourages partnerships to drive policies related to greenlands and natural heritage features into action and demonstrates strong environmental leadership. York Region Significant Woodlands Study, 2005 This study establishes the criteria for identifying significant woodlands and includes mapping identifying these woodlands. The study also identifies strategic restoration November 2013 I-9

329 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I locations and priorities to help direct securement, stewardship and naturalization initiatives. According to this study, regional forest cover is approximately 23% with a target to increase to 25%. York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions, 2008 York Region s Natural Heritage Strategic Directions recognizes that a robust natural heritage system is the key to ensuring the sustainability of York Region and that natural heritage system planning requires the protection of remaining areas and restoration of degraded areas. The purpose of York Region s Natural Heritage Strategic Directions document is to raise awareness of the issues related to natural heritage protection in light of growth challenges faced by the Region. A healthy natural heritage system is fundamental and provides key benefits which are analyzed in this documents triple bottom line assessment; sustainable natural environment, healthy communities and economic vitality. Under the sustainable natural environment assessment, the following themes are included: Habitat for plant and animal species. Maintaining biodiversity, species richness and ecosystem complexity. Improving air quality. Contributing to water management by improving quality and quantity. Mitigating the impacts of climate change through carbon sequestration. 3.4 RICHMOND HILL A review of Richmond Hill s key policy documents demonstrates that there are no clear directions relating to the concept of biodiversity and the need to protect again its loss. However, there are many directives, guiding principles, goals, strategies and programs across the Town that indirectly align with the fundamental theme of biodiversity protection. Each of these initiatives, in one way or another, help to protect against biodiversity loss by addressing the treats that jeopardize its resilience, such as habitat loss, invasive species and pollution, among others. Richmond Hill Official Plan (2010) While Richmond Hill s Official Plan does not have any specific policies that directly address biodiversity, there are several policies that work to mitigate the treats against biodiversity. Habitat loss is addressed through policies relating to the preservation, enhancement and protection of Richmond Hill s greenway system. Within sections 3.2, and of the plan one will find policies that commit to: Expanding Richmond Hill s urban forest canopy to 25% Preserving, protecting a defined greenway system November 2013 I-10

330 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Building the greenway system through the acquisition of natural features and buffers defined through the development process (under appeal) Protecting environmental features such as wetlands, forests, vegetation and individual trees Supporting restoration efforts, stewardship, planting native and public education about the value and importance of protecting the natural environment Maintaining existing tree cover and ensuring appropriate planting compensation for removal of trees Connecting and restoring the Lake Wilcox shoreline to support a greater diversity of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and wildlife Strategic Plan, 2009 Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan, A Plan for People, A Plan for Change, articulates the vision, mission, goals and the desired outcomes for the municipality over the next 25 years. One of the main goals identified in this plan is the wise management of resources. To achieve this goal, the plan identifies several strategies for Richmond Hill to adopt: Advocate, plan for and promote the protection and enhancement of green spaces Serve as a role model for environmental management and the management of natural heritage and water resource systems. Increase natural landscaping and the urban tree canopy on both Town and private as a priority as well as a commitment to use land responsibly serve as a role model for municipal management. Building stronger connections in Richmond Hill is another goal that the Plan is centered on. This goal links back to the protection of biodiversity loss by advocating for strategies that work towards stronger connections of natural corridors and green spaces. Site Alteration By-law, 2007 Through a permit process, this by-law regulates the way property is developed. It prevents the improper dumping, storing, and removal of materials on a site that can impact neighbouring ecosystems and natural areas, contributing to habitat loss and the loss of biodiversity. Tree Preservation By-law, 2007 Through a permit process, this by-law regulates the destruction of trees that have a diameter at breast height of 20cm or more. The by-law also secures replacement planting when removals are granted, helping to ensure that trees and natural habitat is replaced. November 2013 I-11

331 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Tree Protection Resolution, 2006 This council approved resolution commits to the protection of Richmond Hill s biologically diverse urban forest and natural habitat. Through the adoption of a Tree Preservation Strategy, direction is provided for council and staff to continue ecological restoration efforts, public awareness and stewardship, ensure that there is no net loss of trees through municipal work, promote the use of native vegetation and solicit for the retention of trees through the site design and development approval process. Encroachment Policy, 2004 This council approved policy establishes a zero-tolerance approach to dealing with encroachments and unauthorized uses of publicly owned parks and open space lands. The unauthorized and inappropriate use of parks and open space lands threatens the biological integrity and health of Richmond Hill s diverse natural environment. Policy for the Establishment and Acceptance of Conservation Easements, 2004 Conservation Easements are a tool that Richmond Hill uses to expand and ensure protection of natural habitat which is not in public ownership. This council approved policy defines situations in which Richmond Hill will establish and accept conservation easements through development. The lands within a conservation easement remain in private ownership with protection clauses that are registered on the title of the property to ensure long-term protection. 3.5 CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, 2007 The Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (TNHSS) was developed between 2001 and 2006 by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and was approved in principle by the TRCA Board in It provides extensive data, scientific models, mapping and guidance for TRCA staff, TRCA s partner municipalities and community groups for achieving natural heritage protection objectives. The need for a TNHSS originated from observations by the TRCA and others that showed an alarming reduction in vegetation communities and species populations, and their distribution within TRCA s area of jurisdiction. This change was occurring simultaneously with urban expansion despite best efforts at protection. The reduction in forests, wetlands, meadows and their species was also accompanied by an increase in flooding and erosion, and in conflicting recreational uses in protected areas. Changes in land use were being approved site by site without understanding how, cumulatively, they were impacting the region s natural system and environmental health. The TNHSS provides an important vehicle for achieving the greenspace and established TRCA biodiversity objectives. 10 TRCA Watershed Plans 10 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). (2007). Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy November 2013 I-12

332 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I The Humber, Rouge and Don Watershed plans collectively recommend that management of water flows be managed on a subwatershed or tributary basis. It recommends that water be managed at the source rather than redirected through a series of stormwater management pipes and cleaned in a large stormwater pond. In addition to this larger mandate centered on water management, the watershed plans also focus attention to issues such as biodiversity through the development of several goals and objectives that address this area of concern: Rouge River Watershed Plan (2007) Goal: A healthy terrestrial system that supports a diversity of native habitats and communities, a more natural watershed hydrology, cleaner air and sustainable public use opportunities. Humber Watershed Plan, (2008) Terrestrial Objectives: Protect, restore and enhance natural cover to improve connectivity, quality, biodiversity and ecological function Minimize negative influences from surrounding land uses on terrestrial natural heritage system quality and function Don Watershed, 2009 Objective: Regenerate the health of natural areas, and the whole urban landscape, to improve their quality, biodiversity, and ecological function. November 2013 I-13

333 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO Richmond Hill has performed many actions, completed several studies and implemented many programs that contribute to addressing the impacts that threaten biodiversity. In most cases, the protection of biodiversity is not the primary intent of theses actions but rather an indirect benefit. Nevertheless they are important steps that Richmond Hill has taken to protect against the loss of biodiversity. The following is a summary of the most significant initiatives that Richmond Hill is undertaking: Healthy Yards Program Since 2005, the Healthy Yards Program has provided information to the public about creating healthy lawns and gardens using native plants, as well as alternatives to using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The program offers Richmond Hill residents an opportunity to purchase rain barrels and subsidized native plant kits which include trees, shrubs and wildflowers for their gardens. Collectively, the implementation of front yard and backyard naturalization projects throughout the Town can help to build Richmond Hill s urban forest, promote biodiversity and minimize the impacts of yard maintenance on the environment. Natural Heritage Strategy The Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) describes existing conditions in Town-managed natural spaces and outlines a fiscally responsible, proactive and responsive plan for their management within the following three volumes: Volume I - Framework Volume II - Area-Specific Plans Volume III - Implementation Guide The Framework (Vol. I) is intended to be a reference document establishing the overall approach, methodology, goals and objectives of the NHS. Volume II is a series of plans for each area of Richmond Hill. It contains site-specific descriptions of the ecological conditions in the area, utilizes the goals, objectives and targets of the Strategy to evaluate the existing conditions within the open space system, and determines locations which require management activities. The Implementation Guide (Vol. III) describes in detail, recommended policy changes, the conservation and restoration projects that will be implemented across Richmond Hill, a Town-wide operational and community involvement program and a monitoring plan that will reassess the various NHS areas. The NHS not only provides a strategy to protect against the loss of Richmond Hill s biodiversity and the long-term health of the unique natural features found within our jurisdiction, but also provides valuable information for Town programs and projects, including park design and construction projects, open space acquisitions, community involvement initiatives and environmental education programs such as the Walks on the Wild Side Program. November 2013 I-14

334 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Community Stewardship Program In May of 2008, Council approved the Community Stewardship Program. The approval of this program brought together several long-standing partnerships (some since 1998) under one umbrella program, all of which foster projects that help to establish healthy and biologically diverse natural corridors and green spaces connections throughout the Town s greenway system. Stewardship involves working together with the community to make positive environmental changes and provide hands-on assistance to clean, manage, protect and enhance Richmond Hill s streams, woodlots and other natural areas ensuring a healthy and diverse environment. Since 2008 (and in many cases much earlier than 2008), various organizations and agencies such as York Region, Evergreen, Ontario Streams, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), and Ontario Stewardship Ranges have made an on-going commitment to work with the Town through multi-year restoration and stewardship projects. These partners contribute to the projects both financially and through in-kind contributions. Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy is Richmond Hill s plan for addressing trees on public property that are at risk of being killed by this invasive insect. The Strategy, which was approved by Council in October 2011, aims to reduce the significant aesthetic, environmental and financial impacts of EAB on Richmond Hill through monitoring and treatment, ash tree removal and replacement, along with communication and public awareness. Invasive alien species, such as the emerald ash borer, have been identified by the Province of Ontario as one of the major threats to biodiversity. Implementation of Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy is a significant approach that Richmond Hill has taken to responsibly manage its urban forest and protect against biodiversity loss. Urban Forest Study (2012) The purpose of the Urban Forest Study (UFORE) was to assess the distribution, structure and function of the urban forest, and to provide management recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of both the urban forest resource and the community as a whole. The study serves as a baseline for future research and monitoring, and equips managers with the knowledge necessary to address forest structure to deliver desired ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation and adaption, air pollution removal, stormwater management, residential energy savings, wildlife habitat, and community aesthetics. This Study provides a basis for Richmond Hill to begin developing a plan to protect and enhance its urban forest and biologically diverse systems. Greenway System Study and Acquisition Strategy Policy of Richmond Hill s Official Plan states that the Town may develop a Greenway Acquisition Strategy to prioritize which lands should be acquired by the Town or other public agencies in common interest with the Town. Land would be acquired, at no public expense, in order to improve public access and to maintain the ecological, hydrological or hydraulic health of the Greenway System over the long term. The Acquisition Strategy will be completed in conjunction with the Greenway Study November 2013 I-15

335 Ten Year Stream and Valleyland Capital Works Study, Underway Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Changes to surface water flows as a result of growth and development in Richmond Hill s older neighbourhoods have caused a significant amount of degradation within the valleylands and watercourses. Such degradation includes but is not limited to slope failures, erosion and sedimentation, which not only lead to the eventual deterioration and/or failure of valleyland infrastructure such as bridges, trails, sewers and roads but can also negatively impact the health of our biologically diverse natural systems (such as fish barriers, sedimentation, invasive specie etc.). From , Richmond Hill completed four separate studies to identify and inventory failing infrastructure and/ or compromised natural systems in the more heavily urbanized areas of the Town. In 2013 this inventory will be completed. In 2011, Council endorsed the Valleyland Capital Works Priority Rating System which will be used to evaluate and prioritize the information collected through the valleyland area specific studies. The prioritization will be based on weighted evaluation criteria which takes into consideration such things as risk management, health and safety, statutory requirements, operations and maintenance as well as environmental and community concerns. This portion of the project will be completed in and will inform the development of a ten year plan that will also seek to identify a secure and long-term funding source. Ten year Stormwater Facility Capital Works Plan, 2008 In 2006, the Town identified several areas throughout Richmond Hill where aged stormwater infrastructure was not operating as designed, resulting in risks to surrounding communities and our biologically diverse natural systems. Uncontrolled large volumes of untreated stormwater caused by major storm events can cause flooding, erosion and impact local fish and wildlife habitats. On that basis, the Town has a priority rating system for the performance of its municipal stormwater management ponds. This process led to a ten-year capital program that aims to rehabilitate ponds so that they will provide adequate water quality and quantity control. The program was adopted by Council in 2008 and is funded by the Water Quality Protection Reserve Fund, which in turn was established through the proceeds of the sale of Richmond Hill Hydro. At the request of council staff more recently have been examining different long term funding options (such as an annual flat rate per household) for those projects that fall beyond the 10 year plan. November 2013 I-16

336 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Actions to Mitigate Against Climate Change Since 1996, the Town has actively participated in Clean Air Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address health concerns arising from deteriorating air quality in our community and across the GTA. The Town s 2004 Clean Air Local Action Plan set both corporate and community GHG emissions reduction targets, which has been identified by the Province of Ontario as one of the major threats against biodiversity. Some of the Town's Clean Air Initiatives include the completion of a Clean Air Local Action Plan, the introduction of green fuels to the Town s fleet vehicles, the purchase of hybrid vehicles, the establishment of a staff anti-idling policy; and improved staff commuting options, including: Transit incentives Smart Commute A program that helps local employers and commuters, explore different commute choices like carpooling, cycling and transit Telework Program Achieving greenhouse gas emission targets largely depends on choices the Town makes regarding its energy use. In this sense, energy efficiency goes hand-in-hand with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The Town has taken a leadership role in seeking and promoting energy-efficient practices, technologies and alternative sources of energy (wind, solar and geothermal power). Richmond Hill s energy efficiency initiatives include: An Energy Management Plan that outlines energy conservation targets for all Town facilities Implementation of building automation systems Replacement of older, less efficient light bulbs with more efficient fluorescent bulbs (buildings) and LED s (traffic signals) Use of solar power to heat the water at the main Municipal Offices Use of geothermal heating at the new Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts 4.2 WHAT OTHERS DO Very few local municipalities have developed strategic plans that specifically address biodiversity and protection against its loss. The following section provides some examples of what local municipal governments are doing to protect biodiversity within their jurisdictions. November 2013 I-17

337 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I City of Calgary Calgary s 2009 Municipal Development Plan establishes key policies for the protection of biodiversity. Section Ecological networks reads: Biodiversity 1. Monitor and manage invasive species that pose a threat to biodiversity and undermine an area s ability to protect water resources. 2. Manage natural areas and open spaces primarily to conserve and promote native biodiversity. 3. Ensure the systematic conservation of land and water to reduce habitat fragmentation and ensure wildlife and fisheries connectivity. 4. Re-establish open space connections, where feasible, to link important habitat areas within the city and region. In addition the City has supported signing the Durban Commitment, which is a commitment (and model by local government, for local government and the communities they serve) to protect and enhance biodiversity at the local level. By working with Local Action for Biodiversity - LAB (a global urban biodiversity program coordinated by Local Governments for Sustainability) the City of Calgary has committed to three key biodiversity deliverables, which includes: The production of a long-term local biodiversity strategy The production of an action plan The implementation of on the ground initiatives Three Canadian cities, Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary have joined LAB. This international network provides support and expertise in documenting biodiversity, as well as policy development. The Durban Commitment is viewed in terms of compliance and standards by cities and is not legally binding upon signatories. It speaks to the intent of the Commitment and to the LAB program, which focuses on developing local capacity to sustain diverse ecosystems and preserve the services they provide to us. The intent of LAB, and that of the Durban Commitment, is to foster local innovation and involvement in addressing issues that all cities face. For this reason alone, the Commitment does not prescribe a particular outcome or standard, but rather provides the flexibility to develop local solutions to local issues. City of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay s Environmental Strategy is one of the few municipalities that have clearly incorporated biodiversity into their environment plan. The concept of biodiversity is included within the Community Greening section and the following goal has been identified: To protect, improve and maintain the biodiversity, ecosystems and the wellbeing of the urban and rural ecology of Thunder Bay. November 2013 I-18

338 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I The objectives and recommended actions towards this goal include: Develop, implement, and provide sustained funding for a comprehensive Urban Forest Master Plan that integrates people, trees, environment and their continual change and interaction with each other. As part of the Urban Forest Master Plan, determine and prepare for the impacts of climate change and infestations on the urban and suburban forests. Monitor and quantify GHG emission reductions that are achieved through greening initiatives. Review policies related to the tree-planting component of roadwork. Use best management practices to develop and maintain an inventory of trees. Identify and protect heritage trees. Protect and enhance the survival rate of existing trees. Increase green space within the community. Sustained funding for the coordination of the Tree Stewardship Program. Integrate the identification, restoration, and protection of Environmental Protection Areas and the concept of biodiversity and ecosystem function into the City s Official plan, planning process, and documents. Consult with all sectors of the community to determine the feasibility of regulating tree cutting on private land in rural areas of the municipality. Creation of a Biodiversity Action Plan that includes aquatics and wetlands. Restore and protect significant areas identified through the plan. Increase community awareness and support for the protection and enhancement of the biodiversity and ecology of the Urban forest, waterways and corridors. Town of Oakville The Town of Oakville has also made a conscious effort to consider biodiversity in its Environmental Strategic Plan (2005). The plan is designed to report on the six key areas of environmental focus, one of which is natural resources, where biodiversity and associated indicators are defined. To guide and assess Oakville s efforts in maintaining, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, the total area (hectares) of publicly owned green space is measured. Oakville has justified using this indicator to measure biodiversity by stating that November 2013 I-19

339 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I protecting and enhancing greenspace is important in sustaining flora and fauna. Publicly owned land provides opportunities for protection and restoration to support biodiversity. Without adequate green spaces to support a range of living things, biodiversity will decrease. 11 Oakville is working towards increasing its total hectares of green space by strengthening land acquisition and parkland dedication through policies in their new official plan, by conducting several restoration projects throughout the municipality and by encouraging the public to plant native species and create natural areas on their own properties. 11 Town of Oakville. (2009) State of the Environment Report November 2013 I-20

340 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 5.0 Moving Forward 5.1 STRENGTHS In many ways Richmond Hill is already actively involved in the protection of local biodiversity. Examples of this range from initiatives that increase the urban forest canopy such as the Community Stewardship Program, to programs that mitigate climate change to programs that address invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer. Section 4.1 of this study has provided a summary of these actions. The completion of an Environment Strategy will allow Richmond Hill to better consolidate these actions under a unified plan. The Strategy will also put the Town in a better position to begin developing new programs and initiatives in a coordinated effort with different divisions and groups across Richmond Hill. An example of one such coordinated effort will include the completion of greenways system master plan, acquisition strategy and trails master plan. This key policy and planning document will help Richmond Hill grow and bolster its natural corridors and linkages, which is a fundamental way that natural ecosystems and the Town s biologically diverse systems can be protected. 5.2 WEAKNESSES When it comes to the protection of biodiversity Richmond Hill traditionally has not made a connection between the already existing environmental programs and initiatives and how they contribute to the protection against biodiversity loss. Richmond Hill should consider assessing biodiversity impacts at the forefront of all projects, programs and initiatives that are employed across the Town. By doing so, the Town will be in a better position to make proactive and strategic decisions that will contribute to the protection of biodiversity. Richmond Hill would also benefit from improved communication around the connection between the Town s actions and how these actions contribute to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Communication could be improved within the corporation as well as with the public. General awareness about biodiversity and what the Town is doing to protect it will foster support for these programs and initiatives in the long-term. 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT As recognized early in this study, biodiversity is a concept that has a very broad scope when one considers the different levels of biodiversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) and the range of impacts that threaten the resilience and integrity of the natural environment. The benefits of biologically diverse systems are in many ways unquantifiable yet regarded and recognized as invaluable. When considering what more Richmond Hill can do to protect against biodiversity loss, the very broad scope of this topic suggests that there are countless opportunities which can be adopted. In order to achieve the most success, the Environment Strategy will need to focus on actions that are realistic and at the same time will achieve multiple benefits as well as meet multiple objectives and goals. For example, building a connected greenway system will not only improve and protect biodiversity by helping to preserve habitat, but will also assist in establishing a foundation for building a linked trail system, provide more green space for local residents to enjoy and help to mitigate climate change by preserving the urban forest. November 2013 I-21

341 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I In general biodiversity and the value of a biologically diverse environment should be clearly identified within Richmond Hill s corporate policies, including the Official Plan, Strategic Plan and the Environment Strategy. Recognition of biodiversity in key corporate plans will clearly emphasize the importance of biodiversity and ensure that consideration for its protection is incorporated into all aspects of how the Town is managed. Biodiversity needs to be considered at the forefront of all that Richmond Hill does and the Environment Strategy will provide Richmond Hill with an opportunity to do this. 5.4 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS The Richmond Hill Environment Strategy will inform how the Town will manage its environment, now and in the future, and it will do this by providing a strategic direction for the corporation through a defined set of goals and objectives. With respect to biodiversity, the Strategy will need to focus its goals on maintaining and protecting a healthy urban forest and connected greenway system that supports a diversity of native habitats and ecological communities (both terrestrial and aquatic). Such a healthy system will help to minimize the negative influences of surrounding land uses and environmental pressures like invasive species. The Strategy will also need to establish specific objectives that will define how Richmond Hill intends to meet its goals. A healthy and biologically diverse system can be achieved with energy focused on: Expanding the urban forest canopy Building a connected green way system Protecting and restoring the terrestrial natural heritage system s quality and function Improving terrestrial habitat by planting native species and performing on-going stewardship to encourage a diverse terrestrial ecosystem. Improving stream habitat to support aquatic diversity and healthy aquatic ecosystem communities. Possible Biodiversity Indicators # of indicator fish species in water courses of benthic invertebrate species in water courses # of amphibian species # of spring ephemeral species % of invasives in woodlots Total corporate/community emission levels % of urban forest canopy cover # of Trees planted on public property # of Trees planted on private property Hectares of publicly owned green space Hectares of turf grass naturalized on an annual basis # of heritage trees identified # of people aware of the concept of biodiversity # of programs that incorporate and link actions back to the concept of biodiversity Creating and supporting new and existing programs that address the threats of biodiversity such as invasive species, climate change and habitat loss. November 2013 I-22

342 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Like the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy (2011), Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy should consider establishing a goal the aims to increase general awareness and knowledge about biodiversity and its value to the well-being of our community. The concept of biodiversity should be familiar to the staff of Richmond Hill as well as to the average resident. Mainstreaming biodiversity can be achieved by: Introducing the concept of biodiversity to the public by incorporating messaging into already existing programs and projects that address protection against biodiversity loss. Developing new educational tools to introduce biodiversity to residents of Richmond Hill. To demonstrate our progress, the Strategy should consider measurable indicators that could be measured against specific targets. These targets are an important element of the Strategy as they will help the Town to better focus efforts on the desired outcomes and achievements as well as challenge the Town to continue improving performance. November 2013 I-23

343 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 6.0 Recommended Actions In order for Richmond Hill to reach biodiversity goals and objectives that will be endorsed as part of the Environment Strategy, the following actions are recommended. Several of these items are already being implemented while others are new and will require an assessment of feasibility as well as budget analysis and approval. Complete a Naturalization Study that identifies areas of publicly owned land that can be naturalized. The study would also establish criteria for prioritizing planting sites, leading to the development of a 10 plan. Continue to Support the Community Stewardship Program by: o Developing ways to strengthen existing partnerships o Developing was to encourage and support new partnerships Seek ways to expand the Healthy Yards Program Seek ways to support and expand Richmond Hill s partnership with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests a local environmental group dedicated to promoting and expanding the urban forest in the Greater Toronto area) and their Backyard Tree Planting Program. The UFORE Study, 2009 identifies that the most potential for expanding the urban forest canopy is on private property. 12 Develop incentive programs to encourage planting on private properties and businesses. Develop a comprehensive database to track all tree planting in the Town (Town lead and private planting). This would include an on-line reporting system for private business and citizens to report plantings. Create incentives for business and commercial sites to plant more trees around their facilities and on their properties. Plan to update the UFORE Study at five year intervals to measure progress over time. Complete the Greenway and Acquisition Strategies Develop a program to identify and protect heritage trees. These large trees are an asset to the environment, providing a high level of ecosystem services to the community. This would also serve as an educational tool to promote the benefits of trees and the ecosystem services they provide. 12 Town of Richmond Hill. (October 2012) Town of Richmond Hill Urban Forest Study. November 2013 I-24

344 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I Develop restoration guidelines that will aim to increase survivability rates by improving planting and stewardship techniques. Complete the 10 year Valley land Capital Works Study and Plan and incorporate biodiversity into the prioritization criteria. Develop a communication strategy that will identify how biodiversity can be incorporated into already existing programs, projects and actions. It should develop new tools to introduce the concept of biodiversity to the public and staff. Incorporate the concept of biodiversity into the Environment Strategy as one of the underlying goals guiding actions. Update the Natural Heritage Strategy to refine goals, objectives targets related to biodiversity so that they are consistent with the new Environment Strategy. It should be endorsed by council so that a secure funding program is developed to support the framework, data collection/analysis and implementation plan of the strategy. Future updates should also be completed to ensure that the tools used for monitoring and the frequency of data collection continues to be consistent with the direction provided through the Environment Strategy. Continue to support and work towards the commitments made as part of the Clean Air Local Action Plan. Richmond Hill delivers many programs that are already addressing the issue of protecting against the loss of biodiversity. The Town would benefit from developing a Communication Strategy that aims to communicate to staff and the public about what biodiversity is, why it is important, what Richmond Hill is doing to protect it, and what individual residents can do to help. Community awareness is important in order to get public support for the work that is necessary to protect biodiversity and the ecology of our urban forest, waterways and corridors. November 2013 I-25

