February 19, Mr. Nat Guist c/o Watko Construction Ltd. 811 Kennedy Road Kemptville,Ontario K0G 1J0 Dear Mr. Guist:

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1 February 19, 2015 Mr. Nat Guist c/o Watko Construction Ltd. 811 Kennedy Road Kemptville,Ontario K0G 1J0 Dear Mr. Guist: RE: 6945 McKeown Drive, Greely Environmental Impact Statement I have completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed industrial building in the Greely Industrial Park at 6945 McKeown Drive (PIN ). The one acre (0.4 hectares) site has approximately 30 metres of frontage on the north side of McKeown Drive and is approximately 160 metres west of Old Prescott Road. Aerial photography indicates that the site was generally cleared of woody vegetation in 2008 and the site was again recently grubbed. An east-west channel is identified on the City s geoottawa mapping along the north portion of the site (Figure 1). The lands to the north are forested and are part of the Greely West Natural Area. An application for village residential development has been submitted for the lands to the north. The site is described as Part of Lot 5, Concession 4, Geographic Township of Osgoode in the City of Ottawa. Site Context and Proposed Development The site is designated Village on Schedule A of the City of Ottawa Official Plan, with a zoning of Rural General Industrial (RG3). The lands to the north of the site are part of the Greely West Natural Area, identified as Area 17 in the Region of Ottawa-Carleton s Natural Environment System Strategy (Brownell and Larson, 1997). The Natural Area was broadly designated to have a high overall significance in the evaluation summary performed as part of the Region of Ottawa- Carleton s Natural Environment System Strategy. The Greely West Natural Area is described by Brownell and Larson (1997) as primarily containing poplar and white birch upland forest on acidic sand with about 23% (approximately 80 hectares) of thicket swamp and poplar swamp forest present. The forests are young to intermediate-aged. Note that since the Natural Environment System Strategy was undertaken the land containing the Greely West Natural Area have been re-designated Village and the majority of the Natural Area between Old Prescott and Stage Coach Roads has been developed as Village residential. Other than the channel along the north edge of the site there are no components of the City s Natural Heritage System, as identified on Schedule L2 of the Official Plan, on or adjacent to the site. The site was not identified as an ecological constraint by TSH (2004) in the Shield s Creek Subwatershed Study,

2 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 2 with the lands to the north noted as a Level 2B ecological function area. Level 2B lands are areas of significant ecological function (TSH, 2004). Since the Subwatershed study was completed much of the surrounding lands have been developed as Village residential subdivisions. There are no Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in the general vicinity of the site. The closest evaluated wetland is a portion of the provincially significant North Osgoode Wetland Complex, approximately two kilometres southeast of the site. As shown in the proposed site plan at the end of this report, an industrial building is proposed for the central-west portion of the site, with a septic system between the building location and McKeown Drive. An existing seven-metre wide drainage easement will be retained along the north edge of the site, with a stormwater management pond to the south of the east portion of the drainage easement. A gravel surface for parking, snow storage and fire lane is proposed for the northwest portion of the site, south of the drainage easement and west of the stormwater management pond. The closest portion of the surface parking will be approximately 10 metres south of the north property line. Methodology As a channel is mapped along the north edge of the site and a natural area is further to the north an EIS is required to determine if the proposed development will have a negative impact on the natural features and functions of the channel and the lands to the north. This Environmental Impact Statement was prepared in accordance with Section of the City of Ottawa Official Plan (City of Ottawa, 2010), following the standards of the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (OMNR, 2010) and the City of Ottawa s EIS Guidelines found at The EIS includes the components of an Environmental Impact Statement as identified in Section a) through i) of the City of Ottawa Official Plan (City of Ottawa, 2010). The field survey and this report were completed by Bernie Muncaster, who has a Master s of Science in Biology and over twenty-six years of experience in completing natural environment assessments. The EIS will provide the methodology to mitigate as required negative impacts on significant features and functions. Potential Species at Risk in the general area were identified from Ministry of Natural Resources databases, the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and Species at Risk reported for the overall City of Ottawa. Colour aerial photography ( ) was used to assess the natural environment features in the general vicinity of the site. The site and adjacent lands were reviewed on November 24 th, 2014, under cloudy skies, a moderate breeze and an air temperature of 14 C.

