appendix c natural environment report - town of whitby · 2017-11-27 · natural resources and...

Appendix C Natural Environment ReportC.1 Preliminary Hydrogeological Assessment Memorandum

C.2 Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005) Recordsfor the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

C.3 MNRF Fish Dot Records for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

Prepared by: AECOM Canada Ltd. 300 Water Street 905 668 9363 tel Whitby, ON, Canada L1N 9J2 905 668 0221 fax www.aecom.com

Project Number:

60278570

Date:

November 2017

Transportation

Town of Whitby

Natural Environment Report

http://www.aecom.com/

AECOM Signatures

Report Prepared By: Jason Murchison, P.Geo, QP(ESA O.Reg.153 Hydrogeologist, Director of Geosciences

Report Prepared By:

Olga Hropach Terrestrial Ecologist

Report Reviewed By:

Jessica M. Ward, (Hon) B.Sc., Ph.D. Ecologist [email protected]

Report Reviewed By:

Sheri Harmsworth, P.Eng. Senior Project Manager, Transportation [email protected]

Distribution List

# of Hard Copies

PDF Required

Association / Company Name

y Town of Whitby

y AECOM

Table of Contents

Distribution List

page

1. Introduction ____________________________________ 1

1.1 Study Areas 2

2. Description of Existing Natural Environment_________ 3

2.1 Data Collection and Review 3

2.2 Physical Environment 5

2.2.1 Physiography 5

2.2.2 Soils and Agricultural Capability 6

2.2.3 Groundwater Resources 6

2.2.4 Source Water Protection 8

2.2.4.1 Intake Protection Zones (IPZ) and Well Head Protection Areas (WHPA) 9

2.2.4.2 DNAPL Threat Areas 10 2.2.4.3 Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRA) 10 2.2.4.4 Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (HVA) 11

2.3 Terrestrial Environment 13

2.3.1 Vegetation and Flora 13

2.3.2 Wildlife 17

2.3.2.1 Mammals 17 2.3.2.2 Birds 17 2.3.2.3 Herpetofauna 19

2.4 Aquatic Environment 20

2.4.1 Lynde Creek Watershed 20

2.4.2 Fish and Fish Habitat 21

2.5 Natural Heritage Features and Functions 24

2.5.1 Designated Natural Areas 24

2.5.1.1 Significant Wetlands 24 2.5.1.2 Significant Woodlands 28 2.5.1.3 Areas of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSIs) 28 2.5.1.4 Provincial Parks 29 2.5.1.5 Conservation Areas 29 2.5.1.6 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) 29

2.5.2 CLOCA Natural Heritage System 30

2.5.3 Rare Species 32

2.6 Assessment of Natural Environment Constraints 37

3. Brooklin TMP Study Area – Addendum to Descriptions of Existing Natural Environment ______ 43

3.1 Methods 43

3.2 Physical Environment 44

3.2.1 Physiography 44

3.2.2 Geological Conditions 45

3.2.2.1 Overburden Geology 45 3.2.2.2 Bedrock Geology 47 3.2.2.3 Soils and Agricultural Capability 47

3.2.3 Hydrogeological Conditions 47

3.2.3.1 Groundwater Use 47 3.2.3.2 Depth to Water Table 49 3.2.3.3 Source Water Protection 50

3.3 Aquatic Environment 52

3.4 Terrestrial Environment 52

3.5 Natural Heritage Features 53

3.5.1 Designated Natural Areas 53

3.5.2 Significant Wetlands 53

3.5.3 Significant Woodlands 55

3.5.4 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) 55

3.5.5 Conservation Areas 55

3.5.6 Rare Species 56

3.5.7 Assessment of Natural Environment Constraints 57

3.5.7.1 Fisheries Act Amendment 57 3.5.7.2 Species at Risk Status Updates 58

4. References ____________________________________ 59

List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of Agency Consultation _______________________________ 4

Table 2: Approximate Level of Susceptibility _____________________________ 6

Table 3: Summary of CLOCA’s ELC Community Series within Northwest Brooklin Class EA Study Area ________________________________ 14

Table 4: Species at Risk or Provincially Rare Birds Species ________________ 18

Table 5: Rare Species Records ______________________________________ 32

Table 6: Species under Consideration for Listing on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act _________________________________________ 35

Table 7: Rare Species Records within the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area ____________________________________________________ 36

Table 8: Natural Heritage Features Constraint Summary ___________________ 39

Table 9: Summary of MOECC Water Well Record Information ______________ 49

Table 10: Rare Species Records – Brooklin TMP Study Area ________________ 56

List of Exhibits

Exhibit 1: Surficial Geology of the Study Area _____________________________ 7

Exhibit 2: CTC Source Protection Region _________________________________ 9

Exhibit 3: Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (CTC, 2015) _____________ 11

Exhibit 4: Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (CTC, 2015) _________________________ 12

Exhibit 5: Vegetation Communities - North Portion of Study Area _____________ 15

Exhibit 6: Vegetation Communities - South Portion of Study Area _____________ 16

Exhibit 7: Aquatic Environment ________________________________________ 23

Exhibit 8: Natural Heritage Features ____________________________________ 25

Exhibit 9: CLOCA Natural Heritage System ______________________________ 31

Exhibit 10: Surficial Geology ___________________________________________ 46

Exhibit 11: MOECC Water Well Records _________________________________ 48

Exhibit 12: Natural Heritage Features for the Brooklin TMP Study Area _________ 54

Appendices

Appendix C.1 Preliminary Hydrogeological Assessment Memorandum

Appendix C.2 Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005) Records for the Northwest

Brooklin EA Study Area

Appendix C.3 MNRF Fish Dot Records for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

1

1. Introduction

The Town of Whitby conducted an integrated and comprehensive study for the Brooklin

area to determine land use planning and transportation needs for future growth in and

around the existing community of Brooklin. The outcome of the study is a comprehensive

Secondary Plan and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for the Brooklin area. This

Natural Environment Report is intended to document the existing natural environment

(terrestrial and aquatic) for the Brooklin area in support of the Secondary Plan and TMP.

Information used to prepare this Natural Environment Report primarily relies on a

background information review that was initially prepared in 2014 in support of a prior

study, namely the Northwest Brooklin Bypass Environmental Assessment (EA) being

conducted at that time. The Study Area for the Northwest Brooklin Bypass EA (hereafter

referred to as the “Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area”) makes up the majority of the

Study Area for the Secondary Plan and TMP (hereafter referred as the “Brooklin TMP

Study Area”). Results of background review completed for the Northwest Brooklin EA

Study Area are presented in Section 2 of this Natural Environment Report and were

incorporated into the Brooklin Study – Transportation Master Plan (AECOM, 2017).

Natural environment assessments were completed as part of the Brooklin Study as

Background Reports and cover the Secondary Plan study area. These studies were

referenced in completing the Brooklin Study – Transportation Master Plan. These

studies include the following reports that are included on the Town of Whitby Brooklin

Study website (links provided below):

Natural Heritage Assessment Background Report, Beacon Environmental and

R.J. Burnside and Associates Ltd.; peer reviewed by North-South Environmental Inc.

and Blackport & Associates, December 2014. The Report is located on the Town of

Whitby website at the following link: http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-

misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreport.pdf

(Revised) Natural Heritage Assessment Background Report, Beacon et al;

December 2016/April 2017. The Revised Report is located on the Town of Whitby

website at the following link: http://whitby.ca/en/townhall/brooklin-study.asp

Natural Heritage Assessment Background Report Appendices are located on the

Town of Whitby website at the following link: http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-

misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreportappendices.pdf

http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreport.pdf

http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreport.pdf

http://whitby.ca/en/townhall/brooklin-study.asp

http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreportappendices.pdf

http://whitby.ca/en/resources/pl-misc_naturalheritageassessmentbackgroundreportappendices.pdf

2

In 2017, comments were received from the Miller Planning Group regarding the

preferred road alignment for the mid-block arterial road corridor shown on Exhibit 21 of

the Brooklin Study – Transportation Master Plan (AECOM, 2017). The Mid-Block

Arterial corridor identified in both the Town of Whitby 2010 TMP, and the Brooklin

Transportation Master Plan is a preliminary solution being recommended to meet the

transportation needs of the Brooklin TMP study area. Portions of the mid-block arterial

road corridor are located south of the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area. The Natural

Environment Report previously completed in support of the Northwest Brooklin EA

Study Area was supplemented with additional information regarding natural heritage

features that are located south of the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area and

encompassed in the Brooklin TMP Study Area. This additional information is presented

in Section 3 of this Natural Environment Report for completeness. The purpose of

Section 3 is to provide high-level description of the natural heritage features identified

in the vicinity of the mid-block arterial road.

1.1 Study Areas

The Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area generally contains the area of Brooklin that is

bounded by Lake Ridge Road to the west, Winchester Road to the south, Townline

Road to the North and the Town of Whitby / City of Oshawa border to the east. Section

2 of this Natural Environment Report document the methods used and the natural

environment existing conditions for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area. For the

purposes of the Physical Environment discussed in Section 2.2, the Northwest Brooklin

EA Study Area is bounded by Lake Ridge Road to the west, Townline Road to the

north, Winchester Road to the south and west of Thickson Road. For the purposes of

the Terrestrial, Aquatic Environments and Natural Heritage Features and Functions

discussed in Sections 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5, the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

boundaries remain the same with the exception that the eastern boundary does not

extend east of Baldwin Street North/Thickson Road North.

The Brooklin TMP Study Area generally contains of Brooklin that is bounded by Lake

Ridge Road to the west, Taunton Road to the south, Townline Road to the North and

the Town of Whitby / City of Oshawa border to the east. Section 3 of this Natural

Environment Report documents additional information regarding natural environment

exiting conditions in the areas not previously included in the Northwest Brooklin EA

Study Area discussed in Section 2.

3

2. Description of Existing Natural Environment

The following sections include the original text from the background information review

conducted in 2014 in support of the Northwest Brooklin Bypass EA to document the

existing natural environment. “Study Area” in the following sections refer to the

Northwestern Brooklin EA Study Area as defined in Section 1.1.

2.1 Data Collection and Review

A description of the natural heritage features and functions within the study area was

established through a review of secondary information sources, including but not limited to:

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Natural Resource

Values Information System (NRVIS) mapping

MNRF Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Rare Species and Natural Area

Records

Conservation Ontario 2013 Aquatic Species at Risk distribution mapping

Digital orthoimagery

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) reports, including Ecological

Land Classification mapping and flora and fauna records

MNRF fisheries information

Watershed and subwatershed studies

Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan

Greenbelt Plan

407 East Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) and Preliminary Design Study

(AECOM, 2010)

407 East EA Natural Environment Field Investigation Report (Gartner Lee Limited,

2008)

Transportation Master Plan Study

Region of Durham Official Plan

Town of Whitby Official Plan

4

Secondary source information was compiled and analyzed in order to develop a general

understanding of the aquatic ecosystems, drainage patterns, vegetation and wildlife

within the study area.

In addition, correspondence was initiated with CLOCA and MNRF to confirm information

presented in this report is current and to request any additional relevant natural heritage

information. Table 1 describes the agencies contacted, information source and data or

information obtained.

Table 1: Summary of Agency Consultation

Agency Information Source/Method of Consultation

Data or Information Obtained

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Aurora District

‐ January 9, 2013: AECOM requested existing Species at Risk information and records relevant to the study area.

‐ May 2, 2013: AECOM requested fish species collection records relevant to the updated study area.

‐ May 13, 2013: AECOM requested fish species collection records relevant to the study area.

‐ January 16, 2013: MNRF Aurora District provided information pertaining to Species at Risk information and records within the study area.

‐ May 14, 2013: MNRF Aurora District provided information pertaining to fish species collection records within the study area.

Lake Central Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA)

‐ May 2, 2013: AECOM requested natural heritage information relevant to the study area, including information pertaining to Ecological Land Classification (ELC) Data, wildlife habitat, species inventories, wetlands, floodplain regulation limits, environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and CLOCA Natural Heritage System Mapping and related GIS data layers.

‐ May 16, 2013: AECOM requested natural heritage information relevant to the study area, including information pertaining to Ecological Land

‐ May 23, 2013: CLOCA provided natural heritage information GIS data layers pertaining to Ecological Land Classification (ELC) Data, wetlands, floodplain regulation limits, environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and CLOCA Natural Heritage System within the study area.

‐ June 7, 2013: CLOCA provided information pertaining to rare species inventories within the study area.

‐ August 7, 2013: CLOCA provided in regard to the GIS data layers for the Natural Heritage System

5

Agency Information Source/Method of Consultation

Data or Information Obtained

Classification (ELC) Data, wildlife habitat, species inventories, wetlands, floodplain regulation limits, environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and CLOCA Natural Heritage System Mapping and related GIS data layers.

‐ July 31, 2013: AECOM requested if any fish species collection records are available for the study area and clarification in regard to the GIS data layers for the Natural Heritage System and environmental significant areas (ESAs).

and environmental significant areas (ESAs).

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Physiography

Till Plain

The majority of the central portion of the study area is dominated by the Till Plain

physiographic region, which extends from the Oak Ridges Moraine south to the former

Lake Iroquois shoreline. This region is flatter than the hilly Oak Ridges Moraine and is

predominately covered by sandy till material (CLOCA, 2006).

Lake Iroquois Beach

A small portion in the south of the study area falls within the Lake Iroquois Beach, which

is considered as part of the Lake Iroquois Sand Plains (CLOCA, 2008). Lake Iroquois

was a prehistoric glacial lake that existed approximately 13,000 years ago. The Iroquois

Beach region consists of a band of sandier beach deposits that spans west to east and

is characterized by low-lying shoreline bluffs and gravel bars with an overlay of till

material (CLOCA, 2008).

6

2.2.2 Soils and Agricultural Capability

Based on Canada Land Inventory Agricultural Capability Mapping prepared by the

MNRF, the majority of undeveloped portions of the study area consist of Class “1” soils.

This class of soil has the highest capability to support agricultural land use activities.

2.2.3 Groundwater Resources

A preliminary desktop study was carried out to characterize the existing geological and

hydrogeological conditions in the study area. As part of the desktop study, a review of

current geological mapping and existing MOE water well information was carried out to

identify sensitive resources within the study area.

Based on a review of surficial geological conditions (Exhibit 1) and associated

hydrogeological properties, areas considered more susceptible to groundwater quality

and/or quantity impacts were identified. This included an approximate hydraulic

conductivity, aquifer and recharge/discharge potential. An overall groundwater impact

rating (GIR) was calculated for comparison purposes (please refer to Table 2). As

such, surficial deposits with a high overall rating are considered to be more susceptible

to groundwater quality and/or quantity impacts than those rated with a low overall

impact rating (i.e., GIR = 5 - 9).

Table 2: Approximate Level of Susceptibility

Map ID Description GIR

5d Halton Till - Glaciolacustrine-derived silty to clayey till 5

5b Newmarket Till - Stone-poor, carbonate derived silty to sandy till 8

6 Ice-Contact stratified deposits 15

7 Glaciofluvial deposits (river and delta deposits) 14

8a, 8b Fine-textured glaciolacustrine deposits of silt and clay, minor sand & gravel 5

9b Coarse textured glaciolacustrine deposits - littoral-foreshore deposits 13

9c Coarse textured glaciolacustrine deposits - foreshore-basinal deposits of sand and gravel, minor silt and clay

15

12, 19 Modern Alluvial deposits containing clay, silt, sand and gravel 9

17 Eolian Deposits 15

20 Organic deposits 7

7

Legend

Exhibit 1: Surficial Geology of the Study Area

8

In addition to the above, a review of the MOE Water Well Database information

available for the study area was conducted to identify the number and type of water

wells within the study area. In general, a high number of domestic water wells are

located throughout the study area, generally observed in proximity to existing rural

residences and/or hamlets. Other water well uses are noted to be sparsely located in

various locations, including livestock, commercial, industrial and municipal. It is

understood that some well uses are not classified as part of these records and/or others

are no longer in use. A copy of the preliminary hydrogeological assessment information

is provided in Appendix C.1.

