[All] Barrie's Lake update & Cambridge Workshop

Tue May 5 18:17:01 EDT 2015

Hi Greg
The lake is essentially in the middle of a big bowl. Right now there is active farming on these regionally owned properties plus the proposed subdivision that would encroach within the capture zone. 
In the attachment is a map of the topography showing the water flow from the proposed subdivision area to the pond. This data was produced by Meritech and was included in the EEAC report on page 42 here back in December 2013:  http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regionalGovernment/resources/KA2013-1217.pdf

I had the chance to meet with Mr. Horne and other planning officials at the Region including hydrology staff and those involved with the Highland Ridge subdivision process. This took place in between the time Cambridge passed the plan and Regional approval was given. Connie Cody, Sue Stubley, Laura Rocha, Temara Brown and I had the chance to state our concerns about the project in an hour long QA session with Regional staff. 
The Region openly admits the topography issues and they're trying to reduce risks by implementing an SWM pond with cooling underground feature to add a bit more filtration but in the end, urban runoff with brine still ends up in the Lake and that violates ROPP policy, SARA and Ontario Endangered Species Act. It was the exact same issue as the West Side Lands in regards to vernal pond 12. The way the law is crafted, NOTHING can disturb the capture zones of these ponds. This is to maintain water flow, flow rate, water temperature etc.  

RARE has all four varieties of the Jefferson salamander complex already confirmed on site. I have that data. This property sits in the natural corridor just to the south. 
I asked when critical habitat delineation will occur to protect the known Jefferson Salamanders & hybrids in this area.The Region states it will take place within the final design phase but that idea is non compliant to provincial and federal laws as written.
Here is the latest MNR information published in 2015 specific to Jefferson Salamander recovery strategies. The total number of Jefferson Salamanders in Ontario is unknown, but COSEWIC (2010) estimated that there may be fewer than 2,500 adults.
http://registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=BC7CA8A7-1
Ontario populations are in the most northern areas for these species. This is the most likely habitat to allow the species to survive in the age of climate change if we can reasonably protect the lands.  

Drought is already a known risk for the US Midwest http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/07/3434933/national-climate-assessment-midwest/
US habitat areas are already contaminated with high concentrations of atrazine which is likely tampering with the ability of these animals to breed. http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Herbicide_spurs_reproductive_problems_in_many_animals_999.html

For the Region to allow a corn field in the capture zone of Barrie's Lake on Regionally owned properties is a VERY bad idea.
The habitat mapping is needed now before land augmentation to protect and preserve these species for the long term. 
Lulu 
      From: Gregory C. Michalenko <gcmichalenko at uwaterloo.ca>
 To: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> 
Cc: "all at gren.ca" <all at gren.ca> 
 Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 2:26 PM
 Subject: RE: [All] Barrie's Lake update & Cambridge Workshop

The Region of Waterloo did a good job of allocating money and putting in the nesting beds for the turtles to provide an alternative to the hazards they have faced - it's not often that they are looked after in this way.  Unfortunately, the farmer has messed it up.  Why didn't you inform the Region, since they have a stake in this project which they initiated?  I believe there was a good measure of consultation in planning for the turtle nests - it certainly came to the attention of two groups I'm associated with.  We need to help the Region succeed in this new kind of initiative and expand the program to other  areas where it might be needed.  The Region is a good ally on this one.
I think you may be confusing the Highland Ridge West subdivision on the south side of the railway tracks that flank the southern edge of Barrie's lake, and the Cambridge West Master Environmental Servicing Plan on the north side, where Barrie's Lake is.  I was on the EEAC subcommittee that devoted considerable work to evaluating the Highland Ridge subdivision plans and twice sent it back for revision and additional studies, including hydrology.  The only species of interest that showed up in that study was pin oak, and the protection of those trees is ensured.  This is all on the public record.
- Greg Michalenko

From: All [all-bounces at gren.ca] on behalf of Louisette Lanteigne [butterflybluelu at rogers.com]
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2015 11:47 PM
To: GREN >
Subject: [All] Barrie's Lake update & Cambridge Workshop

Hi folks
I filed a formal complaint using the MNR tip line earlier last week to flag the issue of the lack of critical habitat delineation prior to approval of Highland Ridge West subdivision. The call was made before I saw the photos of the turtle habitat destruction around Barrie's Lake.  I was able to give them the update about that, how the tractor ran over breeding areas and how corn is being planted right up to the edge of the nesting zone. 

I told the MNR official how both farming activities and the subdivision are all happening within the capture zone of the lake. The area is naturally a giant basin really. I visited it last week to do a litter clean up. I was on the site and a small plane flew over my head as I was picking up the trash. 10 minutes later a Police forensic van pulls up beside me with a cop asking me what I'm doing there. I simply pointed to the pile of unbagged garbage and told him I was cleaning up the litter. I found it rather odd. I was standing there in mom jeans and fluorescent pink T-shirt with trash in my hands. I'm thinking he's a forensic officer. Did he really have to ask? Either way he gave me a thumbs up and off he went. 
So back to that conversation with the MNR officer. I offered to show them mapping featuring the direction of flow to the pond but they said it won't be needed because they have their own topography maps. I noted how previous EIS reports for this area note the presence of several Species At Risk and how it inspired the Part II order requests submitted with the MOE regarding the Cambridge Master Environmental Servicing Plan regarding these same lands. 
I put the focus on Jefferson Salamanders in particular because they are the ones most documented in the EA reports and their habitat range would afford greater protection than other species because they are bound to the pond of their birth and unlike many of the animals listed, the criteria for habitat delineation is already complete and enshrined in the Ontario Endangered Species Act.  The law protects 300m around breeding ponds plus 1km habitat range and the protection of surrounding ponds for population expansion.
So the MNR is going to review all this thank heavens. I'm hoping if the critical habitat maps are drawn, it will afford Barrie's Lake and surrounding natural features with the protection it deserves while negating the need to continue towards a full OMB hearing.  
I'll keep you updated.
In the mean time, there is an important workshop happening THIS THURSDAY in Cambridge to discuss the strategic master plan. This spot is the best time speak out about the need to protect ecological areas, avoid pit risks to aquifers and push for sustainability objectives. Details here: 
http://www.cambridge.ca/the_office_of_the_chief_administrative_officer/cambridge_connected_our_voice_our_vision

Have a good one folks!
Lulu :0)

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