As background, the Conservation Authorities Act was created in 1946, driven by municipal government’s concern that unregulated development in one municipality would cause significant flooding and erosion damage in municipalities downstream. This concern was underlined in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel caused severe flooding in southern Ontario leading to property damage and deaths.

A watershed is the drainage area for a specific water system. It includes wetlands, creeks, streams, rivulets, lakes, and rivers that ultimately drain in the same direction. Watersheds do not conform to municipal boundaries. Accepted wisdom suggests the best way to control flooding and erosion is through autonomous agencies that will manage entire watersheds. Conservation Authorities were established, therefore, to have this holistic oversight of watershed management.

The Conservation Authorities Act allowed municipalities to work together on resource management and make land-use decisions at a watershed scale. They were also given a mandate to provide recreational and educational opportunities. The intent was to engage the public in having a sense of ownership and responsibility in preserving watersheds for the valuable ecological services that they deliver to the communities through which they flow.

The latest Provincial Government proposal, would create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency – a provincial board-governed oversight body. The stated benefit of the OPCA would be to provide centralized leadership, efficient governance, and strategic direction. The problem is that the OPCA duplicates functions that already exist. Each conservation authority already has its own board of directors composed of appointed municipal officials. The province, through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, oversees the Act and provides policy direction, while the local board makes decisions on programs and operations that are specific to its watershed.  The conservation authority is already accountable to its Board, to the municipalities that it serves and to the provincial government. It’s not clear, therefore, how inserting another layer of management oversight will improve efficiency. Yet it almost certainly will make the CAs less responsive to local conditions and municipal needs.

The other feature of this proposal would be to consolidate Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into 7. The intent is to have fewer organizations with standardized policies and reduced fragmentation that would ostensibly streamline approval of development applications.  Fewer organizations covering the same geographical area, however, means that each organization would, of necessity, be larger than what exists today. It’s not clear how this would improve organizational efficiency. Let’s look at the two CAs managing watersheds in Brampton.

The Credit River has its source waters in Dufferin County around Orangeville as well as in various parts of Caledon. It runs through the western part of Brampton, then into Mississauga where it flows into Lake Ontario. This watershed has geographical elements, water quality risks and plant and animal species that are specific to it.

As its name implies, the Credit Valley Conservation Authority deals with only one watershed. It supports hundreds of kilometers of trails, dozens of educational programs, a watershed plan and several on-going science and monitoring studies. It has a staff of 228 full-time employees according to Eluta, Canada’s Top 100 Employers Registry

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority manages 9 watersheds, 3 of which flow through Brampton, (Etobicoke Creek, Mimico Creek, West Humber River). The TRCA has close to 500 full-time staff and more than 3,000 volunteers.

Both the Credit Valley Conservation Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are large process and science driven organizations. That means they can be unwieldy to deal with at times. It turns out that managing complex watersheds takes time and resources. Like cooking a great meal, the process is better when not rushed. It’s not clear how the processes will be more efficient by consolidating their number and giving each more responsibility.

Case in point. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have developed excellent relationships with staff at both CVC and TRCA which have led to collaborations on initiatives such as the Heart Lake Road Ecology Monitoring Project, Bike the Creek, and more recently, BEA programs such as Rooted in Hope and Graceful Aging Through Connecting with Nature. I can’t imagine how these relationships, or these projects, would have come to be if I had to deal with a Conservation Authority that is potentially 6 times larger than what exists today. The mandate would be so broad that relationships with individual citizens or local environmental organizations would all but impossible.

Also, one size does not fit all when it comes to watershed management. Rural and urban characteristics drive a very different set of needs, and watersheds with different geographies, topologies and hydrology experience different types of risks and requirements. Lumping these together will be unlikely to yield efficiencies. Local watershed requirements will be subverted to the needs of large land developers, even more so than the imbalance that exists today. And any possible standardization or economies of scale could be driven by the Ministry without the need to go through the upheaval and costs associated with a reorganization of this magnitude.