345 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix I 7.0 Conclusion A healthy and biologically diverse ecosystem provides many benefits and services to Richmond Hill residents, many of which cannot adequately be quantified and appreciated, such as the value of a connected and diverse greenway system. It is only when environmental pressures, such as the arrival of emerald ash borer to Richmond Hill, does one really understand the importance of biodiversity and why every precaution should be taken to protect and conserve it. Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy will need to provide the municipality with a clear set of goals, objectives and targets that focus on improving the quality and extent of our biologically diverse systems as well as establish drivers that will challenge Richmond Hill to do more. Considering that biodiversity is very broad in scope, many of the action items being recommended in this study will likely meet multiple environmental objectives identified in the Environment Strategy. November 2013 I-26

346 Appendix J Ecological Restoration Practices (Urban Forest Focus) Background Study November 2013

347 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Federal Government Provincial Government Conservation Authorities Regional Government Richmond Hill Town Policy People Plan Strategic Planning Process Review Strategic plan review Official plan review Benchmarking Richmond Hill What We Do Tree Preservation By-law Tree Planting By-law Tree Protection Resolution, Urban Forestry and Tree Management Tree Planting, Ecological Restoration and Stewardship Programs Community gardens Education Existing partnerships Success Stories in Urban Forestry: What Others Do Moving Forward Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for improvement Implementation Direction Goals, Objectives, Targets and Indicators Goal Objectives Targets and indicators Recommended Actions Conclusion References...24 LIST OF TABLES November 2013

348 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Table 1 Comparison of Urban Forest and Ecological Restoration Practices for Municipalities in Ontario...14 Table 2 Examples of Successful Urban Forest Practices in other Municipalities...15 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Tree canopy metrics summarized by land use category. Note that this characterization considers only the physical requirements of tree planting and does not recognize social or economic expectations for each land use. (i.e. agriculture)....9 November 2013

349 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Executive Summary Richmond Hill is developing an Environment Strategy that will define the vision, goals, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan and Official Plan.The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed by the public through varying public consultation mechanisms as well as a series of background studies. This particular background study examines ecological restoration best management practices with an urban forestry focus. Natural areas and the urban forest contribute to vibrant and healthy urban areas. Development and the changing urban landscapes threaten these areas. Municipalities have responded by creating policies, programs, initiatives and guidelines that regulate how natural areas are restored and managed. This background study provides a review of best management practices and recommends approaches for successfully managing natural areas and the urban forest within Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill has several policies and guidelines that relate to ecological restoration and urban forestry, however, there is no overarching plan that integrates the existing policies and guidelines. Generally, these existing policies have provided basic guidance for current initiatives that promote restoration and planting within Richmond Hill. Education and outreach are an important part of promoting these policies and gaining public acceptance. Richmond Hill s existing education and stewardship programs have laid the foundation required to continue protecting and enhancing the natural environment, including the urban forest. There are currently no federal ecological restoration management strategies in place. The Provincial Policy Statement provides general guidance for policy framework and enables local municipalities to implement policies and guidelines that suit their region and local urban forestry requirements. The Region of York has policies and by-laws that relate to woodland and woodlot management, urban forest protection and ecologically sound urban forestry practices. While these Regional policies generally apply to broader natural areas, each Municipality within the Region is responsible for their own policies and guidelines to manage individual trees on both municipal and private lands. Through the review of these current practices, policies and guidelines, several gaps and opportunities for improvement were identified. Working towards filling in these gaps will lead to more successful ecological restoration and urban forest management. Determining success in managing an urban forest is directly related to what practices are in place. The Canadian Urban Forest Network (Canufnet) completed a compendium of the Best Management Practices for Canadian Urban Forests in These best management practices provide a strong framework and integrated network of plans, policies and guidelines to promote the long term and successful management of the urban forest. Several cities are striving to implement these practices and promote healthy tree growth and promote the restoration and protection of their natural areas. November 2013 J-i

350 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Richmond Hill has implemented several initiatives to promote healthy natural areas, community education, planting programs and community gardens. Richmond Hill has also undertaken an Urban Forest Study that provides excellent data on the existing conditions of the urban forest and general recommendations for the next steps for moving towards improving their urban forest. It appears that Richmond Hill s current studies, policies and guidelines related to urban forestry management have been developed somewhat independently, and typically are not well integrated with each other. Richmond Hill s urban forestry management policies and guidelines should be linked together to promote collaboration across departments and to ensure efficient and consistent management of natural areas and the urban forest. The primary recommendation of this background study is for Richmond Hill to undertake strategic and operational management planning within their entire urban forestry realm and ultimately create a comprehensive and integrated Urban Forest Management Plan UFMP. This plan would provide the policy direction to create new and enhanced existing programs, initiatives and guidelines as well as incorporate recommendations from the Urban Forest Study to ensure the long-term success of ecological restoration and urban forestry management practices in Richmond Hill. November 2013 J-ii

351 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 1.0 Purpose 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 environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed through an extensive public consultation process as well as a series of background studies that will examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. Together, the public consultation and background studies with be summarized into a key findings report that will be used to drive the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy. Richmond Hill has experienced significant growth over the last two decades and as a result, natural areas and the urban forest have been disturbed and degraded. For this reason, ecological restoration and responsible urban forest management are essential components of maintaining the integrity of these natural systems and ensuring their long term health and survival. This background study provides information about Richmond Hill s current policies and initiatives and also provides recommendations for next steps towards achieving a more sustainable urban forest and natural environment. Richmond Hill has a number of policies, practices and programs that promote the health, preservation and restoration of the natural environment including the urban forest. These policies and programs have been reviewed and compared to other municipalities within Ontario and the recommendations in this background study are based on successful programs being implemented by other municipalities. November 2013 J-1

352 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 2.0 Introduction Urban forestry is defined as A planned and programmatic approach of the development and maintenance of the urban forest, including all elements of green infrastructure within the community, in an effort to optimize the resulting benefits in social, environmental, public health, economic, and aesthetic terms, especially when resulting from a community visioning and goalsetting process (Planning Advisor Service, 2009). Healthy urban forests provide social, community and health benefits, improving air quality and reducing energy costs. The health of an urban forest is highly dependent on management that aims to achieve sustainability. To achieve sustainability, a suite of Best Management Practices must be adopted, implemented, monitored and adjusted. Best Management Practices are described as best available, industry recognized courses of action, in consideration of the benefits and limitations, based on scientific research and current knowledge (ISA 2006). In addition to the current Town policies, there are three separate Watershed Plans (Don River, Humber River and Rouge River) and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan that provide direction for the management of natural areas as they fall within the jurisdiction of these plans. The Richmond Hills urban forest is comprised of approximately 2.6 million trees and contributes to its 25 percent canopy cover (TRCA, 2012). The greatest percentage of the current urban forest is located within residential land use areas and the trees located within these areas area fall within both public and private ownership... Residential land use areas also represent the greatest opportunity for increasing canopy cover (TRCA, 2012). Richmond Hill, like many Southern Ontario municipalities, is challenged with maintaining their urban forest while accommodating growth and the pressures of urbanization. Examples of these pressures include development, disturbance and intensification as well as invasive species such as the emerald ash borer which is threatening to kill more than a quarter of a million ash trees in Richmond Hill. Due to these pressures, Richmond Hill is interested in further developing their Ecological Restoration Management Practices, focusing on the long term sustainability of the urban forest.. This report discusses the current use of best management practices in Richmond Hill and benchmarks these with other Ontario municipalities to determine where there are gaps and provides recommendations for improvement. November 2013 J-2

353 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 3.0 Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities 3.1 Federal Government The federal government provides broad policy direction that generally has large-scale applications, and does not specifically apply to local municipalities. Some federal legislation has an indirect influence over urban forest management at the municipal level and this includes acts such as the Endangered Species Act 2002, Migratory Bird Convention Act 1994 and the Forestry Act The Endangered Species Act 2002 protects endangered species from harm and can limit the planting and removal of specific species within the urban forest. The Migratory Bird Convention Act 1994 protects migratory birds and can impact timing of work within the urban forest during the critical nesting season. The Forestry Act 1985 limits the cutting of trees within woodlands owned by the Crown. This Act also provides guidance on the accepted methods of timber harvesting and the general approach for working within woodlands. Parks Canada has produced the Principles and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada s Protected Natural Areas. The following three guiding principles are presented in this document. Ecological restoration should be: Effective in restoring and maintaining ecological integrity Efficient in using practical and economic methods to achieve functional success Engaging through implementing inclusive processes and by recognizing and embracing interrelationships between culture and nature. These principles provide a simple but powerful approach for implementing not just ecological restoration but the implementation of any environmental initiative. 3.2 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources does not have an overriding policy relating to Ecological Restoration Practices and Urban Forestry. The Provincial Policy Statement 2005 (PPS 2005) speaks generally to the protection and enhancement of natural heritage features as they relate to impacts from development. The PPS provides general planning guidance but does not speak to specific practices and requirements for implementing ecological restoration. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act was established to protect the hydrogeological and ecological integrity of the area and ensure that it is maintained as a natural landform and environment to benefit future generations. This Act is the basis for the creation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, which provides direction on land use and resource management planning for municipalities, such as how moraine s ecological and hydrological features and functions should be protected. Approximately 52% of Richmond Hill s area is subject to the policies of this Plan and the protection of significant woodlands is a requirement of this Act. November 2013 J-3

354 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 3.3 CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES Conservation Authorities are watershed-based resource management agencies created by the province in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation Authorities Act, Conservation Authorities work in conjunction with municipalities to develop business plans, watershed plans and natural resource management plans within their jurisdictions (watersheds). These plans may recommend specific approaches to land use and resource planning and management that should be incorporated into municipal planning documents and related development applications in order to be implemented. Richmond Hill is located within the jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and works with the TRCA to collaborate on ecological restoration initiatives. There are three watershed plans which apply to Richmond Hill: Don River Watershed Plan - Beyond Forty Steps (2009), Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008) and the Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future ( 2007). These plans promote increasing natural canopy cover within their respective watersheds and this is consistent with regional and municipal recommendations for woodlands and tree cover. 3.4 REGIONAL GOVERNMENT Richmond Hill is within the Regional Municipality of York and as such is subject to Regional policies and guidelines such as the York Region Official Plan 2010, Forest Conservation By-law 2005, York Region Significant Woodlands Study 2005, York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions 2008 and York Region Greening Strategy The York Region Official Plan 2010 assists in the coordination of more detailed planning at the municipal level including the update and development of documents such as Richmond Hill s Official Plan. It also provides overall guidance and direction when it comes to environmental protection and enhancement. As per York Region s Official Plan, growth is directed away from environmentally sensitive features and restoration and enhancement of the natural environment is required with any type of development. The OP outlines specific recommendations for the preservation and protection of significant woodlands and ecologically sensitive areas and it also targets a minimum 25% woodland cover for the Region s total land area. The Region has implemented a Forest Conservation By-law 2005 that regulates the removal of trees from woodlands (parcels greater than 1 hectare in size) and woodlots (parcels 0.2 to 1 hectare in size). This By-law regulates private properties within the Regional boundaries and requires that a permit be acquired prior to removing trees within woodlands and woodlots. This By-law does not apply to individual trees located in areas outside of woodlands or woodlots. York Region Significant Woodlands Study, 2005 establishes the criteria for identifying significant woodlands and includes mapping which identifies these woodlands. The study also identifies strategic restoration locations and priorities to help direct securement, stewardship and naturalization initiatives. According to this study, the current regional forest cover is approximately 23% and a target has been set to increase this cover to 25%. York Region Natural Heritage Strategic Directions 2008 promotes maintaining a robust natural heritage system as it is the key to ensuring the sustainability of York Region. Natural heritage system planning requires the protection of remaining natural areas and the restoration of November 2013 J-4

355 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J degraded areas. The purpose of York Region s Natural Heritage Strategic Directions document is to raise awareness about the issues related to natural heritage protection in light of the growth challenges faced by the Region. The Region of York Greening Strategy recently celebrated 10 years of success. The following initiatives are components of the strategy and the success it has had: Naturalization through planting trees Securing land for future generations Proactive environmental policies Development and coordination of green partnerships Environmental education. This Strategy has resulted in the planting of 855,000 trees and continues to promote green initiatives throughout York Region. 3.5 RICHMOND HILL Town Policy The existing Richmond Hill environmental policies, guidelines, reports and programs have been reviewed as they relate to Ecological Restoration Practices (Urban Forestry Focused). These programs were reviewed to understand what Richmond Hill has completed to date and also to understand the current system and approach the Town has taken towards Ecological Restoration and Urban Forestry. The development of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan 2009 and Official Plan 2010 included extensive public consultation. Through this consultation it was found that Richmond Hill residents have a great interest in the protection, enhancement and restoration of environmental features in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill is faced with environmental stresses and challenges to their natural areas as urban development continues to push into and around these features. Environmental stresses are easily observed within these natural features and examples of these include the creation of non-sanctioned trails, soil erosion, degradation of natural ecosystems and dumping of garbage and other waste. These stresses lead to the fragmentation of natural systems and ultimately a decrease in ecologic function and a diminished ability for ecosystems to recover from disturbance People Plan Strategic Planning Process Review The People Plan Strategic Planning Process completed in 2008 included an online survey and roundtable meetings in Phase 2 of the study. The Environmental Stewardship and Active Places, Green Spaces online survey results and roundtable summary was reviewed for this background study. The online survey showed that 56.1% of respondents think that if Richmond Hill pursued more connected and protected green spaces this would demonstrate environmental stewardship. When the same respondents were asked, What s the most important way for Richmond Hill to encourage a green community? Sixty-eight percent (68%) responded, Pursue November 2013 J-5

356 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J the protection of more natural areas in the Town. This indicates that there is a strong desire to have policies in place that will protect and responsibly manage the natural areas within Richmond Hill. Participants in the People Plan roundtable discussions reviewed possible future goals for environmental action and recommended strategies for achieving these goals. Through the Environmental Stewardship Summary, three goals were identified with accompanying strategies to achieve them: Goal: Connected and Protected Green Spaces Strategy 1: Increase visibility and awareness of green spaces Strategy 2: Control the inappropriate uses of green spaces Strategy 3: Pursue the protection of the Town s Natural Heritage System Goal: Cultivate a Culture of Environmental Stewardship Strategy 1: Provide fun opportunities for all people to be involved in green spaces. Strategy 2: Promote opportunities for youth to be involved as environmental stewards. Strategy 3: Foster opportunities for community groups to network and connect. Goal: Increase the Urban Tree Canopy and Natural Landscaping Strategy 1: Provide programs and incentives to increase natural cover on private property. Strategy 2: Increase natural landscaping of Town property to decrease energy and maintenance demands Strategic plan review The goals from the People Plan Strategic Planning Process translated directly into Goal 4 of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan: Wise Management of Resources. This goal addresses the need to promote the protection and enhancement of green spaces and natural areas. The Strategic Plan identifies the following strategies: - Advocate, plan for and promote the protection and enhancement of green spaces - Serve as a role model for environmental management and the management of natural heritage and water resource systems - Increase natural landscaping and the urban tree canopy on both Town and private property - Commit to use land responsibly - Serve as a role model for municipal management (Richmond Hill, 2009) Official plan review The Richmond Hill Official Plan (OP) was adopted by Council in July, Section of the plan outlines the policies of Council which strive to protect, enhance and actively manage the Town s Greenway System over the long term. This includes protecting key natural heritage features, hydrological features and land within the Oak Ridges Moraine, as well as the habitats of endangered or threatened species. It involves the implementation of minimum vegetation and November 2013 J-6

357 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J tree protection zones as well as the replacement of mature trees that are removed due to development or other reasons. Furthermore, section of the Official Plan states that Richmond Hill shall strive to increase tree cover to a minimum of 25% of the Town s total land area with priority being given to increasing tree cover within the settlement area in order to enhance linkages to the Greenway System. The OP identifies that the Town will work with York Region to develop a Regional Urban Forest Management Plan that may identify locally significant woodlands as well as provide a strategy to increase tree cover throughout Richmond Hill. The preservation of existing trees, planting of new trees and the use of native species are also all highlighted in the OP as important elements of managing the urban forest. November 2013 J-7

358 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO The following is a review of Richmond Hill s current policies and practices as they relate to Ecological Restoration and Urban Forest Management Tree Preservation By-law 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 Tree Planting By-law 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. If a member of the public needs to remove a tree on public property they must submit an arborist report that identifies the trees in question including species, size and condition. Tree planting on public lands must also be approved by Richmond Hill prior to implementation. All work under this By-law must be approved by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Culture Tree Protection Resolution, 2006 In 2006, Richmond Hill Council approved a tree protection resolution for the Town. This resolution made a commitment to the protection of Richmond Hill s urban forest and natural habitat through the adoption of a Tree Preservation Strategy. As part of the Tree Preservation Strategy, Council and staff are directed to continue ecological restoration efforts, engage the public in stewardship and general awareness, maintain a no net loss of trees through municipal work, continue promoting the use of native vegetation and make an effort to retain trees on private property through the site design and development approval process Urban Forestry and Tree Management Town of Richmond Hill Urban Forest Study Richmond Hill, in conjunction with the TRCA, York Region, City of Vaughan and Town of Markham, completed a joint Urban Forest Study that utilized i-tree Eco modelling to generate a baseline analysis of the urban forest. This Study determined that there are approximately 2,559,000 trees in Richmond Hill, which represents a 25% canopy cover for the Town. The Study included twenty recommendations for urban forest management and next steps for utilizing this baseline information. To maintain the current canopy cover (25%) the Study recommends that approximately 60,000 trees be planted annually. If Richmond Hill were to November 2013 J-8

359 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J increase its canopy cover to 40%, approximately 134,000 trees would need to be planted annually to achieve this target (TRCA, 2012). The Urban Forest Study identified that the greatest opportunity for increasing municipal tree canopy is found in the residential low land use category (see Figure 1). Note that the other land use categories also contain a significant proportion of land which is available for tree establishment; however, these categories include predominately vacant land scheduled for development or agricultural land. Figure 1 Tree canopy metrics summarized by land use category. Note that this characterization considers only the physical requirements of tree planting and does not recognize social or economic expectations for each land use. (i.e. agriculture). Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that is threatening to kill all of the ash trees in Richmond Hill, a loss equivalent to approximately 12% of the Town s canopy cover. A management strategy was developed to help mitigate the impacts of this invasive insect in light of the significant damage that it has the potential to cause. This Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy directs the Town s response to EAB and the environmental, aesthetic and financial impact of this insect on the community. The Strategy employs five tools: monitoring; pesticide treatment; ash tree removal; ash tree replacement; and communication and public awareness. Four different divisions sit on a working group committee to coordinate the implementation of the strategy. Environment Services is the lead and is responsible for overseeing pesticide treatment and also coordinating communication efforts in collaboration with Communication Services. Parks Operations is responsible for the removal and replacement of ash trees as they become infested and Parks Planning is responsible for issuing permits for the removal of ash trees on private property. November 2013 J-9

360 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Tree Planting, Ecological Restoration and Stewardship Programs Healthy Yards Program Since 2005, the Healthy Yards Program has provided information to the public about creating healthy lawns and gardens using native plants, as well as alternatives to using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The program offers Richmond Hill residents an opportunity to purchase rain barrels and subsidized native plant kits which include trees, shrubs and wildflowers for their gardens. Collectively, the implementation of front yard and backyard naturalization projects throughout the Town can help to build Richmond Hill s urban forest, promote biodiversity, and minimize the impacts of yard maintenance on the environment. LEAF Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests In partnership with York Region, LEAF offers a Backyard Tree Planting Program 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. This program is supported by Richmond Hill and has contributed to building the urban forest on private properties. Trees in New Subdivisions Street tree planting is a requirement that Richmond Hill has for new subdivisions. An effort is made to plant at least 1 tree in front of every home, but occasionally, depending on the location of underground utilities, this is not always possible. Richmond Hill is responsible for selecting planting locations along streets and follows guidelines which consider things like above ground utility boxes, fire hydrants, streetlight poles and driveways. The final decision on planting location is made once the grass has been installed and the curbs are in place. For spring plantings, the locations are determined in November or December and for fall planting the locations are determined at the end of August or early September. Responsibility for completing street tree planting can fall to either the Town or the developer. If the Town is responsible for planting the trees, tree levy money is collected from the developer in advance to cover the cost of tree planting. At this point, the Town may either complete planting in-house or contract a third party to supply, plant and maintain the trees for a 2 year period. If the developer is completing the tree planting, they are required to include the trees in the landscape plans as part of the subdivision plans. The developer or their consultant is responsible for all concerns related to the street trees until the trees are assumed by the Town which may take between 2 and 4 years. Community Stewardship Program Richmond Hill works with the community to increase environmental awareness and provide hands on opportunities to protect and enhance the Town s natural areas. Richmond Hill has been delivering many of these stewardship opportunities to the community, often with the help of many different partners, since 1998, but formally developed the Community Stewardship Program in 2007 to bring all of these environmental initiatives together under one program. November 2013 J-10

361 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J The goal of the Community Stewardship Program is to build stronger connections in Richmond Hill by establishing healthier natural corridors and green space connections throughout Richmond Hill s greenway system. Stewardship involves working together with the community to increase environmental awareness and provide hands-on assistance to protect and enhance Richmond Hill s streams, woodlots and other natural areas, ensuring a healthy environment. This program provides countless opportunities for residents, community groups and local businesses to participate in community greening events, such as tree, shrub and wildflower planting, stream restoration and environmental stewardship in parks and green spaces throughout Richmond Hill. The program invites the community to get involved and learn how to care for their environment at a local level. Funding for stewardship projects is available through the Community Stewardship Program. Eligible projects often receive up to 2/3 of the project cost as partners are only required to contribute a minimum of $1 for every $2 of Richmond Hills funding. To date, Richmond Hill has partnered with many organizations and groups including Ontario Streams, the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, Evergreen, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and many others to restore and enhance the natural environment in Richmond Hill under the following categories: Garbage clean-up Habitat creation Tree planting and naturalization Stream rehabilitation Enhancement and restoration of natural areas Invasive Species Removal Public education about environmental stewardship Community gardens Community Garden Report, December 2012 Richmond Hill has a Community Allotment Garden at Phyllis Rawlinson Park and has recently reviewed the functionality of this garden in its current location. This Community Garden Report, 2012, highlights the current methods of programming and maintenance within the garden. Successful community gardens in other municipalities were reviewed to generate recommendations for the continued operation of the Community Allotment Garden in its current location. Based on observations from this report, the Draft Parks Plan makes two recommendations: (1) that a community garden policy be considered for Richmond Hill to outline how new gardens will be created and (2) that the current garden location be re-evaluated (implying consideration of higher density communities for the Town garden and/or additional Town gardens). November 2013 J-11

362 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Education Native Species Guide Richmond Hill has created three species selection guides that provide general lists of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers suitable for planting within the municipal eco-region. These guides were developed to provide information and assistance to residents, property owners and developers when choosing native plants for their properties. Encouraging the use of native plants in Richmond Hill is an important way that Richmond Hill can help to improve local biodiversity. Native plants provide habitat and food for birds, mammals and various insects, are resistant to pests and are also adapted to local conditions, therefore requiring less water, maintenance and fertilizing. Richmond Hill s Urban Forestry Webpage The urban forestry page on Richmond Hill s website has a collection of links and information for residents to access information relating directly to urban forestry and trees. There are links to many of the programs and document noted above Existing partnerships Richmond Hill has partnered with a number of agencies, collaborating on various urban forestry initiatives. These partners include: Natural Area Management - The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with Richmond Hill, are responsible for managing of natural areas within Richmond Hill. Urban Forest Study - Led by the TRCA, Richmond Hill s urban forest study report was completed in partnership with York Region, the City of Vaughan, and the City of Markham. Community Stewardship Program - Through this program, Richmond Hill has partnered with various organizations and agencies such as Evergreen, York Region, TRCA, Ontario Streams, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Stewardship Rangers) to work through multi-year restoration and stewardship projects. These partners contribute to the projects both financially and in-kind. Other Environmental Initiatives Richmond Hill provides in-kind support for environmental initiatives that are led by local environmental groups and agencies such as LEAF, Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment, Richmond Hill Naturalists and the York Region Environmental Alliance. November 2013 J-12

