DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO FOR THE ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED

Transcription

1 DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO FOR THE ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED Final Report 2007 Prepared by The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

2 Acknowledgements Members of the Rouge Watershed Task Force and numerous staff within the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park, and partner municipalities provided input to the development of this report. The TRCA, Rouge Park and Rouge Watershed Task Force also wish to thank Ruth Victor of Ruth Victor Consulting, Brian Hindley of Aquafor Beech Limited, and Bob Walker of EBNFLO for their assistance in the development of this scenario. ISBN Shoreham Drive, Toronto, ON M3N 1S4 Phone: Fax:

3 Development of a Sustainable Community Scenario for the Rouge River Watershed Final Report Executive Summary Located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Rouge River watershed has been the subject of rapid urbanization and, with additional population growth expected over the next 20 years, will continue to face urban development pressures. Experience in the Rouge and other watersheds tells us that current approaches will be limited in their ability to protect the watershed against impacts from these future pressures and the continued effects of current land uses. Jurisdictions around the world are calling for new, more sustainable, approaches to watershed management. The David Suzuki Foundation defines sustainability as simply living within the Earth s limits (Boyd, 2004). The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park Alliance and the Rouge Watershed Task Force have prepared a watershed plan to guide the protection and enhancement of watershed systems. This report was prepared during the overall watershed planning study and describes the development of a sustainable community scenario for the Rouge Watershed. The sustainable community scenario defines a vision and set of assumptions about what sustainability might look like throughout the Rouge watershed in urban and rural communities and natural areas - in the year The scenario provided the basis for modelling and evaluation of its effectiveness in achieving watershed management objectives. The modelling results were subsequently used to develop the watershed plan s recommendations, which are intended to guide actions by the many implementing partners. Key partners are the municipalities who are ultimately responsible for land use planning and community design decisions. Chapter 2.0 explores trends in management philosophies used by leading jurisdictions, as a way of defining a set of design principles for sustainability. The following principles were identified to guide the definition of the sustainability scenario for the Rouge watershed: From mitigation to prevention; protection and enhancement of natural systems as the basis for social and economic health; From degradation to restoration and net gain; From end-of-pipe to source and demand management; From waste to resource/re-use; and From single issue toward integrated management at multiple scales. Chapter 3.0 presents a selection of case examples from around the world that show how concepts of sustainability are already being applied in management strategies and designs at the building, lot and community scales. These practical experiences and a review of various incentive programs suggest there are opportunities to begin the process of shifting to new approaches in local city building within the private and public sectors. Chapter 4.0 outlines the four-pronged approach used to define the sustainable community scenario. Information from each of the following four elements contributed to the formulation of scenario assumptions: Toronto Region Conservation i Rouge Park

4 Framework for sustainable community design A set of attributes from TRCA s Living City vision was related to the Rouge watershed goals and objectives and was used to define the scope of this scenario; Working base map A map illustrating the likely future land use characteristics of the watershed provided a basis upon which to make assumptions relevant to land use; Reference criteria and standards Performance standards believed necessary to meet watershed objectives were identified and used as a guide in setting design practice and sizing assumptions; and Understanding of the available modelling tools The required input parameters influenced the level of detail that had to be defined in the scenario assumptions. Chapter 5.0 summarizes our vision of a sustainable Rouge watershed in the year 2031, if every innovative, reasonable management action were to be undertaken. At the watershed scale, we assumed that an increase in natural cover from would be achieved to help protect the resilience of natural watershed functions. Key mechanisms include implementation of: the provincial Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, TRCA s targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed, Rouge Park, and Markham s Small Streams policy. We assumed that rural agricultural lands would remain protected under the provincial Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine legislation and Rouge Park. Existing urban communities would continue to flourish and new urban greenfield communities would have developed along the northern urban fringe of Markham. Further assumptions about sustainable design features, practices and behaviours are identified at the community/lot, building and individual scales according to a framework of design attributes, including green planning, healthy natural heritage and healthy water. Tables summarizing these assumptions are provided for each of five land cover categories: Urban Greenfield development; Urban retrofit and redevelopment; Agriculture/rural areas; Transportation corridors; and Natural areas. Assumptions common to all land uses are presented for a second set of design attributes, including: air quality; waste reduction; energy efficiency; water conservation; economic vitality; education/awareness; social well-being; and cultural heritage. These assumptions are also presented for each of the three scales. Four main sets of assumptions associated with this scenario were expected to be significant from a hydrologic modelling perspective: An increase in natural cover from 24% to over 31% of the watershed as in TRCA s targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge, and additional natural cover in the Little Rouge and middle tributary subwatersheds as a result of implementation of the Rouge Park ecological criteria (i.e. estimated delineation of Park boundaries along Toronto Region Conservation ii Rouge Park

5 watercourses) and Markham s proposed small streams policy (i.e. protection of certain small drainage features not covered by existing policy). In the potential urban greenfield development areas, we assumed that new, more sustainable community designs (e.g. compact, mixed use, more greenways) may have a relatively higher imperviousness than conventional developments in the built portion, but will have a slightly reduced overall percent imperviousness (i.e. 48%; about by 2-5% less than conventional developments) due to the additional greenways. There will be a greater emphasis on lot level designs and stormwater management practices aimed at maintaining pre-development water balance (i.e. infiltration rates and runoff volume) to the extent possible. In existing urban areas, we assumed that there will be an increase in naturalized landscaping in yards and along streets (by about 25-30%) and stormwater management practices will be retrofitted at the lot level, along conveyance systems and at end of pipe to improve control of stormwater quantity and quality. Similar assumptions to those in the City of Toronto s Wet Weather Flow Management Master Planning Study were used in the 905 portion of the watershed (i.e. outside Toronto). Overall, we assumed that by 2031 there will be a shift toward more sustainable, conserving behaviours, such as water and energy conservation, access to green power sources, waste reduction, green building designs, improved stewardship of natural areas, local food choices, and celebration of cultural heritage and living culture. One result of these behavioural shifts will be reduced pollutant loads in runoff (assumed to be in the order of 10%). This report was prepared primarily for the Rouge Watershed Task Force and members of the technical team undertaking the scenario analysis and evaluation. The report aims to provide an adequate description of this future watershed community, its features and to what extent the features would prevail throughout the community, so that the Task Force members could confirm the practicality and reasonableness of the assumptions. The report also aimed to document the assumptions about sustainability practices in the technical detail required for modelling purposes. Secondary audiences for this report will include any peer reviewers or partners interested in the background studies that form the basis for the recommended watershed plan. The exercise of building this sustainable community scenario provided an opportunity to harness the wide ranging scope of sustainability concepts and demonstrate how they may be applied and coordinated at several scales within the watershed. This report could have encompassed every best practice known to society, but this was our attempt to provide a glimpse of some of the things that might represent a shift toward sustainability. There are also many practices that could have been applied instead of the ones shown in this report. And we expect new practices and innovations will continue to emerge as we gain experience in implementing sustainable solutions. Toronto Region Conservation iii Rouge Park

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION: THE NEED FOR A NEW APPROACH Rouge River Watershed Planning Study Update Future Land Use and Management Scenarios Role of the Sustainable Community Scenario Approach and Consultation Process SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS AND MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHIES Trends in Management Philosophies TRCA s Living City Vision PUTTING CONCEPTS INTO PRACTICE: CASE EXAMPLES Management Strategies Sustainable Community Designs Green Buildings Stormwater Management Planning and Design Community, Developer, Builder, and Municipal Perspectives Emergence of Supportive Programs DEFINING THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO Principles The Four Pronged Approach Defining the Sustainable Community Design Framework Development of the Working Base Map Development of Reference Criteria and Standards Modelling Tools and Assumptions Bundling Considerations SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO Watershed Scale Perspective Urban Greenfield Development Urban Retrofit and Redevelopment Rural/Agricultural Areas Transportation Corridors Natural Areas Assumptions Common to all Land Uses Modelling and Analysis REFERENCES Appendix A Case Examples of Sustainable Communities Appendix B Case Examples of Green Buildings Appendix C - Rouge River Watershed Goals, Objectives, Indicators and Targets Appendix D Preliminary Analysis of Non-Modellable Assumptions Toronto Region Conservation iv Rouge Park

7 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3-1: Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario Figure 3-2: Markham Centre Figure 3-3: Malmo, Sweden Figure 3-4: Eco-village at Ithaca, New York Figure 3-5: Markham Small Streams Study Figure 4-1: Sustainable Community Scenario Development four-pronged approach Figure 4-2: Linking Lot to Watershed Figure 5-1: Rouge River Watershed Sustainable Community Scenario Base Map Figure 5-2: Example Commercial / Industrial Community Design (ref. Conservation Design Forum, Inc., 2005) Figure 5-3: Example Moderate Density Residential Design (ref. Conservation Design Forum, Inc., 2005) Figure 5-4: Example Lot Level Sustainable Community Design Practices Figure 5-5: Examples of Stormwater Retrofit Practices Assumed in Prestige Industrial Areas Figure 5-6: Examples of Stormwater Retrofit Practices in Residential Areas Figure 5-7: Natural areas Figure 5-8: Sustainable Community Features LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1: Eight Rouge River Watershed Scenarios Table 4-1: Working Base Map for Sustainable Community Scenario (Scenario 7) - Full build out with complete implementation of all elements of a sustainable community plan Table 4-2: Reference Criteria and Standards for Water and Natural Heritage Aspects of the Sustainable Community Table 4-3: Bundles of Sustainable Community Design Features and Practices Table 5-1: Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals and Objectives Table 5-2: Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Table 5-3: Urban Greenfield Development Building / Individual Scale Assumptions Table 5-4: Assumed land cover classes, areas and percent imperviousness Table 5-5: SWM Criteria and General Approach to Setting Assumptions Table 5-6: Stormwater Management Practices and Application Rates Assumed for the Urban Greenfield Development Component of the Sustainable Community Scenario Table 5-7: Urban Retrofit and Redevelopment Table 5-8: Stormwater management practices and application rates assumed for the Urban Retrofit Component of the Sustainable Community Scenario Table 5-9: Rural/Agricultural Areas Table 5-10: Transportation Corridors Table 5-11: Natural Areas Table 5-12: Assumptions Common to all Land Uses Toronto Region Conservation v Rouge Park

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION: THE NEED FOR A NEW APPROACH Located in the south-central portion of the Greater Toronto Area and home of Rouge Park, the Rouge River Watershed has been the subject of rapid urbanization and, with projected population growth of another 4.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area over the next 20 years (Hemson, 2005), will continue to face urban development pressures. In response to the impacts of urbanization to date, environmental systems are becoming degraded and threatening the quality of life of the communities they support. Past experience in the Rouge and other watersheds tells us that current approaches will be limited in their ability to protect the watershed against impacts from future land use pressures. In fact, jurisdictions around the world are calling for new, more sustainable, approaches to watershed management and have already begun to implement innovative practices. The David Suzuki Foundation defines sustainability as simply living within the Earth s limits and states that our quality of life is fundamentally dependent upon the environment. Clean water, fresh air, a stable climate, and ecological processes are prerequisites to healthy communities and a vibrant economy (Boyd, 2004). Suzuki calls on Canada to achieve sustainability within a generation. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Rouge Park Alliance and the Rouge Watershed Task Force are preparing a watershed plan to guide the protection and enhancement of watershed systems. This report constitutes one component of the overall watershed planning study and describes the development of a sustainable community scenario for the Rouge River watershed. The sustainable community scenario defines a vision and set of assumptions about what sustainability might look like throughout the Rouge River watershed in urban and rural communities and natural areas - in the year The scenario will provide the basis for modelling and evaluation of its effectiveness in achieving watershed management objectives. The modelling results of this and other scenarios will be used to inform the development of the watershed plan. The plan s recommendations are intended to guide actions by the many implementing partners, such as municipalities who are ultimately responsible for land use planning and community design decisions. 1.1 Rouge River Watershed Planning Study Update Almost two decades have passed since the Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River Watershed (MTRCA, 1989) and its supportive Rouge River Urban Drainage Studies (Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd. et al, 1986) were undertaken, and therefore it is time to re-assess the Rouge River watershed. The ultimate urban growth scenario as projected in 1986 has already been eclipsed and current watershed monitoring results show that despite implementation of the recommendations of the 1989 Strategy, the environmental quality of the Rouge River and its tributaries has continued to deteriorate. There now are new urban growth pressures, an urgent need to retrofit existing urban areas to restore degraded streams and new challenges with the planning of government-owned lands and management of the natural areas and agricultural lands within Rouge Park. Our understanding of watershed management has also improved during this time, and we can apply our new knowledge in the development of an updated plan. Toronto Region Conservation 1-1 Rouge Park

9 Our experience over the past 20 years has shown that current approaches to land and resource development will not ensure that the watershed is maintained and restored to a healthy state. While our science and technology continues to advance, there also needs to be a shift toward more sustainable approaches. Based on current growth projections, a full build-out of the watershed is likely by This does not leave much time to cause the major strategic shifts in lifestyles, behaviours and practices that are consistent with sustainable communities, and we do not have much watershed left on which to practice. The Rouge River Watershed Planning study is using a predictive modelling approach to examine the potential impacts of different future land use conditions and management approaches. To date, existing watershed conditions have been described according to a framework of Goals, Objectives, Indicators and Targets. The management issues and approaches arising from this analysis were used in the formulation of future scenarios. Scenarios will be modelled and evaluated according to their effectiveness in meeting watershed objectives. The final management strategy will be selected based on a number of environmental, social and economic criteria and an implementation plan will be prepared to direct the actions of all agencies, stakeholders and the general public. 1.2 Future Land Use and Management Scenarios As part of the development of the Rouge River Watershed Plan, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park, and their watershed partners are formulating and analysing scenarios depicting current and potential future stresses that may be imposed on the watershed, along with potential innovative management strategies for dealing with these stresses. These land use scenarios are not being developed to predict future growth patterns, rather, they provide a framework for undertaking a sensitivity analysis to assist in developing the Rouge River Watershed Plan and helping to frame what actions would be required to successfully protect the natural resources of the watershed from future land use changes and global climate change. A total of eight scenarios reflect current and future stresses, such as impervious area associated with urban growth, water use, and climate change and management strategies, including enhanced natural cover, stormwater management retrofits, and various levels of land use and best practice. The modelling and analysis of the watershed s response to these scenarios will provide a basis for the identification of a preferred management strategy for the Rouge River watershed. Table 1-1 identifies the eight scenarios. Detailed information about the specific data sources and assumptions used to define the scenarios may be found in a separate TRCA report (TRCA, 2007), except for the sustainable community scenario (Scenario 7), which is the subject of this report. Toronto Region Conservation 1-2 Rouge Park

10 Table 1-1: Eight Rouge River Watershed Scenarios No. Name Description Rationale 1 Baseline conditions Watershed conditions that existed in Baseline for comparison. (2002) 2 Official plan (OP) buildout 3 End-of-pipe stormwater retrofit Official plans completed with current stormwater management practices and Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) land transferred to TRCA to be managed as part of Rouge Park. Scenario 2 plus implementation of >905' municipalities= end-of-pipe stormwater retrofit plans. 4 Expanded natural cover Scenario 2 plus implementation of the (1) TRCA Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy and (2) the draft ecological corridor for the Little Rouge Management Plan for the Ontario Realty Corporation lands north of Steeles Avenue. 5 End-of-pipe stormwater Scenarios 2, 3 and 4 combined. retrofit and expanded natural cover 6 Full build-out Scenario 2 (OP build out) plus development of all available areas to boundaries of the Oak Ridges Moraine Protection and Greenbelt Plan Areas, including current stormwater management practices in developing areas. 7 Sustainable community programs in new and existing developments 8a 8b Climate change: Full build-out with warmer wetter climate Climate change: Full build-out with warmer Scenarios 5 and 6 plus more intensive implementation of sustainable community initiatives, including expanded natural cover, more sustainable designs in new developments, delineation and protection of Rouge Park North corridors, and improved stormwater management practices in new and existing developments with emphasis on lot level measures. Scenario 6 with a predicted 2080 period climate (CGCM), which is 5EC warmer and 6% wetter than recent average annual conditions Scenario 6 with a predicted 2080 period climate (Hadley) which is 7EC warmer and 19% wetter Evaluate the effect of approved and adopted OP completion. Evaluate the effect of end-of-pipe stormwater retrofit on approved and adopted OP completion. Evaluate the effect of increased natural cover on approved and adopted OP completion. Evaluate the effect of end-of-pipe stormwater retrofit and increased natural cover on approved and adopted OP completion. Evaluate effect of full development of the Rouge Watershed. Evaluate the effect of sustainable community design and enhanced stormwater management on complete development. Evaluate impact of climate change on complete development Evaluate impact of climate change on complete development. Toronto Region Conservation 1-3 Rouge Park

11 No. Name Description Rationale 8c 8d much wetter climate Climate change: Sustainable community with warmer wetter climate Climate change: Sustainable community with warmer much wetter climate than recent average annual conditions. Scenario 7 with a predicted 2080 period climate (CGCM) which is 5EC warmer and 6% wetter than recent average annual conditions Scenario 7 with a predicted 2080 period climate (Hadley) which is 7EC warmer and 19% wetter than recent average annual conditions. Evaluate impact of climate change on complete development with sustainable communities programs implemented Evaluate impact of climate change on complete development with sustainable communities programs implemented Toronto Region Conservation 1-4 Rouge Park

12 1.3 Role of the Sustainable Community Scenario The sustainable community scenario represents a full build out vision of the watershed, if every known, reasonable, innovative management action is implemented. The scenario looks beyond all opportunities evaluated in other Rouge River watershed scenarios, by placing emphasis on more far-reaching changes in human behaviour and community design. The process of defining the sustainable community scenario and the methodology for analysing it are contributing products to the study equally as much as will the results of the analysis. The following products can be identified: 1. An analysis of the cumulative effects of all of these innovative practices on watershed health, thus allowing us to determine if this level of action will enable us to achieve the Rouge goals and objectives, at least in some subwatersheds. 2. A defined vision of a sustainable community for the Rouge River watershed, with input from watershed stakeholders. The vision is supported by detailed case examples that can be used to promote awareness of opportunities and approaches. 3. A framework for defining, designing and evaluating sustainable community features, that fosters integration among disciplines and previously independent design fields (e.g. interdependencies between building design, climate and natural heritage systems at micro and macro scales). We don t have all the science required to definitively analyse this scenario at this time, however once we ve established the scope and method, we can continue to re-evaluate the scenario as we improve our understanding of the performance of various technologies, inter-relationships among systems, and sophistication of our modelling tools. 4. A tool for engaging key implementers and fostering discussion about implementation barriers and solutions. The proposed new performance standards and criteria and a vision of example practices available to meet these standards serve as a point of reference in discussions about the feasibility of implementation within the Rouge River watershed. These discussions will assist in ensuring that the final watershed plan provides practical direction to facilitate implementation of key strategies. Other Similar Scenario Modelling Studies Regional Sustainability Modelling At a regional scale, Envision Sustainability Tools Inc. developed the QUEST product in 1997 after a 10 year partnership with the Sustainability Development Research Institute at the University of British Columbia ( QUEST is an interactive computer simulation tool that evaluates future scenarios and facilitates the creation of sustainable regional visions. It allows stakeholders to consider their alternatives with respects to a wide range of growth management issues ranging from land use planning and infrastructure spending to transportation and air quality. The application is configured and calibrated for each region with local statistical and spatial data. To date, QUEST has been Toronto Region Conservation 1-5 Rouge Park

