642 Welham Rd., Barrie, Ontario L4N 9A1

telephone: (705) 721-8451 • fax: (705) 721-8926 • info@azimuthenvironmental.com • www.azimuthenvironmental.com

January 24, 2018 AEC 15-010

Fernbrook Homes (Parkside) Limited

c/o The Jones Consulting Group Ltd.

229 Mapleview Drive East, Unit 1

Barrie, Ontario

L4N 0W5

Attention: Brandi Clement, Partner

Re: Addendum to Environmental Impact Study, Proposed Watermain for 70

Pioneer Trail, City of Barrie

Dear Ms. Clement:

Azimuth Environmental Consulting, Inc. (Azimuth) was retained to assess potential

impacts to environmental features associated with a proposed watermain for a 43-unit

residential development at 70 Pioneer Trail in the City of Barrie (Figure 1). This letter is

intended to function as an addendum to the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) prepared

by Azimuth (June 2017) for the above-described property. The lands described in this

letter report do not belong to the developable area described in Azimuth’s EIS for 70

Pioneer Trail.

This letter report was initially dated August 30, 2017, and has been updated to address

comments received from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) in

correspondence dated November 13, 2017. An updated plan and profile of the proposed

watermain corridor is presented in Attachment 1, and the above-described LSRCA letter

is presented in Attachment 2. Pursuant to the letter received from LSRCA, The Jones

Consulting Group Ltd. offers the following to address comments A, B and F (remaining

comments C, D, E, and G are addressed elsewhere in this updated letter report):

Comment A: The previously provided Plan and Profile Drawing No. PP-1 and PP-2 have

been updated to show the limit of trench disturbance (Attachment 1). In addition,

Drawing No. SEC-1 has been attached and includes detailed section views of the

proposed watermain (Attachment 1). It is currently anticipated that directional drilling

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will only be required within 25 m of the existing Butternut tree to be protected. However,

it is important to recognize that directional drilling could be used to install the entire

length of watermain from Loyalist Court to Pioneer Trail. Due to the narrow width

associated with the existing walkway/trail, we acknowledge that the open cut installation

method would be challenging, but may still be a cost effective alternative. The open cut

installation method would require the use of trench boxes, and there would be no room to

stockpile excavated material. All excavated material would be required to be loaded on

trucks and removed to allow trenching operations and then trucked back to reinstate the

trench. The final limits of directional drilling and open cut installation methods will be

determined during the detailed design stage of the project once additional landscape and

geotechnical studies are completed. Any dewatering requirements and/or strategies

would also be identified at the detailed design stage.

Comment B: As previously noted, the current specified length of directional drill is based

on providing a minimum disturbance free zone of 25 m surrounding the existing

Butternut tree to be protected. The directional drill may be extended to include the entire

length of the walkway/trail between Loyalist Court and Pioneer Trail, should additional

protection of existing vegetation be required. We note LSRCA‟s preference to extend the

directional drill at the north end of the study area and will incorporate this

recommendation into the detailed design at which time the final extents of directional

drilling will be determined. It is important to recognize that a 4 m wide by 12 m long

sending/receiving pit will be required at either end of the directional drill to facilitate

installation.

Comment F: The proposed watermain between Loyalist Court and Pioneer Trail will be

located on lands owned by the City of Barrie. As the proposed watermain will also be

municipally owned and operated, we do not anticipate any easements or access

agreements will be required for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, we are not aware of

any current City improvement plans for the existing trail.

Executive Summary

The proposed watermain installation is consistent with the policies of the

Provincial Policy Statement, Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Lake Simcoe

Protection Plan, City of Barrie Official Plan, and Lake Simcoe Region

Conservation Authority O. Reg. 179/06.

All works will be limited to the earthen pathway connecting Loyalist Court with

Pioneer Trail. No vegetation clearance beyond the pathway corridor limit will

occur as a result of the proposed watermain installation.

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One (1) Category 2/3 (“retainable”/“archivable”) Butternut tree (Endangered

under the ESA) was identified within 25 metres (m) of the pathway edge.

Directional drilling techniques will be undertaken within 25 m of this tree to

avoid negative impacts to its critical root zone, and as such there is no expectation

the proposed works will result in a contravention of the ESA. This technique has

been reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

(MNRF) for the proposed installation.

Adjacent lands contain Significant Woodland. Adjacent lands also contain

potential Bat Maternity Colony Habitat, potential Habitat for Rare and Special

Concern Species, potential Habitat for Endangered and Threatened Species, and

wetland that may be considered locally Significant Wetland. If the above

confirmed and potential Significant Natural Heritage Features (SNHF) and

Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) features are assumed to be present, none are

expected to be negatively impacted by the proposed watermain installation,

providing mitigation measures described below (Section 8) are followed.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this addendum is to provide a site assessment for lands within and

adjacent to the proposed watermain corridor (Figure 1; Attachment 1) including a

screening for SNHF, SWH, and potential habitat for Species at Risk (SAR) listed under

the ESA. This addendum provides an impact assessment based on the proposed

watermain corridor, and provides recommendations for avoidance of impacts where

potential environmental impacts have been identified. This addendum was prepared at

the request of the client as portions of the proposed watermain corridor are regulated by

LSRCA under Ontario Regulation 179/06 and as such a permit will be required from

LSRCA prior to any work being undertaken. It is our understanding that The City of

Barrie requested that the watermain installation take place, and are supportive of the

works described in this letter report.

