Natural Heritage Inventory and Assessment Study

The Natural Heritage Inventory and Assessment Study provides a comprehensive assessment of the City’s natural heritage resources. In 2020, the City retained the consulting firm of North-South Environmental with Dougan and Associates to complete the Phase 1: Natural Heritage Inventory and Assessment Study.

The Study provides:

• A detailed inventory of flora and fauna in the City
• Analysis on the health, condition, and ecological integrity of the Greenway System including:
  • Changes in natural cover and conditions since the 1992 Natural Features Study
  • Any threats and disturbances to City-owned natural areas
  • Trends in ecological health and condition
  • The current state of biodiversity in the City
• An inventory of vegetation communities in the City to support updated Natural Heritage Network mapping for the upcoming Official Plan review
• Recommendations to support the protection and enhancement of the City’s natural heritage resources

A Technical Advisory Committee was established for this Study comprising staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Parks Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and York Region to review the study findings and provide input.

Status

The Phase 1 Report, which provides the findings of the Natural Heritage Inventory and Assessment Study, was endorsed by the Development Services Committee on May 3, 2021.

The Phase 2 Study will provide a Natural Heritage Management Strategy to ensure the long term sustainability of City-owned natural heritage lands, and is currently underway.

Documents

Staff Report to Development Services Committee (May 3, 2021)

Natural Heritage Inventory and Assessment Study (April 2021)

Contact

Patrick Wong
Senior Planner II, Natural Heritage
E-mail: patrickwong@markham.ca
Phone: 905-477-7000 extension 6922