Latest news with #MECP
CBC
7 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Heat, lack of oxygen likely caused fish to die in a west-end Toronto pond: province
Social Sharing Provincial officials have deemed the sudden die-off of hundreds of fish in Toronto's Topham Pond as a naturally occurring event due to high temperatures and a lack of oxygen in the water. It comes after park management and residents last week discovered the pond in Eglinton Flats park teeming with the remains of several small and large fish. While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is waiting to see water quality results, it agreed with the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that the fish likely died from a lack of oxygen and changing temperatures. "Similar incidents have previously occurred elsewhere within TRCA's jurisdiction, particularly in shallow ponds, and are often associated with low oxygen levels or changes in water temperature," read a TRCA statement. It added that water quality samples had been collected and that the TRCA would continue to identify the exact factors behind the fish die-off. WATCH | CBC's Mercedes Gaztambide explains what happened at Topham Pond: Fish are suddenly dying off at this Toronto pond 1 day ago Duration 2:03 You may have seen photos and videos on social media of a Toronto pond teeming with dead fish. As CBC's Mercedes Gaztambide explains, the reason why is still a mystery. In a statement, the MECP said its own test results found no indications of a chemical spill in the area that killed off the fish. It said it had supervised the city this week during a clean-up of the pond's dead fish and had collected additional samples to validate the TRCA's upcoming results. The ministry expects its own results to be available later in July. David Clark with Toronto Urban Fishing Ambassador, which according to its website promotes recreational fishing in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, says he spoke with the MECP to understand what he witnessed at the pond. In an email, Clark said he took pictures of an oil-like substance on the pond's surface, which the ministry said is the result of decaying organic matter in die-off events. He said the ministry also agreed with him that the presence of phragmites, an invasive grass that causes damage to wetlands and beaches in North America, was likely making the situation worse. Clark is recommending officials look at ways to improve pond conditions, for example by removing phragmites that impede water circulation, "as well as floating the idea of a fountain or two to improve pond circulation and oxygenation."
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Two proposed developments could bring almost 850 units to Fergus
FERGUS — A Kitchener-based developer is hoping to construct almost 850 residential and mixed-use units just past the northern edge of town on Highway 6. According to planning justification reports from Up Consulting, Polocorp Inc. has applied for zoning bylaw amendments and official plan amendments from the County of Wellington and the Township of Centre Wellington to construct a residential development and a mixed-use development at 6581 Highway 6 and 968 St. David St. N. in Fergus. The properties are adjacent lands on the east side of Highway 6. Intended to form a collective community, the report notes that the St. David Street N. development is included in the Fergus Settlement Boundary and the applicant is hoping to include the Highway 6 property to create a complete, mixed-use community. 6581 Highway 6 Currently occupied by a heritage farmhouse, the development proposed for 6581 Highway 6 would see up to 535 units, comprised of 130 single detached dwellings (including an existing heritage farmhouse), 266 street townhouses, 125 medium density dwelling units, up to 14 mixed-use units for commercial or retail and a 2.2-acre park in the centre. Parking for single detached dwellings, street fronting and stacked townhouses would be provided by individual attached garages and surface parking spaces, with on-street parking available on four internal streets. Anticipated to generate 249 new trips in the peak morning time and 310 new trips in the evening peak times, a Traffic Impact Assessment said the additional traffic from the proposed development could worsen issues at the intersection of Highway 6 and Sideroad 18, Highway 6 and Sideroad 19 and St. David Street and Gordon Street. Although the report indicates no new traffic control signals are needed, it recommends a southbound left-turn lane on Highway 6 and that the township and Ministry of Transportation agree on whether to widen Highway 6 in the study area or provide a Highway 6 bypass to reduce through volumes. A noise feasibility study found that future road traffic sound levels are predicted to exceed MECP guidelines at the dwellings closest to the roadways and recommends installing acoustic barriers for those with flanking exposure to Highway 6 and air ventilation systems for those located further away. Noise warning clauses would be required for any dwellings with excessive sound levels. Regarding environmental impacts, an environmental impact study had several recommendations, including tree preservation strategies, erosion and sediment control measures, installing a bat rocketbox and artificial nesting structure for Barn Swallows, restoration and biodiversity enhancements and a tree protection and buffer zone. To mitigate loss of farmland, the report recommends phasing development and keeping any prime agricultural lands in production until the land is needed for development. 968 St. David St. N. Also currently occupied by a heritage farmhouse that's proposed to be maintained, the St. David Street North development is proposing approximately 221-323 units, with 62-88 single detached dwellings, 80-118 street townhouses, 71-102 medium density dwelling units, 8-14 mixed-use units and a centrally-located 1.97 acre park connected to the other development. Parking for single detached dwellings and street fronting townhouse dwellings would be provided via individual garages attached to each unit, while surface parking spaces are proposed for the stacked townhouses. Anticipated to generate 219 new trips in the peak morning hours and 301 new trips in the peak evening times, a traffic impact assessment identified potential capacity issues at the intersections of Highway 6 and Sideroad 19 and St. David Street and Gordon Street, as well as the intersections of Highway 6 and Sideroad 18, and Highway 6 and a future internal road. Several improvements are recommended, including traffic control signals and southbound, eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes at Highway 6 and Sideroad 18 and a southbound left-turn lane at Highway 6 and one of the development's internal streets. Since the site contains significant natural heritage features in the northeast portion, an Environmental Impact Study recommends several actions to minimize or avoid potential negative effects, including a 10-metre buffer and a stormwater management pond adjacent to the wetland. Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
866-unit subdivision being proposed for the outskirts of Arthur
