Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan Public Information Session 1 03.25.2014
Meeting Agenda 1. Project Introduction Property History Current Use Master Plan Process 2. Draft Vision Goals and Objectives 3. Draft Management Zones 4. Discussion 5. Next Steps
Project Introduction: Watershed Context AHCA: 495 hectares (1223 acres) Located in Peel Region in the Town of Caledon Confluence of Centreville Creek and the Main Humber Natural Core Moraine
Project Introduction: Site Location Proximity to: Palgrave Bolton Caledon East Orangeville Brampton Toronto 1.2 km 9 km 9 km 24 km 24 km 55 km
Project Introduction: Watershed Context 100km Trade Area 8.8 Million Residents Albion Hills Albion Hills 100km trade area (Environics Analytics, 2014)
History of Albion Hills Conservation Area (AHCA, 1954) (AHCA, 1999)
Project Introduction: 1950 s Property open: 1955 Plan for Development (1956): - Basic infrastructure - Reforestation Began - Albion Dam built - Demonstration farm
Project Introduction: 1960 s Albion dam rebuilt: 1964 Beach center constructed Reforestation continues
Project Introduction: 1970 s The Chalet is built: 1973 Camping permitted: 1979 Reforestation continues
Project Introduction: 1980 s Watershed Plan: 1980 - Included a recreation concept plan - Two features highlighted: 1. Beach (Summer) 2. Chalet (Winter) - Formalized the existing and previously proposed uses - Agricultural activities reinforced
Project Introduction: 1990 s - Present 40km of multiuse trail (Updated 2009) Water play facility and change rooms (2009) 234 Campsites, 10 picnic sites Two outdoor education facilities Albion Hills Community Farm 120,000 annual visitors
Project Introduction: Cultural Heritage Considered high potential for archeological findings Currently 8% of the Site has been surveyed since 1973 Findings include: - stone tools - remnants from stone tool making
Project Introduction: Natural Heritage 119 vegetation types incl. 45 wetlands 64% total property forested 12 reptile and amphibian species on site (spotted salamander and spotted newt) Heronry onsite, Broad winged hawk Habitat Patch Quality (TRCA 2009)
Project Introduction: Aquatics Extensive system of watercourses, wetlands and a major online pond. Intermediate Riverine Coldwater and Small Riverine Coldwater systems 28 Species of fish have been documented on site. Most recently 24 of the historical 28 have been captured. (Albion Hills Wetland)
Project Introduction: Restoration Opportunities TRCA staff developed a Restoration Opportunities Plan (ROP) ROP S identified throughout AHCA and prioritized (TRCA ROP, 2014)
Master Plan Initiation: October 25 th, 2013 Resolution 169/13 was adopted: That staff develop an Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan That staff establish an Advisory Committee. To facilitate the opportunity for public input AND FURTHER THAT the draft Master Plan be submitted to the Authority for approval.
Master Plan Deliverables and Timelines Planning Phase Phase One: Project Initiation Phase Two: Component Development Phase Three: Project Finalization Deliverable & Timelines Development of Site Securement and Protection Plan, Background Report, and Draft Vision Goals and Objectives. (September 2013- March 2014)- COMPLETED Develop Management Zones, Trail Plan, Public Use and Facilities Plan and Conduct Public Consultation. (April 2014 October 2014)- ONGOING Develop Management Recommendations, Implementation Schedule and Budget, and Obtain Municipal, Partner, and TRCA Board Endorsement. (November 2014- March 2015)- ONGOING
Draft Vision, Goals, Objectives
Draft Vision As Ontario s first active Conservation Park, Albion Hills Conservation Area will build on the heritage of the Humber River watershed and the landscape experiences within the Oak Ridges Moraine to provide a hub for the best in outdoor recreation and learning activities in the Greater Toronto Area. (Major interregional trail systems in the Albion Hills vicinity)
Draft Goals Healthy Rivers and Shorelines: Goal: Management of AHCA in a manner that protects and showcases the water features on the property Objectives: That programming and activities on the site highlight the property s many water features including Centreville Creek, the Main Humber, and the large number wetlands on site. That a comprehensive and innovative strategy be employed for managing the water resources on site.