A site plan for the proposed watermain corridor is presented in Attachment 1, the limits

of which are restricted to an established earthen footpath between Loyalist Court and the

Pioneer Trail. For the purposes of this study, the term “watermain corridor” refers to the

earthen pathway (i.e. proposed watermain footprint), and the term “adjacent lands” refers

to all lands within approximately 50 m of the pathway edge. The term “study area” refers

to all surveyed lands including the watermain corridor and adjacent lands.

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2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A review of the following background documents provided information on site

characteristics, habitat, wildlife, rare species and communities and general

cultural/historic aspects of the watermain corridor and adjacent lands:

MNRF‟s Natural Heritage Information Center (NHIC)

Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario (OBBA)

Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas

MNRF's Species at Risk Ontario list;

Air photos available for the Project Area (Google, VuMap)

Government of Canada's Species at Risk Public Registry;

Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario (Dobbyn, 1994).

3.0 SCREENING APPROACH

Azimuth staff attended the study area on June 20, 2017 to carry out an assessment of the

proposed watermain corridor and adjacent lands (lands within approximately 50 metres

of the proposed watermain corridor). Prior to undertaking the field study, an initial

classification of habitats was undertaken using recent air photo imagery for an area

encompassing the watermain corridor and adjacent lands. Vegetation boundaries were

then checked in the field and confirmed as depicted in Figure 1. Vegetation community

types were classified using the Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First

Approximation (ELC: Lee et al., 1998).

The SNHF, SAR and SWH screenings undertaken for the scope of this assignment

compared the habitat requirements of species with potential to occur in the overall

planning area with habitat types that occur on the property. The screening is based on air

photo interpretation combined with onsite evaluation of the habitat as described above.

4.0 SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS

4.1 Land Use

The proposed watermain corridor consists of an established earthen pathway

approximately 4 m in width running north-south through an extensive woodland feature,

directly connecting Loyalist Court with Pioneer Trail.

Adjacent lands consist of dense coniferous, mixed, and deciduous fresh-moist woodland,

and dense coniferous swamp demonstrating evidence of groundwater influence beyond

the established trail limits (Figure 1).

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A residential development is located beyond the southern terminus of the trail (at Loyalist

Court) and residential shoreline properties are located beyond the northern terminus of

the trail (at Pioneer Trail). The Lake Simcoe shoreline is located approximately 130 m

beyond the northern limit of the trail.

The property and surrounding lands are located within the City of Barrie and are

designated “Environmental Protection Area” within the City of Barrie‟s Land Use Plan

(Schedule A; City of Barrie, 2014). Further, the City of Barrie‟s Natural Heritage

Resources Schedule (Schedule H; City of Barrie, 2014) identifies the study area as a

“Level 1” Natural Heritage Resource (Environmental Protection Area). According to

Section 5.1.2.1(a) of the City of Barrie Official Plan (City OP; 2014):

“Public Utilities, including... municipal water... shall be permitted within any land use

designation of this Plan... Where the location of public utilities on lands designated

Environmental Protection or Open Space is efficient, cost effective and in the public

interest, an EIS shall be undertaken...”

4.2 Vegetation

A field survey was undertaken to confirm vegetation community types and plant species

compositions within the proposed watermain corridor (trail limits) and of adjacent

woodlands/wetlands on June 20, 2017, including detailed in-field delineation of wetland

communities adjacent to the watermain corridor. The site visit was undertaken by a

qualified Terrestrial Ecologist with existing knowledge related to rare, Threatened, and

Endangered plant species with potential to occur in the area.

Lands within the proposed watermain corridor limits consisted of a compacted earthen

footpath with minimal vegetation cover. Vascular plant species within and along the

fringes of the footpath limits were primarily limited to those characteristic of disturbed

areas (several of which are non-native and/or aggressive in nature), including Canada

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), Kentucky Bluegrass

(Poa pratensis ssp. pratensis), Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Common Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale), and Common Plantain (Plantago major) in descending order of

dominance. Except at the northern end in the vicinity of the SWC1 feature, mature trees

on adjacent lands form a closed canopy over the pathway, further detailed in Table 1

below.

Lands adjacent to the earthen watermain corridor consist of maintained lands, coniferous

forest, deciduous forest, and coniferous swamp vegetation communities (as defined by

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the ELC system), summarized in Table 1 below. Vegetation communities on adjacent

lands are illustrated in Figure 1.

Table 1: Vegetation Communities Adjacent to Study Area

Unit Description

FO (FOREST) Tree cover >60%. Site conditions and substrate types variable

FOC (Coniferous Forest) Conifer tree species >75% of canopy cover.

FOC1 (Dry-fresh Pine

Coniferous Forest)

This community is composed of dense (>60%) canopy and subcanopy cover in

and is dominated by Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) with Balsam Poplar (Populus

balsiamifera), White Birch (Betula papyrifera), and Eastern White Cedar (Thuja

occidentalis) associates.

