August 11 agenda package

CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD

MEETING AGENDA

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

NOTICE OF MEETING

CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD

Thursday, August 11, 2016

7:00 p.m.

Woodend

1. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS ~ Topalovic

2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4. DELEGATIONS

5. MEMBER BRIEFING

6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS ~ Topalovic

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

7.1 Minutes – Conservation Advisory Board (July 14, 2016) ~ Topalovic 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

8.1 Tracking Report ~ Tellier

9. STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS

9.1 Invasive Species Strategy ~ McDonell 9.2 Natural Heritage Maintenance Plan ~ Peck 9.3 Flood Emergency Manual ~ Peck

10. NEW BUSINESS

11. NEXT MEETING – Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

12. ADJOURNMENT

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HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Conservation Advisory Board

MINUTES

July 14, 2016

Minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Croatian Sports and Community Centre, commencing at 6:15 p.m. PRESENT: Maria Topalovic, Chair Kris Brown

Rob Booth Lydia Cartlidge Brad Gautreau Santina Moccio Marie Robbins

REGRETS: John Barkovic, Kristen Brittain, Frank Cucullo, Joanne Di Maio, Susan Fielding, Donna Kydd, Cheryl Larocque, Chris Michels, Duke O’Sullivan, Robert Pasuta, Morgan Pirie, John Shaw, and Wayne Terryberry

STAFF PRESENT: Jon Bastien, Lisa Burnside, Grace Correia, Gord Costie,

Chris Firth-Eagland, Matt Hall, Neil McDougall, Val Pazzi, Scott Peck, Kathy Smith, Mike Stone

OTHERS PRESENT: Margaret Reid, Stefan Weber

Media – Richard Leitner 1. MEMBER TOUR

Members were taken on a tour of the East Mountain area. Highlights of the tour included visits to the Sargold and Napev properties, Dofasco Trial and Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area. Gord Costie highlighted improvements that have been made at the Devil’s Punchbowl. Issues regarding off trail users and littering were also discussed. While visiting the Sargold and Napev properties, Scott Peck provided an overview of the East Escarpment Wetland Restoration Project. Scott advised that the properties would serve as the core for a new conservation area. The overview also included a discussion of the preliminary engineering

Conservation Advisory Board July 14, 2016

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investigation of the potential for the site to provide the desired functions of low flow augmentation and flood attenuation.

2. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Maria welcomed everyone and indicated the regrets received for the meeting. It was noted that quorum was not reached but that the meeting would continue without any resolutions.

3. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There was none.

4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA The agenda for the meeting was reviewed. It was noted that three items would be added under new business, including a report from Grace Correia regarding the naming of the former Veldhuis property, a briefing from Jonathan Bastien regarding low water conditions and an introduction from Matt Hall for a new staff member.

5. DELEGATIONS

Stefan Weber provided a brief presentation introducing the Ontario Plant Restoration Alliance and Hamilton Seed Strategy. The presentation included a summary of the partnership proposal submitted to the Conservation Advisory Board. The aim of the strategy is to improve the status of uncommon plant species in Hamilton, with the added benefit of contributing to the conservation of other species that are dependent on wildflowers. Stefan listed other local organizations that have also been presented with the proposal. The website for the initiative is www.ontariopca.com

6. MEMBER BRIEFING

6.1 East Mountain Tour Scott Peck presented a summary of the sites visited on the tour. He provided additional details for the East Mountain Wetland Restoration Project, including an overview of the Environmental Assessment process. Scott also summarized the recent Provincial review of the Greenbelt Plan and noted that the boundaries of

http://www.ontariopca.com/


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the Greenbelt Plan area for the East Mountain remain the same as they were prior to the review.

7 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIONS

Maria reported that the following item was approved by the HCA Board of Directors. CA1627 Westfield Visitor Centre – Feasibility Study

8. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

8.1 Minutes – Conservation Advisory Board (May 12, 2016) The minutes of the previous meeting were acknowledged.

9. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES There were none.

10. STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS

There were none.

11. NEW BUSINESS

11.1 Low Water Conditions Update Jonathan Bastien presented a summary of the Ontario Low Water Response Program (OLWRP), Hamilton’s Low Water Response Team and indicators and actions for the various low water levels within the program. The presentation also showed the results of HCA’s hydrometeorological data, supporting the declaration of a Level 1 Low Water Condition. Jonathan indicated that HCA staff would continue to monitor watershed conditions and would re-evaluate the potential for the declaration of a Level 2 Low Water Condition early next week. Jonathan indicated that there is a communications plan, with specific requirements for each level. The members discussed the potential for the OLWRP data to be utilized in provincial climate change modelling. Jonathan indicated that he would contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to inquire about the use of OLWRP data in climate change modelling.


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11.2 Naming of the Former Veldhuis Property Grace Correia presented her report, summarizing the naming contest and the selection process for the finalist names. A staff report will be taken to the Board of Directors, with a staff recommendation for one of the finalist names to become the official name of the property. The new name will be unveiled at the official opening of the area in August, to coincide with the Dundas Cactus Festival. 11.3 Introduction of Kathy Smith to Design and Development staff

Matt Hall introduced Kathy Smith as the newly hired Landscape Architect within the Design and Development section. Kathy comes to HCA from the City of Hamilton and with over 9 years of experience with Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The members and staff welcomed Kathy.

12. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the CAB is scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting was adjourned.

Memorandum To: Members of the Conservation Advisory Board

From: Chris Firth - Eagland, CAO

Prepared by: Jaime Tellier, Watershed Officer

Date: July 28, 2016

Re: CAB Tracking Report – August 11, 2016

Meeting Date Formal Recommendation Idea/Comment Board Approval Action/Status May, 2016 Westfield Visitor Centre – Feasibility Study

Recommendation to the Board of Directors. N/A June, 2016 Staff are working to

establish two committees to address architectural and design considerations and to work toward fundraising goals.

May, 2016 Dundas Valley: User Conflicts, Bike Speeds and Dog’s Off Leash – received as information

N/A N/A Signage has been installed regarding restricting animal access to waterbodies. Signage also installed, jointly with Bruce Trail Conservancy, regarding pedestrian only access to a Side Trail.

April, 2016 Fifty Point Bridge and Trails Project – received as information N/A N/A Bridge design completed. Consultants completed a geotechnical investigation to support elements of the bridge design.

April, 2016 HCA Managed Forest Plan – received as information N/A N/A Christie Lake CA harvest has been completed. Monitoring for restoration underway. Investigation of other suitable sites has begun, including Dundas Valley, Valens Lake CA and Westfield Heritage Village.

April, 2016 HCA Policies for Fill Placement and Large-Scale Fill Activities Recommendation to the Board of Directors that this report regarding HCA’s updated policies for fill placement be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval, with a condition that staff include additional information regarding implications for agricultural lands in the report.

N/A May, 2016 N/A

April, 2016 Project Technical Advisory Committee Recommendation to the Board of Directors that the responsibilities of the Project Technical Advisory Committee for the Hamilton and Halton Watershed Stewardship Programs be approved as identified in this staff report of April 14, 2016; and further That the members on the Committee be appointed for the period of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

N/A May, 2016 N/A

January, 2016 Deer Management Advisory Committee – Status Report – received as information

N/A February, 2016 Final report completed and sent to DMAC members for their information.

November, 2015 Valens Dam Safety Review Overview – Recommendation to the Board of Directors that the Valens Dam Safety Review by EXP Services Inc. be received; and further THAT the recommended works to address deficiencies be approved for implementation.

N/A December, 2015 Application for funding to facilitate the installation of monitoring piezometers has been approved. Management of the project has begun. Funding also received for a corrosion study.

November, 2015 Valens Dam Public Safety Assessment Overview – Recommendation to the Board of Directors that the Valens Dam Public Safety Assessment by EXP Services Inc. be received; and further THAT the recommended measures be approved for implementation.

N/A December, 2015 Funding received for the design and purchase of recommended equipment and signage. Management of the project is underway.

November, 2015 Christie Dam Public Safety Assessment Overview – Recommendation to the Board of Directors that the Christie Dam Public Safety Assessment by EXP Services Inc. be received; and further THAT the recommended measures be approved for implementation.

N/A December, 2015 Funding received for the design and purchase of recommended equipment and signage; Some minor repairs completed, planning for remaining projects is underway.

November, 2015 Millgrove Workshop – Storm Damage – received as information

N/A N/A Planning has begun for reconstruction of the storage facility, tenders are due early August.

July, 2015 Rifle Range Prairie Prescribed Burn and Restoration – received as information

N/A N/A A second burn was completed in Spring, 2016. Monitoring and invasive species management is ongoing. Interpretive signage has been installed.

June, 2015 Invasive Species Management CAB to consider addressing invasive species management as a topic of interest, specifically Garlic Mustard

N/A Draft invasive species strategy is complete and is intended to be finalized in Spring/Summer, 2016.

June, 2015 Pond Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement Project – received as information

Monitor for changes in water temperature as a result of the decommissioning

N/A Ponds 1-5 decommissioned as of December, 2015; Planting of Ponds 4 & 5 completed in June, 2016; Ecological monitoring of all sites is ongoing; Approval from Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been granted for the decommissioning of Pond 6, to be completed Winter 2016/2017.

March, 2015 Hermitage Ruins Restoration – received as information N/A N/A Remaining works to the lower walls, final grading and landscaping were completed in Spring, 2016. Recognition plaque to be installed in the coming weeks.

January, 2015 Roofed Accommodation Facilities – Valens Lake Conservation Area – received as information

N/A N/A Working toward obtaining approvals from MOECC for the proposed on-site wastewater treatment system.

September, 2014 Maplewood Naturalization Plan – Recommendation that the Conservation Advisory Board recommends to the HCA Board of Directors that the Maplewood Naturalization Plan be approved and that the phased implementation of the Plan commence in 2015.

N/A October, 2014 Additional planting of the restoration site to be completed over 3 years; Second year of planting to be completed in Fall of 2016, conditions permitting.

June, 2014 Desjardins Canal Parklands Restoration Project Update – Recommendation that the HCA Board of Directors approve the change in design approach to the chimney square area of the Desjardins Canal Parklands project as proposed by the Dundas Rotary Clubs; and that the staff update report on the Desjardins Canal Parklands Restoration Project be received

N/A July, 2014 Planning to install signage for the official opening of the area in August, 2016.

April, 2014 HCA Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines - Policy Review and Update – received as information

N/A N/A Large-scale fill policies completed. The remainder of the policy and guidelines document continues to be reviewed.

Report TO: Conservation Advisory Board FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED BY: T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director of Watershed

Planning & Engineering PREPARED BY: Mike Stone, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Watershed Planning

Services Lesley McDonell, Terrestrial Ecologist, Watershed Planning Services Lisa Jennings, Aquatic Ecologist, Watershed Planning Services

DATE: August 11, 2016 RE: HCA Invasive Species Strategy STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives the “Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy”; and further THAT the Conservation Advisory Board recommend to the Board of Directors that the “Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy” be approved. BACKGROUND Invasive species have been an increasing element of concern for ecologists, biologists, and land managers over the last 15 years. An invasive species is any plant, animal or other organism that outcompetes native species and which causes ecological or economic harm when introduced to an environment where it is not native. According to the Government of Canada, there are hundreds of invasive species in our country, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, aquatic and terrestrial plants, fungi, marine and freshwater fish, algae, molluscs and crustaceans. The impacts of these species are significant and cross all sectors including the economy, environment and human health.

The impact of invasive species on the environment and economy has been the focus of much attention in Ontario for many years. In 2000, the Invasive Plant Working Group developed and released “Sustaining Biodiversity: A Strategic Plan for Managing Invasive Plant Species in Southern Ontario”. This was one of the first documents in Ontario to shed light on invasive species as a growing issue for biodiversity in the province. The plan detailed eight strategies and related specific actions for addressing invasive species, which were intended to support the efforts of the various organizations and agencies involved in land management and conservation in Ontario and serve as a catalyst for further action and partnerships. Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, released in 2011, identified invasive species as one of the main threats to biodiversity, and discussed the economic and environmental threat of invasive species as well as the cumulative impacts they can pose. In November 2015 the Government of Ontario took new significant steps towards addressing the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity and the economy, through the passing of the Invasive Species Act. This Act will come into force November 3, 2016. It will allow the province to classify the threat level of invasive species, prohibit the import and possession of significant threat species and give the Minister the power to implement temporary threat designations on newly discovered invaders. The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) in cooperation with its partners has completed three Natural Areas Inventories (NAI) over the past twenty years, with the most recent NAI (‘Nature Counts 2’) completed in 2014. The NAI is a comprehensive study of the natural areas within the watershed. The most recent NAI identified sixty-three invasive plant species within the City of Hamilton, which represent 4% of the total plant species recorded. There were also an additional four hundred and forty-four non-native plant species, not considered invasive, identified during the NAI. Considering these additional species, approximately 35% of all the plants recorded in the City of Hamilton are non-native. Climate, proximity to the Great Lakes port system and degraded ecosystems have all been contributing factors to this percentage. The Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) outlines HCA’s goals and objectives in relation to invasive species and the strategies to be employed on HCA owned lands and promoted throughout the watershed to address the threats they pose. It addresses issues related to both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. In developing and implementing this Strategy, HCA’s main goals are to ensure a healthy watershed at the ecosystem level, reduce the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species, and provide support to land owners and HCA land managers. The Strategy focuses on eight key areas, including prevention, communication, best management practices, prioritization, implementation (action) plans, collaborations, policy and research and monitoring. Based on local knowledge and experience, the Strategy identifies the top ten terrestrial invasive species and the top ten aquatic invasive species to be targeted in the watershed.

STAFF COMMENT Invasive species are a continuing threat to biodiversity in the HCA watershed. The Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy outlines how the threats associated with invasive species will be addressed within the watershed. It identifies HCA priorities and outlines the next steps for mapping, surveying and removing terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy contributes to the achievement of HCA’s Strategic Plan 2014-2018, including the following:

• Strategic Goal #2 - Natural Heritage Conservation o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of

HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis.

• Strategic Goal # 3 – Conservation Area Experience o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance conservation area infrastructure

and natural heritage features within the context of approved master plans.

• Strategic Goal # 4 – Education and Environmental Awareness o Strategic Objective – collaborate with agencies and organizations to promote

the importance and value of the watershed environment. AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS Invasive species present a unique challenge in the conservation of biodiversity in Ontario; they are now only second to habitat loss as the highest threat to biodiversity. In developing and implementing an invasive species strategy the HCA will be supporting the biodiversity and conservation priorities and efforts of both the provincial and federal governments, while also addressing the unique issues within the HCA watershed. Addressing our objectives through the eight strategies outlined will assist HCA in focusing our efforts in regards to invasive species. Collaborating with other organizations and volunteers in the watershed will also assist in invasive species detection and management.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1

2. Legislation and Policy Framework ........................................................................ 3

3. Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................. 4

4. Strategies ................................................................................................................ 5

4.1.Prevention ......................................................................................................... 5

4.2.Communication ................................................................................................. 6

4.3.Best Management Practices (BMP’s) .............................................................. 7

4.4.Prioritization ...................................................................................................... 7

4.5.Action Plans ...................................................................................................... 8

4.6.Collaborations ................................................................................................... 9

4.7.Research and Monitoring ............................................................................... 10

5. Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 10

6. References ............................................................................................................ 11

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1. Introduction Invasive species have been an increasing element of concern for ecologists, biologists, and land managers over the last 15 years. Invasive species are, “plants, animals, aquatic life and micro-organisms that outcompete native species when introduced outside of their natural environment and threaten Canada's ecosystems, economy and society. They can come from across the country or across the globe.” (Government of Canada, 2014).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2014) considers invasive species to be the second highest threat to biodiversity conservation after habitat destruction. This organization has an invasive species specialist group that tracks invasive species and their impacts across the globe. According to the Government of Canada, there are hundreds of invasive species in our country (Government of Canada, 2014). These include, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, aquatic and terrestrial plants, marine and freshwater fish, algae, fungi, and molluscs. The impacts of these species are large and cross all sectors including the economy, environment and human health. The Government of Canada developed “An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada” in 2004 (Environment Canada, 2004). The strategy is broad in scope and includes direction on prevention, early detection, rapid response to new invaders and management of established and spreading invaders. The finalization of a strategy and dedication of federal dollars resulted in the development of the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program and creation of the Invasive Species Centre. The Partnership Program was terminated in 2012, however the Invasive Species Centre continues to operate and is focused on research, prevention, education and outreach, as well as engaging provincial governments, municipalities, conservation organizations and the general public in dialogue about invasive species.

