Spring 2003

www.trca.on.ca

The first meeting of the Don Watershed Task Force was held in October 1992,

which produced the Task Force's internationally acclaimed Forty Steps to a New

Don, setting out a vision for a cleaner, healthier watershed in May 1994. The two

Don watershed report cards, Turning the Corner (launched in May 1997), and A

Time for Bold Steps (launched in October 2000), identified how we're going to

achieve this vision.

In the past, and in particular over the last ten years, we have seen our neighbours,

governments and businesses work together to take responsibility for a healthier

Don. We are encouraged by the successes of everyone who shares this vision of

a revitalized Don and who participates through their dedicated effort to make the

River better.

The Don Watershed Regeneration Council invites everyone to celebrate the

Council's successes in its first ten years at special events during 2003. There will

be an open house celebration on Sunday September 14th, 2003 at the Don

Valley Brick Works. Mark your calendar and plan to attend!

This ten-year anniversary of the formation of the Don Watershed Task Force and

the Don Watershed Regeneration Council provides us with an opportunity to say

thank you to everyone who shares our vision and has helped us realize it.

If you wish to volunteer at the open house, host a display, or sponsor part of the

celebration, please contact Amy Thurston by email at athurston@trca.on.ca or

phone at 416-661-6600, extension 5283.

TIME TO CELEBRATE TEN YEARS "ON THE DON"

Apartments have replaced the house on Pailton Crescent. The Dominion

Coal silos on Mt. Pleasant and Merton have been torn down.

I am encouraged by the successes of everyone who has worked to revitalize

the Don River, particularly over the past ten years. The fact that so many

people care about something that I care about means a great deal to me.

Thank you for your efforts and keep up the good work.

By Don Cross

The Don Valley Brick Works

REFLECTIONS IN THE WATER

What does the Don mean to you? Tell us your story!

Please share your ideas, stories, memories, photos, artwork and poems on what

the Don River means to you. Send us your submission before June 30th for inclusion

in the 10th Anniversary open house scheduled for Sunday September 14th at the

Don Valley Brick Works. Written submissions should be no more than 150-250

words long. Please send duplicate copies (of stories, memories, photos, artwork

and poems) as submissions cannot be returned! Send your entries to the attention

of Amy Thurston at athurston@trca.on.ca or by mail to Toronto and Region

Conservation, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario, M3N 1S4.

To help get your thoughts flowing, here is one Don Council member's account on

what the Don means to him:

I have lived on the Don for the better part of my life.

In the late 1940’s I lived in a brick house on Pailton Crescent, just north of

Merton Street. Mud Creek, now one of the lost rivers in North Toronto, ran just

east of our backyard toward a culvert under Mount Pleasant and Merton. I

am told (I was about two years old at the time) that we rescued a turtle from

our back porch and placed it back in Mud Creek.

In the mid 1950’s we moved to Rosedale, just across from Chorley Park. I

used to explore the Mud Creek ravine behind “Government House”, formerly

the Lieutenant Governor's Residence. I can remember standing on the rim of

the deep pit that was the Toronto Brick Works watching the trucks. I can still

remember finding a spring at the foot of the Chorley Park ravine and putting

my hand into the cool clear water. I watched “Government House” being

torn down in 1959.

In the early 1970’s, I settled into my own home on Castlefield Avenue in

North Toronto (near the lost Mud Creek). Now I live on Glenview Avenue

near Burke Brook.

My great grandparents are buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. I have been told

that the burial plot was selected because it overlooked the pond on Yellow

Creek just east of Yonge Street and my great grandfather would have liked

the view. I have an old postcard of the pond before it was filled in. Photography by Rosemary Hasner © Toronto and Region Conservation (unless otherwise noted).

Volume 10 No. 2

On the Don

www.trca.on.ca

TOWARD A HEALTHY DON

Consider the following facts:The City of Toronto provides treated tap water from four water treatment plants

on the shores of Lake Ontario, not only to the businesses and residents in

Toronto, but also to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill in York Region. At the

other end of the system the wastewater, or sewage, from Toronto is treated at our

wastewater treatment plants before it is returned to Lake Ontario. The current

water rate pays completely for the operation and maintenance of both the water

and sewer systems. Contrary to popular belief, no property tax money is used for

these activities.

