Rouge National Urban Park Study

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Attachment Comment on the Draft Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: St. Aidan's Eco-sporotuaity Committee
  • Reference number: 74
  • Submitted: 2023-06-28 - 11:19 AM
  • Overview The Study is important and necessary for a well-informed decision on how to proceed with protecting RNUP. We support the draft terms of reference subject to the following qualifications. Detail comments Under Study Objectives and Scope Section 1.0.... "Future potential development activities''...of DRAP. The ToR should also include monitoring of current development activities such as the surveying and staking out land or potential clearing or bulldozing. Surveying has already been observed. Other forms of monitoring could be a watching brief for applications for building permits on the DRAP lands. These activities, some of which have already taken place signal imminent threats to the DRAP. (See also the last point under section 6.0) Also under Study objectives and scope...."other potential effects".... It would be useful and helpful to: articulate spiritual values of the RNUP ... Raising the appreciation of flora and fauna to a moral and spiritual level as a source of reflection, awe, connection with the Creator. People go to RNUP and adjacent lands to commune with nature and development of DRAP lands would potentially affect this form of communion. use data on visitors to reflect the consequences of not protecting the lands. The socio-economic range of people who use the park, the different cultural backgrounds and the broad range of reasons - educational, recreational, spiritual, romantic, ...

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Attachment comments from Transport Canada

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Transport Canada
  • Reference number: 80
  • Submitted: 2023-06-22
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Please see the attached submission. 
  • Attachment included
  • www.tc.gc.ca Page 1 of 1 UNCLASSIFIED / NON CLASSIFIÉ 4900 Yonge Street, 4th Floor Toronto ON M2N 6A5 June 22, 2023 Véronique Boucher Lalonde - A/Senior Policy Advisor Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Subject: Transport Canada’s Participation in the Rouge National Urban Park Study and Initial Comments on the Draft Terms of Reference Dear Ms. Boucher Lalonde, On behalf of Transport Canada (TC), I am pleased to submit the following comments on the proposed Rouge National Urban Park Study and development of the Terms of Reference. TC’s mandate is to serve the public interest through the promotion of a safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system including in the air, marine, rail and road sectors. We work towards these objectives by: • Overseeing policies, laws and regulations related to transportation; • Conducting inspections, enforcement activities and surveillance of the transportation industry’s equipment, operations and facilities; • Providing funding to organizations for projects that strengthen the transportation network, including safety improvement projects, technological innovations and green transportation initiatives; and • Managing a diverse portfolio of strategic real property assets to enable the safe, efficient, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and essential movement of people and goods to/from local, regional, provincial, international markets and remote communities. While TC is not directly responsible for all aspects or modes of transportation, we play a key ...
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Attachment Rouge National Urban Park Study - Updates on draft Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of City of Toronto
  • Reference number: 75
  • Submitted: 2023-06-21 - 5:14 PM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Good afternoon,   Apologies, I realize the deadline to submit a comment was yesterday. I am hoping I can submit the following comments (below) from the City of Toronto:     Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the Draft Terms of Reference. While the study will focus on the DRAP, it is not entirely clear if “nearby development projects” refers to just DRAP or if the study will also consider existing, planned and potential future development in proximity to RNUP generally. Ideally the study can identify best practices for low impact development (LID) including examples of policies, guidelines and bylaws etc. from adjacent municipalities. We also support the consideration of cumulative effects and connectivity of key natural and hydrologic features that may be located within the DRAP, RNUP and adjacent lands (including within the City of Toronto). Please continue to engage the City of Toronto in this study.   Beare Hill Park is located ...

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Attachment North Pickering Project

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Craig Bamford
  • Reference number: 71
  • Submitted: 2023-06-21 - 2:02 PM
  • Between 1972 and 1975 a significant planning public planning exercise was undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Housing. Following considerable public discussion the final report recommended the community of Cedarwood be constructed east of West Duffins Creek thereby protecting the maximum amount of Class One Farmland west of West Duffins Creek. It is recommended that the Impact Assessment Panel review the supporting documents available at the City of Pickering Main Library history room.  These documents include a report titled "North Pickering Archaeology 

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Attachment Friends of the Rouge Watershed Input to RNUP Study Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Friends of the Rouge Watershed
  • Reference number: 76
  • Submitted: 2023-06-21 - 12:07 AM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Please see the attached submission. 
  • Attachment included
  • 1 FRW Patrons Lois James, "Save the Rouge" founding member and Order of Canada Recipient Hon. Raymond Cho, MPP Scarborough North Hon. Gerry Phillips, former MPP Scarborough Agincourt Hon. Alvin Curling, former MPP Scarborough Rouge River Hon. David Peterson, former Ontario Premier Joyce Trimmer, former Mayor of Scarborough, posthumous Derek Lee, former MP Scarborough Rouge River Rathika Sitsabaiesan, former MP Scarborough Rouge River Paul Harpley, "Save the Rouge" founding member Bobbi Hunter, founding member of Greenpeace Executive Rouge National Urban Park Study Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell, 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3 Telephone: 613-293-5216 Email: parkstudy-etudeparc@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Dear Impact Assessment Agency and Parks Canada: Thank you for the leadership of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Field Superintendent of Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP), Parks Canada's CEO, and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) regarding the initiation of the RNUP Study to: "understand the potential effects, including cumulative effects, of past, ongoing, and potential future nearby development projects on the integrity of the Rouge National Urban Park and its management objectives". FRW supports the potential effects identified in the draft TOR and we provide additional recommendations which we hope you will incorporate in the RNUP Study Terms of Reference. Public Policy Context: Since 1990, Ontario Governments, of three different parties, addressed the interests of millions of Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents by creating:  Rouge Park and ...

