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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPDS-024-23Clarftwn Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: March 27, 2023 Report Number: PDS-024-23 Submitted By: Reviewed By: Carlos Salazar, Director of Planning and Infrastructure Services Mary - Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: File Number: PLN17.27.1 Resolution#: PD-031-23 Report Subject: Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study Recommendation: 1. That Report PDS-024-23 and any related delegations or communication items be received for information; 2. That the recommendations in the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study be adopted in principle; 3. That staff implement the recommendations of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study in the Courtice Transit Oriented Community Secondary Plan and the Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan; 4. That staff implement the recommendations of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study through any subsequent development approvals; and 5. That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-024-23 and any delegations be advised of Council's decisions. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PDS-024-23 Report Overview Staff has prepared this report to inform Council on the completion of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study and to report on the key inputs to the municipal policies supporting future growth and development in Secondary Plans for the Courtice area. This report provides a summary of watershed planning and its important relationship to Secondary Plans. The Subwatershed Study has successfully defined key environmental characteristics, current and future conditions and challenges, and strategies to protect the natural environment and manage development within the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatersheds. The findings and recommendations will be included in Secondary Plan policy with respect to the requirements that must be considered as development within the Secondary Plan areas proceed. This report recommends that the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study be implemented in the relevant Courtice area Secondary Plans and any subsequent development approvals. 1. Purpose of the Report 1.1 The purpose of this staff report is to inform Council of the completion of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study (SWS). It will also present the findings of the report as its recommendations will guide future municipal policies and development approvals through implementation in several Secondary Plans within Courtice. 1.2 This report includes a summary of watershed planning and its relationship to Secondary Plans, the Subwatershed Study process, key findings, and recommendations of the SWS. It also outlines public involvement in the process and responds to final comments received on the final report. The study area for the SWS is shown in Figure 1. 1.3 This is one of two Subwatershed Studies underway in the Municipality. The Soper Creek Subwatershed Study, also prepared with the assistance of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), is ongoing. 2. Background Watershed and Subwatershed Planning 2.1 Watershed planning is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms for the protection, management, and enhancement of the natural environment. It uses a holistic approach to manage all aspects of a watershed including the natural heritage system (woodlots, wildlife habitat), hydrologic resources (groundwater, streams, wetlands), and the inter -relationships that exist between these resources. Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 IE ROADry BLOOR;STREET �! 407 Highway 0 Watershed Study Area = l` Urban Area Boundary I= Watershed Boundary Lake Ontario Figure 1 — Watershed Boundaries and Subwatershed Study Area Boundary Page 3 E I Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 4 2.2 Watershed Plans are typically prepared for the entire watershed of a watercourse. Watershed Plans exist for many of Clarington's watersheds already. GRCA has prepared the Wilmot Creek Watershed Plan, the Graham Creek Watershed Plan, and the Lovekin Creek, Bouchette Point Creek and Port Granby Creek Watershed Plan. CLOCA has prepared watershed plans for Black/Farewell/Harmony Creeks Watersheds and the Bowmanville/Soper Creek. 2.3 Watershed management in its simplest terms means managing wisely upstream so that downstream remains natural and healthy. This is described pictorially in Figure 2. 