Report to: Development Services Committee Report Date: February 19, 2008

SUBJECT: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority – Petticoat Creek Watershed Request for Funding

PREPARED BY: Learie Miller Ext 6922

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Development Services Commission Report entitled “Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Petticoat Creek Watershed Request for Funding” be received;

And That Council support the TRCA financially for the preparation of the TRCA Petticoat Creek Watershed Strategy to an upset limit of $5000.00 to be provided through the Town’s Environmental Sustainability Fund, Account Number 87 2800168;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The TRCA is asking partner municipalities located within the Petticoat Creek watershed to contribute funding towards the facilitation and consultation costs of the watershed strategy development. This item was referred to staff at the Development Services Committee meeting of January 15, 2008.

The TRCA by way of a letter to the Town (dated December 10, 2007) and attached as Appendix A had requested a $10,000 contribution from the Town towards development of a watershed strategy for the Petticoat Creek watershed. It is anticipated that this study will also obtain financial contributions from the Regional Municipalities of York and Durham, the Province and the City of Pickering.

BACKGROUND:

The Petticoat Creek watershed is one of nine watersheds within the TRCA’s jurisdiction; the majority of these have undergone extensive review in the last few years. It is geographically situated between the Duffins and Rouge watersheds which have both had watershed strategies recently developed.

It is intended to complete the study within six months, as it will be succinct, building upon the knowledgebase and management recommendations advanced in the neighbouring Duffins, and Rouge watersheds.

DISCUSSION:

In 2000 the Town contributed $5,000.00 to the Duffins/ Carruthers Creek watershed management strategy which was being developed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The contribution to the Duffins/Carruthers Creek watershed study was secured through the Development Services Commission’s 2000 Capital Budget submission as a Development Charges item. The lands in Markham which are in the Petticoat Creek watershed comprise less acreage than the previously funded Duffins/Carruthers Creek watershed and currently form part of the Rouge Park. As such, should Council wish to contribute to the funding of this study, it would be reasonable to consider the same funding level.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE:

The Town’s Environmental Sustainability Fund was established in 2002 for the purpose of providing financial resources for projects and initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and enhance the protection of the Town’s natural resources (water, natural features, soil contamination and air quality). Internal and external projects have been funded through this initiative (TRCA, Community Groups). Given the timing for consideration in the 2008 capital budget, staff recommend that, should Council wish to support this initiative that the funding be provided through the Environmental Sustainability Fund.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The portion of the Petticoat Creek watershed that is included within Markham is significant because of the trail linkages it offers between Markham and Lake Ontario through the East. Importantly the area is also critical to the implementation of TRCA’s Terrestrial Natural Heritage System. The development of this watershed strategy will complete watershed planning for all the watersheds located within Markham.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Strategic Services - Community Services Commission

CONCLUSION

Staff recommend that the Town support this initiative; staff has already been contacted by the TRCA about a tour of the watershed later this month or early February and to discuss the proposed plans for the Petticoat Creek watershed.

RECOMMENDED BY:

______________________________ _________________________________

Valerie Shuttleworth M.C.I.P., R.P.P Jim Baird M.C.I.P., R.P.P

Director of Planning and Urban Design Commissioner of Development Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix ‘A’: Letter from TRCA

Appendix ‘B’: Map of Petticoat Creek Watershed

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