6.             LOWER RIDEAU WATERSHED STRATEGY

 

                          STRATÉGIE DE GESTION DU BASSIN HYDROGRAPHIQUE DU BAS-RIDEAU

           

 
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That Council:

 

1.         Endorse the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy as outlined in Document 3;

 

2.         Direct staff to prepare an implementation plan for the City's component of the strategy, including any 2008 operating and capital budget pressures, for Council approval in 2007

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS DU Comité DE L’URBANISME ET DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET DU COMITÉ DE L’AGRICULTURE ET DES QUESTIONS RURALES

 

Que le Conseil municipal :

 

1.         approuve la stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau;

 

2.         demande au personnel de préparer un plan de mise en œuvre pour la composante de la Stratégie qui relève de la Ville, y compris les pressions sur le budget de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations 2008, pour approbation du conseil municipal en 2007.

 

 

 

Documentation

 

1.                  A/Deputy City Manager, Planning and Growth Management report dated 13 oCTOBER 2006 (ACS2006-PGM-POL-0080).

 

2.         Extract of Draft Minutes 35, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting of October 26, 2006.

 


Report to/Rapport au :

 

Planning and Environment Committee

Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement

 

and / et

 

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Comité de l'agriculture et des questions rurales

 

and Council / et au Conseil

 

13 October 2006 / le 13 octobre 2006

 

Submitted by/Soumis par : John L. Moser,

Acting Deputy City Manager/Directeur municipal adjoint par intérim,

Planning and Growth Management/Urbanisme et Gestion de la croissance 

 

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Carol Christensen, Manager

Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy/

Politiques d’urbanisme, d’environnement et d’infrastructure

(613) 580-2424 x, Carol.Christensen@ottawa.ca

 

City-wide

Ref N°: ACS2006-PGM-POL-0080

 

 

SUBJECT:

LOWER RIDEAU WATERSHED STRATEGY

 

 

OBJET :

STRATÉGIE DE GESTION DU BASSIN HYDROGRAPHIQUE DU BAS-RIDEAU

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Planning and Environment Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council:

 

1.                  Endorse the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy as outlined in Document 3;

 

2.                  Direct staff to prepare an implementation plan for the City's component of the strategy, including any 2008 operating and capital budget pressures, for Council approval in 2007

 

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement et le Comité de l’agriculture et des questions rurales recommandent que le Conseil municipal :

 

1.         approuve la stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau;

 

2.         demande au personnel de préparer un plan de mise en œuvre pour la composante de la Stratégie qui relève de la Ville, y compris les pressions sur le budget de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations 2008, pour approbation du conseil municipal en 2007.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Assumptions and Analysis:

 

Background

The Rideau River has been a focal point of the area since the decision to build a strategic waterway in 1812.  Each study and resulting initiatives reflect the understanding and priorities of the day.  Studies completed in 1983 and 1992 focused on water quality issues in the urban area with bacteria (e-coli) being the primary concern.

 

Extensive works over the past 30 years have resulted in dramatic improvements in bacterial related water quality issues in the Rideau.  In recent years, the swimming water quality at Mooney’s Bay has been better than the objectives in the order of 95% of the time.  This is exceptional performance for an urban beach.  Recent studies have taken a holistic approach to looking at the state of the river.  The approaches included a range of ecological indicators and physical characteristics in addition to water quality.  Based on the reports, the river is in relatively good shape but in need of protection.  The greatest threats are the cumulative impacts on the 1,571 km of tributaries that feed and support the Rideau.

 

The amalgamation of the City of Ottawa provided a fresh opportunity to bring all three levels of government agencies together to look at the Lower Rideau Watershed.  It was recognized that the approach to managing the Rideau needed to be expanded from the main river corridor-water quality-public health and recreation focus to a holistic watershed approach conforming to City, Provincial, and Fenderal policies and directions.

 

Participation

The Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy project was initiated in 2002, led by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and funded by the City of Ottawa.  Active participation by many partners including Provincial and Federal agencies was achieved through representation at both the Steering Committee (SC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).  Input from the public was received through open houses, meetings with a ‘Watershed Community Focus Group’ and a survey of Rideau River shoreline landowners.  The strategy was developed and extensive dialog facilitated by Robinson Consultants Inc and Aquafor Beech Limited, the consultant team retained for the project. 

 

Existing Conditions and Factors Affecting Watershed Health

Recent studies show that the 71 km of the Lower Rideau River (Document 1 Study Area) exhibit moderately good conditions.  In contrast, the 1,571 km of tributaries to the Lower Rideau are typically in relatively poor condition.  The health of the Rideau River depends on the health of its tributaries.  The tributaries provide critical spawning habitat, food supply, important sediment supplies, and the water that is the Rideau River.

