Friends of Sam Smith Park

STORMWATER PLAN "UNVEILED"

2012-02-06T11:18:00.005-05:00

LastThursday, during the concluding phase of the EnvironmentalAssessment, the City and its consultants unveiled the Stormwater Management Planfor South Etobicoke. As expected, they intend togo with the “big pipe, big shaft” solution in Sam Smith Park that we all felt they were set onright from the get-go.

If you weren't there, the presentation can be viewed on the City's website.

Aspart of the long assessment process, there have been public meetings andsmaller consultations with the Community Working Group. In spite of assurances still coming from theCouncilor’s office that the community is in favour of this expensive, highlyengineered solution, there has always been unanimous preference from thecommunity in both forums for naturalized processes for dealing with storm water(“preference for naturalized facilities and enhancement of existing habitat” –the planners’ own words) - for more resilient, decentralized forms ofmanagement like source infiltration, ponding and wetlands that would create ecological assets for vegetation, urban wildlife and human enjoyment rather thanlast-century, concrete and metal, big–pipe thinking.

Inspite of them asking over the years what the community wanted and being told,there is no incorporation of any natural feature whatsoever in their plan – noteven a trickle of runoff added to the rapidly dwindling North Creek in Sam Smith that feedsour wetland and provides a movement corridor for birds and mammals!

Pondsfor handling storm water are commonly used in subdivisions around the GTA nowand, of course, we have the example of Sherbourne Commons in the East Side of theCity where storm water flows through an artificial wetland, an urban river andart features before entering the lake. A quick internet search reveals innovative examples from all over the world. There is room for wetland expansion at Sam Smith and, if the flow was decentralized, at otherwaterfront parks along the shore – Marie Curtis, Rotary Park, Cliff Lumsden,Prince of Wales, Amos Waites and Humber Bay.

Theissue for Friends of Sam Smith Park is that, while applauding efforts to cleanup the lake for wildlife and aquatic vegetation, there is little emphasis onsource solutions (only 10% of Toronto Water's budget for stormwater management) like bioswales in parks and around parking lots, permeablesurfaces and so on to reduce the flow that ends up at the lake, and no useof end-of-pipe stormwater for habitat enhancement or water parks for humanenjoyment. There is little imaginationin this plan and there will be no assets for the community.

Another"dog and pony” show!

WE NEED SAFER ALLOWABLE USES FOR THE INDUSTRIAL LANDS NEAR OUR HOMES, SCHOOLS AND PARKS

2012-02-01T13:35:00.001-05:00

FOSS MEETS WITH SCHOOL BOARD ABOUT NEW SCHOOL IN THE LAKESHORE GROUNDS

2012-02-01T12:10:00.001-05:00

This morning Terry Smith, FOSS's Acting Chair, Jem Cain, Ruth Grier and Brian Bailey from CCFEW met with the TCDSB Project Co-ordinator for the new Catholic School and the Architect who will design it.

The school will have three storeys and accommodate about 550 students on a rather small 2.19 acre site at the north west corner of Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive and Lakeshore Blvd. West. There will be a large setback from Lakeshore. It should be completed late 2014 or early 2015.

Both FOSS and CCFEW emphasized the need for the design to be in harmony with the natural features of the park to maintain (and, hopefully, enhance) ecological integrity, particularly with regard to wildlife movement corridors, habitat protection and the opportunities a naturalized Sam Smith Park offers for environmental education.

Our concerns and asks were met with respect and interest. We look forward to seeing them implemented in the final design.

Here is a list of what was discussed.

·       Retainas many mature trees as possible
·       Plantmore trees than ones removed for construction
·       Protectionor replacement of part of heritage orchard
·       Developmentshould facilitate the restoration of North Creek to maintain the wildlifecorridor
·       Retainsome of the thickets, additional planting of trees along North Creek asprotected cover and habitat for wildlife
·       Promoteenvironmental programming in the new school
·       Makeparking’ footprint as small as possible (shared; underground; permeablesurface options)
·       Nofencing (except for around kindergarten playground)
·       Considerthe least amount of glass on southern face of building to minimize birdcollisions during migration
·       Communityconsultation with open meetings

BARGE IN PARK MARINA

2012-01-25T09:03:00.001-05:00

We heard via the grapevine that the old dock ramp is being replaced by anew ramp as it is obsolete. Also the club is installing 5 new extensions to theexisting docks presumably to accommodate more boats. The barge is a drillingbarge. They need to install anchors to the harbour bed to hold chains whichattach to the dock.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PUBLIC MEETING FEB 2ND

2012-01-25T08:32:00.000-05:00

Thursday,February 2, 2012

6:30pm to 8:30 pm (Presentation at 7 pm)

TheAssembly Hall, 2ndfloorauditorium

1 Colonel Sam Smith ParkDrive

The City’s StormwaterManagement Study Team plan to publicly unveil their recommended solution forstormwater management in South Etobicoke. It includes an underground stormwater storage shaft in Samuel Smith Parkand new interceptor sewers running along Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Shore Drive andLake Promenade to intercept and convey the stormwater flows from the 30 existingoutfalls to the underground storage shaft in the park.

The Study Team says they haveconsidered suggestions from the Working Group (that included Terry Smith fromFOSS) for environmental enhancements and naturalized facilities in the Park andfor minimal disturbance to the local community, existing natural andrecreational areas, as well as park functions. They say that during detaileddesign of the project, they will explore environmental enhancement andnaturalization opportunities in Samuel Smith Park (e.g. for North Creek and thesediment embayment), in consultation with the local community, the Toronto andRegion Conservation Authority, and internal City divisions.

This is an important meetingfor those of us who are concerned about wildlife and habitat in our naturepark. The location and construction ofsuch a deep and wide shaft will have a huge impact on the ecology of the park,especially for birds during migration. It is vital that everyone attend this meeting to ask questions and voiceopinions.

TYPE "STORMWATER" IN TO THE SEARCH BOX ABOVE TO SEE PREVIOUS FOSS POSTINGS ON THIS MATTER

MILD WINTERS A THREAT TO LOCAL WILDLIFE - INTERESTING ARTICLE BY TRCA IN TORONTO STAR

2012-01-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Finally, snow. Enough to shovel.
But nature’s first attempt to dump a lasting white calling card on Toronto Friday might be too little, too late for local critters, bugs and plants that have evolved to tolerate frigid, snowy Canadian winters — not tennis-playing temperatures in December and January, which put their survival at risk.
“We don’t need statistics to tell us something odd is happening,” says Ryan Ness, manager of water resources at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
His evidence, besides not needing boots until now? Ponds and streams usually covered weeks ago with solid ice — which protects resting fish with a stable environment buffered from very cold air and calorie-burning turbulence — are open water.
Odd, too, are the extreme freeze-and-thaw cycles of the past few two months. For this weekend, for example, forecasters were predicting thermometers would plunge into bitter below-zero range, then rocket back up to 5, with rain, on Tuesday.
Environmental experts say temperature swings stress out animals, invertebrates and plants used to one long winter freeze with a gradual warm, rainy melt into spring.
From wood frogs and salamanders to swallowtail butterflies and seed-bearing trees, species can die (lack of a snowy insulating layer means greater exposure to cold temperatures for meadow voles, for instance) or produce stunted offspring.
Trees, in particular, can be affected. While mild weather mitigates damage like broken branches from heavy ice, temperature swings can stunt reproduction at a time when provincial tree canopies, already considered too sparse, are being beefed up with millions of plantings.
“It’s funny, a lot of people will say, ‘Ha, this is great, it’s six degrees out today and I only have to wear a light coat,’ ” says forester Rob Keen, CEO of Trees Ontario, which helps to create and restore forests through seed collections when trees flower in spring.
“What we’ve seen in the last several years with the milder springs are the trees start to put flowers on earlier. Then we’ve seen frosts come in, killing the flowers and therefore, killing the seed production. It’s really detrimental to our restoration efforts.”
Okay, we’ve gotten this far without mentioning climate change — but hold that thought.
Periodic stretches of unusual weather are “quite within the tolerance” of creatures that have adapted to habitat changes over the eons, says Ralph Toninger, manager of habitat restoration at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
“It would really take something like successive years of warm weather, like if we had four straight winters of warm weather like this, before you’d really start to see an impact on trees and native wild life,” Toninger explains.
That brings us back to climate change. Is this Year One of a hotter, more disturbing pattern or simply a one-off occurrence?
Bill Parker, a research scientist with the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Forest Research Institute in Sault Ste. Marie and a climate change specialist, thinks the GTA is just one of many areas that may be starting a gradual warming.
“This is obviously an abnormally warm winter so far and I would say that this type of weather is consistent with what is projected to occur in the future under climate change,” he says.
“This will become more and more common, it’s believed.”
Until Friday, the GTA winter has been balmy experience. No snow crunching underfoot, no icy pellets sparkling in trees or prolonged freezes to magically transform ponds into skating rinks. Even Friday’s “storm” mellowed out when it hit, spitting out a few greasy centimetres of wet snow during the morning rush hours.
Without a substantial blanket of snow and ice, some types of fish are at risk for starvation, and their breeding areas can be damaged..
“When you don’t get a lot of snow buildup, what you don’t get in spring is the big rush of water that flushes out all the accumulated sediment and cleans up gravel in areas where fish spawn,” Ness says.
“It’s a pattern that fish are used to. Some fish spawn at that time of year (when water levels are high) so they go to where they need to go to spawn.
“Now, because a lot of precipitation falls as rain instead of snow, it runs off into water courses and increases flow almost all winter. So you get periodic small flows instead of one big one in spring.”
Christine Tu, a rivers and streams specialist at of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, says solid ice cover provides a low-turbulence environment for fish in medium-sized streams during winter months, when their metabolism decreases because food sources are scarce. Fish tend to group in deep pool areas of streams, feeding and moving very little, but without ice, there can be turbulence forcing the fish to move, Tu explains.
Another problem in this scenario is frazil ice, which is columns of swirling ice crystals that can reach down into a creek channel. Frazil ice can nudge fish from their quiet refuge pool, which makes them expend energy.
“You’ve got this double-edge sword,” Tu says, “not enough food and higher metabolism from movement they’re not used to and essentially, you have a starvation condition.”
(Fish can also die from a lack of oxygen. That’s usually in ponds where ice cover doesn’t break soon enough and fish have depleted the oxygen supply.)
Though the absence of snow can be a bountiful time for animals like deer which can forage freely, Toninger says it can also adversely affect a hunter-prey relationship.
Voles, for example, live under a thick snow covering to stay warm. Without it, the small rodents are exposed directly to cold air temperatures as they hunker down in forests.
“Even though it’s been a warmer winter, voles will find it more difficult (because) even if it’s -5, they’ll feel that full -5,” the biologist says.
Another vole domino: local great horned owls hunt voles by sound as they tunnel through the snow at ground level. The little guys are harder to pinpoint on bare earth, which also affects the visiting Arctic snowy owl.
Toninger says snowy owls, which have been spotted in Tommy Thompson Park along the Leslie Street Spit, come south now and then, probably prompted not by weather patterns but by a low lemming count up north.
And insects? Some in this area are highly cold-tolerant, but it’s unknown what repeated freeze-thaw cycles might have on their survival rates and the fitness of offspring, says Brent Sinclair, an assistant professor in the University of Waterloo’s department of biology.
The warmer weather seems to have tricked at least one bird that should be nibbling on juicy tropical treats right now instead of hanging around Toronto. Toninger says a palm warbler was spotted during a Christmas bird count he was on. It should have flown south in September but likely figured there was enough food and warmth here to last until spring.
“For a lot of wildlife, in an area like this, there’s a risk-reward,” Toninger says. “If there’s enough food to keep the fires going, they can forage at -35.”
Should there be a quick deep freeze and the warbler decides to fly south, what happens when it burns up precious calories as the temperature plummets?
“It probably made a bad decision and probably will not make it,” he says, noting it would likely freeze to death trying to fly across Lake Ontario.