363 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 4.2 SUCCESS STORIES IN URBAN FORESTRY: WHAT OTHERS DO The Canadian Urban Forest Network (Canufnet) completed a compendium of the Best Management Practices for Canadian Urban Forests in This compendium was developed using nationwide professional input and research. Its purpose is to provide a web-based resource which outlines for municipalities, residents and elected officials some of the components and technical standards of a municipally-based urban forest program. The following is a list of urban forest practices currently identified in the compendium, each of which are essential considerations for effectively developing and implementing an Urban Forest Program: - Strategic and Operational Management Planning (urban forest management plan) - Enabling Legislation, Municipal By-laws and Regulations - Tree Inventory and the Tree Inspection Cycle - GIS and other Technologies - Species Selection and Planting - Maintenance: Watering, Mulching, Fertilizing, Cabling, Bracing - Recognition/Removal of Hazard Trees - Pruning Practices - Hard Surface Planting - Management of Urban Woodlots and Parks - Tree Protection during Construction/Trees and Building Foundations - Abiotic Stresses of Urban Forests - Alien Invasive Plant Species - Stormwater Management and Urban Forests - Fire and the Urban-Rural Interface - Hydro Line Management - Emergency Preparedness - Air Quality, Climate Change and Urban Forests - Economic Value/Appraisal of Trees - Awareness, Education and Stewardship. This section reviews the above mentioned urban forest practices along with various tree management policies and practices from some of the selected municipalities identified further in this section, including Richmond Hill. This information was used to identify what others do as well as to highlight Richmond Hills successes. November 2013 J-13

364 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Table 1 Comparison of Urban Forest and Ecological Restoration Practices for Municipalities in Ontario This table identifies current urban forest management policies and practices, imperative to ecological restoration, located within Southern Ontario municipalities including Richmond Hill. The municipalities included in this table were selected because they are comparable in size and population to Richmond Hill. The City of Toronto and the Town of Oakville were also included because they are known to be leaders in urban forestry practices in Southern Ontario. Municipality & Approximate Population Municipal Practices (Online review) Richmond Hill Windsor Kitchener Guelph Oakville Barrie Toronto 185, , , , , ,000 5,941,000 Urban Forestry Department x x x x x x Environmental Planner, as municipal Urban Forestry lead x x x x Municipal/Public Tree By-law x x x x x Private Tree By-Law x x x x x x Tree Removal Permit x x x x x x Tree Injury Permit/TPZ Encroachment x x x Tree Management Policy (Development Process) x x x x x x Urban Forest Management Plan x x Municipal City Tree Inventory x x x Natural Heritage Strategy x x x UFORE Model x x x Parks/Natural Areas Management Plan x x x x x Grading By-Law for Natural Areas x Parks By-Law x Information on EAB x x x x x x Management for EAB x x x x x x TreeAzin Injection Policy x Public info available on value of trees to community x x x x x x Community Gardens x x x x x x x Municipal Tree Planting Programs x x x x x x Tree Management Details and Specs available x x x x x x x Tree Policy: Construction near Trees and Specs x x Municipal Operated Nursery, for municipal planting x Tree/Restoration Stewardship x x x x Public Tree Registry x Natural Protection By-Law, Ravine x Policy: Contractor Agreement to work on city trees x x Policy: Removal of Apple Trees x Policy: Maintenance to trees located on <50% city property x Policy: Termites in Municipal owned trees x Trees from locally genetic stock x Urban Forest Motto/Brand x November 2013 J-14

365 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J The urban forest practices identified in Table 1 were reviewed in greater detail and three examples have been selected which represented successes in other municipalities. These examples can also be viewed as current deficiencies in Richmond Hill s management of the urban forest and include: Urban Forest Management Plan, Municipal Tree Inventory and Tree Management Policy for the development process. Table 2 Examples of Successful Urban Forest Practices in other Municipalities Successful Practice Municipality Description Urban Forest Management Oakville Plan/strategy The Town of Oakville s plan was created in March 2008 with an implementation time frame of 2008 to It was created to manage the Town s urban forest, and provide recommendations for stewardship on public and private lands. One of the 65 recommendations in this plan included developing a Tree Inventory which has since been completed. Municipal Tree Inventory Oakville The Town of Oakville and its partners used cutting edge technology to identify, catalogue and map public (town-owned trees) in Oakville, including ash trees, to create a tree inventory. The tree inventory was completed in conjunction with hyperspectral imaging technology to assist with locating ash trees that would be impacted by EAB. This inventory includes information about tree species and also indicates whether ash trees are being treated for EAB. It is available for public viewing through the Town s Explore Oakville mapping application. The Town s Emerald Ash Borer management plan is considered the most aggressive plan in Canada. Tree Management Policy, (for the development process) City of Toronto The City of Toronto requires an Arborist Report prior to approval of any development project design. The City provides several documents online outlining necessary requirements that must be met prior to the approval of a project design or construction. For example, development projects must abide by the City tree By-law which regulates the injury or removal of trees as well as their tree policy and specifications for construction near trees, including tree protection fence requirements. Toronto s Urban Forestry Department audits reports and has much input on all aspects of development projects, ensuring that trees are protected and damage to trees is mitigated. November 2013 J-15

366 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 5.0 Moving Forward 5.1 STRENGTHS Richmond Hill s current practices can be characterized as a reasonable cross-section of municipal urban forest management practices for ecological restoration. The Town s practices, when compared to the Canadian Urban Forest Network (Canufnet) compendium of urban forest practices, do not encompass all of the identified practices which are essential considerations for effectively developing and implementing an Urban Forest Program. Richmond Hill has the opportunity to commence new urban forest practices for implementation. Currently, Richmond Hill s strengths that benefit the urban forest include: - Strategic Plan: Promotes the protection and enhancement of green spaces - Official Plan: Includes policies that strive to preserve, connect, enhance and restore the Greenway System. - By-Laws: Tree Preservation By-law and Tree Planting By-law, regulate removal and replacement of trees. - Urban Forest Study: Provides Richmond Hill with canopy cover study and recommendations and directions for management of the urban forest. - Planting and Restoration Programs: Healthy Yards Program, LEAF, Trees in New Subdivisions, all provide public vegetation planting. - Stewardship: Through the Community Stewardship Program public education, awareness, and participation provides public involvement in local issues related to ecological restoration in the urban forest. 5.2 WEAKNESSES The best management practices of the urban forest as they relate to ecological restoration have been reviewed in conjunction with Richmond Hill s current policies and programs. Gaps were identified based on a comparison of Richmond Hill s current practices to the urban forest practices identified in the Canufnet s compendium. Considering directions from, and what best fit with, Richmond Hill s needs as reflected in the Strategic Plan and Official Plan, this review suggests opportunities for incorporating new practices or further development or modification of existing practices. Recommendations for improvements in Richmond Hill s urban forest and ecological restoration practices have been made based on this assessment against Canufnet s compendium of urban forest practices. November 2013 J-16

367 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT Opportunities for improvement were recommended based on Canufnet s compendium of urban forest practices (UFP). These recommendations will promote ecological restoration in the urban forest, and are identified below in priority sequence for Richmond Hill and include a brief description of what each would entail. UFP #1: Strategic and Operational Management Planning (Creating an Urban Forest Management Plan UFMP ) (Identified as a recommendation in Richmond Hill s Urban Forest Study, October 2012, and Official Plan 2010) Richmond Hill does not currently have an urban forest master plan or management plan. This type of plan is important as it provides strategic direction for Richmond Hill with respect to all management practices in the urban forest. These plans typically provide the necessary steps for implementing management strategies and maintaining the urban forest. A UFMP is an encompassing document that will link the recommended UFP s together into a unified application. While many of the UFPs could be included within this plan, they could also be completed prior to the development of this plan based on Town s need, cost, and timing, with the balance included in the UFMP. The UFPs that could be incorporated into this plan include: Tree Inventory and Tree Inspection Cycle (UFP#2) Species Selection and Planting (UFP #3) Maintenance: Watering, Mulching, Fertilizing, Cable/brace, Recognition Removal of Hazard Trees (UFP #4) Hard Surface Planting (UFP #5) Management of Urban Woodlots and Parks (UFP #6) Abiotic Stresses of Urban Forests (UFP #7) Insects and Diseases of Urban Forests (effective integrated pest management plan)(ufp #8) Alien and Invasive Plant Species (UFP #9) Stormwater Management and Urban Forests (UFP #10) Hydro Line Management (UFP #11) Air Quality, Climate Change and Urban Forests (increase of canopy cover for air quality purposes) (UFP #12) Economic Value/Appraisal of Trees (UFP #13) Awareness, Education and Stewardship (UFP #14) Fire and the Urban-Rural Interface (UFP #15) The urban forest practices to be incorporated into an Urban Forest Management Plan listed above are each discussed in more detail below. UFP #2: Tree Inventory and Tree Inspection Cycle (Identified as a recommendation in Richmond Hill s Urban Forest Study, October 2012) A Municipal Tree Inventory is the basis for all urban forest plans and maintenance. A good November 2013 J-17

368 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J quality inventory can be used in all aspects of urban forestry management, and town planning. Richmond Hill currently has a tree inventory; as such it is recommended that the inventory be used to link several of the best management practices. This includes creating an inspection cycle, regular updates for removal or planted trees. An up to date inventory is imperative to many if not all management related to ecological restoration in the urban forest. UFP #3: Species Selection and Planting (Identified as a recommendation in Richmond Hill s Urban Forest Study, October 2012) Selecting not only the proper species but the proper location for trees to be planted creates a successful urban forest. Species selection and planting can be anything from choosing a species that is tolerant of harsh urban conditions for street trees to native species that have been locally sourced to be included in parks or natural areas. Richmond Hill has standards for planting, but creating a species list of street trees acceptable for planting for new developments is important. Creating a policy and/or guidelines regarding acceptable and/or appropriate species and planting locations will result in healthier trees and limit need for removal and additional maintenance in the future. The native species guides are an excellent start but a comprehensive list, with more specificity and support information will result in a list that is more effective for Richmond Hill staff and others to use in the planning and design of the Urban Forest and Natural Areas. This will provide a valuable tool and allow for successful planting in Richmond Hill. UFP #4: Maintenance: Watering, Mulching, Fertilizing, Cable/brace, Identifying and Removal of Hazard Trees. Maintenance for urban trees is crucial in all stages of a tree s life cycle. Newly planted trees require adequate moisture for the first years to ensure survival. Regular maintenance including training pruning of younger trees will aid in preventing structural issues later on. Hazard trees can result in public injury. Proper tree maintenance can mean less work later on, and a safer public environment. Establishing a maintenance program for the urban forest that is integrated with the tree inventory allows for a regular implementation cycle to be implemented and easily monitored. The inventory (BPM #2) will also identify hazard trees that may require immediate removal. Proper tree maintenance can reduce damage during major storm events. Successful monitoring and tracking with planting and maintenance is dependent on having a tree inventory to track the health of the trees and maintenance work completed. UFP #5: Hard Surface Planting Trees are an integral part of any municipal downtown and streetscape, yet hardscaping, snow removal, and infrastructure result in little to no room for tree growth. Urban trees often have little soil or area to grow and result in small trees with a short life span. Today s technology has developed structures that allow trees to grow in hardscape areas to an adequate size, allowing them to provide environmental and health benefits, and live longer than before. Municipalities are increasingly utilizing underground structures that provide adequate soil volumes while functioning with the utility infrastructure. These municipalities are considering trees as part of their green infrastructure and considering the overall lifecycle costs when implementing trees. November 2013 J-18

369 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J UFP #6: Management of Urban Woodlots and Parks Urban woodlots and parks are desirable, heavily used areas in Richmond Hill. Unfortunately, foot traffic can lead to soil compaction negatively affecting tree health and with popular, heavy use contributing to increase of incidents of vandalism. Natural areas in an urban setting are also susceptible to establishment of invasive species, such as insects, pests, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. These species can displace native species and threaten biodiversity. Creating a management plan for parks and natural areas could result in regular maintenance, vegetation planting to promote a diverse ecosystem with natural regeneration, control of invasive species and less vandalism. A woodlot and parks management plan will determine management best suited for the area resulting in a healthier natural area. UFP #7: Abiotic Stresses of Urban Forests (i.e. planters/mulch for high traffic areas to prevent compaction) Abiotic stresses such as pollution, foot traffic, and vandalism, are present in abundance for urban trees. There are several management strategies, such as planting trees in planters, irrigation systems, and maintenance to mitigate these stresses. UFP #8: Insects and Diseases of Urban Forests (effective integrated pest management plan) Urban trees are under stress and as such they are susceptible to attack by insects and disease. An overarching Invasive Species Management Strategy to define guiding principles, identify strategic goals and objectives, as well as develop prioritization criteria to determine how individual invasive species should be managed would be helpful to the Town. Richmond Hill s Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy serves as an example of species-specific strategy. UFP #9: Alien and Invasive Plant Species (Identified in Richmond Hill s Official Plan 2010) Alien or nonnative invasive and native invasive plant species characteristically invade urban areas. These species threaten the biodiversity of an urban forest by displacing native species. Some invasive plants, such as White Mulberry (Morus alba) will hybridize with native species lessening native genetic strains with the possibility of elimination. Richmond Hill already involves stewardship from the public to remove some invasive plant species, but Richmond Hill should develop a policy or management plan against planting invasive vegetation, and requirements to integrate removal plans for invasive species when observed. Parks and woodlots should have invasive species management integrated into operations. Richmond Hill inventory canopy cover in the UFORE model includes nonnative invasive European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) as part of the percent canopy cover. Richmond Hill should have a goal to have that percent canopy cover replaced with a native species. UFP #10: Stormwater Management and Urban Forests Various studies have identified trees which contribute to effective stormwater management by reducing storm water flows through natural tree functions. Trees intercept precipitation and runoff, and as such control soil erosion and sedimentation into streams and lakes. Integrating November 2013 J-19

370 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J existing trees and including new tree planting requirements in stormwater management plans could be considered as a strategy to improve storm water management in some cases. UFP #11: Hydro Line Management The maintenance of overhead hydro lines takes precedence over tree preservation. As such planning for underground utilities in order to accommodate tree planting, or using insulators on wires to allow for closer setbacks to trees, or planning tree placement using BMP #4, will mitigate the need for tree removal or aggressive pruning. A partnership with HydroOne, and the local hydro utility, could be pursued as a means to preserve street trees, and more available areas to plant medium to large canopy trees. UFP #12: Air Quality, Climate Change and Urban Forests (increase of canopy cover for air quality purposes) Trees improve air quality by producing oxygen, intercepting air pollutant particles and uptake and store carbon dioxide. They regulate temperature, provide shade, and diffuse wind. All these factors result in energy savings for both Town operations and local residents and businesses. Planting more trees will provide not only cleaner air, but reduced energy consumption. UFP #13: Economic Value/Appraisal of Trees (determining value of urban forest/parks to identify amount of monetary value) Richmond Hill currently has the replacement cost, carbon sequestering and storing values, and value of removing air borne pollutants identified as part of their Urban Forest Study (TRCA 2012). This is an excellent indicator of the value of the urban forest and the justification to maintain it through implementation of these best practices. Richmond Hill could determine value s on natural areas, parks, or individual trees as justification for management and retention. UFP #14: Awareness, Education and Stewardship (Identified in Strategic Plan 2009, and Official Plan 2010) Richmond Hill currently has information available to the public through the Town website. The website posts events including tree planting, invasive weed removal, and stream restoration. They have factsheets identifying various urban forestry issues and tree importance. With further development and implementation of Best Management Practices, Richmond Hill should continue with education, awareness and stewardship for new practices put in place. UFP #15: Fire and the Urban-Rural Interface The routine maintenance of woodlots and parks should identify if there is a potential for fire hazard in dry areas with dead brush piles or dead standing trees. Potential vandalism in urban woodlots during dry summer months could result in a fire that could easily get out of control. Richmond Hill should have a management and action plan in place for these potential areas and events. November 2013 J-20

371 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 5.4 IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTION Richmond Hill s Official Plan, section , outlines many of the recommended urban forest practices, which should be implemented by the Town. Although all the UFPs would be considered useful to Richmond Hill, there are specific UFPs that will better promote Ecological Restoration. The UFPs identified above in section 5.3 have been listed in priority sequence for Town implementation. Richmond Hill could easily incorporate several of the recommended UFPs identified in Section 5.3 into their current policies and programs. 5.5 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND INDICATORS Through the development of the Environment Strategy, goals, objectives, targets and indicators will be identified to direct future initiatives and measure progress. While this background study recommends that Richmond Hill incorporate the urban forest practices outlined in Section 5.3 into a unified Urban Forest Management Plan, the Environment Strategy should still provide high level direction for ecological restoration and urban forest management and be able to measure the success of this management Goal Promote a healthy and diverse urban forest that has been preserved and enhanced through the implementation of effective policies, efficient management and an engaged community Objectives - Prepare an Urban Forest Management Plan. - Implement Urban Forest Practices - Promote community engagement through education and programs. - Increase tree planting within Richmond Hill through policy development and community initiatives Targets and indicators The Urban Forest Management Plan would serve as a vehicle for establishing several targets and indicators and would outline the next steps Richmond Hill should take to improve ecological restoration and enhance the urban forest. Targets could include the development of outreach and education programs, community planting initiatives, and other tree planting programs to increase the tree canopy cover in Richmond Hill along with policy development for tree replanting programs. Indicators should be developed alongside targets to ensure that they are achievable. November 2013 J-21

372 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 6.0 Recommended Actions Richmond Hill could consider the following recommended actions for improvement of its urban forest management system in recognition of the review of urban forest practices contained herein: Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFP1). Richmond Hill does not have an overarching plan which seeks integration and synergy of all existing and possible future forest management practices. This plan would provide next steps for urban forest management with a refined direction. Collect a Tree Inventory (UFP2). This will provide Richmond Hill with a data base that catalogues information necessary to implement a proper maintenance plan(ufp4) and a planting plan, as the inventory would identify available locations suitable for increasing canopy cover (UFP3) and planting trees in retainable locations away and from hydro (UFP11); Species composition would be determined and as such, realization of Richmond Hill s Biodiversity to determine potential to increase(ufp3); locations of invasive species would be identified and a management plan could be developed (UFP8); Improve current tree management policies and guidelines to provide more strict requirements for planting and managing trees (UFP3). Integrate new technology, such as underground framework that increases soil volumes, for planting to increase life span of public trees such as hardscape planting (UFP5). Technology would allow for more options for available planting areas and increasing canopy cover. The use of this technology would mitigate abiotic stresses of the urban environment (UFP7). Develop a Parks Urban Forest and Trees Management Plan (UFP6) to maintain health of trees in urban stressed areas and to also manage invasive species (UFP9) which is currently included in Richmond Hill s UFORE model for canopy cover. This Plan will maintain the woodland and thus eliminate hazards such as trees and potential for fires (UFP15). Create an effective, integrated pest management plan (UFP9) in order to be proactive instead of reactive when manage future pest/diseases that threaten the urban forest. Incorporate trees in stormwater management (UFP10) to help intercept precipitation and runoff. Public education, awareness and appreciation of tree programs. November 2013 J-22

373 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 7.0 Conclusion The urban forest is part of a larger integrated ecosystem. The soil, water, and atmosphere are all interconnected with trees. Environmental sustainability relies on all of these systems being functional and working together. The urban forest practices identified in this background study are integral for maintaining equilibrium of biological process governing the urban forest and surrounding ecosystem. Richmond Hill has already developed a good basis for management of the urban forest and integrating some or all of the urban forest practices within the overall synthesis of an Urban Forest Management Plan will set them apart as a leader in environmental management. November 2013 J-23

374 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J 8.0 References Canadian Urban Forest Network Compendium of Best Management Practices for Canadian Urban Forest. Last accessed February City of Barrie. Last accessed February City of Guelph. Last accessed February City of Kitchener. Last accessed February City of Toronto. Last accessed February City of Windsor. Last accessed February Forestry Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. F-30, Government of Canada accessed April 2013 Harris, Richard Wilson, James R. Clark, Nelda P. Matheny. Arboriculture: integrated management of landscape trees, shrubs, and vines. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. International Society of Arboriculture, Glossary of Arboricultural Terms. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, IL. LEAF. Last accessed February LEAF Tree Backyard Tree Planting Program in Richmond Hill. Last accessed February Niagara Escarpment Commission. Last accessed March Parks Canada. Principles and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada s Protected Natural Areas. Planning Advisor Service, Planning the Urban Forest: Ecology, Economy, and Community Development, American Planning Association (Planners Press) Province of Ontario. Provincial Policy Statement Last accessed March Region of York Forest Conservation By-law aw.htm. Last accessed March November 2013 J-24

375 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Region of York Greening Strategy ears+of+success.htm. Last accessed March Region of York Natural Heritage Strategic Directions mkyzov75q2iz3zgbvaorvq4chykvzvuurxntqb/natural+heritagestrategic+directions.pdf Region of York Official Plan 3z2e6fmjqsan7etnwtv2yojvqyfafvtur52u4e/Dec+09+Adopted+ROP+-+for+web.pdf Statistics Canada. Last accessed February Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Last accessed March Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2009a. Don River Watershed Plan Beyond Forty Steps. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2008a. Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Richmond Hill Urban Forest Study: Technical Report. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2007b. Rouge River State of the Watershed Report. Town of Oakville. Lasted accessed February Town of Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill Official Plan: Building a New Kind of Urban. As Modified by York Region on May 19, Town of Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill Strategic Plan: A Plan for People a Plan for Change. Town of Richmond Hill Environmental Services, Community Garden Background Report and Recommendations. Town of Richmond Hill Healthy Yards Program Information Sheet. Lasted accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Native Shrub Species Selection Guide. Last accessed February November 2013 J-25

376 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix J Town of Richmond Hill Native Tree Species Selection Guide. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Native Wildflower Species Selection Guide. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Natural Environment Stewardship Program. Lasted accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Phase 2- Community Roundtable and Online Survey Results - People Plan Strategic Planning Process. veys. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Tree Planting By-law Chapter 821 of the Municipal Code. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Tree Preservation By-law Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Tree Preservation By-law Brochure. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Trees in New Subdivisions. sident. Last accessed February Town of Richmond Hill Urban Forestry Department. Last accessed February Statistics Canada. November 2013 J-26

377 Appendix K Community Energy Conservation Programs Background Study November 2013

378 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Table of Contents Executive Summary... i 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction: Roles and Responsibilities Federal Government Provincial Government Regional and Municipal Governments Other Standards and Guidelines Benchmarking Richmond Hill What We Do Roles and Responsiblities Success Stories: What Others Do Moving Towards Environmental Sustainability Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for Improvement Goals, Objectives, Targets and Indicators Targets and Indicators Recommendations Conclusion References November 2013

379 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 is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town of Richmond Hill s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage our local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. As part of the background research in developing the strategy, a series of background papers have been completed in key focus areas. This paper has been prepared to provide information and recommendations in the area of Community Energy Management. The Community Energy Management paper examines applicable legislation, existing corporate plans and programs, roles and responsibilities, available resources and options for municipal management and implementation. The Federal, Provincial and Regional governments have all set clear policies for producing and using energy in a sustainable manner. For example, the Ontario Building Code, based on the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings, sets the energy efficiency standards for buildings in Richmond Hill. The Town s Official Plan encourages development to exceed the minimum energy efficiencies found in these codes. Both Federal and Provincial Governments promote several incentive programs for improving energy efficiency and encouraging renewable energy production that apply to Richmond Hill. It is the municipality s role to inform and promote these programs to its staff and the Richmond Hill community Over the years, Richmond Hill has taken many steps towards using energy in a sustainable manner. The newly approved Official Plan sets a clear policy direction to encourage development to achieve energy efficiency that meet or exceed Federal and Provincial building standards, and to include on-site renewable energy systems. The Interim Growth Management Strategy (IGMS), adopted by council in 2008, allows the Town to achieve these policies by providing development with incentives for achieving and exceeding energy efficiency standards and on site renewable energy systems. The Town has improved the energy efficiency of its municipal buildings and operations through retrofits to equipment and lighting. It has also installed several renewable energy projects such as solar panels and geothermal heating. The Official Plan also requires all new town facilities over 500 m 2 to be built to LEED Silver standard or an alternative equivalent. In order to identify best management practices this report examines the initiatives of comparable municipalities in energy management. Through this benchmarking exercise it was identified that the Town should continue to encourage sustainable development to create energy efficient communities. It was also noted that the Town would benefit from having a better energy monitoring, managing and reporting structure and process. There also exist opportunities to improve community energy efficiency by promoting and providing incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for development and the community. November 2013 K-i

380 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K The Richmond Hill Environment Strategy will provide direction on municipal environmental stewardship through a defined set of goals and objectives. With respect to energy management, it is recommended that the Strategy establish goals that aim reduce energy consumption and related GHG emissions in new development, municipal operations and the Richmond Hill community. It is also important that these goals encourage renewable energy projects. In support of the goals discussed above, several strategic actions are recommended in this report. Some of these actions are partially complete, such as the equipment and lighting retrofits of municipal buildings. Other actions are new and will require an assessment of feasibility as well as budget analysis and approval. These new recommended actions include further work with development to build energy efficient communities, improving corporate energy efficiency and providing education and encouragement to the Richmond Hill community on sustainable energy use practices. November 2013

381 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 1.0 Purpose The Town of Richmond Hill is developing its first Environment Strategy that will direct environmental management and protection in Richmond Hill. This paper informs the Environmental Strategy on energy conservation and the strategic management of energy use for both the community and the municipal corporation. Included in this paper is a review of applicable legislation, roles and responsibilities, available resources and options for municipal energy management and implementation. The purpose of this paper is to recommend practices and approaches for energy management in Richmond Hill. Possible progress indicators have been identified for both the community and the corporation. Note: This report is focused on community and municipal energy management. Energy, for the purpose of this paper, is discussed with respect to electricity and natural gas used to heat, cool and run equipment and lighting in both the community and the municipal operation of Richmond Hill. November 2013 K- 1

