State of the river 2005-2006

Humber River, (Ontario)
“Wild in the city”
Designated 1999

The Humber Watershed Plan, Legacy: A Strategy for a Health Humber is being updated to fulfil the requirements of Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2002). Water budgets, water conservation plans and enhanced wet weather flow management direction for the Regions of Peel and York will be included in these technical updates. Draft technical reports pertaining to surface water quality and quantity, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic system, terrestrial system, land and resource use, public use and cultural heritage have been completed. Preparation of the technical report regarding groundwater quality and quantity is in progress. Modeling of how different urban development scenarios will affect watershed management is in progress.

The Provincial government adopted the Greenbelt Plan which is intended to protect countryside areas and help focus growth in designated settlement areas. The new generic regulation 97/04, 2006 for Conservation Authorities was adopted to regulate urban development in valley and stream corridors. The  Provincial Policy statement was revised to provide stronger language and direction related to the protection of natural heritage, water, agriculture, mineral, cultural heritage and archaeological resources.

The Humber Watershed Alliance continued its third term (2004-2006). The Alliance is a group of individuals including municipal council members, agency staff, interest group representatives and unaffiliated watershed residents who work with Toronto and Region Conservation to protect, restore and celebrate the values of the Humber Watershed. This group is active in developing communication materials, implementing community outreach activities, habitat regeneration and trail projects, heritage interpretation and advocating and promoting a healthier Humber River. In 2005, Over 1000 people participated in over 40 events on the Humber River. These included tree plantings, clean ups, fish monitoring, a deer census and numerous guided hikes.

The City of Vaughan completed a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan which will provide future opportunities for people to enjoy trails along the Humber River. The Town of Richmond Hill published a new AGuide to Parks and Trails in Richmond Hill@.  The Humber Alliance in partnership with the Humber Arboretum, TRCA and the City of Toronto completed another self-guided Discovery Walk in 2005. The Humber Arboretum and West Humber River Valley Discovery Walk is the newest addition to this series of walks in the City of Toronto. The Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association has expanded their hiking trail on public land another 3 km. Another 1000m of trail were built in the City of Vaughan by TRCA.

The Black Creek Urban Agriculture Project had its first year of operation. Fencing and irrigation was installed. Ten youth were hired to work on the farm to gain work experience and job skills. In this first year much of the work was related to preparing the soil for organic farming including tilling of beds, weeding, and laying of fabric to prevent unwanted plant growth. The youth also planted a demonstration garden. Growing food close to urban centers is an important initiative to achieve sustainable communities

La Societe d=Histoire de Toronto completed a proposal to develop a Toronto Historical Park along the Humber River. The proposal sets out opportunities for historical interpretation along trails and parklands from Lake Ontario to St. Clair Ave. in the City of Toronto.

Ron Fletcher published a book, The Humber: Tales of a Canadian Heritage River. This book is a celebration of the cultural and heritage resources of the Humber River. The United Church of Palgrave  published a book on the historical village of Palgrave.         

The 3rd Annual Canadian Rivers Day was celebrated with a gathering at the mouth of the Humber, a picnic at Etienne Brule Park and a bike ride along the Humber River in Toronto. The gathering at the mouth of the Humber included a race of voyager canoes;  campfire cooking; fishing with free fishing rods for children; an outdoor training session for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards; and information about environmental stewardship and how to get involved.

In February, 2006 a proposalto extend a major road through an environmentally sensitive and significant heritage site in the City of Vaughan was stopped by the Minister of the Environment.

Since 2004, 5 additional (to a total of 442) archaeological sites have been located and registered with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. Five listed heritage structures were demolished and eight structures have been removed from heritage listings. There was a recorded net increase of 22 listed, designated and Aof interest@ built heritage structures within the Humber watershed. Approximately 45ha of greenspace were acquired and made available to the public.