3 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 3 Existing Conditions The site has a gentle slope to the south. The site was used for agriculture until the 1980s, with sandy loams the dominant soil. The overburden in the general area appears deep, with at least 14 metres reported by Paterson Group (2013) on the site to the north. Cultural Meadow The recently grubbed site (Photo 1) is identified as a cultural meadow on Figure 1 at the end of this report. Meadow grass, reed canary grass, common dandelion, wild carrot, red clover, white sweet clover, white clover, goldenrod, aster and common plantain are common ground vegetation on the site, with red raspberry, staghorn sumac and red-osier dogwood shrubs well represented. Stumps of trembling aspen, ash, Manitoba maple and white birch were less than 10cm diameter at breast height (dbh) except for a couple of Manitoba maple and trembling aspen stumps up to 20cm dbh in the northeast corner of the site. Deciduous Hedgerow and Forest to the North An intermittent deciduous hedgerow is along the north property line (Photo 2), between the swale described below and a five metre wide snowmobile trail (Photo 2). Green ash is dominant in the portion of the hedgerow north of the site, with 13 stems between 12 and 25cm dbh. Five trembling aspen (10 30cm dbh), two black cherry (30 and 32cm dbh) and one bur oak (13cm dbh) and white elm (10cm dbh) were also in the deciduous hedgerow. Most of the trunks of the hedgerow trees are immediately to the north of the site, on the north side of a remnant page wire fence. Red raspberry, common buckthorn and red-osier dogwood shrubs are among the hedgerow trees. Trembling aspen is dominant in the fresh-moist poplar forest further to the north of the site, on the north side of the snowmobile trail. Green ash, eastern cottonwood, white ash and white elm are also well represented. Some poplars and white ash to the north of the site are up to 35cm dbh, but the vast majority of trees are less than 25cm dbh. Aerial photography suggests the maximum forest age is in the range of fifty years. The understorey is dominated by the invasive glossy and common buckthorn, with red raspberry, prickly gooseberry, tartarian honeysuckle, red-osier dogwood, staghorn sumac, prickly ash and regenerating stems of poplar and basswood also in the understorey. There is a distance of approximately seven to eight metres between the north edge of the site and the south edge of the forest. Swale (Mapped Channel) The swale along the north edge of the site was dry, with no standing or flowing water (Photo 3). The observations were completed following a major rain event, with 15.3 mm of rain recorded at Ottawa airport, approximately 8 kilometres to the northwest of the site, on November 24 th. No evidence of water in the swale, such as staining or aquatic vegetation, was observed.

4 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 4 The north-south reach of the swale to the north of the site, with a culvert under the snowmobile trail, was also dry on November 24 th. The culvert was mostly blocked with vegetation and showing no signs of conveyance (Photo 4). The north-south swale reach enters the site in the centre portion of the north property line. The base mapping which shows the channel coming from the north slightly to the east of the site (see Figure 1) appears incorrect. The snowmobile trail was walked to the east and no other culverts under the trail or other evidence of a channel or flow were observed. The swale to the north of the site also was dry during both site visits completed for the site to the north, with woody vegetation established in the swale. The swale likely conveyed some flow until the Village residential developments were constructed to the north of the site. For example base mapping in TSH (2004) showed flow from a ponded area to the north that is now Village residential development. In addition the swale downstream of the site shows no signs of conveyance (Photo 5), with no evidence of ponding or other suggestions of flow. A swale along the north edge of the property to the east of the site also showed no signs of flow. Wildlife observations were limited by the timing of the field survey but included black-capped chickadee, blue jay, grey squirrel and white-tailed deer tracks. No stick nests or other evidence of raptor use were observed on or adjacent to the site. Photo 1 Site looking north from McKeown Drive. Poplar forest to the north of the site is in the background

5 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 5 Photo 2 Snowmobile trail adjacent to the north edge of the site. View looking east with poplar forest on left (north) and intermittent deciduous hedgerow and north edge of the site on the right Photo 3 Dry swale after extensive rain at location of mapped channel along the north edge of the site. View looking west from north-central edge of the site

6 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 6 Photo 4 Swale downstream of the site is very poorly defined among shrubs. View looking west from just west of the site Photo 5 Culvert under snowmobile trail to the north of the site showed no signs of flow conveyance towards the site and mapped channel

