Environmental-Policy-Review-Report - City of Richmond Hill

RECOMMENDED DIRECTIONS REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY REVIEW
FOR THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
Prepared for:
Town of Richmond Hill
225 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3P4
Prepared by:
SENES Consultants Limited
121 Granton Drive, Unit 12
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3N4
September 2009
Printed on Recycled Paper Containing Post-Consumer Fibre

Environmental Policy Review: Recommended Directions Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Town of Richmond Hill is currently developing a new Official Plan. In proceeding with the
development of the new Official Plan a series of background studies are being conducted. This
report forms part of a complete review of Richmond Hill’s Environmental Policy and in
particular provides recommended directions for Environmental Policy in Richmond Hill.
The Environmental Policy Review has been conducted over the past year through examination of
new and existing information, legislation, and policy, and through new research and
consultations with Council, residents, stakeholders, and Town staff. Consultation events included
the Environmental Policy Review Roundtable held in March 2009, the Environmental Policy
Review Open House held in April 2009, and the Official Plan Summit held in May 2009.
Through the consultation events, the Richmond Hill community has expressed great support for
the adoption of strong environmental policies. The community has consistently advocated a
continued “environment first approach” for protection of the natural environment through
numerous public meetings, workshops and roundtable sessions as part of the People Plan and
Official Plan process.
The Environmental Policy Discussion Paper, prepared in January 2009, introduced the
Environmental Policy Review and major aspects of the review such as the Greenway System and
sustainable development techniques. The purpose of this paper was to prompt and guide the
consultation process. In February 2009, a series of OP Guiding Principles were approved by
Council to provide clear guidance and direction for the planning policies in the new Official
Plan. The core directions for these principles included complete communities, environment,
economy, place-making, connectivity and mobility.
The Environmental Policy Review Background Report completed in April 2009 provided
research, policy gap analysis, environmental mapping, options and recommendations to achieve
long-term protection and enhancement of the features and functions of the Town’s urbanizing
landscape. In addition, this study identifies sustainable development practices that can be
implemented in the new Official Plan.
In July 2009, the Recommended Urban Structure was endorsed by Council to help visualize the
physical make-up of the Town over the long-term planning horizon.
Consideration of the overall agency and Town strategic directions have resulted in the
development of a primary goal and supporting objectives for the Official Plan’s Environmental
Policy. These statements have been designed to strategically position the Town’s environmental
policies to focus on meeting the expectations of stakeholder feedback heard through the People
Plan process, applying the knowledge of Richmond Hill’s current environmental features and
health, and implementing Provincial and Regional policy directions. The recommended
environmental goal and objectives for the Town’s Official Plan are:
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Goal: To position the Town as a leader in environmental protection and management by

protecting, enhancing, restoring and actively managing the environment through the
process of urbanization.
• Objective No 1- Restoration of natural features and functions will be undertaken to
improve the existing features within a comprehensive Greenway System for the Town,
and enhanced through opportunities to expand and connect natural features and functions
and through the use of sustainable development techniques in the settlement area.
• Objective No 2- The Town’s Greenway System will become a healthy, well-connected
system of core and linkage natural areas where connectivity continues to be enhanced
over time by securement of additional linkages through the development process and
through stewardship initiatives .
• Objective No. 3- The Town will proactively protect groundwater features and functions
including supporting and maintaining natural features through implementation measures
that increase, the infiltration of water into the ground, thereby recharging aquifers and
improving baseflow to surface water features and through the use of Low Impact
Development techniques. These measures will be implemented without negatively
impacting upon natural features and functions.
To work towards the recommended Official Plan Environmental Policy Goal and Objectives that
respond to stakeholder input, Regional and Provincial directions and the characteristics and
health of the current Town environment, the Town should adopt a holistic environmental policy
approach. Such an approach will integrate these directions and knowledge with current
environmental planning knowledge.
The Town’s holistic environmental policy approach will be represented through development of
a Town-wide Greenway System that views the Town comprehensively to protect and enhance its
natural and built environments through use of a more established natural heritage system
approach and through application of currently evolving sustainable development techniques.
The Greenway System is the overarching framework for the Town’s new environmental policies.
This system is envisioned to include all of the features throughout the Town that must be
protected under Provincial/Regional policy (such as Species at Risk, ORMCP designations,
protection of Lake Simcoe watershed health) along with linkages between these features within
and beyond the Town and with abutting stormwater management ponds, parks and other public
lands within settlement and rural (or countryside) areas both on and off the ORM. The
Greenway System will also compensate for features and functions required for maintenance of
healthy water management and landform conservation systems. Sustainable development
practices employed throughout the Town will contribute to the System’s overall health and
support sustainable development policies being implemented at a regional, provincial and
national level.
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The Greenway System is a framework designed to provide for the protection of and where
possible the improvement of the overall health of the natural environment. It provides policy
direction on how the natural environment will be protected or improved through the
identification and protection of a natural heritage system designed to maintain and improve the
size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of the Town’s natural areas, and their associated
functions and processes. Also, through the use of a variety of naturalization and sustainability
techniques the system protects and improves natural attributes such as clean water, clean air and
improved microclimate throughout the entire Town. The Greenway System also provides policy
direction for providing greater connectivity of natural areas and the associated values within and
between built up areas and open space areas of the Town as well as to natural areas in adjacent
municipalities.
The elements of the Greenway System are addressed in fourteen distinct yet inter-related
components, categorized under three subject areas, as follows:
a) Drivers for the Greenway System, including:
• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan – policy directions and terminology in the
ORMCP, as already adopted by the Town through OPA 218, will inform overall
development of the Town’s Greenway System;
• The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area – policy directions from the 2009 Plan
require protection, improvement or restoration of features that contribute to the
ecological health of the Lake Simcoe Watershed.
b) Greenway System components that are Town-wide, including:
• Ecological Restoration Areas –areas that have the ability to increase the size,
connectivity, health, and resilience of the Greenway System;
• Species at Risk –species at risk as identified in the provincial Endangered Species
Act or the Federal Species at Risk Act;
• Ecological Connections to Other Municipalities - ecological connections between
natural areas in the Town and in the adjacent jurisdictions;
• Water Resources Management System –Abundance and quality of both surface and
groundwater water supplies;
• Landform Conservation System- Unique and significant landform features that help
define the character of the Town and contribute to the maintenance of essential
ecological processes;
• Tree Protection, and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control - across the entire
Town;
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• Sustainable Development Practices – to increase the amount and quality of

vegetation cover, reduce the consumption of natural resources such as energy and
water, and reduce waste generation through planning, design, construction, and land
management practices;
c) Greenway System components that are specific to land use policies, including:
• Natural Core Areas – Areas designated in the Official Plan for the protection and
where possible improvement of the size, connectivity, diversity and resilience of
natural areas;
• Natural Linkage Areas- Areas designated in the Official Plan for the protection and
where possible improvement of areas that serve as passageways for the movement of
species throughout the Town and between areas identified as Natural Core Areas.
This includes stream, lakes and their associated aquatic habitat;
• Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside Area – areas designated in the Official Plan for
the protection of Open Space lands in the ORM that, through the maintenance of open
field habitats and landscapes, support wildlife habitat located in the Natural Core
Areas and Natural Linkage Areas of the ORM;
• Protected Countryside Areas in the Greenbelt Plan- Areas located in the Natural
Heritage System Areas of the Greenbelt Plan within Richmond Hill set aside to
maintain and improve the size, connectivity, diversity and resilience of natural areas
located in this part of the Town.
• Key Natural Heritage Features in the Settlement Areas—Natural areas in the
urban envelope where the urban land uses come in contact with the natural areas,
features and attributes
Implementation of the recommended holistic environmental policy approach will be largely
achieved through the land use planning and development process as prescribed under the
Planning Act and the Condominium Act including Official Plan amendments, zoning by-law
amendments, subdivision plans, condominium plans, site plans and consents.
A number of available implementation tools have been identified to supplement those of the land
use planning process to assist the Town in achieving the objectives of the recommended holistic
environmental policy approach outlined in this report. These include:
a. Policy; examples include:
• Adoption of the new OP
• Developing a comprehensive zoning by-law
• Reviewing the Town’s Sustainable Construction Policy
• Amendment of the Tree Preservation By-law and the Site Alteration By-law
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b. Supporting studies including:

• Parks and Municipal Facilities Management Program
• Municipal Stewardship Programs
c. Development of guidelines for implementation of environmental policies
d. Capital projects
e. Enhancements to Town’s Operating Procedures including working with other
government organizations and stakeholder groups, as well as inclusion of a monitoring
system
f. Governance through incentives such as:
• Increased development either onsite or on other properties owned by the
developer;
• Reduced development application and permit fees; and
• Reduced taxes during the period of project development and approval.
In the development of the implementation section of the new Official Plan, the Town should
identify the full range of implementation tools that can be used to implement the recommended
holistic environmental policy approach.
The recommended holistic environmental policy approach helps to demonstrate that the Natural
Environment is a distinct and essential element in the overall framework for growth and land use
change within Richmond Hill.
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DEFINITIONS*
Ecological Integrity
Includes hydrological integrity and means the condition of the ecosystem in which,
(a) The structure, composition and function of the ecosystem is unimpaired by stresses
from human activity,
(b) Natural ecological processes are intact and self sustaining, and
(c) The ecosystem evolves naturally
Enhancement
Involves modification of a site that has been degraded in some way, to improve the quality of
habitat for plants and animals and/or to improve natural functions of the area (i.e. increasing base
flow in a stream, increasing water and nutrient retention of soils)
Hydrological Integrity
Means the conditions of ecosystems in which hydrological features and hydrological functions
are unimpaired by stresses from human activity
Hydrologically Sensitive Features
Areas that contain significant and/or sensitive hydrological features and functions that are critical
to the maintenance and/or improvement of the hydrological integrity of the area. They include
permanent and intermittent streams and kettle lakes and their associated riparian lands, springs
and seepage areas.
Improvement
Any change in land use or cover that improves the ecological or hydrological integrity of the area
including increasing the size, connectivity and diversity of native plants and animals and
resilience in the natural areas in or outside the Town.
Key Natural Heritage Features
Areas that contain significant and/or sensitive natural features or functions that are critical to the
maintenance of the diversity, health and resilience of the Town’s natural heritage. These areas
shall include:
• All wetlands identified in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt
Plan;
*
The recommended definitions are consistent with Provincial/Regional planning policies and in some cases provide
improved protections/enhancements to the environment based on the Town’s existing environmental definitions and
what we heard through the People Plan process.
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• All woodlands 2 hectares or larger in size within the Oak Ridges Moraine and the
Greenbelt;
• All significant woodlands as identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources or the
Conservation Authorities;
• All woodlands identified as Regionally Significant by the Regional Municipality of York;
• All Life Science-Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest;
• Significant habitat of endangered species, threatened species and special concern species;
• Significant valleylands;
• All Environmentally Sensitive Area as identified by the Conservation Authorities; and
• All Kettle Lakes and their associated riparian lands.
Major Development
Means development consisting of,
a) the creation of four or more lots
b) the construction of a building or buildings with ground floor area of 500 m2 or more, or,
c) the establishment of a major recreational use requiring large-scale modification of terrain,
vegetation or both, including but not limited to a golf course, serviced playing field,
serviced campground and ski hills.
Low Intensity Recreation Uses
Recreational uses that require minimal disruption to the surface area and few if any buildings and
structures and have minimal effect on the ecological and/or hydrological integrity of an area.
They include uses such as non-motorized trail use, nature appreciation, orienteering and
accessory uses such as signage, parking, washrooms, fencing and interpretive facilities.
Natural Areas
Any land surface occupied by self-sustaining vegetative cover including woodlands, wetlands,
meadows and hedgerows.
Naturalization
The return of self-sustaining natural vegetative cover to a land area.
Negative impacts
As defined in the Provincial Policy Statement 2005
Restoration
The return of a land surface to a condition that would have existed prior to being converted to
urban or rural land uses by humans.
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Riparian Lands
Lands next to a water body such as flood-prone lands, valley bottoms and valley walls, or any
lands accommodating plant species adapted to high water tables occurring next to lakes and
streams
Species at Risk
Any plant or animal identified through the provincial Endangered Species Act or the federal
Species at Risk Act as being rare, threatened, endangered or vulnerable.
Stream Corridor
A permanent or intermittent stream and its associated riparian lands, which include:
• Streams (both permanent and intermittent) and associated riparian lands including flood
plains and valley slopes, defined to the top of valley slope by the Conservation Authority,
• Lands measured 30 metres outward from the meander belt of streams.
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Table of Contents
Executive summary.......................................................................................................................... i
Definitions....................................................................................................................................... v
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................2
1.2 Work To Date ..................................................................................................................2
1.3 Consultation .....................................................................................................................2
1.4 Purpose.............................................................................................................................2
2. POLICY REVIEW.................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Existing Context...............................................................................................................2
2.2 Current Planning Context for the Town of Richmond Hill .............................................2
3. RECOMMENDED DIRECTION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES ........................................... 2
3.1 Directions.........................................................................................................................2
3.2 Guiding Principles ...........................................................................................................2
3.3 Goal and Objectives.........................................................................................................2
4. BUILDING A HOLISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY APPROACH............................. 2
4.1 Establishing a Greenway System.....................................................................................2
4.2 Components of the Town’s Greenway System................................................................2
4.2.1 Drivers for the Greenway System............................................................................2
4.2.1.1 The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area......................................................... 2
4.2.1.2 The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area.......................................................................... 2
4.2.2 Greenway System Components that are Town-wide...............................................2
4.2.2.1 Ecological Restoration Areas ......................................................................................... 2
4.2.2.2 Species at Risk Act......................................................................................................... 2
4.2.2.3 Ecological Connections to Other Municipalities............................................................ 2
4.2.2.4 Water Resources Management System .......................................................................... 2
4.2.2.5 Landform Conservation System ..................................................................................... 2
4.2.2.6 Tree Protection, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.............................................. 2
4.2.2.7 Sustainable Development Practices................................................................................ 2
4.2.3 Greenway System Components with Specific Land Use Policies...........................2
4.2.3.1 Natural Core Areas ......................................................................................................... 2
4.2.3.2 Natural Linkage Areas.................................................................................................... 2
4.2.3.3 Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside .................................................................................. 2
4.2.3.4 Protected Countryside Areas in the Greenbelt Plan ....................................................... 2
4.2.3.5 Key Natural Heritage Features in the Settlement Area .................................................. 2
5. RECOMMENDED DIRECTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION........................................... 2
5.1 Policy ...............................................................................................................................2
5.2 Supporting Studies required for Implementation of Environmental Policies..................2
5.3 Development Of Guidelines For Implementation Of Environmental Policies ................2
5.4 Capital Project Requirements ..........................................................................................2
5.5 Recommended Enhancements to Town Operating Procedures .......................................2
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5.6 Governance ......................................................................................................................2

6. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 2
Appendix A – Recommended Official Plan Policies
List of Maps
Map 1 Potential Ecological Restoration Areas and Ecological Connections to other
Municipalities ......................................................................................................................... 2
Map 2 Areas of Known Groundwater Features and Functions....................................................... 2
Map 3 Landform Conservation System .......................................................................................... 2
Map 4 Recommended Greenway System ....................................................................................... 2
Map 5 Key Natural Heritage Features ............................................................................................ 2
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The Town of Richmond Hill (Town) is in the process of developing a new Official Plan. This
process will bring the Town’s land use policies up to date through:
• Incorporation of new federal, provincial and regional policy and regulatory directions;
• Integration of emerging trends and approaches in environmental planning including
identification and protection of Greenway Systems and promotion of sustainability of
natural and built environments;
• Accommodation of major new growth in a way that contributes to the environmental,
economic and social health of the community; and
• Addressing the needs and aspirations of the community as expressed through a series of
public consultation programs.
As part of this process, a series of background studies are being conducted. The Environmental
Policy Review is one of these background studies, which provides research, updated mapping,
policy review, options and recommendations on environmental protection, as well as innovative
ideas on sustainable techniques for new development and redevelopment within the context of
the Town’s urbanizing landscape.
As shown in Figure 1-1, the environment was examined as one of the background studies
contributing to development of the Town’s new Official Plan.
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FIGURE 1-1 MAJOR COMPONENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW OFFICIAL PLAN
Reference: Town of Richmond Hill (2008)

1.2 WORK TO DATE
SENES completed the Environmental Policy Review over the past year through an examination
of new and existing information, legislation, and policy, and through research and consultations
with Town staff and residents.
Specifically, the Review is based on an assessment of:
• The Town of Richmond Hill’s environmental policies within the existing Official Plan,
secondary plans and other Town Policies and By-Laws;
• New information collected on significant and sensitive natural areas, features and functions
within the Town of Richmond Hill
• Relevant environmental policy directions from Federal, Provincial, Regional and
Conservation Authority legislation, plans and policies, and
• Relevant literature and case studies of sustainability initiatives developed and tested in
other jurisdictions around the world.
The Environmental Policy Review Background Report, prepared by SENES in April 2009,
presents the detailed findings of this investigation.
1.3 CONSULTATION
With Town Staff, SENES has undertaken various consultations to inform key stages of this
Environmental Policy Review. Consultation events included the Environmental Policy Review
Roundtable held in March 2009, Environmental Policy Review Open House held in April 2009,
and the Official Plan Summit held in May 2009.
Through the consultation events, the Richmond Hill community has expressed great support for
the adoption of strong environmental policies. The community has consistently advocated the
importance of the environment in numerous public meetings, workshops and roundtable sessions
as part of the People Plan and Official Plan process. The Discussion Paper, prepared in January
2009, introduced the Environmental Policy Review and major aspects of the review such as the
Greenway system and waste and energy use reduction strategies.
A particularly relevant and focused session occurred on March 31, 2009 when an Environmental
Roundtable was held with environmental stakeholders within the community including interested
government agencies. This session confirmed strong support for the Town’s proposal to adopt a
system-based approach to environmental management that emphasized protection and
enhancement of essential natural features and functions located throughout the community. Some
of the key points made by the group included the following:

• Strong support for a natural systems based approach to environmental protection and
enhancement;
• Need to value and protect the key natural heritage features within the built up areas of the
Town as part of the Greenway System;
• Need for strong urban forestry policies;
• Need to make a linkage between the environmental objectives of the Plan and their
contribution to addressing climate change concerns;
• Need to make environmental protection a key part of the Town’s Park and Open Space
policies especially as it relates to the location, design and maintenance of trails;
• Need to maintain natural system connectivity with natural areas within the Town and in
adjacent municipalities;
• Need to recognize the connection between floodplain management and environmental
protection;
• Need to recognize the important contribution that can be made by stormwater management
ponds to natural diversity and health provided that the stormwater management function is
maintained;
• Need to emphasize the importance of public education as an important component of
environmental management;
• Need to ensure that water management policies reflect the latest approaches and
terminology being developed by the Conservation Authorities;
• Need to recognize the important ecological role being played by the open space areas in the
Town especially in the Oak Ridges Moraine area;
• Need to include strong policies for protecting species at risk; and
• Need to recognize that urban intensification, as addressed through other components of the
Official Plan, can also contribute significantly to a healthy environment.
Another important source of public feedback occurred on May 28, 2009 at the Richmond Hill
Official Plan Summit: Multi–Stakeholder and Public Workshop. At this session, participants
provided feedback on the holistic environmental policy approach recommended in this report
(including the Greenway System, water resource management, landform conservation
management, and sustainable development techniques). Participants were generally supportive
of the approach and provided comments that sought to build on the recommended approach
outlined in this report.
Key suggestions include:

• Need to establish a stronger connection between the natural environment and the
community. Trail design that provides public access to natural areas that also protects
against natural area degradation was noted as a necessary part of improving these
connections;
• Monitoring is needed as an important part of the of the overall planning process;
• Need for strong stewardship programs to educate the public and help them pursue
environmental protection and enhancement on their own. Measures to employ include
recognition awards, signage in park areas, financial support for tree planting and
disconnection downspouts from stormwater systems;
• Need to pursue opportunities to achieve greater naturalization in stormwater pond design
• Make green roofs and biowalls mandatory,
• Need closer ties with the Conservation Authorities,
• Protect the David Dunlap Observatory lands for their natural values; and
• Recommended sustainable development practices.
1.4 PURPOSE
This report is submitted to the Town of Richmond Hill to recommend direction on how to update
the environmental policies of the Official Plan including recommendations for further studies,
guidelines, by-laws, partnerships, and use of other such tools for the implementation of the
recommended direction. The recommendations follow from the need for the new Official Plan
to:
• Incorporate relevant Federal, Provincial, Regional and Conservation Authority legislation,
plans and policies;
• Consolidate and update environmental policies into a comprehensive, standardized and
organized format; and
• Recommend current and upcoming environmentally sustainable development practices.

2. POLICY REVIEW
This section provides an overview of the results of the Environmental Policy Review
establishing the basis for the set of recommendations presented in this report. This review has
followed the top-down, bottom-up approach the Town has employed for their integrated OP
review process, compiling Provincial and Regional environmental direction (from the top-down)
with community input and technical expertise, from the bottom-up.
2.1 EXISTING CONTEXT
The Town is in a unique position within York Region. The Town is the first municipality in the
region that is transforming into a mature, urban landscape in which large open space areas are no
longer available to accommodate future growth. With an existing population of about 180,000
the Town will be expected, under the provisions of the
Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan, to grow to a
community of 243,000 people by 2031.
This demand will be accommodated largely within the
Town’s existing built up area, requiring the
establishment of higher levels of urban density in some
parts of the Town.
Coupled with this growth pressure is the expectation of
Town residents that existing natural ecosystems be
protected and enhanced or restored and that efforts to
increase the quality of air, water and land resources
should occur. Meeting these land base requirements
will present the Town with some interesting challenges
over the next several decades. The policy direction in
this paper is designed to position the Town as a leader
in environmental protection and management by
formulating a holistic and proactive environmental
policy approach that will increasingly strengthen and
enhance the health of the community’s natural
environment over time.
Notwithstanding its largely urban nature, the Town
boasts many healthy natural areas such as:
• Large concentrations of forest cover, wetlands and
healthy headwater streams and recharge areas located in the Oak Ridges Moraine in the
northern half of the Town; and

• Four stream systems, including those of the Don, Humber, Rouge and East Holland Rivers,
each with several well-developed valley land systems. These run mainly from north to
south through the Town.
It will be possible through the adoption of the policy direction provided in the balance of this
report to pursue the goals of creating a vibrant urban community while at the same time
protecting and in many areas enhancing the size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of the
natural environment as well as generally improving the overall health of the natural environment
and proportion of natural cover within the Town.
2.2 CURRENT PLANNING CONTEXT FOR THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
There are existing policies, information and program experiences that the Town of Richmond
Hill can draw upon for development of an effective and comprehensive approach to
environmental protection and management. These include:
1. Provincial and Regional Policy Directions provided through the Provincial Policy
Statement, the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridge Moraine Conservation Plan and the
Regional Municipality of York Official Plan provides a strong enabling policy basis on
which to establish a comprehensive Greenway System, a holistic water management
strategy, a landform conservation system and sustainable development practices (as
proposed in the draft Regional Official Plan).
2. Databases and Technical Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources,
the Ministry of the Environment the Regional Municipality of York and the Conservation
Authorities have been particularly useful to identify natural heritage, hydrological and
landform conservation features and functions.
3. Water Management Strategies such as watershed plans and groundwater studies being
developed by the Conservation Authorities with the support of York Region and the
Town were especially useful in characterizing and addressing long term water
management needs for the Town.
4. Town Policies in the existing Official Plan and secondary plans provide a strong basis
upon which to develop a holistic environmental policy approach. Many of the existing
natural areas in the municipality are already designated for environmental protection.
These areas can easily be integrated into a larger connected greenway system across the
entire Town. Secondary plans such as OPA #129 (North-Urban), OPA #138 (Jefferson
Planning District), OPA # 218 (Oak Ridges Moraine Plan) and the proposed North Leslie
Secondary Plan contain a strong policy precedence and basis for implementation of a
broader greenway system across the entire Town and for development of leading edge
stormwater management practices.

5. An Abundance of Environmental Tools to implement sustainable development

initiatives exist. Due to the global interest and support for governments and society to
take stronger action in environmental protection and sustainable development, a large
body of literature and case studies on the implementation of sustainability initiatives have
become available over the past ten to twenty years. The Town can draw upon this
accumulated knowledge to find solutions that fit their natural, built and community
systems.

3. RECOMMENDED DIRECTION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 DIRECTIONS
The directions articulated in policy, legislation and guidance materials from the Federal,
Provincial and Regional levels, direction established in the current Official Plan and Secondary
Plans, and the input received during the public consultation process are summarized into three
overall directions that inform the Town’s development of environmental policies for the Official
Plan, as follows:
1- What the Town must do:
Incorporate and comply with Provincial and Regional directions, and applicable federal
directions, through development of Official Plan policies that:
a. Protect all significant natural areas, features and functions that are identified
through policies and studies conducted by federal/provincial/regional agencies;
b. Comply with and meet the intent of all relevant federal, provincial and regional
legislation, regulations and policies in the areas of natural heritage, resource
management, water management, landform management, species at risk and
community sustainability; and,
c. Ensure that the more restrictive environmental policies apply.
2- What the Town should continue to do:
a. Maintain the strong and evolving environmental directions of the current Official
Plan policies and other Town policies and programs in the protection of natural
areas on the Oak Ridges Moraine, securement of conservation lands, management
of landform and water resources, implementation of best practices, integration of
Greenbelt Plan policies, and fostering of partnership and stewardship initiative
opportunities with others.
b. Engage the public and other stakeholders in collaborative, ongoing management
of the natural environment
3- Where the Town has direction to go/provide leadership
The Town can enhance its existing suite of environmental policies and programs by
implementing the following directions that have developed through the Town’s People Plan
process, the resulting new Strategic Plan and current scientific knowledge:
a. Adopt an environmental approach that protects natural areas, features and
functions in a holistic and comprehensive Town-wide manner;

b. Integrate and connect the natural areas of the community with the urban and open
space areas of the Town so that natural areas are viewed as an integral part of the
overall community. This can be accomplished by such measures as naturalization
of roadsides, yards, storm water management ponds and open spaces to create a
fully linked system and community education on the resulting system’s natural
functions;
c. Actively improve the health of the natural environment and its associated natural
areas, features and functions; and
d. Employ new, innovative approaches for management and enhancement of the
natural environment and for the promotion of sustainability.
3.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The People Plan process identified a vision, strategic goals and guiding principles that will also
guide refinement of the Town’s Official Plan environmental policies. The Town is envisioned as
a place where people come together to build our community. This vision will be achieved
through four goals of:
a. Stronger Connections, including natural corridors and greenspace,
b. Better Choice,
c. A More Vibrant Richmond Hill, and
d. Wise Management of Resources (less waste of all resources and leadership in
environmental and resource management).
There are ten guiding principles for the Official Plan within the themes of Complete
Communities, Environment, Economy, Place-making and Connectivity and Mobility. The full
set of principles will guide all policies, including environment, within the Plan. The principles
adopted by Council in early 2009 are:
Complete Communities
• Create an integrated, vibrant and diverse community that provides a mix of land uses,
including a balance of housing, employment, community services, parks and open spaces;
• Direct growth to built-up urban areas with existing infrastructure and services in a network
of centres and corridors;
Environment
• Protect and enhance natural environmental systems, functions and resources over the long
term;
• Incorporate and promote sustainable development practices and initiatives;

Economy
• Promote economic vitality and provide for a balanced and diverse range of employment
opportunities;
• Protect employment areas over the long term;
Place-Making
• Recognize and enhance the inherent and unique aspects of Richmond Hill and create
focal points, gateways, experiences and landmarks;
• Strive for design excellence in the public and private realm;
Connectivity and Mobility
• Plan for transit and pedestrian oriented development;
• Promote connectivity, mobility and accessibility within and between neighbourhoods,
employment areas, parks and open spaces.
3.3 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
Consideration of the overall agency and Town strategic directions have resulted in the
development of a primary goal and supporting objectives for the Official Plan’s Environmental
Policy. These statements have been designed to strategically position the Official Plan’s
environmental policies to focus on meeting the expectations of stakeholder feedback heard
through the People Plan process, applying the knowledge of Richmond Hill’s current
environmental features and health and implementing Provincial and Regional policy directions.
The recommended environmental goal and objectives for the Town’s Official Plan are:
Goal: To position the Town as a leader in environmental protection and management by
protecting, enhancing, restoring and actively managing our environment through the
process of urbanization.
• Objective No 1- Restoration of natural features and functions will be undertaken to
improve the existing features within a comprehensive Greenway System for the Town,
and enhanced through opportunities to expand and connect natural features and functions
and through the use of sustainable development techniques in the settlement area.
• Objective No 2- The Town’s Greenway System will become a healthy, well-connected
system of core and linkage natural areas where connectivity continues to be enhanced
over time by securement of additional linkages through the development process and
through stewardship initiatives .
• Objective No. 3- The Town will proactively protect groundwater features and functions
including supporting and maintaining natural features through implementation measures
that increase, the infiltration of water into the ground, thereby recharging aquifers and

improving baseflow to surface water features and through the use of Low Impact
Development techniques. These measures will be implemented without negatively
impacting upon natural features and functions.

