City of Vaughan
Natural Heritage Network
Presentation for Latornell Conservation Symposium,
November 2011
VOP 2010: Overview
THE FOUR COMPONENTS OF VAUGHAN TOMORROW
• Vaughan Vision 20/20
– The City’s Strategic Plan
• The originating document for Vaughan Tomorrow
• Green Directions Vaughan
– The Community Sustainability and Environmental Master Plan;
• VOP 2010
– The City’s land use, design and development plan to guide the growth of
the City to 2031
• The Master Plans
– Dealing with services and infrastructure to support the preparation VOP
2010 and its implementation.
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Chapter 2: Urban Structure
PROPOSED URBAN STRUCTURE: VOP 2010
Subject to further modifications
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Chapter 2: Urban Structure
PROVINCIAL: OAK RIDGES MORAINE & GREENBELT
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Chapter 2: Urban Structure
40% of Vaughan is protected as Green/Open Space: Natural Areas and Countryside
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
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Permitted land uses within
Oak Ridges Moraine Plan
and Greenbelt Plan
Natural Areas
Parks
Private Open Spaces
Agricultural
Rural Residential
Chapter 2: Urban Structure
36% of Vaughan is maintained as Community Areas
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
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Low-Rise Residential
Low-Rise Mixed Use
Mid-Rise Residential
Mid-Rise Mixed Use
High-Rise Residential
Commercial Mixed-Use
New Community Areas
Chapter 2: Urban Structure
20% of Vaughan is designated as Employment Areas to support economic and job growth
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
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General Employment
Prestige Employment
NEW EMPLOYMENT AREAS
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400 North Employment
Area (OPA 637)
West Vaughan
Employment Area
Secondary Plan
Vaughan OP: Schedule 2
NATURAL HERITAGE NETWORK
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Need for NHN Study
EXPANSION AREAS
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3% urban boundary
expansion
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New Community Areas (Blocks
41 & 27)
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Council Resolution Jan 25, 2011:
“That the New Community Areas
Secondary Plan proceed after five
of the required Secondary Plans
have been substantially advanced
as defined in the staff report
excluding the Jane Street and
Major Mackenzie Secondary Plan;
and That the Natural Heritage
Inventory Study be completed
before the New Community Areas
Secondary Plan is undertaken;”
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Hwy 400 North Employment Area
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Expansion areas will require a
Secondary Plan and Block Plan
Need for NHN Study
• Significant Wildlife Habitat and headwaters areas are main
gaps in NHN data
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NHN Study Phases
• Natural Heritage Network Study
– Phase 1 - Clean up existing data and
set biodiversity/ecological function
targets (Council-approved budget)
– Phase 2 – field investigations re Sig.
Wildlife Habitat and headwaters
evaluation
– Phases 3 and 4 – Final Report with
scan of land securement approaches
(Budget not approved for Phases 2 to 4)
• Environmental Management
Guidelines
– Focus on scope of MESP and EIS
given the Natural Heritage Network
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OMB Case Studies Inform NHN Study
• A systems-based approach to ecological stewardship is
consistent with current best practices
• Decisions must attempt to achieve an appropriate balance
between economic, social and ecological considerations
• Corridor enhancement is a priority
• A fair process is one based on clear criteria and a
transparent process
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Phase 1: Ecosystem Targets
• Habitat Area; Habitat Quality; Focal Species
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Phase 1: Biodiversity Contribution
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Phase 1: GIS Database and Clean-up
KEY ISSUES
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Core Features in Schedule 2 equivalent to Natural Areas designations in Schedule
13, so Ch. 9 policies refer back to Ch. 3
Phase 2: Field Investigations
HEADWATERS EVALUATION
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Phase 2: Field Investigations
HEADWATERS EVALUATION
Endangered Redside Dace
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Phase 2: Field Investigations
Habitats of seasonal
concentrations of animals
Rare vegetation communities or
specialized habitat
Habitat of species of
conservation concern
Animal movement corridors
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Expected Deliverables
• Guidance for preparation of secondary plans
• Best management practices for Block Plans
• Identification of Enhancement Areas with securement
strategies
• Ability to articulate the function and benefit of the
NHN, not just as a constraint or residual to urban
planning
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Questions /Comments?
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