TRCA WINTER EVENTS CALENDAR

2012-01-14T08:36:00.001-05:00

FROM THE "MINDFUL WORLD" BLOG - SPRING BIRDING IN SAM SMITH

2011-12-14T07:55:00.001-05:00

BIRD WALK IN THE PARK: A mindfulness practice in nature

Nashville Warbler

Armed with binoculars and cameras, more than 40 bird watching enthusiasts gather at Colonel Sam Smith Park for a free monthly bird walk hosted by the Citizens Concerned About The Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW), an advocacy group that formed to safeguard public access to Toronto’s Humber Bay Shores from encroaching condo development.
The group, led by veteran birder Bob Yukich, heads to the lookout platform on the pond where a few barn swallows treat our eyes to their visually stunning display of acrobatics. Basking in the bright sun on this pleasantly warm April day, we stick around for awhile, watching them dart from side to side, circle and dive through the air as they catch a protein-rich insect lunch. Known as quite a vengeful bird, the unmated male Barn Swallow sometimes kills the nestlings of a nesting pair. Rather than turning off the female, his actions often succeed in causing a split, which opens up an opportunity for him to mate with the female.
We proceed to the waterfront where we catch some of the few remaining migratory waterfowl before they fly north to their summer homes. A flock of Long-tailed ducks sit lazily on the calm lake. With an intricate pattern of black, grey and white markings, this distinctive duck looks more like a finely-painted sculpture than an actual duck. Its beauty is not its only remarkable trait, the Long-tailed can dive to a depth of 60m and is known to spend more time underwater relative to time on the surface than any other diving duck.
We stroll past a couple of nesting swans before walking away from the water. Many of the mostly middle-aged regular birders cluster into groups and move at their own pace, some chatting about rare birds they’ve sighted, while others ask birding questions of the more experienced in the group. As we’re walking, one of the group members points out a Nashville Warbler. We stop and look. Bob gives a description of the bird to which one of the regulars, Dave, adds in: “Grey head and a banjo.” A bit of birding humour to brighten the day.
Dave has counted as many as 175 birds on a good year, just in the general vicinity of this park. Bob has counted even more than that, just in his own backyard over the years he’s lived in the city. Toronto is a prime destination for migrating birds since it’s positioned in the middle of many of their migration routes. Preparing for, or after, a long flight over Lake Ontario, some migrants stick around for a short time to rest and rejuvenate, while others choose the city as their winter or summer home.
We walk across a large, open field toward the edge of a forest, a prime birding spot since it marks the transition area between two very different terrains. “Keep your eyes on the ground,” Bob warns. A female Rufous-sided Towhee stands a few metres into the forest, loudly kicking up a storm of leaves as she looks for her next meal. After a good look we continue to meander through the park.
“Chee che che che,” a Palm Warbler sings to us from the tree canopy. Bob identifies the bird by sound, a difficult skill learned only with years of birding experience. Novices alone would likely have just heard a sound in the sky and walked on. Thanks to our guide we knew what the bird was, stopped, listened and took a good look at it.
It is this focused awareness that turns the hobby of birding into a powerful mindfulness practice. Birds are everywhere, but how often do we notice them? How often do we hear the ever-present soundtrack of bird song. Birding trains us not just to listen, but to pay close attention.
“Sharp-shin. Sharp-shinned hawk,” Dave shouts out. “See it. Square tail.” We look up to see this “Sharpie” soar overhead and quickly out of sight. “That’s good, mark it down,” Bob says, remarking how it is not a common sighting in these parts. Indeed, it was good to see this amazing carnivore that, despite being only 10 to 14-inches in length, can eat birds as large as an American Robin or Ruffed Grouse.
After walking through most of the park, we end up near Lake Shore. The remaining few who stayed to the end gather around Bob, who has his checklist out, tallying up the total. The group chimes in with all their favourite sightings of the day, while a middle-aged man speaks excitedly into his phone, repeating some of the highlights: “Nashville Warbler, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet.” A total count of 64 species in a couple of hours makes for a successful day of birding. Though birding can be tricky for the beginner, especially if done solo, a group bird walk shares the task among 40 pairs of eyes and ears, making it an especially rewarding activity for the novice birder.

For more information visit CCFEW.

NEW REPORT ON TORONTO PARKS FUTURE BY "PARKS PEOPLE" ORGANIZATION

2011-11-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

The recently founded Park People organization has produced a document called "Pathways For Parks" in which they presents their ideas for improving our parks without increasing city spending. It's their answer to the question: "What would you do instead of cutting the parks budget?".
Some of the key recommendations include: our parks would be better if they were staffed with a dedicated city worker in each park, had an active local “Friends Of” group and were supported by private donations.
The report is the result of research and consultations with park advocates across North America as well as the collective experience of park volunteers and experts in the growing Toronto parks movement.

Solutions Highlights:

• shift the City’s maintenance delivery away from “flying squads” to dedicated local park staff;
• re-allocate capital expenditures to address the $261 million backlog in repairs to park and recreation facilities;
• facilitate the development of new park conservancies to share park oversight and invite community and private sector investment;
• allow new healthy local food concessions in parks to attract and keep residents in parks all year while also generating revenue;
• expand inspections and establish benchmarks to ensure consistent quality control across all city parks.

OUR URBAN FOREST UNDER THREAT

2011-11-25T05:59:00.000-05:00

"At the end of November 2011, Toronto City Council will begin reviewing the 2012 budget that will affect many of our city services. There will be urban forest items on the City Council meeting agenda scheduled for November 29th and 30th. Please let your Councillor know today that healthy trees are a priority in our neighbourhood!

Here are some points to consider:

Our urban forest is the living green infrastructure that makes our city livable. We receive huge returns on any investments we make in its care and maintenance in the form of clean air, reduced storm water costs, shade, UV protection, tourism dollars and increased property values. A study in New York City revealed a $5 return for every $1 invested.

A recent Toronto study shows that our urban forest provides the equivalent of at least $60 million in ecological services each year (air quality improvements, carbon sequestration, etc.). The benefits derived from the urban forest significantly exceed the annual cost of its management. Protection of our existing trees is of utmost importance – Toronto’s tree protection bylaws must be maintained and enforced.

Ash trees represent about 9% of the current forest canopy in Toronto. The spread of Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect, will decimate our ash population over the next ten years. Tree protection and planting will need to increase significantly, just to sustain existing urban forest canopy levels.

Funding for our urban forest has already been reduced. In 2009, Toronto City Council approved funding for a seven year service plan to better protect, maintain and grow our urban forest; this funding was reduced in 2010 and then suspended in 2011."