Attachment Study Comments

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: York Region Federation of Agriculture
  • Reference number: 70
  • Submitted: 2023-06-21 - 12:06 AM
  • Dear Minister Guilbeault, I am writing on behalf of York Region Federation of Agriculture (YRFA) to provide comments on the Draft Terms of Reference for the IAAC Rouge National Urban Park Study. The YRFA represents the 600 registered farm businesses in York Region, including those farming in the Rouge National Urban Park. We advocate for agriculture on issues that are specific to our local Municipalities, the Region, and across the Province in areas such as Economic Development, Planning, Environmental Policies, Financial Sustainability and Agriculture Education. After reading and considering the draft Terms of Reference, YRFA, on behalf of our members respectfully submit the following comments for review. 1. YRFA is concerned that the development process on the DRAP lands will be fast tracked to allow development projects to proceed prior to the completion of this study. Our recommendation would be to shorten the length of time to complete the study. If is not possible to shorten the study timelines, consideration should be given to breaking the study down into multiple stages that could each be released independently of each other as they are completed. 2. Additional agricultural related items to be considered for the Annex 1 List of Potential Valued Components: - The indicators of a vibrant farming community; generational farming; diversity of farms; increased demand for farmland. - The critical mass of farmers needed to support the agriculture infrastructure and value chain in the area. - Urban-Rural conflicts; construction and urban neighbourhood noise impacts on livestock; trespassing; illegal dumping; garbage blowing onto farmland from adjacent development. - The impact of ...
  • Attachment included
  • YORK REGION FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE SERVING THE FARM COMMUNITY SINCE 1940 BUY THE FOOD ONTARIO GROWS June 20, 2023 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3 Re: Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft Terms of Reference Dear Minister Guilbeault, I am writing on behalf of York Region Federation of Agriculture (YRFA) to provide comments on the Draft Terms of Reference for the IAAC Rouge National Urban Park Study. The YRFA represents the 600 registered farm businesses in York Region, including those farming in the Rouge National Urban Park. We advocate for agriculture on issues that are specific to our local Municipalities, the Region, and across the Province in areas such as Economic Development, Planning, Environmental Policies, Financial Sustainability and Agriculture Education. After reading and considering the draft Terms of Reference, YRFA, on behalf of our members respectfully submit the following comments for review. 1. YRFA is concerned that the development process on the DRAP lands will be fast tracked to allow development projects to proceed prior to the completion of this study. Our recommendation would be to shorten the length of time to complete the study. If is not possible to shorten the study timelines, consideration should be given to breaking the study down into multiple stages that could each be released independently of each other as they are completed. 2. Additional agricultural related items to be considered for the Annex 1 List of Potential Valued Components: ...
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Attachment Support for assessment

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Larry Noonan
  • Reference number: 69
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 9:31 PM
  • I am writing this to support the Federal Government making a study to assess the impacts of developing / destroying the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve which borders much of the Rouge National Urban Park eastern boundary. As a person who hikes in the Rouge at least once a week and often more often, I would like to make the following points. The Toronto Zoo and the RNUP work in partnership to raise and release endangered Blanding’s turtles in the Rouge watershed. A primary site for the release of Blanding’s turtles is in the ponds along the Townline across the street from the Duffin Rouge Agricultural Preserve. I believe that this area is identified as “critical habitat” for the Blanding's turtle, which is a threatened species under the federal Species at Risk Act.  Building houses in this area, actually right across the street, will very likely have profound negative effects on the Blanding’s Turtle population. I hope that the assessment takes this into consideration. If the Premier has his way, soon home owners will be able to walk out their back doors and into these critical habitats with likely catastrophic consequences. The Rouge National Urban Park has a mandate to protect agricultural landscapes which includes Class 1 farmland -- the rarest, richest and most fertile in the country – which is disappearing at an alarming rate in other parts of the country. Preserving this land in Ontario and in and around the RNUP should be a priority. Please check to see how many farms will be fragmented if this destruction of the DRAP takes place. Fragmented farms may prove non-viable for the farmers.    The DRAP is beside and also ...

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Attachment My Suggestion

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: City of Pickering
  • Reference number: 68
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 4:43 PM
  • Thank you for including me in the request for comments on the draft Terms of Reference on the implications of developing the Duffin Rouge Agricultural Preserve.  Generally I believe this document covers the issues we want to address.  I only have one suggestion in that Dr. Ken Howard of the University of Toronto has incredible knowledge of the DRAP and it would be prudent to speak with him regarding any hydrogeological information required to complete your report.  The portion of the DRAP bounded by Altona Road, Taunton Road to the south, Townline Rd. to the west and Whitevale Road to the north was previously considered for a garbage dump.  The process included many studies of this piece of land and the Whitevale and District Residents’ Association hired Dr. Ken Howard to access the hydrogeological issues that would effect the aquifer that supplies our well water.  His studies continued after the site had been removed from contention.  His analysis of this area might be crucial to the understanding of the hydrogeology of the area.  I hope that you would include him in any discussions regarding hydrogeology along with the TRCA as he has a wealth of knowledge.  