Where does our water rate stand on an international scale? In a recent report

produced by Pollution Probe, the average price of water in Canada (60 cents per

1,000 litres in 2001) ranks 12th on the International scale. Considering water is

such a precious resource, it's difficult to believe that we pay so little, especially

when compared to cola that costs an average of $850.00 per 1,000 litres.

In comparison to our 12th place ranking for price, Canada is ranked second

highest in domestic water consumption – behind the United States. Thus, we

consume more than most other countries and yet, pay the least for it.

Unfortunately, a great amount of the water treated for drinking isn't even used for

that purpose. 100% of the water transported through the pipe network is treated

to drinking water standards, yet the consumers ingest only about 1%. About 60%

of the tap water is returned through the sanitary sewer system for processing at

our four sewage treatment plants.

The challenges we face:The infrastructure in the plants and throughout the pipe network is aging, and

while the city is nowhere near a crisis, there is a need to drastically increase the

rate of the three R’s (repair, reline or replace) for the underground pipes. A large

portion of the city was built soon after World War II in the 50’s and 60’s and is

now showing signs of old age.

The future:To minimize or avoid borrowing

money to pay for the infrastructure

maintenance and improvements,

we need to build up the city's

water reserves in order to pay for

the increased annual capital

spending. We anticipate increasing

our capital budget from $270

million in 2002 up to nearly $500

million by 2007. Given that our

current revenue from water usage

is $480 million and the operating

budget is $300 million we need

to almost double our annual

water revenues in the next five

years. This will mean almost

doubling the water rate from the

2001 level.

Clearly we need to do the following to ensure water quality from

an ecosystem approach:

1. Link cost of providing water to the actual water rate

2. Proactively replace aging infrastructure before it becomes critical

3. Seek ways to decrease overall water consumption – as the water rate

increases, residents will manage the financial impacts by decreasing their

own usage levels

4. Protect water resources on a watershed basis

Thanks to Mike Price, General Manager, Water and Waste Water Services, City of

Toronto for information contained in this article.

December 2002 marked the signing of the Delivery Agreement for the Environmental

Assessments for the flood protection and naturalization of the lower Don between

TRCA and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC). For over

100 years the mouth of the Don has existed in a straightjacket of concrete and

sheet pile. Now, thanks to the vision of the Don community, and the commitment

of the federal and provincial governments, the City of Toronto and the TWRC,

the Don’s future is much brighter.

On March 5, 2001, Federal Transport Minister David Collenette, Ontario Deputy

Premier and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman

announced the creation of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to

co-ordinate the revitalization of Toronto's 46-kilometre waterfront. Four priority

projects were identified, one of which was the development and assessment of

alternatives to transform the Lower Don and provide flood protection. For the Lower

Don, two Environmental Assessments (EA) will be completed – one will focus on

the flood protection of over 210 hectares of downtown Toronto, west of the

Lower Don River – the other EA will evaluate the best alternative to transform

contaminated industrial lands along the mouth of the Don River into approximately

20 hectares of naturalized wetlands, and will remove over 230 hectares of the

Portlands and Ashbridge's Bay area from the floodplain. Information on the Individual

Environmental Assessment of the naturalization of the Lower Don is still to come.

TRCA staff are working closely with the TWRC and are now in the process of

developing baseline studies and hiring consultants. The naturalization of the mouth

of the Don is an exciting and ambitious restoration project that will integrate flood

protection, naturalization, public access and much more. For more information,

please contact Adele Freeman (Don/Highland Watershed Specialist) at 416-661-6600,

extension 5238.

NOTICE OF INTENT

Lower Don River West – Remedial Flood

Protection Project

Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) has commenced a study to develop

alternatives to provide a remedial solution to eliminate the risk of flooding to

210 hectares of Toronto, west of the Lower Don River and south of Queen

Street. These floodwaters originate from the Lower Don River at spill zone 3,

located in the West Don Lands.

This Class EA component of one of the four priority projects the Toronto

Waterfront Revitalization Corporation was mandated by the Government of

Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto to carry out as part

of the overall renewal of Toronto's waterfront.

TRCA invites you to participate in this study, which is subject to the

Conservation Authority Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood

and Erosion Control Projects approved for this type of undertaking, and the

Environmental Screening Report requirements under the Canadian

Environmental Assessment Act. Your input will be incorporated in the planning

and design process for this project.