13 applied in several Canadian and International cities, notably the Georgia Basin Project in British Columbia - A proposal to develop METROQUEST for the Toronto Region was reviewed by TRCA, but put on hold due to the amount of data required over a large region and the need to continue to pursue more detailed watershed-based modelling already underway in specific watersheds, such as the Rouge and the Humber watersheds. Urban Stormwater Retrofit Modelling Several urban stormwater management studies have begun to model the effects of future urban growth or urban retrofit scenarios which employ innovative approaches in community design and stormwater management practices. The City of Toronto s Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan (City of Toronto, 2003) employed the HSP-F model to evaluate the effects of future stormwater retrofit strategies, involving varying levels of lot level, conveyance, and end-of-pipe management practices, stream restoration and operations and maintenance practices, on a watershed basis. The resulting master plan is a very progressive strategy for improving stormwater management, based on a review of the effectiveness of alternative scenarios. Water balance and low impact design modelling Other modelling tools and applications are emerging in response to the need for improved water balance management at watershed and community development scales. CMHC and the Water Balance partnership in British Columbia have developed the Water Balance Model ( as a tool for designers to test alternative community designs in terms of their effectiveness at meeting water balance targets. A recent study of a small urbanized watershed in Kitchener, Ontario used the GAWSER watershed model to demonstrate the utility of computer simulation tools to evaluate various urban development and land use scenarios, and various stormwater control BMPs to assess their impact on the hydrological flow regime and transport of suspended solids load and related pollutants in a watershed (Zimmer et al, 2005). Among the scenarios this study gave particular attention to alternative concepts of Low Impact Development, which combine onsite stormwater BMPs with community design configurations that minimize the effects of impervious surface. The Credit Valley Conservation Authority is considering the cumulative effects of a range of innovative stormwater management practices applied multiple scales during its ongoing study to update the Credit River Basin Management Plan. An alternative futures analysis conducted in the Blackberry Creek Watershed, located west of Chicago, Illinois, evaluated the implications of alternative visions for the future of the watershed as a means of enabling municipalities and counties to make informed decisions related to future land uses and site design practices (Conservation Design Forum, 2003). The study defined conventional site design templates, which were based on current practices for site design and stormwater management practices that collect, convey and detain stormwater, rather than distribute, infiltrate and retain stormwater, as in the conservation design templates. The study used continuous simulation modelling (HSP-F) to evaluate the alternative designs at the site scale and watershed scale, in terms of their effects on biological health, protection of aquatic habitat, and impacts on flooding and streambank erosion. While the Toronto Region Conservation 1-6 Rouge Park

14 focus of this work was on surface water related systems, this analysis is perhaps the closest in nature to the intended Rouge River watershed sustainable community scenario modelling approach. To date, the study team is not aware of another similar watershed scale study that has attempted to assemble a broad range of sustainable community concepts into one scenario for comprehensive modelling and evaluation. 1.4 Approach and Consultation Process The team established a background understanding by undertaking: Literature Review Journal papers, published reports, municipal standards and guidelines, newspaper articles, and internet searches were used to gather information about trends in management philosophies, new community design forms, and innovative practices and their performance data. Case Study Analysis Experience in aspects of sustainable community design in other jurisdictions was compiled and reviewed. A four pronged approach was taken to define the sustainable community scenario in the Rouge River watershed: Sustainable Community Design Framework Attributes of a sustainable community were adopted from TRCA s Living City Program. This framework defined the scope of the scenario and its main elements. Working Base Map Future land use, as anticipated in the year 2031, was identified by reviewing provincial policy directions for land use protection and population growth and consulting with municipal planners. Reference Criteria and Standards Targets and criteria deemed necessary to meet watershed objectives or comply with municipal policies were established as performance standards for design. Modelling Tools and Assumptions The model input requirements and sensitivities were determined as a means of guiding the level of detail that was needed in specifying the assumptions. Using the reference criteria and limitations of the models as a guide, a set of assumed sustainable community design assumptions and example management practices were defined for each representative land use class found on the base map. These bundles of design features and management practices were then modelled and reviewed as part of the overall scenario evaluation. Toronto Region Conservation 1-7 Rouge Park

15 Consultation occurred in the following forums: Rouge Watershed Task Force the concept of a sustainable community scenario was discussed at their April 21, 2005 meeting, including a presentation of the Markham Centre Study and Markham Small Streams Study. Discussion of the revised Rouge sustainable land and resource use goal took place at the June 2, 2005 Task Force meeting. Further discussion took place at a sustainable community implementation barriers management summit meeting held on September 9, 2005, in the context of a presentation of case examples of sustainable communities from around the world, and at a December 3, 2005 workshop about potential management strategies and implementation actions. A draft version of this report (dated March 24, 2006) was discussed at the April 12, 2006 Task Force meeting. Municipal Planning and Works Department staff The concept of a sustainable community scenario ( full build out with all opportunities ) was presented at a scenario development workshop, held on August 4, Specific one-on-one discussion with specific municipal staff has occurred on an ad hoc basis to obtain input to land use and servicing assumptions. In particular, draft versions of this report were circulated to Town of Markham and Region of York staff. Toronto Region Conservation 1-8 Rouge Park

16 2.0 SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS AND MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHIES Leading jurisdictions, practitioners and think-tanks are attempting to define the requisites for sustainability as part of their plans and management strategies. Definitions range from descriptions of shifts in behaviours to specific attributes or practices. Others recognize the need to understand the relationships between social and economic decisions and effects on the natural environment. They have also begun to recognize the need for integration across different scales. For example, management directions at a watershed or municipal scale should be reflected in and supported by built forms and designs at a community scale, and likewise decisions regarding personal behaviour at the lot scale should contribute to overall goals. Section 2.1 identifies and illustrates trends in management philosophies that collectively lead toward sustainability. These trends are reflected as design principles in defining the sustainable community scenario in Chapter 4 (Section 4.1). Section 2.2 presents TRCA s Living City vision, as a concept of a local sustainable community for the Toronto Region, and sets out attributes that can be used to define the scope of this sustainable community in more detail. This framework of attributes is used to describe the case studies shown in Chapter 3 and to organize the assumptions for the Rouge sustainable community scenario in Chapter Trends in Management Philosophies Toward protection of natural systems as basis for social and economic health Agenda 21 The Earth Charter More than 178 governments adopted Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992 (United Nations, 1992). Governments agreed that the protection of the environment, social and economic development are fundamental to sustainable development. Agenda 21, the Earth Charter, and various international conventions ratified by the Canadian government highlight watershed management as a vital tool, protection of ecological integrity as a primary objective, and adopting new patterns of production and consumption that protect the regenerative capacities of nature as an important underlying concept. Agenda 21 was strongly reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development ( Rio + 10) held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002 (United Nations, 2002). Since the Johannesburg Summit, sustainable development is regarded as improving the quality of life for everyone without increasing the use of natural resources beyond the earth s carrying capacity. Ecological Governance A report making recommendations for the move toward sustainable water management in Canada calls for ecological governance, where natural ecosystem processes are carefully considered at all levels of decision making and by all three pillars of governance - government, business and civil society (POLIS Project, 2005). The report also identifies demand Toronto Region Conservation 2-9 Rouge Park

17 management as the new paradigm for integrating human needs within ecological limits. It refers to demand management as a foundational tool for watershed managers. Comprehensive demand management programs are those that integrate diverse activities such as consumer behaviour, water provision, waste disposal, energy use, and land use to redirect social development onto a new soft path. Impervious Cover Thresholds Scientific research into the impacts of urbanization on the quality of small streams and receiving waters has generally focused on four broad categories of impacts: hydrologic; physical; water quality; and biological. In recent years, impervious cover (the quantity of land covered by hard surfaces, like roads, parking lots and roofs that prevent precipitation from infiltrating into the ground) has emerged as a key parameter to explain and predict how indicators of stream quality change in response to different levels of watershed development. Findings from this growing body of research have been integrated into a general watershed planning model, known as the impervious cover model (CWP, 2003). The impervious cover model (ICM) predicts that, for first, second and third order streams, most indicators of stream quality decline when impervious cover exceeds 10% of the drainage area, with severe degradation expected beyond 25% impervious cover (CWP, 2003). This model provides a simple means of predicting stream quality in urban and urbanizing watersheds which can be used to inform land use decision-making processes and help set priorities for stream restoration. A recent study of all watersheds draining to the north-shore of Lake Ontario watersheds correlated extensive historical information on physical, water quality and biological indicators with a similar index of watershed development (land disturbance) and found a slightly lower threshold of 8-10% disturbed land as a threshold above which decline in stream quality occurs (Stanfield and Kilgour, 2004). Although many of the watersheds where these relationships have been observed were urbanized prior to requirements for current stormwater controls, recent studies have found that current stormwater management practices have limited ability to mitigate some impacts of urbanization, particularly erosion (e.g., Aquafor Beech, 2005). These relationships point to the limitations of impact mitigation and the need for maintaining at least a minimum natural system function. Biodiversity by Design Stemming from its 2002 UK Biodiversity Policy, the British Government set out its expectation for the planning system to support the biodiversity vision in fulfillment of a Planning Policy Statement. Design principles for sustainable communities recognize how biodiversity can deliver the benefits of ecological services, improved quality of life and added economic value. Design considerations encompass the protection and enhancement of existing green infrastructure, creation of new, connected green infrastructure and incorporation of biodiversity concepts in green buildings and sites (Town and Country Planning Association, 2004). Toronto Region Conservation 2-10 Rouge Park

18 Toward restoration and net gain Restoration One could argue it was as early as the 1940s that attitudes of resource extraction began to change to ones of conservation, with the reforestation of eroding soils along the Oak Ridges Moraine. However, the 1990s brought a significant renewed shift in thinking toward watershed based, ecosystem approaches to regeneration or restoration toward a desired goal (e.g. Crombie, 1992; Task Force to Bring Back the Don, 1991). Watershed communities stopped accepting degraded environmental conditions and looked for regeneration opportunities through public infrastructure maintenance or replacement programs, project on publically owned lands (e.g. stream renaturalization, plantings) and improved residential, commercial or institutional backyard designs. The National Round Table on Environment and Economy has launched an initiative aimed at promoting the transformation of Canada's brownfields into vibrant centres of community life (NRTEE, 2005). A brownfield is generally considered to be an abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized commercial or industrial property where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment. These sites include decommissioned refineries, former railway yards, old waterfronts and riverbanks, old warehouses, abandoned gas stations, former drycleaners, and other commercial properties where toxic substances may have been used or stored. Left idle, brownfields adversely impact a neighbourhood s image and quality of life; in some cases, they pose risks to human health and the environment. However, with the right kind of incentives and partnerships, and the removal of identified barriers, brownfields can generate significant public benefits in terms of increased economic activity, increased tax revenues, lower municipal infrastructure costs, reduced health and safety risks, preservation of outlying agricultural land through reduction in urban sprawl, improved air quality and reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas, and improved quality of life in neighbourhoods (NRTEE, 2005). Apparently, during the past two decades, new development has lost significant market share to the restorative development industry (Cunningham, 2002), at least in North America. This shift toward a revitalization of existing developed areas could be because we are running out of new areas to develop, but regardless of the reason, it represents an opportunity for improvement in designs and ecological functions. It represents a more sustainable alternative to the expansion of development into new areas. Net Gain The net gain principle has been proposed as a new way of thinking that may assist in the longer term move toward sustainability (Pollution Probe, 2004). It is based on the recognition that we face environmental deficits now. We need to pay off the ecological debts by applying the principle of net gain or net improvement to every opportunity for change. Planning for Change Urban planning does not only focus on the conversion of agricultural land uses to urban, but increasingly in the Greater Toronto Area, it involves anticipation of where communities will be maturing such that they will undergo major redevelopments or where intensification may occur. Toronto Region Conservation 2-11 Rouge Park

19 For example, big box commercial developments are known to have a lifespan, after which their extensive forms may be replaced with other uses. These redevelopments offer opportunities to restore ecological function and incorporate new designs that support an improved quality of life. Toward management at source Low Impact Design Low Impact Design (LID) is aimed at managing frequent storm events with a new emphasis on volume control at source, as a means of protecting stream geomorphology and reducing the pollutant load carried in stormwater runoff (Kane, 2005; Coffman, 2001). LID is also known as stormwater source control, environmentally sensitive stormwater management and sustainable urban drainage systems (Graham et al, 2004). It is employed in new development and redevelopment to restore and protect ecosystems and reduce the cost of construction and maintenance of stormwater management infrastructure. LID is a response to the realization that stormwater management solutions designed to manage peak flows, provide extended detention and treatment of pollutant concentrations have not been fully successful in mitigating the impacts of urbanization. Volume control at source is emerging as a new step in the evolution of stormwater management practices. Graham et al., 2004 have begun to consider water balance modelling approaches and have described a number of typical LID techniques that illustrate the broad scope of this new design approach: LID encompasses numerous site planning and engineering measures to manage runoff at the source using distributed, decentralized micro-controls. Virtually any site level control that minimizes, slows down, infiltrates, retains, filters or treats runoff can be considered LID or source control. Planning techniques include preserving open space, especially natural features that play an important role in the site s hydrology such as wetlands, riparian forests and groundwater recharge zones. Other planning techniques involve minimizing effective impervious area through site design strategies such as more efficient development site layout, open drainage, reduced surface parking, narrower roadways, impervious area disconnection and increased vertical building density. Engineering techniques include bioretention, bioswales, infiltration devices, etc. Drinking Water Source Control Justice Dennis O Connor, Commissioner of the Inquiry into the causes of contamination in the Town of Walkerton s water supply, identified the importance of source control as the first barrier in a multi-barrier approach to the protection of drinking water supplies (O Connor, 2002). The Ontario Government has indicated its commitment to the importance of source control by releasing the draft Clean Water Act (November 2005), which if passed by the legislature, would require the preparation of watershed-based drinking water source protection plans. Many jurisdictions, including New Zealand and British Columbia, have been moving toward the incorporation of source protection as part of their overall drinking water supply strategies. Toronto Region Conservation 2-12 Rouge Park

20 Demand Management and Water Soft Paths The goal of water soft paths is to develop a sustainable approach to delivery of water services. This approach is characterized by decentralized, small-scale sources of supply; treating water as a bundle of services, rather than a commodity; a focus on demand management and efficient use; and matching the quality of the water supplied to the quality of the water needed for particular uses (Gleick, 2003; Brooks, 2005). This approach is adapted from the soft path approach developed in the 1970s for the energy sector (Brooks, 2005). Water soft path studies attempt to build sustainable water use scenarios by projecting the economy into the future, adding demand management options to the scenario (e.g., recycling and reuse, water markets, water efficient technologies, behavioural changes, etc.), and then backcasting to develop policies to guide society from the present to the envisioned sustainable future (Brooks, 2005). This approach is in contrast to the conventional hard path, which relies on large scale supply and infrastructure solutions to meeting water needs. Brooks (2005) notes that there has been much research into water efficiency in Canada, but there has yet to be a complete Canadian water soft path study. Toward Biomimicry Biomimicry is a new science that studies nature and then imitates or learns from nature s designs and processes to solve human problems. For example, in nature there is no such thing as waste: one sector s waste becomes another sector s resource/energy. Society is starting to regard stormwater as a resource, not wastewater, and of opportunities for materials re-use and recycling. Rain Harvesting Treating Stormwater as a Resource Rain harvesting involves the collection, conveyance, and storage of rainwater for human use. Rainwater harvesting for drinking water, domestic and agricultural water uses has been in practice in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and other areas for thousands of years (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2002). More recently, rainwater harvesting has been gaining popularity as a means for sustainable urban water management. Rainwater can be harvested using roof water collection systems or land surface catchments, and systems can serve individual households, industrial and commercial operations, or entire communities. The potential benefits of rainwater harvesting include increasing self-sufficiency of supply, minimizing water treatment and distribution costs, reducing flows to stormwater drains, and delaying major infrastructure expenditures (Texas Water Development Board, 2005). Case studies of rainwater harvesting can be found in Germany, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, Hawaii, and elsewhere (UNEP, 2002; Texas Water Development Board, 2005). The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, held a workshop in May 2005 to explore the potential for rainwater harvesting in Canada. Of particular interest in the Toronto Region is the extent to which rain harvesting may help to mitigate the excess of runoff in urban areas that is contributing to erosion and habitat degradation. Materials Re-use and Recycling A crucial component to green building development is the effort to reduce the embodied energy accumulated through the manufacturing of new materials and products. Embodied Toronto Region Conservation 2-13 Rouge Park

21 energy refers to the process of manufacturing, packaging, shipping and installing a new product into a building. Discarded materials at the end of their perceived lifespan are a concern when we know 35% of land fill waste comes from the construction industry. Strategies must be developed to reduce landfill contribution. Although the recycling of unwanted materials is a good step towards landfill reductions, it still requires energy to initiate energy generated by the damaging effects of fossil fuels. The use of salvaged materials in new building development is a practice that must have a greater priority in the construction industry. Giving old materials and products new applications can be a big step towards greening our communities and reducing the demand on current infrastructure. Everything from bricks to flooring, to tiles and hardware can be reused in buildings. For example, in the Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) store in Toronto, structural timber was recovered from log booms on the Lachine River and the old Marconi Radio building in Montreal and used in the entry and skylight assemblies. Also, in the MEC Winnipeg store, the largest of three large masonry and timber buildings on the building site was retained and repaired with existing materials, while the other two buildings were carefully dismantled, so as much as 75% of the old building materials could be recycled. In fact, almost everything structural in the new building is reclaimed materials brick and wood floor, joists, exterior masonry, and cast iron columns and steel beams. Toward integrated management approaches at multiple scales: Local Issues - Global Significance Ecological Footprint While there are direct local impacts of urban growth pressure, people are beginning to understand that there are more far reaching impacts of the growth of city regions. One way of considering the impact of a community on natural resources and ecosystems is to consider its ecological footprint: the land area and the natural capital on which it draws to sustain its population and production structure (Wackernagel and Rees, 1996 in Roseland, 2000). York University studies have suggested an urban region is dependent on the resources of an area 700 times its size. Toronto covers an area of 240 square miles, but requires the resources of areas covering 168,000 square miles around the globe to survive. It does indeed have a global impact (McLean, 2004). Cities appropriate carrying capacity from other regions, or conversely they export ecological degradation or unsustainability (Roseland, 2000). Behaviours and Lifestyles Individual behaviour is one factor that contributes to unsustainability. Canadians are among the world s most wasteful in terms of excessive energy consumption, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions (Boyd, 2004). Although improvements have been made in some indicators, progress has slowed overall due to increased consumption patterns and population growth. Increased fuel efficiency has been overshadowed by the increased numbers of vehicles on the road and the distances travelled. Advances in waste reduction have been offset by consumer lifestyles that demand convenience and disposable products. Modifications of these behaviours, at the individual scale, together with changes in the design of city region systems, at the community and regional scales, will be necessary to achieve sustainability. Toronto Region Conservation 2-14 Rouge Park