2.2.4 Source Water Protection

The study area is situated within the Central Lake Ontario (CTC) Source Protection

Area, representing the eastern component of the CTC Source Protection Region in

South-central Ontario (Exhibit 2). Within this area, policies related to a list of

prescribed activities have been established by the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region,

and Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Plan1 for the purposes of protecting

municipal drinking water sources. As part of this source water protection work, the

vulnerability of these sources to a threat presented by an activity that occurs on land

has been assessed.

1. CTC Source Protection Region, 2015: Approved Source Protection Plan: CTC Source Protection Region.

9

Exhibit 2: CTC Source Protection Region

The five (5) types of vulnerable areas that may have associated Source Water

Protection Policies include:

Intake Protection Zones (IPZs);

Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs);

DNAPL2 Threat Areas;

Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRAs); and,

Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (HVAs).

2.2.4.1 Intake Protection Zones (IPZ) and Well Head Protection Areas (WHPA)

According to the CTC Source Protection Plan, there are no surface water or associated

Intake Protection Zones (IPZs) for municipal purposes located within or near the study

area. Similarly, the Plan also does not identify the presence of any Wellhead Protection

2. DNAPL is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid. It is a liquid that is denser than water (sinks to the bottom) and is immiscible.

10

Areas (WHPAs) or groundwater takings for municipal purposes within or in close

proximity to the study area.

2.2.4.2 DNAPL Threat Areas

According to the CTC Source Protection Plan, there are no DNAPL Threat Areas

located within or in close proximity to the study area.

2.2.4.3 Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRA)

Surface water received from precipitation will percolate or infiltrate into the ground until

it reaches the groundwater table. This occurs in surficial sediments that are sufficiently

permeable to permit the movement of water through its pore spaces. Areas such as

these are known as groundwater recharge areas.

Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRA) are characterized by highly

permeable soils at surface, such as sand and/or gravel, which allows water to readily

pass from the ground surface to an aquifer. These areas are considered significant

when they aid in maintaining the water level in an aquifer that provides water for potable

means and/or supplies groundwater to a cold water ecosystem.

According to the CTC Source Protection Plan, there are SGRAs associated with

portions of coarse-textured glaciolacustrine deposits within the study area. The SGRA

are generally located southwest of Winchester Road and Ashburn Road, in southeast

portion of the study area in the vicinity of Conlin Road and Thickson Road, north of the

Community of Brooklin between Ashburn Road and Thickson Road, northwest of Heron

Road and Myrtle Road and northeast of Myrtle Road and Highway 7/12 in the vicinity of

Myrtle and Myrtle Station, as shown in Exhibit 3.

11

Exhibit 3: Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (CTC, 2015)

2.2.4.4 Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (HVA)

A highly vulnerable aquifer (HVA) is one that is susceptible to contamination due to its

location near ground surface, or the type of material found in the ground around the

aquifer. Aquifers that are located near ground surface and have less of a barrier

between the ground surface and groundwater system below are considered to be HVA.

According to the CTC Source Protection Plan, HVA exist throughout the study area, as

shown in Exhibit 4.

12

Exhibit 4: Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (CTC, 2015)

Activities within HVAs are not considered to represent a significant threat to municipal

drinking water sources and therefore do not have associated land use or activity

policies.

13

2.3 Terrestrial Environment

2.3.1 Vegetation and Flora

The study area occurs within Ecoregion 6E (Lake Simcoe – Rideau Ecoregion). An

ecoregion is a provincial MNRF term which is defined as “an area of land within which

the response of vegetation to the features of landform follows a consistent pattern” and

is “defined by a characteristic range and pattern of climatic variables” (MNRF, 2007).

The bedrock is primarily composed of dolostone and limestone. The northern limit of

Ecoregion 6 contains extensive bare bedrock plains. Alvars and associated species are

also present on the limestone plains. Ecoregion 6E spans southward between Lake

Huron in the west to the Ottawa River in the east. The landscape is generally

characterized as flat with broad till sheets and massive moraines (i.e., the Oak Ridges

Moraine) formed as result of thick deposits glacial and post-glacial sediments in the

Late Wisconsin glacial period. Most of the Niagara Escarpment is included in the Lake

Simcoe – Rideau forming a ridge that is an exception to the surrounding flat landscape

(MNRF, 2007). Wetlands and water bodies are found on 5% and 4% of the area,

respectively. Agricultural fields, deciduous and mixed forests currently comprise 57% of

the Ecoregion. The Lake Simcoe – Rideau Ecoregion supports a rich biodiversity of

wildlife and plant species. Characteristic trees of the area include Sugar Maple (Acer

saccharum), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), White Ash (Fraxinus americana),

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Black Ash

(Fraxinus nigra) (MNRF, 2007).

The study area is within the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Forest Region (Rowe, 1972).

This region is mixed with coniferous and deciduous forests where tree species such as

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa), Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), Eastern Hemlock,

Yellow Birch (Betula allegheniensis), Maple and Oak are dominant.

Ecological Land Classification (ELC) vegetation community delineations for the

Northwest Brooklin Class EA study area were obtained from CLOCA. These ELC

community delineations were categorized mostly into the Community Series level and in

some locations to the Vegetation Type (Lee et al., 1998). The Community Series are

identified based on the type of vegetation cover or plant form present that represents

the community, i.e., open, shrub or treed vegetation cover (Lee et al., 1998). It is the

lowest level in the ELC that can be identified without field investigations (Lee et al.,

1998). The Vegetation Type is the finest level of classification and is based almost

entirely on the plant species composition present in the community (Lee et al., 1998).

14

The Community Series that occur within the study area are summarized in Table 3

below and the locations are illustrated in Exhibit 5 and Exhibit 6.

Table 3: Summary of CLOCA’s ELC Community Series within Northwest

Brooklin Class EA Study Area

ELC Community Class ELC Community Series ELC Code

Area (Hectares)

% of Study Area

Anthropogenic/ Other n/a n/a 3703.7 74.71

Cultural Cultural Hedgerow CUH 33 0.67

Cultural Cultural Meadow CUM 181.7 3.67

Cultural Cultural Plantation CUP 79.1 1.60

Cultural Cultural Savannah CUS 4.3 0.09

Cultural Cultural Thicket CUT 177.1 3.57

Cultural Cultural Meadow CUW 48.4 0.98

523.6 10.58

Forest Coniferous Forest FOC 68.5 1.38

Forest Deciduous Forest FOD 93.3 1.88

Forest Mixed Forest FOM 75.4 1.52

237.2 4.78

Aquatic and Wetland Meadow Marsh MAM 33.7 0.68

Aquatic and Wetland Shallow Marsh MAS 10.7 0.22

Aquatic and Wetland Open Aquatic OAO 0.5 0.01

Aquatic and Wetland Submerged Shallow Aquatic SAS 1.7 0.03

Aquatic and Wetland Coniferous Swamp SWC 81.9 1.65

Aquatic and Wetland Deciduous Swamp SWD 74.6 1.50

Aquatic and Wetland Mixed Swamp SWM 137.2 2.77

Aquatic and Wetland Thicket Swamp SWT 151.9 3.06

Aquatic and Wetland Open Fen FEO 1 0.02

493.2 9.94

4957.75 100%

15

Exhibit 5: Vegetation Communities - North Portion of Study Area

ELC community series mapping were provided by CLOCA on May 23, 2013

16

Exhibit 6: Vegetation Communities - South Portion of Study Area

ELC community series mapping were provided by CLOCA on May 23, 2013

17

The majority of the study area is dominated by anthropogenic land uses (75%) such as

residential areas, commercial areas and agricultural lands that are of low ecological

significance. Cultural communities, which represent approximately 11% of the study

area, are regenerating habitat in the process of succeeding from meadows and thickets

to forest communities (CLOCA, 2008). Some of these cultural communities may provide

important habitat for rare species; however, the majority are dominated by non-native

and invasive plant species (CLOCA, 2008). Only 5% of the study area is covered by

forest communities which perform important environmental functions and contain habitat

for woodland species. Aquatic and wetland communities make up the remaining 10% of

the study area and include a Locally Significant Wetland.

2.3.2 Wildlife

2.3.2.1 Mammals

According to the Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario (Dobbyn, 1994), the geographic

distributions of the following mammal species of southern Ontario occur within the study

area: White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Coyote (Canis latrans), Red Squirrel

(Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Eastern

Chipmunk (Tamias striatus), Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), Red Fox (Vulpes

vulpes), Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).

All of these species are common mammals and are expected to occur in the study area.

2.3.2.2 Birds

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA; 2001-2005) point count data was obtained from Bird

Studies Canada. A list of bird species was generated from portions of four 10 km x 10 km

squares that occupy the study area (refer to Appendix C.2 for a complete species list).

Species recorded within and/or in the vicinity of the study area include a number of birds

commonly found in southern Ontario, such as American Robin (Turdus migratorius),

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Canada

Geese (Branta canadensis), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Mourning Dove

(Zenaida macroura), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) and Red-winged Blackbird

(Agelaius phoenicus). Many of these birds are associated with human-modified

landscapes, such as urban or suburban areas or agricultural fields, whereas some are

typically found in woodland and forest habitats. Seven of these birds are Species At Risk

or considered rare in the province of Ontario (NHIC, 2010) and may be present within the

study area. These are discussed in greater detail in Table 4 below.

18

Table 4: Species at Risk or Provincially Rare Birds Species

Common Name Scientific Name

ESA Status1

Habitat Preference2

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Threatened Species commonly found in open rural areas; nests in barns, buildings and bridges, occasionally on rock cliffs; highly gregarious; feeds over fields and open water

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Threatened Species requires large, open expansive grasslands with dense ground cover; hayfields, meadows or fallow fields; marshes. Species requires tracts of grassland >50 ha.

Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis

Special Concern

Species prefers interior forest species; dense, mixed coniferous, deciduous forests with closed canopy, wet bottomlands of cedar or alder; shrubby undergrowth in cool moist mature woodlands; riparian habitat; usually requires at least 30 ha

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica

Threatened Species commonly found in urban areas near buildings; nests in hollow trees, crevices of rock cliffs, chimneys; highly gregarious; often feeds over open water

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Special Concern

Species prefers open ground; clearings in dense forests; ploughed fields; gravel beaches or barren areas with rocky soils; open woodlands; flat gravel roofs

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

Threatened Species prefers to breed and forage in hayfields as well as grasslands, savannahs and pastures.

Least Bittern Ixbrychus exilis

Threatened Species can be found in deep marshes, swamps, or bogs as well as marshy borders of lakes, ponds, streams, ditches where dense emergent vegetation consisting of either cattail, bulrush, or sedge. Species nests in cattails.

Notes:

1ESA Status: The Endangered Species Act 2007 (ESA) protects species listed as Threatened and Endangered on the Species at

Risk in Ontario (SARO) List on provincial and private land. The Minister lists species on the SARO list based on recommendations from the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), which evaluates the conservation status of species occurring in Ontario. The following are the categories of at risk:

END (Endangered) – A species facing imminent extinction or extirpation in Ontario.

THR (Threatened) – Any native species that, on the basis of the best available scientific evidence, is at risk of becoming endangered throughout all or a large portion of its Ontario range if the limiting factors are not reversed.

SC (Special Concern) – A species that may become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

NAR (Not at Risk) – A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk. 2 Information pertaining to Habitat Preferences was obtained from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2000. Significant Wildlife

Habitat Technical Guide. 151 pp.

19

2.3.2.3 Herpetofauna

According to the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas (Oldham and Weller, 2000), the

following amphibian species are known to occur in the vicinity of the study area:

Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus

viridescens), Northern Redback (Plethodon cinerus), American Toad (Bufo

americanus), Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris

triseriata), Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica), Northern

Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), Green Frog (Rana clamitans), Mink Frog (Rana

septentrionalis) and Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). According to the Provincial ranking

from Natural Heritage Information Centre, most of these amphibians have a S5 ranking or

a “secure” ranking, which means that the species is common, widespread and abundant

in Ontario. The Bullfrog has a S4 ranking which means that it is “apparently secure”, and

is known as an uncommon but not a rare species. Breeding amphibians are generally

found in wooded ponds and temporary vernal pools in spring where they mate and lay

eggs in the water. As such, suitable habitat may be located within the study area for these

species.

Snakes generally hibernate in rock crevices, rock piles and abandoned foundations that

allow snakes to enter ground below the frost line. Meanwhile, turtles are found in or near

permanent water bodies such as deep rivers, large wetlands and ponds with soft mud

substrates. According to the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas (Oldham and Weller,

2000), the following reptile species are known to occur in the vicinity of the study area:

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys

picta marginata), Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) and Northern

Redbelly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata). Most of these previously recorded reptiles

within the study area are common and relatively abundant in Ontario (NHIC, 2010).

However Snapping Turtle is designated as Special Concern, both nationally and

provincially. This species spends most of its life in shallow waters but nests in gravely or

sandy areas along streams and man-made structures including roads, dams and

aggregate pits (ROM & MNRF, 2010). All of these reptile species have the potential of

occurring in the study area.

20

2.4 Aquatic Environment

2.4.1 Lynde Creek Watershed

The study area is situated within the Lynde Creek Watershed and located entirely within

the Regional Municipality of Durham under the jurisdiction of the Central Lake Ontario

Conservation Authority (CLOCA) (CLOCA, 2006). The majority of the watershed falls

within the Town of Whitby, with lesser portions in Town of Uxbridge, Township of

Scugog, City of Pickering and Town of Ajax. Lynde Creek and its tributaries flow

approximately 326 km south towards Lake Ontario, from its headwaters in the Oak

Ridges Moraine (CLOCA, 2006; CLOCA, 2007). The Lynde Creek Watershed covers a

total drainage area of approximately 130 km2. The majority of the watershed (48%) is

used for agricultural purposes and urban areas account for an additional 22% of the

total land area (CLOCA, 2007). Most of the urban development is concentrated along

the east side of the watershed. Generally, this watershed supports moderate terrestrial

habitats with forests and wetlands covering 17% and 10% of the total land area

(CLOCA, 2007; CLOCA, 2012). The Lynde Creek Watershed also supports healthy fish

communities; however, urbanization and intensive agricultural land uses have degraded

aquatic habitats. This watershed comprises of five subwatersheds, of which the study

area only fall within four including: Lynde Main, Heber Down, Ashburn and Myrtle

Substation (CLOCA, 2006; CLOCA, 2008).

The Lynde Main subwatershed encompasses the southeast corner of the study area

and includes the majority of the Town of Brooklin (CLOCA, 2006). This subwatershed

drains an area of approximately 30 km2. The majority of the total area of this

subwatershed is dominated by agricultural and rural land use (CLOCA, 2008). Urban

land area covers 21.7 % of the total area (CLOCA, 2012).

The western half of the study area falls within the Heber Down subwatershed, which is

the largest subwatershed draining into an area of approximately 46 km2 (CLOCA, 2008).

The western portion of Brooklin is situated within this subwatershed. The headwaters of

the Heber Down subwatershed are located in the Oak Ridges Moraine and flow south

draining into the Lynde Main subwatershed.

The Ashburn subwatershed covers a drainage area of approximately 17 km2 and

extends north through the study area from between Brawley Road and Columbus Road

(CLOCA, 2008). Most of the land is used for agricultural purposes, which is dominant

south of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Other development within this subwatershed includes

light industrial, residential to recreational land use.

21

The Myrtle subwatershed is the smallest subwatershed and drains into an area of

approximately 15 km2. Agricultural lands and rural residential area dominate this

subwatershed (CLOCA, 2008). There has been little new development in this area in

recent years.

Water quality within the Lynde Creek Watershed exhibits signs of anthropogenic

impacts resulting from agricultural and urban runoff and nutrient enrichment. Previous

studies containing water quality results consistently show that water quality generally

degrades from northern rural areas to southern urban areas (CLOCA, 2006). The water

quality results from the Lynde Creek Watershed Resource Management Strategy

conducted by Gartner Lee Limited (1994) shows that water discharging from Chalk

Lake, located north of Townline Road and east of Lakeridge Road, contained the

highest recorded levels of suspended solids, fecal coliforms and temperature. High

levels of phosphorus and nitrogen as well as copper were also found throughout the

watershed (Gartner Lee Limited, 1994). Studies conducted for the Lynde Creek Aquatic

Resource Management Plan (CLOCA, 2006) used the Biological Water Quality

Monitoring Program (BioMap) to determine whether the water quality of stream

segments were impaired or unimpaired based on the benthic macro invertebrate

communities present at sampling sites. Results from this study suggest that the majority

of sampling sites within urban areas (75%) were impaired while most of the sampling

locations in natural areas (83%) were indicative of higher water quality (CLOCA, 2006).