The provincial government is entertaining comments from the public on this proposal until December 22nd. If, like me, you are concerned that this proposal introduces risks to a system that has been largely working for the past 70 plus years then please, click on the button link below and let the province know how you feel. The health of our watersheds hangs in the balance.

Please see the joint letter organized by Ontario Nature and signed by 97 organizations imploring the Provincial Government not to proceed with this consolidation plan

Environmentally we degraded into scandal surrounding the Greenbelt, and carbon pricing carve-outs, while the Supreme Court ruled against the Federal Impact Assessment Act and emboldened Provinces to become even more aggressive in their challenge against Canada’s plans for clean fuel standards and an emissions cap on the oil and gas industry. All of this in a year of unprecedented environmental disasters including floods on both coasts and raging forest fires from New Brunswick to B.C. Continuing conflicts in many parts of the world including Ukraine and, most recently, the middle east, have added significantly to our sense of angst.

In that context, your Brampton Environmental Alliance team worked to maintain positive focus on local environmental issues that matter to Brampton residents and to take actions to move Brampton closer to being a sustainable community. The actions of the BEA fall into four categories, Advocacy, Events, Education/Resources and Collaboration/Networking. Looking back on 2023, the BEA has had a successful year in each of these categories. Let’s review a few of the highlights.

Advocacy

The BEA was involved in many advocacy initiatives during the year. In January BEA members made a submission to the Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) on improving the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights. We continue to follow up with the LCO to ensure our voices are being heard.

We met with Brampton North MPP Graham McGregor several times during the year on different topics ranging from the implementation of Green Building Standards as part of the Conservative Government’s target of building 1.5M homes, to suggestions for improving the wildlife corridor along Brampton’s Heart Lake Road. We also supported MPP McGregor’s initiative for the Ontario Government to partially fund a City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Shoreline Restoration Project at Loafer’s Lake.

BEA members participated in the Walk for Soil to raise awareness about regenerative farming and the importance of healthy soil and to encourage government to enact policies for the protection of soil health.

Members of the BEA supported a Lead Now initiative to encourage the Federal government to implement carbon emissions cap on the oil and gas industry. We gathered hundreds of signatures and presented a petition to Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota that she subsequently raised in the House of Commons.

The BEA also participated in many environmental committees including Peel Enviro-Hub hosted by Environmental Defence, Sierra Club Peel Chapter meetings, Caledon Climate Collaborative organized by the Town of Caledon, Best Practice webinar on Farmland and Natural Heritage Protection organized by Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Credit Valley Trail Symposium organized by Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC), Brampton Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Litter Reduction Forum organized by the City of Brampton, Watershed Alliance organized by TRCA, Future Ground Network Building Power symposium organized by the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Ontario Climate Emergency Network.

Finally, the BEA delegated to both Regional and Brampton City Councils on environmental matters related to development projects and active transportation.

Events

Working with our members and partners, the BEA was involved in planning and organizing 35 environmental events in the past year. 30 of these events were delivered as part of two projects where the BEA received grant funding.

In the spring, the BEA was awarded a New Horizons for Seniors grant from the Federal Government to deliver the Graceful Aging Through Connecting with Nature, GATCWN, project. It was designed to encourage seniors to participate in outdoor physical activities with objectives to improve physical and mental health and to increase awareness of the benefits of and the threats to local natural elements including woodlots and wetlands.

BEA partnered with four of its member organizations to deliver workshops and events throughout the spring, summer and fall of 2023 in various locations throughout the City. It also partnered with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), to deliver a workshop and an event specifically tailored to seniors living in the Bramalea SNAP area near Bramalea City Centre . This was part of the TRCA’s “Building a Healthy, Connected Bramalea Program”. You can read posts about the GATCWN events and see the GATCWN final report here.

