EAST DON TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Community Liaison - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
EAST DON TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Community Liaison Committing Meeting #2 June 4, 2013 6:30 to 8:30 pm Flemingdon Park Library 2 nd Floor, Meeting Room #1 Agenda 1. Welcome 2. Relevant Planning Initiatives 3. Existing
Community Liaison Committing Meeting #2 June 4, 2013 6:30 to 8:30 pm Flemingdon Park Library – 2nd Floor, Meeting Room #1
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Physical Environment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
On May 30, 2013 members of the CLC and Project Team went on a sitewalk to look at some of the existing conditions that exist within the Study Area.
Location 1 - Anewen Drive We will enter from Anewen Drive and head down to the large erosion scar where we will stop to discuss some of the existing conditions in this area.
Location 2 - Linkwood Lane Park We will park along Linkwood Lane and walk into the park where we have a good view of some of the following existing conditions:
Location 3 - Don Trail System at South end of Study Area Time permitting, we will head down to the south end of the study area and the south connection point.
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions Insert photo Insert photo
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
up of groundwater discharge (baseflow) and land surface runoff
the Don
recharge has been reduced due to impervious surfaces
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
erosion, and reduced water quality as a result of urbanization and lack of modern stormwater management.
stormwater and sanitary sewage regularly
retrofitted within Moccasin Trail Park
to very poor ratings, indicating very substantial organic pollution is likely
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
Vegetation Communities
18 regionally significant (L2&3)
Manitoba Maple Lowland (L5) deciduous forest at 10.5 ha Species - 43 of regional concern (L2 and L3) Non-Native - 40% are non-native, most are invasive
Natural Cover Type Regional Study Area (ha) Local Study Area (ha) Forest 126.7 52 Successional 36.8 9.4 Meadow 28.5 5.8 Wetland 13.9 5.1 Bluffs 4.3 3.3
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
Butternut Manitoba Maple Garlic Mustard Common Reed
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions Regional study area
types Local study area
types: 10 marsh and 5 swamp
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
Habitat
– Based on patch size, shape and matrix influence
providing wildlife corridors and linking habitats
Species
and invasive species
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
grasslands and agriculture lands European Starling Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Wood Pewee
(COSEWIC)
habitat
high reproductive ability, and adaptable to new environments
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
habitat; aquatic ecosystem function is severely impaired
benthic communities
species
Common carp
Blacknose Dace Longnose Dace Creek Chub White Sucker Fathead Minnow Johnny Darter Blacknose Dace Longnose Dace Creek Chub White Sucker Blacknose Dace Longnose Dace Creek Chub White Sucker Common Shiner Fathead Minnow Johnny Darter
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
White Sucker Common Carp Longnose Dace
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
Potential ESA
– potential habitat for Butternut, 19 significant flora species, 6 significant vegetation communities, 1 significant fauna species
– river section provides excellent examples of meandering in the Don River watershed
– 76 L1 to L4 species, 61 vegetation communities, total area 46ha
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
4 Wards: 26 Don Valley West, 29 Toronto-Danforth, 31 Beaches-East York, 34 Don Valley East
36% 2% 25% 4% 5% 12% 5% 24%
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
Surrounding multiuse trails include existing East Don, Gatineau Corridor Trail, Lower Don, Taylor Creek, West Don/Wilket Creek, and Don Mills Extensive network of informal trails already present within local study area
Informal Trails
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Existing Conditions
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Opportunity Statement:
A significant gap in the multi-use trail network exists within the East Don Corridor between Existing East Don Trail (East of Wynford Heights Crescent), Gatineau Corridor Trail (at approximately Bermondsey Drive), and the Don Trail System. The East Don Trail will fill this existing gap in the trail network thus creating a continuous connected trail network. Project Objectives:
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
made
use trail network
Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
additional points will be made or enhanced
that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
current access points
the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Broad Evaluation Criteria Sub Evaluation Criteria
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
made
use trail network
Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
additional points will be made or enhanced
that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
current access points
the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Broad Evaluation Criteria Sub Evaluation Criteria Alternatives To high level impact evaluation
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
made
use trail network
Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
additional points will be made or enhanced
that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
current access points
the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Broad Evaluation Criteria
Sub Evaluation Criteria
Alternatives To high level impact evaluation
− Least Preferred − Intermediate Preferred − Most Preferred − Not Applicable or Unknown
Summary of evaluation
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
made
use trail network
Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
additional points will be made or enhanced
that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
current access points
the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Broad Evaluation Criteria Sub Evaluation Criteria Alternatives To high level impact evaluation Summary of evaluation Overall evaluation for the broad Criteria
Broad Evaluation Criteria Sub Evaluation Criteria Alternatives To high level impact evaluation Summary of evaluation Overall evaluation for the broad Criteria
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
made
use trail network
Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
additional points will be made or enhanced
that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
current access points
the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Provides trail infrastructure for a variety of users within the East Don corridor
be provided
spectrum of users Provides connection with existing and planned adjacent trails and uses
will be made
in the multi use trail network
City of Toronto’s multi use trial system
Trail, Gatineau Corridor Trail, and the Don Trail Provides access for a variety of users into the East Don corridor
no additional points will be made or enhanced
access exists that can be unsafe and limits some users from accessing
enhance current access points
access into the East Don Corridor for a variety of users OVERALL
Value perspective as it meets the majority of criteria for functional value
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Impact on terrestrial species, communities and/or habitats
the area (multiple information trails) is likely impacting terrestrial species, communities and habitats
informal trails and access points can impact habitat fragmentation.