22 Melbourne Principles for Sustainable Cities In 2002 the United Nations Environment Program and its partners developed a set of principles to guide thinking and help build a vision of environmentally healthy and sustainable cities ( The 10 Melbourne Principles are: Provide a long term vision for cities based on sustainability; intergenerational, social, economic and political equity; and their individuality; Empower people and foster participation; Recognise and build on the characteristics of cities including their human, cultural, historic and natural systems; Build on the characteristics of ecosystems in the development and nurturing of healthy and sustainable cities; Achieve long-term economic and social security; Expand and enable cooperative networks to work towards a common sustainable future; Enable communities to minimize their ecological footprint; Enable continual improvement, accountability and transparency; Require effective demand management and appropriate use of environmentally sound technologies for cities; and, Recognise the intrinsic value of biodiversity and natural ecosystems and protect and restore them. The principles speak as much to the ultimate realized vision of cities as sustainable ecosystems, as they do to the planning process, which must be followed to design them. Urban Environmental Accords On World Environment Day, June 5, 2005, Mayors of cities from around the world marked the 50 th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter by signing the Urban Environmental Accords and calling to action their fellow Mayors to collaborate and implement the Accords. The Mayors recognized the leadership role they play in developing sustainable urban centres based on culturally and economically appropriate local action especially now that the majority of the planet s population lives in cities ( The 21 actions that comprise the Urban Environmental Accords are organized by seven themes: Energy renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change Waste reduction zero waste, manufacturer responsibility, consumer responsibility Urban design green building, urban planning, slums Urban nature parks, habitat restoration, wildlife Transportation public transportation, clean vehicles, reducing congestion Environmental health toxics reduction, healthy food, clean air Water water access and efficiency, source water protection, waste water reduction Toronto Region Conservation 2-15 Rouge Park

23 Each action sets a target and a deadline for its achievement. A City Green Star Program has been created to recognize the progress of cities in implementing the Accords, whereby a city is awarded a higher number of stars, on a scale of 0 to 4, for a greater number of actions completed. A number of Toronto area municipalities have already made commitments that would meet or exceed some of the actions set out in the Accords. 2.2 TRCA s Living City Vision The greater Toronto city region is one of more than 300 city-regions around the world with 1 million or more people (Scott, 2001) and is the largest city region in Canada. In order to address global calls for sustainability in city regions, TRCA has adopted the Living City vision: The quality of life on Earth is being determined in the rapidly expanding city regions. The Living City is a new kind of community - a place where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature s beauty and diversity. The Living City is the most recent evolution of integrating watershed management with the concept of sustainable communities at a city region scale. In this vision, cities are part of, not separate from, nature. The true social and economic values of ecological systems and services are recognized, and the costs associated with their degradation are assessed. The city itself can be thought of as an ecosystem, where materials and energy are expended, conserved and recycled. Progress towards sustainability requires transformation of many aspects of what we do and how we do it. Urban planning, building construction, recreation, energy, water, transportation and waste management are among the areas which, when viewed through the lens of sustainability, can achieve improved social, environmental and economic outcomes through systemic change. TRCA s Sustainable Community Initiative is focused on promoting change from current lifestyles and practices to more sustainable ones. In this regard, there are no specific targets, rather there is an emphasis on incremental improvements at the individual, community and regional scales. Attributes are the raw material, or the building blocks, of a sustainable community. They are the features that people value in the urban environment and the natural environment. TRCA set out the attributes of a sustainable community in five categories as follows: 1. Healthy Environment (air, water, land, waste) 2. Green Planning and Building (green buildings, energy, water efficiency) 3. Economic Vitality 4. Education, Public awareness and Leadership 5. Social/Community well being. This broad framework of attributes is used to describe the case studies in the next chapter and to present the assumptions for the sustainable community scenario for the Rouge River watershed, as laid out in Chapter 5.0. Toronto Region Conservation 2-16 Rouge Park

24 3.0 PUTTING CONCEPTS INTO PRACTICE: CASE EXAMPLES A lot of great principles and visions often fall well short of being realized, because the combination of practical skills and innovative tools and techniques cannot be successfully assembled. This does not appear to be the case for the vision of sustainable communities. The following selection of case examples from around the world show that concepts of sustainability are being applied in management strategies and designs at the building, lot and community scales. While not all innovative concepts are applied everywhere, these experiences suggest that there are opportunities to begin the process of shifting to new approaches by building on the success of others. Furthermore, surveys of community leaders show there is a market for new products and an emergence of a plethora of incentive programs show there is commitment and a willingness to invest in innovative solutions in the private and public sectors. 3.1 Management Strategies Sustainability management tools and strategies are being developed and implemented by Ontario s provincial agencies, municipalities within and outside the Greater Toronto Area, and other organizations. Provincial sustainability initiatives evolved out of the Ontario government s interest in Smart Growth, a movement to balance economic, community, and environmental needs to offset some of the adverse effects of rapid urbanization, such as increased sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. The Greenbelt Act, 2005 and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 protect natural areas on the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment and prime agricultural lands from urbanization. The Places to Grow Act, 2005 allows for provincial-level designation of, and planning for, geographic growth areas. Growth plans cross municipal boundaries and supercede municipal official plans. The Greater Golden Horseshoe area is the first designated growth area and a proposed growth plan was released in November The proposed plan sets out policies to guide decisions on transportation, infrastructure planning, land-use planning, urban form, housing, natural heritage, and resource protection (Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure Renewal, 2005). For instance, the plan supports intensification in built-up areas, transit-supportive development, and creation of municipal official plan policies for water and energy conservation (Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure Renewal, 2005). The Provincial government has since the early 1990s held a vision for the planned sustainable community of Seaton, a new community just east of the Rouge River watershed and associated with the proposed federal airport. The Province has reflected this vision in the Proposed Central Pickering Development Plan: It is a policy of this Plan that the preparation, review and approval of development applications within the Central Pickering community will be carried out with a view to achieving six broad sustainable community principles. These principles include: 1. fostering a healthy natural environment; 2. encouraging a healthy built environment; Toronto Region Conservation 3-17 Rouge Park

25 3. ensuring economic health; 4. creating opportunity for education and public awareness; 5. fostering social and cultural well-being; and 6. providing appropriate measure for monitoring and measuring success. Neighbourhood Plans shall integrate these principles through the identification of short-, medium-, and long term- actions that address these principles establish a committee whose mandate will include establishing benchmarks for energy conservation, building and community design, cultural heritage conservation, accessibility for the disabled, air quality, human healthy promotion and environmental net gain, that shall be incorporated into Neighbourhood plans to guide future development (McLaren, 2006). This policy is being applied to ensure a well-planned community is developed on the former Ontario government owned Pickering lands that were exchanged for privately-owned lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine, as part of the province s strategy to protect the Moraine. Municipalities have been developing their own sustainability strategies. For example, the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) launched The Sustainable Region Initiative in The initiative provides the framework for a host of activities, including strategic planning, a sustainability television show, a Sustainability Enterprise Fund (municipal financial assistance), and implementation of a variety of programs and projects (Greater Vancouver Regional District, 2003). In 2002, the GVRD was selected to represent Canada in an international competition for sustainable urban systems design and a 100-year sustainability strategy was developed for the region. The strategy represents a case study of long term sustainable urban systems planning and presents a diverse set of goals and strategies illustrating the integration of natural and built systems (The Sheltair Group, 2003). Municipalities in Ontario also are developing sustainability strategies: The City of Hamilton s Vision 2020 sustainability initiative has been underway since the early 1990s. As part of the initiative, the City developed a set of sustainability indicators used to evaluate progress towards social, economic, and environmental goals articulated in the Vision. Indicators have been established for 14 theme areas, including agriculture and rural economy, natural areas and corridors (e.g., cumulative area of significant natural areas protected), water resources, waste management, energy, air quality, transportation, land use, and arts and heritage (City of Hamilton, 2005). The Regional Municipality of Peel is developing Livable Peel, a strategy for managing growth that balances community, economy, and the environment. The Regional Municipality of York s Vision 2026 initiative is a 25-year strategy that sets out goals for quality of life, economy, housing, infrastructure, environment, heritage, human services, balanced growth, and community engagement. Annual reports summarize progress towards achieving the goals (Regional Municipality of York, 2005). Building on this vision, the Region is currently developing a sustainability plan that will further guide the realization of its vision. The Town of Markham has developed a plan to implement Smart Growth principles in the downtown Markham Center neighborhoods. The Markham Centre Study has produced an extensive list of performance indicators for objectives grouped into five theme areas: greenlands, built form, green infrastructure, open space, and transportation (Town of Markham, 2004). Although these indicators were designed for Toronto Region Conservation 3-18 Rouge Park

26 the site level, and therefore are largely too detailed for the watershed scale, they provide a useful point of reference against which to review the completeness of the watershed objectives and indicators. The Regional Municipality of Durham s 2003 strategic plan, Growing Together, sets out objectives, strategic actions, and desired end results for transportation, environment, balanced growth, human services, economy, partnerships and effectiveness (Regional Municipality of Durham, 2003). The City of Toronto has established a Sustainability Roundtable and the Council has a strategic plan setting out goals under 5 themes: social development, economic vitality, environmental sustainability, good governance, and city building. 3.2 Sustainable Community Designs Examples of sustainable communities have been designed and implemented in jurisdictions around the world, and they are beginning to be employed locally. These examples provide guidance on novel approaches to built urban form/densities, stormwater management, energy and waste management, infrastructure standards and protection of environmental features / functions that could be utilized for Greenfield, Retrofit and Redevelopment scenarios. Most importantly, these case studies demonstrate that new approaches are being employed, often with great success. The integration of the features commonly associated with sustainable communities means that many of them reinforce each other. This is often referred to as a "solution multiplier", whereby one feature strengthens the effectiveness of another. For example, higher density development is more supportive of public transit and this in turn helps to conserve green space and reduce auto related environmental and human health impacts. (Ontario Round Table on Environment and Economy, 1995) Close to 20 different case examples are featured in Appendix A. A selection of these cases is presented in Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2, Figure 3-3, and Figure 3-4. Regent Park, a 28-hectare community that is being redeveloped over the next years in Toronto, has strong environmental, social and economic goals. Specific targets are set for the reduction of energy use (75%), for water use conservation (35%), solid waste diversion (60%), and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Within the Rouge River watershed, the Town of Markham is planning a 400-hectare development Markham Centre -- that is being guided by set of Performance Measures to deliver their vision of a downtown core for Markham. It will be a higher density development with a distinctly urban character strong and streetscapes-complemented by ample greenspace. A waterfront community development in Malmo, Sweden has received international attention for being on the forefront of sustainable design. It is designed to run on 100 percent renewable resources, and recycles water locally. The Eco-Village in Ithaca, New York is a co-housing project in a rural setting, which incorporates community-supported agriculture into the 70-hectare property. Innovative energyefficient features include district heating. Renewable energy projects include photovoltaics in a portion of the homes. Toronto Region Conservation 3-19 Rouge Park

27 Figure 3-1: Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario Healthy Environment Targets: 35% reduction of water use and 75% energy use reduction 80% reduction in greenhouse gases Significant reduction in stormwater runoff retention 60% solid waste diversion Improved natural environmental/landscape Reduced impacts from materials, construction and demolition Economic Vitality New vitality and business to the east downtown area Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Strong community engagement process Reconnection to surrounding neighbourhood Social/Community Well-Being A mixed income community consisting of residential, retail, community services, institutional & park units Figure 3-2: Markham Centre Markham Centre Markham, Ontario Healthy Environment 75 acres (30 hectares) Parkland, 192 acres (78 hectares) Open Space Green Planning and Building A distinctly urban character, higher density development with strong streetscapes-complemented by ample greenspaces Economic Vitality Employment:17,000 jobs; Office Space: 400,000 m2; Retail Space: 55,000 m2 Education, Public Awareness and Leadership International recognition: hundreds of professionals have visited Social/Community Well-Being Schools 3 elementary, 1 secondary Toronto Region Conservation 3-20 Rouge Park

28 Figure 3-3: Malmo, Sweden Malmo, Sweden Healthy Environment Designed to run on 100 percent renewable resources Local recycling of water Residual waste is burned for district heating Biogas reactor will produce vehicle fuel and fertiliser Heat extracted from the sea and rock strata; methane gas from local refuse and sewage Green Planning and Building High density, parking of cars in areas outside the housing area Participation of over 20 developers Economic Vitality Increased commercial and tourist activity Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Hundreds of international professionals have visited Social/Community Well-Being Greenspace is mostly communal in the form of residential courtyards Figure 3-4: Eco-village at Ithaca, New York Eco Village at Ithaca, New York Healthy Environment A minimum of 80% of the land open space Green Planning and Building Tightly clustered homes along a meandering pedestrian street Innovative energy-efficient features District heating in the first neighbourhood Photovoltaics in almost half of homes in the second neighbourhood Economic Vitality Community Supported Agriculture; Ten offices are for business in the Common House, Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Many international visitors Social/Community Well-Being The Common House provides communally what you might otherwise need in an individual home Toronto Region Conservation 3-21 Rouge Park

29 3.3 Green Buildings Green buildings offer a holistic approach to building construction and operations that address the following concerns: environmental site design; energy conservation; water management; materials and resources; and the indoor environment. The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has developed a rating system to coordinate and evaluate the best in green building design: LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED System consists of four certification levels, including, from lowest to highest: certified, silver, gold, and platinum. LEED-NC (new construction) was US Green Building Council s (USGBC) first major rating system to be introduced across North America. Since the inception of LEED-NC in 2001, five new rating systems have been developed, representing all segments of the building industry. These systems include: LEED-CI commercial interiors; LEED CS core and shell projects; LEED-H homes; LEED-EB existing buildings; and LEED-ND neighbourhood development. Since the LEED Canada rating system was launched in December 2004, Canadian cities have adopted LEED standard policies: Vancouver and Victoria LEED gold mandated for all new buildings Calgary LEED silver under review for all new municipal buildings Montreal moving towards LEED standard for all new city buildings Toronto Waterfront Development LEED gold mandated for all new buildings York Region all municipal buildings to be LEED certified Oakville looking to mandate LEED for all new commercial construction Kingston all municipal buildings to be LEED certified Waterloo LEED silver for new municipal/public buildings City of Toronto support for voluntary development to LEED Silver public buildings. There are examples of LEED certified and Green Buildings in the Toronto area, and more being planned (Appendix B). One case illustrates the features incorporated in the LEED Silver rated Vaughan Civic Centre design, including a glazed clock tower which draws in fresh air at the building perimeter, reducing the reliance on mechanical systems. 3.4 Stormwater Management Planning and Design Previous sections of this chapter have discussed the incorporation of sustainability philosophies in local planning documents, community and building designs. While stormwater management is integral to many of those case examples, it is so integral to watershed management that this section of the report has been set out to focus on case examples of innovative approaches in stormwater policy and practice. The importance of protecting natural systems function and setting limits to percent imperviousness is beginning to be reflected in policy, for example: Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (MNR, 2002) sets 10% impervious limits and water balance protection in policy, although the 10% limit surprisingly does not apply in designated settlement areas. Toronto Region Conservation 3-22 Rouge Park

30 Markham Small Streams Study (Schollen, 2005) and associated Town of Markham policy protection of small drainage features. TRCA s Water Balance Policy (in preparation) requires maintenance of predevelopment infiltration rates and runoff volume Innovative stormwater management practices are emerging as techniques to meet new policy directions. For example, the Markham Small Streams study provided several case examples of how community designs may be altered, including a no basement design for buildings adjacent to small streams, such that drainage schemes would not require stream inverts to be lowered (see Figure 3-5). Figure 3-5: Markham Small Streams Study Examples of innovative site level runoff reduction practices include: green roofs (e.g. computer science building at York University), porous pavements, rain gardens and bioswales. Rainharvesting is being explored as a means of on site storage and re-use at a condominium development in the City of Toronto. A third-pipe system, collecting and infiltrating relatively clean roof runoff, is in place in a residential development in the City of Vaughan. The City of Toronto s draft Wet Weather Flow SWM guidelines (Draft 2006) set out innovative water balance and erosion objectives. Toronto Region Conservation 3-23 Rouge Park

31 The STEP Program (Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program) of TRCA and its partners conducts performance monitoring and evaluation of innovative technologies. A number of other stormwater best management practice performance assessments and databases are available in Canada (e.g. Blue Book prepared as part of the City of Toronto WWFMMP) and the US (e.g. Centre for Watershed Protection, American Society of Civil Engineers). 3.5 Community, Developer, Builder, and Municipal Perspectives Overcoming the barriers to creating sustainable communities requires taking into account the perspectives of key players. Studies such as those conducted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reveal what is important to the community, to the developers and builders, and to municipalities. In order to determine receptivity for greener, healthier and more sustainable housing, studies are often conducted, such as for those in UniverCity Community in BC. In this survey of prospective homeowners, respondents indicated what features would encourage their home purchase decision (CMHC, 2004): Energy efficiency 89% Water efficiency -- 87% Indoor Air quality 81% Efficient Use of Resources 81% Adaptability of the Home 57% Forgo underground parking stalls for reduced home cost 23% Results from the same study indicate that respondents are willing to pay from 2.5% to 6.5% above market value for Healthy Housing. Other surveys support the fact that energy efficiency is important to Ontarians. In a 2006 telephone survey of 956 people from across Ontario, conducted by Oraclepoll Research, 935 said energy conservation is important to them, and 84% believe that Ontarians can do a better job of conserving (Toronto Star, Feb. 11, 2006). Other major findings include: 80% support upgrading the building code to ensure energy efficiency. 85% support tax subsidies for homeowners who upgrade their energy efficiency 88% support requiring builders and contractors to inform homebuyers about energyefficient upgrades and their benefits. Citizen input and support for sustainable community development was a factor in successful planning by the Town of Okotoks, Alberta. The Sustainable Okotoks Municipal Development Plan (MDP) was developed in consultation with the community. A survey revealed: 84% agreed with the MDP policy of capping population and fixing boundaries 83 % of respondents believed that any development not complying with sustainable development principles should be refused; and 70% supported diversified, mixed-use housing such as detached homes, townhouses, duplexes, apartments, granny suites, seniors housing etc. (CMHC, 2002). Toronto Region Conservation 3-24 Rouge Park

