Scoped Environmental Impact Study

ADI DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC.
Scoped Environmental Impact Study
5210, 5218, and 5226 Dundas St, Burlington
In association with A.J. Clarke and Associates Ltd.
November 2012
PREPARED FOR:
ADI Development Group Inc.
Burlington, Ontario
PREPARED BY:
Dougan & Associates
Ecological Consulting & Design
77 Wyndham Street South
Guelph Ontario N1E 5R3
Primary Author:
Reviewed By:
Mary Anne Young, Dougan & Associates
Todd Fell, Dougan & Associates
STUDY TEAM
A.J. Clarke and Associates Ltd.
25 Main Street West, Suite 300
Hamilton, ON
L8P 1H1
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1 2. PLANNING & POLICY DESIGNATIONS........................................................... 1 2.1. PROVINCIAL ....................................................................................................... 1 2.1.1. BRONTE CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK NATURE RESERVE LIFE SCIENCE AREA OF
NATURAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (ANSI) .......................................................................... 1 2.1.2. GREENBELT PLAN ................................................................................................... 2 2.2. REGIONAL .......................................................................................................... 3 REGIONAL GREENLANDS SYSTEM ......................................................................... 3 BRONTE CREEK ESA ............................................................................................... 3 SIGNIFICANT WOODLANDS .................................................................................. 4 CONSERVATION HALTON ..................................................................................... 4 2.2.1. 2.2.2. 2.2.3. 2.2.4. 2.3. LOCAL ................................................................................................................ 5 CITY OF BURLINGTON NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM ............................................ 5 2.3.1. 3. NATURAL HERITAGE CHARACTERIZATION .................................................... 5 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. METHODS .......................................................................................................... 5 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: NHIC QUERY ................................................... 6 VEGETATION FINDINGS .................................................................................... 7 STUDY SITE ............................................................................................................. 7 BRONTE CREEK CORRIDOR ..................................................................................... 8 3.3.1. 3.3.2. 3.4. WILDLIFE FINDINGS .......................................................................................... 10 4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................ 11 4.1. 4.2. IMPACTS TO STUDY SITE ................................................................................. 11 IMPACTS TO BRONTE CREEK CORRIDOR ......................................................... 11 5. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 13 5.1. OPPORTUNITIES FOR MITIGATION & COMPENSATION ................................. 13 6. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................. 15 LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
1
2
3
4
–
–
–
R e f e r e n c e s ......................................................................................................................................... 16 T e r m s o f R e f e r e n c e f o r S c o p e d E I S ............................................................................. 17 N H I C Q u e r y F i n d i n g s ................................................................................................................. 19 R a p i d C h a r a c t e r i z a t i o n D a t a S h e e t s ............................................................................. 20 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 - E x i s t i n g C o n d i t i o n s ................................................................................................................................... 22 FIGURE 2 - O p p o r t u n i t i e s & C o n s t r a i n t s ............................................................................................................ 23 DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page ii
1. I N T R O D U C T I O N
The study site consists of a 1.31 ha property at 5210, 5218, and 5226 Dundas Street in the City of
Burlington. The prior use of the subject lands was single-family residential, which included three
single-family detached homes. Dundas Street, a four-lane road, borders the site to the north, with
Sutton Drive, a two-lane road, to the west, single-family residential homes to the south, and Twelve
Mile Trail, a paved multi-use trail to the east. The Bronte Creek corridor is located on the east side of
Twelve Mile Trail; this corridor is a deeply incised valley which runs north-west to south-east from
below the Niagara Escarpment to Lake Ontario. It has been designated as an ESA, an ANSI, and a
candidate Significant Woodland. Because of its length, width, and depth, the Bronte Creek corridor is
the dominant geographic feature in the landscape in proximity to this site. The surrounding land use
around the study site is predominantly suburban residential homes, one school, and commercial
plazas.
Figure 1 shows the existing conditions (as of 2011) of the study site as well as the ESA, ANSI, and
Significant Woodland boundary lines.
2. P L A N N I N G & P O L I C Y D E S I G N A T I O N S
The study site itself is not subject to any environmental planning or policy designations, however the
adjacent Bronte Creek corridor has a number of special policies and designations. The proximity of
the site to this corridor means that these designations must be considered during the development
process of the study site. The designations of the Bronte Creek corridor include:
Provincial:
• Bronte Creek Provincial Park Nature Reserve Life Science ANSI; and
• Greenbelt Plan: Protected Countryside and Natural Heritage System.
Regional:
• Regional Greenlands System;
• Halton Region ESA No. 10: Bronte Creek ESA; and
• Halton Region Significant Woodlands: Candidate Significant Woodland.
Local:
• City of Burlington Natural Heritage System.
Following are discussion of the portions of the policy documents relevant to the study site. All
discussion of impacts, direct and indirect, can be found in Section 4, Impact Assessment.
2.1. P R O V I N C I A L
2.1.1. B R O N T E C R E E K P R O V I N C I A L P A R K N A T U R E R E S E R V E L I F E S C I E N C E
AREA OF NATURAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (ANSI)
The Bronte Creek corridor has been designated as a provincially significant life science ANSI because
of its high diversity and low relative disturbance. The ANSI report from the MNR states that “Bronte
Creek has the highest quality water of any major stream in the southern half of the Region. Every
effort should be made to ensure that the water quality and biological integrity of this system are kept
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 1
relatively undisturbed and intact.” The system runs from Highway 5 in the north to Lake Ontario in the
south and has a wide variety of landforms and vegetation types. In the vicinity of the study site it is a
corridor roughly 200–300m wide with forested valley walls and a semi-open floodplain. Management
comments in the ANSI report state the importance of ensuring that recreational uses, do not adversely
impact plant communities and that storm water flows into the creek should be mitigated.
