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Land Acquisitions for additions to the Park
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The Executive of the MPCA has been very busy trying to obtain additional lands for the Rouge Park. A detailed written proposal and presentation was made to the Hon David Tsubouchi MPP regarding the acquisition of land on the banks of the Rouge River upstream of Milne Park on the West Side of McCowan Road. The proposal was well received and land appraisals were carried out on the properties in question. The properties are still on the market for sale.
Given the change in government at Queens Park, we are now faced with repeating our presentation and delivering a revised written proposal to Tony Wong.
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Fish Ladder
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The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority lowered the water level in the Milne Lake in order to allow the Ministry of Natural Resources contractor, Toronto Zenith Ltd, to build the fish ladder at the Milne Dam. This work was approved in 1997, started late in 2002, and finally in October 2003, is substantially finished.
The funding came from a developer consortium in the Cornell Community. The Ministry of Natural Resources has been the lead agency on the project that was designed and supervised by the Markham consulting engineering firm of Marshall, Macklin & Monaghan.
The design of the fish ladder is one of only two similar 'double denile' in Canada (two fish paths). It is hoped that this will allow both trout and salmon to enter the upper reaches of the Rouge.
Fish have been unable to migrate beyond the dam since the late 1830s, when the first wooden dam was constructed. The only exception was the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel, 1954 until 1968, when the dam was removed.
The fish ladder was to be finished before the spring of 2003 but kept being delayed. With the lake water level lowered, the seeds in the silt of the lake bed that had been carried down by the Rouge River started to grow. Now we have a nice crop of plants that may survive having their roots underwater. If so we can expect the lake to evolve into a marsh habitat. We will know next Spring what has survived the winter.
There are some advantages to a marsh:
· Fewer geese and more ducks.
· Better water quality and vegetation.
· Fewer, or no fishermen, to trash the banks of the river.
The MNR has posted "No fishing" signs both upstream and downstream of the dam and fish ladder as this area is considered a fish sanctuary. Anyone seeing a violation of the "No fishing" should call one of the following enforcement Officers:
Pat Doody, TRCA
Tel: 416-661-6600 Ext. 5294
e-mail: pdoody@trca.on.ca
Vic Miller, Ministry of Nat. Resources
Tel: 1-905-713-7376
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Backyard Naturalization Project
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The Toronto Region Conservation Authority in conjunction with the Town of Markham, Rouge Park and EcoAction offered a great opportunity for people living near to natural areas to participate in a backyard naturalization program. Members of our Association, who were assisting in the outreach work, distributed information kits. Information workshops were held and many people took advantage of purchasing a kit for $30, which contained native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
The goal of this program was to increase natural areas in our backyards to encourage more wildlife, e.g. birds and butterflies. The properties adjacent to natural areas were targeted to extend habitats that are declining regionally, because of incredible development that is occurring throughout York Region.
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Markham Small Stream Study
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In 2002 the Town retained consultants to undertake a Small Streams Study to develop policies and guidelines for the long-term protection and management of small streams. The study's intent is to explore innovative approaches that would provide the Town with more options for the long-term protection of small streams within the Markham landscape and geographic context.
Representatives of the Milne Park Conservation Association are part of the Stakeholders Group.
Mark Schollen, Consultants, are developing a small stream classification system, which will identify streams and watercourses to be preserved, restored, enhanced or eliminated.
This system is based on:
· flow characteristics
· ground water function
· aquatic habitat
· contribution downstream
· vegetation community
· maintenance
These streams and watercourses must be identified prior to development north of Major Mackenzie, in order to prevent further degradation of water flowing into the Rouge River.
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Robinson Creek |
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The Robinson Creek realignment was completed two years ago. This stream located on the southwest corner of Highway 48 and Highway 7 is now protected from erosion. It has become a viable spawning bed for trout and salmon moving up the Rouge River.
The MPCA was actively involved with this project.
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Milne Creek |
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The restoration of Milne Creek from Drakefield to Bakerdale Roads is now completed.
The Association worked on the Steering Committee for its restoration. Funding was a major concern, but after our letters and photographs to the Planning Department, illustrating the incredible erosion to the banks of the stream jeopardizing owners' property, action was taken. The Town of Markham financed the work.
Harrington & Hoyle Ltd. Landscape Architects, designed the naturalization project and were responsible for the work being carried out.
This company is also working on the restoration of Milne Creek between Heritage Road and Bullock Drive.
Concern has now been expressed by the MPCA to the Town about severe erosion on the creek, as it flows through Milne Park. Severe erosion is also causing safety concerns to the bridge entrance at Banfield.
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Rouge Park North Plan |
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The Town of Markham recently approved an amendment to its Official Plan that will start to recognize the Rouge North Park as an existing Park area with expansion opportunities when development takes place and land can be dedicated.
Predominately the Rouge Park North today is made up of Milne Park, Toogood Park and areas along the Little Rouge River. Hopefully these will be expanded and linked together as opportunities occur.
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Park's Master Plan |
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The MPCA has been asked to assist the Markham Parks and Recreation Department and the TRCA by providing input from the community. The goal is for the Community and Fire Services Commission to develop a parks, recreation, culture and library Master Plan.
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