Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
3.2.1.2 Aquatic Habitat and Fisheries – Field Survey
A field survey by Ecoplans Limited’s (Ecoplans’) fisheries biologists was
conducted on August 12, 2008. Site conditions were confirmed again during a
site visit on May 10, 2010. Aquatic habitat information was collected and
mapped. Fisheries inventories through electrofishing were not conducted due to
the fisheries information that was available from the agencies. All visual
observations of fish were also recorded.
Habitat conditions were assessed along the reaches of the watercourses
approximately 100m upstream through 200m downstream of Main Street and
Major Mackenzie Drive, and along the reach of Robinson Creek that runs parallel
to Main Street (approximately 260 m). Data collection encompassed the
following fisheries and aquatic habitat parameters:
• channel dimensions, general gradient and profile, bank character (e.g. height
and erosion);
• flow characteristics, including evidence of groundwater discharge;
• morphology and substrates;
• instream cover opportunities (e.g. woody debris, undercut banks, boulders,
vegetation);
• riparian vegetation;
• physical barriers to fish movement;
• critical habitat areas including potential spawning areas, good nursery cover,
holding habitat (deeper refuge pools);
• disturbances and past habitat alterations (e.g. channelization, potential pollutant
point sources);
• potential habitat enhancement opportunities.
3.2.2 Designated Natural Features and Species of Conservation Concerns
Based on a review of NHIC mapping, other files and confirmation with the MNR,
there are no identified Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) or
Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) along the project limits.
There are, however, several other locally and provincially designated natural areas
along the project limits. Most of these are overlapping designations associated
with the natural areas around the Rouge River crossing and Robinson Creek and
one is a small woodland between 16th Avenue and Bur Oak Avenue.
Milne Park is a Locally Significant Area (LSA #2) identified in the Town of
Markham Official Plan (2005). It is located immediately west of Main Street
within the Rouge River valley and within the Robinson Creek valley that parallels
Main Street. It is also identified as a Conservation Area/Regional Forest in the
2004 York Region Official Plan (includes a small area on the east side of road)
and as an Environmentally Significant Area in the 2009 York Region Official
Plan. In addition, it is identified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area in the
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 29
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Highway 7 Corridor and Vaughn North-South Link Public Transit Improvements
Environmental Assessment (2005). Milne Park contains a Class 4 wetland and is
one of the largest natural areas in Markham.
Milne Park and a small area on the east side of Main Street (at the Rouge River
Valley Crossing) are presently designated as “Rouge Park North” in the Rouge
North Management Plan (2001), Rouge River State of the Watershed Report
(2007) and the Rouge Park website (www.rougepark.com). “Rouge Park North”
refers to lands secured in public ownership and identified by the landowner for
Rouge Park purposes. Through the study area, the Rouge River and Robinson
Creek valley lands surrounding the “Rouge Park North” lands are presently
identified as “Rouge North” lands or those that are currently in private ownership
but which are intended over time to be secured and protected under “Rouge Park
North”. Both the “Rouge Park North” and the “Rouge North” lands are
collectively referred to as the Rouge North Management Area.
Another Locally Significant Area (LSA #9) is identified as “Rouge River
Markham” in the Town of Markham Official Plan (2005). This LSA is found
immediately east of Main Street in the Rouge River Valley. It contains a Class 1
valleyland with high quality examples of mature forest and habitat for some rare
species.
The forested lands of the Rouge River Valley on the east and west side of Main
Street are identified as Significant Woodlands in the York Region Official Plan
(2009). These areas were previously identified as Significant Forested Lands in
the York Region Official Plan (2004).
The natural areas found on the east and west sides of Main Street throughout the
Rouge River and Robinson Creek corridors are also identified as part of the
Regional Greenlands System in both the 2004 and 2009 Region of York Official
Plan.
Further north on the west side of Main Street, between 16th Avenue and Bur Oak
Avenue, there is a small (2.5 ha) woodland area that is set back approximately
50 m from Main Street. The west section of this wooded area is designated as
Schedule A Environmental Protection Area lands in the Markham Official Plan
(2005).
