Alton Village Study Draft Phase 1 Background ... - Town of Caledon

ALTON VILLAGE STUDY
PHASE I
BACKGROUND ISSUES REPORT
Prepared By:
Town of Caledon
Keir Corp.
Credit Valley Conservation
Groundwater Science
MMM Group
Parish Geomorphic
Planning Alliance
Region of Peel
XCG Consultants Ltd.
November 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Study Approach ..................................................................................................................2
1.2 Servicing Study and Class Environmental Assessment for Water and Wastewater
Servicing for the Villages of Alton and Caledon ..............................................................4
1.3 Study Area ...........................................................................................................................4
1.4 Community Consultation ...................................................................................................5
1.5 Study Process.......................................................................................................................5
1.6 Study Management .............................................................................................................8
2.0 POLICY CONTEXT .................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Provincial Policy/Legislation/Guidelines ..........................................................................9
2.1.1 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) ................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 The Greenbelt Plan .........................................................................................................11
2.1.3 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.............................................................15
2.1.4 Planning Act Reform .....................................................................................................18
2.1.5 Environmental Assessment Act.....................................................................................18
2.1.6 Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act and Related
Regulations .....................................................................................................................19
2.1.7 Clean Water Act ............................................................................................................21
2.1.8 Local Improvement Act..................................................................................................21
2.2 Region of Peel ....................................................................................................................21
2.2.1 Region of Peel Strategic Plan and Official Plan (ROP)..................................................21
2.2.2 Region of Peel Water Protection Strategy and Guidelines for the Provision of
Communal Sewage Disposal Systems............................................................................22
2.2.3 Design Standards ............................................................................................................22
2.3 Town of Caledon Official Plan.........................................................................................24
2.3.1 Principles, Strategic Direction and Goals.......................................................................24
2.3.2 Village Studies................................................................................................................25
2.3.3 Population and Employment...........................................................................................25
2.3.4 Land Use Plan.................................................................................................................26
2.3.5 Environmental Policies...................................................................................................29
2.3.6 Mineral Resources ..........................................................................................................29
2.3.7 Wellhead Protection........................................................................................................29
2.3.8 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................32
2.4 Credit Valley Conservation (CVC)..................................................................................32
2.4.1 Conservation Authorities Act .........................................................................................32
2.4.2 Fisheries Act (Federal Legislation) ................................................................................33
2.4.3 Watercourse and Valley Land Protection Policies .........................................................33
2.4.4 Flood Plain Management Policies ..................................................................................34
2.5 CVC Studies ......................................................................................................................35
2.5.1 Credit River Water Management Strategy Update (CRWMSU)....................................35
2.5.2 Subwatershed Studies .....................................................................................................36
2.5.3 Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program ...................................................................38
3.0 COMMUNITY PLANNING COMPONENT ........................................................ 39
3.1 Existing Conditions...........................................................................................................39
3.1.1 Location and History ......................................................................................................39
3.1.2 Historical Growth Pattern...............................................................................................40
3.1.3 Cultural Heritage Resources ...........................................................................................47
i

3.1.4 Existing Land Uses.........................................................................................................49
3.1.5 Undeveloped Land and Development Interest................................................................56
3.1.6 Socio-Economic Characteristics.....................................................................................59
3.1.7 Infrastructure, Facilities and Community Services........................................................63
3.1.8 Transportation.................................................................................................................70
3.2 Community Character......................................................................................................72
3.2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................72
3.2.2 General Description........................................................................................................72
3.2.3 Rural Landscapes............................................................................................................73
3.2.4 Village Landscape ..........................................................................................................79
3.2.5 Socio-Economic Influences............................................................................................95
3.2.6 Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................96
3.2.7 Public Facilities ..............................................................................................................99
3.2.8 Community Services.....................................................................................................100
3.3 Summary of Issues/Next Steps .......................................................................................100
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT................................................................... 101
4.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................101
4.2 Hydrogeology Characterization.....................................................................................101
4.2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................101
4.2.2 Topography and Drainage ............................................................................................104
4.2.3 Physiography ................................................................................................................104
4.2.4 Quaternary Geology......................................................................................................107
4.2.5 Bedrock Geology..........................................................................................................108
4.2.6 Bedrock Topography .................................................................................................... 110
4.2.7 Hydrostratigraphy.........................................................................................................110
4.2.8 Groundwater Flow........................................................................................................112
4.2.9 Recharge and Discharge Areas.....................................................................................115
4.2.10 Hydrostratigraphy ........................................................................................................115
4.2.11 Cross- Sections ............................................................................................................117
4.2.12 Groundwater Quality ...................................................................................................118
4.2.13 Summary of Conceptual Hydrogeologic Model..........................................................126
4.2.14 Sensitivity of the Groundwater System .......................................................................127
4.2.15 Next Steps....................................................................................................................130
4.3 Hydrology Characterization ..........................................................................................131
4.3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................131
4.3.2 Work Completed...........................................................................................................131
4.3.3 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................143
4.4 Terrestrial........................................................................................................................144
4.4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................144
4.4.2 Work Completed...........................................................................................................145
4.4.3 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................166
4.5 Fluvial Geomorphology Characterization ....................................................................167
4.5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................167
4.5.2 Review of Existing Information ...................................................................................167
4.5.3 Controlling and Modifying Factors ..............................................................................167
4.5.4 Reach Delineation and Stream Corridor Characterization............................................170
4.5.5 Historical Assessments .................................................................................................173
4.5.6 Detailed Field Work - 1999 ..........................................................................................176
4.5.7 Detailed Field Work for IWMP - 1999 to 2004............................................................178
4.5.8 Detailed Field Work – 2003 .........................................................................................178
ii

4.5.9 Detailed Field Work - 2005 ..........................................................................................182
4.5.10 Identification of Data Gaps..........................................................................................184
4.5.11 Present Field Assessment.............................................................................................185
4.6 Fisheries Characterization .............................................................................................188
4.6.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................188
4.6.2 Work Completed...........................................................................................................188
4.6.3 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................199
4.7 Benthic Macroinvertebrates...........................................................................................200
4.7.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................200
4.7.2 Work Completed...........................................................................................................200
4.7.3 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................204
4.8 Water Quality Characterization....................................................................................205
4.8.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................205
4.8.2 Methodology.................................................................................................................208
4.8.3 Interpretation of Existing Data .....................................................................................209
4.8.4 Water Temperature Results ..........................................................................................228
4.8.5 Sediment Chemistry Sampling .....................................................................................233
4.8.6 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................233
4.9 Septic System Impact Assessment .................................................................................234
4.9.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................234
4.9.2 Information Review......................................................................................................235
4.9.3 Level II Study ...............................................................................................................236
5.0 EXISTING SERVICING CONDITIONS ................................................................ 239
5.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................239
5.1.1 Background...................................................................................................................239
5.1.2 Servicing Component ...................................................................................................239
5.1.3 Class Environmental Assessment Process....................................................................240
5.2 Description of Existing Servicing Infrastructure .........................................................243
5.2.1 Description of Existing Water Supply System .............................................................243
5.2.2 Wastewater Servicing ...................................................................................................250
5.3 Problem Statement..........................................................................................................251
5.3.1 Preliminary List of Water Servicing Alternatives ........................................................252
5.3.2 Preliminary List of Wastewater Servicing Alternatives ...............................................252
5.4 Background Information and Data Requirements ......................................................253
5.4.1 Planning Information....................................................................................................253
5.4.2 Environmental Information ..........................................................................................253
5.4.3 Servicing Information...................................................................................................254
5.4.4 Summary of Information Required and Methods for Data Collection .........................255
6.0 TRANSPORTATION............................................................................................. 257
6.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................257
6.2 Existing Road Network...................................................................................................257
6.3 Existing Traffic................................................................................................................258
6.3.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) .......................................................................258
6.3.2 Truck Traffic.................................................................................................................258
6.3.3 Existing Intersection Level of Service..........................................................................259
6.4 Background Traffic Growth Forecasts – Regional Road 136..................................... 259
6.5 Issues, Conclusions and Next Steps ..............................................................................264
6.5.1 Issues ............................................................................................................................264
6.5.2 Conclusions of Phase 1................................................................................................. 264
6.5.3 Next Steps.....................................................................................................................265
iii

7.0 DRAFT GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND PRELIMINARY COMMUNITY DESIGN
PRINCIPLES ...................................................................................................................... 266
7.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................266
7.2 Draft Goal ........................................................................................................................266
7.3 Draft Objectives ..............................................................................................................266
7.3.1 Draft Planning Objectives.............................................................................................266
7.3.2 Draft Environmental Objectives ...................................................................................267
7.3.3 Draft Servicing Objectives ...........................................................................................267
7.4 Preliminary Community Design Principles..................................................................268
7.5 Next Steps ........................................................................................................................269
8.0 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION........................................................................... 270
8.1 Background .....................................................................................................................270
8.2 A Community Vision for the Village of Alton ..............................................................271
8.3 Summary of Issues ..........................................................................................................272
9.0 NEXT STEPS .............................................................................................................. 273
9.1 Phase 2 Introduction.......................................................................................................273
GLOSSARY......................................................................................................................... 274
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 276
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT APPENDICES (Under Separate Cover)
Appendix A Terrestrial
Appendix B Geomorphology
Appendix C Fisheries
Appendix D Water Quality
Appendix E Hydrogeology/Septic Impact Study
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1.3.1 ALTON VILLAGE STUDY AREA...........................................................................................6
FIGURE 1.5.1 ALTON VILLAGE STUDY PROCESS.....................................................................................7
FIGURE 2.1.1 GREENBELT PLAN DESIGNATIONS..................................................................................13
FIGURE 2.3.1 CALEDON OFFICIAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS...............................................27
FIGURE 2.3.2 CALEDON OPA 179 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS .............................................................28
FIGURE 2.3.3 SCHEDULE L CHPMARA......................................................................................................30
FIGURE 2.3.4 WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREAS.....................................................................................31
FIGURE 2.5.1 SHAWS CREEK STUDY STATIONS ....................................................................................37
FIGURE 3.1.1 ALTON STUDY AREA: GEORGE R. TREMAINE MAP 1859 ............................................41
FIGURE 3.1.2 ALTON STUDY AREA: HISTORICAL ATLAS OF PEEL COUNTY 1877.........................42
FIGURE 3.1.3 ALTON VILLAGE PLAN: GEORGE R. TREMAINE MAP 1857.........................................43
FIGURE 3.1.4 ALTON VILLAGE PLAN: HISTORICAL ATLAS OF PEEL COUNTY 1877 .....................44
FIGURE 3.1.5 ALTON VILLAGE PATTERN OF LAND SUBDIVISION PLAN ........................................46
FIGURE 3.1.6 ALTON VILLAGE AND STUDY AREA ASSESSED LAND USES ....................................50
FIGURE 3.1.7 MAJOR LAND USES AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES IN STUDY AREA.......................51
FIGURE 3.1.8 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND FEATURES....................................................................52
FIGURE 3.1.9 AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY ..........................................................................................57
FIGURE 3.1.10 UNDEVELOPED LAND AND AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT INTEREST.........................58
FIGURE 3.1.11 STORM SEWERS AND CURBS............................................................................................65
FIGURE 3.1.12 SIDEWALKS...........................................................................................................................66
FIGURE 3.1.13 TRAILS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE ..................................................................................68
FIGURE 3.2.1 AIR PHOTO OF ALTON STUDY AREA.............................................................................75
iv

FIGURE 3.2.2 RURAL LANDSCAPE: NATURAL AND WORKING.........................................................76
FIGURE 3.2.3 TOPOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS .................................................................................................77
FIGURE 3.2.4 WOODLANDS AND WATERCOURSES .............................................................................78
FIGURE 3.2.5 BUILDING AGE ANALYSIS.................................................................................................81
FIGURE 3.2.6 BUILT FORM QUADRANTS ................................................................................................83
FIGURE 3.2.7 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 1: VARIOUS STREETS....................................................84
FIGURE 3.2.8 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 1: VARIOUS STREETS....................................................85
FIGURE 3.2.9 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: MAIN STREET.............................................................86
FIGURE 3.2.10 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: MAIN STREET.............................................................87
FIGURE 3.2.11 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: QUEEN ST. EAST .......................................................88
FIGURE 3.2.12 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: QUEEN ST. WEST .......................................................89
FIGURE 3.2.13 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: QUEEN ST. WEST .......................................................90
FIGURE 3.2.14 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: ALTON MILL AND MILLCROFT INN......................91
FIGURE 3.2.15 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 2: JAMES AND BRIDGE STREETS ...............................92
FIGURE 3.2.16 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 3: MAIN STREET NORTH (EAST SIDE).......................93
FIGURE 3.2.17 VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA 4: MAIN STREET NORTH (WEST SIDE) ......................94
FIGURE 3.2.18 HISTORIC CORE....................................................................................................................97
FIGURE 3.2.19 ALTON ESTATES SUBDIVISION........................................................................................98
FIGURE 4.1.1 ALTON IN THE CREDIT RIVER WATERSHED………………………….......................102
FIGURE 4.1.2 THE ALTON ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA .............................................................103
FIGURE 4.2.1 GROUND SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY ................................................................................105
FIGURE 4.2.2 SURFICIAL GEOLOGY........................................................................................................106
FIGURE 4.2.3 BEDROCK GEOLOGY .........................................................................................................109
FIGURE 4.2.4 BEDROCK TOPOGRAPHY..................................................................................................111
FIGURE 4.2.5 SHALLOW POTENTIOMETRIC SURFACE.......................................................................113
FIGURE 4.2.6 DEEP POTENTIOMETRIC SURFACE ................................................................................114
FIGURE 4.2.7 VERTICAL HYDRAULIC POTENTIAL..............................................................................116
FIGURE 4.2.8 CROSS SECTION; ALTON A – A’.......................................................................................119
FIGURE 4.2.9 CROSS SECTION; ALTON C – C’ .......................................................................................120
FIGURE 4.2.10 CROSS SECTION ALTON E – E’.........................................................................................121
FIGURE 4.2.11 STREAM FLOW MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS.............................................................124
FIGURE 4.2.12 GROUNDWATER SENSITIVITY AREAS .........................................................................128
FIGURE 4.3.1 FLOW GAUGE AND SPOT FLOW MONITORING STATIONS ......................................133
FIGURE 4.3.2 STREAM STATUS AND REGIONAL STORM FLOODLINE...........................................134
FIGURE 4.3.3 MAP OF FLOOD FLOW ESTIMATE POINTS OF INTEREST............................................136
FIGURE 4.3.4 SHAWS CREEK RETURN PERIOD FLOWS BASED ON SUBWATERSHED 17 MODEL
SIMULATION (1960-2005)..................................................................................................137
FIGURE 4.3.5 LOW FLOW POINTS OF INTEREST FOR THE CREDIT RIVER AND SHAWS CREEK.139
FIGURE 4.4.1 NATURAL COMMUNITIES AND EXISTING LAND USE – SUM OF AREA (HA) BY
TYPE . .................................................................................................................................................145
FIGURE 4.4.2 ALTON ELC, EXISTING LAND USE AND FIELD SITES ..................................................148
FIGURE 4.4.3 ESAS AND PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS................................................151
FIGURE 4.4.4 CORE SUPPORTIVE AND NODE NATURAL AREA .........................................................155
FIGURE 4.4.5 VALLEY LANDS ....................................................................................................................158
FIGURE 4.4.6 VALLEY AND STREAM CORRIDOR SENSITIVITY.........................................................162
FIGURE 4.5.1 ALTON GEOMORPHOLOGY REACH LOCATIONS AND FIELD SITES .......................168
FIGURE 4.5.2 ALTON GEOMORPHOLOGY CHANNEL GRADIENTS ...................................................171
FIGURE 4.5.3 HISTORIC CHANNEL PLANFORM (PARISH GEOMORPHIC, 2004)..............................176
FIGURE 4.5.4 AREA FOR EROSION ASSESSMENT FROM PARISH GEOMORPHIC (2004) ................179
FIGURE 4.6.1 FISH SAMPLING STATIONS ................................................................................................190
FIGURE 4.6.2 FISH COMMUNITY CLASSIFICATION..............................................................................191
FIGURE 4.6.3 SPAWNING REDDS SURVEY LOCATIONS
……………………………………………………………………... ........................................................198
FIGURE 4.7.1 BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES MONITORING LOCATIONS. .............................201
FIGURE 4.8.1 WATER QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS WATER TEMPERATURE MONITORING
LOCATIONS............................................................................................................................................207
v

FIGURE 4.8.2 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF TP CONCENTRATION ..........................210
FIGURE 4.8.3 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF NITRATE-NITROGEN CONCENTRATION
212
FIGURE 4.8.4 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF UNIONIZED AMMONIA NH3 ...............213
FIGURE 4.8.5 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF TKN CONCENTRATION .......................214
FIGURE 4.8.6 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF BOD5 CONCENTRATION .....................215
FIGURE 4.8.7 DIURNAL MONITORING AT SHAWS CREEK AT BRUCE TRAIL.................................217
FIGURE 4.8.8 DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS AT FOUR SUB 17 SITES .........................217
FIGURE 4.8.9 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION .........221
FIGURE 4.8.10 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF COPPER CONCENTRATION ................221
FIGURE 4.8.11 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF IRON CONCENTRATION .....................222
FIGURE 4.8.12 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF ZINC CONCENTRATION ......................222
FIGURE 4.8.13 MONTHLY GEOMEAN VALUES OF E. COLI CONCENTRATION ................................224
FIGURE 4.8.14 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF TSS CONCENTRATION ........................226
FIGURE 4.8.15 MONTHLY 75TH PERCENTILE VALUES OF CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION ...........228
FIGURE 4.8.16 MILLCROFT DAM.................................................................................................................229
FIGURE 4.8.17 FACING DOWNSTREAM TOWARDS ALTON MILL DAM .............................................230
FIGURE 4.8.18 WATER TEMPERATURE IN SHAWS CREEK UPSTREAM .............................................231
FIGURE 4.8.19 WATER TEMPERATURE IN SHAWS CREEK UPSTREAM .............................................231
FIGURE 4.9.1 SEPTIC IMPACT SITE LOCATIONS AND SETTING .........................................................237
FIGURE 5.1.1 STUDY AREA WELLS AND STAND PIPE ..........................................................................241
FIGURE 5.1.2 MUNICIPAL CLASS EA PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS........................................242
FIGURE 5.2.1 ALTON WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM .....................................................................................245
FIGURE 5.2.2 HISTORICAL WATER USE FOR ALTON VILLAGE (1990 TO 2006)...............................247
FIGURE 6.3.1 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – EXISTING TRAFFIC............................261
FIGURE 6.4.1 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – 2011 FORECASTED TRAFFIC ...........262
FIGURE 6.4.2 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – 2021 FORECASTED TRAFFIC ...........263
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2.1.1 ONTARIO POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES.................................................20
TABLE 2.2.1 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR WATER USE AND WASTEWATER GENERATION...........23
TABLE 2.2.2 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................23
TABLE 3.1.1 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN ALTON 1981 – 2007 ............................47
TABLE 3.1.2 POPULATION BY AGE GROUP – STATISTICS CANADA 2001 .......................................60
TABLE 3.1.3 ALTON EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................61
TABLE 3.1.4 ALTON SHOPPING PATTERNS ............................................................................................63
TABLE 3.2.1 DESCRIPTION OF BUILT FORM AREAS, VILLAGE OF ALTON.....................................82
TABLE 4.2.1 HYDROSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE ALTON AREA............................................................117
TABLE 4.2.2 SPOT BASEFLOW MEASUREMENTS SUMMARY TABLE.............................................123
TABLE 4.2.3 SPOT BASEFLOWS FOR CREDIT RIVER AND SHAWS CREEK 1999-2008 .................126
TABLE 4.3.1 RETURN EVENT FLOWS (M 3 /S) FOR POINTS OF INTEREST .......................................135
TABLE 4.3.2 7-DAY AVERAGE LOW FLOW ESTIMATES (M 3 /S) FOR THE CREDIT RIVER...........138
TABLE 4.3.3 7-DAY AVERAGE LOW FLOW ESTIMATES FOR SHAWS CREEK (M 3 /S)...................138
TABLE 4.3.4 WATER BALANCE SUMMARY FOR SHAWS CREEK SUBWATERSHED (1960-2005).
140
TABLE 4.3.5 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN THE ALTON AREA................................................142
TABLE 4.4.1 FOREST AND SUCCESSIONAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE ALTON AREA...........149
TABLE 4.4.2 WOODED COMMUNITIES VISITED IN ALTON AREA....................................................149
TABLE 4.4.3 ............... WETLAND COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA
150
TABLE 4.4.4 WETLAND COMMUNITIES VISITED IN ALTON AREA BY TYPE ................................152
vi

TABLE 4.4.5 FLORA OF REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN THE CREDIT RIVER AT ALTON ESA
153
TABLE 4.4.6 WILDLIFE SPECIES DOCUMENTED DURING 1999 FIELD WORK................................161
TABLE 4.4.7 BIRD SPECIES RECORDED AT THE GRANGE PROPERTY ............................................163
TABLE 4.4.8 EXISTING LAND USE WITHIN THE ALTON AREA.........................................................165
TABLE 4.5.1 GENERAL REACH CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA
(CVC, 1999)..............................................................................................................................................172
TABLE 4.5.2 HISTORICAL ASSESSMENT OF REACHES NEAR ALTON VILLAGE (CVC, 1999) .....174
TABLE 4.5.3 GENERAL PROPERTIES AT SHAWS CREEK FIELD SITES (CVC, 1999).......................177
TABLE 4.5.4 DETAILED BANKFULL CHANNEL AND EROSION THRESHOLD PARAMETERS.....181
TABLE 4.5.5 KEY TO NAMING SCHEMES FROM 1999 AND 2007 FIELD WORK. .............................182
TABLE 4.5.6 GENERAL REACH CHARACTERISTICS FROM THE SUBWATERSHED 17 STUDY
(CVC, 2007)..............................................................................................................................................183
TABLE 4.5.7 SUMMARY OF RAPID ASSESSMENT RESULTS AND CHANNEL CLASSIFICATIONS
(CVC, 2007)..............................................................................................................................................183
TABLE 4.5.8 SUMMARY OF 2005 REACH CONDITIONS (CVC, 2007) .................................................184
TABLE 4.5.9 FIELD OBSERVATIONS OF REACHES...............................................................................186
TABLE 4.5.10 RESULTS OF RAPID GEOMORPHIC ASSESSMENTS ......................................................187
TABLE 4.6.1 FISH SPECIES AND SENSITIVITY RATINGS AT SAMPLING SITES .............................189
TABLE 4.6.2 COMPARISON OF 1981-1985 AND 1999 SPAWNING REDDS..........................................197
TABLE 4.7.1 DEFINITIONS OF METRICS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTIONAL RESPONSE..202
TABLE 4.7.2 BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA USED TO ESTABLISH IMPACT...............................................203
TABLE 4.7.3 AVERAGE RESULTS FROM BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
IMPAIRMENT. ........................................................................................................................................203
TABLE 4.8.1 PARAMETERS OF CONCERN ..............................................................................................205
TABLE 4.8.2 EXISTING LONG TERM WATER CHEMISTRY MONITORING STATIONS ..................208
TABLE 4.8.3 SUMMARY STATISTICS OF NUTRIENT PARAMETERS OF CONCERN.......................211
TABLE 4.8.4 SUMMARY STATISTICS OF OXYGEN RELATED PARAMETERS OF CONCERN.......215
TABLE 4.8.5 SUMMARY STATISTICS OF METALS PARAMETERS OF CONCERN...........................220
TABLE 4.8.6 SUMMARY STATISTICS OF MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF CONCERN .....223
TABLE 4.8.7 SUMMARY STATISTICS OF PHYSICAL AND CHLORIDES PARAMETERS OF
CONCERN ...............................................................................................................................................225
TABLE 4.8.8 CONTINUOUS WATER TEMPERATURE SUMMARY STATISTICS...............................232
TABLE 5.2.1 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING PRODUCTION WELLS ......................................................244
TABLE 5.2.2 ALTON VILLAGE WATER CONSUMPTION DATA..........................................................246
TABLE 5.4.1 INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS AND COLLECTION METHODS ...............................256
TABLE 6.3.1 HISTORICAL AADTS ON REGIONAL ROAD 136 .............................................................258
TABLE 6.3.2 PERCENTAGE OF TRUCKS (AM PEAK PERIOD) .............................................................259
TABLE 6.4.1 FORECAST BACKGROUND TRAFFIC ON REGIONAL ROAD 136 USING HISTORICAL
AADTS 259
vii

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Town of Caledon, the Region of Peel and Credit Valley Conservation are jointly
undertaking a series of studies for Caledon’s villages as directed by the Town of Caledon
Official Plan and the Region of Peel’s Water Protection Strategy. These Village Studies
consist of a comprehensive process designed to address planning, environmental and servicing
implications of new development and the maintenance and enhancement of the existing village
in an integrated manner.
A key aspect of the Village Studies is the examination of Communal Sewage Disposal
Systems (CSDS) and additional Communal Water Supply Systems as directed by provincial
and regional policies. These policies identify CSDS as the preferred form of sanitary servicing
for new development in rural communities where full municipal servicing is not available.
The Alton Village Study is the third Village Study to be undertaken in Caledon. The
Inglewood Village Study was completed in 1999 and was adopted by Caledon Council as
Official Plan Amendment 155. The Cheltenham Village Study is currently in Phase 4 and soon
to be complete.
Alton has a significant amount of vacant land within the existing settlement boundary that is
eligible for development, including an approved Draft Plan of Subdivision. There is also
development interest on the part of landowners outside the current boundary. The Alton
Village Study is a community-based study that will result in a Community Plan, a Servicing
Plan and an Environmental Management Plan to guide changes and development in the
community to 2021.
As described in Section 1.5, Study Process, the Study is being undertaken in four phases.
• Phase 1: Collection and analysis of background information to determine existing
Conditions of the Study Area.
• Phase 2: Development and evaluation of community planning and servicing
alternatives.
• Phase 3: Preparation of conceptual Community, Servicing and Environmental
Management Plans.
• Phase 4: Finalization of the Recommended Community, Servicing and Environmental
Management Plans.
This Background Issues Report documents the findings of the Phase 1 work and has been
updated since a preliminary draft in July 2002. Since originally produced, the draft report
was not finalized due to delays in the project resulting from the community’s request to
complete a visioning exercise. Due to delays in the project and the need to include additional
updated background information, some phase elements may be undertaken concurrently.
Much of the report content has not changed, but for the Environmental Component section
there was extensive updating required. Much information related to the characterization of
the natural environment within the study area was based on data collected in 1999 and
- 1 -

earlier. Significant data collection has been undertaken by CVC and other agencies for
projects within the Alton area, in the decade since the original data was collected.
CVC staff has conducted a comprehensive review of information to identify critical data gaps
and perform a targeted update. This review included a thorough examination of data
contained within the report to:
a) screen-out which elements of the Environmental Component section would be subject
to change in the time that has elapsed since its collection;
b) establish which new data collected by CVC and other agencies would suffice as
acceptable data to be added as an update; and
c) identify further data collection requirements to be undertaken to close outstanding
data gaps.
The projects of key importance, as a source of more recent data, are the Subwatershed 17
Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study and the CVC Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program
discussed more in Chapter 4.
1.1 Study Approach
The Village Study process incorporates three interrelated components: the Community
Planning Component; the Environmental Component and the Servicing Component. This
process was developed in response to the Region of Peel’s Water Protection Strategy and
Guidelines for the Provision of Communal Sewage Disposal Systems (CSDS) that was
adopted by Regional Council in 1997. The Water Protection Strategy directs that
comprehensive Servicing and Settlement Master Plans (SSMPs), also known as Village
Studies examine the feasibility of CSDS where growth is to be planned in communities
without full municipal servicing.
The Community Planning Component of the study will address planning issues such as
population and settlement boundary, density, staging of growth, land use compatibility and
the protection of resources such as agricultural land and aggregates and conformity with
Provincial policies and plans. The intent of this component is to develop a long term plan
(2021) to guide the evolution of the village and ensure that the character and quality of life is
maintained and enhanced.
Integral to the realization of this objective is the Community Design sub-component. It will
make recommendations regarding community form and character, and internal and external
linkages. An essential part of the process is the study of the existing community character
undertaken in the first phase of the Village Study. An understanding of Alton’s character is
vital to developing a Community Plan that respects and enhances these characteristics, while
also allowing the community to evolve and change in an appropriate and desired direction.
Community Design and Architectural Design Guidelines will be prepared to ensure that the
character of new development and redevelopment in the commercial core and new residential
areas is compatible with the existing character. Chapter 3 of this report outlines the existing
conditions and character within the Alton Village Study Area.
- 2 -

The Village of Alton is located on Shaws Creek near the confluence with the main stem of
the Credit River. The Environmental Component is a science-based study supported by
technical assessments in the areas of hydrogeology, hydrology and hydraulics, terrestrial
(species, habitats and communities), geomorphology, water quality, benthic
macroinvertebrates and fisheries.
Key issues to be addressed in the Environmental Component include: the protection of
groundwater and surface water, an understanding of terrestrial ecosystems and related
environmental functions, and the background water quality in the Credit River and Shaws
Creek. A detailed description of the environment in the vicinity of the Alton Village Study
Area is provided in Chapter 4, Environmental Component. The findings of the environmental
characterization are summarized to give an overall understanding of the key environmental
features, functions and linkages in the study area. The identification of environmental
limitations and sensitivities will be the key outcome of this analysis.
The Environmental Component includes a Septic System Impact Study which was undertaken
as part of this component to:
• Provide a detailed assessment of local groundwater/surface water conditions and
relationships both within the existing development area and within areas of potential
future development;
• Characterize the current level of impact to groundwater and surface water resources
near Alton related to individual septic systems; and,
• Based on this characterization, provide an assessment of the expected impacts related
to future development on individual septic systems within Alton.
The hydrological and geomorphic work to be completed as part of the Environmental
Component will provide the basis for the identification of a preferred stormwater
management option. Additional work to develop a stormwater management plan and the
design of stormwater management systems will be undertaken in later phases of the study or
through the development review process, as appropriate.
The environmental considerations including environmental limitations and sensitivity
information will be integrated into the planning and servicing components of the study and
an Environmental Management Plan will be developed.
The Servicing Component will examine existing water and sewage disposal infrastructure,
assess potential servicing options in consideration of the planning scenarios, environmental
management, cost and operational concerns and identify preferred servicing solutions. This
component will result in a Community Servicing Plan. The Servicing Component work
program has been structured to satisfy the process requirements of the Environmental
Assessment Act. This will ensure that an application under the Environmental Assessment
Act for future infrastructure will be supported by a study that addresses the requirements of
the Act. These requirements are discussed in the following chapter in Section 2.1.5. The
Servicing Component will also address transportation issues.
- 3 -

1.2 Servicing Study and Class Environmental Assessment for Water and
Wastewater Servicing for the Villages of Alton and Caledon
The Phase 1 report of the Servicing Component as originally set out in the Terms of
Reference is contained in Chapter 5 of this report. The Servicing Component is designed to
be part of a separate servicing study document to support an application under the
Environmental Assessment Act for water and wastewater system improvements. Due to the
need for a stand-alone document, there will be some duplication in this Background Report
between Chapter 1, the introductory chapter and Chapter 5 Existing Servicing Conditions. In
addition, Chapter 5 will refer to phases within the Servicing Component work program.
These phases are based on the process outlined in the Environmental Assessment Act shown
on Figure 5.1.2, and should not be confused with the four phases of the overall Village Study
work program shown in Figure 1.5.1.
During the course of the preliminary Phase 1 work, a number of issues arose outside of the
Alton Village Study Area that made the need for a broader scale review of servicing
apparent. These issues resulted in the Region initiating a Water and Wastewater Servicing
Class Environmental Assessment for the Villages of Alton and Caledon and the Intervening
Lands. The study looked at a range of joint village water and wastewater alternatives. These
options were presented to the public at two Public Information Centres held on February 26 th
and June 17, 2004. Following these meetings, the Region determined that there was no
immediate need to provide wastewater servicing to Caledon Village and the intervening lands
and did not proceed to implement the preferred joint wastewater servicing alternative for
Alton Village and Caledon Village.
With respect to water supply, the Region identified a need for improved water servicing for
both Villages of Alton and Caledon to provide flexibility, reliability and security and increase
the water supply. The interconnection of the water supply systems of Alton and Caledon
Villages was recommended as part of the Class EA for North Peel Groundwater System
Upgrades (Alton, Inglewood, and Caledon Village). The Environmental Screening
Document (ESD) that documented the planning and decision making processes for the
project was released for public review on August 11, 2004. The review period expired on
November 8, 2004.
1.3 Study Area
The Study Area for the Alton Village Study is shown on Figure 1.3.1. The Study Area
includes a large rural area outside the existing settlement to recognize the relationship of the
Village with the surrounding areas of influence. External factors such as adjacent land uses,
site conditions and environmental features and functions, groundwater resources,
transportation systems, and aggregate resources will be considered in the study. The
surrounding properties will also be examined regarding any potential adjustments to the
settlement area boundary in the context of existing Provincial policies and plans.
- 4 -

Although not part of the study area for planning purposes, the Environmental and Servicing
Components may consider lands outside of the Study Area depicted in Figure 1.3.1 for
analysis of impacts.
1.4 Community Consultation
Opportunities for residents and other stakeholders to participate will be provided throughout
the Alton Village Study process to ensure that the study recognizes the aspirations and
priorities of the community. Community consultation will include community meetings and
workshops with members of the Alton Village Association Inc. a residents’ association
known as the Liaison Group. The role of the Liaison Group is to exchange information with
the Study Team, discuss issues and ideas related to planning and contribute their ideas and
advice regarding community consultation. The Liaison Group may interact with the wider
community as they feel is appropriate. Some of the Village Association representatives are
both residents and business operators in Alton while others represent development interests.
Consultation with other landowners and local business owners will also occur at appropriate
points in the study process. The sequence of the community meetings and Liaison Group
meetings is shown on Figure 1.5.1 the diagram of the Study Process. During the course of
Phase 1 of the Study, additional meetings were held with the Liaison Group and the
Community. The Phase 1 Public Consultation process is described further in Chapter 8.
1.5 Study Process
As set out in Section 1, the Village Study is being carried out in four phases. The activities
of the three components in each phase are shown on Figure 1.5.1, the Study Process flow
chart. Meetings to date are reviewed more fully in Chapter 8.
Phase 1 of the study consisted of the collection and analysis of background information to
determine the existing conditions within the Study Area. Where data gaps have been
identified, the Work Program was supplemented to obtain the additional information. The
additional work related to the servicing component is explained in Section 1.2. Draft Goals
and Objectives for planning, servicing and environmental protection were developed and
preliminary Community Design Principles were established for discussion with the public.
The findings of Phase 1 are documented in this Background Issues Report.
Phase 2 will identify and evaluate various community planning and servicing alternatives in
the context of the environmental and servicing considerations. Based on the evaluation of
the alternatives and the community consultation undertaken as part of this phase, a preferred
Community Plan and Servicing Alternative will be selected. As noted in Section 1.2, the
consideration of servicing alternatives will occur in the context of the Water and Wastewater
Servicing Study/Class EA as a standalone document. This study forms the Servicing
Component of the Alton Village Study, but the timing of the Phase 2 work will not
necessarily correspond to the timing of the Phase 2 work for the Planning Component.
- 5 -

- 6 -

- 7 -

In Phase 3 the recommendations of the previous phase will be developed as a Conceptual
Community Plan and Draft Environmental Management Plan. These plans will be further
reviewed with the community. The Draft Servicing Plan originally anticipated in the Terms
of Reference will be provided through the preferred alternative as part of the Class
Environmental Assessment.
In Phase 4 the recommended Community, Servicing and Environmental Management Plans
will be finalized. An Official Plan Amendment will be drafted for adoption by Caledon
Council. A formal Public Meeting will be held prior to Council’s adoption of the Official
Plan Amendment. The Environmental Study Report prepared for the Environmental
Assessment as part of the Servicing Component will be presented to Regional Council and
submitted to the Ministry of the Environment for approval under the Environmental
Assessment Act. The Environmental Management Plan will be presented to the Board of the
Credit Valley Conservation for adoption. The delay in the project restart may require some
consolidation of tasks within phases for purposes of completing the project by spring of
2009.
1.6 Study Management
The Alton Village Study is a joint initiative of the Town of Caledon, the Region of Peel and
Credit Valley Conservation, with each agency being responsible for its area of expertise.
Each of the three study partners has retained consultants to assist with specific tasks. The
Town has retained Keir Corp. to manage the planning component and coordinate the three
interrelated components of the study. In addition, the Planning Alliance was retained to
undertake the preliminary Community Design work and this initial work has been reviewed
and updated by MMM Group. The Region of Peel is managing the Servicing Component,
and has retained XCG Consultants Ltd. to complete the Water and Wastewater Servicing
Study/Class EA. Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is the manager of the Environmental
Component. CVC retained Groundwater Science to complete the Septic System Impact Study
and Parish Geomorphic for the fluvial geomorphology assessment.
Mark Sraga, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Town of Caledon is the overall manager of the
Alton Village Study for the Town and principal liaison with other public agencies and
community interests.
- 8 -

2.0 POLICY CONTEXT
2.1 Provincial Policy/Legislation/Guidelines
The Alton Village Study is being undertaken in the context of a range of policies and
legislation at the Provincial, Regional and Municipal levels. The Village Study Process must
recognize and respond to the requirements of the applicable legislation and policies. Since
the Alton Village Study commenced, the Province has undertaken a number of new policy
initiatives and these are set out below.
2.1.1 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
The Province of Ontario issued a new Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) in 2005 which is
intended to provide policy direction on planning matters related to issues of provincial
interest. The current PPS came into effect on March 1, 2005 and replaces the former 1997
PPS. Changes to the Planning Act require that all decisions affecting planning matters “shall
be consistent with” the PPS and will be complemented by locally generated policies
regarding matters of local interest.
The Provincial Policy Statement sets out three key principles concerning the long term
economic prosperity, environmental health and social well-being of Ontario, and provides
policy directions in the following subject areas: Efficient, cost effective development and
land use patterns; Wise use and management of resources; and Protecting public health and
safety.
Section 1.1 - Developing Strong Communities addresses planning issues such as costeffectiveness
of development; land requirements and land use patterns, and long term
economic prosperity. The policies focus growth in Settlement areas (1.1.3.1) and promote
intensification, redevelopment (1.1.3.3) and compact form to allow for the efficient use of
land, infrastructure and public service facilities (1.1.3.7). Settlement area boundaries can
only be expanded at a time of comprehensive review and only where sufficient opportunities
for growth are not available through intensification, redevelopment and designated growth
areas to accommodate projected needs in addition to other criteria. (1.1.3.9)
Section 1.4 - Housing provides direction on planning matters such as housing mix, densities,
land supply and intensification. Subsection 1.4.3 states that:
“Planning authorities shall provide for an appropriate range of housing types and
densities to meet projected requirements of current and future residents of the
regional market area…”
- 9 -

Regional market area is defined as:
“...an area, generally broader than a lower tier municipality, that has a high degree
of social and economic interaction. In southern Ontario, the upper tier or single-tier
municipality will normally serve as the regional market area”
This is to be done, among other things, by “establishing and implementing minimum targets
for the provision of housing which is affordable to low and moderate income households”
and permitting and facilitating all forms or residential intensification and redevelopment
(1.4.3)
Section 1.5 – Public Spaces, Parks and Open Space promotes healthy, active communities
through the provision of public spaces, parks and open spaces.
Section 1.6 - Infrastructure and Public Service Facilities sets out the provincial policy
direction regarding water and sewage systems, transportation systems and corridors,
infrastructure corridors, airports and waste management. Subsection 1.6.4.2 expresses the
preference for full municipal servicing for settlement areas, and communal servicing only if
full servicing cannot be provided. Individual on-site systems would only be appropriate if
full or communal systems are not feasible. Partial services (e.g. communal water, private
septic systems) will be discouraged except where necessary to address failed services, or
because of physical constraints.
Section 1.8 – Energy and Air Quality supports energy efficiency and improved air quality
through appropriate land use and development patterns.
Section 2.1 - Natural Heritage contains policies to protect natural heritage features and areas
from incompatible development. Subsection 2.1.2 outlines the provincial interest in
maintaining, restoring or, where possible, improving the diversity and connectivity of natural
features and areas, and the long-term ecological function and biodiversity of natural heritage
systems. Subsection 2.1.3 lists features within which development and site alteration is not
permitted and Subsection 2.1.4 lists features where development and site alteration may be
permitted if “it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural
features or their ecological functions …”. Subsection 2.1.5 identifies that development and
site alteration are not permitted within fish habitat except in accordance with provincial and
federal requirements. Subsection 2.1.6 permits development and site alteration on adjacent
lands if “it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural
features or on their ecological functions”.
Section 2.2 –Water contains policies for the protection, improvement and restoration of
quality and quantity of water including the restriction of development and site alteration in or
near sensitive surface and groundwater features.
Section 2.3 - Agricultural Policies are designed to protect Prime Agricultural Areas. These
areas can only be re-designated for the expansion of settlement areas, subject to need and an
examination of alternatives, among others. The agricultural land in the Alton area does not
- 10 -

meet the definition of Prime Agricultural Areas in the Provincial Policy Statement, and
therefore would not apply to a potential expansion of the settlement boundary if it would
meet the other tests under the Provincial policies and plans.
Section 2.5 – Mineral Aggregate Resources contains policies to protect mineral aggregate
resources from activities that would preclude or hinder future extraction. Aggregate
resources exist within the study area, including a licensed pit. Caledon Official Plan (OPA
161) contains policies and identification mapping for protecting the aggregate resources
which are discussed in Section 2.3.6.
Section 2.6 - Cultural Heritage and Archaeology provides policy direction requiring the
conservation of significant built heritage, significant cultural heritage landscapes and
significant archaeological resources.
Section 3 - Public Health and Safety directs development away from natural and humanmade
hazards. As portions of the Alton Settlement Area are located within the Shaws Creek
flood plain which is based on the Regional Storm, these policies will have to be addressed.
2.1.2 The Greenbelt Plan
The Greenbelt Plan took effect December 16, 2004 and identified where urbanization should
not occur. The Greenbelt Plan includes lands already included within the Niagara
Escarpment Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, the Parkway Belt West Plan,
and identifies Protected Countryside which includes an Agricultural System (Prime
Agricultural and Rural Areas designated in municipal Official Plans), a Natural Heritage
System and Settlement Areas.
The Natural Heritage System is comprised of the Natural Heritage System, Water Resource
System and key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features. The Natural Heritage
System acts as an overlay to the underlying municipal designations (prime agricultural and/or
rural) and may provide further constraints. Where there are conflicts with the municipally
defined and designated natural heritage features, those of the Greenbelt Plan take precedence.
Boundaries of the Natural Heritage System may be refined at the time of municipal
conformity in accordance with the Natural Heritage Policies of the Plan.
Alton Village is designated as a Town/Village within the Greenbelt Plan and is subject to the
detailed delineation of the settlement boundary and the designations and permissions as set
out in the Caledon Official Plan. Alton is surrounded by the Protected Countryside
designation of the Greenbelt Plan containing large areas of Natural Heritage System around
much of the village particularly to the north and east.
Section 3.4 deals with Settlement Area policies which state that Villages such as Alton
continue to be governed by municipal Official Plans. It also states that:
“Municipalities are encouraged to continue their efforts to support the long-term
vitality of these settlements through appropriate planning and economic development
- 11 -

approaches which seek to maintain, intensify and/or revitalize these communities.
This includes modest growth that is compatible with the long-term role of these
settlements as part of the Protected Countryside and the capacity to provide locally
based sewage and water services.”
Policy 3.4.4, Additional Policies for Settlement Area Expansion, deals with municipally
initiated settlement area expansion proposals:
“1. Where a municipality has initiated the consideration of a settlement expansion
prior to the date this Plan came into effect, such an expansion may be considered
through the municipality’s exercise to bring its official plan into conformity with this
Plan as described in the municipal implementation policies of section 5.2. The
proposed expansion shall:
a) Prior to December 16, 2003, be supported by:
i) A council resolution authorizing consideration of such an expansion; and,
ii) substantial completion of background studies or reports by municipal staff or
planning consultants, or the expenditure of municipal funds on the consideration
of such expansion.
b) Not extend into the Natural Heritage System;
c) Not extend into specialty crop areas; and,
d) Maintain the rural and /or existing character of the settlement area.”
Criterion a) above has been satisfied through Council resolution August 28, 2000 to
undertake the Alton Village Study and a number of background studies were complete since
2002, although not necessarily public. Any municipally initiated settlement expansion can
only be considered in the context of bringing the Official Plan into conformity with the
Greenbelt Plan. This exercise is currently underway and scheduled for June 2009. Further a
settlement boundary cannot extend into the Natural Heritage System or specialty crop areas
and must maintain the rural and /or existing character of the settlement area. Much of the
land surrounding the village, particularly north and east, is within the Natural Heritage
System of the Greenbelt as depicted in Figure 2.1.1. Compliance with the Growth Plan is
discussed in Section 2.1.3 below.
Lands within the Alton area are generally designated Rural to the north and Agricultural to
the south to coincide with better soil capability to the south and poorer soil capability to the
north as discussed further in Section 2.3 with no Prime Agricultural Areas in the vicinity
(OPA 179). All of the lands surrounding Alton are within the Greenbelt and designated
Protected Countryside.
- 12 -

- 13 -

For lands falling within the Rural Area of the Protected Countryside they permit: “a range of
recreational, tourism, institutional and resource-based commercial/industrial uses..”
Settlement area expansions are permitted into rural areas subject to policies of the Greenbelt
Plan. Other uses subject to the Plan may also be permitted including those related to
renewable and non-renewable resources.
“New multiple units or multiple lots for residential dwellings (e.g. estate residential
subdivisions and adult lifestyle or retirement communities), whether by plan of
subdivision, condominium or severance, shall not be permitted in rural areas.”
Municipal Official Plans, however, may be more restrictive with respect to residential
severances and shall provide guidance for the creation of lots in the rural area. New lots shall
not be created if it would extend or promote strip development.
Existing, expanded and new infrastructure is permitted in the Protected Countryside subject
to conditions set out in Section 4.2 Infrastructure including the following:
“4.2.2.2 Where settlements do not currently have Great Lake or Lake Simcoe based
water and sewage services, extensions to or expansions of existing Great Lake or
Lake Simcoe based services to such settlements is not permitted, unless such servicing
is required to address failed individual on-site sewage or water services or to ensure
the protection of public health where is has been determined by a medical officer of
health (or other health authority) that there is a public health concern associated
with existing services within the settlement. The capacity of the services provided in
these circumstances will be restricted to that required to service the affected existing
settlement plus the capacity for potential development within the settlement boundary
as it existed on the date this Plan came into effect.”
“4.4.4 Where settlement area expansions are contemplated by a municipality, the
environmental assessment in support of expanded sewage and water services must be
completed or approved prior to amending the boundaries of the settlement within the
municipal official plan. The expansion must not extend into the Natural Heritage
System or the specialty crop area.”
“4.2.2.6 New or expanded partial servicing, where site conditions are suitable for the
long-term provision of such services, is only permitted in the following
circumstances:
a) Where such servicing is necessary to address failed individual on-site sewage or
water services serving existing development; or
b) To allow for infilling and intensification within settlement areas served by partial
services as of the date this Plan came into effect.”
Section 4.3 outlines policies related to Natural Resources. Activities related to the use of
renewable resources are permitted in the Protected Countryside:
- 14 -