FISH ALONG THE TORONTO WATERFRONT

2011-11-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN REPORTS ON HUMBER COLLEGE'S EXPANSION PLANS

2011-11-21T08:10:00.000-05:00

Humber College officials met with their Lakeshore Campus neighbours this week to discuss long-term revitalization plans to accommodate their ever-growing student population - including the construction of a Welcome Centre and a new 150,000-sq. ft. building.
Of Humber's current slate of 25,000 full-time students, 7,000 are currently attending the Lakeshore Campus and those numbers are only expected to increase in the years to come, said Humber president John Davies.
"We're a growing, popular college...but of course that creates pressures for us to provide increased capacity, and that's why we're here tonight: to look at the pressures we have at Lakeshore Campus and to share with you some of our plans," Davies told a standing-room-only crowd at a community consultation meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Davies estimated the student population at the Lakeshore Campus will eventually cap out at 10,000 - a 3,000-pupil increase from their current numbers - because "there isn't really any space in this area for much more than that."
"We are absolutely aware that we have a certain amount of land to work with and that we have a community that we have to be a part of," he added.
In recent years, Humber officials have made creative use of the limited land and property they have available to them in and around the campus, repurposing many a building north of Lake Shore Boulevard West to suit their needs (see sidebar for examples).
Now faced with even more student demand for the Lakeshore Campus' degree- and postgraduate-heavy slate of programming, Scott Valens, Humber's staff architect and associate director of capital development, took the opportunity Wednesday night to share some of the college's proposed plans for growth:
1. Post-2014, Humber plans to build a 150,000 sq. ft. building along the south end of Twenty-Third Street, developing the building so there's a two-storey street edge, stepping back to an additional three storeys. Also proposed is a multi-decked parking garage on the site, increasing parking from 650 to 1,500 parking spaces. The parking deck and new building would be accessed from Lake Shore Boulevard West at Twentieth Street.
2. Proposed plans for a Welcome Centre along Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (on the northwest corner at Lake Shore Boulevard West) are still "very conceptual" at this point, Valens said, but also very necessary. The plan is to develop the centre with short-term underground parking, which would allow visitors "to arrive, find out what the campus is all about, and basically find out where they need to go," Valens said, noting that the facility would also eventually house registration, test centres and counselling.
3. Humber recently acquired Wildside Motorcycles, 3246 Lake Shore Blvd. W., for the purpose of developing a fitness facility featuring aerobic and weight room studios. While the college has not started designing it yet, Valens said it's expected the new facilities will "provide a greatly needed increase for student facilities, as well as access for the community."
4. Building G is the last of the heritage cottages to be restored and renovated. Humber is currently looking for ministry and/or partner funding for this 8,000 sq. ft. facility.
5. Humber recently renovated a portion of the second floor of its Community Medical Services Building at 3170 Lake Shore Blvd. W. for use as an early childhood education facility. The plan is to maintain the existing pharmacy and doctors' and dentists' offices on the main floor, while using the second and third floors for Humber faculty offices.
6. Toronto's Catholic school board is set to build a replacement school for the aging Christ the King Catholic School along Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, just south of the proposed Welcome Centre. The 530-pupil school is expected to be about 55,000 sq. ft.
Reaction to the proposed plans at Wednesday night's meeting was mixed, with many in attendance applauding the college for its efforts, while simultaneously expressing concerns over parking pressures, traffic increases and the loss of green space the projects were thought likely to bring.
Brian Bailey, president of Citizens Concerned About The Future Of The Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW) has lived 100 metres from the entrance to the college at Twenty-Third Street for 16 years. He said plans to change access to the college parking lot to Twentieth Street would cause traffic headaches for all.
"You'll have to put a traffic light in, which means you're going to have three lights within very short distance of each other at Kipling, Twentieth and Twenty-Third streets," he lamented. "I would avoid Lake Shore like the plague if there's one more traffic light put in."
Meanwhile, calling Humber College an "asset to the community", longtime community activist Ruth Grier expressed her hope that Humber's expansion might improve transit in the neighbourhood.
"If your advocacy with the TTC can do something, it would be greatly appreciated by everyone in the community," she said to applause from the crowd. "We've been trying a very long time...to get a streetcar starting at Long Branch, going to Humber, then up Roncesvalles to meet the subway."

AUSSIE-RULES FOOTBALLERS BUILD NEW EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA

2011-11-21T07:57:00.001-05:00

A gravel pad is being constructed at the south west corner of the oval sports field.
We are told that it is being built to accommodate storage bunkers for equipment used by the Australian-rules football teams that use the site. We assume that the three metal storage containers near the bridge along North Creek will be moved to the pad.

CITY SEEKING INPUT ON NEW PARKS PLAN - ONLINE AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS

2011-10-24T07:02:00.000-04:00

City of Toronto seeking public input for a new five-year plan for parks,
trails and natural areas
The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division is seeking public input for the new five-year Parks Plan. As directed by Council, the plan will guide decision-making and investment in City parks in order to meet the diverse needs of Toronto residents, including:
designing beautiful, unique and sustainable park spaces
protecting and expanding natural areas
balancing park uses to include play spaces, natural areas, sport activities, urban agriculture and cultural expression
engaging the community through stewardship, volunteering and partnerships, and
ensuring that the City's parks and trails are available and accessible to all residents.

"This is an important opportunity for Torontonians to express their opinions about the Toronto parks system," said Councillor Norm Kelly (Ward 40 Scarborough-Agincourt), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "I encourage everyone to complete the online survey or attend a public consultation session."

Residents are invited to attend one of four public consultation meetings:
Scarborough - Monday, November 7, Warden Hilltop Community Centre, 25 Mendelssohn St.
North York - Wednesday, November 16, Mitchell Field Community Centre, 89 Church Ave.
Toronto East York - Thursday, November 24, Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St.
Etobicoke York - Thursday, December 1, Amesbury Community Centre, 1507 Lawrence Ave. W.
The public can also provide feedback about parks services through an online survey, launched today at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan.

For more information about the public survey or to participate in a public consultation session about the new Parks Plan, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan or contact 311.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NOV 16 - HUMBER COLLEGE (LAKESHORE CAMPUS) CONSULTS WITH COMMUNITY

2011-10-24T06:46:00.001-04:00

PARK ISSUES UPDATE

2011-10-24T06:39:00.000-04:00

South Parking lot - Councillor Grimes has requested staff work with the Toronto Parking Authority to implement 2 hour limited parking during school hours, as soon as possible.

Stormwater Management - The next public meeting for the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Facility Study will be in January 2012 at the Assembly Hall, but a firm date has not yet been set. The team is still compiling results from their modelling studies and public comments. At the January meeting their recommended solution will be presented, but it is not set in stone - they will still be accepting feedback at that time.

UPDATE ON TCDSB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAN

2011-10-07T08:38:00.001-04:00

From a recent report to the Lakeshore Grounds Coordinating Committee.

The Board has a 99 year lease on a site fronting on LakeshoreBlvd. on the west side of Col. Sam Smith Drive. Ministry funding for a new school has been approved. Christ the King and St. Teresa’s Schoolsare to be merged and the new school will accommodate 530-550 pupils. The hiring of architects and consultantsand beginning the site plan approval process with the City has just begun. It is unlikely that the school will becompleted before September 2014 and it could well be 2015.

Christ the King has been designated an Eco-School and PrincipalPillo described the many activities and initiatives that encourageenvironmental conservation and practices - for example there are no plasticwater bottles used! It is one of theleading schools in the City in this respect and they look forward to continuingand expanding these activities on the new site.

Maia Puccetti is an architect in charge of planning andapprovals for the Board and she explained that meeting LEED constructionstandards was extremely difficult within the provincial funding guidelines butthat the Board was committed to as green a construction process aspossible. They are involved with theEvergreen Foundation and have “greened” many existing school sites. The Lakeshore site is small and theyanticipate a 40 - 50,000 square foot school. They typically build to two storeys but may consider three. She identified the management of stormwater as being very expensive because of new City guidelines and was aware ofthe proposals for daylighting the creeks on the Grounds.

There was considerable discussion about the traffic congestionat Lakeshore and Col. Sam Smith Dr. during school drop off and pick up timesand the Board was urged to consider locating the elementary school drop offpoint on their own property rather than on Col. Sam Smith Dr.

The Board is aware of the location of the heritage orchard andthe community concern about protecting it. However Ms. Puccietti pointed out that long experience with school playgroundshas taught them that nut trees and fruit trees present problems - the nutsbecome weapons and the fruit trees attract bees and wasps! They are hoping to use the land betweenthe school property and the Lakeshore Blvd. as passive play area and it wouldhave to be fenced.

There will be consultation with the community as the planningprocess proceeds and the website of the Board will provide updates.

http://www.tcdsb.org/facilities%20issues/SARC/christambroseteresajosaphat.htim

SAM SMITH BIRD WALK ON SATURDAY OCT. 22 AT 9.00 AM

2011-10-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

A great opportunity for the whole family to get out an enjoy the autumn migration in Sam Smith Park

Saturday, October 22nd

9:00 - 11:00 am, Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: Glenn Coady

Meet in the south parking lot (where the road ends) at 9:00 am

LETTER FROM FOSS TO TCDSB REF NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2011-08-12T12:07:00.000-04:00

Read Etobicoke Guardian article and a previous FOSS post for the announcement of the plans to build the new TCDSB elementary school "Christ the King" on the Lakeshore Grounds. This is a letter sent today from FOSS outlining some of our members' concerns and interests.

Toronto Catholic District School Board
80 Sheppard Ave. E.
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6E8

August 12th, 2011

Attention: Ann Andrachuck, Trustee Etobicoke/Lakeshore, Chair, TCDSB

Angelo Sangiorgio, Associate Director,Planning/Facilities, TCDSB

We understand that provincial approval and funding have recently been received to construct a new elementary school on the Lakeshore Grounds and that there is a 99 year lease agreement between the TCDSB and the City of Toronto for that site. We also understand that at the TCDSB’s upcoming August 31^st meeting this project will be discussed.

Friends of Sam Smith Park (FOSS) would like to have this letter placed on the agenda for that meeting and we also invite the Board to initiate public consultation on the placement and design of the school by holding community meetings at the earliest opportunity.

Friends of Sam Smith Park (FOSS) is a six year old group of local residents and park users dedicated to protecting, enhancing and preserving the naturalized areas of Colonel Samuel Smith Park. We would like the opportunity to table some of our concerns and interests around the construction of the new school, particularly with regard to the environment and the preservation of the essential character of Sam Smith Park as a “nature park”.

First, we note that there are mature trees on the property and we are anxious that as many as possible be retained. We hope that an inventory is carried out in accordance with the City's tree policy and that more trees will be replaced than need to be removed to allow for construction.

We have waited a long time for the heritage orchard to be restored and, as it is part of the school site, we would welcome your support in persuading the City to finally take some action to provide for the protection and/or replacement of the orchard.

There is a wonderful tangle of lush flora on the site that provides wildlife habitat. To preserve this protective cover, there needs to be as much vegetation retained as possible. Generous, naturally landscaped setbacks from Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive and Lakeshore Boulevard would also help achieve this.