Meanwhile, half of the sampling sites in agricultural areas were unimpaired (CLOCA,

2006). The main cause of water quality impairment in the southern portion of the

Watershed is urban pollution as a result of industrial waste, sewage waste and

untreated stormwater. Water quality in the northern section of the watershed is more

affected by nutrient loading from agricultural runoff (CLOCA, 2006). According to the

Lynde Creek Watershed Plan (CLOCA, 2012), the key conditions regarding surface

water quality include increasing trends in chloride and nitrates and a decreasing trend in

copper. Phosphorus levels in the watershed are generally below 30 g/L, which meet

the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network standards for streams (CLOCA, 2012).

Based on the CLOCA Watershed Report Card (2013), the surface water quality in the

Lynde Creek Watershed is considered as “fair”, given the levels of phosphorus.

2.4.2 Fish and Fish Habitat

Based on MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011), tributaries of Lynde Creek present within the

study area are generally characterized as coldwater streams. Historically, Lynde Creek

formerly consisted of a predominately cold-water system; however, changes in urban

22

land use resulted in the increase of water stream temperatures in some areas of the

watershed (CLOCA, 2007). In 1994, Gartner Lee Limited conducted a fisheries

assessment as part of the Lynde Creek Water Resource Management Strategy

(Gartner Lee Limited, 1994), the findings of which indicated that most of the tributaries

were classified as warm water habitats up to Colombus Road in the Main

Subwatershed, while tributaries north of Brooklin were generally dominated by cold

water habitats. In addition, groundwater input has moderated stream temperature during

thermal peaks in the tributary east of Brooklin. Tributaries downstream of Highway 401

were characterized as low gradient warm water habitats (Gartner Lee Limited, 1994).

Currently the Lynde Creek Watershed is characterized as a mixed system of cool and

warm-water streams (CLOCA, 2007). Despite urbanization and intensive agricultural

land use that increases stream temperature and decreases water quality, the Lynde

Creek Watershed generally supports both warm and coldwater fish communities that

are dominated by Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout populations (CLOCA, 2012; AECOM,

2010). However, Rainbow Trout has become a more common salmonid in Lynde Creek,

occupying headwaters of Lynde Creek that were historically inhabited by Brook Trout

(CLOCA, 2006; AECOM, 2010). Smallmouth Bass distributions have expanded over the

past years. Where this species was once only found south of Highway 401 it has been

reported north of Taunton Road, in the Heber Down Conservation Area in recent years

(CLOCA, 2006; AECOM, 2010). Common fish species identified within CLOCA’s

jurisdiction include Eastern Blacknose Dace, Common Shiner, White Sucker and Creek

Chub (CLOCA, 2006). Redside Dace has also been recorded by CLOCA as recently as

2006 in the Main and Heber Down subwatershed (CLOCA, 2006).

Fish collection records for the study area obtained from the MNRF indicated that in total,

59 sampling sites were recorded in the study area. In addition, 26 fish species have

been recorded in the Lynde Creek and its tributaries located within study area (a

complete list of species is provided in Appendix C.3). In general, the majority of the

species are representative of an intermediate to tolerant, mixed cool and warm water

fish community. Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), a provincially and nationally

Endangered Species, was recorded in six of the sites situated within the study area

between 2000 and 2001 (refer to Exhibit 7 for locations). Redside Dace is a coolwater

species generally found in pools and slow flowing areas of small headwater streams

with a moderate to high gradient (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2010).

Overhanging grasses and shrubs, as well as undercut banks, are an important part of

their habitat, as are in-stream boulders and large woody debris (COSEWIC, 2007).

23

Exhibit 7: Aquatic Environment

24

2.5 Natural Heritage Features and Functions

The following sections provide a general description of the natural heritage features and

functions within the study area. The locations of these natural heritage features are

illustrated on Exhibit 8.

2.5.1 Designated Natural Areas

According to the MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011), there are Environmentally Sensitive

Areas (ESAs), the Locally Significant Dagmar Station Wetland and significant

woodlands within the study area (refer to Exhibit 8 for locations). No Areas of Natural

and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs), Provincial

Parks or Conservation Areas are located in the study area. Portions of the northern half

of the study area are situated on lands designated as part of the Greenbelt, including

protected countryside and natural heritage system, and the Oak Ridges Moraine,

respectively.

ANSIs present in the vicinity of the study area, however outside the study area limits

include the Provincially Significant Candidate Uxbridge Glen Major Forest Life ANSI, the

Regionally Significant Kinsale Raised Shoreline Earth Science ANSI and the

Provincially Significant Candidate Heber Down Iroquois Beach Life Science ANSI,

Provincially Significant Candidate Uxbridge-Glen Major Forest Life Science ANSI and

Provincially Significant Candidate Chalk Lake Life Science ANSI. In addition, three

PSWs are located in the vicinity of the study area, however outside the study area limits

and include the Glen Major Wetland Complex, the Chalk Lake Wetland Complex, and

the Heber Down Wetland Complex. A more detailed description of each of these

designated areas is provided below (please refer to Exhibit 8 for locations).

2.5.1.1 Significant Wetlands

As described in the MNRF’s Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Manual (3rd edition;

December, 2010), wetlands are lands that are seasonally or permanently flooded by

shallow water as well as lands where the water table is close to the surface, where the

presence of abundant water has caused the formation of hydric soils and has favoured

the dominance of either hydrophytic or water tolerant plants.

25

Exhibit 8: Natural Heritage Features

26

Evaluation and identification of wetlands as Provincially Significant is completed through

a standardized assessment process developed by the MNRF, the Ontario Wetland

Evaluation System (OWES). Wetlands are evaluated by assigning values to four key

components including the biological, social, hydrological and special features of the

wetland or wetland complex. Based on scoring, a wetland can fall into one of two

classes: Provincially Significant or Locally Significant (i.e., non-Provincially significant).

PSWs are protected under the Provincial Policy Statement 2014 (PPS).

Provincially Significant Wetlands

Glen Major Wetland Complex consists of a PSW that is located greater than 1 km

northwest of the study area. It is composed of 76 wetlands, which consist of swamps

(75%), marsh (18%), bog (1%) and other (6%). These wetlands are identified as

palustrine (82%) and isolated (18%) (AECOM, 2010). This PSW includes the Pleasure

Valley Bog (AECOM, 2010).

The Provincially Significant Chalk Lake Wetland Complex is situated greater than 1 km

north of the study area and consists of several wetland communities including marsh

(59%), swamp (25%) and rare fen (16%) habitats. This wetland is located in the

headwaters of the Lynde Creek and thus serves important ecological services of flood

attenuation and maintenance of water quality downstream (CLOCA, 2008).

The Provincially Significant Heber Down Wetland Complex (85 ha) is present

approximately 665 m south of the study area. According to the MNRF NHIC Natural

Areas Report (2010), this wetland complex consists of 16 wetlands comprising swamp

(96%) and marsh (4%) communities. The Heber Down Wetland Complex serves critical

hydrological functions that are important to the downstream ecological health of Lynde

Creek. It also provides important habitat for breeding area – sensitive bird species such

as Broad-winged hawk, Black and White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and rare plant

species (CLOCA, 2008).

The Provincially Significant Whitby-Oshawa Iroquois Beach Wetland Complex is located

approximately 1 km south of the study area, along Conlin Road between Baldwin Street

and Simcoe Street. This Provincially Significant Wetland encompasses 198 ha,

consisting of many small wetlands that are less than 0.5 ha in size. This wetland

complex contains important amphibian breeding areas and uncommon wetland plant

communities and has hydrological significance (CLOCA, 2008).

27

All three of these PSWs occur more than 120 m away from the study area and

therefore, no potential impacts are anticipated to these natural features as result of the

proposed undertaking (refer to Exhibit 8 for locations). These natural features do not

represent constraints for the proposed undertaking.

Locally Significant Wetlands

The Locally Significant Dagmar Station Wetland (44.4 ha) is located within the study

area. The wetland is entirely comprised of swamp communities (100%) and consists of

soils that are predominately clay (80%) with areas of loams or silts and organic (20%)

(NHIC, 2010). The site type is 100% palustrine with a permanent or intermittent flow.

This wetland provides important winter cover for many wildlife species, with local

significance for Deer. In addition, Bullfrogs and Snapping Turtles have been previously

recorded in this wetland by field observers (NHIC, 2010). This Locally Significant

Wetland is encouraged to be conserved under Section 5.3.3.4 of the Whitby Official

Plan (Town of Whitby, 2016 Consolidation). According to the Ontario Regulation 42/16,

development is prohibited in wetlands, including areas within 120 m of PSWs and

wetlands greater than 2 hectares in size, and areas within 30 m of wetlands greater

than 0.5 hectares in size. Schedule B (Map B1d) of the Region’s Official Plan

designates the Dagmar Station Wetland and its wetland components as key natural

heritage and hydrological features and part of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System

(Region of Durham, 2015 Consolidation).

Unevaluated Wetlands

The mapped locations of unevaluated wetlands under the jurisdiction of CLOCA were

requested and provided by CLOCA. Unevaluated wetlands identified within the study

area are shown on Exhibit 8. Some of these unevaluated wetlands are associated with

an environmentally sensitive area. According to the Ontario Regulation 42/16,

development is prohibited in wetlands, including areas within 120 m of PSWs and

wetlands greater than 2 hectares in size, and areas within 30 m of wetlands greater

than 0.5 hectares in size. Unevaluated wetlands are designated as key natural heritage

and hydrological features and part of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System as shown

on Schedule B (Map B1d) of the Region’s Official Plan (Region of Durham, 2015

Consolidation).

28

2.5.1.2 Significant Woodlands

MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011) indicates that the study area contains a number of

isolated woodland. Section 5.3.7.1 of the Whitby Official Plan (2016 Consolidation)

designates mature woodlands as areas of high natural significance. The Whitby Official

Plan includes the designation and mapping for mature woodlands in the Official Plan

Schedule C. Within the Town of Whitby, a number of mature woodlands varying in size

with some larger, contiguous mature woodlands occur in the study area. Mature

woodlands are defined as “well stocked and established stands over 60 years old” with

particular emphasis on woodlands consisting of sugar maple, beech or hemlock.

Woodland areas are designated as key natural heritage and hydrological features and

part of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System as shown on Schedule B (Map B1d) of

the Region’s Official Plan (Region of Durham, 2015 Consolidation). Exhibit 8 outlines

the locations of significant woodlands in the study area.

2.5.1.3 Areas of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSIs)

The MNRF evaluates ANSIs to determine whether they are provincially or regionally

(Locally) Significant. Provincially or regionally significant candidate ANSIs are

recommended by the MNRF for provincially or regionally significant ANSI status,

pending status approval. This evaluation takes into consideration the value of the area

for conservation, scientific study and education. ANSIs are designated as Earth

Science or Life Science depending on whether they contain significant geological

features (e.g., rock, fossil and landform features) or biological features (e.g., natural

landscapes, ecological communities, plant and animal species), respectively.

Provincially or Regionally Significant Candidate ANSIs are recommended by the MNRF

for Provincially or Regionally Significant ANSI status, pending status approval.

Life Science ANSIs

According to the MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011), the Provincially Significant Candidate

Heber Down Iroquois Beach Life Science ANSI is located more than 1 km south of the

study area. It is an area of land and water representing significant geological and

biological features.

The Provincially Significant Candidate Uxbridge-Glen Major Forest Life Science ANSI is

located more than 1 km west of the study area and contains a variety of vegetation

communities including maple-beech uplands, hemlock slopes, swamp cedar lowlands

and coniferous plantations (NHIC, 2010).

29

Chalk Lake is a Provincially Significant Candidate Life Science ANSI that is located

approximately 1 km north of the study area. Only boundary information is available at

this time for this feature through MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011).

All three ANSIs are located greater than 120 m from the limits of the study area and are

not considered a constraint to this study. In addition, no potential impacts to these

natural features are anticipated as result of the proposed undertaking (refer to Exhibit 8

for locations).

Earth Science ANSIs

The Regionally Significant Kinsale Raised Shoreline Earth Science ANSI is located

approximately 450 m south of the study area and is composed of drumlinized till plain

south of the Oak Ridges Moraine (NHIC, 2010). Much of this designated land had been

cleared for agricultural purposes (NHIC, 2010).

This ANSI is located greater than 120 m from the study area and therefore no potential

impacts to these natural features are anticipated as result of the proposed undertaking

(refer to Exhibit 8 for locations).

2.5.1.4 Provincial Parks

According to MNRF’s NRVIS Mapping (2011) and the Ontario Provincial Parks website,

there are no Provincial Parks or Conservation Reserves within the study area.

2.5.1.5 Conservation Areas

The Heber Down Conservation Area is located approximately 577 m south of the study

area. It contains 650 acres of valley lands, dry uplands and wet woodlands (NHIC,

2010). This Conservation Area also contains groundwater seeps and springs that

provide important groundwater recharge functions and specialized habitat for plant

species (NHIC, 2010; AECOM, 2010). This Conservation Area is located greater than

120 m from the study area and is not anticipated to be impacted by this study.

2.5.1.6 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

CLOCA undertook an Environmental Sensitivity Mapping Study prepared by Gartner

Lee Limited, to identify environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) in the CLOCA

jurisdiction in 1978 (CLOCA, 2008). Identified ESAs were classified into sensitivity

categories between high and low. ESAs with high and medium-high sensitivities are

30

highly sensitive to disturbance and are considered to contain greater ecological

significance. Several high sensitivity and medium sensitivity ESAs are present within the

study area, as illustrated in Exhibit 5. The medium sensitivity ESA correlates to the

boundary of the Oak Ridges Moraine which contains a major recharge area that may be

impacted by major alternations or changes in land use (CLOCA, 2008). Portions of the

Oak Ridges Moraine also contain significant wildlife habitat, significant forests and

significant terrain features that are identified as areas of high sensitivity (CLOCA, 2008).

The Region of Durham recognizes the highest levels of sensitivity (high and medium-

high) as worthy of protection. ESAs are also designated as key natural heritage and

hydrological features and part of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System as shown on

Schedule B (Map B1d) of the Region’s Official Plan (Region of Durham, 2015

Consolidation). Under Section 5.3.2.3 of the Town of Whitby Official Plan (2016

Consolidation), the Municipality requires an Environmental Impact Study (EIS)

developed in consultation with other authorities as appropriate for any development

proposed in or adjacent (120 m) to an ESA.

2.5.2 CLOCA Natural Heritage System

CLOCA has developed the Natural Heritage System (NHS) as a tool to manage

watershed resources in accordance with the Conservation Authorities Act, the Oak

Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) and the Greenbelt Plan (CLOCA, 2012).

The NHS can be used by Municipalities, Conservation Authorities and planning

authorities as support in the implementation of the Natural Heritage Section of the

Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) (CLOCA, 2012). CLOCA’s NHS is comprised of two

mapped components: the functional NHS and the Targeted Terrestrial NHS. The

functional NHS includes an existing connected system comprised of natural features

such as core habitat areas, corridors, riparian corridors, species-at-risk corridors,

wetlands (≥ 0.5 ha), woodlands (≥ 0.5 ha), PSWs and ANSIs (CLOCA, 2012). The

Targeted Terrestrial NHS identifies areas where to increase natural cover so as to

establish and meet natural heritage targets (forest cover, wetland and riparian targets)

set out in the Environment Canada’s “How Much Habitat is Enough, A Framework for

Guiding Habitat Rehabilitation in Great Lakes Area of Concern” (CLOCA, 2012). The

Targeted Terrestrial NHS is mainly used as a tool in watershed plans and for land

acquisition programs. The CLOCA Natural Heritage System for the study area is shown

on Exhibit 9.