“Renewable resources are those non-agricultural-based natural resources that
support uses and activities such as forestry, water taking, fisheries, conservation, and
wildlife management.”
Activities related to the use of non-renewable resources are permitted in the Protected
Countryside, subject to some restrictions for mineral aggregate operations, wayside pits and
quarries and subject to all other applicable legislation, regulations and municipal Official
Plan policies. Non-renewable resources are those non-agricultural-based natural resources
that have a finite supply, including mineral aggregate resources.
All legal existing uses before the Greenbelt Plan came into force are permitted as are single
dwellings permitted on legal lots of record zoned prior to the Greenbelt Plan coming into
force. In addition lot creation is permitted in the Protected Countryside for the permitted
uses in addition to some other circumstances as described in the Plan, such as minor lot
adjustment or boundary additions, provided they do not create a separate lot for a residential
dwelling in specialty crop or prime agricultural areas and there is no increased fragmentation
of a key natural heritage feature or key hydrologic function.
Any Council decision relating to Alton will have to conform to the Greenbelt Plan and any
decisions regarding a settlement boundary expansion must meet the provisions of sections
3.4.4 and 4.2 and be done at the time of the municipality’s conformity exercise which is
currently underway and anticipated to be completed by the Caledon Planning Department in
June 2009. The village study would have to be essentially completed prior to this time in
order to meet the Town’s conformity schedule and the provisions of the Greenbelt Plan.
2.1.3 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe was approved by Cabinet to take effect
on June 16, 2006. The Growth Plan is a provincially approved plan as referred to in the PPS.
Any Council decision related to Alton must also conform to the Growth Plan. The Growth
Plan includes all of the Greenbelt Plan lands and areas beyond as defined by the Act.
The Guiding Principles of the Growth Plan provide for compact, vibrant and complete
communities, planned and managed growth, conservation of resources and optimization of
existing infrastructure.
The Growth Plan envisages increasing intensification of build-up areas with a focus on urban
growth centres, intensification corridors, major transit station areas among others. All
intensification areas are intended to attract a significant proportion of population and
employment growth, support vibrant neighbourhoods, provide high quality public open
spaces, support transit, walking and cycling, achieve higher densities than the surrounding
areas and provide an appropriate transition in built form to adjacent areas. Growth is to be
managed through the building of compact, pedestrian friendly, transit supportive
environments, complete communities with a balance of jobs and houses and directing major
growth to settlements with full municipal services and limiting growth in settlement areas
- 15 -

that are serviced by other forms of water and wastewater services. It also prohibits the
establishment of new settlements.
The general intensification policies of the Plan provide for a minimum of 40% of all
residential development occurring annually by the year 2015 and each year thereafter to be
within built-up areas. The designated Greenfield area of the Region of Peel is required to
achieve a minimum density target of not less than 50 residents and jobs combined overall in
the Region including the three constituent municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton and
Caledon.
The urban growth centres identified in the Growth Plan in Peel Region include Downtown
Brampton and Mississauga City Centre. There are no urban growth centres in Caledon.
The Region of Peel provides for a projected 1,640,000 population and 870,000 employees in
2031 up from 1,030,000 population and 530,000 employees in 2001. This represents an
increase of 37% in population and 64% in employment over 30 years.
New development taking place in designated Greenfield areas will be planned, designated
and zoned in a manner that contributes to creating complete communities, creates street
configurations, densities and an urban form that supports walking, cycling and the early
integration and sustained viability of transit services.
The vacant and undeveloped lands within Alton’s settlement boundaries are considered to
contribute toward intensification targets as this settlement does not have a defined built
boundary (undelineated built-up areas)
The applicable Growth Plan policies for Settlement Area Boundary Expansions are set out in
Section 2.2.8 as follows:
“2. A settlement area boundary expansion may only occur as part of a municipal
comprehensive review where it has been demonstrated that –
a) sufficient opportunities to accommodate forecasted growth contained in Schedule 3,
through intensification and in designated greenfield areas, using the intensification
target and density targets are not available:
i. within the regional market area, as determined by the upper- or single tier
municipality, and
ii. within the applicable lower-tier municipality to accommodate the growth
allocated to the municipality pursuant to this plan
b) the expansion makes available sufficient lands for a time horizon not exceeding 20
years based on the analysis provided for in Policy 2.2.8.2 (a)
- 16 -

c) the timing of the expansion and the phasing of development within the designated
greenfield area will not adversely affect the achievement of the intensification target and
density targets, and other policies of this Plan
d) where applicable, the proposed expansion will meet the requirements of the
Greenbelt, Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plans.
e) the existing or planned infrastructure required to accommodate the proposed
expansion can be provided in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner…”
f) impacts from expanding settlement areas on agricultural operations which are
adjacent or close to the settlement areas are mitigated to the extent feasible.
g) in determining the most appropriate location for expansions to the boundaries of
settlement areas, the policies of Sections 2 (Wise Use and Management of Resources) and
3 (Protecting Public Health and Safety) of the PPS , 2005 are applied.”
The Regional conformity exercise is yet to be complete and approved by the Province
confirming the population and employment allocations for each area municipality in Peel
Region and will not be completed until June 2009 after the scheduled completion of the village
study.
Other than minor rounding out, the settlement boundary expansion for any settlement area
within the Town, including the Village of Alton, would have to demonstrate, among the other
criteria listed above, that sufficient opportunities to accommodate the forecasted growth
contained in the Growth Plan for Peel Region are not available through either the regional
market or elsewhere within the Town overall. The Town-wide population and employment
review (OPA 203) has resulted in municipal comprehensive reviews of both Bolton South
Albion and Mayfield West to accommodate projected growth in these settlements. As well the
village study process is the framework for establishing individual village populations from the
Town’s overall allocation for Villages to 2021 in the context of provincial policies and plans.
The determination of lands needs within the regional market as part of the Region’s
conformity exercise with the Growth Plan will not likely be known until after completion of
the proposed Alton Village Study. The Regional conformity exercise will require a Regional
OPA to be approved by the Province prior to Regional approval of any conformity amendment
arising from any local comprehensive reviews in the Town of Caledon.
The Growth Plan also delineates a general east west alignment through south Caledon/north
Brampton as a Future Transportation Corridor that ultimately links up with Guelph. This
proposed corridor is similar to that indicated east of Toronto for the Highway 407 East
Extension. Given the limited possibilities to locate such a corridor in Brampton because of
development commitments, a future alignment is likely to be located within the Town of
Caledon. These options are currently being studied by the Ontario Ministry of
Transportation and will ultimately improve the regional accessibility of those living and
working in Caledon and strengthen the Town’s overall growth strategy with the primary
focus on both South Albion Bolton and Mayfield West settlement areas.
- 17 -

2.1.4 Planning Act Reform
Various Planning Act amendments have taken place in recent years that could influence the
Alton Village Study. The Strong Communities Act (Bill 26) was given Royal Assent on
November 30, 2004. The legislation introduced longer appeal periods and removed the right of
appeal to the OMB for applications to expand settlement areas that are not supported by the
municipality. This provision is retroactive to December 15, 2003. Planning decisions have to
be consistent with policy statements issued by the Minister. Bill 51amendments to the
Planning Act and consequential amendments to other Acts received Royal Assent on October
19, 2006. It expanded a list of provincial interests to include the promotion of development
that is sustainable, supports public transit and is pedestrian oriented. Approval authorities and
the OMB have to have regard for the planning decisions made by municipal Councils.
Planning decisions must be consistent with and conform with provincial policy statements and
plans at the time of Council decisions. Enhanced public notice provisions and expanded scope
of community improvement plan and clarification of municipal powers to regulate minimum
and maximum heights and densities were among other changes to legislation.
The key implication for the Alton Village Study is conformity with Provincial plans including
the Greenbelt Plan and Places to Grow as well as consistency with the PPS. This will provide
a basis against which scenarios may be evaluated.
2.1.5 Environmental Assessment Act
Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act) was passed in 1975 and proclaimed in
1976. The EA Act requires proponents to examine and document the environmental effects
that might result from major projects or activities and their alternatives. Municipal
undertakings became subject to the Act in 1981.
The EA Act sets a framework for a systematic, rational and replicable environmental planning
process that is based on five key principles, as follows:
1. Consultation with affected parties.
2. Consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives.
3. Identification and consideration of the effects of each alternative on all aspects of the
environment.
4. Systematic evaluation of alternatives in terms of their advantages and disadvantages
to determine their net environmental effects.
5. Provision of clear and complete documentation of the planning process followed, to
allow “traceability” of decision-making with respect to the project.
- 18 -

The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (September 2007) prepared by the Municipal
Engineers Association (MEA) outlines the procedures to be followed to satisfy EA
requirements for water, wastewater and storm water management facilities. Public and agency
consultations are integral to the Class EA planning process.
The Class EA includes three schedules of projects as follows:
• Schedule A: Pre-approved projects limited in scale. These projects may be processed
without following the Class EA process.
• Schedule B: Projects with limited environmental impacts, such as new water
distribution mains to connect to existing systems and expanding treatment facilities
up to approved capacity. Phase 1 and 2 of the Class EA process are required to
screen alternatives.
• Schedule C: Projects that have potential for significant environmental impacts, such
as new treatment plants or expansion beyond existing approved capacity, new
wastewater collection systems, new water supply systems, etc.
2.1.6 Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act and Related
Regulations
The Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) defines the authority of the Ontario Ministry of
Environment (MOE) to regulate the supply of water and the disposal of wastewater to the
environment. The Ontario Environmental Protection Act (EPA) defines the requirement for a
Certificate of Approval to discharge wastewater to the environment, and Permit To Take
Water from the environment.
A number of policies, guidelines and procedures have been set out by the MOE to support or
assist in making decisions related to the OWRA and EPA. Important documents that may
affect the applicability and design of water and wastewater servicing options for Alton Village
are summarized in Table 2.1.1.
- 19 -

Table 2.1.1 Ontario Policies, Guidelines and Procedures Related to the Ontario
Water Resources Act and Environmental Protection Act
Name Subject Applicability to Study
Provincial water quality
objectives (PWQO) for
surface water and
groundwater protection
Water Management
Policies, Guidelines,
Provincial Water
Quality Objectives
(July, 1994)
Deriving Receiving-
Water Based, Point-
Source Effluent
Requirements for
Ontario Waters
(September 1993)
Procedures F-5-1, F-5-
3, F-8-1 (April 1994)
Procedure B-7-1
(April 1994)
Ontario Drinking
Water Quality
Objectives –
Procedure B-5-1
(1994)
Procedures B-13-3
(April 1994)
Ontario Drinking
Water Quality
Standards, O. Reg.
169/03 (Amended to
O. Reg. 268/03)
Procedure for
Disinfection in
Ontario (2003),
Referenced in O. Reg.
170/03 (Amended to
O. Reg. 269/03)
Guidelines for determining
point source effluent limits
to surface water
Minimum level of
treatment required for
municipal wastewater
treatment facilities.
Technical basis for
evaluating reasonable use
for subsurface disposal of
wastewater.
Drinking water quality
objectives (DWQO)
Minimum level of
treatment required for
municipal water supply.
Ontario drinking water
quality standards
(ODWQS)
Minimum level of
treatment required for
municipal water supply.
Defines policies for release of wastewater
discharge to surface water to ensure protection
of the environment.
Defines policies for taking of water from
groundwater and surface water sources.
Effluent limits for wastewater treatment options
with a surface water discharge will need to be
determined, so that the level of treatment may
be determined.
Defines minimum effluent requirements for
BOD 5 , suspended solids, phosphorus and
disinfection for wastewater discharges to
receiving water. Site specific requirements may
be more stringent.
Defines acceptable levels of contaminants
impinging on adjacent properties and methods
for assessing suitability of contaminant
attenuation zone.
Defines health related and aesthetic objectives
for drinking water. Procedure defines
requirement to meet DWQO. Will determine
level of treatment required for Alton Village.
Defines requirement for disinfection of
groundwater supplies.
Defines health related and aesthetic standards
for drinking water. Procedure defines
requirement to meeting DWQO. Will determine
level of treatment required for water supply/
Defines requirement and disinfection of surface
water, groundwater and groundwater under the
influence of surface water (GUDI) supplies.
- 20 -

2.1.7 Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act was enacted in 2006. Source Protection has now been established and
a Committee for the Region is in place. The CTC Source Protection Region consists of the
Credit Valley Source Protection Area (CVSPA), the Toronto Region Source Protection Area
(TRSPA), and the Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Area (CLOSPA). As per the
requirements of the Clean Water Act, technical leads representing each Source Protection
Area (SPA), working in consultation with municipal stakeholders, recently finalized Terms
of Reference for the preparation of an Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan to the
satisfaction of the CTC Committee. Next steps include commencing public consultation for
the Terms of Reference, seeking Ministerial Approval for Terms of Reference, and
completing both the Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan. Once the Source
Protection Plan has been reviewed by the public and approved by the Minister, the provisions
of the plan will be implemented and affected municipalities must bring their respective
planning documents and by-laws into conformity.
2.1.8 Local Improvement Act
The Local Improvement Act defines local government’s role in undertaking, administrating
and managing requests by property owners for municipal services. The Local Improvement
Act sets out a process for individual property owners and/or communities to extend Regional
water supply or sanitary sewers so that they can connect to the system under a cost sharing
program. For example, if existing property owners in Alton wish to be connected to a
Communal Sewage Disposal System, they would submit a petition under the Local
Improvement Act to the Region of Peel. The petition must be signed by the owners of at
least 67% of all the affected properties, representing at least one half of the assessed property
value. The funding must be approved by Regional Council. Once this is done, a portion of
the total improvement costs are assessed to each property, and the remainder is funded by the
Region of Peel.
2.2 Region of Peel
2.2.1 Region of Peel Strategic Plan and Official Plan (ROP)
The goals of the Strategic Plan of the Region of Peel include assessing and managing all
aspects of growth that affect Peel, preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural
environment and resources, and leading in the provision and co-ordination of Regional
services.
Policies in the Region of Peel Official Plan (ROP) regarding Rural Settlements specify criteria
that the Town must include in its Official Plan for reviewing proposals to expand settlement
boundaries, including among them the need and demand for development. The ROP policies
also provide a context for the Alton Village Study in terms of both water resources protection
and the provision of water and wastewater services. The ROP recognizes that the sustained
social, economic and environmental well being of the Region is dependent on the proper
protection, enhancement, management and conservation of Peel’s water resources and related
- 21 -

natural systems. Therefore, the policies direct that studies be undertaken through partnerships
to ensure that the quantity and quality of both ground water and surface water resources are
maintained or enhanced.
Furthermore, the ROP directs that in the rural settlements, communal sewage disposal and
municipal water supply systems will be the preferred means of servicing multiple new lots
where site conditions are suitable over the long term, and that the financial, operational and
environmental impacts of these systems must be addressed.
2.2.2 Region of Peel Water Protection Strategy and Guidelines for the Provision of
Communal Sewage Disposal Systems
In order to implement the broad policy directions contained in the Regional Strategic Plan and
Official Plan, the Region convened a Task Force on Water Protection and Communal Sewage
Disposal Systems. The Task Force developed a Water Protection Strategy that recommended
a community-based development review process. The servicing of rural communities is to be
addressed in a comprehensive manner through a Servicing and Settlement Master Plan
(SSMP), otherwise known of as a “Village Study”. The Water Protection Strategy was
adopted by Regional Council on March 10, 1997.
The Water Protection Strategy also contains Guidelines for the Provision of Communal
Sewage and Disposal Systems (CSDS). The Guidelines state that the Region will be
responsible for the design, tender, construction, operation and maintenance of communal
disposal systems, including the Class EA requirements necessary for approval under the
Environmental Assessment Act.
2.2.3 Design Standards
The size requirements for new water supply and sewage treatment systems or expansion to
existing systems need to be developed based on design criteria and standards. The following
sections present the design basis for determining wastewater generation rates and water
consumption rates, and determining capacity requirements for water and wastewater facilities.
Criteria and guidelines for design of facilities are also presented.
Water and Wastewater Per Capita Unit Rates
The Region of Peel Design Criteria specify the per capita water use and wastewater design
flow rates specified in Table 2.2.1. Water and wastewater servicing options will be sized to
provide average and peak flow capacity based on the water use and wastewater generation
rates, and the projected population growth to the year 2021.
- 22 -

Table 2.2.1
Design Standards for Water Use and Wastewater Generation
Wastewater Generation 1
Average day generation: 302.8 L/cap.day
Average infiltration 2 : 90 L/cap.day
Average day flow: Average day generation +
Infiltration allowance
Peak generation factor: 1+14/(4+population 0.5 )
Peak infiltration allowance:0.0002 m 3 /s/ha
(2,160 m 3 /d based on 125 ha within Village boundary)
Peak flow: Peak factor x average day generation +
Peak infiltration allowance
Notes:
1. Region of Peel Design Criteria except where noted.
2. MOE Design Guideline (1984).
3. Based on MOE Design Guideline (1984) for a population of 1,000 to 2,000.
System Design Criteria and Guidelines
Water Use
Average day use (residential) 1 : 450
L/cap. day
Peak day use: Peak factor x
Average day use
Peak factor 3 : 2.5
The Regional Municipality of Peel has a set of Design Criteria for sanitary sewers, water
mains, small groundwater supply systems and sewage pumping stations. These criteria will be
used in the conceptual sizing of servicing options for Alton Village.
The Ontario Ministry of Environment has Guidelines for the design of water and sewage
treatment works as outlined in Table 2.2.2. These guidelines will be considered in the
evaluation of existing on-site septic systems and the conceptual design of water and
wastewater servicing options for new systems.
Table 2.2.2 Ministry of Environment Design Guidelines
Document
Manual of Policy, Procedures and
Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems
(May 1982)
Guidelines for the Design of Water
Treatment Works (1984)
MOE Procedure B-1-5 Deriving
Receiving- water based, point-source
effluent requirements for Ontario waters
1994
Guidelines for the Design of Sewage
Treatment Works (1984)
Relevant Topics
Class 4 (Septic Tank) Sewage Systems
Class 6 (Proprietary Aerobic) Sewage Systems
Leaching Beds (for Septic Tanks and Aerobic
Systems)
Ground water and surface water treatment
plants.
Wastewater point source effluent requirements
for Ontario Receiving Waters
Wastewater treatment plant and sludge systems.
- 23 -

2.3 Town of Caledon Official Plan
The Town of Caledon Official Plan contains a series of principles, goals, objectives and
policies which are intended to guide future land use, physical development and change, and
the effects on the social, economic and natural environment within the Town. The Official
Plan was first approved in 1979 and certain sections, including Strategic Direction,
Settlements (OPA 114) and the Environmental Policies (OPA 124) as they apply in
Settlement Areas, were updated and approved in 1997. The Mineral Resources policies
(OPA 161) and Environmental policies (OPA 124) as they apply in rural areas were approved
in 2003. The Heritage Impact Statement (OPA 173) policies were approved in 2004.
2.3.1 Principles, Strategic Direction and Goals
The Official Plan recognizes that Caledon, due to its size, diversity of communities, extent of
natural resources, composition, and relationship to the Region of Peel and the Greater
Toronto Area is subject to diverse and often competing forces. Chapter 2 of the Official Plan
sets out the Principles, Strategic Direction and Goals of the Town in dealing with these often
competing and constantly evolving forces. Three primary concepts are established in this
section:
a) Stewardship of Resources - A key strategy of the Official Plan is to protect land
resources including landscape features and systems, important ecological functions and
resources that provide economical or recreational opportunities.
b) Settlement Patterns - A hierarchy of settlements will be maintained which reinforces
the concept of Caledon being a “community of communities”. This approach is vital to
maintaining the social fabric of the Town because the historic settlement pattern has left
a legacy of individual communities each with special characteristics. Although these
communities all now fall within one administrative jurisdiction, the strategy is to
maintain their individuality while allowing the Town to grow. Within this hierarchy,
new development will be concentrated in Bolton, Caledon East and Mayfield West, the
three communities with full municipal water and sewer services, and where the major
commercial and public facilities are located. The Villages and Hamlets will only
experience moderate growth during the Plan period.
c) Managing Growth - The Town intends to manage growth in a manner consistent with
the Principles of the Official Plan. This means that the rate and type of growth
permitted in some communities may be different from that which would otherwise be
dictated by the market.
The Official Plan also sets out a series of Town-wide Goals, Objectives and detailed policies
which implement the Strategic Direction. Specific goals and objectives for Alton will be
developed through the Alton Village Study. The draft goals and objectives developed in
Phase 1 and are listed in Chapter 7 of this report.
- 24 -

2.3.2 Village Studies
Section 5.10.5 of the Official Plan sets out specific policies for the Villages, and indicates
that at a Town-wide level, the Villages serve two primary functions:
a) “to provide an alternative lifestyle to the Rural Service Centres (Bolton, Caledon
East and Mayfield West), Hamlets and Rural Areas; and,
b) to provide local convenience goods and services within the Village and to the
surrounding area which complement the wider range of goods and services available
in the Rural Service Centres.”
This section (5.10.5.2.5) also states that a study will be undertaken for each of the Villages
and sets out a number of specific issues that are to be considered by the study:
“a) growth management and related fiscal impacts;
b) settlement boundary;
c) settlement population;
d) development density;
e) impact of development on environmental and heritage resources;
f) community facilities and services;
g) servicing and transportation;
h) applications for development;
i) relationship of development to surrounding uses and designations;
j) other matters, as appropriate.”
The Alton Village Study is designed to address this policy.
Alton is one of six Villages identified in the Plan, the others being Inglewood, Caledon
Village, Cheltenham, Mono Mills and Palgrave.
2.3.3 Population and Employment
Chapter 4 of the Official Plan - Population and Employment establishes population and
employment forecasts and provides policy direction on these matters. Table 4.2 in the
Official Plan sets out overall population allocations by settlement category and Table 4.4 sets
out population allocations for the Villages.
It is noted in Section 4.3.3.3 of the Official Plan that the population numbers for the Villages
represent an interim budget population allocation only, pending completion of a Village
Study. The Village Study will determine the actual population allocation for each of these
communities. Until each Village Study is completed and the appropriate Official Plan
amendments are approved, the historically established population for each Village will be
used to regulate the population to be accommodated in these communities.
- 25 -

The historically established population for Alton Village is 1,530. This number was
established based on the assumption that development within approved settlement area
boundaries would continue to be serviced by private septic systems, therefore requiring low
density, large lot estate residential type development.
OPA 203 was prepared in response to the Region of Peel’s growth projections in the Places
to Grow Plan addressing the 2031 planning horizon. Although not approved, the analysis
determined that a Town-wide population of 108,000 for the 2031 planning horizon was most
appropriate while retaining the Town-wide population for 2021 of 84,444. The proposed
population allocation for Alton is the current Official Plan population for 2021 of 1,530 with
the policies stating that the 2021 and 2031 population allocations for all of the Villages (at
10,462) represent interim allocations pending completion of the Village Studies and the
determination of the 2021 population allocations for these communities. OPA 203 proposes
to reduce the overall Village allocation from its current 2021 combined population of 10,462
to 8,000 and reinstate the combined Village populations of 10,462 from 2021 to 2031. OPA
203 was endorsed by Council on August 1, 2006 and adopted on November 6, 2007.
2.3.4 Land Use Plan
Schedule A, the Town of Caledon Land Use Plan shows the land use designations that
determine where uses may or may not be permitted to locate. The current boundaries of the
settlements are designated on Schedule A. Uses such as residential, commercial and
industrial are expected to locate within these boundaries and are restricted in the Rural,
Agricultural and Environmental Policy Area (EPA) designations. Figure 2.3.1 is an
enlargement of the Caledon Land Use Designations for the area surrounding Alton and
shows the approved Alton Settlement Area boundary. Through secondary plans, such as the
Village Studies, detailed Land Use Plans are prepared for specific communities. These plans
specify the locations of various land uses within the community.
Lands in the study area are largely designated Agricultural Area to the south and west,
Environmental Policy Area to the east and north, and also Rural to the north. The Osprey
lands south of the village and east of Regional Road 136 (Main Street) are designated Open
Space Policy Area and Open Space and Hazard Land (OPA 133). The lands east of the
railway permit a resort conference centre including 36 hole golf course facilities and related
amenities and 300 guest room lodge and private wastewater treatment facility.
Figure 2.3.2 depicts the proposed Caledon OPA 179 Land Use Designations. Although not
approved, this amendment has been adopted by Council and depicts the lands in the vicinity
of Alton as Rural Area to the north and General Agricultural Area to the south, east and west.
Prime Agricultural Areas are located in the south part of Caledon, generally south of Old
Base Line Road. There are no Prime Agricultural Areas within the Alton Study Area in
accordance with Council adopted OPA 179 currently being reviewed by the Town in
compliance with the 2005 PPS.
- 26 -

- 27 -

- 28 -

2.3.5 Environmental Policies
The Official Plan identifies environmental features and functions that are to be protected and
enhanced. Core Woodlands, all wetlands, Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific
Interest (ANSIs), Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs), habitats of Vulnerable,
Threatened and Endangered Species, Core Fishery Resource Areas, and all Valley and
Stream Corridors are included in the Environmental Policy Area (EPA) designation. Most
forms of development are prohibited in this designation. The Environmental Policies include
Performance Measures for development in relation to other features and functions such as
groundwater resources, steep slopes and Other Woodlands.
2.3.6 Mineral Resources
The Town of Caledon Official Plan contains Mineral Resources policies regarding the
establishment of pits and quarries and the protection of aggregate resources. The Town
adopted a new set of policies in 2000 (Official Plan Amendment 161) and they were
approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2003. OPA 161 identifies the Caledon High
Potential Mineral Aggregate Resource Area (CHPMARA). CHPMARA in the Alton area is
shown on Figure 2.3.3. As directed by the Provincial Policy Statement and the Regional
Plan, land uses that would hinder or preclude aggregate extraction are prohibited within and
adjacent to the CHPMARA. Within the CHPMARA, Aggregate Resource Lands are areas
where new pits and quarries are encouraged to locate as they have been determined to be
suitable for aggregate extraction. Applications for pits and quarries in Aggregate Reserve
Lands are subject to additional criteria and study requirements. Although outside of the Study
Area, there is an existing application for expansion of Olympia Sand and Gravel.
2.3.7 Wellhead Protection
A Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) program was initiated by the Region of Peel in 1992.
This was part of the management strategy to protect groundwater quality in rural
communities in Caledon that rely on municipal groundwater sources for their water supply.
Based on a hydrogeological study, the Region delineated Wellhead Protection Areas for
municipal wells and wellfields and developed a monitoring program and Management Plan
to minimize the risk of groundwater contamination within the wells’ recharge areas.
The land use restrictions set out in the Region’s Management Plan are implemented through
the Town of Caledon Official Plan and Zoning By-law. On October 30, 2000, Caledon
Council adopted Official Plan Amendment 165. This amendment identified Wellhead
Protection Areas around Regional water supply wells in Caledon, and provided the policy
basis and direction to use the Zoning By-law to regulate land uses that could potentially pose
a risk to the groundwater within these areas. There are two categories of Wellhead
Protection Areas shown in the Zoning By-law, based on a 5 year travel time and 10 year
travel time for groundwater. The provisions of the Zoning By-law prohibit certain uses
within these areas provided a mechanism for permitting certain uses, and address existing
uses. Zone Map 3 as shown in Figure 2.3.4 of this report outlines the Wellhead Protection
Areas for Alton and surrounding area.
- 29 -

- 30 -

- 31 -

2.3.8 Cultural Heritage
The Town of Caledon adopted a new set of cultural heritage policies in 2002 (Official Plan
Amendment 173) which were approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2004. OPA 173
addresses the preparation of Cultural Heritage Planning Statements, where the concentration
and/or significance of cultural heritage resources in an area requires that detailed guidance be
provided to conserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the area. Cultural Heritage
Planning Statements will be incorporated by amendment to the Official Plan or through the
secondary plan process and will address the following:
a) historical development context of the area;
b) existence of cultural heritage resources and their significance;
c) priorities as to the conservation of these cultural heritage resources;
d) redevelopment concerns;
e) improved public access to the area or individual site;
f) the inclusion of areas of open space;
g) the provision of interpretive devices such as plaques and displays;
h) architectural design guidelines; and ,
i) streetscape guidelines.
Although not received by Council, the Town has completed inventories of both cultural
heritage landscapes and built resources that will assist policy development with regard to
cultural heritage issues within the village.
2.4 Credit Valley Conservation (CVC)
2.4.1 Conservation Authorities Act
Section 20 of the Act addresses the objects of an Authority as:
The objects of an authority are to establish and undertake, in the area over which it has
jurisdiction, a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development
and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals.
R.S.O.1990.c.C.27,s.20.
Section 21 of the Act describes the powers of Conservation Authorities as follows:
For the purposes of accomplishing its objects, as an authority has power,
(a) to study and investigate the watershed and to determine a program whereby the
natural resources of the watershed may be conserved, restored, developed and
managed;…
(b) to cause research to be done;….
- 32 -

Section 28 describes the Conservation Authority Regulation under that section as described
below:
Each of Ontario's 36 conservation authorities was required to bring their former 'Fill,
Construction and Alteration to Waterways' Regulation into conformity with 'Ontario
Regulation 97/04: Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines
and Watercourses', referred to as the 'Generic Regulation', by May 1, 2006.
CVC's Generic Regulation, Ontario Regulation 160/06: Development, Interference with
Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses (under 97/04) was approved by the
Minister of Natural Resources on May 4, 2006 and posted on e-Laws May 8, 2006. Ontario
Regulation 160/06 is now in effect and has replaced Ontario Regulation 146. The main
objective of Ontario Regulation 160/06 is to ensure public safety with regards to natural
hazards through issuance of permits for works within or in proximity to lakes, rivers, streams
or wetlands, as may be required.
Conformity with the Generic Regulation was a direct requirement of the amendments made
to the Conservation Authorities Act by the province in 1997. The amendments, which were
the result of the Ontario government's Red Tape Reduction initiative, were intended to
streamline the regulatory framework for development approvals. The Generic Regulation is
consistent with the policy direction of the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement to manage
resources in a sustainable way and protect public health and safety.
Under the Generic Regulation, CVC regulates a broader scope of natural features and
activities, including development within regulated areas and any interference or alteration to
watercourses, wetlands and shorelines. CVC hosted a series of public information sessions
throughout the jurisdiction between December 2005 and April 2006 to present the updated
regulation and mapping.
2.4.2 Fisheries Act (Federal Legislation)
Section 35(1) of the Act states:
No person shall carry on any work or undertakings that result in the harmful alteration,
disruption or destruction of fish habitat.
CVC has entered into partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to provide
review services to assess whether a proposed undertaking will result in a harmful alteration,
disruption or destruction of fish habitat.
2.4.3 Watercourse and Valley Land Protection Policies
CVC implements policies to ensure that environmental integrity in the Credit River
watershed is maintained. To fulfill these objectives, and in support of the policies of our
member municipalities, CVC provides planning advisory and technical review services for
development applications made under the Planning Act, the Niagara Escarpment Planning
- 33 -

and Development Act, and other municipal, provincial and federal legislation. In addition to
requirements under the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to
Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation, development applications are also screened for
conformity to CVC's Watercourse and Valley Land Protection Policies.
These policies identify the principles and methodologies for determining the most
appropriate development setbacks from watercourses, valleys and ravines, wetlands,
woodlands and other significant environmental features. Development applications made to
your municipality for lands located within or adjacent to a CVC Area of Interest, may be
forwarded to CVC for review and comment. CVC then reviews development applications
with regard to specific objectives and requirements designed to ensure long-term
environmental protection and conservation. For proposed development located within or
adjacent to a CVC Area of Interest, an environmental impact study may be required to
further investigate impacts and where feasible, identify measures to mitigate and minimize
impacts. Where development proposals indicate an unacceptable environmental impact,
CVC does not support their approval.
All applications received under the Planning and Environmental Approvals Program will be
reviewed with regard to existing and future stability of the valley slope and channel bank,
nature of the Regulatory Flood Plain, natural heritage features and functions, and the
maintenance of natural environmental integrity. Erosion is a natural process which is
recognized through the policies and the use of structure erosion control measures is not
supported in view of the potential for long-term downstream impacts.
2.4.4 Flood Plain Management Policies
CVC’s policies on Flood Plain management support the Provincial Policy Statement and
provide further clarification for ease of interpretation. These policies promote the
preventative and proactive management of the flood plain as the preferred approach to
addressing health and safety matters and land use and environmental planning, and are used
for plan input and review of issues related to flood plain matters.
Flood plain management in Ontario is a matter of Provincial Policy interest and the CVC is
the lead implementing agency for flood plain policies within the Credit River watershed.
The orderly planning of land use (e.g. through applications made under the Planning Act)
and the regulations of development (e.g. through applications made under the Conservation
Authorities Act) represent the preventative or proactive approach to flood plain
management.
Under this preventative approach, the primary objectives are to prevent the loss of life and to
minimize property damage. These objectives are met through a combination of three
measures:
1. Prevention: Land use planning and regulation of development;
2. Protection: Flood-proofing and acquisition; and,
3. Emergency Response: Flood forecasting, warnings and disaster relief.
- 34 -

Provincial Policy on Flood Plain Planning outlines the following principles and standards
which are reflected in the CVC Regulations and Policies:
• All land use planning and resource management bodies within the Province have
regard to the implications of their actions with respect the creation of new, or the
aggravation of existing flood plain management problems.
• The flood standard used to define flood plain limits for regulation purposes is the
flood resulting from the Hurricane Hazel Storm (based the amount of precipitation
which fell during this event) as the 100 Year Flood, whichever is greater.
• One Zone flood plain management prohibits or restricts new development within
the flood plain
• Two Zone flood plain management may conditionally allow for development
within the flood fringe, where it can be protected to the Regulatory Flood (applies
to designated areas in Orangeville only).
• Any new development permitted in the flood plain must be protected by acceptable
flood proofing actions and measures, where feasible.
• Entrance and exit to buildings for vehicles and pedestrians should not be prevented
during times of flooding.
2.5 CVC Studies
2.5.1 Credit River Water Management Strategy Update (CRWMSU)
The recommended management strategy contained in the CRWMSU integrates urban form
(how we build our communities) and stormwater infrastructure (how we manage stormwater)
to support the hydrologic function of the watershed. In areas where development will take
place, this includes minimizing impervious cover by reducing the extent of roads and
building footprints, and preserving natural areas. It includes use of a broad range of
stormwater management practices to reduce stormwater runoff by treating it at source,
infiltrating it into the ground, and ensuring that discharge into streams is clean and at a
volume and rate that preserves stream function. The recommended strategy also includes
measures designed to improve water quality, reduce erosion and protect fish and other
aquatic species.
The recommended approach in the CRWMSU is two-pronged, and involves:
• Taking a more aggressive approach to stormwater management and stream restoration
in developing areas; and
• Placing more emphasis on stormwater management throughout the watershed (i.e.,
incorporate sustainable practices in areas where land use is not changing).
In addition to aggressive management of stormwater, the CRWMSU encourages the use of
an integrated approach for development that:
• Is founded on a systems approach;
• Regards the environmental context of the site within the larger landscape;
- 35 -

• Recognizes the interrelated functions that contribute to the sustainability of natural
heritage features and systems; and
• Has regard for the features, functions and systems that are situated beyond the limits
of the site.
In practical terms, this change in how planning is done would preserve open space and work
with the key features, functions and linkages of the natural resources. It would incorporate
natural areas (such as forests and wetlands) into community designs and would protect their
features and functions. The key conclusion of the CRWMSU update study is that current
development and stormwater management practices are not sustainable over the long term.
We need to change how we do things if we want to continue to grow and maintain or
enhance environmental conditions in the Credit River watershed.
2.5.2 Subwatershed Studies
Subwatershed studies are undertaken by CVC. Environmental studies are undertaken to
obtain a detailed understanding of the subwatershed ecosystem. Then, based on this
knowledge, a subwatershed plan is developed that makes recommendations regarding the
management of the ecosystem. The subwatershed plan does not set out land uses, but
information derived from the subwatershed plan is incorporated into planning documents as
the basis for environmentally sound land use designations and development policies.
Alton is located in Subwatershed 17 (Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study) within the Credit
River watershed. This study focuses on the investigation of environmental conditions,
natural resource values, current land uses and future development scenarios within the Shaws
Creek Subwatershed (Subwatershed 17). It includes an analysis of groundwater and surface
water hydrology, water quality, stream geomorphology, fisheries, terrestrial features and
habitats, and interactions among components. The goal is to achieve a good understanding of
ecosystem linkages and functions and how they may be impacted by changes in land use and
land use practices. Study findings will help inform municipal land use and resource
development decision-making and aid in the development of management strategies that will
achieve a balance among economic, social and environmental needs of watershed
communities.
Extensive data collection occurred throughout the Shaws Creek Subwatershed, and several
locations are within or near the Study Area that are depicted in Figure 2.5.1.
- 36 -

- 37 -

2.5.3 Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program
CVC’s Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program began in 1999 to detect environmental
changes (both spatially and temporally) within the watershed over time, by tracking
indicators of ecosystem health. Integrating expertise from such disciplines as meteorology,
hydrogeology, hydrology, terrestrial, geomorphology, water quality and biology allows for
many facets of the environment to be simultaneously analyzed. CVC has established over
150 monitoring stations throughout the watershed, which establish baseline conditions
against which we can compare future findings.
There are several monitoring locations within the Environmental Study Area, which is larger
for the Environmental Component when compared to general Alton Study Area as discussed
further in Section 4:
• Shaws Creek at MNR Trail (continuous flow, monthly water quality, seasonal water
temperature, annual sediment chemistry)
• Shaws Creek upstream Highway 136 (fisheries, benthic invertebrates and fluvial
geomorphology)
• Shaws Creek at Mississauga Road (fisheries)
• Credit River at Highway 24 (fisheries, benthic invertebrates, fluvial geomorphology,
flow and monthly water quality)
- 38 -

3.0 COMMUNITY PLANNING COMPONENT
3.1 Existing Conditions
3.1.1 Location and History
Alton is located in the northwest corner of the Town of Caledon, in what was originally
Caledon Township. The village is approximately 8 km south of Orangeville and 65 km
northwest of Toronto. Regional Road 136 passes through the settlement area. The Alton
branch of the Credit River, known as Shaws Creek, flows easterly through the village north
of Queen Street, crossing Regional Road 136 and meandering southward along the eastern
boundary of the settlement area to where it converges with the main branch of the Credit
River. North of Shaws Creek is a large morainic hill known locally as the ‘Pinnacle’, a
prominent topographical feature which influenced the shape and physical development of the
settlement area.
The Credit River is known to have been part of Aboriginal trading routes between Lake
Ontario and Lake Huron. Though no substantive archaeological survey has yet been
undertaken for this area, the Credit River valley would almost certainly have been occupied
by Aboriginal peoples, at least seasonally for fishing and hunting. The stretch of Shaws
Creek through the settlement area originally contained a long set of rapids (approximately
one mile) with a combined fall of about 108 feet, making it attractive for both Native fishing
and Euro-Canadian mill sites. The provincial archaeological database indicates that the
closest know archaeological sites are found 3 kilometres east of the village.
Caledon Township was surveyed in 1818-1819, and opened for settlement in 1820. Recent
archival research credits Martin Middaugh Jr. as being the first to settle in the area, and the
first to harness the water power of Shaws Creek. In 1816, Middaugh, as the son of United
Empire Loyalists, had received a 200 acre UEL grant, being Lot 23, Concession 4 WHS,
through which Shaws Creek runs. In 1820, following completion of the township survey, a
Ticket of Location was issued to Middaugh and he arrived on the lot soon thereafter. Records
indicate he had erected a saw mill on the banks of Shaws Creek before an accident forced
him to return to family in Flamborough Township, where he died in 1827.
More substantive settlement of the area began in the mid-1830s, with the water power of
Shaws Creek again being the primary catalyst for growth. By the late 1840s, an urban node
had formed around a growing number of saw and grist mills. A road (Queen Street) was laid
out on the south side of the river to accommodate expanding commercial and residential
needs associated with the fledgling mill sites. Its intersection with the concession road that
eventually became Main Street established the main commercial node of the new settlement.
Although originally known as Williamstown, the village was officially named ‘Alton’ with
the opening of a post office in 1854. Continuing disputes over mill privileges resulted in a
formal survey in 1857, by which time the village had taken on the form still recognizable
today.
- 39 -

During the latter half of the nineteenth century Alton became a thriving industrial centre,
with flour, grist, saw and woolen mills, tanneries, axe and furniture factories, a carriage
works and an iron foundry operating along the river. By the mid-1870s its growth supported
three churches, a two-roomed school, and numerous stores and hotels. The arrival of two
railways in the 1870s reinforced the village’s economic success. In 1871, a station was built
on the Toronto Grey & Bruce Railway, routed just one concession east of Alton adjacent to a
quarry operation. In 1879, the Credit Valley Railway was routed closer to the village along
its eastern edge, and became the favoured of the two railways for freight and passenger
traffic. Both lines came under Canadian Pacific Railway ownership in 1884.
By the late nineteenth century two woolen mills, known as the ‘Upper Mill’ and the ‘Lower
Mill’ (now Millcroft Inn and Alton Mill respectively), had become the village’s dominant
industries and remained so until their closure in the 1930s. The latter was subsequently
converted to rubber manufacturing and remained in operation until 1982. Although Alton
thrived during the age of water-powered industry, with changing technology its role as an
industrial centre went into decline. The railways, which had been important economic
generators for Alton in the late nineteenth century, were not able to sustain the local
industrial economy in the twentieth century. The former TG&B line was abandoned in 1932,
and service on the former CVR line gradually declined. The Alton station burned down in
1952 and was not replaced. The latter line was purchased by the Orangeville-Brampton
Railway in 2000 and remains active, but the Alton station stop has not been reinstated.
Despite its initial economic and industrial vitality, Alton currently has only one small
industry, an auto body shop.
3.1.2 Historical Growth Pattern
The land in the Alton Study Area, like much of southern Ontario, was originally surveyed in
a grid pattern using the double-front system. The common unit in this system is the almostsquare
100 acre half-lot, with each half-lot fronting on a different concession road.
Concessions run essentially north-south in the area, intersected every five lots by a sideroad.
This survey pattern and early property ownership are shown on two nineteenth century maps,
George R. Tremaine’s 1859 Map of the County of Peel (Figure 3.1.1 Alton Study Area:
George R. Tremaine Map 1859) and the 1877 Historical Atlas of the County of Peel (Figure
3.1.2 Alton Study Area: Historical Atlas of Peel County 1877). Both maps show the form
of land division and development around Alton, with the latter including the routing of the
two railways.
The Alton village site was originally laid out on a grid pattern, centred on the historic
commercial core located at the intersection of Queen Street and Main Street. Again, we have
two snapshots in time of the Alton Village plan. The 1857 village plan prepared by
provincial land surveyor Charles J. Wheelock, which is shown unchanged on Figure 3.1.3
Alton Village Plan: George R. Tremaine Map of 1857, indicates the layout of streets and
lots, and the location of numerous buildings. The standard street width was 66 feet, although
some of the minor streets were narrower, and the village lots were ¼ acre in size.
- 40 -

- 41 -
Figure 3.1.1
Alton Study Area:
George R. Tremaine
Map 1859

- 42 -
Figure 3.1.2
Alton Study Area:
Historical Atlas of
Peel County

- 43 -
Figure 3.1.3
Alton Village Plan:
George R. Tremaine
Map 1857

- 44 -
Figure 3.1.4
Alton Village Plan:
Historical Atlas of
Peel County 1877

The 1859 plan shows the layout of a sizeable residential neighbourhood east and west of
Main Street on the north side of the river. While residential development has occurred along
some of the streets in this area, many have never been developed, possibly due to
topographic constraints. The 1859 plan also shows William, Emeline, Credit and Bridge
Streets extending north across the river to small residential subdivisions. These areas were
never developed either, possibly due to topographic constraints or expansion of the lower
mill pond.
In the 1877 Historical Atlas, the Alton village plan includes the Station Street–Edmund Street
neighbourhood as shown in Figure 3.1.4 Alton Village Plan: Historical Atlas of Peel
County 1877. Obviously added sometime after 1859, it is laid out in the traditional grid
pattern. The area developed gradually, however, and the present lot pattern is somewhat
altered from that shown on the 1877 map. Some of the long narrow 50 foot lots were
consolidated into 75 or 100 foot frontages and split down the middle to form more regular
rectangular lots. The lot sizes in this neighbourhood now vary from about 0.20 acre to about
½ acre.
No further lots or streets were added until two subdivisions, known as Alton Village Estates,
were registered in 1978 (38 lots) and 1986 (91 lots). These plans, which expanded the
original village settlement to the south west, generally maintained a grid pattern as shown on
Figure 3.1.5 Alton Village Pattern of Land Subdivision, the current pattern of land
subdivision. The lots are at least 1/3 acre in size, as required in the Town of Caledon Zoning
By-law for rural residential development. No further subdivisions have been registered in
Alton.
A Draft Plan of Subdivision on the Thomas Farm property south of Queen Street and east of
Mississauga Road was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1989. This plan
consisted of 119 lots, ¾ acres in size. The layout was a hybrid of the traditional grid pattern
and the curvilinear patterns more common in the 1970s and 1980s, introducing some
curvilinear streets and cul-de-sac. This subdivision has not developed.
Table 3.1.1 Residential Building Permits in Alton 1981-2007, indicates the development
activity in the Village between 1981 and 2007. Virtually all new building activity in Alton
during this period was residential, although there was one building permit issued for a new
commercial building in 1983 and one in 1990 for the library/recreation centre. The majority
of growth occurred between 1985 and 1988, primarily as a result of the development of the
Alton Estates Subdivision. Pinnacle View, a 29 unit seniors' apartment complex was
constructed in 1990. Since 1990 the village has experienced little development.
- 45 -

