Meeting #:

7/23

Date:

Friday, September 22, 2023 at 9:30 A.m. - 1:30 P.m.

Location:

The meeting will be conducted via a video conference

Members of the public may view the livestream at the following link:

https://video.isilive.ca/trca/live.html

PRESENT

• Paul Ainslie, Chair
• Dave Barton, Vice Chair
• Navjit Kaur Brar
• Lily Cheng
• Stephen Dasko
• Joanne Dies
• Xiao Han
• Maria Kelleher
• Hugo Kroon
• Joe Li
• Amber Morley
• Gord Perks
• Steve Pellegrini
• Anthony Perruzza
• Mario Russo
• Rowena Santos
• Dianne Saxe
• David West
• Anub Simson

ABSENT

• Kevin Ashe
• Jon Burnside
• Paula Fletcher
• Chris Fonseca
• Linda Jackson
• Jennifer McKelvie
• Basudeb Mukherjee
• Jamaal Myers
• Connie Tang

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Board of Directors Meeting #7/23 was held via videoconference, on Friday, September 22, 2023. The Chair, Paul Ainslie, called the meeting to order at 9:42 a.m.

2.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

The Chair recited the Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory.

3.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

None.

4.

CITY OF TORONTO APPOINTMENTS TO TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (TRCA) FOR 2023-2024

The Secretary-Treasurer can advise that all the persons listed below have been duly appointed and are entitled to sit as City of Toronto Members of this Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 year, or until their successors are appointed. 

TORONTO                                                 Councillor Paul Ainslie

                                                                   Councillor Jon Burnside

                                                                   Councillor Lily Cheng

                                                                   Councillor Paula Fletcher

                                                                   Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie

                                                                   Deputy Mayor Amber Morley

                                                                   Councillor Jamaal Myers

                                                                   Councillor Gord Perks

                                                                   Councillor Anthony Perruzza

                                                                   Councillor Dianne Saxe

On August 10, 2023 the above-listed Members were appointed to TRCA for the following terms of office:

• City of Toronto - for a term ending December 31, 2024, or until their successors are appointed.

• RES.#A 143/23
  Moved By: Dianne Saxe
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT the list of City of Toronto appointments to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Board of Directors from the Secretary - Treasurer, be received.

  
  
  
  Carried

5.

APPOINTMENT OF SCRUTINEERS

• RES.#A 144/23
  Moved By: Amber Morley
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  THAT Ms. Joanne Hyde, Clerk and Manager, Policy, TRCA; Ms. Manpreet Banga, Deputy Clerk and Analyst, Policy, TRCA; and Ms. Laurie Nelson, Director, Policy Planning, TRCA; be appointed as scrutineers for the election of the City of Toronto officer of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Executive Committee.

  
  
  
  Carried

6.

ELECTION OF CITY OF TORONTO OFFICERS

The Clerk will conduct the following elections, as required by the Board of Directors Administrative By-Law

6.1

APPOINTMENT OF CITY OF TORONTO REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

With the vacancy left by Councillor Shelley Carroll, there is one position available on the Executive Committee for the City of Toronto Representatives.

Chair Ainslie nominated Member Perks for the office of City of Toronto Representative on the Executive Committee. Member Perks thanked the chair for the nomination, but declined.

Member Saxe nominated Dr. Xiao Han for the office of City of Toronto Representative on the Executive Committee. Dr. Xiao Han indicated that she would stand for the office.

Dr. Xiao Han was elected by acclamation as the vacant seat for the City of Toronto Representative on Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Executive Committee.

• RES.#A 145/23
  Moved By: Amber Morley
  Seconded By: Steve Pellegrini

  THAT nominations for the vacant office of the City of Toronto Representative on the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee be closed.

  
  
  
  Carried

6.2

TRCA MEMBER APPOINTMENT OF CITY OF TORONTO REPRESENTATIVE TO PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN (PPG)

• RES.#A 146/23
  Moved By: Dianne Saxe
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  THAT Councillor Anthony Perruzza's appointment to Partners in Project Green Executive Management Committee, be accepted.

  
  
  
  Carried

7.

MINUTES OF THE TRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING #6/23, HELD ON JUNE 23, 2023

The Clerk relinquished the chair to Chair, Paul Ainslie to lead the remainder of the meeting. 

• RES.#A 147/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Hugo Kroon

  THAT the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting #6/23, held on June 23, 2023, be approved.

  
  
  
  Carried

8.

DELEGATIONS

None.

9.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

10.

CORRESPONDENCE

None.

11.