A small portion of the study area is found within the Greenbelt Planning Area as
shown in the Greenbelt Plan (2005). The planning area is limited to the northeast
corner of the study area and is also associated with the upper reaches of Mount
Joy Creek, located upstream (north) of Major Mackenzie Drive.
The plan
provides for permanent agricultural and environmental protection within the
concept of protecting countryside.
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 30
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
3.2.3 Vegetation and Flora
From a terrestrial environment perspective, the study area can generally be
divided into three sections: Highway 407 to Highway 7, Highway 7 to
16th Avenue and 16th Avenue to future Donald Cousens Parkway.
Vegetation features within these sections are described generally below, and the
characteristics of the individual units, tree clusters and hedgerows are summarized
in Table A1 and A2 of the Terrestrial Memo in Appendix D in the ESR. The
boundaries of the units are delineated on Exhibits 3-3a to 3-3f.
No provincially significant vegetation communities (based on Bakowsky 1996;
NHIC 2009) were identified by Ecoplans on site, nor were any identified during
the previous work or in the background data review.
Highway 407 to Highway 7
This area includes the majority of the natural features in the study area. These
features are primarily associated with valley and riparian vegetation of the Rouge
River and Robinson Creek, and roadside hedgerows and tree clusters.
Rouge River valley vegetation consists of a mosaic of young to mid-aged
deciduous and lowland deciduous forest, cultural meadow, cultural woodland and
cultural thicket of varying sensitivity and quality. The forest communities in this
area tend to be dominated by Manitoba Maple with White Elm, Black Locust (a
non-native species) and Norway Maple (a non-native species which can displace
native vegetation due to its dense canopy shading) as common associates. The
Robinson Creek valley slope along the west side of Main Street is characterized
by lowland deciduous forest dominated by Manitoba Maple.
The relatively highest quality vegetation unit along the project limits (e.g. based
on species diversity, % non-native species etc.) occurs in this section of the study
area. Unit 6 is found along a steep slope on the west side of Main Street, south of
the Rouge River. This unit is a Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – Basswood Deciduous
Forest (FOD5-6), which supports a diversity of tree species (including Butternut),
a moderately diverse ground layer, abundant deadfall logs and some mature trees
(>50 cm dbh).
Highway 7 to 16th Avenue
This area is highly developed with very limited vegetation and no natural
vegetation communities are present. The south portion (south of Wilson-street)
includes buildings that are very close to the sidewalk and vegetation is limited to
occasional street trees and a few small ornamental plantings. In the north portion
of this section (north of Wilson-street), the area is primarily residential with
houses set back from the road. Vegetation in this area consists of front yards with
lawns, ornamental plantings and street trees.
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 31
L3
THUOCCI
L4
MCPHILLIPS AVENUE
RANHICA
L4
ANGATRO BRSN
L3
GCFL
L4
FRANIGR
L4
L4
CARDIPH
L4
SPSA
L4
SSHA
L3
MILNE RESERVOIR
DIELONI
L4
NRWS
L4
MAICANA
L4
REVI
L4
BETALLE
L4
SNTU
L3
RBNU
L4
QUEMACR
L4
JUGCINE
L3
EACO
L4
IN
PR
S
CE
AH
SAR
INBU
L4
CYSBULB
L4
PINSTRO
L4
THUOCCI
L4
THUOCCI
L4
11
TSUCANA
L4
BETPAPY
L4
HR3
HR4
JUGCINE
L3
HR5
GRFR
L4
CARSTRI
L4
THUOCCI
L4
HR1
TC1
RT
QUEMACR
L4
ET
CYSBULB
L4
EACH
L4
CO U
THUOCCI