The Toronto Catholic School Board could use the construction of the new school as a catalyst to restore North Creek that runs through this section of the Hospital Grounds. Restoration of the creek, including the planting of native species along the edges, would help re-establish this valuable riparian pathway used by birds during migration and by mammals as a movement corridor in the park. Storm water run-off from any paved surfaces on the school site could be channeled through the creek to help maintain water levels.

Given the nature of the site and Sam Smith Park in general with its shoreline, wetlands, meadow and woodland supporting a magnificent web of life and a diversity of environments that provide food, habitat and protection for the many species of birds, animals and plants that call it home, we anticipate that environmental programmes will be emphasized in the school’s curriculum.

We also trust that the architects and designers will adhere completely to the lease agreement in terms of shared parking. Underground parking might be included in the design to reduce the size of the asphalt footprint. Or, failing that, a permeable surface should be considered if outdoor parking is necessary.

We assume that the Board will adhere to all the Urban Design guidelines adopted in 2004 and to the conditions outlined in the lease with the City with respect to no fencing other than for the kindergarten playground.

We are delighted that Christ the King has been designated an ECO school and hope that the new school will be built to LEED standards.

We were wondering whether a representative of the Board will be attending the next meeting of the Lakeshore Grounds Coordinating Committee so that the other tenants of the Grounds can be advised of the Board's plans. Information about this committee can be obtained from the local Councillor’s office.

We look forward to any opportunity to work with you.

Yours sincerely

Terry Smith

Acting Chair

Friends of Sam Smith Park

NESTING BOXES

2011-08-04T09:51:00.002-04:00

The tree swallow nesting boxes built by FOSS members and participants at the last two Sam Smith Bird Festivals have been well used this year.
(Thanks to George Raikou for this wonderful photograph.)

RED NECKED GREBES HAVE EGGS!

2011-07-05T07:04:00.005-04:00

Photo by George Raikou

The nesting platform closest to the beaver lodge is occupied by grebes and there are now two eggs! Hopefully they will be successful this year.

Red-necked Grebes typically build their nests in shallow water withmarsh vegetation. Both male and female help build a floating nest made of plantmaterial and anchored to emergent vegetation. The female lays two tofour eggs. The young are fed byboth parents and often ride on their backs. Shortly after hatching, they canswim by themselves.

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority has been placing nesting platforms at Sam Smith for the past few years in an attempt to encourage these birds to breed here. There are breeding pairs successfully established in Bronte harbour.

The map shows that we are at the extreme eastern edge of their breeding territory.

CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FAMILY NATURE EVENTS

2011-07-05T06:32:00.000-04:00

MORE OF "GEORGE'S PARK CRITTERS" (George Raikou)

2011-06-30T06:53:00.002-04:00

FOSS MEMBER WINS ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN "URBAN HERO" AWARD

2011-06-28T11:46:00.000-04:00

Last night, the Etobicoke Guardian awarded the "Urban Hero" award for the Environment to Terry Smith, a founding member of Friends of Sam Smith Park.
In a quote from the Guardian article, Terry affirms a conviction of his and, in a way, restates one of the core guiding principles for FOSS ...........

"The more high tech and built-up our city becomes, the more we need the restorative power of nature for our physical and mental well-being," said Smith, who works with Friends of Sam Smith Park, the Lakeshore Planning Council and Good Air, Safe Power (GASP). "Our communities and parks need lots of quiet natural spaces where we can see wildlife, where we can escape from the pressure, the rush and the concrete."

PLANTING NATIVE GRASSES IN PARK

2011-06-26T08:27:00.000-04:00

Indian Grass

On Saturday, members from FOSS (Friends of Sam Smith Park), LEGS (Lakeshore Environmental Gardners) and CCFEW (Citizens Concerned for the Etobicoke Waterfront) planted Ontario prairie grasses around the skating trail. Species included Indian Grass, Maiden Grass and Switchback. These are all native, extremely hardy, colourful in late Summer and hosts to butterflies and other insects. Some wildflowers were also planted in what remains of the meadow.

NEW CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A GO

2011-06-24T07:29:00.001-04:00

The "Guardian" is reporting that the province hasapproved $10.25 million for the new elementary school on the LakeshoreGrounds (south west corner Lakeshore and Kipling). Architects will be appointed at the August Board meetingand they expect construction to be completed in less than 3 years. Itwill be for 536 pupils. The buildingwill have three stories and have approximately 40 ground level parkingspots. The plan says that there will be“proposed orchard rejuvenation with new specimens” south of the school.

SATURDAY - NATIVE SPECIES PLANTING AROUND SKATING TRAIL

2011-06-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

Please join us for a planting of native species around the skating trail. We need lots of volunteers to help naturalize this area.

The skate trail planting is this coming Saturday (June 25), from 10-12. Janette Harvey from the City will be bringing gloves (although feel free to bring your own gardening gloves if you prefer), trowels, and all the plants. The event runs rain or shine (with the exception of lightening/thunder), so everyone should come prepared with rain gear or sunscreen and hat depending on the weather.

We'll be planting according to the landscape plan for the skate trail area and Janette will also bring additional native wildflowers and grasses for the adjacent areas.

SAM SMITH BIRDWALK ON SATURDAY

2011-06-16T07:47:00.000-04:00

KITE FLYING IN TORONTO'S PARKS

2011-06-05T08:14:00.002-04:00

Kite flying in Torontoparks is currently being dealt with by Toronto City Council.

In order to ensure the health and safety ofpark users, staff, and wildlife in City parks, the Parks andEnvironment Committee recommends that…:

City Council prohibit kites with strings made out of hazardous materials in City parks.
City Council authorize competitive kite flying activities in City parks through the Parks, Forestry and Recreation permit process.
City Council prohibit competitive kite flying in parks that have significant bird activity.

This motion passed at the parks committee and now goeson to city council.

For a background to this issue, read this Globe and Mail article and the City’s own report.

Friends of Sam Smithhas requested that Sam Smith Park be designated a “park that has significantbird activity”.

ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN - BIRD FESTIVAL

2011-06-03T07:41:00.001-04:00

ART AND PHOTOGRAHY SESSIONS IN THE PARK START NEXT TUESDAY

2011-06-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

Art in the Park sessions will start next Tuesday. June 7th. Meet in the parking lot around 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Please bring your own art materials.

We're also going to try a photography workshop on the 14th starting at 7:00 pm - again meeting in the south parking lot area.

Questions? E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.

TORONTO TREE FESTIVAL ON TORONTO ISLANDS - SATURDAY, JUNE 11

2011-05-30T06:31:00.000-04:00

BIRD FESTIVAL

2011-05-29T09:14:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s SpringBird Festival was a tremendous success. The weather cooperated once the morningfog lifted and the rain overnight ensured there were lots of interestingwarblers still resting and feeding in the park for us all to enjoy. The CCFEW bird walks yielded many varieties.

TheArt, Photography and Nesting Box Building booths run by Friends of Sam SmithPark were well attended. Eager children constructed twenty-five treeswallow boxes and these will be installed on the Toronto Islands. Thanks toJohn Hayes from the High Park Nature Centre for teaching the childrenall about the need to provide nesting boxes to tree-cavity nesters who havefewer old trees to use in urban areas as well as helping them to build them.

Awonderful collage of children’s nature paintings was created by the youngsters with help from Don and Donna-Marie and this will beon display soon at Birds and Beans café in Mimico.

George Raikou andthe other photographers showed their work and offered tips on taking successful natureshots.

Muchappreciation must be given to the staff at City Parks and the TorontoRegion Conservation Authority for all their hard work. This secondannual Sam Smith Park Spring Bird Festival establishes our park as thebest nature park to visit in the west end of the city.

HOW TO MAKE A SWALLOW NESTING BOX

2011-05-27T19:31:00.006-04:00

If you and your kids made a nesting box at the Bird Festival for installation on the Toronto Islands, you may want to make one at home for your garden or country property.

Boxes are easily made from a 6' X 6" X 1" pressure treated board ($3 at Home Depot) and construction plans are available at http://www.coveside.biz/tree-swallow-house-plans.htm The clean-out side panel should be secured with a small screw to deter vandalism. Boxes should be placed facing any direction other than north and at about five feet. This would make a great school or interest project to do with your kids.
Nesting boxes need to be cleaned out and sterilized with a white vinegar/water spray before every season.

A nesting box with these dimensions and this sized entrance hole is good for tree swallows, song and house sparrows and, if you're lucky, maybe even a Bluebird!.

SATURDAY, MAY 28 - SAM SMITH SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL.

2011-05-23T18:27:00.005-04:00

WHIMBRELS!

2011-05-23T18:24:00.001-04:00

The Toronto Ornithological Club is again co-operating with the Center for
Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary/Virginia CommonwealthUniversity, in monitoring the Whimbrel migration observed during the period ofMay 19 to May 30 at Col. Sam Smith Park.

Daily observations are conducted during that time period from 6.00 a.m. on atthe South Peninsula of the Park.

Peak migration dates are May 24 and 25 with peak hours expected at 06:00 and 08:00 EDST. Hopefully there will be some stragglers still to be observed at the Bird Festival on May 28th.

Themigration progress of individual Whimbrels with satellite transmitters can befollowed on 'tracking@seaturtle.org'and http://wildlifetracking.org/index.shtml?project_id=369

THE BIRDERS ARE BACK!

2011-05-08T12:37:00.003-04:00

Spring migration is well under way. Songbirds, including the beautiful, brightly coloured woodland warblers, are turning up in significant numbers.
Birders can be seen every morning prowling the osier dogwoods near last Saturday's planting, the spruce grove along North Creek near the Power House and the north swale. These are favoured spots for viewing warblers.
Green, natural space along the Lake Ontario north shore, like we have at Sam Smith, is vital to these long distance travelers for feeding and resting up after their nighttime lake crossing on their way from the tropics to the boreal forest to breeds.

Here is a report from Wayne Renaud, a local birder. He listed on Ontbirds, a subscription bird alert website, the birds he observed yesterday in the park.

