C200-2024

Background

Karley Cianchino, Supervisor Wetlands and Environmental Projects, Planning, Building and Growth Management, provided an overview of the subject matter and outlined staff recommendations. 

Heart Lake Road contains the conservation area plus provincially significant wetland complex. Road ecology studies started in 2010 in partnership with TRCA and community groups to document wildlife vehicle collisions and mortalities. Actions taken to date include: temporary fencing, 3 eco-passages, warning signs, road markings, seasonal in road traffic calming barriers, designated the road as a community safety zone, Cash in lieu contributions from developers totaling $310,000 to support wild-life mitigation measures along the road. 

Recommendations:

1/ Establish a permanent road ecology program for the road,

2/ Add 1 ecology specialist 

Item Description

Moved byRegional Councillor Palleschi

Seconded byRegional Councillor Kaur Brar

That the verbal update from Karley Cianchino, Supervisor Wetlands and Environmental Projects, and Pam Cooper, Manager, Environmental Planning, Planning, Building and Growth Management, re. Heart Lake Turtle Troopers Delegation and Heart Lake Road Ecology Measures, to the Council Meeting of October 16, 2024, be received; and

Whereas to ensure the long-term sustainability of road ecology efforts along Heart Lake Road and maintain current levels of service with the road ecology program, the following actions are recommended for 2024/2025; and

Whereas a permanent Road Ecology Program would address current challenges and ensure long-term wildlife protection and habitat conservation along Heart Lake Road;

That Council directs the establishment of a permanent Road Ecology Program, with focus on the following key areas:

1. Funding Utilization & Long-Term Planning: Allocate the $310,000 from developer contributions to support the program’s implementation and develop a budget for the long-term maintenance and monitoring of road ecology infrastructure.
2. Stakeholder Coordination: Establish a collaborative working group consisting of City staff, TRCA, community volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to road ecology along HLR.
3. Maintenance: Develop a protocol to regularly inspect and maintain existing mitigation infrastructure.
4. Wildlife Fencing: Undertake a geotechnical review of HLR and pilot project to test different types of permanent wildlife fencing to address ongoing issues with the temporary fencing.
5. Wildlife Monitoring & Adaptive Management: Undertake an annual wildlife monitoring study along the full length of HLR to track wildlife movements and road mortality. Utilize collected data to adapt and expand road ecology measures such as new culverts and fencing
6. Public Awareness: Conduct annual communication campaigns to maintain public awareness and support for road ecology initiatives and wildlife safety along HLR.; and

That the Mayor be requested to include within the 2025 operating budget a Supervisor of Wetlands and Environmental Projects position (cost to be determined) and an Environmental Project Specialist position (at an approximate cost of $124,169) in order to support the Road Ecology Program.

Carried

Proposed by

Councillor Palleschi