 

Four main messages received from public input about existing conditions on the Rideau were:

·        there are excessive weeds in the Rideau

·        there is concern over boat speed, noise, and wake

·        there is a lack of coordination and consistency when agencies deal with landowners

·        there is a lack of science based reporting

 

The Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy

A strategy is a long-term plan of action designed to achieve a goal and set of objectives.  The goal and objectives of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy are presented in Table 1 in the main body of this report.  The list of identified issues with required management actions was established for each objective (Document 2, Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Final Report).  When organized by major themes the result is five action plans (Table 2 main body of this report) to be implemented by working groups as follows:

·        Public Education and Community Outreach

·        Managing Inputs of Nutrients, Bacteria and Other Contaminants

·        Revitalizing River and Stream Corridors

·        Integrated Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

·        Fine-tuning Controls of Water Levels and Flows

 

Implementation Framework

The implementation framework is designed to improve the coordination and consistency among agencies.  A Steering Committee, comprised of senior management from all participating agencies, will provide general oversight and direction.  An implementation committee, comprised of the chair of each working group, will be responsible for the terms of reference for the working groups, will ensure regular coordination between groups and agencies, and will report to the Steering Committee. Further information on implementation is provided in Document 3 - the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Executive Summary.

 

Next Steps at the City of Ottawa

Implementing the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy will lead to changes throughout the City.  Initiatives at the City that are identified in the strategy include:

·        update the stormwater management guidelines, currently under review as part of the Stormwater Strategy

·        prioritize and accelerate the completion of subwatershed studies

·        coordinate environmental monitoring and reporting efforts

·        coordinate efforts on Source Water Protection with the Conservation Authorities

·        increased effort in identifying and correcting pollution sources (search and destroy)

·        support public education and rural stewardship initiatives

 

A review of existing rural incentive programs will be undertaken to determine gaps and needs as it relates to strategy priorities with input from the rural community.  Environmental and operations benefits to the rural property owner can be achieved through adoption of best management practices, however, financial incentives are critical. 

 

In parallel to the integrated implementation plan for the Strategy, staff will prepare an implementation plan that addresses City specific issues and needs.  The City Implementation plan will include:

·        further definition of respective roles and responsibilities at the Department, Branch, and Division levels within the City

·        work programs and associated timelines

·        consultation with management in identified Departments, Branches and Divisions to obtain consensus on any changes to standards of practice required to implement the strategy

·        incorporation of recommendations into work plans and budgets, with reports to committee and council as required

 

What Council Endorsement of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Means

Council’s endorsement of the strategy means that the City has considered the recommendations of the report and it agrees with:

·        what the strategy identifies as important issues to deal with in the Lower Rideau Watershed and its management

·        the goal statement and watershed management objectives

·        the strategic direction in terms of the suggested management actions and priorities

·        the implementation framework that is recommended in the strategy for facilitating collaborative effort amongst numerous agencies, organizations and individuals

 

With endorsement of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy by all the participating agencies, a ‘Tabloid’ version of the strategy (Document 4, Lower Rideau Reader) will be published for general distribution and distribution to all land owners along the Rideau River and along the tributaries to the Rideau.

 

Financial Implications:

 

The 2008 Departmental Work Plan, Operating and Capital budgets will incorporate the needs for the implementation phase of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy.  It is anticipated that most of the needs will be met through existing resources and budget envelops, with updated priorities and standards of practice rather than the need for additional resources. 

 

Public Consultation/Input:

 

The primary consultation process for developing this strategy consisted of regular working group meetings of the participating agencies.  Public consultation consisted of two public meetings and five meetings of the Watershed Community Focus Group.  A survey of Rideau River shoreline landowners provided additional input to the strategy.  One presentation was made to Planning and Environment Committee, and three presentations were given to City of Ottawa staff.  A special edition of the RVCA Newsletter ‘Around the Rideau’ provided notification of the completion of the report, with publication of the executive summary of the report on the RVCA web site.

 

RÉSUMÉ

Hypothèses et analyse :

Contexte

La rivière Rideau est un point de mire de la région depuis la décision de construire une voie d'eau stratégique en 1812. Les études et initiatives connexes reflètent la compréhension et les priorités de leur époque. Les études réalisées en 1983 et 1992 ont mis l'accent sur les questions de qualité de l'eau dans la zone urbaine, les bactéries (E. coli) étant la cause principale des préoccupations.

Les importants travaux réalisés au cours des 30 dernières années ont entraîné des améliorations considérables de la qualité de l'eau sur le plan des bactéries dans la rivière Rideau. Au cours des dernières années, la qualité de l'eau de baignade à Mooney’s Bay a surpassé les objectifs 95 % du temps. Il s'agit d'un résultat exceptionnel pour une plage urbaine. Les études récentes ont adopté une méthode globale d'examen de l'état de la rivière. La méthode englobait un éventail d'indicateurs écologiques et de caractéristiques physiques en plus de la qualité de l'eau. À la lumière des rapports, la rivière est en relativement bon état mais a besoin de protection. Les plus grandes menaces sont les effets cumulatifs sur les 1 571 km d'affluents qui alimentent et soutiennent la rivière Rideau.