- 46 -

TABLE 3.1.1 Residential Building Permits Issued in Alton 1981 – 2007
Year # permits Year # permits
1981 0 1995 2
1982 1 1996 0
1983 0 1997 1
1984 0 1998 3
1985 38 1999 1
1986 20 2000 0
1987 62 2001 1
1988 22 2002 0
1989 4 2003 0
1990 1 * 2004 3
1991 1 2005 0
1992 3 2006 1
1993 1 2007 0
1994 1 Total 166
Note: *Seniors apartment complex (29 units)
3.1.3 Cultural Heritage Resources
Alton was, in its heyday, one of the most important industrial centres in the former Caledon
Township. Today, the village’s wealth of built heritage resources and remnant industrial
landscape features remain an important legacy of that milling heritage. The original village
plan remains readily discernible on the landscape, characterized by surviving historic fabric
from the milling era of c.1850-c.1930.
Development centred along Queen and Main Streets and directly along the river, and it is
within this core that the surviving historic resources are concentrated. Other built heritage
resources are found on the side streets, but there the historic fabric is much more fragmented.
Alton’s heritage resources represent the village’s water-powered industrial heritage,
associated mill workers’ and mill owners’ housing, and various institutional and commercial
buildings which anchored community life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The
Pinnacle continues to serve as an important feature and physical backdrop to community life.
There are 111 historic properties identified within Alton on the Town’s draft Built Heritage
Resources inventory.
Disastrous fires figure prominently in Alton’s nineteenth and twentieth century history, and
have certainly impacted its historic industrial and commercial building stock. In fact, Alton
suffered more losses from fire than any other village in the area. While its many early frame
buildings were easy targets for fire, later brick and stone buildings were not immune. Fires
hit hard at the industrial heart of the village, destroying several of its water-powered mills
- 47 -

including the West End Roller Mills (1891), the McCutcheon flour mill (1895), Petherick’s
Chopping Mill (1962) and the Caledon Chopping Mill (1963); both the Wards-Dod Mill and
Algie woolen mills were rebuilt in stone after being ravaged by fires in 1875 and 1908,
respectively. Similarly, the Boggs & Rowcliffe (later Barber Brothers) Carriage Works was
rebuilt in stone after it burned in 1892. This building stood on the southwest corner of Queen
and Victoria Streets until demolished in 1994. The Dominion Foundry, another prominent
stone building on Queen Street, was gutted by fire in 1901 and again in 1951, after which it
had to be knocked down. In 1937 and 1938, two fires destroyed six small businesses,
including a butcher shop, garage, bakery, grocery store, hardware store and a barbershop.
The village’s remnant industrial landscape, featuring the two c.1880s stone woolen mills
(Millcroft and Alton Mill) and their associated outbuildings, ponds and residences, is
remarkably complete. Preservation of this important milling heritage has, and is occurring
through adaptive re-use of the properties. In the late 1970s the Wards-Dods Mill was
converted to a successful hotel/conference operation. Similarly, the Alton Mill is being
revitalized through on-going restoration and adaptive re-use as an arts and heritage centre
with rental studio space.
Prominent historic buildings remaining in the commercial core include the Palmer House (a
former hotel at the southwest corner of Main and Queen Streets), the Mechanics’ Institute
and double commercial buildings on Queen Street West, the United Church on Queen Street
East, the former Town Hall on the southeast corner of Main and Edmund Streets, and the
schoolhouse which anchors the south end of Main Street. The historic Alton Cemetery on
Main Street South is a significant open space feature within the village. Alton’s historic
residential building stock is characterized by a solid mix of frame, stone and brick
construction of largely vernacular styling.
Alton has the second greatest number of properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act of any village in Caledon and includes:
• Algie-Hall House (1869) 1334 Queen Street
• Former Alton Baptist Church (1926) 19695 Main Street
• Former Alton Congregational Church (c.1877) 19739 Main Street
• Alton Mechanics Institute and Library (1882) 1456 Queen Street
• Alton Mill (1881) 1402 Queen Street
• Dods-Long House (c. 1876) 1422 Queen Street
• Fead-Fenley House (c.1875) 56 Charles Street
• Millcroft Inn and Conference Centre (1881) 55 John Street
• Ward Dods Millcroft House (now part of the hotel) (c.1877) 55 John Street
• Wright-Didd House (c. 1860) 1565 Queen Street East
- 48 -

3.1.4 Existing Land Uses
There are a number of different methods for identifying existing land uses, including
assessment information, community survey and air photo and satellite data interpretation.
For the purpose of the Planning Component of the study, the existing land uses identified for
the Study Area on Figure 3.1.6 Alton Village and Study Area Assessed Land Uses are
provided by the Ontario Ministry of Finance and are current to April 2008. A general
description of the land uses in the Alton Study Area follows. Some of the specific land uses,
facilities and points of interest are shown on Figure 3.1.7, Major Land Uses and Significant
Features in the Study Area and Figure 3.1.8, Community Facilities and Features.
Residential
A large portion of the Alton Settlement Area is residential. In 2006 there were an estimated
326 residential units in Alton, primarily of a single detached nature. A building permit for 29
seniors’ apartments was issued in 1990 and is in an apartment form. There were no building
permits issued in 2007.
There are no estate residential subdivisions in the Alton Study Area, but there are a small
number of severed lots along Mississauga Road, Main Street north of Alton and Regional
Road 136 east of Alton.
Retail and Service Commercial and Commercial/Residential
Historically, there were a significant number of commercial enterprises in Alton located
primarily along the south side of Queen Street West. The business area now extends
southward along Main Street and eastward along Queen Street East. Apartments are located
in the upper stories of some of the commercial buildings along Queen Street and behind the
former Palmer House Hotel at the corner of Queen Street and Main Street.
A general store, bakery and service station are located in the Village to serve the local
population, but Alton residents must travel to Orangeville for grocery, financial, and medical
services.
Alton is starting to become a centre for art and antiques, with antique shops in and around the
Village, and the art and craft studios in the Alton Mill.
- 49 -

- 50 -

- 51 -

- 52 -

List of Businesses in and near Alton
(Sources: 2008 Business Directory amended by Directory Assistance and Field Studies)
A Decorating
Touch
19619 Main St. Fred’s Old’en
Day Treasures
Able
40 Mary St. Gallery Gemma
Construction &
Inc. (Alton Mill)
Home
Maintenance
Alton Auto Body 19684 Main St. Headwaters Arts
Festival (Alton
Mill)
Bartlett Gallery
(Alton Mill)
Botanix Alton
Greenhouse
Boddam Custom
Hockey
Bryant’s General
Store
Caledon
Concrete Service
CEM Printing &
Graphics
Creative Events
Management
(Alton Mill)
Country
Treasures
Antiques
19739 Main
Street
1402 Queen St.
W.
1402 Queen St.
W.
1402 Queen St. W. JAG Roofing Inc. 19775 Main St.
19598 Main St. Jim Stewart – The
Painted Turtle Art
Studio (Alton
Mill)
1402 Main St. W.
1430 Beech Grove Osprey Valley 18821 Main St.
Resorts
19785 Main St Ray’s Bakery 1475 Queen St.
W.
19831 Main Street RJC Home 19767 Main St.
1380 Queen Street
W.
Service
Tracy Smith and
Janet Sweet
Original Fine Art
Painting (Alton
Mill)
1402 Queen St.
W.
1402 Queen St. W. Whatnot Shop 19781 Main St.
19695 Main Street
- 53 -

Commercial Recreation, Conference Centres, and Accommodation
The Millcroft Inn is located in the former Ward-Dods Knitting Mill on Shaws Creek. The
Inn offers fine dining, a spa, conference centre and guest accommodation. There are 52 guest
rooms in two heritage buildings and two chalet style crofts, and the main mill has 22 guest
rooms. The Manor House, formerly the mill owners’ house, has 10 rooms. The Millcroft
property which includes part of Pinnacle Hill is 45 hectares (100 acres) in size. Various
outdoor recreational activities are available including walking/skiing trails.
Osprey Valley Golf Course is located south of the village on the east side of Regional Road
136. The operation includes 3 golf courses: the original Scottish links style course called the
Heathlands, and two new courses opened in 2001 called the Royal Hoot and the Royal Toot.
A golf club house and a resort is planned including, an inn with 75 guestrooms and
restaurant, 48 self-contained villa units, and 2 large meeting rooms. The Osprey West lands
are proposed for two additional golf courses located on the west side of Regional Road 136.
A Centre for Well Being is planned on the east side of the Credit River, south of Beech
Grove Sideroad, and will offer spa facilities, tennis courts, lawn bowling, croquet, swimming
pools and fishing ponds.
Just north of the Study Area boundary on the northwest corner of Regional Road 136 and
High Point Sideroad is the SGI conference centre. This Japanese cultural centre has
education, recreational and dining facilities, walking trails and place of worship.
Industrial
Alton’s sole industrial use, Alton Auto Body is located on the west side of Main Street
(Highway 136), south of the cemetery. A substantial addition was constructed in 1993.
Extractive Industrial
A licensed gravel pit owned by Alton Sand and Gravel is located north east of Alton on the
west side of Regional Road 136. The licensed area is 27 hectares. In 1998 a site plan
amendment was granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources to permit extraction below the
water table. One of the conditions of this amendment was that wetlands forming part of the
Credit River at Alton Wetlands that were originally within the area to be extracted will not be
disturbed by the extractive operations. The proposed use after rehabilitation is a pond and
private recreational site.
Institutional
The building housing the Alton Library and the Optimist Hall is located on Station Street
and the Fire Station is at the corner of McClellan Street and Main Street. The Alton Public
School is across the street on Main Street. Further north on the south east corner of Edmund
Street and Main Street is the former Alton Town Hall which is now used for commercial
purposes. The Post Office which was formerly located on the south side of Queen Street,
west of Highway 136 is now closed.
- 54 -

There is only one active church in Alton; the Alton United Church located on the north side
of Highway 136 east of Main Street. The former Alton Baptist Church located at the corner
of Station Street and Main Street is now an antique shop. The Alton Cemetery is located
across the street from the former Baptist Church.
Region of Peel water pumping stations are located on Station Street and the north side of
Queen Street East. The Royal Canadian Legion is on the western outskirts of the developed
area on Queen St. West.
The Region of Peel operates the Peel Living Seniors Residence a 29 unit housing complex
for seniors located on the southwest corner of Main Street and McClellan Road near the
south end of the village.
Parks and Open Space
A park with a ball diamond and a washroom/snack bar is located behind the Alton Memorial
Community Centre on Station Street. Play equipment is located nearby on school property.
There is also a neighbourhood park on Emeline Street in the Alton Estates subdivision. This
park has a set of playground equipment.
The Alton Integrated Resource Management Area, known as the Grange is a 140 hectare
(350 acre) property along the Credit River between Regional Road 136 in the north and
Beech Grove Sideroad in the south. The property was purchased by the Province from Mr.
E.R. Grange in 1974 and is managed by the Alton Grange Association (AGA) a non-profit
group, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Integrative Resource
Management Plan for the property outlines the objectives of providing outdoor education,
recreational opportunities and limited resource use. The public uses the site for fishing,
hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Agricultural and Rural Land
Agricultural operations are generally located to the south and west of Alton. This is the area
of higher capability agricultural land as shown in Figure 3.1.9 Alton Agricultural Capability
and is reflected in the Agricultural designation in the Caledon Official Plan. (Figure 2.3.1
Town of Caledon Land Use Designations and Study Area). In addition to crop lands, there
are two racehorse training tracks and a beef cattle operation on Mississauga Road to the
southwest of Alton. An orchard is located south of Alton on the west side of Regional Road
136.
To the north, agriculture is limited by hilly topography and the land is designated Rural. The
primary use is rural residential. The Pinnacle is a hill located just north of the Alton
Settlement Area. Trails wind through the mid-twentieth century pine plantation on this
prominent landscape feature.
- 55 -

The main Credit River corridor is located to the east of Alton. This area is designated
Environmental Policy Area in the Caledon Official Plan. The corridor is largely forested and
includes the Credit River at Alton wetland complex. The environmental features of the Credit
River corridor are described in detail in Chapter 4, as part of the Environmental Component.
3.1.5 Undeveloped Land and Development Interest
Within Alton, there are a number of undeveloped land parcels, some of which are the subject
of development applications. The total area of the vacant land, outside the Environmental
Policy Area designation is approximately 56 hectares (138 acres) within the settlement
boundaries.
Development applications, undeveloped lands and areas where an interest in development
has been expressed are shown on Figure 3.1.10 Undeveloped Land and Development
Interest. The Thomas Farm, a 35.52 hectare (88 acre) parcel in the southwest corner of
Alton is the largest vacant property and has an approved draft plan of subdivision (DA86086)
as noted in Section 3.1.2. The “Robb” Property is a 4.04 hectare (10 acre) vacant property
located within the existing developed area south of Queen Street West.
The Alton Mill is a historic stone mill complex on a 3.4 hectare (8.5 acre) site on the north
bank of Shaws Creek in the heart of the village. Built as the Beaver Knitting Mill in 1881,
with later additions dating to the early twentieth century, the east wing of the historic mill is
occupied by artisan workshops and studios. The west wing has recently completed
renovation for main floor retailing (art-oriented), studios with office space on the second
floor, and café and event space on the ground floor (formerly RZ 99-15). The total area of
the main mill is approximately 2,137 m 2 (23,000 SF) of which approximately one third is
currently occupied. Further renovations and restorations are underway to the Annex and
Livery buildings for additional complementary facilities including a proposed assembly
space/event venue with seating capacity for approximately 225 persons and additional
workshop space and offices for creative professionals.
A 5.99 hectare (14.8 acre) property on the east side of the Pinnacle is forested and located
within the settlement boundaries. This property was the subject of an application for a draft
plan of subdivision for 27 residential units filed in 1987 known as Pinnacle Estates. This
application has been closed due to inactivity (21T-87047C).
An application for a rezoning was filed in 1989 (RZ 89-48) on Regional Road 136 east of the
railway to permit an expansion of an existing landscaping and contracting yard to include a
garden centre and retail outlet. This application has not been actively pursued. A letter dated
April 2008 from the property owner has requested consideration for legalizing the existing
triplexes on the property in addition to permitting the landscaping yard as legal uses.
- 56 -

- 57 -

- 58 -

There are three parcels of vacant/undeveloped land within the settlement boundary where
there are no existing development applications. One is a small linear parcel along Edmund
Street and a similar sized parcel just to the north which combined total 2.06 ha (5.1 acres)
There is also a farm parcel north of Queen Street West and east of Mississauga Road known
as the Reynolds property comprising approximately 8.96 ha (22.1 acres) within the
settlement boundaries outside of the designated EPA lands which bisect the property.
Although no development interest has been expressed by the owners, these lands would be
considered as development potential within the plan period as they are already within the
existing settlement boundaries.
3.1.6 Socio-Economic Characteristics
Information Sources
The information provided in this section is based on: the 2001 Census and updates and a
Household Survey completed by the Town of Caledon in 1992. The Household Survey was
undertaken as part of the Rural Service Centres Study, which has since been superseded by
the Village Study process. It involved a door to door survey of six villages conducted by
Town of Caledon staff and trained volunteers. Approximately 85% of the households in
Alton were surveyed. Although outdated, some of the information presented specifically for
the Village is based on that survey which may be of use in determining the sociodemographic
profile of the community.
Population and Household Size
The 2006 population for the Village of Alton (inside the settlement boundary) is estimated at
approximately 990 within 326 residential dwellings with an average persons per unit of
approximately 3. The number of units was derived from the 2001 Census data and
cumulative occupancy permits since that time to December 2006. The Town of Caledon had
a population of 57,050 in 2006 with a persons per unit of 3.1. The Alton EA, described
below, had a 2001 Census population of 1,100 living in 380 households for an average
household size of approximately 2.9 persons per unit. In 2001 Caledon had a population of
50,595 with 3.036 persons per unit. No building permits were issued in Alton in 2007 and
only 10 building permits have been issued in the last 10 years.
Information from Census is based on 2001 data which pertains to an area larger than the
Alton Settlement, but smaller than the Village Study Area. The Census Enumeration Area
(Alton EA) is bounded on the north by Highpoint Road, on the east by Regional Road
136/Porterfield Road, on the south by Beech Grove Sideroad and on the west by Mississauga
Road. It does not include the East Half of Concession 5, WHS which is part of the Village
Study Area. Comparable 2006 Census data for the Alton EA are not available as the
boundaries have changed.
Since the population for the Alton EA is not a great deal larger than the population for the
Village, the Census information from 2001 is be used to present the socio-demographic
profile along with the Village survey completed in 1992.
- 59 -

Age Distribution
As shown on Table 3.1.2 Population by Age Group, the largest age groups within the area
are those aged 25-44 (32%) and 45-54 (15%) and 5-14 (15%). This would indicate that there
is a large proportion of families with children. Residents over the age of 65 represent
approximately 9% of the population. This is below the provincial average of 13%, although
it exceeds the Caledon average of 8%.
The area population represents a fairly similar age distribution pattern to that of the Town
overall with slightly more seniors and young children under 5 and slightly fewer young
adults ages 20-24. These populations would have aged 5 years since the 2001 census to
reflect the next age cohorts, meaning older children and more mature families.
The age distribution in a community may be a reflection of the housing supply, which is
largely single family dwellings and perhaps more affordable to young families than some
other villages, like Inglewood, with larger estate residential developments.
The higher proportion of older adults and seniors (65-75) may be the fact that seniors are
perhaps able to stay in their homes in the village longer than average in Caledon either
because of their form or the general support from the community and neighbours. Although
there is a seniors’ residence in the village, the proportion of elder seniors is no different than
in the Town overall.
In 2001 the median age in the Province was 37 somewhat higher than in Caledon at 36. This
median age increased to 39 in the Province in 2006 and just under 38 in Caledon.
Comparable data for Alton are not available but it is assumed that the population is also
aging in a similar manner.
Table 3.1.2 Population by Age Group – Statistics Canada 2001
Age Group EA Total 2001 % Caledon Total 2001 %
0-4 85 8 3624 7
5-14 170 15 7975 16
15-19 80 7 3530 7
20-24 40 4 2665 5
25-44 355 32 16390 32
45-54 160 15 7580 15
55-64 105 10 4835 10
65-74 70 6 2525 5
75-84 20 2 1110 2
85+ 15 1 365 1
Total Pop. 1,100 100 50,595 100
Employment
- 60 -

According to the 2001 Census, 575 or 70% of the area residents over age 15 are in the labour
force.
As shown on Table 3.1.3 Alton Employment Characteristics, according to the 1992
household survey, 90% of the employed survey respondents worked full time, while 10%
worked part time. Of the full time employees, approximately 62% worked in the Region of
Peel and 42% of these were employed in Brampton. Despite the proximity of Alton to
Orangeville, only 10.6% of the employed full time survey respondents worked in that
community.
The 2001 Census gives more up to date information on the type of occupations Alton
residents are engaged in, as shown on the second frame of Table 3.1.3 Occupation by
Industry. The most common occupations are manufacturing and retail and trade. Top jobs
by classification on the third frame Table 3.1.3 Top Occupations are in Sales and Service
and Business Finance and Administration.
Table 3.1.3 Alton Employment Characteristics
Source: Household Survey, Summer 1992
Full Time/Part Time
Total
Full Time %
Part
%
Work
Time
389 349 89.72 40 10.28
Employment Location
Community Full Time %
Part
Time
%
Caledon 61 17.48 21 53.85
Toronto 58 16.62 0 0.00
Orangeville 37 10.60 13 33.33
Mississauga 61 17.48 2 5.13
Brampton 93 26.65 3 7.69
Other 39 11.17 0 0.00
Total 349 100 39 100
- 61 -

Table 3.1.3 Alton Employment Characteristics cont’d
Occupation by Industry
Source: Statistics Canada 2001
Occupation Number % Occupation Number %
Manufacturing 80 13.9 Educational Services 35 6.1
Retail Trade 70 12.2 Agricultural and 25 4.3
Related Services
Transportation &
Warehousing
50 8.7 Construction 25 4.3
Administration
and support
50 8.7 Public
Administration
25 4.3
Health Care and
social assistance
50 8.7 Professional,
scientific, technical
20 3.5
Wholesale Trade 45 7.8 Real Estate 10 1.7
Finance and
Insurance
Accommodation,
Food and
Beverage
40 7 Other Service 10 1.7
40 7 Total 575 100
Top Occupations
Source: Statistics Canada 2001
Occupation Number % Occupation Number %
Sales and
Service
150 26 Trades, transport and
equipment operators
and related
occupations
50 9
Business Finance
and
Administration
Management 85 15
90 16 Primary Industry 40 7
- 62 -

Shopping Patterns
The numbers in Table 3.1.4 Alton Shopping Patterns indicate that a majority of those
surveyed in the 1992 Household Survey (92.2%) did their grocery shopping in Orangeville.
This is a function of distance and availability of services. Similarly, a large number of
households shopped for Department Store Type Merchandise (DSTM) in Orangeville
(52.4%), while a significant number also shopped in Brampton (32.8%). This is due to
proximity to Orangeville, as well as the availability of shopping centres in Brampton. Some
of those who shopped in Brampton may be former Brampton residents who have maintained
their previous shopping patterns.
Table 3.1.4 Alton Shopping Patterns
Source: Household Survey, Summer 1992
Grocery
DSTM (Department Store Type
Merchandise)
Location Households % Location Households %
Local 3 1 Caledon 2 3
Caledon 7 3 Brampton 82 3
Brampton 8 3 Mississauga 8 0
Mississauga 1 0 Orangeville 131 92
Orangeville 238 92 Toronto 14 5
Other 1 0 Other Ont. 9 3
Total 258 100 US 4 2
Total 250 100
3.1.7 Infrastructure, Facilities and Community Services
Water Supply and Sewage Treatment
The existing water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure is described in detail in
Chapter 5 Existing Servicing Conditions of this report. In general, Alton is serviced by a
communal water supply system operated by the Region of Peel and wastewater is treated by
individual septic systems.
Storm Drainage
Alton is serviced by storm sewers as shown on Figure 3.1.11 Storm Sewers and Curbs and
in some of the older areas by open ditches. A stormwater management facility serving the
- 63 -

Alton Estates Subdivision is located north of McClellan Road between Agnes Street and
Main Street. This facility does not have quality control.
The following is a list of streets that either have open ditches or no storm sewers:
Queen Street west of John Street
Highway 136 south of McClellan Road
Bridge Street
Credit Street
Nicholas Street
Edmund Street
Charles Street
Caledon Street
Victoria Street
Station Street
Cardwell Street
John Street North
Amelia Street
Margaret Street
King Street North
Agnes Street, north King to Queen
Mary Street
James Street
Roads, Curb and Gutter
The roads and streets in the Alton Settlement Area are paved except for:
• Mississauga Road north of Queen St. West
• Mary Street
• Nicholas Street
Curbs and gutters are found only in the Alton Estates Subdivision and along Queen Street
and Main Street. (Figure 3.1.11 Storm Sewers and Curbs)
Sidewalks
The settlement area has no definite standard for sidewalks. Many lengths of sidewalk consist
of both asphalt and concrete sections (Figure 3.1.12 Sidewalks). The following areas have
no sidewalks:
Main Street south from McClellan Road
Station Street from Caledon Street to Cardwell Street
Queen Street west of James Street
Main Street north of Margaret Street
Davis Drive
Edmund Street
Credit Street
Charles Street
Amelia Street
Thomas Street
Caledon Street
Cardwell Street
King Street North
Victoria Street
James Street
Margaret Street
Nicholas Street
John Street North
Bridge Street
Mary Street
- 64 -

- 65 -

- 66 -

Trails, Park and Recreation Facilities
Figure 3.1.13 Trails and Public Open Space shows the trails, parks, conservation areas and
forest conservation areas in Alton and surrounding area. Alton is connected to the Bruce
Trail by the Alton Side Trail extending north from Forks of the Credit Provincial Park along
the McLaren Road/Porterfield Road right-of-way. The Bruce Trail connects with the Elora-
Cataract Trailway in the Park. Alton is the terminus of the Grand Valley Trail originating at
Lake Erie. The section in the Credit River watershed is predominantly road based, used by
equestrians. There a trail network within the Grange property has been developed that
connects to the Alton Side Trail.
Figure 3.1.9 identifies the parks and recreation facilities in the Alton settlement area. The
park adjacent to the Alton Memorial Community Centre is a ballpark containing a lighted
ball diamond with bleachers, concession stand, and washrooms. A picnic shelter is also
located on the site. The Alton Public School has a playground and open space in this area for
passive recreational use. The Emeline Street Parkette is a small neighbourhood park in the
southwest quadrant of the settlement containing a playground, park bench and pathways.
The Town intends to provide additional local parkland on the adjacent Thomas Farm
property through the development approval process.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Alton Grange Association,
operates a day use park called the "Grange Property" on the outskirts of the settlement. The
park has hiking and cross country ski trails.
The Optimist Hall in the Library building is used for community functions and indoor
recreation. The Royal Canadian Legion Hall is also available for social functions.
There are a number of social and community organizations within the community including
Horizons Unlimited (a seniors club), Boy Scouts, Block Parents, Ratepayers Association, and
the Women's Institute. The United Church also provides a recreational and social focus.
Many residents have commented on the deficiency of community meeting space, and the lack
of a gymnasium at the school. The community room in the Library may be able to
accommodate some of the future community needs, but is limited due to its small size. The
Legion facility may also be able to accommodate growth in demand for indoor activities,
although this is a private hall and the Legion's activities take precedence.
The Town currently owns 2 hectares of undeveloped park land adjacent to the ball park on
Station Street for which there are no current plans as set out in the Town’s Parks and
Recreation master Plan. This may accommodate the need for additional active outdoor
recreational activities as required. Any additional parkland requirements in Alton may be
acquired either through the 5% land dedication or cash-in-lieu provisions of the Planning Act
in accordance with Council policy.
- 67 -

- 68 -

Library Facilities
The library in Alton was constructed in 1991. It is a 4,500 square foot facility that is open 3
days a week for a total of approximately 24 hours. Additional special library programs
amount to 8 hours per week.
The existing facility is designed to support a larger population, although, hours of service
will may have to be increased to accommodate higher usage.
Schools
The Alton Public School was opened in 1875 as a one-room schoolhouse, with a second
schoolroom added in 1876. The building was remodeled under the current roofline in 1908,
with the rear two rooms added in 1928 as the Continuation School (high school). It is
currently a junior public school which has kindergarten to Grade 6. In March 2008 the
enrolment at the school was 142, with a capacity in the main building of 72. There are five
portables on the site. The school serves the rural area surrounding Alton and 28 of the
students are bused in. The School Board will be deliberating a staff recommendation in
September 2008 to rebuild a new junior public school in Alton Village. Plans for the
disposition of the existing school building by the Board are not known at this time. If
approved, proposed construction is anticipated to be complete by September 2010.
Grade 7 and 8 students attend the Caledon Central Public School in Caledon Village. In June
2008, its enrolment was 612, and there were 3 portables in use. The school capacity is 615
students.
Public high school students are bused to Mayfield Secondary School. In April 2008 the
enrolment at Mayfield was 1,959 students and there were 24 portables in use.
Separate school students in junior kindergarten to Grade 8 attend St. Peter's in Orangeville
which has an enrolment of 397 with a capacity or 440 with projected enrolment expected to
decline to 356 in September 2008. Secondary School students attend Robert F. Hall
Secondary School in Caledon East. Robert F. Hall’s enrolment is approximately 1,949 with
22 portables on site and a capacity of 1,272 with a projected enrolment in September 2008 of
2,034. A 26 room addition was opened in September 2001. Plans to construct a new
secondary school in north Bolton by 2010 will alleviate some of the capacity issues at Robert
F. Hall.
Social and Medical Services
Seniors are well provided with a number of services such as Meals-on-Wheels, visiting
nursing agencies and Red Cross Homemakers. These services are provided directly to the
seniors within their homes. The Pinnacle View seniors residence offers supportive housing
with 24 hour on-site assistance provided with medication, food, dressing and personal care.
- 69 -

Services for families and youth are more limited. The Caledon Community Services operates
a program to assist people in getting off social assistance. The program provides
employment workshops once a month at the Alton Library. Caledon Community Services
also offers crisis support. The Peel Children's Centre offers counseling and treatment within
Alton. Children's Aid provides services to Alton and some youth support services in
Orangeville such as the shelter are available to Alton residents. Transportation can be a
problem, particularly for single parents.
Transportation and access can be a problem for other groups as well. The lack of and
condition of sidewalks in Alton makes it difficult for residents to walk in the community.
Lack of public transportation limits the ability of young people to obtain access to services
and entertainment, since the existing facilities in Alton are limited.
Seniors and the disabled are well provided with transportation services. Caledon Community
Services operates a bus to Orangeville twice a week for shopping and any day for medical
appointments. If seniors are unable to travel to shop, the IGA in Orangeville will deliver to
Alton. Transportation is also available to the seniors centre in Bolton. Transportation for the
disabled is available for any reason and to a broad range of destinations.
Visiting nurses agencies and the Red Cross provide services to the area, but there is no
medical practice within the community. Residents use medical services in Orangeville
including the Headwaters Health Centre. There is also a medical centre in Erin. There are
two dentists in Caledon Village.
Caledon Community Services has indicated that population growth in Alton will undoubtedly
increase the demand for community services. Senior citizens' needs can be met with existing
services, since they are currently well provided for. However, pressure will increase for the
provision of some family services, which are not available or are limited within the
community.
Fire Services
There is a fire hall in Alton that operates with volunteer staff.
3.1.8 Transportation
The community of Alton is served by one major road facility, Regional Road 136. A local
and collector road network serves the residential areas. There are no signalized intersections
in Alton. The main intersection at Main Street and Queen Street (Regional Road 136) has
stop signs for four directions.
A detailed description of existing traffic conditions has been prepared by the Region of Peel
and is provided in Chapter 6. This study also examines the expected growth in background
traffic that can be expected over time.
- 70 -

The Transportation Study found that the traffic at the Queen Street/Main Street intersection
was primarily going southbound during the peak morning period and northbound during the
afternoon peak period. Based on the recorded turning movements at the intersection, the
majority of the traffic is externally generated.
Regional Road 136 within the settlement is operating below capacity and is functioning at an
acceptable level of service. The main intersection is also functioning at an acceptable level of
service.
In 2000 the Town of Orangeville bought 55km of CPR’s Owen Sound Subdivision running
from Mississauga to Orangeville following the announcement in 1995 that the rail line would
be abandoned. The Orangeville-Brampton Railway (OBRY) as it became known was run by
a short line operator Cando Contracting which provides regular freight service for the
industries along the line including those in the Town of Orangeville and uses the line for the
popular tourist train operated as the Credit Valley Explorer. In April of 2008, the Town
announced it would sell the railway to Highland Railway Group (HRG) a private investor
group. HRG intends to provide for the continued use of the railway for shipment of goods
and for tourism. The railway is a key component of HRG’s vision of creating a long-term
and viable north-south rail transportation corridor joining Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario.
The line crosses Regional Road 136 and passes through the village. The Community Vision
for Alton sees the nearby train as an “unmatched opportunity to reach out to a much broader
population by increasing day trips to the area.”
- 71 -

3.2 Community Character
3.2.1 Introduction
This Community Character Study forms part of the first phase of the Village Study and is an
important part of the Community Planning Component of the overall Study. Understanding
Alton's community character is an essential part of the Village Study process. An
understanding of Alton's character is vital to developing a Community Plan that embodies a
vision for the future of the community that respects and enhances these characteristics, while
also allowing the community to evolve and change in an appropriate and desired direction.
In a way a community can be seen as the sum total of all the effort put in by every resident
who has ever lived or worked in the community along with the natural landscape into which
it has been placed. It is a continually evolving thing with each new generation building upon
the foundation laid by their predecessors. These evolutions reflect the changing needs and
values of the community’s inhabitants, including changes in technologies and changing
global and local economies. No two communities have exactly the same character because no
two communities were built by the same set of people even if they are built at the same time
in similar landscapes. The current character of the Village of Alton is the sum total of all its
past and current resident’s efforts and is the foundation on which all future evolutions will be
built.
The Community Planning Component of the Study is intended to develop a long term plan to
guide the evolution of Alton over the next decades and to ensure that the character of the
Village and its quality of life is maintained and enhanced. To this end, the creation and
maintenance of strong linkages between old and new areas of development and the retention
of traditional rural character will be emphasized in the Community Planning Component of
the Study.
3.2.2 General Description
The north west part of Caledon in which Alton is located is part of a larger area known as
"Headwaters Country," containing the headwaters of four major watercourses including the
Nottawasaga, Credit, Humber and Grand Rivers. A tributary of the Credit River - Shaw
Creek - tumbles through Alton carving a narrow gorge through the rock as it flows down to
the Credit River Valley which lies just east of the village. Surrounding Alton to the south and
west are gently rolling hills, with agricultural fields, hedgerows and century-old woodlots. To
the north of Alton is the Pinnacle, one of the highest points of land in the Caledon Hills.
This traditional working agricultural landscape is also intermingled with open space
recreational uses such as golf courses, and with industrial uses such as aggregate resource
extraction. While the latter is often shielded from view by large berms, the topography can
increase visibility. The Alton Sand and Gravel operation can be seen from Main Street at
certain locations. The scale and location of aggregate operations are important in defining
the physical structure and setting in and around the Alton Study Area.
- 72 -

Alton was originally founded at this location because of the great energy potential that Shaw
Creek presented. Not surprisingly, the historic core of the contemporary Village, most of
which was developed between 1850 and 1900, is located adjacent to the creek. A number of
mills or remains of mills, and dams and floodways are still found along the creek. There are
also a number of mill ponds still existing where the flowing water has been tamed. Queen
Street, which runs parallel to the creek also served as the main commercial street of the
community and there are still a few excellent examples of 19 th century commercial buildings
located along the south side.
It appears that Alton evolved relatively slowly and consistently between the 1850’s and the
1970’s. Houses on the original grid-pattern street range in age and style along almost every
street. In the early 1980’s the Village experienced a great expansion to the south with the
development of Alton Estates.
These landscapes – the rural natural, rural working, and village settlement - are all evident on
Figure 3.2.1, Air Photo of Study Area and are described in more detail below. They are
fundamental in defining the community character of the Village of Alton.
3.2.3 Rural Landscapes
Views of the Rural Landscape Natural and Working in the Alton area are shown on Figure
3.2.2.
Rural Natural Landscape
Alton’s natural setting is discussed in considerable detail in Chapter 4 Environmental
Component. The natural setting has had, and will continue to have, a profound influence on
the form of the Village.
The topographic variation in the Alton Study Area is evident on Figure 3.2.3 Topographic
Analysis. The hills and valleys in the Alton Study Area are glacial features. The Orangeville
Moraine located immediately north west of the Village is hummocky with numerous
depressions. The Pinnacle is part of this feature. To the south west and north east of the
Village are the rolling hills of the Guelph Drumlin Field till plain. The Credit River Valley
follows a glacial spillway between the hills.
Alton grew up around the mills built on Shaws Creek, a tributary of the Credit River that runs
through the Village and is feed by a series of headwaters lakes located about four kilometres
north of the Village. Alton is also surrounded by several significant woodlands, primarily
related to nearby watercourses that serve as the headwaters to the Credit River, one of the
best cold-water fisheries within the Greater Toronto Area. Figure 3.2.4 Woodlands and
Watercourses shows the tree cover and watercourses that define the natural systems within
the Study Area.
The Shaws Creek and Credit River subwatersheds and the dramatic “divides” that separate
them (highlighted by “The Pinnacle”) are the important elements that define the rural natural
- 73 -

setting in which Alton is situated and has evolved over the past 150 years. While these
watercourses have been altered by human activity, they continue to play a role within the
natural framework of the area. They also continue to define the form of the Village, with its
historic core located adjacent to Shaws Creek, and the undeveloped areas to the east located
within the floodplain of Shaws Creek and the Credit River.
The streams, ponds and wooded areas bring natural corridors right into the heart of the
community. Views of the surrounding countryside can be seen from the Pinnacle and at
many places around the outskirts of the village. These features and the accessibility of the
trails of the Grange and the Pinnacle create a sense of connection with the broader natural
setting and are a major factor in forming the rural character of the Village of Alton.
Rural Working Landscape
Caledon is one of the most rural areas remaining within the Greater Toronto Area and Alton
is typical of many villages and hamlets that dot the municipality. Despite the open, natural
appearance of the landscape, it is important to remember that the pattern of existing
landscape elements – including woodlands, hedgerows, farm fields and drains – that define
the working landscape surrounding the Village was created largely by human intervention.
The changes associated with European settlement were superimposed on the pre-existing
natural landscape.
Figure 3.1.2 shows a portion of Map of Caledon Township taken from the Historical Atlas of
Peel County (1877). It illustrates the historic rural working landscape within which Alton
was, and still is, located.
As noted in Section 3.1.2 Historical Growth Pattern, the land was organized for European
settlement through the original layout of a grid of lots and concessions. The land was
generally subdivided into square parcels 100 acres in size. The straight lines of the grid were
superimposed on the natural landscape and did not deviate to recognize natural features such
as steep slopes, rivers, streams, or wetlands. Due to physical constraints, some of the roads
were never constructed and continue to exist as unopened road allowances.
- 74 -

- 75 -

- 76 -

- 77 -

- 78 -

Agriculture put its stamp on the landscape with the clearing of the land, and the layout of
farm fields, hedgerows, laneways and farmsteads. Farm fields were generally rectilinear,
except where a natural feature that could not be cultivated was encountered. Although the
trees were cleared on the hummocky area north of Alton, the pattern of rectilinear fields and
farmsteads is not evident. Here winding driveways of estate properties follow the
topography.
Even some of the wooded areas are the products of human intervention. Their boundaries
have been shaped and squared off by cultivation. Some have been planted. Aside from the
major wooded corridors along Shaws Creek and the Credit River, the woodlands are
fragmented remnants within the rural working landscape. Viewed collectively, these
elements symbolize Alton’s human history and like its natural systems, need to be considered
for retention and reinforcement.
3.2.4 Village Landscape
Historic Village Plan
Alton was first settled by Thomas Russell, who located there in 1834. He owned much of the
land on which the historic Village stood. In 1837, several more families joined him. The first
church – The Congregational Church – was erected in 1847 – and the Methodist and
Presbyterian churches were erected shortly thereafter. The first Grist Mill was built in 1851
and a Post Office was established in 1855. The pride of the Village was the new School
House that still stands on a one-acre lot located on Main Street (Regional Road 136).
Initially, The Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway maintained a station for Alton, east of the
Village proper, but this was rendered redundant when the Credit Valley Railway passed
closer to the core of the Village in the 1870s.
Figure 3.1.4 from the Historical Atlas of Peel County presents the plan of the Village in
1877. This shows a grid form, crossroads community built around the intersection of Queen
Street, running parallel with the Lot Line between Lots 22 and 23 and Shaws Creek, and
Main Street, which was located in the original road allowance between Concessions 3 and 4,
West of Hurontario Street. These happen to intersect very close to the Creek, which meant
that the north west and north east corners of the intersection remained undeveloped. The Plan
also shows the alignment of the new Credit Valley Railway, which was under construction at
that time, swinging south to run down the west side of the Credit River. This plan was
composed of predominantly residential lots measuring one chain (66 feet) by 2½ chains (165
feet), each thereby defining a typical lot area of 8,712 square feet (810 square metres) or 0.25
acres. Certain larger lots were created for the schools and churches.
- 79 -

Contemporary Village Plan
The historic Village plan described above continues to form the majority of the contemporary
Village. As noted in Section 3.1.2 Historical Growth Pattern, some areas in the historic plan
have not developed. In other areas the lot pattern has changed over time, resulting in a
diversity of lot sizes. Building has occurred gradually on the original and modified lots as
shown on Figure 3.2.5 Building Age Analysis. This resulted in a mix and diversity of
building styles. A major new development, the Alton Estates subdivision was erected in the
south west quadrant in the 1980s comprising 129 additional residential lots. The streets
generally follow a grid pattern with some curvilinear portions, but the length of the blocks is
much longer than the historic grid pattern of streets. The lots in this area are considerably
larger than the historic lots in order to provide the required space for septic beds according to
the regulations at that time. Average lot size in this area is approximately 75 feet by 210 feet
deep, thereby defining a typical lot size of 15,750 square feet (1,463 square metres) or 0.36
acres. Figure 3.2.5 Building Age Analysis presents a comparative analysis of typical lot
sizes.
Built Form
Figure 3.2.6 shows the location of the four Built Form Areas defined by Queen and Main
Streets. Figures 3.2.7 to 3.2.17 present photographs of generic building types and
streetscapes found within each of the four quadrants.
These quadrants are based on a combination of existing house types, date of establishment
and built form or community design characteristics such as lot size and rights-of-way. As
outlined in Table 3.2.1 Description of Built Form Areas, the quadrants can be characterized
in the following manner:
• Area One: this newer area of the village is primarily comprised of the Alton Estates
subdivision and characterized by larger lots and setbacks, lower residential densities,
wider rights-of-way, some curvilinear streets and a more suburban community
character with garages fronting the street.
• Area Two: this area is the most historic part of the village with the original lots of
the settlement. The area is characterized by both residential and commercial uses
situated in many of Alton’s most significant historic buildings and located on a grid
street pattern. Many of these lots also back on to Shaws Creek. With the addition of
newer infill development over time, there is a considerable mix and diversity of
housing types and lot sizes in this area of the village.
• Area Three: this area is characterized by a mixture of historic and more
contemporary residential development. The area’s larger lot sizes and setbacks give
it a more rural character than other parts of the village.
• Area Four: similar to area three, this area has a mixture of old and new residential
development, but with a higher average lot size.
- 80 -

- 81 -

Table 3.2.1: Description of Built Form Areas, Village of Alton
Area
Description of Housing
1 1980s bungalows and 2
storey single family
dwellings with garages
2 1850s –1915, mostly
Victorian on Queen and
Main Sts. with areas of
1950 –1979 housing on
the side streets, and some
newer housing
3 Housing from two eras:
Victorian and some
newer ranch-style
housing
4 Housing from two eras:
Victorian, some newer
ranch-style housing
Land
Average Lot
Size (acres)
.49 acres (with
Emeline)
.35 acres
(without
Emeline)
.20 acre to
about ½ acre
.25 acre, .50
acre to 1 acre or
larger
.25 acre to 1
acre or larger
Roads
Average rightof-way
Average Road
Width
(metres/feet) (metres/feet)
20.0 m or 66 ft 8.51 m or 27.9 ft
20 m or 66 ft
and 15m or 50
ft
20m or 66 ft
and 15m or 50
ft
20m or 66 ft
and 15m or 50
ft
6.5 m or 21.3 ft
to 8m or 26 feet
6m or 19.7 ft
5.5m or 18 ft to
6m or 19.7 ft
- 82 -

- 83 -

- 84 -

- 86 -

- 87 -

- 88 -

- 89 -

- 90 -

- 91 -

- 92 -

- 93 -

- 94 -

3.2.5 Socio-Economic Influences
Alton’s varying age groups, income levels and shopping habits can exert a significant
influence on community character. Among others, demographic factors and consumption
patterns help to shape housing types and choices, and the availability of community-based
businesses and services. As communities evolve over time, so do the needs and priorities of
residents. For example, many seniors will need access to services that reduce the need for
mobility.
In this regard, it is conceivable that the aging of Alton’s population will place greater
emphasis on pedestrian connections throughout the village as well as improved accessibility
both on foot and by car to Main and Queen Streets and the commercial services located there.
Coincidentally, this may facilitate and conveniently “dovetail” with improved access for
weekend visitors to Alton and, in the longer run, create new commercial opportunities
locally.
It is also conceivable that Alton residents will generate new businesses to meet these and
other demands – particularly the approximately 19% of Alton residents within the 30 to 39
years of age bracket – the age profile most likely to start up new businesses. It is also likely
that some of these businesses will be home-based ones, relying on information and
communications technology (i.e. computers, e-commerce, the Internet) to run businesses that
are not location specific. At the same time, other new businesses are likely to be very “placebased”,
trading on the historic charm of ex-urban areas such as Alton to differentiate
themselves from the homogeneity of large chain stores in urban areas. An existing example
of the latter is Alton Mill which takes advantage of its unique location within a historic
setting to attract craftspeople and tourists alike to its design-intensive approach to business.
In many respects, healthy communities possess a diversified age structure whereby there is
some balance between labour force participants and retirees, and between young families and
seniors. Among other benefits, this allows for age-specific community facilities such as
schools to remain in continual demand as different households move through a series of life
cycle choices revolving around education, employment, housing and leisure.
To maintain varying age groups as part of its population base, however, Alton will need to
offer a variety of housing types to permit evolution such as aging to take place in-situ. One
example of such housing is the 29-unit seniors residence currently located in Alton. It is also
possible that the 30 to 39 age group in Alton will eventually be looking for housing upgrades.
In this regard, a variety of housing types is important to ensuring community continuity, as
well as accommodating the needs of different income levels. Other kinds of housing types
that would help to achieve these goals include: semi-detached housing, row housing and, in
some instances, estate housing. Through adherence to a common set of community design
guidelines, it is possible to introduce a greater range of housing types while also maintaining
the existing character of the village.
- 95 -

3.2.6 Infrastructure
The various public infrastructures that serve Alton define the public realm of the Village. In
turn, the public space and the changes in standards for infrastructure play an important role in
defining the overall village character.
Streets and Roads
The hierarchy of streets and roads in Alton is fairly straightforward. Main and Queen
Streets, which are both 66 feet (20 metres) wide, continue to serve as the primary commercial
streets serving the Village. Both streets have a combination of residential, commercial, retail
and small-scale industrial land uses.
Main Street was upgraded with curbs and gutters in 1986. In some areas the boulevards have
been paved with asphalt. This provides a walkway and parking space, but does not have the
character of a historic streetscape. Queen Street has a more historic cross section, with
sidewalks on one side only. Both Queen and Main Streets are tree-lined in certain areas. (see
Figures 3.2.9, 3.2.11 , 3.2.13)
Some of the historic back streets such as Charles, Margaret, Thomas and Edmund are also 66
feet (20 metres) wide but typically have much smaller pavements. These either have
sidewalks or open ditches with unpaved shoulders. Many of these streets are tree-lined. The
historic core has been developed incrementally over a long period and consequently the
streetscape has great variety, with many different styles and sizes of buildings and different
setbacks. The diversity, small scale, buildings close to the streets and the large trees create a
sense of enclosure, intimacy and coziness. Interestingly, old photographs show a much more
open atmosphere, as the historic core did not originally have the large trees evident today.
The streetscapes resulting from the historic town plan and the new subdivision are quite
distinct as evident on the air photos of the two areas, Figures 3.18 and 3.19. The Alton
Estates Subdivision reflects modern road design standards and zoning requirements developed
to deal with septic systems and cars. Wider streets unbroken by intersections, larger lots and
houses farther back from the road create a more open feel. The houses were mostly
constructed within the space of three years are similar in style. Most of the streets have no
street trees, and there are sidewalks on only one side.
- 96 -

- 97 -

- 98 -

Storm Drainage
In the historic core, storm drainage is relatively haphazard, and typically collected in open
drains and ditches that ultimately fall into the open streams that run through the Village.
These natural drainage ditches cross private properties in certain locations. While haphazard
the open drains underline the rural character of the Village. Changes or improvements to the
existing storm drainage system could lead to significant changes in village character. For
example, in the Alton Estates subdivision, storm drainage has been designed into the plan.
The lots are graded so that water is directed along the sides of the lots to ditches along the
streets. At certain points the water drains into storm sewers or swales along the lot lines.
There is no suggestion of a natural drainage pattern. Thus, appropriate storm drainage
standards need to be established through the storm water master planning process.
Wastewater Treatment
As noted earlier, sewage in Alton is treated through individual private septic systems.
Changing health standards have resulted in increased lot sizes. New approaches to wastewater
treatment, such as communal sewage disposal systems, could provide more flexibility with
regard to lot sizes, densities and development styles. The form of servicing selected will have
a significant influence on the character of new development areas and could also affect the
historic village if new wastewater services were to be extended to older parts of the
community. For example, the area of a lot that could be redeveloped in the commercial core
would be increased without the need for a septic system.
3.2.7 Public Facilities
The character of most of Ontario’s nineteenth century villages was defined to a great extent
by the character of their public institutions – town halls, registry offices, schools and
churches – as well as by the public space surrounding these buildings. The same kind of
attention needs to be given to our contemporary institutions – arenas, libraries, community
centers, nursing homes – if that strong sense of community character is to carry through the
twenty-first century.
Many of Alton’s historic public buildings – albeit some with new uses - remain in place and
continue to make a strong contribution to the overall character of the Village. These include
the original School House (still serving as a school), churches, and mills (see Figure 3.2.10).
In turn, these have been supplemented by a number of more contemporary public buildings
including the Fire Station, the Community Centre/Library and Pinnacle View Seniors’
Residence.
Greater emphasis needs to be placed on rendering these public facilities as accessible by foot
as they are by automobile and to ensuring that they are well linked with each other as well as
with the evolving network of public sidewalks, trails and parking areas.
- 99 -