32 Another study published by CMHC revealed that awareness of sustainable community planning issues is low among consumers, although they are receptive to receiving more information and many find sustainable community planning to be an intriguing concept. The study concluded that information to citizens on the topic should focus on how the sustainable communities are liveable communities great places to live (CMHC, 1999). Builders want communities to be viable; that is, they must be able to be buildable, marketable and cost effective. Builders who introduce features with lower environmental impact in their homes can experience profits. For example, Jayman Homes of Alberta offered houses with EnerGuide certification (high energy efficiency standards) to their customers and sold more of these homes than they had budgeted for. Their market share increased by 0.4% (Bengert, 2005). Municipalities express a desire for communities to be manageable, affordable and risk-free. They consider the long term operations and maintenance implications of community design. Concerns with lot level stormwater management practices are often cited, in that maintenance of these practices relies on the private property owner. Owners are not always reliable, as they may be not be aware of the intended function of the design feature and either deliberately or inadvertently discontinue its use. Education and awareness programs will help ensure property owners leave the practices in tact. 3.6 Emergence of Supportive Programs The emergence of guidance and incentive programs for businesses, municipal leaders and community residents is an indication of the level of commitment provided by various levels of government and non-government organizations to help promote adoption of sustainable practices and behaviours they believe are important. These programs can help to overcome barriers to the creation of sustainable communities. For businesses, programs and incentives include: The Cool Shops program energy efficiency for retail; Energy sector Conservation Demand Management (CDM ) plans submitted by electric utilities for fostering energy savings; Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) programs for manufacturers to reduce pollution in their operations; Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) - provides design assistance and funding for eligible organizations based on building energy savings; Energy Innovators Initiative a program by Natural Resources Canada which helps organizations to invest in their facilities with Energy Retrofit Assistance (ERA) funding. For municipal leaders, programs and incentives include: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Funds assistance with municipal projects with environmental objectives, especially energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG s) - and Partners in Climate Protection (PCP); International Committee on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) provide software for inventorying carbon in support of the PCT program; Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) - provides design assistance and funding for eligible organizations based on building energy savings; Toronto Region Conservation 3-25 Rouge Park

33 Green buildings certification - e.g. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); TRCA programs for The Living City i.e. Mayors Megawatt Challenge, Sustainable Schools, Greening Health Care, Greening Retail. For community residents, programs and incentives include: Community-based workshops such as seminars on alternative energy for home and cottage owners, held at the Kortright Centre for Conservation; Energy strategies e.g. renewable energy and energy efficiency programs such as GreenSaver, Green Communities, One Tonne Challenge; CMHC mortgage insurance program all homes labeled as BuiltGreen Gold and EnerGuide rate at 77 or more are eligible for a 10% rebate on their mortgage insurance program; Community waste management strategies e.g. The City of Toronto s Green Bin Program is city-wide, allowing approximately 510,000 single family households to put organics out for separate collection. Mission Green is the Town of Markham s plan to divert 70% of its waste from landfill. The overall plan to reach 70% waste diversion includes Green Bin collection and expanded recycling opportunities. Municipal Blue Box programs are also well known. Programs such as the examples mentioned above may be a sign that the support networks are becoming established for individuals and businesses to make sustainable choices in their lifestyles with greater ease. The how to information and mechanisms are falling into place, such that the shift to sustainable community practices is already happening. Toronto Region Conservation 3-26 Rouge Park

34 4.0 DEFINING THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO This chapter describes the methods and approaches used in defining the sustainable community scenario. Refer to Chapter 5.0 for a full summary of all assumptions comprising the scenario. 4.1 Principles Based on a review of the trends in management philosophies, the following principles were identified to guide the definition of the sustainability scenario for the Rouge River watershed. Shift from mitigation to prevention; protection and enhancement of natural systems as the basis for social and economic health The emphasis shifts from one of mitigation (how do we reduce the effect of a stressor through more innovative technology?) to one of prevention (how do we eliminate the stressor?). This approach will protect and enhance the integrity of natural systems and result in greater resilience. In other words, the concept of sustainable community should first look at how to avoid impacts first, followed by looking at innovative methods / technologies to reduce impacts. Shift from degradation to restoration and net gain There is recognition that currently degraded areas can be improved to contribute to a healthier ecological function and overall quality of community life. Shift from end-of-pipe to source and demand management This approach recognizes the cumulative benefits of small actions at the site scale and relative benefits to local systems. While greater emphasis is placed on source control measures, there is a continued need for management at community scales. Shift from waste to resource/re-use This principle builds on the City of Toronto s WWFMMP study by expanding on the treating water as a resource principle. This mimics a natural system, where waste generated from one system becomes energy for another. Shift toward integrated management at multiple scales watershed: protecting and enhancing a natural heritage system by achieving the TRCA s Terrestrial Natural Heritage strategy, implementing the Rouge Park North, the ORM and the Greenbelt Plan subwatershed: balancing growth by adjusting densities based on subwatershed characteristics subdivision / neighbourhood: apply community design concepts that support improved quality of life and resource conservation (e.g. mixed uses that reduce vehicle use and facilitate district energy plans; integration of increased natural heritage cover and less impervious surface; etc.) lot level (individual property): e.g. Stormwater infiltration, building orientation to take advantage of passive solar energy building: e.g. LEED standards Toronto Region Conservation 4-27 Rouge Park

35 individual: adopt sustainable behaviours 4.2 The Four Pronged Approach The development of the Sustainable Community scenario combined information from four elements to provide the necessary building blocks for the scenario: 1. Framework for sustainable community design and example implementation practices, as related to Rouge River watershed goals and objectives 2. Development of a working base map illustrating spatially the future land use characteristics of the watershed; 3. Establishment of reference criteria and performance standards for each broad land use category; and 4. Understanding of the available modelling tools, assumptions and limitations. These building blocks provided a basis for the assembly of bundles of design assumptions and practices for each of the main land use categories. These bundles formed the sustainable community scenario map, definition and assumptions. This product served as input into the modelling and analysis. This scenario development approach is illustrated in Figure 4-1 Figure 4-1: Sustainable Community Scenario Development four-pronged approach Sustainable Community Scenario Development Four-pronged Approach Principles, Objectives, Reference Criteria and Standards Final Scenario Map and Assumptions Sustainable Community Design Attributes/ Framework Working Base Map Modelling and analysis Modelling Tools and Assumptions 4.3 Defining the Sustainable Community Design Framework In the early stages of developing the sustainable communities scenario, there was a need to establish a framework of attributes that could be used to set the scope of work and communicate the concept to other parties. In order to maintain consistency with a similar initiative of TRCA s Living City Program and take advantage of extensive community-based consultation that had already taken place, the TRCA s framework of sustainable community Toronto Region Conservation 4-28 Rouge Park

36 attributes was adopted. As discussed in Section 2.2, the five attributes of a sustainable community include: Healthy Environment (air, water, land, aquatic, terrestrial, waste); Green Planning and Building (building and construction, energy and atmosphere, water efficiency); Economic Vitality; Leadership, education, awareness; Community health and social well being. TRCA wanted to establish clear linkages between the Rouge River watershed goals, objectives and targets and the Living City sustainable community attributes. For each attribute, the relevant Rouge goals and objectives were presented, along with a long list of possible sustainable community design options, features or practices that could contribute toward meeting the goals/objectives. Within the context of watershed and subwatershed scale assumptions, the possible design options were presented at three more detailed scales (Figure 4-2): Figure 4-2: Linking Lot to Watershed Community/lot; Building; and Individual. The Rouge goals and objectives describe well defined directions for the desired environmental condition, except for the Land and Resource Use goal, which sets out expected standards of practice for human behaviour in such areas as water conservation and waste reduction. The sustainable community design options tend to focus on lifestyle or management practices at the individual, lot, or community scale that would all contribute to achieving the Rouge goals. The sustainable community design options were also described in terms of their likely modellable effect. The Rouge sustainable community scenario was developed using a combination of strategic and opportunistic approaches, in that a selection of the best design approaches at all scales Toronto Region Conservation 4-29 Rouge Park

37 was assembled. By modelling and evaluating the scenario, we can identify how close the cumulative effects of all of these state-of-the-science technologies bring us to achieving the indicators and targets for the Rouge River watershed, and then identify whether any shortfall might be made up by incorporating value added opportunities or sustainable development improvements at different watershed scales. For example, a hydrologic indicator and target for the Rouge River watershed is to manage for the existing water balance by meeting the target of true volume control of runoff (maintaining existing infiltration and runoff volumes). A suite of measures would be implemented in greenfield development to meet this target. These measures may include natural areas protection, increased development densities, reduced impervious surface, and a range of stormwater management infiltration and detention practices at the lot, conveyance and end-ofpipe. Modelling results would confirm any shortfall, for example assume that the water balance volume for a particular subwatershed to be maintained was 250 mm/ha/year. If the proposed measures were only able to reduce runoff under the sustainable communities scenario to 280 mm/ha/year, the short fall of 30 mm/ha/year would be identified as a target to be achieved using more aggressive and innovative approaches. This may be achieved for example, by implementing water conservation at the lot/neighbourhood level to selectively store and reuse this potential surplus by installing lot level cisterns to capture the additional roof runoff and use the surplus for grey water uses such as toilet flushing, irrigation, etc. Alternatively, the mix of urban uses might be adjusted on a subwatershed basis in order to find ways to infiltrate the additional 30 mm/ha/year (beyond the existing infiltration rate) or to store this additional water at a subwatershed scale for use in irrigating agricultural, greenhouse or golf course operations. This example shows how the sustainable community design framework can be used to explore creative solutions to design challenges in one scale or attribute, simply by looking to approaches in other attributes or scales. 4.4 Development of the Working Base Map Before specific assumptions about design features and practices could be made about each land use, a watershed scale map had to be prepared to illustrate the various land uses that might characterize the Rouge River watershed in the year 2031 according to eleven land cover classes. The aim was to determine future land cover according to the following classes: Low density residential; Medium density residential; High density residential; Institutional (schools, arenas, etc.); Commercial (a downtown; b-strip mall; c-big box) Industrial (a prestige/light; b-big box/heavy); Open space; Major roads and utilities (e.g. highways, rail, hydro); Agriculture (a-cultivated; b-pasture); Rural estate; and Natural cover Toronto Region Conservation 4-30 Rouge Park

38 A few key considerations guided the assumptions that were made: Urban and rural settlement land uses, existing as of 2002 and as per the assumed build out of municipal official plans, would continue except as follows; Natural heritage system would be protected and enhanced, as per policies set out in the Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Rouge Park North Management Plan and as per the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed; Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan policies would guide land use assumptions in their respective planning areas; and Remaining lands not covered by the above-noted policy areas in 2002 would be candidates for urbanization. Assumptions about the Sustainable Community Scenario working base map are noted in Table 4-1. Specific land cover classes, as listed in above could not be delineated on a map for the potential urban development lands, but rather were identified in proportion of the total area and the resulting blend of land uses was assumed to be equally applied across the potential greenfield urban area. Once an initial map was produced, TRCA consulted municipal planning staff to identify potential land areas for retrofit and redevelopment and the expected densities and type of land use that might evolve in the urban greenfield developments. Specific questions and feedback were as follows: Q: Under this scenario, can it be assumed that lands potentially available for development by 2031, which would be developed under the conventional full build out scenario, would not be fully built out under the sustainable community scenario (since intensification would accommodate the same growth within a smaller land area). A: Staff were generally unanimous in stating that this assumption should not be used, primarily because the total amount of future growth land is relatively small, and because market demands for low density housing forms would utilize all available land ultimately. Q: Under this scenario, is there a logical distribution within the greenfield lands for two generalized urban land forms: a high density, mostly commercial form, and a lower density, mostly residential form? A: Staff generally indicated that this would be difficult to predict, except that the higher density commercial uses would generally be concentrated along major arterials and at major, future transportation nodes. A: It was also generally agreed that there were few opportunities for large scale redevelopment in the Rouge River watershed. Redevelopment opportunities would generally be restricted to individual lot or small scale land areas. Therefore, within the potential urban greenfield development area, a blended low-medium residential land use was defined, which also assumed that a proportion of industrialcommercial, institutional, roads, parks and open space/community gardens would be distributed throughout. Section 5.1 discusses these assumptions in more detail. Figure 5-1 illustrates the resulting land cover assumptions for this scenario. Toronto Region Conservation 4-31 Rouge Park

39 Table 4-1: Working Base Map for Sustainable Community Scenario (Scenario 7) - Full build out with complete implementation of all elements of a sustainable community plan. Scenario Element Description a. Land use/land cover Assumptions Base land cover interpreted from 2002 aerial ortho photos and the 2004 MapArt Book to assign land cover and use classes. Land cover and use were placed into the following classes: cultivated agriculture, pasture, estate residential, low/medium density residential, high density residential, recreational, golf course, zoo, highway, commercial, industrial, institutional, mineral/aggregate extraction, cemetery, railway, hydro corridor, airport lands, urban open space, vacant land, open water, forest, wetland, meadow, beach bluff, and successional. natural cover interpretation was verified by comparison with digital Ecological Land Cover mapping, that was based on field inventories (taken during ) of about 33% of the watershed s natural cover. where determination of commercial or industrial was indiscernible from ortho photo interpretation or appeared to differ from the Official Plan designations, the Official Plan designation was used. aggregate pits designated in Official Plans but not apparent on ortho photos were classified as natural cover, because it was assumed they had been either decommissioned or were not yet active. aggregate pits were assumed to function hydrologically the same as open space. Municipal Official Plans implementation of the adopted, approved and potential Official Plans, such that designations for areas yet to be built out (as compared to the 2002 base land cover) were derived from Official Plans and advice from municipal planners; Municipal official plan land use designations and policies were reconciled into the land use/cover classes used to prepare 2002 land use/cover mapping information, as described in the following sections. Town of Markham uses designations of hamlet, rural residential and urban residential and so it was assumed that these were represented by the low/medium density residential cover class. It was also assumed that Markham s designations of hazard land and ecological protection area were represented by natural cover (forest, meadow as in 2002). The Markham designation of open space included urban areas, existing natural and agricultural covers. The former of these was classed as according to the land use and the latter two were called urban open space. detailed Town of Richmond Hill designations were generalized into commercial, industrial, hydro corridor, and urban open space. classifications of Settlement Areas in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan were used in preference to the designations in the Town of Richmond Hill land use classes because the information seemed to be more up to date. designations in the City of Toronto Official Plan and Ontario Municipal Board restrictions in effect in 2002 were used with the exception of Morningside Heights which was updated using the Toronto Official Plan designations. land use classes of 2002 for the City of Pickering were used. any urban natural cover (open land, forest, wetland, meadow, successional) Toronto Region Conservation 4-32 Rouge Park

40 Scenario Element Description Assumptions that was present in Official Plans in 2002 was assumed to remain present when the development is complete. in new urban areas assume that the TRCA valley and stream corridor would be implemented. Land cover within valley and stream corridors in urban areas would remain as in Greenbelt Plan and ORMCP assume the provincial Greenbelt Plan and ORMCP are implemented. Settlement areas designated in the ORMCP and reflected in municipal Official Plans become low/medium density residential and all other areas in the Greenbelt and ORMCP (e.g. countryside, natural core and linkage ) will remain as 2002 conditions, unless they lie in the targeted TNHS (see below). Rouge Park and other valleylands assume a 600 m wide Rouge Park corridor along the Little Rouge River, as defined in the Greenbelt Plan and Markham s OPA 140, is undevelopable. Land cover within the corridor remains as 2002 conditions (i.e. agriculture, forest, meadow), except where lands lie in the targeted TNHS (see below). Rouge Park North Ecological Criteria are applied in the developing lands and assume they result in a 100 m corridor along each side of streams, and this corridor is in forest cover. trees planted in Rouge Park restoration sites as of 2002, will become forest. the Draft Little Rouge Ecological Corridor Plan (including the Park boundary as defined by criteria in the Rouge Park North Management Plan) is implemented on the Ontario Realty Corporation lands north of Steeles Avenue that were transferred to TRCA for Rouge Park purposes. Assume that natural cover (forest and/or wetland) will remain as in 2002 and agricultural land present in 2002 will remain as is or become meadow except where lands lie in the targeted TNHS (see below). TRCA Valley and Stream corridor areas are not developable and the cover is assumed to remain in 2002 conditions. Government lands publically owned lands (e.g. municipal parks, roads) and private golf courses were assumed to be undevelopable and to remain as in 2002, except where they lie in the targeted TNHS (see below). Canadian government owned lands north of Steeles remain as they were in 2002, except where lands lie in the targeted TNHS (see below). Targeted Terrestrial Natural Heritage System (TNHSS) for the Rouge Watershed assume the TRCA s terrestrial natural heritage system target* for the Rouge River watershed is implemented and that urban growth does not occur on lands within the targeted system. lands within the terrestrial natural heritage system target have regenerated back to forest cover. patches of existing natural cover outside of: (1) the TNHSS; or (2) areas protected by municipal or provincial policy; or (3) ORC lands, would be converted to surrounding land uses. aggregate extraction sites present in the targeted terrestrial areas were not included as natural heritage cover. Toronto Region Conservation 4-33 Rouge Park

41 Scenario Element Description b. Drainage c. Municipal Water Use d. Other Water Takings e. Sanitary Servicing f. Stormwater Management g. Climate Assumptions Potential Urban Greenfield Development assume urban expansion into remaining lands, not already urbanized or protected under the above-noted assumptions for Greenbelt, ORMCP, TNHSS, Rouge Park or government land ownership. Rouge Park North Ecological Criteria are applied in the developing lands and assume they result in a 100 m corridor along each side of streams, and this corridor is in forest cover. Markham Small Streams policy is adopted and its application results in the protection of additional corridors representing approximately 2% of potential urban area; corridors are assumed to be in forest cover. Assume a blend of land covers including residential, industrial, commercial, roads, institutions, parks, agriculture/community gardens. surface drainage patterns were taken from 1:10000 Ontario Base Maps digital elevation model. percent imperviousness factors for each land use were developed based on values in the literature modified by past TRCA analysis of urban land permeability and the City of Toronto s Wet Weather Flow Master Management Plan (WWFMMP). streamflow data for were taken from the TRCA records, Water Survey of Canada, Richmond Hill gauges and used to calibrate the HSP-F model. current water demands will continue to be supplied by existing sources (i.e. Regional wells at Whitchurch-Stouffville, lake-based supplies elsewhere); based on information from York Region Water Use Assessment Draft Report (Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd. And Golder Associates, 2003). assume consumption will rise by 40%. Note this could be reduced by conservation (based on daily rates in York Region Long Term Water Project Master Plan update, April 2004) and that these increases will be supplied by sources outside the Rouge watershed. no additional groundwater will be drawn from Rouge watershed sources, but there may be expanded draws from Duffins watershed groundwater sources for Stouffville. additional Markham and Richmond Hill water would be supplied from Lake Ontario. no private wells in the urbanizing areas (all will be connected to municipal supplies) but private wells will continue to exist where areas remain rural. current water takings continue, but all surface withdrawals will be offline. Information from York Region Water Use Assessment Draft Report, 2003 and TRCA water use assessment database 2004 (PTTW, non-pttw required and domestic takings verified by field inspection); assume that permitted maximum volumes reflect actual use where actual consumption was not verified (with recognition that this is probably an over-estimate). septic systems are in urbanizing areas are retired and replaced by expanded municipal services, provided by lake-based water pollution control plants. rural private services would remain in place where areas remain rural. stormwater ponds operating in April 2002 (based on the TRCA Stormwater Management Pond Database, review of design reports and the TRCA permit files) function as described in design reports. Environment Canada daily weather records of precipitation, temperature and evaporation for for Buttonville Airport were used for hydrological modelling and assumed representative of long term average conditions. Only Toronto Region Conservation 4-34 Rouge Park

