Group: Members
Posts: 523
Member No.: 64
Joined: February 10, 2011
There's definitely a fine line between conservation of our lands and development. Municipalities are under so much pressure to create housing opportunities as we continue to see prices (for both purchasing and rent) increase.
Have you approached Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority about this development? They would have to provide their approval before any development can occur.
I would also think that the MNRF would have completed an Environmental Assessment to determine the impact of development on the local ecosystem. This might include looking at setbacks/greenspaces around streams and wetland areas.
Group: Members
Posts: 5030
Member No.: 877
Joined: November 06, 2011
Signed
"To anyone who plans to reply "IT'S NO USE, YOU'LL NEVER CHANGE IT!", well that's my problem and my time, not yours, so no worries, all good."
I don't buy that. Many years ago my (now ex) wife and I headed up the fight to stop condos from being built right next to Frenchman's Bay in Pickering and won, at least for a while. I'm not sure what has happened with all the development since.
The Environmental Impact Study, in particular, angered me. Aside from missing and misrepresenting the wildlife that live on the land, one passage read something like "This green space is ok to develop on, because the wildlife will go find another place to live", just downright contemptuous toward nature. When I spoke in front of council, I read that passage, and then asked if anyone in the room could name another greenspace around here that has a tributary. When no one could, I then asked "Why are we then so hellbent on paving over the one we have left?!" No one had an answer for that. I am trying to present this piece of land as the unicorn that it is.
I was able to find a contact with the LSRCA, however I'm aware that they have very limited powers to pushback against development. From them, I'm more looking for information that I can use to sway council's opinion. It is my opinion, from the council meeting I attended, that no one on council has actually read these documents, so I am taking it as my job to peruse these documents and point out all of the inconsistencies (there are lots) and missing information (there's even more of that!) for them in a manner that cannot simply be dismissed.
Regarding endangered species, we're also working that angle, gathering information from some of the neighbours that have been here for decades. One fella across the road from me has incredible knowledge of the land, and gave me this list:
Coyotes Red foxes Grey Foxes Raccoons Deer Muskrats Beaver Birds/Ducks/Water fowl Piliated Woodpeckers Owls/Birds of prey Blue herons Wild turkeys Partridge Woodcocks
We need to go look for some Blanding's turtles.
To those who have shared this on other outlets, my sincere thanks. Same to anyone who has given suggestions or simply signed the petition. Two weeks ago we had nothing, now we're staring down 1000 signatures hopefully by the end of this week.
Wife and I are going to get some T-shirts made and give them to the neighbours, "Save Sandy Cove Creek" with perhaps a QR code image that links to the petition. Anything to get the word out.
The Environmental Impact Study, in particular, angered me. Aside from missing and misrepresenting the wildlife that live on the land, one passage read something like "This green space is ok to develop on, because the wildlife will go find another place to live", just downright contemptuous toward nature. When I spoke in front of council, I read that passage, and then asked if anyone in the room could name another greenspace around here that has a tributary. When no one could, I then asked "Why are we then so hellbent on paving over the one we have left?!" No one had an answer for that. I am trying to present this piece of land as the unicorn that it is.
I was able to find a contact with the LSRCA, however I'm aware that they have very limited powers to pushback against development. From them, I'm more looking for information that I can use to sway council's opinion. It is my opinion, from the council meeting I attended, that no one on council has actually read these documents, so I am taking it as my job to peruse these documents and point out all of the inconsistencies (there are lots) and missing information (there's even more of that!) for them in a manner that cannot simply be dismissed.
Regarding endangered species, we're also working that angle, gathering information from some of the neighbours that have been here for decades. One fella across the road from me has incredible knowledge of the land, and gave me this list:
Coyotes Red foxes Grey Foxes Raccoons Deer Muskrats Beaver Birds/Ducks/Water fowl Piliated Woodpeckers Owls/Birds of prey Blue herons Wild turkeys Partridge Woodcocks
We need to go look for some Blanding's turtles.
To those who have shared this on other outlets, my sincere thanks. Same to anyone who has given suggestions or simply signed the petition. Two weeks ago we had nothing, now we're staring down 1000 signatures hopefully by the end of this week.
Wife and I are going to get some T-shirts made and give them to the neighbours, "Save Sandy Cove Creek" with perhaps a QR code image that links to the petition. Anything to get the word out.
It would be great to get some organizations involved that focus on reptiles and amphibians (the Blandings turtles are a great start). I believe that it's been well documented that these herp species are at risk and we're seeing declining populations across the country.
I'm trying to think of who would be good to contact - and will pass that info along.
The Environmental Impact Study, in particular, angered me. Aside from missing and misrepresenting the wildlife that live on the land, one passage read something like "This green space is ok to develop on, because the wildlife will go find another place to live", just downright contemptuous toward nature. When I spoke in front of council, I read that passage, and then asked if anyone in the room could name another greenspace around here that has a tributary. When no one could, I then asked "Why are we then so hellbent on paving over the one we have left?!" No one had an answer for that. I am trying to present this piece of land as the unicorn that it is.
