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- The Living City:
- Enjoy
- Understand
- Protect
- Support
Effective stormwater management mimics the natural water cycle by using all opportunities to absorb water and retain whatever is left in stormwater ponds or wetlands. Stormwater management also controls water-flows reducing erosion and protecting natural habitats. Several municipalities in the Humber have completed stormwater retrofit studies. None, outside of Toronto, have yet implemented these plans.
With our urban growth, forested areas within the cities of Toronto, Brampton and the southern portions of both Vaughan and Caledon are now all disconnected from one another. In addition, over 460 hectares of natural vegetation in the Black Creek and Lower Humber subwatersheds will be lost to new developments. These factors are a concern because forests and wetlands provide
Given the significant development in the watershed, there is a growing need to identify and protect the cultural resources of our area. Of 1,401 historical sites and buildings in the Humber River Watershed, only six per cent are currently protected, under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Within the past year, 10 per cent of area residents have volunteered time to support environmental efforts. It's a start, but more can be done, both in term of contributing to programs, and in terms of developing more sustainable practices in our homes. See next page Community Participation.
There are currently more than 1,200 potential in-stream barriers, including elevated culverts, dams, weirs and watercourse crossings. This is a concern because a key factor in healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish is the ability to migrate freely within the river system.