3.2.8 Community Services
The various services available to current and future residents of Alton provide an indicator of
the quality of life. This could influence the type of resident that may be attracted to the
community, and therefore, the type of development that may occur. Currently, Alton enjoys
a relatively high level of service, provided from both within and outside of the community.
This in turn is likely to attract a certain kind of resident, such as young families.
The Village Plan must take into account the impacts that the planning scenarios may have on
existing levels of service, and the increased demands for services that higher population
levels could necessitate. In accommodating these needs, it will be important to consider
“best practices” in planning, such as the sharing of space between different community
facilities. For example, the provision of additional recreational space for a school may be
combined with the expansion of recreational facilities connected with a local park. These
kinds of solutions make strategic sense from both a planning and fiscal perspective, and
produce a more compact and vibrant village core.
3.3 Summary of Issues/Next Steps
The analysis of the existing and key community characteristics is a necessary first step in
developing an understanding of the physical and cultural environment of Alton.
Alton began as rural service centre and typical milling and railway village, with a relatively
dense historic core that was built out between 1850 and 1915. More recent development that
has occurred predominantly in the south-west quadrant of the village, is less dense and
contains a building stock that is significantly different than the historic settlement areas. This
dichotomy of building styles – or “characters” – will be taken into account when developing
a Community Plan for the Village.
The information in this Section has assisted in developing the draft Community Planning
Goal, Objectives and Preliminary Design Criteria presented in Chapter 7 of this Report. The
survey of existing conditions, the community character analysis, and the draft goals,
objectives and design criteria will be used to develop and then evaluate a series of
community planning scenarios in Phase 2 of the Study, and will also provide key input into
the Servicing and Environmental Components of the Study.
- 100 -

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT
4.1 Introduction
The Village of Alton is located in the upper portion of the Credit River Watershed within
Subwatershed 18 (main Credit River), Subwatershed 17 (Shaws Creek) and a small portion of
Subwatershed 15 (West Credit River). The Village of Alton is located at the confluence of
Shaws Creek and the Credit River. Figure 4.1.1 shows Alton’s location with respect to the
Credit River Watershed and Figure 4.1.2 shows the larger Environmental Study Area. The
study area for the Environmental Component covered in Chapter 4 encompasses both the
Alton Village Study Area and surrounding areas that have potential environmental connections
and linkages to the formal study area.
The content of this chapter is divided into various environmental components for
hydrogeology, hydrology, terrestrial, fluvial geomorphology, fisheries, benthic invertebrates
and water quality. The projects of key importance, as a source of data, are the Subwatershed
17 Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study and the CVC Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program.
The hydrogeology component evaluates the groundwater resources and characterizes
interactions with surface water. The hydrology component characterizes stream flows as well
as assesses setbacks due to the presence of erosion. The fluvial geomorphological component
evaluates the physical processes of the Credit River, Shaws Creek and tributaries to determine
sensitivity to changes in flow or sediment regimes. The purpose of the terrestrial component is
to characterize and evaluate the sensitivity of the system. The fisheries component will
characterize the fish community and serve as the integrator of all the environmental
components to determine the health of the ecosystem. The water quality component will assess
the existing water quality conditions in all watercourses, including water temperature and
sediment chemistry.
4.2 Hydrogeology Characterization
The hydrogeological characterization of the Environmental Study Area is based on a review
and synthesis of existing data and reported interpretations, as well as the collection of field
data by the CVC and others. The existing data available for the area includes published
geologic reports, subwatershed studies, water well record data and site specific studies.
Streamflow and spot baseflow measurements collected between 1996 and 1999 and in recent
years as part of CVC’s ongoing monitoring programs were analyzed and incorporated into
the discussion provided below.
4.2.1 Introduction
As noted above, the Village of Alton is located in the southeastern portion of the Shaws Creek
Subwatershed, (also referred to as Subwatershed 17). The sections below outline the
- 101 -

- 102 -

- 103 -

geologic and hydrogeologic understanding of the Alton area. For a broader regional
discussion of the upper Credit River Watershed, refer to the CVC Interim Watershed
Characterization Report (CVC, 2008).
4.2.2 Topography and Drainage
Ground surface topography in the Environmental Study Area ranges widely from 350 metres
above mean sea level (mAMSL) along the Credit River southeast of Alton to 465 mAMSL
on the Orangeville Moraine (Figure 4.2.1). A series of broad hills ranging in elevation from
420 to 440 mAMSL lie south of Alton, and northeastern of the Credit River, at an elevation
of 420 to 450 mAMSL. The Credit River and its floodplain form a topographic low across
the Alton area, with a surface topography that slopes from approximately 395 mAMSL at the
north east edge of the Environmental Study Area to 390 mAMSL near Highway 24
(Charleston Sideroad).
The two main branches of Shaws Creek flow into the Environmental Study Area; the western
branch flows from the west and crosses Mississauga Road, and northern branch flows from
the north and crosses at High Point Sideroad (Figure 4.2.1). The western branch of Shaws
Creek drains Caledon Lake (located northwest of Alton), and flows south on the western side
of the Orangeville Moraine, before flowing east towards Alton. The northern branch flows
along the eastern edge of the Orangeville Moraine and joins with the western branch on the
northeastern limits of the Village. The Credit River flows from the northeast and joins with
Shaws Creek east of Alton; the Credit River at Alton Provincially Significant Wetland
Complex lies at the confluence (Stantec, 2002). The wetland is described as treed with local
pockets of standing water and it represents a discharge area east of the Village of Alton. The
Credit River then flows southeastward toward Regional Road 24.
4.2.3 Physiography
North, west and northwest of Alton lies the Orangeville Moraine (Hillsburgh Sandhills;
Chapman and Putnam, 1984; Figure 4.2.2), the most significant physiographic feature in the
Alton area. The Moraine is an ice-contact moraine that formed when three glacial ice lobes
came together during the last glaciation. The Moraine rises up to 40 m above the
surrounding till plain, and consists of interbedded units of sands, gravels, with lesser units of
fine-grained tills, silts and clays.
The Guelph Drumlin Field also lies within the Environmental Study Area, and it lies south of
the Orangeville Moraine, and southwest of Alton. There are only a few drumlins located
near Alton with the closest being approximately 1.6 to 2 km southwest of the village.
The Port Stanley Till Plain extends along the southern and western edges of the Village. The
till plain has locally been dissected by meltwater channels, the most significant being the
Alton Meltwater Channel, which coincides with the modern day Credit River (Figure 4.2.2).
The Alton Meltwater Channel is infilled with sands and gravels and it broadens southward
and eastward towards the village of Cataract.
- 104 -

- 105 -

- 106 -

4.2.4 Quaternary Geology
Quaternary aged overburden sediments in the Alton area provide a complex record of glacial
and interglacial events that took place in the most recent glaciation (Wisconsinan Glaciation).
The last major ice advance began approximately 25,000 years ago, and glacial ice retreated
for the last time from the area approximately 10,000 years ago. Figure 4.2.2 illustrates the
distribution of surficial deposits that exist in the Alton area. The following section outlines
the conceptual understanding of the overburden sediments in the Environmental Study Area,
and briefly describes the depositional environment under which these deposits were laid
down.
The oldest Quaternary sediments existing in the Environmental Study Area are found at the
base of a deep buried bedrock valley that underlies the modern day Credit River. These
deposits consist of interbeds of coarse-grained and fine-grained sediments that were mapped
east of the Alton area in the Toronto area (Eyles and Eyles, 1983). There are no surficial
exposures of these sediments within the Alton area, and there is a limited amount of deep
borehole information within these deposits, and therefore, the distribution and extent of the
sediments is poorly understood.
‘Scarborough Sands’ Equivalent: It is interpreted that at the base of many of the buried
bedrock valley lies a sand unit that overlies the bedrock surface. These sands may be
equivalent to sands mapped in the Toronto area as the Scarborough Sands (see Kassenaar and
Wexler, 2006). The unit is interpreted to have been deposited during the Early Wisconsinan
glacial stage (80,000- 53,000 years ago; Berger and Eyles, 1994). Within the Alton area, the
sand and gravel deposits found at the base of the bedrock valley are interpreted to be
glaciofluvial deposits laid down as meltwater was funneled along these topographic lows in
the bedrock.
‘Sunnybrook Diamict’ Equivalent: Overlying the Scarborough Sands lies a bed of finegrained
glaciolacustrine clay, or clay diamict referred to in the Toronto area, as the
‘Sunnybrook Diamict’ (Kassenaar and Wexler, 2006). The fine-grained unit in the Alton
area is interpreted to have been laid down during this same time period when water levels in
the valley were ponded, and fine-grained sediments were deposited.
Thorncliffe Formation Equivalent: A unit of coarse-grained sands is interpreted to lie
within the bedrock valley overlying the Sunnybrook Equivalent unit described above. This
unit is mapped east of the area as the ‘Thorncliffe Formation’ and those sediments, as well as
those in the Alton area, are interpreted to have been deposited during the Middle
Wisconsinan (53,000 to 25,000 years ago; Berger and Eyles, 1994), when meltwater was
channeled along the bedrock valleys.
Northern Till: Approximately 25,000 to 18,000 years ago (Nissouri Stadial; Berger and
Eyles, 1994), the Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced through southern Ontario depositing the
Northern Till across much of southern Ontario. Within the Alton area, the till is buried and
- 107 -

described as sandy silt till with coarse-grained lenses of stratified sands, and ranges in
thickness from 10 to 30 m (Cowan, 1976).
Port Stanley Till: The continental scale Laurentide Ice Sheet broke up into a series of
sublobes that advanced independently 15,000 to 14,000 years ago (Port Bruce Stadial; Berger
and Eyles, 1994). The Port Stanley Till, a stony sandy-silt till was deposited subglacially
across the Alton area (Figure 4.2.2; Cowan, 1976).
Ice Contact Stratified Drift deposits north of Alton were laid down during the creation of the
Orangeville Moraine at the end of the Port Bruce Stadial (Figure 4.2.2). These deposits are
interbedded with the Port Stanley Till in places on the flanks of the Orangeville Moraine.
Tavistock Till: The Tavistock Till was deposited at the same time as the Port Stanley Till,
and it is mapped at surface near Alton. The till is less than 12 m thick, and is described as
having a clayey silt matrix. It commonly underlies the Orangeville Moraine though in places
along the margins of the moraine, Tavistock Till overlies sands and gravels of the Moraine,
and contains thin sandy interbeds (Figure 4.2.2; Cowan, 1976).
Mackinaw Interstadial and Post- Mackinaw Interstadial Sediments: The ice lobes melted
and the climate warmed in the Mackinaw Interstade (14,000 to 13,200 years ago; Barnett,
1992) leading to the deposition of outwash sand and gravels within the Alton area (Figure
4.2.2) including the meltwater channel deposits present in the Alton area (Alton Meltwater
Channel). These sediments are present at surface east of Alton along the Credit River, and
are mapped as glaciofluvial sands and gravels (Figure 4.2.2). These coarse-grained deposits
are considered a valuable aggregate source in the area, and gravel pits are commonly
developed within these deposits.
In addition to the meltwater channel deposits, recent alluvial sediments composed of sands,
gravels, silts and clays have been eroded, transported and deposited by the Credit River and
Shaws Creek over the Holocene period (last 10,000 years) and the location of these
sediments are illustrated on Figure 4.2.2.
4.2.5 Bedrock Geology
The uppermost (youngest) bedrock unit across much of the Environmental Study Area is the
Amabel Formation, a porous dolostone unit that acts as a productive groundwater aquifer
throughout the region (Figure 4.2.3). The Amabel Formation, and the underlying bedrock
units, slope gently to the west. The buried bedrock valley that underlies the Credit River
eroded the surface of the Amabel Formation, beneath the eastern portions of the Village of
Alton and the area east and southeast of Alton (Figure 4.2.3). Bedrock outcrops at surface
along Queen Street (west of Main Street) within Alton, and also along the banks of the Credit
River at Highway 24 and the Credit River at Cataract Road (Figure 4.2.2).
Stratigraphically underlying the Amabel Formation are the formations of the Clinton and
Cataract Groups (Figure 4.2.3). The Clinton Group contains the Fossil Hill Formation
dolostone, and the Cataract Group consists of (from youngest to oldest), the Cabot Head
- 108 -

- 109 -

Formation shale, the Manitoulin Formation dolostone (with shale) and the Whirlpool
Formation sandstone (Figure 4.2.3).
The Queenston Formation shale underlies the entire area, but is deeply buried beneath much
of the Alton area (Figure 4.2.3), and outcrops southeast of the Alton area near Cataract along
the banks of the Credit River. The shale has a characteristic red colour and is easily
weathered.
4.2.6 Bedrock Topography
Figure 4.2.4 illustrates the bedrock topographic surface of the Alton area. This map was
created by interpolating bedrock surface elevations reported in bedrock wells (also illustrated
on Figure 4.2.4). The bedrock surface was created using MOE water well records that are
reported to have a reliability of their location less than or equal to 300 m. An initial surface
was created using all the wells that intersect bedrock. Then, deep overburden wells were
used to identify areas where the reported depth of overburden is greater than the first bedrock
surface. These types of wells help identify the location of deep buried bedrock valleys. The
bedrock surface is then updated using these deep overburden wells and bedrock wells using
the ‘Natural Neighbour’ gridding algorithm at a 50 m grid spacing.
As illustrated on Figure 4.2.4, the bedrock surface is highly irregular due to the presence of a
buried bedrock valley that underlies the modern day Credit River. The valley is interpreted
to have been eroded fluvially (or glaciofluvially) when drainage was focused along the
bedrock for an extensive period of time, leading to the erosion of river valleys in the bedrock
surface. Glacial processes may also have modified and enhanced the fluvial paleodrainage
such that some local portions of the valley may be overdeepened. The buried bedrock valley
trends from Orangeville in the north, towards Cataract in the south, and the base of the valley
extends to a maximum reported depth of 80 m below ground surface (Figure 4.2.4).
Outside these valley features, the bedrock lies at an elevation of approximately 410 to 435
mAMSL and dips towards the Credit River to a reported low of approximately 330 mAMSL
(near Credit River at Second Line West; Figure 4.2.4). Within the valley, the bedrock
surface is poorly understood due to the limited borehole data; however, the bedrock surface
is interpreted to be undulating and ranges from an elevation of 350 to 330 mAMSL.
4.2.7 Hydrostratigraphy
Hydrostratigraphy in the Alton area is highly variable with both overburden (sand and
gravel) and bedrock (Amabel Formation) aquifers. Thick unconfined sand and gravel
aquifers associated with the Orangeville Moraine dominate the topography west of Alton;
however within the Village, overburden thins, or pinches out completely where bedrock
outcrops at ground surface at Shaws Creek. The bedrock valley and the meltwater channel
that runs beneath the modern day Credit River also plays host to overburden aquifers. Some
of the aquifers in the area are confined, however most are semi-confined to unconfined.
Along the Credit River, the regional till plains (e.g. Port Stanley Till) were eroded away by
the
- 110 -

- 111 -

edrock valley are unconfined to semi-confined in places where fine-grained (glacio)
meltwater channel associated with the Credit River. As such, the aquifers within the buried
lacustrine or organic material lies at surface.
4.2.8 Groundwater Flow
Groundwater flow in the Environmental Study Area is largely controlled by ground surface
topography and the relative ease with which water can flow through the overburden and
bedrock units. Shallow and deep groundwater flow contours (Figures 4.2.5 and 4.2.6) in the
Alton area were developed to visualize groundwater flow through the Environmental Study
Area. These maps were created by interpolating static water levels reported in MOE water
well records and higher quality monitoring and observation wells from the Region of Peel.
The water levels reported on the MOE water well records correspond to water levels
measured by well drillers after the well was drilled. The shallow potentiometric surface map
was created by using wells that are completed at depths ranging from 0 to 25 m below
ground surface, while the deep potentiometric surface map was created by using wells
completed at depths greater than 25 m below ground surface. The deep potentiometric
surface map was created by identifying water wells having a depth greater than 25 m. The
reported water level elevation at each well was then gridded using Natural Neighbour
interpolation at a 50m grid spacing.
Stream elevation for all streams with a Strahler stream order classification greater than 2,
were estimated from the digital elevation model (DEM) and these data were also included to
create the shallow potentiometric surface map (Figure 4.2.5). While it is recognized that
second order streams may not always be perennial, and therefore representative of the water
table condition, it was assumed that those streams generally have interaction with
groundwater at the subwatershed scale. Adding these data to the shallow potentiometric
surface map was found to be helpful to better visualize the shallow groundwater flow system.
The shallow potentiometric surface contours (Figure 4.2.5) generally follow topographic
relief, with the highest water level elevations (450 mAMSL) located west, northwest and
northeast of Alton, and they generally decline towards the Credit River (405 mAMSL), and
Shaws Creek. South of Alton the shallow potentiometric surface declines in a southeastward
direction towards the Niagara Escarpment.
Similar trends are observed in the deep groundwater potentiometric surface map (Figure
4.2.6). Deep groundwater flow is very similar to the shallow groundwater flow with
groundwater moving from the west and east towards the Credit River and the underlying
bedrock valley feature. The buried bedrock valley underlying the Credit River is interpreted
to be infilled largely with coarse-grained sediments and some finer-grained material, and as
such it is interpreted to have the ability to transmit significant volumes of water infiltrated
from the upgradient areas that include the Orangeville Moraine, and surrounding areas.
- 112 -

- 113 -

- 114 -

4.2.9 Recharge and Discharge Areas
A FEFLOW groundwater flow model was created for the Credit River Watershed as part of a
regional water budget initiative, and the model was used to examine the model predicted
groundwater recharge and discharge within the Alton area (see AquaResource, 2008).
Figure 4.2.7 illustrates the difference between the model predicted water table and shallow
bedrock potentiometric surface in the Alton area. Areas identified in blue are portions of the
Environmental Study Area where the water table elevation is at least 10 cm higher than the
bedrock groundwater level surface and groundwater flow is directed downwards from
overburden to the bedrock. Green areas illustrate areas where the water table elevation is at
least 10 cm lower than the bedrock groundwater level surface, and groundwater flow is
directed upwards. The white areas represent areas where the difference between the water
table and bedrock groundwater level surface is less than 10 cm in either vertical direction.
Only those areas that have a significant vertical difference in groundwater elevation are
illustrated, to emphasize the vertical gradients within the Environmental Study Area.
The most significant upward gradients occur along the Credit River, the Alton Meltwater
Channel and the Credit River at Alton Provincially Significant Wetland complex located east
of Alton along the floodplain of the Credit River. Upward gradients are also predicted along
reaches of Shaws Creek, and isolated wetlands south and west of Alton.
Downward gradients were simulated by the groundwater flow model to lie in areas across the
Orangeville Moraine where the coarse-grained sediments rapidly transmit water downward to
the underlying groundwater system (Figure 4.2.7). In areas where sands overlie lower
permeability units in the stratified drift, groundwater flow is interpreted to be directed
horizontally, toward local drainage features such as wetlands, creeks or rivers on the flanks
or the base of the moraine. Where the sands of the Moraine overlie permeable bedrock, or
are in direct contact with the bedrock valley system, more regional groundwater flow is
likely to occur.
4.2.10 Hydrostratigraphy
Three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic interpretations include identification of the vertical and
horizontal extent, continuity and connectivity of hydrogeologic units in the subsurface and
their connectivity. Hydrostratigraphic units are derived from stratigraphic units based on
their general hydrogeologic properties. Units that are primarily composed of coarser grained
materials (e.g. sands, gravels and silts) are referred to as aquifers and units composed of
lower permeability units (e.g. clay, till) are referred to as aquitards. These units are not
grouped solely on lithology as fracturing or weathering may increase the ability of a low
permeability unit such as clay or shale to transmit modest amounts of groundwater such that
it may be considered a weak aquifer.
- 115 -

- 116 -

The following hydrostratigraphic units in Table 4.2.1 below were identified in the Alton area.
Table 4.2.1: Hydrostratigraphy of the Alton Area
Hydrostratigraphic Unit
Zone
Name
Stratigraphic Units Represented
Upper Aquifer Overburden Ice-Contact Drift, Mackinaw Interstadial sand and gravel
Intermediate Till Aquitard Overburden Port Stanley, Tavistock, and Northern Till
Intermediate Aquifer Overburden Sand/ gravel outwash; (Thorncliffe Equivalent)
Basal Aquitard Overburden Fine-grained glaciolacustrine valley infill sediments; (Sunnybrook
Drift or Equivalent)
Basal Aquifer Overburden Coarse-grained (glacio) fluvial valley infill sediments
(Scarborough Sands or Equivalent)
Weathered Bedrock Bedrock Contact zone, upper 3-5 m of weathered bedrock outside valleys
Guelph/ Amabel Aquifer Bedrock Guelph/ Amabel Formations
Cabot Head Aquitard Bedrock Cabot Head Formation
Manitoulin / Whirlpool Aquifer Bedrock Manitoulin / Whirlpool Formations
Queenston Aquitard Bedrock Queenston Formation
Georgian Bay Aquitard Bedrock Georgian Bay Formation
The Amabel Formation is a highly transmissive bedrock aquifer resulting from significant
secondary porosity features such as fractures, joints, and vugs (Singer et al, 2003). In some
portions of the Alton area, overburden overlying the Amabel Formation is thin and the
aquifer is susceptible to surficial sources of contamination.
The Orangeville Moraine is a regionally significant overburden aquifer especially in the
northwestern reaches of the Alton area. The geology of the moraine is very complex, and
consists of interbedded aquifer and aquitard materials referred to as ‘stratified drift’.
Similarly, the meltwater deposits located in the Alton area are also productive overburden
aquifers for private water users; however the unconfined nature of the sands and gravels
leaves them susceptible to surficial contamination.
The buried bedrock valley in the Alton area is currently used by the Village of Alton for its
water supply. The water supply wells derive their groundwater from an upper aquifer
associated with the meltwater channel, as well as deeper sands and gravels potentially
equivalent to the Thorncliffe or Scarborough Sands mapped east of the Environmental Study
Area in the Toronto area (Eyles and Eyles, 1983; Eyles et al., 1985).
4.2.11 Cross- Sections
Several cross-sections were prepared based on Ministry of the Environment water well
record information and available high quality monitoring and observation data from the
Region of Peel. The data stored within the water well records provides information
regarding; depth to bedrock, overburden thickness, general geologic sequence, location of
- 117 -

water bearing units, and a static water level elevation at each well. These wells were used to
construct cross-sections through the Environmental Study Area to develop an improved
understanding of the connectivity and geometry of the overburden aquifers and aquitards,
and the bedrock units in the area. The location of the cross-sections is illustrated on Figure
4.2.6, and the cross-sections are illustrated on Figures 4.2.8 to 4.2.10. Additional crosssections
through the Alton area were consulted and reviewed as part of this study (see
AquaResource, 2007).
Three local scale cross-sections were generated and interpreted within the Alton area to
refine the local level understanding of the geology and hydrogeology. Cross-section A-A’
(Figure 4.2.8) runs from northwest to southeast and this cross-section illustrates the broad
range in overburden thickness and bedrock topography. Thick sand and gravel deposits of
the Orangeville Moraine are present in the northwest portion of the section, and interstadial
sediments also appear at depth beneath the upper till (Port Stanley Till). Overburden thins
dramatically along the cross-section and pinches out to less than 10 m in the southeast
portion of the cross-section.
Cross-section C-C’ (Figure 4.2.9) illustrates the presence of the buried bedrock valley
intersected by the Caledon Village Well 4 production well, and the thin overburden overlying
bedrock in areas west of the Credit River. There are very few boreholes intersecting the
bedrock valley in this area for use in interpreting the infill of the buried valley, and as such,
the nature of the aquifer and aquitard material infilling the valley remains poorly understood.
Cross-sections E-E’ (Figure 4.2.10) obliquely intersects the Alton Meltwater Channel and
the underlying buried bedrock valley. This cross-section illustrates the significant
uncertainty associated with the valley infill sediments and the elevation of the bedrock
topography in this area. There are very few wells in the valley that extend to depth, and
those that penetrate to depth contain very general geologic descriptors such as well 4900907
which contains 50 m of ‘sand’ (depth of 29 to 80.7 m below ground surface). It is likely that
there are interbeds of finer grained material or changes in grain size over that 50 m segment;
however, more detailed information was not available in the water well record.
4.2.12 Groundwater Quality
The Village of Alton is serviced by a municipal water supply system and individual septic
systems. The municipal supply system consists of two twinned wells (1-2 and 3-4), both of
which have experienced water quality issues over the past 10 years relating to rising nitrate,
sodium and chloride concentrations (AquaResource, 2007). The rising concentrations are
attributed to the nearby septic systems within the Village and road salting practices. Alton
Wells 1-2 were taken offline due to water quality concerns, and they currently act as
emergency supply wells. The water quality concerns indicate that the Alton 3-4 municipal
aquifer may also be susceptible to surficial contamination, and tritium analysis conducted on
Alton 3-4 estimated the water in the municipal aquifer is relatively young (less than 30 years;
Stantec, 2002).
- 118 -

- 119 -

- 120 -

- 121 -

Caledon Village also obtains water for the Village from a well (Well 4) completed in the
deep sand and gravel overburden aquifer within the buried bedrock valley east of Alton.
Water quality in this municipal aquifer is good, and results from 1996 to 2001 show nitrate
and sodium concentrations well below the Ontario Drinking Water Standards (ODWS). The
only water quality exceedences are associated with iron, turbidity (interpreted to be
associated with the elevated iron) and hardness. These elevated concentrations are likely to
be associated with the bedrock aquifers (dolostone and shale), rather than surficial sources of
contamination.
Streamflow Measurements
CVC’s historical spot streamflow measurement locations are illustrated on Figure 4.2.11 and
listed in Table 4.2.2. Historical spot flow measurements were collected at various locations
in Subwatersheds 16 and 18 in 1996 and 1997 (see CVC, 1997 for additional information),
and additional measurements were collected on July 7 and Nov. 10, 1999 and in the summer
of 2005 in Subwatershed 17.
The spot streamflow measurements were made using either the cross-sectional area-velocity
technique or a direct measurement using a calibrated pail and stopwatch. Each of the
measurement locations are near road crossings for ease of access. The area-velocity method
represents a direct measurement of water velocity, channel width and channel depth at
various points within a watercourse. The direct measurement method was used only where
conditions permitted, such as for a relatively low flow exiting a raised culvert. Both methods
were used to calculate volumetric flow within the channel at that location.
- 122 -

Table 4.2.2: Spot Baseflow Measurements Summary Table
Flow (L/s)
Station
ID
Aug-
1996
Oct-
1996
Jul-
1997
Aug-
1997
7-Jul-
1999
10-Nov-
1999
6-Jun-
2005
20-Jun-
2005
11-Jul-
2005
8-Aug-
2005
1 449* 487* 820* 475* 383 364* 433 480 331 322
2 -- -- -- -- 12 30 22 25 13 11
3 -- -- -- -- -- -- 10 14 2 3
4 -- -- -- -- -- -- 26 11 5 8
5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
6 -- -- -- -- -- -- 269 286 200 196
7 -- -- -- -- -- -- 35 44 27 30
8 -- -- -- -- -- -- 260 270 189 191
9 -- -- -- -- -- -- 304 271 241 199
10 -- -- -- -- -- -- 69 67 53 50
11 -- -- -- -- -- -- 382 405 296 291
12 -- -- -- -- -- -- 77 78 49 46
13 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
14 -- -- -- -- -- -- 60 47 31 37
15 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
16a -- -- -- -- -- -- 130 134 123 118
16b -- -- -- -- -- -- 167 174 150 99
17 -- -- -- -- 349 487 471 474 318 306
18 -- -- -- -- 363 610 † 417 462 294 347
19 -- -- -- -- -- -- 80 77 53 42
20 -- -- -- -- -- -- 73 73 50 45
21 -- -- -- -- -- -- 65 72 54 42
22 -- -- -- -- 3 16 12 12 8 6
23 510 584 495 568 381 489 -- -- -- --
24 5 4 7 3 1 2 -- -- -- --
25 -- -- 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- --
26 964 1075 1322 1046 784 855 -- -- -- --
27 1323 1486 1459 1587 869 1316 -- -- -- --
25-
Jun-
1996
25-
Oct-
1996
15-
Jan-
1997
22-
Apr-
1997
29-May-
1997
19-
Jun-
1997
24-Jun-
1997
2-Jul-
1997
28 432 36 115 415 448 142 151 103 50
-- = No data collected.
* = Estimated by subtracting the sum of locations 23, 24, & 25 from 26.
† = Suspected to be incorrect due to measurement error.
XX = the lowest recorded measurements are bold underlined.
6-Aug-
1997
- 123 -

- 124 -

The following comments are made with regard to the flow measurement results:
• The flow in the north branch of Shaws Creek (north of Alton Village, from Station 22 to
2) indicates there is significant groundwater discharge within this reach. The flow
measurements at Highpoint Sideroad (Station 22) may be influenced by the pond located
immediately north of Highpoint Sideroad. This reach is expected to receive groundwater
recharged locally along the east edge of the ice contact deposit that is immediately
adjacent to the stream. The rise in topography and hummocky topography associated
with the Orangeville Moraine results in enhanced recharge and steady groundwater flow
into this portion of Shaws Creek.
• The west branch of Shaws Creek between Stations 17 and 18 loses and gains water in
different times of the year depending on the elevation of the water table (see Table 4.2.2
above). This portion of the creek flows through areas where bedrock lies very close to
the ground surface; as such when the water table is high, discharge to Shaws Creek
occurs, and when the water table is low (below the base of the creek), groundwater
recharge from the creek to the groundwater system occurs.
• The significant streamflows within Shaws Creek at Mississauga Road are likely due to
similar recharge/ discharge relationship with the coarse-grained sediments located at the
north edge of the Environmental Study Area. The topography suggests that some of the
water discharged to this stream north of the Environmental Study Area is recharged
within the Environmental Study Area.
• The north branch of Shaws Creek from Caledon Lake to the main branch (Station 6 to 8)
may also be losing a minor amount of surface water to the groundwater system in this
area.
Additional spot baseflows measurements were collected from 1999 to 2008, on the Credit
River at Highway 24 (Station 27), and at the Alton gauge on Shaws Creek (Station 18, with
exception of 2004), as outlined on Table 4.2.3.
The streamflow data and the conceptual understanding of the hydrogeology and hydrology of
the area suggests the Credit River and portions of Shaws Creek act as local groundwater
discharge features (see Figure 4.2.7).
Local conditions existing along the Credit River may lead to isolated areas of locally
significant groundwater discharge that have not been measured by this study. Local scale
fisheries data may provide a better indication of local discharge conditions within the Credit
River and Shaws Creek on a reach-by-reach basis.
- 125 -

Table 4.2.3: Spot Baseflows for Credit River and Shaws Creek 1999-2008
Flow (L/s)
Date Credit River at Regional Rd 24
Shaws Creek at Alton Gauge (Station 18)
(Cataract; Station 27)
28-Jul-1999 663 187
12-Jul-2000 1161 434
28-Aug-2000 1293 493
7-Jun-2001 1879 763
*Aug-2001 751 216
2-Jul-2002 1103 415
29-Aug-2002 672 268
12-Sep-2002 699 203
3-Jul-2003 797 287
21-Aug-2003 656 243
12-Sep-2003 529 267
26-Jul-2004 943 --
10-Aug-2004 909 --
24-Aug-2004 869 --
10-Jun-2005 1041 436
24-Jun-2005 955 384
13-Jul-2005 1000 360
10-Aug-2005 828 318
16-Jun-2006 1258 603
6-Jul-2006 1209 470
25-Jul-2006 1205 476
22-Aug-2006 893 287
15-Jun-2007 884 372
26-Jul-2007 772 364
16-Jul-2008 1150 412
* - Credit River measurements were collected on Aug. 7, 2001 and Shaws Creek measurements were collected
on Aug. 14, 2001.
4.2.13 Summary of Conceptual Hydrogeologic Model
The geology and hydrogeology of the Alton area was outlined in the previous sections, and
the following represents a summary of the understanding of the hydrogeology of the Alton
area.
• Groundwater recharge in the Alton area is moderate to high. Recharge rates within
the till units will be generally lower, while rates through the Orangeville Moraine
outside Alton will be much higher.
• The Amabel Formation bedrock transmits water toward the Credit River and
associated bedrock valley system as the underlying Cabot Head and Queenston
Formation shales force water laterally towards groundwater discharge features.
• A deep buried bedrock valley lies beneath the modern day Credit River. This valley
is infilled with a variety of materials, but is largely permeable near the surface due to
- 126 -

the presence of a coarse-grained meltwater channel that lies at surface. These
permeable materials are interpreted to be hydraulically connected to the River.
• Groundwater discharge to the Credit River varies seasonally, annually, or spatially
along the length of the River. Based on the geologic setting and baseflow data
collected on Shaws Creek and the Credit River in the Alton area, Shaws Creek and
the Credit River have the potential to receive significant local and/or regional
discharge.
4.2.14 Sensitivity of the Groundwater System
The sensitivity of the groundwater system was assessed based on the understanding the
geology and hydrogeology of the Alton area. This includes an understanding of where
groundwater originates (the source and distribution of recharge), where it discharges (the
receptor), and the most prominent path it travels between these points. The sensitivity of the
system to changes in these components is examined and outlined below. The Environmental
Study Area was divided into several “areas of interest” based on geologic conditions, to
highlight potential impacts that may arise due to changes in land use. These areas of interest
are shown in Figure 4.2.12.
Area 1 – Low to Moderate Sensitivity Zone
Geologic Setting: Sandy silt Port Stanley Till overlying dolostone bedrock of the Amabel
Formation.
Primary Groundwater Function: Recharge through the Port Stanley Till Plain identified on
Figure 4.2.12 is considered to be low to moderate; however, locally it may be enhanced by
hummocky topography or limited till thickness. The high transmissivity of the underlying
bedrock directs groundwater flow towards the Credit River (or locally to Shaws Creek).
Groundwater recharging into this unit contributes to the groundwater discharge in the Credit
River (and locally to Shaws Creek and the Credit River at Alton PSW).
Potential Impacts- Water Quantity: A reduction in infiltration in this zone may lead to a
reduction in baseflow into the Credit River, Shaws Creek, or the Credit River at Alton PSW;
however, in localized areas where the till thickness is greater than 5 to 10 m, the recharge
through the till (and subsequent baseflow contribution) is interpreted to be minor and as such
the sensitivity in these areas will be lower than areas where the thickness of till is greater.
Potential Impacts- Water Quality: Area 1 is identified as an area that may be able to accept
septic effluent based on the overburden thickness; however, where the water table is high,
and the till thickness is low, the groundwater flow system may be susceptible to
contamination from septic effluent or other surficial sources. Site-specific studies should be
conducted to characterize the conditions present at locations within this zone to confirm the
nature of the overburden, water table elevation, and depth to bedrock.
- 127 -

- 128 -

Area 2 – Moderate to High Sensitivity Zone
Geologic Setting: Thick deposit of permeable materials associated with the Orangeville
Moraine (sand, gravel) that are interbedded with finer-grained sediments. Topography is
hummocky in places, and the underlying bedrock formation is the Amabel Formation
dolostone and Cabot Head Shale.
Primary Groundwater Function: The Orangeville Moraine represents a significant recharge
area as the sediments lying at surface are permeable, and the hummocky topography
enhances the recharge across the area. Local flow systems provide discharge to Shaws Creek
(and its tributaries) and also to the regional groundwater flow system.
Potential Impacts- Water Quantity: Areas that have permeable deposits lying at surface are
important sources of local recharge and discharge. Reducing the infiltration on the
Orangeville Moraine may decrease the baseflow contribution the Shaws Creek, the Credit
River, or the several creeks, streams and wetlands located on the flanks of the moraine.
Proposed land use changes within this zone should be assessed on a detailed site-specific
basis.
Potential Impacts- Water Quality: Based on the coarse-grained nature of the Orangeville
Moraine deposits, and the transmissivity of the underlying bedrock, the addition of septic
systems or other surficial sources of contamination (e.g. road salting) within this area has the
potential to cause water quality related issues for residents living in this area and areas
downgradient.
Area 3 – High Sensitivity Zone
Geologic Setting: This zone consists of a few geologic units that include the meltwater
channel outwash and glaciofluvial deposits, as well as areas where bedrock (Amabel
Formation) outcrops at ground surface. There are thick permeable outwash deposits (sand
and gravel) situated along the Credit River valley and also beneath the Credit River within
the buried bedrock valley system.
Primary Groundwater Function: In areas of this zone where the water table lies below the
ground surface the area will act as a local recharge area feeding water horizontally to the
Credit River, Shaws Creek or other surface water features. Where the water table lies at or
near ground surface (for example at the confluence of Shaws Creek and the Credit River)
groundwater discharges and sustains the ecological integrity of the River/ Creek and PSW at
this location.
Potential Impacts- Water Quantity: Areas of permeable deposits (overburden or well
fractured bedrock) that lie at ground surface are important sources of local recharge.
Reduction in infiltration within this zone has a strong potential to reduce the baseflow in the
Credit River, Shaws Creek or nearby surface water features and wetlands. Proposed land use
changes within this zone should be assessed on a detailed site-specific basis.
- 129 -

Potential Impacts- Water Quality: Based on the high transmissivity of the units and the
proximity to the Credit River and Shaws Creek, contaminants released at the surface (e.g.
fertilizers, road salting) or beneath the surface (e.g. septic systems) have the potential to
impact the shallow water table aquifers, and also the water quality in the surface water
features. Water quality impacts relating to septic systems within the Village of Alton have
been reported by the Region of Peel.
4.2.15 Next Steps
The completion of the sensitivity analysis serves as the background from which additional
interpretations regarding the sensitivity characterization of the Alton area to land use changes
will be assessed. The assessment will be made in conjunction with the results of the
hydrology, geomorphology, fisheries and assimilative capacity components.
The next steps include the following:
• Complete the receiving water assessment for each specified scenario and preferred
alternative(s) by conducting mass balance analyses in conjunction with water quality
specialists.
• Determine if additional field work (beyond that outlined above) is needed. One
specific investigation could be to define, through water quality sampling, what water
quality impacts, on both the shallow groundwater and the Credit River, may be
related to the Alton village septic effluent plume.
• Consider new technologies and their efficiency in minimizing impacts on receiving
bodies and natural features.
• Prepare a Draft Environmental Management Plan in conjunction with fisheries, water
quality, terrestrial and geomorphologic components.
• Prepare an Environmental Management Plan based on the results of the first three
phases of the Alton Village Study.
- 130 -

4.3 Hydrology Characterization
4.3.1 Introduction
This component of the study includes:
• Delineation of surface drainage patterns by interpretation of topographic and soils
mapping
• Inventory and characterization of the existing watercourses using field observations and
air photo interpretation.
• Inventory of the Floodlines with the use of existing Credit Valley Conservation (CVC)
floodplain mapping studies
• Research of existing studies to determine return event flows in the Environmental Study
Area
• Water balance assessment
• Research of existing Stormwater Management Reports to determine existing and
proposed levels of stormwater control
• Low flow statistics assessment
Figures 4.3.1, 4.3.2 and 4.3.4 can be referenced for the mapping results of the above
mentioned points. These points are discussed in detail below.
4.3.2 Work Completed
Surface Drainage
There are three general soil types in the Environmental Study Area. The northwest portion of
the Environmental Study Area (west of Shaws Creek and north of the Alton Branch of Shaws
Creek) is identified as part of the Orangeville Moraine, which is mainly sand. The area south
of the Alton branch and west of the main branch is dominated by sandy silt to sandy till.
The third broad area of floodplain and surrounding lands along the main branch of the Credit
River is definable in two sub-reaches. The first is north of Beech Grove Sideroad [i.e. the
MNR Grange property] which is a combination of organic deposits (peat and muck) and
alluvium [gravel, sand, silt, clay, muck] closely associated with the river. South of Beech
Grove Sideroad (i.e. Osprey Valley golf course) similar alluvium occurs, along the river, in
addition to large glaciofluvial deposits (mainly gravel) at the edge and beyond the flood
plain.
The general soil conditions noted above create recharge characteristics for the Environmental
Study Area ranging from medium to very high. The infiltration rates of these soils result in
little surface runoff from frequent rain events, and surface drainage swales are not created.
Consequently, the overall drainage density of watercourses is relatively low. The existing
watercourses are largely a reflection of shallow groundwater input due to high infiltration
and recharge.
- 131 -

Watercourses and Monitoring Stations
The main branches of the Credit River, Shaws Creek, and the Alton Branch of Shaws Creek,
are the principal watercourses in the Environmental Study Area. Figure 4.3.1 illustrates the
Water Survey Canada (WSC) stream gauges and CVC Spot flow monitoring stations in the
Environmental Study Area.
Floodplain mapping for these watercourses suggests that erosion constraints would be
generally contained within the floodplain limits. Watercourses that have less significant
floodplains and those which do not have existing floodplain mapping were inspected,
reviewed on air photos, and characterized. The watercourses were defined as having
intermittent or permanent flow conditions, and having existing erosion or having no erosion.
Erosion was identified as observable channel bed, bank or valley contact erosion. Some
intermittent watercourses have discontinuous channel forms due to areas where heavy
vegetation dominates the drainage feature (e.g. cattails).
Two notable historic mill ponds and dams exist as on-line features of the Alton Branch of
Shaws Creek. Other notable ponds include those on the Osprey Valley golf course. These
ponds are a result of past gravel extraction activity and recent development.
Floodplains
Existing floodplain mapping for the Credit Rivers and Shaws Creek has been reviewed and
scale reduced on Figure 4.3.2.
Return Event Flows
Recent hydrologic analysis in the Subwatersheds 16 (Caledon Creek), 17 (Shaws Creek) and
18 (Upper Credit) Subwatershed Studies was reviewed and a summary of the return event
flows, at key locations along the Credit River and Shaws Creek is presented here. The points
of interest are illustrated on Figure 4.3.3. The return event flows were calculated using the
three parameter log normal distribution fitted using the method of moments (LN3P MM) and
are shown in Table 4.3.1 and in Figure 4.3.4. The streamflow data used to calculate these
return event flows originates from two sources, including:
• CVC Subwatershed 16 and 18 Study (GAWSER simulation); and
• CVC Subwatershed 17 GAWSER simulation applied for this report.
- 132 -

- 133 -

- 134 -

Table 4.3.1: Return Event Flows (m 3 /s) for Points of Interest on the Credit River,
Caledon Creek and Shaws Creek (1960-2005)
ID
Point of Interest
Credit River
CR1 Credit River u/s of Shaws
Return Period (Yr)
2 5 10 25 50 100 Regional
1
3.7 9.1 14.6 19 21.7 26.7 75.8
CR2 Credit River d/s Shaws
Creek 1
CR3 Credit River u/s Caledon
Creek 1
CR4 Credit River d/s Caledon
Creek 1
Caledon Creek
CC1 Caledon Creek at the
Credit River 1
Shaws Creek
SC1 Inflow to Caledon Lake 2 2.4 3.3 3.9 4.6 5.1 5.6 --
SC2 Outflow from Caledon
Lake 2
SC3
Confluence of Upper and
West Shaws Creek
branches 2 5.7 8.1 9.6 11.3 12.5 13.7 --
5.7 8.1 9.6 11.3 12.6 13.8 --
6.2 8.8 10.3 12.2 13.6 14.9 --
0.5 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 --
SC4 Shaws Creek at
gauge) 2
Mississauga Road (Alton
SC5 Downstream of Alton
Village 2
SC6 Orpen Lake Trib, u/s 2nd
Line W. 2
SC7 Outlet of Shaws Creek 2 6.9 9.8 11.6 13.9 15.5 17.1 --
Sources:
1 – Subwatershed 16 and 18 Report (Schroeter and Associates, 1999).
2 – Subwatershed 17 Model Simulation (1960-2005) applied for this report.
- 135 -

- 136 -

100
SC1 - Caledon Lake Inflow
SC2 - Caledon Lake Outflow
SC3 - Upper and West Branches
SC4 - Alton Gauge
SC5 - D/S Alton
SC6 - Orpen Lake Trib
SC7 - Outlet at Credit
Shaw's Creek Return Event Flows
10
Flow (m 3 /s)
1
0.1
1 10 100 1000
Return Period (Years)
Figure 4.3.4: Shaws Creek Return Period Flows based on Subwatershed 17 Model
Simulation (1960-2005).
Low Flows
Low flows for the Credit River and Shaws Creek are needed to determine the assimilative
capacity for each of these watercourses, which may potentially be receiving wastewater
discharges from development in the Environmental Study Area. Low flows represent a
reasonable 'worse case scenario' in terms of the watercourse having sufficient flow to
effectively assimilate the material in a wastewater discharge.
Low Flows - Credit River
Low flow statistics were estimated at four locations on the Credit River (see Figure 4.3.4).
Two locations were calculated using observed streamflows from Water Survey Canada (WSC)
stream gauges and two locations were calculated using simulated daily streamflows from the
CVC’s HSPF Watershed Hydrology Model (CVC and EBNFLO, 2008) for locations on the
Credit River:
• CR 1 – WSC 02HB013 – Credit River near Orangeville Gauge (also known as the
Melville Gauge);
• CR 2 – Credit River midway between the confluence of Shaws Creek and Caledon
Creek (CVC and EBNFLO, 2008);
• CR 3 – Credit River at the confluence of Caledon Creek (CVC and EBNFLO, 2008);
• CR 4 – WSC 02HB001 – Credit River near Cataract Gauge.
- 137 -

The low flow estimations were calculated using a program called DFLOW version 3.1b, which
was developed for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine stream design
flows for waste load allocations (U.S. EPA, 2006). The program calculates Log Pearson Type
III low flow statistics. The 7-day average low flow estimations for the Credit River are shown
in Table 4.3.2 below.
1961-2004 0.63 0.51 0.44 0.39 0.38 ---
1967-2005 0.21 0.17 0.15 0.14 0.14 ---
Table 4.3.2: 7-Day Average Low Flow Estimates (m 3 /s) for the Credit River
Point of Interest
Period of Return Period (yr)
Record 2 5 10 20 25 50
Credit River at Caledon Creek 1 1961-2004 0.71 0.56 0.49 0.44 0.42 ---
Credit River between Shaws
Creek and Caledon Creek 1
Credit River at Cataract Gauge 2 1915-2005 0.64 0.47 0.39 0.33 0.32 0.28
Credit River at Orangeville
Gauge 2
Sources:
1 – HSPF Credit Valley Watershed Model applied for this report (CVC and EBNFLO, 2008).
2 – WSC streamflow data applied for this report.
Low Flows: Shaws Creek
The second set of low flow estimates was completed for Shaws Creek. Since the period of
record of flows at the Alton gauge is less than eight years (1983-91), these estimates were
generated using the computer model formulated for Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study (CVC,
2008). This model is based on a 45-year meteorological dataset (1960-2005) and utilizes the
Log Normal distribution method. Low flow estimates are shown in Table 4.3.3 for points of
interest on Shaws Creek as shown in Figure 4.3.5.
Table 4.3.3: 7-Day Average Low Flow Estimates for Shaws Creek (m 3 /s).
Return Period (yr)
ID Point of Interest 1.25 2 5 10 20 25 50 100
SC1 Inflow to Caledon Lake 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.13
SC2 Outflow from Caledon Lake 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.11 0.11
SC3
Confluence of Upper and West Shaws
Creek branches
0.30 0.28 0.26 0.25 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.23
SC4
Shaws Creek at Mississauga Road
(Alton gauge) 0.30 0.28 0.26 0.25 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.23
SC5
Downstream of Alton Village, above
Lake Orpen Trib 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.27 0.27
SC6 Orpen Lake Trib, u/s 2nd Line W. 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
SC7 Outlet of Shaws Creek 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34
Source: Subwatershed 17 Model Simulation (1960-2005) applied for this report.
- 138 -