7 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 7 Species at Risk No butternut, an Endangered species but relatively common in portions of Ottawa, were observed on or adjacent to the site. No other Species at Risk were observed during the field survey or during field surveys conducted during the growing season (July 11 th, 2013) in the forests to the north. The three rare species identified in the site summary for the Greely West Natural Area by Brownell and Blaney (1997) that are still considered regionally significant are not anticipated to be on or adjacent to the site. Small green woodland orchid would be found in less disturbed forests, while tall cinquefoil is found in prairies and common woodrush is in wetter habitats. The Ontario Ministry of the Natural Resources Make a Map: Natural Heritage Areas website was reviewed ( This site allows for a search of Threatened and Endangered species covered by the 2008 Endangered Species Act, as well as other species of interest. A search was conducted on the 1 km squares including the site and adjacent areas (18VR51-41, 42, 51 and 52). The only Species at Risk or provincially rare species identified for the 1 km squares was butternut. Four Species at Risk, whip-poor-will, barn swallow, eastern meadowlark and bobolink, are identified for the overall 10 km square (18VR51) including the site and general area in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Suitable habitat for these Threatened species was not observed in proximity to the site. Whip-poor-will requires large wooded areas with open patches, and/or open woodlands or alvar habitats. The understorey of the forests to the north is far too dense for whip-poor-will use and suitable open areas are not present. Eastern meadowlark and bobolink utilize larger grassland areas, including hay fields, habitat not present on or adjacent to the site. No structures that may be used barn swallow were observed on the site. The potential Species at Risk reported for the overall City of Ottawa historically and their habitat requirements were also reviewed, including butternut, American ginseng, eastern prairie fringedorchid, flooded jellyskin, wood turtle, spiny softshell, Blanding s turtle, musk turtle, Henslow s sparrow, loggerhead shrike, eastern meadowlark, barn swallow, bobolink, whip-poor-will, bald eagle, golden eagle, least bittern, little brown myotis, northern long-eared bat, olive hickorynut, eastern cougar, common gray fox, lake sturgeon, cerulean warbler and American eel. The habitat requirements of these species along with those listed as special concern were reviewed. No cavity trees or structures were observed on the site that may be used by barn swallow, bats or chimney swift. Except for butternut no specific habitat characteristics related to these potential Species at Risk were observed on or adjacent to the site. No butternut, an endangered Species at Risk but relatively common in portions of eastern Ontario, was observed on or adjacent to the site.

8 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 8 Greely West Natural Area The forests to the north are part of the 347 hectare Greely West Natural Area, identified as Natural Area 17 in the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton s Natural Environment System Strategy (Brownell and Blaney, 1997). This Natural Area was rated high overall, with three of the nine evaluation criteria, rare vegetation community, endangered, threatened and rare species, and vegetation community/landform and species diversity, scored as high. Moderate significance was applied to two criteria, landscape attributes and hydrological features, while no score was available for common vegetation community/landform, seasonal wildlife concentrations and condition of natural area. However many portions of the Natural Area in the vicinity of the site has been extensively impacted since the Natural Environment System Strategy was completed, with extensive village residential developments and associated large ponds, roads and other servicing off Suncrest Drive, Pebble Trail Way, Tintern Drive, Rousseau Crescent, South Village Drive, South Beach Boulevard, West Beach Way and Woodstream Drive. The rare vegetation community/landform representations identified by Brownell and Blaney (1997) were not observed on or adjacent to the site. No forest interior habitat is present adjacent to the site as the forests are less than 200 metres in width. No stick nests were observed on or adjacent to the site. Brownell and Blaney (1997) noted that the Greely West Natural Area has a relatively low interior size relative to its total size since it is irregular in shape. The summary by Brownell and Blaney (1997) stated that the Natural Area contains primarily young to intermediate aged forest. Brownell and Blaney (1997) noted that there are no large-scale linkages or corridors associated with the Greely West Natural Area. Extensive village residential developments, light industrial activity and busy roads such as Parkway, Stage Coach and Old Prescott impact potential linkages in the vicinity of the site. Impact Analysis and Recommendations The channel mapped along the north edge of the site is an isolated swale with no flow or standing water. No evidence of flow from the north was observed in 2013 or 2014 and it appears that the source for this channel has been permanently removed. Thus the mapped channel is not considered to represent aquatic habitat or be connected with downstream habitat and no setback from the swale is required. The swale will remain in the seven metre wide drainage easement. Species at Risk utilization of the site or the lands to the north was not observed and based on the habitat present is not expected. The forest to the north of the site would not be considered a significant woodland as the trees are too young and no interior habitat is present. The forests further to the west, where interior habitat is present towards Tintern Drive, is separated from the forest to the north of the site by a break of more than 40 metres along the hydroelectric corridor west of the site and thus the two forests are not considered a contiguous forest as the break is greater than 20 metres (OMNR, 2010).