L4
BETALLE
L4
TC2
JANE
SALAMYG
L4
THUOCCI
L4
6
ree k
Ro binson C
8
7
THUOCCI
L4
9
TC3
SCIMICR
L4
CARLACU
L4
JUNEFFU
L4
10
SCIVALI
L4
GLYGRAN
L4
7
AY
HW
CRAMACA
L4
HAWO
L4
EACO
L4
AMELAEV
L4
E
TR
SS
WIGNALL CRESC ENT
HIG
EACO
L4
REVI
L4
CORCORN
L4
THUOCCI
L4
INBUEACH
L4 L4
HA
EET
OLD WELLINGTON STR
L:\Projects\Ecoplans\3200-3399\3309MainSt_Markham\Maps\3309MarkhamPreferredVegTRCA_Aug2010.mxd
2010\08\25
NYMODOR
L2
QUEMACR
L4
IRIVERS
L3
SAGLATI
L4
12
11
10
MAIN STREET MARKHAM SOUTH
HR2
1
13
2
3
4
MOWA
L4
INBU
L4
RESQ
L4
13
5
MILL S
G
RO U
TR EET
Legend
VER
WAY
E RI
H AVEN
RO UG E
EACO
L4
W
SCIMICR
L4
RESQ
L4
EAPH
L4
SC H
OU
TE
R
NC
ESC
#
REEVE DRIVE
ELYRIPA
L4
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Vegetation Units
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
Environmental Protection Area
E NT
(Markham OP 2005)
COSBURN ROAD
PINSTRO
L4
INBU
L4
Study Area
Railway
CHA R
RO UG E
S CO T
ISS R
S TR E E T
A NG L
JAMES
L O TTE
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Natural Environment Features
ELYRIPA
L4
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
CARLACU
L4
0
Proposed Sidewalk
25
50
Meters
Approximate Grading Limit
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3a
E NU
ID GE AV
ns
bi
o
R
E
SNIDER DRIVE
EET
N S TR
STAT IO
BU
O
LL
CK
DR
PEER STREET
E
IV
HIG
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2010\08\25
HAWKR
7
AY
HW
WATER STREET
M
WATER STREET
REET
S TR E E T
N C O URT
STAT ION STREET
WILSON ST
DUBLIN
THOMSO
ET
AVENU E
E S TR E
PARKWAY
C E N TR
WASHINGTON STREET
GEORGE STREET
Legend
SCIMICR
L4
JERMAN STREET
RESQ
L4
#
FRANKLIN STREET
ULEVAR D
HOUGHTON BO
0
ProposedLE
Sidewalk
ST REET
25
50
Meters
MAP
Approximate Grading Limit
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
ORCHARD STREET
Railway
M A RK HA
MS
oy
Vegetation Units
Study Area
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
JOSE
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407
to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
M
ou
Natural Environment
Features
nt
j
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Environmental Protection Area
(Markham OP 2005)
ET
H ST RE
ST REET
ALBERT STREET
CHUR C
ED WARD
COSBURN ROAD
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3b
2010\08\25
n
RAYM ERVILLE DRIVE
Legend
Y CR ESC
RESQ
L4
EN T
SNIDER DRIVE
BYER DRIVE
CARPENTER COURT
EE
N S TR
STAT IO
L:\Projects\Ecoplans\3200-3399\3309MainSt_Markham\Maps\3309MarkhamPreferredVegTRCA_Aug2010.mxd
URT
CA RR CO
FOUNDR
SCIMICR
L4
#
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Vegetation Units
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
Environmental Protection Area
(Markham OP 2005)
Study Area
T
Railway
ILL
ALE STR
RM
D
SPRING
MA
WA
Y
PETER STREET
EET
REET
DAVID ST
TR E E T
BEECH S
STAT ION STREET
PILKEYS
NE
AVENU E
A RK L A
DEER P
LANE
N
GLEASO
U LEVARD
RAMONA BO
ELIZABETH STREET
WINLAW
ORCHARD STREET
WALES AVENUE
PLAC E
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
0
R
AM B
Proposed Sidewalk
R
CO U
OSE
25
50
Meters
Approximate Grading Limit
BISHO
T
OU RT
S
A N CRE
HA RE C
TALISM
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Natural Environment Features
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3c
2010\08\25
FR
D JEF
EN T
V E NU
EYS A
Y CR ESC
L:\Projects\Ecoplans\3200-3399\3309MainSt_Markham\Maps\3309MarkhamPreferredVegTRCA_Aug2010.mxd
R
ED WA
FOUNDR
E
TH AV
OLD 16
E NUE
Environmental Protection Area
Schedule A of Markham Official
Plan, July 2005 (approx. limits)
MAIN STREET MARKHAM NORTH
TC4
NE
E N UE
16T H AV
A RK L A
DEER P
ELIZABETH STREET
Area Developed
Legend
SCIMICR
L4
RESQ
L4
#
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Vegetation Units