Draft Goals Greenspace and Biodiversity: Goal: To protect a robust and resilient green space system that integrates the natural, cultural and agricultural heritage of the site and the surrounding area. Objectives: That activities on the property promote and build on the Natural, Cultural and Agricultural heritage of the site and the surrounding area. That the property s natural environments and functions continue to be protected as habitat for plant and animal species on site and the surrounding area.
Draft Goals Greenspace and Biodiversity (Continued): Goal: To protect a robust and resilient green space system that integrates the natural, cultural and agricultural heritage of the site and the surrounding area. Objectives: That suitable agricultural lands on the property continue to be protected for locally sourced and healthy food production. That site-appropriate restoration activities be implemented with an aim to reverse impairments that may have been made to the hydrology, natural cover, landform or target species habitat of the site or surrounding area.
Draft Goals Sustainable Communities: Goal: As an integrated and accessible community resource, Albion Hills Conservation Area contributes to developing a strong, vibrant and healthy community through a balanced management approach Objectives: That operations within AHCA work with the community to develop and build on a sense of stewardship within the area. That programming and activities on the property provide nature based experiences for a broad number of individuals within the Greater Toronto Area, including those who are new to outdoor experiences and those who have a long standing relationship with the outdoors.
Draft Goals Sustainable Communities (Cont d): Goal: As an integrated and accessible community resource, Albion Hills Conservation Area contributes to developing a strong, vibrant and healthy community through a balanced management approach Objectives: That programming and activities on the property take into account and adapt to major challenges acting on the region including climate change and a shifting and growing demographic. That new developments within AHCA take advantage of green building technologies, sustainable infrastructure and site design.
Draft Goals Business Excellence, a Green Economy and Responsive Governance: Goal: That activities and operations within AHCA are developed within a sustainable business model that builds on partnerships to ensure high value to the community Objectives: That successful partnerships for the ongoing operation and development of AHCA be strengthened and that new partnerships for future programming and operations be investigated. That an entrepreneurial approach be developed in the management of the property.
Draft Goals Business Excellence, a Green Economy and Responsive Governance (Cont d): Goal: That activities and operations within AHCA are developed within a sustainable business model that builds on partnerships to ensure high value to the community Objectives: That programs, facilities and operations on the site are provided with the resources needed to ensure optimal function and ongoing success.
Draft Management Zones
Draft Management Zones Nature Reserve Natural Environment Public Use Cultural Heritage Agricultural Lease Residential Lease Education Operations Restoration
Nature Reserve Management Zones (TRCA Wetland) (Example of interpretive feature, TRCA)
Natural Environment Management Zones (AHCA ski trail) (Mountain biking trail)
Public Use Management Zones (TRCA splash pad) (AHCA camping)
Cultural Heritage Management Zones (Example of TRCA archeology excavation) (Example of potential archeological findings)
Agricultural Lease Management Zones (Community supported agriculture produce) (Community gardens)
Residential Leases Management Zones (AHCA rental property)
Education Management Zones (Activity area for TRCA education centres) (TRCA Education Centre)
Operations Management Zones (TRCA staff vehicle) (AHCA workshop)
Restoration Management Zones (Forest management) (AHCA dam)
Discussion: 1. General Comments 2. Topic: Providing Better Value to the Community
Next Steps Next Public Meeting: October 2014 Please provide contact information on sign in sheet to participate in Summer Hike Opportunities For more information and to complete the survey, please visit: http://www.trca.on.ca/the-living-city/public-consultations/albion-hills-master-plan.dot
For more information: Adam Szaflarski- Project Manager 416.661.6600 X5596 aszaflarski@trca.on.ca Kimberly Krawczyk- Planning Technician 416.936.1335 kkrawczyk@trca.on.ca http://www.trca.on.ca/the-living-city/public-consultations/albion-hills-master-plan.dot