In the summer, the BEA was awarded an Ontario Seniors Community grant by the Ontario Government. This project, Rooted in Hope (RIH), was designed to connect seniors’ groups with secondary school students to plant trees and then learn how to monitor their health and growth over the coming years. Sixteen youth from three high-schools, joined 12 seniors who, along with other community volunteers, planted 300 trees in Gore Meadows Park. The youth and seniors also participated in two tree monitoring training sessions with another session planned for this spring. See Rooted in Hope posts here.

Education

The BEA created its first-ever Youth Council to provide opportunities for environmental youth engagement and mentorship. A York University student intern helped organize YC events and activities.

Educational newsletter posts touched on many topics including, why Greenbelt lands need continued protection, how to navigate the grant process for home energy retrofits, and debunking myths about coyotes in an urban environment.

Guest speaker, Sarah Syed spoke eloquently at the BEA annual general meeting this past January on the importance for communities to take action on climate change. Sarah, an 18 year old environmental activist from Toronto, is the founder of You are the Change. She has won 2 regional science fair gold medals for her research into bioplastics made from food waste and is a Canadian Top 25 under 25 award winner.

In the fall, the BEA was invited to provide a guest panelist at the International Film Festival South Asia’s. It’s Interactions, Take Action! segment aims to leverage the power of cinema to spark discussions around issues of environment and climate change, and ignite positive change within our communities.

Collaboration and Networking

The BEA provided plenty of opportunity for collaboration this past year. Member organizations and community partners worked together to deliver the GATCWN and RIH projects as noted above.

Many thanks to individual and organizational members from, Friends and Stewards of Dorchester Park, People Against Littering, Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, Sierra Peel and BikeBrampton for their dedication and support of these projects. Thanks also to Association of Canadian Educational Resources (ACER), CVC, TRCA, Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and Brampton City staff from Parks and Environmental Planning for their services that contributed to the success of these projects.

Finally, thanks to all of you for being interested in local environmental issues and for making whatever contributions you can to make a difference. It’s yet another proof point of the power of alliances within communities to address issues of a global nature. Wishing you all the best for 2024. Happy New Year!

Saturday, the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers hosted a Pollinator Planting at Donnelly Park East. Eighteen participants attended including six seniors. Fifty planting sites were established using a mixture of native wildflower and grass seeds. The City of Brampton provided the seeds. Bob Noble, a local resident and naturalist, gave a “pollinator talk” about the different plant species, the importance of biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by pollinator birds and insects.

Participant feedback for the event was very positive. One said, “It was wonderful being able to come out and help with the planting and talk to others in the community”. Another commented, “I used to sign up for a lot of recurring events, but these days I just love being able to come and help at community events like this!”

In 2022 the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers Group became the official stewards of Donnelly Park East through the City’s Adopt a Park Program. In addition to planting pollinator seeds and protecting turtle nests in the park, the group has also removed litter and wrapped over 40 hardwood trees to protect them from beaver damage. Through this stewardship the group hopes to maintain the park and its wetland areas as a healthy and balanced eco-system.

On Sunday, People Against Littering held their final GATCWN park clean up event at Flower City Park. Twenty-two participants attended including 11 seniors. Lots of garbage was picked up in a seemingly clean area including some very large pieces of litter.

Sonia Sidhu, MP Brampton South was a featured guest who gave the group a certificate in recognition of their volunteer efforts to make Brampton the first litter-free city in Canada.

“I am truly inspired by the volunteers of the People Against Littering – Brampton community group”, said MP Sidhu. “They love their community and work together to educate others. I encourage residents, especially youth to learn more about community engagement programs they run and the values they promote.”

Amisha brought wraps from her Food Quotient restaurant that were enjoyed by all. Participants expressed interest in continuing the clean up mission throughout the winter.

The last event in the Bramalea SNAP Healthy Towers project was held this past Wednesday at Knightsbridge Park and Knightsbridge Park South. A small yet enthusiastic group assembled for gentle stretching with Susan followed by snacks.

