Concerns Rise Over Proposed Development in Pickering

Environmental advocates are raising alarms about a proposed development in northeast Pickering as city council gets ready to vote on a draft plan for the project on March 30.

Deputy Mayor David Pickles stated that the city needs to approve a plan for the development to finish pending environmental assessments and a financial impact study. He mentioned that changes could be made based on the findings of those studies.

The area earmarked for development stretches roughly from Eighth Concession Road in the north, Highway 7 in the south, Westney Road in the west, and Lake Ridge Road in the east.

The city is also conducting a study to evaluate natural features within the area and explore strategies to lessen the impact of development.

However, some advocates argue these studies should wrap up before any plans are approved – while others believe that development should be scrapped entirely. They cite worries regarding flood risks, water quality issues, and an endangered fish species present in the region.

Here’s a summary of their concerns:

Advocates Seek Clarity on Flood Risk Management

Environmental advocates express that they want more information about how the city and developers intend to address flood risk if northeast Pickering goes ahead with development.

This area also lies within the Carruthers Creek watershed. A watershed is defined as land that drains into a river and its tributaries, according to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

A map showing the lands being considered for development in northeast Pickering, taken from a report prepared for the city. The area marked green is the Carruthers Creek Watershed. (Montrose Environmental Solutions Canada)

The TRCA collaborated with Ajax and Pickering to develop a study of Carruthers Creek back in 2021. This study included modeling estimates analyzing how urbanization affects this watershed.

The findings revealed that peak flows in this watercourse – which refers to low-lying areas where water flows regularly or continuously – would rise by 113 percent during regional storm events at Taunton Road.

Importantly, that estimate does not include any potential stormwater management controls or other mitigation measures.

“This approach helps us understand development outcomes without appropriate mitigation and informs management options,” said Sameer Dhalla, TRCA’s director of development and engineering services, in an emailed statement.

Andrew Mc Cammon is executive director of Ontario Headwaters Institute, an advocacy group focused on protecting watersheds.

He commented that before approving any plans, it’s crucial for the city to know what percentage of natural surfaces within the watershed will change into impervious surfaces where water cannot pass through.

Mc Cammon also pointed out that increased flood risk could lead to more pollutants entering waterways, thereby harming water quality.
A spokesperson for City of Pickering noted via email that changes related to impervious surface area “will be determined as planning continues and land use concepts are refined.”. The TRCA is providing guidance concerning watershed conditions as planning progresses, according to their email.

The City Received ‘Preliminary’ Strategies for Managing Stormwater

A draft report detailing Phase 2 of the city’s sub-watershed study acknowledges that if “unmanaged development occurs” – meaning inadequate stormwater management protocols are applied – downstream flood risks may escalate..  This rising flood risk might also affect Ajax,the report indicates..Andrew Mc Cammon, executive director of Ontario Headwaters Institute,expressed interest  in understanding what features will be incorporated into this development plan to minimize flood risks.
(CBC)

The report lays out “preliminary management strategies,” aimed at “mitigating potential adverse effects on natural heritage and water resource systems.”
These strategies propose ways for managing stormwater while safeguarding groundwater quality.
The conclusion suggests Northeast Pickering’s development “can proceed responsibly and sustainably if stormwater management measures established through this assessment are properly implemented.”
The draft was put together by Montrose Environmental Solutions Canada.
Phase 3 of this study remains unfinished but will “identify requirements for further studies needed” based on gaps identified during Phase 2 analysis. 

Concerns About Endangered Species

An additional concern among environmental advocates revolves around what might happen with Redside Dace-an endangered fish species residing within planned developmental zones.
The Redside Dace – identifiable by its vibrant red stripe – ranks among at-risk minnow species found across Canada.(Below Blue Water Diver/Youtube)

Carruthers Creek hosts one out two primary clusters containing Redside Dace populations — Phil Pothen remarked as counsel/manager overseeing Ontario programs at Environmental Defence-a national advocacy organization focusing primarily on ecological preservation efforts.Pothen mentioned another critical habitat faces potential disruption due proposed Highway 413 construction efforts surrounding said regions!He concluded saying there isn’t much precedent suggesting healthy populations remain viable once land draining towards such habitats get paved over!  The City confirmed via email recent planning activities encompass studies examining how habitats supporting Redside Dace respond amid evolving “land-use scenarios,” alongside methods designed mitigate negative impacts relating directly back towards those ecosystems!Such strategies may involve assessing various factors like stormwater management designs aimed managing temperatures & runoff levels effectively too!

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