- 139 -

Water Balance
A water balance was calculated utilizing data output from the Subwatershed 17 GAWSER
model for 1960-2005. The resulting water balance for Shaws Creek Subwatershed is shown
on Table 4.3.4. A water balance can be expressed as:
Precipitation = ET + Runoff + Baseflow +Losses
In this equation, precipitation includes total rainfall and snowfall amounts, and ET is the total
amount of evapotranspiration and sublimation. Runoff comprises of all water which has not
infiltrated the soil or evapotranspired. Water which has infiltrated the soil is considered
baseflow if it returns to the receiving stream. Losses would refer to additional water that
would leave the system and not return as streamflow (where a negative loss is a gain to the
system). As an example, a positive loss in the winter could be due to snow remaining on the
ground surface, and a negative loss (i.e. a gain) could be due to water which has melted from
a snowpack. In the summer, a positive loss could be water trapped as soil-water storage and
a negative loss could be the release of soil-water storage. Over the course of the hydrologic
year, a hydrologic gain may be realized as water enters the subwatershed as groundwater
flow. The total streamflow is the sum of runoff and baseflow.
Table 4.3.4: Water Balance Summary for Shaws Creek Subwatershed (1960-2005).
Water Balance Quantities in (mm)
Month
Precipitation * ET Runoff Baseflow Losses Total Flow
Jan 46.9 8.5 7.3 32.2 -1.2 39.5
Feb 41.4 7.5 9.5 26.1 -1.6 35.6
Mar 57.5 10.1 31.0 33.5 -17.1 64.5
Apr 75.5 56.3 20.0 44.0 -44.7 64.0
May 81.9 97.6 4.0 38.3 -58.0 42.3
Jun 90.8 105.4 3.9 25.9 -44.4 29.8
Jul 80.4 94.2 2.2 20.5 -36.5 22.7
Aug 90.6 78.5 3.8 18.1 -9.8 21.9
Sep 82.6 54.2 3.6 19.2 5.6 22.8
Oct 75.2 39.1 5.8 23.7 6.7 29.4
Nov 87.0 19.9 11.1 30.5 25.4 41.7
Dec 62.3 8.0 9.1 34.9 10.2 44.1
Total 872 579 111 347 -165 458
Source: Subwatershed 17 Model Simulation (1960-2005) applied for this report.
* Note: Precipitation reported here differs from the model input precipitation dataset of 924mm/year (Shand
Dam AES climate station 1960-2005 average annual precipitation) due to differences in new snow density.
According to Table 4.3.4, the average annual precipitation from 1960-2005 is approximately
870 mm. Evapotranspiration and sublimation represent approximately 66% of precipitation.
The total mean annual runoff is approximately 110 mm, of which 55% is generated during
the months of February to April. Annual streamflow is approximately 460 mm, of which
- 140 -

76% appears as baseflow. A total of 165mm of water is gained by the system annually as
groundwater flows into the subwatershed from adjacent areas. This number is validated from
groundwater flow modelling carried out in support of the Subwatershed 17 Study
(AquaResource, 2008).
Stormwater Management
Existing SWM reports were reviewed and a summary is provided in Table 4.3.5. Future
phases of this study may require consideration of new SWM requirements.
- 141 -

Table 4.3.5: Stormwater Management in the Alton Area
Project
CALEDON Centre
for Wellbeing
OPA 98001 1
OSPREY Valley
Conference
Centre
COBREN
Investments
Inc.(Thomas Farm
Estates) 21T-
86060/CA
SWM
Quantity
100 year post
to precontrol
Confirm
downstream
capacity of the
existing
infrastructure
and
watercourses
to safely
convey
Regional
flows.
Design
pending
100 yr. Post to
10 year pre
detention pond
Confirm
downstream
capacity of the
existing
infrastructure
and
watercourses
to safely
convey
Regional
flows.
SWM
Quality
Level 1
Design
pending
None
Infiltration/
Base flow
Protection/
Water
Balance
LID Practices
such as
bioretention,
open swales,
infiltration
trenches,
vegetated
buffers,
permeable
pavement, dry
wells etc.
Design Pending
Possible adverse
impacts (2 year
post is less than
the 2 year pre)
SWM
Controls
for
Erosion
Maintaining/
or reducing
existing
frequent
flows
Design
Pending
Overcontrol
may provide
erosion
control
Comments
Preliminary stage is
approved in principle,
SWM
Implementation
outstanding
Site area= 11.32ha
Concepts reviewed,
Must complement
Golf course
infrastructure/drainag
e design.
Site Area 36.75 ha
Draft Approved by
OMB, Outlet to
Shaws Creek,
Approved detailed
engineering,
Released for
Registration, issued
permits
Potential retrofit of
SWM facility to
address concerns
noted for quality,
baseflow protection
and erosion control
- 142 -

4.3.3 Next Steps
Identify the extent of future planning scenarios that should be superimposed on the combined
constraint mappings.
In the identified planning scenario areas, the following impact assessments are required:
• Inventoried watercourses will require updated or new floodplain mapping if development
proceeds in or adjacent to those reaches.
• Detailed slope stability and erosion assessment as per CVC Watercourse and Valley Land
Protection Policies
• Determine objectives and targets for stormwater management, based on downstream
flooding, erosion, base flow protection, water quality and fisheries habitat
• Short list stormwater management options applied to planning scenarios and drainage
patterns to meet identified targets and objectives
• Choose preferred stormwater management options and rough fit to planning scenarios
and drainage patterns
• Create implementation requirements for future development
- 143 -

4.4 Terrestrial
4.4.1 Introduction
An integral part of the Terrestrial Component for the Alton Village Study has been the
utilization of air-photo interpretation to identify, classify, and evaluate the natural and
cultural features of the Environmental Study Area. The air photo analysis allowed a summary
of natural communities and existing land use for the Alton area to be developed (see Figure
4.4.1). The procedures for this interpretation are outlined in the Credit Watershed Natural
Heritage Project Detailed Methodology (CVC, 1998). The application of the Ecological
Land Classification (ELC) for southern Ontario (Lee et al., 1998) provided an understanding
of natural vegetation patterns and relationships, and assisted in the identification of
significant communities within the Alton area. The terrestrial component includes natural
communities (woodlands, successional communities and wetlands), existing land use,
wildlife, Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) and valley and stream corridors. This
mapping and the updating of information on watercourses, lakes, and ponds within the
Environmental Study Area will contribute to the identification of land use impacts on
adjacent natural features, assist in determining the sensitivity of the terrestrial system and
establishing priorities for protection, restoration and stewardship.
The Environmental Study Area is located within a highly diverse physical and biological
landscape. This diversity can be attributed to the glacial history and the deposits left behind
after the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago. Glacial deposits of the Environmental
Study Area influence micro-climate, drainage patterns, and soil productivity; all of which
determine land use patterns, and the distribution and composition of natural areas in the
vicinity of the Alton Village. The majority of the Environmental Study Area is situated in a
valley system formed by the erosive forces of glacial meltwater. Settlement of this valley
system is characterized by the historic mills including the Millcroft Inn, the Alton Village,
and the Osprey Valley Resort Golf Course. Natural areas within these valleys are dominated
by meadow marsh and swamps dominated by eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis),
speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa) and poplar (Populus sp.). The Credit River and
Shaws Creek follow the path of these ancient meltwater channels and converge within the
Environmental Study Area on the Alton Grange Property. Kame moraines (irregular hills of
sand and gravel) are found in the northern portion of the Alton Village Environmental Study
Area, and are characterized by its rolling topography and mosaic of wetlands, forest,
plantation, and large old fields. The eastern portion of the Environmental Study Area is
dominated by agriculture and is situated on a drumlinized till plain. Drumlins are elongated
hills of glacial till (i.e. an unsorted mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel and boulders) that have a
shape similar to a spoon turned upside down with a steep sloped side and a gentle sloping
side. The long axis of the drumlin indicates the direction of movement of the glacier.
- 144 -

4.4.2 Work Completed
Background
Considerable data gathering and analysis occurred through the preparation of the
Subwatershed 15 (West Credit) and Subwatershed 18 (Credit River – Melville to the Forks)
Studies. The main valley corridor of the Credit River from Regional Road 136 to Highway
24, between the CPR tracks and 2 nd Line West was included in the current Environmental
Study Area. The study also includes a small portion of the West Credit Subwatershed located
in the vicinity of Mississauga Road and Beech Grove Sideroad. Although portions of the
Environmental Study Area are located within the Shaws Creek Subwatershed (17), no
additional field work was conducted within the Alton Village Environmental Study Area as
part of the Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study.
250.0
200.0
150.0
100.0
50.0
0.0
Active aggregate
Aquatic
Coniferous forest
Coniferous plantation
Coniferous swamp
Cultural meadow
Cultural savanna
Cultural thicket
Cultural woodland
Deciduous forest
Deciduous swamp
Inactive aggregate
Intensive agriculture
Manicured open space
Marsh
Mixed forest
Mixed swamp
Non-intensive agriculture
Rural development
Thicket swamp
Urban
Figure 4.4.1: Natural Communities and Existing Land Use – Sum of Area (ha) by Type
Accordingly, the relevant portions of the Subwatershed Studies have been integrated within
this study. However, to be consistent with the balance of the current Environmental Study
Area, some adjustments have been made related to the Credit River portion. This was
necessary due different criteria being used in the analysis, and more up-to-date land cover
information.
Assessment for this Study
Mapping of natural communities, existing land use and the aquatic system was prepared and
is discussed in detail below. Reconnaissance level fieldwork was used to update the
watercourse information and detailed terrestrial field data was collected in four general areas,
representing 50 individual communities that were assessed. This information was then
combined with the mapping of corridors to determine the sensitivity of these features.
- 145 -

Woodlands
Woodlands have been defined by the Province as treed areas that provide environmental and
economic benefits to both the private landowner and the general public, such as erosion
prevention, hydrological and nutrient cycling, provision of clean air and the long-term storage
of carbon, provision of wildlife habitat, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the sustainable
harvest of a wide variety of woodland products (Provincial Policy Statement, 2005).
However, despite the benefits provided by woodlands, they continue to be under threat from
land use changes within the watershed. This is especially true of those located on upland sites.
Woodland communities within the Environmental Study Area have been air-photo interpreted,
classified, and mapped at a 1:10,000 scale to the Community Series Level of the Ecological
Land Classification for southern Ontario. This mapping identifies and classifies all natural and
culturally influenced communities that are 0.5 hectare or larger. Limited field reconnaissance
was utilized to verify or correct community classifications and boundaries. Additional detailed
fieldwork was carried out in several focused areas where the communities were classified to
the ELC Vegetation Type (Figure 4.4.2).
The Environmental Study Area is located within Site Region 6E, the Lake Simcoe - Rideau
Site Region as defined by Hills (Hills, 1959); or what Rowe called the Great Lakes – St.
Lawrence Forest Region. This area is characterized by mixed forests of White Pine and Red
Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Red Oak, Basswood and
White Elm. Other wide-ranging species include Eastern White Cedar, Largetooth Aspen,
Beech, White Oak, Butternut and White Ash (Lee et. al, 1998). The Environmental Study
Area straddles the boundary of Site District 6E-7 (Uxbridge) and Site District 6E-1 (Stratford
North).
Site District 6E-7 is a zone which is influenced by the Niagara Escarpment in this area, and
described by Hills as consisting of deep, very high lime sand and gravel, overlain by very high
lime clay silt and loam. Site District 6E-1 is a zone above the Niagara Escarpment and is
characterized by smooth clay areas and gently rolling loam moraines (Jalava et. al, 1997). The
variability of topographic features and soil characteristics at the boundary of these two Site
Districts results in a rather high diversity of community types.
Forested communities represent the largest natural system within the Environmental Study
Area at 325.8 hectares (39% of the natural area) followed closely by successional or ‘old
field’ communities at 286.3 hectares (34.3% of the natural area). The high component of
successional communities reflects the trend away from agricultural production to rural nonfarm
uses typical of the Caledon landscape.
Despite the large natural area contained within Alton, the average size of the communities is
small. Ranging in average size from 0.8 hectare to 6 hectares with an overall average of just
2.5 hectares suggests a high degree of community fragmentation. This fragmentation may be
due to cultural influences over time, or a reflection of the diversity of topography and
drainage contained within the Environmental Study Area. (The largest non-plantation
forested community is only 9.6 hectares in size.)
- 146 -

Reforestation has been quite extensive in the Alton area with 146.7 hectares being planted
primarily in conifers. Half of the forest within the Environmental Study Area is made up of
plantation. With the exception of the planting which has occurred on the Grange Property,
the majority of the reforestation has been carried out through arrangements between the
landowners and CVC.
While a substantial portion of the natural area is in successional communities, which do
contain some woody species (and will likely become forest over the long term), the removal
of the existing plantations would result in a significant impact on the remaining terrestrial
habitat. Good forest management, on the other hand, will eventually result in the plantations
becoming diversified woodland communities.
As noted in Tables 4.4.1 and 4.4.2, coniferous forest communities are very well represented.
This is indicative of the more northern climate of the Alton area and the mixed forests found
in Site Region 6E. In particular, White Cedar and Hemlock are much more common here
than in more southern localities of the watershed.
- 147 -

- 148 -

Table 4.4.1: Forest and Successional Communities within the Alton Area
COMMUNITY TYPE Number of Total Percent Average Largest
(Community Series Level) Patches Area (ha) (%) Area (ha) Patch (ha)
FOREST
Coniferous forest 38 91.3 5.9 2.4 8.4
Deciduous forest 27 55.8 3.6 2.1 9.6
Mixed forest 22 31.9 2.1 1.5 6.3
Coniferous plantation 56 146.7 9.5 2.6 25.5
SUCCESSIONAL
Cultural meadow 33 196.4 12.7 6.0 77.4
Cultural savanna 21 46.8 3.0 2.2 6.7
Cultural woodland 18 42.4 2.7 2.4 11.8
Cultural thicket 1 0.8 0.1 0.8 0.8
TOTAL 216 612 39.6 N/A N/A
Table 4.4.2: Wooded Communities Visited in Alton Area
Vegetation Type Designation
Number of
Occurrences
FOREST
DRY-FRESH POPLAR DECIDUOUS FOREST 1
DRY-FRESH SUGAR MAPLE DECIDUOUS FOREST 2
DRY-FRESH SUGAR MAPLE-IRONWOOD DECIDUOUS FOREST 1
DRY-FRESH SUGAR MAPLE-WHITE BIRCH-POPLAR DECIDUOUS FOREST 1
DRY-FRESH WHITE CEDAR CONIFEROUS FOREST 1
FRESH-MOIST WHITE CEDAR-HEMLOCK CONIFEROUS FOREST 1
FRESH-MOIST WHITE CEDAR CONIFEROUS FOREST 7
FRESH-MOIST WHITE CEDAR-BALSAM FIR CONIFEROUS FOREST 2
FRESH-MOIST HEMLOCK CONIFEROUS FOREST 1
DRY-FRESH SUGAR MAPLE-HEMLOCK MIXED FOREST 1
FRESH-MOIST SUGAR MAPLE-HEMLOCK MIXED FOREST 1
FRESH-MOIST WHITE CEDAR-HARDWOOD MIXED FOREST 2
FRESH-MOIST WHITE CEDAR-SUGAR MAPLE MIXED FOREST 1
RED PINE CONIFEROUS PLANTATION 1
TOTAL 23
SUCCESSIONAL
SUGAR MAPLE-WHITE ASH CULTURAL WOODLAND 1
WHITE CEDAR CULTURAL WOODLAND 2
WHITE CEDAR-BLACK CHERRY MINERAL CULTURAL WOODLAND 1
WHITE CEDAR-POPLAR CULTURAL WOODLAND 1
TOTAL 5
- 149 -

Floral and faunal lists have been compiled as part of the fieldwork for the study. This
fieldwork identified kidney-leaved violet, which is considered to be locally rare, in a “Moist
to Fresh White Cedar – Hardwood Mixed Forest” located west of Mississauga Road and
north of Beech Grove Sideroad. All flora and faunal list related to fieldwork, ESAs, and
Evaluated Wetlands have been documented in the CVC Natural Heritage Database.
Wetlands
Wetlands are considered to be among the most productive ecosystems in the world. Within
the Credit Watershed they play a critical role in the hydrologic system and also provide
habitat for many of our significant flora and fauna.
Wetland communities within the Environmental Study Area have been air-photo interpreted,
classified, and mapped at a 1:10,000 scale to the Community Series Level of the Ecological
Land Classification for southern Ontario. This mapping identifies and classifies all wetland
communities which are 0.5 hectare or larger (see Figure 4.4.3 and Table 4.4.3 below).
Wetland mapping was also checked against the previously mapped wetland communities
identified under the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, and appropriates refinements made.
Table 4.4.3: Wetland Communities within the Environmental Study Area
Number of
Patches
Total
Area (ha)
Percent
(%)
Average
Area (ha)
COMMUNITY TYPE
(Community Series Level)
WETLAND
Coniferous swamp 22 96.5 6.2 4.4 40.6
Deciduous swamp 16 15.5 1.0 1.0 2.5
Mixed swamp 12 27.3 1.8 2.3 11.4
Thicket swamp 27 21.0 1.6 1.1 3.5
Marsh 29 27.1 1.8 1.0 3.5
TOTAL 106 199.1 12.9 N/A N/A
Largest
Patch (ha)
A good diversity of wetland types is present within the Environmental Study Area (from
marsh to thicket to treed) providing a large range of habitats. Wetlands are a prominent
component of the natural system, representing 199.1 hectares or 23.8 percent of the natural
communities; much of which has also been recognized as being of significance (see
evaluated wetlands below). Some of these wetland communities have also been further
refined to the Ecosite or Vegetation Type level of the Ecological Land Classification based
on detailed field investigations (see Table 4.4.4).
- 150 -

- 151 -

Table 4.4.4: Wetland Communities Visited in Alton Area by Type
Vegetation Type Designation
Number of
Occurrences
WETLAND
BIRCH-CONIFER ORGANIC MIXED SWAMP 1
POPLAR-CONIFER ORGANIC MIXED SWAMP 1
WHITE CEDAR-CONIFER ORGANIC CONIFEROUS SWAMP 5
RED OSIER DOGWOOD ORGANIC THICKET SWAMP 2
WILLOW ORGANIC THICKET SWAMP 1
SILKY DOGWOOD THICKET SWAMP 1
ALDER MINERAL THICKET SWAMP 1
ALDER ORGANIC THICKET SWAMP 4
REED CANARY GRASS ORGANIC MEADOW MARSH 3
NARROW-LEAVED SEDGE ORGANIC MEADOW MARSH 3
TOTAL 22
The Alton-Hillsburgh Complex is a Provincially Significant Wetland located northwest of
the Village of Alton. This 411 hectare complex consists of a high diversity of riverine and
headwater community types, the majority of which are swamp wetland with a small
component of marsh. The wetlands provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna including
a number of regionally significant species. Watershed rare species include Northern Beech
Fern, Thin-Leafed Cotton Grass, Round Leafed Sundew, Watermeal, Brook Lobelia,
Mountain Fly Honeysuckle and Running Clubmoss (CVC Vascular Plants of the Credit
Valley Watershed, 2002). Hydrologically, the complex provides flow stabilization, water
quality improvement and erosion control.
The provincially significant Credit River at Alton wetland is located east of the Village.
This 172 hectare series of wetland communities consists primarily of swamp with a small
area of marsh. The wetlands provide habitat for a high diversity of wildlife and in particular
a regionally significant Brook Trout fishery. Credit Valley Watershed rare species include
pinesap (Indian-pipe) (Ibid.). The wetlands also provide the stabilization of stream flows,
water quality enhancement and erosion control.
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA)
The Alton Swamp ESA is an 890 hectare undisturbed coniferous swamp located on Shaws
Creek upstream of the Village of Alton (see Figure 4.4.3). The area provides discharge to
Shaws Creek and temporary storage during peak precipitation events. The E.S.A. contains
unusual sphagnum bog habitat and several species of flora and fauna which are uncommon or
rare in the watershed and in the province. In particular the area contains One-flowered
Wintergreen, Trailing Arbutus, Pink Lady’s Slipper and Mountain Fly Honeysuckle, all of
which are rare within the watershed and the Greater Toronto Area. The E.S.A. fulfills 7 of
the 10 possible criteria for selection (hydrological functions, rare species, significant species,
- 152 -

high diversity of species, habitat for rare or endangered species, large/extensive habitat, and
maintains biological systems beyond its boundaries).
The Credit River at Alton ESA is a significant reach of wooded river valley, which
provides flood plain storage capacity and discharge to the Credit River. The 323 hectare area
provides habitat for diverse floral and faunal species, and contains an important cold-water
brook trout fishery. The area is home to flora of regional significance (see Table 4.4.5). The
area fulfilled 6 of a possible 10 criteria for selection (hydrological function, rare species,
significant species, habitat for rare or endangered species, large/extensive habitat, and
maintains biological systems beyond its boundaries).
Table 4.4.5: Flora of Regional Significance within the Credit River at Alton ESA
Common Name
Latin Name
Peel Rarity
Bristly greenbrier Smilax hispida Muhlenb. ex Torr. Uncommon
Cinnamon-fern Osmunda cinnamomea L. Uncommon
European Beggar-ticks Bidens tripartita L. No Records for 20 yrs.
Greenland labrador-tea Ledum groenlandicum Oeder Uncommon
Hairy honeysuckle Lonicera hirsuta Eaton Rare
Lily-of-the-valley Maianthemum trifolium (L.) Sloboda Uncommon
Mad-dog skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora L. Uncommon
Montane blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium montanum Greene Uncommon
Mountain holly Nemopanthus mucronatus (L.) Loeske Uncommon
New York Fern Thelypteris noveboracensis (L.) Uncommon
Nieuwl.
Red ash/Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall Uncommon to Common
Showy lady's slipper Cypripedium reginae Walter Uncommon
Skunk currant Ribes glandulosum Grauer Rare
Stiff Clubmoss Lycopodium annotinum L. Uncommon
Three-parted coral-root Corallorhiza trifida Châtel Uncommon
Tuckerman's sedge Carex tuckermanii Dewey Uncommon
Twinflower
Linnaea borealis L. ssp. longiflora Uncommon
(Torr.) Hultén
Velvet-leaf blueberry Vaccinium myrtilloides Michx. Uncommon
White spruce Picea glauca (Moench) Voss Uncommon
Yellow sedge Carex flava L. Uncommon
- 153 -

Core Natural Areas, Supportive Natural Areas and Nodes
Core Natural Areas (see Figure 4.4.3) are based on lands that are designated as
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA), Provincially Significant Wetlands, Biological Areas
of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and/or areas associated with forest interior habitat
(i.e. minimum 100 metre forested buffer. Interior habitats are generally free from the often
negative effects found in edge habitats such as increased predation, competition, pollution, and
wind.) Supportive Natural Areas are natural communities that are contiguous to core natural
areas. They provide an essential role, both directly and indirectly, in maintaining the
ecological form and function of Core Areas. Natural Area Nodes are generally the smaller and
usually more degraded and fragmented patches of common natural communities. They are not
directly connected to core natural areas, but may be situated along a watercourse and valley
land corridor that connects to core natural areas upstream and/or downstream.
The extensive Environmentally Significant Areas, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and
Provincially Significant Wetlands and interior habitat create large areas of Core Natural Area
within the Environmental Study Area (Figure 4.4.4). The majority of the natural communities
within the Credit River corridor and Shaws Creek west of the Village are recognized as being
highly significant.
Virtually all of the natural communities north of Beech Grove Side Road provide a supportive
function to the Core and are designated accordingly. The areas identified as Nodes are
generally confined to the area in and around the Osprey Valley Golf Course.
A number of recent changes have resulted in adjustments to the mapping of Alton Core,
Supportive and Node Natural Areas (Figure 4.4.4). The Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) has recently updated the wetland evaluation for the Credit River at Alton
wetland and has designated the wetland as “Provincially Significant”. As a result, the lands
associated with the wetland have been reclassified as “Core Natural Area”. In addition, the
West Credit Subwatershed Study identified a mixed forest located west of Mississauga Road
and north of Beech Grove Sideroad as “High Priority”. The designation of this forest has
been changed from “Supportive Natural Area” in the initial draft of this report (Phase 1
Environmental Component Report December 1999) to “Core Natural Area” to reflect the
significance of the forest at a subwatershed scale.
- 154 -

- 155 -

Aquatic – Watercourses, Lakes and Ponds
The Aquatic System within the Ecological Land Classification is defined as permanently
flooded sites of shallow or deep standing or flowing waters with little or no emergent
vegetation (Lee et al., 1998). A watercourse is defined as an identifiable depression in the
ground in which a flow of water regularly or continuously occurs. Reconnaissance surveys
were carried out on a number stream features by several study teams. This information was
consolidated and used as the basis from which the base mapping has been updated.
A lake is defined as an extensive body of water lying in a depression that is 2 ha. in size or
greater. A lake can be completely enclosed by land or can have either or both an in-flowing
or out-flowing stream. A lake can also be formed by interrupting the normal flow of a
watercourse with a dam (CVC, 1998). A pond is an area of still water between 0.5 and 2 ha.
lying in a natural or man-made depression. It can be completely enclosed by land or have
either or both, an inflowing or outflowing stream (CVC, 1998).
A total of 20 Aquatic Systems were mapped at a landscape level, totaling an area of just over
24 hectares. These areas would include ponds, lakes and portions of river or stream systems
that form a polygon of 0.5 hectare or larger (versus those that would be represented by a line
on the mapping). A number of lakes and ponds are located within the Osprey Valley Golf
Course property along the Credit River and in the area of the Millcroft Inn, Alton Mill along
Shaws Creek.
Valley and Stream Corridors
Valleylands
The character of a valley system is determined by the geology, topography, climate, land use
and natural vegetation of the watershed. Valleys are dynamic due to the erosion and
deposition processes associated with the drainage system contained within the valley system.
Human encroachment on the natural processes creates hazard lands which may result in
losses or damages to life and property, as well as the potential degradation of the natural
ecosystem. On highly urbanized or intensive agricultural landscapes, valleylands may
represent the bulk of the remaining natural areas and wildlife habitat, forming the backbone
of a natural heritage system for a watershed.
Valleylands contain important environmental, economic, and social resources critical to the
maintenance of healthy and sustainable communities and ecosystems. Important ecological
functions provided by valleylands influence the quality of life for communities living in and
around valleys. These ecological functions and processes include:
• the conveyance and attenuation of water;
• erosion, sediment transport and deposition;
• nutrient transport;
• groundwater recharge and discharge (critical to maintenance of stream flow,
wetlands, and water quality);
- 156 -

• influence on micro-climate (through the effects of elevation, aspect, vegetation and
drainage);
• natural buffers between adjacent land uses and hydrologic features;
• maintenance of biological diversity;
• linkage between natural areas and ecosystems;
• wildlife and fish habitat; and,
• corridors for wildlife and fish migration.
These functions and processes influence our quality of life as they correlate to quality,
quantity, and distribution of surface and groundwater water, are associated with natural
hazard lands, influence local climate, determine the quality and quantity of biological
resources (e.g. agricultural and natural food production, wood products, etc.), and provide
quality recreational opportunities.
Valleys have been identified based on the presence of crest of slope, steep valley slopes
(slopes 3:1 or greater), meander belts natural or seasonal flood plain, and watercourses (see
Figure 4.4.5). These valley features within the Alton Village Environmental Study Area has
been defined based on air photo and map interpretation, and the results of applicable flood and
erosion studies. Although these ‘map able’ characteristics are related to natural hazard lands,
the main objective of identifying the valley system is to protect its natural form and function.
Steep Valley Slopes
Steep Valley Slopes are constituted where the slope is 3:1 or greater. While these features are
considered to be potentially hazardous, they are also important due to their function in
providing groundwater and surface water to watercourses, the creation of microclimates and
the passage of wildlife. A digital elevation model (DEM) and digital orthorectified aerial
photography was used to identify areas with a slope of 3:1 or greater. Due in part to its
location within the Credit’s headwaters above the Escarpment, no steep valley slopes were
found within the Environmental Study Area.
Crest of Slope is the interpreted line that defines the transition between tableland and sloping
ground at the top of a valley slope associated with a watercourse. Crest of Slope was mapped
throughout the Environmental Study Area from digital elevation model (DEM) and digital
orthorectified aerial photography. Defined crests of slope have been identified along the
majority of the Credit River and Shaws Creek.
Meander Belts
The meander belt is determined for riverine systems where the watercourse is not contained
within an apparent, and the flow of water is free to shift across the shallower land. The
meander belt identifies areas where the river system is likely to shift. The lands associated
with meander belts are considered hazardous due to their dynamic nature. In the
Environmental Study Area meander belts are associated with most of the Credit River valley
- 157 -

- 158 -

and portions of Shaws Creek within the Alton settlement area boundary and near Mississauga
Road.
Flood Plains
Flood plains provide many important ecological services, including flood storage, surface
water quality protection, groundwater recharge/discharge, and wildlife habitat. Flood plains
are dynamic due to the flooding, erosion and deposition processes associated with the
watercourse. Human encroachment on these natural processes creates hazard lands which
may result in losses or damages to life and property. Flood plains have been identified for the
Credit River, Shaws Creek and its tributaries.
Stream Corridors
Stream or watercourse corridors can function as habitat or as ecological conduits. For
purposes of this study they are generally associated with “ill-defined valleys”. Important
functions of corridors are that they connect habitat fragments, which facilitates more complex
and diverse ecological interactions between these fragments. In addition, corridors permit
these fragments to function as part of a larger whole, which enhances ecosystem integrity and
maintains biological diversity. The use of corridors is species specific. The quality of the
corridor is dependent upon its continuity, width, length, and vegetation development. In
addition, corridors are important energy, water, chemical and nutrient pathways. Watercourse
corridors can be important linkages through areas where terrestrial and wetland communities
have been removed as a result of human activity (i.e. urban centers and agriculture fields).
The Province of Ontario (1995) defined corridors to include narrow, linear naturally
vegetated areas that link or border natural area and provide ecological functions such as
habitat, passage, hydrological flow, connection or buffering from adjacent impacts.
Movement of wildlife is restricted in a linear motion due to the proximity to the edge with
adjacent land uses. Given the fragmented nature of the Environmental Study Area, corridors
will follow aquatic system features (i.e. watercourses, lakes, and ponds) and therefore have a
strong link to riparian system functions. As a result, and for purposes of this study, we have
generally assumed that the natural or seasonal flood plain is contained within the corridor.
The functions of riparian buffers are to protect and enhance aquatic habitat by regulating water
temperatures, adding essential nutrients, remove sediment and excessive nutrients, and to
facilitate wildlife movement along the watercourse (Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, and Ontario Ministry of Environment, 1998). That portion of the corridor
and riparian area that is seasonally flooded also provides unique habitat characteristics for
plants and animals. A corridor which is 100 metres in total width, (minimum 50 metres on
each side) will also facilitate the movement of forest interior species (Daigle and Havinga,
1996).
- 159 -

Current Condition: Impacts, Connectivity and Sensitivity
In combination, crest of slope and stream corridor define the limits of the corridors within the
Environmental Study Area. Details on the analysis carried out for these functions and the
accompanying figures can be found in the Terrestrial Appendix A.
Typical of a fragmented landscape, the valley and stream corridors play a very significant role
in maintaining connectivity between habitats within the Alton area. The main Credit Valley
provides a very significant function as a regional or “Macro Corridor” (CVC, 1998) linking
important natural areas to the north and south, as well as systems that extend beyond the
watershed (see the Terrestrial Appendix A). Shaws Creek and Orpen Lake tributary are also
major corridors, providing connections between ESAs, ANSIs, wetlands and interior habitats.
The current condition of these corridors, based on a landscape scale analysis, appears to be
good as all the primary reaches are designated low impact (see the Terrestrial Appendix A).
No areas of low sensitivity have been identified within the Environmental Study Area.
However, two areas of moderate sensitivity were determined along the Credit River within the
Osprey Valley Golf Course. The largest of these is located around the perimeter of the
adjoining large ponds. Corridors or buffers around these ponds should be enhanced in the
future.
Overall, when the corridor analysis is combined, the main Credit River Valley, Shaws Creek
and the Orpen Lake tributary are all considered to be of high sensitivity (Figure 4.4.6). As a
result, these valley corridors warrant a high level of protection and enhancement (where
necessary).
Wildlife and Vulnerable, Threatened and Endangered Species
No records of Vulnerable Threatened or Endangered Species exist for the Environmental
Study Area (MNR, 1999). Previous data on wildlife has been limited to the wetland
evaluation records. The Alton-Hillsburgh Wetland Complex was noted for raccoon, beaver,
mink, northern harrier and brook trout. The Credit River at Alton Wetland contains bullfrog,
snapping turtles, raccoon, beaver, rabbit, fox, white tailed deer and brook trout. Based on
fieldwork carried out for this and other studies, however, information on wildlife in the area
has increased considerably (see Table 4.4.6).
The Grange Property has been part of a long-term bird monitoring station operated by
researchers at Wilfrid Laurier and Guelph Universities with some support from CVC. This
property provides deep interior forest habitat (see Subwatershed 18 Study), and subsequently
supports a high diversity of avian species (see Table 4.4.7). Forty-seven percent (34 species)
of the seventy-three documented species listed are recognised as a “Credit Watershed Bird
Species of Conservation Concern”. The Credit Watershed Birds of Conservation Concern is
a short list of birds in the watershed that meet at least one of five criteria established by a
working group consisting of Naturalist Clubs, Government agencies, universities and
consulting firms. These criteria were established to break the long list of 244 bird species
into a smaller list of species that were of a higher management priority. The 110 species
listed on the short list met at least one of the following criteria: species with Provincial
- 160 -

designation (VTE’s), species ranked as Endangered, Threatened, Vulnerable or Rare by
MNR or COSEWIC Extremely Rare or Very Rare by the NHIC, species which are research
priorities due to limited breeding evidence or downward trends at Long Point Bird
Observatory or species for which there is a lack of breeding evidence, and species that are
considered to be Area Sensitive.
Table 4.4.6: Wildlife Species Documented During 1999 Field Work
BIRDS HERPETOFAUNA INVERTIBRATES MAMMALS
American Crow Eastern American Toad Aphrodite Fritillary Beaver
American Goldfinch Green Frog Black Swallowtail Coyote
American Robin Mink Frog Cabbage White Eastern Chipmunk
Black-capped Chickadee Northern Spring Peeper Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Eastern Cottontail
Black-crowned Night Heron* Wood Frog Monarch Gray Squirrel
Blue Jay Grey Treefrog ++ White Admiral Porcupine
Blue-winged Warbler*
Raccoon
Brown-headed Cowbird
Red Squirrel
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Striped Skunk
Chipping Sparrow
White-tailed Deer
Common Grackle*
Common Yellowthroat
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird*
Eastern Wood-Pewee*
Field Sparrow
Gray Catbird*
Great Crested Flycatcher
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Ovenbird*
Pileated Woodpecker*
Red-breasted Nuthatch*
Red-eyed Vireo
Ruffed Grouse*
* Bird designated as a Credit Watershed Species of Conservation Concern (CVC, 1998)
++ (Bennett and Milne, 2000)
- 161 -

- 162 -

Table 4.4.7: Bird Species Recorded at the Grange Property
COMMON NAME EVIDENCE 1 SCIENTIFIC NAME
SPECIES OF
CONSERVATION
CONCERN
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias X
Canada Goose (B) Branta canadensis
Wood Duck (B) Aix sponsa
Mallard (B) Anas platyrhynchos
Red-tailed Hawk (B) Buteo jamaicensis
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipter striatus X
Ruffed Grouse (B) Bonasa umbellus X
Killdeer (A)(B) Charadrius vociferus X
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularia
American Woodcock
Scolopax minor
Mourning Dove (B) Zenaida macroura
Black-billed Cuckoo (B) Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Belted Kingfisher (B) Ceryle alcyon X
Downy Woodpecker (B) Picoides pubescens
Hairy Woodpecker (B) Picoides villosus X
Northern Flicker (B) Colaptes auratus
Pileated Woodpecker (B) Dryocopus pileatus X
Least Flycatcher (B) Empidonax minimus X
Eastern Phoebe (B) Sayornis phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher (B) Myiarchus crinitus
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Empidonax flaviventris
Eastern Kingbird (A)(B) Tyrannus tyrannus X
Tree Swallow (A) Tachycineta bicolor
North. Rough-winged Swal. (A) Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Barn Swallow (A) Hirundo rustica X
Blue Jay (B) Cyanocitta cristata
American Crow (B) Corvus brachyrhynchos
Black-capped Chickadee (B) Parus atricapillus
White-breasted Nuthatch (B) Sitta carolinensis
Red-breasted Nuthatch (B) Sitta canadensis X
Brown Creeper (B) Certhia americana X
House Wren (B) Troglodytes aedon
Winter Wren (B) Troglodytes troglodytes X
Golden-crowned Kinglet (B) Regulus satrapa X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
American Robin (B) Turdus migratorius
Gray Catbird umetella carolinensis X
Cedar Waxwing (B) Bombycilla cedrorum
Red-eyed Vireo (A) Vireo olivaceus
- 163 -

Table 4.4.7: Bird Species Recorded at the Grange Property Cont’d
COMMON NAME EVIDENCE 1 SCIENTIFIC NAME
SPECIES OF
CONSERVATION
CONCERN
Nashville Warbler (B) Vermivora ruficapilla X
Pine Warbler (B) Dendroica pinus X
Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (B) Dendroica coronata X
Black-throated Green Warb. (B) Dendroica virens X
Blackburnian Warbler (B) Dendroica fusca X
Black-and-white Warbler (B) Mniotilta varia X
Ovenbird (B) Seiurus aurocapillus X
Northern Waterthrush (B) Seiurus noveboracensis X
Mourning Warbler (B) Oporornis philadelphia X
Common Yellowthroat (B) Geothlypis trichas
Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis X
Northern Cardinal (B) Cardinalis cardinalis
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (B) Pheucticus ludovicianus
Indigo Bunting (B) Passerina cyanea
American Tree Sparrow
Spizella arborea
Chipping Sparrow (B) Spizella passerina
Clay-colored Sparrow (A)(B) Spizella pallida X
Field Sparrow (A)(B) Spizella pusilla
Vesper Sparrow (A)(B) Pooecetes gramineus
Song Sparrow (B) Melospiza melodia X
White-throated Sparrow (B) Zonotrichia albicollis X
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis X
Red-winged Blackbird (B) Agelaius phoeniceus
Eastern Meadowlark (A)(B) Sturnella magna X
Common Grackle (B) Quiscalus quiscula X
Brown-headed Cowbird (B) Molothrus ater
Northern Oriole (B) Icterus galbula
House Finch (B) Carpodacus mexicanus
Purple Finch (B) Carpodacus purpureus X
Pine Grosbeak
American Goldfinch (B) Carduelis tristis
1(B) breeding season record (possible - confirmed)
(A) in area but not on property
Source: (Milne and Bennett, 1997)
- 164 -

Existing Land Use
Agriculture at 330.6 hectares (21.4%) and manicured open space at 194.8 hectares (12.6%)
represent the majority of the existing land use (Table 4.4.8). The significant area covered by
manicured open space reflects the existence of the Osprey Valley Golf and Conference
Centre south of Beech Grove Side Road, between the Credit River and the CPR line (Figure
4.4.1).
Table 4.4.8: Existing Land Use within the Alton Area
EXISTING
TYPE 1 Number
Patches
of Total Area Percent of
(ha) Study
Area
LAND USE
(%)
Average
Area
(ha)
Largest
Patch
(ha)
Active aggregate 1 14.9 1.0 14.9 14.9
Inactive aggregate 1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1
Intensive agriculture 9 147.4 9.5 16.4 57.7
Manicured open space 9 194.8 12.6 21.6 88.3
Non-intensive agriculture 19 180.2 11.7 9.5 46.1
Rural development 28 32.5 2.1 1.2 3.4
Urban 6 137.2 8.9 22.9 77.5
Wet meadow 1 3.0 0.2 3.0 3.0
TOTAL 74 710.0 45.9 N/A N/A
1 The definitions for “Existing Land Use” are from the Credit Watershed Natural Heritage Project Detailed
Methodology (CVC, 1998)
The Alton Grange Property
The Grange Property, also referred to as the Alton Integrated Resource Management Area, is
located between Queen Street East and Beech Grove Side Road on the Credit River. This
property is also contained within a Provincially Significant Wetland and Environmentally
Significant Area (see above). The land is provincially owned and has been part of a longterm
bird monitoring station operated by researchers at Wilfrid Laurier and Guelph
Universities with some support from CVC. This property represents a significant area of
deep interior forest habitat (see Subwatershed 18 Study), and a Core Natural Area, containing
a high diversity of avian species (see Table 4.4.7). Forty-seven percent (34 species) of the
seventy-three documented species listed are recognised as a “Credit Watershed Bird Species
of Conservation Concern”.
The Grange Property is very important to the integrity of the Credit watershed’s natural
heritage system, as it contains the confluence of Shaws Creek with the Credit River. It is on
the Grange Property that the natural heritage systems of the Credit River and Shaws Creek
intersect and interact with one another. These interactions include the migration of flora and
fauna to between these two systems, which increases.
- 165 -

The Alton Grange Property contains a number of significant natural heritage features and
functions. These include:
• Credit River and Shaws Creek;
• Credit River at Alton Provincially Significant Wetland;
• Credit River at Alton Environmentally Significant Area;
• fish habitat;
• interior forest habitat;
• high diversity of vegetation communities and wildlife;
• flood plain;
• groundwater recharge and discharge;
• surface water quality protection; and
• a key natural area and corridor of the Credit River natural heritage
system
Data Gaps
Since Project iniation, the Environmental Study Area for the Alton Village SSMP has been
extended to include other lands associated with the Osprey Valley Golf and Conference
Centre (Osprey Valley GCC). In 1996, Credit Valley Conservation conducted biological
inventories on lands adjacent to the Credit River that are now part of the Osprey Valley
GCC. However, adjacent lands on west side of Hwy 136 associated with Osprey Valley GCC
have not been inventoried. These lands are located on Lots 16 & 17, Concession 4 WHS.
This property is primarily agricultural with portions of three woodlands with some potential
wetland in the northwest corner of the property. The natural features should be inventoried to
assess their significance and to guide the planning of any potential development activities.
4.4.3 Next Steps
The assessment of the terrestrial system, as described above, must be combined with the
other component studies to determine the overall sensitivity of the features, functions and
linkages within the Alton area. This analysis will form the basis for the assessment of
potential impacts from future land use changes and servicing.
- 166 -

4.5 Fluvial Geomorphology Characterization
4.5.1 Introduction
The fluvial geomorphological component of the environmental characterization for the Village
of Alton comprises an evaluation of the form and function of the Credit River, Shaws Creek
and other associated tributaries. The geomorphologic assessments completed identified
reaches in which natural channel function had been impaired, and determined sensitivity to
changes in flow or sediment regimes.
The assessments included the following tasks:
• Compilation and review of background information, including previously completed
geomorphologic reports, detailed topographic mapping and historic aerial
photographs;
• Reconnaissance of the Environmental Study Area including rapid geomorphic
assessment of reaches previously not assessed;
• Summary of detailed field data applying various analytical methods to determine
erosion thresholds.
The following is a summary of the original materials provided from the 1999 draft of the
Alton Settlement and Servicing Management Plan, Phase I – Environmental Component
(Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), 1999), with the addition of more recent findings from an
erosion assessment of the Credit River near Alton (Parish Geomorphic, 2004), the Integrated
Watershed Management Program (IWMP) (CVC, 2004), and data collected as part of the
Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study (CVC, 2007). This review is followed by an identification
of the gaps in the existing data, as well as present field data collected in October 2008 to
address these gaps and verify the relevance and consistency of past observations with
existing conditions.
4.5.2 Review of Existing Information
A thorough characterization and understanding of the surface watercourses and surrounding
areas was attained through analyses completed at different temporal and spatial resolutions.
This section outlines the existing background and fluvial geomorphologic information
available for the Environmental Study Area.
4.5.3 Controlling and Modifying Factors
A background review was completed using topographic mapping (scale 1:10,000), surficial
geology mapping, aerial photographs and reports to understand existing and historic channel
and valley form (Figure 4.5.1). The form and function of fluvial systems are to some extent
dependent on the underlying bedrock of the catchment and surrounding landscape, hence
existing information on geology and topography is assessed. Climatic conditions, and
especially the hydrological cycle, also govern the moisture balance of a region. This section
presents fluvial geomorphological assessments which include the following examinations of
local geology, climate, and topography.
- 167 -

- 168 -

Geology
The geology that characterizes an area exerts a dominant control on local channel form and
function. For example, the underlying geology influences the rate of channel change (e.g.
migration), the sediment input (i.e. amount and type), and channel geometry. Geology also
influences the spatial distribution of water across a landscape, including drainage patterns
and the configuration of watercourses, as well as the rate at which water is transmitted
through a drainage network. The surficial geology within the Environmental Study Area
consists of glacial till, glacial outwash, sand and gravel. A more detailed discussion on the
local geology is provided in the hydrogeological section of this report.
According to the more recent reports by Parish Geomorphic (2004) and CVC (2007), the
Credit River in the Environmental Study Area reworks its own alluvial deposits which are
dominated by sand and gravel. The alluvium is deposited over, and is the product of
reworking of, larger glacial outwash deposits that are dominated by sand-gravel and sand-silt
deposits (Cowan and Sharpe, 1973). These deposits provide a source of bed materials as the
channel migrates across the floodplain. Near the confluence of Shaws Creek with the Credit
River, bog deposits again dominate (Cowan and Sharpe, 1973). The variability of sediment
sizes produces a similar variation in geomorphic channel responses such as migration rates,
gradient, and sinuosity.
Climate
Climatic conditions supply the energy to facilitate physical changes in the environment. The
climate of southern Ontario is characterized by warm summers, mild winters, a long growing
season, and generally reliable rainfall events. However, across this region of the province,
these climatic conditions are spatially and temporally variable. For example, spatial
variations are related to the local topography, exposure to the prevailing winds, and
proximity to the Great Lakes.
The Environmental Study Area is situated in a region that receives approximately 890 mm of
precipitation per year, of which 18% is snowfall. The distribution of rainfall near
Orangeville is influenced by the region’s proximity to both the Niagara Escarpment, as well
as Lake Ontario. August, September and November are typically the wettest months, while
January and February are typically the driest. A net deficit in the water-balance equation
occurs in summer. Frozen ground typically persists between mid-November and late March.
Although the most precipitation is measured in late summer, maximum streamflow usually
occurs in March or April due to snowmelt and/or rain-on-snow precipitation events. When
accounting for the breadth of the drainage basins within the Environmental Study Area and
its fluvial features such as the main branches of the Credit River and Shaws Creek, it can be
expected that spring snowmelt would be the driving mechanism for water levels, stream
discharge, and channel adjustment, as compared to lower-magnitude surges related to
sporadic thunderstorm activity.
- 169 -

