Rouge RiverRouge RiverRouge RiverRouge River

State of the Watershed ReportState of the Watershed ReportState of the Watershed ReportState of the Watershed Report

NatureNatureNatureNature----based Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreation

Goal: Opportunities for public enjoyment that are compatible with, and raise

awareness of, the watershed’s natural and cultural heritage.

NatureNatureNatureNature----based Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreation

Key Findings:Key Findings:Key Findings:Key Findings:

• There are considerable rural and natural areas in the watershed, especially in Rouge

Park, available for public recreational use. Urban development and the concomitant

population growth will cause increased pressure on these resources as well as demand

for additional resources.

• Nature-based recreational opportunities provided in greenspace are important to human

health and well-being. However, excessive or inappropriate use can damage

environmental health and degrade the experience.

• Current monitoring of nature-based recreation is minimal and will require increased resources as demand and use increase. Limited data are available for quantifying

recreation use in the Rouge River watershed, except where gate fees are charged.

• Toronto Zoo reports 1.2 million visitors per year, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area annually averages 40,000 visitors, Glen Rouge Campground sees about 7500 campers, and

Markham Fair attracts about 70,000 visitors over four days each year.

• 13.5% of land in the watershed (4,544 ha) is protected in Rouge Parka.

• Existing trails in Rouge Park in Toronto connect to the Lake Ontario Waterfront trail. The

Park’s long-term goal is a trail system connecting Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, the inter-regional Oak Ridges Trail system and east-west trail links to the Trans

Canada Trail.

Summary of Current Summary of Current Summary of Current Summary of Current ConditionsConditionsConditionsConditions Ratings: Ratings: Ratings: Ratings:

Objective:Objective:Objective:Objective: Overall RatingOverall RatingOverall RatingOverall Rating

• Ensure that recreation activities in the watershed are compatible with ecological and cultural integrity. Fair

• Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate public

uses and experiences in representative natural and cultural landscapes.

Good

• Develop a continuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to

the Oak Ridges Moraine, with connections to local

communities, neighbouring watershed trail systems and

natural and cultural heritage features.

Fair

“Rouge Park area as of September 2007”.

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS 12.0 NATURE-BASED RECREATION.................................................................................... 12-1

12.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 12-1 12.2 Understanding Recreational Use in the Rouge River Watershed............................. 12-2 12.3 Measuring Nature-based Recreation ........................................................................ 12-3 12.4 Existing Conditions in the Rouge River Watershed .................................................. 12-4

12.4.1 Recreational Use Areas and Experiences......................................................... 12-4 12.4.2 Trails................................................................................................................. 12-11

12.5 Objectives for Nature-based Recreation ................................................................. 12-14 12.5.1 Ecological Compatibility .................................................................................. 12-14 12.5.2 Opportunities – Variety and Access ................................................................ 12-16 12.5.3 Trails................................................................................................................. 12-17

12.6 Summary and Management Considerations .......................................................... 12-18 12.7 References ............................................................................................................... 12-20

LIST OF FIGURESLIST OF FIGURESLIST OF FIGURESLIST OF FIGURES

Figure 12-1: Rouge River Watershed Nature-based Recreational Opportunities and

Experiences. .......................................................................................................... 12-5 Figure 12-2: Inter-Regional Trails in the Rouge River Watershed ......................................... 12-12

LIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLESLIST OF TABLES

Table 12-1: Area of Greenspace and Other Public Use Areas by Municipality in the Rouge

River Watershed .................................................................................................... 12-4 Table 12-2: Length of Trails in the Rouge River Watershed, by Municipality........................ 12-11 Table 12-3: Rouge Park Trails Network.................................................................................. 12-13

12-1

Unique Rouge Unique Rouge Unique Rouge Unique Rouge River River River River Watershed FeatureWatershed FeatureWatershed FeatureWatershed Feature

Rouge Park is one of the largest natural environRouge Park is one of the largest natural environRouge Park is one of the largest natural environRouge Park is one of the largest natural environment parks in an urban area in ment parks in an urban area in ment parks in an urban area in ment parks in an urban area in

NNNNorth America.orth America.orth America.orth America.

CHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTERCHAPTER

12121212

NATURENATURENATURENATURE----BASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATION

12.012.012.012.0 NATURENATURENATURENATURE----BASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATIONBASED RECREATION 12.112.112.112.1 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Rouge River watershed is unique among Toronto watersheds because it contains Rouge Park, a large area of protected rural and natural habitats in close proximity to a major city and many growing suburbs. Within and beyond the Park, there are many opportunities for public recreational use in the watershed, through natural areas, trails, agricultural tourism and recreational fishing. Many parts of the watershed provide opportunities for people to come into contact with natural areas. These natural areas in the watershed are highly valued for their aesthetic, social, recreational and spiritual values and they provide opportunities for people of all ages and all cultures to interact with the outdoor environment. Through greater interaction with the outdoor environment, people gain an appreciation for their natural surroundings and are more likely to support watershed protection efforts and have healthier, happier lives. Nature-based recreation focuses on outdoor public recreation activities that depend on healthy, attractive, natural and rural landscapes. These activities include: hiking, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, camping, picnicking, canoeing, horseback riding, swimming and fishing. Other nature-based public uses include scenic drives through rural landscapes or shopping at farm markets. In contrast, more “active” uses such as golf courses and sportsfields are less dependent on a natural setting, as they require more extensive landscape design and ongoing maintenance to support the use. Most active facilities in the watershed are provided by governments (largely local municipalities) or private businesses. While considered in this report, they are not a major focus because they are part of an existing planning and implementation process and are discussed under the sustainable land and resource use chapter. Nature-based recreational activities will be the focus of this report because they rely on, and in turn have significant potential to affect the ecological, cultural and hydrological resources in the watershed. This report further focuses on those nature-based recreational opportunities at a