In Ontario, one of the first documents developed to shed light on invasive species as a growing issue for biodiversity was “Sustaining Biodiversity: A Strategic Plan for Managing Invasive Plant Species in Southern Ontario” (Havinga, Invasive Plant Working Group, 2000). The document outlines eight strategies and related specific actions for addressing invasive species, which were intended to support the efforts of the various organizations and agencies involved in land management and conservation in Ontario and serve as a catalyst for further action and partnerships. Ontario also has a biodiversity strategy (Ontario Biodiversity Council, 2011), which identifies invasive species as one of the five major threats to biodiversity in Ontario. It discusses the economic and environmental threat of invasive species as well as the cumulative impacts they can pose. These include climate change, fragmentation and other factors allowing invasive species to gain a foothold in an ecosystem faster and easier than before.

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In November 2015 Ontario took new significant steps towards addressing the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity and the economy, through the passing of the Invasive Species Act. This Act will come into force November 3, 2016. It will allow the province to classify the threat level of invasive species, prohibit the import and possession of significant threat species and give the Minister the power to implement temporary threat designations on newly discovered invaders. The Act will apply to species prescribed by the regulation or designated by the Minister. The act contains prohibitions and authorizations in regards to invasive species.

The impacts of invasive species are wide spread and include the disruption of native ecosystems, loss of biodiversity and economic impacts to humans. Invasive species have the ability to outcompete native plants and animals. This can cause a cascade effect within the food chain. For example Zebra mussels filter plankton from the water column, thus reducing this food source for fish and clam species native to the Great Lakes. This may have caused a drop in these fish populations since the introduction of Zebra mussels (Government of Ontario, 2006). Effects such as this impact not only biodiversity but also the economy.

The Government of Ontario has quantified some of the economic impacts of invasive species. Invasive species threaten many sectors of the Ontario economy, including fishing, hunting, agriculture and tourism. Impacts have included reduced value of commercial and recreational fisheries, effects on crop production and decreased property values. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has determined that invasive plants have cost the agricultural and forestry industries approximately $7.3 billion annually. The impacts from Zebras mussels alone in Ontario have cost $75-91 million annually (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), 2012). It is likely that the majority of species established in Ontario are now here to stay. Many of these species are hard to control once established. The issues related to invasive species are complex as is their management.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) in cooperation with its partners has completed three Natural Areas Inventories (NAI), over the past twenty years, with the most recent NAI (‘Nature Counts 2’) completed in 2014. The NAI is a comprehensive study of the natural areas within the watershed, both public and private although not all parcels are studied in each round of the NAI. This study provides information on the distribution and types of terrestrial invasive species in the watershed. Although the NAI study boundary encompasses a larger jurisdiction than the HCA watershed, it represents the best summary of invasive plant species available locally. The last NAI identified sixty-three invasive plant species within the City of Hamilton (NAI, 2014) which represent 4% of total plant species records. There were also an additional four hundred and forty-four non-native plant species, not considered invasive, identified during the

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NAI. Considering these additional species, 34.6% of all the plants recorded in the City of Hamilton are non-native. The NAI only speaks to terrestrial invasive species in our watershed. Few studies have been completed to catalogue our aquatic invasive species. This will be a major component of future works coming out of this strategy.

The percentage of non-native plant species identified (approximately 35%) is not unexpected given some of the watershed’s characteristics. Favorable climate, proximity to the Great Lakes port system and degraded ecosystems have contributed to this percentage. These conditions makes Hamilton vulnerable to the introduction of invasive species more so than other areas that are less urbanized and not adjacent to a large port system. Ports contribute to the introduction of invasive species and are often the first point of entry as different species are transported from other countries in shipping containers or in the ballast water of the ships. Urbanization can also escalate the distribution of invasive species through habitat loss and fragmentation. Given these conditions, HCA considers the control and management of invasive species to be the key priority for addressing loss of biodiversity.

2. Legislation and Policy Framework There are a variety of laws, regulations, policies and guidelines in place at all levels of government that can assist in preventing the introduction of invasive species and provide direct action to the management of those species. At the federal level these include Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, which require ocean-going vessels to flush their tanks with salt water before entering the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes (Government of Ontario, 2015). Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintains Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations under the Fisheries Act with the objective of preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species into Canadian waters and to provide for the control and management of their establishment and spread, once introduced.

At the provincial level, some of the key relevant legislation includes the Weed Control Act, Public Lands Act and Invasive Species Act. Over the last two years several plant species have been added and removed from the noxious weed list under the Weed Control Act (Government of Ontario, 2015). This list is used by weed inspectors to control plants and minimize their impact on agriculture. In 2014 the Public Lands Act was changed to allow the removal of invasive aquatic plants. This change was necessary as the beds of most water bodies in Ontario are crown land and the MNRF manages these lands under the Public Lands Act (Government of Ontario, 2015). There are in-water works timing windows and other rules that need to be followed with this legislation. Ontario introduced regulations in 2005 that prohibits the possession,

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purchase and sale of several live invasive fish, including Round and Tubenose Goby, Rudd, Ruffe, and the Snakehead family, and four Asian carp species (bighead, black, grass and silver) (Government of Ontario, 2015).

The Invasive Species Act received royal assent in November of 2015. When the law comes into force in November 2016 it will allow the province to classify invasive species based on their threat level and prohibit the import and possession of significant threat species. This legislation will be the first of its kind in Canada.

HCA supports the adoption of policies and legislation that will prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide tools to manage the threats posed by invasive species already present. HCA will continue to monitor and review changes to relevant legislation and policy pertaining to invasive species to ensure the strategies and actions employed by HCA in addressing invasive species remain current and effective.

3. Goals and Objectives The “Hamilton Conservation Authority Invasive Species Strategy” (the ‘Strategy’) outlines HCA’s goals and objectives in relation to invasive species and the strategies to be employed on HCA owned lands and promoted throughout the watershed to address the threats they pose. It addresses issues related to both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

In developing and implementing the Strategy, HCA’s main goals are to ensure a healthy watershed at the ecosystem level, reduce the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species, and provide support to land owners and HCA land managers. This invasive species strategy aligns with the following goals in HCA’s Strategic Plan:

• Strategic goal #2 - Natural Heritage Conservation – the HCA conserves, restores and enhances watershed natural areas and ecological systems.

• Strategic Goal # 3 – Conservation Area Experience - the HCA provides customers high quality, diverse conservation areas to promote outdoor recreation, health and well-being, strengthening public awareness of the benefits of being in or near our conservation areas.

• Strategic Goal # 4 – Education and Environmental Awareness - the HCA

provides active outdoor learning experiences for students, teachers and the community, increasing knowledge and awareness of the value of our environment and heritage.

In support of the Strategy’s goals, the following objectives have been defined and are focused on invasive species detection, prevention and management:

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• To maintain current information on invasive species and their distribution on HCA properties and throughout the watershed, through regular monitoring and surveys;

• To identify priority invasive species and geographic areas to be managed within the watershed;

• To prevent the establishment of new populations of known or new invasive species; and

• To provide information regarding invasive species and their impacts in support of education and outreach activities.

To achieve the above noted goals and objectives HCA has identified seven strategies, which are focused on prevention, communication, best management practices, prioritization, implementation, collaboration and research and monitoring. Further information regarding each of these strategies and proposed related actions under each is provided in more detail below. Strategies and associated actions will be implemented on a priority basis and as resources allow.

4. Strategies

4.1. Prevention Prevention is key with invasive species. Both the federal and provincial governments have developed strategies in regards to invasive species which focus on prevention (Government of Canada, 2014 and OMNR, 2012). Many of the introduced species (invasive) are hardy species in their native home ranges and thrive in degraded ecosystems. When invasive species are introduced into other landscapes outside of their native range, it is their hardiness and void of natural predators to keep them in check that makes it relatively easy for them to become established. Once established they are difficult to eradicate. Often full eradication requires a large amount of resources and sometimes is not possible. These species are introduced through a number of different pathways. Within the HCA watershed, the main pathways for introduction are garden plants and the nurseries that sell invasive plant species, ballast water from ships and recreational activities (hiking, biking and boating). The natural environment within HCA’s watershed is at particular risk due to our active port and shipping industries. Invasive species such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has been observed and captured in shipments and imported goods from many provinces including Ontario (OMNR, 2012). HCA proposes to do the following in regards to prevention:

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• Investigate the cost of installing boat washing stations at Valens and Christie Lake Conservation Areas for private boats to prevent future aquatic invasive species introductions.

• Review operational procedures at Conservation Areas (CA) to prevent the movement of invasive species from CA to CA, including the development of clean equipment protocols.

• Monitor Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Ontario Invasive Plants Council (OIPC) websites for information on new invasive species, to ensure prevention strategies remain current.

• Attend industry directed workshops on invasive species, to stay current on federal and provincial prevention strategies and management techniques.

• Invest in educational signage at HCA's active CA which describes invasive species, their impact on the natural environment and how to prevent their introduction.

4.2. Communication Communication is very important to the achievement of HCA's goals and objectives for this Strategy. This includes both internal and external communication. Control can be expensive, time consuming and in some instances impossible (Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, 2015). Through education on the introduction, spread and threat of invasive species Conservation Area users as well as staff will be better able to prevent new introductions and be better prepared for managing occurring invasive species. Part of the communication strategy will be the development and maintenance of a list of the top ten terrestrial and top ten aquatic invasive species (Appendix A). HCA proposes to do the following:

• Develop a webpage dedicated to invasive species found in the HCA watershed, including:

o Place links on HCA’s website to relevant NGO and Government websites that discuss invasive species, their habitats and introduction pathways;

o Focus this website on top invaders linking the pubic to best management practices and other websites.

• Provide links to web-based forums for the public to report invasive species in our Conservation Areas such as EDD MapS.

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• Develop a brochure specific to the HCA watershed for distribution at public events that highlights the main terrestrial and aquatic invasive species and what the public can do to help.

• Conservation Area Master Plans will include a section on invasive species and what occurs in each CA.

• Promote through private landowner stewardship initiatives the importance of the control of invasive species and their impact on biodiversity.

4.3. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) Best Management Practices (BMP’s) have been developed for a variety of invasive species through the Ontario Invasive Plants Council, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, other Conservation Authorities and municipal governments. HCA will research appropriate BMP’s for the invasive species in its watershed. Strategies proposed in this regard include:

• Create a best management practice at HCA in regards to Clean Equipment and the transfer of invasive species from CA to CA.

• Review and recommend existing BMP’s for the control of the top invasive species in our watershed for aquatic and terrestrial species.

• Create BMP’s for the use of native species in HCA planting and restoration projects to combat invasive species.

4.4. Prioritization As noted above, the NAI documented sixty-three invasive plant species in the City of Hamilton as of 2014. This is a large number of plant species to address on HCA properties and watershed wide. Therefore, HCA has prioritized ten terrestrial invasive species to which available HCA resources will be focused (see Appendix A). These ten are the most aggressive species currently found in the HCA watershed or are just establishing and eradication may be possible.

Aquatic organisms are quite difficult to manage; they can become wide-spread quickly, can be prolific breeders (i.e. goldfish), and tend to colonize quickly. Therefore, HCA efforts towards aquatic invasive species will focus on mapping, monitoring and small scale management initiatives for master plans and management plans within HCA’s various landholdings. HCA has prioritized ten aquatic invasive species that include, fish,

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plant, invertebrates or virus/parasite to which our resources will be focused (see Appendix A). Since aquatic invaders can establish quickly, HCA has also developed a list of species that are not yet found in the watershed but are a possible threat species to watch (i.e. found within neighboring watershed and/or the Great Lakes system). Prioritization must occur for both species and properties/natural areas. Certain Conservation Areas because of the biodiversity contained within them are a higher priority for invasive species control than other areas. HCA has some information from the NAI regarding general locations of invasive species. Some of this information is more than ten years old depending on when a natural area or conservation area was surveyed last. HCA plans to do the following in regards to prioritization:

• Develop and maintain a priority list of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species (Appendix A).

• Complete surveys for aquatic invasive species to identify further priorities.

• Promote the use of EDD MapS (http://www.eddmaps.org/ontario/) in our jurisdiction for the identification and location information for invasive species.

• Review information gathered from the NAI and work on prioritization of invasive species based on important natural areas.

• Create criteria to prioritize invasive species management at Conservation Areas (i.e. significance of the area, Species at Risk abundance and distribution, threat posed by the invasive species).

4.5. Action Plans HCA will continue to inventory invasive species on HCA owned properties in order to develop species and/or area specific action plans to help prioritize actions based on species and or ecosystem type (sensitive). With prioritization and action plans in place HCA can begin to engage volunteers and staff in the removal of invasive species. This will involve staff from HCA’s Conservation Areas along with staff ecologists and volunteers for invasive removal. Species that require chemical control will be assessed and controlled by certified applicators and supervised by HCA staff. The use of chemicals will be evaluated on a case by case, and species by species basis, balancing the need for chemicals, the appropriateness of their use for certain species and the manual labour required for mechanical removal. This is a long-term commitment and funding will actively be sought to continue with implementation. HCA proposes to complete the following:

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• Continue invasive species surveys and mapping within master planning processes for each Conservation Area (CA).

• Specifically target aquatic invasive species surveys as these are not well surveyed or understood in our watershed.

• Develop an invasive species control (action) plan for CA as required, and incorporate these plans into the master plan as appropriate.

• Implement these plans for priority species at priority CA as time and budget permit.

• Organize volunteer removal days in various priority Conservation Areas.

• Work collaboratively with the City of Hamilton and Royal Botanical Gardens on invasive species removal initiatives.

• HCA staff (1 or 2 employees) become Ontario certified pesticide applicators therefore making implementation more cost effective and faster.

4.6. Collaborations Collaboration and partnership will play an important role towards the advancement of the actions and efforts proposed within the Strategy to address invasive species. There are many partners in the Hamilton area that HCA could coordinate efforts with for both private and public land. Some of these partners include, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Naturalist Club, Bruce Trail Conservancy, City of Hamilton, Cootes to Escarpment initiative and the Hamilton Stewardship Network. Collaboration can take place in a variety of ways and may include the following:

• Work with the Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program to support local landowner initiatives in invasive species removal.

• Support stewardship initiatives through the Cootes to Escarpment Eco-park (within the HCA watershed).