La fusion de la Ville d’Ottawa a fourni une nouvelle occasion de rassembler les organismes des trois paliers de gouvernements pour qu'ils examinent le bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau. On a reconnu que la méthode de gestion de la rivière Rideau devait être élargie. Au lieu d'être axée sur le corridor de la rivière principale, la qualité de l'eau, la santé publique et les loisirs, elle doit plutôt faire place à une méthode englobant tout le bassin hydrographique conformément aux politiques et directives de la Ville, de la province et du gouvernement fédéral.

Participation

Le projet de Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau, entrepris en 2002, est dirigé par l'Office de protection de la nature de la vallée Rideau et financé par la Ville d'Ottawa. La participation active de nombreux partenaires, dont des organismes provinciaux et fédéraux, a été obtenue au moyen de la représentation au Comité directeur et au Comité consultatif technique (CCT). On a obtenu des commentaires du public au moyen de réunions publiques, de rencontres avec un « groupe de discussion de la collectivité du bassin hydrographique » et d'un sondage auprès des propriétaires riverains de la rivière Rideau. La Stratégie a été élaborée, et un dialogue approfondi a été facilité par Robinson Consultants Inc et Aquafor Beech Limited, l'équipe de consultants engagée pour le projet.

Conditions et facteurs touchant l'état du bassin hydrographique

De récentes études indiquent que les 71 km du Bas-Rideau (Document 1 – Zone d'étude) sont dans un assez bon état. Par opposition, les 1 571 km d'affluents du Bas-Rideau sont généralement dans un état relativement mauvais. L'état de la rivière Rideau dépend de l'état de ses affluents. Les affluents fournissent des frayères essentielles, l'approvisionnement en nourriture, d'importants dépôts de sédiments ainsi que l'eau qui constitue la rivière Rideau.

Voici les quatre principaux messages reçus du public au sujet des conditions actuelles de la rivière Rideau :

·        il y a trop de mauvaises herbes dans la rivière Rideau

·        la vitesse, le bruit et le sillage des bateaux sont une source de préoccupations

·        il y a un manque de coordination et d'uniformité lorsque les organismes traitent avec les propriétaires

·        il y a un manque d'information scientifique

La Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau

Une stratégie est un plan d'action à long terme visant l'atteinte d'un but et d'un ensemble d'objectifs. Le but et les objectifs de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau sont exposés au tableau 1 dans le corps du présent rapport. La liste des questions énoncées requérant des mesures de gestion a été établie pour chaque objectif (Document 2 – Rapport final sur la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau). La catégorisation en thèmes majeurs donne lieu à cinq plans d'action (Tableau 2, corps du présent rapport), que les groupes de travail doivent mettre en œuvre de la manière suivante :

·        Information du public et sensibilisation de la collectivité

·        Gestion de l'entrée de nutriants, de bactéries et d'autres contaminants

·        Revitalisation de la rivière et des corridors de cours d'eau

·        Information et suivi environnemental intégré

·        Contrôles précis des niveaux et des débits d'eau

Cadre de mise en œuvre

Le cadre de mise en œuvre est conçu pour améliorer la coordination et l'uniformité entre les organismes. Le Comité directeur, composé des membres de la haute direction de tous les organismes participants, fournira une supervision et des directives générales. Le Comité de mise en œuvre, composé des présidents des groupes de travail, sera chargé des mandats des groupes de travail, veillera à la coordination régulière entre les groupes et les organismes et rendra des comptes au Comité directeur. De plus amples renseignements sur la mise en œuvre sont fournis dans le Document 3 – Résumé de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau.

Prochaines étapes à la Ville d’Ottawa

La mise en œuvre de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau entraînera des changements au sein de toute la Ville. La Stratégie énonce notamment les initiatives municipales suivantes :

·        mettre à jour les lignes directrices sur la gestion des eaux pluviales, qui font actuellement l'objet d'un examen dans le cadre de la stratégie sur les eaux pluviales

·        accorder la priorité aux études sur le sous-bassin hydrographique et en accélérer l'achèvement

·        coordonner les mesures d'information et de suivi environnementaux

·        coordonner les mesures de protection des bassins hydrographiques avec les autorités de protection de la nature

·        prendre davantage de mesures pour relever et éliminer les sources de pollution (chercher et détruire)

·        appuyer les initiatives d'information du public et d'intendance rurale

On entreprendra un examen des programmes d'incitatifs ruraux actuels pour déterminer les lacunes et les besoins relatifs aux priorités stratégiques à l'aide des observations de la collectivité rurale. L'adoption de pratiques exemplaires de gestion peut apporter des bénéfices environnementaux et opérationnels aux propriétaires ruraux, mais les incitatifs financiers sont essentiels.