impact
route can focus users on a single route away from more sensitive and steep areas preventing further impact
maintenance vehicles can provide
management of invasive species.
across river and rail line
removed, however tree replacement will provide an
species and replace with native species.
disrupted during construction and use of the area
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Impact on aquatic species, communities and/or habitats (including wetlands, riparian, and river course)
the area (multiple informal trails) is likely impacting aquatic species, communities and habitats
enhancements.
focus users on a single route away from current informal trails near riparian and wetland habitats.
disrupting the aquatic species and riparian habitat
wetland habitat Impact to East Don River geomorphic processes (e.g. flooding, baseflows, slope stability)
the area (multiple informal trails) could be impacting geomorphic processes
degrading
for remediation work
focus users on a single route away from more sensitive and steep areas preventing further impact
entering the East Don River.
compaction and stability
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Impact on identified Species at Risk (SAR), species of concern, and/or potential ESA.
(multiple informal trails) is likely impacting SAR, species of concern, and potential ESR
area, however the number and magnitude of informal trails and access points may be reduced.
tree replacement will provide an opportunity to remove invasive species and replace with native species
SAR Act
habitat of fauna species of concern
users on a single route away from SARs, species
OVERALL
Multi Use Trail Connection options are preferred from the perspective of the Natural and Physical Environment. The Multi Use Trail Connection option is slightly preferred as impacts may
and enhancement to improve the system.
Trail Connection options are preferred from the perspective of the Natural and Physical
however this option provides an opportunity for mitigation, restoration and enhancement to improve the system.
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Impact to current valley lands users
current users
valley lands
the valley lands Impact on surrounding neighborhoods and communities
existing East Don Trail does not connect with adjacent trails
adjacent trail networks
communities and adjacent trails
in communities at access points Impact on Public Safety
valley lands pose safety risk as they are steep and on uneven ground
crossing active rail line
unobstructed terrain
emergency vehicle access and use
identifiers) to identify locations and assist in emergency response.
active transportation and recreational use
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Impact to overall aesthetics of study area
to enjoy aesthetic scenic views within the valley lands
lands Impact on opportunities to access and enjoy natural areas within the City
access for some to enjoy the natural areas within the valley lands
larger spectrum of users, to access and enjoy natural areas within the City Impact to cultural heritage resources, including archeological resources
Stage 1 currently underway
underway OVERALL
is preferred from the Social and Cultural perspective as it will provide recreational
and access), connect adjacent communities and neighborhoods, and increase opportunities to enjoy and appreciate nature.
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Capital cost (cost to design and implement associated works)
associated
this option
Operation and maintenance cost
currently not factored into budget planning, including emergency and maintenance access, and management of informal use.
this option
infrastructure loacated in the valley and maintenance costs. OVERALL
and the Multi Use Trail Connection options are preferred from the Cost
Trail Connection Option will include a cost, however funding has already been
associated that are above and beyond the current budget.
the Multi Use Trail Connection
Cost perspective. The Multi Use Trail Connection Option will include a cost, however funding has already been allocated. The Do Nothing option currently has costs associated that are above and beyond the current budget.
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Geotechnical considerations/feasibility
Utility and infrastructure impacts
utility and park maintenance vehicles and activities in the valley lands
and infrastructure
existing infrastructure and improve others
maintenance vehicles/activities (located within the East Don corridor) Constructability
OVERALL
Trail Connection options are technically
perspective as it will support access for utility and park maintenance activities.
Sub evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Bikeway Trails Implementation Plan
A Healthy Toronto By Design Report: Road to Health: Improving Walking and Cycling in Toronto. April 2012
City of Toronto Walking Strategy
City of Toronto Parks Plan 2013-2017, Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Eglinton Crosstown LRT EA Study
The City of Toronto Official Plan
OVERALL
perspective as it supports a number of current planning initiatives
Evaluation criteria Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection Do Nothing Multi Use Trail Connection
Functional Value Meets the majority of criteria for functional value Natural and Physical Environment The Multi Use Trail Connection option is slightly preferred as impacts may occur, however this option provides a mechanism for managing current human use of the valley corridor and an
enhancement to improve the system The Multi Use Trail Connection option is slightly preferred as impacts may occur, however this option provides a mechanism for managing current human use of the valley corridor and an
enhancement to improve the system Social and Cultural Environment Will provide recreational opportunities, increase public safety (trail use and access), connect adjacent communities and neighborhoods, and increase
nature. Cost The Multi Use Trail Connection Option will include a cost, however funding has already been allocated. The Do Nothing
are above and beyond the current budget. The Multi Use Trail Connection Option will include a cost, however funding has already been allocated. The Do Nothing
are above and beyond the current budget. Technical Is technically feasible, and will support access for utility and park maintenance activities Supports Planning Initiatives Supports a number of current planning initiatives Preferred Solution: 2 of 6 6of 6
– Archeological Stage 1 – Geomorphic and fluvial geotechnical assessments
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
East Don Trail Environment Assessment
Terms of Reference/Identify Opportunity Environmental Baseline Prepare Alternatives Evaluate Alternatives Preferred Alternative Refine Preferred Alternative Environmental Study Report
TAC #1
2013 May - Sept. 2013
2014
2014
TAC #3 TAC #2 TAC #4 TAC #5 TAC #6 CLC #1 CLC #4 CLC #3 CLC #2 PIC #1 PIC #2 PIC #3
Review Review Review
East Don Trail Environment Assessment