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
Environmental Protection Area
(Markham OP 2005)
Study Area
MOUNT JOY LAKE
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Natural Environment Features
Railway
Mount Joy C reek
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
0
Proposed Sidewalk
Approximate Grading Limit
25
50
Meters
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3d
2010\08\25
AVENUE
Legend
SCIMICR
L4
L:\Projects\Ecoplans\3200-3399\3309MainSt_Markham\Maps\3309MarkhamPreferredVegTRCA_Aug2010.mxd
ARD
HAMMERSLY BOU LEV
RESQ
L4
M
HART
ST
OOR
#
R EET
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Vegetation Units
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
Environmental Protection Area
(Markham OP 2005)
Study Area
Railway
HIGHWAY 48
TC4
K
BU R OA
E
AVENU
Mount
AN DERSO
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Natural Environment Features
N AVEN UE
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
0
Proposed Sidewalk
Approximate Grading Limit
25
50
Meters
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3e
SU N
2010\08\25
Legend
L:\Projects\Ecoplans\3200-3399\3309MainSt_Markham\Maps\3309MarkhamPreferredVegTRCA_Aug2010.mxd
MACADAM ROAD
SCIMICR
L4
RESQ
L4
#
Mount Joy
C reek
Sensitive Flora Species (TRCA 2008)
Sensitive Fauna Species (TRCA 2008)
Vegetation Units
HR#
Hedgerows
TC#
Tree Clusters
Environmental Protection Area
(Markham OP 2005)
Study Area
R
MAJO
Railway
D
EN ZIE
MACK
RIVE
EAST
HR6
Mount
Joy
Creek
TC5
MAIN STREET MARKHAM CLASS EA:
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Natural Environment Features
Proposed Alignment (Edge of Pavement)
0
Proposed Sidewalk
Approximate Grading Limit
25
50
Meters
Air Photo: 2007
100
Date: August 2010
Project No: 50-3309
Exhibit: 3-3f
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
16th Avenue to future Donald Cousens Parkway
Land use is primarily commercial with isolated residences and abandoned farmland
transitioning to development. However, there is some active farmland north of Major
Mackenzie Drive. Vegetation in this area has been culturally influenced or removed by
a long history of agriculture and the transition to urban use. Vegetation is primarily
limited to lawns with ornamental plantings and street trees. There is one remnant
natural area south of Bur Oak Avenue, on the west side of Main Street Markham. This
natural area is an isolated deciduous forest (2.5 ha) approximately 50 m from the road
edge. In addition, Mount Joy Creek (tributary of Robinson Creek) is crossed just south
of Major Mackenzie Drive. There is some riparian vegetation along this creek
including Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and shrubs (willow [Salix spp.]
and Silver Maple [Acer saccharinum]). There are also large Silver Maple trees
downstream along the south bank.
Vascular Plants
In total, 123 vascular plants were recorded during the botanical inventory
completed by Ecoplans, 49 (40%) of which are non-native in Ontario. The
majority of these species are provincially ranked as S5 meaning that the species is
secure and very common. One species is ranked S2 (imperilled) and one species
is ranked S3? (vulnerable, but the question mark indicates that there is some
uncertainty about the accuracy of this rank), both of which are discussed further in
Section 3.2.2.4; one species is ranked S4 (apparently secure), and one is ranked
S4? (meaning it is currently uncertain if it is S4). [The “S4?” mean that it is
currently uncertain if it is ‘S4’, likely due to a lack of detailed information on
species abundance and distribution]. A vascular plant list is provided in
Appendix B of the Natural Environment Review in Appendix D of the ESR.
