Appendix 10: Standard Mitigation Measures for the City of Ottawa

Breeding birds (particularly those protected under provincial or federal legislation, i.e., game birds, raptors and migratory birds).

Loss of nests, eggs and/or young due to tree cutting or other clearing of vegetation.

NOTE: the nests and eggs of many species are protected under federal and/or provincial legislation (i.e., Migratory Birds Convention Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act)

• No clearing of vegetation between April 15 and July 31, unless a qualified biologist has determined that no nesting is occurring within 5 days prior to the clearing.
• A pre-clearing survey for active stick nests and cavity nests must also be conducted between April 1 and April 15, in order to identify and protect early-nesting owls and raptors.

NOTE: these dates are based upon a review of the early and late nesting dates for Ontario breeding birds

Butternut (federally and provincially endangered species)

Damage or loss due to tree cutting or site alteration activities (e.g., excavation, filling, grading).

• No tree cutting, clearing or site alteration allowed on sites where butternut may be present, unless a thorough search has confirmed that no butternut are located in or adjacent to the proposed work area.
• A qualified Butternut Health Assessor will assess any butternut identified in or adjacent to the proposed work area, using MNR methodology to determine whether or not they are “retainable,” i.e., sufficiently healthy to be protected under the ESA, 2007.
• Retainable butternut will not be harmed or removed without a permit from the MNR. City of Ottawa permits for the removal of trees in the urban area do not apply to butternut in the absence of the required permit from MNR.
• Significant habitat for butternut is generally defined as a minimum 25 m radius around the trunk of each retainable butternut for which no permit is obtained. No negative impacts are permitted within or adjacent to significant habitat for an endangered species under the provisions of the Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement. Any encroachment within the 25 m setback must be supported by a prior written assessment by a qualified individual (a Registered Professional Forester or Professional Arborist) justifying the designation of a reduced area of significant habitat.
• Ensure that all protective measures identified in the approved Tree Conservation Report (included as part of the EIS) are in place prior to any vegetation removal or site alteration activities. Recommendations shall include limits on specific activities that could result in negative impacts to the retained butternut tree(s) and the approved significant habitat for the tree(s).

Natural features (all)

Degradation resulting from increased recreational usage, illicit dumping and encroachment by residential landowners into natural areas and setbacks or buffers following development.

NOTE: these will vary depending upon the context (urban vs. rural) and the ownership of the natural feature (public vs. private). Recommendations regarding appropriate setback and buffer widths and compatible recreational uses are key products of the EIS.

• Determine the appropriate setback distance between the proposed project and the natural feature, and preserve or establish a suitable buffer zone of natural vegetation within the setback.
• Subdivisions should be designed to minimise the number of lots backing onto natural features.
• Public paths should be located outside or along the edges of natural features to the extent possible.
• Provide Owner Awareness Package to all new residents, to encourage responsible stewardship of the natural feature. Potential topics could include:

• Why the natural feature is valued and protected.
• What lives there.
• How to be a good neighbour.
• Important legal information (e.g., by-laws regulating pets, property drainage, tree cutting, discharge to sewers, use of natural areas, etc.).

Natural features (all)

Loss of native biodiversity due to increased presence of non-native invasive species after development.

• Use only locally appropriate native species for landscaping adjacent to natural features or buffer zones.
• Re-establish native vegetation along new or disturbed edges of natural features by seeding or transplanting locally appropriate native species.
• Provide new homeowners with lists of locally appropriate native species for use in landscaping, along with information on the negative impacts of non-native invasive species such as Norway maple, Amur maple, periwinkle and other commonly cultivated species.

Species at Risk

Degradation or loss of habitat for species at risk not addressed as part of the EIS (due to subsequent changes in species status or other information).

• Federal and provincial lists of species at risk are periodically updated to reflect changes in species status. Occurrence data for these species is also subject to change. Therefore, the most current SAR information available must be reviewed in comparison with the EIS findings immediately prior to the commencement of on-site activities to confirm that all known SAR have been adequately addressed in the EIS.

Trees and woodlands

Accidental damage or loss of trees as a result of site alteration or construction activities.

Ensure that all protective measures identified in the approved Tree Conservation Report (included as part of the EIS) are in place prior to any vegetation removal or site alteration activities. Recommendations shall include limits on specific activities within the identified auxiliary root zone and primary root zone, as well as the following mandatory protection of the critical root zone:

• Erect a fence at the outer limit of the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees to be retained, which is defined as the distance around the tree at a radius 10 times the diameter of the tree (at breast height);
• Do not place any material or equipment within the CRZ of the tree;
• Do not attach any signs, notices or posters to any tree;
• Do not raise or lower the existing grade within the CRZ without approval;
• Tunnel or bore when digging within the CRZ of a tree;
• Do not damage the root system, trunk or branches of any tree;
• Ensure that exhaust fumes from all equipment are NOT directed towards any tree's canopy.

Wildlife (all)

Displacement, injury or death of wildlife as a result of vegetation clearing and other activities associated with site alteration or development.

The EIS will be expected to adapt the following mitigation measures to suit the circumstances, and may provide additional recommendations where appropriate:

• Avoid vegetation clearing during sensitive times of the year for local wildlife, such as spring and early summer (when many animals bear their young).
• Avoid the use of heavy equipment in wetlands and watercourses during the winter, when fish, amphibians and reptiles may be hibernating.
• Conduct vegetation clearing such that existing connections to adjacent areas of natural habitat are maintained until the final stage of clearing, so that wildlife can use these connections to leave the site.
• Ensure that perimeter fencing, if used, does not prevent wildlife from leaving the site during vegetation clearing. Once the work area has been cleared, it can be securely fenced to keep wildlife from returning. Silt fencing may be useful to keep small animals such as reptiles and amphibians out of the work area.
• Contractors and other on-site workers should be briefed on appropriate measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict during the work (e.g., waste management, no feeding wildlife, no deliberate harm to wildlife, safe relocation techniques to get wildlife to leave the site). Provide contact numbers for large animal removal, rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife, and species at risk reporting.

Wildlife (all)

Ongoing conflicts between wildlife and humans or domestic pets following development of new homes in or adjacent to natural areas.

• Provide Owner Awareness Package to all new residents, including information on avoiding and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, with references for more information (e.g., Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre, Landowner Resource Centre).
• Include information on potential consequences of allowing pets to roam unattended, including:

• Impacts of pets on wildlife
• Impacts of wildlife on pets
• Legal restrictions on uncontrolled pets (municipal and provincial).