Permitted land uses and activities within ANSIs are guided by the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS,
2005) and protection is afforded under the Planning Act, the Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial
Policy Statement, the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and the Niagara
Escarpment Plan. The PPS indicates in section 2.1.4 that “development and site alteration shall not be
permitted in significant areas of natural and scientific interest (significant means provincially
significant) unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural
features or their ecological functions”. No direct impacts are anticipated to this ANSI; mitigation and
compensation for indirect impacts are discussed in Section 4 of this report.
2.1.2. G R E E N B E L T P L A N
The Bronte Creek corridor adjacent to the study site lies within the Natural Heritage System of the
Greenbelt but outside the Protected Countryside. Therefore, Policy 3.2.4 does not apply, as it is
applicable to lands within the Protected Countryside only. Policy 3.2.5, External Connections, is
applicable to this segment of the Bronte Creek corridor, as it is a corridor which connects the
Protected Countryside to Lake Ontario. This policy states:
The river valleys that run through existing or approved urban areas and connect the Greenbelt to
inland lakes and the Great Lakes are a key component of the long-term health of the Natural System. In
recognition of the function of the urban river valleys, municipalities and conservation authorities
should:
1. Continue with stewardship, remediation and appropriate park and trail initiatives which
maintain and, to the extent possible, enhance the ecological features and functions found
within these valley systems;
2. In considering land conversions or redevelopments in or abutting an urban river valley, strive for
planning approaches that:
a. Establish or increase the extent or width of vegetation protection zones in natural selfsustaining vegetation , especially in the most ecologically sensitive areas (i.e. near the stream
and below the stable top of bank );
b. Increase or improve fish habitat in streams and in the adjacent riparian lands;
c. Include landscaping and habitat restoration that increase the ability of native plants and
animals to use valley systems as both wildlife habitat and movement corridors; and
d. Seek to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate impacts associated with the quality and quantity of
urban run-off into the valley systems; and
3. Integrate watershed planning and management approaches for lands both within and
beyond the Greenbelt.
Section 5 of this report provides recommendations for enhancement and restoration measures that
could be implemented to enhance the diversity and structure of the Bronte Creek corridor adjacent to
the study site.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 2
2.2. R E G I O N A L
2.2.1. R E G I O N A L G R E E N L A N D S S Y S T E M
Map 1, Regional Structure, of the Regional Muncipality of Halton’s Regional Official Plan shows the
Bronte Creek corridor as consisting of a combination of Greenlands A and B. Greenlands A “includes
only land and water areas that meet one or more of the following criteria”:
126(a) Areas included in the Regulatory Flood Plains, as determined and mapped by the appropriate
Conservation Authority, and refined from time to time;
b) Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay shoreline outside Regional Waterfront Parks;
c) Provincially Significant Wetlands, as determined by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and refined
from time to time; and
d) Significant portions of the habitat of endangered and threatened species, as determined by the
Ministry of Natural Resources, and refined from time to time.
Greenlands B lands are made up of the following:
126(1) a) Environmentally Sensitive Areas outside of Escarpment Natural Area or Greenlands A;
b) Public Open Space as identified in The Parkway Belt West Plan;
c) Regionally Significant Wetlands, as determined by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and refined
from time to time;
d) Provincially and Regionally Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (both Life Science
and Earth Science);
e) Significant Woodlands, as identified under Sections 132(4) and 132(5);
f) Carolinian Canada sites;
g) Halton Regional Forests; and
h) Environmental Protection Areas identified in the North Aldershot Inter-Agency Review Final
Report (May 1994), with precise boundaries to be established through an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA); or
126(2) is defined through Section 115 or 115.1.
By the first definition the Bronte Creek floodplain qualifies as Greenlands A. As the Bronte Creek
corridor is an ESA, an ANSI, and a Significant Woodland (see discussion below), the remainder of the
corridor beyond the limits of the Greenlands A lands are designated as Greenlands B. Policy 115
outlines other methods that may be undertaken for identifying and protecting lands in the
Greenlands system. No Provincially Significant Wetlands or other wetlands have been mapped in the
vicinity of the study site (ROP, Figure A1). The objectives of the Greenlands A and Greenlands B
designations are many, but the overall purpose is to protect and enhance natural and heritage
resources within the Region of Halton. Developments adjacent to the Greenlands must be shown to
have no negative impacts on the features or functions of the Greenlands.
2.2.2. B R O N T E C R E E K E S A
The Regional Official Plan defines ESAs as “land and water areas within the Greenlands System containing
natural features or ecological functions of such significance as to warrant their protection in the best long term
interests of the people and environment of Halton.” As ESAs are included in Greenlands B, Greenlands B
policies apply to these lands.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 3
The Bronte Creek ESA is significant because of its landforms, high species richness, linkage role,
groundwater recharge function, and water quality maintenance function. Nationally, provincially, and
regionally significant plant and wildlife species have been found within this ESA. The valley system is
an important wildlife corridor from Lake Ontario through the urban fabric of Burlington to the lessdeveloped Escarpment lands and the creek itself is a major salmonid spawning area (Halton Region,
2005). The valley walls are very steep and thus sensitive to erosion and increasing urban pressures
may have an impact on the plant communities due to an increase in invasive species.