Parallèlement au plan de mise en œuvre intégré de la Stratégie, le personnel préparera un plan de mise en œuvre visant les questions et besoins propres à la Ville. Le plan de mise en œuvre de la Ville comportera :

·        une définition plus précise des rôles et responsabilités des services, des directions et des divisions de la Ville

·        des programmes de travail et leurs échéanciers

·        des consultations avec les gestionnaires des services, des directions et des divisions pour obtenir un consensus sur toute modification des normes de pratique requises pour la mise en œuvre de la Stratégie

·        l'intégration des recommandations aux plans et aux budgets, des rapports étant faits au comité et au Conseil municipal au besoin

Ce que signifie l'approbation par le Conseil municipal de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau

L'approbation par le Conseil municipal de la Stratégie signifie que la Ville a examiné les recommandations du rapport et qu'elle est d'accord avec les points suivants :

·        les questions dont l'importance est relevée par la Stratégie en ce qui concerne le bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau et sa gestion

·        l'énoncé du but et les objectifs de gestion du bassin hydrographique

·        l'orientation stratégique des mesures et priorités de gestion proposées

·        le cadre de mise en œuvre recommandé dans la Stratégie pour la facilitation de la collaboration entre les nombreux organismes et personnes

À la suite de l'approbation de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau par l'ensemble des organismes participants, une version « tabloïde » de la Stratégie (Document 4 – Lower Rideau Reader) sera publiée pour distribution générale et pour distribution à tous les propriétaires riverains de la rivière Rideau et des affluents de la rivière Rideau.

Répercussions financières :

Le plan de travail et les budgets de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations 2008 intégreront les besoins de l'étape de mise en œuvre de la Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau. On prévoit que la plupart des besoins seront comblés au moyen des ressources et des enveloppes budgétaires actuelles, le besoin se faisant sentir étant la mise à jour des priorités et normes de pratiques plutôt que l'ajout de ressources.

Consultation publique/participation du public :

Le principal processus de consultation ayant mené à l'élaboration de cette stratégie a consisté en des réunions régulières des groupes de travail et des organismes participants. La consultation publique a été faite au moyen de deux réunions publiques et de cinq réunions du groupe de discussion de la collectivité du bassin hydrographique. Une enquête auprès des propriétaires riverains de la rivière Rideau a fourni des renseignements supplémentaires pour la Stratégie. Une présentation a été faite au Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement, et trois présentations ont été données au personnel de la Ville d'Ottawa. Une édition spéciale du bulletin « Around the Rideau » de l'Office de protection de la nature de la vallée Rideau a indiqué que le rapport était terminé et le résumé du rapport a été publié sur le site Web de l'Office de la protection de la nature de la vallée Rideau.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Historical Highlights

The Rideau River has been a focal point of the Ottawa area since the decision to build a strategic waterway in 1812.  Studies and plans for the Rideau River have been developed and implemented ever since.  Each study and resulting initiatives reflect the understanding and priorities of the day.  The 1915 Rideau River Interceptor Collector Study designed the first interceptor to divert sewage from the Rideau River to the Ottawa River.  The same report identified the need to protect the river from the ‘dirty’ first flush of stormwater.  The focus of the 1970s and 1980s and into the 1990s was still water quality.  Changes to water quality standards in the early 70s resulted in the closing of urban beaches downstream of Hog’s Back.  Studies on the Rideau completed in 1983 and 1992 focused on water quality issues in the urban area.  The concern was that the growth of the urban area would lead to further water quality problems and beach closures.

 

Recent Developments

Extensive works over the past 30 years have resulted in dramatic improvements in bacterial related water quality issues in the Rideau.  The works completed include: rebuilding old sewer systems, correcting combined and sanitary system overflows, building stormwater ponds, and installing gull wires at Mooney’s Bay beach.  Since the installation of gull wires at Mooney’s Bay beach, swimming water quality results has been better than the Provincial Water Quality Objectives in the order of 95% of the time, reflecting the background water quality of the Rideau.  This is exceptional performance for an urban beach. 

 

In 2001, the Rideau Round Table published a “State of the River Report.”  The Canadian Museum of Nature completed its “Rideau River Biodiversity Project” in 2003.  These initiatives took a holistic approach to looking at the state of the river.  The approach included a range of ecological indicators and physical characteristics in addition to protecting water quality.  The Biodiversity Project concluded that the river is generally in relatively good shape but in need of protection.  The project identified shoreline development, the invasion of exotic species, and fertilizer use, as the greatest threats to the sensitive environment of the river. 