31

Exhibit 9: CLOCA Natural Heritage System

32

2.5.3 Rare Species

According to the MNRF NHIC Rare Species database, a total of six rare species have

been recorded in the vicinity of the study area, including three bird species, one insect

species, one plant species and one fish species, as presented in Table 5 below. Rare

species include species with designations by the Committee on the Status of

Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), species listed as Species at Risk in

Ontario (SARO), as well as Provincially Ranked S1 (Critically Imperiled) to S3

(Vulnerable) species. Species listed as Threatened or Endangered under the

Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) receive individual and habitat protection.

Table 5: Rare Species Records

Taxonomic Group

Common Name Scientific Name S-Rank

1 COSEWIC2

ESA3 Last Date

Observed

Birds Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus S1 Endangered Endangered 1885

Birds Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus S2B Endangered Endangered 5/27/1977

Birds Henslow’s Sparrow

Ammodramus henslowii

SHB Endangered Endangered 8/11/1970

Fish Redside Dace Clinostomus elongatus

S2 Endangered Endangered 10/5/2000

Insect Pronghorn Clubtail Gomphus graslinellus S3 - - 6/23/1996

Plant Red Mulberry Morus rubra S2 Endangered Endangered 8/01/1894

Notes:

1 S-Rank: The natural heritage provincial ranking system (provincial S-rank) is used by the MNRF Natural Heritage

Information Centre (NHIC) to set protection priorities for rare species and natural communities. The following status definitions were taken from NatureServe Explorer’s (2015) National and Subnational Conservation Status Definitions available at http://explorer.natureserve.org/nsranks.htm:

SX - Presumed Extirpated—Species or community is believed to be extirpated from the province. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.

SH- Possibly Extirpated (Historical)—Species or community occurred historically in the province, and there is some possibility that it may be rediscovered. Its presence may not have been verified in the past 20-40 years. A species or community could become SH without such a 20-40 year delay if the only known occurrences in a province were destroyed or if it had been extensively and unsuccessfully looked for.

S1 - Critically Imperiled — Critically imperiled in the province because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the province.

S2-Imperiled—Imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the province.

S3 - Vulnerable—Vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.

S4 - Apparently Secure—Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

S5 - Secure—Common, widespread, and abundant in the nation or state/province.

SNR - Unranked—Province conservation status not yet assessed.

http://explorer.natureserve.org/nsranks.htm

33

SU - Unrankable—Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

SNA - Not Applicable — A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities.

S#S# - Range Rank —A numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate any range of uncertainty about the status of the species or community. Ranges cannot skip more than one rank (e.g., SU is used rather than S1S4).

Breeding Status Qualifiers

B - Breeding—Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species in the province.

N - Nonbreeding—Conservation status refers to the non-breeding population of the species in the province.

M - Migrant—Migrant species occurring regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. Conservation status refers to the aggregating transient population of the species in the province.

Note: A breeding status is only used for species that have distinct breeding and/or non-breeding populations in the province. A breeding-status S-rank can be coupled with its complementary non-breeding-status S-rank if the species also winters in the province, and/or a migrant-status S-rank if the species occurs regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. The two (or rarely, three) status ranks are separated by a comma (e.g., "S2B,S3N" or "SHN,S4B,S1M").

Other Qualifiers

? -Inexact or Uncertain—Denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank. (The ? qualifies the character immediately preceding it in the S-rank.)

2ESA Status: The Endangered Species Act 2007 (ESA) protects species listed as Threatened and Endangered on the Species at





NAR (Not at Risk) – A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk. 2 COSEWIC Status: COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) assigns a federal status

ranking for all species that it assesses. Rankings include:

END (Endangered) - A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction throughout its range.

THR (Threatened) - A species likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction

SC (Special Concern) - A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but does not include an extirpated, endangered or threatened species.

NAR (Not at Risk) - A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

DD (Data Deficient) - A wildlife species for which there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction.

3 ESA Status: The Endangered Species Act 2007 (ESA) protects species listed as Threatened and Endangered on the Species at





NAR (Not at Risk) – A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

It should be noted that two of these species were recorded within approximately the last

20 years within, or in the general vicinity, of the study area. These include the Redside

Dace (Clinostomus elongates) recorded in 2000, which is designated as Endangered

both provincially and nationally, and the provincially rare Pronghorn Clubtail (Gomphus

graslinellus) recorded in 1996. Redside Dace is a coolwater species generally found in

34

pools and slow flowing areas of small headwater streams with a moderate to high

gradient (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2010; COSEWIC 2007).

Overhanging grasses and shrubs, as well as undercut banks, are an important part of

their habitat, as are in-stream boulders and large woody debris (COSEWIC 2007). The

Pronghorn Clubtail is a relatively small (47 to 53 mm long) and brightly coloured

dragonfly that is usually found perching on open ground at the water’s edge of ponds,

lakes and slow-moving streams (Paseka, 2010).

The NHIC also identified the remaining species as historical records, all of which are

designated as Endangered both provincially and nationally. Species observed greater

than 30 years ago are considered highly unlikely to still occur in or the general vicinity of

the study area. Nonetheless, the habitats of these species are discussed below as

follows:

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) generally inhabits in early successional

habitats and requires a combination of grassland, cropland and brushy covers.

However, in Ontario it is more commonly found in cultivated agricultural fields

(COSEWIC, 2003a).

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) nests and forages in open habitats

including grasslands, sand-sage, pastures, agricultural areas and open woodlands.

In southern Ontario, the breeding population of this species is largely limited to

Lindsay, Kingston and Ottawa (COSEWIC, 2004).

Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is an area-sensitive grassland species

and mainly nests in large patches of tallgrass prairies, wet meadows, and marsh

habitats. Although rare in southern Ontario, they can be found in abandoned fields,

lightly grazed pasture and wet meadows (COSEWIC, 2011).

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) is a small, understorey tree that grows in moist,

deciduous forest including valleys, floodplains and sand pits in the Carolinian Forest

Zone in southern Ontario (Ambrose, 1987).

According to CLOCA 2013 Aquatic Species at Risk mapping (Conservation Ontario,

2013), Lynde Creek and its associated tributaries have been identified as having known

distributions of fish species designated as Extirpated, Endangered and/or Threatened

that are not currently on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), but are

anticipated to be added to Schedule 1. These species and their respective federal and

provincial conservation status rankings are identified in Table 6. Species listed in

35

Schedule 1 as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened receive protection under SARA

while species currently under consideration for listing on Schedule 1 do not. However,

development within Lynde Creek and its associated tributaries should treat these

species as if they may be added to Schedule 1 by the time that the proposed

undertaking is initiated (DFO, 2013).

Table 6: Species under Consideration for Listing on Schedule 1 of the Species at

Risk Act

Common Name Species Name S-Rank1 COSEWIC

2 ESA

3

American Eel Anguilla rostrata S1? Threatened Endangered

Redside Dace Clinostomus elongatus S2 Endangered Endangered

Silver Lamprey Ichthyomyzon unicuspis S3 Special Concern -

See Notes under Table 5.

A request was made to the MNRF for information regarding the presence of Species at

Risk occurring in or adjacent to the study area. The response received from the MNRF

(on January 15, 2013) indicated that there are records of six Species at Risk within the

Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area, including Butternut (Juglans cinerea), Redside Dace

(Clinostomus elongatus), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Eastern Meadowlark

(Sturnella magna), Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) and Bobolink (Dolichonyx

oryzivorus).

Butternut is designated as a nationally and provincially Endangered species. This tree

species commonly grows in deciduous forests with rich, moist, and well-drained soils

found along streams (COSEWIC, 2003b). Meanwhile, Bobolink is listed as a federally

and provincially Threatened species. Although historically this grassland bird species

preferred to breed in tall grass prairies, meadows and natural grassland, it is now more

commonly found in hayfields in southern Ontario (COSEWIC, 2010). Other Species at

Risk, including Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)

and Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) were also indicated to potentially occur in the

general vicinity of the study area. These additional species are all designated as

Threatened provincially and nationally and receive protection under the ESA. Therefore,

a permit may be required if the proposed undertaking could cause harm to any of these

abovementioned species or their habitat.

Based on rare species records collected by CLOCA in support of the 407 East EA

Natural Environment Field Investigation Report (Gartner Lee Limited, 2008) conducted

between May to July in 2003, 2006 and 2007, four provincially rare species, including

36

three Threatened species and one Special Concern species, were recorded in or within

the study area. These species include Bobolink, Barn Swallow, Eastern Meadowlark

and Canada Warbler.

Table 7 below provides an overall summary of all of the rare species records identified

through the background review and agency correspondence at the time of completion in

2014 for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area. A total of 12 Species at Risk records

were identified, including seven species listed as Endangered and five species listed as

Threatened under the ESA; these species receive individual and habitat protection

under the ESA. The remaining five species are listed as Special Concern under the

ESA and/or have provincial S-ranks of S1-S3; these do not receive protection under the

ESA.

Table 7: Rare Species Records within the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

Taxonomic

Group Common Name Scientific Name

Source S

Rank1 COSEWIC

2 ESA

3

Last Date

Observed

Birds Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus NHIC S1 Endangered Endangered 1885

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus NHIC S2B Endangered Endangered 5/27/1977

Henslow’s Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii

NHIC SHB Endangered Endangered 8/11/1970

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica OBBA; MNRF record

S4B Threatened Threatened N/A

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus NHIC S4B Threatened Threatened 6/15/2003

Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis OBBA; CLOCA record

S4B Threatened Special Concern

N/A

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica OBBA S4B Threatened Threatened N/A

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor OBBA S4B Threatened Special Concern

N/A

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna OBBA; NHIC; MNRF record

S4B Threatened Threatened 6/15/2003

Least Bittern Ixbrychus exilis OBBA S4B Threatened Threatened N/A


NHIC; MNRF record; CLOCA 2013 Aquatic Species at Risk mapping


American Eel Anguilla rostrata CLOCA 2013 Aquatic Species at Risk mapping

S1? Threatened Endangered N/A

Silver Lamprey Ichthyomyzon unicuspis

CLOCA 2013 Aquatic Species at Risk mapping

S3 Special Concern

Special Concern

N/A

Insects Pronghorn Clubtail Gomphus graslinellus NHIC S3 - - 6/23/1996

Plants Red Mulberry Morus rubra NHIC S2 Endangered Endangered 8/01/1894

Butternut Juglans cinerea MNRF record S2? Endangered Endangered N/A

Reptiles Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas

S3 Special Concern

Special Concern

N/A

See notes under Table 5.

37

2.6 Assessment of Natural Environment Constraints

Table 8 below summarizes the natural heritage features identified within the study area

through the review of secondary sources and their associated constraints to the

proposed undertaking. Natural heritage features including the Greenbelt Natural

Heritage System, the Oak Ridges Moraine, Regional Greenlands System, Locally

Significant Wetland and unevaluated wetlands, Significant Woodlands, Environmentally

Significant Areas, CLOCA regulated Areas, fish habitat, Species at Risk and species of

conservation concern were identified in the study area. The following natural heritage

features form medium to high levels of constraint to development as discussed below

(refer to Table 8):

High Development Constraint – Several mature woodlands identified by the Town of

Whitby Official Plan are present within the study area. The Town of Whitby considers

mature forest stands as areas of high ecological importance. These wooded areas

also provide important habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals and are

identified as key natural heritage or hydrological features by the Durham Region

Official Plan. Development in mature woodlands requires the preparation of a Tree

Preservation Plan under Section 5.3.7.1 of the Town of Whitby Official Plan. In

addition, development within 120 m of a key natural heritage or hydrological feature

requires an EIS to determine the appropriate vegetation protection zone under

Section 2.2.12 of the Durham Region Official Plan.

High Development Constraint – Environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) with high

and medium sensitivities to development have been identified in the study area. The

Region of Durham recognizes the highest levels of sensitivity (high and medium-

high) as worthy of protection. ESAs are also designated as key natural heritage and

hydrological features and part of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System of the

Region’s Official Plan (Region of Durham, 2015 Consolidation). Under Section

5.3.2.3 of the Town of Whitby Official Plan (2016 Consolidation), the Municipality

requires an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) developed in consultation with other

authorities as appropriate for any development proposed in or adjacent (120 m) to

an ESA.

High Development Constraint – The 100-year floodline of Lynde Creek and its

tributaries is a Regulated Area identified by CLOCA. Lynde Creek also contains

important fish habitat that supports both warm and coldwater fish communities,

which may also contain potential aquatic Species at Risk. Development within a

Regulated Area requires permit from CLOCA. Furthermore, any development within

38

fish habitat requires authorization from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

under the Fisheries Act.

High Development Constraint – Species at Risk listed as Endangered and

Threatened and their habitats have the potential to occur within the study area.

These species and their habitats receive protection under the ESA. A permit from

the MNRF may be required if development could destroy or cause harm to the

identified Species at Risk and its habitat. As such, field investigations focused on

identifying Species at Risk during subsequent project phases is recommended.

Medium Development Constraint – Species of conservation concern (S1 to S3) and

their habitats have the potential to be present within the study area. Although these

species are not protected under the ESA, the habitats of these species are

considered as Significant Wildlife Habitat which are identified as a key natural

heritage feature by the Region’s Official Plan and by the Provincial Policy Statement

(PPS) (2014). As such, field investigations focused on identifying species of

conservation concern during subsequent project phases is recommended. An EIS is

required if development is proposed in or on adjacent lands of a Significant Wildlife

Habitat.

Medium Development Constraint – Dagmar Wetland Station, a Locally Significant

Wetland, and several unevaluated wetlands occur within the study area. Dagmar

Wetland Station provides important winter cover for many wildlife species including

potentially rare species. For this reason, the Town of Whitby encourages the

conservation of this wetland (Town of Whitby, 1994). Unevaluated wetlands are also

identified as key natural heritage and hydrological features and part of the Greenbelt

Natural Heritage System (Region of Durham, 2008). Although these wetlands are

not protected under the PPS, development is prohibited in areas within 120 m of

wetlands greater than 2 hectares in size and areas within 30 m of wetlands greater

than 0.5 hectares in size unless an application for permission from CLOCA is

prepared and approved.

39

Table 8: Natural Heritage Features Constraint Summary

Natural Heritage Features

Identified in Study Area Function/Significance

Constraint

Level

Applicable

Policies Constraints to Development

Greenbelt Natural Heritage

System and Protected

Countryside

Portions of the study area fall within the

Greenbelt Plan.

Low Greenbelt Plan

(2017)

Development of major infrastructure servicing inter-

regional needs in the Greenbelt Natural Heritage

System is anticipated under Section 4.2; however,

all existing, expanding or new infrastructure are

subject to the regulations outlined in Section 4.2.1.

Regional Greenlands System Portions of the study area fall within the

Regional Greenlands System.

Low Durham Region

Official Plan

(2015

Consolidation)

Development in the Regional Greenlands System

must prove that there will be no negative effects on

key natural heritage or hydrological features or

their functions. Development proposals shall be

developed in accordance with the policies stated in

Section 10 of the Region’s Official Plan. Section 22

states a natural heritage evaluations is required for

development proposed adjacent to key natural

heritage or hydrological features.

Oak Ridges Moraine

Conservation Plan (ORMCP)

The study area falls within the ORMCP

and its various designations: Natural

Core Areas, Natural Linkage Areas,

Countryside Areas and Settlement

Areas.

Low -Medium ORCMP (2017) Development, such as transportation facilities, may

be authorized within key natural heritage features,

hydrological sensitive features and their related

minimum vegetation protection zones if proven that

there are no reasonable alternatives and that the

project must meet all of the requirements outlines

in Section 41.

Town of Whitby

Official Plan

Review (2016

Consolidation)

Development within the Oak Ridges Moraine is

subject to the policies of the Official Plan and to the

policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine Secondary

Plan (Section 5.3.4.6).

Species of Conservation

Concern

Species of conservation concern with a

provincial rarity ranking of S1 (Critically

Imperiled), S2 (Imperiled), S3

(Vulnerable) and Special Concern may

occur in the study area. Field

investigations are recommended to

confirm the presence of species of

conservation concern and identify

potential effects associated with the

proposed undertaking.

Medium Durham Region

Official Plan

(2008)

Habitat of species of conservation concern is

considered as significant wildlife habitat which is

designated as a key natural heritage feature. An

EIS is required for any development or site

alternation within 120 m of key natural heritage or

hydrological features to determine appropriate

vegetation protection zones (Section 2.3.16).

