Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Watershed Management Plan

Presented By:Jason Cole, M.Sc., P.GeoRob Frizzell, M.Sc., P.Geo

Municipality of Clarington Council Monday January 23, 2012

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Watershed PlansWhat is a watershed plan?

A management document that lays the framework for protecting and enhancing the natural environment, while guiding development within the watershed

Recommendations are based on scientific studies and community input

Durham Region and Clarington Official Plans include policies that recognize the importance of watershed planning

As part of the OP Review Clarington has undertaken this study

• Will form the basis for the Courtice Employment Lands Secondary Plan

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Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Watersheds

Lake Ontario

Tooley CreekRobinson Creek

The Watershed Planning Process

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Establish Existing Conditions

• Groundwater Quantity/Quality

• Surface Water Quantity/Quality

• Aquatic Species and Habitat

• Terrestrial Natural Heritage

• Land-use (Current and Future)

Identify

• How the Watershed Functions

• Opportunities for Improvement

Characterize the Watershed Set Targets and Evaluate Management Alternatives

Develop a Watershed Management Plan

Based on Existing Conditions and the Preferred Management Alternative

Specific Recommendations to Guide Development and Preserve the Natural Environment

Set Natural Environment Targets

Natural Heritage System

• Based on existing natural environment features

• Enhancement scenarios based on CLOCA model

Water Budget• Based on methods used for Source

Water Protection Studies

Imperviousness• Based on current and future land-use

Management Alternatives• Environmental Constraints

Robinson Creek Watershed

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Land-use dominated by urban residential and agriculture, with limited remaining natural environment features

Headwaters located north of Bloor Street

Creek primarily supported by surface water runoff

Natural environment features concentrated along riparian corridors and in wetland area north of Bloor St.

Existing Conditions

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Tooley Creek Watershed

Land-use dominated by urban residential and agriculture, with limited remaining natural environment features

Headwaters located north of Hwy 2 in Maple Grove Wetland PSW

Creek south of Hwy 2 primarily supported by surface water runoff

Natural environment features concentrated along riparian corridors and in Maple Grove Wetland

Existing Conditions

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Management Alternatives - Environmental Constraints

Natural Heritage System

Based on existing natural environment features and targeted enhancements

Includes Environmental Protection for a Natural Heritage System

Water Budget

Defined High Volume Recharge Areas (HVRA)

Maintain pre-development infiltration rates post-development in HVRAs

Impervious Surfaces

Enhanced stormwater control measures

Minimize runoff using new and existing technologies

Management Recommendations are made based on Existing Conditions and the Environmental Constraints.

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The Watershed Management Plan

Set Management Goals

Set Objectives to meet the Goals

Identify Management Actions to achieve the Goals and Objectives Regulation and Policy Education and Stewardship Land Dedication and Acquisition Monitoring

GOAL – To Maintain and Enhance the Health, Quality, and Functionality of the Ecosystem

Example Management ActionTerrestrial Natural Heritage

Regulation and Policy

Define and Protect a Natural Heritage System within the Official Plan

Minimize the Impact of Development on Natural Heritage System

• An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will be required for development approval.

Negotiate Net Gains

Education and Stewardship – Support programs that increase

natural cover, forest cover, and riparian vegetation

Land Dedication and Acquisition – Focus on NHS Lands

Monitoring – To determine if objective is having desired effect

Objective – Protect and Enhance the Natural Heritage System

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Next Steps Watershed Management Plan was

approved by CLOCA Board on Tuesday January 17, 2012.

Watershed Management Plan is provided to Municipality of Clarington Council to be referred to Staff for consideration during the OP Review process.

The Watershed Management Plan will be used as the basis for development of Secondary Plans

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QUESTIONS?

Presented by: Jason Cole and Rob Frizzell

AECOM300 Town Centre Blvd

Markham, ON

L3R 5Z6