The ESA is a linear feature along Bronte Creek which generally coincides with the limits of the Bronte
Creek Provincial Park Nature Reserve Life Science ANSI, and as such many of the defining
characteristics are the same as the ANSI.
2.2.3. S I G N I F I C A N T W O O D L A N D S
The Bronte Creek corridor has been identified by the Regional Municipality of Halton Region as a
Candidate Significant Woodland. It is policy of the region to “132(2) Consider all Woodlands 0.5 ha or
larger to be an important natural heritage feature and candidates for assessment as Significant
Woodlands”. The following criteria are used to assess Significant Woodlands:
277. SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND means a Woodland 0.5ha or larger determined through a Watershed
Management Plan, a Subwatershed Study or a site-specific Environmental Impact Assessment to
meet one or more of the four following criteria: *Amd25-D4, Amd25-D5, Amd25-D6, Amd25-D7
277(1) the Woodland contains forest patches over 99 years old, *Amd25-D4, Amd25-D5, Amd25-D6, Amd25D7
277(2) the patch size of the Woodland is 2 ha or larger if it is located in the Urban Area, or 4 ha or larger if it is
located outside the Urban Area but below the Escarpment Brow, or 10 ha or larger if it is located
outside the Urban Area but above the Escarpment Brow, *Amd25-D4, Amd25-D5, Amd25-D6,
Amd25-D7
277(3) the Woodland has an interior core area of 4 ha or larger, measured 100m from the edge, or *Amd25D4, Amd25-D5, Amd25-D6, Amd25-D7
277(4) the Woodland is wholly or partially within 50m of a major creek or certain headwater creek or within
150m of the Escarpment Brow. *Amd25-D4, Amd25-D5, Amd25-D6, Amd25-D7
The woodlands adjacent to the study site fit criteria 2 and 4, being >4 ha in size and being within 50m
of Bronte Creek. The edge of the Significant Woodland, defined as the dripline of trees pole to sapling
size, adjacent to the study site was surveyed in the field using a high-accuracy Trimble GPS device and
is shown on Figure 1. Significant Woodlands are considered to be Greenlands B in the Regional
Greenlands system.
2.2.4. C O N S E R V A T I O N H A L T O N
One of the primary mandates of Conservation Halton is the conservation and enhancement of natural
resources; in the vicinity of the study site these resources include the Bronte Creek corridor..
Conservation Halton has developed a series of land use planning policies to guide their plan input and
review. The applicable policies for the Bronte Creek corridor in the vicinity of the study site are those
that pertain to valleylands and woodlands.
Policy 3.2 states “Except where allowed under Policies 3.4 - 3.53, development is prohibited: (a) within 15 metres of
the stable top of bank of a major valley system and 7.5 metres of the stable top of bank of a minor valley system,
where a valley is apparent”. The stable top of bank of the valleyland has not been surveyed in the vicinity
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 4
of the study site, but the development is more than 50m from the top of slope, so it is likely to be also
more than 15m from the stable top of slope.
Policy, 4.6.4, Significant Woodlands, states:
Policies 2.1.4 (b) and 2.1.6 of the Provincial Policy Statement state that development and
site alteration shall not be permitted within or adjacent to significant woodlands south
and east of the Canadian Shield unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no
negative impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions. The Ministry of
Natural Resources Natural Heritage Reference Manual (1999) provides parameters for
identifying significant woodlands and considers adjacent lands to be within 50 metres. As
such, an Environmental Impact Study will be required for planning applications within or
adjacent to significant woodlands. In keeping with the Provincial Policy Statement, staff
will work with watershed municipalities to ensure significant woodlands are identified in
Official Plans and zoning by-laws and designated in appropriate Greenlands and
Conservation Management zones. In the absence of an up-to-date subwatershed study
(approved by Conservation Halton), a minimum 10 metre development and site alteration
setback from dripline, to be confirmed through an Environmental Impact Study, will be
recommended outside of the Greenbelt Plan Area and the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area.”
Therefore a minimum 10m development and site alteration setback from the limits to the Significant
Woodland is required.
2.3. L O C A L
2.3.1. C I T Y O F B U R L I N G T O N N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E S Y S T E M
The City of Burlington’s Official Plan (last updated June 2012) identifies a Natural Heritage System
(NHS) within the City’s boundaries. This system was designed to conform with and be complementary
to Halton Region’s Greenlands system, the Niagara Escarpment Plan, and the Greenbelt Plan.
However, Policy 2.4.1(b) states that “The identification of a Natural Heritage System and appropriate
policies and mapping related to it shall be incorporated into this Plan by separate amendment.” This
amendment is not yet available, however given that the Bronte Creek valley is an ESA, an ANSI, and a
major natural corridor within the City of Burlington it is likely also part of the NHS, and the policies in
place for those designations will apply.