If you wish to be involved in this study, or to receive further information, please

contact Adele Freeman (Don/Highland Watershed Specialist) at:

Toronto and Region Conservation

5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON, M3N 1S4

Phone: (416) 661-6600 x 5238

Fax: (416) 661-6898

Email: afreeman@trca.on.ca

Web site: www.trca.on.ca

Subject to comments received as a result of this study and the receipt of

necessary approvals and funding through the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization

Corporation, Toronto and Region Conservation intends to proceed with the

construction of this project.

DO WE PAY ENOUGH FOR OUR TORONTO TAP WATER?

THE MOUTH OF THE DON – A BRIGHTER FUTURE AHEAD

IS IT A BIRD? A PLANE?…SUPERMAN?

How many species of birds can you see?

Use the Birds of the Bartly Smith Greenway

Checklist to keep track.

Birdwatching in the Bartley Smith Greenway

is an enjoyable pastime. Marvel at over 200

species of birds that use this valley corridor

for both breeding and as part of their

migration route.

To order your free copy of Birds of the

Bartly Smith Greenway, please call Greg

Sadowski at 416-661-6600, extension 5668

or email gsadowski@trca.on.ca.

www.trca.on.ca

TOWARD A HEALTHY DON

IDENTIFYING RICHMOND HILL'S RIVERS AND STREAMS

Spring has sprung and so too have 92 watercourse identification signs

in the Town of Richmond Hill.

You will soon discover these signs popping up along local and regional roads all

across the town. These unique signs will identify tributaries of the three watersheds

within Richmond Hill's jurisdiction – the Humber, Don and Rouge Rivers. Of the

92 signs being installed, 39 will be erected in the Don watershed identifying both

the East Don River and German Mills Creek.

The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness of the watercourses flowing through

Richmond Hill and to highlight the need to protect the town's environmental features

and natural areas. The installation of watercourse signs throughout Richmond Hill

is an important and unique environmental initiative and is the first widespread

watercourse identification project of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Projects and Stewardship Team of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council

were delighted to hear about this new initiative by the Town of Richmond Hill and

will be actively encouraging other municipalities to follow Richmond Hill's lead.

Many of the conservation authorities along the moraine have begun developing

natural heritage programs for their watersheds using the ecological land classification

system. The CAMC will be assisting in the coordination of these efforts to ensure

a consistent approach to natural heritage protection along the entire moraine and

to integrate a larger landscape scale vision of the Oak Ridges Moraine with natural

heritage lands off the ORM. The Oak Ridges Moraine is a natural wonder worth

preserving for a healthy future.

THE EAST DON WATERSHED SURVEY By Richard Jarrell, Chair, Markham Conservation Committee

During the winter of 2001/02, John O'Gorman, past chair of the Markham

Conservation Committee (MCC), noted several impediments to the flow of

German Mills and Little German Mills Creek. An on-site inspection by Toronto

and Region Conservation, the Town of Markham and MCC members followed in

the early spring. Richard Jarrell, current chair of MCC, and John O'Gorman

discussed the need for a more comprehensive survey of the problems in the

watershed and obtained the committee's blessing in May 2002. After studying

older maps and aerial photographs, Jarrell and O'Gorman walked the entire

length of all tributaries of the East Don River that fall within Markham's

boundaries, taking digital photographs of all problem sites. Their final report, with

several hundred photographs, maps, descriptions and recommendations, is now

available in browser-readable format on disk and will be made available to MCC,

Council, Markham staff, Toronto and Region Conservation and other interested

parties. To obtain a copy, please send an email to the chair at rjarrell@yorku.ca.

Nine conservation authorities formed the Conservation Authorities Moraine

Coalition (CAMC) in early 2000 with watersheds on the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM).

The nine members of the CAMC are, from west to east: Credit Valley, Nottawasaga

Valley, Toronto and Region, Lake Simcoe Region, Central Lake Ontario, Kawartha,

Ganaraska Region, Otonabee and Lower Trent conservation authorities.

The mission of the CAMC is to advance the science and understanding of the

ORM and to work toward government, agency and community support for the

conservation and protection of the form, function and linkages of the Moraine.

The work of the CAMC to date has been focused in three main areas – policy,

groundwater and natural heritage.

