Report to: Development
Services Committee Report
Date:
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
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)
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.
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
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.
EPRC is a comprehensive strategy to address Natural Heritage Protection
and
The following points provide a summary of the EPRC directions:
1.
Establish
a Greenway System for
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
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
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
The Phase 2
Background Report and Policy Framework will be presented by the Town’s
consultant on
The Draft Background Report for
the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study will be provided to
Development Services Committee on
FINANCIAL TEMPLATE
There are no financial implications.
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.
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,
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