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Attachment FW_ RNUP Study - Toronto Zoo Community Session Venue & Participation

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Toronto Zoo
  • Reference number: 78
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 4:26 PM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Please see the attached submission
  • Attachment included
  • Rouge National Urban Park Study DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE May 2023 IMPACT ASSESSM ENT AGENCY OF CANADA ROUGE NAT IONAL URBAN PARK STUDY - DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE 2 Contents 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope ............................................................................. 3 2.0 Establishment, Purpose and Composition of the Committee .......................... 4 3.0 Committee Secretariat ..................................................................................... 5 4.0 Indigenous Knowledge, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and potential impacts to Indigenous communities .................................................................................... 6 5.0 Committee Activities and Requirements ......................................................... 7 6.0 Report and Records ........................................................................................ 10 7.0 Clarification or amendment to the Terms of Reference ................................ 11 Annex I List of Potential Valued Components ..................................................... 12 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope 1.1 The objectives of the Rouge National Urban Park Study (the Study) are: To understand the potential effects, including cumulative effects, of past, ongoing, and potential future development on the Rouge National Urban Park (the Park). 1.2 The Study will focus on: a) Future potential development activities in lands adjacent to the Park, notably in the area known as the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, and the potential effects of these activities. In doing so, it will also consider the effects of other past, ongoing ...
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Attachment Rouge National Urban Park Study comment

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Susan Cox
  • Reference number: 67
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 4:09 PM
  • I am writing in support of the Canadian Federal Government undertaking a study to assess the impacts of development in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve on the Rouge National Urban Park. I also support the Draft Terms of Reference. We need to assess the impacts with a forward thinking lens of analysis.  Many environmental safeguards have been dismantled in Ontario that I feel will only worsen climate change impacts on people, wildlife, and the environment ( air, water, and land).  We are seeing unusual patterns of weather- especially more rain in shorter periods of time- that will not have been part of the historic records.  We need to find some ways to bring in real time effects of where we are heading- not using only data from where we have been. Susan Cox  

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Attachment Comments on Study TofR

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: City of Pickering - City Development
  • Reference number: 66
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 3:56 PM
  • See attached
  • Attachment included
  • ROUGE NATIONAL URBAN PARK STUDY DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope 1.1 The objectives of the Rouge National Urban Park Study (the Study) are: • To understand the potential effects, including cumulative effects, of past, ongoing, and potential future development on the Rouge National Urban Park (the Park). 1.2 The Study will focus on: a) Future potential development activities in lands adjacent to the Park, notably in the area known as the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, and the potential effects of these activities. In doing so, it will also consider the effects of other past, ongoing and future physical activities in the Park, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, federal lands adjacent to the Park as well as other areas if these have the potential for effects in areas of federal jurisdiction within the Park; b) The ecological integrity of the Park and the ability of the Park to meet its management objectives, including as described in the Park management plan: o the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, and natural process; o enhancement of ecological connectivity throughout the Park; o maintaining beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities; and o supporting a vibrant park farming community; c) Any other potential effects, including cumulative effects, on areas of federal jurisdiction (e.g., species at risk, federal lands), that may have implications within the Park; and, d) Consideration of how provincial laws and regulations, as well as other laws and regulations including Indigenous laws, would apply to such developments in order to predict potential effects. 5.0 Committee Activities and Requirements ...
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Attachment On behalf of my children.

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Christine Szabados
  • Reference number: 65
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 3:49 PM
  • I am in full support of the Terms of Reference for the proposed Rouge National Urban Park Study. I must begin by applauding the Federal Government for intervening and initiating an unbiased Environmental Impact Assessment, holding the Government of Ontario accountable with respect to their proposal to urbanize protected greenspaces within the Province of Ontario.   the government of Ontario's proposal to build on protected lands within our Greenbelt is inherently wrong. This proposal presents both the obvious and the highly complicated detrimental effects to our natural environment and the many species at risk within them, as well as the fragmentation of the few remaining large tracts of Greenbelt lands in Ontario. These lands are among the last areas within the Province that hold the bulk of biodiversity in Ontario and we cannot afford to destroy them.  On the part of our Premier, to say that a project will move forward despite the fact that an Enviromental Assessment is not yet complete is extremely disconcerting.  Everyone must be held accountable. Four years ago, the Ontario Government's plans to carve up the Greenbelt had to be scrapped in the face of overwhelming public opposition.  At that time, Permier Ford said: “The people have spoken. We won’t touch the Greenbelt. That’s it.”  In light of the Ontario Government's "new" proposal, these comments make me question whether Ford's promises are worthless, or simply our Greenspaces? I wonder how we, as a Nation, plan to continue to feed our growing population in future years as existing agricultural areas are paved over.  We are blessed as Ontarians ...