4. BUILDING A HOLISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY APPROACH

To work towards the recommended Official Plan Environmental Policy Goal and Objectives that
respond to stakeholder input, Regional and Provincial directions and the characteristics and
health of the current Town environment, the Town should adopt a holistic environmental policy
approach. Such an approach will integrate these directions and knowledge with current
environmental planning knowledge.
The Town’s holistic environmental policy approach will be represented through development of
a Town-wide Greenway System that views the Town comprehensively to protect and enhance its
natural and built environments through use of a more established natural heritage system
approach and through application of currently evolving sustainable development techniques.
The Greenway System is the overarching framework for the Town’s new environmental policies.
This system is envisioned to include all of the features throughout the Town that must be
protected under Provincial/Regional policy (such as Species at Risk, ORMCP designations,
protection of Lake Simcoe watershed health) along with linkages between these features within
and beyond the Town and with abutting stormwater management ponds, parks and other public
lands within settlement and rural (or countryside) areas both on and off the ORM. The
Greenway System will also compensate for features and functions required for maintenance of
healthy water management and landform conservation systems. Sustainable development
practices employed throughout the Town will contribute to the System’s overall health and
support sustainable development policies being implemented at a regional, provincial and
national level.
4.1 ESTABLISHING A GREENWAY SYSTEM
The Greenway System is a framework designed to provide for the protection of and where
possible the improvement of the overall health of the natural environment. It provides policy
direction on how the natural environment will be protected or improved through the
identification and protection of a natural heritage system designed to maintain and improve the
size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of the Town’s natural areas, and their associated
functions and processes. Also, through the use of a variety of naturalization and sustainability
techniques the system protects and improves natural attributes such as clean water, clean air and
improved microclimate throughout the entire Town. The Greenway system also provides policy
direction for providing greater connectivity of natural areas and the associated values within and
between built up areas and open space areas of the Town as well as to natural areas in adjacent
municipalities.
The following points illustrate the characteristics of the proposed holistic Greenway System for
the Town. The Greenway System:

• Is comprehensive, dealing with all parts of the Town and all natural areas, features and
functions contained therein;
• Identifies three large systems: the Natural Core Areas, the Natural Linkage Areas and the
Protected Countryside Areas. Protection and, where possible, enhancement of natural
areas, features, functions, and processes are the prime objectives for these areas;
• Provides a policy framework for other Town policies to support the long term sustainability
of natural area systems;
• Recognizes the relationship of natural areas throughout the Town and in abutting
municipalities and the larger Region as a connected and interrelated whole and not
individual or isolated patches of green;
• Recognizes that settlement areas are a part of the Greenway System and addresses how
built up areas can contribute to maintaining and where possible improving the overall
health, diversity, connectivity and resilience of natural areas;
• Integrates as appropriate the relevant portions of applicable federal, provincial, regional
and conservation authority legislation, regulation and policy;
• Considers and integrates all ecosystem based approaches developed by the Region,
Conservation Authority and Province, including the Watershed planning system, the
Regional Greenlands System and the Conservation Authorities Terrestrial Natural Heritage
System.
The Greenway System approach demonstrates that the Natural Environment is a distinct and
essential element in the overall framework for growth and land use change within the
municipality.
4.2 COMPONENTS OF THE TOWN’S GREENWAY SYSTEM
The elements of the Greenway System have been identified as fourteen distinct yet inter-related
components. These components are organized into three categories:
1 Components that are driving the development of the Greenway System,
2 Components that are Town-wide, and
3 Components that result in specific land-use policies.
It is recommended that all 14 components appear as separate subsections in one section of the
Official Plan dedicated to the Natural Environment.
The categories and their respective components are:
Components that are driving the development of the Greenway System

1 The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area – policy directions and terminology
from the ORMCP, as already adopted by the Town through OPA 218 in 2006, will
inform overall development of the Town’s Greenway System;
2 The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area – policy directions from the 2009 Plan require
protection, improvement or restoration of features that contribute to the ecological health
of the Lake Simcoe watershed;
Components that are Town-Wide

3 Ecological Restoration Areas –areas that have the ability to increase the size,
connectivity, health, and resilience of the Greenway System;
4 Species at Risk –species at risk as identified in the provincial Endangered Species Act or
the federal Species at Risk Act;
5 Ecological Connections to Other Municipalities -ecological connections between
natural areas in the Town and in the adjacent jurisdictions;
6 Water Resources Management System –abundance and quality of both surface and
groundwater water supplies;
7 Landform Conservation Policies –unique and significant landform features that help
define the character of the Town and contribute to the maintenance of essential ecological
processes;
8 Tree Protection, and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control –across the entire town;
9 Sustainable Development Practices –to increase the amount and quality of vegetation
cover, reduce the consumption of natural resources such as energy and water, and reduce
waste generation through planning, design, construction, and land management practices;
Components that result in specific land-use policies:

10 Natural Core Areas –areas designated in the Official Plan for the protection and where
possible improvement of the size, connectivity, diversity and resilience of natural areas;
11 Natural Linkage Areas –areas designated in the Official Plan for the protection and
where possible improvement of areas that serve as passageways for the movement of
species throughout the Town and between areas identified as Natural Core Areas. This
includes streams and their associated aquatic habitat;
12 Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside Areas –areas designated in the Official Plan for the
protection of Open Space lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine that, through the maintenance
of open field habitats and landscapes, support wildlife habitat located in the Natural Core
Areas and Natural Linkage Areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine;

13 Protected Countryside Areas in the Greenbelt Plan –areas located in the Natural
Heritage System Areas of the Greenbelt Plan within the Town of Richmond Hill sit aside
to maintain and improve the size, connectivity, diversity and resilience of natural areas
located in this part of the Town;
14 Natural Areas in Settlement Areas –natural areas in the urban envelope where the
urban land uses come in contact with the natural areas, features and attributes.
Detailed recommended policies for relevant Greenway System components are presented in
Appendix A.
4.2.1 Drivers for the Greenway System
Current Regional, Provincial and Federal policies are providing the main impetus for
establishment of a comprehensive Greenway System for the Town. The primary drivers are
greenway system/ecosystem management based polices of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan and the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. These are described in the following
sections.
4.2.1.1 The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area

As described above, the Town’s Official Plan must comply with the ORMCP. Section 9(2) of
the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act requires that the Town’s Official Plan be amended to
bring it into compliance with the policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. This
was done through the adoption and approval of Amendment No. 218 on March 9, 2006.
The regulatory nature of the ORMCP and the recent adoption and approval of Amendment 218
provides the direction for the Town to incorporate these compliance policies into the new
Official Plan with relative ease. Integration of these policies into the appropriate policy sections
throughout the new Official Plan would be unnecessarily complex and painstaking. Rather, the
simplest and recommended approach would be to:
1 Carry forward the ORCMP policies from OPA 218 in their entirety directly into a separate
sub-section in the Natural Environment Section of the new Official Plan for the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP); and
2 Add a policy recognizing:
o that other portions of the Official Plan have policies that apply to all or portions of
the Oak Ridges Moraine; and,
o that these policies comply with the ORMCP, are more restrictive than the policies
of the ORMCP and/or deal with subject matter not addressed through the
ORMCP; this policy should also specify that the more restrictive policy section
would prevail in the event of a conflict in policy between this ORMCP section

and any other section of the Official Plan, in adherence with direction from the
Growth Plan.
The above recommended approach would meet the compliance tests of the Province with respect
to the ORMCP and would provide a mechanism for resolving potential conflicts between the
new ORMCP section and other parts of the Official Plan.
4.2.1.2 The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area

The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was adopted in 2009 to protect, improve or restore the
elements that contribute to the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed including water
quality, hydrological features, and their functions.
In the development of its Natural Environment Policy, the Town should acknowledge the need to
reflect the intent of the Plan and its policies and have regard to the direction therein when
appropriate. In a practical sense, there should be no difficulty meeting the requirements of the
Lake Simcoe Protection Plan given that only a small area of the Lake Simcoe Watershed falls
within the Town, and given that those areas located in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation
Plan already receive a high level of environmental protection.
4.2.2 Greenway System Components that are Town-wide
4.2.2.1 Ecological Restoration Areas

Some potential Ecological Restoration Areas have been identified within Natural Core, Natural
Linkage, Countryside and Protected Countryside Areas and have been mapped as a starting point
for the Town on Map 1. It is anticipated that there are many more areas located throughout the
Town where the potential exists to improve the size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of
natural areas through ecological restoration works. Areas having particularly high potential in
this regard include:
• Areas that could be restored to round out irregularly shaped Key Natural Heritage Features
in order to reduce the length of interface between natural areas and adjacent lands;
• Lands that could provide natural connections between two adjacent Key Natural Heritage
Features, Natural Core Areas or Natural Linkage Areas located less than 240 metres from
one another; and
• Areas that could be used to widen undersized natural corridor widths to enhance their
usefulness as movement corridors for plants and animals.
The Town should include policies in the Official plan expressing its intent to pursue
opportunities wherever they present themselves including situations such as:
• Working with landowners through land stewardship projects.

• Identifying and implementing restoration opportunities as part of the development of

management plans for Town owned lands especially lands set aside for open space uses,
• Identifying and encouraging restoration opportunities as part of the development of
management plans for lands owned and managed by other public agencies especially lands
set aside for open space uses, and
• Seeking opportunities to promote restoration as part of the planning, design and
management of major development proposals.

MAP 1 POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AREAS AND ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS TO OTHER

MUNICIPALITIES

4.2.2.2 Species at Risk Act

A number of plant and animal species have been identified through the Provincial Endangered
Species Act and the federal Species at Risk Act as being rare, vulnerable, threatened, endangered
or at risk. Due to their sensitive nature, the location of these species and their associated habitat
cannot be identified on the Land Use Schedule of the Official Plan. Notwithstanding this, these
species and their habitat need to be protected from the potential negative impacts of land use
change.
To meet this requirement, all applications for land use change or development need to be
assessed to determine if the proposed facilities or development changes are located within or will
impact upon identified species at risk, and that appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken to
protect the habitat integrity.
Supporting policies to this effect should be included as a separate subsection in the Natural
Environment Section of the Official Plan.
Sample wording for such policies is provided in Appendix A.
4.2.2.3 Ecological Connections to Other Municipalities

The Greenway System as defined by the Town is part of a larger Regional Greenway System that
consists of the entire Oak Ridges Moraine and the waterways located within the 4 major
watershed systems falling within Town boundaries.
The Town needs to acknowledge that the continuing health of the Greenway System depends in
part on its ability to maintain and enhance the connectivity of this System with natural areas in
adjacent municipalities. In this regard, the Town will need to work closely with York Region,
adjacent municipalities and Conservation Authorities to ensure that both the major east-west
connection along the Oak Ridges Moraine and the continuity of natural corridor functions along
major stream courses are maintained and where possible enhanced. The lands set aside for long-
term protection as open space areas in all components of the Greenway System components of
this section (i.e. those with specific land use policies) include all the lands that have been
identified as part of the Regional Greenway System in both the existing and proposed York
Region Official Plan.
The Town should also consider committing to a long-term target of providing a continuous east-
west natural vegetated corridor of no less than 500 metres* across the entire Oak Ridges Moraine
to provide a high quality natural connection along this major east-west linkage consistent with
similar areas in adjacent municipalities. The Town and Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority have already secured major holdings in the area between Bathurst Street and Leslie
*
500 metres was identified by Environment Canada as the size of corridor needed to accommodate the full range of species using
such areas as a movement corridor

Street that will be used in part to secure this corridor. As recommended in both the
Environmental Policy Review and the Conservation Authority’s Terrestrial Natural Heritage
System Strategy, the Town should seek opportunities to extend a natural corridor further
eastward up to the northeast corner of the Town to link up to natural systems located in adjacent
municipalities.
A schedule to the Plan should identify potential natural connections to other municipalities (See
Map 1) and be tied to appropriate supporting policies. Sample policies are included in Appendix
A.
4.2.2.4 Water Resources Management System

A Water Resource Management System is defined as a planning and management model
designed to protect and where possible enhance hydrological features and functions, enhance the
ability to provide clean and abundant water, and maintain or restore streams and lakes to a
healthy state. Water resource management is integrated with other objectives insofar as healthy
water systems contribute to and reinforce the objectives of the Greenway System by ensuring the
quality and quantity of water needed to sustain wildlife habitat in natural areas is maintained,
restored or enhanced, especially in aquatic and riparian habitats. Other land use changes
occurring throughout the Town must also consider and provide for the long-term health of water
resources in the Town.
The policies for water resource management can be discussed under two themes:
• General Town-Wide Water Resource policies; and
• Site Specific policies in or Adjacent to Lands possessing significant Hydrologic and
Hydrogeological Features.
A. General Water Management Policies
There are a number of principles related to good water resource management practices that need
to be adopted and followed throughout the Town. These include:
i. Support of Watershed Planning and Sub-watershed Planning
A key element of any effective water resource management strategy is the preparation and
implementation of a Watershed Plan that examines the characteristics of the water resource and
establishes long-term management needs on the basis of watershed units. The Town contains
portions of four major watercourses which all have watershed plans in various stages of
preparation by the Conservation Authority. These plans, once implemented, will provide a
valuable strategic framework in which the Town can assess the characteristics, sensitivities and
management priorities for both surface and subsurface water resources. The Town will need to
consider the content and recommended directions contained in these documents in considering
any matters dealing with water management, particularly the preparation of Master
Environmental Servicing Plans.