Topography
In addition to investigating the local geology and climate, an assessment of the local
topography of surface channels was completed. This involved an identification and
characterization of all channel segments, or reaches. Descriptions of the processes used for
reach delineation and naming are detailed in a later section of this report.
The gradients of each channel segment were measured, and are shown in Figure 4.5.2.
Using broad gradient classes at 1% increments, most of the surface channels within the
Environmental Study Area appear to be fairly flat. Thus main surface channels, such as main
branches of the Credit River and Shaws Creek, are large fluvial features which respond more
gradually to changes in water supply by runoff or land use change. However, lower gradient
channels with fine substrate, such as sand-bed channels, are very sensitive to changes in flow
or sediment regime, which often accompany land use change.
4.5.4 Reach Delineation and Stream Corridor Characterization
Channel form is a product of three principle variables: flow regime, type and availability of
sediment. In order to account for these factors, channels are separated into reaches. Each reach
displays similarity with respect to its physical characteristics. Delineation of a reach
considers: planform, gradient, hydrology, local surficial geology, physiography and
vegetative/land cover control (Montgomery et al, 1997; Richards et al, 1997).
In 1999, every watercourse situated in the Environmental Study Area was assigned a letter.
Watercourses that flowed into the Credit River were further subdivided into tributaries and
channel segments between nodes (e.g. points of convergence with another channel) along the
main channel (Figure 4.5.1). For each reach, general morphometric properties (e.g. sinuosity,
channel gradient) and surficial geology were identified to characterize the channel. At a
coarse scale, this information may be used to identify watercourse tendencies and processes.
To examine channel form and function at a fine scale, the channel segments were grouped
according to similarity in controls (e.g. geology, gradient) and planform configuration (e.g.
sinuosity). From these groupings, representative channel segments were selected in which
detailed geomorphic work was completed.
Thirty-two reaches were identified within the area of current interest (Figure 4.5.1). General
reach characteristics are provided in Table 4.5.1. All reaches within the Environmental Study
Area except for those where access was limited, were field assessed for this study. Some
corrections have been made and some reaches along the eastern boundary of the study area
have been shortened to reflect sections of channel walked during this study. It should be noted
that this is a desktop study with gradient derived from topographic mapping and sinuosity
derived from the watercourse layer. Some sinuosities have been labelled as NA if recent field
assessments did not identify a defined channel.
- 170 -

- 171 -

Table 4.5.1: General Reach Characteristics for the Environmental Study Area (CVC,
1999).
Reach Length (m) Gradient (%) Sinuosity
A1 955 0.89 1.14
A2 1030 1.76 1.13
B1 222 1.57 1.07
C1 781 1.84 1.11
E1 200 0.00 NA
F1 114 1.32 1.04
H1 420 0.57 NA
I1 170 1.24 1.05
K1 260 2 1.34
L1 150 0.93 1.04
M1 426 0.89 NA
M2 591 NA NA
N1 250 0.72 1.07
N1A 143 0.07 NA
N2 187 0.8 1.18
N3 82 0.12 1.49
N4 683 0.78 1.37
N5 91 0.44 1.11
N7 628 0.16 1.18
N8 425 2.2 1.23
N9 337 0.36 1.11
N10 414 0.39 1.23
N11 212 0.33 1.07
O1 259 1.00 1.52
O2 100 2.50 1.02
O3 910 0.82 1.07
O4 430 3.49 1.10
O6 70 1.43 1.17
O7 730 0.00 1.14
P1 1069 0.32 1.29
Q1 4412 0.14 1.44
R1 1012 0.51 1.49
- 172 -

4.5.5 Historical Assessments
Changes in land cover and planform adjustment were identified and examined using historic
and recent black and white aerial photographs of the Alton region. Historical analyses from
previous CVC work in 1999 and Parish Geomorphic (2004) provided insight into the degree of
natural fluvial activity and human impacts, such as channel straightening or changes in land
use. Summaries of the original information obtained in these two analyses are presented
below.
Historical Assessment (1999)
This examination completed by CVC focused specifically on identifying historic channel
patterns and changes in land use along the main channels in the Environmental Study Area,
including the northeastern and southwestern branches of Shaws Creek and the Credit River.
Analog data examined for this exercise included aerial photographs from the years 1949 (scale
1:12,000), 1977 (scale 1:10,000), and 1999 (scale 1:8,000). Table 4.5.2 identifies salient
characteristics and changes in land use and/or channel configuration.
The Shaws Creek tributaries and Credit River near Alton had forested riparian zones,
surrounded by agriculture. In the time period between 1949 and 1999 there was a slight
increase in residential dwellings east of Mississauga Rd. and downstream of Regional Road
136. In 1977, gravel pit operations appeared to be in progress downstream of Beech Grove
Sideroad. In this same area, an increase in floodplain ponds was observed between 1949 and
1999.
Several changes in planform configuration were observed by CVC within the timeline of their
historic analysis. For example, between 1949 and 1999, an island situated in the online pond
east of Mississauga Rd within the SW branch of Shaws Creek, became elongated. Another
island in this branch of Shaws Creek, situated east of Regional Road 136, also became larger
and caused the channel to split around it. Evidence of meander development and migration
was observed in reach Q1. Approximately 98 m downstream of 20 Sideroad, translation and
rotation of the meander bend took place between 1949 and 1999. Immediately downstream, a
mid-channel bar formed between 1977 and 1999 and additional meander bend development
was also observed (140 m downstream of Beech Grove Sideroad).
Deposition was observed in Shaws Creek upstream of its confluence with the Credit River, and
also in the Credit River downstream of Porterfield Road. The latter was observed in 1977 but
not during any of the other imaged years. These deposits may have been temporary and
removed through fluvial transport or may have been a function of water stage at the time of
photo exposure. Both of the 1977 and 1999 photos were taken in April.
- 173 -

Table 4.5.2: Historical Assessment of Reaches near Alton Village (CVC, 1999)
Reach Land use Channel Configuration
A1: SW Shaws
Creek – Upstream
Mississauga Rd to
confluence with
NE Shaws Creek
tributary
P1: Confluence of
NE and SW Shaws
Creek tributaries to
confluence with
Credit River
Boundary of N1,
N3, N7
Q1: confluence of
Shaws Creek and
Credit River to
upstream
REGIONAL RD
24
R1: upstream
Regional Rd 24 to
downstream
Regional Rd 24
Forest, surrounded by
agriculture
‘54 – ‘99 – slight increase in
buildings east of Mississauga
Rd
Dense forest surrounds channel,
railway and agriculture in West,
agriculture in East
‘77 – some homes built
‘99 – no change
Dense forest surrounds channel
Dense forest surrounds channel,
agriculture
‘77 – gravel pit
Agriculture
Portions of channel are obstructed by
trees
W. of Mississauga Rd – island in
channel – no change
E. of Mississauga Rd – 2 online ponds,
island in pond becomes elongated
between ‘54 and ‘99
W. of HWY 136 – online pond –
mentioned only in ‘54 – nothing said in
‘77 or ‘99
E. of HWY 136 – online pond decr. In
size between ‘54 – ‘99; island incr. in
size
‘54 – forest obscures channel
‘77 – deposition between 2 meander
bends
‘99 – no change in channel shape; no
deposition observed
Meandering channel
‘77 – observe deposit in bend
‘99 – no change
‘54 – forest obscures channel
‘77 – ponds adjacent to channel, point
bar by left bank, upstream of Queen St
‘99 – more ponds, two ponds are joined
and crossed by bridge; addition of
building; point bar no longer present
‘54 – ‘99 – some meander bend
development; island growth in channel
between ‘77 and ‘99
‘54 – ‘77 – change in planform
configuration observed upstream of
Regional Rd 24
CVC also measured lateral and down-valley migration rates for the applicable reaches within
the Environmental Study Area. Most of the migration was negligible or less than 0.10 m/yr,
which is fairly typical for stable channels in southern Ontario. The maximum migration rate
calculated was in reach A1, with a maximum lateral migration rate of 0.32 m/yr, and a downvalley
rate 0.40 m/yr. Measurements were also made of average channel width and sinuosity.
- 174 -

Historical Assessment (2003)
This historical assessment completed in 2003 by Parish Geomorphic (2004) involved an
examination of historical land use and channel changes for the Credit River and its floodplain
downstream of Quarry Road. This channel segment was located immediately downstream of
the boundary of the 1999 Alton study, and therefore had not been previously assessed.
Historic aerial photographs were analyzed from 1944 (scale 1:12.000), 1977 (scale 1:10,000),
and 2002 (scale 1:10,000) and revealed little change in land use and planform for this
Environmental Study Area (Figure 4.5.3). According to Parish Geomorphic (2004), a small
tree corridor comprised the riparian vegetation visible in 1944, which itself was surrounded by
agricultural land. A bypass for Highway 24 had been created north of the original road by
1977 (Figure 4.5.3). Also, a large landfill operation had developed on the left bank of the
Credit River, downstream of Quarry Road (Figure 4.5.3). Land use in 2002 was similar to that
in the 1997 aerial photograph, although the riparian corridor appeared denser in the later photo.
The Credit River planform saw little change over the 58 years examined by Parish
Geomorphic (2004) (Figure 4.5.3). Extensive depositional features (e.g., bare point bars)
developed downstream of Quarry Road between 1977 and 1944. These features were still
visible in the 2002 aerial photographs. Parish Geomorphic (2004) proposed several activities
to explain the increase in the amount of sediment in the channel after 1944. For example, this
sediment may have been mobilized during large storm events after 1944 or, more likely,
floodplain alluvium was activated by historic aggregate operations and farming practices that
previously removed riparian vegetation upstream. These practices may have created sediment
pulses that slowly migrated through the system.
Using the same aerial photos and observations from this historical assessment, Parish
Geomorphic (2004) measured migration rates for meander bends upstream of Quarry Road.
Between 1994 and 2002 the meanders upstream of Quarry Road migrated at a rate of 0.03
m/yr. This rate was considered to be relatively low compared to other streams of its size.
Migration rates were negligible along the section of channel downstream of Quarry Road.
- 175 -

Figure 4.5.3: Historic Channel Planform (Parish Geomorphic, 2004)
4.5.6 Detailed Field Work - 1999
Initial detailed field work was completed in 1999 to provide in-depth information regarding
channel form, significant processes, and systematic adjustments. This information was also
used to verify characteristics obtained in the background review process, and in the
establishment of a baseline for comparison with future monitoring results.
The data was collected by CVC during the summer under base flow or low flow conditions,
and included bankfull channel dimensions, descriptions of substrate and bank materials, bank
properties and channel bed morphology. The summarized data as well as general photos for
each site are contained in the Geomorphology Appendix B.
The detailed field sites were selected based on the dominant stream-class groupings
determined through the reach characterization process. Detailed field work was completed
along both the north and south branches of Shaws Creek, surrounding the village of Alton
(Figure 4.5.1). Sites were not selected along the Credit River or in the lower portion of the
Environmental Study Area, as these reaches had been recently characterized through the
Caledon Creek and Credit River Subwatershed Study (CVC, 2003).
The pertinent field data and analytical results from CVC are presented in Table 4.5.3.
Subsequent geomorphic and hydraulic analyses were performed on this data to determine
erosion thresholds for three reaches within the Environmental Study Area (Table 4.5.3).
Generally, the sites along Shaws Creek were shown to be fairly stable, based on their
gradients, substrate and cross-sectional dimensions. However, all sites demonstrated
- 176 -

susceptibility to bank erosion as evidenced by low torvane values, a high percentage of
undercuts, and the comparison of relative bank height to rooting depth.
According to Table 4.5.3, only site O7 was categorized as highly sensitive. This
categorization was due mainly to the fine and easily-scoured substrate comprising this reach.
The A1 reach was categorized as sensitive, due in part to the amount of channel change
observed over time, as well as the presence of dams and several on-line ponds that affect
sediment transport.
Table 4.5.3: General Properties at Shaws Creek Field Sites (CVC, 1999)
Reach
Mississauga Rd. SW
Shaws Creek
(A1)
Upstream
HWY 136, SW
Shaws Creek
(A2)
Upstream HWY
136, NE
Shaws Creek
(O7)
Length surveyed (m) 345 248 > 137
Date August 23, 1999 August 20, 1999 August 18, 1999
Channel gradient (%) 1.09 0.57 0.32
Average bankfull width
(m)
Average bankfull depth
(m)
11.12 9.82 2.46
0.43 0.43 0.33
Bankfull Discharge (m 3 /s) 5.457 5.651 0.627
Substrate (cm):
D 50
D 84
7.11
18.53
4.58
10.05
0.00675
0.5532
Bank height (m) 0.70 0.70 0.60
Rooting depth (m) 0.11 0.12 0.10
Dominant bank material Silt/very fine sand Fine sand/silt Clay/silt
Average Torvane
(kg⋅cm 2 )
0.148 0.164 0.164
Undercuts (%) 30 60 60
Bank protected by
vegetation (%)
52 77 81
Entrenchment ratio 3.11 4.21 11.11
Stream Power (W/m 2 ) 52.21 31.88 7.99
Main Process
Some bed morphology
changes – minor
erosion
Development of bed
morphology
(erosion)
Minor deposition
- 177 -

According to the Caledon Creek and Credit River Subwatershed Study (CVC, 2003) the
section of the Credit River adjacent to the Osprey Valley Golf Course was undergoing
adjustment, attributed to historic land use practices. The channel form was not indicative of
the substrate and bed morphology, and as a result, this portion of the river was categorized as
sensitive. This area was at one time adjacent to an aggregate operation and the riparian
vegetation that lined the channel at the time of this study was pioneering. These facts
suggested to CVC that this portion of the river may have been cleared of vegetation at one
time. Continuing further downstream along the Credit River, the channel appeared to be quite
stable and fairly resilient to land use change.
4.5.7 Detailed Field Work for IWMP - 1999 to 2004
Three of the field sites identified as part of the Integrated Watershed Management Program
(IWMP) (CVC, 2004) were located within or nearby the Alton area of current interest. These
sites include ‘Shaws Creek d/s of Townline’, ‘Shaws Creek u/s HWY 136’, and ‘Credit River
d/s Regional Road 24’. Field data collection across these sites took place at varied intervals
within a five-year time period beginning in 1999. Comparisons of the fluvial
geomorphological summaries from these sites across multiple years are shown in the
Geomorphology Appendix B.
4.5.8 Detailed Field Work – 2003
In July 2003, an erosion assessment was conducted by Parish Geomorphic (2004) for the
Credit River downstream of Alton, south of Highway 24, immediately downstream of Quarry
Road and east of the CN Railway (Figure 4.5.4). This site was located immediately
downstream of the boundary of the Environmental Study Area. Photos of this 2003 field
work site are shown in the Geomorphology Appendix B.
- 178 -

Figure 4.5.4: Area for Erosion Assessment from Parish Geomorphic (2004)
This erosion study included field reconnaissance for completion of geomorphic and stability
assessments (e.g. Rapid Geomorphic Assessment and the Rapid Stream Assessment
Technique) along each reach, as well as detailed data collection and analyses to identify
corresponding erosion thresholds.
The Rapid Geomorphic Assessment (RGA) documents prepared by Parish Geomorphic
(2004) observed indicators of channel instability by quantifying observations using an index
that identifies channel sensitivity (MOE, 2003). Sensitivity is based on evidence of
aggradation, degradation, channel widening and planimetric form adjustment. The index
produces values that indicate whether the channel is stable/in regime (score 0.41). The 2003 RGA score
of 0.18 for this channel indicated that it was in regime or stable. Evidence of aggradation or
degradation was not noted, however, substantial evidence of channel widening was observed.
Such indicators included leaning and fallen trees, presence of large organic debris in and
around the channel, exposed tree roots, basal scour on both banks of riffles, and the
formation of chutes and islands. This section of the Credit River was also characterized by
well-defined riffle-pool sequences, moderately vegetated banks, and minor bank erosion
and/or slumping observed throughout the site. Upstream of Quarry Road Bridge, a large
woody debris jam was observed. Downstream of the same bridge were concrete abatements
on each bank, likely remnants of an old road crossing (see Plates 1 to 4 in Geomorphology
Appendix B).
The Rapid Stream Assessment Technique (RSAT) provides a broader view of the system by
extending consideration to the ecological functioning of the stream (Galli, 1996). This
technique includes observations of water quality, riparian conditions, instream habitat, and
- 179 -

iological indicators. Semi-quantitative measures of channel disturbance, bankfull channel
dimensions, type of substrate, and vegetative cover are also assessed by the RSAT approach.
RSAT scores rank the degree of stream health maintained within a channel as low (35). The RSAT score for this channel was 33.5, which suggests
the system was moderately healthy in 2003.
Detailed data collection completed by Parish Geomorphic (2004) included measurements of
bankfull flow conditions as well as general channel and bank characteristics. Standard
protocols and known field indicators were used to quantify the bankfull cross-sectional
dimensions of the reaches. Channel bed substrate materials were characterized using a
modified Wolman (1954) pebble count. Sediment samples of the bank were collected, an in
situ shear stress test was performed on bank materials, and bank characteristics such as
height and composition were noted. In 2003, these measurements were completed at five
cross-sections chosen within the detailed site. A level survey provided a measure of the local
energy gradient. Measurements from the detailed site studied by Parish Geomorphic (2004)
are summarized in the Geomorphology Appendix B. Table 4.5.4 presents bankfull
characteristics, specifically.
Determination of Erosion Thresholds
Erosion thresholds determine the magnitude of flows required to potentially entrain and
transport sediment in the channel. Erosion assessments were completed by Parish
Geomorphic (2004) using the information they collected in the detailed assessment.
The calculations performed to determine critical discharge were based on formulas for
critical bed shear stress (Chow, 1959; Miller et al., 1977), and a range of shear stress and
threshold velocity models were considered (e.g. Chow, 1959; Neill, 1967; Komar, 1987;
Fischenich, 2001). The median grain size (D 50 ) is normally used in erosion threshold
determination to represent the bank materials.
Thresholds were also determined for the bank material. The bank thresholds were found to
be lower than the bed threshold and this limiting value was used as the critical threshold.
Threshold values were converted to a discharge for a typical cross section and shown in
Table 4.5.4 as critical discharge. Parish Geomorphic (2004) note that this is a conservative
value as it does not take into account added strength from riparian vegetation or the presence
of coarser sediment.
- 180 -

Table 4.5.4: Detailed Bankfull Channel and Erosion Threshold Parameters (Parish
Geomorphic, 2004)
Bankfull gradient (%) 0.46
Average bankfull width (m) 14.07
Average bankfull depth (m) 0.69
Bedrock Exposure/Control
Bed Material (m):
D 50
D 84
No
0.036719
0.13522
Bank Materials
ms/cs/si/p/fs/cl
plus some coarser materials
Manning’s n at Bankfull* 0.041
Average Bankfull Velocity (ms -1 ) 1.04
Average Bankfull Discharge (m 3 s -1 ) 13.08
Flow competence (ms -1 ) @ D 50 1.04
Flow competence (ms -1 ) @ D 84 1.89
Tractive Force at Bankfull (Nm -2 ) 31.06
Critical Shear (Nm -2 ) @ D 50 26.75
Critical Shear (Nm- 2 ) @ D 84 98.49
Bank Shear (Nm -2 )
4.79 &
Stream Power (Wm -1 ) 589.78
Critical Discharge (m 3 s -1 ) 0.90
Critical Depth (m) 0.16
Critical Velocity (ms -1 ) 0.50
Method Chow, 1959
* Manning’s ‘n’ based on Limerinos (1970), & compact sand loam
- 181 -

4.5.9 Detailed Field Work – 2005
Field assessments (RGAs and the RSAT) were completed in 2005 by CVC (2007), and field
work was conducted for six reaches identified in the Subwatershed 17 study, which were also
located within the Alton area of current interest. The names and division boundaries of these
channel segments were not consistent between the 1999 CVC draft report and the 2007
Subwatershed 17 study, however, so Table 4.5.5 provides a key for matching the naming
schemes when referring to either report. Throughout the remainder of this section, the reaches
of interest will be referred to using the CVC (1999) reach naming scheme.
Table 4.5.5: Key to naming schemes from 1999 and 2007 field work.
1999
Reach Name
A1
A2
O1
O2
O3
O4
O5
O6
O7
P1
2007
Reach Name
R5b, R6
R4, R5a
R2
n/a
n/a
n/a
R2
R1
In 2005, the stream gradient was observed to increase along Shaws Creek through reaches A2
and A1, and bed material was relatively coarse (e.g. gravel to cobble). In these areas, the
channel bed was generally more resistant to erosion than the banks, and the channels typically
adjusted to stress by moving laterally. Downstream of the confluence of reaches O7 and A2,
the gradient was low allowing the channel to function as a deposition zone. Beaver activity
was common within these reaches. Reach P1 was predominantly comprised of fine-grained
materials (i.e., sand, silt) reflecting underlying geology and channel gradient.
The fluvial geomorphology summary completed by CVC (2007) for reach A1 (reach 6) is
shown in the Geomorphology Appendix B. This assessment was completed in June 2007 as
an addendum to the previous field work completed in 2005. Bankfull cross-sections are also
shown in the Geomorphology Appendix B for 2005 field sites. The following Tables 4.5.6 to
4.5.8 provide general information about the studied reaches.
- 182 -

Table 4.5.6: General Reach Characteristics from the Subwatershed 17 Study (CVC,
2007)
1999
Reach
Name
2005
Reach
Name
Stream Order
(Strahler, 1952)
Reach Length
(m)
Gradient
(%)
Sinuosity
P1 R1 5 1069 0.09 1.29
O1, O2,
O3, O7
R2 3 2245 0.49 1.38
A2 R4 5 1076 1.86 1.14
A2 R5a 5 808 0.00 1.06
A1 R5b 5 748 2.21 1.16
A1 R6 5 1590 0.47 1.18
Table 4.5.7: Summary of rapid assessment results and channel classifications (CVC,
2007)
1999
Reach
Name
2005
RGA
RSAT
Reach
Name Score Condition Score Condition
P1 R1 0.22 In transition 30 Good
O1, O2, O3,
O7
R2 0.21 In transition 26 Good
A2 R4 0.25 In transition 32 Good
A2 R5a 0.13 In regime 38 Excellent
A1 R5b 0.13 In regime 38 Excellent
A1 R6 0.04 In regime 29 Good
- 183 -

Table 4.5.8: Summary of 2005 Reach Conditions (CVC, 2007)
1999
Reach
Name
2005
Reach
Name
Bankfull
Width (m)
Bankfull
Depth (m)
Pool
Substrate
Riffle
Riparian
Vegetation
Notes
P1 R1 7-15 0.5-1.0 Sand
Sandgravel
Trees;
grasses;
wetland
vegetation
Woody
debris;
debris jams
O1, O2,
O3, O7
R2 1-2 0.2-0.5 Sand
Sandgravel
Grasses;
shrubs
Woody
debris;
beaver dam
A2 R4 8-15 0.2-1.5 Gravel
Sm-lrg
cobble
Trees;
shrubs;
grasses
Woody
debris;
railway and
road
crossings
A2 R5a 5-15 0.4-1.0
Sm-lrg
cobble
Med-lrg
cobble
Trees;
grasses
Woody
debris;
debris jams
A1 R5b 5-15 0.4-1.0
Sm-lrg
cobble
Med-lrg
cobble
Trees;
grasses
Woody
debris;
debris jams
A1 R6 4-7 0.3-0.7 Gravel
Med-lrg
cobble
Trees;
grasses
Rapid flow
4.5.10 Identification of Data Gaps
Geomorphic Assessments including RGA and RSAT were performed during the Subwatershed
17 study (CVC, 2007) on all reaches of Shaws Creek within the study area. There have also
been several detailed geomorphic assessments on portions of Shaws Creek within the study
area and on the Credit River downstream of the study area. Reaches of the Credit River and its
tributaries within the study area have not been recently assessed. Therefore, these reaches
were the target of rapid geomorphic assessments completed in October 2008 for this current
study.
- 184 -

4.5.11 Present Field Assessment
Field observations were made in October 2008 to address the identified data gaps, verify the
previous desktop assessment, identify active geomorphological processes and assess the
stability and sensitivity of the reaches. Each reach was assessed using a RGA and the RSAT.
Additionally, semi-quantitative measures of bankfull channel dimensions, type of substrate,
vegetative cover, and channel disturbance were performed. Photographs were taken for a
visual inventory of creek processes and are included in the Geomorphology Appendix B.
Field observations of the newly assessed reaches are provided in Table 4.5.1. It can be seen
that many of the smaller reaches had poorly defined channels or channels were not present.
These reaches were generally marsh or wet meadow areas. In many cases where there were
channels, the channels had poorly defined pools and ripples. This is common when channels
flow through wet meadows or cedar forests where pool and ripple sequences often do not
evolve naturally. This is especially the case when the substrate is mainly sandy.
Results of the rapid assessments are shown in Table 4.5.10. Many of the reaches could not be
assessed using the RGA or RSAT because they either did not contain a channel or the channels
were poorly defined. Most assessable channels were ‘In regime’, however some were ‘In
transition’ showing evidence of widening. These reaches were generally in reaches along the
Credit River dominated by cedar trees and contained many fallen trees and debris jams. It
should be noted that this is common in cedar lined channels and does not necessarily indicate
that the channel is unnaturally stressed. RSAT scores were all ‘Good’. Higher scores were
generally limited by the lack of well defined pools and riffles or the presence of the golf course
near the creek.
- 185 -

Table 4.5.9: Field Observations of Reaches
Reach
Bankfull
Width (m)
Bank-full
Depth (m)
Pool
Riffle
Notes
No channel or evidence of flow. A pond is located by golf course with no
obvious inlet/outlet
D1
N/A (no channel)
Grasses,
herbaceous,
E1
N/A (no channel)
trees, shrubs Wet area by road, culvert under road, marsh, short poorly defined channel
F1
N/A (no access)
No access, private property
Grasses, Downstream reach break moved to downstream edge of woods; reach is
H1
N/A (no channel)
herbaceous marsh/swamp; no channel
Small indistinct channel widening to 2 - 3 m at confluence with Credit
I1 0.5-3 0.1-0.25 Silt, sand, organics Cedar River; no flow until downstream end; no defined pools or riffles;
Multiple channels through meadow, multiple outlets to main channel;
aquatic vegetation in largest channel; areas of standing water; cedar forest
K1 < 2.0 0.4 sand Grasses, trees by main channel; no defined pools or riffles
Grasses,
L1 N/A (poorly defined channel) herbaceous
M1 N/A (no channel)
Forest No channel, forest
M2 2 0.2
Substrate
grasses
Riparian
Vegetation
Grasses,
herbaceous
Short section of poorly defined channel; meadow with multiple channels
and saturated areas between channels upstream of the short channel
Golf course ponds with dam; ~20 long ditch with small amount of flow
between dam and Credit River; no pools or riffles
N1 7.0 - 8.0 0.75
N1a 0.3 0.1
N2 2 0.3
N3 7.0 - 8.0 0.8
N4 1.0 - 1.5 0.2 - 0.35 Sand, silt
N5 0.5-1.5 0.15-0.25
sand
grasses/sand
sand
sand
Sand,
gravel
sand/organics
Grasses, trees, More trees on banks than downstream reach, grassy mounds in channel,
herbaceous slumping near road bridge (Porterfield Rd), Poorly defined pools and riffles
Grasses, Short wet meadow channel, culvert under old road, wetland upstream of
herbaceous culvert
Culvert under RR 136; Upstream, marsh and small channel through private
Grasses, property; Downstream, marsh and small defined channel at downstream end
herbaceous by confluence
Grasses, Narrower than Q1, bed irregular with branches and logs, poorly defined
herbaceous pools and riffles
Wetland at upstream side of road and wide pond/swamp; two culverts under
road; small tributary on right side near downstream end; Woody debris,
Grasses, trees vegetated banks, meadow channel
Grasses, Short wet meadow channel; widens to 1.5 m at confluence with 0.25 m
herbaceous bankfull depth
N7 7.0 - 10.0 0.8
Sand
Cedar, grasses,
herbaceous
Narrower than Q1, poorly defined pools and riffles, dense woody debris on
bed and debris jams, many fish
N8 1.5 0.2 sand/gravel Trees
Upstream of Porterfield Rd: dry, woody debris, sand and gravel on bed,
short section of well defined channel, forest opens to meadow, defined
valley, one valley wall contact; Downstream: scour pool at culvert, dry,
valley opens up, vegetation gets denser and channel becomes indistinct
N9 7.0 - 10.0 0.8
N10
N11 7.0 - 10.0 0.8 Sand
Cedar
Gravel,
sand,
cobble,
some
large Forest, golf
Q1 10.0 - 12.0 0.75 - 1.0
cobble course
R1 13.5 0.75
Sand,
gravel
Sand,
silt,
gravel
Sand
N/A (poorly defined channel)
Cobble,
gravel
Cedar, grasses, Bruce Trail crosses channel via footbridge, poorly defined riffle/pool
herbaceous sequence, many deep pools
Grasses,
herbaceous, Small defined channel at Bruce Trail crossing, but no visible outlet to main
trees channel of Credit River
Cedar, grasses,
herbaceous
Poorly defined riffle/pool sequence, cedar forest, exposed roots and
undercuts (up to ~0.5m)
Golf course up to channel, thin cedar buffer; fallen trees at bank, some
slumping, steeper than R1, more cover than R1, valley wall contact,
upstream becomes sandier substrate with more pools; some cobbles at
confluence with P1, but does not continue far DS of confluence
Poorly defined pools and riffles, well vegetated banks, aquatic vegetation,
woody debris near banks
- 186 -

Table 4.5.10: Results of Rapid Geomorphic Assessments
Reach
D1
E1
F1
H1
I1
K1
L1
M1
M2
N1 0.24
N1a
N2
RGA
RSAT
Dominate
Systematic
Score Condition Adjustment Score Condition Limiting Feature(s)
N/A (no channel or evidence of flow)
N/A (marsh and poorly defined short channel)
N/A (No access, private property)
N/A (Marsh/swamp, no channel)
N/A (Small, indistinct channel with no flow until downstream end)
N/A (meadow, multiple channels)
N/A (Short section of defined channel, meadow with multiple channels and saturated ground)
N/A (No channel near confluence with Q1)
N/A (Golf course ponds with ~20m long ditch between dam and river)
In
Transition/
Stress Widening 27 Good Riparian Habitat Conditions
N/A (Small tributary, culvert with wetland u/s)
N/A (Marsh, small defined channel)
Planimetric
Form
N3 0.07 In Regime Adjustment 25 Good Riparian Habitat Conditions
N4 0.04 In Regime Widening 26 Good Physical Instream Habitat
N5
N/A (Short, wet meadow channel)
N7 0.27
In
Transition/
Stress Widening 25.5 Good
Channel Scouring/ Sediment
Deposition/ Riparian Habitat
Conditions
N8 0.11 In Regime Degradation
N/A: Dry
N9 0.27
In
Transition/
Stress Widening 25 Good
Channel Scouring/ Sediment
Deposition/ Riparian Habitat
Conditions
N10 N/A (No outlet visible at main channel; small poorly defined channel across Bruce Trail)
In
Transition/
Stress Widening 25 Good
Channel Stability/ Channel
Scouring/Sediment Deposition
N11 0.3
Q1 0.09 In Regime Widening 28 Good Riparian Habitat Conditions
R1 0.12 In Regime Widening 30 Good Riparian Habitat Conditions
- 187 -

4.6 Fisheries Characterization
4.6.1 Introduction
The objective of this study component is to identify and characterize the fish communities
throughout the Environmental Study Area that provide integrative environmental indicators
of the health of their respective subwatersheds. The sensitivity of the fishery needs to be
understood, including habitat requirements, in order to prevent any degradation as stipulated
by the Federal Fisheries Act. Specifically, hydrological linkages between land use changes
and servicing and fish need to be documented in order to predict potential impacts based on
future scenarios and planning applications. In particular, potential degradation relating to
sewage treatment and disposal has been identified as one issue.
4.6.2 Work Completed
Fish Sampling Results
Fish collection records have been compiled for the Environmental Study Area since 1995.
Sampling locations are illustrated in Figure 4.6.1 along with those sampled for biomass from
1999 to 2006. (see Fish Productivity). No new species have been found in this Evironmental
study area, but have been elsewhere in the Shaws Creek subwatershed (e.g. crappie, pearl
dace). These records are useful in determining the presence of fish species that are listed in
Table 4.6.1. Each species has a different set of habitat requirements based on life stages and
behavioral traits (e.g. feeding strategies, cover, water quality and temperature, swimming
adaptations, etc.) that reflects the conditions and health of the waters sampled. Detailed
information on each species as it relates to preferred habitat conditions are available from
literature sources and have been conveniently summarized as high, moderate and low
environmental sensitivities in Table 4.6.1.
Fish Community Classification
Based on fish species presence and their sensitivities, stream reaches have been classified
into the following categories that are depicted in Figure 4.6.2.
- 188 -

Table 4.6.1: Fish Species and Sensitivity Ratings at Sampling Sites
Fish Species
*Fish
Sensitivity
Credit
River
Shaws
Creek
Orpen
Tributary
2nd Line
Tributary
Blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus) 1 X X X X
Bluntnose minnow (Pimphales notatus) 1 X X X
Brassy minnow (Hybognathus hankinsoni) 2 X
Brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) 1.5 X X X
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 3 X X X
Brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus) 1 X
Central mudminnow (Umbra limi) 1 X
Common shiner (Luxilus cornutus) 2 X X
Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) 1 X X X X
Fathead minnow (pimephales promelas) 1 X X
Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) 2 X X X
Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) 2 X X
Largemouth bass (micopterus salmoides) 2 X
Northern hog sucker (Hypentelium
nigricans)
3
Northern pike (Esox lucius) 2 X X
Northern redbelly dace (Phoxinos eos) 1 X X
Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) 2 X X
Rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) 2 X X
White sucker (Catostomus commersoni) 1 X X X
* 1= Low, 2=Moderate and 3=High Sensitivity
- 189 -

- 190 -

- 191 -

Resident Coldwater
These communities contain self-reproducing populations of resident brook trout. This species
relies on significant groundwater contributions to incubate over-wintering eggs and to
maintain summer temperatures, preferably not exceeding 20°C for extended periods.
It should be noted that the numbers of brook trout found in some sections of the main river and
Shaws Creek are very low indicating that populations are stressed. These areas are further
identified as low productivity areas in Figure 4.6.2. Historical records do suggest the
populations on the main river were more abundant at one time. Potential impacts may include
municipal well pumping, high groundwater nitrate levels, golf course construction and the
introduction of northern pike in the area. Other impacts on water quantity and quality may
also originate from areas upstream, particularly Orangeville.
It should also be noted that the coldwater tributary passing under Porterfield Road was
designated as such given its permanent flowing nature and ability to provide coldwater refuge.
There has also been a questionablefish collection report indicating the presence of brook trout.
Main channel through Alton
The warm outlet channel from Caledon Lake (upstream of the Environmental Study Area)
meets the cold southern tributaries (Highpoint Rd) to form the main branch. The main branch
has limited wetlands and discharge conditions. Land use and the presence of two dams may
also explain only the occasional trout. Trout in this reach could also represent migrating
“drop downs”. There are more reports of trout and historical spawning activity further
downstream at the confluence with the Credit where the main river offers additional habitat
and possibly another source of trout. The main river population however is still recognized as
limited compared to healthy populations found nearer the confluence with Caledon Creek.
It should be noted that the numbers of brook trout found in the lower sections below Alton
are poor or absent indicating that populations are stressed or limited by other natural
conditions. Historical records do suggest that spawning populations on the lower reaches
were more abundant at one time. Potential impacts may include municipal well pumping,
high groundwater nitrate levels from septics, land use practices and the introduction of
northern pike in the area.
Habitat conditions are also characterized by a lack of coarser substrates and aerating riffles.
Based on monitoring recorders deployed water temperatures are also stressful and there is very
little indication of spawning activity after repeated surveys. Recently this area was the focus of
some major stream rehabilitation efforts. Some results may not be apparent for years to come
such as the effects of planted buffers and the mitigation or eventual removal of dams in Alton
and Melville. The main river does not offer good refuge habitat until nearer to its confluence
with Caledon Creek where abundant groundwater discharges.
- 192 -

Orpen Lake Tributary
This tributary has also been suggested as the source of trout found in the lower reaches of
Shaws Creek given the presence of spawning activity and many young of year trout during
electrofishing surveys. Water temperatures also offer coldwater refuge from lower Shaws
Creek. The headwaters of this tributary are affected by dams and on-line ponds, the largest
being Orpen Lake.
Given that brook trout can generally be found throughout the Shaws Creek subwatershed and
that physiographic mapping of potential or historical habitat also indicate surface or subsurface
linkages and contributing habitats, the entire subwatershed has been designated as a Coldwater
Management Zone in the Credit River Fisheries Management Plan and is supported by this
subwatershed study. It should be noted that even warmwater reaches mapped in this
subwatershed context may have historically or are seasonally or very infrequently used by
brook trout. This will still be reflected in the overall Management Zone in both this
Subwatershed Plan and the CRFMP. All contributing waters to coldwater reaches need to be
managed in the same terms of buffers and other “contributing” factors to the more sensitive
downstream reaches.
Tolerant Warmwater
This community is usually made up of only a few species that are not habitat “specialists” and
are adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions. These species although found in other
communities will dominate small warmer water tributaries. They often utilize intermittent
tributaries when flows are sufficient and can survive in refuge pools, ponds and wetlands.
When a more diverse assemblage of “minnow” species that may include larger predators is
found, a more sensitive warmwater designation is assigned. Such communities were not
documented in this Environmental Study Area.
It should be noted that although these communities are predominantly classified according to
preferred thermal regimes as the names imply other habitat factors also play an important role.
These other factors are often correlated with temperature including dissolved oxygen, nutrient
status, turbidity and siltation, riparian conditions and stream size.
Fish Productivity
Further information on fish abundance can provide data that can be correlated with other
study components such as geomorphology and water quality. Such data, however, must be
collected under more scientific and quantifiable protocols than are usually employed in fish
collections. A protocol developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources was used on the
Credit River and Shaws Creek in this study and is indicated as the Fish Biomass Stations in
Figure 4.6.1. At this location a repeatable procedure using electrofishing equipment was
used over a measurable area of habitat with fish species recorded by total weight or biomass
in order to estimate biological productivity in terms of grams of fish per square metre. These
results permit comparisons with other similar stations throughout the watershed and more
importantly provide baseline data for long term monitoring of changes in the fish community.
- 193 -

Fish biomass data are presented in Fisheries Appendix C. Total productivity and species
diversity (number of species) recorded at the downstream main river site does not represent
conditions found upstream that are considered stressed as noted earlier.
In terms of at-a-station trends over time. The following regression equations for IBI scores (n
/ Y=mX + b / R2 and +-SD) have been calculated where Y is the average IBI score over the
number of years (n) sampled. R2 represents the strength or accuracy of the trend in time with
values approaching 1 being the most predictable. The Standard Deviation (SD) best
represents the amount of “scatter”. M is the slope indicating whether the trend over time
represents degradation in health (indicated by a negative value) or improvement (positive
value). Stations remaining relative stable in health will exhibit a value nearer to zero
(positive or negative).
Shaws Creek d/s Mississauga Rd. (7 yrs / 9.97 = -1.6x + b / R2=0.21 +- 8.4)
In 2006 this site reached an all time low and has been in the fair category in the last 3
samples compared to good and excellent ratings in the first 4 years of sampling. The land use
of Shaws Creek upstream of Alton has been stable and includes many protected wetlands.
White sucker and the predatory rock bass have widely fluctuated over the years and may take
up seasonal residence in the headpond downstream which has been filling with sediment.
Longnose dace, a riffle specialist has experienced a decline.
Shaws Creek u/s Hwy 136 (6 yrs / 10.9 = -1.1x + b / R2=0.16 +- 4.9)
This site has alternated between excellent scores to fair stream health each year. This
variability may relate to being downstream of Alton and two dams and experiences some
fishing pressure. Brook trout are absent from the sample 1/3 rd of the time. Chub, shiners, rock
bass and white sucker dominate the community and are considered more tolerant of impacts.
Credit River at Beech Grove Sideroad (5 yrs / 3.4 = -0.1x + b / R2=0.16 +- 7.4)
This site has been consistently poor with no sign of improvement despite good pool-riffle
habitat for brook trout. Extensive reaches above and below this site are slow with siltier
sediments and were targeted for restoration in the past.
Credit River d/s of Regional Rd 24 (5 yrs / 28.1 = -1.9x + b / R2=0.06 +- 18.8)
The excellent health at this site is not surprising to anglers who have always valued this reach
as the most productive brook trout waters under catch and release regulations. The abundant
groundwater upwelling in the area also supports an important spawning and refuge area for
this most sensitive coldwater species. The last sample taken in 2005 represents a new
minimum score but still within an excellent rating. No overall trend is evident.
Credit River at Caledon Landfill (2yrs / 14.6)
In 2006 the IBI score was about half of that originally sampled in 2001. This site is just
downstream of Regional Rd 24 where station health has more consistently ranked excellent.
It is recommended that all monitoring sites be further updated to include 2007 to 2008 data.
- 194 -

Fish Habitat
Fish species and abundance are determined by a variety of habitat factors as referred to
above. Observations were made during a complete walk up the main river as they relate to
fish including pool-riffle ratios, riparian conditions, woody cover, aquatic plants and
substrate. More accurate measurements and characterizations are provided in the
geomorphology component. The water quality component also documents water chemistry
and in particular dissolved oxygen as it relates to aquatic plants and fish.
Ideally a ratio of 40% pool has been suggested in the literature to provide ideal fish habitat in
river systems. The Environmental Study Area reach appeared to have sufficient pool
habitats. The Credit River actually tended to be deficient in quality riffle reaches along the
upstream half of the Environmental Study Area.
Woody cover appeared sufficient throughout the study reach on average. A few areas do
lack cover and another reach may even be considered to have excess debris if further studies
indicate sediment transport or other functions are affected.
The growth of aquatic plants and algae was commonly observed along the river and
tributaries. Rooted aquatic plants can benefit fish communities by providing cover and food.
In excess, however, plant growth may result in low oxygen supplies during night time
respiration, especially for trout requiring high dissolved oxygen when warm waters approach
their thermal thresholds which may occur in the reaches identified as having stressed trout
populations. It should be noted that the apparent lack of riffles may fail to re-oxygenate
waters in the upper half of the Environmental Study Area.
As part of the water quality study component temperature data was collected on Shaws Creek
in relation to two on-line impoundments. The results confirm that brook trout populations are
stressed with temperatures regularly exceeding a 20C target above and below the dams. Other
temperature studies were also conducted in the Caledon Creek and Credit River Subwatershed
Study (1999). Likewise stressful temperatures were recorded in the Credit River and were
related to slower moving areas lacking canopy cover. The most stable thermal regimes
providing important refuge and spawning habitat are found in the Orpen Lake tributary and
Caledon Creek. The main river also appears to get cooler downstream of the Caledon Creek
confluence and especially downstream of Regional Rd 24 outside the Environmental Study
Area.
Temperature, as part of the past water quality assessment, was collected on Shaws Creek in
relation to two on-line impoundments. The results confirm that brook trout populations are
stressed with temperatures regularly exceeding a 20°C target above and below the dams. The
most stable thermal regimes providing important refuge and spawning habitat are found in the
Orpen Lake tributary entering Shaws Creek at RR 136. Comparative temperature data
throughout the subwatershed was collected in 2005 following the Rapid Assessment Protocol
of MNR. Maximum temperatures are recorded on Table 4.8.8.
- 195 -

The main channel then rises an additional 2°C with waters from the Cedar Falls dam and
upstream from Caledon Lake. Temperatures then reach a maximum of 28°C below Alton and
are lethal to trout without access to refuge pockets. Also temperatures at the outflow of
Orpen Lake were also critical at 28°C. How far down this excludes trout is unknown but the
lower reaches, however, are known to recover as they pass through swamps. Temperatures
can become lethal to all fish life when combined with low oxygen associated with excess
plant (wetland) growth or nutrient enrichment (i.e. dammed impoundments).
Instream barriers mostly in the form of dams with impoundments alter stream habitats
significantly for fish and further shift the community towards more wetland and lake adapted
species. The impoundment act as nutrient traps and further depresses oxygen levels. Waters
typically warm up in the impounded waters and exclude trout for a distance downstream. As
sediment traps they only pass fines in suspension. The loss of the coarser bedloads gives
added power to water downstream of the dam that erode channels downstream. Often the
greatest impact is the isolation of populations from spawning or refuge areas and the long
term exchange of genetic material with other populations until stresses lead to their
premature extirpation. A Dam Inventory conducted by CVC has identified about 45 dams or
online ponds. Many are located on spring sources of many small headwaters and isolate
relatively short reaches upstream but may significantly impact water temperatures
cumulatively. The most significant barriers from a watershed perspective and more
effectively places populations at genetic risk are those beginning downstream in Alton,
followed by Cedar Falls. One other dam was recently removed between Cedar Falls and
Caledon Lake. The Orpen Lake dam and another upstream of 19th Line on a coldwater reach
with a significant drainage area is also of concern.
Substrates provide important fish habitats. The interstitial spaces amongst gravel riffles also
provide habitat for macroinvertebrates utilized as food. Many fish species including mottled
sculpin, longnose dace and darters live and feed within these interstitial spaces. Of greatest
importance are those areas used to deposit and incubate trout eggs that are free of siltation
that can smother fish eggs. A lack of gravel riffles has been observed in the upper two thirds
of the Credit River and the lower one third of Shaws Creek in the Environmental Study Area.
These areas are dominated by sand and silt that likely limit fish production. It should be
investigated whether this is a natural limitation and whether preventative or rehabilitative
actions are even warranted.
Streamside vegetation provide important functions related to fish habitat including shade for
temperature regulation, overhanging and instream cover, bank stability and erosion
protection, water quality improvement through sediment trapping and nutrient uptake and as
buffer from adjacent land uses. Observations in this Environmental Study Area were
variable and can be better characterized from land use mapping and the assessment of valley
and stream corridors in the Terrestrial component.
For more detailed mapping of fish habitat features and recommendations for rehabilitation
consult the Upper Credit Rehabilitation Project reports and Subwatershed Study.
- 196 -

Spawning Surveys
Spawning nests or “redds” were investigated in this study as they represent critical habitats
that often are the single limiting factor to fish production for specialized species such as trout
and salmon.
Figure 4.6.3 summarizes concentrations of spawning redds surveyed over the last 10 years
along the main river and in 1999 for tributaries in the Environmental Study Area. Extremely
dense concentrations are found at the lower end of the Environmental Study Area and extend
further downstream with similar densities noted in Caledon Creek. It is also suspected that
high densities of spawning redds exist along the Orpen tributary given the availability of
spawning habitat and collection of young of the year trout. A survey in 1999 did confirm a
number of redds in the lower reaches that were surveyed. Spawning surveys have not been
historically done in this tributary and Shaws Creek to accurately assess redd densities. Due
to natural variability in brook trout numbers, weather conditions and observer error it is
recommended that surveys be continued in this tributary and Shaws Creek, if any potential
impacts are predicted.
Of particular concern is the lower number of redds recorded in the main river given the
historical data available. Table 4.6.2 compares redd densities from 1981 to 1985 and 1999.
There appears to be a decrease in spawning activities overall, although it is only statistically
significant upstream of the Environmental Study Area (to Melville) which may still impact
trout populations that migrate. The potential stresses on these populations were discussed
earlier.
Table 4.6.2: Comparison of 1981-1985 and 1999 Spawning Redds
River Reach
Sauriol Exchange
Lands
Osprey Lands to
Beechgrove S.R.
MNR Grange to
Porterfield Rd.
Porterfield Rd. to
Melville Dam
1981-1985 Mean
Number of Redds
1981-1985
Standard
Deviation
5.40 3.51 6
21.60 20.45 7
24.20 21.74 11
91.80 68.76 4
1999 Redd Numbers
Only one redd was found along the main branch upstream of Alton in the Subwatershed
Study update. These areas should be surveyed again before any further conclusions are drawn
along with other priority areas still not surveyed to date as indicated.
- 197 -