42 Scenario Element Description Assumptions 1991 data were used for surface water quality modelling, as that year was determined to be the best average year. missing data for tipping bucket samplers was assumed to be zero. *An interim regional targeted terrestrial natural heritage system delineation was used and further refined for the Rouge River watershed for purposes of this study. This interim target was based on a modification of the TRCA s draft 1999 TNHSS, but preceded the recommended TNHSS as published in The interim targeted system represents approximately 3% more natural cover in the watershed overall, as compared to the Rouge Watershed component of the regional target system in the TRCA s 2007 strategy. More details regarding the TRCA s Regional Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy and methods of refining the regional targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed are found in the Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report (TRCA, 2007). 4.5 Development of Reference Criteria and Standards Indicators and targets have been developed for each of the objectives for the Rouge River watershed Study. These are listed in Appendix C. As noted previously, these are primarily targets for condition that identify the desired healthy state of the environmental features of the watershed. Additional criteria and standards were recognized and used to guide the formulation of scenario assumptions. Water and Natural Heritage Criteria and Standards A fundamental aspect of a sustainability approach is that the design strives to achieve the performance standards and criteria necessary to maintain the integrity of the system. Therefore, for the purposes of this scenario a set of reference criteria and standards have been identified for the water and natural heritage objectives. Certain criteria (e.g. infiltration) are based on preliminary modelling runs used to define existing conditions, which will become a design criterion to be maintained. A review of literature and internet sources, municipal and other jurisdiction s standards, criteria and targets has also been used as a guide. Reference criteria are shown in Table 4-2, which compares Scenario 6 (full build out conventional) and Scenario 7 (full build out with sustainable community design). The modelling approach to be used for the water management aspect of Scenario 7 will evaluate the various land uses identified in the Base Map, applying the various bundling assumptions, discussed in Section 4.7 and Chapter 5.0. Estimates of the likely design form and BMP bundles will be developed and optimized by examining 2-3 case examples of lot level BMPs, using a simple water balance model, and then the preferred case results will be extrapolated to the watershed scale. The preferred case will serve as an illustration of how the design criteria may be met and what the resulting community design might look like. Results will be compared to the Rouge River watershed indicators and targets to see how the scenario measures up against the targets. Any shortfalls will need to be addressed by other or more aggressive approaches. Other Sustainable Community Criteria and Standards Reference criteria and standards for other aspects of the sustainable community scenario, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, etc. are noted in Chapter 5.0, in the form of rationale Toronto Region Conservation 4-35 Rouge Park

43 for the stated assumptions. Many of these assumptions are not modellable and thus received no further rigorous watershed analysis, but are provided with literature-based performance information as a complete depiction of sustainable practices that are complementary to water and natural heritage objectives. Table 4-2: Reference Criteria and Standards for Water and Natural Heritage Aspects of the Sustainable Community Design Criteria Associated with Rouge Watershed Targets HEALTHY WATER Conventional Future Sustainable Infiltration rates n/a Aim to maintain pre-development recharge to the extent practically possible. Runoff volume n/a Aim to maintain or reduce runoff volume from pre-development rates to the extent practically possible. Stormwater quality Level 1 MOE Level 1 minimum Stormwater quantity (flood; peak flows) Stormwater quantity (erosion; extended detention). Control of 2 to 100 yr. post development peak streamflows to predevelopment levels, unless a study demonstrates otherwise. 25 mm storm for 48 hr detention as a minimum. Require an erosion study to determine otherwise. Same as conventional Prevent increase in erosion potential in receiving watercourses. Temperature n/a No net increase in temperature downstream. Maintenance of drainage No interbasin diversions No interbasin diversions area. Baseflow n/a Maintain or enhance baseline seasonal or annual baseflows. Surface water takings n/a All surface water users to be offline. HEALTHY NATURAL HERITAGE Terrestrial natural heritage Protect valley and stream corridors and other important existing natural heritage features. Protect the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed and Rouge Park corridors. Toronto Region Conservation 4-36 Rouge Park

44 4.6 Modelling Tools and Assumptions The sustainable community scenario will be modelled to determine its effect on watershed systems using the following techniques: Surface water model (HSP-F and WABAS) Groundwater model (MODFLOW) Terrestrial natural heritage evaluation tool (TRCA s Landscape Analysis Model) Aquatic systems tool (MNR s LSAT model) Professional judgement / expert systems GIS techniques The degree of sophistication of each model dictated the level of detail that had to be specified as input parameters and thus influenced the scenario assumptions that had to be made. These modelling methods were considered sufficient to address a representative range of environmental variables and targets under consideration. Once the modelling is complete and shortfalls are identified, a list of performance standards will be developed that will allow the shortfall to be made up and the Rouge environmental target to be met. It may be necessary to remodel the scenario to confirm that the target can be met, or professional judgement may be sufficient to determine that the target is met. 4.7 Bundling Considerations Based on consideration of information from each of the four building blocks of this scenario sustainable community attributes and options, working base map, reference criteria and modelling tools together with input from stakeholders, a number of assumptions have been made and grouped into bundles. For each of five broad land use categories, illustrated on the base map, bundles of assumptions have been made about the specific design features, practices and behaviours that would characterize the sustainable community attributes. These are the features that might be expected in that situation in the year 2031, and for which further analysis and modelling will be undertaken. The land use categories include: greenfield development, existing urban retrofit and redevelopment, rural/agriculture, transportation corridors, and natural areas. Certain assumptions would apply to all land use categories. These were grouped into bundles referred to as assumptions common to all land uses. Within each bundle, assumptions have been set out at roughly three scales: community/lot scale; building scale; and individual/behavioural scale. It is important to note that a number of assumptions about the extent of natural heritage systems and future land uses themselves have already been set out at the watershed scale, as depicted in the working base map. Table 4-3 illustrates the situations for which bundles of sustainable community assumptions have been prepared. The detailed assumptions are defined in Chapter 5.0. Toronto Region Conservation 4-37 Rouge Park

45 Table 4-3: Bundles of Sustainable Community Design Features and Practices Sustainable Community Attributes Greenfield Development Urban/Retrofit Agriculture/Rural Transportation Natural Areas Green planning Greenfield Planning Retrofit/Redevelopment Rural development Transportation Planning Healthy natural heritage Greenfield Natural Area Urban Natural Areas Rural Natural Areas Transportation Nature Healthy water Greenfield Water Retrofit Water Rural Water Transportation Water Healthy Air Air Bundle Natural Heritage Waste reduction Waste Bundle Bundle Energy efficiency Energy Bundle Water conservation Water Conservation Bundle Economic vitality Economic Bundle Education/Awareness Education Bundle Social Well being Social Well being Bundle Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage Bundle Toronto Region Conservation 4-38 Rouge Park

46 5.0 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCENARIO This chapter summarizes our vision of a sustainable Rouge River watershed in the year 2031, if every innovative, reasonable management action were to be undertaken. Sustainability commonly incorporates the concept of environmental protection or enhancement for future generations, but it also equally needs to consider social and economic issues. The National Round Table defines urban sustainability as: The enhanced well-being of cities or urban regions, including integrated economic, ecological and social components, which will maintain the quality of life for future generations (NRTEE, 2003). At the watershed scale, an enhanced green network protects the resilience of watershed natural functions (see Section 5.1). Sustainable design features, practices and behaviours occur at the community/lot, building and individual scales within five land use categories: Urban greenfield development; Urban retrofit and redevelopment; Agriculture/rural areas; Transportation corridors; and Natural areas. Sections 5.2 to 5.6 describe the assumptions about the kinds of features and practices that would characterize these land uses at the three different scales. Section 5.7 addresses assumptions that are common to all land uses. The assumptions are organized according to TRCA s broad sustainable community attributes, in association with the Rouge Watershed Task Force s goals and objectives for the watershed (see Table 5-1). This and other information described in Chapter 4.0 was used to guide our assumptions. Section 5.8 discusses the next steps involving the modelling and evaluation of this scenario in terms of its ability to achieve the watershed objectives. 5.1 Watershed Scale Perspective Figure 5-1 illustrates the land cover assumptions for the Rouge River watershed under the sustainable community scenario. The timeframe for this scenario is approximately The increased extent of terrestrial natural heritage systems, as compared to all other scenarios, demonstrates the emerging management philosophy that recognizes the importance of protecting natural system function at a watershed scale. This system includes the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed, which represents an increase in natural cover from 24% to over 31% of the watershed. Also included is the assumed development of Rouge Park, along tributaries of the Main Rouge and Little Rouge Rivers, as per the ecological criteria used to delineate the park, and protection of additional drainage systems as a result of the proposed Markham Small Streams policy. Rural agricultural lands remain protected under the provincial Greenbelt Protection and Oak Ridges Moraine legislation and Rouge Park. Existing urban communities continue to flourish and new greenfield communities have developed along the northern urban fringe of Markham. Toronto Region Conservation 5-39 Rouge Park

47 Table 5-1: Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals and Objectives Sustainable Community Attributes Green Planning Healthy Natural Heritage Healthy Water Rouge Watershed Goals and Objectives (see Appendix C for indicators and targets) Sustainable Land and Resource Use Goal: A healthy watershed with a mosaic of land and resource uses (at watershed and community scales) that are compatible with the protection and improvement of ecological health. Land and resource uses include: Rouge Park, urban and rural settlements, agriculture, golf courses, aggregate extraction, and transportation and utility corridors. Objectives: Practice sustainable resource use by individuals, households, businesses, institutions and governments. Improve sustainability in urban form at building site, community and watershed scales. Protect agricultural lands for food and crop production and as a vital component of the watershed landscape, by sustaining a viable agricultural industry. Aquatic System Goal: A healthy aquatic system that supports a diversity of native habitats and communities and provides sustainable public use opportunities Objectives: Protect, restore and enhance the health and diversity of native aquatic habitats, communities and species. Provide for sustainable fishing opportunities and the safe consumption of fish Terrestrial System Goal: A healthy terrestrial system that supports a diversity of native habitats and communities, a more natural watershed hydrology, cleaner air and sustainable public use opportunities. Objectives: Protect, restore and enhance natural cover to improve connectivity, biodiversity and ecological function. Protect, restore and enhance terrestrial natural heritage system quality and function to minimize the negative influences of surrounding land use. Increase native terrestrial biodiversity Surface Water Goal: Surface waters of a quality, volume and naturally variable rate of flow to Protect aquatic and terrestrial life and ecological functions; Protect human life and property from risks due to flooding; Contribute to the protection of Lake Ontario as a domestic drinking water source; Support sustainable agricultural, industrial, and commercial water supply needs; Support swimming, fishing and the opportunity to safely consume fish; and Contribute to the removal of Toronto from the Great Lakes list of Areas of Concern Objectives: Protect and restore the natural variability of annual and seasonal stream flow Maintain and restore natural levels of baseflow Eliminate or minimize risks to human life and property due to flooding and erosion. Meet standards for body contact recreation at nearshore beaches and in the river. Protect and restore surface water quality with respect to conventional pollutants, to ensure protection of aquatic life, ecological functions and water supply needs. Protect and restore surface water quality with respect to toxic contaminants, to ensure protection of aquatic life, ecological functions, human health, and water supply needs. Groundwater Goal: Groundwater of sufficient quantity and quality to support ecological functions, aquatic habitats, native fish communities, and sustainable human needs, including drinking water, agricultural, industrial, and commercial uses. Objectives: Toronto Region Conservation 5-40 Rouge Park

48 Sustainable Community Attributes Healthy Air Waste Reduction Energy Efficiency Water Use and Conservation Economic Vitality Education/ awareness Social Well Being Cultural Heritage Rouge Watershed Goals and Objectives (see Appendix C for indicators and targets) Protect, restore and enhance groundwater recharge 1 and discharge. Protect, restore and enhance groundwater quality. Ensure sustainable rates of groundwater use. Fluvial Geomorphology Goal: Natural, stable stream channels and corridors that allow for natural stream flow patterns, support diverse aquatic habitat, limit sediment loadings and protect human life, property and infrastructure from risks due to erosion and slope instability. Objectives: Protect and restore natural channel morphology and stability Air Quality Goal: Air of a quality that protects human health, natural ecosystems and crops, and contributes to the reduction of global climate change. Objectives: Protect and restore air quality See Sustainable Land and Resource Use (above) See Sustainable Land and Resource Use (above) See Sustainable Land and Resource Use (above) (not addressed; except Agriculture see Sustainable Land and Resource Use above) (not addressed as a goal/objective, rather as an implementation tool) Nature-based Recreation Goal: Opportunities for public enjoyment that are compatible with, and raise awareness of, the watershed s natural and cultural heritage. Objectives: Ensure that recreation activities in the watershed are compatible with ecological and cultural integrity. Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate public uses and experiences in representative natural and cultural landscapes. Develop a continuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, with connections to local communities, neighbouring watershed trail systems and natural and cultural heritage features. Cultural Heritage Goal: Recognition, preservation, and celebration of cultural heritage in the Rouge River watershed to increase awareness and understanding of past human relationships with the environment. Objective: Identify, document, protect and celebrate cultural heritage resources. Toronto Region Conservation 5-41 Rouge Park

49 Figure 5-1: Rouge River Watershed Sustainable Community Scenario Base Map Toronto Region Conservation 5-42 Rouge Park

50 5.2 Urban Greenfield Development The potential urban lands primarily consist of those central parts of the watershed that lie outside of: the urban and rural settlement boundaries of existing municipal official plans; lands designated under the ORMCP and Greenbelt Plan; the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system; Rouge Park; and lands assumed to be protected under the Markham small streams policy. This section presents general assumptions about the types of new design forms and practices, followed by a summary of the specific quantitative assumptions used for hydrologic modelling purposes. General Assumptions General assumptions about the form of greenfield development in these potential urban areas are presented for the community and lot scale (Table 5-2) and for the building and individual scale (Table 5-3). Key features include smaller lot sizes than would be found in present day suburban development, mixed use communities and more extensive open space/parks systems interconnected with regional natural heritage systems. Figure 5-2 and Figure 5-3 show examples of what this community might look like. There would be an increased emphasis on naturalized landscapes, stormwater management practices at the lot level ( at source ) and re-use of stormwater for beneficial purposes to manage for pre-development water balance (e.g. maintenance of pre-development infiltration rates and runoff volumes to the extent possible). Typical practices are shown in Figure 5-4. Table 5-2: Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals/Objectives GREEN PLANNING Quality of Life Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions A pedestrian-oriented, mixed use community. Nodes or community centres with live/work/shop/play opportunities within 10 minutes walk. Connections between centres within 30 minutes travel time, by transit, bicycle or pedestrian networks. Open Space/parks system linkages within the community and beyond. More natural nodes and corridors are distributed throughout the built areas as a result of policies for the protection of natural heritage and natural hydrologic systems, such as small streams, and Rouge Park. Natural areas contribute to micro climate and air quality management. A mix of land uses that encourages modes of transportation other than the private automobile. Convenient connections to transit. Toronto Region Conservation 5-43 Rouge Park

51 Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals/Objectives Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions A streetscape, which is pedestrian in scale, promotes walking and social interaction while enhancing the ecological systems. Vistas and views have been maintained. Safety and security measures; i.e., lighting, crosswalks, ergonomics. Elements and buildings are designed to serve multiple functions, for example: add-on opportunities to increase ecological activity and reduce resource use (rooftop gardens, urban agriculture), landscaping to connect buildings to road greenway system, site design to mitigate noise, water and air pollution, etc. Housing Density/ Lot Size Community designs will meet accepted municipal green building standards, such as LEED for Neighbourhood Development, Energy Star for new homes (standards currently in development). For the purposes of watershed modelling, low to medium density residential land use is assumed to represent the residential portion of the greenfield development, although it is recognized that there will be a mix of dwelling types within this community. It is also recognized that this low-medium density will have a higher density, on average, as compared to conventional low-medium density land class, and therefore a new land class code has been defined for modelling purposes. Assumed average residential lot size is 7.6 m x 23 m (25 feet wide x 75 feet deep), or m 2 /lot; similar to current compact residential design. Result is an average of 57 lots/ha. Average percent impervious cover per lot (e.g. roofs, driveways) is assumed to be 50-60%. Roads/Streets (internal to community; excluding arterial and highways) Healthy Natural Heritage In addition to the residential area, industrial and commercial land uses, roads, schools, parks, and agriculture/community gardens make up the complete blend of assumed land uses in the greenfield development. Overall average percent impervious in the potential urban area is assumed to be 48%. Local road rights of way will be the same width as conventional (i.e. 20 m), but the cross-section will be different. The paved road surface will be half the width, to leave more room for roadside swales, biofilters and street trees. Ensure adequate soil and space to support mature street trees. In addition to the watershed scale natural heritage system (i.e. targeted terrestrial natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed, Rouge Park, and Markham Small Stream corridors), there will be terrestrial natural heritage elements within the greenfield community as follows: 30% of the developed community will have tree canopy % of residential yards will have bird and insect habitat (e.g. seed or berry producing plants). Rationale: City of Toronto target for urban tree canopy is 30-40%, although this includes regional natural heritage systems Toronto Region Conservation 5-44 Rouge Park

52 Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals/Objectives Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions such as valley and stream corridors. A target of 30%, not including corridors, should be achievable in greenfield development. Topsoil quality and depth will be retained. Mature and high-quality trees, wetlands and vegetation will be preserved. Road crossings and road designs will allow amphibian movement. Industrial, commercial, road, or park land uses abut regional natural heritage systems, rather than residential to the extent possible to minimize adverse impacts of adjacent land uses on natural heritage. Open areas are interspersed throughout the development and are managed to simulate wild areas. Human use is promoted there, so as to reduce pressure on sensitive natural heritage areas needed for wildlife habitat. Plantings will represent a diversity of native tree and shrub species, including drought resistant vegetation covers suited to the local microclimate. Assume the inclusion of wetlands in the developments. Vegetated buffer strips/green areas will be adjacent to roads and paved areas. Minimal lawns, replaced with landscaping which supports the site as part of the natural system. Parkland will be developed with more natural elements, community gardens and native plant nursery areas. Healthy Water All by-laws are enforced (e.g. dogs, pesticide use, idling, etc.). In addition to the watershed scale natural heritage system, additional mitigative design practices are assumed at the community scale: Development will continue to be regulated as per TRCA s Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation. Stormwater management provisions will be incorporated in development design to meet the specified flood, erosion, and water quality control criteria. In addition, manage for pre-development water balance by maintaining infiltration and runoff volume to the extent possible, using a hierarchy of approaches, noted below. Managing the volume of stormwater runoff will also contribute to improved water quality. First: Maintain on site infiltration, evapotranspiration and storage by using reduced lot grades, minimal site grading, maintain existing topography, limited soil displacement, and site re-naturalization/landscaping. Assume lot grades are 0.5% except near buildings where 2% grading will direct runoff away from the building foundation. Roof runoff should be maintained on site through infiltration and evapotranspiration methods, such as green roofs, soakaway pits, rain gardens, etc. Stormwater storage (e.g. rainbarrels, cisterns) and onsite re-use for irrigation purposes should be considered to reduce potable Toronto Region Conservation 5-45 Rouge Park

