Natural Environment Report Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study Prepared for: York Region Rapid Transit Corporation January 2009 Prepared by: Environmental Consultants 72 Victoria St. S., Ste. 100, Kitchener, Ont. N2G 4Y9 Phone: 519-741-8850 Fax: 519-741-8884 Email: ecoplans@ecoplans.com Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Table of Contents 1.0 1.1 2.0 Introduction............................................................................................................ 2 Study Approach.............................................................................................................. 3 Existing Conditions................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Overview and Policy Designations ................................................................................ 4 2.2 Fish and Aquatic Habitat................................................................................................ 5 2.2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................... 5 2.2.2 Fisheries..................................................................................................................... 5 2.2.3 Aquatic Species at Risk ............................................................................................. 6 2.2.4 Ecoplans Surveys....................................................................................................... 8 2.3 Terrestrial Habitat ........................................................................................................ 12 2.3.1 Vegetation Communities ......................................................................................... 12 2.3.2 Flora Species at Risk ............................................................................................... 12 2.3.3 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat .................................................................................. 16 2.3.4 Fauna Species at Risk .............................................................................................. 17 2.3.5 Wetlands .................................................................................................................. 22 3.0 Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures .......................... 22 3.1 Proposed Works ........................................................................................................... 22 3.2 Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat ...................................................................................... 23 3.2.1 Potential Impacts ..................................................................................................... 23 3.2.2 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................ 25 3.3 Vegetation, Wildlife and Terrestrial Habitat................................................................ 27 3.3.1 Potential Impacts ..................................................................................................... 27 3.3.2 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................ 29 3.4 Future Commitments.................................................................................................... 31 List of Tables Table 1. Aquatic Habitat Assessment Summary ............................................................................ 9 Table 2. Summary of ELC Vegetation Communities................................................................... 13 Table 3. Wildlife Habitat Assessment Summary.......................................................................... 19 List of Appendices APPENDIX A: TRCA Fisheries Database For Watercourses within the Study Area and Vicinity APPENDIX B: Working Vascular Plant Checklist APPENDIX C: Representative Photos from the Yonge Street Subway Extension Study Area Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 1 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 1.0 Introduction On June 21 2007, York Region Council authorized commencement of a Conceptual Planning and Functional Design Study for the extension of the subway in coordination with the City of Toronto. The scope of Conceptual Design and Functional Planning was to examine and evaluate possible vertical and horizontal alignment alternatives, station locations, and associated surface facilities along the corridor in consultation with public and government stakeholders. The goal was to develop a technically feasible solution and the results serve as the basis that defines the Transit Project. Subsequently, the Regional Municipality of York, in partnership with York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, initiated a Transit Project Assessment for a proposed extension of the Yonge Street Subway. The Transit Project is following Ontario Regulation 231/08, Transit Projects and Greater Toronto Transportation Authority Undertakings (2008). The environmental impact of this Transit Project will be assessed in accordance with the Transit Project Assessment Process as prescribed in Ontario Regulation 231/08. The Transit Project is 6.5 km underground extension of the Yonge Street Subway. The extension will include 6 subway stations from its terminus at Finch Station in the City of Toronto to a proposed terminus at the Richmond Hill Centre in the Town of Richmond Hill. Stations are proposed at: • Cummer Avenue/Drewry Avenue; • Steeles Avenue; • Clark Avenue; • Royal Orchard Boulevard; • Longbridge Road/Langstaff Road; and • Richmond Hill Centre. Intermodal bus terminals are proposed for Steeles Station and Richmond Hill Centre Station. A park-and-ride lot is proposed at Longbridge Road/Langstaff Road. Ecoplans Limited (Ecoplans) was retained to undertake a review of the natural environment within the Study Area, assess impacts related to the Transit Project and develop appropriate mitigation measures. The assessment focused on impacts to the natural environment from above ground works including the proposed East Don River Bridge, the removal of the existing East Don River culvert and potential impacts from the tunnelling entrance (ingress) and exist (egress) locations. The Preliminary Geotechnical Report produced by Golder & Associates concluded that, based on the level of investigation completed thus far, it is anticipated that the effects on any groundwater flow on nearby watercourses (East Don River and Pomona Creek),as a result of the project if any, will be maintained to environmentally acceptable levels through appropriate combinations of dewatering, groundwater inflow mitigation measures, and contingency plans developed through the course of additional investigations, detailed design, and continued Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 2 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 consultation with the TRCA and MOE regulatory agencies. The Study Area for this project extends approximately 500 m on either side of Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Carville Avenue/16th Avenue, as shown on Figure 1. Key aspects of the work include an inventory of aquatic species and habitat, natural and semi-natural vegetation habitat, and wildlife / wildlife habitat. 1.1 Study Approach Much of the information used to document existing environmental conditions and features has been extracted from the Natural Sciences Report: Yonge Street Transitway from Steeles Avenue to 19th Avenue / Gamble Road Individual Environmental Assessment (LGL Natural Sciences Report) completed by LGL Limited (2005). The report was completed for the York Consortium and the Regional Municipality of York as part of the Individual Environmental Assessment for the Yonge Street Corridor Transitway. In addition to reviewing pertinent secondary source information from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Environment Canada (EC), LGL biologists undertook the following field assessments to characterize natural environmental features within the Study Area: • • • Aquatic Habitat – March 6 and May 21, 2003 Natural / Semi-natural Vegetation – March 3, May 16, August 13 and October 31, 2003 Wildlife / Wildlife Habitat – March 6 and May 20, 2003 Ecoplans completed Aquatic Habitat and Vegetation Inventory Surveys on October 9, 2008 to update and confirm the natural environment information outlined in the LGL Limited report. Field Investigations completed by Ecoplans were focused on the natural area features previously surveyed by LGL. These are areas are generally within 100 m of Yonge Street. Secondary source information was also updated by Ecoplans through a review of various on-line databases and information requests to the TRCA in September 2008 as a component of this project. In addition, Aquatic Species at Risk (SAR) distribution mapping was obtained from the Conservation Ontario website for the Study Area (http://www.conservationontario.ca/). Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 3 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 2.0 Existing Conditions 2.1 Overview and Policy Designations Background information regarding the Terrestrial Habitat section has been extracted from the LGL Natural Sciences Report. Ecoplans confirmed and updated this background information based on field investigations and secondary source information review completed in 2008. Given the urban nature of the Study Area, natural areas are limited within the Yonge Street Subway Extension project limits. The most predominant areas are in the vicinity of the East Don River and along Pomona Mills Creek (Tributary #3 as named in the LGL 2005 study) north of Highway 407. There are no Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) within the Study Area. The closest ANSI is Baker’s Woods Provincial Life Science ANSI which is approximately 2 km northwest of the Study Area. Baker’s Woods ANSI is a mature, managed sugar maple forest at the northwest corner of Langstaff Road and Bathurst Street. See Figure 1 for an existing conditions map of the Study Area. Very few woodlots or forest areas exist within the Study Area. One very small, fragmented woodlot is located in the southeast corner of Yonge Street and High Tech Road. A second wooded area is a forested tract on the east side of Yonge Street south of Royal Orchard Boulevard along the main branch of the East Don River. A third wooded area is located west of Yonge Street along Pomona Mills Creek of the East Don River. The lands surrounding the East Don River and some of its tributaries have been identified and designated as part of the Regional Greenlands Natural Heritage System in the York Region Official Plan. Within the Study Area, only the East Don River is part of the Greenlands System. These natural heritage features are connected to other regional natural heritage features and provide linkages that facilitate wildlife movement. The main branch of the East Don River provides a relatively uninterrupted valley and stream corridor stretching from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario through a heavily urbanized area. Under Schedule ‘A’ Land Use of the Town of Markham Official Plan, the lands surrounding the East Don River are identified as ‘Hazard lands’. These lands are part of an Environmental Protection Area (Valleylands) as well as an Activity Linkage corridor. The City of Vaughan Official Plan identifies these same lands as ‘Valley Lands’ and a Hydrogeologically Sensitive Area. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 4 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study 2.2 January 2009 Fish and Aquatic Habitat 2.2.1 Overview There are four watercourse crossings (3 watercourses) that cross Yonge Street as well as a small secondary tributary/drainage feature located within the Study Area limits. These watercourses form part of the East Don River watershed. A description of each system is outlined below: • The Main Branch of the East Don River. This watercourse crosses Yonge Street south of Royal Orchard Boulevard, within the vicinity of the Ladies Golf Club and the Thornhill Golf and Country Club. • Pomona Mills Creek (Tributary 3) - tributary of East Don River. This watercourse crosses Yonge Street just north of Highway 7. It flows through a culvert underneath Highway 7, through the N-W Highway 7/407 interchange loop and underneath the existing Highway 407 and Langstaff Road through another culvert. This watercourse also crosses further north near High Tech Road but is enclosed in a pipe here (Reference 3, 12). • Tributary #2- tributary of the East Don River. This watercourse flows underground (enclosed in a pipe) within the vicinity of Yonge Street. This tributary crosses Yonge Street south of John Street and eventually outlets to the Main Branch of the East Don River, at Steeles Avenue. There appears to be some open channel reaches further upstream and downstream of Yonge Street as indicated on Figure 1. A secondary tributary/drainage feature of Pomona Mills Creek also lies within the Study Area. This watercourse is located at Reference Site 5 (shown on Figure 1), within the vicinity of the large Stormwater Management Pond and hydro corridor located north of Highway 7 and east of Yonge Street. This water feature is a poorly defined drainage feature, which lies adjacent to the steep road embankment of Highway 7. Connectivity to Pomona Mills Creek was identified as poor by LGL Limited during their 2003 field work. A summary of aquatic habitat information for the watercourses found within the Study Area, is provided in Table 1. Figure 1 outlines the Study Area as well as watercourse location and classification. 2.2.2 Fisheries In 2004, available fish community and thermal regime information for the watercourses within the Study Area was provided to LGL by TRCA. The information provided by TRCA was deemed sufficient as outlined in the LGL Natural Sciences Report (2005) investigation, and therefore additional fisheries sampling was not conducted. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 5 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Fisheries data obtained by Ecoplans from TRCA in 2008 are compiled in Appendix A. Fish station data includes information from stations as far as 6 km from Yonge Street. This table provides an update to Table 3 of the LGL Natural Sciences Report, which documents pre-2004 TRCA fisheries data. Again, given the recent and abundant background fisheries data available and considering the extent of the works proposed within the Study Area, further fisheries sampling was not deemed warranted by Ecoplans. The East Don River supports a variety of warmwater and coldwater baitfish and sportfish species as indicated in Appendix A. Coldwater species include Mottled Sculpin (Cottus baiirdi), Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The majority of the trout species sampled that were found upstream, near Highway 407 and Bathurst Street. However, Rainbow Trout was sampled recently (2005) immediately upstream of Yonge Street. In addition, the following species have been captured in the East Don River within the vicinity of Yonge Street: Blacknose Dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), Common Shiner (Luxilus comutus), Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), Darter sp. (Etheostoma sp.), Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas), Johnny Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), Mottled Sculpin (Cottus baiirdi), Northern Redbelly Dace (Phoxinus eos), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni). Although Pomona Mills Creek is classified as coldwater, TRCA fisheries records for stations located approximately 780m (1949 database) downstream of Langstaff Road (closest station to project limits), captured only warmwater fish species specifically Brook Stickleback (Culaea inconstans), Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) and Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus). More current information (1984) is available for a fish station located closer to the East Don River mouth (approximately 2.44 km downstream of Langstaff Road). Species captured here include Brook Stickleback (Culaea inconstans), Johnny Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum), Common Shiner (Luxilus comutus), Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), Northern Redbelly Dace (Phoxinus eos), Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas), Blacknose Dace (Rhinichthys atratulus) and Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus). There is no fisheries information available for the smaller tributaries (Tributary 2, and the drainage feature draining to Pomona Mills Creek) within the Study Area. Tributary 2 is piped underground within the study limits and both features will not be impacted by the Yonge Subway development. 2.2.3 Aquatic Species at Risk Background fisheries records indicate that two Species at Risk (SAR), Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongates) and Northern Brook Lamprey (Ichthyomyson fossor) have been collected within the vicinity, but outside of the Yonge Street Subway Study Area. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 6 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongates) is designated provincially as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) with a Provincial Rank of Rare to Uncommon (S3). Its federal status, designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), has recently been elevated to Endangered. Although not yet listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), this listing is pending. The status of this species is also being reviewed by the Province. The fish records obtained from TRCA in 2008 indicate that Redside Dace have been collected at 8 stations in the East Don River watershed, all outside of the Yonge Subway Study Area. Recent records (within last 10 years) indicate that this species has been collected at 3 stations; all of which are located north of Highway 407. Redside Dace were collected at the following locations: • On the East Don River (main) approximately 4.3 km upstream of Yonge Street in 2005; • In a minor tributary (unnamed) of the East Don River approximately 4.5 km upstream of Yonge Street (immediately upstream of Bathurst Street) in 2005; and • In a larger tributary of the East Don River, named Tributary 4, located approximately 6 km upstream of Yonge Street, immediately upstream of Carville Road, west of Bathhurst Avenue in 2000. Other records indicate Redside Dace was collected in the main East Don River in 1995 at a Station located approximately 2.3 km upstream of Yonge Street. Downstream of Yonge Street, records do exist but date back to 1985 and 1949, at two stations located approximately 2.55 km downstream and 1.42 km downstream of Yonge Street respectively. There were no barriers noted within the assessed reach of the East Don River by Ecoplans, and none outlined in previous studies. Species at Risk (SAR) distribution mapping, obtained from the Conservation Ontario website in October 2008 indicates that stream segments within the study limits may support Redside Dace. The East Don River, Pomona Mills Creek and the minor tributaries outlined on Figure 1 are all mapped ORANGE, indicating the potential presence of Redside Dace. It is important to note that not all segments outlined have been sampled for Redside Dace, therefore, the segments may extend further than the actual species distribution (DFO 2007b) (or may not actually occur in some mapped segments). Another SAR, the Northern Brook Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon fossor), was collected by the TRCA in the main branch of the East Don River west of the Study Area in 2002 and 2005, approximately 5.3 km upstream of Yonge Street, between Bathurst Street and Carville Road. The Great Lakes - Upper St Lawrence populations of this species are designated as Special Concern by COSEWIC, and have a Provincial Rank of S3. This species is not listed under the SARA. The records for both of these species are recent, however they were collected a considerable distance from Yonge Street. The potential for Redside Dace to reside within the Study Area is discussed further in Section 3.1.3. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 7 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 2.2.4 Ecoplans Surveys Ecoplans completed a detailed habitat survey on the East Don River from approximately 100m upstream and 200m downstream of Yonge Street on October 9, 2008. Detailed aquatic mapping was completed within 50m upstream and downstream of Yonge Street, documenting the parameters noted below. Data collection and mapping encompassed the following aquatic habitat parameters: • • • • • • • • • • • flow condition, clarity, general gradient and velocities channel dimensions and general character morphology (e.g. riffles, pools) cover opportunities (i.e. woody debris, undercut banks, boulders, aquatic vegetation) substrate type bank height, character and stability/evidence of erosion riparian vegetation physical barriers to fish movement potential specialized and important habitat areas including potential spawning habitat, good nursery cover, holding habitat (deeper refuge pools) evidence of groundwater discharge disturbances, habitat limitations and potential habitat enhancement opportunities A reconnaissance level habitat assessment was also conducted on October 9th at Pomona Mills Creek as well as at the small drainage feature draining to this creek within the Study Area limits. The following table provides a summary of the existing aquatic habitat conditions of the various watercourses. This table compiles information from both LGL as well as Ecoplans’ field surveys Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 8 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Table 1. Aquatic Habitat Assessment Summary1 Ref No. 1 Feature East Don River Type of Crossing Round, open bottom, concrete culvert (14m x 14m x 60m) Watercourse Classification Habitat Summary 2 Upstream Downstream Coldwater • Avg. 7.5m wide (wetted); • Avg. 8m wide (wetted),25-35 • • • • • 2 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib # 3) Yonge Street at Highway 407 Closed concrete box culvert (5 m x 2.5 m x 200 m) Coldwater 40 cm deep. Scouring (1.5m+deep) at inlet from large storm sewer outfall. Good riparian cover (moderate shading) by overhanging Crack Willow, Manitoba Maple, White Elm, ash sp. Good instream cover by woody debris and detritus Channelized (concrete slabs on sections of bank as stabilization measure) Poor morphology- largely flats Fine substrates dominantsand with some boulders, cobble • Ranges 1-2m wide (wetted); 8-30 cm deep. • Channel flows through meadow and forested reach upstream of Yonge Street. • Good bank cover by sedges and herbs within ~40m upstream of culver and within forest (80% cover) by Black Locust, Manitoba Maple, Crack Willow. • Steep valley slope (2.5-3m high) within ~40m upstream of culvert. • • • • • • cm in riffles, up to 95 cm deep pools Good riparian cover (well shaded by forest). Species include Crack Willow, Black Walnut, Norway Maple, Manitoba