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When a new subdivision contains a park or trail, the park or trail is typically constructed by the developer. Construction drawings are prepared by the developer’s landscape consultant and approved by the City’s Open Space Development Section (Community Services Department). The developer is entitled to compensation for the cost of the park or trail development through development Charges collected, specifically through Reserve #134 – DC: Recreation. This is detailed in Attachments 2, 4 and 6 - ‘Schedule D’ of the Subdivision Agreements for the three plans. Funding for the reimbursements must be approved by Council before payment for the completed works can be processed.
 

1. That the report from Karley Cianchino, Supervisor, Wetlands and Environmental Projects, Planning, Building and Growth Management, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 2, 2025,  Re: Budget Amendment and Recommendation Report: Donnelly Ponds Restoration Project – Ward 2,
be received; and
2. That a budget amendment be approved, and capital project 237485-002 be established in the amount of $366,750.00 for the Donnelly Ponds Restoration Project, with $251,750.00 funded by the Federal Government under Environment and Climate Change Canada and $115,000.00 funded from Reserve #4 via return of funding from 217485-001

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 

That a budget amendment be approved, and a new capital project be established in the amount of $2,504,380.99 for the Etobicoke Creek wetland enhancement project, with funding from the Provincial Government, under the Province’s Wetland Conservation Partnership Program.

On December 7, 2022, Committee of Council requested staff report on the impact and costs related to beaver population in stormwater ponds. Since this time, staff have consulted with the Province and undertaken best practice research discussed in this report.

Beavers enhance the environment by creating wetlands, reducing erosion, and improving fish habitat. Beaver dams can cause drainage issues in watercourses and stormwater ponds, but these rarely become a high risk to the public, unless flooding threatens critical infrastructure (e.g. roads, railways).

There have been a number of instances where beaver dams have impeded drainage and City staff have resolved these issues as they have arisen.

Consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as a survey of practices in other municipalities, confirm the best practice 2 in beaver management across Ontario is to share your property with beavers. As a City we are looking to coexist with beavers through public education, preventative measures to deter beavers, and only using removal as a last resort in extreme circumstances that present high risk to critical infrastructure such as roads or railways.