2.4 Watershed Planning and the requirement for preparing them in support of sustainable development that respects the natural environment is included in all levels of land use planning policy including: Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 Section 2.2.1 Planning authorities shall protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water by: a) using the watershed as the ecologically meaningful scale for integrated and long-term planning, which can be a foundation for considering cumulative impacts of development;... A Place to Grow: Growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2020 Section 4.1 Recognizing that watersheds are the most important scale for protecting the quality and quantity of water, municipalities are required to undertake watershed planning to inform the protection of water resource systems and decisions related to planning for growth. Envision Durham Draft Official Plan, February 2023 Development, Secondary Plans & Phasing It is the policy of Council to: 5.4.9 Require development within Community Areas on lands that are greater than approximately 20 hectares to proceed through secondary planning exercises that include the following elements: a) a mix of diverse and compatible land uses and a full range of housing options, including additional residential units and affordable housing, to support complete communities, vibrant neighbourhoods and active transportation and transit use; b) the implementation of the applicable watershed plan policies, in accordance with Section 7.3. For areas where a watershed plan has not been developed, Policy 7.3.2 shall apply;... Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 SURFACE RUNOFF (Contamination can be carried by surface runoff directly to surface and groundwater sources) GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE POND & WETLAND (Stores excess water preventing flooding and naturally filters drinking water sources) SEPTIC SYSTEM (Can cause direct contamination to surface and groundwater sources if improperly maintained) WATER WELL (Taps directly into groundwater sources) LANDFILL AREA URBAN RUNOFF (Carries contamination after rain storms and snow melt directly to surface and groundwater sources) Figure 2 — Watershed Management Page 5 PRECIPITATION & CONDENSATION (Part of the natural water cycle that recycles our fresh water supplies) BUFFER STRIP (Prevents erosion as well as absorbing and filtering runoff contamination) INFILTRATION & GROUNDWATER RECHARGE GROUNDWATER FLOW (moves very slowly) WATER TREATMENT PLANT WASTEWATER DISCHARGE Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 6 2.5 In order to protect the integrity of ecological and hydrological functions of planned development areas and ensure that the cumulative impacts of development are considered, the Clarington Official Plan also supports the preparation of watershed and subwatershed studies (Section 3.5.2). 3.5.2 It is the intent of the Plan that watershed and subwatershed plans will be prepared and/or updated on a priority basis recognizing development pressures, environmental concerns and fiscal constraints. In this regard, the Municipality will work in partnership with the Province, the Region of Durham, Conservation Authorities and other agencies in the preparation of watershed and subwatershed plans. 2.6 The Clarington Official Plan (Section 23.3.10) also requires that watershed and subwatershed studies be prepared and/or updated as part of the Secondary Planning process. 23.3.10 The following background studies and analyses are generally required in support of new Secondary Plans: a) A Subwatershed study including natural heritage, fisheries, hydrogeology, and hazard lands;... 2.7 A Subwatershed Study, similar to a watershed study, provides information about environmental features, such as streams, woodlots and wetlands, and provides recommendations for the protection and enhancement of these features. However, the focus is on a smaller geographic area. A Subwatershed Study is tailored to subwatershed needs and addresses local issues and is triggered either by a particular land use issue, or specific policy requirements. Secondary Plans and Subwatershed Studies 2.8 Secondary Plans form part of the Official Plan. They provide neighbourhood -scale planning for a more detailed analysis of land use and transportation issues, and specific ways to achieve the objectives of the Clarington Official Plan, including meeting density and infill targets. The relationship of a Secondary Plan to the Official Plan is analogous to that of a Subwatershed Study and a Watershed Study, more detailed for a specific geographical area. 2.9 To inform the preparation of a Secondary Plan, supporting studies are required to provide background knowledge and technical recommendations that will influence the developable area of the Secondary Plan, the mix and location for the various land uses, and the design and development parameters. 2.10 Key supporting studies include subwatershed studies, which establish the base environmental parameters for neighbourhood planning. Subwatershed studies focus on Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 7 a tributary or area of a watershed. Their findings and recommendations contribute to formulating Official Plan and Secondary Plan policy and provide direction with respect to the requirements that must be considered for approval in the planning process. Subwatershed studies also provide a basis for the design guidance for development. Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Watershed Areas 2.11 The Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek watersheds are two of the smallest watersheds within the Municipality. They are especially vulnerable to the effects of changing land use and the impact of development as they are situated almost completely within the Courtice Urban Area. 2.12 Four Secondary Plan areas are located within the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek watersheds (Figure 3). These include: • Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan (complete) • Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan (complete — subject to site -specific appeal) • Courtice Transit Oriented Community Secondary Plan (in progress) • Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan (in progress) Study Initiation and Scope 2.13 In 2017, the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study (SWS) was initiated. The SWS, similar to Secondary Plans, has a Steering Committee made of Municipal, Region of Durham and CLOCA staff, a Landowner Group Representative, and two landowners. Aquafor Beech Limited was retained to conduct the SWS (COD- 018-17). The Municipality (50%) and the landowners groups in the study area (50%) have financed the SWS study. 2.14 The starting point for this SWS was to complete the project using an environment -first approach. It was conducted in the spirit of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and was completed in two stages: Phase 1: Subwatershed Characterization Phase 2/3: Subwatershed Management Strategies and Implementation and Monitoring Plan 2.15 The Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study Phase 1 Report (Aquafor Beech Limited, November 2019) inventoried the natural resources which could be potentially impacted by future development and identified preliminary constraints and opportunities to be considered as Secondary Plans within the study area are developed. Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 aA Robinson and Tooley Subwatershed Study Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan © Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan Courtice Transit Oriented Community Secondary Plan Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan A Read �3 Lh t 03urtice Alain Slreei Secondary Plan [Completed] �f r I j r f I+ i r#, I 1 �6orurSkreei � { � � f alr ' i to U3 % PC "-- 5r _ Dar ngl4n � I I rIEYY4:0] '_ a L 7 L &6e V.Park dadinglon M ueleaa - Generatiq Station Figure 3 — Secondary Plans within the Subwatershed Study Area Page 8 Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 9 2.16 The Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed StudV Phase 213 Report (Aquafor Beech Limited, March 2023) evaluates various management options based on environmental, social, and economic criteria and presents a recommended subwatershed strategy. 2.17 Attachment 1 to this staff report presents the Sequence of Events regarding the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek SWS. 3. Public Participation 3.1 Public engagement and consultation were integrated throughout the SWS. All public notices, communications and review periods have been implemented to ensure conformity with the requirements of both the Planning Act and the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. 3.2 To facilitate public participation and to provide information, a project webpage (www.clarington.net/RTSubwatershed) was created. All information associated with the project including meeting notices, presentation materials, and staff and consultant's reports are housed on this web page. 3.3 A Steering Committee comprised of Clarington Planning and Infrastructure Services, Region of Durham Planning and Works, and CLOCA staff, a Landowner Group Representative (Delta Urban Inc.), and two study area landowners was formed at the outset of the SWS. Four Steering Committee meetings have taken place throughout the process to gather input on the SWS scope and outcomes, address questions, and discuss concerns. 3.4 Two Public Information Centres (PIC) were held to provide information on the technical study reports and their findings and to collect feedback. PIC #1 was held in person on November 13, 2019. Over 5,000 people were invited to the PIC. This included landowners within the study area, people interested in the project, Council members, and Steering Committee members. Notice of the meeting was also advertised in the Clarington This Week newspaper and on the Municipal website for the two weeks preceding the meeting. Information about the project, the process, and watershed conditions findings was presented. Over 30 people attended the session. Information was well received, and the protection of the natural environment in these two watersheds was supported. 3.5 PIC#2 was held virtually on February 7, 2023. Notice of the PIC was given in the same manner as PIC #1. An additional advertisement was added to the Orono Times newspaper. Approximately 45 people attended this virtual public information centre. Key findings and recommendations from the Phase 2/3 Report were presented in the session, including impacts of land use changes, preferred traditional stormwater Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 10 management and low impact development approaches, and recommended studies required in future. PIC#2 also provided the opportunity for the public to discuss questions with the project team. Public feedback on the report was gathered during and following the meeting. 