 

The updated Ontario Ministry of the Environment Stormwater Management Planning and Design Guidelines, released in 2003, reinforced the need to follow watershed / subwatershed based principles.  The guidelines identify the need to protect the physical habitat in streams in addition to water quality.  The 2003 City of Ottawa Official Plan, Environmental Strategy, and Infrastructure Master Plan all confirm the policy direction of the watershed and subwatershed approach.  The Infrastructure Master Plan identifies the goal of no net loss of aquatic habitat on a subwatershed basis.  The pending Source Water Protection Program also takes a watershed approach to the protection of water supplies.

 

New Policies and the Move to Watershed Management

The amalgamation of the City of Ottawa provided a fresh opportunity to bring all the three levels of government agencies together to look at the Lower Rideau Watershed.  It was also recognized that the approach to managing the Rideau River needed to change from the main river corridor-water quality-public health and recreation focus, to a watershed approach conforming to City, Provincial, and Federal policies and directions.  The Rideau River Watershed Stratetgy began in 2002. 

 

DISCUSSION

 

Study Area and Key Characteristics

The Lower Rideau Watershed is bounded by the Rideau watershed within the City with consideration of the drainage areas of the major tributaries Kemptville Creek and Jock River.  The area of direct interest to the City is the area entirely within the City boundary.  (Document 1, Study Area)

 

From the southern most extent of the City boundary to the falls at the Ottawa River, the Rideau winds along 71 km.  In contrast to the 71 km of the Rideau River corridor are 1,571 km of tributaries to the Rideau with an associated watershed area of 993 km2.  Both the tributaries and watershed area are approximately one-third of the respective totals for the City, where the City has 4,700 km of streams and rivers and an area of 2,796 km2.  Characteristic of the City, only 14% of the Lower Rideau Watershed is within the urban boundaries.  For the entire Rideau Watershed, less than 4% is within urban boundaries.

 

Participation

The Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy project was led by Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and funded by the City of Ottawa with active participation by many partners.  The strategy was developed and extensive dialog facilitated by Robinson Consultants Inc and Aquafor Beech Limited, the consultant team retained for the project.  Organizations represented on the Steering Committee (SC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) included the following:

·        City of Ottawa (City)

·        Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA)

·        Township of North Grenville (TNG)

·        Ontario Ministries of

o                   the Environment (MOE)

o                   Natural Resources (MNR)

o                   Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

·        Federal Agencies

o                   Parks Canada, Rideau Canal (PC-RC)

o                   Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

o                   National Capital Commission (NCC)

o                   Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)

 

A Watershed Community Focus Group (WCFG) represented the interests of non-government stakeholders.  The WCFG met at key points during the study to provide input to the SC and the TAC.

 

The majority of time and effort was focused on the development of a common understanding of the watershed issues by the participating agencies at the TAC and coming to a consensus on priority actions required to protect the Rideau River.  The Steering Committee, comprised of senior management or executive level personnel of the participating organizations, was briefed at key milestones of the process to ensure understanding of the direction and priorities of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy as it developed.

 

Strategy Development

A strategy is a long-term plan-of-action designed to achieve a particular goal.  The mission as defined in the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy terms of reference was:

 

“Using the eco-system approach, select an optimal set of strategies for achieving multiple objectives in the management of the Lower Rideau River and its corridor, and to review and update the river/corridor/watershed policies and procedures.”

 

The primary steps in developing the Lower Rideau Watershed strategy were:

·        develop a common understanding of

o                   the existing condition of the river and its watershed

o                   factors contributing to that condition

·        set goals, objectives, and targets that characterize the desired condition of the river and its watershed

·        identify management actions to achieve the desired goals, objectives, and targets

·        identify respective roles and responsibilities of the participating agencies in implementing the management actions

·        establish a management structure to implement the strategy

 

Existing Conditions of the Lower Rideau River Watershed

The main reaches of the Lower Rideau exhibit moderately good conditions.  The river has healthy and diverse fish communities, high biodiversity of plants and wildlife, generally good water quality conditions, and the ability to support a variety of recreational pursuits.  However, there are a number of environmental threats to ecosystem health that include:

·        moderately high levels of nutrients, including total phosphorus

·        excessive growth of aquatic plants

·        invasive species

·        intensification of shoreline and water-based uses

·        deterioration of tributaries

 

Major Factors Affecting Watershed Health

The direct impacts along the 71 km of the Rideau River and adjacent shorelines are small compared to the cumulative impacts along the 1,571 km of tributaries to the Rideau and 993 km2 of watershed area.  Tributaries typically exhibit:

·        loss or impairment of headwater tributaries

·        straightening and / or hardening of remaining tributaries

·        removal of riparian vegetation

·        excessive nutrient loading from land use activities

·        levels of nutrients and bacteria that regularly exceed provincial guidelines

·        altered flows causing erosion and loss of aquatic habitats

·        loss of wetland, meadow, and forest habitats

The health of the Rideau River depends on the health of its tributaries.  The tributaries provide critical spawning habitat, food supply, important sediment supplies, and the water that flows in the Rideau River.