• Work with the Dundas Valley 50 year vision to support initiatives in the Dundas Valley.

• Continue to support federal and provincial initiatives (e.g. EDD MapS).

• Work with partners to share information in regards to invasive species management, removals, mapping etc.

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• Support the implementation of the Stewardship Action Plans as they relate to invasive species.

• Engage non-government organizations to partner and work on changing traditional landscape planting programs and lists with our municipal partners to exclude non-native invasive species;

4.7. Research and Monitoring In order to combat invasive species monitoring the watershed for new occurrences is important. In addition, it is also important for HCA to regularly check the CFIA website and consult with other organizations that are aware of new and incoming invasive species, like the Ontario Invasive Plants Council. HCA has both an aquatic and terrestrial monitoring program that are watershed wide. These have the capacity to detect invasive species as they establish in the watershed. In addition, as mentioned previously, HCA has completed 3 cycles of the Natural Areas Inventory which is a City of Hamilton wide program that has detected a number of new occurrences of a variety of invasive plant species. HCA proposes to complete the following:

• Fifty terrestrial Ecological and Assessment Monitoring (EMAN) plots throughout the watershed are being established and there is also an extensive aquatic monitoring program within the creek systems of the watershed. These are monitored over the course of 5 year (terrestrial) and 3 year (aquatic) cycles. Invasive species are noted during these monitoring cycles.

• HCA will conduct botanical inventories in support of Conservation Area master planning processes. Invasive species noted during these surveys will be mapped and subsequently discussed in the master plan.

5. Conclusion Invasive species present a unique issue in the conservation of biodiversity in Ontario; they are now only second to habitat loss as the highest threat to biodiversity. The federal and provincial governments both have strategies around dealing with invasive species. The province also now has an Invasive Species Act. In developing and implementing an invasive species strategy the HCA will be supporting the biodiversity and conservation priorities and efforts of both the provincial and federal governments, while also addressing the unique issues within the HCA watershed. Addressing our objectives through the strategies and actions outlined will assist HCA in focusing our efforts in regards to invasive species.

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6. References Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, 2015. Asian Carp Response in the Midwest. http://www.asiancarp.us/faq.htm [Accessed February 5, 2016].

Credit Valley Conservation, 2011. CVC Priority Invasive Plants. Accessed from http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/11-150-priorityinvasives-11-list-web.pdf [Accessed November 2014].

Environment Canada, 2004. An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada.

Government of Canada, 2014. Invasive species in Canada. http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/206/301/cfia-acia/invasive_species/www.invasivespecies.gc.ca/english/view.asp@x=1 [Accessed February 20, 2016].

Government of Canada, 2004. Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/ec/CW66-394-2004-eng.pdf [Accessed February 11, 2016]

Government of Ontario, 2015. How Government Combats Invasive Species. https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-government-combats-invasive-species [Accessed February 5, 2016)

Government of Ontario, 2006. Zebra Mussels Invade Ontario Waters. Invading Species Awareness Program.

Hamilton Conservation Authority, 2014. Hamilton Conservation Authority Strategic Plan, 2014–2018.

Hamilton Conservation Authority, 2014. Natural Areas Inventory Project, 3rd Edition.

IUCN, 2016. International Union for Conservation of Nature, Invasive Species Specialist Group, Global Invasive Species Database, http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=304 [Accessed January 2016].

IUCN, 2014. International union for conservation of nature. https://www.iucn.org/theme/species/our-work/invasive-species [Accessed February 20, 2014].

http://www.asiancarp.us/faq.htm

http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/11-150-priorityinvasives-11-list-web.pdf

http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/11-150-priorityinvasives-11-list-web.pdf

http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/206/301/cfia-acia/invasive_species/www.invasivespecies.gc.ca/english/view.asp@x=1



http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/ec/CW66-394-2004-eng.pdf

http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/ec/CW66-394-2004-eng.pdf

https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-government-combats-invasive-species

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=304

https://www.iucn.org/theme/species/our-work/invasive-species

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Ontario Biodiversity Council (OBC), 2011. Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, 2011: Renewing our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us Ontario Biodiversity Council, Peterborough Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, July 2012. Ontario invasive species strategic plan. Toronto Queen’ Printer or Ontario. 58 pp.

Urban Forest Associates Inc., 2002. Invasive Exotic Species Ranking for Southern Ontario, http://serontario.org/pdfs/exotics.pdf [Accessed November 2014]

http://serontario.org/pdfs/exotics.pdf

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Appendix A

Top ten terrestrial invasive species

Common name Scientific name Distribution

Oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Limited, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica Limited, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area

Dog strangling vine Vincetoxicum rossicum

Limited, Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, York Road Acreage, Borer’s Rock Chapel Conservation Area

European buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Widespread

Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata Widespread

Spotted knapweed Centaurea biebersteinii

Limited, Valens Conservation Area

Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima Limited, Dundas Valley and Spencer Gorge Conservation Areas

Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa Limited

Invasive Honeysuckles

Lonicera sp. Widespread

Phragmites Phragmites australis Widespread

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Top ten aquatic invasive species

Common name Scientific name Distribution

Common carp Cyprinus carpio Widespread

Goldfish Carassius auratus auratus

Widespread

Zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha Limited: Located within Christie Lake CA and Lower Spencer creek (within Cootes Paradise)

Round goby Neogobius melanostomus

Limited: Lower Spencer creek, Redhill creek watersheds

VHS (virus) N/A Widespread

Columnaris (virus) N/A Limited: Christie Reservoir

Rusty crayfish Orconectes rusticus Limited: Lower Spencer creek watershed

European common reed

Phragmites australis ssp. australis

Widespread: riparian areas along streams, wetlands and roadside ditches

Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Widespread: floodplain areas and wetlands

Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Limited: Lower Spencer creek watershed

Memorandum TO: Conservation Advisory Board FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED & T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director, Watershed Planning PREPARED BY: & Engineering DATE: July 28, 2016 RE: Natural Heritage Maintenance Plan BACKGROUND The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) owns and manages 4,403 hectares (10,880 acres) of land. These landholdings include parcels of lands with features that are internationally recognized such as the Niagara Escarpment, provincially significant lands such as the Beverly Swamp, Dundas Valley, Eramosa Karst and Fletcher Creek and locally significant lands such as Valens, Christie Lake and Fifty Point conservation areas. These landholdings include natural features such as floodplain lands, wetlands, forests, fields, geologic features, streams, rivers and lakes and contribute to our rich natural heritage while also providing for recreational opportunities ranging from nature appreciation to hiking, cycling and horseback riding to active recreation such as camping and boating. HCA natural heritage lands have historically been managed on a site specific basis. Examples of this approach include the HCA Managed Forest Program, Tree Planting Program and Prairie Management/Burn Program. These programs address site specific issues and have created natural heritage benefits. There are however, opportunities and issues that affect these lands on a larger scale and a method to manage these issues should be in place. How to address invasive species, how to manage and maintain habitat for species at risk, forest management, prairie management, natural succession of fields to forests and lands to be maintained for future conservation area purposes are all questions that need to be addressed holistically. To address this, Hamilton Conservation Authority staff are proposing to develop a Natural Heritage Maintenance Plan. The Natural Heritage Maintenance Plan (NHMP) would be a document that is comprised of a main goal of the plan and objectives for each landholding being

reviewed with both short term and long term initiatives to ensure the form and function (ecological fundamentals) of the landholding in question are maintained. The goal of the plan would be to enhance, maintain or restore HCA passive landholdings to create sustainable ecological features and processes and contribute to adjacent natural heritage features. Objectives would be to maintain an areas biodiversity, protect and restore lands to provide habitat for native flora and fauna, enhance on existing and adjacent natural heritage features to improve species diversity and ecological variability. To achieve the above, the NHMP will be divided into four manageable steps to allow for proper planning requirements.

First Step - Identify lands of interest – GIS desk top review Second Step - Determine current land use through existing information and baseline inventories (ecological form/function) of the lands (terrestrial surveys birds, species at risk, vegetation, invasive species etc.) connection (linkage) to natural features. This will help to form the objectives of the land

Third Step - Decide future use with 2nd step information and use 3 main principles Conserve, Maintain or Restore. Once a principle is identified the priority of lands can be defined, (high, medium low).

Examples of priorities below: • High priority –abandoned field between two forested systems,

objective is to maintain areas biodiversity protect and restore NHF, provide habitat plants/animals therefore Goal to replant to mimic adjacent systems to increase biodiversity and provide habitat.

• Low priority – grasslands currently providing habitat for ground nesting birds (bobolink) Objective: do nothing, preserve as current use, monitor and understand that intervention may be required long term to maintain function of landholdings.

Fourth Step - Organize objectives, incorporate both short term and long term initiatives (maintenance and monitoring plan).

STAFF COMMENT As noted, this plan will help staff manage, maintain and monitor HCA landholdings to ensure natural heritage integrity is maintained while addressing issues such as invasive species, species and risk and corporate goals regarding the short term and long term uses of these lands.

It is important to note that such a plan would only consider natural heritage lands and linkages and would not impact on the actively used and managed lands within the conservation areas. Further, the NHMP would serve as background information in the preparation and implementation of a conservation area specific master plan. The NHMP and any associated conservation area master plan is also linked and would consider such HCA documents as our managed forest plan, wildlife management protocol, invasive species strategy, migratory birds protocol and legislation regarding natural heritage issues. It is important to note that all of these issues are inter-related and need to be considered holistically. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

• Strategic Goal #2 – Natural Heritage Conservation o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of

HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis. AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS The Natural Heritage Maintenance Plan will help staff manage HCA landholdings to maintain and enhance natural heritage features and address current issues on these lands. The project is in its initial phases and the Conservation Advisory Board and the Board of Directors will be updated as this project progresses with final approvals anticipated for early 2017.

Report TO: Conservation Advisory Committee FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED & T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director, Watershed Planning PREPARED BY: & Engineering DATE: July 29, 2016 RE: HCA Flood Emergency Manual STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the HCA staff recommends to the Conservation Advisory Board: THAT the Report Titled “HCA Flood Emergency Manual” be received and that the report be forwarded to the Board of Directors as information. BACKGROUND The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), as mandated by the Province of Ontario, provides flood forecasting and floodplain management services to our member municipalities and the residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton and Township of Puslinch within the HCA’s watershed boundary. These flood forecasting and floodplain management services have different aspects such weather tracking, stream and rain gauge monitoring for flood forecasting and warning, the operation of the dams at the Christie Lake and Valens Conservation Areas, and through the HCA ownership and management of natural flood-control areas such as wetlands and floodplains. HCA staff also review planning applications and applications under the HCA Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alteration to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04 to direct development outside of hazardous lands and to address development within existing developed areas. As part of the flood forecasting and warning program, the HCA has developed a Flood Emergency Manual. The Flood Emergency Manual serves as a tool to provide information on preparedness and implementation of activities for flood emergency planning by Authority staff and all agencies involved in addressing the flood hazard

within the HCA watershed. While there have been updates to the document overtime and as required, the last holistic review of the Flood Emergency Manual was in 2004. HCA staff have now completed a holistic review of the document to ensure it is up to date for 2016. STAFF COMMENT The purpose of the flood emergency manual is to familiarize Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) staff and all agencies involved, including the watershed municipalities, with HCA flood emergency response, and Flood Forecasting and Warning. The Manual:

a) Outlines HCA Flood Forecasting and Warning, including the Operations Procedure; • This includes watershed condition statements for water safety and flood

outlook, flood watch and flood warning including message distribution.

b) Details HCA’s flood emergency response, including key personnel responsibilities, actions and established lines of communication; • This includes information relating to the HCA Duty Officer, Flood Warning

Coordinator, Flood Patrol Officers, municipal and provincial involvement and flood emergency response procedures

c) Provides a background overview of flood management at HCA;

d) Provides a background description of the Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed, including drainage system and reservoirs

• For c) and d), this provides background information regarding flood

management at HCA, types of flood emergencies, watershed data, information regarding our dams and reservoirs and other known flood risk areas as well as watershed information

The Flood Emergency Manual is distributed to HCA Senior staff, WP&E and Conservation Area staff, City of Hamilton and Township of Puslinch staff as well as Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Royal Botanical Gardens staff. The document is attached for members’ information. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

• Strategic Goal #1 – Water Management o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance our flood control infrastructure to

minimize flooding and augment low flow conditions. AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS This report is submitted for information purposes to keep the Conservation Advisory Board and the Board of Directors apprised of the methods and tools HCA staff use to implement the HCA flood forecasting and warning system.

N:\Engineering\Flood Forecasting and Warning\Flood Emergency Manual\FEM Final Aug-2016/Flood Emergency Manual June-2016 Edits.doc

Working with Our Municipal Partners to Protect Life, Property and Land

FLOOD EMERGENCY MANUAL

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

&

FLOOD EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST

August 2016 Revision


Distribution List

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) Staff

1. Firth-Eagland, Chris – Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) 2. Peck, Scott – Director, Watershed Planning and Engineering 3. Bastien, Jonathan – Water Resources Engineering 4. McDougall, Neil – Secretary Treasurer 5. McConnell, Don – Manager, Fleet and Construction 6. Hall, Mathew – Manager, Design and Development 7. Howe, Rob – Manager, Fifty Points Conservation Area 8. Stone, Mike – Manager, Watershed Planning Services 9. Kinnear, Sara – Manager, Wild Waterworks 10. Polap, Chris – Monitoring Technician 11. Nizharadze, Alex – Water Management Specialist 12. Burnside, Lisa – Director, Human Resources 13. Kenny, Darren – Watershed Officer 14. Costie, Gord – Director, Conservation Area Services 15. Harschnitz, Bruce – Superintendent, Confederation Park 16. Karbusicky, Paul – Superintendent, Valens Lake Conservation Area 17. Hobbs, Cari-Lynn – Superintendent, Christie Lake Conservation Area

HCA Conservation Areas

18. Christie Lake Conservation Area 19. Valens Lake Conservation Area 20. Dundas Valley Conservation Area 21. Fifty Point Conservation Area 22. Hamilton Mountain Conservation Area 23. Confederation Park 24. Wild Waterworks 25. Westfield Heritage Village

City of Hamilton Departments

26. City Manager, City Manager’s Office 27. Senior Director of Growth Management, Development Engineering, Planning and

Economic Development 28. Director of Operations, Public Works 29. Director of Engineering Services, Public Works 30. Director of Water and Wastewater Planning and Capital Projects 31. Director of Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning, Public Works


32. Manager of Parks and Cemeteries, Parks and cemeteries, Public Works 33. Manager of Plant Operations, Plant Operations, Public Works 34. Manager of Construction Works, Construction Services, Public Works 35. Manager of Roads & Maintenance, Roads & Maintenance, Public Works 36. Superintendent West District, Roads and Maintenance, Public Works 37. Superintendent East District, Roads and Maintenance, Public Works 38. Superintendent North District, Roads and Maintenance, Public Works 39. Superintendent, WWTPP 40. Emergency Management Coordinator, Community and Emergency Services 41. Chief of Police, Hamilton Police Service 42. Deputy Chief, Hamilton Police Service 43. Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department 44. Director of Fire Operations/Deputy Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department 45. Chief Communications Officer, Community and Emergency Services Township of Puslinch 46. Director of Public Works and Parks 47. Fire and Rescue Services 48. Communications Associate/Customer Service Representative

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

49. Guelph Office 50. A.F.F.M.B. 51. Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Peterborough 52. Sault Ste. Marie Office

Other Centres

53. Answer Plus 54. Royal Botanical Gardens


Hamilton Conservation Authority

FLOOD EMERGENCY MANUAL – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INDEX Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose 1

1.2. Definitions 1

1.3. Conservation Authority Watershed & Municipal Boundaries 2

2. FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING 2

3. FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. HCA Duty Officer 4

3.2. Flood Warning Coordinator 5

3.3. Flood Patrol Officers 6

3.4. City of Hamilton/Township of Puslinch 6

3.5. MNRF Local Response Coordinator 6

4. FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

4.1. Duty Officer System 7

4.2. Normal Flood Routine 7

4.3. Major Flood Routine 8

4.4. Flood Control Centre 9

4.5. Stream Watch 11

4.6. General Emergency/Alert Routine 12


Page No.

5. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

5.1. Flood Management at HCA 13

5.2. Potential Types of Flood Emergencies 13

5.3. Watershed Data 14

5.4. Dams and Reservoirs 16

5.5. Flood, Weather and Flow Information 22

TABLES

TABLE 1 Flood Control Centre Teams 10

TABLE 2 Watershed Data 15

TABLE 3 Valens Reservoir Data Sheet 17

TABLE 4 Christie Reservoir Data Sheet 20

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A Watershed Map

APPENDIX B HCA Duty Officer Schedule

APPENDIX C HCA Duty Officer Communication System

APPENDIX D HCA Key Personnel

APPENDIX E Municipal Officials Contact List

APPENDIX F Provincial Officials Contact List

APPENDIX G Media Contacts


APPENDIX H Sample Flood Message Releases

APPENDIX I Stage-Discharge Rating Curves

APPENDIX J Conversion Table

- 1 - Hamilton Conservation Authority Flood Emergency Manual

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this executive flood emergency manual is to familiarize Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) staff and all agencies involved, including the watershed municipalities, with HCA flood emergency response, and Flood Forecasting and Warning.

This Manual:

a) Outlines HCA Flood Forecasting and Warning, including the Operations Procedure;

b) Details HCA’s flood emergency response, including key personnel responsibilities, actions and established lines of communication;

c) Provides an background overview of flood management at HCA;

d) Provides a background description of the Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed, including drainage system and reservoirs

1.2. DEFINITIONS

a) A Flood Message is issued regarding water safety concerns, potential flooding concerns

or current/imminent flooding. These messages are issued to City of Hamilton flood coordinators, public works and emergency services staff, police services, HCA staff, provincial flood coordinators (MNRF and Surface Water Monitoring Centre), school boards, adjacent conservation authority flood coordinators, and media. The categories of flood message are detailed in Section 2.

b) A Municipal Emergency is a declaration by an appropriate elected official of a

municipality that the flooding situation is critical and that a coordinated response by a number of agencies, both governmental and private, is required.

c) A Provincial Emergency is a declaration by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

that the situation is beyond the resources of the affected municipality(ies) and Provincial assistance is required through the Provincial Flood Contingency Plan.

d) The Local Flood Response Coordinator is a designated employee or alternative(s) of the

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry who, upon request of the local municipality(ies), recommends to the Provincial Coordinator, the declaration of a


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provincial emergency, where warranted.

e) The Provincial Flood Response Coordinator is a designated employee or alternative(s) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry who receives information from the Local Response Coordinator, briefs the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry on the situation and upon the declaration of a Provincial Flood Emergency, implements and coordinates the Provincial Flood Contingency Plan.

f) The Flood Warning Coordinator is an employee of the HCA who is responsible for the

allocation of Authority resources, for statements to the news media and for liaison with the Local Response Coordinator and with municipal emergency staff. The Flood Warning Coordinator is also responsible for overall coordination and day-to-day operation of Flood Forecasting and Warning and day-to-day operation of the dams. During a flooding event, she/he is responsible for technical operations and coordination.

g) The Duty Officer is a HCA staff person available for immediate contact in the event of an

emergency within the Hamilton-area watershed. The Duty Officer is responsible for contacting the appropriate personnel in the event they are notified of an existing or impending emergency situation.

1.3. CONSERVATION AUTHORITY WATERSHED AND MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES

The area of jurisdiction of HCA and Municipal boundaries are illustrated in Appendix A. The majority of the HCA watershed in is located within the City of Hamilton. .

2. HCA FLOOD FORECASTING & WARNING HCA water resource engineering staff monitor current watercourse conditions, and also forecast short-term future watercourse and flooding conditions, within the watershed. Watercourse conditions are monitored regularly (including site visits as required), and the frequency of reviews is dependent on current and predicted conditions. Forecasted watercourse conditions and flooding are predicted based on staff experience and understanding of the response of the watershed to historical storms. The following information is used also used to forecast future watercourse conditions and flooding:


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• Available meteorological data (recent, current and forecasted precipitation and temperatures). This include forecasted weather information from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) – Surface Water Monitoring Centre. Forecasted weather conditions of concern can include significant rainfall amount, rapid snowmelt and/or river ice breakup, as well as forecasted major flood events such as hurricane or tornado;

• Current streamflow conditions and recent trends in conditions (based on available data and site observations at streamflow gauge locations, as well as site visits to flood-prone ungauged locations as required), by HCA water resource engineering staff. Site condition may also be reported by other HCA staff, City staff, other agencies, or local residents;

• Available snowpack conditions and river ice conditions;

• Current soil moisture conditions;

Section 5 details available meteorological and streamflow data, including the HCA monitoring network which provides access to real-time precipitation, streamflow and reservoir water level data at key locations within the watershed. As required, Flood Messages are issued by the Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, to inform of potential or ongoing flooding concerns. The different types of Flood Messages are:

• The Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety statement is issued when high flows,

unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, and etc. However, flooding is not expected.

• The Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause to ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

• The Flood Watch statement is provided if flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Once this statement is received, municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners located in flood-prone areas should prepare for flooding of these areas.

• The Flood Warning bulletin is distributed to all municipalities, emergency services, media groups and other stakeholders when flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific


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watercourses or municipalities. All municipalities and landowners affected by flooding should take actions to minimize impacts to people and properties. This may include road closures, evacuations, protection of potentially flood prone areas, and etc.

• Downgrade Message – Advise that a current flood message has been downgraded to a lower category, due to changing watercourse or weather conditions.

• Update Message – Advise that details of a current flood message has been revised, due to changing watercourse or weather conditions.

• Termination Message – Advise that a current flood message has been terminated, as flooding concerns no longer exist.

Flood messages are distributed by HCA to the following: • City of Hamilton staff, including the emergency response and preparedness

• Township of Puslinch

• HCA staff

• Adjacent Conservation Authorities

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources

• Local Response Coordinators at the District Offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources

• Regional police

• School Boards

• News Media A list of local schools boards, radio, newspaper and television contacts is provided in Appendix G. A sample HCA Flood Message is provided in Appendix H.

3. FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1. HCA DUTY OFFICER HCA operates the Duty Officer system to ensure that, at all times, one staff member is available and alert to potential problems in the watershed. The Duty Officer is an HCA staff member available for immediate contact in the event of an emergency. The Duty Officer is responsible for


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contacting the appropriate personnel (typically the Flood Warning Coordinator or alternate), in the event of an existing or impending flood emergency situation.

3.2. FLOOD WARNING COORDINATOR

The Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, is an HCA Water Resources Engineering staff member who is responsible for overall flood response coordination and day-to-day Flood Forecasting and Warning operations, as well as management of dam operations. During flooding and flood emergencies, the Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, is responsible for:

• Allocation of HCA resources, in consultation with the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering;

• Monitoring current watercourse and flooding conditions, and forecast short-term future conditions;

• Issue Flood Messages to advise of potential flooding;

• Manage the operation of HCA dams to reduce the effects of flooding; advise the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch as to municipal roads that may potentially be flooded.

• Communicate with the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch to assess the need to begin the emergency response process and assembly of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), including a HCA Flood Control Centre;

• During a declared flood emergency (as declared by the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch):

Maintain communications with the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch, their corresponding EOC, and the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources. This may include updated flood bulletins, additional flooding and weather information as well as advice to prevent or reduce the effects of flooding.

Set up a 24 hour operational Flood Control Centre at the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch EOC or HCA Woodend Office. Refer to Section 4.3 for additional details.

• Provide technical information and advice for request by the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch for provincial assistance through the Local Response Coordinator of the Ministry of Natural Resources, when requested by the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch if actions are insufficient to meet a flood emergency.


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3.3. FLOOD PATROL OFFICERS

During an emergency situation, HCA staff members having a detailed knowledge of certain watercourses will be assigned to specific areas to assess situations and will report problems or possible problem areas to the base of operation.

3.4. CITY OF HAMILTON / TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH The City of Hamilton and Township of Puslinch have the primary responsibility for response to flooding and flood emergencies, and also for the welfare of residents and protection of property. Upon receiving a Flood Watch or Flood Warning, the City of Hamilton shall:

• Notify appropriate municipal officials, departments and agencies in accordance with their municipal emergency plan;

• Determine the appropriate response and if warranted, deploy municipal resources;

• If required, declare a flood emergency and implement their Emergency Procedures Plan. The decision to assemble the Municipal Emergency Control Group and Municipal EOC is determined by the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch emergency preparedness staff, and will be based upon the level and degree of flood threat which may be affecting the municipality;

• Request provincial assistance through the Local Response Coordinator of the Ministry of Natural Resources, if municipal resources are inadequate; and,

• Maintain liaison with the HCA Flood Coordinator.

3.5. MNRF LOCAL RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Local Response Coordinator is the District Manager (Guelph) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). The local Response Coordinator is responsible for:

• Alerting HCA regarding general provincial alerts;

• Alerting key MNRF personnel and other Government Ministries which may be required for assistance;

• Assessing the flood situation, in conjunction with HCA and adjacent Conservation Authorities;


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• Responding to a request by the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch for provincial assistance, through the Provincial Flood Contingency Plan, should the total resources of the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch be committed or inadequate and the municipality has declared an emergency situation. The MNRF is responsible for declaring a Provincial flood emergency. Declaration of a Provincial flood emergency may include the assembly of a Provincial Emergency Control Group and Provincial EOC; and,

• Coordinating the delivery of the provincial response in a declared emergency. 4. FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

4.1. DUTY OFFICER SYSTEM

All Duty Officers are on duty as outlined in the Schedule in Appendix B. Before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. during weekdays, as well as all Saturday and Sunday and on holidays, emergency incoming calls are received by the emergency answering service (AnswerPlus Hamilton). AnswerPlus Hamilton will relay the essential information to the Duty Officer, using the provided mobile and home phone contact details.. The Duty Officer must be reachable at these times. The public emergency number to contact the HCA Duty Officer (via AnswerPlus Hamilton) on weekends and holidays is 905-523-8787.

4.2. NORMAL FLOOD ROUTINE

The Normal Flood Routine is a procedure during which localized flooding has either been reported to the Duty Officer after-hours; or has been reported to or forecasted by the Flood Warning Coordinator. If a Duty Officer receives a message that localized flooding is imminent or underway, or reports of ice jams or road wash-outs, it is their responsibility to contact the Flood Warning Coordinator or alternate. If the Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, is unavailable, the Duty Officer should contact the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering or the Chief Administrative Officer. Refer to Appendix C for contact details. It is then the responsibility of the Flood Warning Coordinator, Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering or the Chief Administrative Officer to undertake the necessary HCA response to


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the localized flooding. This may include contacting additional HCA staff. For flood-related matters within the parks, appropriate Park Staff identified in Appendix D will be contacted. The Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, will review the latest available information (meteorological and streamflow) and assess the current and future flooding potential. The Flood Warning Coordinator will determine if adjustments to the outflows / storages at the dams are required. The Flood Warning Coordinator will determine which, if any, of the HCA flood messages should be issued. Also, the Flood Warning Coordinator will directly contact the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch as advise as to municipal roads that are / may potentially be flooded. Additional direct contacts regarding localized flooding will be undertaken as determined by the Flood Warning Coordinator, in consultation with the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering. This flood routine is followed if, in the judgement of the Flood Warning Coordinator, major flooding within the HCA's watershed is not expected.

4.3. MAJOR FLOOD EMERGENCY ROUTINE

The Major Flood Emergency Routine is a procedure, during which major widespread flooding, hurricane or tornado has either been reported to the Duty Officer, or has been forecasted by the Flood Warning Coordinator or the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch has declared a Flood Emergency as a result of a major flood, hurricane or tornado. If a Duty Officer receives a report of a major flood emergency, it is their responsibility to contact each of the following: the Flood Warning Coordinator, the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering, and the Chief Administrative Officer. Refer to Appendix C for contact details. The Flood Warning Coordinator (or alternates) must be attempted to be contacted first. It is then the responsibility of the Flood Warning Coordinator, Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering and the Chief Administrative Officer to undertake the necessary HCA response to the widespread flooding. This may include contacting additional HCA staff. For major flood emergency matters within the parks, appropriate Park Staff identified in Appendix D will be contacted. In addition, the Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, will assign duties to key HCA personnel, in consultation with the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering. The Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate, will review the latest available information (meteorological and streamflow) and assess the current and future flooding. The Flood Warning


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Coordinator will determine if adjustments to the outflows / storages at the dams are required. The Flood Warning Co-ordinator will determine HCA flood messages to be issued. Also, the Flood Warning Coordinator will directly contact the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch as advise as to municipal roads that are / may potentially be flooded. Additional direct contacts regarding widespread flooding will be undertaken as determined by the Flood Warning Coordinator, in consultation with the Director of Watershed Planning and Engineering and the Chief Administrative Officer. The Flood Warning Coordinator will determine which municipal and provincial officials to contact as listed in Appendix D and E. The Flood Warning Coordinator will also communicate with the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch (as required) to assess the need to begin the emergency response process and assembly of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), including a HCA Flood Control Centre. If a flood emergency is declared by the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch, the Flood Warning Coordinator will maintain communications with the municipality, their EOC, and the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of MNRF. This may include updated flood messages, additional flooding and weather information as well as advice to prevent or reduce the effects of flooding. The Flood Warning Coordinator will also provide technical information and advice for request by the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch for provincial assistance through the Local Response Coordinator of the MNRF, when requested by the City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch if actions are insufficient to meet a flood emergency.

4.4. FLOOD CONTROL CENTRE

If a flood emergency is declared by the City of Hamilton or Township of Puslinch, the Flood Warning Coordinator will also set up a 24 hour operational Flood Control Centre at the municipality’s EOC or HCA Woodend Office. THE FLOOD CONTROL CENTRE will have access to HCA computers, telephone equipment and generator for power failure operations and access to the Authority radio system. The Flood Control Centre will operate on a 24-hour basis (8 hour shifts) until, in the opinion of the Flood Warning Coordinator, the flood danger has passed.

SHIFTS: Shift #1 - 7:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m.

Shift #2 - 15:00 p.m. to 23:00 p.m.

Shift #3 - 23:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Each shift will brief the incoming shift before leaving their station. The HCA staff will be divided into teams, as shown in Table 1.


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Other staff may be called in by the Flood Warning Coordinator as required. All Authority staff who are involved in flood control, water management, dam operation and flood warning are expected to be familiar with the general flood response system, emergency dam and reservoir operation, and most recent City of Hamilton / Township of Puslinch Municipal Emergency Plan).