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Attachment Comments on the RNUP study draft terms of reference / Impact Assessment Registry reference # 84459

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Environmental Defence Canada
  • Reference number: 64
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 3:07 PM
  • To Whom It May Concern at the IAA, Please find attached a letter on behalf of Environmental Defence Canada and Ontario Nature with comments on the draft terms of reference for the RNUP cumulative effects study. We hope these comments are helpful and we look forward to the revised terms of reference and to participating in the next steps of the study. Sincerely,   Tim Gray  Executive Director Environmental Defence Canada
  • Attachment included
  • June 20, 2023 Honourable Minister Guilbeault Ministry of Environment and Climate Change House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0A6 Re: Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft Terms of Reference Dear Minister Guilbeault, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference for the RNUP cumulative effects study. These comments are jointly submitted by Environmental Defence Canada and Ontario Nature with input from other organizations and individuals. Overall the draft TOR are consistent with the stated intent of the study but we offer the comments below to inform revisions in a manner that will enable the study to achieve its full objectives. Comments are arranged under headings provided in the draft TOR. 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope Section 1.3 Study Area: The study area should include forests and other ecosystems connected to the study area ecologically --particularly those that are on the higher end of the continuum that defines ecological integrity (EI) (where EI exists as a continuum not a binary). These lands can and do contribute to and influence the EI of the park itself which is not large enough to have high EI if the surroundings are compromised or converted to urban and commercial uses. We are very concerned about the study area size; in particular, the apparent exclusion of important forests to the east of the DRAP. Effects of DRAP development on nearby forests are a reasonable concern and may have important implications for regional connectivity, especially for forests within the Park. Concerning the study area, the document does consider "other areas if these have the potential for effects in areas of federal ...
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Attachment Rouge National Urban Park Study, Draft Terms of Reference, TRCA CFN 69045

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
  • Reference number: 79
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 3:07 PM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Please see the attached submission. 
  • Attachment included
  • T: 416.661.6600 | F: 416.661.6898 | info@trca.ca | 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, ON L4K 5R6 | www.trca.ca June 20, 2023 CFN 69045 BY E-MAIL ONLY (parkstudy-etudeparc@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.) Rouge National Urban Park Study Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3 Re: Draft Terms of Reference Rouge National Urban Park Study Impact Assessment Agency of Canada These comments respond to the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Rouge National Urban Park Study (Study) posted for public review on May 30, 2023. OVERVIEW Staff understand that the Study will look at the potential effects of development projects adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park. The goal is to understand the potential effects, including cumulative effects, of past, ongoing, and potential future nearby development projects on the integrity of the Rouge National Urban Park and its management objectives. The Study will include a description of existing conditions, description of potential development activities, identification of information and knowledge gaps or uncertainties, analyses of potential effects, identification of valued components and analyses of potential effects on valued components. The Study will also provide conclusions and recommendations such as whether avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures can address potential impacts of development activities, and whether additional monitoring and follow-up measures would be warranted. The study would also recommend whether actions by the Government of Canada, notably under the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Impact Assessment Act, the Species at Risk Act, ...
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Attachment Linking Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Rouge River Watershed to the Duffins Creek Watershed

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Craig Bamford
  • Reference number: 63
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 2:55 PM
  • I support the Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft Terms of Reference and the vision and objectives of the Park Management Plan - Rouge National Urban Park   The Rouge Park Management Plan states that “The park will provide the only regional-scale ecological and trail connection of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area. The park’s protected natural cultural and agricultural landscapes will contribute a broad range of benefits to the Rouge, Petticoat, and West Duffins Creek watersheds, the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine, and to the residents of adjacent urban communities.”   This Management Plan further states defines a vibrant farming community: “Parks Canada and park farmers will work hand-in-hand to shape a key role for park farming as part of a vital and diverse protected landscape as a contributor to the maintenance or restoration of the park’s ecological integrity, as a provider of educational opportunities for visitors and as a supporter of food sustainability of the larger region.” As early as 1975 the Ontario Ministry of Housing in its “North Pickering Project” recognized the need to protect the prime agricultural land west on West Duffins Creek when it recommended that the future community of Cedarwood be located east of Duffins Creek.  This was confirmed in its report titled “A Plan for Seaton” issued in 1995 and by the Ontario Government’s Bill 16 The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act (2005). I request that the study include a detailed analysis of what is required to ensure that sufficient agricultural land is available on ensure farming can occur on a scale sufficient to be ...

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Attachment RNUP Study Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition
  • Reference number: 62
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 10:38 AM
  • Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition The Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition is a group of many individual citizens, resident & environmental groups advocating sustainable, eco-based urban planning & preservation of farmland and greenspace for present & future generations. We were extensively involved and worked very hard for many years on preserving the lands in Pickering, Scarborough and Markham. Specifically, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP), Rouge Park lands, Seaton and Airport lands with our “Link the Lake to the Moraine” campaign. We applaud the federal government for stepping up and taking action by doing this study of the “probable risk of irreversible harm to wildlife, natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes within Rouge National Urban Park” from the letter Parks Canada and the Rouge National Urban Park sent to the province expressing their concern for the removal of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve lands and their importance to farming activities, and ecological function in the Park. We also appreciate the inclusion of the federal airport lands in the study – that just makes sense. Thank you MP Helena Jaczek for hearing our concerns and getting this ball rolling! There has been a deep well of numerous studies done in the past on these lands, and we would expect the same results – that these lands will remain protected for future generations. We would like to see them included into the Rouge National Urban Park. There are many submissions by other NGO’s such as Land over Landings, National Farmer’s Union and the Ontario Farmland Trust which have made great suggestions ...