53 Sustainable Community Attributes and Rouge Goals/Objectives Urban Greenfield Development Community and Lot Scale Assumptions water demand (as long as natural infiltration volumes can be maintained). Second: Use stormwater BMP measures at the lot level, along the conveyance system and at end of pipe to meet overall community scale water management criteria. Example lot level practices include: permeable materials for pavements, biofilters, etc. Example conveyance measures include perforated pipes and grass swales. End of pipe measures may include extended detention wet ponds, infiltration trenches, and constructed wetlands. Finally: Design to achieve even more stringent water conservation/stormwater re-use targets, at community, lot, and building scales as appropriate, as a means of meeting overall water budget (infiltration and total runoff volume control) requirements, where all lot level, conveyance and end-of-pipe practices have been exhausted. Capture relatively clean roof runoff and re-use for irrigation, toilet flushing or laundry, thus meeting runoff volume management objectives and reducing potable water demand. Recognize that stormwater diverted indoors for grey water use may be redirected to the sanitary sewer system. Note: Details regarding BMP types and adoption rates assumed for modelling purposes are in Table 5-3. Table 5-3: Urban Greenfield Development Building / Individual Scale Assumptions Sustainable Community Attributes GREEN PLANNING Quality of Life Urban Greenfield Development Building Scale Assumptions All new buildings are: Positioned and oriented to maximize sunlight, shelter against wind and provide natural ventilation. Designed along with an appropriate mix of land uses, landscaping and compact development form to reduce energy needs and optimize renewable energy use (e.g. solar, wind) and improve energy efficiency through district energy plans. Designed for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a grey water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation Designed for multiple uses and diverse densities to increase the lifespan of buildings and maximize on land use Greenfield - Individual/ Behavioural Assumptions Individuals protect and improve the environment by practicing conservation and adopting sustainable lifestyles. See also section 5.7. Toronto Region Conservation 5-46 Rouge Park

54 Sustainable Community Attributes Urban Greenfield Development Building Scale Assumptions Greenfield - Individual/ Behavioural Assumptions efficiency. Designed and built using constructional materials of high quality so as to promote long life Built using techniques that minimize resource use (meet green building standards for durable buildings) See also Section 5.7. Housing Density/ N/A N/A Lot Size Roads/ Streets N/A N/A Healthy Natural Heritage Building design and operation reduces bird hazards (e.g. no mirror windows, lights off at night) An integrated landscaping plan will help to reduce wind effects (thereby allowing houses to conserve energy), provide shade, reduce heat island effect, provide pleasure, and serve as habitat for certain species. Individuals allow 25% naturalization of their yards. They plant non-invasive species, and native species wherever possible in their yards. They practice stewardship when using natural areas. No dumping or encroachment into natural areas. Healthy Water Do not assume green roofs have any wildlife value. May have some flora value. Promote green roofs for hydrological control. Building design contributes to objectives for onsite infiltration, storage, use and evapotranspiration of rainwater. See also community scale notes. (e.g. assume 80% of residential roofs drain to infiltration facilities; assume 20% of residential dwellings have green roofs; assume 50% of area of industrial/commercial buildings over 350 sq. m in area have green roofs. Assume 10% of residential and industrial/ commercial buildings harvest roof runoff and re-use it for non-potable purposes. Prevent or reduce pollution of surface and ground waters (e.g. reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, practicing pollution prevention, avoiding spills, etc.) Toronto Region Conservation 5-47 Rouge Park

55 Figure 5-2: Example Commercial / Industrial Community Design (ref. Conservation Design Forum, Inc., 2005) Figure 5-3: Example Moderate Density Residential Design (ref. Conservation Design Forum, Inc., 2005) Toronto Region Conservation 5-48 Rouge Park

56 Figure 5-4: Example Lot Level Sustainable Community Design Practices Naturalized Landscaping Passive Solar Rain Garden Green Roofs Porous Paving Bioswale Toronto Region Conservation 5-49 Rouge Park

57 Specific Hydrologic Modelling Assumptions The total area of the potential urban lands, for the purposes of this watershed modelling scenario, is 1580 hectares. Within this area, additional assumptions had to be made to inform the hydrologic modelling process, including assumptions about: 1) the relative proportion of different urban land covers that make up the greenfield development (this was necessary to estimate items 2 and 3); 2) percent imperviousness; and 3) the application of various stormwater management practices. A description of each is provided below. 1. Relative Proportion of Component Urban Land Covers The location of specific land cover classes (e.g. residential, commercial, etc.) could not be delineated on a map without the benefit of further municipal planning and consultation processes, nor did they need to be for watershed scale planning purposes, therefore they were identified as a proportion of the total potential urban area and the resulting blend of land uses was assumed to be equally applied across this area. Assumptions about the residential land area were made initially, as various rules of thumb were available to estimate other land uses in relation to residential. Area of residential land cover It was assumed that the typical low and medium density residential of current communities will become more dense, such that the low density class of the sustainable community will resemble medium density in conventional developments and the resultant lot sizes will be smaller. With input from municipal planners, it was assumed that the average lot size will be 7.6 m x 23 m (25 x 75 ), or m 2 /lot. This would represent an average of 57 lots/ha. Low density within the Town of Markham is about 14.8 units per net hectare and medium density is about units per hectare, according to the Town s 1999 Official Plan. Therefore, the assumed lot density seemed reasonable, based on the initial premise of more compact developments. Municipal population forecasts provided the basis for making assumptions about the residential land area. Population growth estimates to 2026 in the York Region Official Plan Consolidation of 2005 show that about 25% of the regional population growth of 386,000 people will occur primarily in Markham within the Rouge River watershed, because growth in other local municipalities is constrained by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Of the 95,000 people assigned to Markham, we assumed that 40% or 38,000 people will be settled in existing developed areas and 60% or 57,000 will be settled on new greenfield developments. These intensification targets are consistent with the Provincial Places to Grow Plan. The Provincial Places to Grow Plan projects additional population growth beyond York Region s estimates, but the implications of these numbers to the Rouge River watershed were not available at the time of writing. Instead, the Rouge Watershed Task Force advised that the original York Region population growth estimates should be increased by 25%, in an effort to account to some extent for the anticipated increase in growth pressures. Therefore, a population increase in the order of 71,250 would need to be accommodated in the potential greenfield development. Toronto Region Conservation 5-50 Rouge Park

58 Assuming that there would be 2.5 residents per lot, about 28,500 lots would be required (i.e. 71,250/2.5 = 28,500). At a density of 57 lots/ha, about 500 ha was estimated to be needed for residential purposes. Area of servicing Based on advice from municipal planners, it was assumed that each hectare of residential land will require an additional hectare for parks, roads, schools and other services. Therefore, about 500 ha could be in servicing related land uses. Area of commercial/industrial land cover In addition to the residential area, the sustainable community will need employment lands (industrial, commercial) to achieve its design goals for mixed land uses and opportunities for employment near home. The current Town of Markham Official Plan designations were reviewed to determine that for each hectare of residential and associated servicing land area, there is hectares of commercial/industrial land. This factor was used to estimate the relative proportion of commercial/ industrial land area for the sustainable community scenario. Therefore, for 1000 ha ( ha) of residential/servicing lands, there will be about 318 ha of industrial commercial land could be needed. Area of near urban agriculture, community gardens, parks After establishing the proportion of residential, servicing, and commercial/industrial land cover, it was assumed that the remaining 262 ha out of the total 1580 ha would stay in agricultural land use, community gardens or parks. This would help provide a local food source and respite from the built community. Summary of land cover assumptions Coarse estimates of the various urban land covers that make up the potential urban greenfield development have been made, with reference to assumptions about lot sizes and densities, municipal population forecasts and typical proportions of other land covers relative to residential: Residential 500 ha Servicing 500 ha Commercial/industrial 318 ha Agriculture/parks 262 ha TOTAL 1580 ha Additional adjustments and refinements have been made to these broad land cover allocations, primarily involving further division into component land cover classes and grouping of land covers having similar modelling properties, in an effort to facilitate the modelling exercise (see Table 5-4). The refined component area estimates were made with reference to recent local community designs (e.g. Block 11 in the City of Vaughan). 2. Percent Imperviousness Estimates of the percent imperviousness of each urban land cover class have been made with reference to local community designs considered similar to the sustainable community scenario (e.g. Box Grove, Cornell communities in the Town of Markham; see Table 5-4). The Toronto Region Conservation 5-51 Rouge Park

59 smaller lot sizes and increased density of residential areas produces a higher percent imperviousness (55%) as compared to the average imperviousness of low to medium density residential developments existing in the Rouge River watershed (50%), based on interpretation of 2002 aerial orthophotography. However, with the more compact urban form allows for the retention of more urban open space, community gardens etc. and thus the overall percent imperviousness of the greenfield development is lower (48%). Table 5-4: Assumed land cover classes, areas and percent imperviousness Land cover Hectares Percent of total area Percent impervious factor Area weighted proportion of imperviousness Residential Servicing: Schools, institutions Parks/open space SWM pond Industrial Commercial Agriculture/gardens: 284 Agriculture Natural TOTAL % 0.48 Notes: 1 includes non-paved portion of road rights-of-way (11% of 50% impervious) and residential (89% of 55% impervious) 2 includes paved road areas 3. Stormwater Management Assumptions Performance criteria believed necessary to maintain the integrity of the natural system were defined and used to guide assumptions about the selection and sizing of stormwater management practices for this scenario. Table 5-5 identifies the criteria and the general approach used in formulating assumptions. It should be noted that in an actual subdivision planning exercise, there would be additional design criteria and standards of various approval agencies, however the ones identified here were deemed to be adequate at the watershed modelling scale. Toronto Region Conservation 5-52 Rouge Park

60 Table 5-5: SWM Criteria and General Approach to Setting Assumptions Water Balance: Performance criteria Infiltration rates - Aim to maintain existing (pre-development) recharge to the extent practically possible. Runoff volume - Aim to maintain or reduce runoff volume from existing (pre-development) rates to the extent pratically possible Stormwater quality: MOE Level 1 Stormwater quantity (flood, peak flows): Control of 2- to 100-year postdevelopment peak streamflows to predevelopment levels. Stormwater quantity (erosion; extended detention): prevent increase in erosion potential in receiving watercourses. Approach to SWM Assumptions Preliminary calculations of the effectiveness of proposed sets of BMPs in mitigating infiltration and runoff impacts were used to define an optimal set of BMPs and application rates. Practical constraints were assumed to limit uptake rates for some measures (see Table 5-6). End-of-pipe stormwater management facilities (e.g. ponds) were assumed to be provided that achieve standard MOE Level 1 water quality control; removal of 80% of suspended sediment plus removal of other pollutants associated with sediment according to standard measured values. End-of-pipe stormwater management facilities were assumed to be provided that control pre-development peak flows for watershed design storms to pre-development levels. Facility sizing was assumed identical to those used in the conventional development scenario, with no accounting for the potential beneficial effects of innovative BMP s on flood control. End-of-pipe stormwater management facilities were assumed to be provided to detain increased runoff volumes from developed areas and release flows at a rate that would not exacerbate erosion downstream. Facility sizing was assumed identical to those used in the conventional development scenario, with no accounting for the potential beneficial effects of innovative BMP s on erosion control. Criteria related to water balance represented the main difference between the sustainable community scenario and the conventional full build out scenario in that a greater emphasis on innovative, lot level and conveyance SWM practices ( BMPs ) were assumed to be incorporated into the former in order to minimize the effects of new development on the predevelopment hydrologic water balance. The BMP s and their application rates for the sustainable community scenario were selected using basic calculations to determine a set of measures that would mitigate both the loss of groundwater recharge and the increase in surface runoff resulting from conventional development. The selection also considered constraints with respect to the maximum practical uptake and application of innovative BMP s, based on the judgement of staff. Table 5-6 summarizes the set of stormwater management practices and application rates assumed in the sustainable community scenario. It should be noted that there are theoretically many different types and combinations of BMPs that could be used to meet the criteria, and the ones used in this study are simply presented for illustrative and modelling purposes. It is also acknowledged that many of these BMPs are new and still in the process of being tested in terms of performance and longevity. Toronto Region Conservation 5-53 Rouge Park

61 Table 5-6: Stormwater Management Practices and Application Rates Assumed for the Urban Greenfield Development Component of the Sustainable Community Scenario. Land Use Type Control Measure Assumed Uptake/Limitations 1 SOURCE CONTROLS Medium density residential Infiltration trench On sandy and silty soils; about 80% of roofs to infiltration. Green roofs On clay soils; about 20% of roofs. Water harvest/cistern On clay soils; about 20% of roofs. Permeable driveways On sandy and silty soils; about 80% of driveways. Naturalized landscaping (trees and bushes). 25% of home landscapes. Operations and maintenance, chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides. Broadly applied; Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff. Commercial and Infiltration trench 50% of roofs to infiltration industrial Green roofs 50% of roofs Water harvest/cisterns 10% of roofs Naturalized landscaping 25% of landscapes Managed open space e.g. parks Community gardens, naturalized parkland Educational, institutional (trees and bushes). Operations and maintenance, chemical controls through reduced fertilizers, pesticides, and road de-icing management. Oil/grit separators Chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides CONVEYANCE CONTROLS Roadways No infiltrative conveyance measures were assumed in this modelling exercise. END OF PIPE CONTROLS All land uses; SWM ponds catchment basis Broadly applied. Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff. Assume 30% reduction in chloride 3. 50% of parking. Assume total suspended solids are reduced by 80% in treated areas. Broadly applied. Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff. Broadly applied. Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff. Broadly applied. Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff. Inclusion of conveyance measures (e.g. exfiltration systems) represent an alternative approach to meeting overall SWM objectives should some of the source controls be infeasible or inadequate. Sizing to address stormwater quality, flood control and erosion control criteria without any adjustment for the potential beneficial effects of the assumed source controls. Toronto Region Conservation 5-54 Rouge Park

62 1. Additional technical assumptions (e.g. sizing, routing etc.) are documented in the HSP-F modelling report (EBNFLO, 2007) % reduction in EMC of specified pollutants is 5% more than was assumed in City of Toronto s WWFMMP (City of Toronto, 2003), assuming even more aggressive local pollution prevention. However, there is still uncertainty as to what proportion of pollution comes from remote atmospheric sources (i.e. beyond the control of local pollution prevention practices) and studies suggest that SWM ponds are effective at reducing a substantial proportion (40-45%) of the pollutant load. 3. Since the Canadian government included road salt on its Priority Substance List (around 2001), a number of BMP lists and guidelines have been published by government and industry associations, including prewetting, better metering and spreading technology etc. Current estimates suggest these BMPs may be effective in achieving a 20-30% reduction in road salt and associated chloride release (Personal communication W. Snodgrass, 2006). Considering climate warming and likely technology advancements, it may be appropriate to assume a reduction at the high end of this range. 5.3 Urban Retrofit and Redevelopment Brownfield site restoration, redevelopment, infrastructure replacement/ major maintenance, and residential, commercial or institutional backyard practices all represent opportunities to improve current designs in existing urban communities to achieve desired outcomes. General assumptions Table 5-7 presents general assumptions of design features, practices and behaviours for urban retrofit and redevelopment situations. Examples of these measures are shown in Figure 5-5 and Figure 5-6. Table 5-7: Urban Retrofit and Redevelopment Sustainable Community Attributes GREEN PLANNING Quality of Life Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Redevelopment opportunities are considered to be limited to small scale, lot level changes in the Rouge River watershed in the foreseeable future. These areas are anticipated to be n the order of about 1% of the existing urban area within each subwatershed. Consequently, it was deemed to be unnecessary to delineate these areas on a map and it was assumed that any change in land use would, as a minimum, maintain or enhance current environmental function. Building Scale Assumptions All new infill buildings are: Positioned and oriented to maximize sunlight, shelter against wind and provide natural ventilation. Designed for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a grey water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation Designed for multiple uses and diverse densities to increase the lifespan of buildings and maximize on land use efficiency. Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Individuals protect and improve the environment by practicing conservation and adopting sustainable lifestyles. (See also section 5.7). Toronto Region Conservation 5-55 Rouge Park

63 Sustainable Community Attributes Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Assume redevelopment offers the opportunity for reduced impervious area and intensification does not increase impervious area. Generally strive to achieve the principles set out for urban greenfield in redevelopment and infill projects, to the extent possible. Building Scale Assumptions Designed and built using constructional materials of high quality so as to promote long life. Built using techniques that minimize resource use (eg. meet standards such as LEED for Existing Buildings). All public buildings meet green building standards for design and operations. Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Housing Density/Lot Size Roads/ Streets (internal to community) Healthy Natural Heritage (See also community scale assumptions (water budget, green roofs) in the adjacent column and building scale (air quality, energy etc.) in section 5.7.) N/A N/A N/A Assume reduced grading of swales, pre-treatment, and infiltration through perforated pipes (e.g. Etobicoke exfiltration system) % urban tree canopy overall (including parks, open space, back yards, school yards, etc.). Ref: City of Toronto target. Manage the urban vegetation community for diversity. Assume sufficient boulevard and yard trees to simulate forest canopy (30% target) and a similar area of shrubs. Assume some blocks of yards have long grass to simulate N/A Do not assume green roofs have wildlife habitat value, but they may have some flora value. N/A Reduced use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Individuals allow 25-30% naturalization of their yards. They plant non-invasive, native species wherever possible in their yards, including berry producing shrubs. Ensure plantings avoid conflict with underground infrastructure and so that trees can reach maturity. Toronto Region Conservation 5-56 Rouge Park

64 Sustainable Community Attributes Community and Lot Scale Assumptions grassy glades in a forest. Allow succession of dead trees. Manage for neo-tropical migrant birds. Aim to maintain or restore habitats for TRCA Species of Concern ranks L3 to L4 fauna species. Assume wetlands are included in redevelopment. Wetlands are more likely to support species of concern than an equivalent area of forest. Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Aim for more diverse canopy and extended periods when food sources are available. Bird feeders are used with caution to avoid disease spread and inappropriate migration behaviour. Avoid encroachment and practice stewardship when using natural areas. Individuals control their pets and collect droppings. There are planned off leash pet areas. Pet access is restricted in most sensitive and high quality remaining habitats Healthy Water Assume redevelopment offers opportunity for reduced impervious area and intensification does not increase impervious area. Stormwater management practices (BMPs) are assumed to be retrofitted into all existing urban land uses, at source, along the conveyance system and at end of pipe to improve water management to the extent possible. The suite of practices assumed in the City of Toronto WWFMMP were used, with modifications for the 905 areas of the watershed (i.e. outside Toronto) to address the different context of existing SWM infrastructure (see Table 5-x6x for a list of the specific practices assumed for modelling purposes). Prevent or reduce pollution of surface and ground waters (e.g. reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, practicing pollution prevention, avoiding spills, etc.). Toronto Region Conservation 5-57 Rouge Park