382 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 2.0 Introduction Located in heart of the GTA, Richmond Hill is a thriving Canadian municipality that has developed from a small town to one of Canada s fastest growing municipalities, undergoing a transformation from a suburban to an urban community. Although the rate of growth has slowed in recent years, Richmond Hill is projected to grow to a community of just over 242,000 by An increase in the Town s population results in higher levels of energy demand and consumption by the community. In order to provide for the growing population, Richmond Hill s service levels and number of facilities has also increased resulting in higher corporate energy use. Energy production and consumption contributes to climate change through the generation of greenhouse gas emissions. Environment Canada reports that in 2008, approximately 81% of Canada s greenhouse gas emissions were generated from the production, distribution, and consumption of energy (Environment Canada, 2010). Climate change is considered one of the most important environmental issues of our time. There is substantial scientific evidence indicating an increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, from the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions resulting from human activities. Changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level, and the frequency and severity of extreme events will affect both the quality of life in Richmond Hill, as well as our ability to provide municipal services.. For example, warmer temperatures will likely increase summer peak electricity demand used for air conditioning, increase drought conditions and result in growing numbers of extreme weather events. (Environment Canada, 2012). Therefore, it is vital that we take responsibility for wise management of our energy use at the municipal level as our Town continues to grow. The benefits of implementing energy management and conservation measures include: Leadership The Town has a history of environmental stewardship. By taking specific steps to manage emissions that affect climate change within its own operations, the Town is able to provide an example of responsible environmental management for the community. Improved Air Quality and Public Health The combustion of fossil fuels used to generate energy emit a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere that are known to have adverse health impacts and reduce local air quality. By reducing energy consumption, local air pollutants will also be reduced. Reduced Costs By reducing its energy consumption, the Town and its citizens will benefit from reduced costs. Improved Quality of Life for Citizens By reducing expenditures on energy, the Town can apply these savings towards improving its community services which will help build healthier, more sustainable communities (TRH 2004, Local Action Plan). November 2013 K- 2

383 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Improved Service Delivery The Town will be able to offer services more efficiently and economically by implementing energy efficiency initiatives in its corporate facilities and operations, and throughout the community. Improved Asset Management By taking a proactive approach to facility improvements, the value of the Town's assets are improved, by reducing overall lifecycle cost of its facilities. This report builds upon existing plans and corporate goals in order to set a clear direction for the strategic management and conservation of energy use for both the community and the corporation. The report summarizes existing plans and initiatives and identifies current challenges and opportunities for improvement, by reviewing the best practices used by other comparable municipalities. The recommendations outlined in this report provide a comprehensive and achievable set of goals for energy management in Richmond Hill. In addition to its inclusion in the Environment Strategy, this report provides a basis for the upcoming Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan required under the Green Energy Act, November 2013 K- 3

384 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 3.0 Policy Direction: Roles and Responsibilities Responsibility for energy management in Canada is shared by a number of different governments, municipal departments, agencies and organizations. In Richmond Hill four levels of government (federal, provincial, regional and municipal) are involved in setting and implementing energy management policy. The following section provides an overview of the roles of each group, as well as well as an overview of the legislative framework. 3.1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT At the Federal level, several agencies are involved in regulating energy production, distribution and management. The responsibility for regulating and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy falls to the Government of Canada, specifically Natural Resources Canada. In 1959, Parliament passed the National Energy Board Act, 1959 (amended 1985), governed under Natural Resources Canada. This Act establishes and sets the mandate for an independent federal agency to direct and approve energy production in Canada, the National Energy Board (NEB). The purpose of the NEB is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade, pursuant to the Canadian public interest. Its role is to regulate international and inter-provincial aspects of oil, gas and electrical utility industries. Although NEB regulations do not apply to Richmond Hill directly, its policies indirectly affect energy consumption and GHG emissions in the Town by affecting the available supply and emission factor for energy use. In addition to the NEB Act, Natural Resources Canada governs the Energy Efficiency Act (EEA), 1992, which was legislated in order to manage GHG emissions and air pollutants through the use of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and complementary market stimulation activities. The EEA promotes research and development, energy conservation practices, and market penetration of the most energy efficient products. EEA Regulations are regularly amended to add new products, increase the stringency of MEPS, and update testing methodologies or labeling requirements. The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE), a division of Natural Resources Canada, is a centre of excellence for energy efficiency and alternative fuels information. The OEE is mandated to strengthen and expand Canada's commitment to energy efficiency in order to help address Natural Resources Canada s policy objectives. The OEE achieves this by promoting several energy management programs through the ecoenergy Efficiency program. These include: ENERGY STAR for New Homes is an initiative which promotes energy efficiency guidelines that enable new homes to be more energy efficient than those built to minimum provincial building codes. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners. Richmond Hill s Official Plan encourages new homes to be built to Energy Star ratings. The R-2000 Standard is a voluntary standard administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and is delivered through a network of service organizations and professionals across Canada. All R-2000 homes are constructed by licensed and trained builders, evaluated, inspected and tested by independent November 2013 K- 4

385 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K third-party inspectors, and are certified by the Government of Canada. R-2000 certified houses are significantly more energy efficient than those built to minimum building code requirements and have additional elements, such as clean air features and high levels of insulation. National energy benchmarking tools (i.e. EnerGuide rating system). Energuide is a Government of Canada initiative encouraging new homes to be built at a rate 25% more energy efficient than those built to minimum provincial standards. Training and information. Supporting the Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC), which offers networking opportunities for industry to share information; identifies common needs and best practices; and improves energy efficiency in more than 25 industrial sectors. The OEE also regulates energy efficiency standards for buildings codes under Natural Resources Canada, which works across Canadian jurisdictions to coordinate compliance and training initiatives. The 2007 Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) sets the energy efficiency standards of all new industrial, commercial, institutional and residential development, as well as existing developments undergoing major renovations. The code sets minimum requirements for air tightness, power production, lighting and installed HVAC systems. In 2011, the OEE updated the MNECB with the revised National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), which establishes an overall 25% improvement in energy efficiency over the previous version for the energy efficiency of new buildings. The NECB is the model building code that forms the basis for all of the provincial building codes. Richmond Hill s Official Plan encourages new buildings to exceed the energy efficiencies outlined by this code. 3.2 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT In Ontario, legislation affecting the direction of energy management in Richmond Hill, is governed primarily by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Ontario Ministry of Energy is responsible for ensuring that Ontario s electricity system functions at a high level of reliability and productivity by focusing on the promotion of ingenuity and innovation in the energy sector. Developing renewable sources of energy, cleaner forms of fuel, as well as fostering a conservation culture, are all cornerstones of the Ministry s vision for Ontario s electricity future. Ontario s Long- Term Energy Plan will help guide the province as it continues to build a clean, modern, and reliable electricity system. Key directions of this plan include: Ontario s commitment to be coal-free by Ontario s commitment to producing clean, reliable nuclear power remaining at approximately 50 per cent of the province s electricity supply. Ontario will continue to grow its hydroelectric capacity with a target of 9,000 MW. This will be achieved through new facilities and by significant investments to maximize the use of the province s existing facilities. November 2013 K- 5

386 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Ontario s target for clean, renewable energy from wind, solar and bio-energy is 10,700 MW by 2018 (excluding hydroelectric production) accommodated through transmission expansion and maximizing the use of the existing system. Ontario will continue to grow the clean energy economy through the continuation of FIT and microfit programs. The key directions contained in Ontario s Long-Term Energy Plan will ensure Richmond Hill s access to clean, renewable energy in the future while promoting local renewable energy projects. Ontario Energy Board regulates the province s electricity and natural gas sectors in the public s interest. Part of its mandate is to protect the interests of consumers with respect to prices and the reliability and quality of electricity service. Governing Legislation for the Ontario Energy Board is set out principally in three statutes: the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998; the Electricity Act, 1998 and Consumer Protection Act, 2010; and in regulations made under those statutes. The key players responsible for generating, delivering and promoting sustainable energy use in Ontario are: Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is an independent corporation which works to develop a reliable, cost-effective and sustainable electricity system in Ontario. It is licensed by the Ontario Energy Board. This agency is responsible for meeting provincial targets to reduce consumption and demand. Ontario Power Generation is a provincially-owned electricity generation company. Its hydroelectric, nuclear and fossil fuel stations generate approximately 70 percent of Ontario's electricity. The balance of Ontario s electricity is generated by private companies such as Bruce Power, which operates a nuclear generating station in Bruce County. Hydro One is a provincially-owned company that operates the majority of Ontario's transmission lines. Hydro One also serves as a local electrical distribution company in some areas of the province. There are approximately an additional 90 local distribution companies that deliver electrical service to homes and businesses. Power stream is the local distribution company for electricity in Richmond Hill Natural gas - The two main natural gas distribution companies operating in Ontario are Enbridge Gas Distribution and Union Gas. The Green Energy Act (2009) was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Energy to expand renewable energy generation, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean energy jobs. There are two important parts to this act that directly apply to Richmond Hill: 1. Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan Public agencies, including municipalities like Richmond Hill must prepare, publish, make available to the public and implement energy conservation and demand management plans. An energy conservation and demand management plan is composed of two parts: November 2013 K- 6

387 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K A summary of the public agency s annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for its operations. This section of the plan is due on or before July 1, 2013 to the Minister and submitted yearly thereafter, and is required to be published on its website and intranet site. A description of previous, current and proposed measures for conserving and reducing the amount of energy consumed by the public agency s operations and for managing the public agency s demand for energy, including a forecast of the expected results of current and proposed measures. The second part of this plan must be submitted on or before July 1, Fit program (FIT): The Feed-In-Tariff Program This program allows eligible home owners and businesses to apply to the Ontario Power Authority to build wind and solar energy projects on their site and receive compensation for surplus energy returned to the grid. Projects with rated electricity generating capacities of 500 kilowatts (kw) or less are referred to as Small FIT, whereas projects with a capacity greater than 500 kw are referred to as Large FIT. Applicants go through a points system for prioritizing programs. Programs that are often given priority include: community participation programs, aboriginal participation programs, education participation programs and health programs. Richmond Hill s Official plan encourages renewable energy applications for new development. The Town is currently reviewing its policies to determine how best to promote the FIT program. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is responsible for administrating the policies and regulations directed by Ontario s Planning Act, 1990 and Building Code Act, Ontario s Building Code sets standards for proposed construction projects when applying for a building permit. As of Jan. 1, 2012 the benchmark requirements for energy efficiency regarding houses and large buildings was enhanced. Updated compliance paths for energy efficiency requirements in large buildings are set out in Supplementary Standard SB-10. This requires building projects to conform to enhanced energy efficiency requirements, as follows: Houses must meet the performance level that is equal to a rating of 80 or more when evaluated in accordance with the EnerGuide Rating System Other buildings must adopt the 2011 Model National Energy Code for Buildings of a 25% improvement in energy efficiency over the previous Code (established in 1997). Residential buildings intended for occupancy on a continuing basis during the winter months must meet the performance levels specified in Supplementary Standard SB-12. These criteria are reviewed by the Regulatory Services division of Planning and Regulatory Service in the Town of Richmond Hill in the issuing of building permits In addition, Section 37 of Ontario s Planning Act provides the provision which allows municipalities to extract benefits, including energy efficiency improvements from developers in return for allowing development that exceeds height and/or density restrictions. This is being implemented currently in Richmond Hill on a project by project basis by the Development Engineering division. November 2013 K- 7

388 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K The policies set forth by the Federal and Provincial Governments promote energy efficiency, conservation and renewable power. Richmond Hill s role is to promote and implement these policies and related programs within the boundaries of municipal responsibilities. 3.3 REGIONAL AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS With respect to energy management at the local level, the role of the regional and municipal governments is to prioritize and develop policies and programs that will improve community and municipal energy efficiency in accordance with the powers set out in the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Planning Act, A municipality is able, through various planning tools, to incent new development to build sustainable, energy efficient communities, and to promote renewable energy. This is achieved through Official Plan policies and incentive programs such as the Interim Growth Management Strategy (IGMS). A municipality can also lead by example by choosing to manage its municipal energy use in a sustainable and responsible manner. This means design and building new municipal buildings to meet industry leading energy standards and to properly manage its operational energy use. Thirdly a municipality is able to promote energy efficiency to its existing community through outreach, education and incentive programs. Outreach and education programs are designed to provide information to residents about existing programs, technologies and practices that can help them manage and conserve their energy use. Incentive programs provide the existing community with financial incentive for pursuing energy efficiency and renewable power projects. For example, a municipality may chose to waive the permit fees on solar power installations or offer financial incentives for improving a home s energy efficiency. Below is a summary of current policy directions and tools available to Richmond Hill in regards to energy management. York Region Official Plan, 2010 York Region s Official Plan set a clear direction for the Region which: Allow and encourage renewable energy system projects Create Community Energy Plans for new areas to reduce community energy demands, optimize passive solar gains through design, and make use of renewable, on-site generation with district energy options (York Region, 2010). 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. November 2013 K- 8

389 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Richmond Hill Strategic Plan, 2009 The 2009 Strategic Plan establishes a long-term vision of 25 years for Richmond Hill. In regards to energy management the plan directs the Town to management resources wisely. Wise management of resources in Richmond Hill means: Plan for and promote energy efficient buildings, renewable energy, water conservation and low emission vehicles (RH Strategic Plan, 2009) Richmond Hill Official Plan, 2010 The Town of Richmond Hill s Official Plan, adopted by council on July 12, 2012, proactively shapes and guides the future growth and development in the Town of Richmond Hill over the next 25 years. The Official Plan received direction from both residents and from York Region to incorporate sustainable design through the planning of energy-efficient, pedestrian and transit-oriented communities with increased densities focused on centres and corridors. The Official Plan sets a clear direction for the Town to: Encourage development to achieve a high level of energy efficiency and conservation standards Create a Community Energy Plan for Richmond Hill Centre Allow and encourage renewable energy system projects Investigate district heating feasibility Update and expand the corporate Energy Management Plan 2009 Specifically for community development, the Official plan states: Development of public facilities with a gross floor area over 500 m 2 shall achieve a minimum LEED Silver standard, or alternative equivalent. Richmond Hill shall encourage development of public facilities with a gross floor area under 500 m 2 to achieve a minimum LEED Silver standard, or alternative equivalent. Development is encouraged to designed and certify new buildings to LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum standards, or an alternative equivalent. Development is encouraged to achieve the following energy efficiency and conservation targets: o Residential buildings 3 storeys or less, achieve a performance level that is equal to a rating of 83 or more when evaluated in accordance with the Natural Resources Canada s EnerGuide for New Houses: Administrative and Technical Procedures. November 2013 K- 9

390 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K o Residential and non-residential buildings 4 storeys or greater, achieve 40% greater efficiency than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, o Industrial buildings (not including industrial processes) l be designed to achieve 25% greater energy efficiency than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, Renewable energy systems projects and alternative energy systems shall be permitted throughout the Town. Development shall be encouraged to include on-site renewable or alternative energy systems, which produce 25% of a building s energy use. Where onsite renewable or alternative energy systems are not feasible, consideration of purchasing grid-source renewable energy shall be encouraged. 1 Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy will continue moving the Town forward in the implementation of these policies. 3.4 OTHER STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. The LEED rating system is based on four certification levels for new construction: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The building is accredited on a point system in each of five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. In order to obtain LEED certification, a development must undergo a third party audit. Currently the Town s Official Plan encourages new buildings in Richmond Hill to achieve LEED certification or an alternative equivalent. It is also Town policy that new Town buildings over 500 square meters achieve a minimum LEED Silver classification or an alternative equivalent. 1 Please note some parts of the Official Plan are under review. November 2013 K- 10

391 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO Richmond Hill is a leader relative to its peers with respect to corporate and community energy management. Currently the Town efforts in regards to energy management can be separate into three different areas listed in order of potential to reduce overall energy consumption and related GHG emissions: Community Development - Encouraging energy efficiency and conservation for development and redevelopment Municipal Operations - Reducing energy consumption from its municipal operations, and Community Education and Engagement - Working with the community on public education and engagement to encourage better energy conservation behaviour and to help residents take advantage of programs and initiatives available Community Development Interim Growth Management Strategy (IGMS) The Richmond Hill Strategic and Official plans have set clear direction to encourage new development to exceed minimum standards and pursue more sustainable building approaches. With respect to energy management, the Town encourages development to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and conservation, and consider onsite production of renewable energy. Currently the most important tool used for this purpose is the Interim Growth Management Strategy. IGMS is a tool used to encourage developers to implement energy efficient products and design into their homes and buildings. The concept behind IGMS is that scarcity of servicing capacity, creates a premium value for the allocation of services available to development applicants. Thus, allocation can be considered as an incentive to encourage applications to produce community benefit, including achieving a higher level of energy efficiency then required by the building code (Staff Report - SRPRS ). This is done during the development applications stage in return for additional servicing allocation. Council has approved a strategy comprised of eight growth management criteria and a process for bringing forward development applications. Sustainability Metrics: Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development The Town is working with the City of Brampton and the City of Vaughan on a FCM partnership entitled "Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development." This project is being undertaken in two phases: Phase 1 focuses on the preparation of qualitative Sustainability Guidelines for development. These Sustainability Guidelines will be used to inform the Richmond Hill Urban Design Guidelines November 2013 K- 11

392 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Phase 2 of the project focuses on the preparation of quantitative Sustainability Metrics which will provide a tool to quantify and rank the sustainability performance of proposed development applications The Sustainability Metrics will be used as a tool to create a more healthy, sustainable built environment and energy efficient community as part of the planning application process. Currently the project is under development. Once completed it will be used to asses and encourage sustainability in new development. Municipal Operations The Town of Richmond Hill currently employs approximately 650 employees and operates 58 facilities, including libraries, community centers, pools, fire halls, municipal offices and an operations center. With the exception of the administrative office buildings, all other buildings are open to the public on an average of 16 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to buildings, the Town uses energy for its fleet and for street and traffic lights. Figure 1 below summarizes the GHG emissions generated by the Town for each category Corporate eco2 Emissions Profile Street Lights 17% Water & Sewage 1% Vehicle Fleet 14% Buildings 68% Figure 1 Source: TRH 2011 Local Action Plan Update In 2009, Town buildings and streetlights represented 85% of corporate GHG emissions. Those emissions were generated by the consumption of energy to operate equipment, lights, and to heat and cool our buildings. This indicates a potential for reducing GHG emissions by adopting best management practices for energy management. Figure 2 below illustrates the energy mix used by the Town of Richmond Hill. November 2013 K- 12

393 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Corporate Energy Use by Type Electricity 60% Gas 38% Oil 2% Figure 2 - Source TRH 2009 Energy Management Plan Electricity accounts for 60% of corporate energy use. Currently, the Town of Richmond Hill s hydro utility is supplied by PowerStream and its gas utility by Enbridge Gas. Figure 3 below shows the current electricity mix in Ontario, which determines the GHG emissions factor for Richmond Hill. Ontario s current electricity mix: Figure 3 - Source: Ontario Energy Board (2013) Richmond Hill has undertaken projects to improve its corporate energy management. For example the Town has implemented a Sustainable Design and Construction Policy for new municipal facilities which stipulates that new facilities over 500 square metres must conform to the LEED Silver standard or an alternative equivalent.. Two LEED silver buildings were constructed in 2012 (Fire Hall 8-6 and Oak Ridges Community Center). Listed below are the key projects and achievements related to energy management in Richmond Hill s municipal operations: Clean Air Initiatives Local Action Plan (LAP) 2004 In 2004, Richmond Hill s Council endorsed the Town s first Clean Air Initiatives Local Action Plan (LAP) with a target of reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 20 November 2013 K- 13

394 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K per cent below 2000 levels by the end of This target was achieved and surpassed as indicated by a corporate greenhouse gas inventory update in The inventory reported that greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 33 per cent below 2000 levels while the Town s population grew by 50,000 to over 185,000 people during that time. This is a significant achievement making Richmond Hill the first municipality in Ontario to achieve its reduction target under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities(FCM) Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. Some of the key initiatives leading to this success include: Equipment and lighting retrofits at municipal buildings through the Gas Tax fund. In 2012 alone, these projects resulted in an energy savings of 650,000 kwh/yr, equivalent to the energy consumed by 70 homes per year, or the removal of approximately 100 tonnes of GHG s per year. Implementation of renewable energy projects: At the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts geothermal heating and cooling systems were installed, solar and wind energy are being harnessed at Richmond Green, and solar panels are being used for water heating at the Municipal Offices Completing Energy Audits and implementing recommendations Green fleet initiatives, including the purchasing of 9 hybrid vehicles Ontario s shift towards a mixed-energy supply by moving from coal to nuclear energy production, thereby reducing GHG emissions related to electricity use For the community, the Town completed a community GHG inventory for the years between 1994 and 2000, back-casting to 1990 and forecasting to This inventory acted as a management tool for development of the community LAP. A target of a 6% emissions reduction by 2010 was implemented against 2000 year levels, which equates to a 16% reduction of GHG emissions per capita. The Town is currently in the progress of updating the Community GHG Inventory with the goal of achieving Milestone 5 recognition from the PCP program. Energy Management Plan 2009 (Municipal Operations) The Town of Richmond Hill s 2009 Energy Management Plan was last updated in August 2010 and represents a commitment to increase energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions in municipal operations. The main goals of the Plan are to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions by: Implementing sound operating and maintenance procedures Providing employee training and staff orientation Monitoring and tracking systems Re-commissioning buildings November 2013 K- 14

395 Procuring energy on fixed rate contracts Maintaining the Energy Demand Management program Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Proposing the installation of Building Automation System (BAS) in its facilities to standardize room temperature Developing an energy retrofit program Demonstrating cost savings Community Education and Engagement The Town has committed to demonstrating leadership to the community by reducing its GHG emissions from municipal operations. However, since the Town's emissions are less than 2% of the community's emission, it is important for the Town to promote emission reductions within the community in order to have a significant environmental impact (Richmond Hill LAP, 2004). Energy consumption is the primary contributor to the production and release of GHG emissions in Richmond Hill. Community greenhouse gases are produced by three sectors: Residential - 41 % of total greenhouse gases Commercial - 39% of total greenhouse gases Transportation - 20 % of total greenhouse gases The Town is committed to assist the community in reducing its GHG emissions related to energy consumption. Currently the Town s focus is to provide education to help residents understand how energy consumption links to broader concerns such as climate change. This is done by providing residents with Energy efficiency tips on the Town s website and providing links to other resources that will allow them to participate in programs and incentives available. The Town also promotes events such as Earth Hour that help the community reduce consumption and raise awareness of the issue of climate changes. These programs help residents understand how their choices and habits affect energy consumption and costs. While the Town has started the work of educating and engaging the community in regards to energy management it is recognized that there are lots of opportunities to expand and improve this program. 4.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES In Richmond Hill, energy management is the responsibility of several different departments. The following section outlines key policy directions, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each department as they exist today. November 2013 K- 15

396 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Planning and Regulatory Services The Planning and Regulatory Services department is responsible for developing and implementing policies for development and redevelopment, in line with the Official Plan s direction to build energy efficient and sustainable communities. Environment & Infrastructure Services - Environment Services & Asset Management The Environment Services division is responsible for developing and undertaking measures and policies to improve energy efficency and conservation in the overall community, but with a focus on municipal operations and public education. The division role is to lead and promote interdepartmental cooperation on corporate energy reductions, and to use energy consumption data provided by Asset Management to calculate and report on energy consumption and GHG emissions. Another responsibility is to ensure compliance with the Green Energy Act. Externally, Environment Services has the opportunity to develop public education initiatives, and promote energy conservation initiatives within the community. The Asset Management division is responsible for tracking energy consumption in Town buildings. This division receives all incoming electricity and natural gas bills for Town facilities. Asset Management also implements energy management initiatives, such as equipment and lighting retrofits. This division s mandate includes the design and construction of new Town builings that must meet LEED Silver certification at a minimum or an alternative equivalent. (for buildings of 500 squre metters or larger). Community Services Public Works Operations The Roads division of Public Works Operations is responsible for street and traffic lights. Over the years, Richmond Hill has been replacing these lights with energy efficient options. In 2012, the lights used during the christmas holiday season by the Town were replaced with LED lights; this resulted in a total savings of 10, 000 kwh per year. 4.3 SUCCESS STORIES: WHAT OTHERS DO A benchmarking exercise was conducted to better understand how Canadian municipalities are implementing energy management initiatives in their communities. This section focuses on municipalities with comparable features to the Town of Richmond Hill (based on size, location, population), and their innovative approaches to sustainable energy management. Halifax Regional Municipality Community Energy Plan (2007) The Halifax Community Energy Plan has two key objectives that relate to energy use, under which sit a number of initiatives. 1. To improve energy efficiency of community buildings (Halifax Regional Municipality, 2007): November 2013 K- 16