3. N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E C H A R A C T E R I Z A T I O N
3.1. M E T H O D S
Field surveys of the study site and adjacent ESA were conducted on March 29 and September 19, 2012
by D&A field staff. The surveys consisted of walkthroughs of the study site and the portion of the ESA
directly adjacent to the study site. Plant species data (including overstory, understory, and
groundcover composition) and general structural information (including diameter range, structural
diversity, canopy closure, relative age, slope class, topographic class, and botanical quality) was
collected using a rapid assessment field sheet. Detailed notes were taken for any significant features
or species found. During the September 19, 2012 field work the boundary of the significant woodland
was surveyed in the field using a high-accuracy Trimble GPS device. The boundary was surveyed by
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 5
walking the dripline of trees of pole to sapling size and larger and taking points with the GPS device
every 3-5 meters, or wherever a change in orientation of the boundary was found. The surveyed
dripline is shown on Figure 1. Field sheets for both surveys are included as Appendix 3. Information
was recorded on wildlife observed during the rapid assessment and the potential of the study site and
adjacent ESA for use as wildlife habitat.
3.2. B A C K G R O U N D I N F O R M A T I O N : N H I C Q U E R Y
A geographic query was conducted in March 2012 using the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Natural
Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) website to determine the occurrence of rare species of flora and
fauna in and around the study area. The query searched the following 1 X 1 kilometre square:
17NH90_77. Eight (8) species with provincial and/or federal Species-At-Risk status, had occurrence
records within the 1 X 1 square; these records include one mammal, one bird, two fishes, one
amphibian, and three plants, as shown in Table 1.
Of these 8 species, there is habitat on the study site for only one, the Northern Hawthorn (Crataegus
dissona). Hawthorn trees are difficult to positively identify, but no Crataegus sp. were present on the
study site or in the ESA at the time of the field investigation. There is potential that Northern
Hawthorn were present on the study site prior to it being cleared, as their preferred habitat is “old
fields, poorly managed pastures, fencelines and roadsides” (MNR 2000), however due to the absence
of data for this site prior to its clearing means that any assumptions about this species being present
or absent are speculative.
All other species in the list require forested (Jefferson x Blue-Spotted Salamander, Virginia Lungwort,
Shiny Wedge Grass), aquatic (Bloater, Shortnose Cisco), large-sized grassland (Henslow’s Sparrow) or
cave (Eastern Pipistrelle) habitat, which is not present on the study site. There is potential habitat for
the plant species in the adjacent ESA, but none were observed during the March or September 2012
rapid assessment. As no direct impacts are proposed to the ESA, mitigation of indirect impacts, as
discussed in Section 5, will be required to minimize any potential for species-at-risk which may be
present but were unobserved.
See Section 3.3 of the report for the findings of the rapid assessment and Section 4 for an analysis of
the proposed development’s potential impacts on the ESA. More information about the NHIC query is
included as Appendix 2.
Table 1: NHIC Query Data
Pipistrellus subflavus
Eastern Pipistrelle
G5
S3?
Ammodramus henslowii
Henslow's Sparrow
G4
SHB
Ambystoma hybrid pop. 1
Jefferson X Blue-spotted Salamander,
Jefferson genome dominates
GNA
S2
Coregonus hoyi
Bloater
G4
S4
NAR
NAR
1919
1919
Coregonus reighardi
Shortnose Cisco
GH
SH
END
END
11/8/1915
11/8/1915
Crataegus dissona
Northern Hawthorn
G4G5
S3
1982
5/26/1982
Mertensia virginica
Virginia Lungwort
G5
S3
5/5/1938
5/26/1982
Sphenopholis nitida
Shiny Wedge Grass
G5
S1
1988
1988
Ecological Consulting & Design
S-rank
First
Last
Observed Observed
Date
Date
English Name
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
G-rank
COSEWIC SARO
Status
Status
Scientific Name
END
END
2/23/1941
2/28/1942
5/21/2000
6/10/2000
1980-00-00 2002-00-00
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 6
3.3. V E G E T A T I O N F I N D I N G S
3.3.1. S T U D Y S I T E
The study site has, within the past two years, been cleared of woody vegetation. While D&A does not
know precisely when this clearing occurred the aerial photos taken in 2010 show many trees on the
site, so the clearing has to have taken place since then (see Photos 1 & 2). The three residential
buildings remain on the study site, and the remaining vegetation consists of opportunistic vegetation
<1m in height and three remaining mature trees – one Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), one Black
Walnut (Juglans nigra) and one White Ash (Fraxinus americana) (see Photo 3). The opportunistic
vegetation includes whip-sized White Mulberry (Morus alba), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), and
White Spruce (Picea glauca) in less than 5% of the site and >60% cover of Wild Carron (Daucus carota),
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), Heath Aster (Symphyiotrichum ericoides), Dandelion (Taraxicum officinale),
and other old-field type species. The majority of species found were non-native (see field data sheets
in Appendix 4).
A small part of the north-eastern corner of the study site, approximately 25x25m in size, appeared on
the airphoto to have been unmaintained. The vegetation in this location was comprised of similar
species to the rest of the site but cover was higher, with nearly 100% cover.
Photo 1: Site from south-west corner (Sutton Drive on left site of photo), March 2012
Photo 2: Site from south-east corner, September 2012
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 7
Because the site was cleared of vegetation at the time of the site visit, in the Terms of Reference it was
agreed upon that a “forensic” investigation of the study site’s vegetation would be acceptable for this
EIS. The available resources for this investigation include aerial photography and a survey, both of
which were taken prior to the site being cleared.