65 Figure 5-5: Examples of Stormwater Retrofit Practices Assumed in Prestige Industrial Areas Prestige Industrial Catchment Bio-filtration in Parking Lot Underground Storage in Parking Lot Additional Trees in Open Areas Oil/Grit Separators in Parking Lot Parking Lot Runoff to Pervious Areas Pervious Pavement in Parking Lot Catchbasin Controls in Parking Lot Rooftop Controls with Infiltration Gallery Rooftop Gardens Reference: City of Toronto, 2003, WWFMMP Presentation Figure 5-6: Examples of Stormwater Retrofit Practices in Residential Areas Etobicoke exfiltration system Stormwater pond/wetland retrofits Parking lot bioswales Reduced Road widths & naturalized drainage ways. Toronto Region Conservation 5-58 Rouge Park

66 Specific hydrologic modelling assumptions Significant for the purposes of hydrologic modelling are the assumptions regarding stormwater management retrofits and urban naturalization. It was assumed that stormwater retrofit opportunities would be treated as they were for the City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan (WWFMMP; City of Toronto, 2003), with modifications as necessary to address the land use characteristics and existing stormwater management infrastructure in the 905 (i.e. outside Toronto) area of the Rouge River watershed. In the Toronto study, assumptions were made about the adoption rate for various retrofit techniques (i.e. voluntary, medium or enhanced), and the medium adoption rate was used in formulating the final plan. For the Sustainable Community Scenario, the assumed set of stormwater management practices (BMPs) and their respective enhanced adoption rates provided in the Toronto study were used as a starting point for application to all existing urban areas throughout the watershed. Refer to Table 5-8 summarizing the stormwater management controls and application rates assumed for modelling purposes to be included in the existing urban areas of this scenario. Table 5-8: Stormwater management practices and application rates assumed for the Urban Retrofit Component of the Sustainable Community Scenario Land Use Type Control Measure Assumed Uptake/Limitations 1 SOURCE CONTROLS Medium density Rain barrels 25% of roofs residential Stormwater pond/rain 5% of lots on clay soils garden Infiltration trench 25% of roofs on sandy and silty soils Foundation drain 10% of homes disconnection Permeable driveways 35% of homes Lot regrading 15% of homes would regrade slopes to 0.5% grade Educational and Institutional Naturalized landscaping (trees and bushes) Enhanced street sweeping Operations and maintenance, chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides Route parking to grass Pervious parking Water harvest/cistern Naturalized landscaping (trees and bushes) Operations and 10% of homes increase the naturalized component of landscaping by 25% Broadly applied; Assume 10% reduction in event mean concentration of total suspended solids 2 Broadly applied; Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff 10% of parking 10% of parking 10% of roofs 20% of landscaped area Broadly applied; Assume 10% reduction 2 in event Toronto Region Conservation 5-59 Rouge Park

67 Land Use Type Control Measure Assumed Uptake/Limitations 1 maintenance, chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff Commercial Green roofs 5% of roofs Pervious parking 10% of parking Oil/grit separators 40% of parking/roof area. Assume total suspended solids are reduced by 80% in treated areas. Industrial Infiltration trench 20% of roofs Green roofs 10% of roofs Route parking to grass; 10% of parking biofilters Naturalized landscaping 20% of landscaped area (trees and bushes) Pervious parking 10% of parking Oil/grit separators 15% of parking/roof area. Assume total suspended solids are reduced by 80% in treated areas. Managed open space e.g. parks Chemical controls through reduced fertilizers and pesticides CONVEYANCE CONTROLS Roadways Etobicoke Exfiltration System END OF PIPE CONTROLS All land uses; Retrofitted SWM ponds catchment basis Broadly applied. Assume 10% reduction 2 in event mean concentration of metals, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic contaminants in stormwater runoff Applied to all streets having sandy and silty soils. Locations and sizing as identified in municipal retrofit studies, where opportunities still exist. 1. Additional technical assumptions (e.g. sizing, routing etc.) are documented in the HSP-F modelling report (EBNFLO, 2007) % reduction in EMC of specified pollutants is 5% more than was assumed in City of Toronto s WWFMMP (City of Toronto, 2003), assuming even more aggressive local pollution prevention. However, there is still uncertainty as to what proportion of pollution comes from remote atmospheric sources (i.e. beyond the control of local pollution prevention practices) and studies suggest that SWM ponds are effective at reducing a substantial proportion (40-45%) of the pollutant load. 3. Since the Canadian government included road salt on its Priority Substance List (around 2001), a number of BMP lists and guidelines have been published by government and industry associations, including prewetting, better metering and spreading technology etc. Current estimates suggest these BMPs may be effective in achieving a 20-30% reduction in road salt and associated chloride release (Personal communication B. Snodgrass, 2006). Considering climate warming and likely technology advancements, it may be appropriate to assume a reduction at the high end of this range. 5.4 Rural/Agricultural Areas Table 5-9 summarizes the sustainable community assumptions for rural/agricultural areas. Key features include farming best management practices, mostly dealing with tillage and cropping practices in the Rouge River watershed, due to the limited number of livestock operations, and Toronto Region Conservation 5-60 Rouge Park

68 rural property maintenance (e.g. septic system maintenance, lawn and garden practices, and overall natural areas management). The hydrological modelling assumptions are noted in the table. Table 5-9: Rural/Agricultural Areas Sustainable Community Attributes Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions GREEN PLANNING N/A See urban greenfield and retrofit building assumptions for new or renovated barns, greenhouses or other rural structures. Individuals protect and improve the environment by practicing conservation and adopting sustainable lifestyles. (See section 5.7) Healthy Natural Heritage Assume maintenance of all natural cover including dead trees and snags, with consideration for public safety (ie. along trails). Ephemeral water and wetland areas are retained (not cultivated) and restored, especially within about 200 m of the watercourse. These areas are critical to many amphibians. Only use bird nest boxes in specific targeted areas. Assume maintenance of all hedgerows. Reduced use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Organic agriculture is more prevalent than today. Individuals allow naturalization of portions of their properties in the targeted natural heritage system. They plant noninvasive, native species wherever possible in their yards. Individuals practice stewardship when using natural areas. Road designs and guttering are amphibian friendly, allowing for easy passage. Landowners cut tile drains, allowing re-establishment of wetlands. Agricultural fields are retained as buffers between residential/employment developments and significant natural areas. Cattle are kept out of wetlands and forest areas. Healthy Water Broad-based rural land management practices reduce soil loss and pollution (e.g. conservation tillage, vegetated buffer strips). For modelling Prevent or reduce pollution of surface and ground water resources by: Practicing stewardship in sensitive groundwater areas, Toronto Region Conservation 5-61 Rouge Park

69 Sustainable Community Attributes Community and Lot Scale Assumptions purposes pollutant reductions of 10% are assumed in the runoff concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids, metals and organic contaminants. Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides, avoiding spills, maintaining private septic systems. Land use specific examples include: A. Agricultural nutrient management, manure management, chemical storage and spills management, pesticide reduction, milkhouse waste management, erosion control, on farm storage and treatment, livestock fencing and access control. B. Golf courses and rural residential properties - chemical reduction and management, alternate ground cover, water conservation, offline water intakes and surface storage. C. Rural residential septic disposal systems upgrading. D. Remediation of abandoned landfill and industrial sites. E. Road salt use reduction 5.5 Transportation Corridors Transportation corridors refer to major transportation infrastructure (e.g. Hwy. 404, 401, 407, 48, etc.). Minor infrastructure, including local streets and arterial roads, is incorporated into the urban bundles. Table 5-10 identifies assumptions about the sustainable transportation corridors of the future, including specific hydrological modelling assumptions. The focus is on retrofits or rehabilitation of existing corridors. Toronto Region Conservation 5-62 Rouge Park

70 Table 5-10: Transportation Corridors Sustainable Community Attributes GREEN PLANNING Healthy Natural Heritage Healthy Water Assumptions There would be no new major transportation corridors in the Rouge River watershed. Additional movement would be accommodated through limited road widenings and increased opportunities to use public transit, such as bus or rail. Assume 25% of the pervious area within road rights-of-way can be planted in naturalized landscaping with native species. Road reconstruction and widening will provide opportunity for wildlife movement. The above-noted naturalization of highways rights-of-way will contribute to reduced concentrations of suspended sediments, nutrients and metals in runoff (assume 10% reductions) and chlorides (assume 30% reduction). Note: most major highways in the Rouge River watershed (e.g. 404, 407) have been constructed relatively recently with some form of SWM detention and treatment (e.g. enhanced swales, ponds). Therefore, opportunities for further enhancements were assumed to be limited to the above-noted pollutant reductions. 5.6 Natural Areas Table 5-11 sets out assumptions about the future natural areas within the Rouge River watershed under a sustainable scenario. Figure 5-7 illustrates a few of the valued features of natural areas. Table 5-11: Natural Areas Sustainable Community Attributes Healthy Natural Heritage Assumptions The targeted natural heritage system for the Rouge River watershed has been secured. Areas identified for enhancement have either been actively planted or ecological succession has been allowed to occur. There is no encroachment on protected areas by adjacent land uses, trail users, etc. Individuals are respectful of natural areas and practice stewardship when using them (e.g. no informal trail use, no introduction of invasive species, dogs on leash, unless in designated areas, etc.). Invasive species currently found in the Rouge River watershed have been controlled. Toronto Region Conservation 5-63 Rouge Park

71 Figure 5-7: Natural areas 5.7 Assumptions Common to all Land Uses Air quality, waste reduction objectives, energy efficiency, water conservation, economic vitality, education/awareness, social well being, and cultural heritage objectives are relevant to all land uses. As such, assumptions for these areas have been set out in Table Of course the opportunities for applying the assumptions may be different in a new development situation as compared to a redevelopment or retrofit situation, but the concepts are generally relevant in any situation. Within this set of sustainable community attributes, the actions and assumptions at all scales are interdependent and mutually supportive, as they were with the green planning, healthy water and healthy natural heritage attributes discussed in earlier sections. The Rouge River watershed targets or other relevant targets have been noted in the attributes column in this section, because many of these targets are presented in the form of human actions and therefore they guide the assumptions about various design standards and behaviours. There are also interdependencies among the attributes, for example the reduction of fossil fuel will contribute to reduced emissions, which will have a beneficial effect on air quality. Appendix D provides additional literature-based information regarding the benefits of sustainable community design practices. Figure 5-8 illustrates the kinds of features that may be seen and valued in a sustainable community. Toronto Region Conservation 5-64 Rouge Park

72 Table 5-12: Assumptions Common to all Land Uses Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets Healthy Air Reduce emissions of Nox and VOCs by 45% of 1990 levels by 2012 (Ont. Smog Plan, 1998). York Region s Transportation Master Plan aims to increase transit use from the current 8% to 17% of trips by 2031 (2005) Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Recognize beneficial effects of natural heritage and green roofs on air quality and microclimate. Recognize benefits of compact, transit-friendly development on reduced emissions associated with vehicle use. Communities are designed so that housing, jobs, daily needs and other activities are within easy walking distance of each other. A mix of stores and services near homes with office space and public services nearby. Transit planning will aim to increase transit use, thus reducing the number of vehicles and associated emissions. Example designs: Dedicated transit lanes, priority transit signals, relocation or reduction in the number of transit stops, and traffic regulations designed to reduce transit vehicle delays. Increased awareness and public understanding of the benefits of transit priority. Link systems for easier connectivity and avoiding delays. Building Scale Assumptions Improved indoor environment that minimizes the impact on health and productivity by: Minimal use of toxic chemicals within the home; i.e. choose materials, furniture, fixtures, finishes, and equipment that emit the least amounts of urea formaldehyde, CFCs, and VOC s during manufacture, installation, occupancy, maintenance, and demolition. Use of construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low emissions to improve indoor air quality. Insuring the effectiveness of ventilation measures All public buildings meet green building standards for design and operations e.g. improved indoor air quality to LEED gold standard of efficiency. Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Discourage private vehicle use by: Reducing traffic volumes through traffic calming, parking restrictions and reduced road width. Encourage telecommuting and working from home by: Making employers aware of the benefits of telecommuting; and Providing for infrastructure and office equipment to support telecommuting at easy to reach locations within the neighbourhood. Reduce automotive pollution by improving the efficiency of engines, by switching to cleaner burning fuels, switching to smaller vehicles (e.g. smart cars), or by improving traffic flow. Infrastructure such as: transit malls for transfer from private vehicles to transit and local networking Toronto Region Conservation 5-65 Rouge Park

73 Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets Waste Reduction City of Toronto aims to divert 100% of household waste to reuse by York Region aims for 60-70% diversion of household wastes. Community and Lot Scale Assumptions for van and car pools and car sharing; bicycle lanes and parking; and parking taxes, tolls, and congestion fees to discourage use of own mobility resources. Promote Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs. (Smart Commute is the GTA-wide program to co-ordinate TDM activities) Municipal recycling programs are maximized. Private and public sector participation in materials reuse programs. Note: Individual communities may be able to exceed the overall municipal targets, e.g. Town of Markham s Mission Green aims for 70% diversion and Markham Centre plan aims for 75% diversion for that community. Building Scale Assumptions Recycling areas will be incorporated throughout buildings with a central collection area to make sourceseparation convenient. Construction and demolition materials will be reused and recycled. Currently, 35% of construction waste goes to landfills. CAGBC (2006) aims to reduce this figure to 20% or less. Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Individuals, businesses and institutions will practise reduce, recycle and re-use. They will redefine waste as a resource. Use local materials and environmentally friendly materials. Disposable, toxic, and non-renewable products are a thing of the past. Energy Efficiency Reduce energy demand by at least 15% per capita within 7 Paper and organic waste represents about 62% of residential waste, and so a diversion target of 60% should easily be achievable now with the green bin programs in York and Toronto. Therefore even a target of 100% diversion seems reasonable by An appropriate mix of land uses and compact development form to reduce energy needs (e.g. vehicle use, infrastructure). Community designs will optimize renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, Passive solar orientation and landscaping will contribute to reduced energy demand. Best in class of conventional energy efficient systems will be Vehicle Energy Use: (see also Healthy Air section). Reduced private vehicle use and a greater proportion of vehicles will be powered by clean, renewable energy sources. Household/Business Energy Use: Individuals will practise energy conservation practices Toronto Region Conservation 5-66 Rouge Park

74 Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets years (by 2010) Shift to at least 10 % of energy demand from green power sources. Community and Lot Scale Assumptions waste) and improve energy efficiency through district energy plans. Note: Reduced energy demand target is more aggressive than the Urban Environmental Accord s 10% reduction target and consistent with the City of Toronto target of 15% energy reduction for its own public buildings. Markham Centre plan aims for 30% energy reduction over typical urban developments (Town of Markham, 2003). It is expected that new buildings will achieve better than this target. Note: The power source target is consistent with Ontario s goal of 10% renewable generation by 2010 (Ontario government, 2006). City of Toronto targets 25% green power source for its own facilities. Building Scale Assumptions used and automated controls will be installed. All new homes are built to R2000 standard (they use 30% less energy); or EnergyStar level of designation (they are about 30-40% more energy efficient than those built to minimum Ontario Building Standards); OR rated ( energy efficient ) on the Energuide scale (Energuide rating of 80 after 2010) Natural Resources Canada, 2006). Energuide applies to existing homes also. Commercial/institutiona l buildings are to be built to a minimum of 25% above the Model National Energy Code by 2010 (Government of Canada, 2005). Individual/Behavioural Assumptions (e.g. turn the lights off when leaving a room) and reduce peak load use. New in-home visual monitoring systems will allow individuals to see real-time energy use. Energy audits and retrofits are undertaken for existing buildings e.g. using EnerGuide Individuals will choose to purchase green energy wherever possible. All new public buildings built since 2007 achieve the Energy Star rating. Toronto Region Conservation 5-67 Rouge Park

75 Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets Water Use and Conservation Reduce peak and average day water demand by at lest 10% of projected levels (City of Toronto, 2002; RSMi, 2007) Economic Vitality Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Leaks in the water system will be detected and repaired. Water use is metered and priced to encourage water conservation, especially during daily peak hours. Incentives such as rebates, and tax credits for conservation. Computer controlled irrigation is employed. Note: Significant reductions in per capita water use have been achieved in York and Toronto through water efficiency programs, however up to 40% reduction would make us more comparable to average European water use rates and help offset increases in demand due to population growth (i.e. average York water use is 241 lpc/d; Toronto 252 lpc/d; and UK 150 lpc/d RSMi, 2007) Population growth to Job growth ratio is sustained. Green purchasing options are desired. Money saved by energy efficiency and other conservation practices is used for other beneficial purposes. Green industries and businesses have located in the Rouge. Local business community is the catalyst for greening the community. Building Scale Assumptions Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a greywater system that recovers rainwater or other nonpotable water for site irrigation; Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and other water conserving fixtures. Alternate wastewater treatment practices employed to some extent at site scale, such as biofiltration. Multiple-use buildings encourage versatility in economy, such live/work units, or commercial uses in 1 st level, and residential units on top levels. Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Everyone practises water conservation behaviours and measures which reduce water use (e.g. low flush toilets, low flow showerheads, fixing leaky faucets, naturalizing a portion of their yards or parks). Match water source with the quality of water required for the purpose (i.e. rainwater for nonpotable water uses). Water conservation will reduce energy used in pumping municipal water and in wastewater treatment. Residents are committed to local purchasing practices. Toronto Region Conservation 5-68 Rouge Park

76 Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Markets for green products are promoted through awareness campaigns and local purchasing programs. Economic decisions consider a longer term view, including impacts on the next generation. Decisions are made using holistic thinking that considers the integration among systems and follows a collaborative process. Agriculture: Meet 20% of local food needs with products from local farms or community gardens. Environmentally-beneficial employment is available in low-income neighbourhoods (Urban Env. Accord, 2005) Community Agriculture Prime agricultural land continues to be protected from other uses. Opportunities for community gardens are provided throughout the urban areas. Publically run facilities, including schools, obtain 20% of their foods from local sources (Urban Environmental Accord, 2005; Residents and businesses (e.g. restaurants) make local food purchases, and many enter into annual contracts with local farms for a portion of their seasonal food supply. Education/ Awareness Note: City of Toronto Environmental Plan (Status Report 2004) promotes local food production, but has not set a target to date. 20% is consistent with Greater Vancouver Sustainability Plan target for local food sources. All schools in the Rouge teach about the Rouge as part of their curriculum and use it regularly as their classroom. See community scale See community scale Toronto Region Conservation 5-69 Rouge Park

77 Sustainable Community Attributes & Targets Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Schools in the Rouge participate in the Ontario EcoSchools program, in which schools focus on environmental concepts in both school operations and curriculum. Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values and skills needed for a sustainable way of life (from The Earth Charter) Social Well Being Teachable moments exist in areas of daily influence. Processes exist for promoting public awareness and involvement in current initiatives and policy decisions. Partnerships are a common means for innovation and action. Networks and capacity-building techniques exist for information sharing in and among all sectors. A diversity of age, family size, tenure, type and income exists in every community. A sense of community exists. Local employment opportunities exist for the full workforce. See community scale All watershed residents (and business owners, because they would be residents as they live/work/play in same community) are aware of the Rouge River and Rouge Park and spend a portion of time each week/month enjoying it. There are social activities, entertainment, hobbies and interests, exercise and sport. Cultural diversity, arts, and cultural heritage is Toronto Region Conservation 5-70 Rouge Park