3.2.4 Species of Conservation Concern
The NHIC database and MNR staff were consulted for information on species of
conservation concern, defined here as federally and provincially designated
species at risk (including any that may be legally listed and protected),
provincially rare (S-rank 1, 2, and 3) species, and locally and regionally listed
species. For the purpose of this report, SAR will be used to refer to federally
designated Species at Risk and SARO for provincially designated Species at Risk.
3.2.4.1 Species at Risk (federal and provincial)
Butternut
Along the project limits, Butternut was the only floral SAR and/or SARO species
recorded by Ecoplans during field investigations.
Butternut is designated by the COSEWIC as Endangered in Canada and it is listed
on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). It is also designated by MNR
as Endangered under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. This species also has a
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 38
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
provincial rarity rank of ‘S3?’ meaning that it is considered ‘vulnerable’ in
Ontario, however there is some uncertainty over the accuracy of this rank.
The Endangered status is due to general Butternut decline from Butternut Canker
Disease.
Butternut canker is widespread, hyper-virulent and fatal (although
infected trees can live for 20-40 years if otherwise healthy and able to “wall off”
infected areas). Based on U.S. experience, a very small percentage of trees are
resistant. Secondary fungal infections can develop in infected trees (black fungus
at base of trees). The canker vectors are rain, wind and insects. The canker can
be difficult to detect - some trees will show obvious signs/stress while others
seem to be vigorous.
Three (3) Butternut trees were recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 6 (as shown in
Exhibit 3-3a), ranging from 10 to 25 cm dbh. Two of these trees appeared to be
dead/dying and canker was evident on all trees.
A Butternut Health Assessment was not completed at this stage in the study but
should be completed during the detail design process if the trees are within 25 m
of any direct impacts (grading, tree removal etc). If any of the trees are within
25 m of impacts and evaluated as ‘retainable’ by a Butternut Health Assessor, a
permit under the Endangered Species Act (2007) may be required. The local
MNR Species at Risk Biologist or District Forester should be contacted during the
detail design phase to confirm the current approach and requirements for
Butternut health assessment to ensure no contraventions to the Endangered
Species Act inadvertently occur (as the approach may have changed since the
writing of this report).
Snapping Turtle
An observation of Snapping Turtle is reported by TRCA along the Rouge River
approximately 200 m upstream of Main Street. Snapping Turtle is listed as
Special Concern by COSEWIC, but has not yet been listed on a schedule of
SARA. It is also listed Special Concern on the SARO list.
The preferred habitat for Snapping Turtles is characterized by slow-moving water
with a soft mud bottom and dense aquatic vegetation including ponds, sloughs,
shallow bays or river edges and slow streams or areas combining several of these
wetland habitats (COSEWIC 2008). Individual turtles will persist in developed
areas, however, it is unlikely that populations persist in these habitats (COSEWIC
2008). In addition, Snapping Turtles can occur in highly polluted waterways, but
environmental contamination is known to limit reproductive success (COSEWIC
2008). The Rouge River, Robinson Creek and the reservoir at Milne Park
(beyond the study area) provide habitat suitable for this species. Although this
species was not observed by Ecoplans during field investigations, it likely moves
along and uses habitat elements of the Rouge River and Robinson Creek.
The life history of this species (late maturity, long life, slow recruitment) is
dependent on a high level of adult survival to sustain the population (COSEWIC
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
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Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
2008). Although Snapping Turtles are currently widespread and numerous, the
species is facing declines due to premature adult mortality due to road mortality,
harvesting and persecution (COSEWIC 2008).
Eastern Ribbonsnake
The MNR reported that there is a record for Eastern Ribbonsnake (designated
Special Concern under SARO and SARA) located approximately 1 km
downstream of Main Street in the Rouge River Valley. This species may be
present in other parts of the Rouge River valley, however there are no known
records occurring near Main Street.
The Eastern Ribbonsnake is a semi-aquatic snake that primarily feeds on
amphibians (COSEWIC 2002). Preferred habitat includes quiet, shallow water
with low surrounding cover and is most frequently found along wetland edges,
however, gravid (pregnant) females may move away from water before nesting,
as females and juveniles are occasionally found in upland areas (COSEIC 2002).