SECTION I - ITEMS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION

11.1

REQUEST FOR TENDER SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF COBBLE STONE FOR HUMBER BAY PARK EAST BEACH

• RES.#A 148/23
  Moved By: Mario Russo
  Seconded By: Joanne Dies

  WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is engaged in a project that requires supply and delivery of 25,150 tonnes of cobble stone to Humber Bay Park East Beach;

  AND WHEREAS TRCA solicited tenders through a publicly advertised process;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT RFT No. 10039921, for supply and delivery of 25,150 tonnes of cobble stone to Humber Bay Park East Beach be awarded to Gott Natural Stone '99 Inc. at a total cost not to exceed $1,238,638, plus applicable taxes, to be expended as authorized by TRCA staff;

  THAT TRCA staff be authorized to approve additional expenditures to a maximum of $123,864 (approximately 10% of the project cost), plus applicable taxes, in excess of the contract cost as a contingency allowance if deemed necessary;

  THAT should TRCA staff be unable to negotiate a contract with the above-mentioned proponent, staff be authorized to enter into and conclude contract negotiations with other Proponents that submitted quotations, beginning with the next lowest bid meeting TRCA specifications;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the contract, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

11.2

REQUEST FOR TENDER FOR THE FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR PRIVY WASHROOM BUILDINGS AT ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION PARK

• RES.#A 149/23
  Moved By: Mario Russo
  Seconded By: Joanne Dies

  WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is engaged in a project that requires General Contractor Services for the fabrication and installation of four washroom buildings;

  AND WHEREAS TRCA solicited tenders through a publicly advertised process;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT RFT No. 10040001 for Fabrication and Installation of four washroom buildings be awarded to Unique Builders Inc. at a total cost not to exceed $746,000, plus applicable taxes, to be expended as authorized by TRCA staff;

  THAT TRCA staff be authorized to approve additional expenditures to a maximum of $149,200 (approximately 20% of the project cost), plus applicable taxes, in excess of the contract cost as a contingency allowance if deemed necessary;

  THAT should TRCA staff be unable to negotiate a contract with the above-mentioned proponent, staff be authorized to enter into and conclude contract negotiations with other Proponents that submitted quotations, beginning with the next lowest bid meeting TRCA specifications;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the contract, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

12.

SECTION III - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD

12.1

2023 UPDATE ON PROCUREMENTS AND PERMITS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY

• RES.#A 150/23
  Moved By: Lily Cheng
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the update on procurements and permits approved by the CEO under delegated authority over ‘summer recess’ be received, for information.

  
  
  
  Carried

12.2

UPDATE AND PROGRESS REPORT ON MUNICIPAL MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING

• RES.#A 151/23
  Moved By: Lily Cheng
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  THAT the update on MOUs and TRCA progress report, be received; 

  THAT TRCA’s Board of Directors approve this progress report in fulfillment of the sixth and final progress report to be submitted to the Province by October 1, 2023, as required by O. Reg. 687/21: Transition Plans and Agreements for Programs and Services under Section 21.1.2 of the Act;

  THAT Board of Directors members work with the leadership of their municipalities to move MOUs forward to Council for approval and execution in advance of January 1, 2024 deadline, if not already completed;

  AND FURTHER THAT the Clerk and Manager, Policy, circulate this report to TRCA’s municipal partners, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), in fulfillment of requirements associated with the development and submission of regular progress reports, and that this report also be circulated to Conservation Ontario, neighbouring conservation authorities, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).

  
  
  
  Carried

12.3

TRCA STRATEGIES AND PLANS REQUIRED BY THE MANDATORY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES REGULATION UNDER THE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES ACT

• RES.#A 152/23
  Moved By: Lily Cheng
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report, TRCA Strategies and Plans Required by the Mandatory Programs and Services Regulation under the Conservation Authorities Act, and any input on the proposed All Strategy Engagement Plan approach be received;

  AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Board on the progress and completion of the Strategies and Plans as described in this report.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.

MATERIAL FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

13.1

SECTION I - ITEMS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION

13.1.1

ACQUISITION FROM CLAREMONT DEVELOPMENT INC.