- 198 -

4.6.3 Next Steps
Having characterized the fisheries of the Environmental Study Area the next step will be to
discuss the sensitivities of each fish community and the spawning areas of brook trout in
relation to proposed impacts. This information should be provided as different scenarios in
order to predict at what level impacts may occur or if the distribution of land use impacts or
point sources can be mitigated. Impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated will be
forwarded to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for further input and review.
Although at least two of the fish biomass monitoring sites are likely to be re-sampled on a
regular basis as part of a watershed wide monitoring program and spawning survey may
continue as part of a rehabilitation program, further studies and monitoring may be
recommended following an impact analysis.
Stewardship activities, including instream rehabilitation and educational programs will also
be recommended and integrated with local and subwatershed initiatives. Reference with the
Credit River Fisheries Management Plan will also be done.
- 199 -

4.7 Benthic Macroinvertebrates
4.7.1 Introduction
Benthic macroinvertebrates are larger-than-microscopic invertebrate animals that live on a
stream bottom. They include aquatic insects, snails, worms, crayfish, and other related
organisms. Benthic macroinvertebrates are commonly used as indicators of aquatic
environmental conditions. Because they have relatively short life spans (about one year) and
are limited in their mobility, benthic macroinvertebrates respond quickly to changes in the
local environment, thus being able to identify point source impacts. A change in the benthic
community can also act as an early warning indicator to a potential change in the fish
community.
The objective of this study component is to characterize the benthic macroinvertebrate
community throughout the Environmental Study Area. Available data will be used to
identify existing impacts as well as sensitive areas that may be influenced by land use
change.
4.7.2 Work Completed
Benthic macroinvertebrate data are available through CVC’s Integrated Watershed
Monitoring Program (IWMP) (CVC 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004). Within the Alton Village
Environmental Study Area, two stations are sampled annually during the summer (i.e. July
and August) as part of the IWMP as shown in Figure 4.7.1. Stations 501170001 (Shaws
Creek at Hwy 136) and 501180003 (Credit River at Regional Rd 24) have been sampled
since 1999 and 2000, respectively. In addition to the annual sampling, both stations were
sampled as part of a study examining temporal trends in the macroinvertebrate community
throughout the ice-free season in 2006. Bi-weekly sample collection for this study resulted
in 15 sampling events per station from April to November. CVC collects benthic
macroinvertebrates using a kick and sweep protocol proposed by Reynoldson et al (1999).
Organisms are identified by an independent taxonomist to lowest practical taxonomic level,
usually genus or species.
Results of the macroinvertebrate sampling were summarized according to a variety of metrics
commonly used to identify impacts on the benthic community. These metrics along with
their directional response to disturbance (i.e. whether the index increases or decreases in
response to an impact) are described in Table 4.7.1
- 200 -

- 201 -

Table 4.7.1 Definitions of metrics and their respective directional response to
disturbance
Index Definition Direction of Response
to Disturbance
Taxa Richness Number of taxa represented in the sample Decrease
Number of EPT
Taxa
Number of Ephemeroptera (mayfly),
Plecoptera (stonefly) and Trichoptera
(caddisfly) taxa. These taxa are generally
considered to be sensitive to pollution
% EPT Proportion of the sample represented by
EPT taxa
Diversity (H’) A measure of diversity that takes into
account number of taxa and evenness
HBI
A measure of organic enrichment based
on species tolerance values
% Oligochaeta Proportion of the sample represented by
oligochaete worms
% Chironomidae Proportion of the sample represented by
chironomid taxa (midge flies)
% Isopoda Proportion of the sample represented by
isopod taxa (sow bugs)
Diversity (Shannon’s H’) was calculated as follows:
H’ = -Σ p i log 2 p i
Decrease
Decrease
Decrease
Increase
Increase
Increase
Increase
Where p i is the fraction of animals in a sample belonging to taxon i. Shannon H’ values tend
to decrease with increasing impairment.
The Hilsenhoff (1987) biotic index was calculated as follows:
∑tini
HBI =
n
∑
i
Where t i is the tolerance of taxon i to organic enrichment and n i is the number of taxon i in
the sample. Hilsenhoff’s index was originally designed to reflect nutrient status with values
ranging between 1 (pollution-sensitive taxa dominant) and 10 (pollution-tolerant taxa
predominate). It is also used as a general screening-level index of impairment with low
values indicating an unimpaired system and higher numbers indicating impairment. Taxa
tolerance values used in this assessment were taken from Bode et al. (2002).
- 202 -

The number of taxa is normally high in waters with good water quality, as is the percentage
of the community dominated by EPT taxa. Percent Oligochaeta, Chironomidae, and Isopoda
(all relatively tolerant groups) tend to be higher in watercourses with degraded water quality.
Table 4.7.2 lists the typical range expected for each index for an impaired, possibly impaired,
and unimpaired site. An impaired site typically has low richness, few or no EPT taxa, low %
EPT and diversity, and a high HBI. Impaired sites tend to be dominated by oligochaete
worms, chironomids, and isopods.
Table 4.7.2 Biological criteria used to establish impact
Index Impaired Possibly Impaired Unimpaired Source
Barton (1996),
Taxa Richness 20 Griffiths (1998)
Number of EPT
Barton (1996)
Taxa 0 1 to 3 >3
% EPT 10 David et al (1998)
Diversity (H’) 3
Wilm and Dorris
(1968)
HBI >8 6 to 8 30 10 to 30 40 10 to 40 5 1 to 5

Metrics calculated above (Table 4.7.3) generally indicate unimpaired conditions at both
stations, both in the annual sampling and in the April to November 2006 bi-weekly sampling.
In general, indices calculated for the annual summer sampling suggest somewhat worse
conditions than the April to November sampling although this is to be expected given that
benthic communities tend to be most stressed during summer, thus reflecting a more
degraded state in comparison to the rest of the year. Nonetheless, both stations appear to be
in relatively good health according to the macroinvertebrate community. The benthic
communities at both stations have a high diversity with a significant proportion of EPT taxa
and a low Hilsenhoff Biotic Index indicating low organic enrichment.
None of the indices calculated suggested impaired conditions, although both stations had a
relatively high proportion of Chironomids represented in the benthic community. Annual
sampling of the Credit River at Regional Rd 24 also revealed a relatively high proportion of
Isopods, suggesting there may be some source of impact but this should not be of great
concern given that all other metrics indicate unimpaired conditions.
4.7.3 Next Steps
In support of the Alton Village Environmental Study, next steps with respect to the benthic
macroinvertebrate component should include the following:
1. Compare results with any available water quality information. Specifically, it should
be determined if the relatively high proportion of Chironomids can be related to any
water chemistry observations. Results should also be integrated with other disciplines
where appropriate.
2. Conduct supplemental benthic surveys in areas where there is a lack of information.
In particular, the Credit River between the confluences with Shaws Creek and
Caledon Creek (e.g. at Beechgrove Sideroad) should be sampled. Additional data
should also be obtained on the Credit River upstream of Shaws Creek. Results from
the sampling conducted through the IWMP in 2008 at the Upper Credit Conservation
Area could fill this gap and should be interpreted in the context of this study once
results become available.
3. Conduct further benthic sampling upstream and downstream of proposed impacts to
determine baseline conditions.
- 204 -

4.8 Water Quality Characterization
4.8.1 Introduction
For the purposes of Alton SSMP Study, water quality will be defined as the chemical,
microbiological and physical condition of water and sedmient. This section will provide an
introduction to indicators of water quality, document available water quality data within the
Alton SSMP environmental study, present results of analysis for longer term water quality data
collected to end of 2007 within the Alton SSMP area at the confluence of Shaws Creek to the
Credit River, and make recommendations where further data is required to characterize the
water quality conditions.
Through the work on the Water Quality Strategy Phase I Report (CVC et al., 2003),
Parameters of Concern (POCs) have been identified on a watershed scale for the Credit
River. These parameters had to be associated with the major watershed-scale issues and
relevant to defining cumulative and long-term impacts. The watershed POCs were used as
indicators for characterization of the study area. In addition, a number of other parameters
were identified as potential POCs, based on results of the previous Alton Village study
(CVC, 2002). Table 4.8.1 presents the parameters that were chosen for further analysis and
the current relevant Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO), Canadian Council of the
Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and Canadian Water Quality Guideline (CWQG) or
literature-based effect level.
Table 4.8.1: Parameters of Concern
Category Parameters of Concern Objective Objective
Reference
Nutrients Total Phosphorus 0.03 mg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Nutrients Nitrate Nitrogen 2.93 mg/L CCME, 2003
Nutrients Ammonia un-ionized 20 μg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Nutrients Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen N/A
Oxygen Related
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD)
DO > 5 mg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Metals Aluminum 75 μg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Metals Copper 5 μg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Metals Iron 300 μg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Metals Zinc 20 μg/L PWQO (MOE, 1994)
Physical
Water Temperature
Absolute Maximum
Summer Water
Temperature
Daily Maximum
Summer Average Water
Temperature
26 C (coldwater)
28 C (mixed water)
30 C (warm water)
20 C (coldwater)
23 C (mixed water)
26 C (warmwater)
OMNR ,CVC CRFMP
(2002), & DF0
Physical Total Suspended Solids 25 mg/L CWQG, 1999
Other Chlorides 250 mg/L CEPA, 1999
Microbiological Escherichia coli 100 CFU/100mL PWQO (MOE, 1994)
- 205 -

Existing Information and Data
Existing water quality data is available from a both short term sampling and longer term
monitoring programs. This includes:
• Long-Term Water Chemistry Data available at two Provincial Water Quality
Monitoring Network (PWQMN) stations;
• Water Chemistry Data available at two CVC Integrated Watershed Monitoring
Program (CVC IWMP) water quality stations (since 2002);
• Sediment Chemistry Data available at one CVC Integrated Watershed Monitoring
Program (CVC IWMP) water quality station (2002 -2005);
• Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study (CVC, draft 2008) data including Local 2005
field water chemistry, Continuous water quality data, sediment chemistry and
continuous and water temperature;
• Alton Village Study (CVC, 2002). 1999 field water chemistry and Continuous water
quality data;
• Continuous water temperature from CVC’s IWMP (CVC 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
including four stations within or surrounding the Alton SSMP Environmental Study
Area.
Short term water quality sampling data is available from the Shaws Creek Subwatershed
Study sampled in 2005 and Alton Village Study in 1999. Basic nutrient, biological and
physical information was collected during the 2005 and 1999 field season at numerous
locations in the vicinity of the study area (Figure 4.8.1). A summary of the short term
sampling is presented in the Water Quality Appendix D.
The long-term water chemistry data available at two Provincial Water Quality Monitoring
Network (PWQMN) stations and two CVC Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program (CVC
IWMP) stations within or surrounding the Alton SSMP study area were used as background
information from which to build understanding of water quality. The stations are located on
the Credit River: at Melville Dam (upstream of study area), at Beechgrove SdRd and
downstream Regional Rd 24 (downstream of study area); and on the Shaws Creek at MNR
Bruce Trail Alton (upstream of confluence of Shaws Creek to the Credit River) as shown in
Figure 4.8.1. Water quality samples have been taken and analyzed on a monthly basis for a
typical suite of water quality parameters. A provincial water quality database is owned and
managed by the MOE and provided to CVC for use in its data library. The station names and
ID numbers are listed in Table 4.8.2.
- 206 -

- 207 -

Table 4.8.2: Existing Long Term Water Chemistry Monitoring Stations
Monitoring PWQMN CVC Station
Station Name
Program Station ID ID
Credit River atMelville Dam PWQMN 6007602302 501190006
Shaws Creek at MNR Bruce IWMP /
6007605102 501170005
Trail Alton
PWQMN
Credit River at Beech Grove
PWQMN 6007601802 501180005
Sideroad
Credit River d/s Regional Rd CVC IWMP
N/A 501180003
24
Note: for the station Shaws Creek at MNR Bruce Trail Alton the Additional/CVC PWQMN program have been
changed to the PWQMN program from March 2007.
4.8.2 Methodology
Water quality measurements represent only a brief snapshot of the water quality conditions at
the time of sampling. However, over a longer time period of sampling, general trends and
patterns can emerge from the data sets. Averaged or summarized data can be compared
against typical values and guidelines, such as those from the Canadian Council of Minister of
the Environment (CCME, 1999) and PWQOs (MOE, 1999). CCME guidelines and PWQOs
have been specifically developed based on long-term threshold water quality conditions.
Therefore, median values for parameters should not exceed their respective guidelines or
objectives. Occasional samples that exceed the objectives or guidelines are not problematic
as long as levels are not high enough to be acutely toxic. Under MOE’s Policy 2 statement,
the MOE will permit no further for a parameter that exceeds its PWQO (MOE, 1999). For
those parameters that are below their PWQO, some minimal degree of degradation may be
accepted; however, degradation beyond the PWQO is not acceptable. This approach is
outlined in Policy 1 (MOE, 1999). Typically, a 75 th percentile value is used for comparison
against the PWQO as it represents a conservative, ‘worse than average’ condition of the
water body. This section describes the background water quality and gives input information
into the assimilative capacity assessment of Shaws Creek at Alton and the Credit River in the
vicinity of Alton.
Basic statistics and time series analyses were completed for twelve indicator parameters
presented in the Table 4.8.1 (characterization of the Water Temperature provided in the
Table 4.8.8). Mean value (arithmetic) and five percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th)
were calculated for all parameters except for E. coli, where a geomean was calculated due to
E. coli logarithmic growth patterns. The calculated statistics were compared to either
provincial objectives or federal guidelines; or standards recommended from the literature.
Table 4.8.1 presents the standard value (objective) used for comparison with the statistical
result for each parameter. The twelve parameters were evaluated equally against their
respective guideline or standard to determine the percent of violations that occurred.
- 208 -

Additionally, monthly distribution of mean/geomean value and five percentiles (10th, 25th,
50th, 75th and 90th) were calculated for each of 12 parameters. 75th percentile monthly
values were used for comparison against the PWQO. The uses of the water need to be
established in order to apply the appropriate Provincial Water Quality Objective (PWQO) or
Ontario Drinking Water Objective (ODWO). For parameters without provincial objectives,
federally adopted objectives were applied, such as the Canadian Environmental Quality
Guidelines (CCME, 1999). There are no known surface water takings for the purpose of
water supply in this location and therefore, in most cases the PWQO for relevant parameters
were adopted.
4.8.3 Interpretation of Existing Data
An analysis of the MOE PWQMN and CVC IWMO data provides a baseline assessment of
water quality conditions in the Alton Study Area.
Nutrients
All nutrient parameters had higher mean and 75 th percentile values in the Credit River at
Melville compared to downstream reaches at Beech Grove Sideroad and Regional Rd 24 and
in the Shaws Creek at MNR Bruce Trail Alton. More eutrophic conditions at Melville may be
due to a combination of nutrient sources from the Orangeville Sewage Treatment plant and
the Orangeville Marsh, both which are located just a few kilometers upstream of the Melville
station.
Total phosphorus is used for assessing the degree of nutrient enrichment for most freshwater
aquatic systems, as it is often the limiting macronutrient for the growth of aquatic plants. The
contribution of total phosphorus to the stretch of the Credit River downstream of Melville
includes both point sources and non-point sources, such as Orangeville Sewage Treatment
plant effluent discharges, runoff from urban and rural land uses.
Tables 4.8.3 and Figure 4.8.2, (Appendix Figures D1-D4) present the characteristics of total
phosphorus concentration for full dataset available for three Credit River stations and for
single Shaws Creek station in the Alton SSMP study area.
The total phosphorus concentrations in the Credit River at Melville Dam and at Beechgrove
SdRd are above PWQO (0.03 mg/L) at the median level and obviously at 75 th percentile. The
phosphorus levels both at Beechgrove SdRd and even more so at Melville, significantly
exceed PWQO with percent of violation 42.9 and 93.7 respectively. This allows designating
the Credit River through this stretch as Policy 2, with respect to Total Phosphorus. Trend
analysis shows slight increase in phosphorus concentrations during period of observation at
Melville Dam and medium rate of decrease at Beechgrove SdRd (Figure D1 and D2).
Analysis of monthly 50 th and 75 th percentile concentrations of total phosphorus indicates
significant exceedance the PWQO guideline at Melville Dam (already at median level for
each month) and exceedance the PWQO at Beechgrove SdRd (at 75 th percentile level for
each month). The maximum monthly 50 th and 75 th percentile values of total phosphorus
concentration appeared in summer months (Figures 4.8.2).
Analysis of total phosphorus long-term data for the Credit River downstream Regional Rd 24
and Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail indicates that this reach of the Credit River and specifically
- 209 -

Shaws Creek is not a Policy 2 watercourses with respect to Total Phosphorus, as annual 75th
percentile and monthly 75th percentile concentrations fell below the PWQO set by MOE
(excepting May, July and November values for Regional Rd 24: Figure 4.8.2). The percent
of violation of the PWQO is 18.8% for the Credit River d/s Regional Rd 24 and 9.5% for the
Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail. Trend analysis demonstrates slight decrease in phosphorus
concentrations during period of observation at Regional Rd 24 and no trend for the Shaws
Creek at Bruce Trail (Appendix Figure D3 and D4).
0.14
0.12
0.10
TP, mg/L
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.2: Monthly 75th percentile values of TP concentration for the Alton Study
- 210 -

Table 4.8.3: Summary Statistics of Nutrient Parameters of Concern
Credit River Credit
at Beech River d/s
Credit River at Grove Regional
Station
Melville Dam Sideroad Rd 24
Parameter Total Phosphorus, mg/L (PWQO=0.03 mg/L)
Shaws
Creek at
MNR Bruce
Trail Alton
Time Period 1979-2007 1975-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 1044 350 64 68
Mean 0.103 0.042 0.022 0.015
50th Percentile 0.064 0.031 0.019 0.014
75th Percentile 0.088 0.048 0.024 0.018
Exceedance (%) 93.7 42.9 18.8 9.5
Parameter Nitrate Nitrogen, mg/L (PWQO=2.93 mg/L)
Time Period 1994-2007 1994-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 465 147 64 68
Mean 1.44 1.33 1.62 0.98
50th Percentile 1.38 1.07 1 0.91
75th Percentile 1.88 1.35 1.2 1.1
Exceedance (%) 3.0 0.0 1.6 0.0
Parameter Ammonia un-ionized, ug/L (PWQO=20 ug/L)
Time Period
1994-1998, 2001-
2007 2001-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 119 67 57 64
Mean 1.92 0.773 0.943 1.18
50th Percentile 0.76 0.44 0.543 0.585
75th Percentile 1.78 0.85 0.89 1.34
Exceedance (%) 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Parameter Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), mg/L
Time Period 1979-2007 1975-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 1045 345 69 68
Mean 0.676 0.515 0.492 0.441
50th Percentile 0.62 0.48 0.48 0.415
75th Percentile 0.76 0.56 0.55 0.5
Exceedance (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A
- 211 -

Nitrate is a dissolved nitrogen species that acts as a nutrient to stimulate aquatic plant growth
and may be toxic to aquatic biota at elevated levels. Excessive aquatic plant growth can lead
to an unhealthy dissolved oxygen regime, since nighttime DO levels will be reduced by plant
respiration. The CCME approved a CWQG for nitrate-nitrogen of 2.93 mg/L for the
protection of aquatic biota in freshwater systems (CCME, 2003).
Results of statistical analysis of historical series of Nitrate-Nitrogen concentration for the
four stations in the Alton SSMP study area are shown in Table 4.8.3 and Figures D5-D8. 75 th
percentile nitrate-nitrogen values for all mentioned stations were below the criteria of 2.93
mg/L NO 3 -N, with low or zero percent of violation the CCME guideline. Trend analysis
indicates slight decreasing trend in nitrates for the Credit River Melville and Regional Rd 24
stations and slight increasing trend at Beechgrove SdRd and the Shaws Creek stations.
The long-term nitrate data from the PWQMN station on Shaws Creek indicated the mean and
75 th percentile were below the criteria of 2.93 mg/L NO 3 -N set by CCME (CCME, 2003).
There are no major variations in seasonal / monthly 75 th percentile values. However, summer
appeared to have the lowest nitrate concentrations which may be the result of uptake by
aquatic plants (Figure 4.8.3).
3.00
2.50
Nitrate, mg/L
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.3: Monthly 75th percentile values of Nitrate-nitrogen concentration for the
Alton Study
Un-ionized fraction of the total ammonia (NH 3 ) was considered as one of indicator
parameters, since NH 3 can be toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, the PWQO is based on unionized
ammonia (20 ug/l), which is a positively related to the water temperature and pH.
The concentration of un-ionized ammonia increases with pH and water temperature rising.
- 212 -

The value of un-ionized ammonia was calculated by Emerson equation based on Total
Ammonia, Water Temperature and pH data (MOE, 1996).
Un-ionized fraction of the total ammonia (Ammonia NH 3 was calculated based on
temperature and pH. Results indicate that levels of Ammonia NH 3 in the Alton study area
for period of observation were well below the PWQO for ammonia un-ionized (20 ug/L).
Table 4.8.3 and Figures 4.8.4, Appendix Figures D9-D12 present the characteristics of
Ammonia NH 3 concentration for full dataset available for the four stations in the Alton study
area.
6.00
5.00
4.00
NH3, ug/L
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.4: Monthly 75th percentile values of Unionized Ammonia NH3
concentrations for the Alton Study (PWQO=20 ug/L)
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen or TKN is the sum of organic nitrogen; ammonia (NH3) and
ammonium (NH4+). This parameter usually is used in assessment of water quality in regards
to biological wastewater treatment and doesn’t have an approved PWQO or CCME standard.
Table 4.8.3 and Figure 4.8.5, Appendix Figures D13-D16 depict historical series of TKN
concentration in the Credit River and Shaws Creek in the vicinity of Alton for the full dataset
available. Values of TKN concentration vary from 0.2 to 3.2 mg/L with highest level of
concentration at Melville, which could be explained a combination of nutrient sources from
the Orangeville Sewage Treatment plant and the Orangeville Marsh.
Trend analysis demonstrates a medium rate of increase in TKN levels during period of
observation in the Credit River at Melville Dam and in the Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail
(Figures D13, D16); and lack of trend for the downstream Credit River stations: Beechgrove
SdRd and Regional Rd 24 (Appendix Figures D14, D15).
- 213 -

1.00
0.80
TKN, mg/L
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.5: Monthly 75th percentile values of TKN concentration for the Alton Study
Oxygen Related Paramters
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of oxidizable organic
substances in a water sample that can lower dissolved oxygen (DO). The standard oxidation
(or incubation) test period for BOD is 5 days at 20 degrees Celsius (BOD 5 ). Determining
how organic matter affects the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a stream or lake is
integral to water-quality management. PWQO or CCME standards for BOD 5 are not
available at present time. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2001)
enforces the water quality guideline of < 4 mg/L for fisheries.
Table 4.8.4 and Figure 4.8.6 and Appendix Figures D17-D20 depict the statistical
characteristics and historical series of BOD 5 concentration in the Credit River and Shaws
Creek in the vicinity of Alton (two PWQMN stations and two CVC IWMP stations) for the
full dataset available. Throughout the years (2002-2007) no BOD value has exceeded 4 mg/L
in the Credit River at Regional Rd 24 and Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail sites. The long-term
BOD data for all four stations indicated the 75 th percentile were below the criteria of 4 mg/L
BOD5 set by EPA. There are no major variations in seasonal / monthly 75 th percentile values.
However, summer appeared to have the slightly higher BOD concentrations (Figure 4.8.6).
- 214 -

Table 4.8.4: Summary Statistics of Oxygen Related Parameters of Concern
Credit River at Credit River Shaws Creek
Credit River at Beech Grove d/s Regional at MNR Bruce
Station
Melville Dam Sideroad Rd 24 Trail Alton
Parameter
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), mg/L
Time Period 1979-2007 1975-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 995 337 68 67
Mean 1.39 1.03 1.02 1.28
50th Percentile 1.2 0.9 0.65 1.2
75th Percentile 1.6 1.2 1.6 2
Exceedance (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A
2.50
2.00
BOD5, mg/L
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.6: Monthly 75th percentile values of BOD5 concentration for the Alton
Study
- 215 -

Diurnal Monitoring
Two sets of diurnal monitoring tests for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and water
temperature were completed at two stations in the Environmental Study Area (Figure 4.8.1),
one test in late June 2005 and one in late August 2005. During these sampling periods, the
dissolved oxygen did not fall below the PWQO of 5 mg/l for coldwater fisheries, which
indicates a relatively healthy dissolved oxygen regime.
It is important to capture maximum and minimum water temperatures in order to detect
variances in dissolved oxygen. Warm water is less capable of holding DO therefore in order
to catch worst-case scenarios for fisheries habitat diurnal sampling must be conducted. All
sites portray healthy fish habitat with no violations of dissolved oxygen concentrations below
5 mg/L.
Also measured in diurnal monitoring is conductivity which is the water’s ability to carry an
electrical current. Conductivity is affected by dissolved solids found in the water such as
chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions (negatively charged ions) and sodium,
magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum cations (positively charged ions). Another factor
affecting conductivity is water temperature which has higher conductivity at higher
temperatures.
pH is the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of the water and is another measure for
assessing fish habitat quality. pH is rated on a logarithmic scale (from 0-14) meaning a small
change in 1 unit represents a 10 fold change in the hydrogen ion concentration. pH is affected
by plant and animal respiration, plant photosynthesis and geologic features such as limestone
which has a natural buffering capacity in many watercourses. Values within the range of 6.5 –
9 are considered acceptable fish habitat. No violations were recorded in either of our diurnal
surveys for 2005. As with dissolved oxygen, diurnal monitoring is needed in order to capture
fluctuations as is illustrated in Figure 4.8.7.
A time series analysis of dissolved oxygen concentrations was conducted with the diurnal
monitoring data from two stations across the Environmental Study Area. DO concentrations
are depicted over the five days of Hydrolab deployment and all concentrations surpassed the
minimum DO objective of 5 mg/L at all sites (Figure 4.8.8).
- 216 -

25
505
500
20
495
15
10
5
0
11:00:00
15:30:00
20:00:00
23:00:00
1:00:00
6:00:00
12:00:00
18:00:00
23:00:00
1:00:00
6:00:00
12:00:00
18:00:00
23:00:00
1:00:00
6:00:00
12:00:00
18:00:00
23:00:00
1:00:00
6:00:00
10:00:00
Water Temp(°C), DO (mg/L), pH
490
485
480
475
470
Conductivity (uS/cm)
465
460
8/29/2005 8/30/2005 8/31/2005 9/1/2005 9/2/2005
Date / Time
Figure 4.8.7: Diurnal monitoring at Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail for dissolved oxygen
(▬), DO PWQO (▬), pH (▬), conductivity (▬) and water temperature (▬).
14
12
10
D.O. (mg/L)
8
6
4
2
0
12:00 PM
12:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 AM
12:00 PM
20-Jun-05 21-Jun-05 21-Jun-05 22-Jun-05 22-Jun-05 23-Jun-05 23-Jun-05 24-Jun-05
Figure 4.8.8: Dissolved oxygen concentrations (mg/L) at all four Sub 17 sites in June
2005. Site 8 (▬) Site 16 (▬) Site 2 (▬) Bruce Trail (▬) and the DO Guideline (▬).
- 217 -

Compared to the DO results from the Credit River, there appears to be significant noise in the
DO data for Shaws Creek, which would not be unusual for a smaller watercourse. The
greatest daily fluctuations are noticed at Shaw’s Creek Mississauga Road. The dissolved
oxygen regime at this location is heavily influenced by the inputs of low DO stream flow
from near-by Caledon Lake. In any case, the lowest DO value for Shaws Creek occurring
during both surveys was at a DO concentration of about 5.5 mg/l, above the PWQO for
dissolved oxygen of 5 mg/l.
Site 2 has a large amount of aquatic plant growth with the majority being Watercress.
Dissolved oxygen rates vary with water temperature and plant respiration. Groundwater
inputs typically lower the overall temperature of the tributary and watercress commonly
thrives around groundwater upwellings. With water temperatures being lowered by the
groundwater inputs and plant respiration being high the results of these fluctuations are not
surprising.
Metals
Average total metal concentrations for a suite of commonly analyzed metals including
aluminum, copper, iron and zinc, were calculated based on 1996 to 2007 data. Elevated total
metal levels may be occurred from urban runoff and are usually attached to suspended solids.
Also, groundwater sources can increase iron concentrations in surface water.
The summary statistics of total metal concentrations are shown in the Table 4.8.5. The 75 th
percentile values of copper and zinc concentrations are less their respective PWQO for each
of the four stations in the Alton SSMP study area with lowest 75 th percentile levels at Bruce
Trail Shaws Creek site and highest 75 th percentile levels at Melville station, but still well
below the PWQO. The violation occurrence percentage ranges from 0% to 9.5%, indicating
that exceedance may be linked to precipitation events.
Figures 4.8.7-4.8.10 and Appendix Figures D21-D36 depict the historical series of total
metal concentrations in the Alton SSMP study area (two PWQMN stations and two CVC
IWMP stations) included in a suite of CVC Parameters of Concern.
Aluminum is associated with clay particles which form part of suspended solids. As the
samples were not filtered before analysis, it is supposed that many of high concentrations
violated the PWQO were due to clay particles in sample. However aluminum appear to
significantly exceed its PWQO (75 ug/L) from the analyzed data set for the Credit River at
Melville Dam and slightly exceed at Regional Rd 24, i.e. both of these sites are considered a
Policy 2 in regards to aluminum concentrations. Percent of violation for Melville station is
high (63%). Possible sources of aluminum are alum treatment for phosphorus removal at the
Orangeville WPCP, urban and agricultural runoff, and naturally high aluminum in
groundwater.
Trend analysis indicates a slight increasing trend at Melville station and similar rate of
decreasing at Beechgrove SdRd station; lack of trend at Regional Rd 24 site and from
medium to significant decreasing rate in the Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail (Appendix Figures
D21-D24).
- 218 -

There are major variations in monthly 75 th percentile values with highest concentrations of
Aluminum in the winter and fall months, which exceeded PWQO for Aluminum especially at
Melville Dam and Regional Rd 24 sites (Figure 4.8.9).
Copper is acutely toxic metal to most forms of aquatic life at relatively low concentrations.
The PWQO for copper unfiltered total is 5 ug/L. The present potential anthropogenic sources
of copper in the Alton SSMP study area include industrial and urban runoff (Orangeville
WPCP, Alton Village). The violations of PWQO occurred only three times during period of
observation from 1996 to 2007 in area of concern and probably could be associated with high
flow events. Trend analysis indicates a slight increasing trend at Beechgrove SdRd and
Regional Rd 24 stations, and lack of trend at Melville and Bruce Trail stations (Appendix
Figures D25-D28). Variations of monthly 75 th percentile values of copper concentration are
shown in the Figure 4.8.10.
Iron is a naturally presented metal in groundwater and also happens in urban runoff. The
PWQO of 300 ug/L is for the protection of aquatic life. Iron 75 th percentile levels are highest
at Melville station and slightly exceed its PWQO (300 ug/L), i.e. Melville site is considered a
Policy 2 in regards to iron concentrations. Percent of violation for Melville station is
moderately high (29%). For other three stations in the Alton SSMP study area Iron 75 th
percentile values of concentrations are less than PWQO, with lowest 75 th percentile levels at
Bruce Trail Shaws Creek site.
Trend analysis shows from slight to medium increasing rate of iron levels at Melville and
Regional Rd 24 sites and similar rate of decreasing at Beechgrove SdRd and Bruce Trail
stations (Appendix Figures D29-D32) during period of observation. There is a range of
moderate to major variations in monthly 75 th percentile values with peaks concentrations of
Iron distributed for all year around, which slightly exceeded PWQO for Iron at Melville Dam
(Figure 4.8.11).
Zinc is acutely and chronically toxic metal to aquatic organisms, particularly for fish. The
PWQO for zinc unfiltered total is 20 ug/L. The present potential anthropogenic sources of
Zinc in the Alton SSMP study area include industrial and urban runoff (Orangeville STP,
Alton Village), and agriculture (fertilizers and pesticides). The violations of PWQO occurred
4 times at Melville site, 3 times at Regional Rd 24 site and 6 times at Bruce Trail site during
period of observation from 2002 to 2007 and probably could be associated with high flow
events.
Trend analysis demonstrates a decreasing trend for each of four stations (Appendix Figures
D33-D36) in the Alton SSMP study area with rate of decreasing from slight (at Melville and
Beechgrove SdRd sites to significant (for Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail). Possible explanations
are due to decrease in agricultural activity and impact of improved fertilizer/pesticide
management and stormwater management practices.
There are from moderate to major variations in monthly 75 th percentile values with highest
concentrations of Zinc in the winter and fall months, which slightly exceeded PWQO for
Zinc at Melville Dam (Figure 4.8.12).
- 219 -

Table 4.8.5: Summary Statistics of Metals Parameters of Concern
Credit Credit River Credit Shaws
River at at Beech River d/s Creek at
Station
Melville
Dam
Grove
Sideroad
Regional
Rd 24
MNR Bruce
Trail Alton
Parameter Aluminum, ug/L (PWQO=75 ug/L)
Time Period 2002-2007 1996-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 62 124 69 68
Mean 112 46.1 70.6 42.5
50th Percentile 91.6 37.5 49 30.5
75th Percentile 151.8 56.3 78 55.2
Exceedance (%) 62.9 14.5 25.0 11.1
Parameter Copper, ug/L (PWQO=5 ug/L)
Time Period 2002-2007 1996-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 62 125 69 68
Mean 2.56 0.947 1.87 1.11
50th Percentile 2.44 0.902 1.0 0.9
75th Percentile 3.23 1.544 1.5 1.0
Exceedance (%) 1.6 0 1.6 1.6
Parameter Iron, ug/L (PWQO=300 ug/L)
Time Period 2002-2007 1996-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 62 124 68 68
Mean 260 121 144 105
50th Percentile 215 106 110 91
75th Percentile 314 140 170 122
Exceedance (%) 29.0 3.2 6.3 1.6
Parameter Zinc, ug/L (PWQO=20 ug/L)
Time Period 2002-2007 1996-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 62 125 67 68
Mean 12.6 4.93 12.3 10.2
50th Percentile 13.3 4.7 7.0 5.0
75th Percentile 15.5 5.75 9.5 5.0
Exceedance (%) 6.5 0 4.8 9.5
- 220 -

Aluminum, ug/L
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.9: Monthly 75th percentile values of Aluminum concentration for the Alton
Study
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
Copper, ug/L
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.10: Monthly 75th percentile values of Copper concentration for the Alton
Study
- 221 -

450
400
350
300
Iron, ug/L
250
200
150
100
50
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.11: Monthly 75th percentile values of Iron concentration for the Alton Study
25
20
Zinc, ug/L
15
10
5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.12: Monthly 75th percentile values of Zinc concentration for the Alton Study
- 222 -

Microbiological Parameters
Escherichia Coli (E. coli) is a bacterium found in the intestinal tracts of humans, birds, and
other mammals. It therefore indicates the presence of fecal matter and nitrogenous waste in
the water and has been used to estimate the likelihood of the existence of pathogenic bacteria
in a water body. Furthermore, E. coli levels can be considered as a secondary indicator for
fisheries and aquatic health. E. coli is the only microbiological parameter with a PWQO of
100 counts/100ml, which is set for recreational uses of the watercourse. Since the drinking
water objective for E. coli is zero, no natural water body should be considered suitable for
drinking water without disinfection. In addition, the PWQO is meant to be compared to the
geometric mean of samples. E. coli geometric mean values are used for describing average
values for microbiological data because of the exponential growth of bacteria.
Main sources of bacteria in the Credit River and Shaws Creek within the Alton study area are
livestock, wildlife/pets, septic systems, urban runoff and treated and untreated sewage.
Geometric mean values of E. coli appear to be less than PWQO for each of four stations in
the area of concern, with E. coli level at Melville station slightly higher than in downstream
Beechgrove SdRd and Regional Rd 24 stations (Table 4.8.6). However, highest Geomean
value of E. coli concentration have been extracted from the E. coli dataset for the Shaws
Creek at Bruce Trail site and equals to 60 counts/100ml. Percent of exceedance the PWQO
guideline varies from 18 % at Regional Rd 24 site to 34% and 36% at Melville and Bruce
Trail stations respectively. High levels that occur occasionally at each of four stations are
likely due to high runoff events.
Table 4.8.6: Summary Statistics of Microbiological Parameters of Concern
Credit Credit River Credit Shaws
River at at Beech River d/s Creek at
Station
Melville
Dam
Grove
Sideroad
Regional
Rd 24
MNR Bruce
Trail Alton
Parameter Escherichia coli (E. coli), (PWQO=100 CFU/100mL)
Time Period 1988-2007 1994-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 182 146 61 66
Mean 49.2 45.7 35.8 60.6
50th Percentile 52.0 56.0 38.0 66.5
75th Percentile 143 115 83.0 120
Exceedance (%) 36.1 28.3 18.0 34.4
Figures D45-D48 in Appendix D depicts the historical series of E. coli concentrations within
the Alton study area (two PWQMN and two CVC IWMP stations) during period of
observation. Trend analyses demonstrate an increasing trend for three of four stations
(excepting Beechgrove SdRd: no trend) during period of observation. Rate of increase of E.
coli levels at Melville and Regional Rd 24 varies from slight to medium, however for Shaw’s
Creek at Bruce Trail site the rate of increase should be considered as significant. Additional
examination is required to make certain conclusion on the cause of this increase.
- 223 -

There are significant variations in the long term monthly Geomean value of E. coli
concentration (Figure 4.8.13). The maximum monthly Geomean concentrations appeared in
summer months and September with highest Geomean value of E. coli in September for each
of stations in the Alton SSMP area. As shown in the Figure 4.8.13 and Table D1 in
Appendix D, Geomean values of E. coli concentration in September for each of stations
considerably exceed the PWQO guideline with values vary from 202 counts/100ml at
Melville site to 310 counts/100ml at Bruce Trail site. It could be associated with increased at
summer time recreational and biological activity from such sources as waterfowl, domestic
animals and livestock occurring in and around watercourses in the area of concern.
350
300
E. coli, 100 counts/100 ml
250
200
150
100
50
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.13: Monthly Geomean values of E. coli concentration for the Alton Study
- 224 -

Physical Parameters
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are defined as undissolved particles that vary in size from
approximately 10 nm to 0.1 mm in diameter, containing both biotic and abiotic components.
Elevated total suspended solid concentrations are usually associated with precipitation events
and urban runoff due to the lack of stormwater management in this watershed. Urban runoff
contributes dust and dirt collected on impervious surfaces. Also the increased rate of runoff
from urban areas due to the impervious surfaces and construction of efficient collection
system of roadside curbs and gutters, catch basins and sewers can increase channel erosion in
natural stream banks and add to the TSS in streams during runoff events.
Table 4.8.7: Summary Statistics of Physical and Chlorides Parameters of Concern
Credit
River at Credit River at
Credit
River d/s
Shaw’s
Creek at
Melville Beech Grove Regional MNR Bruce
Station
Dam Sideroad
Rd 24 Trail Alton
Parameter Total Suspended Solids (TSS), mg/L (CWQG=25 mg/L)
Time Period
1975-1981, 1994-
1979-2007 2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 996 198 64 68
Mean 9.56 7.27 6.1 22.6
50th Percentile 7.50 4.50 4.0 3.0
75th Percentile 11.5 8.15 8.2 5.3
Exceedance (%) 3.3 2.4 3.1 3.2
Parameter Chloride, mg/L (PWQO=250 mg/L)
Time Period 1979-2007 1975-2007 2002-2007 2002-2007
# of Samples 1044 353 63 66
Mean 124 59.8 96.7 26.7
50th Percentile 108 50.4 94.6 26.0
75th Percentile 162 82.0 108.5 28.0
Exceedance (%) 4.2 0.4 0 0
There is no PWQO for suspended solids but it is recognized that high levels can clog critical
spawning areas for fish, increase sediment oxygen demand (SOD) which can deplete
dissolved oxygen levels, and results in poor water clarity for recreational uses. The CWQG
for suspended solids suggests that during clear flow conditions, suspended solids levels
should not increase from anthropogenic activities to over 25 mg/L of background levels for a
24-hr period and 5 mg/L for period of longer-term exposure (24-hr to 30 d) (CWQG, 1999).
The Credit River and Shaw’s Creek within the Alton SSMP area meet this CWQG as they
have a long term 75 th percentile concentration (for full dataset available) well below the
criteria of 25 mg/L, with low percent of violation the CCME guideline (from 2.2% to 3.3%
- 225 -

of sampling occasions) as shown in Table 4.8.7. Exceedance the 25 mg/L criteria most likely
coincided with precipitation events.
Figures 4.8.14 and D37-D40 in Appendix D depicts historical series of TSS concentration in
the Credit River and Shaw’s Creek within the Alton study area (two PWQMN and two CVC
IWMP stations) for the full dataset available. The trend analysis demonstrates a medium rate
of increase in TSS levels during period of observation for the Credit River stations at
Melville and Hwy 24, a similar rate of decrease at Beechgrove SdRd site and slight increase
of TSS concentrations in the Shaw’s Creek at the Bruce Trail. For last station the trend
analysis was performed excluding outlying value of 1200 mg/, which was observed on June
29, 2005, since this value was much higher than all other readings taken over 6 years.
There are moderate variations in monthly 75 th percentile values with highest concentrations
of TSS in March, but still well below the CWQG guideline, which can be associated with
spring runoff events (Figure 4.8.14).
25
20
TSS, mg/L
15
10
5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.14: Monthly 75th percentile values of TSS concentration for the Alton Study
- 226 -

Chlorides are typically a good indicator of urban development and tend to show an increasing
trend throughout the Credit River watershed. Sources of chlorides include loadings from STP
effluents and road salting practices for ice in the winter and as a dust suppressant on dirt
roads in the summer. There is no PWQO for chloride, and CVC has adopted an interim
objective of 250 mg/L for evaluating surface water quality, which is consistent with the
Ontario Drinking Water Objective (ODWO) for aesthetic reasons (250 mg/L).
Table 4.8.6 and Figures 4.8.15 and Appendix Figures D41-D-44 depict the statistical
characteristics and historical series of chlorides concentration in the Credit River and Shaws
Creek within the Alton SSMP (two PWQMN and two CVC IWMP stations) for the full
dataset available. The chloride concentrations in study area are below interim CVC Objective
(250 mg/L) at long term annual 75 th percentile for each of four stations with highest 75 th
percentile level at Melville station (162 mg/L) and lowest 75 th percentile level in the Shaw’s
Creek (28 mg/L). The percent exceeding of CVC Objective is low and varying from 0% at
Hwy 24 and Bruce Trail sites to 4.2% at Melville.
Trend analyses demonstrate a significant increase in chloride levels during period of
observation (1976 2007) for the Credit River at Melville station and at Beechgrove SdRd
(Appendix Figures D41 and D42). It could be associated with winter runoff and salting
practices, as well as Orangeville WWTP discharge of chloride from the use of water
softeners in the residential areas of Orangeville. However data for period of time from 2002
to 2007 for each of four stations shows or slight increase in chloride levels (Beechgrove
SdRd and Regional Rd 24 stations) or slight decrease (Melville station) or lack of trend for
the Shaw’s Creek at Bruce Trail site. It could be associated with improved road salt
management practices.
There are moderate or low variations in monthly 75 th percentile values with highest
concentrations of chlorides in February, January and March, but below the CVC interim
guideline (excluding long term monthly 75 th percentile value of 269 mg/L for the Credit
River at Melville station in February; Figure 4.8.15). This type of monthly distribution of
75 th percentile chloride levels can be associated with road salt management practices.
- 227 -

300
250
Chloride, mg/L
200
150
100
50
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Credit River at Melville
Credit River d/s Hwy 24
PWQO
Credit River at Beech Grove sdrd
Shaw's Cr at Bruce Trail
Figure 4.8.15: Monthly 75th percentile values of Chloride concentration for the Alton
Study
4.8.4 Water Temperature Results
Introduction
Stream temperature is an important aspect of water quality due to its influence on the
survival of aquatic biota. Increased water temperatures in the summer cause dissolved
oxygen levels to decrease while at the same time increasing the metabolic rate of the fish.
Coldwater species of fish are particularly sensitive to changes in water temperature. In the
summer, water temperature may increase from thermal pollution such as warmer runoff
water, decreases in cooler groundwater upwellings, and ponds, which increase the area of
surface water contact with the air. In the winter, groundwater upwellings help to maintain
ice-free conditions in areas where fish spawn. Without these upwellings, air temperatures
below freezing would cause the watercourse to freeze over and potentially kill over-wintering
eggs. The Credit River Fisheries Management Plan (CRFMP) (OMNR and CVC, 2002) has
established fish habitat management zones throughout the Credit River watershed. These
categories set targets for the management of habitats based on specific temperature
requirements of fish species associated with their respective communities. Streams within
the Environmental Study Area have been identified as coldwater habitat through the CRFMP.
The target temperatures for coldwater fish habitat are 20ºC and 26 ºC for average daily
summer maximum and overall summer maximum, respectively.
- 228 -

Work Completed
The two main ponds on Shaws Creek are located upstream of the Millcroft and Alton Mill as
shown in the following two photos (Figures 4.8.16 and 4.8.17). To address this concern,
temperature loggers were installed upstream and downstream of the ponds within Shaws
Creek, as illustrated in Figure 4.8.1. Results from diurnal studies in July and August 1999
are presented in Figures 4.8.18 and 4.8.19.
Figure 4.8.16: Millcroft dam
(facing upstream to first pond) on Shaws Creek
- 229 -

Figure 4.8.17: Facing downstream towards Alton Mill dam
(at second pond) on Shaws Creek
- 230 -

30
28
26
Mississauga Rd. (u/s ponds)
Milcroft Inn (d/s 1st pond)
Alton Inn (d/s 2nd pond)
Water Temperature (oC)
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
8/6/99 12:00
AM
8/8/99 12:00
AM
8/10/99 12:00
AM
8/12/99 12:00
AM
8/14/99 12:00
AM
8/16/99 12:00
AM
8/18/99 12:00
AM
8/20/99 12:00
AM
Time and Date
Figure 4.8.18: Water Temperature in Shaws Creek upstream
(Station 1) and downstream (Stations 2 and 3) of the ponds
29
27
Air Tempeature (oC)
25
23
21
19
17
Water Temperature Upstream of Ponds
Water Temperature Downstream of Ponds
15
7/14/99 0:00 7/15/99 0:00 7/16/99 0:00 7/17/99 0:00 7/18/99 0:00 7/19/99 0:00 7/20/99 0:00 7/21/99 0:00
Date and Time
Figure 4.8.19: Water temperature in Shaws Creek upstream
(Station 1) and downstream (Station 4) of the ponds
- 231 -