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Attachment Support for Rouge Park Study Draft Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Nigel Saunders
  • Reference number: 61
  • Submitted: 2023-06-20 - 12:22 AM
  • I support the Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft Terms of Reference.    Development of the land adjacent to Rouge National Urban Park should not be allowed.  Instead we must maintain (not reduce) continuity of protected habitat for rare and endangered wildlife along with the habitat ie/ the unique Carolinian forest. It is of utmost importance to preserve the relatively high biodiversity that exists in Rouge National Urban Park due to the variety in topography, the hydrology and the microclimate.  The risk of upsetting this balance is too high to allow development of the DRAP.   

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Attachment Draft Terms of Reference - Rouge National Urban Park Study

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Ontario Farmland Trust
  • Reference number: 60
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 10:45 PM
  • June 19, 2023 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin St Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 RE: Draft Terms of Reference - Rouge National Urban Park Study Dear Minister Guilbeault, I am writing on behalf of the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) to provide comments and recommendations for the draft terms of reference (ToR) for the study on the Rouge National Urban Park (the Park). These recommendations aim to enhance the clarity, inclusivity, and comprehensiveness of the study, ultimately supporting the preservation of ecological and agricultural integrity within the Park. The following recommendations are based on careful consideration of the existing ToR. Recommendation 1: Enhancing the recognition of needing the study to focus on the agricultural integrity of the Park. Supporting information: Enhancing the recognition for the study to focus on the agricultural integrity of the Park will emphasise the crucial role that agriculture plays in the local economy, food security, ecological interdependencies, farmland loss concerns, economic contributions, and ecological resilience. Two thirds of the park consists of farmland, indicating the significance of any impacts development on the Duffins Rouge Agriculture Preserve will have on the agricultural system and farming operations within the Rouge National Urban Park. The ecological and agricultural integrity of the Park are closely intertwined. Agricultural practices within the Park can have direct impacts on the surrounding ecosystems, such as water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. Conversely, healthy ecosystems, including wildlife corridors and ...
  • Attachment included
  • June 19, 2023 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin St Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 RE: Draft Terms of Reference - Rouge National Urban Park Study Dear Minister Guilbeault, I am writing on behalf of the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) to provide comments and recommendations for the draft terms of reference (ToR) for the study on the Rouge National Urban Park (the Park). These recommendations aim to enhance the clarity, inclusivity, and comprehensiveness of the study, ultimately supporting the preservation of ecological and agricultural integrity within the Park. The following recommendations are based on careful consideration of the existing ToR. Recommendation 1: Enhancing the recognition of needing the study to focus on the agricultural integrity of the Park. Supporting information: Enhancing the recognition for the study to focus on the agricultural integrity of the Park will emphasise the crucial role that agriculture plays in the local economy, food security, ecological interdependencies, farmland loss concerns, economic contributions, and ecological resilience. Two thirds of the park consists of farmland, indicating the significance of any impacts development on the Duffins Rouge Agriculture Preserve will have on the agricultural system and farming operations within the Rouge National Urban Park. The ecological and agricultural integrity of the Park are closely intertwined. Agricultural practices within the Park can have direct impacts on the surrounding ecosystems, such as water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. Conversely, healthy ecosystems, including wildlife corridors and habitat, contribute to the sustainability and productivity of ...
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Attachment Comments on Rouge National Urban Park

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Robin Heron
  • Reference number: 59
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 10:40 PM
  • I would like the Rouge NationalUrban Park to work with the province of Ontario to ensure the changes in adjacent land use outside of the park do not negatively impact the protection of native species and ecological proceses within the park. Ideally there will be an opportunity for both levels of government to work cooperatively in the spirit of the establishment of the park to ensure the maintenance of the natural values within the park.

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Attachment na

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: TAMMY ATKINSON
  • Reference number: 58
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 9:52 PM
  • I am a concerned citizen for the terrible impact this decision if passed will have on our health and our natural world including our wild life. "Farmland is a precious resource that feeds and nourishes our communities". We should not take this for granted. Look at the effects Covid had where there was a food shortage and people were scrambling to stores that were limited for food that we rely on from other countries.Access to healthy fresh foods should be a priority for this Region as we have some of the best soils right here and food from the Earth is healthier to eat so we need to protect it. To build over these areas would be an atrocity not only for for farmers but for those that depend on local agriculture for food and their livelihood. Our wildlife also rely on these areas for food and shelter and we should be doing what we can to protect them as well.  The protection of the Greenbelt was put in place for an important reason as it is a critical water source for the province. Deforestation is a major contributor to environmental disasters, desertification and climate change.We need more trees not fewer to absorb carbon, produce oxygen and clean the air. They also provide us with natural shade. Futher to this nature also promotes mental health. I am sure many like myself like to get away from the city to recharge and enjoy what nature has to offer. There are fewer places to do this now especially if this plan gets accepted. It has been proven there is enough spaces in town without taking our precious natural spaces so lets protect what we have now and for future generations.  . 