4. Overview of the Subwatershed Study 4.1 The SWS was undertaken in two stages. The objectives of this SWS are summarized below, according to the project phases. 4.2 The Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study Phase 1 Report (Aquafor Beech Limited, November 2019) (Phase 1 Report) has investigated and inventoried the existing natural resources that could potentially be impacted by future urban development. It has: • Identified and evaluated the location, extent, significance, and sensitivity of the existing natural features of the study area, together with their potential interrelationship with other natural features; • Identified sensitive areas and natural hazard lands, and recommended buffers and selected preliminary management practices for these lands; and Developed preliminary constraints and opportunities mapping to identify developable and non -developable lands for inclusion in the Secondary Plans within the study area. 4.3 The second phase of the project developed a Management Strategy and is provided in Chapter 7 of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study Phase 213 Report (Aquafor Beech Limited, March 2023) (Phase 2/3 Report). The Management Strategy considered existing conditions (Phase 1 Report), the proposed land uses, and alternative stormwater strategies, and selected a preferred management approach. The recommended measures include actions to address stormwater management requirements, erosion, protection of the natural heritage system and associated ecological features together with groundwater resources. 4.4 Phase 3 Implementation, Chapter 8 in the Phase 2/3 Report, presents directions to ensure that the SWS findings and recommendations are integrated into the ongoing Secondary Plans. 4.5 The Phase 2/3 Report makes stormwater management recommendations to mitigate the impact of urbanization in the form of source, conveyance and end -of -pipe facilities. It informs the location and design of stormwater facilities contributing to flooding control. Issues to be addressed include water quality, erosion control, groundwater balance and thermal mitigation. Various low -impact development (LID) measures are identified to be Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Page 11 suitable for different land uses to reduce runoff volume and flow rates, ensure the infiltration rates, and decrease the risks of water quality pollution and erosion. 4.6 The SWS also lays the groundwork for future studies that will be required to be completed as part of future Secondary Plans and the development approvals process including: • Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) — EISs are site -level studies to refine or expand upon the SWS findings including field -staking and surveying feature boundaries. They provide detailed information that assists approving agencies in their decision -making. Headwater Drainage Feature (HDF) Assessment — HDFs are typically shallow, seasonal/ephemeral drainage features that are important in maintaining primary and secondary inputs to surface water, groundwater, and/or fish habitat, as applicable. HDF assessments will be required where the study team did not have access to the property during the course of the SWS. It is required as part of the development process. Flood Mitigation Study - The findings of the SWS predicted that future development in the Secondary Plan areas will increase peak flow rates in Tooley Creek during the Regulatory storm event. In addition, there exists two unevaluated spill areas that require further analysis. It was determined that a flood mitigation study was necessary to better define and mitigate future flood impacts on Tooley and Robinson Creeks. TY Lin International Canada Inc. has been retained to undertake the Flood Mitigation Study. The hydrologic and hydraulic modelling updates, including a spills analysis, are nearly complete. A draft report summarizing the results of the modelling updates is anticipated to be completed in the end of the first quarter of 2023. Following the review of the draft modelling and report by CLOCA and Clarington staff, TY Lin will evaluate flood mitigation alternatives and propose a final flood mitigation strategy and provide the final deliverables by the end of the second quarter of 2023. Stormwater and Groundwater Management - While the SWS provides significant information and guidance, additional studies of varying scope and scale (Master Environmental Servicing Plan, Functional Servicing Reports, Stormwater Management Briefs) will be required. 