Within the study area, potential habitat is located along the Rouge River and
Robinson Creek, as well as in the adjacent wetland and upland vegetation.
Although this species was not observed during field investigations and the closest
record is 1 km downstream, there is potential habitat in the study area.
3.2.4.2 Provincially Rare (S-rank) Species
Two species with an S-rank of 1, 2, or 3 were observed along the project limits.
Butternut has an S-rank of S3? (as addressed above) and Honey Locust (Gleditsia
triacanthos) has an S-rank of S2, meaning it is considered ‘imperilled’ in Ontario.
Honey Locust was identified in Units 3 and 4 as well as in a landscape planting in
TC4 (as shown in Exhibits 3-3a and 3-3d), however it is highly unlikely that these
represent native specimens. According to a recent NHIC report, native stands of
this species are only known from the counties of Chatham, Essex, Lambton and
Niagara (Oldham and Brinker 2009). In addition, all records of this species in
TRCA’s jurisdiction are considered non-native as denoted by the L+ designation.
The Honey Locust trees identified within the study area likely represent escaped
or planted cultivars, as this species (and its cultivars) are commonly planted as
ornamental trees beyond its native range. Hence, such individuals are not
regarded with the same level of concern as the native stands of this species.
3.2.4.3 Species of Regional and Local Conservation Concern
Thirty-seven species of regional or local concern were identified by Ecoplans
and/or reported by TRCA within the study area. Varga (2000) lists rare species in
York Region as those that occur at 10 or fewer known stations and uncommon
species at 11 to 20 stations. TRCA identifies local species of concern in urban
areas as species with an L-rank from 1 to 4. These species are identified in the
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 40
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
table below. TRCA provided mapping of their recorded locations of L-rank 1-4
species and these are included on Figures 1a-f at the end of this report.
Table 3-2 - Species of Regional or Local Conservation Concern
Species
S-Rank
York
Region
TRCA LRank
Location and Additional
Comments
Noted by Ecoplans along the Rouge
River in Unit 3 and Robinson Creek
in Unit 9.
VASCULAR PLANTS
Broad-leaved Waterplantain
(Alisma plantagoaquatica)
Paper Birch
(Betula papyrifera)
Yellow Birch
(Betula alleghaniensis)
Lake-bank Sedge
(Carex lacustris)
Tussock Sedge (Carex
stricta)
Bulblet Fern
(Cystopteris bulbifera)
Marginal Wood Fern
(Dryopteris marginalis)
River-bank Wild-rye
(Elymus riparius)
American Manna
Grass (Glyceria
grandis)
Virginia Stickseed
(Hackelia virginiana)
Blueflag
(Iris versicolor)
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S4?
R5
L4
S4S5
XU
L4
S5
R5
L5
S5
X
L3
Butternut
(Juglans cinerea)
Black Walnut
(Juglans nigra)
Soft Rush
(Juncus effusus ssp
solutus)
White Spruce
(Picea glauca)
S3?
X
L3
S4
R
L5
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L3
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Recorded by Ecoplans in a
hedgerow.
See Exhibit 3-3afor location of
TRCA observation.
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 6.
Also recorded by TRCA (See
Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 6.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 3
and 9. Also recorded by TRCA
(See Exhibit 3-3a).
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Units 3
and 6.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 12.
Also recorded by TRCA in the
same vicinity along Robinson
Creek (See Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 6.
Also recorded by TRCA in the
same location as well as further
upstream (beyond the study area,
see Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans frequently
throughout the study area (Units 1,
2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Units 1, 3
and 13. Also recorded by TRCA
(See Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 3.