FOC4 (Fresh-moist White

Cedar Coniferous Forest)

This community is composed of dense (>60%) canopy and subcanopy cover and

is dominated by Eastern White Cedar with Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica),

White Birch, and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) associates.

FOD (Deciduous Forest) Deciduous tree species >75% of canopy cover.

FOD5 (Dry-fresh Sugar

Maple Deciduous Forest)

This community is composed of dense (>60%) canopy and subcanopy cover in

with Sugar Maple (Acer ssccharum), Green Ash, White Birch, Black Cherry

(Prunus serotina), and Black Walnut( in descending order of density.

SW (SWAMP) Tree or shrub cover >25%. Dominated by hydrophytic shrub and tree species.

SWC (Coniferous

Swamp)

Tree cover >25% trees; trees >5 m in height. Conifer tree species >75% of

canopy cover.

SWC1 (White Cedar

Mineral Coniferous

Swamp)

This community is composed of dense (>60%) canopy and subcanopy cover and

is dominated by Eastern White Cedar, with Green Ash, Balsam Poplar, and

Black Cherry associates.

4.3 Aquatic Habitat and Fisheries

No intermittent or permanent water bodies, intermittent or permanent watercourses were

identified within the study area or adjacent lands, and as such there is no potential for fish

or fish habitat.

A limited amount of standing water may occur in the early spring months within the

SWC1 feature in adjacent lands beyond the eastern and western limits of the watermain

corridor (Figure 1; Table 1), however no standing water was present in proximity to the

trail during the June 20, 2017 site investigation. Further, based on a review of the greater

landscape it is expected that any such pooling would be limited and isolated from any

permanent or intermittent watercourses/waterbodies with the potential to provide fish

habitat.

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5.0 NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

Based on a review of background data and the detailed assessment for the proposed

residential development at 70 Pioneer Trail (Azimuth, 2017), all SNHFs including SWH,

and SAR that have the potential to occur in the area were considered in our EIS on the

adjacent property, and are considered for the watermain corridor and adjacent lands as

follows:

5.1 Significant Natural Heritage Features

The City OP describes woodlands within Environmental Protection lands >10 hectares as

Significant Woodland. As such, vegetation community units FOC2-2, FOM4, FOD5,

and SWC1 within the study area limits should be considered as belonging to the

Significant Woodland.

Wetlands (SWC1; Figure 1) are located on adjacent lands, and as such Non-Provincially

Significant Wetlands >0.5 hectares may also be considered locally Significant Wetlands

in accordance with City OP direction.

No valleylands according to definitions presented in the City OP or Natural Heritage

Reference Manual (NHRM; OMNR, 2010) are located within the watermain corridor or

adjacent lands.

5.2 Significant Wildlife Habitat

Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat as defined by the Significant Wildlife Habitat

Technical Guide (SWHTG; OMNR, 2000) and Significant Wildlife Habitat Criteria

Schedules for Ecoregion 6E (MNRF, 2015) was also evaluated as a part of this

assessment.

5.2.1 Candidate Significant Bat Maternity Colony Habitat

According to the SWHTG Ecoregion 6E Criteria Schedules (MNRF, 2015), Bat

Maternity Colony Habitat can be found in tree cavities, preferably located in mature

mixed and deciduous forest stands >10 hectares in size, preferably in large snag trees

(>25cm diameter at breast height) in the early stages of decay. Mature forested and

swamp vegetation communities (FOC1, FOC4, FOD5, SWC1; Figure 1) on adjacent

lands may provide Candidate Significant Bat Maternity Colony Habitat.

5.2.2 Candidate Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Woodland)

According to the Ecoregion 6E Criteria Schedules (MNRF, 2015), the presence of a

wetland, pond, or woodland pool (including vernal pools) >500m2 within or adjacent to a

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woodland, containing water until mid-July is the preferred woodland breeding habitat for

amphibians. No pooled water is present at any time of year within the limits of the

proposed watermain corridor. On adjacent lands, herbaceous wetland vegetation was

identified within the SWC1 features on June 20, 2017 (indicating a high water table),

however no pooled water was present at the time of the investigation such that amphibian

breeding habitat would be supported adjacent to the watermain corridor limits. The

proposed watermain corridor and adjacent lands do not qualify as Candidate Amphibian

Breeding Habitat (Woodland).

5.2.3 Candidate Habitat for Rare and Special Concern Species

According to the SWHTG Ecoregion 6E Criteria Schedules (MNRF, 2015), SWH for

rare and Special Concern species is characterized by the presence of any species

considered provincially rare (ranked S1-S3) or designated Special Concern under the

ESA, and as such the area may provide Candidate Habitat for Rare and Special Concern

Species.

Given our understanding of the habitat requirements of the above noted species as per

Provincial Recovery Strategies, species specific habitat regulations under the ESA, 2007

(Ontario Regulation [O. Reg.] 242/08), and the screening presented in the EIS for 70

Pioneer Trail (Azimuth, 2017), the following Special Concern species have the potential

to be located within the watermain corridor and adjacent lands:

Eastern Wood-pewee (Contopus virens; Special Concern) – identified during

2015 EIS surveys

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina; Special Concern) – identified during 2015

EIS surveys.