Maple. Good in-stream cover by woody debris and vegetation (along banks) Moderately stable banks Mixed substrate- gravel dominant, with sand, boulders, cobble Good stream morphology (riffle/run -dominant and pools) Groundwater indicatorwatercress along bank edges • Steep slopes on both • • • • sides of stream No shading Poor morphology-largely flats Poor instream cover Rip-rap on sides close to culvert Key Habitat Functions Flow conditions Drainage Connectivity Comments Ideal conditions for Brown trout and Rainbow Trout spawning on downstrea m (east) side (in riffles). Medium flow year round Main drainage system Flows through Thornhill Golf & CC (upstream) and Ladies of Toronto Golf &CC (downstream) Potential warmwater baitfish habitat Medium flow Large storm sewer outlets to SW corner of culvert. Sediment-laden water entering stream through sewer at the time of Ecoplans Survey Good • Storm sewer inflow from south-west corner Downstream side not investigated by Ecoplans 1 LGL Limited data with additional information from Ecoplans October 9, 2008 surveys noted in italics 2 Classifications obtained from the TRCA (LGL Limited 2005) Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 9 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study Ref No. Feature Type of Crossing Watercourse Classification 2 January 2009 Habitat Summary Upstream Downstream Key Habitat Functions Flow conditions Drainage Connectivity Comments Poor Channel enclosed (piped underground) from SW corner of High Tech Woodlot, and likely for entire distance of tributary (see original tributary location on Figure 1) Goodhowever culvert is likely a seasonal barrier (several steps in culvert bottom 1520 cm high) Landuse= Beaver Stone (landscaping). Encroachment into stream corridor. Boulder, rubble and gravel sized shale and soil dumped onto east bank and into creek. • Poor morphology-largely flats • Fine substrates (Clay, sand with some gravel/cobble) • Moderately stable banksbare banks (limited understory growth) within forested reach • Groundwater indicatorwatercress along bank edges 3/ 12 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib # 3) Yonge Street at High Tech Road 4 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib #3) at Langstaff Road Coldwater • Channel enclosed (piped underground) No direct fish use Enclosed in culvert • Channelized • Riparian vegetation provides Upstream side not investigated by Ecoplans good cover (willow bush, cattails, Common Reed Grass, coltsfoot, nightshade, goldenrod) however vegetation disturbed by dumping of rock/soil along east bank (see comments) • Moderately stable banks • Fine substrate with some large rubble. • Poor morphology (flats dominant) Potential warmwater baitfish habitat • Ecoplans noted a swale choked with Common Reed Grass (Phragmites). This swale flows along south edge of HighTech Road woodlot and drops into catch basin here. Closed Concrete Box Culvert Coldwater Medium flow (slow at time of Ecoplans survey) Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 10 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study Ref No. 5 13 Feature Drainage feature of Pomona Mills Creek at CN Bala Line Trib. #2 Yonge St. Type of Crossing None Watercourse Classification January 2009 Habitat Summary 2 Upstream Downstream Coldwater • No habitat upstream, No habitat downstream, watercourse dry. watercourse dry. Ecoplans confirmed this in October 2008 as well. No defined channel observed (4m wide cattail choked dry swale). Warmwater Channel enclosed (piped underground) Key Habitat Functions Flow conditions Drainage Connectivity Comments No direct fish use likely Ephemeral flows Poor • Poorly defined drainage system (no defined channel, ephemeral). • Drains industrial area upstream of CN line. Not investigated by Ecoplans No direct fish use Poor Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 11 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study 2.3 January 2009 Terrestrial Habitat 2.3.1 Vegetation Communities Within the Study Area, vegetation communities were classified according to the Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application (Lee et al. 1998). Communities documented were assessed using a plotless method for the purposes of determining the general composition of the vegetation. Due to the urban nature of in the Study Area, much of the vegetation is of anthropogenic origin, resulting from past and present land uses. Six types of vegetation communities were identified within the Study Area. These communities are cultural meadow, cultural woodland, coniferous plantation, deciduous plantation, and two types of lowland deciduous forest. Table 2 provides a description of the identified vegetation communities. 2.3.2 Flora Species at Risk Within this Study Area, a total of 177 vascular plant species were recorded by LGL Limited during their 2003 field work and by Ecoplans during their 2008 field work. More than half of these species are considered introduced and non-native to southern Ontario. A combined LGL Limited and Ecoplans working plant list of species recorded in the vegetation communities within the Study Area is provided in Appendix B. No provincially or federally designated vegetation SAR were documented during the field surveys conducted in 2003 or 2008. Species identified as being locally uncommon or rare (i.e. York Region or Greater Toronto Area (GTA)), or species ranked by TRCA as “species of concern”, are noted and referenced in Appendix B. The TRCA “species of concern” addressed in this report include species ranked as L1 to L4, meaning that they are of concern to TRCA regionally and/or within the urban matrix. These species are listed and described below. - Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is planted and naturally occurring in the Study Area. Several individuals of small shrub size are planted within the CUM1-1 community surrounding the CNR corridor and naturally occurring in the CUM1-1 under the hydro lines (Reference Site 15). Red cedar is considered uncommon in the Greater Toronto Area and the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and updated by Ecoplans in 2008. - Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is planted and naturalized in the Study Area. Planted specimens are located on existing lawns and were also observed as naturalized in the CUW1, CUP1-3, and FOD7-3 communities. Black walnut is considered rare in the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and updated by Ecoplans in 2008. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 12 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Table 2. Summary of ELC Vegetation Communities ELC Code Vegetation Type Species Association Terrestrial – Natural/Semi-natural FOD DECIDUOUS FOREST Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) dominated with Crack Willow (Salix X FOD7 Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous rubens), Weeping Willow (S. X sepulcralis), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides), American elm (Ulmus Forest Ecosite americana), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia). The ground layer is dominated by Avens (Geum sp.) with frequent Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata). FOD7-3 Fresh-Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest Type This unit is most disturbed adjacent to Yonge Street where the vegetation is dominated by non-native invasive species. The canopy is dominated by Manitoba Maple and Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) with Dog strangling vine (Cynanchum nigrum) and Daylily (Hemerocallis sp.) in the ground layer. Willow dominated with Manitoba Maple, Black Locust, Black Walnut, Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Trembling Aspen, American Elm, Alternateleaved Dogwood, Red-osier Dogwood, Staghorn Sumac, Common Buckthorn, Riverbank Grape. The ground layer is dominated by Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) and Garlic Mustard. Terrestrial – Cultural CUP CULTURAL PLANTATION Black walnut dominated with American Elm, Siberian Elm, Black Locust, CUP1-3 Black Walnut Norway Maple, Manitoba Maple, Silver Maple, Sugar Maple (Acer Deciduous saccharum), Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana), Tartarian Honeysuckle Plantation Type (Lonicera tatarica) and ground cover predominantly Garlic Mustard. There were many recently planted native trees and shrubs in the north half of this unit. It is estimated that they were planted in the last few years. Comments This community type is on the east side of Yonge Street along the main branch of the East Don River. Reference Numbers: 1 This community type is well west of Yonge Street on surrounding Pomona Mills Creek. Reference Number: 2 This community is located in the east half of a small woodland that is located at the southeast corner of Yonge Street and High Tech Road and is associated with a Coniferous Plantation (CUP3). There is abundant regeneration of a variety of tree and shrub species. In the understory and sub-canopy of this unit. Reference Number: 3 Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 13 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 ELC Code Vegetation Type Species Association Comments CUP3 Coniferous Plantations Predominantly Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) with Common Buckthorn, Choke Cherry, Avens, Garlic Mustard and Dame’s Rocket. A small patch of this community type is located in the southwest portion of a small woodland that is located on the Southeast corner of Yonge Street and High Tech Road and is associated with a deciduous plantation (CUP1). There is abundant regeneration of a variety of tree and shrub species. In the understory and sub-canopy of this unit. CUM CUM1-1 CULTURAL MEADOW Dry-Moist Old Field Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Grasses (Poa Meadow Type spp.), Teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris), Asters (Aster spp.), Staghorn Sumac, Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Common Buckthorn Reference Number: 3 CUW CUW1 Reference area 5: There is a mature Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) that is 132 cm dbh and reportedly 200 years old however this has not been validated. It is in good condition. The tree has a full crown of natural shape and minor dead wood however there is abundant twig dieback and epicormic branching, possibly due to salt spray. It is located at 17626346N, 4855128E (UTM NAD83), approximately 55 m from the Yonge Street right-of-way. CULTURAL WOODLAND Mineral Cultural Woodland Ecosite Along the main branch of the East Don River: Manitoba Maple, Norway Maple, Crack Willow, Black Locust, Black Walnut, Siberian Elm, White Mulberry (Morus alba), Common Buckthorn. The ground layer is dominated by Dog Strangling Vine with frequent Avens, Garlic Mustard, and Ground Ivy. This community type is the predominant community type throughout the Study Area. It surrounds the rail tracks between Glen Cameron Road and Meadowview Avenue and it surrounds the Yonge Street-Highway 407 interchange. In the north half of the Study Area this community type is often mixed with sites of active development. Reference Numbers: 2, 4, 5, 14, 15, This community type is on the west side of Yonge Street along the main branch of the East Don River and approximately 125 m north of the main branch of the East Don River. Reference Numbers: 1 125 m north of the main branch of the East Don River: The canopy is dominated by Norway Maple and Black Locust with Black Walnut and Common Buckthorn. The ground layer is dominated by Garlic Mustard with Common Burdock (Arctium minus), Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and Avens. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 14 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 - Tower mustard (Arabis glabra) is a weedy native species. Individuals of this species are located within the CUM1-1 community surrounding the CNR corridor, approximately 50 m from the current Yonge Street right-of-way. Tower mustard is considered rare in the Greater Toronto Area and the Region of York and is considered a species of concern by the TRCA. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003. - Swamp tickseed (Bidens tripartita) was found growing along the banks of Ponoma Mills Creek of the East Don River, approximately 30 m from the current Yonge Street right-ofway. Swamp tickseed is considered uncommon in the Greater Toronto Area. Record of this species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003. - Beech wood sedge (Carex cf. laxiflora) was found growing along the banks of the main branch of the East Don River, approximately 30 m from the current Yonge Street right-ofway. Beech wood sedge is considered uncommon in the Greater Toronto Area and the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003. - Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) was found growing in moist ditches within the CUM1-1 community surrounding the CNR corridor, approximately 50 m from the current Yonge Street right-of-way. Spotted water hemlock is considered uncommon in the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003. - Virginia wild-rye (Elymus virginicus) was found growing in two patches within the CUP13/CUP3 community, approximately 20 m and 70 m from the current Yonge Street right-ofway. Virginia wild-rye is considered uncommon in the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and updated by Ecoplans in 2008. - Beggar’s lice (Hackelia virginiana) was found growing within the CUP1-3/CUP3 community approximately 20 m from the current Yonge Street right-of-way and in the CUW1 approximately 15 m west of Yonge Street right-of-way on the north side of main branch of the East Don River. Beggar’s lice is considered uncommon in the Greater Toronto Area and rare in the Region of York. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and updated by Ecoplans in 2008. - Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) was observed in the central portion of the CUP1-3/CUP3 community and in the FOD7-3 community. It is ranked by TRCA as L4. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and verified by Ecoplans Limited in 2008. - Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ssp triphyllum) was observed in the CUP1-3/CUP3 community approximately 50 m from the current Yonge Street right-of-way. It is ranked by TRCA as L4. This species was observed by LGL Limited in 2003 and verified by Ecoplans in 2008. - Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) was observed in a CUM1-1 community (Reference Site 5) beside a stormwater management pond. It is listed by TRCA as special concern. As noted in Table X, this is a mature tree that is 132 cm dbh and is in good condition and is approximately 55 m from the existing Yonge Street right-of-way. This species was observed by Ecoplans in 2008. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 15 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study - January 2009 Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) was observed in CUP1-3/CUP3 (Reference Site 3). Several of these trees were observed in the north west corner of this unit. It is ranked by TRCA as L4. This species was observed by Ecoplans in 2008. Several other species listed as locally rare or ranked as a species of concern by TRCA and recorded in the Study Area by LGL Limited in 2003 and Ecoplans in 2008 were identified as being planted. Since these species were introduced to the site through anthropogenic means, they are not considered of concern from a natural environmental perspective. These species, their locations and their status are listed below. - Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – north portion of CUP1-3, rare in GTA American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – north portion of CUP1-3, uncommon in York Region and ranked L3 by TRCA Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) – west edge of CUP3, near southern limit, rare in GTA and rare in York Region Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – north portion of CUP1-3, ranked L4 by TRCA White Pine (Pinus strobus) - north portion of CUP1-3, ranked L4 by TRCA Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) – CUP3, ranked L1 by TRCA. Common juniper (Juniperus communis) - CUM1-1 along CNR corridor, considered rare in the Greater Toronto Area and the Region of York and is ranked L3 by TRCA. One additional species observed by LGL Limited, White Spruce (Picea glauca), is ranked as L3 by the TRCA, but is also typically introduced to urban areas for landscape trees. Due to the highly altered landscape in which these trees were observed, it is expected that they are of anthropogenic origin and not native populations. This species was observed in reference sites 4, 5, 12, and 15. 2.3.3 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Field investigations were conducted by LGL Limited in 2003 to document wildlife habitat and characterize the nature, extent and significance of animal usage within the project limits. Wildlife was recorded through direct observation, vocalization or other evidence including tracks, scat, odours or browse. Significant Wildlife Habitat was characterized using the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (SWHTG) (OMNR 2000). Although some units contain features identified in the SWHTG, they are of low quality or small size and therefore not considered to be significant in the province or local area. The results of this analysis are provided in Table 3. The conclusions reported by LGL were reviewed by Ecoplans during their field investigations in 2008. Due to the urban nature of the Study Area, wildlife habitat is primarily limited to open habitat of anthropogenic origin with few natural heritage features. Species within this urban habitat are typically very tolerant of human disturbance. Species that are expected to use habitats in the Study Area include Eastern Cottontail, Ground Hog, Raccoon, Fox and other small mammals. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 16 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Due to the disturbed nature of the Study Area, and its setting in a very busy urban core, it is not expected to provide habitat for sensitive or rare wildlife. The natural areas surrounding the main branch of the East Don River Valley are the most noteworthy habitats within the Study Area. They are comprised of lowland deciduous forest, cultural woodland and cultural meadow. This valley has the highest potential to provide wildlife movement within the Study Area and local area. The hydro corridor also provides a relatively large area of cultural meadow habitat for urban adapted wildlife, but due to the presence of a major road barrier (6 lane Yonge Street) at its eastern limit, it is not considered an unimpeded wildlife movement corridor. This area could provide habitat for the tolerant mammals identified above. Additionally, Red-tailed Hawk was observed in this area and probably hunts in the meadow for small mammals, and local residents report observations of White-tailed Deer. 2.3.4 Fauna Species at Risk Records of wildlife species at risk within the project limits from the MNR (NHIC 2008) were reviewed by LGL Limited in 2003 using on-line databases; this review was updated by Ecoplans in 2008. No terrestrial wildlife listed under the SARA or the Endangered Species Act were recorded in the Study Area. No terrestrial wildlife species of management concern beyond the local level (upper tier municipal jurisdiction) were identified during field investigations. LGL Limited observations reported that Milk Snake, a reptile species designated as Special Concern by the COSEWIC, was recorded outside the Study Area in the Herpetofauna Atlas (Oldham and Weller 2000). Milk Snake was not observed in the Study Area during field investigations by LGL Limited in 2003 and Ecoplans in 2008. During field investigations completed by LGL in 2003, 37 bird species and 13 mammal species were observed in the vicinity of the broader Study Area between 19th Avenue and Steeles Avenue. Of these, 12 birds are considered local species of concern. Since no locations of these wildlife observations were provided in LGL’s report, these species may or may not use habitats within the Yonge Subway Extension Study Area. These species are: Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis_ Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), Northern Rough-winged Sparrow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) and White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). These species have been identified by Bird Studies Canada (BSC) as species of conservation priority (Couturier 1999). Five birds (Sharp-shinned Hawk, Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias), Black-throated Blue Warbler, Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata), and Whitethroated Sparrow) and one mammal (weasel) have been identified by TRCA as species of concern Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 17 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 within TRCA’s jurisdiction (TRCA 2004). Three birds (Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon and Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) are protected under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and 31 birds are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 18 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Table 3. Wildlife Habitat Assessment Summary Ref No. Feature 1 East Don River at Yonge Street Type of Habitat Habitat Function Seasonal Concentration of Animals Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitats for Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern Animal Movement Corridors West side of Yonge Street: CUW1 East side of Yonge Street: FOD7 • Limited potential for • No rare vegetation • Locally • The large concrete landbird migratory stop over area (suitable habitat structure) Comments communities present • Limited potential for significant species specialized wildlife habitat • Forest is mid-aged to mature; hard to replace, however portions are dominated by invasive species • Golf course near site culvert/bridge shows evidence of being used for local east/west movement of wildlife including raccoons, deer, muskrat and some birds • Small, closed canopy forest patches may facilitate seasonal migration corridor for birds and mammals • River goes through forest • No indication of herpetofauna • Possible mink denning area • Foraging area for wildlife 2 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib # 3) Yonge Street at Highway 407 FOD7-3 CUM1-1 • Small cattail marsh inclusion may provide habitat for nesting blackbirds • No rare vegetation communities or specialized wildlife habitat present • No trees directly adjacent to right-of-way • Surrounded by development • Locally significant species • Isolated forest patch with no natural connections to other natural areas (separated from other natural areas by major roads and development) • Site highly developed and