• RES.#A 153/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT 4.313 hectares (10.66 acres), more or less, of vacant land, located west of Brock Road and north of Central Street, said land being Part of Lot 17, Concession 9, designated as Part 1 on Registered Plan 40R-32208, municipally known as 5113 Brock Road, in the City of Pickering, Regional Municipality of Durham, be purchased from Claremont Development Inc.;

  THAT the purchase price be $2.00;

  THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrances, subject to existing service easements;

  THAT the transaction be completed at the earliest possible date and all reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid by TRCA;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction, including obtaining any necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.2

ACQUISITION FROM COUGHLAN DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

• RES.#A 154/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT 0.099 hectares (0.245 acres), more or less, of vacant land, located west of Riverside Drive and south of Rossland Road, said land being Part of Lot 13 registered plan M-1157, designated as Parts 9 and 10 on Registered Plan 40R-32047, municipally known as 836 Riverside Drive, in the Town of Ajax, Regional Municipality of Durham, be purchased from Coughlan Developments Ltd.;

  THAT the purchase price be $2.00;

  THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;

  THAT the transaction be completed at the earliest possible date and all reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid by TRCA;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction, including obtaining any necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.3

ACQUISITION FROM SUNDANCE (RICHMOND HILL) ESTATES INC., CITY OF RICHMOND HILL

• RES.#A 155/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT 5.0 hectares (12.36 acres), more or less, of vacant land, located south of Bethesda Sideroad and west of Leslie Street, said land being Part of Lot 5, Concession 2, designated as Block 33 on draft Registered Plan prepared by R-PE Surveying Limited under Job 16-142, municipally known as 12860 Leslie Street, in the City of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York, be purchased from Sundance (Richmond Hill) Estates Inc.;

  THAT the purchase price be $2.00;

  THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements;

  THAT the transaction be completed at the earliest possible date and all reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid by TRCA;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction, including obtaining any necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.4

DISPOSITION TO REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK FOR PERMANENT EASEMENT

• RES.#A 156/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from the Regional Municipality of York for the conveyance or for a permanent easement of TRCA-owned lands located north of Rutherford Road and west of Pine Valley Drive, in the City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, required for York-Peel Feedermain Repair,   Humber River watershed;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT a parcel of TRCA-owned land containing 0.4289 hectares (1.06 acres), more or less, of vacant land, required for York-Peel Feedermain Repair, said lands being Part of Lot 16, Concession 7 designated as parts 1 and 2 on draft plan under reference number 23-21-891-00, prepared by J.D. Barnes, in the City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, be conveyed to the Regional Municipality of York;

  THAT consideration be the nominal sum of $2.00 and all legal, survey and other costs to be paid by the Regional Municipality of York;

  THAT the Regional Municipality of York is to fully indemnify TRCA from any and all claims from injuries, damages or costs of any nature resulting in any way, either directly or indirectly, from this conveyance or the carrying out of construction;

  THAT an archaeological investigation be completed, with any mitigation measures being carried out to the satisfaction of TRCA staff, at the expense of Regional Municipality of York;

  THAT a landscape plan be prepared for TRCA staff review and approval, in accordance with existing TRCA landscaping guidelines at the expense of Regional Municipality of York;

  THAT a permit pursuant to Ontario Regulation 166/06, as amended, be obtained by Regional Municipality of York prior to the commencement of construction;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction, including obtaining any necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.5

DISPOSITION TO THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF CALEDON

• RES.#A 157/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  THAT WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from The Corporation of the Town of Caledon for the conveyance of TRCA-owned lands located north of Glasgow Road and east of Chickadee Lane, municipally known as 611 Glasgow Road, in the Town of Caledon, Regional Municipality of Peel, required for Glasgow Road Improvements,   Humber River watershed;

  AND WHEREAS it is in the best interest of TRCA in furthering its objectives as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act to cooperate with The Corporation of the Town of Caledon in this instance;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT a parcel of TRCA-owned land containing 0.4289 hectares (1.06 acres), more or less, of vacant land, required for Glasgow Road Improvements, said land being Part of lot 10, Concession 6 designated as Part 2 on draft plan prepared by Stuart M. Moore at KRCMAR under job number 16-031 and Part of original road allowance between concessions 5 and 6 designated as Parts 3 and 4 on draft plan prepared by Stuart M. Moore at KRCMAR under job number 16-031 municipality known as 611 Glasgow Road, in the Town of Caledon, Regional Municipality of Peel, be conveyed to The Corporation of the Town of Caledon;

  THAT consideration be the nominal sum of $2.00 and all legal, survey and other costs to be paid by The Corporation of the Town of Caledon;

  THAT The Corporation of the Town of Caledon is to fully indemnify TRCA from any and all claims from injuries, damages or costs of any nature resulting in any way, either directly or indirectly, from this conveyance or the carrying out of construction;