5.3 Habitat for Endangered and Threatened Species

Based on the assessment of the study area undertaken, no faunal SAR have been

confirmed within the property or adjacent lands. Given our understanding of the habitat

requirements of the above noted species as per Provincial Recovery Strategies, species

specific habitat regulations under the ESA, 2007 (O. Reg. 242/08), and the screening

presented in the Environmental Impact Study for 70 Pioneer Trail (Azimuth, 2017), the

following faunal Endangered and species have the potential to be located within the

vicinity of the study area:

Little Brown Myotis (Endangered)

Northern Myotis (Endangered)

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Tri-colored Bat (Endangered)

Four (4) Butternut (Endangered) trees were encountered on adjacent forested lands within

the critical habitat zone (25m buffer) of the watermain corridor, illustrated in Figure 1.

This species occurs on a variety of sites, including dry rockier soils (particularly those of

limestone origin), growing best on well-drained fertile soils in shallow valleys and on

gradual slopes; singly or in small groups mixed with other species. This species is

intolerant of shade (Farrar, 1995).

6.0 PROPOSED WORKS

The proposed residential development will be serviced from existing municipal water

infrastructure located within the Pioneer Trail Right of Way. In order to improve

redundancy and pressures of the existing municipal water system, it was determined

through pre-consultation with the City of Barrie that a 200 mm diameter PVC watermain

loop, between existing municipal infrastructure on Loyalist Court and Pioneer Trail,

would be required. As outlined above, the proposed watermain will be located within the

existing earthen pathway that leads from the Loyalist Court cul-de-sac, north to Pioneer

Trail. The proposed watermain loop will span between the City of Barrie pressure Zone

1 and 2 South, as such, a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) will need to be installed. It is

anticipated that this PRV will be located adjacent to the Loyalist Court cul-de-sac.

Two construction methods are proposed to install the watermain approximately 2 to 3 m

below existing grade of the foot path. Micro-tunnelling/directional drilling may be used

where necessary, to limit potential disturbance of existing vegetation. Utilizing micro-

tunnelling/directional drilling would result in no above grade impacts to the watermain

corridor, with the exception of two (2) 4 m wide x 12 m long open cut sending/receiving

pits located at either end of the directional drill. Open cut trenching may also be utilized

for installation of the watermain, where above grade disturbance is deemed acceptable.

The below grade disturbance of the open cut installation method can be limited to

approximately 2 m through the use of a trench box; however, the work area/limit of

disturbance above the trench would be approximately 4 m to facilitate appropriate heavy

equipment for installation.

7.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 Significant Natural Heritage Features

Wooded vegetation communities on adjacent lands (FOC1, FOC4, FOC5, SWC1; Figure

1) are considered to be Significant Woodland, however no woody vegetation within these

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communities will be subject to removal as a result of the proposed works. Wetland

vegetation on adjacent lands will not be subject to any direct disturbance.

Direct disturbance to the earthen trail along the proposed watermain corridor will be

limited and temporary in nature, with post-installation vegetation conditions expected to

be very similar or identical in appearance to pre-disturbance conditions. Vegetation

removals will be limited to species characteristic of disturbed areas (several of which are

non-native and/or aggressive in nature) detailed in Section 4.2 above.

With these considerations, it expected that there will be no negative impact to Significant

Woodland or potential Non-Provincially Significant Wetland as a result of the proposed

works, provided that conformance is demonstrated for environmental considerations and

mitigation described below (Section 8).

7.2 Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat

No woody vegetation removals will occur as a result of the proposed watermain

installation (including large snags and/or mature trees in the early stages of decay), and

thus no direct disturbance to potential Candidate Bat Maternity Colony Habitat is

expected. Provided that conformance is demonstrated for environmental considerations

and mitigation described below (Section 8), no direct or indirect negative impacts to this

candidate SWH type are expected as a result of the watermain installation.

During the course of the field program for the EIS at 70 Pioneer Trail (Azimuth, 2017),

presence of Eastern Wood-pewee (Special Concern) and Wood Thrush (Special Concern)

was confirmed. These species should be assumed to be present elsewhere within the

contiguous woodland feature (i.e. the watermain corridor), and therefore the forested

lands adjacent to the watermain corridor are considered to provide Candidate Habitat for

Rare and Special Concern Species.

The Eastern Wood-pewee lives in the mid-canopy layer of forest clearings and edges of

deciduous and mixed forests (MNRF, 2015), and the Wood Thrush lives in mature

deciduous and mixed (conifer-deciduous) forests (MNRF, 2015). No woody vegetation

removals will occur as a result of the proposed watermain installation, and thus no direct

disturbance to candidate SWH is expected. Provided that conformance is demonstrated

for environmental considerations and mitigation described below (Section 8), no direct or

indirect negative impacts to this candidate SWH type are expected as a result of the

watermain installation.