Page 41
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
S-Rank
York
Region
TRCA LRank
Eastern White Pine
(Pinus strobus)
S5
X
L4
Bur Oak
(Quercus macrocarpa)
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
X
L4
S5
XU
L4
S5
X
L3
S5
X
L4
S5
R3
L4
S5
R10
L4
S5
R9
L2
Northern White Cedar
(Thuja occidentalis)
S5
X
L4
Eastern Hemlock
(Tsuga canadensis)
S5
X
L4
S3
n/a
L3
S5
n/a
L4
S5
n/a
L4
S5
n/a
L4
S5
n/a
L4
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
September 2010
Page 42
Species
Northern Red Oak
(Quercus rubra)
Black-eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)
Broadleaf Arrowhead
(Sagittaria latifolia)
Peach-leaved Willow
(Salix amygdaloides)
Cottongrass Bulrush
(Scirpus cyperinus)
Soft-stemmed Bulrush
(Scirpus validus)
Three-square Bulrush
(Scirpus pungens)
Small-fruit Bulrush
(Scirpus microcarpus)
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos albus)
Location and Additional
Comments
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 12.
Also recorded by TRCA (See
Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 7.
Also recorded by TRCA (See
Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Units 5
and 6.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Units 4, 9
and 10.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 12.
Also recorded by TRCA (See
Exhibit 3-3a).
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 12.
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 12.
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit TC1
but, given its location, this most
likely represents a planted cultivar
rather than a native specimen.
Recorded by Ecoplans in Units 3
and 6. Also recorded by TRCA
(See Exhibit 3-3a).
Recorded by Ecoplans in Unit 6.
Also recorded by TRCA (See
Exhibit 3-3a).
HERPETOFAUNA
Snapping Turtle
(Chelydra serpentina)
Green Frog
(Rana clamitans)
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
MAMMALS
Eastern Cottontail
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
Eastern Chipmunk
(Tamias striatus)
Red Squirrel
(Tamiasciurus
hudsonicus)
McCormick Rankin Corporation
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Species
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
S-Rank
York
Region
TRCA LRank
Location and Additional
Comments
S4B
n/a
L4
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
S4B
n/a
L4
S5
n/a
L4
S5
n/a
L4
AVIFAUNA
Mourning Warbler
(Oporornis
philadelphia)
Indigo Bunting
(Passerina cyanea)
Hairy Woodpecker
(Picoides villosus)
Red-breasted
Nuthatch (Sitta
canadensis)
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
See Exhibit 3-3a for location of
TRCA observation
See Natural Environment Review in Appendix D of the ESR for definitions of
ranks used in Table 3-2.
3.2.5 Wildlife
The primary natural features in the study area are associated with the natural and
semi-natural vegetation in the vicinity of the Rouge River and Robinson Creek.
The remaining study area has limited natural vegetation cover and has
experienced increased anthropogenic disturbances. In general, the areas within
and adjacent to the project limits provide habitat for a suite of common, generalist
species that are tolerant of the existing disturbances of Main Street and adjacent
residential, commercial and rural land use. Habitat types which support rare /
sensitive wildlife species with specific habitat requirements (e.g., rare habitat
types such as alvar, fen, large open water / marsh areas, large concentrations of
coniferous trees, Carolinian woodland and forest ‘interior’ habitat) are not present
adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of the project limits. There is some
potential for limited areas of interior forest conditions along the Rouge River
approximately 500 m east of Main Street.
Species identified during field investigations include American Crow (Corvus
brachyrhynchos), Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), American Toad (Bufo
americanus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Raccoon (Procyon
lotor), and Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Additional species reported
by TRCA in the vicinity of the project limits include Indigo Bunting (Passerina
cyanea), Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias
striatus), Eastern Cottontail, Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia), Redbreasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina),
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) and Green Frog (Rana clamitans). All
these species are relatively common and expected given the habitat available.
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 43
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
Anecdotal evidence provided by a local stakeholder indicates that a number of
additional species may occur in the vicinity of the study area. These include:
Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax
nycticorax), Barred Owl (Strix varia), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus),
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), Canada
Goose (Branta Canadensis) and Coyote (Canis latrans) (Wheatley pers. comm.,
2010).
Natural and semi-natural vegetation along the project limits likely supports habitat
for a range of common wildlife that were not observed during field investigations
but are often found in similar habitats in southern Ontario. The habitats along and
in the vicinity of the project limits provide conditions suitable for typical forest
and forest edge mammals such as Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Striped
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Woodchuck (Marmota monax), Red Fox (Vulpes
vulpes), in addition to a number of small mammals that often go undetected (for
example, shrews, voles, mice, bats). A variety of habitat generalist bird species
are likely present including those which utilize field, forest and forest edge
habitats.