 

Public Consultation: What Was Said

Public consultation consisted of two public meetings and five meetings of the Watershed Community Focus Group.  A survey of Rideau River shoreline landowners provided additional input to the strategy.  There were four main messages received:

·        there are excessive weeds in the Rideau

·        there is concern over boat speed, noise, and wake

·        there is a lack of coordination and consistency when agencies deal with landowners

·        there is a lack of science based reporting

 

Goal, Objectives, Targets, and Management Action

The goal and objectives of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy are presented in Table 1.  Indictors, measurable parameters, and targets have been developed for each objective to allow progress and effectiveness of management actions to be measured.  Suggested targets are detailed in the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Final Report (Document 2, Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Final Report) for each objective.

 

Table 1:  Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Goals and Objectives

 

Goal

To protect the cultural and natural environments of the Lower Rideau Watershed ecosystem for the benefit of humans and other terrestrial and aquatic life.

 

Objectives

Communication and Cooperation

1:  To promote and facilitate cooperative and collaborative effort and action by all public agencies that have a role in river and watershed management.

 

Surface Water Quantity

2:  Maintain or improve water resources to support natural and human uses of the river.

3:  Manage flooding risks to human life and property to within acceptable limits.

4:  Maintain or improve natural flows in tributaries to support aquatic habitat functions.

 

Surface Water Quality

5:  Manage the quality and quantity of non-point source runoff.

6:  Manage surface and groundwater contamination from point source discharges.

Groundwater Quality and Quantity

7:  Maintain groundwater levels and discharges.

8:  Protect groundwater quality.

Aquatic Communities and Habitats

9:  Maintain or improve populations of native aquatic species and communities.

10: Maintain or improve the stability, diversity, and linkages between habitats that support aquatic species and communities.

Terrestrial Communities and Habitats

11:  Maintain or improve the stability, diversity, and linkages between habitats that support terrestrial species and communities.

12:  Minimize the impact of land use on terrestrial habitat.

Water and Riparian Uses

13:  Manage the Rideau waterway to provide reasonable outdoor recreational/tourist uses, within sustainable limits.

14:  Manage the use of surface water and groundwater (including water withdrawals and hydropower) within sustainable limits.

 

The list of identified issues with required management actions was established for each objective.  The list was reviewed in terms of priorities, feasibility, and effectiveness.  The list was then organized by major themes according to the primary types of actions and associated skills and resources.  The result is five action plans (Table 2) to be implemented by working groups as follows:

·        Public Education and Community Outreach

·        Managing Inputs of Nutrients, Bacteria and Other Contaminants

·        Revitalizing River and Stream Corridors

·        Integrated Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

·        Fine-tuning Controls of Water Levels and Flows

 

Table 2 Recommended Implementation Working Groups

 

1.  Public Education and Community Outreach                                                       Lead (Support)

1.      A comprehensive education and stewardship program directed at shoreline landowners and landowners with tributaries on their properties to promote a conservation ethic and develop a more streamlined approval process.

RVCA, City (PC-RC, NCC, MNR, DFO, MOE)

2.      A central Web site devoted to sharing information about the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy, particularly riparian/river issues

RVCA, City (PC-RC, NCC, MNR, DFO, MOE)

3.      A stewardship/education program to educate landowners on the benefits of stormwater retrofit technology, including lot-level/source measures, conveyance and end-of-pipe measures because of the need to implement source controls on private lands and also because of the significant public cost of implementing other retrofit alternatives.

RVCA, City (MOE, DFO, MNR)

4.      A stewardship/education program targeting farmers to assist with the implementation of rural BMP measures.

RVCA, City  (OMAFRA, DFO, MNR, MOE)

5.      Develop education programs to promote responsible boating habits

PC-RC (RVCA, NCC, MOE)

 

2. Managing Inputs of Nutrients, Bacteria, and Other Contaminants                   Lead (Support)

1.      Update existing stormwater management standards and the non-degradation policy with the development of new integrated City of Ottawa standards for stormwater management that address a broader range of water quality and habitat protection objectives

City, MOE

(RVCA)

2.      Expansion of the existing “search and destroy” program to identify and correct cross-connections between municipal storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure

City

3.      Implement a stormwater management retrofit program to reduce nutrient/bacteria runoff in existing urban areas

City

(RVCA, MOE)

4.      Implement a Rural Best Management program to reduce nutrient/bacteria runoff on agricultural and other rural lands

RVCA

(OMAFRA, City, MOE)

5.      Continue the existing program of testing new municipal sewer infrastructure for leakage, cross connections, structural integrity