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7.3 Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species

Impacts with regards to the ESA and Habitat of Threatened or Endangered Species are

covered under Section 9 and 10 of the ESA. Section 9 deals directly with killing,

harming, or harassing living members of a species while Section 10 covers destruction or

damage to habitat of Threatened or Endangered species. The following Threatened and

Endangered species have the potential to occur within adjacent lands:

Little Brown Myotis (Endangered)

Northern Myotis (Endangered)

Tri-colored Bat (Endangered)

As discussed above, no woody vegetation removals will occur as a result of the proposed

watermain installation (including large snags and/or mature trees in the early stages of

decay), and thus no direct disturbance to potential bat habitats is expected. Provided that

conformance is demonstrated for environmental considerations and mitigation described

below (Section 8), no direct or indirect negative impacts to these species are expected as

a result of the watermain installation.

The following Endangered floral species was confirmed on lands adjacent to the

watermain corridor within its 25 m critical habitat buffer:

Butternut (Endangered)

Upon identification correspondence took place with MNRF to discuss an acceptable

strategy for proceeding with the proposed watermain installation without killing or

harming individual Butternut trees or disturbing critical habitat buffer zones to avoid

contravention of Section 9 and 10 of the ESA. It was agreed during this correspondence

that microtunnelling/directional drilling of the watermain within 25m of Category 2 or

Category 3 (“retainable” or “archivable”) trees was an acceptable strategy for avoiding

contravention of the ESA, pending a Butternut Health Assessment. Category 1 (“non-

retainable”) Butternut trees are not afforded protection under the ESA and therefore there

is no requirement for microtunnelling/directional drilling within 25m of these trees.

Attachment 3 contains a correspondence record with MNRF confirming the above

rationale as an acceptable evaluation strategy.

A Butternut Health Assessment was conducted by Daniel Stuart (certified Butternut

Health Assessor #609) for all four trees on June 20, 2017, at which time three (3)

Butternut trees were evaluated to be Category 1 (“non-retainable”) or dead. One (1)

Butternut tree (depicted in Figure 1) was evaluated to be Category 3 (“archivable”) and

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therefore is protected under the ESA. Following this assessment, correspondence took

place with MNRF (see Attachment 3) to confirm that should microtunneling/directional

drilling take place for the section of the watermain corridor within 25 m of the Category 3

tree (Figure 1), there is no expectation that a contravention of the ESA would occur as a

result of the proposed works. The site plan (Attachment 1) was revised to reflect this

agreement, and as a result there will be no negative impact to Butternut trees protected

under the ESA or their critical habitat buffer zones as a result of the proposed works.

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Species at Risk

It should be noted that the absence of a protected species within the property does not

indicate that they will never occur within the area. Given the dynamic character of the

natural environment, there is a constant variation in habitat use. Care should be taken in

the interpretation of presence of species of concern including those listed under the ESA.

Changes to policy, or the natural environment, could result in shifts, removal, or addition

of new areas to the list of areas currently considered candidate Significant Natural

Heritage Features. This report is intended as a point in time assessment of the potential

to impact SAR; not to provide long term „clearance‟ for SAR. While there is no

expectation that the assessment should change significantly, it is the responsibility of the

proponent to ensure that they are not in contravention of the ESA at the time that site

works are undertaken. A review of the assessment provided in this report by a qualified

person should be sufficient to provide appropriate advice at the time of the onset of future

site works.

8.2 Worker Training

Worker training would assist the on-site workers in the identification of the SAR with

potential to occur in the area. Workers should be instructed to stop work immediately

and contact the local MNRF office immediately if any SAR are encountered within the

work area. Individuals working on site should ensure that SAR are not harmed during

construction or killed by heavy machinery, vehicles or other equipment.

The contractor should seek to ensure that all personnel are educated to ensure that, if

identified, the SAR are not wantonly injured or killed, and to ensure that damage to

features which could constitute habitat is avoided. Information conveyed through this

education should include:

Species habitat and identification;

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Requirements under the ESA including avoidance of harm to the species and

damage to relevant habitat;

Appropriate action to take if the species is encountered;

How to record sightings and encounters; and

That care should be taken when undertaking construction activities in order to

avoid harming the species or damaging/destroying habitat.

The expert should be a qualified biologist who specializes in ecology/biology, or SAR.

8.3 Migratory Breeding Birds

Activities involving the removal of vegetation should be restricted from occurring during

the breeding season. Migratory birds, nests, and eggs are protected by the Migratory

Birds Convention Act, 1994 and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.

Environment Canada outlines dates when activities in any region have potential to impact

nests at the Environment Canada Website (http://www.ec.gc.ca/paom-

itmb/default.asp?lang=En&n=4F39A78F-1#_03). In Zones C1 and C2 vegetation

clearing should be avoided between April 1st through August 31st of any given year. If

work requires that vegetation clearing is required between these dates screening by an

ecologist with knowledge of bird species present in the area could be undertaken within

48 hours of initial vegetation clearance within a given area to ensure that the vegetation

has been confirmed to be free of nests prior to clearing. Should vegetation clearance

activities pause within the given area for more than 48 hours, an additional screening by

an ecologist should occur to ensure new nest establishment has not occurred.

