Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Watershed Management Plan Presented By: Jason Cole, M.Sc., P.Geo Rob Frizzell, M.Sc., P.Geo Municipality of Clarington Council Monday January 23, 2012

2  What 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

3 Lake Ontario Tooley Creek Robinson Creek

4  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

5  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

6  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

7 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. 8  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 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

10  Watershed Management Plan was approved by CLOCA Board on Tuesday January 17,  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

11 QUESTIONS? Presented by: Jason Cole and Rob Frizzell AECOM 300 Town Centre Blvd Markham, ON L3R 5Z6