Letter to the Editor

The following is a summary of the proposal for Hamleys Developments Inc.'s (Metrus) to place and grade surplus topsoil from their Noble Ridge Project onto lands known as Part of Lots 8, 9, 10, Concession 8, Township of King, Regional Municipality of York part of Part 1 on Plan 65R-29561, owned by TRCA (former Slokker property), a portion of which is managed by the Region of York.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is considering this proposal in accordance with our agreement of purchase and sale with Slokker Canada, whereby they would be permitted to relocate topsoil from the Noble Ridge project to the table land portion (generally the farmed area) of the lands TRCA acquired from Slokker. This was agreed to in recognition of a significant reduction in the purchase price by Slokker Canada. Slokker Canada has recently sold their Noble Ridge Project to Metrus.

Metrus and TRCA began discussions regarding the topsoil replacement about six weeks ago, and we have agreed on the area that will receive the topsoil and how they will access the site. Generally, the proposal is to spread one meter of topsoil evenly across the area defined and as a result the general shape of the land will be maintained. A temporary crossing of the valley will be permitted. This is the most efficient way to move the topsoil. All the work will be kept within the former Slokker lands, and as a result there will be no truck traffic on the roads. At the end of the project, the valley crossing will be restored and a grass cover established on the area where the topsoil is placed. The proposal has been reviewed by TRCA technical staff and the work is being carried out in accordance with our best management practices. We feel a net environmental gain will be achieved.

Following is a more detailed outline of the project: • To place and grade an estimated 170,000 to 200,000 cubic metres of topsoil at no cost to TRCA or York Region on the lands noted above. • Prepare and submit grading, valley crossings and restoration plans to be approved by both TRCA and York Region Forestry Services. • Install sediment and erosion controls as per approved control drawings. • Install a temporary culvert crossing in the proposed north valley location as per Schaeffers drawings. The crossing is to be completely removed, including full restoration of the valley crossing once the topsoil placement work is completed. • Strip topsoil from the west side of valley and move by scraper to the east side (estimate approximately 50 working days using eight scrapers). • Place topsoil as per approved topsoil placement drawings, staying 20 meters clear of all known archaeological sites and 30 meters from Provincially Significant Wetlands, as per the approved grading drawings. • Monitor sediment and erosion controls in accordance with TRCA and York Region policy until project areas are completely restored to the satisfaction of TRCA. • Remove and dispose of the abandoned barn structure, less the foundation. • Remove and dispose of the abandoned vehicles and culverts from the existing valley crossing area and restoration of the crossing. • Restoration of fill area by planting soy beans or other suitable crops. The area will be tilled to an existing condition or better. • Placement areas could be farmed once, with 10 to 15 acres at grade and weather conditions that are suitable for planting. Every attempt will be made to plant these areas as soon as possible. • Metrus will enter into a two year farm lease arrangement with TRCA to ensure that restorative farming occurs within the topsoil placement area. • Remove all sediment and erosion control fences once development work is completed and restoration is well established. • Metrus to make a cash payment of $46,700 to York Region for additional plant material.

If you have any question regarding the topsoil relocation project, please do not hesitate to contact either Mike Fenning at (416) 661- 6600, ext. 5223 or Ron Dewell at (416) 661-6600, ext. 5245.

As a board member of TRCA, I will continue to monitor and address any further concerns.

Linda Pabst, Councillor, Ward 3,