Enhancing Ecological Design in Urban Development Areas –

An Analysis of the G Ross Lord Reservoir and surrounding area

March 5, 2007Fady HannaDavid Tunnah

For: ENVS 6123Professor Carmela Canzonieri

Agenda

• Site History

• Process

• Detailed Assessment of Site Elements– Site Description– Detailed Analysis

• Summary

Site Photo – 2007 Region

West Don River

Utility Corridor

York University

Downsview Airport

Site Photo – 1954

Finch Ave W

Bat

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N• Area consists primarily of farmland and natural space

• Sparse development

• West Don River exists in natural form

Beginnings of development

West Don River

Site Photo – 1988

Finch Ave W

Bat

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Duf

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N• West Don River

straightened and shape altered

• G Ross Lord Dam constructed in 1973

• Large-scale residential developments

• Office development created

West Don River

G Ross Lord Dam

Residential Development

Office Development

Site Photo - 2007

Finch Ave W

Bat

hurs

t St

Duf

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St

Steeles Ave W

Topographical MapTopographical Map• Expected topography

of Toronto– N to S grade decline

• Southern Residential area built on incline

Source: Ontario Base Maps 101762004845

Process

1. Identification of the elements

2. Identification of the processes

• How does the landscape work? What are the functional and structural relationships among its elements?

3. Evaluation of the processes

4. Proposed change5. Impact and effects6. Final Decision Source: Carl Steinitz Framework for Landscape Research

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/depts/larchdep/research/monroe/03.htm

Site Elements – Region Level

1. West Don River Valley

2. West Don River

Watershed

3. Power Corridor

4. Dufferin Creek

N

Site Elements – District Level(1)Office area w/ parking lot

(5) Residential Area and School

1) The office Complex and the Parking lot in the North West of the study area:1) The office Complex and the Parking lot in the North West of the study area:

First; description of the site: First; description of the site: • “suburban type” development. • Parking lot

• Bounded by a thin chain of trees • From the west and the south the site is bounded by

the natural dense vegetation (urban forestry) of the West Don River watershed

Second; process and evaluation of the process:Second; process and evaluation of the process:

• The large asphalt parking lot absorbs big amount of solar radiations

• Strong feeling of heat and urban heat islands.

• The lack of enough trees canopy also increases the temperature of the area.

• The site represents strong example of unsustainable form of urban developments due to the office buildings’ segregation.

N

• 4) Change models:4) Change models:

• Add retention pond• Increase tree canopy• Add vegetated Swales on

the right side• Plant native trees on

parking aisles• Permeable pavement

•The diagram elucidate the idea of having contiguity between the green elements in a parking lot.

•This may increase the ecological features of the siteSource: Sustainable Urban Landscapes. Site Design Manual for BC Communities p.

N

Fifth; Impact Evaluation & Final DecisionFifth; Impact Evaluation & Final Decision

• The retention pond will create strong natural mitigation for storm water runoffs

• The increase of tree canopy will: enhance consumers’ satisfaction Provide niche for birds, thus increase wildlife habitat

• The vegetated Swales will enhance drainage purification

• Plant native trees on parking aisles will increase contiguity

• Permeable pavement will absorb good amount of storm water which lighten the pressure on the sewage and drainage system of the area

2) High rise Residential Blocks:

First; description of the site:First; description of the site:

• 12 high density buildings

• 7 large surface parking lots

• Sparse tree canopy

• 2 tennis courts • Surface swimming pool • Swimming pool in the other side,

east of Carpenter Road.

Second; process & Third EvaluationSecond; process & Third Evaluation::• Lots of residents on the site

• Existing of mixed use amenities

• Focus on more ecological integration, to achieve sustainability

• High temperature due to the lack of tree canopy

• Need more trees for wildlife and ecological features

Fourth; Change models:Fourth; Change models:

• Increase tree canopy cover

• Use permeable pavement to reduce stormwater runoff

• Increase contiguity between green elements

Source: Sustainable Urban Landscapes. Site Design Manual for BC Communities p. 65

Fifth; Impact Evaluation & decisionFifth; Impact Evaluation & decision

• Increase tree canopy cover will increase shade, thus residents’ satisfaction

• Use permeable pavement will reduce stormwater runoff

• Increase contiguity between green elements will: represent strong opportunity to enhance the ecological features of

the site Enhance the wildlife habitat existence.