12-2

regional or watershed scale, while recognizing the important role of the community parks and trail systems provided by local municipalities. 12.212.212.212.2 UnderstandingUnderstandingUnderstandingUnderstanding Recreational Use Recreational Use Recreational Use Recreational Use in the Rouge River Watershedin the Rouge River Watershedin the Rouge River Watershedin the Rouge River Watershed A 1996 Government of Canada survey revealed that outdoor recreational pursuits are very important to Canadians and that Canadians commit large amounts of their leisure time and resources to access natural areas. More than 70% of new home buyers in the GTA rate proximity to a park, common outdoor area or natural area as important or extremely important in their purchase decisions (J.D. Power and Associates, 2006). Natural areas in and around urban developments in the watershed can satisfy the need for healthy, ‘back-to-nature’ experiences which include exercise, fresh air and quiet, as well as scenic vistas, the challenge and adventure of rugged terrain and the excitement of seeing wildlife. As the populations of the watershed’s municipalities grow (Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, 2006), there will be increased demand for nature-based recreation throughout the watershed. It will be increasingly important to carefully integrate the human use of natural and rural areas in and near urban areas with care for the non-human inhabitants and ecological and cultural integrity. In particular, it is likely that there will be increased demand for access to public greenspacesb, trails, rural areas and other lower impact, passive outdoor recreational pursuits. The demand for increased public use of the natural areas of the watershed has the potential for unauthorised use and overuse, negatively impacting environmental health and degrading the areas upon which the nature-based recreation experience relies. For example, unplanned or excessive use can lead to trampling of vegetation, soil compaction and erosion. Pet wastes can pollute both the terrestrial system and water quality. Potential hazards to safe use of natural areas occur from inappropriate uses where faster-moving or high-impact uses clash with pedestrians and children, or crime and vandalism pose a threat to life and property. It is necessary that the pursuit of outdoor activities be balanced with the needs of the natural system to allow for the sustainability of those activities. Likewise, it is necessary to properly plan and manage public use to avoid conflict with adjacent landowners. The recreational use of North American trails has more than doubled since 1970, because of population increase and changing age demographics. Unfortunately, trail development has not kept pace with this increase, despite previously unprecedented local, regional, provincial and national development of major trail systems in Canada. It is clear that there will be a similar demand for more trails as the Rouge River watershed and the Greater Toronto Area populations grow. Demand for trail use requires careful long-term planning to avoid negative ecological impacts and the proliferation of unauthorized trails. As more people live in the urban areas, they often seek a rural or countryside experience in addition to nature-based recreation for a change of scenery and change of pace. Rural areas in

b Greenspace is defined as all publicly-owned land available for nature-based recreation, including

municipal parks and conservation lands, and valley and stream corridors, but not including golf courses,

cemeteries, and municipal parks intended for intensive recreational use (e.g., soccer fields).

12-3

the watershed are valued for their peaceful/pastoral qualities, fresh air, open space, escape from the noise or congestion of the city and as a spiritual link to the cultural past. There has been growing public interest in the watershed for pick-your-own produce farms, wineries, farm-style mazes, miniature golf, activities associated with fall harvest and Christmas tree cutting, farm inns or bed and breakfasts, heritage events and other agricultural-based tourism opportunities which can contribute significantly to the local economy. Significant opportunities exist for these experiences in areas throughout the watershed and they have been a major consideration in cultural heritage and park use planning by Rouge Park. 12.312.312.312.3 Measuring NatureMeasuring NatureMeasuring NatureMeasuring Nature----based Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreation In the Rouge River Watershed, nature-based recreation is assessed using indicators of ecological compatibility of uses, access to a variety of recreational opportunities, and the extent and connectivity of trails. Measuring actual use of greenspaces and trails, and participation in nature-based recreation poses a number of challenges. At present, TRCA does little recreational use monitoring. Visitor attendance numbers are available at Conservation Parks where admission and/or user fees are collected (e.g., from gate house receipts and park reports). The attendance numbers are most accurate where admission is purchased or limited. Recreational use is also measured through the number of memberships purchased for TRCA Conservation Parks. Where attendance is uncontrolled, use could be measured by using automated techniques such as trail counters; however, these measures are not currently in place at TRCA conservation lands in the Rouge River watershed. Little data is available quantifying public use in the Rouge River watershed as there are few facilities with admission fees and automated counters have only been installed in a few City of Toronto management parks. Facilities with fees include Toronto Zoo, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, Glen Rouge Campground and Milne Park. Organizations and institutions monitoring nature based recreation include TRCA, City of Toronto and Rouge Park. Nature-based recreation can also be measured using signs of environmental degradation, such as trail erosion, waste accumulation, cultural heritage damage, fish depletion and the trampling and destruction of plant and animal species. Trail user conflicts and public safety are other issues which arise with increasing recreational activities in our natural areas. The Terrestrial System chapter of the State of the Watershed Report presents data collected on disturbances to natural areas, resulting from trampling and trails, trash and dumping, and exotic flora. The evaluation of current conditions in this report is based on data collected internally by TRCA and data made available by municipalities, Rouge Park, and other organizations. Representing greenspace in Figure 12-1 was challenging as the definition of greenspace incorporates aspects both of land use (nature-based recreation opportunity) and of land ownership (publicly-owned and -accessible). Figure 12-1 was developed using parks and greenspace data layersc from TRCA, municipalities, and others. Unfortunately, watershed municipalities do

c TRCA-accessible data layers used to identify greenspace included: EPA areas from Markham and Richmond Hill

(from official plans), parks and open space layer from Richmond Hill, property layer from Toronto, Rouge Park (as of