Sub-watershed Plans are more detailed water management plans that examine and implement the
direction of the Watershed Plan at a sub-watershed basis. In the Town of Richmond, this role is
fulfilled by the Master Environmental Servicing Plan which has proven in the past to be a very
effective vehicle for developing more focused examination of water management needs at the
secondary plan level. This approach should be retained as the main management tool for
development of water management and municipal servicing needs as part of the planning and
development review process.
ii. Adoption of State of the Art Stormwater Management Facilities
The Town has developed through many of its existing policies and practices one of the most
innovative and ambitious stormwater management programs in Ontario. The Town should
continue this practice and should continue to pursue best practices in stormwater management
wherever economically and technically feasible.
iii. Water Conservation Initiatives
The Town should continue to encourage and support efforts by landowners in the Town to adopt
land management practices that reduce water consumption, increase infiltration and minimize
pollutants.
B. Area Specific Water Management Policies
Certain areas of the Town contain spatial, topographical, soil, and water depth characteristics that
require specific approaches to water management consistent with the hydrological features and
functions of the area. This needs to be reflected in planning, design and land use management
practices that ensure specific features, functions and processes are maintained or where possible
improved.
i. Identification and Protection of Sensitive/Significant Hydrological Features and Functions
The Following Hydrological Features have been identified as having functions and sensitivities
that require specific consideration as part of the land use planning and development review
process to ensure that the health of the water resource is not compromised. They include:
• Hydrologically Sensitive Features and Associated Riparian Lands. These are lands
containing streams, lakes, springs and seepage areas. They also include lands immediately
adjacent to lakes and streams that are an integral part of the surface water features insofar
as they accommodate floodwaters, intercept and remove pollutants from overland flow, and
regulate baseflow.
• Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas. These lands have topographic and soil conditions
that make them the major collector systems for the recharge and replenishment of the major
aquifer systems in the Town.
• Ecologically Significant Groundwater Resource Areas. These lands have topographic,
location, and soil attributes that make them the major contribution areas for the
maintenance of baseflow in streams and lakes with the Town.

• Highly Vulnerable Aquifers. These lands contain shallow aquifers, which due to high water
tables and/or highly porous soils are highly prone to groundwater contamination from
surface activities. These contaminants can be quickly transmitted to adjacent surface water
features.
• Artesian Zones. These lands contain groundwater areas that are under high pressure.
Without proper development control, the release of groundwater under pressure to the
surface could cause damage to the building site, create serious soil erosion, and result in the
loss of groundwater supplies.
• Areas of High Aquifer Vulnerability in the Oak Ridges Moraine. These are lands identified
in the ORMCP where land use restrictions have been specified in order to protect these
sensitive and vulnerable aquifers located on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Hydrologically Sensitive Features and Associated Riparian Lands have been identified and
protected as part of the Natural Core and Natural Linkage Area designations. The other areas are
shown on Map 2. More detailed mapping for these areas is currently being prepared in concert
with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and will be completed in time for inclusion
in the new Official Plan.
The Town as part of the planning and development review process must ensure that these
features and their associated functions and sensitivities are protected and properly managed.
The Town should require in policy that any planning or major development proposal located in
an area identified on Map 2 should be supported by a report which:
• Identifies the hydrological and hydrogeological conditions of the lands subject to the
planning or development application; and
• Describes how the proposal will be planned, designed, constructed and managed to ensure
that essential hydrological features and functions on site are maintained or where possible
improved.
ii. Restoration Strategy for Streams and Lakes
Many streams in the Town especially in its southern half are in a degraded state when compared
to their condition in a pre-development state. The Town should, wherever possible, pursue
opportunities to improve the health of these stream systems by the adoption of design,
construction and operational measures that reduce overland flow, increase infiltration and restore
riparian lands.
A separate subsection should be included in the Natural Environment section of the Official Plan
that:
• Provides for the consideration of the direction provided by watershed and subwatershed
plans prepared for the area;

• Provides for the identification and protection of groundwater features and functions as well
as hydrologically sensitive features such as streams, lakes, springs and seepage areas;
• Incorporates state of the art stormwater management facilities and practices as part of the
normal development process;
• Promotes water conservation initiatives; and
• Promotes opportunities for restoration of degraded stream and lake systems within the
Town.
We note that OPA #129 provides very detailed and thorough policies regarding lake restoration
policies for Lake Wilcox. While the intent of these policies is excellent, they are probably too
detailed and too specific to be carried forward into the new official plan or to be applied to other
remediation opportunities in the Town. We have provided in Appendix A, more generic policies
based on the policies in OPA #129. We feel these policies are detailed enough to allow the Town
to continue its remediation efforts in the lake Wilcox basin while at he same time providing a
broad enough framework to allow the Town to design remediation strategies designed for the
particular watershed being examined.
Sample policies for the implementation of this direction are attached as Appendix A.

MAP 2 AREAS OF KNOWN GROUNDWATER FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

4.2.2.5 Landform Conservation System

A Landform Conservation System is defined as a system that provides for the protection of
complex landform types and for the minimization of soil loss, erosion, depletion and
sedimentation in all parts of the Town. The protection of the character and form of complex
landforms will also contribute to maintenance and protection of the Greenway and Water
Resource Systems that depend on these landforms to retain their ecological and hydrological
functions.
The Town of Richmond Hill contains a number of areas that have complex or steeply sloping
landforms that are sensitive to environmental degradation and/or support sensitive hydrological
or natural heritage functions that depend on underlying landform patterns. In such areas it is
imperative that such lands retain their basic character or form.
As shown on Map 3, the Town contains three Significant Landform Areas that fall under this
category:
• Landform Conservation Areas (Category 1) as identified in the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan;
• Landform Conservation Area (Category 2) as identified in the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan; and
• Significant Valley Lands identified as streams having well defined valley system cross
sections.
The requirement for landform conservation in Landform Conservation Areas (Category 1 and 2)
have already been established in Section 30 of the ORMCP and incorporated into the existing
Town Official Plan as OPA #218. These policies should be carried forward into the new Official
Plan (see 4.2.1.1 above).
Additional policies however will be required to afford a higher level of protection for Significant
Valleylands in the Town. Sample policies are included in Appendix A.

MAP 3 LANDFORM CONSERVATION SYSTEM

4.2.2.6 Tree Protection, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

As part of a suite of general environmental protection policies, the Town should adopt policies
that require the Town and land developers to integrate good soil management and tree protection
policies in activities undertaken throughout the Town.
Tree cover located throughout the Town including individual trees located along streets and in
municipal parks can make important contributions to Town environmental health, providing
cleaner air, local climate control, soil stability and reduced runoff. The Town will need to
develop and maintain an urban forest management strategy that includes:
• A tree protection by-law revised to incorporate the new direction in this report;
• Tree preservation and planting programs around municipal buildings, streets and parks; and
• Stewardship programs that assist others in the Town to maintain and supplement tree cover
wherever possible.
The entire Town is susceptible to soil loss and landform modification unless effective runoff,
erosion and sediment control management practices are followed. The Town should adopt Town
wide measures to control erosion and sedimentation as part of all land use planning and
development activities that includes requirements to:
• Retain as much of the soil on site as possible both during and after construction;
• Minimize the need for long term storage of topsoil and subsoil; and
• Restore the site to a stable soil condition as soon as possible after construction is completed.
Sample policies are included in Appendix A
4.2.2.7 Sustainable Development Practices

Sustainable development practices encompass an approach that encourages land use, planning,
development and management activities to seek and implement opportunities to enhance the
quality of the natural environment throughout the Town. This is done through the incorporation
of planning, design, construction and land management practices that increase the amount and
quality of vegetation cover, reduce the consumption of natural resources such as energy and
water, and reduce waste generation.
These kinds of practices not only increase the overall health of the natural environment by
increasing the amount and variety of plant and animal species but they also have many positive
affects on the human condition such as improving air quality, reducing heating and cooling costs,
improving local climatic conditions and making for more pleasant and attractive living and
working environments.

The Town should pursue sustainable development practices throughout the municipality, both
within and beyond the Greenway System. Such an approach would integrate and build upon the
Region of York’s sustainable communities and development approach within the draft 2009
Regional Official Plan. Incorporating sustainable development requirements across the
community will enhance the health, variety and abundance of plants and animals as well as
generate other environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced facility heating and
cooling costs, a more pleasant urban microclimate and a less stressful place in which to live and
work.
A whole range of possibilities exist that may be pursued by the Town including:
a. Implement Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Communities policies of the Region of York
Official Plan
To help create high-quality sustainable communities, require that:
• all new mid and high rise residential, mixed use, major office, commercial and institutional
development shall be built to a minimum LEED® Silver standard between now and 2015,
increasing to LEED® Gold for new development between 2016 and 2021 and LEED®
Platinum after 2021, based upon the applicable LEED® rating system or alternative
equivalent (draft ROP section 5.2.17);
• all new residential units be constructed to a minimum ENERGY STAR® standard or
equivalent alternative before 2012 and that this policy be reviewed in 2012 for potential to
incorporate LEED® standard for ground-related residential units into the future (draft ROP
section 5.2.19);
• approved secondary plans not completely built within the designated Greenfield area be re-
examined to achieve 50 residents and jobs per hectare within the developable area (draft
ROP section 5.2.23); and
• encourage that secondary and subdivision plans within the designated Greenfield area that
are not approved be developed in accordance with (draft ROP section 5.2.24) sustainability
and liveability policies in the Regional OP (sections 5.6.5 to 5.6.19) that specify: inclusion
of a mix of housing types, community core areas, live-work opportunities, high quality
urban design, human service need considerations, solar energy considerations, development
of a Community Energy Plan, LEED® building design for all new development, renewable
and/or alternative energy systems, water management plan, a mobility plan, design
according to the York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, a Regional Greenlands
Systems Plan, design to fit the integrated open space network and measures to reduce the
urban heat island effect.

b. Implement Regional Centres and Corridors policies of the Region of York Official
Plan
To achieve an urban, integrated and connected system of Regional Centres and Corridors,
require that all new residential, mixed use, commercial, major office and institutional
development shall be built to a minimum LEED® Silver standard between now and 2015,
increasing to LEED® Gold for new development between 2016 and 2021 and LEED® Platinum
after 2021, based upon the applicable LEED® rating system or alternative equivalent
c. Adopt innovative designs such as green roofs, white roofs, and biowalls as well as other
naturalization techniques in building design:
As a condition of development or redevelopment, the Town should include policies in the
Official Plan requiring or encouraging large-scale developments to integrate green roof, white
roof, or biowall features as well as other sustainable development measures into their final
design to enhance air quality, increase biodiversity and /or reduce energy use.
A policy could be included in the Official Plan requiring that all major developments develop
and implement a sustainable development strategy as part of their proposal in order to identify
and explain how sustainable development measures will be incorporated into the final design.
These measures may include:
• Green roof, biowall and/ or white roof designs;
• Low impact design approaches to reduce stormwater runoff, increase onsite infiltration,
reduce or eliminate direct discharge to adjacent streams and lakes, and maintain or restore
natural cover in riparian lands of streams and lakes;
• Design and siting of features that improve local microclimate and reduce facility heating
and cooling costs; and
• Maximizing the use of natural self-sustaining vegetation as part of the open space areas of
the development.
As part of its stewardship program, the Town may also include policies to promote, encourage,
and support the greater use of plant materials and other natural landscaping approaches to reduce
energy costs and improve air quality and microclimate at the individual household level.
d. Promote greater naturalization of unused portions of schools sites, public lands, parks,
and stormwater pond areas:
The Town could include a policy in its Official Plan that commits the Town to promoting and
supporting naturalization opportunities in its own parks, as well as working with school boards,
conservation authorities and other institutions to pursue opportunities to enhance the health of
the natural environment through the establishment of additional self sustaining vegetated cover
in areas not needed for other activities. These areas should also be encouraged to use native

plant species. Benefits include an increase in the size and diversity of natural areas in the Town,
enhancement of air quality, improved microclimate and reduced energy use.
e. Promote natural landscaping and greater use of native species on public and
commercial and industrial properties:
The Town could include a policy in its Official Plan that commits the Town to promote greater
use of natural landscaping techniques that would increase native biodiversity and reduce property
maintenance costs through its own property management programs and through its stewardship
program.
f. Promote low impact development designs that promote more natural hydrological
processes:
The Town should include a policy in its Official Plan to encourage the use of low impact design
approaches that seek to manage water regimes to reduce runoff, increase infiltration and
contribute to stream health maintenance and restoration initiatives, where technically and
economically feasible,.
g. Enhance tree and shrub planting and naturalization on road allowances and other
public utility corridors:
The Town should include a policy in its Official Plan committing road and other utility operating
facilities to increase the use of low maintenance natural cover in the portions of road or utility
rights-of-way that are not required to accommodate vehicular or pedestrian use. Native plant
mixtures should be used wherever possible.
A policy could be included in the Official Plan committing the Town to the development and
implementation of naturalization programs that maximize the amount of natural, self-sustaining
cover within all road allowances and other utility easements owned and managed by the Town.
This policy could also include a provision to encourage similar efforts in rights-of-way and
easements managed by other utilities.
h. Encourage and support residential landowners to convert to natural landscaping
techniques as part of the Town’s Stewardship Program:
The Town should include a policy in its Official Plan committing to review its existing
stewardship programs to provide for enhancement of local biodiversity, reduced water runoff and
soil erosion, increased water infiltration and improved local microclimate. Programs should be
influential and provide descriptive guidance, including information sources and methods with
technical and financial support aimed at encouraging landowners to adopt natural landscaping
practices on their properties.

i. Enhance ecological health as part of the operation, expansion, or replacement of

municipal infrastructure:
The Town should include policies in its Official Plan that commit to green infrastructure
practices through the building, upgrading, and maintenance of its road network, water, and sewer
systems in a manner that seeks and encourages opportunities to integrate enhancements that
render such services greener and more sustainable.
j. Promote the adoption of water and energy conservation and waste reduction strategies
by landowners and residents within the Town:
The Town may wish to include a policy in its Official Plan to expand current stewardship
programs to promote and support adoption of household practices by residents that reduce water
and energy use and solid waste production.
k. Promote the adoption of sustainable land use practices in urban design:
Although the principles of sustainable design are being developed in other reports in support of
the new Official Plan, it is worth noting that incorporation of sustainable development and urban
design policies are ultimately beneficial to the natural environment.
Sustainable land use practices include actions such as promotion of higher residential density,
concentrated growth, mixed land use, transit-oriented development and pedestrian-friendly
design. These approaches accomplish environmental objectives through:
• Reduced per capita consumption of open space; and
• Reduced per capita energy and water use.
• Implementation of a variety of sustainable development and restoration measures often
prove to be more economically and technically feasible than conventional designs.
• As a minimum the Town should consider including a policy that requires all large-scale
developments in the Town be built to a standard that would be eligible for certification
under the LEED Silver standard or equivalent.
l. Enhanced Working Relationships with Other Stakeholders within the Community:
Other stakeholders within the community can profoundly influence how land uses are planned,
designed and operated in the Town. The Town should seek to maintain or enhance working
relationships with others to promote the sustainable development agenda.
The Town could include policies in the Official Plan that encourage the establishment of
working committees with such groups as school boards, business associations and neighborhood
groups to mutually explore ways of increasing sustainable development and , restoration
opportunities including the sharing of ideas, information, resources and manpower in the
achievement of such opportunities.