40



Constraint

Level

Applicable


Dagmar Station Wetland and

Unevaluated Wetlands

Designated by MNRF as Locally

Significant Wetland. This wetland

provides important ecological functions

and provides habitat for a diversity of

wildlife and plant species, some of

which may be rare species. The

Dagmar Station Wetland and

unevaluated wetlands located in the

study area is also identified as key

natural heritage and hydrologic features

in the Region’s Official Plan.

Medium - High Provincial Policy

Statement (PPS)

(2014)

Habitat of species of conservation concern is

considered as significant wildlife habitat which is

designated as a key natural heritage feature. An

EIS is required for any development or site

alternation in or on adjacent lands of key natural

heritage or hydrological features to demonstrate that

there will be no negative impacts on the natural

heritage feature or its ecological function (Section

2.1.4).

Durham Region

Official Plan

(2015

Consolidation)

An EIS is required for any development or site



vegetation protection zones (Section 2.3.16). Light

pollution abatement measures are encouraged and

outdoor lighting is to be directed away from key

natural heritage and/or hydrologic features and

their associated vegetative protection zones

(Section 2.2.12).

Ontario

Regulation

42/06 (2013

Consolidation)

Application for permission is required from the

Conservation Authority to develop in or within 120 m

around all Provincially Significant Wetlands and

ELC wetlands greater than 2 hectares and 30

metres around all ELC wetlands greater than 0.5

hectares (Section 3).

Mature Woodlands (Wooded

Areas)

Considered as areas of high natural

significance. These wooded areas also

identified as key natural heritage and

hydrological features in the Region’s

Official Plan.

High Durham Region

Official Plan

(2015

Consolidation)









(Section 2.2.12).

Town of Whitby

Official Plan

Review (2016

Consolidation)

All woodland areas are to be preserved through

the Region of Durham’s Tree-cutting By-law, in

accordance with the Trees Act. Development in

woodland areas requires the preparation of a Tree

Preservation Plan (Section 5.3.7.1).

41



Constraint

Level

Applicable


Environmentally Significant

Areas (ESAs)

High and medium sensitivity ESAs are

considered of high ecological

significance and function and may be

negatively impacted by development.

These areas are also identified as key

natural heritage and hydrological

features in the Region’s Official Plan.

High Durham Region

Official Plan

(2015

Consolidation)









(Section 2.2.12).

Town of Whitby

Official Plan

Review (2016

Consolidation)

Development in or within (120 m) an ESA requires

an EIS (Section 5.3.2.3).

Regulated Areas and Fish

Habitat

Lynde Creek floodplain is identified as a

hazard land in the Schedule A of the

Town’s Official Plan. The 100-year

floodline is a Regulated Area by

CLOCA. Lynde Creek is also identified

as key natural heritage and hydrologic

features in the Region’s Official Plan.

Lynde Creek also supports fish habitat

including coldwater stream systems that

may support sensitive fish species.

High Ontario

Regulation

42/06 (2013

Consolidation)

Development in or within Regulated Area including

the 100 year flood level and hazardous lands

requires an application for permission from the

conservation authority (Section 3).

Durham Region

Official Plan

(2015

Consolidation)









(Section 2.2.12).

Federal

Fisheries Act

(1986, Amended

2016)

Under Subsection 35(2), authorization by the

Minister of Fishes and Oceans Canada is required

to carry out work that may that results in the

harmful

alteration, disruption or destruction of fish

habitat.

42



Constraint

Level

Applicable


Species at Risk Species at Risk listed as Endangered

and Threatened federally and

provincially have been previously

recorded in the study area. Field

investigations are recommended to

confirm the presence of Species at Risk

and identify potential effects associated

with the proposed undertaking.

High Endangered

Species Act

(2007) (O.Reg

176/13)

Development in habitat of Species at Risk

designated as Extirpated, Endangered or

Threatened may require a permit or a notice of

activity through the Environmental Registry to the

Minister, a mitigation plan and compensation plan.

Provincial Policy

Statement (PPS)

(2014)

Habitat of endangered and threatened species is

considered as Significant Wildlife Habitat which is

designated as a key natural heritage feature and is

protected under the PPS. Development adjacent to

key natural heritage features is prohibited unless

demonstrated that no negative impacts on natural

features and their ecological functions will occur as

result of the proposed work (Section 2.1.6).

43

3. Brooklin TMP Study Area – Addendum to Descriptions of Existing Natural Environment

The following sections provide additional natural environment information for the

Brooklin TMP Study Area that were not previously documented in Section 2 as part of

the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area. In addition, in response to the comments

received from the Miller Planning Group pertaining to the preferred road alignment of

the mid-block arterial roadway, a desktop review to assess the feasibility of the

proposed suggestions to the alignment was completed. The details of the desktop

review and additional natural heritage information related to this study area are

provided in the following sections. This information was provided to the Town in support

of the response to Miller Planning, which is included in Appendix H.

3.1 Methods

The following secondary sources were used to update the natural environment

conditions based on the Brooklin TMP Study Area:

MNRF NRVIS mapping;

MNRF NHIC Rare Species and Natural Area Records;

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005);

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority reports, including Ecological Land

Classification mapping and flora and fauna records;

Watershed and subwatershed studies;

407 East Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) and Preliminary Design Study

(AECOM, 2010);

Transportation Master Plan Study;

Quaternary and surficial geological mapping from the Ontario Geological Survey

(OGS);

44

Bedrock geological mapping from OGS;

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Water Well Records;

MOECC Permit to Take Water (PTTW) Records;

Soils mapping from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs

(OMAFRA), as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; and

Source water protection and groundwater vulnerability mapping available from the

Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Plan.

It should be noted that correspondence with agencies (e.g., MNRF, Conservation

Authority, DFO) was not initiated for the portion of Brooklin TMP Study Area located

between Winchester Road and Taunton Road since there are no alternative solutions

proposed in this area. For the purposes of the mid-block arterial roadway, a

comprehensive background information review, including contacting agencies for

additional natural heritage data (e.g., ELC, flora and fauna records, rare species

records, etc.), should be completed for any future EA works.

3.2 Physical Environment

3.2.1 Physiography

The study area is situated within two (2), as mapped by Chapman and Putnam (1984);

the South Slope physiographic region; and the Iroquois Plain physiographic region. The

South Slope physiographic region dominates the majority of the study area north of

Winchester Road, whereas the Iroquois Plain physiographic region encroaches onto the

south portion of the study area limits.

The South Slope physiographic region is an area defined as the southern slope of the

Oak Ridges Moraine. Within the study area, the South Slope is comprised of a till plain

that contains drumlins in the southern portion. Streams typically flow down the slope

with minimal meandering in a generally southward direction, carving sharp valleys in the

surficial till sediments.

The Iroquois Plain is described as lowland bordering on Lake Ontario, representing the

historic shoreline of Lake Iroquois during the last glacial period. Permeable sands and

depositional features such as cliffs, bars, beaches and boulder pavements comprise

45

much of the northern portion of the region. Within the study area the Iroquois Plain is

dominated by sand plains and also transects a prominent beach landform.

3.2.2 Geological Conditions

3.2.2.1 Overburden Geology

The study area is underlain by thick successions of unconsolidated sediments, known

as overburden, deposited during the Quaternary Period. Overburden deposits within

the study area were laid down primarily by glacial lakes and the Laurentide Ice Sheet

during the Wisconsinan glaciation of the Pleistocene approximately 20,000 years ago.

The study area was subject to a complex glacial history resulting in extremely complex

stratigraphy in the overburden deposits.

Overburden thickness across the study area was assessed through a review of MOECC

water well record information. Based on this review, overburden thickness ranges

between approximately 0 m and 143 m, with an average thickness of about 37 m.

Surficial geology within the study area is reported by the Ontario Geological Survey

(2010) and shown on Exhibit 10 to consist of i) Modern alluvial deposits (clay, silt,

sand, gravel, and organic remains) within the Lynde Creek river valley and associated

tributaries, ii) clay to silt-textured till deposits that dominate the north portions of the

study area, iii) sandy silt to silty sand-textured tills within the central and southern

portion of the study area, iv) coarse-textured (sand and gravel) glaciolacustrine deposits

within the south portion of the study area and also occurring as isolated outcrops within

the northern portion of the study area, v) an isolated outcrop of ice-contact stratified

deposits of sand and gravel occurring in the northwestern portion of the study area

along Coronation Road south of Myrtle Road West, vi) fine-textured glaciolacustrine

deposits of silt and clay occurring in the northeastern portion of the study area, and vii)

organic deposits within the northwestern portion of the study area, associated with the

coarse-textured glaciolacustrine deposits.

46

Exhibit 10: Surficial Geology

47

3.2.2.2 Bedrock Geology

Regional bedrock geology was interpreted through the review of published bedrock

geology mapping (Hewitt, 1966 and OGS, 2011), bedrock topography mapping (Holden

et al., 1993), as well as the MOECC water well record information for locations within

the study area (MOECC, 2017).

According to the OGS (2011), the Blue Mountain Formation of Upper Ordovician age

underlies the study area. The Blue Mountain Formation is described as a dark blue-

grey to brown to black shale with thin interbeds of limestone or calcareous siltstone

(Armstrong and Dodge, 2007).

3.2.2.3 Soils and Agricultural Capability

Based on Canada Land Inventory Agricultural Capability Mapping prepared by the

MNRF, the majority of undeveloped portions of the study area consist of Class “1” and

Class “2” soils. These soil classes have the highest capability to support agricultural

land use activities.

3.2.3 Hydrogeological Conditions

3.2.3.1 Groundwater Use

Exhibit 11 depicts the approximate locations of the MOECC water well records for all

water supply wells within the study area and highlights the primary use of these wells. It

should be noted that location inaccuracies of recorded water well supplies do exist

within the MOECC Water Well Information System, from which the water well record

information was obtained. In considering the information provided herein, it should be

recognized that dug wells and sand point wells commonly are not registered in the

MOECC database and may account for a number of additional wells within and local to

the study area that are not reflected in the following discussion.

Review of the MOECC database has identified a total of approximately 1,727 well

records within the study area. A review of the water well records indicates that the wells

extend to depths ranging from approximately 3 m to 223 mBGS, and are primarily

completed within overburden sediments (57%).

48

Exhibit 11: MOECC Water Well Records

49

As shown in Table 9, available well records indicate that 55% of groundwater use in

study area is for domestic use, followed by monitoring or dewatering purposes (19%),

farm and agricultural use (4%), industrial / commercial use (3%), and municipal and/or

public supply (1%). Approximately 12% of MOECC water well records did not specify

the well use and therefore are classified as ‘Unknown’. Less than 4% of the MOECC

water well records indicate the well is not used, accounting for dry wells.

Table 9: Summary of MOECC Water Well Record Information

Primary Water Use Number of Well Records

Range of Well Depth (m)

Well Type

Commercial/Industrial 53 3 m to 89 m 45 Overburden, 5 Bedrock, 3 Unknown

Dewatering 158 3 m to 11 m 158 Unknown

Domestic 951 5 m to 223 m 777 Overburden, 52 Bedrock, 122 Unknown

Irrigation/Livestock 77 5 m to 100 m 66 Overburden, 5 Bedrock, 6 Unknown

Monitoring/Test Hole 174 2 m to 35 m 174 Unknown

Municipal/Public 27 8 m to 100 m 19 Overburden, 6 Bedrock, 2 Unknown

Not Used 86 1 m to 143 m 40 Overburden, 3 Bedrock, 43 Unknown

Other 2 3 m to 29 m 2 Unknown

Unknown 199 3 m to 166 m 41 Overburden, 8 Bedrock, 150 Unknown

3.2.3.2 Depth to Water Table

Depth to the water table was characterized by reviewing static water levels recorded in

available MOECC water well records. A total of 1,081 records were identified that

report a static water level. The static water levels within these well records range

between about 10 m above ground surface (artesian) and 47 m below ground surface.

Static water levels may fluctuate considerably in response to changes in precipitation

patterns, seasonal fluctuations, and local pumping within the aquifer.

The presence of organic deposits associated with coarse-textured surficial deposits may

indicate the occurrence of groundwater upwelling and/or seeps and springs within these

areas where the water table may be close to ground surface. In addition, where coarse-

textured deposits are confined by an overlying more impermeable deposit (i.e., clay to

silt-textured till) artesian groundwater conditions may exist.

50

3.2.3.3 Source Water Protection

The study area is within the Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Area. Within this

area, policies related to a list of prescribed activities, have been developed for the

purposes of protecting the municipal drinking water sources in this jurisdiction. As part

of the source water protection work, the vulnerability of these sources to a threat

presented by an activity that occurs on land has been assessed. The four types of

vulnerable areas that may have associated Source Water Protection Policies include:

Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (HVAs);

Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRAs);

Intake Protection Zones (IPZs); and

Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs)

According to the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region, and Central Lake Ontario (CTC)

Source Protection Plan (2015), there are no surface water or associated IPZ for

municipal purposes within the study area. In addition, there are no groundwater takings

for municipal purposes or associated WHPAs within the study area.

According to the Central Lake Ontario Assessment Report, HVA and SGRA do exist

within the study area and are associated with portions of the coarse-textured

glaciolacustrine deposits found within the study area. Activities within these vulnerability

areas are not considered to be a significant threat to municipal drinking water sources

and therefore do not have associated land use or activity policies.

Geomorphology

The Miller Planning reports primarily focus on natural environment and geomorphic

impacts. These criteria, as well as other criteria, will be considered as part of a future

EA. The geomorphology assessment ranks the creek crossings only, not the remainder

of the routes that were identified with each of the creek crossings, so potentially route

options could be improved with combinations of options.

The TRCA (2004) protocol requires that relic features be accommodated within the

defined meander belt width, which would result in the larger dimension identified by

Beacon Environmental (2016). GeoMorphix (2016) refer to the relic feature, formed

through an avulsion, in their historic assessment “This is a unique avulsion, as it

proves the channel is capable of making significant movements across the

51

floodplain”. However, they did not include it in their meander belt width delineation

(see Figures 1-3 in Beacon 2016 report).

In comparing the Beacon Environmental (2016) and GeoMorphix (2016) reports, no

100yr erosion rates appear to have been calculated by either of the consultant agencies

to reflect channel movement since the avulsion. It is also notable that, since the channel

has previously adjusted through avulsion, 100 yr erosion rates do not appropriately

characterise potential erosion risk. It is understood that a factor of safety (10% for L1

and L2, and 20% for L1-1 and L2-1) was added to the Geomorphix (2016) calculations,

whereas based on the information we have from the Beacon report, it is unclear

whether this was added to the meander belt width.

The erosion risk within the delineated meander belt width is related to the potential for

channel adjustment to occur within this zone in the future, as has been documented in

the past. The reach (L2) is characterized as being “In Adjustment”; therefore it would

appear prudent to account for this risk in the crossing design.

Beacon (2016) identifies the meander belt width to be wider than Geomorphix (2016) in

order to include the channel position prior to avulsion. As described above, this reflects

the TRCA (2004) protocol by taking into account historic channel positions. The

crossing length show in Figure 3 of the Beacon (2016) report is consequently larger. It

is noted that this crossing alignment is at a significant angle to the watercourse and

consequently longer than if it was perpendicular, as would typically be recommended.

The proposed crossing identified in Figure 1 (Beacon 2016 report) is on the downstream

end of a meander bend. Proposed crossings are not recommended at active meander

bends and better suited to straighter channel sections. However, the creek is highly

meandering therefore a straighter section is not available. It is also notable that this

crossing location is narrower, more perpendicular and outside of the zone of previous

channel avulsion, in comparison with Figures 2 and 3 (Beacon 2016 report). Crossings

should be located at locally stable sections of the channel away from active erosion,

which is difficult to identify from the information available.

As long as a crossing is built outside of the meander belt width, from a

geomorphological perspective there should be sufficient space for the watercourse to

adjust over time without adversely impacting the structure or the creek.

The second proposed crossing (Figure 2 of the Beacon report) is located at the

confluence of a tributary channel and the main channel. Confluences can be highly

52

dynamic and channel adjustment can be unpredictable – this area also exhibited

evidence of significant historic channel planform change. The crossing identified in

Figure 3 (Beacon 2016 report) is also longer and in the zone subject to previous

channel avulsion. The narrower, more perpendicular crossing illustrated in Figure 1

appears preferable in comparison to Figures 2 and 3.