12-4

not all use the same definitions of parks and greenspace, so Figure 12-1 potentially includes lands not typically considered greenspace, such as municipal parks intended for intensive recreational use. Furthermore, some Rouge Park and TRCA lands are used for agricultural purposes and not all of the Federal Airport lands may be greenspace at this time. The estimation and analysis of access to greenspace includes lands recently secured by Rouge Park in 2007. Similar limitations are involved in estimating the length of trails across the watershed. To assess residential areas’ access to greenspace, patches of greenspace that were greater than 50 ha were identified and a 2 km buffer created around them. Residential areas that fell within the buffers were identified as having adequate access to greenspace. The per capita measure of greenspace access uses an estimation of the watershed’s population of 242,631, based on interpretation of Statistics Canada’s 2001Census of Population. 12.412.412.412.4 Existing Conditions in the Rouge River WatershedExisting Conditions in the Rouge River WatershedExisting Conditions in the Rouge River WatershedExisting Conditions in the Rouge River Watershed The variety of landscapes and features in the Rouge River watershed provide for a wide range of activities including walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife-viewing, picnicking, camping, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, swimming and exploring museums, galleries and other cultural heritage sites and landscapes. These activities, combined with the opportunities provided by Rouge Park and public greenspaces in the watershed, make it an interesting place for a variety of nature-based recreation opportunities. In addition to publicly-owned recreational greenspace there are privately owned lands such as commercial properties and hydro corridors that may be open to the public for passive recreational use. These areas are also considered in this chapter. 12.4.112.4.112.4.112.4.1 Recreational Use Areas and ExperiencesRecreational Use Areas and ExperiencesRecreational Use Areas and ExperiencesRecreational Use Areas and Experiences There are 5,484 ha of greenspace in the Rouge River watershed (Figure 12-1). Most of the greenspace is concentrated in Rouge Park, in Markham and Toronto in the Little Rouge and Lower Rouge subwatersheds (Table 12-1). Table Table Table Table 12121212----1111: Area of Greenspace and Other Public Use Areas by Municipality in the Rouge : Area of Greenspace and Other Public Use Areas by Municipality in the Rouge : Area of Greenspace and Other Public Use Areas by Municipality in the Rouge : Area of Greenspace and Other Public Use Areas by Municipality in the Rouge River WatershedRiver WatershedRiver WatershedRiver Watershed

MunicipalityMunicipalityMunicipalityMunicipality Greenspace (ha)Greenspace (ha)Greenspace (ha)Greenspace (ha)

Aurora 2.5

Markham 2,725.4

Pickering 78.8

Richmond Hill 523.1

Toronto 1,997.0

Whitchurch-Stouffville 140.9

2007, including TRCA properties), Federal Airport Lands, and Hrland (an older property layer including municipal,

TRCA, and provincial lands). Greenspace areas were checked against the 2002 orthophotography.

12-5

Figure Figure Figure Figure 12121212----1111: : : : Rouge River Watershed Rouge River Watershed Rouge River Watershed Rouge River Watershed NNNNatureatureatureature----based based based based RRRRecreational ecreational ecreational ecreational Opportunities and Opportunities and Opportunities and Opportunities and EEEExperiences.xperiences.xperiences.xperiences.

12-6

Recreational use experiences in the watershed range from wilderness experiences where hiking and nature interpretation are key activities, to rural and urban experiences where cultural heritage interpretation, education and public events, and intensive recreation are more common (Figure 12-1). Different types of recreational experiences are possible across the watershed largely as a result of differences in physiographic and land use conditions. It is important to note that nature-based recreational opportunities in the areas identified in Figure 12.1 are not currently being planned or managed in an integrated fashion using these geographic boundaries. In particular, the Northern and Eastern Countryside areas have been identified as areas where public use opportunities are under-developed. However, the Rouge Park Alliance (2001), in its Rouge North Management Plan, has identified park management zones around some key features within the watershed, including Bruce’s Mill, Rawlinson Park, Milne Park, Paramount Park, Markham Centre, Walden and Toogood ponds, and the Little Rouge River Corridor. The following description of existing recreational use areas and experiences is structured using the following three geographic areas:

• Rouge Park, with a focus on the urban wilderness experience of the Little Rouge River and lower Rouge River;

• Kettle Lakes and Countryside areas in the Northern and Eastern watershed; and

• Major urban parks in central Markham. It should be noted that Rouge Park properties are also found in the Northern countryside area, and farms can still be found in Rouge Park in the Lower Rouge watershed. The following sections characterize the predominant experiences found in each area, and identify the developed recreation sites and opportunities available. Rouge Park Rouge Park Rouge Park Rouge Park –––– Urban Wilderness Urban Wilderness Urban Wilderness Urban Wilderness The Rouge River watershed includes 4544 hectaresd of Rouge Park, which protects 13.5% of the watershed with land in Markham, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Toronto and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Rouge Park is recognized for its urban wilderness experience that is shaped by its deeply incised and meandering lower river valley, its extensive tracts of natural forest and vegetation, and pockets of rural countryside in close proximity to the city. The Park has many access points which allow visitors to experience different landscapes and enjoy a wilderness experience close to the city. The Park has already expanded significantly since its creation in 1995 and recent planning initiatives at the provincial level is resulting in significant new land protected in the Park. The primary goal of the Park is the protection and appreciation of its natural ecosystems, while accommodating compatible passive recreational uses, such as hiking trails, beach access, vista points and camping. Public use in the Park is guided by an array of plans, including the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994), the Rouge North Management Plan (2001) and the Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan (Draft, 2006).

d As of September 2007.