Since its inception the Coalition was fully involved in and supportive of the Tri-

Region (York, Peel, and Durham) policy initiative to protect the ORM. Subsequently,

the CAMC was also an active participant in the provincial policy initiative that

resulted in the ORM Act and Conservation Plan. Currently the CAMC is participating

in three additional related initiatives:

1. the technical review of guidelines that are being prepared by the province to

implement the Moraine Conservation Plan,

2. developing their own proposal to assist municipalities in plan implementation,

and

3. organising a symposium for May 1 to share implementation experiences, case

studies and emerging best practices based on one year of working with the

ORMCP.

The Coalition's hydrogeologist has taken the lead role to coordinate the groundwater

management strategy being undertaken on behalf of the Regional Municipalities

of York, Peel and Durham (YPD). This study, in conjunction with similar studies

being undertaken by conservation authorities and municipalities in the eastern

and northern portions of the ORM, will provide a regional-scale characterization

of the overall groundwater flow system in south-central Ontario. This will set the

context for the local scale studies required by the ORM Conservation Plan such

as wellhead protection, watershed studies and water budgets and conservation

plans, some of which will encompass the headwaters of the Don River and the

Yonge Street aquifer.

Severe erosion on German Mills Creek just north of Steeles Avenue

This spring, along with your crocuses and daffodils, new watercourse

identification signs will be popping up across the Town of Richmond Hill.

CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES MORAINE COALITION (CAMC)By David Burnett, Senior Planner, Oak Ridges Moraine Policy Initiatives

Northern Mocking Bird

Illustration by: Nigel Shaw

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TRASH TALK

TWO NEW PARTNERS IN THE DON TRASH DERBYBy Margaret Buchinger, Don Watershed Regeneration Council Member

Just east of Avenue Road one of the city's many lost rivers opens up to the day-

light between the Sylvan Valleyway apartments (Bedford Glen) and the medical

clinic on Lawrence Avenue. Only a block in length but a treasured oasis for

those walking their dogs, and a quick short cut for the high school kids heading

to Lawrence Park C.I. and commuters to a bus stop. The limited human traffic

means that plants and animals have a fighting chance to establish and even thrive

but with few eyes on the valley it also becomes a convenient dump.

The first clean-up in 1998 produced a small mountain of accumulated trash,

construction materials, appliances, bicycles, furniture and even a Canada Post

mailbox!

Last year, we returned during Earth Week with the North Toronto Green

Community for the second major clean-up. In addition to the usual flotsam and

jetsam, we found new problems, in particular a snow drift of styrofoam packing

pellets from Royal Lighting, and plates, cups and take out containers over the

back fence of Pusateri’s.

The good news is that both Royal Lighting and Pusateri's responded with

genuine concern when contacted about these problems and have cooperated

in developing a solution. Royal Lighting has introduced a new system to bag the

styrofoam by hand and return it directly to the supplier, thus avoiding the

previous breakage and dispersal when the truck compacted the bags. Pusateri’s

has added a garbage can next to the staff picnic table together with a gentle

reminder to use it.

These are small steps but valuable ones in terms of making the business community

aware of the valley in their own back yard and the need to share in protecting

it along with our intrepid volunteers.

www.trca.on.ca

TIME TO TALK DIRTYBy Don Cross, Vice-Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council

There was a time, not so very long ago, when we could be justifiably proud of

our city. Parks, streets and public areas were relatively clear of trash most of the

time, and visitors to the city could be heard to comment on how clean Toronto

looked. How quickly things change. We are hearing more and more about how

dirty Toronto is becoming. So what are we going to do about it?

We all know that the city is under significant financial pressure. It can be debated

what the cause of this is, but for whatever reason, this increase in financial

pressure seems to coincide with a decrease in the cleanliness of the city.

We have to ask ourselves “what can we do?” For example, when was the last

time you took it upon yourself to phone city staff or your councillor to report an

overflowing garbage bin or an obvious dumping of trash on public lands? Have

we become so desensitized to our environment that we fail to take any action

ourselves?

This is a topic of some debate within the Don Council. What should we do to

draw people's attention to this issue? In this newsletter we've included a few short

stories that highlight the issue, outline some successes, and may inspire some

individual creativity and innovation to dealing with the problem of trash.

