Rouge River Watershed Plan

PURPOSE:

• Initial scoping, review of existing data, final data collection, and preparation of preliminary mapping resources.
• Initiation of communications with First Nations and Indigenous communities, identification of Steering Committee, and development of an Engagement Strategy.

STATUS:

Completed.

PURPOSE:

• Technical analyses identify the current conditions and trends of the watershed, including habitat quality and quantity, water quality, flooding and erosion issues, stormwater management infrastructure, restoration planning, climate trends, and cultural heritage.
• Based on this information, key issues in the Rouge River watershed will be outlined in a Characterization Report and Factsheet.

STATUS:

In progress.

PURPOSE:

• Compare and examine potential future land use and climate change scenarios and different levels of watershed enhancements to understand how watershed conditions may change.
• Scenario analysis does not result in land use decisions but informs the management framework and priority actions, as well as decisions concerning future land use and infrastructure development.
• The key results and findings from scenario analysis will be outlined in a Future Scenario Analysis Report and Factsheet.

STATUS:

Coming soon.

PURPOSE:

• Development of a practical management framework for long-term sustainability based on results from the Watershed Characterization and Future Management Scenarios stages and input from engagement.
• The management framework includes goals, objectives, indicators, and priority actions outlining how to protect, enhance, and restore watershed health.
• Monitoring and evaluation will help to track implementation progress and evaluate whether watershed conditions are improving.
• The implementation planning stage will also involve the development of the draft watershed plan, and engagement to obtain input from First Nations and Indigenous communities, as well as from watershed stakeholders, residents, and the public.
• Implementation of the plan will occur following adoption/endorsement of the final plan by our municipal partners and TRCA’s Board of Directors.

STATUS:

Coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Rouge River Watershed Plan: FAQ Document (Fall 2025 Engagement)

Launch of the New RRWP:

• Fall 2025 Engagement Presentation Recording

Watershed Plan:

TRCA approved the Rouge River Watershed Plan in 2008, after four years of intensive study and community consultation:

• Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future
• Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide

Supporting Documents:

Rouge River State of the Watershed Report: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 2007:

• Table of Contents
• Chapter 1 – Introduction
• Chapter 2 – Study Area Physical Setting
• Chapter 3 – Regional Monitoring
• Chapter 4 – Groundwater
• Chapter 5 – Surface Water Quantity
• Chapter 6 – Surface Water Quality
• Chapter 7 – Fluvial Geomorphology
• Chapter 8 – Aquatic System
• Chapter 9 – Terrestrial
• Appendix A – Terrestrial System
• Appendix B – Terrestrial System
• Appendix C – Terrestrial System
• Chapter 10 – Air Quality
• Chapter 11 – Cultural Heritage
• Chapter 12 – Nature-based Recreation
• Chapter 13 – Land and Resource Use
• Chapter 14 – Summary

Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2007:

• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Chapter 1.0 – Introduction
• Chapter 2.0 – Setting and Issues
• Chapter 3.0 – Study Design
• Section 4.1 – Surface Water Quantity
• Section 4.2 – Surface Water Quality
• Section 4.3 – Groundwater
• Section 4.4 – Aquatic System
• Section 4.5 – Terrestrial Natural Heritage System
• Section 4.6 – Culture Heritage
• Section 4.7 – Nature-based Recreation
• Chapter 5 – Summary and Recommendations
• Appendix A – Scenario Descriptions And Assumptions

Development of a Sustainable Community Scenario for the Rouge River Watershed. Toronto and Region Conservation. 2007:

• Development of a Sustainable Community Scenario for the Rouge River Watershed, November 2007, 1.2