12-7

Rouge Park is managed by the Rouge Park Alliance, which has representation from all levels of government and prime watershed stakeholders. The management agreement for the Park is a unique partnership in the Greater Toronto Area. Public Use Sites Rouge Park The Park is open 365 days a year, with free admission. Selected areas of the Park are wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available in designated lots in Rouge Park in Toronto. Access points include Rouge Beach, Glen Eagles Vista, Twyn Rivers Area, Woodlands Area, and a variety of roadways which enter the Park. Unique in the Toronto area, Rouge Park is easily accessible by public transit in the city and is close to public transit in the York Region sections of the Park. There are 12 km of trails in Rouge Park in Toronto, with five official trails: Hillside, Mast, Orchard, Riverside, and Vista. These trails primarily run north to south between Highway 2/Kingston Road and Old Finch Avenue. The Vista Trail has a wheelchair accessible loop. The Little Rouge Corridor section of Rouge Park was acquired in 2004. Land use planning for this section was nearing completion at the time of writing. The area currently has no official public use, although it will eventually be part of a trail linking the Oak Ridges Moraine in the northern areas of the Park to the southern section and to Lake Ontario. Rouge Beach Rouge Beach, where the Rouge River joins Lake Ontario, is a coastal wetland and sandy beach, open to the public. Swimming, canoeing, bird-watching and fishing are popular activities here. Admission is free, with gated access limited by season and operating hours. It is a wheelchair accessible site with washroom facilities. Rouge Beach bridges portions of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. This area of the Park is accessible by public transit. Glen Rouge Campground Rouge Park is home to Toronto's only camping spot, the Glen Rouge Campground. The 8.7 hectare campground is located on the north side of Kingston Road in Toronto, between Sheppard Avenue East and Altona Road, close to the City of Pickering border. Conveniently located near major highways, public transit and the various tourist attractions of downtown Toronto, it is an ideal stop-over for visitors to the Toronto area and many international visitors stay at the campground. The campground is wheelchair accessible. Close to Park trails and within mature forests, the campground has 125 sites; 27 of the sites are unserviced while the other 87 have electrical and water hook-ups. Tent-only, automobile and RV sites are available. Public phones and fully-equipped washrooms with showers and a sanitary sewage disposal for RVs are available for campers. The Campground is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the camping season, generally from the end of May to the end of September. Fees apply. In 2003, 2,100 permits were issued to approximately 7,500 campers.

12-8

Toronto Zoo Located inside Rouge Park in Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is a 287 hectare not-for-profit facility, funded and owned by the City of Toronto. It was founded in 1974 for the purpose of exhibiting and conserving a diversity of species within the animal and plant kingdoms. The Zoo has 1.2 million visitors per year. In addition to a variety of exhibits, the Zoo has 10 kilometres of walking trails. It is located on Morningside Creek, is wheelchair accessible and is served by public transit. Additional Nature-based Recreational Activities Recreational fishing While recreational fishing may occur throughout the watershed (in accordance with provincial fishing regulations), many of the most popular spots are associated with Rouge Park and other major parks, notably Rouge Beach, Milne Park, Toogood Pond and Little Rouge River. There is also an Urban Fishing Festival held annually in Markham. There is little systematic understanding of the recreational use and harvest of fish in the watershed, apart from some studies conducted in the late 1990s. It will be important that angling be monitored to ensure that healthy naturally-sustaining native fish communities are maintained long-term. Organized Tourism & Recreation Organizations offering recreational activities in Rouge Park reflect the degree of public interest in outdoor activity. Although a significant number of the users are school groups, their numbers are not included in the following public use statistics. The following groups operate independently from the management body of Rouge Park. These are only a small portion of the actual numbers using public lands in the watershed. The Rouge Valley Foundation is a non-government organization (NGO) which offers guided hikes, presentations and special events to the public, which they estimate amounted to an audience of 7,000 in 2003. Another NGO, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, organizes frog and butterfly monitoring and guided hikes which they estimate had 600 participants in 2003. Hillside Outdoor Education School is a Toronto District School Board facility which offers children’s’ summer camps and winter family camps in that attracted 200 users in 2003, in addition to the visitors who participate in their regular curriculum-based school programming. Outdoor public skating is available at Cedarena on Reesor Road in the historic community of Cedar Grove in Markham. The facility is a community-run natural ice skating rink that was constructed in the 1920s and includes cottages and amenities of the period. Whittamore's Farm is another farm-based tourist attraction in Markham, on Steeles Avenue East near Ninth Line. In the family since 1804, the farm offers pick-your-own and fresh picked produce, a greenhouse, bakeshop, preserves, honey and maple syrup, a dairy and coffee bar and seasonal special events.

12-9

Kettle Lakes and tKettle Lakes and tKettle Lakes and tKettle Lakes and the Countrysidehe Countrysidehe Countrysidehe Countryside Areas Areas Areas Areas The northern countryside is characterized by rolling hills, rural farms and estates and kettle lakes of the Oak Ridges Moraine. It offers a countryside experience close to the city. There are opportunities for ‘less developed’ public use opportunities in this area. Public Use Sites Phyllis Rawlinson Park Phyllis Rawlinson Park in Richmond Hill is open all year and offers walking trails, washrooms, community gardens for growing food, and group picnic facilities. It is a satellite day use area of Rouge Park. Located on 55 hectares in the headwaters of the Rouge River on a former horse farm, the land was donated to the Town of Richmond Hill by the owner, Phyllis Rawlinson to be maintained as a natural environment park. The trails and boardwalks through the wetland area where visitors may view wildlife, and the other features, are all wheelchair accessible. This park accommodates large group picnics of up to 200 people. Recently, a historic building was rebuilt on site and the municipality operates an outdoor education centre from this facility. Admission to the park and parking is free. The site is not currently accessible by public transit. Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Whitchurch-Stouffville is owned and operated by TRCA. Located on Bruce Creek, it is named for a restored water-powered mill built circa 1858 that was destroyed in 1954 by Hurricane Hazel and has since been rebuilt. This 92 ha conservation area includes 10.3 km of trails, a functional sugarbush, children’s’ safety village educational facility, driving range for golfers, recreational fields and a water play area. Bruce’s Mill hosts two annual festivals – the York Region Children’s Water Festival and the TRCA Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. The facility serves about 40,000 visitors per year and is open year-round. It is a satellite day use area of Rouge Park. Fees apply. The site is wheelchair accessible, but not currently served by public transit. Oak Ridges Corridor Park This new park covers about 428 ha of land between Bathurst and Leslie streets and north of Jefferson Side Road and Stouffville Road, including Areas of Scientific and Natural Interest (e.g., Bond Lake, part of Jefferson Forest) and Environmentally Significant Areas (e.g., Wilcox-Lake St. George Wetland Complex, Philips-Bond-Thompson Wetland Complex). The park is largely grasslands and old fields, but also contains forests, agricultural lands, wetlands and kettle lakes. The park also contains some notable built heritage features, such as a log house and dynamo house (part of the power production process). Organized Tourism & Recreation A typical agricultural fair, the Markham Fair is held each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving, since 1844. Over the 4 days of the fair, 65,000 to 70,000 people visit the site. The fairgrounds also host a variety of events including community festivals throughout the year. Forsythe Family Farm has pick-your-own and fresh-picked produce, homemade preserves, fresh baked goods, farm animals, a straw playground, tricycle track and hayloft. On weekends,