Table No. 1 - Flood Control Centre Teams

POSITION NAME RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Flood Warning Coordinator

1. Jonathan Bastien 2. Scott T. Peck

overall responsibility for flood warning and dam operation contact with municipal

officials, provincial officials, Regional Police and local press

2. Technical Support 1. Alex Nizharadze

2. Chris Polap 3. Rick

Woodworth 4. Doug Mallory

update by telephone of flood warning messages to Municipalities and Regional Police recording, analysing and

plotting technical data

3. Communications 1. Sarah Gauden 2. Brittany Berlinghoff

Support the preparation and issuing of messages to TV, radio stations and news media

4. Telephone 1. Judy Love

2. Val Pazzi 3. Sandra Winninger

on-call for assistance, telephone reception typing notices as required

5. Operational Control 1. Don McConnell 2. Bob Saccomano

on-call for operation support for water

structures and emergency debris removal


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4.5. STREAM WATCH

In conjunction with our Flood Warning System, HCAoperates a stream watch program. Inspections under this system are to be carried out wherever and whenever directed by the Flood Warning Coordinator, or alternate. Any unusual circumstances such as ice/debris jams, heavy precipitation, ice breakup and high water levels or flooding should be recorded and reported immediately. The following personnel have been assigned to stream watch in the areas as indicated below:

a) Valens Conservation Area (Paul Karbusicky and Lindsey Darling)

Upper Spencer Creek watershed, north of Westover including all tributaries; Operation of Valens Dam.

b) Christie Conservation Area (Cari Hobbs and Lee Travers)

Middle Spencer Creek watershed between Westover and Webster’s Falls including all tributaries; Operation of Christie and Crooks Hollow Dams.

c) Land Management Division (Matt Hall and Don McConnell)

Lower Spencer and tributaries in the Town of Dundas

d) Dundas Valley Conservation Area (Carissa Bishop and Alex Bouwmeester) Ancaster and Sulphur Creeks in the Town of Ancaster

e) Confederation Park (Bruce Harschnitz and Liam Fletcher)

Redhill Creek between Hwy. 53 and the QEW and Stoney and Battlefield Creeks

f) Fifty Point Conservation Area (Rob Howe and Dave Glover)

Stoney Creek and minor Watercourses 1 through 12, including Fifty Creek from the Niagara Escarpment to Lake Ontario, and areas above the Niagara Escarpment to the watershed boundary

If the dam operator leaves his/her dam to make a watercourse inspection, he must maintain contact with the Flood Control Centre or post an alternate dam operator in his/her absence. Any rainfall predicted or observed exceeding 30 mm in 24 hours must be reported to the Flood Control Centre as soon as possible.


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4.6. GENERAL EMERGENCY / ALERT ROUTINE

The General Emergency/Alert Routine is a situation during which the Duty Officer is informed of a fire, theft, drowning etc. that has occurred within HCA-owned property.

If required, POLICE and AMBULANCE should be contacted at 9-1-1

POISON INFORMATION CENTRE at 1-800-268-9017

Upon receipt of an emergency message of this nature, the Duty Officer must follow the appropriate communication procedure and contact appropriate personnel as outlined in Appendix C. Examples of General Emergencies are:

• Fire • Drowning • Major Medical Emergencies • Major Accidents • Major Spills/Contamination • Major Landslide/rock-falls

Non-emergency related alerts may also be reported to the Duty Officer, and should be reported to the appropriate Park Staff, as listed in Appendix D. Examples of Minor Emergencies/Alerts are:

• Vandalism • Park gate problems • Creek concerns • Power outage/blackout • Vicious animals • Theft • Park Security


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5. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

5.1. FLOOD MANAGEMENT AT HCA

The objective of flood management is to prevent the loss of life, minimize property damage and social disruption, and encourage a coordinated approach to the use of land and the management of water. Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) flood management includes three main facets: prevention, protection, and emergency preparedness (including Flood Forecasting & Warning). This flood emergency manual focusses on flood emergency preparedness, including Flood Forecasting and Warning as well as flood emergency planning. These topics are covered in detail in the various manual sections below. Flood protection includes the operation of the Christie Lake and Valens dams. Operation of the dams is primarily the responsibility of the Water Resources Engineering department and the dam operators (park superintendents and assistant superintendents). Details of the dams and their operation are included in Section 3.2. This flood emergency manual includes actions related to the dams which may be required by the Duty Officer. Flood prevention involves floodplain mapping, watershed management planning, and planning and regulation of development. For the majority of the HCA watershed, flood prevention includes planning, design and regulating development based on the potential flooding that could occur as a result of a Hurricane Hazel storm event. For the eastern-most portions of the watershed (Stoney Creek numbered watercourses), the 100 year design event is used for this purpose. Many of the watercourses in the watershed have flood susceptible developments that were settled prior to current planning standards.

5.2. POTENTIAL TYPES OF FLOOD EMERGENCIES

Hurricane Hazel is the most severe flooding on record in Ontario, and occurred in October 1954 over the Toronto area. This fall storm produced 212 mm of rain in the final 12 hour period, and 285 mm overall (over 48 hours). Eighty-one lives were lost and damages were estimated at $25 million (approximately $222.6 million in 2015 dollars). Hurricane Hazel did not track over the HCA watershed, but has been designated as the Regional Storm event for the area for planning, design, and regulation purposes, as per Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines.


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Hurricanes are not the only type of storm event that can cause a flood emergency and that is accounted for in all three facets of HCA flood management. Areas of the watershed may experience flooding due to the following:

a) spring run-off (i.e. the water resulting from the melting of snow and ice which has

accumulated over the winter, and which can be combined with spring rainfall);

b) ice jams (i.e. frazil ice formation in the winter or river ice that has become dislodgedduring melting, and forms a jam in the river that acts as a dam backing up the water);

c) seasonal storms, including thunder storms (i.e. unusually heavy rains which can potentially happen at any time of the year); and

d) Lake water levels combined with storm surge (i.e. shorelines experience flooding resulting from winds and wave action).

Time is normally available to provide some degree of warning of an impending flood situation for areas located downstream on fairly long watercourses. This is especially true during the spring melt when advance knowledge is available regarding water quantities stored in the snowpack. However, flooding caused by ice jams can occur rapidly at any time during the spring or winter without prior warning. Also, heavy rainfall occurring on smaller watersheds creates flash flooding with little or no time to provide a warning.

5.3. WATERSHED DATA

The Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed covers approximately 479 sq. km. The drainage system consists of 5 major watercourses such as Spencer Creek, Borers Creek, Chedoke Creek, Redhill Creek, Stoney Creek, and a host of minor tributaries. The drainage areas, the lengths and the flows at the outlets of the watercourses are presented in Table 2. A significant hydrologic feature of the Spencer Creek watershed is Beverly Swamp. It is located in the Former Town of Flamborough and has an area of 20 sq. km. It serves as a storage area during floods and attenuates the downstream peak flows of Spencer Creek. Flooding problems under Regional and 100-year storm conditions can be anticipated on any of the watercourses listed in Table 2. The flooding is mainly caused by the undersized culverts at various road crossings, and insufficient storage capacity in the channel.


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Table No. 2 - Watershed Data NAME DRAINAGE AREA

AT OUTLET (SQ. KM)

LENGTH (KM)

100 YR FLOW AT OUTLET (CMS)

REG. FLOW AT OUTLET (CMS)

MAIN WATERSHEDS Spencer Creek 230.00 40.00 92.00* 759.00* Redhill Creek 67.80 12.6 104.00# 441.00# Stoney Creek 23.20 16.29 66.00 195.00 Borers Creek 19.50 9.20 42.10* 107.40* Chedoke Creek 24.20 2.40 68.60* 203.90* TRIBUTARIES OF SPENCER CREEK: Fletcher Creek 24.00 11.00 14.00* 131.80* Upper Spencer Creek 33.80 11.00 7.80* 57.80* Flamborough Creek 15.00 4.50 4.96* 41.30* Westover Creek 11.00 10.50 4.99* 43.02* Ancaster Creek 40.20 12.00 65.20* 281.80* Ann Street Creek 3.95 6.20 19.00* 40.00* Sydenham Creek 5.30 2.60 10.40* 27.70* Cootes/RBG area West Spencer Creek Logie’s Creek

290.86 18.00 13.3

* *

209.00* * *

876.22* * *

TRIBUTARIES OF ANCASTER CREEK: Sulphur Creek 17.10 9.00 23.60* 145.90* Tiffany Creek 9.10 6.00 31.70* 62.80* Spring Creek 12.80 8.70 28.40* 87.00* TRIBUTARY OF STONEY CREEK Battlefield Creek 7.70 7.70 18.00 45.00

NOTES: * - To be updated once full model outputs are available for the Lower Spencer Creek Flood Plain

Mapping Updates study, as part of the Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study # - To be updated when the Red Hill Creek Flood Plain Mapping Updates study is completed


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12 MINOR WATERCOURSES (W/C) DRAINING THROUGH STONEY CREEK: Outlet location

W/C 1 east of Green Road 3.3** 3.8** W/C # 1 has the same outlet as W/C #2 outlet as W/C # 2

W/C 2 east of Green Road 2.8** 3.7** 72.5** 74.34** W/C 3 east of Millen Ave. 1.9** 2.6** 27.9** 24.82** W/C 4 east of Dewitt Road 3** 4.2** 26.12** 35.88** W/C 5 east of Fruitland Road 3.6** 4.5** 21.9** 37.03** W/C 6 east of Jones Road 3.1** 4.2** 13.42** 31.54** W/C 7 west of McNeilly Road 4.7** 3.7** 30.06** 48.23** W/C 8 storm sewer W/C 9 east of Lewis Road 2.8** 3.3** 16.82** 28.54** W/C 10 storm sewer W/C 11 storm sewer W/C 12 (Fifty Creek) 7.4** 4.8** 22.12** 73.94**

NOTE: ** - To be updated when Stoney Creek Numbered Watercourses Flood Plain Mapping Updates

study is completed

5.4. DAMS AND RESERVOIRS

Two major dams and reservoirs are located within the Spencer Creek watershed and are operated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. These are Valens Dam above Valens, and the Christie Dam above Greensville.

VALENS DAM & RESERVOIR

Valens dam was constructed in 1966 by the Hamilton Conservation Authority as a multi-purpose flood control facility. It consists of an earth fill structure with a concrete drop inlet spillway. It has a drainage area of 10.9 sq. km with a maximum storage capacity of 203.55 ha-m. The dam is 121.9 m long and 6.3 m high.

In the fall the water level is drawn down and maintained throughout the winter at 273.72 m by allowing the appropriate outflow through the low flow valve. By June 1 the water level is raised and maintained at an elevation of 275.25 m (throughout the summer. More data on Valens Dam are presented in Table 3.


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The flood routing procedures are followed by the dam operator, as presented in the Valens Dam Operation, Maintenance, Surveillance and Safety Manual. Any deviation from these procedures must be approved by the Flood Warning Coordinator. The purpose of Valens Dam is to alleviate flood threats, to augment the summer flow in Spencer Creek during periods of low flow and attenuate the transmission of peak flows during spring runoff.

Table No. 3 Valens Dam & Reservoir Data Sheet Metric Imperial Date Completed 1966 Type of Dam Earth Fill Control Concrete drop inlet structure Purpose Multi-purpose flood control Length 121.90 m 400 feet Height 6.30 m 20.7 feet Drainage Area 1087.90 ha 4.2 sq. miles 25mm Runoff Volume 27.63 ha-m 224 acre-feet Maximum Storage Volume (906 ft) 203.55 ha-m 1650 acre-feet Flooded area at Maximum Storage 109.27 ha 270 acres Summer Storage Volume (903 ft) 120.90 ha-m 980-acre feet Flooded Area at Summer Storage 74.87 ha 185 acres Winter Storage Volume (898 ft) 80.17 ha-m 650 acre-feet Flooded Area at Winter Storage 29.34 ha 72.5 acres Summer Flow Augmentation for 100 days 0.13 c.m/s 4.6 cfs

Key Elevations Metric m GSC Imperial m GSC

Crest of concrete 277.99 912.00 Top of earth embankment 277.30 909.78 Crest of Valens Sideroad 276.47 907.00 Maximum Design Flood reservoir 276.16 906.00 Top of stoplogs-summer level 275.25 903.00 Top of concrete drop inlet structure 274.64 901.00 Drawdown winter level 273.72 898.00 Benchmark on Township Bridge 271.08 889.34 Centre line of 355mm low flow valve 270.98 889.00 Invert of low flow valve 270.80 888.42


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Flow Attenuation (Node 101 & 501, MacLaren, 1990)

Flow Flow without Dam Flow with Dam Percent Reduction Return Period m3/s m3/s % 2 year 2.28* 1.37* 39.9* 5 year 3.25* 1.97* 39.4* 10 year 3.91* 2.31* 40.9* 20 year 4.54* 2.63* 42.1* 50 year 5.38* 3.00* 44.2* 100 year 6.02* 3.27* 45.7* Hurricane Hazel 66.19* 34.87* 47.3*

NOTES: * - To be updated once full model outputs are available for the Lower Spencer Creek Flood Plain

Mapping Updates study, as part of the Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study

CHRISTIE DAM & RESERVOIR

Christie dam is the major flood control structure within the HCA watershed. It was constructed in 1972, and has a drainage area of 153.1 sq km with a maximum storage capacity of 228.19 ha-m at an elevation of 237.45 m (779 ft) GSC. The dam is a concrete structure with a drop inlet and 2 radial arm gate spillways. More data on Christie Dam are presented in Table 4. Its purpose is to reduce flooding within the former Town of Dundas during the spring runoff and from the more frequent flood events and also to cause a delay in the transmission of major flood peaks. Hydrologic calculations indicate that Christie dam delays the passage of Regional flows so that downstream peak flows are reduced by about 11 percent and delayed approximately 2 hours. Christie Reservoir can also augment summer flows in Spencer Creek. In the fall, the water level in the reservoir is drawn down to 233.172 m (765 ft). This level is maintained throughout the winter, except during flood conditions. The reservoir water level should not be reduced below this elevation, as this will break the ice sheet on the reservoir. If water level rises to 235.6 m (773 ft), the Town of Flamborough is advised to close the Middletown Road. This road crosses the reservoir upstream of the dam, and can be flooded at the above noted elevation. From the period of snowmelt runoff until late May, the reservoir water level is maintained at 234.5 m (769.4 ft). In the summer months the water level in reservoir is maintained at 235.0 m (771 ft) for recreation purposes. In the fall the water level is reduced back


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to 234.5 m (769.4 ft) and then by October 30 to 233.172 m (765 ft) for the remainder of the winter. The flood routing procedures are followed by the dam operator during normal and emergency conditions, as presented in the Christie Lake Dam Operation, Maintenance, Surveillance and Safety Manual. Any deviation from these procedures must be approved by the Flood Warning Coordinator. The Christie Dam building is equipped with the "AB-WASS" security system. The system has sensors for the entry and basement doors, windows, the door wire trap and Levels A, B, C of the reservoir, which correspond to 232.56 m (763.0 ft), 234.09 m (768.0 ft) and 235.31 m (772 ft) water levels in the reservoir. The dam operator may be required to operate the dam once the above noted water levels are reached. Fire, ambulance and police are also connected to the alarm system. If one of the above sensors is activated, the system will set off the alarm, which is monitored by "AB-WASS" security. "AB-WASS" will immediately contact the following personnel:

a) in a case of water levels - the dam operator or the duty officer;

b) for all other situations - police department.