The Candevcon report identified some potential issues with the 2010 TMP preferred

route Option K, including conflicts with Hydro towers, and potential conflict with the

existing St. Thomas Street/Anderson Street intersection. The proposed Mid-Block

Arterial corridor alignment has been refined from that shown in the November 2015

Options Report, and will continue to be refined, to mitigate conflicts with the natural

environment, the hydro corridor and recognizing MTO intersection spacing criteria.

3.3 Aquatic Environment

The Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area was contained entirely within the Lynde Creek

Watershed. The Brooklin TMP Study Area now overlaps small sections of Oshawa

Creek Watershed in the east, Pringle Creek Watershed in the southeast, and Goodman

Creek Watershed in the south. Correspondence with agencies (MNRF and DFO) were

not initiated for the Brooklin TMP Study Area. As such, the information provided in

Section 2.4 remains the same. However, it is recommended that these agencies be

contacted to confirm whether more recent fish records are available.

3.4 Terrestrial Environment

Correspondence with agencies (e.g., MNRF, CLOCA, DFO) was not initiated for the

portion of Brooklin TMP Study Area located between Winchester Road and Taunton

Road since there are no alternative solutions proposed in this area. For the purposes of

the mid-block arterial roadway, a comprehensive background information review,

including contacting agencies for additional natural heritage data (e.g., ELC, flora and

fauna records, rare species records, etc.) should be completed for any future EA works.

As such there is no additional information to be added to terrestrial environment other

than what is presented in Section 2.3.1 of this Report.

53

3.5 Natural Heritage Features

3.5.1 Designated Natural Areas

According to the MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011), the Brooklin TMP Study Area

contains Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), PSWs, and a Conservation

Area that were not present in the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area. These designated

natural areas are mapped on Exhibit 12.

3.5.2 Significant Wetlands

Provincially Significant Wetlands

The Provincially Significant Heber Down Wetland Complex and Provincially Significant

Whitby-Oshawa Iroquois beach Wetland Complex now occur within the extended limits

of the Brooklin TMP Study Area where they didn’t before in the Northwest Brooklin EA

Study Area (refer to Section 2.5.1.1 for descriptions of these PSWs). The locations of

these PSWs are shown on Exhibit 12 below. There are also additional unevaluated

wetlands located south of Winchester Road as shown on Exhibit 12.

The Provincially Significant Whitby-Oshawa Iroquois Beach Wetland Complex is located

in the vicinity of the mid-block arterial roadway and is further addressed in response to

Miller Planning Group’s comments in Appendix H. Three units of this PSW occur

immediately along Conlin Road in the vicinity of the intersection with Thickson Road.

There is a large wetland unit on the southeast quadrant of the Conlin Road / Thickson

Road intersection and a smaller unit occurs about 400 m east of Thickson Road on the

north side of Conlin Road. Another small unit occurs on the south side of Conlin Road

about 100 m west of Thickson Road.

Since PSWs are protected under the Provincial Policy Statement, all development

should avoid encroaching on a PSW. It appears that intrusion into this PSW could be

largely avoided if Conlin Road were only widened on the north side. However, the

east-most unit is immediately along the north side of Conlin and therefore, the widening

would have to occur on the south side to avoid this PSW in this area (refer to Appendix

H).

54

Exhibit 12: Natural Heritage Features for the Brooklin TMP Study Area

55

An Environmental Impact Study is required for any proposed development within 120 m

of a PSW, even if there is no proposed intrusion. Consequently the characteristics and

sensitivities of the wetland would need to be studied and the precise boundaries

confirmed. Mitigation measures would need to be recommended to prevent negative

impacts to the PSW. The MNRF is not always involved in developments adjacent to

PSWs, it is often left to Municipalities; however, if any intrusion is proposed, MNRF will

almost certainly review and be involved in the application. MNRF strongly discourages

any intrusion into PSWs, but where it is absolutely necessary an elaborate

compensation plan is typically required. In addition, according to the Ontario Regulation

42/16, development is prohibited in areas within 120 m of PSWs unless a permit is

issued by CLOCA.

3.5.3 Significant Woodlands

There are additional wooded areas located south of Winchester Road within the

Brooklin TMP Study Area, including mature woodlands as shown on Schedule C of the

Town of Whitby Official Plan.

3.5.4 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs)

Life Science ANSIs

According to the MNRF’s NRVIS mapping (2011), the Provincially Significant Candidate

Heber Down Iroquois Beach Life Science ANSI is now located in the Brooklin TMP

Study Area. It is an area of land and water representing significant geological and

biological features.

Earth Science ANSIs

The Regionally Significant Kinsale Raised Shoreline Earth Science ANSI is now located

adjacent to the Brooklin TMP Study Area’s western boundary and is composed of

drumlinized till plain south of the Oak Ridges Moraine (NHIC, 2010). Much of this

designated land had been cleared for agricultural purposes (NHIC, 2010).

3.5.5 Conservation Areas

The Heber Down Conservation Area is now located within the Brooklin TMP Study Area

(refer to Section 2.5.1.5 for description).

56

3.5.6 Rare Species

According to the MNRF NHIC Rare Species database (last query completed on May 24,

2017), a total of nine rare species have been recorded in the vicinity of the Brooklin

TMP Study Area, including five bird species, one insect species, one plant species, one

reptile species, and one fish species, as presented in Table 10 below. Rare species

include species with designations by the Committee on the Status of Endangered

Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), species listed as Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO), as

well as Provincially Ranked S1 (Critically Imperiled) to S3 (Vulnerable) species. Only

one new Species at Risk was identified for the Brooklin TMP Study Area that was not

identified previously in 2014 for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area (refer to Table 7

in Section 2.5.3), which was the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii).

Table 10: Rare Species Records – Brooklin TMP Study Area

Taxonomic

Group Common Name Scientific Name

S

Rank1

COSEWIC2 ESA

3

Last Date

Observed

Birds Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus S1 Endangered Endangered 1885

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus S2B Endangered Endangered 5/27/1977

Henslow’s Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii

SHB Endangered Endangered 8/11/1970

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus S4B Threatened Threatened 6/15/2003

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna S4B Threatened Threatened 6/15/2003



Insects Pronghorn Clubtail Gomphus graslinellus S3 - - 6/23/1996

Plants Red Mulberry Morus rubra S2 Endangered Endangered 8/01/1894

Reptiles Blanding’s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii S3 Endangered Threatened 6/17/2011

See notes under Table 5.

It should be noted that four of these species were recorded in or near the study area

within the last 20 years. These include Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), which is

designated as Endangered both provincially and federally, Blanding’s Turtle

(Emydoidea blandingii), which is designated as Endangered federally and Threatened

provincially, and Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryxivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella

magna), which are provincially and federally Threatened.

It should be noted that correspondence with agencies (e.g., MNRF, Conservation

Authority, DFO) was not initiated for the portion of Brooklin TMP Study Area located

between Winchester Road and Taunton Road since there are no alternative solutions

proposed in this area. The relevant agencies (MNRF, CLOCA, DFO) should be

contacted for Species at Risk records for any future EA works, both for the purposes of

57

the mid-block arterial roadway as well as to update Species at Risk information for the

Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area and Brooklin TMP Study Area.

3.5.7 Assessment of Natural Environment Constraints

Given that there are no proposed alternative solutions located south of Winchester

Road within the TMP Brooklin Study Area, an assessment of natural environment

constraints for the additional natural heritage features identified in Brooklin TMP Study

Area that were not previously documented in Section 2 as part of the Northwest

Brooklin EA Study Area was not required, with the exception of the Iroquois Beach

Provincially Significant Wetland Complex which is located in close vicinity of the mid-

block arterial corridor. Natural heritage constraints associated within this PSW for the

alignment suggested by the Miller Planning Group are identified in Appendix H.

Essentially, PSWs are protected under several higher and lower-tied Municipal planning

acts and other regulations, including the Provincial Policy Statement, Durham Region

Official Plan, Town of Whitby Official Plan and CLOCA’s Ontario Regulation 42/06

(2006, 2013 Consolidation) which prohibit development within PSWs. However,

development within 120 m of PSWs may be permitted provided that an Environmental

Impact Study is completed.

Several regulatory changes have occurred since completion of the 2014 report prepared

in support of the Northwest Brooklin Bypass Environmental Assessment (EA). These

are summarized below.

3.5.7.1 Fisheries Act Amendment

On November 25, 2013, amendments to the Fisheries Act came into effect whereby the

amendment combined the previous section 32 (killing of fish by means other than

fishing) and section 35 (prohibiting the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of

fish habitat) to the new prohibition that prohibits ‘serious harm to fish,’ which is defined

as “the death of fish, or any permanent alteration or destruction of fish habitat.” The

2013 amendment focuses the Act on protecting the productivity of recreational,

commercial and Aboriginal fisheries.

Along with the changes to the Fisheries Act, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO)

Habitat program was also changed to the Fisheries Protection Program (FPP). Under

this new program, a streamlined approvals process was created where-by applicants

are now able to self-assess their projects to determine if the DFO is required to review

the project. Potential applicants intending to perform work or activities that may affect

58

fish or fish habitat are encouraged to engage a Qualified Environmental Professional to

determine whether the proposed works near water requires a review by DFO. If the

project cannot avoid serious harm to fish and/ or fish habitat and is not included in any

of the types of waterbodies and/ or projects where DFO review is not required, a

Request for Review form must be submitted to DFO. These actions help ensure that no

serious harm to fish or fish habitat occurs and also satisfy all regulatory commitments as

issued under the FPP.

3.5.7.2 Species at Risk Status Updates

Species at Risk in Canada and Ontario are regularly reassessed by COSEWIC and

COSSARO, respectively. Of the species identified in Section 2.5.3, none of the

provincial statuses have changed since completion of the 2014 report. However, the

protection status under the ESA of species not identified in Section 2.5.3 were up listed

since the completion of this report, such as bat Species at Risk. In addition, one of the

species identified have had status changes at the federal level. Redside Dace is now

listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act. Therefore,

relevant agencies (i.e., MNRF, CLOCA, DFO) should be contacted for Species at Risk

records to update Species at Risk information provided below for any future EA study to

inform any permitting requirements under the ESA.

59

4. References

AECOM, 2010:

407 East Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) and Preliminary Design

Study. Prepared for Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

AECOM, 2017:

Brooklin Study – Transportation Master Plan. Prepared for the Town of Whitby,

May 2017.

Ambrose, J.D., 1987:

Status Report on Red Mulberry, Moris rubra, in Canada. COSEWIC. 21 pp.

Armstrong, D.D. and J.E.P. Dodge, 2007:

Paleozoic Geology of Southern Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey,

Miscellaneous Release - Data 219.

Birds Ontario, 2010:

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Regional Summaries. Website:

www.birdsontario.org/atlas. Accessed on May 6, 2013.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), 2006:

Lynde Creek Aquatic Resource Management Plant. February, 2006.


Draft – Central Lake Ontario Fisheries Management Plan. July, 2007.


Lynde Creek Watershed Existing Conditions Report. June, 2008.


Final Lynde Creek Watershed Plan. May, 2012.


Watershed Report Card.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, 2015:

Approved Updated Assessment Report Central Lake Ontario Source Protection

Area.

60

Chapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam, 1984:

The Physiography of Southern Ontario, Third Addition, Ontario Geological

Survey Special Volume 2, 270 pp.

Conservation Ontario, 2013:

2013 Aquatic Species at Risk. Website: http://www.conservation-

ontario.on.ca/projects/DFO.html. Accessed on May 6, 2013.

COSEWIC 2011:

COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Henslow’s Sparrow

Ammodramus henslowii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered

Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 37 pp.

COSEWIC, 2003a:

COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife

in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 20 pp.

COSEWIC, 2003b:

COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Butternut Juglans cinerea in

Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, 32

pp.

COSEWIC, 2004:

COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Loggerhead Shrike

excubitorides subspecies Lanius ludovicianus in Canada. Committee on the

Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 24 pp.

COSEWIC, 2007:

COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Redside Dace Clinostomus

elongatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in

Canada. Ottawa, 59 pp.

COSEWIC, 2010:

COSEWIC assessment and status report on Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus in

Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, 42 pp.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), 2013:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Website: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-

eng.htm. Accessed on May 6, 2013.

61

Dobbyn, S., 1994:

Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists. Don Mills.

Viii, 120 pp.

Gartner Lee Limited, 1994:

Lynde Creek Water Resource Management Strategy.

Gartner Lee Limited, 2008:

407 East Environmental Assessment – Natural Environment Field Investigations

Report. Prepared for Ministry of Transportation Ontario in association with

EcoPlans Limited.

Hewitt, D.F., 1966:

Paleozoic Geology of Southern Ontario. Map 2177, scale 1:1,000,000.

Holden, K.M, D. Mitchell and P.F. Karrow, 1993:

Bedrock Topography, Oshawa Area. Ontario Geological Survey. Preliminary Map

P.3192, scale 1: 50,000.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray,

1998:

Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its

Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science

Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), 2017:

Water Well Information System (WWIS) - Well Record Data Release. Version

2.08 (March 31, 2017).

Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), 2010:

Natural Area Reports. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Website:

http://nhic.MNRF.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm Accessed on May 6, 2013.

Oldham, M.J. and W.F. Weller, 2000:

Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources. Accessed May 6, 2013. Available:

http://nhic.MNRF.gov.on.ca/MNRF/nhic/herps/ohs.html

http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/herps/ohs.html

62

Ontario Geological Survey (OGS), 2010:

Surficial Geology of Southern Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous

Release- Data 128-REV.

Ontario Geological Survey, 2011:

Bedrock Geology of Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Release

Data, 126-Revision 1.

Ontario Geological Survey, 2011:

Surficial Geology of Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Release

Data.

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2005:

Greenbelt Plan. February 2005.


Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.


Provincial Policy Statement. March, 2005.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNRF), 2000:

Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. October 2000. 139 pp.


Ecological Land Classification Primer: Central and Southern Ontario. March,

2007.


Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Manual, 3rd Edition. December, 2010.


Natural Resources and Values Information System (NRVIS) mapping. Accessed

on July 2013.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), 2015:

Map: Well Records. Updated March 13, 2015. Accessed June 14, 2016.

http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-well-records.

http://www.ontario.ca/environment-

63

Ontario Provincial Parks Website, 2013:

Ontario Parks. Ministry of Natural Resources. Available at

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/locator.html. Access on May 13, 2013.

Paseka, J.M., 2010:

Nebraska dragonflies and damselflies. Accessed on May 7, 2013. Available at:

http://museum.unl.edu/research/entomology/Odonata/index.html

Region of Durham, 2015 Consolidation:

Durham Regional Official Plan. 2015.

Rowe, J.S., 1972:

Forest Regions of Canada. Department of the Environment, Canadian Forestry

Service Publication No. 1300. Ottawa.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNRF),

2010:

Ontario’s Species at Risk Website. Snapping Turtle. Website:

http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php. Accessed on May 8, 2013.

Town of Whitby, 2016 Consolidation:

Town of Whitby Official Plan. 2016.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/locator.html

http://museum.unl.edu/research/entomology/Odonata/index.html

Appendix C.1 Preliminary Hydrogeological Assessment Memorandum

AECOM300 300 Town Centre Boulevard 905 477 8400 telMarkham, ON, Canada L3R 5Z6 905 477 1456 faxwww.aecom.com

Memorandum

Memo_60278570_Nw Brooklin_Groundwater Impact

To Diana Addley Page 1

CC

Subject NW Brooklin By-Pass - Preliminary Groundwater Impact Assessment

From Erin Wilson

Date March 28, 2013 60278570

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide details on existing hydrogeological conditions presentwithin the study area for the Northwest Brooklin Transportation Class Environmental Assessment.This phase of investigation includes a preliminary desktop study to characterize existing geologicaland hydrogeological conditions, through a background review of current geological mapping, and todescribe potential groundwater impacts related to the project.