• In general, Focus on more ecological integration, to achieve sustainability

3) G Ross Lord Dam and Reservoir:

First; description of the site:First; description of the site: The Dam was completed in 1973.

Study area is within Don River watershed

Three tributaries, partially buried, feed into the reservoir system

• Depth of channel ranges from 0.25 m to over 1.5 m towards the reservoir.

N

Second; Processes occurring and Third; Evaluation of the process: Second; Processes occurring and Third; Evaluation of the process:

•Aquatic habitat limited by sparse riparian vegetation and high sediment loads affecting water quality. •Major barrier to fish movement.

•Rock bass and sunfish have been found near the dam face (MTRCA 1994).

•No rare or threatened species have been documented by the MNR or the TRCA within the watercourses/waterbodies within the study area[1].

[1] Natural Sciences Report prepared for: URS Canada Inc. and the Toronto Transit Commission.Prepared by: LGL in 2005.

N

4) Change models:4) Change models:

Treatment Marshes

Source: Sustainable Urban Landscapes. Site Design Manual for BC Communities p56

Source: Ecological Riverfront Design. APA. Report Number 518-519. p128.

• Reforest w/ native trees the edges of:– Eastern side of Dufferin St– North side of Finch Ave W

• Storm water management includes enhanced grassed swales, infiltration/exfiltration trenches, filter strips.

• This reed-lined biofiltration system leads to a network of linked Treatment Marshes adjoining the public seawall.

• Naturalize the edges of the reservoir with native vegetation of mixed structure

N

On the Macro (Regional) level: Reforest the small part south and north of Finch Ave W. to ensure the “contiguous

relation” between “Hearthstone Valley Greenbelt” existing south of Finch and the “G Ross Lord” park.

Conserve the imperative contiguity between the main branches of Dufferin Creek existing in the south west of the area (west of Dufferin Street) with the three tributaries of G. Ross Lord Reservoir.

On the District level:

Reforest the eastern edge of Dufferin Street Woodlot with native trees and vegetation will help create new edge to protect the inner core of the West Don River watershed.

The storm water management including grassed swales, infiltration/exfiltration trenches and filter strips will limit the erosion occurring on the downstream of the tributaries.

• The reed-lined biofiltration system will lead to a network of linked treatment marshes which help purify the water

The Reforestation of Eastern side of Dufferin St Woodlot as well as North side of

Finch Ave W. w/ native trees will increase the rich ecological features of the site and increase the wild life habitat.

Fifth: Impact, Effects & Final DecisionFifth: Impact, Effects & Final Decision

4) G Ross Lord Tributaries (Culverts):

First; description of the site:First; description of the site:

•The tree tributaries exist in the west side of the study area along Dufferin St. and are connected to the Reservoir.

• Partially piped (concrete pipes)

o Tributary # 1: Twin closed concrete box culvert; each 3.0 m wide, 6.0 m total width.

Channel 3.6 m wide between walls

o Tributary # 2:

•1 round concrete culvert (#NR1163); 70 cm in diameter, 80 m length.•Plunge pool at outlet; 1.3 m drop into pool 4 m in diameter; •Pool is 50 cm deep•Good riparian willow shrub cover along banks

o Tributary # 3: •1 round concrete culvert (#NR1164); 1.0 m D.•1 CSP culvert (#NR1165); 1.0 m in diameter, culvert runs underground under parking lot for approximately 300 m Source: Natural Sciences Report prepared for:

URS Canada Inc. and the Toronto Transit Commission. Prepared by: LGL in 2005.

N

Second; Processes occurring & Third: Evaluation of the process: Second; Processes occurring & Third: Evaluation of the process: • Warm fish communities live in 2 of these tributaries.