If a Duty Officer is contacted by ABWASS regarding a Water Level alarm (Level A, B, or C), he or she should contact a Water Resources staff person and park personnel, as outlined in Appendix C. If entry to the Christie Dam building is required, the door must be opened and shut immediately. The code 1068 must be punched in on the alarm within 30 seconds of your entry. If the alarm was accidentally set off, the "AB-WASS" security system must be contacted by dialling #527-7500 indicating your Account #912 (CONFIDENTIAL). To dial fire, ambulance or police from the dam, simply press corresponding button on the alarm system.


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Table No. 4 Christie Dam & Reservoir Data Sheet Metric Imperial Date Completed 1972 Type of Dam Concrete Control Drop inlet and 2 Radial Gates Purpose Multi-purpose flood control Length 182.90 m*** 600 feet*** Height 9.10 m*** 30 feet*** Drainage Area 15305.3 ha*** 59.1 sq. miles*** 25mm Runoff Volume 387.63 ha-m*** 3140 acre-feet*** Maximum Storage Volume 228.19 ha-m*** 1850 acre-feet*** Flooded area at Maximum Storage (779 ft) +/- 161.89 ha*** +/- 400 acres*** Summer Storage Volume 74.01 ha-m*** 600 acre-feet*** Flooded Area at Summer Storage (772 ft) +/- 71.55 ha*** +/- 176.8 acres*** Winter Storage Volume 19.74 ha-m*** 160 acre-feet*** Flooded Area at Winter Storage (765 ft) +/- 23.9 ha*** +/- 59.2 acres*** Summer Flow Augmentation for 100 days 0.11 c.m/s*** 3.8 cfs***

Key Elevations Metric m GSC Imperial m GSC

Crest of Dam concrete walkway 238.36*** 782.0*** Underside of Concrete walkway 237.91*** 780.5*** Maximum water level during design storm 237.45*** 779.0*** Top of Radial Gates 236.53*** 776.0*** Top of 0.6 m high flashboards 236.53*** 776.0*** Sill of 102.4 m long Ogee Spillway 235.93*** 774.0*** Top of Grating over drop inlets 235.62*** 773.0*** Crest of Townline Road 235.61*** 773.0*** Summer level with 0.3 m of stoplogs 235.01*** 771.0*** Concrete sill - 3 drop inlets 1.8 m long each 234.48*** 769.25*** Radial Arm Gate Sills 231.66*** 760.00*** Emergency Stop Log Elevation 233.172*** 765.00*** Invert of 2 - 0.6 m x 0.6 m valves 229.52*** 753.00*** Pipe inverts from drop inlets 3 @ 685 mm diam. 229.07*** 751.50*** Flow Attenuation (Node 129 & 503, MacLaren, 1990) Flow Flow without Dam Flow with Dam Percent Reduction Return Period m3/s m3/s % 20 year 41.6* 30.0* 28* 100 year 52.0* 34.0* 35* Hurricane Hazel 344.18* 333.3* 3.2*


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Hurricane Hazel peak flow delayed by 2 hours, downstream peak flows in Dundas reduced by 11%.

NOTE: *** - To be confirmed when review of CLD EPP/OMSS is completed * - To be updated once full model outputs are available for the Lower Spencer Creek Flood Plain Mapping Updates study, as part of the Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study

CROOKS HOLLOW DAM

The Crooks Hollow dam was built in 1913 by the Town of Dundas as a source of water supply and demolished in 2012 due to its deteriorated condition.

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY EMBANKMENT, DUNDAS

The Canadian National Railway Embankment is a 25.9 m high man-made structure, which spans across the deeply cut Spencer Creek Valley immediately above the Town of Dundas. The flow passes through the culvert at this embankment. Failure of the embankment under Maximum Probable Flood could result in serious damage and loss of life within the Town of Dundas. However, the Regional storm will not cause overtopping or failure of the embankment. This location requires regular inspection by Authority staff, Town staff and CNR staff to ensure the culvert is free of debris. Extra inspections are carried out during periods of high flow.

TH&B ABANDONED RAILWAY EMBANKMENT, ANCASTER

The Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo Abandoned Railway Embankment is a 23 m high man-made structure, which spans across the deeply cut Ancaster Creek Valley at the Dundas-Ancaster boundary behind University Plaza. The flow passes through the masonry culvert at this embankment. The embankment is owned by the HCA and has been converted to a trail. The embankment has been reinforced with a spillway to allow flows greater than the 100-year flow to safely overtop it. The TH&B Embankment is very beneficial in reducing flood peaks from small and large storms. It reduces Hurricane Hazel flows by more than 60% immediately downstream of this location. Its effect (in combination with Christie and the CNR Embankment) are also felt on the main Spencer Creek where flows below its confluence with Ancaster Creek are reduced by 20% and inflows to Coote’s Paradise are reduced by 23%.


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This location requires regular inspection by Authority Staff to ensure that the culvert is free of debris. Extra inspections are to be carried out during periods of high flow.

Flow Attenuation at TH&B (Node 168& 506), MacLaren, 1990)

Flow Natural With TH&B Reduction Return Period m3/s m3/s % 2 18.8 17 10

5 29.1 25 14

10 37.2 29 22

20 45.6 31 32

50 57.2 36 37

100 66.3 40 40

Hurricane Hazel 278.8 109.7 61

5.5. FLOOD, WEATHER AND FLOW INFORMATION

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry Data The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry operates the Surface Water Monitoring Centre. General flood information, including current flood messages issued by Local Conservation Authorities or MNRF, is available at the following website:

http://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program

Detailed flood forecasting information is available at the SWMC’s extranet site: To login, use:

USERNAME: patrickragaz PASSWORD: patriCkr27!

http://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program


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On the resulting webpage, click on the “SWMC Extranet” link. On the resulting webpage, click on the “Flood Forecasting” link. This webpage provides links to:

• Provincial and Local Flood messages (Same general flood information as mentioned above

• Daily Weather Forecast Maps • Other Flood Forecasting and Warning data, tools and references

The “Daily Weather Forecast Maps” link provides the access to the following useful weather information:

5-Day Weather Forecast Charts Selecting the link provides you with a provincial map, which summarizes the forecast, with the legend provided. Precipitation Forecast Maps: AM Synopsis or PM Synopsis Selecting the links provide you with the forecasted precipitation map for the current day and next 4 days. This easy to read graphical precipitation forecast map, lets you quickly see the projected rainfalls. These maps represent forecasted 24-hour total precipitation in mm for the period of 8 AM EST to 8 AM EST. An initial set of maps are produced every morning, with a subsequent updated map set produced around noon each day. Other Weather Data Other useful websites for weather information, including forecasts and radar imagery include: The Weather Network http://www.theweathernetwork.ca Environment Canada http://weather.gc.ca/ Intellicast http://www.intellicast.com/

http://www.theweathernetwork.ca/

http://weather.gc.ca/

http://www.intellicast.com/


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HCA Precipitation and Streamflow Monitoring Network Data

The HCA monitoring network provides access to real-time precipitation, streamflow and reservoir water level data at key locations within the watershed. There are 6 stream flow recording stations, 2 dam water level recording stations, and 10 precipitation gauges. The precipitation, water level and streamflow data from the HCA Monitoring Network is only accessible via HCA computers. The following figure and table summarize the location and details of the HCA Monitoring Network gauges.


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NOTE: Gauge Type: SFG - Stream Flow Gauge

PG - Precipitation Gauge

Gauge Type Phone Number Settings Christie SFG

PG 905-627-1068 ANSI BBS

Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Dundas SFG PG

905-628-8509 ANSI BBS FTS-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Hwy 5 SFG PG

905-627-3064 VT-102 FTS-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Ancaster SFG 905-648-6719 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Mohawk PG 905-575-2032 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol


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Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware

Redhill PG 905-543-1870 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Redhill (Water Survey Canada)

SFG 905-543-9828 ANSI BBS FTS-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Stoney Creek SFG PG

1-905-664-1617 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Stoney Creek (Jones Yard) PG 1-905-643-6003 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Westover SFG PG

1-905-659-1151 ANSI BBS FTS-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Valens SFG PG

1-905-659-1729 ANSI BBS ASCII 9600 baud


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Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard

Workshop PG 905-648-7442 ANSI BBS Z-Modem 9600 baud Standard EC protocol Compression: Enabled Flow Control: Hardware Hardware: 8 None 1 Standard




APPENDIX A

HCA Watershed Map




APPENDIX B HCA Duty Officer Schedule

(February 2016 Revision)


HCA Flood Emergency Duty Officer Schedule

Date: February 19, 2016

January Jan. 4 to Jan. 10 Howe, Rob 905-572-0005 August July 25 to Aug. 1* Peck, Scott2016 Jan. 11 to Jan. 17 Kinnear, Sara 905-973-4372 Aug. 2 to Aug. 7 Kenny, Darren

Jan. 18 to Jan. 24 Bastien, Jonathan 905-515-3087 Aug. 8 to Aug. 14 McConnell, DonJan. 25 to Jan. 31 Costie, Gord 905-973-4373 Aug. 15 to Aug. 21 McDougall, Neil

Aug. 22 to Aug. 28 Karbusicky, PaulFebruary Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 Hobbs, Cari-Lynn 905-973-4963 September Aug. 29 to Sept. 5* Howe, Rob

Feb. 8 to Feb. 15* Harschnitz, Bruce 905-973-4371 Sept. 6 to Sept. 8 Kinnear, SaraFeb. 16 to Feb. 21 Bishop, Carissa 905-515-5908 Sept. 9 to Sept. 18 Bastien, JonathanFeb. 22 to Feb. 28 Nizharadze, Alex 905-515-9879 Sept. 19 to Sept. 25 Costie, Gord

March Feb. 29 to Mar. 6 Bell, Sandy 905-531-9095 October Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 Hobbs, Cari-LynnMar. 7 to Mar. 13 Burnside, Lisa 905-537-1689 Oct. 3 to Oct. 10* Harschnitz, BruceMar. 14 to Mar. 20 Firth-Eagland, Chris 905-977-0741 Oct. 11 to Oct. 16 Bishop, CarissaMar. 21 to Mar. 28* Stone, Mike 905-515-8847 Oct. 17 to Oct. 23 Nizharadze, Alex

Oct. 24 to Oct. 30 Bell, SandyApril Mar. 29 to Apr. 3 Peck, Scott 905-512-4397 November Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 Burnside, Lisa

Apr. 4 to Apr. 10 Kenny, Darren 905-962-5443 Nov. 7 to Nov. 13* Firth-Eagland, ChrisApr. 11 to April 17 McConnell, Don 905-537-1849 Nov. 14 to Nov. 20 Stone, MikeApr. 18 to Apr. 24 McDougall, Neil 905-512-7418 Nov. 21 to Nov. 27 Peck, Scott

May Apr. 25 to May 1 Karbusicky, Paul 905-537-2048 December Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 Kenny, DarrenMay 2 to May 8 Howe, Rob Dec. 5 to Dec. 11 McConnell, DonMay 9 to May 15 Kinnear, Sara Dec. 12 to Dec. 18 McDougall, NeilMay 16 to May 23* Bastien, Jonathan Dec. 19 to Jan. 2* Karbusicky, PaulMay 24 to May 29 Costie, Gord

June May 30 to June 5 Hobbs, Cari-Lynn January Jan. 3 to Jan. 8 Howe, RobJune 6 to June 12 Harschnitz, Bruce 2017 Jan. 9 to Jan. 15 Kinnear, SaraJune 13 to June 19 Bishop, Carissa Jan. 16 to Jan. 22 Bastien, JonathanJune 20 to June 26 Nizharadze, Alex Jan. 23 to Jan. 29 Costie, Gord

July Jun 27 to July 3* Bell, Sandy Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 Hobbs, Cari-LynnJuly 4 to July 10 Burnside, LisaJuly 11 to July 17 Firth-Eagland, ChrisJuly 18 to July 24 Stone, Mike

* Denotes long weekends and holidays.


NOTE: 1. The emergency answering service will try the duty officer's cell phone, if there is no answer,

they will call the duty officer’s home phone number. If there is no answer, they will call other duty officers listed until a successful contact is made. At the end of an on duty weekend, the duty officer shall place the portfolio in the next duty officer's mail box or deliver to the next duty officer.

2. Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings: In the event of a flooding or water level emergency, the Duty Officer will notify the Flood Warning Co-ordinator or his/her alternate as soon as possible and will provide assistance to the Flood Warning Co-ordinator as directed. In the event that the Duty Officer cannot contact the Flood Warning Co-ordinator or his/her alternates, then call either Christie Lake Conservation Area, and/or Valens Conservation Area.

3. In instances where the Duty Officer finds it necessary to exchange weekends with another Duty Officer, it is the responsibility of the scheduled Duty Officer to notify the answering service in order that they can amend their call list. Be sure to give the Emergency Answering Service the names, telephone numbers and dates changed of the Duty Officers involved.

4. The public emergency number to contact the HCA Duty Officer on weekends and holidays is 905-523-8787.


Date: February 19, 2016

Copies to:

HCA - Jonathan Bastien, Sandy Bell, Lisa Burnside, Gord Costie, Chris Firth-Eagland, Darren Kenny, Don McConnell, Neil McDougall, Alex Nizharadze, Scott Peck, Mike Stone, Cari-Lynn Hobbs (Christie), Paul Karbusicky (Valens), Carissa Bishop (Dundas Valley), Bruce Harschnitz (Confederation Park), Sara Kinnear (Wild Waterworks), Rob Howe (Fifty Point), Rondayln Brown (Westfield)

City of Hamilton:

Eric Girt or Ken Weatherill, Acting Chief of Police, Hamilton Police Service (Rotating monthly) Ken Weatherill, Deputy Chief, Hamilton Police Service Eric Girt, Deputy Chief, Hamilton Police Service Deb Clark, Superintendent Support Services, Hamilton Police Service Will Mason, Inspector Support Services, Hamilton Police Service No Announcement of Acting Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Jim Friend, Chief Communications Officer, Hamilton Fire William James Pittman, Deputy Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Connie Verhaeghe, Emergency Management Coordinator, Hamilton Fire Carla McCracken, Emergency Management Coordinator, Hamilton Fire Dave Cunliffe, Director of Fire Operations/Deputy Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Betty Matthews-Malone, Director of Operations Bob Paul, Manager, Roads & Maintenance Jerry Parisotto, Manager of Construction Gary Moore, Director of Engineering Services Mark Bainbridge, Director, Water & Wastewater Planning & Capital Tennessee Propedo, Manager of Parks & Cemeteries Kara Bunn, Superintendent, Parks & Cemeteries John Searles, District Superintendent, Roads and Maintenance Sarah Pool, Superintendent District West, Ward 12-15 (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, West of Glancaster Rdoad to town line of Hamilton and Burlington) Terry McCleary, Superintendent District North, Wards 1-5 (Lower Hamilton, from Main St W and Osler Dr to Grays Rd) Mike Christian, Superintendent District East, Wards 6-11 (Upper Hamilton Mountain and E of Grays Rd) Brian Hughes, Manager Capital Rehab. & Technical Operations Gerard Johnson, District Supervisor SWP District West, Operations


Ryan Moore, Project Manager, Roads and Maintenance Udo Ehrenberg, Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Systems Design Nahed Ghbn, Senior Project Manager Water/Wastewater Planning Chris Murray, City Manager

Township of Puslinch - Don Creed, Director of Public Works and Parks and John Stubbs, Road Crew AnswerPlus Hamilton Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Guelph - Ian Hagman Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - A.F.F.M.B. - Flood Duty Officers, Surface Water