m. Linkages with Park and Open Space Policies in the New Official Plan:
Although the parks and open space policies for the new Official Plan are being developed
through another background study, it is essential that the study consider environmental
protection and management policies.
The Town should include a policy committing to the development and implementation of a
naturalization strategy as part of management plans prepared for the parks and open system. The
Town, as part of its Park and Open Space Program, should ensure:
• Environmental protection as a key objective of the Parks and Open Space program;
• Protection and implementation of the Greenway System as part of the Town’s Park and
Open Space Program objectives, through actions such as the use and introduction of native
plants wherever possible;
• Protection of the Greenway System as part of its Park and Open Space acquisition goals,
including the acquisition of natural environment areas;
• Pursuit of naturalization and restoration opportunities within Town Parks wherever
possible; and
• Inclusion of park planning, design and operation practices that control or manage public
access to the environmentally sensitive portions of the Greenway System where it occurs in
the Town’s Park and Open Space system.
n. Linkages to the Hazard Land Management Policies and Programs in the New Official
Plan:
Under separate sections of the Official Plan, the Town will be identifying natural hazards such as
floodplains and erosion prone areas that will be managed specifically for the protection of human
life and property, and that recognize the dangers posed by inappropriate land use. Most
buildings and structures are prohibited in hazard lands.
The majority of hazard lands are located within the Greenway System. In most instances the
objectives of the Greenway System and Hazard Land policies are mutually reinforcing.
However, in some cases flood or erosion management practices may require structures and site
alterations that can degrade natural and hydrological features and functions. The need to protect
the natural features and functions when considering flood management practices should be
recognized in the Official Plan. In this regard, the Town is encouraged to include policies in the
Natural Hazards section of the Official Plan that:
• Encourage the use of natural, low impact techniques and practices in the management of
hazard lands that protect or where possible enhance natural and hydrological features and
functions; and
• Permit the use of structures or alterations to streams and/or associated riparian lands only
where the need has been demonstrated and where no reasonable alternative exists and

negative impacts on ecological and hydrological integrity will be minimized to the fullest
extent possible.
o. Linkages with Stormwater and Drainage Policies in the New Official Plan:
Stormwater and related servicing policies for the new Official Plan are being developed through
another background study. The resulting Official Plan policies should consider environmental
protection and management as a key objective through actions such as:
• Integration of planning, design, construction and management practices that emulate
natural hydrological processes wherever economically and technically feasible;
• Requirement for the use of natural, low maintenance stormwater management techniques
wherever economically and technically feasible; and
• Maximizing naturalization and restoration opportunities wherever possible especially as
they relate to the design and management of stormwater facilities and drainage ditches.
p. Linkages with Transportation Policies in the Official Plan:
Transportation policies for the new Official Plan are being developed through another
background study; however, environmental protection and management considerations for
transportation should be considered.
As part of its Transportation Planning Program, the Town should include policies in the Official
Plan that:
• Ensure the overall development of road systems in the Town minimize crossings or
encroachments into the Greenway System and that crossings and encroachments only be
allowed where there is a demonstrated need and no reasonable alternative exists;
• Maximize naturalization and ecological restoration along road allowances not required to
accommodate heavy pedestrian or vehicular use; and
• Maximize opportunities to enhance natural features and functions as part of any project to
establish, upgrade or replace a portion of the transportation system crossing or encroaching
onto the Greenway System.
q. Climate Change Policies
The Town may consider the inclusion of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies
within the new Official Plan. These policies should recognize the role that environmental
policies as recommended in this report would play in counteracting the processes that lead to
climate change. They should also aim to prepare the Town to adapt to changes in climate that
may occur. These policies should recognize that:
• Maintenance and enhancement of natural cover will reduce the effects of increased
temperature and reduce increased runoff resulting from more intensive storm events;

• The Greenway System should increase the amount of carbon that will be absorbed from the
atmosphere, thereby acting as a carbon sink;
• Microclimatic improvements resulting from sustainable development initiatives should
reduce energy costs associated with facility cooling and heating thereby lowering rates of
carbon dioxide emissions.
The initiatives discussed in this sub-section could be included as policies in a freestanding
Sustainable Development sub-section within the implementation section of the Official Plan with
appropriate cross-references to other Plan sections such as Transportation, Servicing, and Parks
and Open Space, as appropriate.
Alternatively, policies could be included directly into the applicable sections of the new Official
Plan.
4.2.3 Greenway System Components with Specific Land Use Policies
The Greenway System divides the Town into five distinct areas in terms of how natural areas
will be identified, protected and managed. These five components define the basic land use
policies of the Greenway System as identified in Map 4 and summarized in Table 4-1.
The remaining areas warrant general policies throughout the Town (or the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan area within the Town). These include policies such as soil management
policies; air quality/ climate change policies, waste management policies, urban forest and
urban/near-urban agriculture policies, each are discussed in 4.2.2.

TABLE 4-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIVE DESIGNATIONS IN THE GREENWAY SYSTEM

Natural Core Area Natural Linkage Area Oak Ridges Moraine Protected Settlement Area
Countryside Countryside in
the Greenbelt
Plan
Basic Intent Protection of Natural Maintain or Improve Open Space Area in Protection of Protection of Natural
Areas Connectivity Between Natural Support of Natural Area Natural Area in the Areas in Urban Lands
Areas Protection Greenbelt Plan
Lands set aside for Areas managed primarily
long-term protection Lands set aside for long-term Due to their openness and These areas need to as urban land uses to meet
and where possible protection and where possible the presence of open field be maintained and the growth, social and
improvement of the, improvement of lands needed to habitats, these lands are set managed to protect economic objectives
size, diversity, maintain the ability of plant and aside to contribute to their critical identified in the Official
resilience, animal species to move across meeting some of the ecological and Plan. Development in these
connectivity and the landscape between adjacent habitat needs of animals hydrological areas must have
health of native plants Natural Core Areas and along living in the Natural Core functions as appropriate regard to
and animals and their stream corridors. They include and Natural Corridor identified in the impacts on ecological
associated habitats areas that are known to function Areas and by providing for Greenbelt Plan. integrity within the Town
as important movement movement between them. improving protection of
corridors as well as important Natural Areas
natural habitat in its own right,
Composition Natural Core Areas Natural Linkage Areas in the Countryside Areas Areas identified as Areas located within
within the ORMCP ORMCP and stream corridors identified in the ORMCP Protected Settlement Areas
and Key Natural and (Not including Areas Countryside in the
Heritage Features identified as Natural Core Greenbelt Area)
Linear open space features
or Natural Linkage Areas)
(not including Area elsewhere
identified in Protected
(not including Areas identified
Countryside in the
in Natural Core Area)
Greenbelt Plan, the
Dunlap Observatory
Lands or Species at
Risk Habitat)

Natural Core Area Natural Linkage Area Oak Ridges Moraine Protected Settlement Area
Countryside Countryside in
the Greenbelt
Plan
Permitted -In all Key Natural -In parts of the Natural Linkage Uses permitted in Section Uses permitted in the Uses permitted in the
Uses Heritage Features low Area within the ORM 13 of the ORMCP and Natural Environment appropriate urban land use
impact uses such as designation the uses permitted OPA 218. Designation of the designation of the Official
wildlife conservation, are as specified in Section 12 of North Leslie Plan
flood and erosion the ORM Secondary Plan
protection, natural
-In Natural Linkage Areas that
parks and low
occur outside of the ORMCP,
intensity recreation
low impact uses such as wildlife
-In parts of the Natural conservation, flood and erosion
Core Area designation protection, natural parks and
not identified above, low intensity recreation
the uses permitted in
- Also provides for minor
Section 11 of the
expansion of legally existing
ORM
non conforming uses and
-Also provides for essential infrastructure
minor expansion of
legally existing non
conforming uses and
essential infrastructure

MAP 4 RECOMMENDED GREENWAY SYSTEM
MAP 4

4.2.3.1 Natural Core Areas

This component of the Greenway System identifies lands that need to be set aside for the
protection and where possible improvement of the size, diversity, resilience, connectivity and
health of native plants and animal populations and their associated habitat. The Natural Core
Areas shown on Map 4, include the lands designated Natural Core Areas within the ORMCP and
existing natural areas within other parts of the Town that contain significant and/or sensitive
natural features or functions that are critical to the maintenance of the diversity, health and
resilience of the Town’s natural heritage. These areas shall include:
• All wetlands identified in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt
Plan;
• All woodlands 2 hectares or larger in size within the Oak Ridges Moraine and the
Greenbelt;
• All significant Woodlands as identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources or the
Conservation Authorities;
• All woodlands identified as Regionally Significant by the Regional Municipality of York;
• All Life Science-Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs);
• Streams (both permanent and intermittent) and associated riparian lands including flood
plains and valley slopes, defined to the top of valley slope by the Conservation Authority;
• Lands measured 30 metres outward from the meander belt of streams;
• Significant habitat of endangered species, threatened species and special concern species;
• Significant valleylands;
• All Environmentally Sensitive Areas as identified by the Conservation Authorities;
• All Kettle Lakes and their associated riparian lands, and
• Existing woodlands that are intersected by any of the areas described above.
(Note: The widths along streams are narrower in situations where urban land uses have
encroached into the recommended corridor width. The most extreme case of these consists of
situations where stream systems have been channelled, or piped, and covered over by urban
land uses.)
The Key Natural Heritage Features constitute areas that have been identified as significant by the
Ministry of Natural Resources, the Conservation Authority and/or York Region and/or can be
justified as natural heritage features under the ORMCP or Policy 2.1 of the Provincial Policy
Statement. These areas should be preserved in a natural vegetated state to ensure their current
size, diversity and resilience is maintained. Key Natural Heritage Features are shown in Map 5 .

MAP 5 KEY NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES

The Natural Core Area within the David Dunlap Observatory has not been included. These are
shown on Map 4 as a Special Study Area, where more detailed studies will be carried out in a
separate planning process to determine land use options. In addition, there are habitats of rare,
vulnerable, threatened or endangered plant and animal species scattered across the Town that
have not been specifically identified in order to protect their location from potential vandalism or
other forms of inappropriate use.
The Natural Core Areas located in the Protected Countryside designation of the Greenbelt Plan
as shown on Map 4 have not been included. They are dealt with in a more detailed way in
subsection 4.2.3.4 of this report.
The protection and proper management of features which meet the definition of Natural Core
Areas can be achieved by placing these lands in a “Natural Core Area” designation on a Land
Use Schedule and developing supporting policies which:
• Limit permitted uses in Key Natural Heritage Features to low impact uses such as wildlife
conservation, flood and erosion protection, natural parks and low intensity recreation uses;
• Limit permitted uses in portions of Natural Core Areas found in the Natural Core Area
designation of the ORMCP to uses permitted in Section 11 of the ORMCP;
• Ensure that whenever new uses or expansion of existing uses within these areas is
contemplated, appropriate plans, designs, construction and land management studies and
practices are undertaken to ensure natural features and functions are maintained or
improved;
• Protect Natural Core Areas in public ownership where feasible and appropriate;
• Recognize the need to refine outer boundaries of Key Natural Heritage Features and
provide developers with additional technical guidance where appropriate;
• Encourage naturalization of existing stormwater facilities located in the Natural Core
Areas, wherever possible.
• Recognize the need to refine outer boundaries of stream and related riparian corridors and
provide developers with additional technical guidance where appropriate.
4.2.3.2 Natural Linkage Areas

Natural Linkage Areas are lands set aside for long-term protection and where possible
improvement of lands needed to maintain the ability of plant and animal species to move across
the landscape between adjacent Natural Core Areas and other Natural Linkage Areas.
They include:

• All lands designated Natural Linkage Areas in the ORMCP except lands identified as
Natural Core Areas
• All lands in other parts of the town (including lands in the Countryside and Urban
Settlement Area designations of the ORMCP) that include:
o Open space and/or natural cover located on utility right of ways, parks owned by
the Town or other park authorities and other open space areas within the built up
areas of the Town that connect or have the potential to connect natural core areas
and other natural linkage areas or have the potential to widen existing animal
movement corridors such as along defined stream corridors
Natural Linkage Areas include lands within the ORMCP designated as Natural Linkage Areas,
excluding lands designated Natural Core Areas in Map 4.
Natural Linkage Areas falling outside the Natural Linkage Areas of the ORMCP include linear
areas of open space and/or natural cover that follow linear utility rights-of-way, and open space
areas. These areas provide or have the potential to provide connections between natural areas.
The Natural Linkage Areas were included to support the intent of the ORMCP for these lands,
which “is to maintain, and where possible improve or restore, the ecological integrity of the Plan
area and to maintain, and where possible improve or restore, regional-scale open space linkages
between natural core areas and along river valleys and corridors”. In other parts of the Town,
outside the lands designated Natural Linkage Areas in the ORMCP, lands should be preserved or
restored where feasible to a predominately natural vegetated state to ensure the connectivity
between adjacent natural linkage areas and natural core areas is maintained.
The protection and proper management of features which meet the definition of Natural Linkage
Areas can be achieved by placing these lands in a “Natural Linkage Area” designation on a Land
Use Schedule and by developing supporting policies which:
• Limit permitted uses in portions of the Natural Linkage Areas found in the Natural Linkage
Area designation of the ORMCP to uses permitted in Section 12 of the ORMCP and OPA #
218;
• Limit permitted uses in other parts of the Town shown as Natural Linkage Areas to low
impact activities such as wildlife conservation, flood and erosion control, natural parks, low
intensity recreational uses, and where applicable, to the maintenance of utilities and/or
infrastructure;
• Ensure that whenever new uses or expansion of lawfully existing uses within these areas is
contemplated, appropriate plans, designs, construction and land management studies and
practices are undertaken to ensure natural features and functions are maintained or
improved to the extent possible;
• Protect Natural Linkage Areas in public ownership where feasible and appropriate; and,

• Encourage and support the maintenance and return of lands in these areas to natural
vegetated cover wherever practical in the context of the existing and permitted uses on site.
4.2.3.3 Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside

These areas constitute areas designated as Countryside Areas in the ORMCP that do not include
areas identified as Natural Core Areas or Natural Linkage Areas above. While rural uses such as
agriculture and low intensity recreation are permitted in these areas, large-scale buildings and
structures are generally limited in accordance with the policies of the ORMCP and OPA 218.
Due to their openness and the presence of open field habitats, these areas can fulfill some of the
habitat needs of animals living in Natural Core Areas and Natural Linkage Areas by providing
for movement between them.
These lands should be maintained as open space areas. The creation or expansion of any
buildings or structures within these areas would need to be designed and sited in a manner that
does not disrupt the movement patterns or habitat needs of wildlife living in adjacent natural
areas.
The protection and proper management of Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside Areas can be
achieved by maintaining these lands in an “Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside” designation on a
Land Use Schedule and developing supporting policies which:
• Limit permitted uses to those permitted in Section 13 of the ORMCP; and
• Ensure that whenever new uses or expansion of existing uses are contemplated, appropriate
planning, design, construction and land management studies and practices are undertaken
to maintain movement patterns and habitat needs of plants and animals in adjacent natural
areas;
4.2.3.4 Protected Countryside Areas in the Greenbelt Plan

Section 9 of the Greenbelt Act, 2005 requires municipalities to amend their Official Plan to
conform to the Greenbelt Plan.
Lands in the Town of Richmond Hill subject to the Protected Countryside Areas designation of
the Greenbelt Plan have been placed in a Natural Heritage System and Water Resource System
designation. These areas are needed to protect, maintain and manage critical ecological and
hydrological functions.
Compliance with this policy will be facilitated by the fact that the Greenbelt Plan applies only to
a limited area of the Town currently included in the Natural Environment designations of the
pending North Leslie Secondary Plan. Uses within these areas are currently limited to low
intensity activities that easily comply with the requirements of the Greenbelt Plan.

