Report to: Development Services Committee Report Date: November 4, 2008

SUBJECT: Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study Presentation and Study Process Update

PREPARED BY: Lilli Duoba, Senior Project Coordinator, Ext. 7925

RECOMMENDATION:

That the staff report entitled Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study Presentation and Study Process Update, dated November 4, 2008 be received;

And that the presentation on the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Background Report and Policy Framework be received;

And that the Draft Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study Background Report including the mapping be received and released for public input and review;

And that a public information meeting be scheduled for November 27, 2008 at the Civic Centre;

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 (Strategic, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to present to Committee the status of the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study (EPRC). As well, the report recommends release for public review and comment the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study Background Report and confirmation of an upcoming public information meeting date.

BACKGROUND:

In January 2007, Council authorized the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation (EPRC) Study. In June 2007, the Town held a public information meeting on Phase 1 study results. This component of the study mapped existing natural heritage features, identified existing Provincial and TRCA natural heritage policies and identified ecological principles to identify a linked and connected natural heritage network in the Town of Markham. On March 25, 2008, Council directed staff to focus on completing the negotiations to settle the Ontario Municipal Board appeal of Official Plan Amendment No. 140 (Rouge North Management Plan) prior to release of the Phase 2 mapping and Background Report. The confidential report on the settlement matter was considered by Council on October 28, 2008.

The Phase 2 component of the EPRC Study identifies a proposed Greenway System comprising Natural Heritage Network and Rural Countryside designations and an Official Plan Amendment policy framework for the implementation of the proposed Greenway System.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

EPRC is a comprehensive strategy to address Natural Heritage Protection and Greenbelt Conformity
The following points provide a summary of the EPRC directions:

1. Establish a Greenway System for Markham which includes a Natural Heritage Network (natural heritage features and policy areas) and Rural Countryside (Greenbelt/ORM).

2. Identify a Natural Heritage Network which comprises existing natural heritage features and Town, Regional and Provincial policies which protect natural policy features and areas.

3. Review and make recommendations on the refinement of TRCA’s Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy lands for inclusion in the Town’s Natural Heritage Network (as lands to be protected as natural heritage)

4. Identify enhancement areas (cores and corridors) based on ecological planning principles to create a sustainable and linked Natural Heritage Network (as lands to be protected as natural heritage)

5. Identify Rural Countryside lands comprising the Protected Countryside, Protected Countryside Natural Heritage System and Countryside ORM lands.

6. Identify Greenbelt Plan Area conformity policies including review of the Town’s Hamlet boundaries.

7. Review ‘Prime’ and ‘Rural’ agricultural classifications as they relate to implementation of Rouge Park in concert with the Town’s Agricultural Assessment Study.

8. Identify Small Stream features at a preliminary scale and address policies to apply the classification criteria.

9. Identify a policy framework and directions for an Official Plan Amendment or for incorporation into a new Official Plan to implement the study recommendations.

10. Identify a Vegetation Monitoring Protocol.

The intent of the EPRC study is to consolidate natural heritage protection policies and mapping wherever possible, as well as including new policies to address recent Provincial initiatives. The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area requires that municipalities identify a natural heritage system to be protected as part of the Growth Management Strategy.

Public Information Meeting Scheduled

The Phase 2 Background Report and Policy Framework will be presented by the Town’s consultant on November 4, 2008. In accordance with the approved work plan, we have scheduled an open house and public information meeting on this matter for Thursday, November 27, 2008, 7:00 at the Civic Centre. The meeting will be advertised through e-mail communication, on the website and in the Economist and Sun. Following a public consultation period of at least 30 days, staff will report back to Development Services Committee with a summary of public and agency comments, Official Plan amendment recommendations and the vegetation monitoring protocol.

The Draft Background Report for the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study will be provided to Development Services Committee on November 4, 2008.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE

There are no financial implications.

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The proposed study is consistent with the Building Markham’s Future Together strategic priority on the Environment and the Town’s goals for natural heritage protection.

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The EPRC study process includes a comprehensive internal and external consultation process.

RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________ ________________________

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

Director, Planning & Urban Design Commissioner, Development Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix ‘A’ – Draft Presentation (to be distributed separately)

FILE PATH:

Q:\Development\Planning\MISC\MI494 EPRC Study (Natural Heritage\Reports\Report to DSC November 4, 2008.doc