12-10

there are wagon rides to an enchanted forest and in the fall, corn and straw mazes and pony rides. Applewood Farm and Winery in Whitchurch-Stouffville, near Stouffville Road and McCowan Road, is a pick-your-own farm offering strawberries, apples, pumpkins, wagon rides, preserves, gift baskets, and special events. A winery was added in 2000, with a large wine-tasting bar. Another wine-making establishment in Whitchurch-Stouffville is the family-run, Willow Springs Winery on Bethesda Road between Ninth Line and Highway 48. It is the only estate winery in York Region and has a 4.5 ha vineyard with eight different varieties of grapes. Wine is sold on-site directly to the public. A farm experience is offered to the public at Lionel’s Horse Centre, one of Canada’s largest collections of horse drawn carriages, along with vintage photographs of the landscape and lifestyles in the watershed. The facility includes a petting zoo.

For over 35 years Markham Museum has educated and entertained visitors. Located at Highway 48 and 16th Avenue, the Museum’s goal is to encourage visitors to value the role of museums as a source of life-long learning, to help foster creativity, and to help the community understand local history and the innovators who have gravitated to Markham for many decades. The 10 hectare museum site features exhibits of cultural and built heritage in a simulated village setting. In addition to school programs, the Museum also operates a children’s summer camp, seasonal special events such as “Applefest” and rotating special exhibits. Open year-round, admission fees apply. Site is mostly wheelchair accessible and is accessible by public transit. Major Urban ParksMajor Urban ParksMajor Urban ParksMajor Urban Parks There are a cluster of major parks, trail systems and canoe routes in central Markham, focused on the Main Rouge River. While part of the local municipality’s community parks and trails system, they are notable due to their size and natural and cultural heritage significance. Public Use Sites Milne Dam Conservation Park Milne Park is the largest park in Markham, covering 123 ha and is a satellite area of Rouge Park. It is the largest forested block in Markham and is located on the Rouge River. The Milne dam was originally constructed to power a mill. It has been rebuilt several times since its original construction. An arc dam, the first of its kind to be built, was constructed on the site in 1911, and the current concrete dam was built in the 1960s. There are 2.3 kilometers of graded trails suitable for walking, jogging and cycling with wetlands, forests, grassy fields and numerous picnic areas for people to explore. It is an important area for festivals (e.g., Canada Day and Urban Fishing festivals) and is wheelchair accessible. The site is accessible by public transit. From May to October 2006, 240 permits were issued for picnicking in the park.

12-11

Toogood Pond Toogood Pond, named for one of Markham’s early families, is one of the satellite areas in Rouge Park. It is located in the heart of Markham's historic Unionville community. This 33.3 hectare park has 2 km of hiking trails and features a partially naturalized pond and marsh on the banks of the Rouge River. The pond now accommodates migrating fish and is a popular spot during urban fishing festivals in Markham. A walkway around the pond is popular for leisurely walks and offers wildlife viewing opportunities and interpretive signs. The park is open all year and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free. Parking is free. The site is accessible by public transit. Adjacent to the site is the Varley Art Gallery, a public gallery with school and community programming. The popular tourist destination spot historic Unionville Main Street is just steps away. Recreational Fishing Recreational fishing is permitted in the Rouge River watershed, subject to provincial fishing regulations. There are many popular angling destinations within the watershed including the marshes at Rouge Beach, Milne Park, Toogood Pond, and the main Rouge River and Little Rouge River during the spring and fall salmonid migrations. In order to ensure long term, naturally reproducing, self-sustaining native species populations, this activity must be measured and monitored. A comprehensive understanding of the recreational use and harvest of the fishery in the watershed has not yet been completed. 12.4.212.4.212.4.212.4.2 TrailsTrailsTrailsTrails There is a wide variety of local, primarily municipal trails that are important in the watershed and often function to feed the regional scale trails (Table 12-2). While local trails are important in the watershed, this report deals with the more regional scale trails and the need to ensure those trails are connected and integrated internally and with the local trails (Figure 12-2). These regional trails are owned and managed by a variety of municipal and other agencies and serve to provide people with access to natural areas. Table Table Table Table 12121212----2222: Length of T: Length of T: Length of T: Length of Trails in the Rouge River Watershed, by Municipalityrails in the Rouge River Watershed, by Municipalityrails in the Rouge River Watershed, by Municipalityrails in the Rouge River Watershed, by Municipality

MunicipalityMunicipalityMunicipalityMunicipality Trail lengths (km)Trail lengths (km)Trail lengths (km)Trail lengths (km)

Aurora

Markham 57.4

Pickering 7.7

Richmond Hill 59.6

Toronto 63.3

Whitchurch-Stouffville 5.1

12-12

Figure Figure Figure Figure 12121212----2222: : : : InterInterInterInter----Regional Regional Regional Regional Trails in the Rouge River WatershedTrails in the Rouge River WatershedTrails in the Rouge River WatershedTrails in the Rouge River Watershed