4.7 The relationship between the SWS and its implementation through the Secondary Plans and any subsequent development applications is shown in Figure 4: Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 Official • Subwatershed Study Plan Secondary • Flood Mitigation Study Plan • Master Drainage Plan • HDF Development • EIS Application • Functional Servicing Report Figure 4 - Policy and SWS relationship and process Page 12 4.8 The SWS has been prepared in alignment with the Clarington Official Plan, 2018, CLOCA's Technical Guidelines for Stormwater Management Submissions (2020), and the (Draft) Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Guidance Manual, 2022 (Province of Ontario, ERO Posting 019-4971, which is the update to the Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (Province of Ontario, 2003). 5. Comments Received 5.1 Staff received comments from agencies, landowners, and the public throughout the SWS. A summary of comments received on the final draft Phase 2/3 Report is provided in Attachment 2. The comment table provides a summary of comment/request received and a response is provided. 5.2 Aquafor Beech Limited and staff, in consultation with CLOCA, have reviewed the various submissions received and determined that a number of the requested modifications to the Phase 2/3 Report were appropriate as they provided clarity. In these cases, the response outlines how/where the modification was made in the Phase 2/3 Report. Regarding the site -specific requests for modifications to the mapping, no modifications were made as the Phase 2/3 Report has clearly identified that site -specific studies may be completed to refine/update the SWS findings as part of the development approvals process. 5.3 Staff note that not all requests for modifications were deemed necessary. In these cases, explanations were provided as to why. As explained previously, the Phase 2/3 Municipality of Clarington Page 13 Report PDS-024-23 Report has identified that site -specific studies may be completed to further refine the SWS findings. 5.4 Staff also received comments in response to the Phase 2/3 Report that will be addressed through other means, such as direct correspondence, or referred to the area Secondary Plan to be addressed. 6. The Subwatershed Study and Secondary Plans 6.1 The land use plans for the four Secondary Plans located within the study area (approved and being developed) used the Phase 1 Report constraint mapping as a base to delineate the Environmental Protection Areas. 6.2 The SWS policy recommendations focusing on sustainability, linkages, LIDs, headwater drainage and stormwater management have already been incorporated in both the Southeast Courtice and Southwest Courtice Secondary Plans. The Secondary Plan policies make reference to the SWS and advise that the recommendations will need to be addressed as part of any site -specific studies. Both of these Secondary Plans have been adopted by Council, approved by the Region, and endorsed by their respective landowner groups. 6.3 An example policy excerpt from the Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan: 6.2.2 In addition to policy 6.2.1, the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study (Subwatershed Study) shall form the basis for any study undertaken regarding the natural heritage system. More detailed studies may refine on a site -by -site basis the recommendations from the Subwatershed Study however the study must address the matters raised by the Subwatershed Study including linkages. 6.4 As provided for in the SWS and the Secondary Plan policy, the development approvals process will provide additional opportunities for the implementation of the SWS recommendations including site -specific studies. 6.5 For the Clarington Transit Oriented Community (CTOC) Secondary Plan, in conformity with recommendations of the SWS, a Master Environmental Servicing Plan/Master Drainage Plan (MESP/MDP) will be prepared. The MESP/MDP is an appropriate recommendation as the SWS did not have the detailed land uses (they are still under development) for this area and therefore could not be modelled as comprehensively as the other Secondary Plans. 7. Financial Considerations 7.1 Not Applicable Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-024-23 8. Conclusion and Next Step Page 14 8.1 The purpose of this report is to advise Council on the completion of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek SWS. Subwatershed management is intended to augment the land use planning process and provide for sound management of environmental conditions and natural resources. The information and recommendations of the SWS will continue to inform Secondary Plan policy and future development approvals. 