Blackburnian Warbler

Jerry Lewchyschyn, Brian Tannahill and I spent 3 hours this morning starting at 7:00 am birding the park and adjacent Humber Lakeshore College campus. Warblers: Yellow-rumped (45); Palm (17); Black-and-white (12); Black-throated Blue (10); Magnolia (8); Black-throated Green (5); Nashville (3); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (2); singles of Cape May, Blackburnian, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Ovenbird. Other notables: 1 Eastern Towhee; 3 Field Sparrows; 1 Swainson's Thrush; 1 Veery; 5 Hermit Thrush; 3 White-crowned Sparrows; 8 Chimney Swifts; 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks; 2 Great-crested Flycatchers; 1 Least Flycatcher; 1 Blue-headed Vireo; 1 Warbling Vireo. On and off the Peninsula: 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 4 Lesser Scaup; 4 Greater Scaup; 10 Long-tailed Duck; 7 Red-necked Grebe; 1 Horned Grebe; 1 White-winged Scoter. 18 Red-breasted Merganser; 4 Gadwall; 7 Mallard; 1 Blue-winged Teal.

LAST SATURDAY'S WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

2011-05-03T10:38:00.001-04:00

The planting organized by Trees Across Toronto last Saturday was a resounding success. Well over a hundred volunteers turned up to plant 800 trees and shrubs, all in the space of about two hours. It was muddy, soggy and hard work but the cheerful volunteers "stuck" (literally!) at it until the job was done. Special thanks to a large enthusiastic group from a north Toronto temple, all followers of the late Indian guru Sai Baba, a proponent of doing karmic service for the community.
The plantings will enlarge and enhance the Osier Dogwood area to the east of the sports oval that has become, over time, a significant wildlife corridor and birding hotspot in our park.
Below are photographs and a list of the species that were planted..

(One photograph shows a brave Killdeer sitting on its nest while all this activity was taking place around it. Can you spot it?)

FISHING IN THE PARK

2011-05-03T09:45:00.001-04:00

Toronto Fishing, a website that features local fishing hotspots, has an article on our park.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park offers seasonal fishing opportunities along the Lake Ontario shoreline. A long peninsula shaped like a backwards letter C extends from the park’s eastern boundary, creating a lagoon that contains a sizeable marina. The protected waters in the marina bay are home to bluegill, punkinseed, yellow perch, brown bullhead and carp. The shoreline rocks on the lake side of this peninsula provide opportunities to catch carp, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and pike. Given the peninsula’s height above the water line, a long-handled net is advantageous here, particularly when fishing the lake side.The large bay located along the eastern park boundary contains good numbers of largemouth bass, small pike, carp and a variety of panfish. It offers good fishing through the summer months (particularly in early summer before the weeds grow too thick). It is best fished from a small boat, although caution is prudent given its exposure to the open waters of Lake Ontario. On calm summer mornings, look for fish to hide in the shade of weed walls scattered all through this area. Dropping a weedless jig down the shady side of the weeds can produce exciting action.

SATURDAY TREE PLANTING IN PARK - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

2011-04-27T06:28:00.002-04:00

Click on the here or on the image on the left for a site map

More details on the City of Toronto website.

SAM SMITH BIRD WALK ON SATURDAY

2011-04-27T06:23:00.001-04:00

CCFEW Bird Walk

Saturday, April 30, 9:00 - 11:00 am

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: Bob Yukich

Meet in the south parking lot of Colonel samuel Smith Park (where the road ends) at 9:00, rain or shine. MAP
These walks are sponsored by Birds & Beans an are free for all to attend.Spring migration is getting into high gear, so this walk should produce some nice sightings.

MAY 7TH - PLANT EXCHANGE AT ASSEMBLY HALL

2011-04-26T07:02:00.001-04:00

VANDALISM IN PARK - WHAT TO DO?

2011-04-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

If you see vandalism in the park, please bring it to the attention of David Chapman, Parks Supervisor, Etobicoke York District.

He can be reached at 416 394 5413 or by e-mail.

The graffiti on the new nature interpretive signs has been reported by FOSS and David has told us that it will be taken care of as soon as possible.

APRIL 30 - TREE/SHRUB PLANTING AND BIRD WALK IN SAM SMITH

2011-04-18T07:35:00.002-04:00

Colonel Samuel Smith Park – CCFEW Bird Walk

Saturday, April 30, 2011 9:00 am Leader: Bob Yukich

Meet in the south parking lot of Colonel samuel Smith Park (where the road ends) at 9:00, rain or shine. MAP

Trees Across Toronto – Colonel Sam Smith Park – Spring Planting

Saturday, April 30, 2011 10:00 am

Toronto has set a goal to double its tree canopy from 17% to 34%. This goal is part of the city’s Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan, “Change is in the Air” introduced in June 2007.

SAM SMITH PARK TREE WORKSHOP APRIL 30

2011-04-18T07:33:00.000-04:00

Tree Workshop – (note must pre-register)

Saturday, April 30 9:30-3:00

Toronto's urban forest is aging and in need of help. Join us for an interactive workshop led by Ian Bruce, a Senior Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Consultant -and Etobicoke resident- with over 30 years experience in the field. The morning session at the Assembly Hall will comprise some basic training in identifying tree species and on issues related to tree health and development.

Where: Assembly Hall , East Room 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr (Lakeshore Blvd W, at KIpling)

The morning session at the Assembly Hall will comprise some basic training in identifying tree species and on issues related to tree health and development. After a break for Lunch (provided), we will head outdoors into Mother Nature's classroom to put the morning's lessons into practice. Learn how you can help renew this important city resource.

Pre-registration is required, as space is limited (FREE); the deadline is April 25th. To register, or if you have questions, send an email (with your name and phone number) to LPCtreeWorkshop@gmail.com, or phone 416-252-9701 x795 and leave a message

Sponsored by Lakeshore Planning Council - http://lakeshoreforum.ca/environment-and-sustainability

MIMICO WATERFRONT PARK UPDATE

2011-04-16T07:40:00.000-04:00

The Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Community Newsletter, Spring 2011 is now available on-line and can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://www.trca.on.ca/dotAsset/103844.pdf

REMINDER - SPRING CLEAN-UP ON SUNDAY

2011-04-11T08:04:00.002-04:00

Alan is at it again!

Kudos to Alan Roy for organizing another spring clean-up at Sam Smith Park. We think that this is his eighth year in a row.

To find out more about Alan, please read this previous FOSS post.

Hope to see a good turnout on Sunday.

NATURE PROGRAMMING FOR KIDS COMES TO SAM SMITH PARK

2011-04-07T15:49:00.008-04:00

Humber Arboretum staff are going to bring nature programming to their south campus.

They are currently advertising school programs there for this May and June, operating out of Humber College and using Sam Smith Park as their outdoor classroom.

This is tremendous news for those of us who have always seen the incredible teaching potential of our very own "nature park".

Please encourage your children's teachers to book class trips.
With support, this exciting programme will be successful and grow.

STAR REPORT ON HUMBER STUDENTS PARKING AT SAM SMITH

2011-03-31T09:30:00.001-04:00

The signs say park and facility users can park for free in the lot at the bottom of Colonel Samuel Smith Dr.
And judging by the number of cars there, the park should have been buzzing with visitors on a recent Monday afternoon. There were a few people walking their dogs, but other than that, there didn’t appear to be a lot of folks using the park and waterfront trail. Then again, it’s hard to tell who’s who — visitors to the park or students walking through the lakefront campus of nearby Humber College adjacent to the park. Chances are pretty good that most of the vehicles in the lot likely belong to students or staff taking advantage of a freebee.
And that’s got Mark Hlibchuk steamed. He recently came to the park to skate on the trail but couldn’t because all the spots in the free lot were full. He figures students “ignored the numerous signs which state that this lot is for park users only.”
Hlibchuk complained to Ward 6 Councillor Mark Grimes, whose constituency assistant Colin Johnson told him the lot is “open to all . . . including Humber College students. . . . The parks department does not have any policies in place to target drivers using the lot who are not there to make use of the park.” Hlibchuk said he was advised the posted signs are merely a “suggestion,” and unenforceable by law.
“Unless there is a bylaw, people will just ignore the sign,” he told The Fixer. Hlibchuk wants a bylaw passed, “but I don’t think the will is there with councillors, parks and rec, parking, or any other city department.”
Though he doesn’t get many complaints about the parking lot, city manager of parks Kevin Bowser said enforcing the rules at the busy park is tough. It would mean bringing on staff to mark tires and monitor who’s using the lot. That’s time-consuming and expensive. An alternative would be to charge for parking there, just as the city does in the municipal lot to the north, closer to campus. That no doubt would upset legitimate park users.
Bowser said his staff will meet with the parking authority to see what can be worked out and report back. Good thing is, the college year is almost over, which will free up spaces at least until September.

RESPONSE TO MUTE SWAN MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

2011-03-31T08:45:00.001-04:00

RE: KILLING, MOVING AND OTHERWISE INTERFERING WITH THE SWANS AND GEESE OF SAM SMITH PARK

Since the movement of human beings into the Americas 12,000 or more years ago, and particularly since the movements after the 1400s, humans have altered the structures of a wide variety of ecosystems, mostly to suit our needs and most often purposefully and often indirectly.

Ecosystems therefore have changed in many ways over time.

Mute swans are not indigenous to the Americas, nor is our own species: homo sapiens. To think that we can return to what might be termed a natural balance is unrealistic to say the least.

Nonetheless it is vital that we preserve the grebes and the whooping swans. The recovery of the later is threatened by mute swans which are more aggressive.

I would suggest that if we wish to intervene to control the growing numbers of mute swans and perhaps Canada Geese it behooves us to do so in an ethical and kindly manner.

How to do so is open to question.

Should we relocate them, we must take due diligence not to smother them in trucks during hot weather. Should we relocate them it must not be into the territory of other mute swans or geese as they will be invading their territory and aggressive encounters will ensue.