Participants received a grocery gift certificate for answering questions about the natural environment in the park.

Leo commented he enjoyed the session very much and that, “Susan is a gifted and talented instructor!”

2023 09 19 PLEIN AIR PAINTING IN DORCHESTER PARK

This was the last of the Plein Air painting sessions. The focus was on learning to paint with oil using fall colors as inspiration.

I would like to let you know how wonderful the Plein Painting in Dorchester Park was.  Dorchester Park is an absolute gem, we are so fortunate to have this beautiful park, recreational space in our midst.  It is so much more than a park, it is a hub for individuals in the area young and old to come exercise, play, relax and learn. The various events that have been going on this park, have brought members of our community together, we have learned so much through Stacey Wilson, the Friends and Stewards of Dorchester Park, and the BEA, about native plants, invasive plants, nature, and most recently this wonderful series of plein air classes for seniors. The artist/ instructor Stephanie Schirm was amazing!  As a senior this was so wonderful to enjoy the park in this way. 

Karen Miller

2023 09 20 ROOTED IN HOP TREE PLANTING

We had nearly 40 participants students and seniors alike as well as public participants dropping in. The event was well received and many students expressed interest in measuring and leadership training to take the plantings another step further.

We planted a total of 300 trees over the course of three weeks with this being the final planting.

People of all ages came together to help and engage one another, engage with one o take ownership of their community’s greenery.

The final September event was a GATCWN Seniors Workshop held on September 30th in the Knightsbridge Community Centre. A small but eager turn out received useful information about the importance of moving in the outdoors as we age to improve balance and help maintain an independent lifestyle!

Look for the final wrap up report on the GATCWN project in the week’s to come! Thanks to the Government of Canada and to the TRCA SNAP/United Way for financially supporting this project! And thanks to the Government of Ontario for its financial support of the Rooted in Hope Project which continues until March 2024.

Fourteen people including 5 seniors, joined members of People Against Littering, (PAL), for a Park Clean Up at Lillie Roberts Park this past Sunday September 17th. Lillie Roberts is located just north of Countryside Drive and just west of Goreway Drive.

The group started with a tai chi warm up exercise which was welcomed by the participants.

This event is part of the, Graceful Aging Through Connecting with Nature, (GATCWN), project with the aim to help seniors stay healthy and independent by doing physical activities outdoors in nature with friends and family.

It’s not too late to come out and participate. Check the list and register for GATCWN events coming up this month and in October.

Councilor Toor dropped by to told the group of the importance of volunteers and that he fully supports PAL’s initiative in the effort to have Brampton be the first litter-free city in Canada .

Finally, Amisha Moorjani, the owner of Food Quotient, catered delicious vegan wraps that everyone was able to enjoy and that tasted delicious! Another successful PAL/GATCWN event!

The Brampton Environmental Alliance hosted two tree-planting events at Gore Meadows Recreation Centre this past two Wednesdays. The events were supported by the Associations of Seniors Clubs Brampton as well as students from Louise Arbor Secondary School and Castlebrook Secondary School. Members of Sierra Club Peel also attended as did employees from Hydro One along with other community members.

Thirty participants attended the September 6th event despite hot, humid weather. Thirty-eight attended on September 13th under much cooler conditions.

The trees, shovels and other equipment were provided by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, (TRCA). TRCA staff members Jake, Nick and Connor provided tree planting training and ensured proper safety protocols were followed.

Tree monitoring support was provided by Alice, Sadia and Seema from the Association of Canadian Educational Resources, ACER.

These BEA tree planting events are part of two BEA projects. Graceful Aging Through Connecting with Nature, GATCWN, is designed to encourage seniors aged 55+ to improve their balance and their appreciation for nature by exercising in the outdoors. The BEA has partnered with Sierra Club Peel, People Against Littering, Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, and Friends and Stewards of Dorchester Park to provide a range of outdoor activities during the spring, summer and fall of 2023.