9 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 9 Given the existing phases of the Greely Industrial Park to the east, south and west of the site, the site itself does not appear to have a linkage function. The forest to the north is anticipated to be disturbed with a village residential development. Additional industrial activities, village residential developments in the general area and associated Parkway, Stage Coach and Old Prescott Roads greatly reduce the wildlife corridor functions of the general area. The site has already been grubbed and no additional tree removal will be required for construction of the industrial building and associated services. No new forest edge will be created. The intermittent deciduous hedgerow and forest to the north of the site will not be disturbed as there will be no development within seven metres of the north edge of the site, with a stormwater management pond or surface gravel parking representing a relatively benign impact to the south of the seven metres. With the hedgerow and snowmobile trail immediately to the north of the site there will be a distance of approximately 18 metres between the closest gravel surface and the deciduous forest to the north. Given the size of the trees in the forest, the associated critical root zone would be a maximum of 3.5 metres from the forest edge. The extent of noise, light and dust associated with the construction and operation of an industrial building is considered minor and not distinguishable from these impacts associated with the existing industrial activity in the Greely Industrial Park. The following mitigation measures are recommended: 1. No additional woody vegetation removal is anticipated but if removal is required, it is not to occur between April 15 th and August 15 th for the protection of breeding birds, unless a survey conducted within five days of the vegetation removal identifies no breeding activity; 2. The extent of exposed soils is to be kept to a minimum at all times. Re-vegetation of exposed, non-developed areas is to be achieved as soon as possible; 3. The vegetation along the swale in the north edge of the site should be allowed to regenerate. No additional disturbances should occur within the seven metre wide drainage easement; 4. Vegetation along the edges of the site should also be allowed to regenerate. Native trees and shrubs should be provided along the stormwater management pond. Tree and shrub plantings are to be native and of local origin and seed stock. A mix of coniferous and deciduous species such as sugar maple, red maple, tamarack, white spruce, white pine, red oak, bur oak, basswood, native dogwoods and nannyberry is recommended; 5. Outdoor lighting associated with the new development is to be directed away from the forest to the north;

10 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE Municipal by-laws and provincial regulations for noise will be followed and utilities will be located as required in the vicinity of the site prior to construction. Waste will be managed in accordance with provincial regulations; and, 7. The contractor will have a spill kit on-hand at all times in case of spills or other accidents. Cumulative Effects The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) defines cumulative effects as the effects on the environment caused by an action in combination with other past, present, and future human actions They occur when two or more project-related environmental effects, or two or more independent projects, combine to produce an augmented effect. These cumulative effects may be positive or negative. As residential, light industrial and other developments continue within and adjacent to the Village of Greely, the features and functions associated with the Greely West Natural Area will continue to erode. Since the Natural Environment Systems Strategy was completed in 1995, significant areas of the Natural Area have been developed for Village residential lots and other uses. No significant woodlands or other significant natural heritage features were observed in the remaining forests to the north of the site. Regardless, the development of an additional single industrial building with existing industrial uses to the east, south and west is not anticipated to impact any features to the north providing the mitigation measures recommended in this report are properly implemented. Thus the potential for cumulative effects in the general landscape are not anticipated to increase. Conclusion No rare communities, flora or fauna, Species at Risk, high quality specimen trees, significant woodlands, significant wetlands, steep slopes or valleys were observed on or adjacent to the site. A portion of the Greely West Natural Area is to the north of the site. This Natural Area has been severely impacted by village residential subdivisions and other developments and an application has been submitted for a village residential development to the north. The forest to the north will not be impacted by development on 6945 McKeown Drive as the proposed development area is separated from the forest by a snowmobile trail, deciduous hedgerow and drainage easement. The isolated swale within the drainage easement does not appear to convey any flow of note and to the north the original source for flow in the channel has been removed. This swale does not support aquatic habitat. It is important that mitigation measures outlined in this EIS are properly implemented and maintained.

11 6945 McKEOWN DRIVE PAGE 11 This EIS concludes that it is the professional opinion of the author that the construction and operation of the industrial building and associated servicing will not have a detectable negative impact on the overall features and functions of the adjacent forest or other components of the natural environment. References Brownell, V.R. and C.S. Blaney Summary: Natural Area Reports for Natural Areas East of the Rideau River. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, Planning and Development Approvals Department. 324 pp. City of Ottawa City of Ottawa Official Plan. As adopted by City Council, May, Publication: pp & Sched. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, Second Edition. March pp. Paterson Group Geotechnical Investigation. Proposed Residential Subdivision Old Prescott Road, Geographic Township of Osgoode, Ottawa (Greely) Ontario. October 7, Report PH2095-REP pp & Append. TSH Shield s Creek Subwatershed Study. 8 Sections & append. Please call if you have any questions on this EIS. Yours Sincerely, MUNCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INC. Bernie Muncaster, M.Sc. Principal greelyuindusteis

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