The majority of bird species that may occur are protected under the Migratory
Bird Convention Act (MBCA)1. Bird species that might use habitat in the area
include Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), American Robin (Turdus migratorius),
Great-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula),
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater),
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), and European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
Based on a review of the background information and field review, it is inferred
that herpetofaunal habitat would be generally present along the project limits
adjacent to watercourses and associated riparian, and wetland habitats. These
areas would provide habitat for localized breeding and movement of species such
as American Toad (Bufo americanus), Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens),
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), and Green Frog (Rana clamitans).
In
addition, a number of common reptiles are expected to occur in the study area.
For example, Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), Dekay’s Brownsnake
(Storeria dekayi) and Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), are widely
distributed species often found near human habitation in urban or suburban areas
if suitable habitat is available (MacCulloch 2002).
The Rouge River valley is a regionally important wildlife movement
linkage/corridor within the study area. The Rouge Valley continues over 16 km
south to Lake Ontario and over 15 km north west - however, the continuity of this
feature is fragmented by numerous road crossings and areas where natural
vegetation has been removed. The existing bridge structure over Rouge River at
Main Street is a continuous three span T – beam girder structure. This structure
1
Species not regulated under the act include: Rock Dove, American Crow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, House
Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, and European Starling. In addition, Raptors are not regulated under the MBCA. However, they are
protected under provincial legislation which restricts and regulates the taking or possession of eggs and nests. Furthermore, if the
species identified is protected under the Endangered Species Act or the Species at Risk Act, additional restrictions may apply.
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 44
Town of Markham
Class Environmental Assessment Study
Main Street Markham
Highway 407 to Future Donald Cousens Parkway
provides opportunities for wildlife movement with a several metre wide terrestrial
zone of exposed compacted soil on each side of the Rouge River and an openness
ratio high enough to support deer movement. There are also some localized
wildlife movement opportunities provided by the Robinson Creek valley, which is
not crossed by Main Street within the project limits.
3.2.6 Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat
The study area falls within the Rouge River watershed and is traversed by three
watercourses, the Rouge River, Robinson Creek and Mount Joy Creek (also
known as Exhibition Creek). Within the study area, Main Street crosses the
Rouge River between Highways 407 and 7 and runs parallel to a section of
Robinson Creek (on the west side of the road) in the same area. In the northern
section of the study area (between 16th Avenue and the north limit), Mount Joy
Creek is crossed by Main Street and Major Mackenzie Drive. Location of the
water crossings and reach locations are shown in Exhibit 3-4.
The Rouge River is the most prominent natural feature within the study area. The
river and deep valley system is part of the Rouge North Management Area, which
is a proposed extension of the Rouge Park. In the vicinity of the crossing the
watercourse is classified as warm water by TRCA; however, MNR is managing
the system as coldwater due to the coldwater migratory species present and the
possible coldwater residence habitat for juveniles.
Robinson Creek, a tributary of the Rouge River, and its associated valley system
are also part of the Rouge North Management Area. This system is classified as
coldwater by the TRCA and coldwater with migratory species by MNR. The
system also contains known habitat for Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), a
species designated Endangered by the COSEWIC and the Committee on the
Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), and listed as Endangered under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA). At present, however, Redside Dace remains
listed as Special Concern under the Species at Risk Act in Canada (SARA).
Mount Joy Creek is a highly modified system in the vicinity of Main Street. The
system is classified as coolwater by the TRCA (based on temperature data, not
species) and warmwater by the MNR in the vicinity of the crossing area.
A small low area with standing water, located on the east side of Main Street and
immediately south of Castlemore Avenue, was also investigated for fish presence
and any possible connection to a fishery. It is a heavily disturbed area (recently
graded sections and piles of fill in the standing water), appears to be isolated (no
inlet observed, storm drain receptacle observed at south end) from any
watercourse and no fish were observed in the standing water. Therefore this area
does not support fish use.
McCormick Rankin Corporation
September 2010
Page 45