isloated; small pocket of grassland and cattail marsh next to stream and a small lowland forest more than 50 m from Yonge Street ROW Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 19 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study Ref No. Feature 3 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib # 3) Yonge Street at High Tech Road January 2009 Type of Habitat Habitat Function Seasonal Concentration of Animals Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitats for Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern Animal Movement Corridors East side: CUP13/CUP3 • Limited potential for • No rare vegetation • Locally • Isolated forest patch landbird migratory stop over Comments communities or specialized wildlife habitat present significant species • Mid-aged to Mature forest plantation with several gaps in canopy • No above water source • Surrounded by with no natural connections to other natural areas (separated from other natural areas by major roads and development) • Stream enclosed (piped underground) development 4 Pomona Mills Creek (Trib #3) at Langstaff Road) CUM1-1 • Limited potential for landbird migratory stop over area (migratory birds present) • No rare vegetation • No significant • Concrete culvert shows communities or specialized wildlife habitat present species of conservation concern were recorded evidence of raccoon movement through it to other side of highway • Small tree cluster along watercourse • One main water source and two side channels of water run through site • Foraging area for wildlife • Residential development near site 5 15 Drainage feature of Pomona Mills Creek at CN Bala Line Cultural Meadow under hydro CUM1-1 and Storm water management pond (SWMP) CUM1-1 • Limited potential for waterfowl stopover area at SWMP, however this features is under hydro lines and approximately 100 m east of Yonge Street • None present • No rare vegetation communities or specialize wildlife habitat present • Residential development • No significant • None evident • One mature Bur Oak observed species of conservation concern were recorded near site • No rare vegetation communities or • No significant species of • None evident due to major movement barrier Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 20 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study Ref No. Feature lines Type of Habitat January 2009 Habitat Function Seasonal Concentration of Animals Comments Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitats for Wildlife specialize wildlife habitat present Species of Conservation Concern conservation concern were recorded Animal Movement Corridors to the east (Yonge Street) This table is based on a report by LGL(2005). Where updates have been made by Ecoplans, the text is italicized. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 21 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 2.3.5 Wetlands There are no provincially significant or non-provincially significant wetlands located within the Study Area. No unevaluated wetlands were observed during field investigations. 3.0 Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures 3.1 Proposed Works The proposed works at the main branch of the East Don River Valley involve removing the existing open bottom concrete arch culvert (46 m length x 12 m width x 5.8 m height) and replacing it with a bridge structure. The construction of the bridge will be adequately staged to minimize impacts to the valley and the residents of the area. The works will include the construction of a temporary detour road; the construction of the bridge; the removal of the existing culvert and naturalization of the valley. The new bridge will clear span the river with bridge piers and abutments in the valley. It is proposed to be a 3-span structure approximately 150 m of total length, the middle span measuring 75m, with 37.5 m spans on either side. The bridge will measure approximately 7.3 m high (1.5 metres above the crown of the existing arch structure). The proposed bridge will present a double deck similar to the Danforth viaduct of the Bloor Subway Line over the Don Valley Parkway, with the road on top of the subway box. Once the bridge is in operation, the culvert will be removed and the valley naturalized. There are no details available on the logistics of the existing arch culvert removal at this stage. The temporary detour road will be built immediately (a few metres) upstream (west) side of the existing Yonge Street roadway. This detour road will utilize the existing concrete culvert and will not require an extension of the existing culvert. The detour road will accommodate up to 4 lanes of traffic and walking facilities, and will measure a total of 14m wide, with an embankment extending at a 2:1 slope to the west limit of the existing culvert. Temporary retaining walls will be built at the toe of the slope to limit the intrusion of the widened slope into the valley. Additional works associated with the project include construction of subway station buildings and a potential “park and ride” station and the tunnelling for the subway construction. All tunnel ingress and egress locations are located within parking lots or within Yonge Street. Specifically: • The tunneling for the subway will start at Richmond Hill Centre in the middle of a parking lot and be pulled out near Royal Orchard Station in the middle of the road. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 22 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Tunneling will start again at Steeles ( in the middle of the road) and be pulled out approximately 100 m south of East Don River (in the middle of the road). • Tunneling will start again at Steeles (in the middle of the road) and be pulled out at Cummer/Drewry Station (in the middle of the road). Between Royal Orchard Station and 100 m south of the East Don River the works will be completed through open cut within the road allowance. This section also encompasses the bridge works discussed above. 3.2 Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat 3.2.1 Potential Impacts Anticipated impacts to fisheries and aquatic habitat as a result of the above ground works described above are outlined in the following bullets. The Preliminary Geotechnical Report produced by Golder & Associates concluded that, based on the level of investigation completed thus far, it is anticipated that the effects on any groundwater flow on nearby watercourses (East Don River and Pomona Creek),as a result of the project if any, will be maintained to environmentally acceptable levels through appropriate combinations of dewatering, groundwater inflow mitigation measures, and contingency plans developed through the course of additional investigations, detailed design, and continued consultation with the TRCA and MOE regulatory agencies. East Don River • No in-water works will be required for construction of the East Don River Bridge and the temporary detour road. The new bridge will clear span the river with bridge piers and abutments in the valley but removed from the channel. • No permanent impacts to the watercourse (loss of habitat) will occur. • Temporary in-water works will be required for the removal of the existing concrete arch culvert, with associated localized disturbance of stream bed required to remove the existing culvert footings. The affected reach consists of deep pool habitat at the existing culvert inlet zone and through the upstream end of the culvert. This pool habitat has formed as a result of scouring from storm run-off exiting the large Storm Sewer outlet located on the south bank, immediately upstream of the existing arch culvert. Riffle habitat exists within the downstream half of the culvert as well as downstream of the culvert outlet. Gravel and sand are dominant through the area, with coarser substrate (cobbles, boulders) evident at the culvert outlet. • Riparian vegetation potentially impacted by the removal of existing culvert includes a large Weeping Willow located on the north bank, immediately upstream of the existing Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 23 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 culvert inlet and small White Elm and Manitoba Maple in addition to embankment removals outlined in Table 2 and Section 3.2.2 The existing road embankment is dominated by highly disturbed and dominated by invasive species. Primary species include Black Locust, Norway Maple, Manitoba Maple, Weeping Willow, Black Walnut, Siberian Elm, and Dog-strangling Vine • Potential indirect impacts during the temporary in-water works and adjacent construction activity (e.g. erosion and sediment influx or disturbance and downstream transfer, other water quality impacts, entry of debris into water, interception of flow, potential disturbance of fish) can be managed using appropriate mitigation and restoration measures. No permanent impacts are anticipated to result from the operation and maintenance associated with the Yonge Street Subway Extension. Future maintenance activities would not be expected to involve any in-water works once the bridge crossing is constructed to span the East Don River, or any new permanent footprint impacts. Therefore, potential impacts should be limited to temporary disturbance-related impacts that can be addressed using standard mitigation measures While there will be minor impacts as a result of the proposed construction, they are limited to localized terrestrial areas and potential disturbance during construction. The new much longer bridge span ultimately provides an overall net benefit to the East Don River and valley crossing, as outlined below: • The proposed bridge will have a significantly smaller footprint in the valley compared to the existing fill embankment and culvert crossing. • Following removal of the culvert, the much wider bridge span will enable re-instatement of a natural channel section through the crossing as well as future ‘natural’ migration of the channel; • The much wider and higher bridge span will improve wildlife movement opportunities along the valley system. • Removal of the existing embankments provides the opportunity to remove the existing invasive-dominated vegetation and re-instate more natural cover on the smaller embankment footprint. Other Watercourses Several tributaries of the East Don River lie within the vicinity of Yonge Street as outlined in the Existing Conditions discussion above. There will be no direct impact to these watercourses by the proposed Yonge Street Subway works. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 24 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 3.2.2 Mitigation Measures As outlined above, the proposed above ground works are generally limited to localized impacts associated with removal of the existing East Don River structure. The need for a Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) will be determined at the detailed design phase, once all of the potential impacts and proposed mitigation and monitoring measures have been fully identified. However, based on consultation with TRCA, it appears at this point that all above ground impacts will be fully mitigated, and therefore an authorization under the FAA is not anticipated (TRCA, pers. comm. November 19, 2008). The associated impacts to the East Don River should be minor, with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. To avoid and minimize the potential construction-related impacts of the project on fish and aquatic habitat in the East Don River, the following mitigation measures will be implemented to the furthest extent possible: • An in-water construction timing restriction will be implemented during the removal of the existing culvert and naturalization of the channel, to protect the coldwater fishery. No in-water work will be permitted from September 16 to June 30. • Although DFO’s SAR mapping maps the subject reaches as part of the broader reach that supports Redside Dace, this species has not been caught during sampling in the vicinity of the bridge and TRCA has indicated that the habitat conditions are not ideal at this location (TRCA pers. comm. November 19, 2008). On this basis, a SAR permit should not be required for any instream works. As outlined earlier in Section 2.2.3, the status of Redside Dace is currently under review by the Province. Further consultation with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources staff with regards to permitting under the Endangered Species Act may be required. . • Stringent erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented and maintained during the construction period and all disturbed surfaces draining to the river will be stabilized and re-vegetated following construction. It is recommended that a comprehensive erosion and sediment control plan be developed during detailed design. This plan must meet the requirements, guidelines and design standards provided in TRCA’s 2006 Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban Construction, • An appropriate containment system will be specified during detailed design to prevent construction debris associated with the removal of the existing culvert and construction of the new bridge from entering the river. • Any material that is inadvertently dropped into the watercourse will be retrieved carefully with minimal disturbance to the channel bed or banks. • Any temporarily stockpiled material, construction or related materials will be properly contained (e.g. within silt fencing) in areas separated at least 30m from the watercourses. All construction materials and debris will be removed and appropriately disposed of following construction. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 25 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 • Temporary flow management measures during removal of the existing culvert and reinstatement of the natural channel will be implemented to ensure that the construction area is fully isolated from the main stream and clean flow is maintained downstream at all times. The appropriate technique will be determined based on flow volumes and the duration of the works during detailed design. . • Any fish stranded within the temporary work zones will be removed using appropriate techniques by qualified individuals and released downstream of the temporary work zones. • No equipment shall ford or otherwise enter any of the watercourses except as specified herein or unless authorized by MNR or TRCA. • Only clean materials free of fine particulate matter will be placed in the water for temporary construction measures (e.g. coffer dams will be constructed of ‘pea gravel’ bags, geotextile fabric or other clean material) or permanent works (e.g. substrate material). • All activity will be controlled so as to prevent entry of any petroleum products, debris or other potential contaminants/deleterious substances, in addition to sediment as outlined above, to the watercourses. No storage, maintenance or refueling of equipment will be conducted near the watercourses. A Spills Prevention and Response Plan will be developed by the Contractor and kept on site at all times. • Any areas draining to the river or riparian vegetation that are temporarily disturbed to access the culvert will be re-vegetated and any woody vegetation that is removed in the valley will be replaced. Only native species compatible with the riparian habitat along the East Don River will be used as outlined in the Terrestrial Mitigation Strategy. • An environmental inspector experienced in working around watercourses will be responsible for ensuring that all environmental mitigation and design measures are properly installed/constructed and maintained, and appropriate contingency and response plans are in place and implemented if required. • An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be developed during detailed design and may incorporate additional mitigation measures as required to protect aquatic habitat. Design-Related Measures The structure should be designed to avoid direct drainage into the river. Drainage should be directed to the floodplain areas away from the river, rather than directly to the water, enhancing the existing condition. The proposed naturalization of the presently enclosed section of the East Don River through the future bridge crossing will be developed during detailed design. The channel through the bridge reach as well reaches immediately upstream and downstream of the Proposed Bridge will be constructed using naturalized principles, to maintain or enhance the existing habitat within this Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 26 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 reach. The design will be developed by appropriately qualified individuals (e.g. hydrologists or fluvial geomorphologists and fisheries biologists) with experience in channel design. Specific aspects of the design will include: • the creation of a stable, naturally functioning channel section that transitions smoothly with up and downstream sections of the channel to preclude development of potential barriers to fish movement; • re-instatement of natural channel form, morphology, substrates and cover elements; • re-instatement of vegetation cover (where light permits) under the new structure; • planting of a mix of native shrubs and trees along the channel edges and in the riparian area impacted. In addition to the above, the existing scour pool (+1.5m deep) located at the inlet of the structure should be retained in the naturalization design for the new channel section, as pool habitat and potential refuge habitat for fish. The pool also functions to provide energy dissipation for the stormwater outlet. This pool has formed as a result of scouring from the stormwater discharge from the existing storm outlet, which is located on the south bank opposite the structure inlet. This storm outlet consists of a concrete bottom chute that appears to function to increase velocities out of the storm outlet to the north corner of the existing arched culvert. Additional pool habitat could also be incorporated into the design further downstream for dissipation and habitat use if deemed appropriate. Opportunities to enhance the functioning of the stormwater outfall could also be considered during detailed design, to reduce the scouring action and flux of silt observed entering the river. TRCA shall be contacted prior to any proposal to re-design existing outfalls as part of this project. Hardened bank stability measures (concrete slabs and gabion structures) currently line the channel banks upstream of the existing structure inlet. Opportunities to remove these structures and replace them using ‘bioengineered designs’ to stabilize the banks and bed (e.g. live crib walls, live rock revetments, cabled log jams) within the rehabilitation zone should also be reviewed during detailed design, to enhance the existing situation. Similarly, opportunities to remove the concrete slabs that currently line the bank further upstream of the inlet and re-naturalize the banks should also be reviewed during detailed design. The Ontario Stream Rehabilitation Manual Version 1.0 (http://www.ontariostreams.on.ca/OSRM/toc.htm) provides several examples of bioengineering techniques and habitat enhancement designs. 3.3 Vegetation, Wildlife and Terrestrial Habitat 3.3.1 Potential Impacts Anticipated impacts to vegetation, wildlife and terrestrial habitat as a result of above ground works as described in Section 3.1, are outlined in the following bullets. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 27 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 The Preliminary Geotechnical Report produced by Golder & Associates concluded that, based on the level of investigation completed thus far, it is anticipated that the effects on any groundwater flow,as a result of the project if any, will be maintained to environmentally acceptable levels through appropriate combinations of dewatering, groundwater inflow mitigation measures, and contingency plans developed through the course of additional investigations, detailed design, and continued consultation with the TRCA and MOE regulatory agencies. • No vegetation removals are required for tunnel ingress and egress locations, since all are located within parking lots or within Yonge Street. • Vegetation removals will be required on the existing road embankment (which will be removed) at the East Don River crossing. The vegetation on the embankment is highly disturbed and dominated by invasive species. Primary species include Black Locust, Norway Maple, Manitoba Maple, Weeping Willow, Black Walnut, Siberian Elm, and Dog-strangling Vine. A small patch of one species considered rare in York Region (Beggar’s Lice) was located at the base of the embankment on the west side of Yonge Street and will be removed during construction. This species is commonly encountered in the Greater Toronto Area and was also found elsewhere is the Study Area (CUP31/CUP1). No impacts to any other locally or regionally rare species observed in the study area are anticipated. • Cultural meadow vegetation along a hydro corridor, south of Highway 407 and west of Yonge Street, will be removed for a potential park and ride station. The vegetation in this area is dominated by common, disturbance tolerant species such as Brome Grass, Canada Goldenrod, Heath Aster and Common Buckthorn. This area also provides early successional habitat for urban adapted wildlife including birds and small mammals. • There may also be limited removals of urban and landscape vegetation for the construction of subway stations. • Potential for localized indirect impacts such as edge impacts (windthrow, sunscald, changes in light conditions), invasion of exotic or other aggressive species, and minor drainage modifications (e.g., minor changes in surface area of paved surfaces or direction of flow off paved surfaces) may occur as a result of the construction, but these impacts can be managed through appropriate mitigation and restoration measures. • Additional impacts to wildlife during construction and operation will be limited, since wildlife present will likely be tolerant to the existing urban conditions of noise and light. • Migratory birds can nest on buildings and vegetation (including street trees) and nesting and breeding activity can be impacted if construction occurs during the breeding season. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 28 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 3.3.2 Mitigation Measures To minimize direct impacts to vegetation and associated habitat features along Yonge Street and specifically in the East Don River valley and to protect adjacent vegetation/habitat features from indirect impacts during construction, the following mitigation measures will be implemented to the furthest extent possible: • A re-vegetation and enhancement plan will be developed for the East Don River valley. • The bridge structure design and valley enhancement plan will specifically target opportunities to improve wildlife movement, including provision of a stable overbank area for wildlife movement as well as vegetation planting and placement of cover elements at the ends of and through the structure to create smooth transitions with the existing valley vegetation and encourage wildlife movement through the structure. • Vegetation clearing zones and vegetation retention zones will be clearly delineated in both the Contract documents and in the field to minimize the risk of unnecessary or inadvertent vegetation impacts and avoid incidental impacts as a result of temporary stockpiling, debris disposal and access. Works zones will be delineated in the field using construction fencing to minimize the area of disturbance and prevent disturbance of adjacent areas. • The East Don River valley will be identified as a ‘priority protection area’ on Contract Drawings to restrict contractor activities in these areas. • Appropriate vegetation clearing techniques (e.g., trees to be felled away from the retained natural areas) will be used to remove vegetation required for the proposed works. • Stringent erosion and sediment control measures will be designed, implemented and maintained throughout construction. This includes installing sediment and erosion control fencing along the edge of the required working area to protect the edges of all retained natural areas, as well as proper containment and filtering of all constructiongenerated sediment (whether from dewatering or soil exposure from clearing and grubbing). • All exposed surfaces will be re-stabilized and re-vegetated as soon as possible following construction, using an appropriate seed mix. • The valley enhancement plan will be developed during detailed design with input from TRCA. This will include replacement of woody vegetation removed for construction and enhancement of the valley cover and linkage generally. Only native species representative of the local area and valley habitats will be used. • All construction-related debris will be appropriately contained during construction and cleaned-up and properly disposed of following construction. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 29 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 • All activity will be controlled so as to prevent entry of any petroleum products, debris or other potential contaminants/deleterious substances, in addition to sediment as outlined above, to natural areas and particularly the East Don River valley. No storage, maintenance or refueling of equipment will be conducted within the valley. A Spills Prevention and Response Plan will be developed by the Contractor and kept on site at all times. • An environmental inspector will be responsible for ensuring that all environmental mitigation and design measures are properly installed/constructed, implemented and maintained, and appropriate contingency, response plans and remedial measures are in place and implemented if required. In addition to protecting vegetation, which in turn protects the associated habitat functions, it is necessary to ensure the protection of breeding birds (in accordance with the MCBA) that may nest or otherwise use areas where construction is proposed. Numerous birds located within the project limits are listed under the MBCA. The MBCA prohibits the killing, capturing, injuring, taking or disturbing of migratory birds (including eggs) or the damaging, destroying, removing or disturbing of nests. Migratory insectivorous and non-game birds are protected year-round, while migratory game birds are only protected from March 10 to September 1. No permit can be issued for the destruction of migratory birds or their nests incidental to some other undertaking or activity. Measures for the protection of migratory birds, as well as protection of all wildlife generally, include: • To meet the requirements of the MBCA, timing constraints will be applied to avoid vegetation clearing during the breeding bird season (May 1st to July 31st). • If clearing cannot avoid the breeding bird season, then an avian biologist will be employed to conduct a nest survey in the area to be cleared. If active nests of migratory birds are located then a mitigation plan will be developed and approved by Environment Canada prior to clearing. This may involve delays to allow for fledging. • The nest survey will also include the East Don River culvert to ensure that birds such as swallow species or Eastern Phoebe are not nesting in it. No bird activity was observed during the 2008 field visit, however there is potential for nest building in the culvert. Any “inactive” nests (previous season nests, and nests where adult birds are not seen flying in and out) should be removed before construction. • No active nests will be removed/disturbed in accordance with the MBCA. • Any wildlife incidentally encountered during construction will not be knowingly harmed. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 30 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study 3.4 January 2009 Future Commitments In this report, potential impacts to the natural environment from above ground works were addressed and appropriate mitigation measures outlined to minimize these impacts. During the subsequent detailed design phase, the mitigation measures will be refined and finalized based on the final design details for the proposed East Don River Bridge, the logistics of the existing East Don structure removal and other above ground works associated with the Yonge Subway. In addition, input from agencies and the public will be integrated into the mitigation strategies. The Natural Environment Report did not specifically address impacts to the natural environment as a result of proposed dewatering works. However, based on the level of hydrogeological investigation completed thus far, it is anticipated that the effects on any groundwater flow on nearby watercourses (East Don River and Pomona Creek), as a result of the project if any, will be minor (Delcan 2009). These potential effects will be reviewed and assessed further during detailed design and the mitigation, monitoring and contingency plans will be developed in consultation with and accordance with TRCA’s Guidelines for Dewatering Needs Assessment and Environmental Management Plan. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 31 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 REFERENCES Couturier, A. 1999. Conservation Priorities for the Birds of Southern Ontario. Bird Studies Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada. Port Rowan, Ontario. Delcan 2009. Preliminary Geotechnical Report- Yonge Subway Extension Environmental Assessment. Toronto, Ontario. Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 2007a. Distribution of Fish Species at Risk. Toronto Region Conservation Authority (Map 2). Produced on May 31, 2007. Online database (http://www.conservationontario.ca/), accessed 28 October 2008. Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 2007b. Reference Guide for Fish and Mussel Species at Risk Distribution Maps. A Referral Review Tool for Projects Affecting Aquatic Species at Risk. Conservation Authority Edition V. 1.0 2007. Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J.L. 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. LGL Limited. 2005. Natural Sciences Report. Yonge Street Transitway from Steeles Avenue to 19th Avenue/Gamble Road. Individual Environmental Assessment. Prepared for the York Rapid Transit Plan (YRTP). Oldham, M.J. and W.F. Weller. 2000. Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/herps/ohs.html (updated 15-01-2001). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. Peterborough, Ontario. Natural Heritage Information Centre. http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm 2008. Rare Species On-line Database. Regional Municipality of York. 1994. Official Plan Office Consolidation June 1, 2008. Includes all approvals by the Minister of Municipal Affairs between October 17, 1994 and June 1, 2008. Stanfield L. (Editor) 2005 (edited May 2007). Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol. Version 7, Fish and Wildlife Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 256 pages. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 32 Yonge Subway Extension Conceptual Design and Functional Planning Study January 2009 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2008. Background fisheries records (1949-2005) Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2004. Table entitled TRCA Flora Scores & Ranks (11 April 2003). Unpublished document provided by TRCA Town of Markham. Markham Official Plan (Office Consolidation 2005). Markham, Ontario. Varga, S., et al. 1999. The Vascular Plant Flora of the Greater Toronto Area (Rough Draft). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aurora, ON. 82 pp. Our File No.: 10-6959 Page 33 FIGURE 1 Existing Conditions APPENDIX A TRCA FISHERIES DATABASE FOR WATERCOURSES WITHIN THE GENERAL STUDY AREA APPENDIX A: TRCA FISHERIES DATABASE FOR WATERCOURSES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA AND VICINITY Watercourse Sampled Species Scientific Name Common Name Carassius auratus Goldfish Catostomus commersoni Clinostomus elongatus Status Tributary #4 of the East Don River Minor Tributaries of the East Don River 1984c 1984prs, 1985s, 1992t, 1997pt, 1998t, 2000t, 2002q, 2005pq 2002i, 2005hm 1949el, 1985l, 1995j, 2005n 1992t, 1997p, 2000t, 1985s 2005m 1984kl, 1985l, 1991k, 1992gk, 1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2002gj, 2005gkln 1984p, 1997p, 1998r, 2002q, 2005pq 2002i, 2005m 1991a 1949el, 1982b, 1983b, 1984abfkl, 1985l, 1991aku, 1992egk,1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2002j, 2003o, 2005gkln White Sucker Redside Dace Pomona Mills Creek Main Branch of the East Don River S32, END3, THR4, SC/Sch.35 Cottus bairdi Mottled Sculpin Cottus sp. Sculpin sp. Culaea inconstans Brook Stickleback Etheostoma sp. Darter sp. 2002gj Etheostoma caeruleum Rainbow Darter 1949al 1991a 1984b, 1998ak, 2003o 1949cd, 1984c 1997p 2002i Watercourse Sampled Species Scientific Name Common Name Status Main Branch of the East Don River Etheostoma nigrum Johnny Darter 1949ael, 1982b, 1983b, 1984abkl, 1985l, 1991aku, 1992egk, 1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2005gkln Hybognathus hankinsoni Brassy Minnow 1996a Hypentelium nigricans Northern Sucker 1983b Hog Lampetra appendix American Lamprey Brook Lepomis gibbosus Pumpkinseed Pomona Mills Creek Tributary #4 of the East Don River Minor Tributaries of the East Don River 1984c 1984ps, 1985s, 1992t, 1997pt, 1998t, 2000t, 2002q, 2005pq 2005m 1983p S32, NONE3, NONE4, SC/Sch.35 2002q, 2005q 1984b, 2005n 1949aegl, 1983b, 1984bl, 1985l,1991k, 1992egk, 1997j 1984c 1997p 2005m 1984c 1983p, 1984ps, 1992t, 1997p, 1998t, 2000t, 2005p 2005m Luxilus cornutus Common Shiner Micropterus salmoides Largemouth Bass 1997p Cyprinidae Unknown minnow 2005p 2005h Oncorhynchus Rainbow Trout 1997pt, 1998t 2002i, 2005m 2002j, 2005gkl Watercourse Sampled Species Scientific Name Common Name Status Main Branch of the East Don River Pomona Mills Creek Tributary #4 of the East Don River Minor Tributaries of the East Don River mykiss 2005m Perca flavescens Yellow Perch Phoxinus eos Northern Redbelly Dace 1949g, 1984b, 1992k Pimephales notatus Bluntnose Minnow 2002j, 2005n Pimephales promelas Rhinichthys atratulus Rhinichthys cataractae Fathead Minnow 1949ael, 1984b, 1991k, 1992gk, 1997j, 1998a, 2005n Blacknose Dace 1949aegl, 1984abfkl, 1985l, 1991aku, 1992egk, 1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2002gj, 