2009 TRCA Partnered Projects

2009 - Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Partnered Projects (aka The Good News!)

Urban Forest Strategy Update
• An Urban Forest Strategy is a long-term plan that is used to develop policies to maintain and increase the City’s Urban Forest. Mitigating climate change and urban heat island effects, improving air quality, or restoring natural areas or reducing flooding, or decreasing community energy use are some of the benefits a healthy urban forest provide.
Currently field staff are in the process of the Urban Forest Study to determine the state of the existing forest before sending the data for analysis. The field staff are pleased to report that the large majority of residents are very supportive of the study; many have been eager to discuss urban forestry and other conservation issues.
The technical report of the study, plus the City’s goals and objectives will form the recommendations and final strategic plan.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Pool Gets A 3 Million Dollar Makeover
• The facility will include a new aquatic Splashpad feature. The new swimming pool will provide an interactive swimming experience and accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. Both facilities will use green technologies including energy efficient components and water conservation techniques. The project also covers renovations to washrooms, landscaping and snack bar.
The $2,000,000 infrastructure initiative by the Federal and Provincal governments will ensure that Petticoat Creek Conservation Area will remain a popular summer retreat for families for years to come. Construction to start fall of 2009, completed for the 2010 swimming season.

Western Gateway Project - Waterfront Trail
• Many thanks to fellow board members on the TRCA, TRCA staff, and our City Staff, in the successful negotiation with Waterfront Toronto in upholding a cost sharing agreement from the late 70’s to move forward with the Western Gateway project. Reconstruction of the waterfront trail from the Rouge River to Bella Vista Drive commenced in early July. The area north of the CN rail line, up to Dyson Road has been completed. The contractor has maintained access to the trail via temporary detours. The existing pedestrian bridge south of the rail line will be removed to allow for the construction of a new bridge and lookout. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2009.

Altona Forest Amphibian Pond Project Wins Award
• A joint effort by the TRCA, Toronto Zoo and Altona Forest Stewardship Committee received the Dr. J. Murray Speirs Restoration Award from the Region of Durham by creating a new pond deep enough to sustain more diverse species such as the American toad, grey treefrog and green frog which haven't been seen or heard in the forest for many years. A frog monitoring program is underway in partnership with the Toronto Zoo.

Frenchman’s Bay Harbour Entrance
• Improving the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance was identified as a priority project in the City of Pickering’s 5 Year Implementation Plan for the Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman’s Bay. In partnership with a Community Liason Committe, the TRCA on behalf of the City of Pickering has completed the Environmental Study Report (ESR) and a recommended design. It is now placed in the public record for review.
The ESR is available for review on the City of Pickering’s and TRCA’s websites: www.cityofpickering.com and www.trca.on.ca and at the following locations: City of Pickering, Clerk’s Office and Petticoat Creek Branch Library. Comment period until Friday, Oct 2, 2009.

Petticoat Creek Watershed Study
• The last watershed in Pickering to finally getting it’s own watershed action plan. A public meeting was held on June 23 where residents were able to learn about the watershed and action plan being developed as well as share their experiences, concerns and ideas for the future of the watershed. To provide input contact Andréa Dubé-Goss, 416-661-6600 ext. 5663 or adube-goss@trca.on.ca