Should we, I believe the term is coddle, their eggs, they will lay more and spend their energy sitting on nests to no avail.

Killing them is out of the question on ethical terms even if it could be done humanely.

Therefore the only good way that I can see to deal with the issue would be to neuter the males and/or have animal doctors perform hysterectomies on the females and release them, when recovered, back into their own territories where they would likely continue to disturb some other birds but in numbers which would gradually decrease over time.

I can not imagine that our current civic society would go to such trouble and expense, so we are left with either BEING CRUEL OR ACCEPTING THAT ALL OF NATURE IS IRREVOCABLY AND CONTINUOUSLY BEING ALTERED BY HOMO SAPIENS.

In the interests of humanity, therefore, I say accept that we have interfered with and altered ecosystems and try to live our lives in kindness to all the other species we still have to share this beautiful earth with.

The notion of controlling free running dogs during nesting time should also be considered in the appropriate areas of Sam Smith Park. Humans as well should not disturb the wild life nor should we be feeding birds bread which is not healthy for them and fills up their stomachs and thus prevents them from eating appropriate food.

One final note this spring. Please leave the pussy willows for the beavers to eat and remember Toronto Bylaws state that no fauna or flora should be removed from our Sam Smith Park.

Kathy Sims

MORE ON FISH DIE-OFF

2011-03-24T07:20:00.002-04:00

MOE (Ministry of the Environment) confirms MNR and TRCA findings about the fish die-off last Sunday .......

"On March 21 2011, Ministry staff contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). According to a report from MNR, the fish kill was comprised of mostly Carp and the cause of mortality was due to the following:

1) anoxia coupled with temperature fluctuations as the pond is shallow, had a lot of algae in it and no flow or;

2) winter kill under ice.

Ministry staff attended the site on March 21 2011 and did not identify any dead fish or any signs of potential contamination. This supports the conclusions found in the report from MNR".

FISH DIE-OFF AT SAM SMITH

2011-03-23T12:47:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday (March 22th) Friends of Sam Smith Park received a report of a fish die-off in the large pond at Sam Smith. Upwards of 40 dead fish were counted. FOSS immediately contacted the City Councillor, Laurel Broten's office, Toronto Region Conservation Authority and Environment Specialists in the City Parks Department. All agencies responded immediately and inspections were conducted the following day by the Ministry of the Environment and TRCA. The concern, of course, was about possible chemical contamination of the pond coming from North Creek which is, essentially, a stormwater run-off. FOSS was assured during our inquiries by David Chapman, Park Supervisor, that the ice-skating trail does not use any chemicals in their operation. The report below was forwarded to FOSS by Connie Pinto, Senior Project Manager at TRCA. It looks as though there is a natural explanation for this event. Interesting to note is that a similar fish die-off at Humber Bay was reported on the same day. It was also investigated.

On March 21st TRCA staff conducted a shoreline/lake inspection within the area of Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The inspection areas included, the boat basin, Lake Ontario open coast zone and the pond fed by North Creek. Observations within the boat basin and open coast areas did not reveal any fish die-offs. Located slightly northeast of the boat basin is the North Creek pond which did have a fish die-off. The conditions within the pond is not ideal for overwintering fish habitat. The pond is slow moving, relatively shallow and has abundant aquatic macrophyte biomass during the open water season. Due to the habitat type and bathymetry, we believe that the fish die-off is a result of a winter kill and unrelated to fish health. TRCA staff took photographs and visually inspected the fish located within the pond and did not observe any signs of disease. The predominant fish species affected by the winter kill was Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosos) with 25 observed, Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) with 2 observed and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) with 2 observed.

In addition to inspections, in-situ water quality parameters were taken and displayed relatively normal aquatic conditions. In addition, surface water samples were collected as a precautionary measure. TRCA has spoken with Ministry of the Environment staff and they did not find any issues with suspected spills or contaminant releases.

MUTE SWAN MANAGEMENT

2011-03-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

TRCA (Toronto Region Conservation Authority) are reviewing their management strategy for Mute Swans and Canada Geese. While many Sam Smith park visitors enjoy seeing the swan families at Sam Smith, that does come at some cost to native species like Red-Necked Grebes who are also trying to breed in the park. Read the letter below that was sent to Friends of Sam Smith Park by TRCA when more information was requested. TRCA will have swan and goose info at the Sam Smith Bird Festival on May 28th and have lots of information available as well as staff to answer questions.

Currently TRCA manages Mute Swans and Canada Geese on waterfront sites (including Sam Smith) and select inland sites. For Mute Swans management entails egg oiling, and for Canada Geese management entails egg oiling and a round up of moulting geese at a couple of locations. We are updating the strategy to ensure that we are approaching the issue using the best science, monitoring and management tools available. Mute Swans are managed because they are a non-native, invasive bird that have significant impact on native flora and fauna. Specifically, Mute Swans are very territorial and will defend their territory against almost all intruders thereby excluding (and sometimes directly harming) many wildlife species from coastal marsh habitats at critical breeding times. Mute Swans are also voracious eaters, consuming about 3.8kg of wetland vegetation a day. This can seriously affect native wetland vegetation communities, wetland restoration efforts, and the availability of food to other species, especially waterfowl.

Based on the 2008 CWS mid-summer inventory (monitoring sites are grouped by general location) there were 98 adults in the Toronto Islands alone and an additional 463 adults between east of the Island to Oshawa Second Marsh and west of the Islands to Burlington. Inland sites are not surveyed, so the numbers are an underestimate. This same area in 2002 had a total of 240 adults, so the population trend is steadily increasing. CWS staff note that the trend would have a much sharper incline if there were no control efforts underway. The next survey will occur this year. The Toronto population also fluctuates seasonally. There were hundreds of Mute Swans across the waterfront in winter 2008-09. While this doesn't impact nesting birds, it does impact wetland vegetation as they continue to forage in the winter and may reduce the availability of food and habitat to native species.

The only control method that TRCA uses for Mute Swans is egg oiling. While this does not address all the effects they have on marshes, it will ultimately slow the population growth and reduce their impact on our native flora and fauna. Oiling procedures following the US Humane Society protocol where eggs are immersed in water and only oiled if they are less than 10 days old (eggs older than this float, so it is easy to determine their age). The management strategy is a region-wide plan that involves the collaboration and cooperation of multiple agencies and municipalities. Public education is a major component of the strategy.

NEW CITY OF TORONTO PARKS GROUP

2011-03-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Parks People are holding their first Summit on Saturday, April 16th. It will be at the Brickworks and registration is free. If you go to their website, you can register there. Some FOSS members have already signed up.

Park People is a new organization dedicated to improving Toronto's parks.

Across many Toronto neighbourhoods, there is a concern that Parks are not living up to their potential and fully responding to the needs of our communities. Parks are essential to the health and vibrancy of any city, and Toronto is lagging behind cities across North America that are bringing people, government, park staff and private organizations together to create dynamic parks that become the hub of neighourhoods.

In 2010 Park People was formed to do just that. Led by concerned citizens, and partnering with communities, parks staff and private enterprises, Park People is working hard to create lasting solutions to our underperforming parks.

Park People advocates for better parks for all communities by facilitating neighbourhood engagement in their parks, building a network of local community park groups, acting as a watchdog on issues affecting parks and highlighting the importance of good parks to the social, health, environmental and economic well being of all residents of Toronto.

The group was founded in response to the groundbreaking Metcalf Foundation report by Dave Harvey - "Fertile Ground for New Thinking: Improving Toronto's Parks". A key focus for Park People in 2011 will be a citywide Parks Summit in April that will bring together park advocates from across the city for the first time ever.

COOPER'S HAWK

2011-03-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

It looks as though the bird photographed a few days ago may be a returning Cooper's Hawk. Hopefully they will set up house again this year near the Power House as they have for the past few years.

SUNRISE - Photos from George Rakou

2011-03-18T08:04:00.000-04:00

SAM SMITH SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY

2011-03-06T08:42:00.000-05:00

Alan Roy is holding his clean-up day at Sam Smith on Sunday, April 17th,
It starts at 8.30 a.m. and runs through to 3.30 p.m.

TRCA NESTING BOXES

2011-03-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

Over the winter, TRCA (Toronto Region ConservationAuthority) set up two kestrel nesting boxes on poles out on the headlands andtwo screech owl boxes in evergreens at two locations in the park. They have also installed forty songbirdnesting boxes which should attract even more tree swallows and, who knows,maybe a bluebird family! These, alongwith the twenty-five boxes that FOSS repaired or replaced last year constitutequite the “Swallow City”. (Have youseen the “Swallow City” at Mountsberg Conservation Area near Milton?)

There is also a plan in the works to mount the two purplemartin houses that were donated last year to FOSS and CCFEW in a secure area ofthe park. A chimney swift tower is alsoa possibility.

TRCA will be trying the red-necked grebe platforms againthis year.

WINTER BIRDS VISITING SAM SMITH - NORTHERN SHRIKE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, MUTE SWANS (George Raikou)

2011-02-06T08:44:00.001-05:00

2011 SAM SMITH SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL

2011-01-29T11:16:00.003-05:00

This year's Sam Smith Spring Bird Festival will be held on May 28th, 2011. This is earlier than last year and should afford the opportunity to see more migrating species.

Photos from last year's festival.

We learned a lot from last year in terms of what was successful and what was not. This year's festival has the potential to be bigger and better!
We need to hear your ideas from the very beginning of the event planning process. This is the opportunity to include new activities and participants, and to improve the promotion of the event.

Please e-mail Terry ASAP with suggestions.
We meet with City staff next week.