Rather than create a separate policy section to address the Greenbelt Plan, the Town could
achieve compliance with the Greenbelt Plan for Protected Countryside Areas by verifying that
the wording in the pending North Leslie Secondary Plan is consistent with the policies in the
Greenbelt Plan for Protected Countryside Areas and by integrating the policies of Section 3 of
the pending North Leslie Secondary Plan directly into the new Official Plan as it relates to
protection of the natural environment. Policies pertaining to the Greenbelt Plan could be
included as a separate subsection within the Natural Environment Section of the Official Plan.
4.2.3.5 Key Natural Heritage Features in the Settlement Area

Key Natural Heritage Features in the settlement area will be protected and land use changes
located within 120 meters* of a Key Natural Heritage Feature including lands designated as
Natural Core Areas or Natural Linkage Areas should be required to ensure that land use changes
or development in these areas maintain, or where possible, enhance the health of the natural
features and functions of the area. This would include requirements to:
• Protect Key Natural Heritage Features;
• Establish appropriate vegetative buffer zones between the area of development and any
significant natural area feature. Buffers adjacent to Key Natural Heritage Features shall be
a minimum of 30 metres‡;
• Undertake necessary studies to assess sensitivities of the natural areas and the potential
impact of the development on the natural areas;
• Identify natural features and functions of the site that merit protection including species at
risk as identified by MNR and /or the Conservation Authority;
• Identify naturalization opportunities that can be incorporated as part of the overall design of
the development that will increase natural heritage health and diversity; and
• Identify planning, design, siting, construction and long-term management measures that
will be implemented as part of any development or site alteration application that will
demonstrate how the natural features on site and in the Greenway System will be
maintained or enhanced.
Areas not within (either in whole or in part) or proximal to areas identified in Natural Core,
Natural Linkage, ORM Countryside or Greenbelt Plan Protected Countryside Areas may still
contain natural features and functions that contribute to the health of the natural environment or
could enhance the health of the natural environment through naturalization and restoration. As
*
A 120 metre zone of influence and a 30 metre buffer zone were derived from area of influence and buffer standards used in the
Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and The Greenbelt Plan as well as being recommended in Ministry of Natural Resources
and Conservation Authority Technical guidelines

such, development proposals in these areas should be required to address their impact on the
natural environment including:
• The identification of natural features and functions located on site including hedgerows and
small isolated woodlots;
• The identification of species at risk and their associated habitat and, where appropriate,
adoption of protection measures as identified and approved by MNR or the Conservation
Authority to ensure their long term protection,
• The identification of natural areas and features that can be maintained or enhanced on site
including planning, design, construction and management measures required to ensure their
long-term protection; and
• Identification of naturalization opportunities that can be incorporated as part of the overall
design of the development that will increase natural heritage health and diversity.

5. RECOMMENDED DIRECTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The Town will need to undertake a number of actions to implement the recommended
environmental policies outlined in preceding sections of this report.
It is assumed the new Official Plan will include a policy in a separate implementation section
that lays the framework for the implementation of the recommended new environmental policies.
Implementation will be largely achieved through the land use planning and development
approvals process as prescribed under the Planning Act and the Condominium Act including
Official Plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, subdivision plans, condominium plans,
site plans and consents. This approach will work well in implementing the majority of
recommended, policies provided that site plan control will be applied to lands occurring within
and adjacent to the Greenway System to enhance the ability of the municipality to apply detailed
landscaping and design measures for building and structures and the associated land surface to
improve ecological integrity or enhance protection of existing natural heritage features and
functions.
Implementation of some policies, however, will require further supporting documentation
obtained from additional study, the development of implementation guidelines, the development
of new operating procedures, and the development of new or amended by-laws. The
implementation of capital projects or supporting processes is also required in some cases. This
section outlines the specific work plan items that the Town should undertake to implement the
recommended environmental policy directions presented in this report.
It is recommended that the relevant Official Plan policy sections note each of the following
specific tasks required to implement the respective policy directions.
5.1 POLICY
The environmental directions can be further enhanced through:

• Adoption of the new OP
• Developing a comprehensive zoning by-law
• Recognizing environmental restoration, enhancement, and management techniques as a
public benefit that could be obtained using Section 37 of the Planning Act
• Requiring that all new development include minimum Sustainable Development
Techniques (e.g. energy conservation and water conservation measures);
• Reviewing the Town’s Sustainable Construction Policy (e.g. investigate amending the
LEED Silver standard to LEED Gold or equivalent show Town’s commitment to
leadership in environmental design/development)

Amending the following existing Town by-laws can also enhance the environmental policy
directions:
a. Tree Preservation By-law
The Town should commit in policy to review its existing tree preservation by-law passed under
the Municipal Act to ensure its provisions are consistent with and support the intent of the
environmental policies of the Official Plan. Opportunities may exist to refine the ecological
protection, restoration and native vegetation provisions of this By-Law to further complement
the new Official Plan policies.
b. Site Alteration By-law
The Town should commit in policy to review its existing site alteration by-law passed under the
Municipal Act to ensure the provisions of the by-law are consistent with and support the
provisions of the Official Plan. The permitting process of this by-law offers the opportunity for
direction and education on appropriate soil and landform conservation best practices and can
thereby support implementation of the Official Plan environmental policies.
5.2 SUPPORTING STUDIES REQUIRED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL

POLICIES
In order to further align existing Town programs and processes to meet the intent of the
recommended environmental policies, further study is suggested in the following areas. It is
expected that the study findings will result in adjustments to program objectives, activities and
staff procedures.
a. Parks and Municipal Facilities Management Program
The Town should commit to review its existing programs related to management and operation
of its parks, buildings, services and lands to seek opportunities whereby management of Town
lands, facilities and services meet the objectives of the environmental policies of the Official
Plan. This policy should also state the Town’s intent to demonstrate leadership in environmental
management to the community, other municipalities and agencies.
b. Municipal Stewardship Programs
The Town should commit in policy to review existing stewardship or community support
programs to identify further opportunities to effectively work with landowners and community
groups in the provision of information, guidance, education materials and financial incentives
that support the environmental policies of the Official Plan.
Another useful detailed study could be a Greenway System Implementation Strategy.

5.3 DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL

POLICIES
Several stakeholders raised the concern over the practicalities of some of the approaches being
advocated in the recommended environmental policies for the new Official Plan including:
• Unrealistic costs expected to be accrued by the developer,
• Lack of technically feasible approaches to meet some of the targets,
• Inconsistent application or lack of clear guidance material, and
• Use of best practices developed in other jurisdictions that have not been adequately tested
in the Ontario climatic or administrative context.
In order to address these concerns, the Town should as a minimum commit to clarity and
consistency in environmental policy implementation through the development of technical
guidelines such as:
a. In consultation with the MNR and the Conservation Authorities, develop technical guidelines
or references for:
• Delineation of the outside boundaries of natural core and natural linkage areas ;
• Definition of the level of effort required to delineate significance and sensitivities within
the Natural Core Areas and Natural Linkage Areas;
• Description of planning, design, construction and management best practices that meet
mitigation requirements for natural heritage, water resource and landform conservation
policies; and
• Establishment of a protocol whereby reports and studies in support of development
applications will be reviewed and approved.
b. In consultation with the Ministry of the Environment and the Conservation Authorities,
prepare a technical guideline on how to conduct the hydrological investigations necessary to
meet the objectives of the water resource policies;
c. In encouraging the use of best practices, consider development of a protocol to guide the types
of technologies to use. For example, this protocol could specify application of technologies
being employed and effectively applied in jurisdictions with similar environmental and
administrative conditions and for which there is a high degree of certainty that the technology
can be successfully implemented within the proposed situation within the Town of Richmond
Hill. Alternatively, where untested leading edge technologies or technologies employed
successfully in environmental or administrative conditions different from those in the Town are
proposed, the Town may agree to use such technologies on a pilot basis provided that:

• The applicant for the project has made an effective and thorough case for why this
technology should be considered as an alternative to a more conventional approach;
• A monitoring program is established and implemented to assess the effectiveness of the
technology to meet the targets it was designed to achieve; and
• A contingency plan has been developed and can be implemented in the event the pilot
technology does not achieve the level of mitigation or protection for which it was designed.
d. Development of detailed design standards to demonstrate the kinds of building and structural
designs that can be employed to achieve many of the sustainability standards described in this
report and in the supporting Background Report. These subjects can be covered under guidelines
Sustainable Design Guidelines, Stream/Shoreline Restoration Guidelines, Soil Management
Guidelines and Streetscape Design Guidelines.
5.4 CAPITAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Implementation of future capital projects, such as for the development or rehabilitation of roads
or stormwater facilities, or of building facilities, parkland naturalization and establishment of
community gardens offer the opportunity for the Town to explore and demonstrate best practices
in low impact design. The Town is already undertaking this approach in their LEED Silver
standard or equivalent requirement for their own future buildings and in development of new
stormwater facilities. Opportunities to demonstrate green and sustainability practices should be
explored for new design areas within the list of upcoming Town capital projects.
As well, many of the capital project activities carried out by the municipalities are subject to
Class Environmental Assessments or individual environmental assessments. The Town should
commit in policy to ensuring that the Plan’s environmental policies will be addressed when
preparing class and individual assessments under the Environmental Assessment Act.
5.5 RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS TO TOWN OPERATING PROCEDURES
Existing Town program delivery procedures should be revised and enhanced as follows:
a. Working with Other Government Organizations
The Town should commit in policy to work closely with Provincial Ministries, the Region and
Conservation Authorities to explore opportunities to work together to achieve the recommended
environmental policies for the new Official Plan.
b. Working with Stakeholder Groups
The Town should commit in policy to work with community groups and other stakeholders to
explore opportunities for collaboration to achieve the recommended environmental policies for
the new Official Plan.

c. Monitoring
A key component of any effective planning process is the inclusion of a monitoring system
which:
• Tracks the progress on the implementation of Official Plan policies and
directions;
• Assesses whether the actions identified in the Plan are achieving stated goals and
objectives (e.g. protection and enhancement of natural areas, improvements in
water quality, etc); and
• Takes corrective action where the policies are not achieving the expected result.
The Town should include policies stating its intent to develop a monitoring program that will
track the effectiveness of its environmental policies and make adjustments to its policies where
necessary to ensure the objectives with respect to the protection or enhancement of the natural
environment are met. The implementation of the Greenway System can be monitored through a
GIS-based mapping system as part of the 5-year review of the OP.
d. Tracking of Borehole Data
Borehole data should be provided ideally in a digital format (e.g. gINT) compatible with the GIS
database software. Hard copies or .pdf files of boreholes may be submitted, but submissions in
formats other than compatible digital format will add considerably to the effort (and therefore the
cost) of populating the data base.
The locations of all boreholes must be provided (latitude/longitude or UTM coordinates), along
with the ground surface elevations referenced to Geodetic datum. The elevations of stratigraphic
boundaries should be provided, referenced to Geodetic datum. Groundwater levels/elevations
should also be provided and referenced to Geodetic datum.
The Town should create and host the database. The Town may wish to request a third party to
maintain the database.
5.6 GOVERNANCE
A key component in the implementation of any strategy that seeks to encourage greater use of
sustainability and green design practices as part of the development process is the use of
incentives to support developers who are prepared to pursue innovation in the planning and
design of their future projects. In these situations the Town may wish to consider greater use of
incentives to reward such forward thinking on the part of the landowner. Options for incentives
include:
• Increased development either onsite or on other properties owned by the developer;
• Fast tracking of development approvals, provided they meet LEED Silver standard or
equivalent;

• Reduced development application and permit fees; and

• Reduction in taxes during the period of project development and approval.
In this regard the Town may wish to include a policy in the Official Plan that states the
willingness of the Town to consider these incentives in exchange for a commitment by the
applicant to pursue innovations that contribute to Town sustainable development beyond the
minimum requirements of the Official Plan.
Other governance tools may include:
• Holding design competitions for capital projects that showcase the Town’s leadership in
environmental protection and enhancement
• Establish Richmond Hill Green Building Awards to recognize excellence in green design
within the Town
• Continued Municipal Stewardship initiatives
• Continued partnerships with other government organizations and stakeholders