Please share your ideas with us. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Send your suggestions and success stories to me, c/o Toronto and Region

Conservation, 5 Shoreham Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3N 1S4 for inclusion in

future issues of On the Don. Thanks for your help.

BUTT BEACHBy Nancy Penny, Don Watershed Regeneration Council Member

There is a beautiful park, with two ponds, located at the top end of Taylor/Massey

Creek that forms part of the Don River system. Most of the surface water

drainage to these ponds comes from Highway 401 nearby. From a distance, the

shore of the north pond appears to have a lovely beach. If you take a closer look,

you will soon realize that what you are seeing are millions of sun-bleached

cigarette filters lining the bank. These filters have been washed off Highway 401

and local streets during rainfall events and have found their way to these ponds.

Perhaps we can understand that people who smoke don't want to keep their

cigarette butts in their car, but flicking their butts out the window has great

repercussions. A little bit of common sense and respect for the environment will

go a long way. Using an ashtray and throwing the butts out at home will avoid a

mess that someone else will have to clean up.

Every spring the local school children go out and try to rake up as many of the

cigarette filters as they can, but the butts just keep coming with every rainfall.

This is not the only place that has this problem. Stormwater everywhere is littered

with butts. It is not just the ugliness of the mess that we should be concerned

about. The many toxic chemicals that leach out of cigarette filters should be a

concern. These chemicals find their way into our rivers and lakes and eventually

return to us in our tap water. Water treatment processes aren't capable of

removing these chemicals so it's a problem that everyone needs to be aware of in

order to reduce the damage some smokers are causing by not properly disposing

of their cigarette butts.

So please tell family and friends to leave their butts in ashtrays, write local

newspapers to highlight the issue and volunteer to clean up the cigarette butts in

your area.

Is this the type of beach you want to visit?

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TRASH TALK

Take More Than PicturesWhen entering a park, large or small, many of you have heard the plea, "Take

nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints". Consider going one step further.

Take a plastic bag and collect any small items of trash you find along the paths

you follow. Leave the bag in a park waste receptacle or take it home for your

own waste collection.

Call AheadWhen you organize a clean-up of a ravine or park, whether it involves your family,

your neighbourhood, or a much larger community group, it is your responsibility

to communicate your plans with whatever city department has the equipment

and staff to haul away your accumulated pile(s) of trash. It may be the Parks or

Works Department. Tell them the area in which you will be working. Ask where

they suggest you pile the collected items. After the event, call the appropriate

person and describe exactly what you collected, where the material is located,

how much, and in what form, i.e. bags or loose material.

It's Not All TrashMany of the items collected during a clean-up are recyclable in your local program.

Have each collector use two separate bags for recyclables and trash, assign specific

people to pick up only recyclables, or organize a sorting procedure at the end of

the event. When you call the appropriate person about where the collected items

are located, tell them about the separated recyclables and label these materials

clearly.

Save Money and the EnvironmentDomestic beer bottles and cans are returnable for a deposit. Keep these items

separate from regular items acquired during a clean up. Your group can use the

money. It's much better to have those bottles reused than recycled or worse yet,

treated as garbage. The recycling of beer cans is more efficient than regular can

recycling.

Become Sherlock HolmesTake the time to do a detailed audit of collected material. If there is a lot of paper,

try to find letterheads or addresses to provide clues about the source of these

items. Contact businesses which are careless about their own waste storage and

collection and make positive suggestions. If the materials appear to be waste from

products purchased at local stores, suggest that they provide special waste receptacles

on their property and empty them regularly. Audit results can also be used to help

your volunteers assess their own purchase habits.

Start EarlyIt's never too early to teach children not to litter. It's ugly, it's dangerous to

humans and wildlife, and it's wasteful. Always set a good example for children

and adults alike.

Only a StartIt's a good start but only a start when people stop littering. Lots of people do not

litter and yet are not making really good environmental choices. The more serious

issue of waste reduction cannot be avoided. No waste should be discarded as

litter but also very little waste should have to be put out with the trash.

There's No “Away”People generally recycle some items and are happy when their trash is taken

away. Most have never really thought about where “away” really is. With a few

changes in attitudes and actions we can reduce our need for “away”.