8.4 Operations

Diligent application of sediment and erosion controls should be installed prior to all

construction activities along the watermain corridor limits, with particular emphasis

portions of the work area adjacent to wetland units (SWC1; Figure 1) to alleviate the risk

of sediment entering adjacent wetlands during construction. A double sediment control

fence with hay bales between should be installed at the limit of the work area to prevent

the accidental intrusion of machinery operations into adjacent undisturbed natural areas.

All maintenance activities required during future construction should be conducted 30m

away from confirmed or potential wetland or groundwater discharge features to prevent

accidental spillage of deleterious substances that may harm natural environments.

Snow fencing or equivalent should be installed at the limit of the work area to prevent the

accidental intrusion of machinery operations into adjacent undisturbed natural areas.

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8.5 Vegetation Mitigation and Compensation

An appropriate vegetation mitigation and compensation strategy should be undertaken to

the degree necessary to mitigate impacts to vegetation associated with the watermain

installation, as follows:

A Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan should be prepared at the Site Plan

control stage to assess potential impacts to nearby trees (e.g. impacts to root zone)

and provide management recommendations.

Although works will be limited to the limits of the earthen pathway (i.e. trail), a

restoration plan should prepared and implemented should any vegetated area be

inadvertently disturbed beyond the pathway limits during project works.

9.0 CONCLUSIONS

Based upon our analysis, it is concluded that the environmental conditions within the

study area are not limiting to the implementation of proposed development to proceed

through incorporation of the environmental protection measures and criteria as described

throughout this EIS addendum. This addendum letter relies on information collected for

and presented in the EIS prepared for 70 Pioneer Trail (Azimuth, 2017), and as such it

should be read in conjunction with that report and the supporting documentation.

Our findings are summarized as follows:

1. The proposed watermain installation is consistent with the policies of the

Provincial Policy Statement, ESA, Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, City of Barrie

Official Plan, and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority O. Reg. 179/06.

Natural Heritage Resources identified by the City of Barrie will not be negatively

affected by the proposed watermain installation.

2. Our impact assessment has given full consideration to the habitat requirements of

all SAR assumed and documented to occur in the area and results indicate the

proposed development will not result in negative direct or indirect impacts to

habitat of SAR providing conformance is demonstrated to mitigation measures

described in Section 8.

3. The proposed development will not negatively impact the ecological functions of

SNHF or candidate SWH outlined in Section 5 if the appropriate mitigation

measures described in Section 8 are followed.

AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 15

10.0 CLOSURE

We trust the information provided will be sufficient to meet the requirements of the Lake

Simcoe Region Conservation Authority for the property. We request that the information

outlined herein be considered in conjunction with reports and background information

submitted to date. If you have any questions regarding this project please do not hesitate

to contact the undersigned.

Yours truly,

AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC.

Dan Stuart, H.B.Sc.

Terrestrial Ecologist

Attached:

Figure 1

Attachment 1: Proposed Works

Attachment 2: LSRCA Correspondence

Attachment 3: MNRF Correspondence Record

FOC4

FOD5

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ML

FOC1

4/Dead

3

2

1

SWC1

SWC1

DATE ISSUED:

CREATED BY:

PROJECT NO.:

REFERENCE:DAYSTAMP:

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Figure No.

ONSULTING, INC.ZIMUTHA ENVIRONMENTAL

LEGEND:

M:\15 Projects\15-010 70 Pioneer Trail EIS\04.0 - Drafting\15-010.dwg First Base Solutions

15-010

JLM

June 2017

1

Environmental Features

70 Pioneer Trail,

Barrie, ON

Approx. Study Area

Category 3 Butternut Locations

Vegetation Communities

Fresh-Moist White Cedar Coniferous ForestFOC4

Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous ForestFOD5

Maintained LandsML

Dry-Fresh Pine Coniferous ForestFOC1

Watermain Corridor

Category 1 Butternut Locations

Mineral White Cedar Coniferous SwampSWC1

Attachment 1

Proposed Works

Attachment 2

LSRCA Correspondence

Sent by E-mail: kathy.brislin@barrie.ca November 13, 2017

File No: D08-OPA59 andD14-1613 IMS File No: POFG216C4 and PZOA731

Ms. Kathy Brislin Senior Planner Planning Services City of Barrie 70 Collier Street, Box 400 Barrie, ON L4M 4T5 Dear Ms. Brislin: Re: Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment 70 Pioneer Trail City of Barrie Further to our letter of February 15, 2017, we have completed our review of the latest technical submission and provide the following comments. NATURAL HERITAGE The following natural heritage comments are numbered in accordance with LSRCA correspondence dated January 16, 2017. Comment 1. Addressed. Comment 2. Addressed. Comment 3. Addressed. Comment 4. This comment requested that a feature-based water balance be prepared for the property. The

EIS has been updated to provide additional detail and assessment and has determined that the woodland feature would not be significantly impacted from a hydrological perspective. Comments with respect to the water balance review will be provided under separate cover.