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Attachment Effect of Development of DRAP Lands on the Rouge National Urban Park

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Judith Mann
  • Reference number: 57
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 9:45 PM
  • How would the development effect the biodiversity and preservation of species that is part of the mission of the park? How will housing development effect human enjoyment and appreciation of this natural setting that is especially precious with its proximity to the city? First, the park is a treasure and becomes more and more beautiful and rich each year. In 10 to 20 years it will become more of a tourist destination. In 50 years, it will be one of the biggest attractions of tourists to the Toronto area. In 100 years, it will be moving to being an old growth forest. What a legacy to our cities and the world we have given to the future with this park. I am not versed in the science fully but I do know there is a heron rookery in the DRAP lands that will be gone with development. These birds,  visit the park and are part of the biodervisity. I have heard there are otters living in the southern part of the DRAP again, they move between the lands. I can only imagine the noise, dirruption of water tables, places of food supply, that the DRAP provides for species both plant and animal and thus contributes to the life across road at the park. The housing development will take decades to complete so that is decades of noise for the many species living in the park. For humans on all the trails across from the DRAP will hear noise of construction for decades. It will destroy the chance to hear birdsongs, frogs, the creek water and more. Sounds that nourish us with beauty and calmness. At this time, driving down the York/Durham Line from Highway 7 I feel the beauity of the park and the expanse of the farmlands of the DRAP. This sense of peace will be sold out to the decades of noise and carving out ...

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Attachment PLEASE PROTECT THE ROUGE NATIONAL PARK BY PROTECTING THE DRAP WITHIN PICKERING FROM BEING DEVELOPED ON.

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: mike borie
  • Reference number: 56
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 7:44 PM
  • It is very important for the federal government step in and not allow development on the DRAP lands within Pickering, Ont. that boarders along the Rouge National Park for the following reasons.  33 species that are federally protected live within this area that will be detrementally affected, hydrological flow will be drastically altered which would be environmenallly detrimental and environmentally harmful, drinking water quality drastically affected which feeds directly into Lake Ontario which is the drinking water for over 20 million people, destruction of vegetation, destruction of protected farm land and soil rated as the best in Ontario, carbon sequestration will be dramatically reduced, Climate emergency will dramatically harmed, air quality further reduced by reducing natural vegetation necessary in oxygen and CO2 balance for breathing, the lands are supposed to remain protected in perpetuity.  Without the Federal Government stepping in and proventing the Provincial governments intentions these lands will no longer exist as they currently do.

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Attachment Support for Draft Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Leslie Yeates
  • Reference number: 55
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 5:08 PM
  • I am in full support ot the Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft Terms of Reference. Providing a thourough assessment of potential negative effects of current and future development and infrastructure projects is critical in this time of urgent demands for roads and housing which are btpassing  historic systemic checks and balances. Timely assessment of how projects will impact the ability for Parks Canada to achieve the mandates of the Rouge Park will provide forthought to prevent irreparable damage to the environment including: species at risk, wetland preservation and agricultural land preservation. In addition to the many projects listed for assessment, I hope that future projects will also be assessed as they unfold. This should include the very  recent plans by York Region to expand capacity of the Duffin Creek Water Polution Control Plant (Wastewater Treatment) to expedite servicing the additional housing units mandated by the Ontario Government. The study should also include the air quality impacts of increasing capacity at existing gas plants and construction of new gas plants targetted in the GTHA and surrounding regions. I look forward to participating in future stakeholder consultation and assume that local environmental organizations such as Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora will be included in future communications.

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Attachment RE: Rouge National Urban Park Study - Public comments invited on the draft Terms of Reference / Étude sur le parc urbain national de la Rouge - Le public est invité à formuler des commentaires sur le mandat provisoire

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Marion Thomas
  • Reference number: 77
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 3:56 PM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Thank you for including me in the request for comments on the draft Terms of Reference on the implications of developing the Duffin Rouge Agricultural Preserve.  Generally I believe this document covers the issues we want to address.  I only have one suggestion in that Dr. Ken Howard of the University of Toronto has incredible knowledge of the DRAP and it would be prudent to speak with him regarding any hydrogeological information required to complete your report.  The portion of the DRAP bounded by Altona Road, Taunton Road to the south, Townline Rd. to the west and Whitevale Road to the north was previously considered for a garbage dump.  The process included many studies of this piece of land and the Whitevale and District Residents’ Association hired Dr. Ken Howard to access the hydrogeological issues that would effect the aquifer that supplies our well water.  His studies continued after the site had been removed from contention.  His analysis of this area might be crucial to the understanding of the hydrogeology of the area.  I hope that you would include him in any discussions regarding hydrogeology along with the TRCA as he has a wealth of knowledge.   Marion Thomas

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Attachment Comment on Rouge National Urban Park Draft Terms of Reference