City

6.      Investigate management alternatives for aquatic weed and algae control and possible benefits to fish habitat and eutrophication

PC-RC (RVCA, City, MNR, DFO)

 

3. Revitalizing River and Stream Corridor Management                                      Lead (Support)

1.      Prioritize and accelerate the completion of subwatershed studies

City, RVCA (ALL)

2.      Protect and manage uses and natural functions in the riparian zone

City / RVCA (MNR, DFO, OMAFRA)

3.      Develop a rehabilitation program for natural riparian buffers and natural stream channels

City, RVCA

(OMAFRA, MNR, DFO)

4.      Protect high quality fish habitats/special status species; enhance marginal habitats and prevent further degradation of poor habitats

RVCA, MNR, DFO (City)

5.      Implement environmentally sound municipal drain maintenance

City

(OMAFRA, DFO)

6.      Expand navigation regulations, speed restrictions, increase signage and enforcement to reduce wake-induced shoreline erosion

PC-RC (OPP, Ottawa  Police)

7.      Study to assess the sensitivity of shorelines to boat wakes

PC-RC

 

4. Integrated Environmental Monitoring and Reporting                                        Lead (Support)

1.      Formation of a multi-agency committee to oversee and coordinate environmental monitoring and reporting efforts – lack of regular reporting of environmental conditions to the Public was a key weakness identified in the study

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

2.      Improving the integration of monitoring program components, for example, by ensuring that water quality and quantity databases are complementary, so that in-stream water quality can be related to loadings from different sources

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

3.      Ensuring that the various monitoring data collected provide a measure of the indicator parameters/targets developed for each of the Objectives of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy, in particular monitoring of algae (phytoplankton) and aquatic plants

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

4.      Develop a set of environmental “stress” indicators that can be added to the existing program of monitoring condition indicators to help act as early warning signs of environmental stress

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

5.      Develop a volunteer, community-based monitoring program that would encourage and involve the public and other stakeholders in environmental monitoring and reporting efforts (coordinated under the Public Education and Community Outreach Working Group)

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

6.      Work with agencies responsible for implementing the regional groundwater strategy to ensure that the components of the groundwater monitoring program are integrated with the rest of the environmental monitoring programs

City, RVCA (MOE, OMAFRA, NCC, PC-RC, DFO, MNR)

 

5. Fine-tuning Controls of Water Levels and Flows                                                Lead (Support)

1.      Continue to improve the management of spring/fall water levels and flows to address fisheries and flood abatement concerns

PC-RC (City, MNR, RVCA, DFO)

2.      Mapping of critical fish habitat in the reaches in relation to water levels

PC-RC (City, RVCA, MNR, DFO)

3.      Development of a watershed model to link land use changes to watershed response – water quality, hydrology, hydrogeology, natural features

RVCA (PC-RC, City)

 

Implementation Framework

The implementation framework is designed to improve the coordination and consistency among agencies.  A Steering Committee, comprised of senior management from all participating agencies, will provide general oversight and direction.  An implementation committee will be responsible for the terms of reference for the working groups, will ensure regular coordination between groups and agencies, and will report to the Steering Committee.  Further details on implementation are provided in the Lower Rideau River Strategy Executive Summary (Document 3).

 

Next Steps at the City of Ottawa

Implementing the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy will lead to changes for the City.  Initiatives at the City that are identified in the strategy include:

·        update the stormwater management guidelines, currently under review as part of the Stormwater Strategy

·        prioritize and accelerate the completion of subwatershed studies

·        coordinate environmental monitoring and reporting efforts

·        coordinate efforts on Source Water Protection with the Conservation Authorities

·        increased effort in identifying and correcting pollution sources (search and destroy)

·        support public education and rural stewardship initiatives

 

In parallel to the integrated implementation plan for the Strategy, staff will prepare an implementation plan that addresses City specific issues and needs.  The City Implementation plan will include:

·        further definition of respective roles and responsibilities at the Department, Branch, and Division levels within the City

·        work programs and associated timelines

·        consultation with management in identified Departments, Branches and Divisions to obtain consensus on any changes to standards of practice required to implement the strategy

·        incorporation of recommendations into work plans and budgets, with reports to committee and council as required

 

What Council Endorsement of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Means

Council’s endorsement of the strategy means that the City has carefully looked at and considered the recommendations of the report and is able to say that it generally agrees with:

·        what the strategy identifies as important issues to deal with in the Lower Rideau Watershed and its management

·        the goal statement and watershed management objectives

·        the strategic direction in terms of the suggested management actions and priorities

·        the implementation framework that is recommended in the strategy for facilitating collaborative effort amongst numerous agencies, organizations, and individuals

 

With endorsement of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy by all the participating agencies, a ‘Tabloid’ version of the strategy (Document 4, Lower Rideau Reader) will be published for general distribution and distribution to all landowners along the Rideau River and along the tributaries to the Rideau.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy provides an integrated approach for addressing the monitoring, assessment, and protection of the environment on a watershed basis.  Implementation will result in improved watershed conditions including water quality and aquatic habitat. 