12-13

The trail system, while extensive, tends to be fragmented prompting agencies and the provincial government, through policies such as the Greenbelt Plan, to seek completion of a trail network that stretches from Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine along the Little Rouge River and connects with trail systems in other GTA watersheds. These include the Waterfront Trail, which follows the Lake Ontario shoreline; the Trans Canada Trail, which runs north-south along the West Duffins Creek; the Oak Ridges Trail, that follows an east-west route along the Oak Ridges Moraine (north of the Rouge watershed); and links to the Don and Humber watershed trail systems to the west. In addition to the formal trails provided for public use there is a proliferation of unauthorized trails throughout publicly owned lands in the watershed. Such unauthorized use causes damage to sensitive environmental features as does attendant issues such as dog running off leash, mountain and dirt bike access, etc. The following trails networks exist in the Rouge River watershed: Rouge Park Trails Network in Toronto – 11.2 km Planning is underway for the proposed Rouge Park Trails network, using the Park’s current trails as a base. This trail system will eventually connect the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario and provide east-west links with the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. There are currently five trails in Rouge Park, all within Toronto and officially limited to hiking use only (Table 12-3). Table Table Table Table 12121212----3333:::: Rouge Park Trails Rouge Park Trails Rouge Park Trails Rouge Park Trails NNNNetworketworketworketwork

Trail NameTrail NameTrail NameTrail Name Trail Length (km)Trail Length (km)Trail Length (km)Trail Length (km)

Hillside Trail 2.2

Mast Trail 2.2

Orchard Trail 2.0

Riverside Trail 3.2

Vista Trail (with a wheelchair accessible loop) 1.6

Trails in York Region Milne Dam Conservation Park has approximately 2 km of walking trails. The Unionville Valleylands feature approximately 4 km of trail that connect Mildred Temple Park, Austin Drive Park and Toogood Pond. Phyllis Rawlinson Park in Richmond Hill has about 3 km of trails and boardwalk. Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area – 10.3 km Bruce’s Mill is a 92 ha conservation area that includes 10.3 km of trails, a functional sugarbush, childrens’ safety village educational facility, driving range for golfers, recreational fields and a water play area. See section 12.4.1 for additional information on the conservation area. Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail - 0.5 km

12-14

The Waterfront Trail is a 740 km trail along Lake Ontario that celebrates the nature and culture of the Province. First opened in 1995, the Trail is part of the regeneration of the Lake Ontario waterfront. The vision integrates ecological health, economic viability and a sense of community. It is through the Trail that people have been mobilized to improve the waterfront as they have rediscovered the lakeshore and understood the interconnections, both natural and cultural, that are so vital to its health and vitality. Trail users report that they enjoy cycling, walking, in-line skating, jogging, birding and/or exploring the vast natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Ontario waterfront. The Trail links as many as 184 natural areas, 161 parks and promenades, 84 marinas and yacht clubs, and hundreds of historic places, fairs, museums, art galleries and festivals. Within the Rouge River watershed, 0.5 km of the Waterfront Trail passes along the Lake at the mouth of the Rouge River. This trail connects to the Rouge Park Trail network, which allows users to travel throughout the watershed. There are various sections within the watershed which have trails, although significant gaps exist between the sections. For this reason, the watershed does not have a well connected, continuous north-south, east-west trail system and one should be developed. 12.512.512.512.5 Objectives for NatureObjectives for NatureObjectives for NatureObjectives for Nature----based Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreationbased Recreation Three objectives were adopted to address nature-based recreational uses in the Rouge River watershed. They are presented below, along with indicators, measures and targets for evaluating existing conditions in the watershed. In evaluating current watershed conditions in the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report (TRCA, 2007), a rating system was adopted based on categories of “poor”, “fair”, and “good”. Where the measures and targets were quantitative and data permitted, ratings were assigned, in part, to reflect the per cent satisfaction of the target. Comparisons to conditions in other watersheds in TRCA’s jurisdiction were made and informed evaluations where data were available, to reflect relative conditions. Where measures and targets were qualitative, or data were lacking, evaluations were subjective and based on professional judgment. 12.5.112.5.112.5.112.5.1 Ecological CEcological CEcological CEcological Compatibilityompatibilityompatibilityompatibility Access to greenspace and parks in the Rouge River watershed needs to be controlled and monitored, along with any negative impacts arising from it. Monitoring negative impacts will help in defining the type, location and level of access appropriate for the sensitivity of the site. In some locations, this may lead to the closure of existing access points or restriction of incompatible uses. As not all areas are publicly-owned, private landowners will also play a role in managing impact and access.

12-15

Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Objective:Objective:Objective:Objective: Ensure that Ensure that Ensure that Ensure that recreatirecreatirecreatirecreationononon activities in the watershed are compatible with activities in the watershed are compatible with activities in the watershed are compatible with activities in the watershed are compatible with

ecological and cultural integrity.ecological and cultural integrity.ecological and cultural integrity.ecological and cultural integrity. FairFairFairFair

IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator MeasureMeasureMeasureMeasure TargetTargetTargetTarget

Disturbance in natural areas.