397 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Support existing programs to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in the residential sector achieved through support of EnerGuide for houses and the R-2000 standard. Adjust the building permit fee structure to provide incentives for new energy efficiency homes that achieve EnerGuide 77 or R-2000 standards. Promote existing incentives to support energy efficiency in buildings. Use municipal by-law changes to leverage EnerGuide ratings on all existing homes at time of sale. 2. To increase industrial energy efficiency (Halifax Regional Municipality, 2007): Encourage industrial process heat recovery. Conduct an inventory of sources of industrial waste heat. Encourage energy efficient land use planning & neighbourhood site planning. The Halifax model focuses on energy efficiency through built form in community development and the industrial sector. Guelph - Community Action Plan (2006) Endorsed by Guelph City Council in April 2007, this Community Energy Plan documents the goals and initiatives to promote energy efficient growth. Examples of actions identified include: feasibility studies for use of industry-sources waste heat, the appointment of a City Energy Manager, utilizing tools to promote energy efficient growth, installing large scale renewable energy demonstrations (e.g solar roofs), and providing energy performance labelling for buildings. A key goal is to lower the cost of energy to consumers, while reducing GHG emissions (FVB Energy Inc., 2010). Highlights of targets supporting achievement of the goals include: 25% of Guelph s total energy requirement will come from local renewable energy resources within 15 years. Biomass heat to supply 10% of base load heat. Evaluating the feasibility from energy to waste. New developments to meet specified guidelines. Guelph s Community Action Plan focuses on a combination of corporate initiatives and energy efficient growth. November 2013 K- 17

398 City of Barrie - Energy Management Plan (2012) Town of Richmond Hill Environment Strategy Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K The City of Barrie s Energy Management Plan establishes the current state and preferred future state for energy efficiency. The plan outlines a set of goals and actions that will achieve the preferred state of energy use, with emphasis on awareness and communication at both corporate and community levels. For example, the plan recommends that Council advocates energy as a municipal priority and ensures transparency in energy use and costs throughout the budget process. Also noted within Barrie s Energy Management Plan is the need for a formal reporting and management structure within corporate operations. Oakville - Corporate Energy Management Plan ( ) This plan outlines Oakville s baseline energy use, key successes and planned actions moving forward. Goals, measures, responsibilities and time frame are identified for each proposed action. Oakville s corporate target for GHG emissions is 20% below 2004 levels by 2014, with a community GHG emissions target of 6% below 2004 levels by City of London - Corporate Energy Management Program Highlights of future directions: Requires all public sector divisions to develop plans and targets for energy conservation. Establishes Feed-In-Tariff incentives based pricing for renewable energy technologies. Targets poorly performing buildings and ensures they are operating at optimum efficiency. Similar to Richmond Hill, the City of London has established a minimum energy efficiency of LEED Silver for municipal buildings and has undertaking building energy retrofits and installation of renewable energy projects. November 2013 K- 18

399 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 5.0 Moving Towards Environmental Sustainability The Town of Richmond Hill has a long standing history of environmental stewardship, and many successful and award-winning environmental initiatives currently in place. This section of the report looks at the current state of energy use in Richmond Hill in order to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. This will inform the Goals, Objectives, Targets and Indicators of the Environment Strategy. 5.1 STRENGTHS Strengths related to energy management in Richmond Hill: Development is being encouraged to achieve high levels of energy efficiency through incentives such as the Interim Growth Management Strategy (IGMS) Completion of the 2004 Community Local Action Plan for corporate emissions reductions. In 2009, the Town achieved a corporate GHG reduction of 33% compared to its baseline year of This exceeded the original target of 20% reduction in corporate energy use. Ongoing work to reach milestone 5 on the 2004 Community Local Action Plan for the community. This includes undertaking a community GHG inventory and implementation of actions identified by the local action plan for the community. Completion of an Energy Management Plan in 2009 for corporate operations. Successful implementation of energy efficiency projects: o Ongoing assessment and replacement of older facility equipment with updated energy efficiency equipment. The program concentrates on replacing lights, HVAC units, pumps, boilers, fans and other equipment used in municipal buildings with new energy efficient units based on priority and payback. o Building automation systems that help reduce energy consumption o Developing renewable energy projects (geothermal, solar and wind) Adoption of an environmental standard for new Town buildings over 500 sq meters (LEED Silver minimum or an alternative equivalent) in the Official Plan. In-house expertise and support to increase energy efficiency. 5.2 WEAKNESSES With respect to energy management, there are several areas where Richmond Hill s performance can be improved. The following is a summary of these areas: The Town would benefit from a standard tool to measure the sustainability of developments. Note: this weakness is being addressed through the development of the Sustainability Metrics described in section 4.1 of this report November 2013 K- 19

400 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K The Town would benefit from sustainable development engineering standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies Responsibilities between departments As noted in section 4.2 of this report there are three departments responsible for various aspects of energy management in Richmond Hill. From time to time, responsibilities overlap. An inter-departmental team may provide added benefit to overall energy management The process for entering, managing and reviewing municipal energy use data is very time consuming and lacks the necessary resource and software support. Currently the Town receives energy bills from Powerstream and Enbridge. Staff support is required to manually enter the data into an energy management program called EnerCap and then generate reports. As resource support is not always available, data entry can fall out of date. The Town would benefit from an improved process for sharing energy data and best management practices between corporate management and facility operators. This would allow for better management of energy consumption which would result in an overall reduction in energy costs. Support for educating and training facility staff would provide them with an understanding of their role in energy conservation. Current practice is to look for energy reduction opportunities when replacing equipment. No formal process for prioritizing energy reduction projects has been established to date. As more retrofits are completed, and obvious opportunities for energy efficiency diminish, such a program would help the corporation determine which of the remaining options will result in the highest cost/benefit scenarios Limited promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures and incentives for the community. The opportunity exists for Richmond Hill to partner with Enbridge Gas Distribution to offer education and incentives to residents to improve energy efficiency in their homes 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT A review of energy management best practices has highlighted several opportunities for Richmond Hill to improve energy management. These opportunities include: Further support efforts to develop a tool to measure sustainability of new developments. Note: this work is ongoing through the Sustainability Metrics undertaking described in section 4.1 of this report Encourage renewable energy production and use of energy efficient technologies in community development by providing incentives and through alternative methods Develop sustainable development engineering standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency November 2013 K- 20

401 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Opportunity to structure better coordination between teams responsible for municipal operations and resultant energy consumption Opportunity to significantly streamline the process for tracking and reporting municipal energy use data, which in turn would promote better understanding and management of energy as a resource Through the implementation of the Green Energy Act 2009, there exists an opportunity to formalize the process for reporting municipal energy consumption and GHG emissions, setting targets, creating conservation plans and providing regular reports to senior management Opportunity to strengthen and develop new partnerships with utility providers and community organizations to advance public education and engagement Opportunity to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and incentives to the community through existing and new communication channels Richmond Hill s weaknesses as they pertain to energy conservation should be viewed at as opportunities for improvement as identified above. By addressing these opportunities Richmond Hill will be able to meet its goal of using energy in a sustainable way and increasing the amount of renewable energy produced in Richmond Hill. 5.4 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND INDICATORS Goals and Objectives The Richmond Hill Environment Strategy will inform how the Town will manage its environment by providing a strategic direction for the corporation through a defined set of goals and objectives. These goals and objectives will be created during the fourth phase of the Environment Strategy s development, based on the results of the public consultation and the recommendations of the background research, including this report. In regards to energy management the Town needs to establish goals and objectives that aim to encourage energy efficiency in new and existing development as well as in municipal operations. It is also important that the goals and objectives promote renewable power projects. 5.5 TARGETS AND INDICATORS Progress towards meeting these goals and objectives will be achieved by establishing targets that are realistic using indicators that practical and measurable. Targets for energy conservation and efficiency are generally developed relative to baseline data. These can include targets for electricity consumption per household or per capita, and/or corporate targets for reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption per sq/ft. The Town can also set individual performance targets for Town facilities by benchmarking against similar facilities in other municipalities. Targets can also be considered for increasing reliance on green energy in the community and/or municipal operations in Richmond Hill. To track and demonstrate progress, the Strategy should consider measurable indicators that could be measured against specific targets. These targets are an important element November 2013 K- 21

402 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K of the Strategy as they will help the Town to better focus efforts on the desired outcomes and achievements as well as challenge the Town to continue improving performance. It is important that Richmond Hill selects meaningful and effective methods for measuring environmental performance in order to balance the resources expended to achieve outcomes. Indicators should be limited to data that can be readily collected, and to situations/outcomes that can be controlled or substantially influenced by the municipality. Tracking of total energy consumption and energy consumption per capita is one set of possible indicators that could be used to track the success of Energy Conservation in Richmond Hill. Other indicators could be the energy efficiency achieved by new development and energy consumption per square foot in municipal buildings. Other possible indicators to consider include: kwh/ sq ft. - Electricity consumed per floor area (normalized for weather) m3/sq ft. - Natural gas consumed per floor area (normalized for weather) Total energy consumption (base load) Energy consumption per capita GHG emission as a result of utility use - Total eco2 Number of LEED certified buildings or an alternative equivalent Total clean energy produced (kwh) Energy savings per project and per year November 2013 K- 22

403 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 6.0 Recommendations In order for Richmond Hill to become a more energy efficient community, this report recommends the following actions: Continue to encourage development to design and built energy efficient communities. Development should be encouraged to include on-site renewable or alternative energy system. Development should be encouraged to achieve a high level of energy efficiency and conservation in line with the requirements of the Town s Official Plan. Renewable energy projects should be permitted and encouraged. The Town development standards and specification should be updated in order to implement these directions set by the Official Plan. Become a municipal leader in corporate energy efficiency and renewable energy use. In order to better manage energy use internally, the Town would benefit from a cross-departmental energy team with a mandate to track and manage corporate energy use and to identify, prioritize and complete energy management projects. This framework would allow building operators, Asset Management staff and senior management to react quickly to trends and to identify areas for improvement. In order for such a team to be successful several management tools would be required, including: a reporting framework to set targets and report progress to senior management; criteria to collectively assess and prioritize project options; and a process for recording and analyzing energy use data, possibly through the addition of appropriate energy management software. Richmond Hill should continue to undertake equipment and lighting replacements at municipal buildings with new energy efficiency alternatives. This process should to be supported by a decision making protocol that will allow staff to prioritize projects based on return on investment or potential to reduce energy use. This protocol and overall plan will be detailed on the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plans required by the Green Energy Act. The Town should continue to take advantage of existing incentives for improving energy efficiency, such as the Federal Gas Tax Grant, and identify new opportunities as they become available. For Richmond Hill to truly become a leader in energy management the Town should continue to explore and implement renewable projects where feasible. In addition to the financial benefits of these projects, undertaking renewable energy projects will provide positive examples for residents, industries and development. Sharing of energy use data and best management practices between corporate management and facility operators would be beneficial in achieving common energy reduction targets. A communication, awareness and training program is a key component in overall energy management. November 2013 K- 23

404 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K Comply with the legal requirements of the Green Energy Act The Town must meet the requirements of the Green Energy Act by preparing and publishing annual municipal energy consumption and GHG emissions, and through the development and implementation of an Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan. This will showcase Richmond Hill s energy management strategy to the community. Monitor and reduce community energy use and GHG emissions by promoting energy efficiency programs and through education. A significant opportunity for reducing energy use and increasing the amount of renewable energy produced, lies among residents and businesses in Richmond Hill. In order to ensure their participation the Town needs to: o Establish a baseline for community energy use and re-examine reduction targets. o Promote energy conservation and renewable energy by: Providing resources to the community on available federal, provincial, municipal, private sectors and community programs related to energy production. Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders who share an interest in reduced community energy consumption, thereby leveraging existing educational materials and programs. For example, the Town could partner with Power Stream and other available partners to promote the Energy Conservation Week Provide or pass along energy efficiency incentives to the community. This could include initiatives offered through Powerstream, Enbridge Gas Distribution, or renewable energy opportunities offered by other levels of government Regular reporting of energy consumption and GHG emissions. Continue to investigate renewable energy alternatives and district heating in the community. November 2013 K- 24

405 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 7.0 Conclusion The use of energy in our community comes at a high cost both economically and environmentally. Environmental impacts resulting from producing and consuming energy include the consumption of non-renewable resources and the generation of GHG emissions. Therefore, it is critical that energy consumption is managed with the intent to conserve, and when feasible, implement renewable energy projects. The Federal, Provincial and local governments have all set clear policies for producing and using energy in a sustainable manner. The Ontario Building Code, based on the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings sets the energy efficiency standards for buildings in Richmond Hill. The Town s Official Plan encourages development to exceed the minimum energy efficiency requirements found in these codes. Both the Federal and Provincial Governments promote several incentive programs for improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy production. It is the municipality s role to inform and promote these projects to its staff and the Richmond Hill community as a whole. Over the years, Richmond Hill has taken numerous steps towards using energy in a sustainable manner. Richmond Hill has proactively been encouraging development to design and build sustainable communities. On the corporate side Richmond Hill has improved the energy efficiency of its buildings and operations through ongoing equipment and lighting retrofits. In addition Richmond Hill has installed several renewable energy installations, such as solar panels and geothermal heating. This report reviewed the roles and actions of other municipalities concerning energy management in order to develop an implementable plan with achievable goals. By following the goals and objectives recommended by this report Richmond Hill will reach its overall goal of using energy in a sustainable way while increasing the amount of renewable power produced and consumed. November 2013 K- 25

406 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix K 8.0 References Town of Richmond Hill (2010) Official Plan Town of Richmond Hill (2009) Energy Management Plan Town of Richmond Hill (2004) Local Action Plan Town of Richmond Hill (2011) Clean Air Local Action Plan Corporate Update Achieving Milestone Five Town of Richmond Hill Staff Report SRPRS Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Vaughan: Draft Sustainability Metrics York Region (2010) Official Plan IndEco S. & Finn P. (2012). City of Barrie Energy Management Plan FVB Energy Inc. (2010), Richmond Hill Urban MESP Energy Conservation Environment Canada (2012), Canada s Actions on Climate Change Environment Canada (2010a). Sustainable Business: Corporate Environmental Innovation. Retrieved from on September 22, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) (2012) Greenhouse_Gas_Emissions_EN.pdf Halifax Regional Municipality (2007) Community Energy Plan, FinalReport.pdf Green Energy Act, (2009) November 2013 K- 26

407 Appendix L Rehabilitation Practices for Streams and Rivers Background Study November 2013

408 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Table Of Contents 1.0 Purpose Introduction Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities Federal Provincial regional, Municipal and Conservation Authority Benchmarking Richmond Hill What We Do Town Programs and Policies Successes and Recognitions Existing Partnerships What Others Do Moving Forward Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities for improvement Watercourse Restoration Strategy Monitoring Mapping Requirements Partnerships Tools and Programs Funding Strategies Goals, Objectives, Indicators and Targets Implementation Roles and Responsibilities Measuring Success Recommended Actions Conclusion Glossary References November 2013

409 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Federal Legislation... 4 Table 2: Provincial Legislation... 5 Table 3: Municipal Legislation and TRCA Guidance Documents... 7 Table 4: Successes and Recognitions in the Town of Richmond Hill Table 5: Successful Stream Restoration Management Practices from Other Jurisdictions Table 6: Stream Restoration Measures Table 7: Watercourse Objectives, Indicators and Targets Table 8: Geomorphic conditions at TRCA Monitoring Station GHU-22 near Richmond Hill Table 9: Riparian Cover in the Upper East Branch of the Humber River Table 10: SWM controls in the East Humber River Subwatershed Table 11: Number and Flood Frequency of Watershed Flood Vulnerable Areas and Roads in Richmond Hill Table 12: Morphological Characteristics and Stability Ratings at Regional Monitoring Sites in the Don River and Tributaries Table 13: Retrofit opportunities and new potential pond locations based on stormwater retrofit studies by 905 area municipalities LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Richmond Hill Watershed Boundaries... 1 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT A: SUMMARY OF STATE OF THE WATERSHED REPORTS FOR THE HUMBER, DON AND ROUGE RIVERS A.1 Humber River Watershed A.2 Rouge River Watershed...Error! Bookmark not defined. A.3 Don River Watershed ATTACHMENT B: WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN RICHMOND HILL November 2013

410 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Executive Summary Richmond Hill is developing an Environment Strategy that will define the vision, goals, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Environment Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization occurs and guide the Town s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Strategy is being informed through an intensive public consultation process as well as a series of background studies that examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. This Background Study focuses on municipal strategies to maintain and protect high quality watercourses and to improve the function of impaired watercourses, while meeting the targets of the relevant watershed management plans. The Background Study will also provide a review of strategies used in other locations. When streams are unstable bank erosion can occur at a rapid pace. This erosion can put both public and private infrastructure at risk as the channel widens or deepens and begins to expose pipes or migrate towards roads, trails and buildings. When streams erode, the sediment from the stream bed and banks is washed downstream and may be deposited in areas of sensitive fish habitat which can affect fish spawning and feeding activities. Sediment deposition can also reduce the amount of flow that can be conveyed in a watercourse and increase flooding, thereby potentially increasing the risk of flood damage to public and private property. Roots from trees and other vegetation along the stream corridor help stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion. The absence of riparian vegetation can increase bank instability and cause complete bank failures. Riparian cover is also critical for habitat, including providing shade to keep the water cool and providing habitat for both predators and prey for a variety of fish species. A variety of Federal, Provincial and Municipal watershed-based legislation and policy exists to guide the protection of watercourses. This legislation includes the Fisheries Act,1985 from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Environment Canada s Species at Risk Act, 2002, the Endangered Species Act from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Conservation Authorities Act, and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has published Watershed Pans, Current Conditions or State of the Watershed Reports, and is in the process of finalizing the Living City Policies for Planning and Development in the Watersheds of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Section of the Town s Official Plan (OP) puts a focus on improving the health of the Town s watercourses through appropriate design, construction and operational measures that reduce overland flow, increase infiltration and restore riparian lands. This study recommends that the Town, in consultation with the Conservation Authority and York Region, undertake a November 2013 L-i

411 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Watercourse Restoration Strategy to determine opportunities for watercourse improvement and priority restoration areas. Watercourse rehabilitation practices from a municipal perspective vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some local governments take great care to investigate and prioritize stream restoration works. Other governments deal with surface water issues on a case-by-case basis, often dealing with situations once they have become a serious risk to safety or property. Best management practices include the use of Master Plan studies, such as subwatershed plans or master drainage studies. Other municipalities have implemented specific studies to investigate stream conditions and prioritize restoration sites. The following points summarize some of the Town of Richmond Hills strengths in the area of watercourse restoration: - The Town has strong policy documents such as the Official Plan, that support the development of a watercourse restoration strategy. - The Town has a good history of implementing innovative and successful environmental restoration and retrofit projects, such as the Newberry Park wetland and Pioneer Park stormwater management facility rehabilitation. This experience positions the town well for future watercourse restoration work. - The Town s Valleyland studies and the Valleyland Capital Project Priority Rating system Evaluation Criteria provides a good basis for the Watercourse Restoration Strategy. - The Town has a good history of collaboration with external agencies and partners on restoration projects. - The Recommended Directions Report Environmental Policy Review for the Town of Richmond Hill (SENES, 2009) describes elements of a strong water resources management system that would allow the Town to protect and where possible enhance hydrological features and functions, enhance the ability to provide clean and abundant water, and maintain or restore streams and lakes to a healthy state. Notwithstanding the Town s progressive approach with respect to watercourse restoration, there are still some areas where Richmond Hill s performance can be improved. In order to best protect its streams and rivers the Town has several opportunities to develop programs and policies and become a municipal leader in stream restoration policy and practice. Opportunities include: - Prepare an overall document to summarize the goals, objectives and recommended actions of the TRCA Watershed Plans and create an implementation plan to integrate the goals, objectives and recommended actions into the Town s operating and capital programs. November 2013 L-ii

412 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L - Develop a Watercourse Restoration Strategy to provide an overview of existing conditions and provide recommendations for maintenance and improvement. - The results of any watercourse assessments, completed by the Town or their partners, should be mapped using GIS to help the Town track issues and prioritize restoration works. - Implement a more comprehensive stream monitoring program in partnership with the TRCA, other agencies and partners to leverage all sources of monitoring data. - Identify and pursue a variety of funding source(s) to preserve municipal resources for implementation of stream and river rehabilitation projects. The Town Official Plan states that Richmond Hill may undertake a Watercourse Restoration Strategy. The strategy would provide background information from relevant watershed reports, document the existing condition of rivers and streams, and provide recommended watercourse restoration targets and priorities. This Background Study provides information on the recommended scope and content of a Watercourse Restoration Strategy for Richmond Hill, further to the high-level direction provided in the OP, as well as potential monitoring indicators and targets. A healthy and diverse environment provides many benefits and services to Richmond Hill residents, many of which cannot adequately be quantified and appreciated, such as the value of healthy streams and riparian systems. As development pressures continue and stream habitat is threatened, it is important that Richmond Hill establish a clear set of goals, objectives and targets that focus on improving the quality of watercourses and protecting public safety and infrastructure. As watercourses are related to many other planning objectives, such as greenways, canopy cover, biodiversity, stormwater management, and recreational opportunities, many of the action items being recommended in this study will likely meet multiple environmental objectives that have been identified in the Official Plan. November 2013 L-iii

413 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 1.0 Purpose Richmond Hill is developing an Environment Strategy that will define the vision, goals, targets and strategic actions necessary to manage Richmond Hill s natural environment in a way that is consistent with the directions and policies set out in the Town s Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The Environment Strategy will identify opportunities to protect, enhance and actively manage the local environment as urbanization occurs and guide Richmond Hill s continued progress in environmental leadership and innovation. The development of the Environment Strategy is being informed through an extensive public consultation process as well as a series of background studies that examine key areas of environmental concern relevant to Richmond Hill. Together, the public consultation and background studies will be summarized in a key findings and future directions report that will be used to drive the development of Richmond Hill s Environment Strategy. This Report will provide an overview of relevant policy drivers and plans, including the watershed management plans for the Don, Humber and Rouge Rivers and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP). Because only a very small portion of East Holland River watershed plan is located in north Richmond Hill, a review of this plan has not been included in this study. This Report will focus on municipal strategies to maintain and protect high quality watercourses and to improve the function of impaired watercourses, while meeting the targets of the relevant watershed management plans. This Report will also provide a review of strategies used in other locations. East Humber Rouge Don Figure 1: Richmond Hill Watershed Boundaries Image source: York Region Official Plan Map 7 Excerpt Based on this information, a high-level process has been developed to assess Richmond Hill s watercourses and determine a recommended strategy for each. Implementation of the recommendations in this Report will allow Richmond Hill to continue to serve as a role model for environmental management and the management of natural environment and water resource systems. November 2013 L-1

414 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 2.0 Introduction Richmond Hill contains a wide variety of water resources including kettle lakes, headwaters and tributaries of the Don, Rouge and Humber River systems (See Figure 1), areas of significant hydrologic function, significant wetland complexes and a portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine. A very small portion of the East Holland River watershed is also located in Richmond Hill. As outlined in the Humber River Watershed Plan (TRCA, 2008a), development pressures and historical activities are impacting these valuable resources causing: - Reaches with little or no riparian cover; - Unnaturally high rates of erosion; - Channel instability; - Habitat degradation; - Infrastructure and private property at risk of exposure, damage or failure. Watershed: an area that is drained by a river and its tributaries Riparian: the area along the banks of a watercourse Many of these issues will continue to worsen, even without further development, because the watersheds will continue to respond to the impacts of existing development. Watercourses will continue to erode, widen and deepen. This response could last decades or longer. The anticipated effects of climate change may add further stresses to the system. It is thought that storms will increase in intensity but for shorter durations. This in turn will increase the volume of water entering watercourses, especially in urban areas without stormwater management. Why Are Stable Streams Important? 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, trails and buildings. When streams erode, sediment from stream beds and banks is washed downstream and may be deposited in areas of sensitive fish habitat which can affect fish spawning and feeding activities. Sediment deposition can also reduce the amount of flow that can be conveyed in a watercourse and increase flooding, thereby potentially increasing the risk of flood damage to public and private property. Roots from trees and other vegetation along the stream corridor help stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion. The absence of riparian vegetation can increase bank instability and cause complete bank failures. Riparian cover is also critical for habitat, including providing shade to keep the water cool and providing habitat for both predators and prey for a variety of fish species. Principles of Watercourse Rehabilitation Stream health is influenced as soon as the first raindrop hits the ground. When and how much of that rainwater gets to the stream is a key factor in determining the overall health of the watercourse. Watercourse health in urban settings is determined by an interconnected network of environmental and infrastructure components. Elements that may impact watercourse health November 2013 L-2

415 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L include: land use, riparian and buffer zones, salt management, stormwater management, types and number of stream crossings, amongst others. The overall goals of watercourse rehabilitation are to improve channel stability and function, reduce risk to infrastructure, improve water quality, and provide habitat. Stream restoration projects are often reactive. They are normally completed when a piece of infrastructure, such as a sanitary sewer or trail, are at risk of being damaged. While it is necessary to respond quickly in an emergency situation, the best approaches to stream restoration are proactive and begin at the source stormwater and groundwater. Protecting groundwater resources and providing stormwater management are critical to maintaining stream health and reducing the impacts of urbanization on watercourses. Historical development practices attempted to drain stormwater away from an urban area into a watercourse as quickly as possible. However, development practices today are more protective of downstream watercourses. Stormwater is infiltrated at the source and stormwater management facilities retain water and release at flows similar to pre-development flows. Even with current stormwater management practices, watercourses in urban areas still experience some degree of degradation. To help address this issue there are many types of restoration practices such as stream preservation, bank stabilization, channel restoration, low impact development practices and stormwater management, which could be put into practice. Richmond Hill is currently in a position where both short term reactive and long term proactive measures can be implemented to protect its streams and rivers. November 2013 L-3