  THAT an archaeological investigation be completed, with any mitigation measures being carried out to the satisfaction of TRCA staff, at the expense of The Corporation of the Town of Caledon;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take the necessary action to finalize the transaction, including obtaining any necessary approvals and the signing and execution of documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.6

REQUEST FOR TENDER FOR ALBION HILLS FIELD CENTRE AND CHALET CONCRETE WALKWAY REPLACEMENT PROJECT

• RES.#A 158/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is engaged in a project that requires contract services for concrete pathway installation works;

  AND WHEREAS TRCA solicited tenders through a publicly advertised process;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT RFT No. 10038949 for Albion Hills Conservation Park Chalet and Field Centre Walkway construction be awarded to Lyncon Construction Inc. at a total cost not to exceed $288,195, plus applicable taxes, to be expended as authorized by TRCA staff;

  THAT TRCA staff be authorized to approve additional expenditures to a maximum of $28,819 (approximately 10% of the project cost), plus applicable taxes, in excess of the contract cost as a contingency allowance if deemed necessary;

  THAT should TRCA staff be unable to negotiate a contract with the above-mentioned proponent, staff be authorized to enter into and conclude contract negotiations with other Proponents that submitted quotations, beginning with the next lowest bid meeting TRCA specifications;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the contract, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.7

REQUEST FOR TENDERS FOR CONSERVATION PARKS AND LANDS SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF 6 PICNIC SHELTERS

• RES.#A 159/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Mario Russo

  WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is engaged in a project that requires General Contractor Services for construction of picnic shelters;

  AND WHEREAS TRCA solicited tenders through a publicly advertised process;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT RFT No. 10039976 for supply and installation of 6 picnic shelters be awarded to Landco Group Inc. at a total cost not to exceed $525,000, plus applicable taxes, to be expended as authorized by TRCA staff;

  THAT TRCA staff be authorized to approve additional expenditures to a maximum of $78,750 (approximately 15% of the project cost), plus applicable taxes, in excess of the contract cost as a contingency allowance if deemed necessary;

  THAT should TRCA staff be unable to negotiate a contract with the above-mentioned proponent, staff be authorized to enter into and conclude contract negotiations with other Proponents that submitted quotations, beginning with the next lowest bid meeting TRCA specifications;

  AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the contract, including obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.1.8

TRCA AND CREATETO COLLABORATION TO EXPLORE CITY BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES AT BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE PARKING FACILITY

• RES.#A 160/23
  Moved By: Lily Cheng
  Seconded By: Navjit Kaur Brar

  WHEREAS TRCA is committed to an ongoing strategy of assessing and leveraging its extensive real estate portfolio for opportunities to further shared goals with its municipal, provincial, and federal partners;

  AND WHEREAS Black Creek Pioneer Village has been undergoing a process of revitalization and re-imagining as a museum and tourism attraction to restore its prominence in place in the cultural eco-system of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, including renaming to The Village at Black Creek in Q1 2024;

  AND WHEREAS Black Creek Pioneer Village is of significant importance to TRCA and the residents of Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area as a museum that showcases and encourages visitors to explore the past while reflecting on the present;

  AND WHEREAS Black Creek Pioneer Village is located in both the Black Creek Neighbourhood Improvement Area and the University Heights Neighbourhood Improvement Area;

  AND WHEREAS context sensitive development of the Black Creek Pioneer Village parking lot can serve as a catalyst for, and contributor to, ongoing revitalization of the Black Creek and University Heights Neighborhood Improvement Areas, including providing both economic, social and community benefits;

  THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enlist the expertise of CreateTO to conduct a developmental feasibility analysis for the Black Creek Pioneer Village parking lot to examine additional community and economic benefits;

  THAT the development analysis benefit from stakeholder input and consider a variety of future uses with a focus on transforming the parking facility into a more livable, sustainable, and inclusive space that better integrates and connects the existing historical fabric, and the new Head Office, with the surrounding community;

  THAT the development analysis ensures that it retains a portion of the site for staff parking, and significantly contributes to a revitalized Visitor Centre and Museum at Black Creek Pioneer Village;

  AND THAT once draft development options are completed, that staff report back to the Executive Committee for approval of the concept which would inform subsequent planning, funding and development applications, due diligence, and value enhancement strategies which may require future agreements and approvals.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.2

SECTION II - ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACTION

None.