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Murray Lumley
  • Reference number: 54
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 1:25 PM
  • Comment on Rouge National Urban Park Draft Terms of Reference   I am pleased to support all of what I have read in the Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft terms of Reference   I agree with the 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope as stated as well as items 1.2 The Study will focus on: a) Future potential development activities in lands adjacent to the Park, notably in the area known as the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, and the potential effects of these activities. In doing so, it will also consider the effects of other past, ongoing and future physical activities in the Park, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, federal lands adjacent to the Park as well as other areas if these have the potential for effects in areas of federal jurisdiction within the Park; b) The ecological integrity of the Park and the ability of the Park to meet its management objectives, including as described in the Park management plan: the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, and natural process; enhancement of ecological connectivity throughout the Park; maintaining beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities; and supporting a vibrant park farming community; c) Any other potential effects, including cumulative effects, on areas of federal jurisdiction (e.g., species at risk, federal lands), that may have implications within the Park; and, d) Consideration of how provincial laws and regulations, as well as other laws and regulations including Indigenous laws, would apply to such developments in order to predict potential effects.   I think they are very comprehensive with respect to time - ...
  • Attachment included
  • of 1 4 Comment on Rouge National Urban Park Draft Terms of Reference I am pleased to support all of what I have read in the Rouge National Urban Park Study Draft terms of Reference I agree with the 1.0 Study Objectives and Scope as stated as well as items 1.2 The Study will focus on: a) Future potential development activities in lands adjacent to the Park, notably in the area known as the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, and the potential effects of these activities. In doing so, it will also consider the effects of other past, ongoing and future physical activities in the Park, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, federal lands adjacent to the Park as well as other areas if these have the potential for effects in areas of federal jurisdiction within the Park; b) The ecological integrity of the Park and the ability of the Park to meet its management objectives, including as described in the Park management plan: the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, and natural process; enhancement of ecological connectivity throughout the Park; maintaining beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities; and supporting a vibrant park farming community; c) Any other potential effects, including cumulative effects, on areas of federal jurisdiction (e.g., species at risk, federal lands), that may have implications within the Park; and, d) Consideration of how provincial laws and regulations, as well as other laws and regulations including Indigenous laws, would apply to such developments in order to predict potential effects. I think they are very comprehensive with respect to time - “the past, present and future physical activities in the Park”. Maintaining the “ecological ...
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Attachment RNUP's future is threatened by development all along its eastern border

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Land Over Landings Inc.
  • Reference number: 53
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 1:24 PM
  • Please see our comments in the attached file.
  • Attachment included
  • Response to the Draft Terms of Reference of the Rouge National Urban Park Study June 19, 2023 About Us Land Over Landings is a grassroots organization that, along with its predecessor, People or Planes, has worked tirelessly for over half a century to save the prime farmland and wild areas of north Pickering and environs from destruction by an airport. Examining the possible impacts of “potential future development” on land contiguous to Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) is an essential undertaking. The Park is permanent, but its future ecological integity cannot be assured if conditions on those contiguous lands change in ways that conflict with the Park’s health and mission. It is both logical and prudent to study the Federal Lands in Pickering together with the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. Both are sizeable rural areas immediately adjacent to the Park. Both are under threat of major development. This wider focus will allow us to provide to the Committee a comprehensive view of the harms, some slight, some existential, that could be visited on the Park should these planned developments take place. We echo Parks Canada’s deep concern that the Ontario government’s decision to remove the Agricultural Preserve from the Greenbelt and to use the land for residential development risks causing “irreversible harm to wildlife, natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes within Rouge National Urban Park.” An even greater threat to the Park is posed by the largely agricultural Federal Lands in Pickering, situated just north of the Preserve. The Lands share an even longer border with the Park – and are earmarked by Transport Canada for a potential international airport. Such a “plausible development” ...
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Attachment Thorough Evaluation of effects of any residential development of Durham Agricultural Reserve

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Linda Heron
  • Reference number: 52
  • Submitted: 2023-06-19 - 12:36 PM
  • Biodiversity and protection of endangered species are most important to the future health of the land and peoples who live in the GTA. I support the most thorough evaluation of effects of any residential development of Durham Rouge Agricultural Reserve lands. There are many areas of concern: 1.Animals living in the Rouge Urban National Park ignore boundaries and often venture outside of them. What harm will be done if the Preserve is developed?  2. Please examine the effects on the 42 endangered species that need habitat protection- all the turtle species, especially the Blanding's turtles, the monarch butterfly etc. and would be affected by changes. 3. Thoroughly examine the  effects on biodiversity if development is allowed, both immediate and future. 4. The removal of Class-1 farmland from the Durham Rouge Agricultural Reserve will affect food production and farm values. It must continue to be protected by the National Park and buffer the effects of development.

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Attachment Save Environmentally Sensitive Areas

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Jim Wakeford
  • Reference number: 49
  • Submitted: 2023-06-18 - 10:23 PM
  • Those special areas supporting habitat fostering our valued flora and fauna are becoming rarer by the day. Development which eliminates these areas have no solutions to repairing or recreating that which is lost. Once destroyed this habitat is gone forever. Please work to save these valued spaces for the welfare of what mother nature has placed there. 

