Lakeview Waterfront Connection Environmental Assessment project features extensive community engagement

As a follow-up to a recent post regarding community engagement processes connected with the Lakeview Waterfront Connection Environmental Assessment project, below is an excerpt [to which I have added notes in square brackets] from an August 12, 2013 email message from Kate Hayes, Manager, Ecosystem Restoration, Credit Valley Conservation.

Excerpt from August 12, 2013 message from Kate Hayes:

On the right is Kate Hayes, Manager, Ecosystem Restoration, Credit Valley Conservation, at the August 5, 2013 Information Display at Marie Curtis Park. On the left, outside of the frame, is Alexis Wood of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Jaan Pill photo

On left at August 5, 2012 Information Display: Janice Hatton is the Project Lead for the Lakeview Waterfront Connection representing the Region of Peel. On right: Alexis Wood is involved with the project on behalf of Toronto and Region Conservation. Jaan Pill photo

In terms of additional background information, the LWCEA [Lakeview Waterfront Connection Environmental Assessment] is following the Individual Environmental Assessment process as prescribed by the Ministry of Environment for large-scale and complex projects. That process includes the following key steps with additional detail found here. [Click on link in previous sentence to access the relevant document.]

1. Proponent submits a terms of reference

· sets out the scope and study boundaries for the EA

2. Proponent prepares an environmental assessment

· the EA document includes the identification and evaluation of alternatives, their environmental effects, impact mitigation and management measures, and record of consultation.

3. Proponent submits an environmental assessment

4. Ministry coordinates public, Aboriginal communities and government comments

5. Ministry prepares the Ministry Review

6. Public inspection of the Ministry Review

7. Minister’s decision

8. Proponent implements the project and monitors for compliance

On left, facing camera, at August 5, 2013 Information Display: Alexis Wood of Toronto and Region Conservation. On right: Kate Hayes, Manager, Ecosystem Restoration, Credit Valley Conservation. Jaan Pill photo

Consultation is a mandatory and important aspect related to both the Terms of Reference (TOR) and the Environmental Assessment (EA). Specific to the LWCEA, key milestones completed to-date include:

1. The TOR [terms of reference] for the LWCEA was initiated in February 2012 and benefited from the findings of the Feasibility Study, with associated consultation including: two Public Information Centres; two Community Liaison Committee Meetings; two Technical Advisory Committee Meetings; and status update letters distributed to Local Businesses in the Project Study Area key points in the process.

The Study Area for the LWCEA is found here. [Click on link in previous sentence.]

The draft TOR [terms of reference] was submitted to the Ministry of Environment on July 27th, 2012 for a 30 day comment period, with summary comments for the draft TOR are found here. [Click on link in previous sentence.]

The MOE [Ministry of Environment] approved the TOR [terms of reference] with no conditions on December 5th, 2012.

2. The Notice of Commencement for the LWCEA was issued on January 2nd, 2013 and the formal Individual Environmental Assessment for the Lakeview Waterfront Connection was initiated, with formal consultation completed to-date including the following [see list below] and associated resulting comments from both formal and informal public input summarized in the attached [document]:

[The document referred to is this one:

Summary of Questions and Comments for LWC EA_Aug122013]

Public Information Centres:

January 22, 2013
April 3, 2013

Community Liaison Committee Meetings

October 9, 2012
January 14, 2013
March 19, 2013

Direct Community Engagement (completed and proposed)

Waterfront Festival: June 14 and 15, 2013

Marie Curtis Park:

July 24, 2013
July 27, 2013
August 5, 2013
August 18, 2013

Lakefront Promenade Park:

July 27, 2013
August 10, 2013
August 24, 2013

Lakeview Ratepayers Community Association: September 14, 2013

Doors Open Mississauga: September 28, 2013

Letters to Local Businesses in the Project Study Area:

December 28, 2012
March 20, 2013

Technical Advisory Committee Meetings:

January 14, 2013
March 18, 2013

The August 5, 2013 Information Display was set up at a short ways east of the pedestrian bridge that crosses the current channelized version of Etobicoke Creek at Marie Curtis Park. Jaan Pill photo

[End of excerpt of message from Kate Hayes, Manager, Ecosystem Restoration, Credit Valley Conservation]

Comment

The message refers to the September 28, 2013, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Doors Open Mississauga event at the Small Arms Building at Dixie and Lakeshore Road East. This is a well-attended annual event. It’s anticipated that over 3,000 people will attend this year.