Downstream: • In tributary 1: storm water inflow on north west side• bank; 30% riffle, 30% pools, 40% flats heavy silt load,

cloudy grey turbid water. • Debris blocking culvert

• In tributary 2: large drop (>1.5 m) from culvert to a large pool (approximately 20 m in diameter)

• Some erosion along north bank• Considerable iron staining and debris• Vegetation includes riverbank grape, sedges, willow

• Tributary 3: #NR1164 culvert drops 0.3 m into channel• #NR1165 culvert flows directly into channel, 4.4 m wide.• Depth of channel ranges from 0.25 m to over 1.5 m

towards the reservoir • Flashy storm flow from under plaza parking lot • Road visible detergent, oil and refuse in water • Some willows are washed out by recent storm flow

received from both culverts

N

Fourth; Change Models:Fourth; Change Models:

• Increase vegetation and marshlands in the streams.

• Study the opportunity to daylight the culverts just after passing Dufferin street

• Try to clean-up the upstream from fine gravel, sand and silt debris blocking the culverts.

• Increase and preserve riparian willow shrub cover along banks

• Put vegetated swales on parking lot west of Dufferin St

Fifth: Impact and Effects and Sixth: Final DecisionFifth: Impact and Effects and Sixth: Final Decision• Increasing the native vegetation will enhance the

drainage connectivity of the three tributaries to the Reservoir and decrease debris in the streams

• The swales on the parking lot west of Dufferin will increase Tributary # 2 & 3 drainage capability for storm water flow.

• Preserve fish habitat downstream; this watercourse does not directly support fish habitat but contributes to the its maintenance.

N

5) West Don River valley and Greenway :

First; DescriptionFirst; Description

• The study area comprises the Don River valley which goes north/south the study area.• The West Don River valley and watershed is rich of wild life habitats and other ecological feature

Second: Processes & Third; Evaluation of the Second: Processes & Third; Evaluation of the process:process:

Urban Vegetation provides:• Habitat for birds and small mammals

•Shade, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration.

• Provides natural strong connectivity and recreational amenities for abutting neighbourhoods.

•Alternative modes of transportation as walking and cycling.

•N/S path can be connected

N

Source: http://www.rochesterhills.org/city_services/images/AvonCrosswalk1.jpg

Fourth; Change Models:Fourth; Change Models:

N

• Preserve the rich greenway and its associated wildlife habitat.

• Integrate the parks with the greenway by planting native vegetation to some areas in the parks.

• Plant native vegetation at the eastern side of the greenway, up to the large green patch crossing Steeles Ave W.

• Add crossing detail

at Steels Ave W.

• OR a green natural bridge

Source: www.greencorridor.ca, Green Corridor Vision, Windsor, Ontario

• Fifth: Impact, Effects & Final DecisionFifth: Impact, Effects & Final Decision• Adding native vegetation will provide increased habitat

potential for birds and other small animals• Connecting the N/S trail across Steels Ave will increase

pedestrian traffic across the street and enhance access to the trail system

• Adding a crosswalk to Steels Ave will slow traffic along the busy traffic corridor

• A pedestrian bridge would be more suitable than a crosswalk, but budgetary constraints will likely not permit this.

• Final decision: Add vegetation, and add crosswalk to slow traffic

…West Don River valley and Greenway :

6) Power Corridor & 7) Residential Area

- First: description of the site: (power corridor)

- Size of land: 15 hectares- Short grass, simple plant structure- Recreational use: soccer fields, parking lots- Lands originally owned by Hydro One, transferred to the

Government of Ontario on Dec 31, 2002 [1] - Hydro One maintains primary use of land for power

transmission- Land use governed by Provincial Secondary Land Use

Program, but Hydro One is still responsible for land maintenance

- Bounded on south side by residential area, and cemetery on north side, traverses G Ross Lord Reservoir

[1] Ontario Realty Corporation (2005) Q&A – Hydro One. Retrieved March 13, 2007 from http://www.orc.on.ca/Page144.aspx

- First: description of the site: (residential Area)