2003o, 2005gkln Longnose Dace 1949agl, 1982b, 1984afkl,1985l, 1991aku, 1992ek, 1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2002gj, 2003o, 2005gkln 1984rs, 1985s, 1992t, 1998t, 2000t 1984c cd 1949 , 1984 1984c c 1998r, 2005p 2002i, 2005hm 1992t, 1997pt, 1998t, 2000t, 2002q, 2005q 2005hm 1949s, 1983p, 1984prs, 1985s, 1992t, 1997pt, 1998rt, 2000t, 2005p 2002i, 2005hm 1983p, 1984prs, 1992t, 1997pt, 1998rt, 2000t, 2005p 2002i, 2005hm Watercourse Sampled Species Scientific Name Common Name Salmo trutta Brown Trout Semotilus atromaculatus Creek Chub Catostomidae Unknown Sucker Status Tributary #4 of the East Don River Minor Tributaries of the East Don River 2002j, 2005ln 1997p, 1998rt, 2005q 2002i, 2005m 1949aegl,1982b, 1983b, 1984abfkl, 1985l, 1991aku, 1992egk, 1995j, 1996a, 1997j, 1998ak, 2003o, 2005gkln 1949s, 1983p, 1984prs, 1985s, 1992t, 1997t, 1997p, 1998rt, 2000t, 2002q, 2005p 2005hm Main Branch of the East Don River Table * Legend 1 Provincial Rank (SRank); S3=‘rare to uncommon’ 2 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC); END= endangered 3 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; THR=threatened 4 Species at Risk Act (SARA)/Schedule; SC= Species of Special Concern/ Sch.3= Schedule 3 a Don 17 in the Main Branch of the East Don River b Don 41 in the Main Branch of the East Don River c Don 227 in Pomona Mills Creek d Don 103 in Pomona Mills Creek e Don 151 in the Main Branch of the East Don River f Don 526 in the Main Branch of the East Don River g Don 152 in the Main Branch of the East Don River h Don 544 in a Minor Tributary of the East Don River i Don 86 in a Minor Tributary of the East Don River Pomona Mills Creek 1949cd, 1984c 2002q j Don 500 in the Main Branch of the East Don River Don 22 in the Main Branch of the East Don River l Don 28 in the Main Branch of the East Don River m Don 183 in a Minor Tributary of the East Don River n Don EDS-3A in the Main Branch of the East Don River o Don 554 in the Main Branch of the East Don River p Don 39 in Tributary #4 of the East Don River q Don 228 in Tributary #4 of the East Don River r Don 509 in Tributary #4 of the East Don River s Don 40 in Tributary #4 of the East Don River t Don 179 in Tributary #4 of the East Don River u TRCA Station 3 (as indicated in LGL 2005), located downstream of the Pomona Creek confluence on the East Don River (downstream of Bayview Ave, south of Steeles Ave.) Note: This station is not mapped on Figure 1. k APPENDIX B Working Vascular Plant Checklist WORKING VASCULAR PLANT CHECKLIST Scientific Name + Abies sp. Acer negundo Common Name COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 2 Fir sp. 3 Reference Location 4 5 12 13 Manitoba maple X X X X X X * Acer platanoides Norway maple X X X X X X Acer saccharinum Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum * Achillea millefolium ssp. millefolium Actaea rubra silver maple X X * Aesculus hippocastanum horse-chestnut * Agrostis gigantea redtop * Alliaria petiolata garlic mustard * Alopecurus pratensis meadow foxtail C3 red baneberry X X X serviceberry X Arabis glabra tower mustard Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla +*Ambrosia artemisiifolia Asclepias syriaca Annual Ragweed common milkweed Aster ericoides Aster lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus heath aster + Aster novae-angliae Bidens frondosa New England Aster common beggar-ticks Bidens tripartita X X + X X R1,2, C3 X X X X C3 X + X X X + + X + + + + + X X + X eastern lined aster swamp tickseed X X common ragweed jack-in-the-pulpit + X Amelanchier spp. common burdock X X X Ambrosia artemisiifolia * Arctium minus Arisaema triphyllum ssp. triphyllum X X yarrow great burdock 15 X sugar maple * Arctium lappa 14 + + + X X + + X U1 X Scientific Name Common Name * Bromus inermis ssp. inermis smooth brome * Bromus tectorum downy brome * Campanula rapunculoides European bellflower Carex cf. laxiflora COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 2 X + U1,2 + Celtis occidentalis * Centaurea maculosa Common Hackberry spotted knapweed R1 * Chelidonium majus celandine X * Chenopodium album lamb's quarters X * Chrysanthemum leucanthemum ox-eye daisy * Cichorium intybus chickory Cicuta maculata Circaea lutetiana ssp. canadensis * Cirsium arvense spotted water hemlock X X X X X X 15 X X X X + X X X X X X X X X X U2 X X + Canada thistle X X * Convallaria majalis lily-of-the-valley X * Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed X + + X + + X horseweed X Crown-vetch alternate-leaved dogwood X Cornus rugosa round-leaved dogwood X Cornus stolonifera red-osier dogwood X * Cynanchum nigrum dog strangling vine X +*Dactylis glomerata * Daucus carota * Dipsacus fullonum ssp. sylvestris Echinocystis lobata Orchard Grass wild carrot * Echium vulgare viper's bugloss +* Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian Olive + + + + + + X + X X X X X X X X X common teasel wild cucumber 14 X enchanter's-nightshade +*Coronilla varia Cornus alternifolia Reference Location 4 5 12 13 + beech wood sedge Conyza canadensis 3 X X X + + + Scientific Name Eleocharis compressa * Elymus repens Elymus virginicus * Epilobium parviflorum Common Name COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 2 3 Reference Location 4 5 12 13 flattened spike rush X U2 field horsetail Erigeron annuus annual fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus marsh fleabane X X X X X willow-herb Equisetum arvense X + X X X * Erysimum cheiranthoides wormseed mustard X +* Euonymus europaea Eupatorium maculatum European Spindle-tree joe-pye weed + * Festuca rubra ssp. rubra red fescue X X X X X Fragaria virginiana wild strawberry X Fraxinus americana white ash X Fraxinus pennsylvanica green/red ash + + Yellow Bedstraw yellow avens * Geum urbanum urban avens X X * Glechoma hederacea ground ivy X + X beggar's lice U1, R2 + Hamamelis virginiana American Witch-hazel U2, C3 +*Hedera helix English Ivy +*Helianthus tuberosus Jerusalem Artichoke +*Hemerocallis sp. * Hesperis matronalis Daylily sp. dame's rocket * Hieracium piloselloides glaucous king-devil * Hypericum perforatum X X +*Galium verum Geum aleppicum Hackelia virginiana 15 X quack grass Virginia wild-rye 14 + X + X + + + + + X + + X X common st. john's-wort X Impatiens capensis spotted touch-me-not Juglans nigra black walnut R2 X + X X X + X + X X X X Scientific Name Common Name Juncus torreyi torrey’s rush Juniperus communis common juniper Juniperus virginiana red cedar COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 U1,2 X * Lolium perenne perennial rye grass X * Lonicera tatarica Tartarian honeysuckle X * Lotus corniculatus birdsfoot trefoil + Lysimachia ciliata * Lysimachia nummularia Fringed Loosestrife moneywort + + + * Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife Apple sp. * Matricaria matricarioides pineapple-weed Matteuccia struthiopteris 14 15 X Common Motherwort butter-and-eggs +*Malus sp. Reference Location 4 5 12 13 R1,2, C3 prickly lettuce starry false solomon's seal 3 X * Lactuca serriola +*Leonurus cardiaca ssp cardiaca * Linaria vulgaris Maianthemum stellatum 2 X X X X X X + X X + + X + + + X X X X X X X X X X X + + X ostrich fern X * Medicago lupulina black medick X * Melilotus alba white sweet clover * Melilotus officinalis yellow sweet clover * Morus alba white mulberry * Nasturtium microphyllum watercress + + * Nepeta cataria catnip X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X + X X + + Oenothera biennis common evening primrose Oxalis stricta yellow wood-sorrel X Parthenocissus inserta thicket creeper X X Phalaris arundinacea reed canary grass X X X X X X X X X X X X X * Phleum pratense timothy X X Scientific Name + Phragmites australis * Picea abies Picea glauca +*Pinus nigra Pinus resinosa Common Name COSEWIC MNR Local Common Reed Norway spruce white spruce Black Pine red pine + Pinus strobus * Pinus sylvestris Eastern White Pine Scots pine * Plantago major common plantain * Poa annua annual bluegrass Legal Status 1 2 3 + + X Reference Location 4 5 12 13 14 15 + X C3 X X X X X X X + C3 X C3 + X + X X Poa compressa Canada bluegrass X X X X X X Poa pratensis ssp. pratensis Kentucky bluegrass X X X X X X Japanese Knotweed black bindweed X +*Polygonum cuspidatum * Polygonum convolvulus Polygonum lapathifolium nodding smartweed Populus tremuloides trembling aspen * Potentilla recta Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Prunus virginiana ssp. virginiana * Puccinellia distans rough-fruited cinquefoil + Quercus macrocarpa Quercus rubra Bur Oak red oak * Ranunculus acris common buttercup * Rhamnus cathartica common buckthorn +* Rumex crispus Curly Dock + Rhus aromatica Rhus radicans ssp. rydbergii Fragrant Sumac poison ivy Rhus typhina + X + X X heal-all X choke cherry X + X alkali grass staghorn sumac X X X X + C3 C3 X + X + + R1,2 X X + X + + X + X + X X + Scientific Name Common Name COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 2 3 * Ribes rubrum red currant * Robinia pseudo-acacia black locust * Rosa multiflora Rubus idaeus ssp. melanolasius multiflora rose wild red raspberry X X + Rubus occidentalis * Rumex crispus Black Raspberry curled dock + + X * Salix alba white willow X * Salix x rubens crack willow X * Salix X sepulcralis + Sambucus racemosa ssp pubens * Saponaria officinalis weeping willow X Red-berried Elder bouncing bet + * Solanum dulcamara bittersweet nightshade X X Solidago altissima tall goldenrod X X Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod X X + Solidago gigantea Smooth Goldenrod + Solidago flexicaulis Solidago nemoralis Broad-leaved Goldenrod old-field goldenrod + x * Sorbus aucuparia * Symphytum officinale ssp. officinale European mountain-ash common comfrey X +*Syringa vulgaris * Tanacetum vulgare Common Lilac garden tansy + * Taraxacum officinale common dandelion X Thuja occidentalis eastern white cedar X +*Tilia cordata * Tragopogon dubius Small leaf Linden goat's beard X * Trifolium pratense red clover Reference Location 4 5 12 13 14 15 X X X + X X X X X X X X X X X X X + X + X + + X X + + X X X X X + X X X + X X X + X + X + X X + X X X X X X Scientific Name Common Name * Trifolium repens white clover * Tussilago farfara coltsfoot Typha angustifolia narrow-leaved cattail Typha latifolia common cattail Ulmus americana COSEWIC MNR Local Legal Status 1 2 X + + white elm X X Siberian elm X + + Ulmus rubra Slippery Elm +* Urtica dioica ssp dioica * Verbascum thapsus Stinging Nettle common mullein blue vervain Verbena urticifolia white vervain +* Viburnum lantana X Violet sp. * Vinca minor periwinkle X riverbank grape X X X X X X X X X X X + X + + + X X + X + + X X X X + X TABLE 5 LEGEND 1 – Greater Toronto Area 2 – Region of York 3 – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority X X + This table is based on a report by LGL(2005), and has been updated by Ecoplans. Local: U – Uncommon R – Rare C – Species of Concern (L1-L4) + 15 X + + + Viola sp. *Introduced species +Additional species observed by Ecoplans Limited in Oct 2008 COSEWIC – Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada: END – Endangered THR – Threatened SC – Special Concern 14 X + * Vicia cracca Vitis riparia X + U2, C3 Wayfaring-tree European highbush cranberry bird vetch * Viburnum opulus Reference Location 4 5 12 13 X * Ulmus pumila Verbena hastata 3 OMNR – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: END – Endangered THR – Threatened VUL – Vulnerable Legal Status: SARA – Species at Risk Act ESA – Endangered Species Act + X X APPENDIX C Representative Photos from the Yonge Street Subway Extension Study Area