Comment 5. Addressed. Comment 6. Addressed. Comment 7. Addressed. New Comment – the proposed watermain was not contemplated in the EIS. All mitigation measures as identified in Section 8.0 of the EIS should be implemented. In particular, the following Plans and Strategies should be required at detailed design:

1. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 2. Boundary Tree Inventory and Protection Plan

Page 2 of 3

3. Edge Management Plan 4. Buffer (Vegetation Protection Zone) Restoration/Enhancement Plan 5. Ecological Offsetting Strategy

The LSRCA has also reviewed the “Addendum to the EIS, Proposed Watermain for 70 Pioneer Trail”, prepared by Azimuth Environmental Consulting (August 30, 2017). Please note: this Addendum is specific to the watermain installation proposed through the property to the south-west of 70 Pioneer Trail. Based on our review of the Addendum document, we provide the following comments: Comment A Additional information regarding the staging and installation of the proposed watermain is

required and must include:

drawings that show the area of disturbance, including the areas where excavated materials will be placed

dewatering strategy for areas where trenching is proposed

full set of engineering drawings showing cross sections

Comment B It is LSRCA’s preference that directional boring be used to install the watermain near the

wetland at the north end of the study area as well to minimize disturbance to soil and vegetation.

Comment C To avoid any contravention of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, work should be completed

outside of the general nesting window of April 1 – August 31. If work must be completed inside this window, a search for any evidence of nesting on the ground or in the area of disturbance should be completed by a qualified ecologist within 48 hours prior to any work commencing. If nesting is confirmed, appropriate buffers should be established.

Comment D A Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan will be required to assess potential impacts to nearby trees (e.g. impacts to root zone) and provide management recommendations.

Comment E A restoration plan will be required for any disturbed areas.

Comment F Please provide details regarding any future access planned to allow for maintenance of this

watermain or to maintain a trail.

Comment G Please note that the area where the watermain is proposed is partially governed by Ontario

Regulation 179/06 under the Conservation Authorities Act and a permit will be required from LSRCA prior to any work being undertaken.

Page 3 of 3

ENGINEERING The following engineering comments are numbered in accordance with LSRCA correspondence dated February 15, 2017 Comment 1. Addressed Comment 2. Addressed. Comment 3. Addressed. Comment 4. Addressed. Comment 5. Addressed. Comment 6. Not addressed. Please demonstrate the sizing of the proposed infiltration gallery as per the

MOE manual Please use the MOE equations. Page 1 of 2 HYDROGEOLOGY Our review of the hydrogeological report is currently underway, comments to this regard will be provided under separate cover. Should you have any questions concerning the comments above, please contact:

Kate Lillie, Natural Heritage Ecologist (k.lillie@lsrca.on.ca) Steve Troan, Engineering Technologist (s.troan@lsrca.on.ca)

Sincerely,

Melinda Bessey, MSc, MCIP, RPP Development Planner c. Brandi Clement, Jones Consulting (email only) S:\Planning and Development Services\Planning Act\Planning Act Applications\Barrie\426223 70 Pioneer Trail\Planning\11-13-2017 POFG216 PZOA731 D08-OPA59 70 Pioneer Trail cmts4.docx

Attachment 3

MNRF Correspondence Record

1

Dan Stuart

From: Shirley, Brent (MNRF) [brent.shirley@ontario.ca]Sent: June-23-17 11:12 AMTo: Dan StuartSubject: RE: Butternut Health Assessment Report - Pioneer Trail Watermain Looping, City of Barrie

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the extra information. I have no concerns with the proposed works.

Best Regards,

Brent

From: Dan Stuart [mailto:dstuart@azimuthenvironmental.com]

Sent: June-23-17 9:26 AM

To: Shirley, Brent (MNRF) Subject: RE: Butternut Health Assessment Report - Pioneer Trail Watermain Looping, City of Barrie

Hi Brent,

Thanks for the confirmation.

Directional drilling will be to a depth of 2.0-3.5 metres below the existing ground level. All work will occur within the

limits of the existing earthen footpath. Where open cut work is planned (outside of the 25 metre buffer from Butternut

#2), a trench box will be used to stay within the limits of the pathway. As such, no tree removal will result from the

watermain installation.

Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Regards,

Dan Stuart

Terrestrial Ecologist Azimuth Environmental Consulting, Inc 642 Welham Road Barrie, ON, L4N 9A1 ph: (705) 721-8451 ext 208 cell: (705) 794-0975 dstuart@azimuthenvironmental.com www.azimuthenvironmental.com Providing services in hydrogeology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology & environmental engineering

From: Shirley, Brent (MNRF) [mailto:brent.shirley@ontario.ca] Sent: June-22-17 1:58 PM

To: Dan Stuart

Subject: RE: Butternut Health Assessment Report - Pioneer Trail Watermain Looping, City of Barrie

Hi Dan,

2

Your proposed mitigation will avoid any contravention of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Thanks for encouraging

your client to avoid impacting the Butternut through the use of microtunnelling / directional drilling.

How deep is the directional drilling and is there any tree removal involved in the proposed works?