STORMWATER COMMUNITY GROUP MEETS WITH CITY

2010-12-27T17:27:00.003-05:00

On December 13th, 2010, the City and their consultants presented to the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Facilities Study Community Working Group. The purpose of the presentation was to share with us the City's preliminary choices for dealing with end-of-pipe stormwater before it gets discharged in to the lake.
This was the second meeting with the group (FOSS, CCFEW and Lakeshore Planning Council, as well as some other community representatives, are members). Meeting #1 was about fifteen months ago and that first meeting was followed by a public meeting at which the community was asked to offer submissions on the matter. FOSS, as well as CCFEW and many others, sent in submissions. Click here to see FOSS's submission.
To our knowledge, community comments generally aligned with FOSS's position and favoured natural solutions (i.e. wetland, wet-ponds, creek water level enhancement etc.) over engineered designs.
The City, in fact, told us that, because of public comments they had received, they gave "Natural Criteria" the top weighting in their evaluation of alternative solutions. Then, to our surprise, their evaluation results showed a totally engineered design as the first choice on their short list! This was pretty well what was shown to the workgroup 15 months ago, before public input was requested.
The design involves an underground storage shaft and pump station in Sam Smith Park with buried transfer pipes along streets coming in to the park from east and west. There is no enhancement whatsoever to natural habitat in the park. Rainwater in South Etobicoke would be completely transferred and processed underground as it makes it way to the lake - without any benefit at all the to the natural environment or to public enjoyment.
Members of the group made strong pitches for at least some of the water flow to be directed to habitat improvement and suggested that the community at the next public meeting may feel their input has been largely ignored .
The image below shows details (double click for larger image)
That second public meeting is proposed for Spring, 2011. FOSS will send details to our e-mail list when they are known.

FROZEN ART AT SAM SMITH - GEORGE RAIKOU

2010-12-27T16:47:00.001-05:00

ICE SKATING TRAIL OPENS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH

2010-12-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

LYME DISEASE CARRYING TICK FOUND IN SAM SMITH

2010-12-07T14:44:00.002-05:00

A dog walkerin the park says she recently found a tick on her dog, which she had a vet remove. It turns out that the tick was not only a species that could carry Lyme diseasebut, in fact, has now been tested and is positive for Lyme disease. Theonly place she had walked her dog in the previous weeks was in Sam SmithPark. She feels that she would beremiss if this information was not shared.

She says,“The tick looked very much like a smudge of dirt and, when I tried to removeit, it stuck. It also had a very rubbery feel to it. Our vet notedthat it is not unheard of for tick populations to rise during bird migratoryperiods and Sam Smith Park is on a direct route for many migrating birds. Our vet was also quite adamant about getting our pet on a regimen ofantibiotics as soon as possible to minimize any effects the tick may have onher so I didn’t want to take this lightly.”
This has been passed on to a Natural Environment Specialist with the City's Parks. We are told that there have been unconfirmed reports of these ticks on the Toronto Islands so it makes sense that they could be in other places along the waterfront.
City Parks has passed this on to Toronto Public Health. Here is their response -

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It is not uncommon to find a positive tick anywhere in Ontario however, Colonel Sam Smith park is not recognized as a hot spot with an established blacklegged tick population. We will note the finding and consider having the park assessed by dragging in the area next season.

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/lyme/public/default.aspx

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/disease/lyme.aspx

Above are some links for more information.

MARIE CURTIS REVITALIZATION PLANS

2010-11-12T08:24:00.001-05:00

Plans were unveiled for the Marie Curtis Park revitalization at a public consultation meeting at the Assembly Hall Tuesday night.

For map, plans and details check out last night's Etobicoke Guardian report or read 27th Street blogger Mr. Anchovy

MEETING ABOUT MARIE CURTIS PARK REVITALIZATION

2010-10-28T07:02:00.002-04:00

FOR MORE INFORMATION/BACKGROUND, VISIT CCFEW'S MARIE CURTIS PARK PAGE

POWER HOUSE CHARITY HAUNT

2010-10-23T07:02:00.001-04:00

Carol Goar in yesterday's Toronto Star wrote an interesting column on the Power House of Terror charity haunt. Sick Kids' Foundation has dropped out as a recipient of funds from this event.

SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATE SUPPORTS NATURE CENTRE AT POWER HOUSE

2010-10-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

If you're unsure about which Toronto District School Board Trustee to vote for next Monday, Terry Smith received the following commitment from candidate Andy Kyriakos today. Having the Power House become a Nature Centre for the use of Toronto public and separate school students has long been a goal of FOSS and we have not yet had a strong champion at the City level for this.

Hi Terry,
It was great seeing you again today. I would definitely support establishing an eco center in the power house at Sam Smith Park and will provide any assistance possible should I get elected as the Toronto District School Board Trustee for Etobicoke Lakeshore.

I spend a lot of time cycling and walking along the trails at SamSmith. It is a true treasure on the lake shore. I am also a long time member of the Bruce Trail Society and feel it is important to preserve as much of urban rural naturalized areas as possible. In an increasingly urbanized society, this is an ongoing effort. Education is akey component necessary to keep the environment top of mind in our community. You have my full support on this.

Kindest regards,

Andy Kyriakos
Candidate for TDSB Trustee in Ward 3

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND ABANDONED, SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS IN THE PARK

2010-10-11T09:58:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, two local residents found a pet rabbit and laterfound two kittens abandoned behind the Power House in the wooded area near the creek. The kittens were in a pet carrier case and who ever left themthere had left some cans of food open for them. The kittens had not ventured out of their case. The kittens were adorable, very playful,very hungry and a little frightened.

The abandoned animals were taken to a nearby animal shelter(directions below) and the kind animal lovers who found them were assured thatthey would be taken care of. They petswould be observed for about a week, checked by a vet and then adopted out.

So,keep your eyes open, and make sure that, if you do find strays, the animalshelter operated by the Toronto Animal Services at 146 East Mall will take themin. The general phone number for themis 416 338 7297. The location isapproximately 427 and Dundas Street West. Hours of operation 10.30 to 6.30, 7 days a week.

For concerns about sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, orany other wildlife-related question or concern, please call the Toronto Wildlife Center at 416 631 0662. Hours of operation 9 to 6, 7 days a week.

PARK VOLUNTEERS

2010-10-09T07:23:00.001-04:00

Community volunteers met last Friday with City Parks staff Janette Harvey and Bernie to learn about Japanese Knotweed, an invasive species that is now showing up in the park. Several large clumps of this tall species were cut down by two very enthusiastic young helpers, AJ and Jamie, with a little help from the adults.
Forty shrubs and trees were also planted at the G20 site to increase the wildlife habitat there. Species included elderberry, dogwood, cedar and silver maple.

LAKESHORE GROUNDS NEWS

2010-10-09T06:51:00.001-04:00

There are plans to build a new elementary school on the grounds to amalgamate St Theresa and Christ the King. The new school will be arts-focused. (Location, SW corner Kipling and Sam Smith)

The skate trail adjacent to the Power House is opening this Fall. A few things need to be finished off. This will happen once the Power House of Terror is finished. Hopes are that the trail will be open to the public early in the season. Washrooms will be open during the day. Parks division will be taking care of the washrooms when the skate trail is open. They will open the facility, drop in to clean and close up in the evening.

TALK ON TOXINS IN GREAT LAKES

2010-10-07T07:34:00.000-04:00

SAM SMITH BIRD WALK

2010-10-05T21:44:00.002-04:00

CCFEW Bird Walk
Saturday, October 16, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Leader: Don Burton
Meet in he south parking lot (were the road ends) at 9:00, rain or shine.
These walks are sponsored by Birds & Beans an are free for all to attend.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SAM SMITH CLEAN-UP THIS FRIDAY (OCTOBER 8TH)

2010-10-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

A collaborative event between the city, the community, acompany, a club,
concerned students and conservation groups, cooperating in a concerted
effort to clean up, conserve and contribute to one of the city's most
beautiful and natural waterfront settings, Colonel Samuel Smith Park. A
local company with a green conscience, Southern Graphic Systems, is taking
the initiative to pitch in, make a difference and help mentor the next
generation on stewardship of this precious natural resource and educate them
on its many special treasures.

Volunteers are needed for waterfront walkway trail edge weed clean-up,
invasive species removal specifically targeting Japanese Knotweed, wildlife
habitat enhancement planting adding to the spring G20 planting area, and
mentoring for a new student park-stewardship program. We're expecting
volunteers from the community and each of the club and conservation groups
to join us.

The multi-activity route through Colonel Samuel Smith Park will begin around
10am by the lakefront walkway, west of the entrance to the boat club,
Friday, October 8th or 15th or 22nd, 2010 until after 12 noon.

The City will provide most of the equipment (gloves, shovels, plant
material, hand pruners, buckets, mulch) and staff support for the event.
*PLEASE do not wear open-toed footwear!

Contact Jim Carr at hjimcarr@gmail.com for more information.
Cell 416 525-1325

LOCATION .....

"SONGBIRDS AND MIGRATION" EVENT

2010-10-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Birds and Beans together with the Royal Ontario Museum invite you to "Songbirds and Migration: Making the Connection" to celebrate and highlight the migration of neotropical birds' fall migration through Toronto on their way to overwinter in warmer climates. They will start with a meet and greet with 9 bird friendly organizations over a cup of their delicious organic Bird Friendly® certified coffee followed by a wonderful evening of presentations by representatives from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, York University in Toronto, and Project CHIRP! who will discuss migrating songbirds from different but connected perspectives. For details see their flyer. Admission is free.

To register visit the ROM Event Page.
http://www.birdsandbeans.ca
http://www.facebook.com/BirdsAndBeans.ca

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IN SAM SMITH

2010-09-16T09:18:00.001-04:00

Monarch butterflies are beginning to gather in groups at Sam Smith for the great migration south. Look for them in the trees and shrubs.
(See these recent photographs)

Ancient Native legends have told of waves of monarch butterflies heading southward in the autumn. For thousands of years, their destination was unknown. In 1975, the monarchs' overwintering grounds were officially discovered by Dr. Fred Urquhart of the University of Toronto. Following reports of butterflies he and others had tagged in Canada, Dr. Urquhart was led to the evergreen forests high in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico. There he discovered the monarchs.