Monitoring Centre, Peterborough Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Sault Ste. Marie - Provincial Emergency

Response Coordinators Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Vineland Office - Kathy Richardson Royal Botanical Gardens - Tys Theysmeyer, Head of Natural Lands Files - P37-45, A2-1-24




APPENDIX C

HCA Duty Officer

Communication System

(June 2016 Revision)



Warning / Emergency for HCA

• Vandalism • Gate problems • Creek concerns • Power

outage/blackout • Vicious animals • Theft • Park Security

Major Flood Emergency Routine

Stream Watch Hurricane, Tornado

Determine if Emergency services (Fire, Police, Ambulance) are required and if so, have been contacted. If necessary, call 911. If necessary, call Poison Information Centre at 1-800-268-9017 Call Appropriate Park Staff (Appendix D)

Contact each of the following Staff

Manager, Design and Development Matt Hall 289-263-0182(h)

Manager, Fleet and Construction Don McConnell 905-659-3403(h)

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Chris Firth-Eagland 905-627-1003 (h)

Secretary/Treasurer Neil McDougall 905-646-9295 (h)

Water Resources Engineering Director, Watershed Chief Administrative (Flood Warning Coordinator) or Planning and Engineering or Officer (CAO) Jonathan Bastien Scott Peck Chris Firth-Eagland 905-921-5650 (h) 519-426-8526 (h) 905-627-1003 (h)

Normal Flood Routine: − Localized flooding, ice jam reports,

road wash-outs −

Duty Officer is contacted, or alternates

Call Appropriate Park Staff as per Appendix D

Contact one of the following Staff in order of availability

HCA DUTY OFFICER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Depending on location and impact of flooding areas, contact the following Park Staff

Fire Drowning Major Medical

Emergencies Major Accidents

• Major Spills/ Contamination

• Major Landslide/ rock-falls

Major Emergencies / Alerts / Problems

Contact one of the following in order of availability unless instructed otherwise

Flooding Warning, Alert or Emergency

Christie Lake Conservation Area Confederation Park Valens Conservation Area Cari Hobbs or Lee Travers Bruce Harschnitz or Liam Fletcher Paul Karbusicky or Lindsey Darling 905-628-3060 (Park) 905-547-6141 (Park) 905-525-2183 (Park) 289-337-8028 or 905-531-6795 (cell) 519-759-2438 (h) 905-387-7986 (h) or 289-337-0441 (h) 905-975-1800 (cell/h)

Dundas Valley Conservation Area Fifty Point Marina Carissa Bishop 905-627-1233 (Park) Rob Howe 905-525-2187 (Park) 905-745-4889 (h) 905-945-7517 (h)

Director of Planning and Engineering Scott Peck 519-426-8526 (h)




APPENDIX D

HCA Key Personnel (June 2016 Revision)


HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

P.O. Box 7099, 838 Mineral Springs Road Ancaster, Ontario L9G 3L3

Main Office: Hamilton 525-2181

Please Note: Office Home Cellular Fax

OFFICE HOME CELL FAX FLOOD WARNING COORDINATOR / FLOOD OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering 525-2181 x 138 921-5650 515-3087 648-4622

Scott Peck, Director of Watershed Planning & Engineering 525-2181 x 130 519-426-8526 512-4397 648-4622 ALTERNATES Chris Firth-Eagland, CAO 525-2181 x 110 627-1003 977-0741 648-4622

Mike Stone, Manage, Watershed Planning Servces 525-2181 x 133 519-824-8735 515-8847 648-4622

DAM OPERATORS – CONSERVATION AREAS Lee Travers, Christie Conservation Area 628-3060 975-7598 628-1316

Christie Dam 627-1068

Paul Karbusicky, Valens Conservation Area 525-2183 x 21 387-7986 537-2048 659-1573 Lindsey Darling, Valens Conservation Area 525-2183 x 22 289-337-0441 289-339-4130 659-1573 AUTHORITY MEMBERS Robert Pasuta, Chairman 659-7100 973-1326

Santina Moccio, Vice-Chairman 570-3839

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

All phone numbers are 905 area code, unless otherwise stated. In case of Emergency: Paging Service – “Answer Plus” – 523-8787


CONFEDERATION PARK & WILDWATER WORKS - Bruce Harschnitz, Superintendent, Confederation Park 547-6141 x 5002 519-759-2438 973-4371 547-4185 - Liam Fletcher, Assistant Supt., Confederation Park 547-6141 x 5003 975-1800 547-4185 - Sara Kinnear, Manager, Wild Waterworks 547-6141 x 5304 536-0445 973-4372 561-2297 - Stacey McConnell, Assistant Mgr., Wild Waterworks 547-6141 x 5302 928-3403 512-3979 561-2297

DUNDAS VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA - Trail Centre 627-1233 627-9722 - Carissa Bishop, Superintendent 525-2181 x 153 745-4889 515-5908 648-4622 - Alex Bouwmeester, Assistant Superintendent 525-2181 x 115 389-7598 537-2053 648-4622

FIFTY POINT CONSERVATION AREA - Rob Howe, Superintendent 643-7400 945-7517 572-0005 643-1668 - Dave Glover, Assistant Superintendent 643-2103 643-3998 379-7059 643-1668

WESTFIELD HERITAGE VILLAGE - Rondalyn Brown 519-621-8851 x 2 628-0155 537-2376 519-621-6897 - On-Site Staff 515-5374

MILLGROVE WORKS YARD - Don McConnel 690-1365 x 1 659-3403 537-1849 690-3908 - Office/Lunchroom 690-1365 690-3908

WOODEND STAFF Mathew Hall, Manager, Design and Development 525-2181 x 188 289-263-0182 512-9079 525-2214 Lisa Burnside, Human Resources Manager 525-2181 x 126 304-1265 537-1689 648-4622 Darren Kenny, Watershed Officer 525-2181 x 131 385-5443 962-5443 648-4622 Gord Costie, Director, Customer Service & Operations 525-2181 x 168 648-9339 973-4373 648-4622 Don McConnell, Manager, Fleet and Construction 525-2181 x 117 659-3403 512-3236 690-3908 Alex Nizharadze, Water Management Specialist 525-2181 x 232 690-2825 515-9879 648-4622 Debra Rankin, Caretaker 304-3833 Brian Rodgers, Secretary Treasurer/Finance Manager 525-2181 x 120 646-9295 512-7418 648-4622 Chris Polap, Monitoring Technician 525-2181 x 232 289-682-8715 906-3097 648-4622




APPENDIX E

Municipal Officials Contact List



PHONE EXT. CELLULAR FAX AFTER HOURS

HAMILTON FIRE

Fire Dispatch (Emergency Line) 911 Available 24-hours

Fire Dispatch (Non-Emergency Line) 905-546-3336

CHIEF OF POLICE (CITY OF HAMILTON)

Acting Chief – Eric Girt or Ken Weatherill (Rotating monthly) 905-546-4710 905-546-4752 911

905-546-4925

Deputy Chief - Ken Weatherill 905-546-4703 905-807-0638 905-546-4752 911 905-546-4925

Deputy Chief - Eric Girt 905-546-4701 905-807-0616 905-546-4752 911 905-546-4925

Deb Clark, Superintendent Support Services 905-546-4706 905-973-0563 905-546-4752 911

905-546-4925

Will Mason, Inspector Support Services 905-546-4705 905-719-1174 905-546-4752 911 905-546-4925

Non-Emergency (Main Switchboard) 905-546-4925 Available 24-hours

REGIONAL FIRE CO-ORDINATOR (CITY OF HAMILTON)

No Announce of Acting Fire Chief 905-546-2424 x3343 905-961-9111 905-546-3344 905-546-CITY (2489)

William James Pittman, Deputy Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire 905-546-2424 x3356 905-961-9129 905-546-3344 905-546-3333

Option 5 Connie Verhaeghe, Emergency Management Coordinator 905-546-2424 x6038 905-546-2299 905-546-CITY (2489)

Carla McCracken, Emergency Management Coordinator 905-546-2424 X5787 905-546-2299 905-546-CITY (2489)

Jim Friend, Chief Communications Officer 905-546-2424 X3363 905-961-9127 905-546-3388 905-546-3333 Option 5

Dave Cunliffe, Director of Fire Operations/Deputy Fire Chief 905-546-2424 X3340 905-961-9112 905-546-3344 905-546-3333

Option 5

CITY OF HAMILTON

Emergency Dispatch (24 Hours) 905-546-2710 Available 24-hours

Mayor Fred Eisenberg 905-546-2424 x4200 905-546-2340 905-546-CITY (2489)

Chris Murray, City Manager 905-540-2424 x5420 905-973-4401 905-540-5141

Betty Matthews-Malone, Director of Operations 905-546-2424 x4622 289-260-0696 905-546-4473 905-546-2489

Bob Paul, Manager, Roads & Maintenance 905-546-2424 x7641 905-977-1190 905-540-5353 905-546-2489

Jerry Parisotto, Manager of Construction 905-546-2424 x4310 905-977-0777 905-546-2870 905-546-2489

Gary Moore, Director of Engineering Services 905-546-2424 x2382 905-379-7903 905-546-4494 905-546-2489


Mark Bainbridge, Director, Water & Wastewater Planning & Capital 905-546-2424 X5929 905-973-4339 905-546-4491 905-546-2489

Tennessee Propedo, Manager of Parks & Cemeteries 905-546-2424 X4334 905-975-1848 905-546-4473 905-546-2489

Kara Bunn, Senior Project Manager, Parks & Cemeteries 905-546-2424 X2738 905-973-2168 905-546-4473 905-546-2489

Udo Ehrenberg, Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Systems Design 905-546-2424 X2499 905-973-3258 905-546-4491 905-546-2489

Nahed Ghbn, Senior Project Manager Water/Wastewater Planning 905-546-2424 X6413 905-546-4491 905-546-2489

North, East and West Districts 7 After Hours/Weekends 905-546-2424 905-546-2489

John Searles, District Superintendent, Roads and Maintenance 905-546-2424 X1891 289-260-3046 905-546-4811 905-546-2489

Sarah Poole, Superintendent District West, Wards 12-15(Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, W of Glancaster Rd to town line of Hamilton and Burlington)

905-546-2424 X1356 905-516-3839 905-628-2055 905-546-2489

Terry McCleary, Superintendent District North, Wards 1-5 (Lower Hamilton from Main St W and Osler Dr to Grays Rd, Stoney Creek)

905-546-2424 X7046 905-979-8577 905-540-5353 905-546-2489

Mike Christian, Superintendent District East, Wards 6-11 (Upper Hamilton Mountain and E of Grays Rd, Stoney Creek)

905-546-2424 X4456 289-260-4366 905-546-3188 905-546-2489

Brian Hughes, Manager Capital Rehab. & Technical Operations 905-546-2424 X7875 905-973-0206 905-546-4473 905-546-2489

Gerard Johnson, District Supervisor SWP District West, Operations 905-546-2424 X1416 905-973-1367 905-628-2055 905-546-2489

Ryan Moore, Project Manager, Roads and maintenance 905-546-2424 X6471 905-719-7458 905-540-5611 905-546-2489

TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH

Mayor Dennis Lever 226-971-2067 519-763-1226

Karen Landry, CAO/Clerk 519-763-1226 X214 519-621-6021

Don Creed, Director, Public Works and Parks 519-763-1470 519-766-5686 519-763-5846 519-829-2556

John Stubbs – Roads Crew 519-763-1470 519-831-9060 519-763-5846 519-824-6628

Mariss Herner, Communications Associate 519-763-1226 X225 519-763-5846




APPENDIX F

Provincial Officials Contact List (February 2016 Revision)


MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE Contact List for Emergency Response Provincial Emergency Response Centre (PERC) The PERC (Sault Ste. Marie) coordinates response to resource request made by MNF Districts and Conservation Authorities during flood emergencies, according to MNRF’s Emergency Response Plan. The MNRF Emergency Response Program has implemented a 24/7 Provincial Emergency Response Coordinator Hotline. This number ensures contact with the MNR PERC through the Provincial Coordination Centre. The Hotline Number for the PERC is 1-866-898-7372 It is recommended that when contacting the scheduled PERC during normal office hours, to use their office phone numbers as your first choice and the PERC Hotline after regular office hours. If you don’t know who the scheduled PERC is, use the Hotline. (All area codes are 705) Response Centre 945-5750 945-5785 (fax) Provincial Emergency Response Coordinator (PERC) Name Work Home Cell Fax Rob Frech 945-5784 946-1253 943-5784 945-5785 Mike O’Brien 541-5118 649-0014 255-2942 945-5785 Rob McAlpine 945-5978 248-1920 941-1366 945-5785 John MacDonald 945-5782 253-4293 989-5782 945-5785


Chris Cuthbertson 286-5208 754-0938 457-7119 286-4355 Provincial Duty Officer Desk Cell Email 945-5751 255-1505 [email protected] Flood Response

Surface Water Monitoring Centre Duty Officer – Please use this number for flood forecasting/warning purposes. Please email or use fax number when issuing flood messages. Desk Cell Fax Email 755-5201 761-2044 (after hours) 755-5038 [email protected] Name Work Home Email Frank Kenny 755-5011 [email protected] Gord Gallant 755-5200 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]






APPENDIX G

Media Contacts



Appendix G - Media Contact 1. Radio Location: Phone: Fax: News Director/Editor: E-mail:

93.9 CFMU FM Radio McMaster University 905-525-9140 x 27582 905-529-3208 Sana Khawaja [email protected] 900 CHML AM/Y108 FM Hamilton 905-521-9900 905-540-2452 Jeff Storey [email protected] KX96 Oshawa 905-571-1019 905-571-1150 Steve Kassay [email protected] K-Lite FM Hamilton 905-574-1150 905-575-6429 Jessica Carter [email protected]

2. Television

CHCH News Hamilton 905-522-1101 905-523-8011 Mike Katrycz [email protected] CBC Hamilton Hamilton 905-524-1985 Rick Hughes [email protected]

3. Newspapers

The Hamilton Spectator Hamilton 905-526-3482 905-526-1395 Carla Ammerata [email protected] Ancaster News Stoney Creek 905-523-5800 x 330 905-523-4014 Debra Downey [email protected] Dundas Star Stoney Creek 905-523-5800 x 330 905-523-4014 Debra Downey [email protected] Hamilton News Stoney Creek 905-523-5800 x 335 905-523-4014 Gord Bowes [email protected] Stoney Creek News Stoney Creek 905-523-5800 x 338 905-523-4014 Mike Pearson [email protected] Flamborough Review Flamborough 905-689-4841 x 321 905-689-3110 Brenda Jefferies [email protected] Cambridge Times Cambridge 519-623-7395 x 215 519-623-9155 Richard Vivian [email protected]

4. School Boards

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 905-521-2544 905-521-2508 Jane Allison [email protected] Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board 905-525-2930 905-525-1724 Marnie Jadon [email protected]


HCA Media Relations PROTOCOL & PROCEDURES:

1. As a general rule, all media inquiries should be forwarded to Sarah Gauden, Marketing & Events Manager or Brittany Berlinghoff, Information &Business Services Specialist. As HCA’s media liaison, Sarah Gauden facilitates interviews with key staff, compiles background information and, where necessary, acts as a spokesman. She should always be notified when the media has contacted anyone on staff and/or board members. In her absence, Brittany Berlinghoff acts as the media liaison Receptionists should ask for caller’s name and the nature of the call when the caller requests to speak to senior staff by name. In this way, receptionists can be alerted to the fact that the caller is from the media and inquiring about a specific issue. The receptionist should then refer the call to Sarah Gauden or Brittany Berlinghoff.