Best Regards,

Brent Shirley A/ Management Biologist

Midhurst District Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry

2284 Nursery Rd

Midhurst, ON

L0L 1X0

Phone- 705-725-7547

Fax- 705-725-7584 From: Dan Stuart [mailto:dstuart@azimuthenvironmental.com]

Sent: June-21-17 3:41 PM To: Shirley, Brent (MNRF)

Subject: Butternut Health Assessment Report - Pioneer Trail Watermain Looping, City of Barrie

Good afternoon Brent,

Please see the attached Butternut Health Assessment Report for trees adjacent to the proposed watermain installation

between Pioneer Trail and Loyalist Court in the City of Barrie. An updated figure of surrounding natural features, and

current site plan are also attached for your reference.

As previously discussed, our client has been exploring options for microtunnelling/directional drilling as a means of

avoiding impacts to Category 2 and/or Category 3 Butternut adjacent to the work area, an existing earthen pathway.

As per the attached Butternut Health Assessment, the tree of most concern due to the need for open pit work within 25

metres of the tree (Butternut #4), has since died and partially fallen over (i.e. Category 1/non-retainable). Of the four

trees assessed, three were evaluated to be Category 1, and one tree adjacent to the pathway was evaluated to be

Category 3.

Pending your review of the attached, please confirm that it is appropriate for our client to adjust the attached site plan

to conduct microtunnelling/directional drilling within 25 metres of Butternut #2 only, and open pit/open cut work

elsewhere, as there is no expectation that directional drilling/microtunnelling within 25 metres of the Category 3 tree

(Butternut #2) will result in a contravention of the ESA.

Should you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

Regards,

Dan Stuart

Terrestrial Ecologist Azimuth Environmental Consulting, Inc 642 Welham Road Barrie, ON, L4N 9A1 ph: (705) 721-8451 ext 208

3

cell: (705) 794-0975 dstuart@azimuthenvironmental.com www.azimuthenvironmental.com Providing services in hydrogeology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology & environmental engineering

1

Dan Stuart

From: Dan StuartSent: April-11-17 11:48 AMTo: 'Findlay, Graham (MNRF)'; 'Robinson, Suzanne (MNRF)'Cc: 'Shirley, Brent (MNRF)'Subject: 70 Pioneer Trail, City of Barrie - Butternut Adjacent to Proposed Watermain LoopingAttachments: Watermain Looping - 70 Pioneer - FER-15101-BASE-REV-4 PP-1 (1).pdf; Watermain

Looping - 70 Pioneer - FER-15101-BASE-REV-4 PP-2 (1).pdf; 70 Pioneer - Natural Features -Watermain Looping.pdf

Good morning Graham & Suzanne,

Azimuth was in communication with MNRF in 2015 about Species at Risk for a property located at 70 Pioneer Trail in the

City of Barrie. Since that time our client has reached an agreement with the City of Barrie to also install a watermain

looping between Pioneer Trail and Loyalist Court just west of the proposed development area. The watermain route

was chosen to be installed along an existing earthen footpath that travels through an area of deciduous and coniferous

forest (Environmental Protection lands as per City of Barrie Official Plan). Vegetation removal associated with this

installation would consist of a minimal amount of cultural/anthropogenic grasses and forbs along the earthen path’s

fringes, and would not involve the removal of herbaceous ground forbs characteristic of forest communities, or any

woody stems. The attached figure and preliminary design provide a concept of the proposed watermain in the context

of surrounding natural heritage features.

Azimuth conducted a screening of the proposed watermain route during winter 2017 and noted that four (4) Butternut

(3 mature, 1 sapling) were located within 50 metres of the pathway (see figure).

Our client has indicated that they wish to accomplish the watermain looping without subjecting any of the four

Butternut stems to “harm” as per the ESA definition, and thus avoid an ESA Registration and compensation if possible.

Based on Azimuth’s previous experience with watermain projects, we understand that this can be accomplished with a

microtunnelling/directional drilling technique within the critical habitat zone for Butternut trees (we are assuming 50

metres from each stem). Our client has proposed using an open cut technique with appropriate mitigation along the

pathway outside of the 50 metre buffer, and using microtunnelling/directional drilling within the 50 metre buffer.

Engineering constrains, however would require a small open cut trench to be created within the 50 metre buffer to tie

in the northern end of watermain looping with the existing watermain on Pioneer Trail (see attached design drawing).

Note that post-installation conditions will return the land use to a public pathway and intend to match existing site

conditions along the path.

We are asking that MNRF please comment and/or confirm that the above strategy could be put into place and not be

considered “harm” to the four Butternut stems identified adjacent to the earthen pathway (see attached figure). I am

happy to discuss this further with you over the phone, or through an office and/or site meeting. We are seeking written

confirmation/recommendations from MNRF for resolving this situation, and intent to append the resulting

correspondence to our Environmental Impact Study Addendum that addresses natural heritage features and functions

surrounding the proposed watermain.

Best regards,

Dan Stuart

Terrestrial Ecologist Azimuth Environmental Consulting, Inc 642 Welham Road Barrie, ON, L4N 9A1 ph: (705) 721-8451 ext 208