416 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 3.0 Policy Direction, Roles and Responsibilities 3.1 FEDERAL At the National Level, the Fisheries Act, 1985 provides for the protection of fish habitat and gives authority to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to enforce Regulations regarding the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat. Environment Canada s Species at Risk Act, 2002, sets out protection measures for Species at Risk and identifies specific responsibilities for owners of lands inhabited by Species at Risk, including aquatic species. Table 1: Federal Legislation Policy Canadian Species at Risk Act, 2002 Fisheries Act, 1985 Summary of Relevant Content Sets out protection measures for Species at Risk and identifies specific responsibilities for owners of lands inhabited by Species at Risk. Provides for the protection of fish habitat and gives authority to Fisheries and Oceans Canada to enforce regulations regarding alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat. 3.2 PROVINCIAL There are several relevant Provincial Acts and Regulations that relate to the protection of watercourses. These various pieces of legislation are summarized in Table 2 below. Typically any work within a Conservation Authority s regulatory limits, including stream restoration projects, will need a Permit from the Conservation Authority and the DFO. However, the TRCA has a Level 3 Agreement with DFO, whereby the TRCA screens and processes applications on behalf of the DFO. If the project is determined to be a harmful alteration, disruption and destruction (HADD) of fish habitat, and a compensation package is requested, the DFO must provide authorization. If the restoration project affects the habitat of an endangered species listed in the Endangered Species Act, 2007, such as Redside Dace, a Permit will be required from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). November 2013 L-4

417 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Table 2: Provincial Legislation Policy Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O Toronto and Region Conservation Authority: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses. O. Reg 166/06 Endangered Species Act R.S.O Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act R.S.O Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act R.S.O Summary of Relevant Content Sets out the objectives of Conservation Authorities and establishes their power to make regulations regarding: the use of water from natural sources, the manipulation of watercourses and wetlands, the control of flooding and erosion, and the use of lands owned by the Authority. The TRCA regulates and may prohibit work taking place within valley and stream corridors, wetlands and associated areas of interference and the Lake Ontario waterfront. Provides for the conservation, protection, restoration and propagation of species of fauna and flora of the Province of Ontario that are threatened with extinction. Regulates the construction or alteration of dams on lakes and rivers and the diversion of streams. Establishes a framework for the creation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, which aims to protect the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Sets a mandate and facilitates the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) Conservation Plan which establishes development criteria within the ORM aimed at conserving the important environmental and ecological functions of the ORM Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. O. Reg. 140/02 Ontario Water Resources Act R.S.O The objective of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan is to protect the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine Area by maintaining, improving or restoring all the elements that contribute to the ecological and hydrological functions of the Oak Ridges Moraine Area. Provides for the protection of surface and groundwater by regulating the discharge of contaminants. Regulates the operation of sewage treatment plants and the taking of water. Note: Parts of Table taken from Natural Heritage Strategy: Volume I Framework (Town of Richmond Hill, 2005) November 2013 L-5

418 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 3.3 REGIONAL, MUNICIPAL AND CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Section of Richmond Hill s Official Plan (OP) puts a focus on improving the health of the Town s watercourses through appropriate design, construction and operational measures that reduce overland flow, increase infiltration and restore riparian lands. Richmond Hill, in consultation with the Conservation Authority and York Region, may undertake a Watercourse Restoration Strategy to determine opportunities for watercourse improvement and priority restoration areas. As outlined in the OP, the Watercourse Restoration Strategy shall include, but is not limited to: a) An inventory of existing environmental conditions including water budgets, baseflow, type and health of the aquatic ecosystem and condition of riparian lands; b) Information and management direction from the applicable watershed plan for the area or previously completed watercourse management strategies that have been undertaken by the Conservation Authority; c) Documentation of existing statutes, guidelines and other regulatory measures that apply to the natural and built environment surrounding the watercourse; d) Identification of measures required to restore, remediate and improve the watercourse geomorphology and riparian habitat; e) Description of technologies that should be implemented by the Town, the Conservation Authority, and private landowners at the time of development; and f) An outline of the monitoring program that should be implemented to evaluate the performance of the selected restoration or remediation plan. Additional OP policies for water resource management have been summarized in Appendix B. The Watershed Plans for the Don (2009), Rouge (2007) and Humber Rivers (2008), the Humber River and Rouge River State of the Watershed Reports (2008 and 2007) and the Current Conditions Reports for the Don River (2009) have been prepared to inform and guide municipalities as they update their policies and practices for environmental stewardship. The TRCA has also published a Valley and Stream Corridor Management Plan (TRCA, 1994), portions of which will soon be replaced by the Living City Policies for Planning and Development in the Watersheds of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (LCP) (TRCA, DRAFT 2013a). The LCP will add policy emphasis to the restoration, remediation and enhancement of existing water and natural heritage systems. In March 2013, Conservation Authorities in Ontario, including TRCA, released watershed report cards. The report cards for the Humber, Rouge and Don watersheds provide a snapshot as to how our management practices are protecting and enhancing our terrestrial and aquatic systems. Each report card provides a grade for surface water quality, forest conditions, groundwater quality and stormwater management. Watershed report cards previously released by the TRCA will now be prepared by Conservation Ontario, an organization that represents 36 November 2013 L-6

419 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L conservation authorities across Ontario. Reports have begun to be released in 2013, with a fiveyear report back interval Regional Municipality of York Sewer Use By-law (York, 2011) prohibits discharge to a storm sewer or land drainage system where the discharge may cause impairment of the quality of any water including water in any well, aquifer, lake, river, pond, spring, stream, reservoir or other watercourse. Discharge is also prohibited if it would be classified as an offence under the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Environmental Protection Act or the Fisheries Act with respect to the storm sewer or land drainage works and/or the direct or indirect discharge from the storm sewer or land drainage works into any watercourse. Some of the relevant municipal and TRCA guidance documents and policies are summarized below, with additional information on the watershed reports appended in Appendix A. Table 3: Municipal Legislation and TRCA Guidance Documents Policy Town of Richmond Hill Official Plan (partial approvals as of 2012) York Region Sewer use By-Law (2011) Don River Watershed Plan- Beyond Forty Steps (2009) Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008) Summary of Relevant Content The OP identifies that new developments must demonstrate that the quantity and quality of groundwater and surface water will be maintained; that stream base flows will be maintained; and, that the project will comply with the applicable watershed plan and water budget and conservation plan. The Plan identifies minimum areas of influence for streams and other water features. The key hydrological features of the lands south of the ORM Conservation Plan Area and sensitive groundwater features shall be protected and enhanced, where possible, over the long term. The Town commits to working with other local agencies and municipalities to protect and restore valley and stream corridors. The sewer use by-law regulates discharges into the sanitary and storm sewer systems. The by-law outlines when discharges are not allowed into the storm sewer systems as well as specific concentration limits for various substances such as nutrients, sediment and heavy metals. The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, the Provincial and Federal governments, TRCA, non-government organizations and private landowners as they update their policies and practices for environmental stewardship. 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. The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, TRCA, non-governmental organizations and private landowners as they update their policies and practices for environmental protection and stewardship. The recommended management strategies fall into three broad categories: protect and expand the terrestrial natural heritage system; build sustainable communities; and, November 2013 L-7

420 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Policy Summary of Relevant Content recognize the distinctive heritage of the Humber through an enhanced regional open space system. Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future (2007) Don River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (2009) Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (2008) The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, Provincial and Federal governments, the TRCA, Rouge Park, nongovernment organizations and private landowners, as they update their policies and practices for environmental stewardship. Its goal 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. The purpose of these guides is to facilitate implementation of the recommendations contained in the Don, Humber, and Rouge River Watershed Plans. The Guides outline a ten-year work plan of implementation projects, within the context of existing programs and likely implementing partners. Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (2008) TRCA Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (1994) DRAFT: The Living City Policies for Planning and Development in the Watersheds of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (2013) The goal of this program is to undertake an integrated valley and stream corridor management program to prevent eliminate or reduce the risk to life and property from flooding from erosion of river banks and from valley slope instability to protect and regenerate the ecological health and integrity of these systems and to provide opportunities for compatible public use and enjoyment. The Living City Policies (LCP) supersedes Sections 1 through 4 of the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program. The LCP will add policy emphasis to the restoration, remediation, and enhancement of existing water and natural heritage systems in response to Provincial planning directions geared to urban redevelopment and intensification. One of the goals of the LCP is to protect, improve, and/or restore water resources in their form and/or function, as fundamental components of a healthy natural system. As described in the Humber River Watershed Plan, the Town of Richmond Hill has been monitoring the performance of many of its existing stormwater management ponds and identifying re-commissioning opportunities through minor modifications that could optimize their performance with respect to water quality and erosion control.. This approach is held up as a model and goal for other municipalities as part of their municipal stormwater infrastructure maintenance programs, and will have a positive impact on all receiving watercourses. November 2013 L-8

421 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 4.0 Benchmarking 4.1 RICHMOND HILL WHAT WE DO Town Programs and Policies Policies Richmond Hill s Official Plan (OP) contains several sections that are relevant to stream restoration, particularly Section Watershed Planning, Section Watercourse Restoration, Section Sensitive Groundwater Features and Functions and Section Natural Hazards. These sections are summarized in Appendix B. The Greenway System is envisioned in the Official Plan as a legacy of environmental, agricultural and urban open space lands that will be protected, enhanced, and actively managed over the long term. Policies included to preserve, enhance and restore the Greenway System include hydrological features such as river systems. Plans and Strategies Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) - the NHS is a working document that is 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. Volume 1 of the NHS outlines the overall methodology, goals and objectives of the Natural Heritage Strategy. One of the goals of the Strategy is to maintain healthy and diverse aquatic systems. Volume 2 breaks Richmond Hill into several Area Specific Plans. Each Area Specific Plan presents stream habitat and geomorphology information and provides management recommendations including watercourse restoration projects. The Implementation Guide (Volume 3) provides recommendations for implementation of the NHS including watercourse restoration to meet the following goals of the NHS: maintain or increase native fish species diversity; promote a diversity of aquatic habitats; restore highly degraded habitats; maintain or establish natural stream morphology; and rehabilitate unstable slopes. Stormwater Management Rate A stormwater management rate was accepted by Council in the spring of Different rates will be applied to two separate property groups, residential and farm properties being the first group, and non-residential, multi-residential and condominium being the second group. The rate will fund the green and gray stormwater systems primarily (operating and capital costs), however, may be able to fund stream restoration where storm damage has occurred. November 2013 L-9

422 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Programs Watershed Monitoring Program The annual watershed monitoring program includes monitoring stream flow and temperature at 10 locations in Richmond Hill, total suspended solids (TSS) sampling at key stream locations after a storm event, rain gauges located at Oak Ridges Fire Hall 8-2, Langstaff Discovery Centre and Operations Centre. Gauges were originally installed to assist the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in calibration of their watershed models. Some gauges are positioned in streams near Richmond Hill s borders which help to mitigate risk with respect to the volume of water passing to neighbouring jurisdictions. The stream gauges are also used to assess stream flow trends and to calibrate models for Richmond Hill s projects. Stream temperature and TSS monitoring allows Richmond Hill to assess long term changes to key physical parameters of a stream. TSS also allows the Town to identify areas of concern within the watershed. The three rain gauges located at the north, middle and south end of Richmond Hill are used to understand the natural variability of storms on and off the Oak Ridges Moraine. The collected data is also used to assist in the assessment of stormwater management facilities and streams. Stormwater Management Facility (SWMF)Monitoring Program The purpose of this program is to ensure stormwater facilities, both assumed and unassumed, are operating in accordance with design. Assessment results are sent to developers in order to address any deficiencies before the municipality assumes their SWMF or can be used internally to perform maintenance on Town-owned SWMFs. Water level at wet ponds are measured to ensure they are hydraulically operating as designed. TSS samples are collected at the outfall of certain SWMFs after selected storm events to obtain an understanding of how well a SWMF is removing sediment. Visual inspections are completed several times a year to identify any deficiencies requiring routine maintenance, such as a blocked inlet, broken fence or grate. Sediment surveys are completed on a five year rotation for assumed facilities, and before a facility is to be assumed, to evaluate whether sediment removal is required. Stormwater Management Facility Rehabilitation Program This capital program was created to rehabilitate older stormwater facilities in order to provide better water quality and flood and erosion protection. A prioritized list of facilities requiring rehabilitation or major sediment removal was created and included in the Town s 10 Year Capital Forecast. Each facility goes through a feasibility study to determine what work is required, depending on the recommended work, a Class Environmental Assessment is completed, it then enters detailed design and finally construction. Valleyland Capital Works Studies Four studies have been completed in the Town between 2005 and 2011 assessing the form and function of parts of the Humber, East Don, Rouge and all of German Mills Creek. The studies helped inventory specific risks associated with the valleyland, streams and infrastructure, including fish barriers, valleywall slope instability, undersized culverts, etc. As a result, Richmond Hill will be creating a prioritized list of capital works to be used in the development of a 10 year Valleyland Capital Plan. This will help ensure November 2013 L-10

423 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L the protection and function of Richmond Hill s valleyland systems and associated watercourses and infrastructure. Capital Projects Richmond Hill has completed stream restoration projects where larger infrastructure projects near a stream, such as bridge work or trail reconstruction is underway. For example, the Elgin East Channel and Trail Restoration project being completed by the Design and Construction Division will address stream bank erosion and channel migration issues on a section of the Rouge River, upstream of Newberry Park. The channel erosion poses a threat to an adjacent pedestrian trail, and if work is not completed on the channel, the trail may be damaged, or safety issues could occur. Operations and Maintenance The Roads Section, part of Public Works Operations Division, completes routine maintenance on stormwater management facilities and the storm sewer system. Works include addressing deficiencies noted during visual inspections of stormwater management facilities and inspecting selected outfalls from storm sewers to the streams. In addition, weirs are inspected and cleared of blockages and drainage issues with some of the few remaining ditches in the Town are addressed on an as-needed basis. Design Specifications and Standards - The Town s Specifications and Standards Committee, as well as the Development Engineering group contribute to watershed protection by setting municipal and community design standards around erosion control and stormwater management Successes and Recognitions Richmond Hill is a leader in many areas of environmental stewardship. Table 4 presents some of Richmond Hill s recent successes and recognitions in the area of water resource management. Although most of the projects listed are related to stormwater management, it is noted that good stormwater management practices are key to maintaining and improving the health of watercourses that receive stormwater discharge. Table 4: Successes and Recognitions in the Town of Richmond Hill Project Newberry Park Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Project Description Richmond Hill won an award for the Newberry Park Wetland Restoration Project. In 2008 it transformed an unused section of Newberry Park to a fully functioning wetland complex. Richmond Hill received a total of $3.375 million grant from the Provincial Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative and Federal Gas Tax Fund to rehabilitate aging stormwater infrastructure and retrofit a stormwater management facility for water quality and quantity control as well as provide habitat benefits. As a result of this project, the Town won the Ontario Region National Watershed Award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Insurance Bureau of Canada for the Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Project and he 2010 Technical Innovation Award from Ontario Public Works Association. November 2013 L-11

424 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Project Rumble Pond Adaptive Stormwater Management Project Snow Storage Facility Description The Ministry of Environment s Showcasing Water Innovation Program awarded $1 million to Richmond Hill to incorporate innovative stormwater management technologies into the Rumble Pond Adaptive Stormwater Management Project. The rehabilitated facility will provide increased flood protection, water quality and water quantity control as well as stream and fish habitat improvements to Paterson Creek. The 2007 Ontario Public Works Association s Technical Innovation Award was given to Richmond Hill for the implementation of the Snow Storage Facility (SSF). The SSF treats meltwater through a treatment train approach: asphalt deck, oil grit separator and stormwater facility. This approach helps collect debris and sediment, as well as removes other contaminants through sediment deposition and uptake from vegetation in the facility before discharging to the Rouge River Existing Partnerships The Community Stewardship Program (CSP) was adopted by Richmond Hill with the goal of building stronger connections in Richmond Hill by establishing healthier natural corridors and green space connections throughout the Town s greenway system. Stewardship involves working together with the community to increase environmental awareness and provide handson assistance to protect and enhance Richmond Hill s streams, woodlots and other natural areas ensuring a healthy environment. This program provides opportunities for residents, community groups and local businesses to participate in community greening events, such as tree, shrub and wildflower planting, stream restoration and environmental stewardship in parks and green spaces throughout the Town. The program invites the community to get involved and learn about caring for their environment at a local level. Through this program, the Town of Richmond Hill has partnered with Ontario Streams in the past few years to restore and rehabilitate reaches of the Don, Rouge and Humber tributaries in Richmond Hill. Activities include barrier mitigation, aquatic habitat enhancement, stream bank stabilization, riparian regeneration, garbage cleanups, and fish monitoring. These undertakings are generally small in scale and used as teaching opportunities for students. Richmond Hill has also collaborated with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to complete stream restoration activities on parts of the Don River, north of Pioneer Park Stormwater Management Facility. The TRCA will also be completing restoration plantings in 2013 near the reconstructed section of Paterson Creek, a tributary to the Don River, as part of the Rumble Pond Adaptive Stormwater Infrastructure Project. November 2013 L-12

425 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 4.2 WHAT OTHERS DO Watercourse rehabilitation practices from a municipal perspective vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A few local governments take great care to investigate and prioritize stream restoration works through master plan studies or subwatershed studies. Most other governments deal with surface water issues on a case-by-case basis, often dealing with issues only once they have become a serious risk to safety or property. Master Plan Studies Most of the studies that address restoration works are in the form of a Master Plan or Audit. Typically a master plan is not focused specifically on stream restoration but instead is focused on a municipal issue such as stormwater or drainage and the recommendations for stream restoration come out of the larger study such as a Master Drainage Study (City of Waterloo), a Stormwater Master Plan (City of Hamilton), a Wet Weather Flow Master Plan (City of Toronto), or a SWM Audit (City of Kitchener). Subwatershed plans may also include prioritization of restoration sites. Stream Specific Studies A small number of municipalities have implemented specific studies to investigate stream conditions and prioritize restoration sites, examples include the Markham Watercourse Erosion Restoration Implementation Plan, and the Geomorphic Inventory of Waterloo Creeks. Table 5 presents a sampling of relevant best practices and programs from other municipalities and jurisdictions. These programs provide services and management strategies that could provide ideas for future directions for Richmond Hill. Table 5: Successful Stream Restoration Management Practices from Other Jurisdictions Program SWM Audit Jurisdiction Description City of Kitchener The City monitors its streams to establish the effectiveness of their stormwater management policy on improving water quality, aquatic habitat and stream stability. Annual audits are preformed, along with a five-year report card, with the intent of determining trends. Monitoring includes the assessment of the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of City streams. The results of the SWM Audit allow for the prioritization of projects to meet its stormwater and related environmental goals. Each annual audit report presents the projects completed in that year. November 2013 L-13

426 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Program OPA 42: Natural Heritage System River Systems Management Study (1993) Jurisdiction Description City of Guelph The Official Plan Amendment (OPA) states that that the City will continue to investigate the feasibility of removing/modifying structural barriers to fish passage in the Speed and Eramosa Rivers and their tributaries in order to permit natural stream processes, improve fish habitat and the restoration of natural stream morphology. The City of Guelph initiated the River Systems Management Study for the Speed and Eramosa Rivers to analyze the relationship between rivers and adjoining land uses and to devise a management plan to guide development of these uses. The management plan has the following components: inventory and analysis of existing conditions; goal and objectives describing the conceptual basis of the master plan; a master plan illustrating physical recommendations; environmental, urban park design principles to direct development and redevelopment; and an implementation strategy for realizing the master plan. The River Systems Advisory Committee is a citizen advisory group established to provide recommendations to City Staff and Council on the following Items: 1. Monitoring, implementation and updating of the River Systems Management Study 2. Monitoring, implementation and updating of subwatershed studies 3. Planning and implementation of stream restoration for channels not included in subwatershed plans. Master Drainage Study Geomorphic Inventory of Waterloo Creeks (2002). City of Waterloo The Master Drainage Study provides the City of Waterloo with an understanding of existing drainage deficiencies. The study also identifies specific measures that can be implemented in the future to mitigate these deficiencies and address the impacts on drainage and water quality resulting from future redevelopment and intensification. Policy recommendations to minimize the impact of future intensification on urban drainage, water quality, and infiltration rates are also included in the study. _drainage_study.pdf The creek geomorphic inventory provides priority ranking for erosion sites in Waterloo creeks. November 2013 L-14

427 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Program Development Monitoring Protocol (1999) Jurisdiction Description The goal of the monitoring program is to ensure environmental features receive ongoing evaluation before, during, and for two years after development. Trends shown by the monitoring are used to take corrective actions, where necessary, and to maintain and enhance practices that are shown to benefit and maintain desirable environmental conditions. Watercourse Erosion Restoration Implementati on Plan (2007) Stormwater Master Plan Watercourse Erosion Assessment Study Creek Erosion Inventory and Assessment Study (2010) Town of Markham City of Hamilton Town of Oakville The goal of the study was to protect public health and safety by developing an implementation plan for erosion sites by completing the following steps: - Identify worst sites - Identify priority sites for restoration - Monitor remaining sites As of February 2013, 15 of the top 30 priority sites have been restored. The study presents a list of management alternatives including restoration. The study developed a list of evaluation criteria and impact indicators to determine preferred strategies on a watershed basis. The City has completed additional EA s to determine the preferred alternatives for some of the sites identified in the Stormwater Master Plan. nable_infrastructure/strategicplanning/strategicenvironmentalplanningpro jects/grids/stormwater+management+master+plan.htm The primary objectives of this study involve defining existing stream conditions, identifying areas of concern; prioritizing works and developing restoration and implementation plans for the erosion sites that are posing greatest risks to public property, health and safety. - Identification of all erosion sites - Selection of the priority sites for restoration and implementation - Preparation of conceptual designs for each site - Monitoring of remaining sites This study is an update to the 2001, 2006, and 2008 Erosion Assessment Studies. The purpose is to conduct an erosion inventory and assessment of the creeks throughout the Town of Oakville in order to develop a rehabilitation priority list for budget forecast purposes. The assessment is based on a survey of field conditions identifying the most sensitive geomorphic areas and erosion sites as well as a broad-scale analysis of the field data to produce an evaluation of the erosion risk to adjacent property and infrastructure. The objectives of this study are to: - Carry out an evaluation of the geomorphic and erosion conditions of each creek identified in the study; - Identify and prioritize locations where rehabilitation is required; November 2013 L-15

428 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Program Wet Weather Flow Master Plan (2003) Jurisdiction Description - Prepare cost estimates and implementation recommendations for rehabilitation; and - Update the creek erosion database with the results of the assessment, including photographs and field data, to provide a reference base for future assessments. Stream restoration work in Oakville is ongoing, including projects on Fourteen Mile Creek, McCraney Creek and Morrison Creek. City of Toronto The three key Wet Weather Flow Management Targets (Interim) are: 1. Water Balance (or annual runoff volume) - for erosion control, groundwater recharge and downstream habitat protection; 2. Water Quality - for protection of downstream water resources; and 3. Water Quantity - peak flow control for flood management, and both peak flow and runoff volume controls to mitigate erosion impacts. The Stream and Aquatic Restoration component will be implemented over a 25 year period. To date 12 Municipal Class EAs have been completed or are ongoing to address the recommendations for the WWF Master Plan. Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program Toronto and Region Conservation Authority tm The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) was created to research sustainable technologies and practices applicable to Canadian climates. The goal is to increase implementation of these technologies and practices across municipalities. Many reports have been produced by STEP, including: - Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guide - Stormwater Management Criteria - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Natural Channel Design Projects November 2013 L-16

429 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 5.0 Moving Forward 5.1 STRENGTHS Richmond Hill has shown a clear desire to protect and improve the natural environment, including watercourses and their valleys. The following points summarize some of Richmond Hills strengths in the area of watercourse restoration: - The Town has strong policy documents that support the development of a watercourse restoration strategy. As well, the Town has strong Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development (LID) policies which are critical to maintaining and improving watercourse health. - The Town has a good history of implementing innovative and successful restoration and retrofit projects for stormwater projects as outlined in Table 3 above. Although most of these projects relate to stormwater management, the principles of this type of project implementation are transferrable to stream restoration. Many of these projects received some external funding from a variety of sources. - The Town s Valleyland Capital Works studies and the Valleyland Capital Project Priority Rating System Evaluation Criteria is a good building block for the Watercourse Restoration Strategy. - The Town has a good history of collaboration with external agencies and partners on restoration projects. For example, Ontario Streams partnerships provide large numbers of volunteers with an educational environmental experience. - The Recommended Directions Report Environmental Policy Review for the Town of Richmond Hill (SENES, 2009) describes elements of a strong water resources management system that would allow the Town to protect and where possible enhance hydrological features and functions, enhance the ability to provide clean and abundant water, and maintain or restore streams and lakes to a healthy state. These elements include: support of watershed planning and sub-watershed planning, adoption of state of the art stormwater management facilities, water conservation initiatives, identification and protection of sensitive/significant hydrological features and functions, and, a restoration strategy for streams and lakes. November 2013 L-17