Results of the investigation are summarized in the attached table and the accompanied surficialgeology map. Approximately eleven (11) geological deposits are found at surface within the area ofinvestigation (see surficial geology map attached). Each surficial deposit has been described forimportant hydrogeological properties, such as estimated hydraulic conductivity, aquifer potential, andrecharge/discharge potential and potential impacts to groundwater quality and quantity (refer toattached table). The susceptibility to groundwater impacts from the proposed roadway for each of thesurficial deposit, as it relates to the different hydrogeological properties, is rated as Low-1, Moderate-2 or High-3. An overall impact rating was then calculated for comparison purposes. Surficial depositswith a high overall impact rating (e.g., 13-15) are considered to be more susceptible to groundwaterquality and/or quantity impacts than those rated with a low overall impact rating (e.g., 5-9). Theaccompanied groundwater impact map illustrates the results of the overall impact rating for eachsurficial deposit and highlights areas of potential high groundwater impact related to the constructionand operation of a new roadway.

Should you have questions please do not hesitate to contact myself at [email protected] or at905-477-8400 ext. 381.

Kind Regard,Erin Wilson

Northwest Brooklin By-Pass EAHydrogeological Desk Top StudyClassification of Surficial Sediments

Map ID Description

5dHalton Till - Glaciolacustrine-derived silty to clayey till

Low - Low hydraulic conductivity 1 Aquitard - low permeability sediments 1 Recharge - low recharge rates 1Low - low permeability sediments restrict movement ofcontaminants from surface to groundwater

1Low - groundwater table is expected to be high within thesesediments due to poor drainage, but dewatering is anticipated tobe low due to low conductivities of the till.

1 5

5bNewmarket Till - Stone-poor,carbonate derived silty to sandytill

Moderate - Newmarket till has a higherhydraulic conductivity than Halton tilland is known to contain highpermeability sand lenses.

2

Aquitard - sand lenses are small andcannot transmit large quantities ofwater. Poorly sorted sands are notideal aquifer units.

2 Recharge - low recharge rates 1Low - low permeability sediments restrict movement ofcontaminants from surface to groundwater

1

Moderate - groundwater table is expected to be high within thesesediments due to poor drainage, but dewatering is anticipated tobe low due to low conductivities of the till. Higher potential forimpact in isolated sand lenses that are local aquifers forresidential/private wells.

2 8

6 Ice-Contact stratified depositsHigh - high hydraulic conductivities areanticipated

3 Aquifer - Regional aquifer 3

Recharge - coarse textured sedimentsexposed at surface at high elevationsare considered regional recharge areas.Groundwater discharge may occurwithin the southern fringe of the OakRidges Moraine.

3

High - high permeability sediments at surface allows foreasy transmission of surface contaminants (e.g., roadsalt) to enter the groundwater. Therefore, long-termdecrease in groundwater quality from road saltapplications is anticipated.

3

High - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surface withinthe ORM (within 30 m). This may result in the need for dewateringduring construction of subsurface infrastructure. Temporary andlong-term decrease in groundwater discharge (quantity) to theheadwaters of Lynde Creek and tributaries from a reduction inlocal groundwater recharge.

3 15

7Glaciofluvial deposits (river anddelta deposits)

High - high hydraulic conductivities areanticipated in coarse grainedsediments.

3 Aquifer - local aquifer, limited in extent 2Recharge - coarse textured sedimentsexposed at surface at high elevationsare considered local recharge areas.

3

High - high permeability sediments at surface allows foreasy transmission of surface contaminants (e.g., roadsalt) to enter the groundwater. Long-term decrease ingroundwater quality from road salt applications

3

High - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surface inperched aquifer environments which may result in the need fordewatering during construction of subsurface infrastructure. Dueto the limited lateral extent of some glaciofluvial deposits atsurface, long term groundwater recharge may be reduced by thepaved surface of the proposed road.

3 14

8a, 8bFine-textured glaciolacustrinedeposits of silt and clay, minorsand and gravel

Low - Low hydraulic conductivity 1 Aquitard - low permeability sediments 1None - recharge and discharge ofgroundwater is minor in lowpermeability sediments

1Low - low permeability sediments restrict movement ofcontaminants from surface to groundwater

1Low - limited groundwater recharge associated with lowpermeability sediments therefore impacts associated with pavedsurfaces is negligible

1 5

9bCoarse textured glaciolacustrinedeposits - littoral-foreshoredeposits

High - high hydraulic conductivities 3Aquifer - local aquifer with limitedregional expanse

2Recharge - coarse textured sedimentsexposed at surface but are of limitedextent.

2


3

High - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surface inperched aquifer environments which may result in the need fordewatering during construction of subsurface infrastructure. Dueto the limited lateral extent of some glaciolacustrine deposits atsurface, long term groundwater recharge may be reduced by thepaved surface of the proposed road.

3 13

9c

Coarse textured glaciolacustrinedeposits - foreshore-basinaldeposits of sand and gravel,minor silt and clay

High - high hydraulic conductivities 3Aquifer - local aquifer with limitedregional expanse

3

Recharge - coarse textured sedimentsexposed at surface but are of limitedextent and therefore more susceptibleto impacts.

3


3

High - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surface inperched aquifer environments which may result in the need fordewatering during construction of subsurface infrastructure. Dueto the limited lateral extent of some glaciolacustrine deposits atsurface, long term groundwater recharge may be reduced by thepaved surface of the proposed road.

3 15

12 and 19Modern Alluvial depositscontaining clay, silt, sand andgravel

Moderate - High hydraulicconductivities are anticipated for sandand gravel deposits, low hydraulicconductivities are anticipated for siltand clay deposits.

2Aquifer - Limited expanse (localaquifer)

2

Discharge - Groundwater dischargeareas are typically in coarse grainedsediments within river valleys and/orlow topographic areas.

1

Moderate - sand and gravel at surface increasessusceptibility of groundwater to contamination.Groundwater discharges to surface water featurestherefore little potential for extensive aquifercontamination

2

Moderate - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surfacein river valleys and therefore construction dewatering isanticipated for subsurface infrastructure (e.g., bridgefootings/piers). No long term groundwater quantity impacts areanticipated due to bridges spanning over most of the alluvialdeposits, therefore not limiting groundwater recharge to thesesediments.

2 9

17 Eolian Deposits High - high hydraulic conductivities 3Aquifer - local aquifer with limitedregional expanse

3Recharge - coarse textured sedimentsexposed at surface but are of limitedextent.

3

High - high permeability sediments at surface allows foreasy transmission of surface contaminants (e.g., roadsalt) to enter the groundwater.• Long-term decrease ingroundwater quality from road salt applications.

3

High - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surface inperched aquifer environments which may result in the need fordewatering during construction of subsurface infrastructure. Dueto the limited lateral extent of some eolian deposits at surface,long term groundwater recharge may be reduced by the pavedsurface of the proposed road.

3 15

20 Organic depositsModerate - organic deposits can eitherbe low or high permeability soilsdepending on sand and clay content.

2NA - Organic Deposits are neitheraquifers nor aquitards

1

Discharge - organic deposits within thestudy area underlain by coarse-textured deposits are generallyindicative of groundwater dischargeareas

1Low - In groundwater recharge areas organic depositsare good attenuators of contamination

1

Moderate - Groundwater table is expected to be close to surfacein organic deposits and therefore construction dewatering isanticipated for subsurface infrastructure (e.g., bridges). Long termgroundwater quantity impacts may occur due to the removal oforganic deposits during construction or by the increase of pavedsurface.

2 7

level of Impactto Groundwater

Rating

Low 1Moderate 2High 3

Hydrogeological Properties Groundwater ImpactsGroundwater Impact

RatingConductivity Aquifer Properties Groundwater Quality SusceptibilityRecharge/Discharge Area Groundwater Quantity Susceptibility

Appendix C.2 Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005) Records for the

Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

Appendix B: Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005) Records for Northwest Brooklin Bypass EA Study Area

Common Name Scientific Name

Recordedwithinsquare17PJ66

Recordedwithinsquare17PJ67

Recordedwithin square

17PJ56

Recordedwithinsquare17P57

ProvinciallyRare

(SRANK)1COSEWIC2 ESA3 Habitat

Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum S5B ForestAmerican Black Duck Anas rubripes S4 MarshAmerican Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos S5B Forest, Open CountryAmerican Goldfinch Cardeulis tristis S5B Open CountryAmerican Kestrel Falco sparverius S4 Open CountryAmerican Redstart Setophaga ruticilla S5B ForestAmerican Robin Turdus migratorius S5B ForestAmerican Woodcock Scolopax minor S4B ForestBaltimore Oriole Icterus galbula S4B ForestBank Swallow Riparia riparia S4B Open CountryBarn Swallow Hirundo rustica S4B THR THR Open CountryBelted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon S4B MarshBlack-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia S5B ForestBlack-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus S5B ForestBlack-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus S5 ForestBlack-throated GreenWarbler Dendroica virens S5B ForestBlack-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens S5B ForestBlue Jay Cyanocitta cristata S5 ForestBlue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea S4B ForestBlue-winged Teal Anas discors S4 MarshBobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus S4B THR THR Open Country

Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterusForest

Brown Creeper Certhia americana S5B ForestBrown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum S4B Open CountryBrown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater S4B Open CountryCanada Goose Branta canadensis S5 Marsh, Open CountryCanada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis S4B THR SC ForestCedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum S5B ForestChestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica S5B ForestChimney Swift Chaetura pelagica S4B, S4N THR THR Open CountryChipping Sparrow Spizella passerina S5B ForestClay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida S4B Open CountryCliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota S4B Open CountryCommon Grackle Quiscalus quiscula S5B ForestCommon Nighthawk Chordeiles minor S4B THR SC Open CountryCommon Snipe Gallinago gallinago MarshCommon Yellowthroat Geothlyphis trichas S5B ForestCooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperi S5B ForestDowny Woodpecker Picoides pubescens S5 ForestEastern Bluebird Sialia sialis S5B Open CountryEastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus S4B Open CountryEastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna S4B THR THR Open CountryEastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe S5B Forest


Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio S4 ForestEastern Towhee Pipilio erythrophthalmus S4B ForestEastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens S4B ForestEuropean Starling Sturnus vulgaris SNA Open CountryEvening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus S4B ForestField Sparrow Spizella pusilla S4B Open CountryGadwall Anas strepera S4 MarshGolden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa S5B ForestGrasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum S4B Open CountryGray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis S4B ForestGreat Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus S4B ForestGreat Horned Owl Bubo virginianus S4 ForestGreen Heron Butorides virescens S4B MarshGreen-winged Teal Anas crecca S4 MarshHairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus S5 ForestHermit Thrush Catharus guttatus S5B ForestHorned Lark Eremophila alpestris S5B Open CountryHouse Finch Carpodacus mexicanus SNA Open CountryHouse Sparrow Passer domesticus SNA Open CountryHouse Wren Troglodytes aedon S5B ForestIndigo Bunting Passerina cyanea S4B ForestKilldeer Charadrius vociferus S5B, S5N Open CountryLeast Bittern Ixobrychus exilis S4B THR THR MarshLeast Flycatcher Empidonax minimus S4B ForestMagnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia S5B ForestMallard Anas platyrhynchos S5 MarshMarsh Wren Cistothorus palustris S4B MarshMourning Dove Zenaida macroura S5 ForestMourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia S4B ForestMute Swan Cygnus olor SNA MarshNashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla S5B ForestNorthern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis S5 ForestNorthern Flicker Colaptes auratus S4B ForestNorthern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis S4 ForestNorthern Harrier Circus cyaneus S4B MarshNorthern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottus S4 Open CountryNorthern Rough-wingedSwallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis S4B Open CountryNorthern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis S5B ForestOrchard Oriole Icterus spurius S4B ForestOvenbird Seiurus aurocapillus S4B ForestPied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps S4B, S4N MarshPileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus S5 ForestPine Warbler Dendroica pinus S5B ForestPurple Finch Carpodacus purpureus S4B ForestPurple Martin Progne subis S4B MarshRed-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis S5 ForestRed-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus S5B ForestRed-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis S5 ForestRed-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus S5 Marsh, Open Country


Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus SNA ForestRock Pigeon Columba livia S5Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus S4B ForestRuby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris S5B ForestRuffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus S4 ForestSavannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis S4B Open CountryScarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea S4B ForestSharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus ForestSong Sparrow Melospiza melodia S5B Open CountrySora Porzana carolina S4B MarshSpotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia S5 Open CountrySwamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana S5B MarshTree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor S4B ForestTurkey Vulture Cathartes aura S5B ForestUpland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda S4B Open CountryVeery Catharus fuscescens S4B ForestVesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus S4B Open CountryVirginia Rail llus limicola S5B MarshWarbling Vireo Vireo gilvus S5B MarshWhite-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis S5 Warbling VireoWhite-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis S5B ForestWild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo S5 ForestWillow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii S5B ForestWinter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes S5B ForestWood Duck Aix sponsa S5 ForestWood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina S4B ForestYellow Warbler Dendroica petechia S5B ForestYellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata S5B Forest

Notes: OBBA records and statuses were obtained in 2013 as part of background review for the Northwest Brooklyn Bypass EA Study Area


1 S-Rank: The natural heritage provincial ranking system (provincial S-rank) is used by the MNRF Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) to set protection priorities for rare species and natural

http://explorer.natureserve.org/nsranks.htm:

no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.

the past 20-40 years. A species or community could become SH without such a 20-40 year delay if the only known occurrences in a province were destroyed or if it had been extensively andunsuccessfully looked for.

vulnerable to extirpation from the province.

from the province.

extirpation.

is used rather than S1S4).

Breeding Status Qualifiers

the aggregating transient population of the species in the province.Note: A breeding status is only used for species that have distinct breeding and/or non-breeding populations in the province. A breeding-status S-rank can be coupled with its complementary non-breeding-status S-rank if the species also winters in the province, and/or a migrant-status S-rank if the species occurs regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots wherethe species might warrant conservation attention. The two (or rarely, three) status ranks are separated by a comma (e.g., "S2B,S3N" or "SHN,S4B,S1M").

3 ESA Status: The Endangered Species Act 2007 (ESA) protects species listed as Threatened and Endangered on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List on provincial and private land. TheMinister lists species on the SARO list based on recommendations from the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), which evaluates the conservation status of speciesoccurring in Ontario. The following are the categories of at risk:

factors are not reversed.

2 COSEWIC Status: COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) assigns a federal status ranking for all species that it assesses. Rankings include:

END (Endangered) - A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction throughout its range.THR (Threatened) - A species likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinctionSC (Special Concern) - A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but does not include an extirpated, endangeredor threatened species.NAR (Not at Risk) - A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.DD (Data Deficient) - A wildlife species for which there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction.

