Beverley Acres German Mills Creek Erosion Control Project

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the Region of York, is undertaking an erosion control project to protect sanitary infrastructure along German Mills Creek, in the City of Richmond Hill. 

Learn more about the project

Project Background

MCEA
Process

Scope of Work

Public Consultation

Project
Updates

Contact
Us

Project Background

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of York, is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to identify and implement an erosion control solution for sanitary infrastructure protection.

The study area includes municipal lands and easements along German Mills Creek, between Major Mackenzie Drive East and Palmer Avenue, in City of Richmond Hill.

Erosion and natural hazards are placing sanitary sewer infrastructure at risk from erosion along a portion of German Mills Creek in the Beverley Acres community. The existing erosion control structures lining the channel are at the end of their lifespan and are in need of replacement.

The MCEA will evaluate a range of channel stabilization and restoration options for sanitary infrastructure protection.

The study will also consider secondary opportunities to mitigate risks to adjacent public infrastructure and private property, and to preserve and enhance the ecological health and integrity of the study area.

The MCEA Process

The Project is being planned under Schedule B of the MCEA process (October 2000, as amended 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2023), which is the approved process for this type of undertaking.

As part of the MCEA, the study will develop and explore a range of potential alternative solutions for the identified Project Area.

Read a general overview of environmental assessments.

The MCEA process outlines the steps required to determine the preferred solution for addressing flood and erosion hazards while minimizing environmental impacts.

As part of the process, several alternative solutions are presented for a project and each alternative undergoes detailed technical evaluation as well as public review and consultation.

The goal of this review process is to identify a preferred solution that offers the best means to protect infrastructure against flooding and erosion, while mitigating other impacts that may result from the Project.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the MCEA will include the development of several alternatives and the selection of a preferred alternative for each of the study areas included in the Project.

As part of the scope of work, TRCA will do the following:

• Collect and review baseline environmental data
• Establish a Community Liaison Committee (CLC), and host two (2) virtual CLC meetings
• Develop alternative solutions for the study area
• Evaluate the environmental impacts of each of the alternative solution and select the preferred alternative for each of the study areas
• Host public engagement events to receive comments and feedback on the proposed solutions, including a virtual & in-person Public Information Centre (PIC)
• Prepare and file a Project File that documents the process and reviews the impacts of each of the preferred alternatives.

Following completion of the MCEA process as outlined above, the Project will proceed to detailed design development and permitting as funding availability allows.

Public Consultation

The MCEA process guarantees opportunities for public and stakeholder participation throughout the planning stages of a project.

Public input is a fundamental part of the planning and design process for this Project and TRCA will be inviting members of the community to participate in this study through public and stakeholder engagement.

Public Information Centre

In-Person Public Information Centre 

• An in-person Public Information Centre was hosted on April 22nd. Thank you to everyone who participated.
• If you missed this opportunity, please see the Virtual Public Open House for more information

Virtual Public Open House

• Virtual Public Open House Slide Boards
• Virtual Public Open House Recorded Presentation
• Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Comments With Us!

Please share your feedback with us through completing our PIC Comment Form. Your comments assist us in selecting the preferred alternatives. Feedback will be incorporated into the final designs for the Beverley Acres German Mills Creek Erosion Control Project. 

ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 10, 2024. 

Timeline

TRCA will distribute the following notices throughout the Class EA process:

Notice of Commencement: Issued when the Project is initiated and includes invitation to the public to participate in the Project.

Advertising of public engagement events, including Public Information Centre (PIC).

Notice of Completion: Issued when the study is completed and the Project File is submitted for 30-day review period to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Information will be distributed through this website, social media, on-site signage, and digital mailing lists.

Public Consultation Documents:

MCEA documents will be available for viewing here following publication.

Notice of Commencement:

• Notice of Commencement (published October 2, 2023)

CLC Meeting #1 Material:

• Beverley Acres – CLC #1 Meeting Minutes (published November 20, 2023)
•  2023_10_23 – Beverly Acres CLC Presentation (published November 20, 2023)

CLC Meeting #2 Material:

• Beverley Acres – CLC #2 Meeting Minutes_Final (published April 9th, 2024)
• 2024_03_27 – Beverley Acres CLC Presentation #2 (published April 9th, 2024)

Public Information Centre:

• Notice-of-PIC (published April 3, 2024)
• 2024_04_01 – Beverley Acres PIC Presentation(published April 26, 2024)

Project Updates:

April 3, 2024:

The Project Team is hosting a Public Information Centre (PIC) to receive your input on the Beverley Acres German Mills Creek Erosion Control Project. An in-person PIC will be held on April 22nd, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Bayview Hill Community Centre & Pool – Program Room, 114 Spadina Road, Richmond Hill.

Please Register for the In-Person PIC if interested in attending. 

Visit the Virtual Public Open House to take a self-guided review of the project and submit feedback. 

March 18, 2024:

CLC Meeting #2 will be held virtually on March 27th, 2024 from 4-6pm.

Please contact the Senior Project Manager (phil.wolfraim@trca.ca; 365-566-2383) if interested in attending.

January 29, 2024:

Notice of Sampling – Please be advised crews will be collecting soil and groundwater samples within the project area in February 2024.

Geotechnical samples will be collected at select sites along the creek banks to inform the environmental assessment and detailed design development. A small crew will be using light-duty machinery and tools to collect samples over a one-week period, as weather conditions permit. Access to all homes and buildings will be maintained during these operations and there is no impact to your water or wastewater services.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation while we complete this work.

October 18, 2023:

CLC Meeting #1 will be held virtually on October 26th, 2023 from 4-6pm.

An invitation letter has been issued to properties adjacent to the watercourse. Please contact the Senior Project Manager (phil.wolfraim@trca.ca; 365-566-2383) if interested in attending.

October 2, 2023:

• Notice of Commencement is delivered to residents and property owners adjacent to the study area.

Contact Us

Have questions? Want to join the project mailing list? Please contact:

Philip Wolfraim, Senior Project Manager 
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
phil.wolfraim@trca.ca
(365) 566-2383