Rouge National Urban Park Study - Updates on 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 adjacent to RNUP and DRAP. The City will want to understand if increased recreational pressures from adjacent development may impact BHP and habitat, particularly Species at Risk. A breeding bird survey of DRAP farmland should be undertaken to see if there are species (such as threatened ground nesting birds) taking advantage of these agricultural lands. We would also want to better understand the potential pressure of new development in terms of increased off-leash dog presence and identify ways to mitigate this (such as recommending/requiring off-leash areas as part of new development) as off-leash dogs can do considerable damage to habitat and stress wildlife.  

Thanks,