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Attachment Support for Federal Gov't

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Lewis Williams
  • Reference number: 47
  • Submitted: 2023-06-18 - 4:05 PM
  • I support the Federal Governbent in its decision to study tte impact on the Rouge Valley National Urban Park of the Ontario's Government's 's decision to open up the Greenbelt to development near this National Park. There is  a real risk of irreversible harm to wildlife, natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes within Rouge National Urban Park thereby reducing the viability and functionality of the park’s ecosystems and farmland". 

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Attachment Support for the Rouge National Urban Park Study

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: John Howard
  • Reference number: 46
  • Submitted: 2023-06-18 - 1:33 PM
  • I am most pleased that the federal government has decided to study the impacts on developing the DRAP area. I absolutely support their Draft Terms of Reference and will be keen to review the findings. The DRAP is undoubtably one of the most important natural heritages left in southern Ontario. We must all do our part to ensure this extraordinary and valuable natural resource is protected and preserved for generations to come.

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Attachment Full support for Rouge National Urban Park study

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Ginny Colling
  • Reference number: 44
  • Submitted: 2023-06-18 - 11:04 AM
  • I'm in full support of the study and its scope to look at future potential development activities in lands adjacent to the Park, notably in the area known as the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, and the potential effects of these activities. I'm happy to see that it will also consider the effects of other past, ongoing and future physical activities in the Park, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, federal lands adjacent to the Park as well as other areas if these have the potential for effects in areas of federal jurisdiction within the Park; b) The ecological integrity of the Park and the ability of the Park to meet its management objectives, including as described in the Park management plan: the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, and natural process; enhancement of ecological connectivity throughout the Park; maintaining beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities; and supporting a vibrant park farming community; c) Any other potential effects, including cumulative effects, on areas of federal jurisdiction (e.g., species at risk, federal lands), that may have implications within the Park; and, d) Consideration of how provincial laws and regulations, as well as other laws and regulations including Indigenous laws, would apply to such developments in order to predict potential effects.

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Attachment Irreversible Damage

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Joseph Caruso
  • Reference number: 42
  • Submitted: 2023-06-16 - 3:49 PM
  • I wholeheartedly welcome this study. Humans, without a doubt, need to protect the biodiversity and carbon capturing charactersics of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve if we are truly being serious about combating climate catastrophe, and if we are truly being serious about preserving a decent quality of life to our loved ones that depend on us to do what is right, which is unfortunately/whether we like it or not right now or never.

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Attachment I support the study

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Laurel Imeson
  • Reference number: 40
  • Submitted: 2023-06-16 - 1:54 PM
  • I support the Federal government in undertaking a study and I support the Draft Terms of Reference.  Thank you for taking action and initiating the Rouge National Urban Park Study on the impacts of developing the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve on the Rouge National Urban Park. There is a risk of irreversible harm to wildlife, natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes within Rouge National Urban Park thereby reducing the viability and functionality of the park’s ecosystems and farmland. I fully support intervention on Doug Ford's disastrous plans!

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Attachment Areas around the urham region agriculture preserve...

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Nadine Lessio
  • Reference number: 38
  • Submitted: 2023-06-15 - 5:15 PM
  • I support this study and would actually like to see it expanded to include the Seaton Valley as this system borders the urham region agriculture preserve and acts as a water way for dufferin creek. I have concerns about how this development is going to impact migratory birds paths, and also threatened species like bobolinks that nest in the grey-area grasslands around the preserve and seaton. There's already been an increase in flooding from otherdevelopents in the area, and a lack of management of the wooded regions in pickering. The region is also doing a lot of road expansion as well, which is causing some disruption to local wildlife populations. Overall I do not think the province's development of the durham region agriculture preserve has been thought out at all, and its been noted by the region that the cost to them would be unsustainable to develop the drap along with all the other proposals. I do hope the federal government takes into account these adjacent situations in its study.

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Attachment Project reference number: 84459 Tof R ROUGE URBAN PARK

  • Rouge National Urban Park Study
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Cheryl Lewandowski
  • Reference number: 73
  • Submitted: 2023-06-15 - 4:57 PM
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Comments Invited on the Draft Terms of Reference
  • Please see the attached submission. 
  • Attachment included
  • Under Objectives: Comment: Could the study include off-site contributions/benefits as a result of maintaining the health of the park? Nature is dynamic and not restricted to artificial boundaries laid out by humans. By maintaining a healthy urban park benefits beyond the boundaries could include healthy organism populations, improvement in air and water quality, cooling effects, carbon capture, reduction in pollutants through plant uptake, downstream food sources for fishes, insectivores and others. Should the objectives include the cumulative impact to food security for Canadians from the removal/reduction of prime non-renewable farmland and the precedent this will set for development pressures to remove additional prime farmland. This could be exacerbated by the impact to farms from the construction of highways including 413 and Bradford Bypass. Or is consideration being given to this through other avenues? Under conditions 3.3 and 5.1 Comment: It would be useful to reach out to citizen science groups such as inaturalist, ebird and local interest groups including but not limited to: Environmental Defence: https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/developing-disaster-species-at-risk-in-drap/ that has identified that the following concerns: Threatening 49 species of birds protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act Polluting 14 fish-bearing stream tributaries, seven of which support cold water benthic (stream-bed) communities Paving over up to 400 hectares of forest and a wetland in a headwater zone Compromising the ecological integrity of the nearby Rouge National Urban Park ...
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