“Biodegradable” Does Not Always Mean

“Good For The Environment”The fact that some items biodegrade is no excuse for throwing them on the

ground, on streets, or in parks and ravines. If wildlife is attracted to these items,

we often complain and then seek ways to kill them. Simply do not provide food.

The worst place to discard biodegradable waste is in rivers and streams. As they

decompose they use valuable oxygen needed by aquatic animals.

www.trca.on.ca

EVERY LITTER HURTS – HELPFUL QUICK SUGGESTIONSBy Janice Palmer, Don Watershed Regeneration Council Member

www.trca.on.ca

AROUND THE WATERSHEDS

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-born illness

that usually has little effect on humans. At the

present time, the risk of catching the disease and

becoming very ill appear to be minimal. Influenza

(the flu), air pollution and motor vehicle collisions

present much greater health risks. The very young,

the elderly and those with weakened immune

systems are most susceptible to the disease, so with

these groups extra care is needed. Most people infected with the virus have

either no symptoms or only mild, flu-like ones, three to 15 days after being

bitten. Severe infections occur in less than one percent of those infected. West

Nile Virus is a public health issue and addressing it is the responsibility of the

local Medical Officer of Health.

A Few Words about Wetlands:Wetlands – marshes, bogs, fens and swamps – are an essential part of the water

cycle and play an important role in ensuring water quality. A healthy wetland is a

balanced ecosystem containing predatory fish, birds, frogs and insects that help

control mosquito populations. The mosquito species found in wetlands tend not

to be the ones that carry the West Nile Virus. Eliminating wetlands will not

eradicate the WNV!

A Few Words about Mosquitoes:There are two mosquito species of great concern for West Nile Virus and,

although some may eventually transmit the virus, most of the remaining 55

species have little to do with the spread of the illness to humans.

Culex pipiens and Culex restuans live in urban areas and, although they prefer

birds, they may bite people. This means that they have the potential to pick up

the virus by biting an infected bird, and that, once infected, they could pass the

virus along to a human. Culex mosquitoes have a flight range limited to less than

one kilometre. This means that the adults are found close to their hatching site.

These mosquitoes usually breed in very sheltered stagnant water and their larvae

are most often found in tires, eaves troughs, rain barrels, birdbaths and other

puddles that last for longer than a week. You can protect yourself by removing

any standing water where mosquitoes might lay their eggs. By creating a natural,

balanced ecosystem in your back yard, you not only protect yourself from

mosquitoes, you will also be able to enjoy birds and other wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus?

• Wear light-coloured, tightly-woven long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors

• Spray clothing with insect repellant containing DEET (apply repellant sparingly

to exposed skin and be sure to follow manufacturers directions)

• Check window and door screens for holes

• Avoid mosquito-prone areas during dawn and dusk – both are times when

mosquitoes are most active

Reduce mosquito breeding grounds:

• Do not allow any water to stand

outside for more than four days

• Recycle or dispose of old tires, plastic

containers and paint cans left outdoors

• Ensure eaves troughs and gutters drain

properly

• Regularly drain and/or replace water

from rain barrels, flower pots, window

boxes, planters, swimming pool covers,

birdbaths and wading pools

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling

bins, trash containers and tire swings

• Cover rain barrels with fine mesh

or screen

• Turn over wheelbarrows, canoes and

plastic wading pools to allow standing

water to drain

• Aerate ornamental ponds using a fountain or keeping insect-eating fish in it

2. I like to go for daily walks through a marsh or wetland area. Should I stop?

Enjoying nature and healthy, active living are important parts of everyone’s lives.

Just as we now know about protecting ourselves from the risks of over-exposure

to the sun, we know there are ways to reduce the risks from mosquitoes. Some of

these are outlined in this article and include wearing protective clothing, using

insect repellant, avoiding mosquito-prone areas at dusk and dawn and keeping

your immune system strong and healthy.

3. I live near a storm water management pond. Am I at risk?

If you drive around most new developments in the GTA you will notice artificial

ponds or rectangular grassed depressions. These are wet and dry stormwater

management ponds. They act to control runoff during storms, helping to prevent

erosion and flooding. In some cases, they filter the water and lockup some of the

harmful substances carried in runoff. Current studies have shown that very few

ponds have significant mosquito breeding sites. This suggests these ponds present

little or no risk to nearby residents. However, the health of the ponds can always

be improved through planting and creating a more natural and inviting

environment for wildlife including mosquito predators.