2. Spokespersons for HCA, in order of protocol, are as follows: Policy & Political Issues General HCA comment, board-related policy and politically sensitive matters, as well as all emergency or accident reporting, activities, finances, environmental projects and programs. Robert Pasuta, Chairman Santina Moccio, Vice-Chairman Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer Those senior staff members named to be acting in the absence of the General Manager. Emergencies: The Flood Emergency Manual establishes a chain of communication during flood and general emergency situations. For reference, see the manual. Technical Issues Jonathan Bastien. Alex Nizharadze Chris Polap Park Operations Superintendents.

3. Area superintendents should clearly explain media protocol during all training sessions involving seasonal staff. As part of this discussion, seasonal/part-time employees must be made aware that media inquiries must be deferred to their supervisor.


DEALING WITH THE MEDIA: HELPFUL TIPS

Have your facts and media lines ready to go “Media Lines” are an organization’s official response to questions likely to come from the public and media. They should be prepared in advance of any policy/project announcement — at the discretion of the senior management team — and circulated to the appropriate staff.

Call Backs Remember, when a reporter calls, you are not obligated to answer questions at that exact moment…In most cases, it’s wise to ask what information they are specifically seeking, then promise you’ll call back. This allows you to think about your answer(s) and gather all pertinent information you may need. Answering a reporter’s query without taking this crucial step leaves you open to not having the salient information at your fingertips. By the time you call back with correct data, the strong points you wanted to make may be lost. You can also use this time to notify other senior staff and the communications co-ordinator that you have received a call. This may reveal that someone has already spoken to the reporter. Don’t forget internal communications Even on seemingly unimportant matters, senior staff and the Community Relations department should know that you (and/or board members) were contacted and what was said. Accent the positive The most valuable benefit of a well-thought out strategy is that our representatives feel and show trust in HCA’s ability to handle/address an issue. Nothing impresses like real confidence, and only advance planning can bestow it. Being secure in the knowledge that we were ready for an emergency, and are moving to solve it, is the best media relations an organization can have. Tips on Interviews:

1. Preparation — prepare yourself for the interview by listing the positive points and the pitfalls of the issue you are being asked to answer. Be aware of the pitfalls, but concentrate on and accent the positive.

2. Purpose — Know what message you want to leave with the reporter. 3. Control — Your agenda and message should control the interview, not the reporter’s. This can be a

less daunting challenge when you know precisely what the reporter wants to ask you. You can establish control by sticking to the positive points you want to make.

4. Understanding — We want the public to understand what our message is. To accomplish that objective, we need to make sure the reporter first understands your comments. Avoid jargon. Use simple words and simple messages…use examples you believe the reporter and public will understand.

5. Don’t forget that emails are on the record. Many reporters use telephone taping systems. As long as one individual agrees to tape a telephone conversation (the reporter), then taping is perfectly legal.


A spokesperson should be forthright in dealing with media questions. There are, however, some questions he or she simply cannot and should not answer, including:

• money estimates of damage • insurance coverage • speculation as to the cause of the incident • allocation of blame • anything "off the record"

A "no comment" can imply a lack of cooperation. There are more appropriate responses when you either don't have or aren’t at liberty to give certain information. Some examples might be:

• "We've just learned about the situation and are trying to get more complete information now."

• "All our efforts are directed at bringing the situation under control, so I'm not going to speculate on the cause of the incident."

• "I'm not the authority on that subject. Let me have our Mr. Jones call you right back." • "We're preparing a statement on that now. Can I fax it to you in about two hours?"


General Headline (Be general and positive) Issue: Specifically Identified (Be specific, but positive)

Funding Model (if appropriate):

Outline financial details Position: List of positive main position statements relevant to issue

1. The project is an attempt by the HCA to ….

2. Environmental considerations etc.

Project Rationale, History & Actions To Date:

• In point form that can easily be reviewed with media

Other Information:

As applicable

Your key message: It’s usually the general headline you wrote at the top…

Issue Being Reviewed

Main Points of Issue (or board motion)

Media Factsheet

SAMPLE




APPENDIX H

Sample Flood Message Releases

(June 2016 Revision)


FLOOD MESSAGE – UPDATED WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT (WATER SAFETY)

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL Please distribute a copy to all addressees or their alternates at your location.

TO: City of Hamilton Flood Co-ordinators, Public Works, and Emergency

Services Police Services

MNR, District and Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre Local news media Adjacent Conservation Authorities School Boards FROM: Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering DATE: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 TIME: 2:30 PM _____________________________________________________________________________

Updated Watershed Conditions Statement (Water Safety)

Forecasted precipitation is expected to result in increased water levels and flows in area watercourses. However, at this time water levels are expected to remain below critical levels and not pose flooding concerns. The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) wishes to remind residents to continue to exercise caution near all water bodies at this time of year. Elevated water levels, faster moving water, and slippery banks may pose a significant hazard. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies at this time. According to local weather forecasts, the Hamilton area could potentially receive 35 - 55 mm of rain March 22 - 28, with roughly 25 – 40 mm of that total occurring March 23 - 24. Water levels in the major watercourses have been steadily receding over the past 5 – 7 days. However, as a result of the forecasted precipitation water levels are expected to return to elevated levels. This Updated Watershed Conditions Statement (Water Safety) message is in effect until Monday, March 28, 2016, at which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA continues to monitor stream and weather conditions closely and will issue further messages prior to March 28 as required.

For further information or questions regarding this message, please contact: Water Resources Engineering: Jonathan Bastien Phone: 905-525-2181 ext 138 Fax: 905-648-4622 Email: [email protected]

SAMPLE



FLOOD MESSAGE – WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT (FLOOD OUTLOOK)

URGENT - READ IMMEDIATELY- TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL Please distribute a copy to all addressees or their alternates at your location

immediately. TO: City of Hamilton Flood Co-ordinators, Public Works, and Emergency


MNR, District and Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre Local news media Adjacent Conservation Authorities School Boards FROM: Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering DATE: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 TIME: 2:45 PM _______________________________________________________________________________

Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook)

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising of the possibility for localized flooding in low-lying areas within the watershed, as a result of the potential for significant rainfall on Wednesday (Oct. 28).

In addition, HCA is advising that strong and gusty winds (including easterly or southeasterly) are forecast along the shores of Lake Ontario later today and into Wednesday, with potential for shoreline erosion and high waves along the beaches and shoreline.

According to forecasts from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and Environment Canada, the Hamilton area could potentially receive 30 - 50 mm of rain tomorrow (Oct. 28). There is also the possibility of convective cells within the storm which could add an additional 10 -20 mm in isolated locations. According to Environment Canada, wind gusts to 70 km/h are likely. The forecasted rainfall has the potential to result in significant amounts of runoff. This may result in rapidly increasing water levels and flows in area watercourses, with the potential for localized riverine flooding in low-lying areas. In addition, the potential rainfall may result in local drainage issues in low-lying or poorly drained areas, and storm sewer systems may become overwhelmed in intense rainfalls over short durations. Widespread flooding is not currently anticipated. According to HCA monitoring network stream gauges, current water levels within the major watercourses range from baseflow conditions to slightly elevated. Current water levels are well below critical levels and do not presently pose flooding concerns. A close watch on local conditions is recommended. It is advised that people exercise caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast moving water and slippery banks may pose a significant hazard. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies at this time. Also, it is advised that people exercise

SAMPLE


caution around area shorelines, as high waves and potential for shoreline erosion may pose a significant hazard.

This Flood Outlook message is in effect until Friday, October 30, 2015, at which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA continues to monitor stream and weather conditions closely and will issue further messages prior to October 30 as required. For further information or questions regarding this Flood Outlook message, please contact: Water Resources Engineering: Jonathan Bastien Phone: 905-525-2181 Fax: 905-648-4622 Email: [email protected]



FLOOD MESSAGE – FLOOD WATCH

URGENT - READ IMMEDIATELY- TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL Please distribute a copy to all addressees or their alternates at your location

immediately. TO: City of Hamilton Flood Co-ordinators, Public Works, and Emergency


MNR, District and Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre Local news media Adjacent Conservation Authorities School Boards FROM: Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2015 TIME: 4:30 PM _______________________________________________________________________________

Flood Watch

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising of the potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas within the watershed, as a result of the rain forecasted for Thursday.

Forecasted rainfall could result in significant amounts of runoff, which may be exacerbated by the partially frozen soil conditions and the rain received today. This may result in rapidly increasing water levels and flows in area watercourses, with the potential for localized riverine flooding in low-lying areas. In addition, the forecasted rainfall may result in local drainage issues in low-lying or poorly drained areas, and storm sewer systems may become overwhelmed in intense rainfalls over short durations. A close watch on local conditions is recommended. It is advised that people exercise caution near all water bodies, as elevated water levels, fast moving water and slippery banks may pose a significant hazard. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies at this time. According to preliminary data from the HCA monitoring network rain gauges, an estimate of 15 – 25 mm of rain was received in the Hamilton Area so far today. According to forecasts from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Canada, the Hamilton area could potentially receive 25 - 50 mm of rainfall tomorrow (April 9). An additional 1 – 3 mm of rain is anticipated for Friday (April 10). According to HCA monitoring network stream gauges, water levels within the major watercourses are elevated. However, water levels are currently below critical levels and are not expected to pose flooding concerns at this present time.

SAMPLE SAMPLE


This message is an update to the Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) message issued April 7. This Flood Watch message is in effect until Friday, April 10, 2015, at which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA continues to monitor stream and weather conditions closely and will issue further messages prior to April 10 as required.

For further information or questions regarding this Flood Watch, please contact:

Water Resources Engineering: Jonathan Bastien Phone: 905-525-2181 Fax: 905-648-4622 Email: [email protected]



TERMINATION OF WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT (FLOOD OUTLOOK)

Please distribute a copy to all addressees or their alternates at your location. TO: City of Hamilton Flood Co-ordinators, Public Works, and Emergency Services Police Services

MNR, District and Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre Local news media Adjacent Conservation Authorities School Boards FROM: Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering DATE: Friday, October 30, 2015 TIME: 4:15 PM

Termination of Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook)

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook), issued on October 27, has now been terminated.

For further information or questions regarding this Termination of Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) message, please contact: Water Resources Engineering: Jonathan Bastien Phone: 905-525-2181

SAMPLE





APPENDIX I Stage-Discharge Rating Curves

(March 2016 Revision)


Spencer Creek near Westover Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HB015 Historical Flows 1971 - 2014

Month Daily average flow (cubic meters/second)

Historical maximum daily flow (cms)

January 0.663 4.95 (1995) February 0.666 5.25 (1981) March 1.45 9.26 (1977) April 1.53 8.08 (1982) May 0.663 3.57 (1996) June 0.332 1.81 (1996) July 0.218 1.95 (2008) August 0.210 2.21 (2008) September 0.277 2.35 (1977) October 0.486 2.53 (1986) November 0.713 2.92 (1985) December 0.749 4.08 (2008)

Values are in cubic meters per second (Water Survey of Canada HYDAT 2014)


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveSpencer Creek near Westover


Spencer Creek at Highway 5 Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HB023 Historical Flows 1986 - 2016



January 2.03 22.6 (1995) February 2.01 22.7 (1997) March 3.44 28.4 (2010) April 3.40 18.7 (2008) May 1.76 15.6 (1996) June 0.970 14.2 (2000) July 0.522 4.82 (1992) August 0.463 13.6 (2008) September 0.438 5.28 (1992) October 0.806 4.61 (1992) November 1.55 14.4 (1992) December 1.91 20 (1990) 1.60



0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0.36

0.39

0.42

0.45

0.48

0.51

0.54

0.57 0.

60.

630.

660.

690.

720.

750.

780.

810.

840.

87 0.9

0.93

0.96

0.99

1.02

1.05

1.08

1.11

1.14

1.17 1.

21.

231.

261.

291.

321.

351.

381.

411.

441.

47 1.5

1.53

1.56

1.59

1.62

1.65

1.68

1.71

1.74

1.77 1.

8

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveSpencer Creek at Highway 5


Spencer Creek at Market Street, Dundas Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HB007 Historical Flows 1959 - 2016






0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

5.9

5.92

5.94

5.96

5.98 6

6.02

6.04

6.06

6.08 6.

16.

126.

146.

166.

18 6.2

6.22

6.24

6.26

6.28 6.

36.

326.

346.

366.

38 6.4

6.42

6.44

6.46

6.48 6.

56.

526.

546.

566.

58 6.6

6.62

6.64

6.66

6.68 6.

76.

726.

746.

766.

78 6.8

6.82

6.84

6.86

6.88

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveSpencer Creek at Market Street, Dundas


Ancaster Creek Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HB021 Historical Flows 1986 - 2016






0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.2 0.22 0.24 0.26 0.28 0.3 0.32 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.4 0.42 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.5 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.6 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.7 0.72

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveAncaster Creek at WIlson Street


Stoney Creek at Queenston Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HA022 Historical Flows 1988 - 2014






0

5

10

15

20

25

5.74

5.74

55.

755.

755

5.76

5.76

55.

775.

775

5.78

5.78

55.

795.

795

5.8

5.81

5.82

5.83

5.84

5.85

5.86

5.87

5.88

5.89 5.

95.

915.

925.

935.

945.

955.

965.

975.

985.

99 66.

025

6.05 6.

16.

125

6.15

6.17

56.

26.

225

6.25

6.27

56.

36.

325

6.35

6.37

56.

46.

45 6.5

6.55 6.

66.

65

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveStoney Creek at Queenston

HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FLOOD EMERGENCY MANUAL PAGE 71 of 21 DATE: March 2016


Redhill Creek at Barton Street Water Survey of Canada Gauge 02HA014 Historical Flows 1977 - 2016




Values are in cubic metres per second (Water Survey of Canada HYDAT 2014)



0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

11.0

711

.11

11.1

511

.19

11.2

311

.27

11.3

111

.35

11.3

911

.43

11.4

711

.51

11.5

511

.59

11.6

311

.67

11.7

111

.75

11.7

911

.83

11.8

711

.91

11.9

511

.99

12.0

312

.07

12.1

112

.15

12.1

912

.23

12.2

712

.31

12.3

512

.39

12.4

312

.47

12.5

112

.55

12.5

912

.63

12.6

712

.71

12.7

512

.79

12.8

312

.87

12.9

112

.95

12.9

913

.03

13.0

713

.11

13.1

513

.19

13.2

313

.27

13.3

113

.35

13.3

913

.43

Disc

harg

e (m

³/s)

Stage (meters)

Stage - Discharge CurveRed HIll Creek at Barton Street





APPENDIX J Conversion Table



Convert from to Multiply by DISTANCE Metres feet 2.8083 Feet metres 0.3048 FLOW Cubic metres per second Cubic feet per second 35.31467 Cubic feet per second Cubic metres per second 0.02831685 VOLUME Acre-feet Cubic metres 1233.5 Cubic metres Acre-feet 0.0008107013

Formula for calculating reservoir elevation from tape reading:

Christie Reservoir Gauge Reading:

783 – ((Tape reading + 0.283)*3.2808) = Water elevation in feet

Valens Reservoir Gauge Reading:

277.179 – (Tape reading – 0.979) = Water elevation (m) * 3.2808 = Water elevation in feet

August 11 agenda package

Documents

Transcript of August 11 agenda package