ARTHUR – A proposed housing development could bring almost 900 new residential lots to Arthur in the coming years. Developer Tribute/Sorbara Arthur Holdings Inc. has applied for an official plan bylaw amendment to construct 866 housing units on 55.34 hectares at 665 Eliza St. and a vacant lot west of Eliza Street, a rural spot just northeast of the town proper. The applicant is seeking an Official Plan amendment and zoning changes to permit the development to redesignate the subject lands from 'future development' to 'residential'. Currently occupied by a farmstead and cropland with frontage on Eliza Street, the development is proposed to comprise 504 single detached residential units, 114 semi-detached residential lots, 249 street townhouse units, parks, a stormwater management pond, a well and a sanitary pumping station. 'The proposed development will transform agricultural and low-density residential land into a community with housing, parks, and essential infrastructure,' said the planning justification report. According to the report, the development will not include affordable housing units and is instead proposing a range of housing types to ensure 'broader housing options for people in different life stages.' A noise compatibility assessment found existing and future industrial uses to the south and northeast of the development may exceed the MECP noise limits, but is feasible with 'appropriate noise mitigation measures' like forced air ventilation, noise barriers of up to six metres, redesignating the area, and/or warning clauses in property agreements. Proposed to have access to Eliza Street and Macaulay Street, which remains unopened, the report says the existing and future road connections and future internal road network will accommodate the daily anticipated traffic levels of 478 and 646 vehicle trips. A future signal installation at Eliza and Tucker may be considered. Given Arthur's servicing constraints, the development will require a new sewage pumping station and an upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant, which the report proposes should be included in the township's final municipal strategy. A new well is proposed at the intersection of Macaulay and Wells Street. While a buffer zone with parks is proposed between the residential units and nearby dust emission sources at Clark Brothers Contracting and Teeswater Concrete Ltd. to alleviate future air quality issues, the proposed development is considered adequately distanced from nearby industrial and agricultural cities to avoid negative impacts on air quality and unpleasant smells. Since Farley Creek crosses the site, 2.62 hectares is proposed to be preserved as a protected natural environmental area. With two elementary schools, a private school and no high school located near the site, local school boards have been asked to identify the existing school capacity. The full report is available here . Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
CBC
06-05-2025
- CBC
GFL facing 10 provincial charges over stinky Stoney Creek dump
GFL Environmental has been charged with 10 violations under the Environmental Protection Act related to its stinky dump in Stoney Creek. Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) spokesperson Gary Wheeler said the charges were laid on April 11, after an investigation by the ministry. The alleged offences happened between August 17, 2021 and November 24, 2023, he said. "The charges relate to the alleged discharge of a contaminant, namely odour and total reduced sulphur compounds, into the environment causing an adverse effect, and failing to comply with a ministry approval by failing to operate a waste management site as required," Wheeler told CBC Hamilton in an email. An appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice related to the case is expected on May 15, he added. If convicted, the company would face fines under the act. 'Exceeding the standard' Starting in 2023, residents around the GFL Stoney Creek Regional Facility have been reporting strong, at times overwhelming, "rotten fish-like," "sulphuric," and "chemical" smells. Residents previously told CBC Hamilton the smells have had negative impacts not only on neighbours' ability to enjoy outdoor spaces in the area around the 65 Green Mountain Rd. W. dump, but also on their health, with some reporting headaches and nausea. The MECP said previously the smell is due to leachate, a chemical stew of potentially toxic liquid, that came up while building a new landfill cell. Wheeler said the 10 violations are: One count each of discharging, causing or allowing the discharge of: odour and total reduced sulphur compounds into the environment that caused or was likely to cause an adverse effect. One count each of failing to comply with an Environmental Compliance Approval by: allowing odour to become a nuisance, allowing leachate to exceed legal limits and allowing waste to be dumped higher than the legal limit. Five counts of causing or allowing the emission of total reduced sulfur compounds "exceeding the standard," where and when people frequent. "Environmental compliance officers continue to attend the GFL Stoney Creek Regional Facility site and surrounding residential areas regularly in response to odour complaints," Wheeler said. "The ministry continues to engage with GFL to ensure that they are taking all possible steps to minimize odour impacts." GFL also facing fines, provincial officer's orders The MECP also issued an "environmental penalty" to GFL on April 28 for three events in August and September of last year where "landfill operations were confirmed as the source of odour impacts in the surrounding community." The penalty is $5,000 for each event, for a total of $15,000, said Wheeler. The Stoney Creek facility is also under two provincial officer's orders. One to reduce leachate levels and conduct air monitoring and another to "take actions" to lower waste piles currently above the maximum legal heights. "Most of the waste piles, including those that are most visible from the surrounding community, were addressed by the end of 2024. The remaining historical waste piles above the maximum permitted height will be relocated to new waste cells by December 2025," said Wheeler. Council to look into giving tax breaks to neighbours In late February, councillors voted unanimously at general issues committee to have staff look into providing area rating relief or any other tax relief to Upper Stoney Creek residents living within a three kilometre radius of the dump. Tenysha Graham, a neighbour of the area, delegated then and said the stench is "causing unmistakable harm to our community." "We are unable to use our backyards and children are unable to use community playgrounds," Graham said at the committee meeting. Councillors also voted unanimously to look into "legal options available to the city" in relation to residents' concerns, including a possible temporary closure of the site. Both motions were put forward by Ward 9 councillor Brad Clark, who said since November 2023, when the province strengthened penalties to landfills that contravene environmental laws, GFL has responded to odours by saying they're not at fault.
