Toward a Watershed Monitoring Framework for the Toronto Region

KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The May 13^th workshop was well received by all participants and generated considerable discussion and output. Presented below are the key findings and recommendations from the workshop.

• There is strong support for the establishment of an interagency monitoring network within the Toronto Region. It was felt that a coordinated monitoring network would help to eliminate duplication, and ensure monies were spent more effectively on monitoring.
• There was a recognition of the need for monitoring data to be linked to watershed stresses/causes and the appropriate management actions required to solve problems that arise. Participants felt that the results of monitoring must eventually lead to management actions in a process of continuous improvement.
• The process of developing the monitoring network should be inclusive not exclusive. Consultation should include agencies, municipalities, non-government organizations, industry, academics, consultants, and the public.
• In AOCs that contain a significant amount of urban development, surface runoff from these developed areas can be the most significant source of poor water quality and impairment of beneficial uses. The Great Lakes Water Quality Board and the International Joint Commission should advocate for the development of an urban/stormwater runoff annex to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
• There needs to be a role for the public and educational institutions in collecting monitoring data. The "grass roots" involvement will be important in smaller specific monitoring projects and in developing support for larger monitoring activities.
• Based on the importance of monitoring to good decision-making and the trend in recent years to reduced budgets and subsequently, reduced monitoring activities, the Great Lakes Water Quality Board and the International Joint Commission should take a leadership role in emphasizing the need to secure long-term funding and expertise from the provincial and federal government for watershed based monitoring.