The survey contained a layer named “Trees”, which contained the locations of 72 trees >10cm DBH on
the study site with diameter and approximate canopy size for each tree. The majority of the trees
were between 30 – 40 cm DBH, and the largest tree surveyed was 70 cm. 13 of these trees were
marked as “EVG”, which likely means that they were evergreens. Based on the canopy
representations, canopy cover appears to have been approximately 50%. These findings are
consistent with the aerial photography, which shows a majority of deciduous vegetation with a row of
trees between two residences. There was no species information on the survey and it is not possible
to determine species or precise tree size/age based on the aerial photography.
Of the ground layer vegetation visible in the air photo, the dominant condition appears to be
manicured lawn with a small area of unmaintained land in the south-east corner of the property, as
described in the findings from the 2012 field work.
Photo 3: Remaining trees on study site
Photo 4: Old-field vegetation in south-east corner
3.3.2. B R O N T E C R E E K C O R R I D O R
The Bronte Creek corridor is adjacent to the study site’s east side, separated from the site itself by the
Twelve Mile Trail corridor. The rapid assessment of the Bronte Creek corridor adjacent to the study site
found differing vegetation types on the tableland, valley walls, and floodplain.
Plant species data was recorded for the tableland and valleywalls; the floodplain was observed from
the top of the valley wall. No data was collected for the floodplain community because
The tableland community extends from the edge of the Twelve Mile Trail corridor to the top of the
valley wall, varying from x to xm in width. This community has a variable tree canopy cover of 40-60%
which contains Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), tree Willows (Salix sp.), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra),
White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and Butternut (Juglans cinerea). The shrub
layer was <5% cover, consisting mainly of Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and Common
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). The dense (>60% cover) herbaceous layer consisted of Canada
Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Lance-Leaf Aster (Symphiotrichum lanceolata), Lesser Burdock
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 8
(Arctium minus), Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and grasses. The ground
surface gently slopes towards the top of slope and signs of past disturbance were present, with old
agricultural relics present (see Photo 6). With the exception of a short trail close to Dundas St which
ended after approximately 10m there did not appear to be much encroachment into this community.
Photo 5: Twelve Mile Trail and tableland woodland edge
Photo 6: Dumped agricultural relics
Photo 7: General character of tableland community
Photo 8: Butternut (Juglans cinerea) tree
The valley wall is steeply sloping (>45 degrees) and more than 10m in height. The vegetation
composition was primarily mature deciduous trees, with little cover in the shrub or herbaceous layer.
Tree species present include Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), White Ash
(Fraxinus americana), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), and Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium). A paige wire
fence is present along the top of slope.
The floodplain was surveyed from the top of slope because the slope was too steep to safely descend.
The area of floodplain which was present from the survey location had a canopy cover of <25% and
few shrubs, but a dense herbaceous layer.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 9
Photo 9: Steep slopes of valley wall
Photo 10: Garter Snake observed in March 2012
Due to the number of birds heard calling in the ESA and the wildlife observed during the site
assessment the Bronte Creek corridor appears to be providing habitat for a wide range of species.
Also, the presence of a Garter Snake on the site suggests that a hibernacula is present nearby, as the
site was surveyed during a warm spell in early spring. The habitat present on the tableland is poor
quality, with many non-native and invasive species, likely having been degraded over time due to its
proximity to anthropogenic uses. Despite this the Bronte Creek corridor system as a whole serves
important linkage and habitat functions in the surrounding landscape.
3.4. W I L D L I F E F I N D I N G S
Species observed during the field investigations were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Black-capped Chickadee, Poecile atricapillus (calling);
Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus (calling);
Gulls (calling);
Mourning Cloak, Nymphalis antiopa (observed, in ESA);
Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (observed, in ESA);
Eastern Cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus (observed, in ESA);
American Robin, Turdus migratorius (calling and observed, in ESA); and
Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis (observed, overhead).
A number of other bird species were heard calling during the spring field investigation; however no
positive identifications were made. All wildlife which was observed was within the ESA, and although
it was difficult to determine the source of the birds which were calling, most seemed to also be within
the ESA. The limited canopy cover on the study site at the time of the survey is a likely explanation for
this lack of activity, because there were very limited options for perching and cover. There are no
wetlands or watercourses on the study site; no amphibian habitat is present. The site would be most
suited to generalist species that would be able to use the site despite its manicured nature and its
proximity to Dundas Street, a very busy road. The adjacent ESA provides many habitat opportunities
for a wide range of species as it possesses a variety of habitats and is disconnected from the adjacent
urbanizing landscape by its steep valley walls.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 10
4. I M P A C T A S S E S S M E N T
This impact assessment discusses anticipated impacts to both the study site and the adjacent Bronte
Creek corridor which may occur as a result of the proposed development. The proposed development
consists of commercial and residential units, associated parking, and several small landscaping areas.
Please see Figure 2 for a footprint of the proposed development.
4.1. I M P A C T S T O S T U D Y S I T E
The proposed development will result in the disturbance of the entire study site in order to facilitate
construction. This disturbance will include clearing of all vegetation, then construction of the
proposed buildings, driveways, and parking structures. The site post-construction will be
predominantly built-up, with landscaped areas around the perimeter of the buildings. See Figure 2 for
the layout of the proposed development.
The removal of vegetation on the study site will have a significant impact on the ecological features
and functions of this site. The existing vegetation, although it was anthropogenic in nature, did
contain mature trees and thus was likely used by wildlife for shelter and forage. The presence of both
treed and open habitat would have provided habitat opportunities for a variety of species, although
the site’s proximity to Dundas St would have meant that the species present would have likely been
generalist urban species tolerant of noise and air pollution. Prior to commencement of the EIS, the
site was cleared of most woody vegetation, with only three trees with poor form and/or health
remaining. Therefore there is little opportunity for tree preservation, so restoration of canopy cover
would need to occur via post-construction tree planting.