6. REFERENCES
Environment Canada. 1998, How Much Habitat is Enough. Great Lakes Fact Sheet
Government of Canada the Fisheries Act
Government of Canada 2002 the Species at Risk Act
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2005. Greenbelt Plan.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2002. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2005. Provincial Policy Statement.
Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Renewal. 2005. Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan.
Ministry of Natural Resources, 1999 Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the
Provincial Policy Statement
Ogilvie, Ogilvie and Company and Anthony Usher. 2005. Watershed Planning from
Recommendations to Municipal Policies: A Guidance Document. Prepared for the York
Durham Peel Toronto Groundwater Study and Conservation Authorities Moraine
Coalition. Toronto, Ontario
Province of Ontario, 2007 The Endangered Species Act
Province of Ontario, No Date Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Technical Paper Series
Regional Municipality of York. 2007. Sustainability Strategy.
Regional Municipality of York. 2008 Consolidation. Official Plan.
Regional Municipality of York. 2009. York Region Official Plan – June 2009 Draft.
Regional Municipality of York. 2008. Climate Change in York Region: Adapting to a Different
Reality; draft discussion paper.
Regional Municipality of York. 2005. Forest Conservation By-Law.
Regional Municipality of York. 2007. Natural Heritage Strategic Directions.
Regional Municipality of York. 2005. Significant Woodlands Study.
Regional Municipality of York. 2008. Water and Wastewater Sustainability Strategy.
Regional Municipality of York. 2009. Draft Regional Official Plan
Riley, A. L., 1998. Restoring Streams in Cities-A Guide for Planners, Policymakers, and
Citizens. Island Press. Washington, D.C.
SENES Consultants Limited. 2009. Environmental Policy Review for the Town of Richmond Hill
prepared for the Town of Richmond Hill, by SENES Consultants Limited, April, 2009

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1994. Don River Watershed Plan.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2007. Don River Watershed Plan: Current
Watershed Conditions Synthesis - Interim Report.
Toronto Region Conservation Authority. 2008. Draft TRCA Sustainable Near-Urban
Agriculture Policy.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2008. Humber River Watershed Plan - Pathways
to a Healthy Humber.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2001. Rouge North Management Plan.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2007. Rouge River Watershed Plan.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2008. Rouge River Watershed Plan - Towards a
Healthy and Sustainable Future; Implementation Guide.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 2005. Sustainable Technologies
Evaluation Program: Water/Land Component.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2007. Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1994. Valley and Stream Corridor Management
Program.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2008. North Leslie Secondary Plan – Draft.
Town of Richmond Hill. 1995. Official Plan Amendment No. 129 – North-Urban.
Town of Richmond Hill. 1996. Official Plan Amendment No. 138 - Jefferson Planning District.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2006. Official Plan Amendment No. 218 – Oak Ridges Moraine.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2008. Official Plan Amendment No. 249 –.Parkland Dedication Policy
Amendment.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2004. Policy for the Establishment and Acceptance of Conservation
Easements.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2004. Zero Tolerance (Encroachment) Policy.
Town of Richmond Hill. 1995. Council Resolution for Conveyance of Valleylands.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2007. Site Alteration By-Law.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2006. Tree Preservation By-Law.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2009. Strategic Plan.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2007. Environmental Stewardship Roundtable Findings.
Town of Richmond Hill. 2008. Draft Strategic Plan/Strategic Directions Report.
York Region. 2007. Best Practices for New Communities Discussion Paper.

Appendix A
Recommended Official Plan Policies

Recommended Policies for Natural Core Areas
1. A separate sub-section entitled “Natural Core Areas” should be included in the Natural
Environment Section of the new Official Plan to deal specifically with the protection and
enhancement of Natural Core Areas. These areas would be shown as the “Natural Core Areas”
on the Land Use Schedule to the Official Plan;
2. The following policies should be included in the subsection:

• Include a policy stating that it is the intent of the Plan that the lands designated “Natural
Core Areas “ be maintained and managed for the protection and where possible
improvement to the health, size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of natural areas”
3. Permitted uses for lands designated Natural Core Areas shall be limited to:
a) Forest, fish and wildlife management;
b) Conservation and flood and erosion control;
c) Low intensity recreation and open space uses such as non-motorized hiking trails,
natural parks and nature appreciation;
d) Transportation, utilities and infrastructure, but only if need has been demonstrated
and there is no reasonable alternatives in accordance with other policies; and
e) Existing land uses at the time of adoption of this Official Plan.
4. Permitted uses located in the ORMCP area but outside Key Natural Heritage Features shall
include additional uses specified in section 11 of the ORMCP . Other provisions of the Oak
Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan as dealt with in another subsection of this Plan shall continue
to apply in all other respects. Policies in this subsection will apply where they are more
restrictive and /or provide additional requirements related to the protection and improvement of
natural features and functions identified herein. Where a conflict exists between the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan and the policies of this subsection, the most restrictive shall apply.
5. Applications for change in use or development located within 120 metres of a Key Natural
Heritage Feature will be required to undertake studies to:
a) Confirm the precise location of the outer boundaries of key natural heritage
features or areas,
b) Identify the nature and sensitivity of the natural heritage features and functions
and potential sensitivities that may be affected by the proposal; and

c) Identify the planning, design, siting, construction and management practices that
will be implemented to ensure the key natural heritage features and functions will not
be negatively affected.
6. Notwithstanding the results of the studies identified in 5 above, a minimum vegetative buffer
zone of 30 metres shall be established next to all Key Natural Heritage Features to maintain the
integrity of these features. Lesser standards shall only be considered where the location of
existing buildings and structures make the achievement of the 30-metre buffer zone unfeasible or
the integration of sustainable development measures can be implemented to maintain the
available water, water quality, species diversity and overall health of these features.
7. Applications for development located within Natural Core Areas shall identify opportunities
where feasible to integrate sustainable development measures into the design of the proposal that
would supplement size, diversity, connectivity and resiliency of the natural features and
functions especially for proposals that directly abut the Greenway System.
8. The Town will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Regional Municipality of
York and the Conservation Authorities to develop technical guidelines and standards to provide
more detailed direction in the identification and delineation of Key Natural Heritage Features
and development of the studies referred to in 5.
9.Legally existing land uses not in conformity with the permitted uses in the Natural Core Areas
and located outside of the areas subject to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan will be
allowed to continue provided they legally existed at the day of the adoption of the new Official
Plan. However, expansions of an existing building or structure or changes in use will only be
considered where it can be demonstrated that:
a) The conversion is of an existing use to a similar use ; and
b) The expansion will not adversely affect the ecological integrity of the Plan Area
and will be established to enhance the ecological integrity of the subject site and
nearby area.
Legally existing uses within the areas subject to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan will
be subject to the policies of section 6 of that Plan.
10. The establishment, expansion or upgrade of transportation, infrastructure or utilities will

only be permitted in Natural Core Areas where the need for the project can be demonstrated and
there is no reasonable alternative, and planning, design, construction and management practices
are incorporated that will:

a) Keep any adverse effects on the ecological and hydrological integrity of the
Natural Core Areas to a minimum or where possible will improve them,
b) Maximize the amount of natural vegetation cover restored within the right of way
of the proposed infrastructure, transportation or utility use; and
c) Maintain the ability of plant and animal species to move within the Natural Core
Area.
11 The limits of Key Natural Heritage Features are based on the best available information
available at the time of the adoption of the new Official Plan. The outer boundaries of these
features may need to be refined in accordance with applicable standards provided by the
Province, Region, Conservation Authority or Town as part of an application for development.
12. The Town will seek the acquisition of Key Natural Heritage Features at no cost or minimal
cost, or by other appropriate public agency or Provincial Ministries in accordance with the land
securement policies of this Plan. Land acquired by the Town or any other public agency within
these areas shall remain in their natural state.
13. Stormwater management facilities that abut Natural Core Areas shall be included in the
Natural Core Area designation. In these situations, the stormwater management facility will be
allowed to continue to be used for the purpose it was designed for but will be evaluated and
where appropriate be modified to implement naturalization and restoration works to enhance the
ecological integrity of the Natural Core Areas.
Recommended Policies for Natural Linkage Areas
14. A separate sub-section entitled “Natural Linkage Areas” should be included in the Natural
Environment Section of the new Official Plan to deal specifically with the protection and
enhancement of Natural Linkage Areas. These areas should be shown as the “Natural Linkage
Areas” on the Land Use Schedule to the Official Plan;
15. The lands designated “Natural Linkage Area” be maintained and managed for the protection
and where possible improvement to the health, size, diversity, connectivity and resilience of
natural areas and to maintain, and where possible improve or restore, regional scale open
linkages between natural core areas and along river and stream corridors.
16. Permitted uses for lands designated Natural Linkage Areas shall be limited to:

a) Forest, fish and wildlife management;

b) Conservation and flood and erosion control;
c) Low intensity recreation and open space uses such as non- motorized hiking trails,
natural parks and nature appreciation;
d) Transportation, utilities and infrastructure, but only if need has been demonstrated
and there is no reasonable alternatives in accordance with policy xi; and
e) Stormwater management facilities in accordance with policy xiii, and
f) Existing land uses at the time of adoption of this Official Plan,
17. Notwithstanding Policy 16 above, permitted uses located in the Natural Linkage Area
designation of the ORMCP can also include additional uses specified in section 12 of the
ORMCP. Other provisions of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan as dealt with in
subsection 4.2.1.1 of this Plan shall continue to apply in all other respects. Policies in this
subsection will apply where they are more restrictive and /or provide additional requirements
related to the protection and improvement of natural features and functions identified herein.
Where a conflict exists between the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the policies of
this subsection the most restrictive shall apply.
18. Applications for land use change located within the Natural Linkage Areas shall identify
opportunities where feasible to integrate sustainable development measures into the design of the
proposal that would supplement size, diversity, connectivity and resiliency of the natural features
and functions especially for proposals that directly abut the Greenway System.
19. Any application for land use change or development must address the requirements of the
Fisheries Act with respect to the destruction or alteration of fish habitat.
20. Legally existing land uses not in conformity with the permitted uses in the Natural Linkage
Areas will be allowed to continue provided they legally existed at the day of the adoption of the
new Official Plan. However expansions of an existing building or structure or changes in use will
only be considered where it can be demonstrated that:
• The expansion or change in use will not adversely affect or will enhance the ecological or
hydrological integrity of the Greenway System, will not inhibit the ability of the Town to
achieve naturalization or restoration objectives as stated in the other policies of the Plan
and will not inhibit or where possible will enhance the ability of plants and animals to
move through linkage areas and between Natural Core Areas.

21. The establishment, expansion or upgrade of transportation, infrastructure or utilities will

only be permitted in Natural Linkage Areas where the need for the project can be demonstrated
and there is no reasonable alternative, and planning, design, construction and management
practices are incorporated that will:
a) Keep any adverse effects on the ecological and hydrological integrity of the
Natural Linkage Areas to a minimum or where possible will improve them;
b) Maximize the amount of natural vegetation cover restored within the right of way
of the proposed infrastructure, transportation or utility use; and
c) Maintain or where possible improve the ability of plant and animal species to
move within the Natural Linkage Area and between Natural Core Area and stream
corridors.
22. The Town will seek the acquisition of stream corridors and Ecological Restoration Areas at
no cost or minimal cost, or by other appropriate public agency or Provincial Ministries in
accordance with the land securement policies of this Plan. Land acquired by the Town or any
other public agency within these areas shall remain in their natural state.
23. Stormwater management facilities that abut Natural Linkage Areas shall be included in the
Natural Linkage System. In these situations, the Stormwater management facility will be allowed
to continue to be used for the purpose it was designed for but will be evaluated and where
appropriate be modified to implement naturalization and restoration works to enhance the
ecological integrity of the Natural Linkage Areas.
24. The Town will encourage the location of new Stormwater management facilities outside of
areas within Natural Linkage Areas wherever possible, however such facilities may be
considered within the Natural Linkage Areas where it can been demonstrated that:
a) There is a need and there is no feasible alternative,
b) The Town can incorporate planning, design, construction and management
practices that maintain or enhance the ecological and hydrological Integrity of the
Natural Linkage Area and/or the Water Resource Management System, and
c) The new Stormwater management facility will have no negative impact on
hydrologically sensitive features or functions or Key Natural Heritage Features.

Recommended Policies for Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside
25. Include a new subsection in the Natural Environment Section titled “Oak Ridges Moraine
Countryside” and identify it as a separate designation on the Land Use Schedule.
26. It is the intent of the Official Plan that lands designated Oak Ridges Moraine Countryside
Areas be maintained in a predominately open space condition so that the areas can continue to
function as open habitat that supports and supplements the natural areas, features and processes
on lands identified in the Natural Core Area and Natural Linkage Areas of the Official Plan”.
27. The permitted uses identified in Section 13 of the ORMCP are permitted in the Oak Ridges
Moraine Countryside Area provided it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Town that
any expansion to an existing use or establishment of a new use can demonstrate:
a) The proposed expansion or new use will not negatively affect or where possible
improve the ability of the Town to achieve the intent of the policies for the Natural
Core Area or Natural Linkage Areas, and
b) Will not inhibit or where possible will improve the ability of native plants and
animals to move between, Natural Core Areas and Natural Linkage Areas.
28. Other provisions of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan as dealt with in subsection
4.2.1.1 of this Plan shall continue to apply in all other respects. Policies in this subsection will
apply where they are more restrictive and /or provide additional requirements related to the
protection and improvement of natural features and functions identified herein. Where a conflict
exists between the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the policies of this subsection the
most restrictive shall apply.
Recommended Policies for Protected Countryside Areas in the Greenbelt Plan
29. Include a new subsection entitled in the Natural environment Section of the Official Plan,
These areas should be designated “Protected Countryside in the Greenbelt area” in the Land use
schedule to the Official Plan. The natural environment policies for this section of the official
plan can be taken directly from Section 3 of the North Leslie Secondary plan.