• Impervious surface due to many roadways• Limited access going east-west across

development• Large parking lot at school and community

center• High-rise in center of development• Residential area is built on a steep decline

towards the reservoir

N

…Power Corridor

Second; Processes occurring on the site and Third: Evaluation of the process: Second; Processes occurring on the site and Third: Evaluation of the process:

•Large parking lot will absorb solar radiation open area•Storm water will run through residential area down to river•Poor pedestrian or trail access to the cemetery and park lands to the north of the development•Plant structure is too simple and is a poor habitat for wildlife•Strip is too thin to be a viable wildlife corridor, but adding plant structure could increase bio-diversity•The effect of electrical fields are unknown, could be damaging for recreational uses•Soccer fields already located nearby

N

Heat islandStorm water runoff

Electrical fields

Soccer fields

……Power Corridor Power Corridor

N

• Fourth: Change Models:Fourth: Change Models:• Add trails to enhance recreational access to site,

and to divert pedestrian and bicycle traffic from heavy traffic Finch Ave W.

• Convert soccer fields to marsh-land with low vegetation to enhance biodiversity of site – requires excavation

• Preserve the unmowed grasses, shrubs and small marshes along the hydro corridor.

• Add vegetated swales along south west side to capture residential run-off

Vegetated swalesRevegetationPaths

……Power Corridor Power Corridor

Fourth: Change Models – cont.Fourth: Change Models – cont.

• Add trees to preserve contiguity of N/S greenway

• Also add vegetation to N/S power corridor

• Add recreational (walking and cycling) trails through utility corridor to utilize as a traffic corridor for residents

N

……Power CorridorPower Corridor

Fifth: Impact, Effects & Final DecisionFifth: Impact, Effects & Final Decision

• Enhance the ecological features of site by adding widespread meadow, scrub and marsh, thus increasing wildlife species

• Improve micro-climate due to increased use of water in site• • Improve storm water management, however, marsh land may flood nearby

residential to south due to gradation

• Decrease the need for maintenance due to natural vegetation

• Improve recreational uses due to ease of access

• Raise property value of abutting neighbourhood

• Improve contiguity of greenways both east-west and north-south

• Proceed with change, except marsh-land due to hydrological considerations

8) 8) Environmental Center and recreation areaEnvironmental Center and recreation area

First; description of the site: •Cleared area with limited forest canopy•Large parking lot•Covered tributary•Soccer fields for recreational use

Second; Processes occurring on the site and Third; Evaluation of the process:

•Parking lot absorbs heat radiation

•The location of the environmental agency is blocking the north-south greenway, creating a barrier to wildlife moving through the area

•The clear-cut area could cause increased runoff

•There is potential to increase vegetation and forest cover along Dufferin

•Run off from Dufferin could enter tributary

•Soccer fields are cut off from nearby residents

N

Parking Lot

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Fourth: Change Models:Fourth: Change Models:

• Add tree cover where space is available to improve habitat

• Use of vegetated swales to capture storm water runoff

• Daylight tributary

• Add wood pedestrian bridge to improve access to recreational soccer fields

Sustainable Urban Landscapes, p105

Sustainable Urban Landscapes, p108

N

Vegetated swalesReforestationDaylighting

Fifth: Impact, Effects & Final Decision

• Adding vegetated swales will reduce run-off from Dufferin

• Adding trees will improve habitat for birds in the area, and further link the North-South greenway

• Daylighting the tributary will increase habitat and bio-diversity of the area

• Adding bridges will increase access to the soccer fields, but also could increase habitat damage to the area

• Adding bridges could increase use of the recreational area, thus increasing human interaction with the area and potentially increasing damage

• Care should be taken to add additional garbage receptacles and ensure proper washroom facilities

Decision: Go ahead with proposed changes.Vegetated swalesReforestationDaylighting

N

Summary

• Site presented• Main features discussed

1. West Don River Valley2. West Don River Watershed3. Power Corridor4. Dufferin Creek

• Elements discussed1. Office area with parking lot2. High rise buildings3. G Ross Lord Dam and Reservoir4. G Ross Lord Tributaries and Watershed5. West Don River6. Power corridor7. Residential Area8. Environmental Center

• Changes presented and recommendations given