The proposed development has landscaped areas around the perimeter of the site. Because the
proposed development has built elements over the majority of the site, achieving 50% canopy cover is
unlikely. The post-development vegetation will be planted in planting beds and street trees; there are
no naturalized plantings proposed. The site, once vegetation has had a chance to establish, will
provide habitat for wildlife species will be those which are tolerant of human presence and manicured
landscapes. It will take time to re-establish vegetation in these landscaping areas and create canopy
and provide some wildlife habitat.
4.2. I M P A C T S T O B R O N T E C R E E K C O R R I D O R
The Bronte Creek corridor is entirely outside of the limits of development, therefore no direct impacts
will occur as a result of the development work. All storm water from the study site will be directed
into the City of Burlington’s storm water system, so there will be no hydrologic impacts. The valley
wall will not be impacted by any construction works; there are no introduced risks of erosion or other
impacts to slope stability. No vegetation removals within the Bronte Creek corridor will be conducted
as a part of this development.
Noise encroachment into the natural area will be loudest during the construction phase, with postconstruction noise limited to low-speed traffic and residential noise. Any increase in noise postconstruction will be insignificant in comparison to the noise of traffic on Dundas St, which is a major 4lane road.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 11
The Twelve Mile Trail is a physical barrier that will limit the development's impacts to the Bronte Creek
corridor; the trail is a realm of public space that clearly distinguishes the edge of the development
from the natural area. This trail is already constructed and will not introduce any new impacts to
vegetation and wildlife. Likely there will be an increase in trail users from the new development, as it
is directly adjacent to the trail. Potential encroachment by trail users is limited to the tableland
community as the valley wall is protected by a fence at the top of slope, and the slope itself being a
barrier to access. One short trail was observed into the tableland community during the EIS field work
and may serve as an access point for future encroachment.
Because of the study site's close proximity to the Bronte Creek corridor, there is a good chance that
seeds from plants on the development will be blown into the Bronte Creek corridor. Therefore it will
be important for the planting plan to include only native species in order to prevent any invasive
species from spreading into the Bronte Creek corridor.
The Butternut (Juglans cinerea) trees which were found within the tableland community should be
protected and preserved, as they are a federally and provincially endangered species. The trees are all
more than 30m from the proposed development at 5210, 5218, and 5226 Dundas St. The
development does not impact these trees but D&A feel that it is important that Conservation Halton
knows about their presence, as Butternut were not present in the NHIC database for this location.
During the March 2012 field work tree tags were observed on trees within 20 to 25m of Dundas St,
indicating that some sort of development was proposed in that area. A conversation with a
neighbouring resident at the time of the March 2012 field work confirmed this – he indicated that a
water or sewer main is slated to be installed adjacent to Dundas St. At the time of the September
2012 this work was underway and tree clearing had occurred adjacent to Dundas St, including the
removal of one Butternut tree, the tree tagged as waypoint 39. The locations of the trees and the
approximate location of the cleared edge are shown on Figures 1 and 2.
There will be no direct loss of features or functions of the Bronte Creek corridor itself due to the
proposed development, as all work will occur outside of the limits of the study area. The removal of
mature vegetation and a small naturalized area from the study site will reduce the habitat available to
species which would have used those habitats, however the area lost, 1.31 ha, is insignificant in
relation to the size of the Bronte Creek corridor, which is 195 ha not including the section north of
Dundas Street. Recommendations to mitigate the loss of features and functions associated with the
clearing of the subject site are found in Section 5.
Photo 11: Edge of clearing for water/sewer main construction. Photo taken September 2012.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 12
5. R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
The development at 5210, 5218, and 5226 Dundas St will have significant direct impacts on the natural
heritage of the study site and limited indirect impacts on the adjacent Bronte Creek corridor.
Therefore the recommendations contained in this report are focused on compensating for features
lost and mitigating any indirect impacts.
5.1. O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R M I T I G A T I O N & C O M P E N S A T I O N
In order to compensate for loss of habitat from the study site and mitigate any impacts to the adjacent
Bronte Creek corridor, D&A is proposing measures to be undertaken in three stages of the
development process: planning and design, during construction, and after construction. If these
recommendations are followed it is our opinion that the proposed development will not have a
significant adverse effect on the features or functions of the Bronte Creek corridor vegetation
communities.
These recommendations outline a number of enhancement and compensation works that could occur
within the proposed buffer zone and the Bronte Creek corridor. This work would occur on lands that
are not owned by ADI Development Group, and thus would require the support and cooperation of
the relevant agencies.
Planning & Design
The presence of the Significant Woodland adjacent to the study site necessitates the designation of a
buffer zone between the proposed development and the surveyed edge of the significant woodland.
The purpose of this buffer zone, also known as a vegetation protection zone, is to protect the features
and functions of the Significant Woodland. Features and functions are seen to be protected by buffers
because these areas create a physical separation from new development, are areas where existing
vegetation can be retained, and are areas where new plantings can be installed to create a dense
edge.