430 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 5.2 WEAKNESSES Notwithstanding the Town s past initiatives with respect to watercourse restoration, there are still some areas where Richmond Hill s performance can be improved. The following is a summary of these areas: - While the Official Plan does support the goals and objectives of watershed plans through the implementation of the Official Plan, and asks for specific requirement to protect water resources in accordance with the watershed plan, Richmond Hill does not have an implementation plan in place that provides specific implementation direction for the goals, objectives and recommended actions of the TRCA watershed studies and plans undertaken for the headwaters of the Don, Rouge, and Humber watersheds in areas other than those undergoing development. - To assist with the prioritization and implementation of restoration projects, Richmond Hill should build on the Valleyland Capital Works studies by creating an inventory of existing watershed conditions that identifies areas requiring restoration and outlines necessary remediation actions. - Richmond Hill currently does not track new and existing problem sites, or the changing risks associated with the sites over time. - The current monitoring program only measures flow, temperature and total suspended solids. There is no regular measurement of phosphorus, nitrate and nitrate, un-ionized ammonia, dissolved oxygen, chloride or E.coli and total coliforms. 5.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT In order to best protect its streams and rivers the Town has several opportunities including: - Prepare an overall guiding document to summarize the goals, objectives and recommended actions of the Watershed Plans for the Don, Rouge, and Humber Rivers and identify the opportunities to align Town policies, programs and practices with these goals as well as opportunities to implement recommendations from the watershed plans. Some of these watershed goals include: Protect and restore natural channel morphology and stability Protect and restore the natural variability of annual and seasonal stream flow Minimize risks to human life and property due to flooding and erosion. Protect and restore surface water quality with respect to conventional pollutants, to ensure protection of aquatic life, ecological functions and water supply needs. Protect, restore and enhance the health and diversity of native aquatic habitats, communities and species Protect, restore and enhance the health and diversity of riparian vegetation, Manage stormwater to protect people and the health of streams and rivers November 2013 L-18

431 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Protect and restore the quantity and quality of groundwater. - Develop a Watercourse Restoration Strategy to provide an overview of existing conditions and provide recommendations for rehabilitation and maintenance. This plan should prioritize areas for restoration as well as address the causes of watershed degradation. This plan can build on the town s Valleyland Capital Works studies and use the Valleyland Capital Project Priority Rating system Evaluation Criteria as a basis for prioritization. - The results of any watercourse assessments completed by the Town or partners should be mapped using GIS to help the Town track issues and prioritize restoration works. - Implement a more comprehensive monitoring program, in partnership with the TRCA, other agencies and partners to provide an indication of trends in aquatic and riparian habitat quality, water quality, and watercourse stability to prioritize sites for rehabilitation or restoration. Partnering with other agencies will help leverage resources and compile already existing information Watercourse Restoration Strategy A Watercourse Restoration Strategy is suggested by the current Official Plan. The purpose of a Watercourse Restoration Strategy is to provide background information from relevant watershed reports, complete and summarize the results of geomorphological assessments to document the existing conditions of rivers and streams, as well as recommended watercourse restoration targets and priorities. The following provides a recommended Watercourse Restoration Strategy outline for Richmond Hill, incorporating specific elements from Section (in italics, below) of the OP and providing some additional elements intended to enhance the OP recommendations, as follows: a) Introduction, Scope, Purpose, Goals and Objectives; Provide a clear understanding of the outcomes of the Watercourse Restoration Strategy.; b) Regulatory Context Document existing statutes, guidelines and other regulatory measures that apply to the natural and built environment surrounding the watercourse; Derive from the regulatory context important definitions for what the Town will use to define a stream (i.e. perennial/permanent, intermittent, ephemeral, fish-bearing or groundwater discharge drainage course, etc.), restoration (stabilization of existing condition, enhancement of existing conditions, etc.) and other key terms in the Watercourse Restoration Strategy; November 2013 L-19

432 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Develop from the regulatory context a clear set of stream restoration guiding principles that will be used to prioritize, guide and measure each stream restoration activity. To the extent possible attempt to provide a hierarchy of guiding principles; c) Delineation of Stream Restoration Management Units Recommend the Town subdivide into watershed-based management units based on the Humber, Rouge and Don River watersheds; Provide clear mapping of each Management unit including watercourse, and waterbody delineation; d) Characterization of Existing Stream Conditions in each Management Unit An inventory of existing environmental conditions including water budgets, base flow, type and health of the aquatic ecosystem, and condition of riparian lands; In general TRCA s Humber, Rouge and Don watershed reports provide comprehensive reviews of existing condition fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, flooding, aquatic and riparian habitat and aquatic resources in each major river reach from which the Watercourse Restoration Strategy can derive information for Richmond Hill stream reaches. In many cases the watershed reports also highlight areas of in-stream vulnerability due to erosion, planform adjustment, flooding, lack of riparian cover and other causal factors; Section 7.5 of the Richmond Hill Natural Heritage Strategy outlines stream monitoring protocol to determine geomorphic stability, water quality (benthic indicators), and diversity of fish communities. These protocols are well understood and widely accepted as the industry standard. Another stability index that will allow the town to calculate erosion quantities is the bank erosion hazard index (BEHI) and Near-Bank Stress (NBS) assessment (Rosgen, 2009). The MNR has published a report titled Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (2010) and the TRCA has produced a document with monitoring guidelines for restoration sites Evaluating the Effectiveness of Natural Channel Design projects: A Protocol for Monitoring New Sites (2009). These documents both provide detailed information about assessment and monitoring protocols for stream sites. e) Prioritization Stream Restoration Targets Information and management direction from the applicable watershed plan for the area or previously completed watercourse management strategies that have been undertaken by the Conservation Authority; November 2013 L-20

433 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Based on guiding principle hierarchy and areas of vulnerability identified in watershed plans and by Town and Conservation Authority staff, develop a comprehensive, prioritized list of stream restoration targets. Based on a 10-year cycle, develop a year-by-year list of achievable stream restoration targets. It is assumed that targets in the first 10-year cycle (cycle 1) are high priority locations requiring immediate or impending focus to address current concerns and conditions; f) Develop a Best Management Practices Guide to address a range of commonly occurring stream vulnerabilities Identification of measures required to restore, remediate and improve the watercourse geomorphology and riparian habitat; Description of technologies that should be implemented by the Town, the Conservation Authority, and private landowners at the time of development; The individual targets within each cycle could be developed outside the auspices of the Watercourse Restoration Strategy in a separate corollary document or a Strategy Appendix. This may be most appropriate as the targets and cycle plan is a living component of the Strategy, constantly evolving against milestones and timelines. g) Develop a Stream Restoration Monitoring Plan An outline of the monitoring program that should be implemented to evaluate the performance of the selected restoration or remediation plan. The monitoring plan must be divided into at least two components, including: Monitoring i. Monitoring to measure the stability, integrity and success of stream restoration works (including riparian plantings). The TRCA has developed monitoring protocols for in-stream works which could be used or drawn from in this case. This plan should also include consideration for potential works maintenance during expected stabilization periods; ii. Ongoing town-wide monitoring of existing conditions to continuously reassess and gauge existing conditions of listed and prioritized target sites and monitor for the development of new and emerging stream vulnerabilities. Ongoing existing conditions monitoring will be important to determine the impacts of continuing development in Richmond Hill. Additional monitoring locations and parameters (geomorphology, physical and chemical parameters, aquatic habitat) will help characterize watercourse conditions and help evaluate the success of implemented stormwater or watercourse restoration November 2013 L-21

434 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L projects. This monitoring program may be associated with stormwater management sites and/or post construction stream restoration sites, as well as sites distributed throughout Richmond Hill Mapping Requirements It is recommended that Richmond Hill combine the mapping from the TRCA watershed plans with the Town s GIS mapping. Watershed and subwatershed delineation and watercourse resolution in the mapping will need to be adequately accurate to identify intermittent watercourses. This mapping will enable Richmond Hill to determine the number and lengths of watercourses in its jurisdiction. The ability to define attribute layers to the GIS/CAD system will be very beneficial to the Watercourse Restoration Strategy (i.e. identify the thermal regimes of each watercourse, locate restored reaches, identify habitat areas for species at risk, calculate riparian cover, locate monitoring sites, etc.) Partnerships Richmond Hill has strong partnerships with a variety of agencies that have provided funding for environmental and water resource programs in the past. These partnerships should be continued and opportunities for new partnerships should be cultivated Tools and Programs Specific restoration methods and approaches are detailed in Appendix B and below in Table 6. Regulatory tools and policies were discussed in Section 4.1. Table 6: Stream Restoration Measures Protection / Enhancement Measure Purchase and preserve Bank stabilization Channel restoration / relocation Opportunity Where natural watercourses are in good, stable, condition. Especially in areas of habitat for endangered species or species at risk. Where natural watercourses are experiencing rapid bank erosion that may pose a threat to property, infrastructure or water quality (sediment levels). Where the watercourse is so degraded that bank stabilization is not sufficient to provide the needed improvement. Where proposed development may impact a degraded watercourse, it may be possible to realign or relocate the stream to accommodate both development goals and environmental goals for improving stream condition. Where target species habitat could be improved or enhanced through the addition of instream structures or riparian plantings Approximate Cost Land Cost Design and construction $500-$1500 / linear meter* Design and construction $1000-$2000 / linear meter* Habitat rehabilitation Varies by stream size, target species, and length of project. Stormwater Where existing stormwater management works Varies by project. November 2013 L-22

435 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Protection / Enhancement Measure Rehabilitation Low Impact Development Opportunity could be upgraded to meet or exceed current standards, or where stormwater management could be implemented in areas where none currently exists. Costs in this category are based on the Town of Richmond Hill s experience. New developments, during road improvement projects, new site plans, or expansions. The approved official plan build-out could lead to a 25% increase in erosion potential in the East Humber River watershed near Richmond Hill. If sustainable community initiatives are used (such as enhanced stormwater management techniques and increase natural cover) the increase in erosion potential is reduced to 13%. (TRCA, 2008a) Costs in this table are based on The Low Impact Development Management Planning and Design Guide (TRCA, CVC, 2010) *Cost estimates assume a minimum of 100 m of stabilization / restoration Funding Strategies Approximate Cost Pioneer Park Construction - $4,042, Don Head West Construction - $487, Rumble Pond Construction estimate - $4,888, Residential rainwater harvesting $6000- $14000 Green Roof $ / m 2 Disconnect downspout $0-$100 Infiltration trench / chamber / bioretention $62,765 (2006 USD) / impervious ha Grassed Swale $44,850 (2006 USD) / impervious ha Municipalities approach funding for watershed management in a variety of ways including capital budget funds, mitigation banking, maintenance fees, cash-in-lieu fees, stormwater utilities, and government grants or funds. Notwithstanding that Richmond Hill has developed a stormwater rate to assist in funding watershed management initiatives, additional funding strategies and mechanisms will permit stream restoration projects to move forward without full reliance on the Town s capital budget, allowing Richmond Hill to address priority areas sooner Mitigation Banking In the United States, mitigation banking is widely used to compensate for unavoidable impacts to streams and wetlands. DFO has accepted cash-in-lieu of direct compensation works for fish habitat alteration, disruption and destruction (HADD) projects. Although not common in Canada, November 2013 L-23

436 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L mitigation banking is considered a modern and forward-looking mechanism to provide aquatic resource compensation. A mitigation bank is a wetland, stream, or other aquatic resource area that has been restored, established, enhanced, or (in certain circumstances) preserved for the purpose of providing compensation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources permitted by applicable regulators. Mitigation banks have four distinct components: The bank site: the physical acreage restored, established, enhanced, or preserved; The bank instrument: the formal agreement between the bank owners and regulators establishing liability, performance standards, management and monitoring requirements, and the terms of bank credit approval; The Interagency Review Team (IRT): the interagency team that provides regulatory review, approval, and oversight of the bank; and The service area: the geographic area in which permitted impacts can be compensated for at a given bank. The value of a bank is defined in "compensatory mitigation credits." A bank's instrument identifies the number of credits available for sale and requires the use of ecological assessment techniques to certify that those credits provide the required ecological functions. Mitigation banks are a form of "third-party" compensatory mitigation, in which the responsibility for compensatory mitigation implementation and success is assumed by a party other than the permittee (US EPA, 2012). Mitigation costs can range from $900 to $3,000 /m for streams and $8,000 to $40,000 /ha for wetlands. The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, established the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank in 2004, with the goal of restoration, enhancement, and preservation of stream and wetland systems. Restoration projects constructed by Storm Water Services generate credits that can be used to offset impacts to streams and wetlands authorized by Clean Water Act permits. These credits are 'banked' for use later on City and County public projects that impact those resources. The Mitigation Bank allows mitigation dollars to remain local, so that the benefits of restoration projects are realized in Charlotte's watersheds. In addition to utilizing banked credits to offset unavoidable Storm Water Services project impacts, the Mitigation Bank can also sell its credits to other local agencies to offset their impacts. To date the Mitigation Bank Review Team has approved approximately 2331 mitigation credits which translate to $540,792 of Mitigation Bank value at current prices. November 2013 L-24

437 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Perpetual Maintenance Fee A number of municipalities including the Town of Halton Hills, City of Brampton, and City of Vaughan have prepared stormwater documents or policies which include collection of a fee from the developer for operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities to ensure the proper operation, longevity, and aesthetic functioning of the proposed stormwater control measure. Typically, the fee equals approximately 10 to 20 percent of the construction cost (City of Hamilton, 2007) Cash-in-lieu Policy A number of municipalities including Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Toronto and Markham have established a Cash-in-Lieu or Fee-in-Lieu policy. The general intent of the policy is to collect monies from the developer for smaller infill developments where implementation of proper stormwater measures may be limited. The funding is then used to construct works in other locations (City of Hamilton, 2007). This type of policy can be extended to include watercourse restoration works. The MOE Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (Section 5.4) provides details of the approaches used by several municipalities. Typically, fees range between $19,290 to $25,645 per impervious hectare (MOE, 2003) Other Levels of Government Funding Other levels of government funding may be available from the provincial and federal governments. These funding opportunities should continue to be pursued for stream restoration projects. Federal Gas Tax funding cannot be provided to stream restoration projects in 2013, however, beginning in 2014, the federal government may change project eligibility to cover all municipal type projects, which would allow the types of projects receiving funding to be expanded. This may include stream restoration. November 2013 L-25

438 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 5.4 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, INDICATORS AND TARGETS The watershed plans for the Don, Rouge and Humber Rivers outline objectives for improving or maintaining stream health and are summarized in Table 7 below. Table 7: Watercourse Objectives, Indicators and Targets Objective Indicator Target Minimize risks to human life and property due to flooding and erosion. Protect and restore surface water quality with respect to conventional pollutants, to ensure protection of aquatic life, ecological functions and water supply needs. Protect, restore and enhance the health and diversity of native aquatic habitats, communities and species Manage stormwater to protect people and the health of streams and rivers Protect and restore the quantity and quality of groundwater. Peak flow Water level Flood vulnerable areas and roads Ice jams Conventional pollutants Fish Benthic invertebrates Invasive and exotic species Habitat features Stormwater management Groundwater recharge Maintain or reduce existing peak flows (2-100 year and Regional events) Maintain existing regulatory flood levels Maintain or reduce existing flood vulnerable areas and roads Maintain the number of sites and frequency of ice jams Concentrations of conventional pollutants meet available guidelines for the following parameters: suspended solids phosphorus nitrate and nitrate un-ionized ammonia dissolved oxygen chloride Also, E.coli and total coliforms heavy metals and organic contaminants Monitoring stations upstream of urban development should reflect healthy aquatic habitats and be reflected in the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) Score. Maintain or restore target fish communities. Minimum of 70 per cent of Regional Watershed Monitoring Program sites rated as fair or good based on benthic invertebrate indices Prevent the introduction of any invasive or exotic species Increase wetland cover to 10% of total watershed riparian area. 100% of total potential riparian zone with natural cover No additional loss of stream. Increase the percentage of the urban area equipped with Level 1 stormwater controls (for improved water quantity, quality and erosion control) Maintain or enhance the average annual groundwater recharge rates. Protect groundwater features by restricting development in or near sensitive groundwater features. Incorporate low impact development techniques that allow smaller rainfall events to be retained onsite, to provide appropriate groundwater recharge at source November 2013 L-26

439 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Objective Indicator Target Protect and restore the natural variability of annual and seasonal stream flow Protect and restore natural channel morphology and stability Groundwater levels Groundwater discharge Streamflow Channel morphology Erosion indices and flow frequency Protected stream corridors Natural cover in stream corridors Risk to public and private property from channel erosion and evolution (infiltrate up to the 24 hour 5 mm rain event which is recognized to represent 50% of the annual average rainfall volume). At a minimum attempts should be made to match post-development infiltration rates to predevelopment / existing conditions. No drop in the water levels of monitoring wells Maintain baseline average annual baseflow rates (as determined by baseflow separation of long-term stream flow gauge data) Maintain existing annual and seasonal flow volumes [as per long term Water Survey of Canada gauge measurements]. Maintain or restore natural channel structure Maintain baseline erosion index where stream banks are stable, or decrease erosion index where stream banks are unstable Maintain baseline stream bank erosion rate Maintain or restore pre-development flow regimes and erosion potential [as per long-term Water Survey of Canada gauge measurements and additional gauges recommended for installation] All stream corridors in public ownership or otherwise protected from interference. Complete natural cover in stream corridors. Reduce or eliminate buildings, infrastructure and private property at risk from channel evolution [database of sites at risk to be developed]. Note: objectives, indicators and targets complied from the Don, Rouge, and Humber River Watershed Plans Implementation Roles and Responsibilities Although it is assumed that Richmond Hill would a take the lead role in developing and applying an implementation strategy for the Don, Rouge and Humber watershed plans, there is an opportunity to partner with agencies such as the TRCA, MNR and DFO. NGO s and organizations such as Ontario Streams, Ontario Stewardship Rangers, and Trout Unlimited to develop and implement such a strategy. In addition, members of the Richmond Hill community may choose to actively participate in the implementation phases. Longer term monitoring of Town-wide conditions and post-construction monitoring should continue to be undertaken by Town staff, Conservation Authority staff or contracted out to qualified consultants. November 2013 L-27

440 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Measuring Success Following completion of a Watercourse Restoration Strategy, the recommendations should be reviewed regularly to determine if the Town is meeting its objectives and implementation schedule. The Watercourse Restoration Strategy should be updated based on any of the following indicators: completion of 50% of the priority sites, significant changes in results of the stream monitoring program, or, after predetermined amount of years. Measuring success of stream restoration projects could begin shortly after construction commissioning for elements such as bank vegetation establishment and ground stabilization, however, establishing woody riparian vegetation and functional aquatic habitats can take several years. Success markers for a wide range of projects and restoration activities are well known. It is recommended that the Town adapt monitoring protocol from the TRCA guidance document Evaluating the Effectiveness of Natural Channel Design Projects: An Introduction to Preliminary Assessment of Sites in TRCA s Jurisdiction. November 2013 L-28

441 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 6.0 Recommended Actions It is recommended that the following actions be taken to improve the Town s municipal rehabilitation practices for watercourses: - Prepare an overall document to summarize the goals, objectives and recommended actions of the Watershed Plans for the Don, Rouge, and Humber Rivers and identify the opportunities to align Town policies, programs and practices with these goals - Develop a Watercourse Restoration Strategy or Master Plan as outlined in this report. - Implement a comprehensive watercourse monitoring program. - Develop GIS mapping to track stream conditions. - Continue to work with existing partners on stream restoration projects and seek additional new partners for future projects. - Pursue a variety of funding strategies to preserve municipal resources for implementation of stream and river rehabilitation projects Following these recommendations will place the Town in a position where it is able to meet local and watershed goals, protect public safety and infrastructure, and fund priority project implementation and monitoring. November 2013 L-29

442 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 7.0 Conclusion A healthy and diverse environment provides many benefits and services to Richmond Hill residents, many of which cannot adequately be quantified and appreciated, such as the value of healthy streams and riparian systems. As development pressures continue and stream habitat is threatened, it is important to provide the municipality with a clear set of goals, objectives and targets that focus on improving the quality of watercourses and protecting public safety and infrastructure. As watercourses are related to many other planning objectives, such as greenways, canopy cover, biodiversity, stormwater management, and recreational opportunities many of the action items being recommended in this report will likely meet multiple environmental objectives being identified in the Strategy. November 2013 L-30

443 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 8.0 Glossary AQUIFER VULNERABILITY means an aquifer s intrinsic susceptibility, as a function of the thickness and permeability of overlying layers, to contamination from both human and natural impact on water quality. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY means the condition of ecosystems in which: a. The structure, composition and function of the ecosystems are unimpaired by stresses from human activity; b. Natural ecological processes are intact and self-sustaining; and c. The ecosystems evolve naturally. ENDANGERED SPECIES means any native species, as listed in the regulations under the Endangered Species Act, that is at risk of extinction throughout all or part of its Ontario range if the limiting factors are not reversed. ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS means land or water areas that contain distinctive or unusual features, perform a key ecological function and/or provide habitat for significant plant and/or animal species as determined by studies undertaken from time to time by the Conservation Authorities or local municipalities. FISH HABITAT means fish habitat as defined in the Federal Fisheries Act as spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life process. HABITAT OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES means habitat for endangered and threatened species as identified by regulation under the Endangered Species Act. HAZARDOUS LANDS means property or lands that could be unsafe for development due to naturally occurring processes. Along river, stream and small inland lake systems, this means the land, including that covered by water, to the furthest landward limit of the flooding hazard, or erosion hazard limits. HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE means the circulation of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back through precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater flow and evapotranspiration, including the occurrence, circulation, distribution, and chemical and physical properties of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere, and water s interaction with the environment including its relation to living things. HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS means the functions of the hydrological cycle that include the occurrence, circulation, distribution, and chemical and physical properties of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere, and water s interaction with the environment including its relation to living things. HYDROLOGICAL INTEGRITY means the condition of ecosystems in which hydrological features and hydrological functions are unimpaired by stresses from human activity. November 2013 L-31

444 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L IMPERVIOUS SURFACE means a surface that does not permit the infiltration of water, such as a rooftop, sidewalk, paved roadway, driveway or parking lot. INFRASTRUCTURE means physical structures (facilities and corridors) that form the foundation for development. Infrastructure includes: sewage and water systems, seepage treatment systems, waste management systems, electric power generation and transmission, communications/telecommunications, transit and transportation corridors and facilities, oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities. INTERMITTENT STREAM means watercourses that are dry at times of the year, generally flowing during wet seasons but not the entire year. KETTLE LAKES means a depression formed by glacial action and permanently filled with water. KEY HYDROLOGICAL FEATURE means: a. Wetlands; b. Permanent and intermittent streams; c. Kettle lakes; and d. Seepage areas and springs. KEY NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURE means: a. Significant habitat of endangered and threatened species; b. Fish habitat; c. Wetlands; d. Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest; e. Environmentally Significant Areas; f. Significant valleylands; g. Significant woodlands; h. Sand barrens, savannahs and tallgrass prairies; and i. Significant wildlife habitat. LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) means techniques that seek to mitigate the impacts of increased runoff and stormwater pollution by managing runoff as close to its source as possible. LID comprises a set of site design strategies that minimize runoff and distributed, small-scale structural practices that mimic natural or pre-development hydrology through the processes of infiltration, evapotranspiration, harvesting, filtration and detention of stormwater. PERMANENT STREAM means a stream which continually flows in an average year. PLANFORM means the shape and configuration of a watercourse as viewed from above, as on a map or airphoto. RAPID INFILTRATION BASIN means a basin or system of basins at or below surface grade that is constructed in porous soil and punctures through a relatively impermeable layer to gain access to a more permeable sand or gravel layer, so as to rapidly infiltrate into the ground, at a single point or area of concentration, surface runoff collected from impervious surfaces. November 2013 L-32

445 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L RAPID INFILTRATION COLUMN means a column or system of columns at or below surface grade that is constructed in porous soil and punctures through a relatively impermeable layer to gain access to a more permeable sand or gravel layer, so as to rapidly infiltrate into the ground, at a single point or area of concentration, surface runoff collected from impervious surfaces. REACH means a defined length of channel that exhibits uniform physical properties. SEEPAGE AREAS AND SPRINGS means sites of emergence of groundwater where the water table is present at the ground surface. Seepage areas are areas where groundwater emerges from the ground over a diff use area. Springs are points of natural, concentrated discharge of groundwater. SENSITIVE GROUNDWATER FEATURES means water-related features in the earths subsurface, including recharge or discharge areas, water tables, aquifers and unsaturated zones that can be defined by surface and subsurface hydrogeologic investigations, that are particularly susceptible to impacts from activities or events including, but not limited to, water withdrawals and additions of pollutants. SENSITIVE SURFACE WATER FEATURES means water-related features on the earth s surface, including headwaters, rivers, stream channels, inland lakes, seepage areas, recharge/discharge areas, springs, wetlands, and associated riparian lands that can be defined by their soil moisture, soil type, vegetation or topographic characteristics, that are particularly susceptible to impacts from activities or events including, but not limited to, water withdrawals, and additions of pollutants. SIGNIFICANT GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREA means an area within which it is desirable to regulate or monitor drinking water threats that may affect the recharge of an aquifer. SIGNIFICANT VALLEYLANDS means a natural area that occurs in a valley or other landform depression that has water flowing through or standing for some period of the year. These areas are ecologically important in terms of features, functions, representation or amount, and contribute to the quality and diversity of an identifiable geographic area or natural heritage system. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT WORKS means any works designed for the collection, transmission, treatment, or disposal of stormwater or any part of such works, but does not include plumbing to which the Building Code Act applies, for which an approval is required under Section 53 of the Ontario Water Resources Act. SUBWATERSHED means an area that is drained by a tributary or some defined portion of a stream. SURFACE CATCHMENT AREA means the area including and surrounding a kettle lake or wetland, from which surface runoff drains directly into the kettle lake or wetland. SUSTAINABLE means, when used with respect to a natural resource, that the natural resource is able to support a particular use or activity without being adversely affected. VALLEYLAND means a natural area that occurs in a valley or other landform depression that has water flowing through or standing for some period of the year. November 2013 L-33