 

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The large majority (~86%) of the Lower Rideau Watershed is outside urban boundaries.  While urban impacts on the watershed are more significant on a unit area basis, the dominance of the rural area leads to the importance of pursing management actions in both the urban and rural areas.  The importance of maintaining municipal drains to support agricultural practices is also recognized as a critical factor in the rural area. 

 

The Rural Clean Water Program is one of the existing programs that supports voluntary actions by rural landowners to implement Best Management Practices on private property.  Rural farmers have a great appreciation for the environment and their livelihood depends on working in harmony with the watershed's ecosystem.  Overall, there is a willingness to adopt conservation practices as there are operational benefits associated with these practices.  For example, maintaining a vegetative buffer along a drain minimizes sediment input into the watercourse providing fisheries and water quality benefits.  Reducing sediment inputs to a municipal drain may also reduce the frequency of drain maintenance resulting in a cost saving to the ratepayers.  There are existing barriers to implementing conservation practices which include the financial commitment to implement the management practices in their farming operations.  A review of existing programs in context of the priorities and needs of the Strategy with input from the rural community will form part of the implementation work. 

 

The consultation for the strategy addressed the rural area through a survey of Riparian Land Owners, members in the Watershed Community Focus Group, public open houses, the distribution of a special edition of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Newsletter ‘Around the Rideau’, and publication of the executive summary of the report on the RVCA website.

 

CONSULTATION

 

The primary consultation process for developing this strategy consisted of regular working group meetings of the participating agencies.  Public consultation consisted of two public meetings and five meetings of the Watershed Community Focus Group.  A survey of Rideau River Shoreline Land Owners provided additional input to the strategy.  One presentation was made to Planning and Environment Committee, and three presentations were given to City of Ottawa staff.  A special edition of the RVCA Newsletter ‘Around the Rideau’ provided notification of the completion of the report, with publication of the executive summary of the report on the RVCA web site. 

 

The Environmental Advisory Committee received information on the Lower Rideau Strategy.  After discussion with staff at the meeting of September 14, 2006 the following motions were passed:

·        That the EAC supports in principle the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy, and invites the Water Working Group to develop detailed comments and suggested improvements, including population effects and the need for proper budgeting, to the policy by the end of September; and

·        That the City invite EAC members to participate in the Lower Rideau Watershed Working Group(s). 

 

A presentation to the Rural Issues Advisory Committee on September 19, 2006 was received with no resulting motion or objections to the intent of the Strategy.  The committee indicated they would further review the information and may have comments for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The 2008 Departmental Work Plan, Operating and Capital budgets will incorporate the needs for the implementation phase of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy.  It is anticipated that most of the needs will be met through existing resources and budget envelops, with updated priorities and standards of practice rather than the need for additional resources.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1      Map of Study Area

Document 2      Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Final Report (on file with the City Clerk)

Document 3      Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy Executive Summary (distributed separately)

                        Stratégie de gestion du bassin hydrographique du Bas-Rideau - Résumé

Document 4      Lower Rideau Reader (Tabloid version of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy for public distribution after endorsement – distributed separately and on file with the City Clerk)

 

DISPOSITION

 

1. Staff will participate as a partner with the other agencies in this strategy.  The participation will include:

·        establishment of the steering and implementation committees

·        development of terms of reference for working groups

·        development of City implementation plan in consultation with management in affected Departments, Branches and Divisions to obtain consensus on any changes to standards of practice required to implement the strategy

·        definition of needs for 2008 Departmental Plan and Budgets

·        identification of related changes to standards of practice in the City in consultation with affected Departments, Branches, and Divisions

 

2. The Departmental Work plans and associated budgets will incorporate the updated priorities as identified through the implementation of the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy with reports to committee and council as required.

 


STUDY AREA                                                                                                        DOCUMENT 1

 

 

 

 


            LOWER RIDEAU WATERSHED STRATEGY

STRATÉGIE DE GESTION DU BASSIN HYDROGRAPHIQUE DU BAS-RIDEAU

ACS2006-PGM-POL-0080

 

The following written submissions were received and are held on file:

·        Environmental Advisory Committee memo dated 12 October 2006; and

·        Planning and Environment Committee memo dated 24 October 2006.

 

That the Planning and Environment Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recommend Council:

 

1.                  Endorse the Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy as outlined in Document 3;

 

2.                  Direct staff to prepare an implementation plan for the City's component of the strategy, including any 2008 operating and capital budget pressures, for Council approval in 2007

 

                                                                                                CARRIED