Ratio of the area of severely disturbed ELC patches to the total

area of ELC patches evaluated

annually for trampling/trails,

trash/dumping, and exotics

Maintain or reduce the ratio of severely disturbed area to total ELC

area

Consult chapter 9 (Terrestrial System) of the State of the Watershed Report for a discussion of data collected on disturbances (i.e., trampling/trails, trash/dumping, exotics) in natural areas. As noted in that chapter, only about 1% of natural areas surveyed between 2001-2005 for the purposes of ecological inventories showed signs of disturbance due to trampling, informal trail use or dumping. However, invasive exotic species were present in about 10% of areas. A rating of “fair” was assigned for the disturbance indicator in the Terrestrial System chapter. In consideration of the relatively low and localized incidences of trampling and dumping and the notable presence of invasive exotic species. Environmental management systems are adopted by organizations or corporations as guidelines to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. No municipalities in the Rouge River watershed are known to have completed or implemented park environmental management systems at this time; however the municipalities actively cooperate on progressive programs towards shared Rouge Park goals of compatible use. Given these considerations, the overall rating for the ecological compatibility indicator is “Fair”. Another measure considered was the number of publicly accessible agri-tourism farms and equestrian stables operating under an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). The Third Edition Canada-Ontario EFP is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). The EFP is a voluntary, cost-share program that supports farmers in assessing and taking action to reduce the risk to the environment from agricultural operations. This program is available until March 31, 2008, or until all funding has been allocated. To qualify for funding, a farm must complete the EFP program workshop and have the corresponding confidential workbook approved. As well, the farm must have a farm business registration number or, demonstrate a tax status of “Farm Taxable: Full” and have an individual membership in an Ontario farm organization, i.e. Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, etc. Due to the confidentiality of the EFP program, information pertaining to the number of farms with an approved EFP is not currently available at the individual farm level. Therefore, at this time, it is not within the scope of this report to measure the number of local farms operating with an approved third edition EFP based on variables such as farm type (i.e. livestock, horticulture, cash crop, etc.) or farm activity (i.e. agri-tourism, winery, equestrian centre, etc.).

12-16

12.5.212.5.212.5.212.5.2 Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities –––– Variety and Access Variety and Access Variety and Access Variety and Access In assessing the presence and distribution of recreational use opportunities, a number of uses were targeted, similar to the uses listed on the TRCA parks website, and a minimum number of two uses per geographic area was established as a target. The accessibility of those opportunities to persons with disabilities was also considered, based on the accessibility of facilities provided by municipalities.

Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Objective: Objective: Objective: Objective: Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate Provide opportunities for a variety of appropriate publicpublicpublicpublic uses and uses and uses and uses and

experiences experiences experiences experiences inininin representative natural an representative natural an representative natural an representative natural and cultural d cultural d cultural d cultural landscapeslandscapeslandscapeslandscapes.... GoodGoodGoodGood

IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator MeasureMeasureMeasureMeasure TargetTargetTargetTarget

Variety of uses and

experiences

Presence and

distribution of

opportunities throughout the watershed

Protect and enhance key uses and experiences

in representative areas:

Rouge Park/Urban Wilderness

• Non-motorized boating, swimming

• Bird watching

• Hiking, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing

Kettle Lakes/Countryside • Agri-tourism, farm drives

• Horseback riding

• Cycling

• Hiking, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing Major Urban Parks • Picnicking

• Camping

• Hiking, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing

Proximity of greenspace

to residential areas

Greenspace located within 2 km of all homes Access to greenspace

Per capita greenspace

resources

Maintain or increase the number of ha of

greenspace per 1000 residents

The Rouge Park area (including the Rouge Waterfront, Urban Wilderness, and Rouge Countryside experience areas) received a rating of good to excellent for variety of uses and experiences as it provides extensive hiking trails, lots of bird watching opportunities (both formal and informal), picnic sites, angling opportunities, swimming and camping facilities. The rural lands north of Major Mackenzie and south of 19th Avenue received a rating of poor as they either provide very few formalized opportunities or data about existing opportunities is incomplete or difficult to obtain. The areas north of 19th Avenue (including the Kettle Lakes, Northern Gateway, and Northern Countryside experience areas) received a rating of poor to fair. A number of sites in this area provide nature-based recreation opportunities, including Phyllis Rawlinson Park and Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area; however, few opportunities exist outside of these few facilities.

12-17

An ongoing issue is provision of public facilities that meet standards for access for persons with disabilities. Most municipalities, as well as Rouge Park, all provide some facilities or recreation opportunities that are accessible. Access to greenspace is indicated by the proximity of residential areas to greenspace and per capita greenspace resources. Overall, residents have good access to greenspace.

• Almost half of the medium- and high-density residential areas in the watershed (45%) are located within 2 km of large (>50 ha) patches of greenspace. Residents situated close to Rouge Park are more likely to have access to large patches of greenspace.

• Only 17% of the residential areas are further than 2 km from even small (5-10 ha) patches of greenspace.

• There are 22.6 hectares of greenspace for every 1,000 residents in the watershed. There are 44 residents for each hectare of greenspace in the Rouge River watershed. In contrast, there are only 2.5 ha of greenspace per 1,000 residents, and over 400 residents per hectare of greenspace, in the Don River watershed.

A more detailed analysis of residential area proximity to greenspace is described in the Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report. The overall rating for the indicators for variety and access to nature-based recreation opportunities is “Good”, reflective of higher ratings to the variety of use measure in some areas and watershed residents’ good access to greenspace. 12.5.312.5.312.5.312.5.3 TrailsTrailsTrailsTrails To assess the trail network, all existing inter-regional trails were mapped, and a high-level, conceptual trail plan was developed for the watershed. A number of inter-regional trails are proposed as part of that concept, including northern expansion of the Rouge Park Spine Trail, an additional Rouge Park interregional trail that would run east-west, and a series of east-west trails through existing hydro corridors. For municipal trails, existing trails were assessed based on numbers provided by municipalities. Where available, municipal trail plans provided detail on proposed trails.

Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Objective: Objective: Objective: Objective: Develop a coDevelop a coDevelop a coDevelop a continuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to the Oak ntinuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to the Oak ntinuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to the Oak ntinuous trail network linking Lake Ontario to the Oak

Ridges Moraine, with connections to local communities, neighbouring Ridges Moraine, with connections to local communities, neighbouring Ridges Moraine, with connections to local communities, neighbouring Ridges Moraine, with connections to local communities, neighbouring

watershed trail systems and natural and cultural heritage features.watershed trail systems and natural and cultural heritage features.watershed trail systems and natural and cultural heritage features.watershed trail systems and natural and cultural heritage features. FairFairFairFair

IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator MeasureMeasureMeasureMeasure TargetTargetTargetTarget

