Item - 2024.PH11.12

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse the Etobicoke Creek Watershed Plan, in Attachment 1 to the report (March 15, 2024) from the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to advise the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors of the City’s ongoing commitment to implementation.

The Etobicoke Creek Watershed Plan is a non-statutory planning document that helps to guide land use decisions and acts as a resource to inform initiatives related to natural heritage restoration and flood remediation. The Plan was developed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in collaboration with City Planning and Toronto Water staff, and staff from the Region of Peel, City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

The Plan will be finalized after presentation to the Board of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority later this year. This staff report indicates the City of Toronto’s commitment to continuing to collaborate with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and regional partners to undertake its implementation.

The Plan and its management actions align with many existing City of Toronto policies and ongoing programs and strategies. The Etobicoke Creek Watershed Plan, and watershed planning more broadly, is a requirement of Provincial policy. The Plan has and will continue to inform land use and infrastructure planning decisions, municipal programs and help identify opportunities to protect, enhance and restore the health of the watershed, including important natural features and areas. Ongoing collaboration and support by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the municipalities in the watershed, partners and watershed stakeholders/residents will be key to the successful implementation of the Plan and to achieving the vision for the watershed.