I was able to find a contact with the LSRCA, however I'm aware that they have very limited powers to pushback against development. From them, I'm more looking for information that I can use to sway council's opinion. It is my opinion, from the council meeting I attended, that no one on council has actually read these documents, so I am taking it as my job to peruse these documents and point out all of the inconsistencies (there are lots) and missing information (there's even more of that!) for them in a manner that cannot simply be dismissed.
Regarding endangered species, we're also working that angle, gathering information from some of the neighbours that have been here for decades. One fella across the road from me has incredible knowledge of the land, and gave me this list:
Coyotes Red foxes Grey Foxes Raccoons Deer Muskrats Beaver Birds/Ducks/Water fowl Piliated Woodpeckers Owls/Birds of prey Blue herons Wild turkeys Partridge Woodcocks
We need to go look for some Blanding's turtles.
To those who have shared this on other outlets, my sincere thanks. Same to anyone who has given suggestions or simply signed the petition. Two weeks ago we had nothing, now we're staring down 1000 signatures hopefully by the end of this week.
Wife and I are going to get some T-shirts made and give them to the neighbours, "Save Sandy Cove Creek" with perhaps a QR code image that links to the petition. Anything to get the word out.
It would be great to get some organizations involved that focus on reptiles and amphibians (the Blandings turtles are a great start). I believe that it's been well documented that these herp species are at risk and we're seeing declining populations across the country.
I'm trying to think of who would be good to contact - and will pass that info along.
Another species to try for is salamanders. There are a few types of highly endangered (similar to blandings turtle) salamanders in the province that if documented would possibly throw a wrench in things.
Group: Members
Posts: 523
Member No.: 64
Joined: February 10, 2011
@ronzigator... Here is a link to the Canadian Herpetological Society. I don't know if they get involved in stuff like this, however, they could probably point you in the right direction if not.
Salamanders, frogs, turtles, newts etc (reptiles and amphibians) are key indicators of the health of a wetland/ecosystem. There has been a lot of work (and a lot of concern) the last number of years about declining populations.
Just another thought... reach out to Trout Unlimited Canada. If there's a population of Brookies in the creek, they may be very interested in ensuring the watershed is protected. Brook trout, as we know, are a cold water fish. When there is development and more surface run-off, it can raise the water temp in the creek impacting the trout population.
Group: Members
Posts: 5030
Member No.: 877
Joined: November 06, 2011
I know many have an aversion to FB but if there is a local page maybe you could post on there. You might get others stirred up enough to join the battle.
Group: Members
Posts: 146
Member No.: 11378
Joined: February 16, 2016
Thanks @Brooktrout, I will pursue both of those avenues. I chatted with a neighbour tonight who confirmed brook trout at a number of locations along the creek (some of which I've observed myself), so Trout Unlimited may be interested. I wouldn't have thought of them otherwise, so thanks again for that.
@Knuguy, I don't Facebook, but my wife does, and she's on it. She shared to a few community groups, and a few members of those shared it to other community groups. Slowly but surely.
Thanks again for the support here. I've read over a few land amendments that related to the last three years over the past week, and I've come away with the feeling that the entire idea is to keep the public in the dark as much as possible.
Group: Members
Posts: 1342
Member No.: 15807
Joined: March 11, 2018
Maybe also contact the folks at the Toronto Zoo (they are involved in amphibian and turtle conservation as well and if only to get information on the possible presence of species at risk in your area. 7 of Ontario's 8 native species of turtles are listed as Species at Risk, which is a federal thing (including the snapping turtle, which most fishermen have encountered I think). The Zoo has several programs including, Adopt-A-Pond, Ontario Turtle Tally, Urban Turtle Initiative and FrogWatch. You can call them at 416-392-5999; eml: aap@torontozoo.ca or visit their website: www.torontozoo.com/adpotapond. From there, you should be able to find someone that can maybe provide help. support or even just information about reports of various species maybe in your specific area. Another possible way to get more information is directly from the COSEWIC members (or at least first through their chairs for various groups of animals or plants)...they should be willing to provide you with a list of possible species at risk for your area if you are specific about your area. You can find their contacts here: https://cosewic.ca/index.php/en/about-us/co...ic-members.html Also don't forget about the other possible fish that maybe species-at-risk in the near future. Lake whitefish is on the a high priority candidate for assessment (although Lake Simcoe population is not - I don't know why). And there are other fish species that maybe in trouble (may or may not be using that creek)...think some of the lesser known species and minnow species that maybe easily missed. And possibly some rare plants too...for an expressway in Hamilton a few years back, the discovery of a poppy (rare in Canada but a bit more common in the US) and one of the species-at-risk salamanders (maybe Jefferson??) caused a big stink and uproar...ultimately, the expressway still got built but I don't know what mitigations had to be done to deal with the concerns.
Group: Members
Posts: 124
Member No.: 4898
Joined: November 27, 2013
Signed! Thanks for taking this matter on. With those population of minnows spawning in the creek I can see why you are concerned. Millions of hatchlings per year to feed those sports fish in the lake
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Sandy Cove Creek