Trails Length and accessibility of trails as

defined in the trail plan1

100% completion of planned trail

systems1

All trails to be surveyed and posted by Universal Trail Assessment

Process

Connectivity Degree of completion of key links, as

defined in trail plans

100% of planned trail linkages

1 TRCA, 2007.

12-18

There are currently 57.4 km of trails in the Rouge River watershed portion of Markham, with a number of new trails being proposed in its master planning process, which was in progress at the time of writing this report. Richmond Hill currently has 59.6 km of trails in the Rouge River watershed, with a further 43 km proposed. The only known trails in the Whitchurch-Stouffville portion of the watershed, based on our current data, are located in Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area. The major inter-regional trail that is most likely to accomplish the goal of north-south connection is the Rouge Park trail. It is currently completed up to Finch Avenue, with a total length of 12 km. The proposed main trail runs north up to north of Steeles Avenue (EDA Collaborative Inc, 1998). The proposed trails could add a further 20 km to the Rouge Park main trail. Additional trails are proposed on the conceptual trail plan map leading north towards Bruce’s Mill and north towards Uxbridge, though no distance is specified as the trails are conceptual at this time. The overall rating for the trails indicators is “Fair”. The rating will improve as proposed and planned local and inter-regional trails are constructed. 12.612.612.612.6 SSSSummary and Management Consummary and Management Consummary and Management Consummary and Management Considerationsiderationsiderationsiderations The primary nature-based and related cultural heritage recreational experiences offered in the Rouge River watershed include the urban wilderness in Rouge Park and the countryside in the northern and eastern parts of the watershed. There is a notable cluster of natural and cultural heritage urban park opportunities in central Markham and the nearby Kettle Lakes area in the upper Humber watershed to the north west of the Rouge River. While the characterization of these areas and experiences has been crafted for the purposes of this study, there is a need for greater recognition of the overall regional recreational system. It is comprised of lands and facilities operated by a variety of partners, and the role of each individual site needs to be recognized for its contribution to the system. There is a wide array of recreational types and public use areas in the watershed. Active use areas that accommodate higher impact activities (e.g., soccer and baseball) tend to be provided by local municipalities or the private sector, and are not a focus of this report. Natural areas accommodate more passive uses (e.g., hiking and casual biking) and may be somewhat more at risk, since these natural environment areas are sensitive to over-use. Rouge Park is strategically located as the major natural environment area for passive uses. As such, the Park is a crucial public use element of the watershed. Support of the Park and its goals and management objectives should be considered in the watershed plan recommendations. Protection and enjoyment of the diverse cultural heritage of Rouge Park is an important aspect of the Park goal. Cultural heritage features and landscapes are increasingly becoming recognized for their integral role in nature-based recreation. Countryside heritage offers a unique setting for scenic drives, hiking and other recreational pursuits. Heritage buildings are being considered for adaptive re-use, for such purposes as interpretive centres, restaurants or pubs that could complement and support various nature-based recreational activities with the additional benefit of fostering understanding and appreciation of the watershed’s heritage.

12-19

There is a diverse but incomplete network of trails in the Rouge River watershed that has been provided by municipalities, regional governments, TRCA and Rouge Park. There is interest in completing the trail system to provide the public with more opportunity to experience the natural areas provided by those groups, and to facilitate linkages between significant natural areas. For example, Rouge Park plans to close the east-west and north-south gaps in the regional trail system by creating linkages with trails outside of the Park. Partnerships between agencies, municipalities and community groups that develop creative funding strategies, will assist in developing a sustainable and financially viable trails system. Such a trail system should include signage or other means to help interpret the natural and cultural heritage features that are present in these areas. The problems of unauthorized trails and uses also need to be addressed. The watershed plan should consider the needs for carefully developed land management agreements among public landowners and clear enforcement responsibilities and mechanisms, especially in Rouge Park and York Region. Once a system of federal, provincial, regional and local trails is connected, it will provide for lengthy hikes, showcase the variety of natural and cultural features across the entire watershed and build awareness of the connectivity of the features. These experiences will help promote the concept of an integrated natural and cultural heritage system and the importance of protective management strategies. As with greenspace and parks, trail use, access and negative impacts need to be controlled and monitored to protect natural areas, as well as public privacy and safety. The securement of lands for nature-based recreation does not represent a one time cost. There is a need for ongoing investment in the management of infrastructure (e.g., signage, facilities) and enforcement. This will require coordination and resource sharing among the Regional and local municipalities, TRCA and other Rouge Park partners. Watershed visitors and those seeking other recreation and tourist experiences come from throughout the watershed and beyond, so planning at a broader regional scale is essential to ensure sufficient access to public lands, to provide adequate management and to protect natural areas and ecosystem health for current and future generations. With the population increasing in the Rouge River watershed and neighbouring watersheds, it is important to identify carrying capacities for public use and monitor those uses and numbers. The existing range of opportunities outside of Rouge Park needs to be reviewed and considered in relation to potential negative environmental impacts to identify inappropriate uses and to redirect those users to less sensitive areas. If public use is to be managed well in the future, data are needed to help determine whether management actions are effective. Furthermore, we need a better basis for reporting on some of the indicators and measures. For both access and proximity to greenspace, the indicator would be more meaningful if we had consistent data across all watersheds to allow for comparison. Additionally, being able to look at these indicators in different geographic contexts (e.g., by municipality) would give a more accurate picture of the on-the-ground situation. For example, pressure on the greenspace in Rouge Park would be much higher if residential areas to the east of the park (Petticoat Creek watershed) were included.

12-20

12.712.712.712.7 ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences EDA Collaborative Inc. 1998. Rouge Park Trail Development and Management Plan.

J.D. Power and Associates. 2006. 2006 New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study – TRCA Supplemental Study. Prepared for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. 2006. Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.

Province of Ontario. 1994. Rouge Park Management Plan. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.

Rouge Park Alliance. 2001. Rouge North Management Plan. Published by Rouge Park Alliance.

Rouge Park Alliance. 2006. DRAFT Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan. Published by Rouge Park Alliance.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2007. Rouge River State of the Watershed Report.

York Region. 2002. Take a Hike: Recreation Trails of York Region.