78 Sustainable Community Attributes Community and Lot Scale Assumptions Building Scale Assumptions Individual/Behavioural Assumptions & Targets supported. There is accessibility to core community elements, particularly improved mobility and quality of life for the elderly and disabled residents. All stages of the lifecycle are accommodated in housing and community support. A complete trail network has been implemented. Decisions and plans in a balanced are made in an open and flexible manner that includes the perspectives from the social, health, economic and environmental sectors of the community. Planning is done on a human scale, which includes social interaction, physical activity, access to goods and services, including transit. Cultural Heritage Heritage buildings and sites are preserved. There is awareness, recognition, and celebration of cultural heritage and land custodianship. All watershed residents are aware of the Rouge s heritage and participate in celebrations, visit museums, etc. Toronto Region Conservation 5-71 Rouge Park

79 Figure 5-8: Sustainable Community Features Trails Community Gardens Cultural Heritage preservation: re-use Biowall for indoor air quality 5.8 Modelling and Analysis Some of the sustainable community scenario assumptions are more conducive to quantitative evaluation through modelling than are others. Specific hydrologic modelling assumptions have been identified throughout the chapter. During the review of background literature and development of assumptions for this scenario, various references of performance were uncovered. This information has been compiled in a summary table found in Appendix D, and has been included in this report to serve as a preliminary analysis for the non-modellable assumptions. Toronto Region Conservation 5-72 Rouge Park

80 6.0 REFERENCES Aquafor Beech Limited Burndenet Creek Erosion Control Study. Town of Markham. Bengert, D Presentation: Opportunities for Sustainable Residential Development. Marketing A Builder s Perspective and plan to market BuiltGreen TM. August 9, 2005, Vaughan, Ontario. Boyd., D Sustainability Within a Generation. Report prepared for the David Suzuki Foundation. Brooks, D.B Beyond greater efficiency: the concept of water soft paths. Canadian Water Resources Journal 31(1): Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Developing Consumer Information on Sustainable Community Planning Healthy Housing and Communities Series. Prepared by Cullbridge Marketing and Communications & GLPI for: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Research Highlights Sustainable Community Design Demonstration in Okotoks, Alberta: Testing Consumer Receptivity Socio-economic Series 111. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Research Highlight - UniverCity: Assessing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Development Socio-economic Series Canadian Green Building Council Personal communication, Andrew Bowerbank. Center For Watershed Protection (CWP) 2003, Impacts of Impervious Cover on Aquatic Systems, March City of Hamilton Annual Sustainability Indicators Report Card. City of Hamilton. City of Toronto City of Toronto Water Efficiency Plan. Toronto Works and Emergency Services, Toronto. City of Toronto Environmental Plan Status Report. Coffman, L.S Low impact development creating a storm of controversy. Water Resources IMPACT 3(6): 7-9. Conservation Design Forum, Inc., Blackberry Creek Watershed Alternative Futures Analysis. Kane County Department of Environmental Management, Illinois. ( Crombie, D Regeneration. Toronto s Waterfront and the Sustainable City. Final Report. Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront. Cunningham, S The Restoration Economy. Berrett Koehler. Gleick, P.H Global freshwater resources: soft-path solutions for the 21 st century. Science 302: Government of Canada Project Green Moving Forward on Climate Change. A Plan for Honouring our Kyoto Commitment. ( Toronto Region Conservation 6-73 Rouge Park

81 Graham, P., L. MacLean, D. Medina, A. Patwardhan, and G. Vasarhelyi The role of water balance modelling in the transition to low impact development. Water Quality Research Journal of Canada 39(4): Greater Vancouver Regional District Sustainability Report: Building a Sustainable Region. Greater Vancouver Regional District. Hemson Consulting Ltd The Growth Outlook for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Kane, B.P Let that soak in: breaking ground with low impact development methods. Landscape Architecture 95: Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd., Beak Consultants Ltd., and Walker, Wright, Young and Associates Ltd Rouge River Urban Drainage Study Phase 1 (Volumes 1-7) and Phase 2 (Volumes 1-5). Prepared for the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan. Prepared for City of Toronto. Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited and Golder and Associates York Region Water Use Assessment Draft Report. Mayer, P.W., W.B. De Oreo, E.M. Opertz, J.C. Kiefer, W.Y. Davis, B. Dziegielewski, and J.W. Nelson Residential End Uses of Water. AWWA Foundation, Denver, CO. McLaren, E.A Letter to Stakeholders regarding Proposed Modifications to the Proposed Central Pickering Development Plan. February 1, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. McLean, W The Path to the Living City. Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River Watershed. National Round Table on Environment and Economy and the Canadian Brownfields Network. Greening Canada s Brownfields: A National Framework for Encouraging Redevelopment of Qualifying Brownfields Through Removal of Crown Liens and Tax Arrears Prepared for the Government of Canada and Provincial and Municipal governments. National Round Table on Environment and Economy State of the Debate on the Environment and the Economy. Environmental Quality in Canadian Cities: The Federal Role. Prepared for the Government of Canada. Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure Renewal Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. November, Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure Renewal. Ontario Round Table on Environment and Economy Sustainable Communities Resource Package Ontario Smog Plan Province of Ontario Clean Water Act. Queen s Printer for Ontario. Toronto Region Conservation 6-74 Rouge Park

82 Province Ontario Press Release McGinty Government Brings More Clean Electricity Online. March 9, POLIS Project At a Watershed Ecological Governance and Sustainable Water Management in Canada. Pollution Probe Exploring Applications of the Net Gain Principle. Regional Municipality of Durham Growing Together: Durham s Community Strategic Plan. Regional Municipality of Durham. Regional Municipality of York York Region Long Term Water Project Master Plan update, April. Regional Municipality of York Towards the Vision: Third Annual Report on Indicators of Progress Regional Municipality of York. Regional Municipality of York York Region Transportation Master Plan. Roseland, M Sustainable community development: integrating environmental, economic and social objectives. Progress in Planning 54 (2000): Elsevier Science Ltd. Resource Management Strategies Inc Regional Municipal of York Water Efficiency Master Plan Update Final Report. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York. Scott, A.J., J. Agnew, E.W. Soja, and M. Storper Global City Regions in A.J. Scott (ed) Global City-Regions: Trends, Theory and Policy. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Snodgrass, William. Personal communication 2006 Stanfield, L. and B. Kilgour Imperviousness Effects on Fish and Benthic Communities and In-Stream Habitats in Lake Ontario Tributaries. Paper presented at Conference. Texas Water Development Board The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting. Third Edition. Austin, Texas: Texas Water Development Board. The Sheltair Group Incorporated A Sustainable Urban System: The Long-term Plan for Greater Vancouver. Vancouver, BC: The Sheltair Group Incorporated. The Task Force To Bring Back the Don Bringing Back the Don. City of Toronto. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. Downsview. Unpublished. Toronto Star CMHC s R-2000 Healthy Home Program gaining momentum amongst many builders. Saturday, April 30, Toronto Star Energy efficiency important in Ontario. Saturday, February 11, Town and Country Planning Association Biodiversity by Design: A Guide for Sustainable Communities. London, United Kingdom. Town of Markham Markham Centre Performance Measures Document for the Markham Centre Vision for Sustainability and Smart Growth. Town of Markham. Toronto Region Conservation 6-75 Rouge Park

83 Town of Markham Official Plan. United Nations Agenda 21. Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992 (United Nations Publication). United Nations Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development. Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August to 4 September, (United Nations Publication). POI PD. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation: An Environmentally Sound Approach for Sustainable Urban Water Management An Introductory Guide for Decision-Makers. IETC Urban Environment Series, No. 2. Osaka, Japan: UNEP. Urban Environmental Accord Zimmer, C., H. Whiteley, E. Gazendam, and H. Schroeter Watershed-specific analysis of changes in streamflow and water quality from urbanization. In Reflections to Our Future: A New Century of Water Stewardship. 58 th Annual Canadian Water Resources Association Conference. June 15-17, 2005, Banff, Alberta (Urban Environmental Accord, June 2005). Toronto Region Conservation 6-76 Rouge Park

84 Appendix A Case Examples of Sustainable Communities Attributes of a Sustainable Community Categories: 1. Healthy Environment 2. Green Planning and Building 3. Economic Vitality 4. Education, Public Awareness and Leadership 5. Social/Community Well-Being East Clayton Surrey, BC A mixed-use 500-acre (200-hectare) greenfield development Plan approved 2003 Future population: 13,000 15,000 people Healthy Environment Network of greenways, natural areas and parks, natural drainage Green Planning and Building Mix of housing types/lot types and sizes range of densities Walkable neighbourhoods (5 minutes to transit and shops) Interconnected, narrower streets Economic Vitality Special residential encourages small-scale, low-impact businesses; Residential above ground-floor commercial Education, Public Awareness and Leadership High awareness of sustainable East Clayton in area Social/Community Well-Being A variety of family types and incomes Dwellings present a friendly face to the street to promote social interaction Toronto Region Conservation 6-77 Rouge Park

85 Milton Eco-Tech Village Milton, ON A residential/mixed use greenfield development Originally 50 acres (20 hectares), might be larger Charrette process completed and secondary plan policies in place Healthy Environment Sustainable Development Guidelines establish best management practices for park facilities and landscaping Green Planning and Building Best management practices for transportation, stormwater management, and water conservation Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Intention to promote the Eco-Tech Village as a precedent-setting pilot Regent Park, Toronto, ON A redevelopment project of 69 acres (28 hectares), 2,087 rent-geared-to-income units and an additional 3,000 market units Now holding a design competition for the first new building Redevelopment to proceed over the next years in six phases Healthy Environment Targets:35% Reduction of water use and 75% energy use reduction 80% reduction in greenhouse gases Significant reduction in stormwater runoff retention 60% solid waste diversion Improved natural environmental/landscape Reduced impacts from materials, construction and demolition Economic Vitality New vitality and business to the east downtown area Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Strong community engagement process; Reconnection to surrounding neighbourhood Social/Community Well-Being - A mixed income community consisting of residential, retail, community services, institutional and park units Toronto Region Conservation 6-78 Rouge Park

86 Stapleton Airport Redevelopment Colorado Redevelopment of an airport, the largest infill redevelopment project in the US acres (1902 hectares) with a workforce of 35,000 and 30,000 residents and more than 12,000 homes. Healthy Environment 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of regional parks and open space Green Planning and Building Using the principles of New Urbanist design, the plan creates five cohesive livable and walk-able communities centered around five town centers Economic Vitality - 3 million sq. ft. retail space, 10 million sq. ft office/industrial space Bo01 Malmo, Sweden Transformation of 25 acres (10 hectares) in a brownfield industrial harbor site into a mixed-use residential community Total of 1,000 units when fully developed Completion planned for 2006 Healthy Environment Designed to run on 100 percent renewable resources Local recycling of water Residual waste is burned for district heating Biogas reactor will produce vehicle fuel and fertiliser Heat extracted from the sea and rock strata; methane gas from local refuse and sewage Green Planning and Building High density, parking of cars in areas outside the housing area Participation of over 20 developers Economic Vitality Increased commercial and tourist activity Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Hundreds of international professionals have visited Social/Community Well-Being Greenspace is mostly communal in the form of residential courtyards Toronto Region Conservation 6-79 Rouge Park

87 Civano Arizona A greenfield development of 818 acres (330 hectares) A minimum of 550 homes Healthy Environment Pedestrian-friendly environment Open Space: 30% of Total Land Mature Palo Verde and Mesquite trees were salvaged Homes designed to use 50% less energy Xeriscape landscaping encouraged Solar panels produce hot water and solar electricity Uses 60% less potable water than similar size communities in Tucson Green Planning and Building Pedestrian-friendly environment Walking paths connect to a larger system of trails Social/Community Well-Being Neighborhood Center is the heart of Civano Front porches, community garden North Oakville Oakville, Ontario 7,677 acres (3,107 hectares); Up to 55,000 residents and 35,000 jobs; Secondary Plan now under review Healthy Environment Approx 2,197 acres (889 hectares) natural heritage/open space system Green Planning and Building A transit approach combined with linked cycleways and walkways Economic Vitality Live/work opportunities Education, Public Awareness and Leadership - Charette process Toronto Region Conservation 6-80 Rouge Park

88 Dockside Lands Project Victoria, BC Reclamation of 12 acres (5 hectares) of mostly contaminated landfill; $300-million mixed use waterfront development; 930,000 square feet residential (860 units) Healthy Environment Plans for a self-sufficiency where waste from one part is useful for another Greenway with recycled water channels, Goal: to be greenhouse gas neutral Green Planning and Building Aiming for LEED platinum for entire development Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly design Economic Vitality 120,000 square feet hotel 75,000 Industrial 70,000 Office 60,000 commercial Social/Community Well-Being Housing for all income levels and ages 53,000 Seniors Open-air amphitheatre Southeast False Creek Vancouver, BC Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan By-law, Financial Strategy and Sustainability Targets and Indicators were approved March, 2005; 36 hectares (80 acres) of former industrial land near downtown Vancouver Healthy Environment Specific indicators and targets for energy use, water consumption, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, urban agriculture are built into policy Green Planning and Building Indicator for green buildings 33 LEED points per building Transportation target 60 % of trips non-auto Economic Vitality Economic indicators and targets, e.g. 5-8 jobs per 1000 sq ft of commercial development Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Intended to be used as a model sustainable community Social/Community Well-Being - Social indicators, e.g. 33.3% affordable housing, public space amenable to social interaction Toronto Region Conservation 6-81 Rouge Park

89 Middleton Hills, Wisconsin 400 single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and live/work units when complete Close to the city centre of Middleton Healthy Environment Forty acres (16 hectares) of greenspace out of 150 acres (60 hectares Green Planning and Building Narrower, connected streets that follow the topography of the land New Urbanist Features Mixed use Harmonious architecture Economic Vitality Small shops and businesses Social/Community Well-Being Range of housing prices Markham Centre Markham, Ontario 988 acres (400 hectares) Population 25,000 residents, 10,000 units Performance Measures developed to guide and monitor the implementation of Markham Centre over time to deliver the downtown vision Healthy Environment 75 acres (30 hectares) Parkland, 192 acres (78 hectares) Open Space Green Planning an Building A distinctly urban character, higher density development with strong streetscapes-complemented by ample greenspaces Economic Vitality Employment:17,000 jobs Office Space: 400,000 m2 Retail Space: 55,000 m2 Education, Public Awareness and Leadership - International recognition: hundreds of professionals have visited Toronto Region Conservation 6-82 Rouge Park

90 Cornell Markham, Ontario 2,400 acres (970 hectares) Projected population, 27,000 Some commercial Healthy Environment Approximately half land preserved as open space Green Planning and Building All residents within 5 minutes of public transit New Urbanism -- back lanes, front porches Economic Vitality Cornell Neighbourhood Commercial Centre -- a mid-rise project with commercial at grade with two and three storey walk-up apartments above - which exemplifies some of the best principles of "New Urbanism Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) London, UK Open since homes Healthy Environment Largely recycled and reclaimed, environmentally accredited materials Combined heat and power plants fuelled by waste lumber Passive solar design, photovoltaic panels Green Planning and Building High density development with a garden for most Green transport plan and local food links Economic Vitality Workspace for about 100 people Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Exhibition and Visitor Centre Social/Community Well-Being - Sports Facility, Village Square Toronto Region Conservation 6-83 Rouge Park

91 Z-squared: One Planet Living Community Thames Gateway regeneration area, UK Building on the success of BedZED, BioRegional is working in partnership with WWF A 2,000-home One Planet Living community In early planning stages Healthy Environment zero carbon zero waste sustainable transport sustainable materials local and sustainable food sustainable water natural habitats and wildlife, Social/Community Well-Being culture and heritage equity and fair trade Farmington Village Truro, Nova Scotia A residential community of 200 units, projected population of 600 Part of the Affordability and Choice Today (ACT)/Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) program Healthy Environment An alternative set of servicing techniques, including new standards for water, sewer, stormwater and street design specifications Created in cooperation with the Town s Planning and Engineering Departments, the developer, Terrain Group Green Planning and Building Reduced lot size and setbacks, combined servicing laterals to houses Social/Community Well-Being Conversion potential built into the houses to allow a secondary unit A Land-Use plan that includes a full-range of housing types Opportunities for home-based businesses and a community centre Toronto Region Conservation 6-84 Rouge Park

92 Sackville New Brunswick The town of Sackville and the Tantramar Planning District Commission developed a subdivision bylaw with an accompanying guidebook which outlines environmental concerns A model for small towns Healthy Environment Guidebook allows greater attention to be paid to environmental issues, which reduce CO2 emissions Green Planning and Building Approvals streamlined, giving developer more incentive to undertake innovations Economic Vitality Infrastructure and serving costs are reduced, making subdivision development more economical Eco Village at Ithaca, NY Co-housing model combined with eco-village Will eventually house 500 people in three to four neighbourhoods, all with common houses 174 acres (70 hectares) of land of which the two existing neighborhoods take up seven acres or less. Healthy Environment A minimum of 80% of the land open space Green Planning and Building Tightly clustered homes along a meandering pedestrian street Innovative energy-efficient features District heating in the first neighbourhood Photovoltaics in almost half of homes in the second neighbourhood Economic Vitality Community Supported Agriculture Ten offices are for business in the Common House, Education, Public Awareness and Leadership Many international visitors Social/Community Well-Being The Common House provides communally what you might otherwise need in an individual home Toronto Region Conservation 6-85 Rouge Park

93 Village Homes Davis, California Built in the 1970 s 74 acre (30-hectare), 240-unit development Now one of the most sought-after subdivisions in Davis Healthy Environment 12 acres (5 hectares) of greenbelt and open space 12 acres (5 hectares) of common agricultural land Infiltration swales and on-site detention basins Green Planning and Building Vehicle access by back lanes only, with pedestrian lanes for walking and cycling The front streets are grassy areas, gardens with shrubs and flowers. All houses passive solar designed and solar hot water Economic Vitality 4000 sq ft of commercial office space Much of food grown in neighbourhood Social/Community Well-Being Local Homeowners Association owns and manages household commons, greenbelt commons, agricultural lands and community centre Okotoks Alberta In 1998, concepts such as local watershed carrying capacity and growth with limits were written into the town s Municipal Development plan Community of 15,000 residents nestled in the Sheep River Valley of the Alberta Foothills, just 18 kms south of Calgary. Healthy Environment Purchase and protection of the Sheep Valley Watershed Green Planning and Building Future developments mixed use, pedestrian focus Urban infill Economic Vitality Downtown revitalization Expansion of local economy goal: by 50% Social/Community Well-Being - Preservation of heritage sites; Public art is provided Toronto Region Conservation 6-86 Rouge Park

94 Appendix B Case Examples of Green Buildings Toronto Region Conservation 6-87 Rouge Park

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