CBC
01-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Less than 30% of Ontario's drinking water from private wells was tested last year, auditor general finds
Social Sharing Less than one-third of the 1.3 million Ontario residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water had it tested within the last twelve months, says a report by the province's auditor general. In her report released on Monday, Shelley Spence called the low testing rates "troubling" and found it's partly due to a lack of awareness among private well owners about free water testing services available to them — along with owners not knowing risks of drinking untested water. "It is very concerning because water is part of a flow, so there can be very different sources of water coming into those wells and things can change," Spence told CBC's Afternoon Drive on Monday. "It is really important for both the owners of small drinking water systems and private wells to get their water tested frequently." Small drinking water systems are non-municipal systems that serve public facilities like hotels, restaurants or churches, and they are overseen by local public health units (PHU). There are approximately 500,000 private wells at cottages, farms and other residences across the province. Unlike other non-municipal water systems, they are not regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), meaning it's up to owners to have the water tested. A 2021 Statistics Canada survey found that 40 per cent of private well owners in Ontario don't treat their water, making the lack of testing riskier, the report said. Some public health studies have suggested users of private wells are more prone to waterborne illnesses than individuals who get their drinking water from municipal systems. That lack of testing exposes Ontarians to health risks such as gastrointestinal illness and other serious health effects, including death. It can also result in significant financial costs due to hospitalizations, doctor visits and lost work days. "Drinking water can have contaminants such as biological issues," Spence said. "We've all heard of E-coli being in water, it can also have particle issues like having nitrates or lead in the drinking water which can have long-term and short-term effects for people using that water source." Over the past decade, 98 per cent of drinking water tests from non-municipal systems have met Ontario's Drinking Water Quality Standards. The lack of testing at private wells is very concerning and can pose significant health risks for people, said Aina DeViet, vice-chair of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "There are a lot of people who aren't getting their wells tested regularly. It's very important to have it done, so I find that to be a really frightening statistic," said DeViet about the low testing rate. DeViet, who also uses private well in Middlesex County, said some residents are very organized and keep records of their water tests, but others aren't aware of how often they should be monitoring their water. She believes a joint educational effort between health units and municipalities can help bring awareness to communities, she said. "Maybe it's something local health units should take on and they could work with municipalities they support," she said. "We could help them with campaign websites to make sure our residents know. We have a number of channels we can use so we could help get it out." Lack of staffing, resources causes inspection backlog Ontario's Ministry of Health requires PHUs to inspect low and moderate-risk small drinking water systems at least once every four years and high-risk systems every two years. The auditor general's report found 52 per cent of the 33 PHUs didn't inspect all systems as required, with some backlogs dating more than five years. The backlogs are due to a lack of inspectors and a heavier workload with them require to inspect municipal sewage and stormwater systems. The report said MECP is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance but lacks capacity to regularly inspect them. It regulates 1,800 systems and 34 per cent of those haven't been checked in more than five years and nine per cent haven't been checked in seven years, including a community college that provides drinking water to 2,500 people. At the time of the audit, MECP had backlog of 73,800 well records not properly processed and updated to the Ministry's wells database. The auditor general made a number of recommendations to the province, including Ministry of Health and MECP working together to increase the frequency of inspections, and public health units using their enforcement powers to get people to comply with testing guidelines. "We really do need to do our part in getting the water tested and hold the government responsible for making sure people are informed as to how to go about getting their drinking water tested and using those enforcement tools to make sure people who are supposed to be doing this are actually doing it," said Spence.