The Rooted in Hope Project is designed to create community connection between seniors and youth through tree planting and monitoring activities. The youth and seniors work together to first plant the trees and then monitor their health and growth over the next 3-4 years. The seniors receive community and volunteer opportunities while providing mentorship and support to the youth. And the youth learn valuable science and math skills.

GATCWN is financially supported through the Federal New Horizons for Seniors Program. Rooted in Hope is supported through the Ontario Seniors Community grant.

The Troopers were also introducing new people, to the beauty of local wetland areas in Brampton. The first event was at Loa Loafer’s Lake Park on July 27th and the second event was at Donnelly East Park on August 20th. Thirteen wetland tour participants, including seven seniors saw several species of turtles including Snapping, Painted and Red-eared Sliders as well as other animals including geese, ducks, even a beaver! They also learned a lot about turtle habitat protection and conservation.

The Troopers do a great job protecting the nests, and helping more turtles survive to adulthood.

Friends of Dorchester Park had another successful Plein Air in the Park event on August 17. The class of 10 seniors learned about using charcoal to create beautiful landscapes.

Friends of Dorchester Park has one more outdoor art event on September 26th. Register soon as these events have proven to be very popular!

Not to be outdone, People Against Littering held a clean up event on August 27th at Earnscliffe Park. Over 30 people attended, more than half of them seniors with the support of the Association of Senior Clubs, Brampton.

A short Thai Chi lesson preceded the clean up.

Media coverage was provided by OMNI News and the event was attended by City Councillor Rod Power.

A good time was had by all.

The Rooted in Hope project was officially launched on August 19th in the parking lot of Gore Meadows Recreation Centre. Sonia Maset, Program Administrator for the Brampton Bike Hub trained four senior team leads on bike safety and skills training.

Sonia then took them for a short ride to familiarize them with riding on the roads in and around the recreational facility. Another training event with the “uncles” is scheduled for this Saturday August 26th.

This past Monday August 21st, another training event took place. This time it involved students from local high schools who are to be the team leads for tree planting and monitoring along with a teacher from Louise Arbour Secondary School.

The training event was led by Alice Casselman – President, Association of Canadian Educational Resources (ACER), and Dr. Sadia Butt ACER’s Project Manager who is also an ISA certified arborist with over 20 years experience as an urban forest practitioner, researcher, and environmental educator. Together, Alice and Sadia provided a full day of training to the participants about tree monitoring, tree species identification, knowledge of equipment used in tree monitoring and an introduction to online software that identifies how much carbon a tree is storing based on the data collected.

Data collection is a big part of this project and will be used to help inform the City of Brampton’s urban forest management plan.

The Rooted in Hope Project currently involves three Brampton high schools, Harold M. Brathwaite S.S., Heart Lake S.S, Castlebrooke S.S., with Louise Arbour S.S. expected to join this fall.

Hopefully we will see everyone at the tree planting events on September 6^th , September 13th, and September 20th. All events run from 3:30-5:00pm @ Gore Meadows Community Centre! These events are free and open to anyone, especially seniors and students from the community. Click here to register and receive more information.

The Rooted in Hope project is designed to engage both youth and seniors in understanding the importance of urban trees by planting young trees and then monitoring the growth and health of both new and mature trees in their neighbourhoods. It will also use cycling, a form of active transportation, as the primary means of travel to tree monitoring sites thereby keeping carbon emissions to a minimum. Rooted in Hope is funded through the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.

One of our volunteers has graciously put together a 13 minute video describing the benefits of urban tree canopy as well as the challenges and threats facing Brampton’s urban forest. See the video below.

In addition, attendees got to tour native species flower gardens in the Park.

All who attended said they were looking forward to the next Plein Air event on August 17th, where they will learn to paint a tree landscape like a Fauvist. See here for a full list of Graceful Aging Through Connecting with Nature events.