Tens of millions of monarchs arrive at their wintering grounds each autumn. Here, they hang on the trees in such numbers that they bend the boughs. The cold winter temperatures cause the monarchs to become almost dormant. This allows them to live off their previously stored energy. Monarchs do not become active again until February, when the drive to reproduce carries them northward.

The monarch migration cycle is a mystery. Through the summer there are two, possibly three, generations raised in Ontario. The life cycle from egg to adult can take only a month, however, most large butterflies take about 45 days (see the life cycle). The generations that emerge in late summer and autumn are somehow triggered to become migratory.
These monarchs overwinter in Mexico and mate there in early spring. On their way north, eggs are laid on fresh milkweed and the adult dies some time thereafter. A few monarchs that have overwintered in Mexico return to Ontario (during May), an incredible journey of 3000 kilometres. However, it is the generation that is produced between Mexico and Canada that returns in numbers, mainly in June.

NEW PLANTINGS FOR FALL 2010

2010-09-11T17:50:00.000-04:00

As part of the Trees Across Toronto/Toronto Water tree planting program, Urban Forestry is proposing new plantings at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The proposed plan is intended to increase the urban forest canopy, increase habitat and biodiversity and reduce stormwater. The sites would be prepared by rototilling and subsoiling prior to planting. The planting would be a combination of native bare root and potted tree and shrub species.
The planting around the off-leash dog park will be on the perimeter as there are water tanks beneath the area. Dog walkers have been asking for trees in this area to provide shade and wind protection.

(The two maps below show the planting areas. Double-click on maps for enlarged view)

ACCESSIBILITY PROBLEM WITH PARK'S NEW INTERPRETIVE SIGNS

2010-07-31T06:36:00.002-04:00

Walt, a local resident and Friends of Sam Smith Park member, has brought to the attention of the City Parks Department that the wonderful, new interpretive signage around the park is very difficult to view for park visitors in wheelchairs and also for young children. The angle and height do not allow everyone to enjoy them. There have been some site visits with Walt and City staff to determine the best pedestal height and angle and we are told that some action will follow.
This is a universal problem in City Parks and needs to be corrected and taken into consideration with future interpretive projects.
Kudos to Walt for following through on this and to the City for its quick response.

ICONIC POPLAR TREE CUT DOWN FOR SKATING TRAIL

2010-07-31T06:22:00.000-04:00

The poplar that was too healthy to remove has now been removed!

OFF-LEASH FENCE PROBLEMS

2010-07-31T06:09:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting post from a local blogger about the fence that the City is building around the off-leash dog walking area at the filtration plant and the issues that it is bringing up.
The City really does need to make sure that public consultations are just that.

SUNRISE AT SAM SMITH - George Raikou

2010-07-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

NEW FAMILIES LOVING SAM SMITH - pics from George Raikou

2010-07-07T08:16:00.000-04:00

STORMWATER MEETING AT LAMP

2010-06-30T15:58:00.001-04:00

Lakeshore Planning Council has invited City staff to speak to the community and answer questions about the Stormwater Management Plan that is being prepared for South Etobicoke. This plan may have have huge implications for the park. Friends of Sam Smith Park, as well as CCFEW and others, have advocated for natural solutions that would enhance wildlife habitat in the park to treat end-of-pipe storm water.

The meeting is at LAMP (Fifth Street, north of Lakeshore Blvd) on Thursday, July 8th from 7.30 to 9.30. The last time they were invited it was canceled at the last minute so be sure to check out Lakeshore Planning Council's website for up to the minute information.

For background information, type in "stormwater" in the FOSS website search bar above.

DOGS DISTURBING WILDLIFE

2010-06-25T06:51:00.000-04:00

There have been recent complaints from park users about the number of dogs being walked off leash and disturbing wildlife, particularly since the new signage has gone up alerting people to bird-sensitive areas. It has been suggested that dog walkers may not know about the new off-leash designated area near the filtration park and signs should be put up in Sam Smith to inform people. Here is the response to that suggestion from David Chapman, Park Supervisor.

"We are not in the habit of extensive signage in areas other than that were the "Off Leash" area actually is. That is because in all parks, "if it is not a designated off leash area" all dogs are to be on a leash. In addition there will be a fenced off area as soon as the TRCA installs the new fencing. It's best to call 338 - PAWS (Animal Control) and not 311, since they are in fact the actual by-law enforcement section of MLS which would be called in.

David'e e-mail address is dchapman@toronto.ca

SAM SMITH PARK ENVIRONMENT DAY

2010-06-25T06:39:00.000-04:00

For a list of things you can take and get at this event, click here.

DEAD MAMMALS IN PARK

2010-06-24T13:04:00.001-04:00

Heather Jack sent these photographs of unknown, dead mammals floating in the ponds in the park. She reports finding scenes like these every few weeks by the bridge, the second beach and the pond.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in deaths? Is there something going on here that is unusual and should be checked in to?

"ART IN THE PARK" SESSIONS TO CONTINUE - COME ON OUT!

2010-06-22T16:42:00.002-04:00

On Monday, Don and Donna-Marie led the first "art in the park" session. Both artists are very knowledgeable and more than willing to share tips and techniques, especially to beginning artists.
They are holding more sessions next Monday, (June 28th), one in the morning at 9 a.m. and one in the evening at 7.30 p.m.
Meet in the South Parking lot.
Bring art materials.
(If you arrive late or cannot find the group, call Don's cell 416 460 5688).
Questions? E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.

UPCOMING SAM SMITH BIRD WALK

2010-06-17T06:43:00.000-04:00

FIRST ART IN THE PARK SESSION

2010-06-14T18:22:00.000-04:00

The first "art in the park" session will take place on Monday, June 21st at 9 a.m. Meet in the South parking lot. The get-together will be related to photography as well as art. Bring art materials, (and a camera) and be prepared to move to a spot with the group to do some sketching.

Questions? E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.

LET'S ALL HELP PROTECT THE NESTING GREBES

2010-06-14T18:15:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority has posted these notices close to the nesting platforms being used by the two Red Necked Grebe pairs. Observers have reported eggs in at least one of the nests. This is the third year that these persistent uncommon birds have struggled to raise families in our park.

It is imperative that we do more than simply walk by saying "Tut tut" to ourselves when we witness photographers, dog walkers or curious park users getting up real close to these birds. We need to speak up and remind them why the notices are there.

CLIFF SWALLOW COLONY GROWING

2010-06-14T18:05:00.000-04:00

Over the past few years, birders have watched the steady annual growth of the Cliff Swallow colony that has chosen to set up residence under the east eave of the R.L. Filtration Plant at the south-west corner of Sam Smith Park. Yesterday's count showed seventy nests.

Cliff Swallows breed in large colonies. They build conical mud nests and lay 3-6 eggs. The natural nest sites are on cliffs, preferably beneath overhangs, but man-made structures are now the principal locations for breeding.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN BIRD FRIENDLY

2010-06-11T06:49:00.000-04:00

THIS AIN'T NO CARP

2010-06-09T11:38:00.002-04:00

Have you spotted this colourful critter yet?

The "gold fish"? has been seen on several occasions swimming in the lake near the entrance to the pond.

It is over one foot long.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN DOING ART IN THE PARK?

2010-06-06T08:58:00.002-04:00

If anyone is interested in meeting on an agreed and somewhat regular basis to do some art around the neighbourhood (Sam Smith Park and area), please contact Don McClement at 416 259 5876 or e-mail him.

(Don, along with Donna-Marie Batty, led art and photography groups for Friends of Sam Smith Park at last Saturday's Bird Festival)

PARK CRITTER PICS FROM GEORGE RAIKOU

2010-06-03T07:29:00.003-04:00

SOME BIRD FESTIVAL PHOTOS

2010-05-31T20:43:00.005-04:00

HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND BIRDHOUSES

2010-05-31T20:11:00.005-04:00

At the planting last Friday, 200 native trees and shrubs were planted by community volunteers to enhance the dogwood thicket. This area provides spectacular cover for migrating songbirds and is fast becoming the birding hotspot in the park. Members of Friends of Sam Smith and CCFEW, local students from Lanor Middle School, volunteers from Southern Graphics Systems Canada and City staff all helped to get the job done.

Along with the planting, Justin DiCiano from One Village Care and Councillor Grimes presented Purple Martin houses, built by local youth, to Friends of Sam Smith and CCFEW for the park. The beautiful birdhouses were hand made and “donated to honour the work and the effort that both organizations put into helping to maintain our parkland.”

The two birdhouses will be installed later on in the year. Toronto Region Conservation Authority will assess how best to install them in the right locations and in such a way that they can be cleaned out each September.

CANADA NEEDS AN OFFICIAL BIRD

2010-05-31T10:28:00.004-04:00

As a follow-up to the very successful first Sam Smith Spring Bird Festival last Saturday, it's an opportune time to consider the fact that Canada needs an official representative national bird. The Red-Tailed Hawk and the Canada Goose have been suggested, but there are many other species that might well fill the bill.

If you wish to participate in a national survey/petition to be delivered to the government, click here. But first, read this to consider criteria you might use to make your choice.

(Red-Tailed Hawks are occasionally observed in Sam Smith Park)

SAM SMITH BIRDING CHECKLIST

2010-05-27T12:28:00.000-04:00

CCFEW (Citizens Concerned for the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront) has created a bird checklist (2009) which lists all the birds that have been seen on the bird walks that they have run over the years in Sam Smith Park and Humber Bay.

Many thanks to Brian and Barbara Keaveney, Brian Bailey and Dave Hallet for producing this valuable resource.

For a PDF version, go to their website to download it.

There will be CCFEW organized bird walks starting at 8 a.m. at Saturday's Bird Festival.

FOSS AND SAM SMITH IN TORONTO'S "EYE WEEKLY"

2010-05-27T10:10:00.001-04:00

EYE WEEKLY article