Recommended Policies for Natural Areas in Settlement Areas
30. A separate sub-section entitled “Natural Area Policies in Settlement Area” shall be included
in the Natural Environment Section of the Official Plan
31. Applications for change in use or development located within 120 metres of a Key Natural
Heritage Feature, A Natural Core Area or a Natural Linkage Area will be supported by studies
to:
a) Confirm the precise location of the outer boundaries of Key Natural Heritage
Features;
b) Identify the nature and sensitivity of the Key Natural Heritage Features and
functions and potential sensitivities that may be affected by the proposal; and
c) Identify the planning, design, siting, construction and management practices that
will be implemented to ensure the Key Natural Heritage Features and functions will
not be negatively affected;
d) Identify planning, design construction and management measures that minimize
disruption to adjacent lands in the Natural Core and Natural Linkage Areas and do not
inhibit the Town’s ability to achieve the objective stated for those areas.
32. As part of any application for major development, an applicant shall identify all natural
features located on site and assess their value in terms of the benefits they provide to the
community and, where possible, should protect and /or enhance these features and functions and
integrate them into the final design of the proposal.
33. Notwithstanding any provision in this subsection, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation
Plan as dealt with in subsection 4.2.8 of this Plan shall continue to apply in all other respects.
Policies in this subsection will apply where they are more restrictive and /or provide additional
requirements related to the protection and improvement of natural features and functions
identified herein. Where a conflict exists between the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
and the policies of this subsection the most restrictive shall apply.
Recommended Policies for Ecological Restoration Areas
34. A new sub-section entitled “Ecological Restoration Areas” should be included in the Natural
Environment Section of the Official Plan. Policies should be included in this sub-section
requiring:

• Ecological restoration areas are areas where restoration or naturalization could

significantly enhance the connectivity within the Natural Linkage Areas and between
Natural Core Areas and stream corridors. The Town will promote and support ecological
restoration in apropriate areas of the Town to a natural self sustaining vegetative state in
order to increase the size diversity, connectedness and/or resiliency of natural areas
throughout the Town through such means as:
• Protection or restoration of such lands as part of the Town’s open space and parks system.
• Encouragement of the protection of such lands as part of the management of lands owned
by other government agencies.
• The establishment of restoration areas through the adoption of planning, design and siting
practices adopted in association with an application for change in use or development, or
• Encouragement and support of landowners through the Town’ stewardship initiatives
Recommended Policies for Species at Risk
35. A new sub-section entitled “Species at Risk” should be included in the Natural Environment
Section of the Official Plan.
36. Applicants of major development located within the Town are required to consult with the
Ministry of Natural Resources and the Conservation Authority to determine whether any species
at risk as identified under the provincial Endangered Species Act or federal Species at Risk Act,
are located on or adjacent to the lands subject to the application. If applicable, the applicant shall
demonstrate how the species at risk and associated habitat will be protected in a manner
satisfactory to MNR.
37. The Town will work with and support MNR and the Conservation Authority, where
appropriate and technically and economically feasible, in the development and implementation
of recovery plans for plants and animals at risk prepared under the authority of the Endangered
Species Act and/or Species at Risk Act.
Recommended Policies for Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area
38. A new subsection entitled “Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan” should be included in
the Natural Environment policy section.

39. The Policies adopted and approved under Official plan Amendment #218 should be
incorporated as the policies for this new subsection
40. A policy should be included clarifying that policies in other parts of the Official Plan have
been provided to:
a) Address planning matters and issues not dealt with in this subsection;
b) Provide more stringent or detailed policy direction than provided for in this
subsection; and
c) Where a conflict in wording exists between this sub-section or the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan and other parts of the Official Plan then the most
restrictive shall apply.
Recommended Policies for Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area
41. A new subsection entitled “Lake Simcoe Protection Plan” shall be included in the Natural
Environment Section of the Official Plan.
42. The Town of Richmond Hill recognizes the importance of restoring and protecting the health
of Lake Simcoe and its watershed. In this regard the Town, will give full consideration to the
Lake Simcoe Protection Plan in the consideration of any land use change or development located
in the Lake Simcoe Watershed to ensure the objectives and policies of that Plan are met.
Recommended Policies for Ecological Connections to other Municipalities
43. Include a subsection entitled “Ecological connections Other Municipalities” as part of the
Section on Natural Environment.
44. The Town will cooperate with the region, neighbouring municipalities and the Conservation
Authorities to identify, preserve and enhance ecological connectivity to natural heritage areas
located in lands adjacent to the Town especially in key areas of ecological connection as shown
on. In this regard the Town is committed to the protection and restoration of stream corridors that
provide connections to stream systems in adjacent municipalities and to the establish a
continuous east /west natural corridor of at least 500 metres width across the Natural Core and
Natural Linkage Areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine to link up to major natural corridors in other
parts of York Region.

45. The Town will seek opportunities to work with the Rouge Park Alliance, the Conservation
Authority, the Region and the Town of Markham to achieve the goals and objectives of the
Rouge North Management Plan.
Recommended Policies for the Water Resource System
46. A map and explanatory text should be added as an appendix to the new Official Plan
identifying and describing significant and sensitive hydrological features and their associated
functions, these features will comprise:
a. Hydrologically Sensitive Features and Functions and Associated Riparian Lands
b. Areas of influence
c. Significant groundwater recharge areas
d. Ecologically significant groundwater areas
e. Highly sensitive recharge areas
f. Highly vulnerable aquifers
g. Artesian Flow Zones
h. Areas of High Aquifer Vulnerability as identified under the ORMC
47. Policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan as dealt with in subsection 4.2.8 of
this Plan shall continue to apply in all respects. Policies in this subsection will also apply where
they are more restrictive and /or provide additional requirements related to the protection and
improvement of hydrological features and functions identified herein. Where a conflict exists
between the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the policies of this subsection, the
policies of the Conservation Plan shall prevail.
48. Any large scale land use change or development proposal will be required to identify whether
any hydrological features or functions identified in Policy 46 above are located on or are
adjacent to the proposed development and the planning, design, construction and operation
practices that will be implemented to ensure these features or functions are protected, maintained
and where possible enhanced.

49. As part of this assessment a detailed hydrological investigation will be required that among
other things shall:
a) Consider information and directions in the applicable watershed plan for the area;
b) Assess the impact of the proposal on the quality and quantity of water entering the
groundwater and surface water features within the Town; and
c) Identify planning, design, construction and management practices that will be
implemented to ensure there will be no negative impact on the quality or quantity of
groundwater entering aquifers in the Town, that there will not be any reduction in the
minimum baseflow in streams, nor to storage levels in lakes and that overall there
will not be a reduction in groundwater quality and quantity and where possible an
improvement to the hydrological features and functions identified in an appendix to
the Official Plan.
50. Any small scale development will be considered by the Town in the context of the features
and functions (to be described in an appendix) and the Town may require the applicant to make
adjustments to the planning, design, construction or operation of the proposal to protect these
features and their associated functions and may require that additional hydrological
investigations be carried out.
51. Major developments located within the area of influence of a stream or lake shall be required
to undertake an examination of potential stream restoration measures that can be adopted and
implemented to improve the health and expand the natural area of the stream or lake including its
associated aquatic and riparian habitat. This shall include but not be limited to:
a) The restoration of degraded riparian habitat;
b) Conversion of riparian lands back to a vegetated self- sustaining condition;
c) Restoration or modification of streambed, stream banks and shorelines back to a
more natural state;
d) Removal of direct discharge of stormwater into lakes and streams;
e) The introduction low impact development techniques as part of the development
design to reduce runoff and increase infiltration.
52. Small scale development located within the Area of Influence of a stream or lake shall be
reviewed by the Town in the context of the ability of the application to contribute to stream or
lake shore restoration and may require the applicant to make adjustments to planning, design,
construction and operation of the proposal.

53. The Town in consultation with the Conservation Authority will identify a schedule for the
development and implementation of stream restoration and lake remediation plans for
waterbodies in the town based on an assessment of need in terms of current health of the
waterbody, opportunities in the form of major development and redevelopment occurring in the
area and degree of public interest and support.
54. A stream restoration or Lake Remediation strategy will comprise the preparation of terms of
reference by the Town in consultation with the Conservation Authority, Provincial Ministries
and the public to identify opportunities to improve the condition of the lake or stream. Among
other matters this will include consideration of:
a. An inventory of existing natural and environmental conditions including water budgets,
baseflow, type and health of the aquatic ecosystem, condition riparian lands, etc.;
b. Information and management direction found in the applicable watershed plan for the
area;
c. Documentation of existing statues, guidelines and other regulatory measures that apply to
the environment around the waterbody;
d. Identification of measures required to restore or remediate and /or improve the
waterbody;
e. Descriptions of technologies that can be implemented by the Town, the Conservation
Authority, the community or as part of development or redevelopment and related costs;
and
f. An outline of the monitoring program that will be used to evaluate the performance of the
selected restoration or remediation plan.
55. A stormwater management plan be required as part of all major development proposals to
demonstrate how water resources will be managed on site in a manner that ensure the health,
quality and abundance of both surface and subsurface water storage systems are maintained or
improved. In the development of Stormwater management systems best practices will be applied
to a level determined to be technically and economically feasible and shall meet the following
criteria:
a. Consideration of the direction and information contained in watershed plans and
groundwater studies prepared by the Region or Conservation Authority;
b. No net reduction in the amount of water being recharged to subsurface aquifers;
c. Minimize or where possible reduce potential for contamination of ground and surface
water;

d. Minimize alterations to the natural drainage boundaries;

e. No creation or where possible reduction of flood or erosion problems;
f. Minimize or where possible eliminate pollutant loading to the watercourse or lake;
g. No reduction or where possible increase fish habitat;
h. Minimize changes to base flow quality and quantity in receiving streams and where
possible emulate natural stream or lake conditions;
i. Minimize reductions or where possible enhance ecological integrity in accordance with
the Greenway System policies; and
j. Manage the quality of stormwater runoff to achieve the quality control target of 80%
removal of suspended solids in accordance with Provincial standards.
56. Small scale development shall be required to demonstrate how water on site will be managed
both during and after construction and the Town may require the applicant to make adjustments
to the planning, design, construct and manage the proposal to reduce runoff, control erosion and
sedimentation and return the site to a stable condition as soon after construction as feasible.
Recommended Policies for Landform Conservation System
57. A schedule should be included in the Official plan showing the location of Significant
Landform Areas.
58. Any application for development or site alteration in Significant Landform Areas shall
identify planning, design and construction practices that will keep disturbance to landform
character to a minimum including maintaining significant landform features such as steep slopes,
kames, kettles, ravines and ridges in their natural undisturbed form. This is in addition to the
requirements specified in Section 30 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and
subsection 4.2.8 of this Plan.
59. Any application for a major development in Significant Landform Area shall be accompanied
by a landform Conservation Plan demonstrating how the matters discussed in a. above have been
met

Recommended General Town-Wide Policies for the Tree Protection, and Soil Erosion and
Erosion Control
60. The Town should include a new subsection entitled “Tree Protection and Erosion and
Sedimentation Control” in the Natural Environment section of the Official Plan.
61. The Town will review its current urban forestry programs to ensure it can effectively
contribute to meeting the policies of this Official Plan, This will include:
a. Review and if necessary upgrade to the Town’s Tree Protection By-law to provide for the
protection of trees to a level prescribed in this Plan,
b. Review and if necessary revise the tree and shrub planting and maintenance practices of
the Town to ensure they can achieve the level of tree and shrub preservation and
restoration anticipated in this plan,
c. To adopt a more aggressive and comprehensive approach to tree and shrub planting in
Town parks, along Town roads and on other municipal property to enhance total tree and
shrub cover and diversity within the Town, .
d. To adopt an aggressive in the development of tree planting and maintenance advisory
services and partnerships that encourages and support tree and shrub planting on the
property of other landowners in the Town.
62. In the development and implementation of tree and shrub planting programs the Town will
be guiding in part by the following good forestry practices:
a. Use of native plant species wherever possible and feasible
b. Choosing plant species best adopted to the soil conditions of the site to encourage high
survival rates and longevity,
c. Promotion of tree species and planting and maintenance practices that keep maintenance
costs to a minimum, and
d. Provide diversity in plant species.
63. A policy should be included in this subsection addressing the Town’s intent to adopt
effective approaches in the management of soil and the control of soil erosion and sedimentation,
for example:
a. The Town shall amend its current grading and site alteration by-laws to specifically
control removal and/or stockpiling of surface materials in order to:

• Limit periods of soil exposures

• Encourage rapid restoration of disturbed areas; and
• Ensure appropriate erosion and sedimentation control practices are followed, such
as:
o Requiring that any removal of topsoil or subsoil on any site in the municipality
requires a permit under the by-law
o Requiring that any land use change or development proposal must prepare a soil
management plan that shows how the applicant will plan, design, construct and
manage the proposal to ensure:
-Amount of soil disturbed, removed and stockpiled is kept a minimum,
-Adoption of measures whereby exposed soils are managed to confine erosion and
sedimentation to the disturbed areas of the site;
-Stockpiling of soils and subsoils on site in terms of stockpile size and duration is
kept to a minimum, and
-Requirement for restoration of disturbed areas to a stabilized and vegetated
condition as soon as possible after construction is completed.
64. A requirement that all major development proposals prepare and implement a soil
management plan which will ensure:
a. Retention of as much soil as possible on site both during and after construction is
completed,
b. Retaining sufficient topsoil on site to ensure the soil can be quickly returned a healthy
productive state.
c. Minimizing the need for long term storage of topsoil,
d. Restoring the site to a stable soil condition as soon as possible after construction as
possible including the adoption of progressive soil restoration where feasible.

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RECOMMENDED DIRECTIONS REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY REVIEW

FOR THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL

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Goal: To position the Town as a leader in environmental protection and management by

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• Sustainable Development Practices – to increase the amount and quality of

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b. Supporting studies including:

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5.6 Governance ......................................................................................................................2

Appendix A – Recommended Official Plan Policies

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Reference: Town of Richmond Hill (2008)

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1.2 WORK TO DATE

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2.1 EXISTING CONTEXT

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2.2 CURRENT PLANNING CONTEXT FOR THE TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL

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5. An Abundance of Environmental Tools to implement sustainable development

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3. RECOMMENDED DIRECTION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

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3.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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3.3 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

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4. BUILDING A HOLISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY APPROACH

4.1 ESTABLISHING A GREENWAY SYSTEM

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4.2 COMPONENTS OF THE TOWN’S GREENWAY SYSTEM

Components that are driving the development of the Greenway System

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Components that are Town-Wide

Components that result in specific land-use policies:

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4.2.1 Drivers for the Greenway System

4.2.1.1 The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area

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4.2.1.2 The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Area

4.2.2 Greenway System Components that are Town-wide

4.2.2.1 Ecological Restoration Areas

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• Identifying and implementing restoration opportunities as part of the development of

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MAP 1 POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AREAS AND ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS TO OTHER

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4.2.2.2 Species at Risk Act

4.2.2.3 Ecological Connections to Other Municipalities