Appendix C.3 MNRF Fish Dot Records for the Northwest Brooklin EA Study Area

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME GRANK NRANK SRANK COSEWIC ORIGIN (Ontario) ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE GENERAL HABITAT THERMALREGIME TROPHIC CLASS SPAWNING

SEASON HABITAT Date of MNR Record NOTES

Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C July 22, 1974 fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity, siltation and organic enrichment

Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C July 22, 1974 hybrids are common, notably with creek chub, river chub, hornyhead chub,

fallfish, central stoneroller and rosyface shiner

Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C July 22, 1974 hybrids occur with redside dace, common shiner, longnose dace and central

stoneroller; tolerant of pollution

Eastern BlacknoseDace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravelly

substrate July 22, 1974

Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater detritivore/invertivore spring-summer

still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C July 22, 1974

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C July 22, 1974 tolerant of many organic and inorganic pollutants; avoids excessive

siltation and turbidity

Longnose Dace Rhinichthys cataractae G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring-summer

cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C July 22, 1974

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C July 22, 1974

Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater top carnivore spring rocky and vegetated shallows of lakes; clear pools of creeks and warm, small tomedium rivers; preferred water temperature 20.5°C July 22, 1974 intolerant of low dissolved oxygen (<3 mg/L); during the winter, species

inhabits deep water and remains in a condition of semi-hibernation

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C July 22, 1974 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with longnose sucker are reported

Northwest Brooklin - MNR Fish Records - Lynde Creek Watershed - Dot 3

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Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C July 23, 1974

hybrids occur with redside dace, commonshiner, longnose dace and central stoneroller;tolerant of pollution



Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides G5 N5 S5 - native/introduced common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater invertivore/carnivore springshallow lakes, bays, ponds, marshes and backwaters and pools of creeks and smallto large rivers, often with soft mud or sand substrate and dense aquatic vegetation;usually at depths <6 m; preferred water temperature range 26-30°C

July 23, 1974



COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME GRANK NRANK SRANK COSEWIC ORIGIN (Ontario) ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE GENERAL HABITAT THERMALREGIME

TROPHIC CLASS SPAWNINGSEASON

HABITAT Date of MNR Record NOTES

Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C

July 23, 1974fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity,siltation and organic enrichment


hybrids occur with redside dace, common shiner,longnose dace and central stoneroller; tolerant ofpollution

Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore springruns and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate

July 23, 1974

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C

July 23, 1974tolerant of many organic and inorganicpollutants; avoids excessive siltation andturbidity


cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C

July 23, 1974

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C

July 23, 1974






Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C July 23, 1974 fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity,

siltation and organic enrichment

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C July 23, 1974

amphidromous populations occur inHudson Bay; Great Lakes populations thatforage in the lakes and spawn in tributariesare known as "coasters"; hybrids withBrown Trout called "tiger trout", whilehybrids with Lake Trout called "splake"

Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore springruns and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate July 23, 1974



Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C July 23, 1974

Northern Red-bellyDace Chrosomus eos G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater invertivore/planktivore spring-

summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water July 23, 1974

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C July 23, 1974 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with

longnose sucker are reported








Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate July 23, 1974


still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C July 23, 1974











Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C 1996


Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate July 23, 1974

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C 1996

tolerant of many organic and inorganicpollutants; avoids excessive siltation andturbidity


cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C 1996

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C 1996

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C 1996

evidence of fall spawning in some GeorgianBay tributaries; indigenous to western NorthAmerica; anadromous life-strategy for GreatLakes stocks, although entirely freshwater

Stonecat Noturus flavus G5 N4 S4 - native common tolerant riverine warmwater invertivore/carnivore summer cobble and boulder riffles and runs of creeks and small to large rivers, and gravelshoals of lakes; preferred water temperature 25.1°C 1996

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C 1996 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with







Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C October 23, 1992


Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate October 23, 1992

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C October 23, 1992 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with











cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C October 23, 1992

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C October 23, 1992







Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater water columninsectivore

springsummer

vegetated lake margins and ponds; clear, vegetated, quiet to flowing pools andbackwaters of creeks and small rivers; occasionally brackish water; preferred watertemperature 21.3°C

October 22, 1992 tolerant of low dissolved oxygen



Eastern BlacknoseDace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore spring

runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate October 22, 1992


still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C October 22, 1992


summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water October 22, 1992






Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C October 22, 1992












Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C October 22, 1992






Eastern Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus G5 N5 S5 - native uncommon intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore springruns and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate July 29, 1994

Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C July 29, 1994 fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity,


Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C July 29, 1994

hybrids are common, notably with creekchub, river chub, hornyhead chub, fallfish,central stoneroller and rosyface shiner



Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C July 29, 1994




Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C July 29, 1994

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C July 29, 1994




Northwest Brooklin - MNR Fish Records- Lynde Creek Watershed - Dot 22













Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides G5 N5 S5 - native/introduced common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater invertivore/carnivore spring

clear, warm, shallow lakes, bays, ponds, marshes and backwaters and pools ofcreeks and small to large rivers, often with soft mud or sand substrate and denseaquatic vegetation; usually at depths <6 m; preferred water temperature range 26-30°C

July 21, 1999high water temperature (36.5°C) and arange of pH (5-10); moderately tolerant ofturbidity




Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbesus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine warmwater invertivore/carnivore spring-summer

warm, shallows of lakes and ponds, quiet, pools of creeks and small rivers, withaquatic vegetation and organic debris; preferred water temperature range 22-30°C July 21, 1999



Slimy Sculpin Cottus cognatus G5 N5 S5 - native common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring gravelly, rocky riffles of cold streams and rocky substrates in deep (37-108 m), coolerwaters of lakes; preferred water temperature range 9-14°C July 26, 1996

hybrids with Mottled Sculpin are reportedfrom Lake Ontario; often occurs in BrookTrout streams









runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate August 21, 2000

Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C August 21, 2000



still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C August 21, 2000

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C August 21, 2000



summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquatic

vegetation; usually stained water August 21, 2000


warm, shallows of lakes and ponds, quiet, pools of creeks and small rivers, withaquatic vegetation and organic debris; preferred water temperature range 22-30°C August 21, 2000

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C August 21, 2000 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with







Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C May 30, 1997 fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity,


Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C

July 27, 1995May 30, 1997


Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C

July 27, 1995May 30, 1997



substrateJuly 27, 1995May 30, 1997

Fantail Darter Etheostoma flabellare G5 N3N4 S4 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring rocky riffles of creeks and small to medium rivers with deep pools and slow tomoderate currents; preferred water temperature 22.4°C May 30, 1997

fractional spawner; intolerant of intermittentflow; less sensitive to siltation than otherdarters


July 27, 1995May 30, 1997




July 27, 1995May 30, 1997


July 27, 1995May 30, 1997

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C

July 27, 1995May 30, 1997







Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C August 8, 1997









cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C August 8, 1997

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C August 8, 1997

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C August 8, 1997

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C August 8, 1997


Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intermediate lacustrine marine coolwater herbivore/detritivore(carnivore) spring

feeding adults in open waters of lakes and large rivers; ammocoetes inhabit flowingareas of streams, burrowing in sandy silt substrates; preferred water temperature

range 6-15°CAugust 8, 1997

anadromous life-strategy within nativerange; indigenous to Atlantic coast; adultsparasitic and semelparous; prey includeswhitefish and trout









springsummer


September 18, 1999 tolerant of low dissolved oxygen

Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C September 18, 1999



runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate September 18, 1999


still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C September 18, 1999

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C September 18, 1999



cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C September 18, 1999


summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water September 18, 1999

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C September 18, 1999


White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C September 18, 1999 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with








runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate June 25, 2001

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C June 25, 2001



cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C June 25, 2001

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C June 25, 2001

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C June 25, 2001

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C June 25, 2001










substrate August 27, 2000




summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water August 27, 2000













summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water August 12, 2000



Redside Dace Clinostomus elongatus G3G4 N3 S2 Endangered native rare intolerant riverine coolwater invertivore springpools and slow-moving sections of relatively small (<10 m width), clear, cool, streamswith sand or gravel bottoms , riffle/pool habitat and overhanging vegetation; preferredwater temperature range 14-23°C

August 12, 2000

sensitive to turbidity and removal of riparianvegetation; presently restricted to relativelyundisturbed headwaters of many streamswhere it was once widespread; use as baitprohibited





Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C October 5, 2000 hybrids occur with redside dace, common shiner, longnose dace and central



substrate October 5, 2000


still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C October 5, 2000


summerlakes, bogs, ponds and pools of creeks with organic substrates and aquaticvegetation; usually stained water October 5, 2000


October 5, 2000sensitive to turbidity and removal of riparian vegetation; presently restrictedto relatively undisturbed headwaters of many streams where it was oncewidespread; use as bait prohibited





Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C August 27, 2000 hybrids occur with redside dace, common shiner, longnose dace and central







August 27, 2000sensitive to turbidity and removal of riparian vegetation; presently restrictedto relatively undisturbed headwaters of many streams where it was oncewidespread; use as bait prohibited

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C August 27, 2000 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with longnose sucker are reported











substrate October 5, 2000

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C October 5, 2000



White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C October 5, 2000 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with














cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C August 27, 2000









Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native common tolerant lacustrine riverine warmwater generalist summer sand and gravel bottomed shallows of clear lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds; preferredwater temperature 29°C

July 29, 1994May 30, 1997

fractional spawner; tolerant of turbidity,siltation and organic enrichment


springsummer


August 1, 1993tolerant of low dissolved oxygen

Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C

August 1, 1993July 29, 1994July 27, 1995May 30, 1997

September 24, 1997September 11, 1998


Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C

August 1, 1993July 29, 1994

August 27, 1995May 30, 1997




runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate



Fantail Darter Etheostoma flabellare G5 N3N4 S4 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring rocky riffles of creeks and small to medium rivers with deep pools and slow tomoderate currents; preferred water temperature 22.4°C May 30, 1997

fractional spawner; intolerant of intermittentflow; less sensitive to siltation than otherdarters












Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C


September 24, 1997


Stonecat Noturus flavus G5 N4 S4 - native common tolerant riverine warmwater invertivore/carnivore summer cobble and boulder riffles and runs of creeks and small to large rivers, and gravelshoals of lakes; preferred water temperature 25.1°C September 24, 1997

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C

August 1, 1993July 29, 1994

September 11, 1998very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids withlongnose sucker are reported






American BrookLamprey Lethenteron appendix G4 N3N4 S3 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coldwater herbivore spring

adults in gravel/sand riffles and runs of creeks and small- to medium-sized rivers with strongflow and clear waters; ammocoetes in sandy or silty pools; preferred water temperature range 9-12°C

May 9, 2001 adults nonparasitic and semelparous; sensitiveto pollution and turbidity

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C May 9, 2001


Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine warmwater invertivore/herbivore/carnivore spring

pools and sluggish runs over sand to mud substrates in creeks and rivers,impoundments, ponds and lake embayments; preferred water temperature range 26-30°C

May 9, 2001

tolerant of pollution, low dissolved oxygen(0.2 mg/L) and high water temperature(36°C); moderately tolerant of turbidity;reported to hybridize with Black Bullhead

Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C May 9, 2001



runs and pools of clear, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small rivers with gravellysubstrate May 9, 2001

Horneyhead Chub Nocomis biguttatus G5 N4 S4 Not at Risk native/introduced common intermediate riverine coolwater inventivore/herbivore spring-summer

pools and runs of clear, slow-flowing, gravelly small- to medium-sized streams, oftentributary to larger rivers May 9, 2001

bait-bucket introductions have expandedrange in Ontario; moderately intolerant ofturbidity

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C May 9, 2001



cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C May 9, 2001

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C May 9, 2001

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum G5 N3 S4 - native uncommon intolerant riverine coolwater insectivore spring fast-flowing gravel and cobble riffles of clear creeks and small to medium rivers;preferred water temperature 19.8°C May 9, 2001

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C May 9, 2001


White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C May 9, 2001 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with







Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C May 2, 2001



still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C May 2, 2001


cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C May 2, 2001

White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C May 2, 2001 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with







Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate riverine coolwater generalist spring pools near riffles in clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers; nearshore in clear-water lakes; preferred water temperature 21.9°C June 26, 2001


Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C June 26, 2001



substrate June 26, 2001








vegetation; usually stained water June 26, 2001





June 26, 2001


White Sucker Catostomus commersonii G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant lacustrine riverine coolwater generalist spring pools and riffles of creeks and rivers, warm shallow lakes and embayments of larger lakesusually at depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C June 26, 2001 very tolerant of polluted waters; hybrids with












still waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and small rivers with muddy substrate; preferredwater temperature range 23-29°C June 25, 2001











June 28, 2001 adults nonparasitic and semelparous; sensitiveto pollution and turbidity











warm, shallows of lakes and ponds, quiet, pools of creeks and small rivers, withaquatic vegetation and organic debris; preferred water temperature range 22-30°C June 28, 2001












springsummer


June 28, 2001 tolerant of low dissolved oxygen








Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C August 10, 2001














springsummer










warm, shallows of lakes and ponds, quiet, pools of creeks and small rivers, withaquatic vegetation and organic debris; preferred water temperature range 22-30°C June 7, 2001





June 7, 2001










springsummer





















vegetation; usually stained water August 16, 2001


August 16, 2001







Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C -


Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus G5 N5 S5 - native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist spring pools of clear creeks and small rivers; rare in lakes and large rivers; preferred watertemperature 20.8°C -


Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coolwater benthic insectivore spring sandy, muddy, sometimes rocky, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; sandyshores of lakes; preferred water temperature 22.8°C -



cobble, boulder or gravel riffles of clean, cool, swiftly-flowing creeks and small tomedium rivers, and rocky shores of lakes; preferred water temperature range 13-21°C -

Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdi G5 N5 S5 - native common intermediate lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore spring cobble and gravel riffles of cool creeks, small rivers and rocky shores of lakes (<16 mdeep); preferred water temperature range 13-18°C -

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss G5 N5 S5 - introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore spring mid-waters of lakes; creeks and rivers with moderate flow, gravelly bottoms and riffle-pool habitat; preferred water temperature range 12-18°C -












vegetation; usually stained water July 6, 2001








June 12, 2001 adults nonparasitic and semelparous; sensitiveto pollution and turbidity

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C June 12, 2001










Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C June 4, 2001









August 14, 2001 adults nonparasitic and semelparous; sensitiveto pollution and turbidity

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis G5 N5 S5 Not at Risk native/introduced common intolerant lacustrine riverine coldwater invertivore/carnivore fall cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with maximum watertemperature less than 22°C; preferred water temperature range 13-17°C August 14, 2001











hybrids occur with redside dace, commonshiner, longnose dace and central stoneroller;tolerant of pollution








Table created using data from The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database (http://www.fishdb.ca/home.htm) accessed May 20, 2013

GH: Possibly Extinct; missing; known from only historical occurrences but still some hope of rediscovery.


COSEWIC Status: Species designation assigned by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.Extinct (X): A wildlife species that no longer exists.Extirpated (XT): A wildlife species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere.Endangered (E): A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.Threatened (T): A wildlife species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.Special Concern (SC): A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threatsNot at Risk (NAR): A wildlife species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction given the current circumstances.Data Deficient (DD): A wildlife species for which there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction.

GRank (Global Rank): Global conservation status ranks are assigned by NatureServe scientists with input from relevant natural heritage member programs and experts on particular taxonomic groups. These ranks reflect an assessment of the condition of the species across its entire range.

GX: Presumed Extinct; not located despite intensive searches and virtually no likelihood of rediscovery.

NX: Presumed Extirpated; species is believed to be extirpated from the nation. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.

G1 : Critically Imperiled; at very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.

G2: Imperiled; at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.

G3 : Vulnerable; at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.

G4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

G5 : Secure; common, widespread, and abundant.

G#G# : Range Rank; a numeric range rank is used to indicate the range of uncertainty in the status of a species.

GU: Unrankable; currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

GNR : Unranked; global rank not yet assessed.

GNA: Not Applicable; a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities (i.e., hybrid).

? : Inexact Numeric Rank; denotes inexact numeric rank (e.g., G2?).

NRank (National Rank): National conservation status ranks in Canada are assigned similar to global ranks. The condition of a species can vary from one country to another, and national conservation status ranks document its condition in a particular country.

SRank (Subnational Rank): Subnational conservation status ranks are assigned for Ontario by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) to set protection priorities for rare species.

NH : Possibly Extirpated; species occurred historically in the nation, and there is some possibility that it may be rediscovered. Its presence may not have been verified in the past 20-40 years

N1: Critically Imperiled; critically imperiled in the nation because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation.

N2: Imperiled; imperiled in the nation because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation.

N3: Vulnerable; vulnerable in the nation due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.

N4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

N5 : Secure; common, widespread and abundant in the nation.

NNR: Unranked; national conservation status not yet assessed.

NU: Unrankable; currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

NNA : Not Applicable; a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities (i.e., exotic or hybrid).

N#N# : Range Rank; a numeric rank is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the status of the species.

?: Inexact or Uncertain; denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank.

?: Inexact or Uncertain; denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank.

SX: Presumed Extirpated; species is believed to be extirpated from the province. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.

SH: Possibly Extirpated; species occurred historically in the province, and there is some possibility that it may be rediscovered. Its presence may not have been verified in the past 20-40 years.

S1 : Critically Imperiled; critically imperiled in the province because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation.

S2: Imperiled; imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation.

S3: Vulnerable; vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.

S4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

S5 : Secure; common, widespread and abundant in the province.

SNR: Unranked; provincial conservation status not yet assessed.

SU : Unrankable; currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

SNA: Not Applicable; a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities (i.e., exotic or hybrid).

S#S#: Range Rank; a numeric rank is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the status of the species.


appendix c natural environment report - town of whitby · 2017-11-27 · natural resources and...

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