4. Can't we just spray and get rid of mosquitoes?

Experience has shown that a single solution, such as spraying, does little to solve

the problem in the long run. It may, in fact, create new problems or have serious,

long-term impacts on the environment and on human health. Pesticides can kill

beneficial insects and wildlife. It can also create "pesticide resistance" killing off

the weaker insects and leaving behind the stronger, more pesticide-resistant

individuals who will pass their genes on to the next generations.

5. Does Toronto and Region Conservation support pesticide spraying?

Only as a last resort! TRCA is concerned about the all-around health of the

watersheds. This includes concern for the natural environment but also for water

quality and its impacts on human and ecosystem health. The decision to use any

form of pesticides will be undertaken considering a great number of factors and

will be made by the Medical Officer of Health should circumstances warrant.

TRCA acknowledges that this decision will not be undertaken lightly and would

support careful pesticide application as part of an overall Integrated Pest

Management Program under the guidelines laid out by the Ministry of the

Environment.

For further information about the West Nile Virus contact your

local Health Department.

City of Toronto416-338-7600

www.city.toronto.ca/health/west_nile_index.htm

York Region1-800-361-5653

www.region.york.on.ca

For medical advice please contact you family doctor.

This information is current as of March 2003 and every effort has been made to

ensure accuracy. However, as the West Nile Virus is new to North America and

subject to a variety of environmental influences you should always check with

current sources of information.

WEST NILE VIRUS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

Old tires are ideal mosquito

breeding grounds

Eliminating healthy wetlands will not eradicate the West Nile Virus

www.trca.on.ca

AROUND THE WATERSHEDS

WHAT'S GROWING ON YOUR ROOF?

In 2000, York University, Ryerson University, University of Guelph, Seneca College

and Toronto and Region Conservation, agreed to join forces and form the GREEN

ROOF SYSTEMS CONSORTIUM. The goal of this consortium is to develop and

perform green roof systems research projects that will evaluate, optimize and

demonstrate the combined use of natural systems to control stormwater runoff

quantity and quality, reduce municipal water demands, recycle indoor air and

reduce urban heat island effects.

The existing rooftop garden at the York University Computer Science Building is the

first research site to be selected. An internet-based monitoring system has been

implemented for real time monitoring of all climate and hydrometric parameters.

The system collects, stores and publishes the results through a specially designed Web

site hosted by Seneca College. Stay tuned for more information on this sustainable

environmental solution! The Web site address is www.greenroofsystems.org.

Green Roof at York University

DUFFINS CREEK AND CARRUTHERS CREEK

In 2002, TRCA released the Duffins Creek Marsh Restoration Action Plan and the

Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek State of the Watershed Reports that contain

the assessment of current watershed conditions and issues.

Staff, with input from various task force members and technical experts, continued

to work on various background technical reports in support of developing the final

watershed plan including a Fish Management Plan, Hydrology Report, Wet and

Dry Weather Quality Modeling, Water Budget, Groundwater Study and Agricultural

Non-point Source Modeling of the watershed.

As part of its ongoing Conservation Land Planning exercise, TRCA and the Town

of Ajax initiated a management plan process for the Greenwood Conservation

Area with input from residents, current users and key interest groups. Once

completed, this management plan will guide future uses on these lands that are

owned by TRCA and managed by the Town of Ajax.

Following a technical Peer Review, the watershed plan will be presented to five

local and two regional councils and TRCA members in June 2003. An

“Implementation Committee” will be struck in the fall of 2003 with input from

watershed stakeholders and the municipalities.

TRCA LAUNCHES NEW ENVIRONMENTALVOLUNTEER NETWORK PROGRAM

The Environmental Volunteer Network Program (EVN) is a new partnership

between the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Toronto

and Region Conservation (TRCA), the Ontario Trillium Foundation, several non-

profit environmental groups, and municipal partners.