446 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L WATERBODY means lakes, woodland ponds, etc. which provide ecological functions. For the purposes of determining significant woodlands, waterbody generally does not include small surface water features such as farm ponds or stormwater management ponds, which would have limited ecological function. WATERSHED means an area that is drained by a river and its tributaries. WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREA means the surface and subsurface area surrounding a water well or well field that supplies a public water system and through which contaminants are reasonably likely to move so as to eventually reach the water well or well field. WATERBODY means lakes, woodland ponds, etc. which provide ecological functions. For the purposes of determining significant woodlands, waterbody generally does not include small surface water features such as farm ponds or stormwater management ponds, which would have limited ecological function. WATERSHED means an area that is drained by a river and its tributaries. WETLAND means lands that are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, or lands where the water table is close to or at the surface. In either case the presence of abundant water has caused the formation of hydric soils and has favoured the dominance of either hydrophytic plants or water tolerant plants. The four major types of wetlands are swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. On the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt, wetlands include any wetlands identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources or by any other person, according to evaluation procedures established by the Ministry of Natural Resources, as amended from time to time. Elsewhere in Richmond Hill, wetlands include any wetland that has been evaluated as Provincially significant per the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources. November 2013 L-34

447 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L 9.0 References AECOM, City of Kitchener City Wide Stormwater Management Plan Annual Audit Report (Year 2010) Volume I City of Hamilton, Stormwater Master Plan Class Environmental Assessment Report (City-Wide). Dubé, M, Nadorozny, N., and Squires, A., Development of the Healthy River Ecosystem AssessmenT System (THREATS) for Integrated Change Assessments of Water Quality in Canadian Watersheds. _Dube.pdf Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA). Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program. Oct pp. Milhous, R.T. and T.J. Waddle Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM) Software for Windows (v.1.5.1). Fort Collins, CO: USGS Fort Collins Science Center. Parish Geomorphic Ltd., 2003a, Regional Monitoring Program Fluvial Geomorphology Component Don River, Rouge River, and Highland Creek Watersheds, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, May Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual. Ontario Streams, Richmond Hill Headwaters Rehabilitation Program. Accessed on the World Wide Web at SENES Recommended Directions Report Environmental Policy Review for the Town of Richmond Hill Regional Municipality of York (York), Bylaw No A bylaw to regulate the discharge of sewage, stormwater and land drainage. Accessed on the World Wide Web at Rosgen, D Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS). Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2007a. Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. Report of the Rouge Watershed Taskforce. November 2013 L-35

448 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2007b. Rouge River State of the Watershed Report. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2008a. Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2008b. Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2008c. Humber River State of the Watershed Report Surface Water Quantity. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2008d. Humber River State of the Watershed Report Fluvial Geomorphology. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2008e. Humber River State of the Watershed Report Surface Water Quality. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2008f. Humber River State of the Watershed Report Aquatic System. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2009a. Don River Watershed Plan Beyond Forty Steps. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2009b. Don River Watershed Plan Aquatic System - Report on Current Conditions. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2009c. Don River Watershed Plan Fluvial Geomorphology - Report on Current Conditions. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2009d. Don River Watershed Plan Surface Water Hydrology / Hydraulics and Stormwater Management - Report on Current Conditions. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2009e. Don River Watershed Plan Surface Water Quality - Report on Current Conditions. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2009f. STEP Evaluating the Effectiveness of Natural Channel Design Projects: A Protocol for Monitoring New Sites. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2013a. DRAFT- The Living City Policies of Planning and Development in the Watersheds of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2013b. Don River Watershed Report Card November 2013 L-36

449 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2013c. Humber River Watershed Report Card Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), 2013d. Rouge River Watershed Report Card Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), The Low Impact Development Management Planning and Design Guide. Town of Richmond Hill. 2005a. Richmond Hill Natural Heritage Strategy: Volume 1 Framework. June pp. Town of Richmond Hill, 2005b. Council Highlights June 15, 2005 Meeting. Accessed on the World Wide Web at 5_2005&startpos=11&pagenum=2. Town of Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill Strategic Plan: A Plan for People Plan for Change. Town of Richmond Hill, Strategic Plan Implementation: Phase 2. Town of Richmond Hill, 2012a. Strategic Plan Annual Report Town of Richmond Hill. 2012b. Richmond Hill Official Plan Building a New Kind of Urban. As Recommended for Approval by the Region of York Annotated Version Showing York Region Modifications As Modified by York Region on May 19, 2011 as partially approved by order of the Ontario Municipal Board December 20, 2012 Case No. PL Town of Richmond Hill, 2012c. Standards and Specifications Manual. Accessed on the World Wide Web at United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Mitigation Banking Fact Sheet. Accessed on the World Wide Web at November 2013 L-37

450 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Attachment A: Summary of State of the Watershed Reports for the Humber, Don and Rouge Rivers A.1 HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED The 2008 Humber River State of the Watershed Reports (TRCA, 2008c,d,e,f) describes the following conditions of rivers and streams in its headwaters region in the northern section of Richmond Hill: The Upper East Humber in Richmond Hill has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order streams; Historically, Redside dace and rainbow darters have been collected in the Upper East Branch of the Humber River. Reside dace is endangered under the provincial Endangered Species Act (2007). The rainbow darter is considered species of local concern due to its relatively high sensitivity to aquatic degradation and increasing rarity The Benthic Aggregate Assessment (BAA) results for station HU025WM (the station nearest to Richmond Hill) show a potentially unimpaired rating. The only consistently thermally unstable station in the East Humber occurs downstream of the community of Oak Ridges, in Richmond Hill (HU0025WM) and receives warm surface water discharge from Lake Wilcox. As of 2002, only one quarter (25%) of the total urban area in the Humber River watershed had stormwater management controls in place to treat urban run-off prior to it being released to receiving watercourses. The majority of annual stream flow in both the Main and East Humber sub watersheds is generated by groundwater discharge (baseflow) due to the permeable soils and hummocky terrain of the Oak Ridges Moraine area, predominantly rural land uses and presence of aquifers. Risk of flooding remains an important issue in portions of Oak Ridges (Richmond Hill). Other flood damage centres in the Humber include the Lake Wilcox area of Richmond Hill. Significant increasing trends in average annual and seasonal stream flow volumes have been observed in the East Humber, which are indicative of the hydrologic impacts of urban development (i.e., impervious surfaces) and not climate variability. Increases in annual and seasonal stream flow caused by urbanization may be creating long term problems in some watercourses as they adjust to accommodate the changed pattern of flow. If nothing is done, excessive channel migration could impair sensitive aquatic ecosystems and expose municipal infrastructure in valley lands, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. The Town of Richmond Hill operates three stream gauges in the East Humber River Watershed The presence of a significant trend (a 1.5% increase per year) in flows on the East Humber River at King Creek likely reflects the effects of development upstream in King City and Oak Ridges (Richmond Hill) that has occurred over the November 2013 L-38

451 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L period of record. The development occupies a substantial portion of the upstream catchment area to the gauge and the increase in flow volumes recorded were likely the result of increased run-off from new impervious surfaces, amplified by the location of portions of the development on soils that are highly pervious and which would otherwise have generated little run-off. Table 8: Geomorphic conditions at TRCA Monitoring Station GHU-22 near Richmond Hill Drainage Area (km 2 ) Avg. Bankfull Width (m) Avg. Depth (m) Slope (%) Median Substrate (cm) Critical Discharge (m 3 /s) Average Bank Height (m) Table 9: Riparian Cover in the Upper East Branch of the Humber River EAST HUMBER Secondary Subwatershed s EAST UPPER BRANCH Total Riparia n Area (ha) Riparia n Forest (ha) Riparia n Meado w (ha) Riparian Succession al (ha) Riparia n Wetlan d (ha) Total Riparia n Natural Cover (ha) Total Area Lackin g Riparia n Natural Cover (ha) Percentage Table 10: SWM controls in the East Humber River Subwatershed Portion of urban areas with Quantity controls only Portion of urban areas with Quantity and Quality controls Portion of urban areas with Retrofitted controls 10.8% 25.1% 0.0% 35.9% Portion of urban areas with some level of SW controls The State of the Watershed Reports provides input and guidance to improving headwater rivers and streams by identifying the following specific priorities relevant to the sections of the watershed within Richmond Hill: November 2013 L-39

452 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Support and start implementation of the draft Redside Dace Recovery Plan (OMNR, 2005)* In new urban developments on the Oak Ridges Moraine, it is critical that predevelopment water balance be maintained through stormwater management in order to maintain the current groundwater flow regime and habitat types. Continue to monitoring presence and distribution of rainbow darter. Undertake formal mussel surveys to develop fisheries management targets and strategies for protecting and enhancing mussel populations. Improve activity education on the impacts of live bait release Optimize fish passage for native fish and stocked migratory species with due regard for the prevention of invasive species access or spread through the watershed. Conduct formal in-stream barrier survey to further prioritize mitigation work. Focus reforestation activities in the headwaters to anchor the substantial area of high quality stream habitat and help to mitigate cumulative impacts of urbanization in the middle and lower reaches of the watershed. Establish long term baseflow monitoring / indicator sites within the Humber River watershed as part of the TRCA Regional Watershed Monitoring Program to further characterize and monitor baseflow conditions and enable the analysis of trends and the effectiveness of management programs and impact mitigation measures. Work with MOE in a proactive manner through the Permit to Take Water program to modify surface water takings for major users to allow for an uninterrupted passage of baseflows to support the aquatic ecosystem and to maintain minimum in-stream ecological flow requirements. Undertake groundwater system investigations and soil testing to better characterize recharge and discharge areas that significantly contribute to baseflows and develop strategies for protecting significant recharge and discharge areas to protect the sustainability of baseflows within the Humber River. Undertake additional field measurements to fill remaining gaps in our understanding of the baseflow regime of the watershed, and further investigate reaches where major decreases in baseflow have been observed, and investigate dry weather discharges from storm sewers. November 2013 L-40

453 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L A.2 ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED The 2007 Rouge River State of the Watershed Report (TRCA, 2007b) describes the following conditions of rivers and streams in its headwaters region in the northern and central section of Richmond Hill: The TRCA monitors aquatic habitat and species, fluvial geomorphology, terrestrial natural heritage, surface water quality, surface water quantity and climate, and groundwater in the Rouge River Watershed Richmond Hill operates four continuous stream gauges in the Rouge watershed Four objectives have been adapted for surface water quantity in the Rouge River watershed: 1. Protect and restore the natural variability of annual and seasonal stream flow. 2. Maintain and restore natural levels of baseflow. 3. Sustainable rates of surface water use. 4. Eliminate or minimize risks to human life and property due to flooding. Within and downstream of developed areas, the Main Rouge River and its tributaries are experiencing unnatural rates of erosion and channel change from the hydrologic changes associated with the conversion of rural to urban land uses. The process of adjustment and instability on the Main Rouge River and tributaries in response to urbanization is only partially complete. On tributaries where no further upstream development will take place, instability may persist for decades. On the Main Rouge River and other tributaries where more development is proposed, existing instability will be exacerbated and will persist longer. Streams to the north and east of Richmond Hill are relatively unaffected by urbanization and still possess flow regimes that are more or less natural. As a result, natural physical stability of the watercourse channels in these areas has been largely maintained. Many smaller watercourses in the developed areas of Richmond Hill have been completely removed and replaced with storm sewer networks, which would have eliminated the natural flow attenuation effects of these stream corridors and contributed to increased peak flows and erosion in the larger receiving watercourses. Abundant and healthy populations of Redside dace, a species of special concern federally listed under the Species at Risk Act and as an endangered species at the Provincial level, still persist in the upper reaches of the Main and Little Rouge River. Most tributaries in Richmond Hill are identified as having a cold or cool thermal regime. Most monitoring locations indicate that the thermal regimes of these watercourses are moderately stable. November 2013 L-41

454 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Table 11: Number and Flood Frequency of Watershed Flood Vulnerable Areas and Roads in Richmond Hill Flood Frequency Number of Flood Vulnerable Areas Number of Flood Vulnerable Roads 2-year 5-year 10- year 25- year 50- year 100- year Regiona l The State of the Watershed Report provides input and guidance to improving headwater river and streams by identifying the following specific priorities relevant to the sections of the watershed within Richmond Hill: A detailed analysis of potential flood impacts and required mitigative measures for future development and urban expansion should be undertaken. Ice jamming, while not a significant cause of flooding in the Rouge River watershed should continue to be monitored and documented. The ongoing process of channel degradation could potentially be arrested by implementing measures to reverse the hydrologic impacts of existing development. This effort would involve the retrofit implementation of detention and runoff reduction practices at a large scale. The impact of future development can be minimized if measures to prevent changes to the hydrologic regime can be incorporated into development design. Damage to watercourses from urbanization and the resultant increase in risk to infrastructure and property could be addressed through the reconstruction of affected watercourses using natural channel design principles. However, it should be acknowledged that in most cases urban impacts on receiving watercourses cannot simply be mitigated by reconstructing channels after the damage has already occurred. While in some instances constructed, human-maintained channels that have some aspects of natural form and function may be preferable to a degrading natural watercourse, it must be recognized the only means of preserving a naturally functioning watercourse with its attendant ecosystem and self-maintaining properties is to maintain or restore the natural hydrologic and sediment transport regime. Seven (7) priority barriers to fish movement were identified in Richmond Hill, these barriers should be removed as besides preventing fish passage, some have thermal impacts. A methodology for updating the metric of stream length should be developed to address the when and where of stream loss or creation to better evaluate this indicator in the future. November 2013 L-42

455 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L The integrity of the headwaters is considered critical to achieving management goals of maintained and enhanced good quality aquatic habitat. In some zones within the Rouge River system, upstream management is critical to directly maintaining the productivity and diversity of healthy and sensitive middle reaches. Prioritizing the protection or rehabilitation of upstream habitat also addresses problems of cumulative impacts through the entire watershed. A.3 DON RIVER WATERSHED The 2009 Don River Reports on Current Conditions (TRCA, 2009b, c) describes the following conditions of rivers and streams in its headwaters region in the central to southern section of Richmond Hill: Don River differs from most of the other watersheds in the TRCA jurisdiction in that it has been almost entirely urbanized and the destabilizing effects of land use change have either already occurred or have been set in motion throughout the watershed. Richmond Hill operates 2 flow gauges in the Don River watershed, one on German Mills Creek and One on Patterson Creek. There are no geomorphic monitoring locations in Richmond Hill, the closes stations are CD-5, downstream of Patterson Creek, and GD-14 on German Mills Creek. The direct and indirect impacts of urbanization are apparent in the headwater areas of the Don River. Many streams located within or downstream of older urban development have been altered through channelization and installation of engineered bed and bank stabilization techniques to facilitate development or protect private property, altering or eliminating natural morphologic features, Throughout the headwater areas, historical agricultural influences of channel instability are present, including the impacts of tile drains, old mill ponds, small private stream crossings and agricultural land uses. There are a significant number of abandoned agricultural ponds across the headwaters. These ponds have the potential to impact both upstream and downstream environments if they fail, through the loss of upstream marsh or wetland habitat or the introduction of large quantities of sediment downstream. A degraded physical condition of the channel network was observed throughout the watershed, both from the direct effects of human alteration of channels and from the indirect effects of land use change on watershed hydrology. There are essentially no river and stream channels remaining in the watershed that possess both natural form and function and the equilibrium of geomorphic process in the watershed has been destabilized, resulting in degradation of aquatic and riparian habitats and erosion damage to infrastructure and property. November 2013 L-43

456 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L One of the major groundwater discharge areas in the Don River watershed occurs on the south slope of the Oak Ridges Moraine (north of Rutherford Road) While rural agricultural activities are no longer a major source of contaminants, construction associated with urbanization, lack of stormwater control, combined sewer outfalls, and spills remain major sources of contamination. Sampling records show that Redside dace, a Species at Risk (SAR) is only present in the Upper East Don (confirmed by informal TRCA sampling in 2008) Tributaries in Richmond Hill are identified as having a cold, cool, and warm thermal regimes. Thermal regime and benthic/fish monitoring at stations in Richmond Hill indicate that the thermal stability is stable to moderately stable, the benthic invertebrate scores are potentially impaired, and the index of biotic integrity scores are poor. There are a number of confirmed instream barriers in the Don River watershed in Richmond Hill Table 12: Morphological Characteristics and Stability Ratings at Regional Monitoring Sites in the Don River and Tributaries Subwatershe d Upper East Don River German Mills Creek ID # GD -5 GD -14 Drainag e area (km2) Avg. bankfu ll width (m) Avg. bankfu ll depth (m) Bankfu ll gradien t (%) Median substrat e (cm) Critical discharg e (m3/s) Avg. bank heigh t (m) Stability index* Moderat e Moderat e Source: Don River Watershed Plan Fluvial Geomorphology - Report on Current Conditions TRCA 2009c. * Note: stability index reflects natural stability/instability and does not necessarily indicate human impacts The Reports on Current Conditions provide input and guidance to improving headwater river and streams by identifying the following specific priorities relevant to the sections of the watershed within Richmond Hill: Additional data is required to assign a rating to the channel morphology and erosion potential indicators for the Don River. the protection of fluvial geomorphology in the watershed cannot rely on recommendations for future urban growth areas and associated stormwater controls to preserve the reaches of the river that have not yet been impacted November 2013 L-44

457 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L there should be a focus on opportunistic efforts for limited, local improvements through initiatives such as improving channel and valley form and management of stormwater runoff through restoration and redevelopment projects Future restoration projects must set goals and objectives that are realistic given the challenging conditions of extreme hydrology, extensive channel alteration, and corridors that are constrained by development and infrastructure To eliminate risks without incurring the costs and consequences of continued expansion of bank protection, efforts should be made to remove infrastructure, buildings and private properties from watercourse corridors and adjacent areas. When necessary, initiatives to stabilize channels to prevent erosion into infrastructure should no longer be conducted in isolation but should consider the watershed context of the project area and the potential negative outcomes of stabilization works Design review should continue to ensure pre-development recharge / infiltration is maintained in new construction projects. It is especially important in high recharge areas to protect natural cover, use low impact development design and implement state of the art stormwater management that infiltrates clean runoff. Recharge should be protected and, where possible, enhanced, throughout the watershed during redevelopment and infill development where soil conditions allow and where enhanced recharge will not exacerbate basement flooding A key aspect in enhancing the hydrology of the Don watershed is the implementation of stormwater retrofits on existing ponds and facilities. Since most of the watershed is urbanized, management of wet weather flows through application of stormwater management practices is the single most important means of preventing flooding, improving water quality and minimizing degradation of aquatic habitat. Outreach education and stewardship regarding pollution prevention best management practices (BMPs) should target watershed residents and businesses particularly those adjacent to watercourses. Winter maintenance (i.e., salt management) should be optimized to minimize salt use and its impacts on water quality It is critical that development practices and stormwater management be consistent with the need to maintain and improve the headwaters of the Don River that continue to support sensitive species and the biodiversity expected of small headwater streams November 2013 L-45

458 Phase 1: Baseline Report Appendix L Redside dace and American brook lamprey should be target community indicator species in the Upper East Don River; fish surveys beyond the RWMP stations are recommended to accurately assess both populations current status. To enhance the work on Redside dace, watershed managers should support through implementation of action items presented in the revised Redside Dace Recovery Strategy (MNR, 2008). Where feasible, take on-line ponds off-line and restore riparian vegetation to improve the thermal regime. Complete an instream barrier assessment and identify priority barrier mitigations that would achieve the most improvement to fish passage and habitat. Create or enhance riparian meadow vegetation, with focus on reaches that still support aquatic communities that rely on this habitat (e.g., known populations of Redside dace) or are identified as recovery habitat for Redside dace. Increase treed riparian vegetation cover in golf courses in the Upper East Don. Create riparian wetlands along German Mills Creek north of Elgin Mills Road Improve riparian cover in reaches north of Highway 407 Table 13: Retrofit opportunities and new potential pond locations based on stormwater retrofit studies by 905 area municipalities. Pond Number / Outfall Number Ponds Pond Name / Outfall Location Drainage Area (ha) 17-2 Pioneer Park* 26 4/ Don Head West* 48 7/ Doncrest 83 8/ Beaver Cr. Pond B 85 6/ Beaver Cr. Pond A 80 5/12 Outfall 3 Pearson Ave /12 *In progress / Complete Priority Rank* Data in table summarized from Don River Watershed Plan: Surface Water Hydrology/Hydraulics and Stormwater Management Report on Current Conditions (TRCA. 2009) November 2013 L-46

459 Attachment B: Water Resource Management in Richmond Hill Table B1 Water Resource Management in the Richmond Hill Official Plan Management Area Watershed Official Plan Text (3) The Town will work with York Region, the Conservation Authority, adjacent municipalities, and other agencies to co-ordinate and implement updates to watershed planning initiatives and implement watershed plan objectives that: 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 f. Wherever possible, facilitate modifications to existing neighbourhoods to ensure better hydrologic function Groundwater Sensitive groundwater features and functions require specific consideration as part of the land use planning process to ensure that the health of sub-surface water resources are not compromised. 1. Development and site alteration shall be restricted in or near sensitive groundwater features such that these features and their related hydrologic functions will be protected, enhanced or restored. Sensitive groundwater features and functions will be protected and, where possible, enhanced as part of the development approval process. 2. Town shall work with York Region and the Conservation Authority to include mapping and policies in this Plan when significant recharge areas or vulnerable aquifer areas are identified and for areas where groundwater may pose a constraint to future development. Development Lands (3) Proponents of development abutting a watercourse shall undertake a Natural Heritage Evaluation which includes an examination of potential restoration measures in accordance with the Watercourse Restoration Strategy, to improve the ecological health of the watercourse and, where possible, expand the area of the watercourse including its associated aquatic and riparian habitat. The Natural November 2013 L-47

460 Management Area Official Plan Text Heritage Evaluation in addition to the requirements of Section 5.24 [Natural Heritage Evaluations] of this Plan shall include but not be limited to: a. The restoration of riparian habitat; b. Re-planting of vegetative species on riparian lands to a vegetated selfsustaining condition; c. Restoration or stabilization of stream beds, banks, and shorelines to a more natural state; d. Removal of direct runoff discharge of stormwater into the watercourse; and e. The introduction of low impact development techniques as part of the proposed development to reduce runoff and increase infiltration. Natural Hazards Natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and slope failures pose a risk to human health and safety, as well as to property. As a matter of public safety and security, it is important to reduce the potential risks and costs associated with natural hazards by ensuring that development is directed away from these areas. This Plan incorporates floodplain areas into the Greenway System to protect and enhance these areas over the long term. 1. Development shall be directed away from hazardous lands and hazardous sites by designating all floodplain lands, with the exception of Special Policy Areas and flood vulnerable areas, as part of the Greenway System. 3. The Town shall support the efforts of the Conservation Authority in the management of floodplain lands and Special Policy Areas, which are within the Floodplain Regulation Area. 8. Hazardous lands and hazardous sites shall be dedicated to public agencies at minimal or no public expense through the development process, where appropriate. Watercourse Restoration [The Official] Plan focuses on improving the health of the Town s watercourses through appropriate design, construction and operational measures that reduce overland flow, increase infiltration and restore riparian lands. It is the policy of Council that: 1. The Town, in consultation with the Conservation Authority and York Region, may undertake a Watercourse Restoration Strategy to determine opportunities for watercourse improvement and priority restoration areas. 2. The Watercourse Restoration Strategy shall include, but not be limited to: a. An inventory of existing environmental conditions including water budgets, baseflow, type and health of the aquatic ecosystem, and condition of riparian lands; November 2013 L-48

461 Management Area Official Plan Text b. Information and management direction from the applicable watershed plan for the area or previously completed watercourse management strategies that have been undertaken by the Conservation Authority; c. Documentation of existing statutes, guidelines and other regulatory measures that apply to the natural and built environment surrounding the watercourse; d. Identification of measures required to restore, remediate and improve the watercourse geomorphology and riparian habitat; e. Description of technologies that should be implemented by the Town, the Conservation Authority, and private landowners at the time of development; and f. An outline of the monitoring program that should be implemented to evaluate the performance of the selected restoration or remediation plan. 3. Proponents of development abutting a watercourse shall undertake a Natural Heritage Evaluation which includes an examination of potential restoration measures in accordance with the Watercourse Restoration Strategy, to improve the ecological health of the watercourse and, where possible, expand the area of the watercourse including its associated aquatic and riparian habitat. The Natural Heritage Evaluation in addition to the requirements of Section 5.24 of this Plan shall include but not be limited to: a. The restoration of riparian habitat; b. Re-planting of vegetative species on riparian lands to a vegetated selfsustaining condition; c. Restoration or stabilization of stream beds, banks, and shorelines to a more natural state; d. Removal of direct runoff discharge of stormwater into the watercourse; and e. The introduction of low impact development techniques as part of the proposed November 2013 L-49