13.3

SECTION III - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD

13.3.1

2023 SIX MONTH FINANCIAL REPORT

• RES.#A 161/23
  Moved By: Amber Morley
  Seconded By: Dianne Saxe

  IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the 2022 Financial Report for the six-month period ending June 30, 2023, be received.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.3.2

2023 Q2 COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING AND EVENTS REPORT SUMMARY

• RES.#A 162/23
  Moved By: Amber Morley
  Seconded By: Dianne Saxe

  THAT the Q2 Communications, Marketing and Events Report Summary for April 1 - June 30, 2023, be received.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.4

SECTION IV - ONTARIO REGULATION 166/06, AS AMENDED

13.4.1

STANDARD DELEGATED PERMITS FOR RECEIPT - STAFF APPROVED AND ISSUED

• RES.#A 163/23
  Moved By: Navjit Kaur Brar
  Seconded By: Hugo Kroon

  THAT standard delegated permits, permission for routine infrastructure works, minor works letters of approval, and permits after the fact / resolution of violations granted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 166/06, as amended, which are listed below, be received.

  
  
  
  Carried

13.5

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 EXECUTIVE MEETING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS

13.5.1

TRCA’S NEW ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2023

• RES.#A 164/23
  Moved By: Dave Barton
  Seconded By: Xiao Han

  IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRCA’s New Administrative Building Project Update – September 2023, be received for information.

  
  
  
  Carried

14.

CLOSED SESSION

15.

NEW BUSINESS

Chair Paul Ainslie welcomed new City of Toronto members, Councillors Lily Cheng and Gord Perks, and welcomed back Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and welcomed Councillor Anub Simson, whose appointment was received at the June 23, 2023 Board of Directors meeting.

Chair Ainslie provided a highlight of upcoming TRCA events taking place this fall:

• Sunday, September 24 is the Annual TRCA Adventures of Salmon Festival. A very popular, free family event where participants can visit educational and interactive booths displaying the adventures of salmon during their migration phase, the various species, their life cycle, and the work that TRCA is doing to help them thrive in the waters of the GTA. There will be self-guided tours along the Highland Creek trail where participants will hopefully spot salmon as they “jump” upstream to spawn.
• On Saturday, September 30, TRCA, alongside the rest of the country, will be commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. TRCA has teamed up with two local community organizations to deliver public events during the day. The first event is taking place at the Kortright Centre for Conservation from 10AM – 4PM, in partnership with True North Aid, a non-Indigenous organization, which provides humanitarian assistance to remote Indigenous communities across Canada. The activities will involve a self-guided tour of Truth and Reconciliation related themes along the Kortright trail system. The second event is taking place at the Medicine Wheel Garden in Heart Lake Conservation Park from 1PM – 5PM, where the Four Colours Drum Circle will deliver a commemoration to the Children of the residential schools and offers prayers of healing to all families affected.
• On Thursday October 19, the Partners in Project Green (PPG) program will celebrate its 15th anniversary. The event will feature exhibitor booths and presentations from industry leaders on how transparency, bold leadership and community engagement are critical in transitioning to a low-carbon, socially inclusive future, including keynote speaker Paul Klein, who is a renowned expert on helping organizations benefit from solving social problems.
• TRCA's fall planting season is underway. The Restoration and Resource Management team is supplying and planting approximately 95,000 trees and shrubs across more than 90 restoration and planting sites. 12 dedicated crews are hard at work, focusing on site preparation, herbivory protection, and the planting of trees and shrubs. These efforts are taking place not only on TRCA-owned lands but also on lands owned by our valued partners. In addition to our staff's planting endeavors, our Community Stewardship team is involved in over 40 community plantings throughout this fall season. If you are interested to see planned activities in your respective areas, please contact the Clerks Office.

We hope to see you at some of these events. At the end of this month, TRCA staff will be circulating a package to all board members with information, including social media messaging, for upcoming events.

Chair Paul Ainslie also mentioned that on Wednesday September 20^th The Meadoway Visualization Toolkit earned the prestigious 2023 PlanON Awards Public Education Award, presented by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI). This recognition underscores the exceptional success of the toolkit as an innovative public engagement platform which helped capture the imagination of the community, raise public awareness for The Meadoway's urban greenspace transformation and build community support for the project. Congratulations and thank you to staff across the organization who continue to advance this work.

Amber Morley provided an update on the ongoing clean-up efforts between the City of Toronto and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) related to the Mimico Creek spill from an industrial fire last month. A motion was put forth from the Toronto Environment and Infrastructure Committee requesting that MECP notify the general public of results of analysis on all water samples in a timely manner, and any long-term impact or safety risk to the waterways, animals, or neighbours of the impacted sites.

16.

ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION from Amber Morley, the meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m.