8.2 It is respectfully recommended that Council receive the staff report and that the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek SWS (Phase 1 and Phase 2/3) continue to inform the preparation of Secondary Plans and guide subsequent development approvals. Staff Contact: Lisa Backus, Manager, Community Planning, 905-623-3379 ext 2413 or Ibackus(o)_clarington.net; Karen Richardson, Manager, Development Engineering, 905-623- 3379 ext 2327 or krichardsonCa)..clarington.net. Attachments: Attachment 1 — Sequence of Events Attachment 2 — Summary of Comments and Responses Interested Parties: List of Interested Parties available from Department. Attachment 1 to Report PDS-024-23 Sequence of Events Summary Date Event October 2017 Council authorization to initiate November 2017 Award the contract to Aquafor Beech Limited December 2017 Execution of agreements February 2018 Project Kick-off Meeting April 2018 Steering Committee Meeting #1 February 2018 Circulation of requests to access private property September 2018 Steering Committee Meeting #2 December 2018 Phase 1 (Existing Conditions) Report — early draft to staff January 2019 Phase 1 Report (Draft) released to Steering Committee July 2019 Revised Phase 1 Report (Draft) released to Steering Committee October 2019 Steering Committee Meeting #3 November 2019 Phase 1 Report (Draft) — public release November 2019 Public Information Centre #1 June 2020 Southeast and Southwest Courtice Secondary Plans — Statutory Public Meetings November 2020 Phase 2/3 Report (Draft) — early draft to staff December 2020 Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan - Council Adoption May 2021 Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan - Council Adoption May 2021 Phase 2/3 Report (Draft) released to Steering Committee 2021-2022 SWS Computer Modelling — Consultant, CLOCA and staff November 2022 Revised Phase 2/3 Report released to Steering Committee Fall 2022 Initiation of Flood Mitigation Study SWS Computer Modelling released to Steering Committee January 2023 Steering Committee Meeting #4 Phase 2/3 Report (Draft) — public release February 2023 Public Information Centre #2 March 2023 Final Phase 2/3 Report Final SWS Staff Report to Planning & Development Committee Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study Phase 2 and 3 Report (Aquafor Beech Limited, November 2022) Summary of Comments and Responses March 15, 2023 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response Agency: Region of Section 1.1.3 — Request to remove reference to This sentence was previously removed. Durham (Heather historical Courtice Urban Area boundary expansion Finlay), Jan. 15, request, which is no longer applicable. 2023 Concern that the Courtice Transit Oriented As discussed in Section 4.1.2, Aquafor used the land Community (CTOC) Secondary Plan was not taken use that was available in 2020, acknowledging that in into account. subsequent years, there have been changes to the approved land use in the CTOC Secondary Plan. In recognition of these land use changes, Section 8.4 requires updates to the model based on these updated land uses. The report has been updated to clarify that this bullet point applies to all future studies. Figure 4.3 concern — Section 4.1.2 identifies the date See response above. Cross-reference to Section 8.4 of the map which is different from the approved added in Section 4.1.2 to address future revisions to land use map for the Southwest Courtice and the land use mapping. Southeast Courtice Secondary Plans. Figure 6.3 - Request for clarification on whether the The land uses presented in Figure 4.3 were used to analysis for the updated flood lines took into develop the future conditions floodlines. Existing consideration the 'full build out' shown on Figure conditions floodlines were developed using the 2018 4.3. land uses. Per Section 8.4.2, modeling and mapping Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response will need to be updated to account for changes in the proposed land use since 2020. Agency: Durham Provided information regarding the Region's The Subwatershed Study (SWS) doesn't provide Region Police NextGen radio system, associated microwave links, guidance for building height. No revisions required. Services (Renny and first response in -building radio coverage, and Recommend the Municipality refer the submission to Boodoo), Jan. 26, the potential for obstructions where buildings in the the various Courtice Area Secondary Plan projects. 2023 vicinity of this network exceeds 3 storeys. Agency: Central Reiterated several past comments that are to be These comments were previously provided. As they Lake Ontario addressed through the separate Flood Mitigation relate to the specific scope of the Flood Mitigation Conservation Study or through future development applications. Study and for future development applications, no Authority (Doris revisions made. Cheng), Jan. 31, 2023 Section 7.1.1— Request revision to provide flexibility To avoid accumulation of effects from upstream in the comparison of pre- to post- stormwater flows developments, post- to pre- flows should be at key nodes. compared at key flow nodes. No revisions made. Public: Jonathan Concern raised regarding a discrepancy between the These comments relate to the base flood plain Bagg, Feb. 17, 2023 proposed Robinson Creek 100 year, no storage, mapping for the Study, prepared by Central Lake flood plain map in Figure 6.7 and the 100 year, no Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA). Aquafor storge, flood level on the north side of the CPR recommends the comments be referred to CLOCA railway in Figure 6.5 and that the flood plain has and addressed as part of the separate Flood Control been over -estimated. Study. In addition, it has always been the intention (as stated in the SWS) that site -specific studies will need to be completed, which may refine or update the SWS findings. Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response Landowner: Bill Objection to the study on the basis that site -specific It has always been the intention (as stated in the and Lesli-Anne Environmental Impact Study completed by the SWS) that site -specific studies will need to be Bagg, Feb. 17, 2023 landowner has not been incorporated. completed, which may refine or update the SWS findings.No revisions made. Landowner: Concern raised that the natural heritage limits The top of bank line for the definition of valleylands GeoProcess (Devin outlined in the SWS for the property are not provided by CLOCA. Review and approval of the Hock on behalf of accurate. Adjustment of the Natural Heritage proposed, refined version based on site -specific the property owner System limit requested based on site -specific study review is at the discretion of CLOCA. Any revised of 1421 work completed by the landowner. natural heritage line would need to take into account Prestonvale Road), any other natural heritage or hazard features that are Feb. 17, 2023 present on the property, to the satisfaction of the Municipality and CLOCA. Aquafor's natural heritage system mapping and constraints for the SWS were established in Phase 1 (2019), and it was always the intention for site - specific studies to be completed to refine/update the SWS findings. No revisions made. Landowner: Provided comments on the review of the SWS in the The SWS sets out the requirements to be followed for Weston Consulting context of the subject property as it relates to water quality, quantity, erosion control, and water (Marc Mitantis on stormwater management strategies, flood control balance. These requirements will need to be followed behalf of the considerations, and natural heritage features and for future applications. property owner of development constraints. Outlined how the SWS Note that some modifications were made to the 113 Down Road), will inform a future development approval process Secondary Plan land uses and boundaries after the Feb. 17, 2023 for the lands and requested confirmations regarding Visual OTTHYMO model was developed. When the how site -specific study (completed to date and model is used for future studies (subwatershed-level future) relates to the outcomes of the SWS. Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response Figure 6.3 — Concern that depiction of the entirety or site -specific level) it should therefore be updated of the subject lands as a flooded property is to account for these changes. inaccurate and could be misconstrued as a Aquafor agrees that the entirety of the properties determination of site -specific flood hazard, which aren't impacted by the floodplain, however, this would be defined as part of the future Flood Control figure does provide a useful guide to identify whether Study and future detailed site -specific study. a certain parcel will need to consider issues of Figure 6.3 and 6.4 — Request revision to include a flooding. Figure 6.3 and 6.4 updated to include note notation that the regulatory future uncontrolled "Future floodlines are subject to future study". Figure floodlines are subject to further study in accordance 6.4 updated legend to clarify that yellow hatching with Section 8.4 — Future Studies of the represents "Parcel Intersecting Floodline." Subwatershed Study. The feature in question is shown as a watercourse in Comments provided on existing natural conditions existing mapping layers. On -site natural heritage based on site -specific study completed by the assessment was not completed for the SWS at this landowners in 2019 and 2020. Requested an area location due to a lack of property access permission, of the subject lands (depression west of Tooley and analysis for the natural heritage system was Creek) be revised from a "high constraint" to a "low therefore based on background information. or moderate constraint" based on the results of this Regarding comments from GHD: On -site natural site -specific study work. heritage assessment was not completed for the SWS The submission also included comments from other at this location due to a lack of property access consultants retained by the landowner, as follows: permission, and analysis for the NHS was therefore GHD (Katherine Ryan), Feb. 17, 2023: Identifies based on background information. Aquafor is unable discrepancies between the findings of the Robinson to comment directly on any potential discrepancies Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study and between the background data and GHD's findings. It the Natural Environment Existing Conditions Report was always the intention for site -specific studies to completed by GHD in December 2020. The main be completed to refine/update the SWS findings. No items include lack of unevaluated wetland pockets, revisions made. Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response the classification of woodlands as crop areas and the omission of the central eastern Swale (HZ05). D.G. Biddle & Associates (Robbie Larocque), Feb. 17, 2023: provided comments in relation to the Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report completed in October 2020 for the Subject Lands, noting additional components in the SWS that were not addressed in the 2020 study work. Landowner: Disagree with the drainage area identified at the Please refer to text in Section 4 which refers to the Tribute northeast corner of Bloor St. and Trulls Rd., citing drainage area delineation. Communities site -specific study work and work by CLOCA which Note added to Figure 6.1: "Subwatershed boundary (Louise Foster), demonstrate a different drainage pattern. Request delineation and diversions to be confirmed Jan. 25, 2023 that the SWS be revised to reflect the existing MESP/MDP or Functional Servicing Report and must drainage patterns demonstrated through the be approved by CLOCA. additional study work. Request clarification in relation to flood control, During the Regulatory storm, it must be assumed questioning why uncontrolled post -development that all stormwater management (SWM) facilities are flow is being considered when developments are non-functional. For this reason, Aquafor had to assess putting in LIDS and ponds specifically to control uncontrolled flows. This is a risk -mitigation measure storm flows. to minimize risks associated with extreme flooding events, and is standard practice throughout Ontario. SWM facilities can only be assumed to function during the Regulatory event if they are designed to comply with the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) standards for small dams. Request clarification that development will be not Culvert sizing is being investigated as part of the delayed considering the downstream infrastructure Flood Control Study. The Municipality of Clarington Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response upgrades contemplated in Section 6.2.1.3 of the and CLOCA should provide direction regarding SWS Phase 2/3 Report. whether development can proceed. Section 6.8.1.2 (pg. 66) — Requested clarification A sensitivity analysis could include running an regarding the reference to a sensitivity analysis additional model scenario (using the climate change recommended during the design of stormwater IDF) in the design of a SWM facility to determine infrastructure — what is required and how is it what the downstream impacts could be in a climate implemented? Request that this requirement be change situation. removed due to a likely lack of data / technical Report revised to indicate that "This sensitivity expertise. analysis is recommended, but not required, by the SWS. This recommendation may be implemented at the Municipality's discretion." Section 7.1.5 — Request revision to acknowledge The SWS sets out the stormwater management that there may be circumstances where dry ponds approach for all new developments within Robinson are not required and indicate that there are no Creek and Tooley Creek subwatersheds. obligations on owners to implement dry ponds. Development applications will need to comply with the approach outlined in the SWS. Water quality treatment, erosion control, water balance, and thermal mitigation will all be provided by LID features throughout the catchment, while flood control will be provided by dry ponds. Only if it is deemed technically infeasible by constraints outside of the control of the landowner, will wet ponds be allowed instead of dry ponds. Technical constraints can include: shallow groundwater, shallow bedrock, expanding clays, etc. Technical constraints do not include factors which can be mitigated by changing the site design. Attachment 2 to Report PDS-024-23 Submission Details of Submission Aquafor Beech Limited (Aquafor) Response No changes made. Section 7.2.2 — Request removal of the The recommendation for increased VPZ around part recommended 30 metre vegetation protection zone of the woodlot located east of Trulls Rd. and south of (VPZ) for the lands east of Trulls Rd. and south of Bloor St. was made due to the presence of amphibian Bloor St. on the basis that the lands will have a breeding habitat/vernal pools; this rationale was detailed Environmental Impact Study completed discussed in the Phase 1 SWS report. The and will follow the Clarington Official Plan. Request Municipality of Clarington requested the SWS make clarification why this area was specifically identified. preliminary recommendations for VPZs in the study area, to be further assessed in a future EIS, so recommendations were thus provided. No changes made. Section 8.4.2 — Request confirmation that the Per previous Municipality direction, Aquafor has required future Master Environmental Servicing revised the MDP section to clarify that this study only Plan / Master Drainage Plan is only applicable to needs to be completed for CTOC/CEL. CTOC Secondary Plan area on the basis that this has already been completed for the Southeast Courtice and Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan areas. Proposed revised wording provided.