Normally buffers contain areas of land which are outside of the Significant Woodland dripline but
which contain existing vegetation, either manicured or naturalized. In the case of the Bronte Creek
corridor Significant Woodland adjacent to the study site, the Twelve Mile Trail runs between the
property boundary and the edge of the woodland. This trail is approximately 4m in width, asphalt
paved, and mowed on either side. Therefore any buffer which is proposed for the edge of the
Significant Woodland will contain this feature.
The presence of the trail may, in the long term, serve to minimize impacts on the features and
functions of the Bronte Creek corridor, as trails serve to focus people’s movement and recreation. The
edge of the Significant Woodland is dense, containing trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation, and
likely dissuades people from encroaching. Areas where this edge is less dense, such as where an
existing trail enters the Significant Woodland, could be closed off with brush and shrub plantings to
further reinforce this edge.
Due to the presence of the existing trail and the dense quality of the existing edge, we are proposing
that a 12.0m buffer from the edge of the ANSI/ESA. It is not possible or desirable to have naturalized
vegetation up to the edges of the path, as this could create a maintenance and safety hazard in the
trail right-of-way. Therefore we propose that a linear planting bed containing native tree and shrub
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 13
species approximately 3m wide by the length of the property could be planted between the buildings
and the path to screen views, mitigate wind speeds, and provide some compensation for lost canopy
cover.
This buffer zone cannot be contained within a restrictive environmental zoning category for two
reasons: the majority of this buffer exists outside of the lands owned by ADI Development Group Inc.
and the existing Twelve Mile Trail runs through the buffer zone.
Planning & Design
Recommendations to be incorporated into the landscape design for this development include:
•
•
•
•
Planting plans for the entire development should consists of only native species;
Buffer plantings consisting of a mixture of shrubs, deciduous trees, and coniferous trees
(designed according to Conservation Halton’s landscaping guidelines) should be planted
between the development and the Bronte Creek corridor (with the agreement of the owner of
the trail easement);
Plantings of native tree and shrub species in the adjacent tableland community to enhance its
biodiversity, including compensation plantings for native trees >10 cm DBH removed; and
Close informal trail into natural area through placement of brush and plantings of raspberries.
During Construction
Measures to be undertaken before and during construction include:
•
•
•
•
Silt fence should be installed along the limits of construction to minimize siltation and
encroachment during construction;
All construction equipment is to be stored within the limits of disturbance; signage should be
placed on the construction fence to inform construction workers to keep outside of the
fencing and respect the natural area for preservation;
Clearing of remaining vegetation within the site as part of site preparation should be
conducted in the late fall or winter months (September – March) so as not to coincide with the
breeding seasons of birds; and
Nest sweeps of the site should be conducted prior to construction to ensure that unusually
early or late nesting is not taking place, or that dependent young, even though fully fledged,
are not in the area and unable to disperse. If breeding birds are found, construction must be
delayed until all young have fledged.
After Construction
Measures to be undertaken after construction include:
•
•
Residents should be given an information pamphlet on the natural features of the Bronte
Creek corridor and the importance of letting natural areas remain undisturbed; and
Inspection and sign-off of the restoration plantings should be carried out during the
installation period and for a 2-year period following installation to ensure that plantings
become established.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 14
6. C O N C L U S I O N
The pre-existing natural heritage resources at 5210, 5218, and 5226 Dundas St are reflective of its
location and the history of this region. Prior to being cleared between 2011 and 2012, the study site’s
prior use was single-family residential, and previous to that was likely agricultural. The vegetation
consisted of ornamental plantings of trees, shrubs, and turf, with some naturalized areas populated by
opportunistic vegetation. The adjacent ESA is less heavily disturbed, with natural and naturalizing
vegetation communities in a broad valley corridor.
The proposed development, within the City of Burlington’s settlement area, will impact the site
through the construction of driveways, buildings, and associated grading works. It is anticipated that
the entire 1.31 ha of the site will be disturbed to accommodate this development. Impacts to the
adjacent Bronte Creek corridor will be all indirect, as no grading, removals, or storm water dispersal
will occur within the Bronte Creek corridor. Indirect impacts to the Bronte Creek corridor can be
mitigated through our recommendations, to be carried out prior to, during, and after construction.
Based on a background review and field investigations of natural heritage features and relevant policy
documents, we are proposing a 12.0 m buffer from the edge of the Bronte Creek corridor significant
woodland, tree, shrub, and understory plantings within this buffer, a tree replacement strategy for
trees removed, and tree and shrub plantings to enhance the tableland adjacent to the proposed
development.
In conclusion, it is our opinion that the proposed development will not have a significant adverse
effect on the features or functions of the site’s vegetation communities and, if our recommendations
are followed, the most significant and sensitive resources of the adjacent lands will be preserved and
protected.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 15
APPENDIX 1 - References
Barkworth et al. 2007. Manual of Grasses for North America. Intermountain Herbarium & Utah
University State Press. Logan, Utah.
Chapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario. Ontario Geological
Survey, Special Volume 2, 270p
Gleason, H.A. & Cronquist, A. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and
Adjacent Canada. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York.
Halton Region and North - South Environmental Inc. 2005. Halton Region Environmentally Sensitive
Areas Consolidation Report. Unpublished report prepared by Halton Region Planning and Public
Works Department in conjunction with North - South Environmental Inc. 222 pp. + app.
Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P.Ulhig, 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 Natural Resources Ontario, Fish & Wildlife Branch (MNR). 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat:
Technical Guide. Available online at:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/Publication/MNR_E001285P.html
NHIC (Natural Heritage Information Centre). 2009. NHIC Geographic Query Map. Ontario Natural
Heritage Information Centre Home Page: http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/queries/nhic.mwf
Voss, E.G. 1972. Michigan Flora. EG Cranbrook Institute of Science & University of Michigan
Herbarium. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
November 2012
page 16









Natural Heritage Planning  Landscape Design  Ecological Assessment & Management  Environmental Impact Assessment
Ecological Restoration &Habitat Creation  Urban Forest Management  Ecological Monitoring & Education
Peer Review & Expert Witness Testimony


DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
APPENDIX 3 – NHIC Query Findings
A NHIC query was conducted for the study site on March 19, 2012. The study site is located within the
NHIC square 17NH90_77, as shown in the screen shot below:
The NHIC records list a total of 8 species which have been recorded in this square from 1915 to 2002.
These records include one mammal, one bird, two fishes, one amphibian, and three plants. A
summary of the data is included in the table below:
Unique Identifier Scientific Name
(Element ID)
English Name
G‐rank
S‐rank
180673
Pipistrellus subflavus
Eastern Pipistrelle
G5
S3?
180455
Ammodramus henslowii
Henslow's Sparrow
G4
SHB
201116
Ambystoma hybrid pop. 1
Jefferson X Blue‐spotted Salamander, Jefferson genome dominates
180524
Coregonus hoyi
Bloater
COSEWIC Status
SARO Status
END
END
EO Rank Date
1/24/2002
Last First Observed Observed Date
Date
2/23/1941
2/28/1942
11/29/2001 5/21/2000
6/10/2000
GNA
S2
G4
S4
NAR
NAR
1/16/2002
1/4/2002
1980‐00‐00 2002‐00‐00
1919
1919
GH
SH
END
END
1/21/1998
11/8/1915
11/8/1915
180528
Coregonus reighardi
Shortnose Cisco
82062
Crataegus dissona
Northern Hawthorn
G4G5
S3
1/1/2009
1982
5/26/1982
149040
Mertensia virginica
Virginia Lungwort
G5
S3
1/1/2009
5/5/1938
5/26/1982
22596
Sphenopholis nitida
Shiny Wedge Grass
G5
S1
1/1/2009
1988
1988
DOUGAN & ASSOCIATES
Ecological Consulting & Design
5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
October 2012
page 19
Legend
Study Site Boundary
Significant Woodland Limit
Edge of Significant Woodland
Surveyed Sept 2012
by Dougan & Associates staff
Dundas St
ANSI & ESA Limit
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Nature Reserve Zone ANSI &
Bronte Creek ESA
3 remaining trees
in this corner of site
Other Features within ESA/ANSI
Approximate Bottom of Slope
Approximate Top of Slope
Existing Trail
Edge of clearing along Dundas St
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Trees
Existing as of September 2012
Buildings
removed
!
.
!
.
039
.
!
038
Removed for watermain construction
037
.
!
.
!
.
!
040
Existing
041
Sutton Dr
Study Site
(cleared of vegetation
following air photo but
prior to start of EIS)
Twelve Mile Trail
.
!
Building
retained
Bronte Creek corridor
Tableland
Existing Conditions
Valley Wall
PROJECT: 5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St EIS
CLIENT: ADI Development Group Inc
DATE: NOVEMBER 2012
²
Tydman Way
Floodplain
SCALE: 1:750
DRAWN BY: MAY
CHECKED BY: TF
UTM Zone 17 NAD83
FIGURE:
1
0
25
50
Metres
100
The information displayed on this map has been compiled from various
sources. While every effort has been made to accurately depict the
information, this map should not be relied on as being a precise
indicator of locations, features, or roads, nor as a guide to navigation.
MNR data provided by Queen's Printer of Ontario. Use of the data in any
derivative product does not constitute an endorsement by the MNR or
the Ontario Government of such products.
Legend
Study Site Boundary
Proposed Development Site Plan
Proposed Buildings
Proposed Parking Areas
ANSI & ESA Limit
Dundas St
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Nature Reserve Zone ANSI &
Bronte Creek ESA
Proposed 12.0m Buffer
Significant Woodland
Edge of Significant Woodland
Surveyed Sept 2012
by Dougan & Associates staff
10m Minimum Setback
Edge of clearing along Dundas St
Other Features within ESA/ANSI
Approximate Bottom of Slope
039
Approximate Top of Slope
.
!
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Trees
037
.
!
.
!
.
!
040
038
Existing as of September 2012
!
.
!
.
Existing
Removed for watermain construction
30m Buffer from Butternut Trees
041
Meters
Sutton Dr
Twelve Mile Trail
.
!
Bronte Creek corridor
Opportunities & Constraints
Tableland
PROJECT: 5210, 5218, & 5226 Dundas St, DA11-060-02
Valley Wall
50
Metres
²
25
DATE: NOVEMBER 2012
Floodplain
Tydman Way
0
CLIENT: ADI Development Group Inc
SCALE: 1:750
DRAWN BY: MAY
CHECKED BY: TF
UTM Zone 17 NAD83
FIGURE:
2
100
The information displayed on this map has been compiled from various
sources. While every effort has been made to accurately depict the
information, this map should not be relied on as being a precise
indicator of locations, features, or roads, nor as a guide to navigation.
MNR data provided by Queen's Printer of Ontario. Use of the data in any
derivative product does not constitute an endorsement by the MNR or
the Ontario Government of such products.