The goal of the EVN Program is:

• To provide group and individuals access to volunteer work experience

• To provide education, training and contacts in the field of conservation

• To provide environmental organizations with promotion of events, and

increased access to individual and group volunteers

The EVN Program will train and mentor volunteers who are interested in becoming

more involved in conservation activities and provide them with some of the skills

required to work in the environmental field. Opportunities are available for short-

term and long-term, indoors and outdoors, and in a wide variety of program

areas, such as:

• Habitat restoration, community planting, and river valley clean-ups

• Aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs

• Conservation parks maintenance

• Outreach and participation in public education activities

• Representation on stewardship committees and volunteer task forces

• Environmental advocacy activities

Here’s what you can do:1. Check out our Web site at www.trca.on.ca/events/volunteer for a complete

listing of all volunteer opportunities

2. Encourage anyone you know (including new Canadians) to volunteer

3. Volunteer yourself, or make it a family affair!

If you have any questions, please call the Volunteer Network hotline at

416-661-6600, extension 5677 or email volunteer@trca.on.ca.

Duffins Creek Marsh

www.trca.on.ca

HAPPENINGS

SPRING EVENTS10th Annual Paddle the Don

Sunday, May 4th, 9 am - 12 noon

Organized by Toronto Region Conservation, the Wilderness Canoe

Association, and volunteers of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council,

this annual event gives canoeists, nature lovers and friends of the Don

from across Toronto the opportunity to see the Don River watershed from

a different perspective. The ‘Paddle’ begins at Ernest Thompson Seton

Park (park entrance is located west off of Leslie Street, just north of

Eglinton Avenue), and takes canoeists and kayakers through many

challenging rapids and portages to the mouth of the Don River at the

Keating Channel.

A Bird in the Hand

Saturday May 24th, 9 am - 2 pm Langstaff EcoPark, Langstaff Road, east of Keele,

parking lot of south side of Langstaff Road, Vaughan.

Come join a bird banding demonstration hosted by Friends of Bartley Smith

Greenway. Watch demonstrations and techniques used for banding migrating

songbirds. Presenters will also discuss migration, species identification and

things you can do to enhance habitat for birds in your neighbourhood.

For more information on this event or to register, call Greg Sadowski at

416-661-6600, extension 5668.

Killian Lamar Stormwater Pond Opening

Saturday June 7th, 10 am - 2 pmKillian Lamar Pond, Major Mackenzie Drive and McNaughton Road, Vaughan.

Join in to celebrate the opening of this pond in Vaughan. Events include tree

planting and other environmental displays and activities.

Call 416-661-6600, extension 5668 for details.

5th Annual Mill Pond Splash

Sunday June 8th, 12 noon - 4 pmMill Pond Park, Mill Street and Trench Street, Richmond Hill.

Come celebrate Canadian Rivers Day at the headwaters of the Don River!

This years' "Splash" will consist of activities for the whole family to participate

in, including a tree planting, scavenger hunt, bird box building, displays and

activities from various community and environmental groups, a native snakes

show, music, refreshments, entertainment and more! This free, family-

focused event is organized by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council,

Toronto and Region Conservation and the Town of Richmond Hill and helps

to highlight the importance of the protection and regeneration of the Don

River, and the significance of community stewardship.

For more information, please visit our Web site or call Amy at

(416) 661-6600, extension 5283.

Insectmania

Wednesday June 25th, 7 pm - 9 pm Don Valley Brick Works, Toronto, located on Bayview Ave, south of Pottery Road.

Take a hike through the wetlands and meadows of the Don Valley Brickworks.

Search for, identify and learn about insect life. Bring a net if you have one!

To register, or for more details, call our information hotline at 416-661-6600,

extension 5660, or visit our Web site at www.trca.on.ca.

Check out what’s new on our Web site

www.trca.on.ca

NEW FEATURES. MORE INFORMATION.TAKE A HIKE IN YORK REGION!

For more information, please visit our Web site at www.trca.on.ca

Visit us often

to stay current on

environmental news,

local events,

volunteer opportunities

and more!

exciting events

campgrounds

environmental news

volunteer network

project updates

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Kortright Centre for Conservation

conservation areas

The Living City

FAQ’s

media room

take actionNo

w o

n t

he W

eb

Copies of the guide can be downloaded from York Region's

Web site at www.region.york.on.ca.

As part of the Greening of

York Region Strategy, York

Region has published Take

a Hike: Recreation Trails

of York Region. This

comprehensive trail guide

encourages people of all

ages to enjoy the health

benefits of physical

activity and the natural

and cultural heritage of

the many scenic and

diverse trails through-

out the Region.