Flewellyn Cumulative Effects Study and

Goulbourn Wetland Boundary Re-evaluation

Presented by: Nick Stow, City of Ottawa

Date: June 20, 2016

Agenda

1. Welcome/ Introductions

2. Why are we here?

3. Cumulative Effects Study

4. Wetland boundary re-evaluation

5. Next steps

6. Q&A

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Why Are We Here?

• To fulfill Provincial Requirements

• To implement the 2011 agreement and OMB

Order

• To report on the Cumulative Effects Study

and the upcoming wetland boundary re-

evaluation

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Cumulative Effects Study

• Available on the web site:

ottawa.ca/flewellynssa

• The report answers three main questions:

– What’s the origin and history of the wetlands?

– How are they affected by land use changes?

– Is there reason they would not qualify as “provincially

significant”?

• There will not be a Phase 2.

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What is a wetland?

Wetlands are areas where the ground is

saturated with water long enough each year to

create prolonged periods of low oxygen in the

upper soil layers. This low-oxygen condition

leads to characteristic soil discoloration (soil

mottling) and favors domination by plants

adapted to such conditions (i.e. wetland

plants).

Conclusions • The landscape is naturally prone to the

formation of wetlands

• Some areas were drained for agriculture

• No discernible impact of roads and quarries on

recent wetland expansion (1946 – 2011)

• The expansion and changes to wetland since

the mid-20th century appear due to:

– Abandonment of farmland and agricultural drains

– Beavers

– Uncoordinated private drain works

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Quarry Discharge 2014 - 2015

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Wetland Boundary Re-evaluation

• Based on 2016 aerial photography

• Private land access preferred but not

essential

• Limited to re-evaluation of the 2006

boundaries (Huizer minus MNRF

subtractions)

• No new complexing (i.e. no addition of new,

non-contiguous wetlands) 22

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Next Steps

• Summer 2016 - Boundary re-evaluation

• Autumn 2016 – Ministry of Natural

Resources and Forestry decision on

boundaries

• Early 2017 –Official Plan Amendment to

remove the Special Study Area and

determine appropriate land uses

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Questions

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