In general, these results indicate that during warm weather the ponds increase water
temperatures in the creek by approximately 1 or 2 o C. This may be a significant concern to
the fisheries because of increased respiration rates in fish requiring more oxygen and the
decreased capacity of the warmer water to hold dissolved oxygen. While the average daily
maximum summer temperature cannot be determined from the datasets (because only partial
summer temperatures are available), the July survey indicated an exceedance of the overall
summer maximum temperature target both upstream and downstream of the ponds. Because
of this exceedance, further investigation of the ponds' impacts on water temperature should
be considered.
Continuous water temperature data have also been collected through CVC’s Intergrated
Watershed Monitoring Program (IWMP) (CVC 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) including four
stations within or surrounding the Alton SSMP Environmental Study Area. Additional data
were collected at Shaws Creek at Hwy 136 in 2005 and 2006 as part of the Shaws Creek
Subwatershed Study (CVC, in progress). Data were collected at half-hourly intervals during
the summer period (June to September) using deployed temperature loggers. The data
collected from each of the stations were summarized according to the overall maximum
summer temperature and the average daily maximum summer temperature and compared
with the respective targets established for coldwater habitat through the CRFMP. Results
from these stations are presented in Table 4.8.8.
Table 4.8.8: Continuous Water Temperature summary statistics
2004-2007 within Alton Environmental Study Area.
Results in bold indicate a violation of the target temperature for coldwater fish habitat.
Mean Overall
Station ID Station Name Years of Data
Summer Max (ºC)
(Target: 26 ºC)
Mean Average Daily
Summer Max (ºC)
(Target: 20ºC)
501190006 Credit River at Melville Dam 2004-2007 28.2 22.0
501180005 Credit River at Beechgrove SdRd 2004-2007 26.9 20.9
501180003 Credit River at Regional Rd 24 2004-2007 24.6 19.1
501170005 Shaws Creek at Bruce Trail 2004-2007 27.3 21.2
501170001 Shaws Creek at Hwy 136 2005-2006 28.4 21.3
Results from the table above indicate that with one exception all stations had violations of the
targets for both the overall summer maximum temperature and the average daily summer
maximum temperature. Only the Credit River at Regional Rd 24 has remained below both
target temperatures for coldwater fish habitat. The highest overall summer maximum
temperatures are reported from the Credit River at Melville Dam and Shaws Creek at Hwy
136. As indicated previously, ponds tend to have a warming effect on stream temperature
and this appears to also be a factor at the Melville Dam. Moving downstream in the Credit,
- 232 -

however, there is a reduction in temperature as noted at Beechgrove Sideroad followed by
the Credit at Highway 24.
4.8.5 Sediment Chemistry Sampling
Sediment chemistry monitoring was conducted in the 2004 and 2005 field season at the Shaws
Creek at Bruce Trail site and 2 sites in the Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study in 2005 (Figure
4.8.1). These sites were chosen in the downstream stream vicinity of Alton and major
tributaries of Shaws Creek. This analysis allows a deeper look into the historical chemical
compounds employed, their mobility and ability to bioaccumulate. Bioaccumulation occurs in
the sediments which are consumed by benthic macroinvertebrates. These benthic invertebrates
are then consumed by larger predators such as fish that are then consumed by carnivorous
animals and humans. The study tested for a broad range of contaminates including: metals,
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Phenanthrene (PAHs), and Organo-Chlorides (OC). All
data indicate very low levels or non-detect levels for most of the tested sediment contaminants.
4.8.6 Next Steps
Now that the background data has been gathered and reviewed, the next step is to fill in any
information gaps and complete the impact assessment. The steps required to fulfill these
tasks are as follows:
• use population numbers, effluent criteria, 7Q20 and background water quality data
(i.e. 75 th percentile) to conduct mass balance calculations for both the Credit River
and Shaws Creek near Alton for comparison for Assimiative Capacity Study;
• If required, use DO-ECOL to predict the impacts of effluent TP and other
contaminants in municipal wastewater on Shaws Creek compared to the Credit River.
• Predict impacts of wastewater effluent on stream temperature within the
Environmental Study Area (e.g. through modeling)
• Determine whether any additional temperature surveys are required based on
potential locations of a wastewater outfall.
• investigate potential sources of high aluminum levels in the Credit River near Alton;
- 233 -

4.9 Septic System Impact Assessment
It has identified that there is reported evidence that the existing individual septic system
effluent within Alton currently degrades the local groundwater system. The extent of the
current shallow groundwater impact has not been quantified. Similarly, the extent of the
associated impact on the local surface water resources, including any potential localized
impacts, has not been identified to date.
The surface water resources that occur near Alton include the Credit River and wetland
system. Potential in-stream impacts include a degradation of fisheries habitat, either through
nitrate or phosphorus loading to the river or through degradation of the quality of upwelling
groundwater in localized spawning areas. There have been concerns expressed as to the
appropriate type of servicing for Alton and technical information required for informed
planning decisions in this situation.
As a result a work plan was developed to assess the current septic system related impacts on
local groundwater and surface water resources, and to provide technical information for
future planning purposes.
4.9.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to determine the impacts of existing septic systems and the
potential impacts of approved development on septic systems, specifically with respect to the
impact on the Credit River and assess the technical feasibility of development on individual
septic systems if servicing by a communal sewage disposal system is not feasible.
The overall study is designed to:
• Provide a detailed assessment of local groundwater / surface water conditions and
relationships both within the existing development area and within areas of potential
future development;
• Characterize the current level of impact to groundwater and surface water resources near
Alton related to individual septic systems; and,
• Based on this characterization, provide an assessment of the expected impacts related to
future development on individual septic systems within Alton, if it has been determined
that a centralized water pollution Control Plant is not feasible.
Approach
In order to complete the overall septic impact assessment, the local water table configuration,
the current shallow groundwater quality and the groundwater / surface water interaction must
be defined. The study examined recharge relationships, aquifer-aquitard configurations,
groundwater flow patterns and fluxes and groundwater discharge relationships. This work is
- 234 -

intended to identify the current presence and configuration of any septic system impacted
“plume” within the groundwater system and the interaction of this impacted groundwater
with the surface water system.
The study approach is based on the known issues and information resources for the Alton
area. The background review has identified that considerable historical information exists
with regard to septic system impacts to the groundwater system.
In order to fully utilize historical information, the study approach divided the assessment into
two general Levels. Level I is a detailed information review and preliminary field survey.
Level II l consists of a detailed groundwater / surface water field program and completion of
the assessment. The Level I background review integrates the existing information and
defines the extent of Level II.
This report is the result of the Level I &II work completed, and presents the findings of the
background review and field survey and summarizes results and recommendations.
Level I Objectives
The following objectives were identified for the Level I study:
1. Obtain, review and integrate existing information from a detailed groundwater / surface
water interaction perspective.
2. Identify data “gaps” (such as the possible lack of phosphorus data or local groundwater
level and flow monitoring locations or data).
3. Arrange access to, and confirm the location / condition, of any wells that may be
available for monitoring purposes.
4. Determine the extent of detailed field-work / monitoring needed to complete the
assessment.
4.9.2 Information Review
For this assessment all available information was obtained and reviewed. Consultants’
Reports and other additional information were obtained with the cooperation of Credit Valley
Conservation, the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel. The list of reports were
reviewed as part of this Level I study are presented in Appendix E.
In addition, pumping reports for 2000 and historical Nitrate levels at Alton wells No.1 and 2
were provided by the Region of Peel. As part of the background review a detailed regional
cross-section was developed, based on MOE water well records augmented by information
compiled by the background review.
- 235 -

Review Summary
The groundwater flow system is relatively well defined within the village area. The village
represents a local recharge area and most of this groundwater is expected to travel east
toward the Credit River or northeast toward Shaws Creek, and to discharge into the river /
wetland system.
Historical and current water quality sampling indicates that the groundwater system within
the village was impacted by the older (poorly constructed or undersized) septic systems and
potentially by some (or all) of the individual septic systems that were constructed since the
early 1980’s (Alton Estates). The overburden appears to be quite thin through this area,
which likely results in decreased attenuation and increased nitrate impacts. It is known that
nitrate impacted groundwater is present at the east edge of the village, at Alton wells No. 1
and 2 (Figure 4.9.1). This is essentially the eastern edge of the dolomite bedrock aquifer
(Amabel Formation). No information regarding the potential for this nitrate impact to
migrate further east toward the Credit River or North toward Shaws Creek through the
overburden sediments was located during the background review.
4.9.3 Level II Study
The purpose of the Level II Septic Impact Study was to determine the impacts of existing
septic systems and the potential impacts of approved development on septic systems,
specifically with respect to the impact on the Credit River system and assess the technical
feasibility of development on individual septic systems if servicing by a communal sewage
disposal system (CSDS) is not feasible. The full report can be found in Appendix E with a
summary of the study purpose and results presented below.
The overall study is designed to:
• Provide a detailed assessment of local groundwater / surface water conditions and
relationships both within the existing development area and within areas of potential
future development;
• Characterize the current level of impact to groundwater and surface water resources
near Alton related to existing development serviced by individual septic systems;
• Based on this characterization, provide an assessment of the expected impacts related
to future development on individual septic systems within Alton, if it has been
determined that CSDS is not feasible.
- 236 -

- 237 -

Summary of Septic Impact Results and Conclusions
The effects of continued development on individual septic systems within the study area can
be considered on several levels, with respect to the potential impact on the municipal wells,
with respect to impacts at the creek system and with respect to whether or not the use of the
riparian zone system to treat septic system impacts is appropriate.
The focus of this study is on the impact to the creek system, therefore implication of the
potential impact to the municipal wells will not be examined in detail, other than to
recommend that the Region carefully review any such proposed development directly
upgradient of the identified capture areas.
With respect to the riparian zone systems, CVC does not support the use of the riparian zone
to polish septic system effluent to acceptable levels. Continued development within the study
area at existing densities and using conventional individual septic systems will increase the
areal extent and mass of nitrate in the overall system. This could lead to an increased
reliance in riparian zone denitrification and an increased potential for localized impacts in
any areas where dilution and denitrification processes are not fully effective or have a limited
life-span (as carbon is consumed). Increased localized impacts could take the form of
increase nitrate concentrations at existing impacted locations or the development of
additional impact locations (spot discharges) as the overall impact area expands north or
south along the creek. Based on current approval processes, proponents of specific
developments using individual septic systems are typically required to provide a risk
assessment calculation (Reasonable Use Assessment) to show that the average nitrate
concentration would likely be less than a specified limit at a specified receptor. To date the
specified limits have commonly been the drinking water guideline of 10 mg/L at the
development property boundary (the receptor being off-site groundwater and/or wells). The
assessment usually determines the potential density of this type of development. The results
of this study indicate that any risk assessment for new development or construction in the
Alton area should be based on the Canadian water quality guideline for the nitrate ion for
protection of aquatic life (of about 2.93 mg/L) at the development property boundary and/or
surface water discharge (specifically Shaws Creek or the Credit River).
- 238 -

5.0 EXISTING SERVICING CONDITIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Background
The Village of Alton is located at the confluence of Shaws Creek and the Credit River in the
Town of Caledon, within the Region of Peel (Region of Peel). Figure 5.1.1 shows the Alton
Village Study Area, including the groundwater wells and other important features of the area.
The Alton Village Study was initiated to address the planning, environmental and servicing
implications of growth to the year 2021 in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The study
includes three distinct but interrelated components: Community Planning Component,
Servicing Component and Environmental Management Component.
This section presents the Phase 1 report for the Servicing Component.
5.1.2 Servicing Component
The Servicing Component of the Alton Village Study will be conducted in accordance with the
Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA)
document (September 2007) for municipal water and wastewater projects. This approach
ensures that the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act are fulfilled at the
completion of the Servicing Component of the study.
Within the scope of the Class EA process, the Servicing Component of the study will examine
water and wastewater issues pertaining to the Community of Alton. Specifically, the Servicing
Component will include:
• an evaluation of existing water and wastewater servicing infrastructure;
• an assessment of alternatives for servicing the potential growth scenarios;
• the identification of the preferred servicing alterative; and
• the development of water and wastewater servicing plans for the community to the
year 2021.
The objectives of the water and wastewater servicing plans are as follows:
• to provide water and wastewater servicing capacity to service planned growth in an
uninterrupted and orderly manner to the year 2021;
• to ensure that development of the Servicing Component meets the requirements of the
Class Environmental Assessment process;
• to provide wastewater servicing by municipal or communal systems, if feasible, rather
than individual on-site systems;
- 239 -

• to ensure adequate wastewater treatment to meet provincial regulations and other
environmental standards and policies for protection of groundwater (subsurface) and
surface water (surface);
• to ensure the reliability and flexibility of the water supply and provide adequate water
supply to service future populations;
• to provide adequate water treatment to ensure that drinking water quality meets the
Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards (ODWS) and disinfection requirements;
• to size the water and wastewater systems based on Regional Design Criteria, and
consideration of Ministry of the Environment (MOE) design guidelines and
standards;
• to locate new water and wastewater facilities appropriately, in consideration of
minimizing environmental impacts, existing land uses and land use policies, and the
recommended Community Plan and Environmental Management Plan; and,
• to develop a staging and implementation plan and cost recovery mechanism for the
preferred servicing alternatives.
• As part of the Servicing Component, separate Class EA documents will be prepared
for the water and wastewater systems.
5.1.3 Class Environmental Assessment Process
Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act requires both public and private 2 proponents to
examine and document the environmental effects that might result from major projects or
activities and their alternatives. Municipal undertakings became subject to the Act in 1981.
The servicing component will be completed in accordance with Municipal Engineers
Association Class Environmental Assessment (September 2007).
The process is based on five key principles, namely:
1. consultation with affected parties;
2. consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives;
3. identification and consideration of the effects of each alternative on all aspects of the
environment;
4. systematic evaluation of alternatives in terms of their advantages and disadvantages,
to determine their net environmental impacts; and,
5. provision of clear and complete documentation of the planning process followed, to
allow “traceability” of decision-making with respect to the project.
2 In June 1993 private sector developers were made subject to the Class EA process. A
phase-in period of one year was provided, until June 30, 1994.
- 240 -

- 241 -

- 242 -

The Class EA process involves a thorough, systematic and reproducible evaluation of
alternatives for servicing and their impacts on the environment. Public and agency
consultations are integral to the Class EA process.
This project is defined as a Schedule C project in the Class EA. The Class EA process for
municipal water and wastewater projects is a five phased planning process. Phase 1 represents
the development of the problem statement that is to be addressed through subsequent phases.
In Phase 2, alternative solutions to the problem are identified and evaluated in terms of their
impact on the environment. Review agencies and the public are consulted in Phase 2 to solicit
input and comment. In Phase 3, possible design concepts that might be utilized to implement
the preferred solution identified in Phase 2 are evaluated. A second public consultation occurs
in Phase 3 at which point the preferred design concept is presented for comment. Phase 4
represents the culmination of the planning and design process in which all activities
undertaken in Phases 1 through 3 are summarized in an Environmental Study Report (ESR).
The ESR is placed on the public record for at least 30 calendar days for review by the public
and the public is notified through issuance of a Notice of Completion. At this point in the
process, there is an opportunity for objectors to request that the Minister of the Environment
issue a Part II Order for an individual environmental assessment. If there are no objections or
if any objections are resolved in Phase 4, the project can proceed to final design and
construction. Figure 5.1.2 presents the Class EA process schematically.
5.2 Description of Existing Servicing Infrastructure
This section presents a review of the existing water and wastewater servicing infrastructure
in Alton Village.
5.2.1 Description of Existing Water Supply System
The Alton water supply system provides water servicing to most of the residents of Alton
Village. It consists of a communal well water supply system with four groundwater
production wells, two chlorination facilities, a standpipe and distribution system. Of the four
groundwater production wells, two are currently out of service as water does not meet the
Ontario Drinking Water Standards. The main components of the water supply system are
illustrated in Figure 5.2.1.
Source of Supply
The existing source of drinking water for the Village of Alton is a well system consisting of
two wells. Alton Wells No. 3 and No. 4 are located at 1640 Queen Street, near the intersection
of Regional Road 136 and the CPR railroad, to the northeast of Alton, north of Shaws Creek,
next to each other at 51 Station Street on the south side beside the CPR railroad, to the southeast
of Alton Village. Wells No. 3 and No.4 are each equipped with pumps to provide a
capacity of 11.7L/s at a TDH of 91.5m.
In 2006, construction of a 300mm diameter watermain between the distribution systems of
Caledon and Alton was completed. The watermain was designed to provide security of supply
- 243 -

for Alton during emergency conditions (fire or watermain break). A pressure reducing valve
(PRV) allows water to flow from Caledon Village to Alton during periods of low pressure.
The watermain was sized so that it could carry the maximum day water demand from Caledon
Village to Alton.
The supply capacities of production wells for the Village of Alton as per the MOE permit to
take water (PTTW No. 5446-6E9SJ5) are summarized in Table 5.2.1. It is important to note
that the capacities of Wells No. 1 and 2 are not included in the current PTTW as these wells
are currently out of service.
Table 5.2.1 Description of Existing Production Wells (2000 Data (1) )
Well Number
MOE Permit
to Take Water
(92-P-3072)
(L/s)
Nominal
Pump
Capacity
(L/s)
Average
Day Flow
(L/s)
Maximum
Day Flow
(L/s)
Firm Production
(m 3 /d)
Alton No. 3 12.1 11.7 1.2 6.2 11.7
Alton No. 4 (2) 12.1 11.7 1.1 5.4 11.7
Total 24.2 23.4 2.3
Notes:
1. Source: First Engineers’ Report, Region of Peel, Town of Caledon Alton System
(KMK, November 2000).
2. Alton Wells No. 3 and 4 can only be pumped alternatively.
Alton Wells No. 3 and No. 4, drilled in 1986, are relatively shallow with depths of 27 and 25
metres, respectively. These wells obtain water from the unconfined shallow aquifer zone. The
wellheads for these production wells were visually inspected on October 18, 2000 for the
November 2000 Engineers’ Reports for the Alton System prepared by KMK Consultants Ltd.
and were observed to be in sound condition. Both wells are housed within the same brick
building. Land use in the vicinity of Alton No. 3 and No. 4 includes undeveloped lands to the
east and north. A residence was noted to the south, across Queen Street. The residence is
assumed to be serviced with municipal water and an individual septic system.
- 244 -

- 245 -

The current permit to take water (PTTW) allows for a maximum water taking of 12.1 L/s or
1,047 m 3 /day during non-emergency conditions. In 2005, the average day production of the
two wells was 4.1 L/s or 254 m 3 /day. The combined pumping capacity of Wells #3 and 4 is
23.4 L/s, which is marginally lower tha the PTTW during non-emergency conditions. Since
the wells are located beside each other, they can only be pumped alternatively. The Alton
Wells are classified as groundwater under direct influence of surface water with adequate
filtration.
Water Demand
The MOE Design Guidelines specify the design factor to obtain maximum day flow as 2.50,
and the factor to obtain peak hour flow as 3.75. Water consumption data for 1990 to 2005 for
the Village of Alton are summarized in Table 5.2.2. Figure 5.2.2 shows a graphical
presentation of the historical water use data. Equivalent population data, also shown in Table
5.2.2, were obtained from the Alton Well Pumping Station Annual Production Reports.
Equivalent population is the sum of the actual population of the Village and a population
component to account for industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) water demand. The
most important ICI components in Alton are the Millcroft Inn and the Alton Public School.
From these data, the average daily per capita flow can be estimated at 368 Lpcd with a
maximum day factor of 2.70. No data were available to determine the peak hour factor, and so
the MOE Design Guideline of 3.75 is used
Table 5.2.2 Alton Village Water Consumption Data (1)
Year
Average Day Maximum Day
Peak Hour
(L/s) Factor Total (L/s) Factor 2 Total (L/s)
1990 3.98 1.94 7.73 3.75 15.0
1991 4.29 2.78 12.0 3.75 16.1
1992 3.67 2.21 8.12 3.75 13.8
1993 3.88 1.68 6.54 3.75 14.6
1994 4.79 2.36 11.3 3.75 18.0
1995 4.43 3.07 13.6 3.75 16.6
1996 4.22 2.93 12.4 3.75 15.8
1997 4.37 3.07 13.4 3.75 16.4
1998 6.03 4.27 25.8 3.75 22.6
1999 6.50 2.63 17.1 3.75 24.4
2000 4.05 2.76 11.2 3.75 15.2
2001 4.35 2.76 12.1 3.75 16.3
2002 4.08 2.69 10.97 3.75 15.3
2003 4.84 2.41 11.66 3.75 18.1
2004 3.85 2.65 10.47 3.75 14.8
2005 4.12 2.88 11.86 3.75 15.5
Average 2.68 3.75
Notes:
1. Source: Alton Village Well Pumping Station Annual Production Reports. 1995-2005.
2. The peak hour factor was obtained from the MOE Design Guidelines.
- 246 -

Figure 5.2.2 Historical Water Use for Alton Village (1990 to 2006)
2200
2000
1800
Average Day Water Use (m3/day)
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Jan-
00
May-
00
Sep-
00
Jan-
01
May-
01
Sep-
01
Jan-
02
May-
02
Sep-
02
Jan-
03
May-
03
Sep-
03
Jan-
04
May-
04
Sep-
04
Jan-
05
May-
05
Sep-
05
Jan-
06
May-
06
Sep-
06
Month
- 247 -

The maximum flow under the current PTTW No. 5446-6E9SJ5) is 12.1 L/s or 1,047 m 3 /d.
However the current system hydraulic capacity is limited by pump size to a maximum flow of
approximately 11.7 L/s (1,010 m 3 /d), and the firm pumping capacity with the largest
production well off-line is 11.7 L/s (1,010 m 3 /d) per well. During emergency conditions, the
PTTW maximum flow is 2,014 m 3 /d. Based on the firm pumping capacity of 1,010 m 3 /d, the
serviceable population of the Alton wells is 1,135 persons. The serviceable population is
defined as the population that could be serviced with existing infrastructure and is intended to
indicate servicing constraint and opportunities. The serviceable population is calculated based
on using current average day flow factors and prorated historical maximum day factors for the
existing population component, and using the MOE/Peel guideline values for the future
development component.
The serviceable population based on the PTTW is 1,171 persons.
Additional water supply could be obtained from Caledon Village through the existing 300mm
diameter watermain that interconnects the water distribution systems of Alton and Caledon.
Based on the firm pumping capacity at the Caledon Wells, the total serviceable population of
the Caledon Wells is 4,230 people. The current service population of the Caledon Wells is
estimated to be 2,922 persons.
Distribution System
A network of 150-mm, 200-mm, 250-mm and 300-mm diameter water mains distribute water
to Alton Village (Figure 5.1.3). Only one pressure zone is currently required. Should the
community grow towards the south-west, a second pressure zone will likely be required. A
standpipe is located north of Alton Village to provide fire and emergency storage, as well as
maintenance of system pressure. The existing system analysis, conducted by KMK
Consultants Ltd. as part of the Interconnection Feasibility Study 3 (1997), indicated that under
peak hour flows, most locations within the service area have acceptable pressures between 275
kPa (40 psi) and 690 kPa (100 psi). A localized low area at the east end of the Village on
Highway 136 has a slightly higher pressure of 730 kPa (103 psi).
Hydraulic modelling also indicates that the distribution system is capable of handling fire
demands at various locations without system pressures dropping below the minimum standard
pressure under emergency conditions of 140 kPa (20 psi). Fire demands were simulated at six
locations: Queen Street and John Street, Queen Street and Agnes Street, Margaret Street and
Thomas Street, Main Street and McClellan Road, Dod’s Drive and Emeline Street, and on
Highway 136 at Alton Wells No. 1 and No. 2. No significant constraints were noted with the
existing distribution system.
3 The purpose of the Interconnection Feasibility Study was to investigate the practicality of
connecting certain Village groundwater supplies in Caledon for improved water supply
quality and security.
- 248 -

Water Storage and Fire Flow
Storage for the Alton system is provided by a standpipe located north of Alton Village at the
end of a 300-mm diameter main on Credit Street. The standpipe is designed to provide fire
reserves and emergency storage, as well as maintenance of system pressure.
The existing standpipe has a usable volume of approximately 1,195 m 3 out of the total volume
of 2,727 m 3 . The usable volume refers to the volume of water above the low water level at
which the residual pressures throughout the system will be greater than 245 kPa (35 psi). A
usable storage volume of 949 m 3 is required to meet requirements for equalization, fire storage
and emergency storage. Therefore, the standpipe capacity is sufficient to meet the current
requirements for the Village of Alton, with 246 m 3 of excess storage volume.
The serviceable population based on the available storage volume is 1,570 persons. The
serviceable population is defined as the population that could be serviced with existing
infrastructure and is intended to indicate servicing constraints and opportunities.
Water Quality and Treatment
The Region of Peel publishes quarterly water quality reports for all of its surface water and
groundwater supply systems. The latest water quality report available for Alton Village
demonstrates that the Alton water supply system meets the Ontario Drinking Water
Standards (ODWQS). These reports are also available on the internet at
http://www.region.peel.on.ca/pw/water/quality/alton1.htm.
Wellhead Protection
During the 1990s, the Region of Peel established a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)
program, which encompasses all municipal supply wells in the Town of Caledon, including the
community of Alton wells. The program involved delineating wellhead protection areas for all
existing municipal wells, carrying out an inventory of land uses and potential contaminant
sources within the wells’ groundwater contribution zones, development of policies for land use
within the WHPAs, establishing ‘early warning’ monitoring network for the purpose of landuse
related water quality monitoring within the WHPA contribution zones; and establishing a
well abandonment program. The land policy matrix was established and incorporated into the
Caledon Official Plan in early 2000s. The Zoning By-law has also been amended to reflect all
new approved policies concerning the WHPAs. The Region’s well abandonment program has
been underway since 1999, and the “early warning” monitoring program has been ongoing
since 2004. The latest annual water level and water quality report for Alton was completed in
March 2008 (Beatty & Associates, 2008). The annual monitoring reports are submitted to the
MOE as part of the PTTW monitoring compliance.
Since 2006, the Region has been carrying additional studies and reviews concerning wellhead
protection refinements, vulnerability assessments, and Tier 1 Risk Assessments in association
- 249 -

with the drinking source water protection studies. The results of this new work will be part of
the future Drinking Source Water Assessment Report.
Water Servicing Capacity of Existing Infrastructure
Serviceable populations were calculated for Alton Wells # 3 and # 4, the PTTW, and the
existing storage. The serviceable population is defined as the population that could be
serviced with existing infrastructure and is intended to indicate servicing constraints and
opportunities. The serviceable population is calculated based on using current average day
flow factors and prorated historical maximum day factors for the existing population
component, and using the MOE/Peel guideline values for the future development component.
Based on the firm pumping capacity of 1,010 m 3 /d for Alton Wells # 3 and #4, the serviceable
population of the Alton wells is 1,135 persons.
The serviceable population based on the PTTW is 1,171 persons.
Additional water supply could be obtained from Caledon Village through the existing 300mm
diameter watermain that interconnects the water distribution systems of Alton and Caledon.
Based on the firm pumping capacity at the Caledon Wells, the total serviceable population of
the Caledon Wells is 4,230 people. The current service population of the Caledon Wells is
estimated to be 2,922 persons.
The serviceable population based on the available storage volume is 1,570 persons.
In summary, the existing Alton water supply system has a serviceable population of 1,135
persons based on the firm pumping Stations of Alton Wells # 3 and # 4. A population increase
above 1,135 persons would require the development of new water supplies and/or a revised
PTTW in Alton or additional water supply from Caledon through the existing 300mm diameter
watermain that interconnects the two systems. A population increase above 1,570 persons
would require the provision of additional water storage capacity.
5.2.2 Wastewater Servicing
Alton Village is currently serviced by private sewage disposal systems. Information on the
age, condition and design of the systems relative to current standards has not been compiled.
The impact of the existing septic systems on the groundwater and surface water resources
within the Alton Study Area has been undertaken by CVC. Based on the work completed to
date by CVC, there is evidence that the existing individual septic system effluent within Alton
Village currently degrades the local groundwater system. Elevated nitrate concentrations in
the water supply aquifer were observed at Alton Wells No. 1 and No.2. A Phase I Level II
study (Appendix E) was initiated to quantify the impacts of the existing septic systems and the
approved developments on septic systems on current groundwater and local surface water
resources. Field testing results indicated the following conclusions (Groundwater Science,
2003):
- 250 -

• Private septic systems within Alton Village are currently impacting the groundwater
system beneath the Village and downgradient to the northeast;
• The impact takes the form of elevated nitrate concentrations, generally between 3 and
10 mg/L at the locations sampled for the study. Elevated sodium and chloride
concentrations are also associated with the main village plume;
• Nitrate concentrations in the 3mg/L range, due to the flow of groundwater from the
village northeast towards the creek system, are present at some locations in the
groundwater system near Shaws Creek. The lower concentration downgradient of the
village are likely due to a combination of groundwater mixing and denitrification.
• Based on the identified overburden groundwater flow system and the water quality
sampling results, the groundwater impacted by septic systems flows towards and
enters Shaws Creek between Highway 136 and the confluence with the main branch
of the Credit River. Further south, other land use may also include nitrate loading
from fertilizer use.
• At most locations along the creek, denitrification reduced nitrate concentrations in the
groundwater that is discharging to the lake to below 1 mg/L. However, at one
location, the nitrate concentration is likely higher (up to 3 mg/L), which is slightly
above the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) water quality
guideline for the protection of aquatic life of 2.95 mg/L nitrate as N.
The same report investigated the expected impacts of continued development on septic
systems by studying the Thomas Farm property and the Pinnacle Estates Property. If
development proceeds on the Thomas Farm property using septic systems, an increase in
nitrate concentration in the groundwater system within the bedrock is expected, along with an
increase in nitrate concentrations at Alton Wells No. 1 and No.2. The study also predicted
increased nitrate levels at Alton Wells No. 3 and No. 4 with the development of the Pinnacle
Estates property. It is noted that the full development of Pinnacle Estates property is not
anticipated due to the environmental constraints.
There are no existing wastewater systems available to service new development beyond the
existing population. Therefore, any new development would require additional wastewater
servicing capacity, either through development of a communal wastewater disposal system or
through other alternatives discussed in Section 5.3.
5.3 Problem Statement
The Water and Wastewater Servicing Component of the Alton Village Study has been initiated
to develop a servicing plan for the Village of Alton to the year 2021. This study does not
consider stormwater management issues as they will be addressed in the Environmental
Management Plan.
Preliminary lists of water and wastewater servicing alternatives have been developed for this
Phase 1 report, so that information required to define conceptual design requirements and
evaluate environmental impacts for each alternative can be identified. The following section
- 251 -

presents a preliminary list of servicing alternatives to be evaluated in Phases 2 and 3 of the
Servicing Component of the study. The following list of servicing alternatives may be
expanded based on input from the public consultation process.
5.3.1 Preliminary List of Water Servicing Alternatives
Potential alternatives for meeting the objectives for water servicing to the year 2021 include
the following:
• do nothing;
• improvements to the water supply capacity of the Village including improvements to
Wells #3 and # 4 or a new well;
• water conservation; and
• construction of a water main to the South Peel water system.
The above water servicing alternatives alone or in combination will be evaluated using a set of
evaluation criteria to select a preferred alternative.
5.3.2 Preliminary List of Wastewater Servicing Alternatives
Potential alternatives for meeting the objectives for wastewater servicing to the year 2021
population include the following:
• do nothing;
• maintain the use of individual on-site sewage disposal systems for some or all of the
existing developed areas in Alton and use individual on-site sewage disposal systems
with advanced treatment, for new development areas in Alton;
• communal wastewater treatment facility for Alton Village;
• construct a new communal collection system and wastewater treatment plant for
Alton Village to service all new development and some or all of existing developed
areas (currently using septics) with either a subsurface discharge or a surface water
discharge to the Credit River;
• construct a new communal collection system and wastewater treatment plant for each
new subdivision in Alton Village with either a subsurface discharge or a surface
water discharge to the Credit River;
• construct a collection system for new development and some or all of existing
development in Alton Village and connect to the South Peel system for treatment; and
upgrade existing individual sewage disposal systems in Alton Village to meet current
Provincial, Regional and CVC regulations.
The above wastewater servicing alternatives alone or in combination will be evaluated using a
set of evaluation criteria to select a preferred alternative.
The Class EA process requires that a full range of alternatives to resolve a problem be
reviewed in the preliminary stages of the study, including those that are clearly unacceptable
for reasons of health and safety, economics, or non-compliance with pre-existing policies.
- 252 -

For example, the alternative of the use of individual septic systems for new development is
against Provincial and Regional policies, unless it is found that a communal sewage system is
not feasible. The “do-nothing” alternative is carried throughout the study process as it
provides a base-line comparison for the other alternatives being evaluated.
5.4 Background Information and Data Requirements
The following sections define the information requirements to screen the servicing alternatives
presented in Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2, to develop feasible water and wastewater servicing
alternatives, and to evaluate and select a preferred servicing alternative for Alton Village.
Methods to fill data gaps are also presented.
5.4.1 Planning Information
Projected population scenarios to the year 2021 will be required to determine the capacity
requirements for water and wastewater servicing to the year 2021.
Planning information that will also be considered in evaluating alternatives for servicing will
include lot density, land use and development patterns. Lot density is an important
consideration in determining the economic feasibility of communal servicing. Land uses are
important when considering potential sites for new wastewater treatment facilities, and the
aesthetics of those facilities, so that potential impacts on existing and future land use and on
adjacent residents may be evaluated. Also, development patterns are required to determine
communal system piping layouts and water main routes.
Specifically, a number of development planning proposals are being considered within the
study area in addition to all vacant lands within the current settlement boundaries. Planning
applications and expressions of interest are described and mapped in the Planning Component
Section 3.1.5 as well as remaining vacant lands. The ultimate number of units, density and
form of servicing for the development areas will be determined through the Alton Village
Study.
5.4.2 Environmental Information
An essential component of evaluating the feasibility of the servicing alternatives is a detailed
understanding of their impact on the environment, and their ability to fit within the regulatory
and policy framework. This section discusses the environmental background information that
will be required to evaluate water and wastewater servicing alternatives for the Servicing
Component of the study. Compilation and development of environmental background
information is included in the Environmental Component of the study which has conducted by
CVC.
Assimilative Capacity of the Credit River
The MOE regulatory and policy framework defines conditions for which a point source
wastewater effluent may be discharged, and how effluent limits may be determined. The
- 253 -

assimilative capacity is defined as the ability of a receiving water body to accept and process
wastewater material without damage to the aquatic, biota, and human uses of the water. Once
determined, the assimilative capacity can be used to determine the allowable discharges from a
wastewater treatment facility.
To evaluate the feasibility of surface water discharge for Alton and the effluent quality
required, there is a need to define the assimilative capacity of the Credit River. As part of the
Environmental Component, a detailed review of water quality and flows of the Credit River is
being undertaken. As part of the Servicing Component, the assimilative capacity of the Credit
River will be assessed. Further analysis of the Credit River data are required to enable
evaluation of wastewater discharges from existing and future development:
• An evaluation of the impact from existing individual on-site sewage disposal systems;
• Population numbers and effluent criteria for background water quality data;
description, in general terms of what the available assimilative capacity is for
additional ammonia, nitrate, TSS, BOD and phosphorus loads;
• potential for a continuous wastewater discharge (discharge options that have minimal
effect on background concentrations during non-algae growing seasons, will also be
considered);
• potential for seasonal discharges during peak flow periods; and,
• potential for flow proportioned discharges where equalization storage is used to
control discharge rate and dilution.
Using this background flow and quality information, alternative effluent limit scenarios, in
terms of effluent concentrations, wastewater flows and discharge strategies may be evaluated
in the Servicing Component of the Study.
Soils and Hydrogeological Information- Subsurface Discharge
Wastewater servicing alternatives involving a subsurface discharge will be considered. In
order to evaluate the feasibility of a subsurface discharge, the soil hydraulic loading capacity
and potential impact on groundwater quality must be determined. This will require an
understanding of soil characteristics in areas being considered, as well as the hydrogeology.
Hydrogeological information is developed in the Environmental Component of the Alton
Village Study. Some soil characterization has been completed for the study area. Additional
soil sampling may be required to supplement existing data so that alternative locations for a
subsurface discharge may be evaluated.
5.4.3 Servicing Information
Condition of Existing Septic Systems
The Region’s wastewater servicing policy indicates a strong preference for communal
servicing over private sewage disposal systems. Communal servicing of existing development
- 254 -

currently using septic systems will therefore be considered as a wastewater servicing
alternative for Alton Village. In order to examine the environmental benefits and economics
of this alternative, an understanding of the impacts of existing septic systems is required.
Information on the Septic System Impact Study for Alton Village is contained in Appendix E
and Section 4.9 of this report. The results will be reported in Phase 2 of this study.
Groundwater
An understanding of the potential for increasing the water taking capacity will be required to
evaluate alternatives for servicing to 2021.
The groundwater flow system is relatively well defined within the village area. The village
represents a local recharge area and most of this groundwater is expected to travel east towards
the Credit River or north-east toward Shaws Creek, and to discharge into the river/wetland
system. Groundwater recharge in the Alton study area is moderate to high.
The dolostone bedrock (Amabel) formation will transmit water toward the Credit River and
bedrock valley system. The underlying shale units force this lateral water movement. There is
no detailed groundwater level information along the river systems adjacent to Alton. The local
water table contours do indicate that there is potential for discharge along most of the surface
water features. As part of the Region’s ongoing WHPA and PTTW related monitoring
programs, the Region established a number of drive point piezometers along Shaw’s Creek
and in local wetlands in 2004. The Environmental Component of the report discusses the
potential for groundwater discharge to be assessed by using stream-bed piezometers.
5.4.4 Summary of Information Required and Methods for Data Collection
Information required to evaluate alternatives for water and wastewater servicing for the Alton
Village Servicing Study was reviewed. Significant information is available to support an
evaluation of the feasibility of alternatives and their environmental impacts. However, some
specific data gaps were identified, and approaches to collecting the data recommended. Table
5.4.1 summarizes the information requirements, method for information collection and
suggested Component of the Alton Village Study responsible for collecting the information.
- 255 -

Table 5.4.1
Information Required
Information Requirements and Collection Methods
Planning information including
population projections, lot density,
land uses, and development patterns
Flow and water quality data for the
Credit River
Allowable discharge to Credit River
Assessment of impact of individual
septic systems on groundwater and
surface water bodies
Method for Acquiring
Information
To be developed in Planning
Component Phases 2 and 3
To be defined in Environmental
Component Phase 1
Flow and water quality data to be
used to evaluate impacts of various
discharge strategies on the Credit
River. Allowable effluent limits to
be discussed with MOE.
Phase 2 septic system survey
Study
Component
Responsibility
Planning
Environmental
Phase 2
Servicing
Environmental
- 256 -

6.0 TRANSPORTATION
6.1 Introduction
Alton is located in the north west of the Town of Caledon, and south of the Town of
Orangeville. Regional Road 136 (formerly Highway 136) serves as the main arterial through
the Village of Alton, connecting Regional Road 24 (formerly Highway 24) to Orangeville in
the north. It is typically used for access into/out of the Settlement Area. An internal local
and collector road network serves as access within the Settlement Area.
As part of the Alton Village Study, the Region of Peel has completed the following traffic
analysis. This analysis describes the existing traffic conditions within the Village Study
Area, outlines the transportation related issues in the Village and gives an indication of the
ability of the road system to accommodate increases in traffic in the future.
6.2 Existing Road Network
The Alton Village Study Area is indicated in Figure 1.3.1. It is generally bounded by Beech
Grove Sideroad and Charleston Sideroad to the south, Porterfield Road/Regional Road 136 to
the east, one half a concession west of Mississauga Road to the west, and Highpoint Sideroad
to the north. Both Queen Street (running east/west), and Regional Road 136 (running
north/south) serve as the main road access for the Settlement Area.
Regional Road 136 is a two lane rural highway. It is identified as a Major Road in the
Regional Plan and a High Capacity Arterial in the Caledon Official Plan. Within the Village,
the north/south section is called Main Street. At the intersection with Queen Street it turns
east and becomes Queen Street East. From there it runs east to Porterfield Road. The only
signal on Regional Road 136 is located south of the Village at the intersection with Regional
Road 24, known as Charleston Sideroad.
The critical intersection in the Settlement Area is at Regional Road 136 and Queen Street
where it is a 4-leg unsignalized cross-section with stop controls in all directions. The posted
speed along Regional Road 136 is 40/50 KM/hr. within the settlement and 80KM/hr. outside
the Settlement Area.
Queen Street West runs east/west and serves as a minor collector road within the Settlement
Area, connecting Mississauga Road to Regional Road 136. Within the built-up area of the
Village, Queen Street West has a historical character, with large street trees, a sidewalk on
one side and some buildings located close to the road. The posted speed limit on Queen
Street West is 40 KM/hr. The Town of Caledon Public Works and Engineering Department
has indicated that its capacity is approximately 500 vehicles per hour, per lane, based on the
current engineering standards. Queen Street West is a Town of Caledon road and is
identified as a Local Road in the Town of Caledon Official Plan. The function of Collector
Roads is to serve low to moderate volumes of short distance traffic and provide individual
property access.
- 257 -

Beech Grove Sideroad is an unpaved road running east/west, intersecting with Regional
Road 136 south of Alton. There are two-way stop signs on Beech Grove Sideroad. Beech
Grove Sideroad ends west of Regional Road 136.
Highpoint Sideroad is an unpaved road running east/west, with access to Regional Road 136
and Mississauga Road north of Alton.
Porterfield Road south of Regional Road 136 is an unpaved road running north/south to
Beech Grove Sideroad. The traffic at the intersection with Regional Road 136 is controlled
by a stop sign on Porterfield Road for northbound traffic. Porterfield Road ends south of
Beech Grove Sideroad.
Mississauga Road is a paved road running north/south just east of the western boundary of
the Village of Alton as far north as Queen Street West and is unpaved from Queen Street
West northerly to Lot 27.
6.3 Existing Traffic
6.3.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT)
The existing and historical Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADTs) on Regional Road 136
servicing the Alton community is summarized in Table 6.3.1 below:
TABLE 6.3.1 Historical AADTs on Regional Road 136
Location 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Regional Road 136 (0.5KM north of
20 th Sideroad/Beech Grove Road) 3,798 3,872 3,465 3,193 3,488
(South of Alton)
Regional Road 136 (1 KM north of
Queen St. W. /3 rd Line W.)
(East of Alton)
3,850 3,259 3,027 3,376 3,467
6.3.2 Truck Traffic
Truck traffic volumes within and passing through the Village of Alton were determined using
Cordon Count data for 2006. Truck volume is highest during the AM peak period and reflects
approximately 6% trucks. Table 6.3.2 below summarizes the truck percentages from 1991 to
2006.
- 258 -

Table 6.3.2 – Percentage of Trucks (AM Peak Period)
Year
Total Vehicle
Trucks Percentage of
Trucks
1991 578 29 5%
1993 792 39 5%
1995 590 26 4%
1998 829 41 5%
2001 916 26 3%
2006 1064 66 6%
6.3.3 Existing Intersection Level of Service
The turning movements at the intersection of Regional Road 136 (Main Street South) and
Queen Street are controlled by a 4 way stop. The highest turning movement volumes at this
intersection in the AM peak hour is westbound to southbound (121-left turns) and
northbound to eastbound (156 right turns) in the PM peak hour. The year 2008 intersection
turning movement volumes for the Regional Road 136 and Queen Street are summarized in
Figure 6.3.1. This intersection is currently operating at an acceptable Level of Service B.
6.4 Background Traffic Growth Forecasts – Regional Road 136
Background traffic growth rates were calculated from historical Average Annual Daily
Traffic counts (AADTs) and intersection turning movement counts (TMCs) provided by the
Region of Peel Traffic Operations Group. Background traffic volumes do not include any
new development traffic. The analysis indicates an average annual growth (compounded) of
1.0 % on the east and 1.0 % on the south of the Alton community for the year (2001-2011),
and an average annual growth (compounded) of 1.0 % on the east and 1.0 % on the south of
the Alton community for the year (2011-2021). The forecast growth for Regional Road 136
is summarized in Table 6.4.1. These volumes are well within the capacity of a two lane
roadway and at acceptable level of service.
Table 6.4.1 Forecast Background Traffic on Regional Road 136 Using Historical
AADTs
Location
Regional Road 136 (0.5KM
west of Porterfield Road)
(East of Alton)
Regional Road 136 (0.3KM
south of McClellan Road)
(South of Alton)
Growth
rate
(2011)
2011
Volume
Forecast
Growth
rate
(2021)
2021
Volume
Forecast
1.0% 3630 1.0% 4010
1.0% 3608 1.0% 3986
- 259 -

“Note: AADTs from 2001-2006 for both Regional Road 136 (0.5 km west of Porterfield
Road) and Regional Road 136 (0.3 km south of McClellan Road) were used for forecasting
growth rate.”
The background turning movements in the AM and PM peak hours at the intersection of
Regional Road 136 and Queen Street for the year 2011 and 2021 were developed by taking the
existing turning movement counts and applying the growth rate developed for each approach
at the intersection. The background traffic growth at the Regional Road 136 and Queen Street
intersection for 2011 and 2021 are shown in Figure 6.4.1 and Figure 6.4.2 respectively.
Based on these forecasts, this intersection will be operating at an acceptable Level of service B
for 2011 and 2021.
- 260 -

FIGURE 6.3.1 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – EXISTING
TRAFFIC
- 261 -

FIGURE 6.4.1 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – 2011 FORECASTED
TRAFFIC
- 262 -

FIGURE 6.4.2 REGIONAL ROAD 136 AND QUEEN STREET – 2021 FORECASTED
TRAFFIC
- 263 -

6.5 Issues, Conclusions and Next Steps
6.5.1 Issues
Currently there is excess capacity in the road system that services Alton.
Through the initial public consultation program undertaken in Phase 1 of the Alton Village
Study, at particularly at meetings held on December 5, 2001 and June 18, 2002, Alton
residents and businesses raised the following issues:
• Increased traffic on Regional Road 136 and the rural roads due to growth on the west side
of Orangeville.
• Some rural roads, notably Main Street North, are not maintained to a standard in keeping
with the level of traffic using them.
• The three-way stop at Main Street and Queen Street is perceived to be hazardous and a
four-way stop has been requested and now exists.
• Some sidewalks are in poor condition.
• The potential for growth-related traffic to create congestion.
• Traffic exceeding the posted speed.
• Lack of parking in the downtown area.
From the meeting held June 24, 2008, traffic and truck traffic in particular remain village
concerns, including a desire to see truck restrictions on Regional Road 136.
Growth is likely to occur mainly on the west side of Alton, as the Thomas Farm currently has
approval for a draft plan of subdivision, and there are other vacant properties within the
settlement area. Traffic generated by the Thomas Farm would have access to Queen Street
West and Mississauga Road, which has been upgraded. There is no longer proposed access to
Dod’s Drive. Although Queen Street and the Queen St./Main St. intersection have the
physical capacity to accommodate increased traffic, its impact on the historic core and
residential character along Queen Street must also be considered.
Since the initial public comments, the condition of the sidewalks has been addressed to some
extent however there are still missing links to provide a true pedestrian oriented community
with continuity throughout the village.
6.5.2 Conclusions of Phase 1
The analysis described in this chapter indicates that Regional Road 136 in Alton can
accommodate the projected increase in background traffic to 2011 and 2021, as well as an
increase in traffic from future development in Alton, while maintaining an acceptable level of
service. The precise amount of development that can be accommodated while maintaining an
acceptable level of service will require further traffic analysis and understanding of future
development issues.
- 264 -

6.5.3 Next Steps
Alternative planning scenarios will be generated in Phase 2 of the Alton Village Study. These
scenarios will explore various options for density, number and type of units, and options for
directing traffic flow. Traffic resulting from these different scenarios will be forecasted and
the potential impacts on the road system and the community will be analyzed. Phase 2 will
identify whether various levels and forms of growth can be accommodated by the existing road
system and what road improvements may be needed.
Phase 2 will also explore options for parking in the downtown area.
- 265 -

7.0 DRAFT GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND PRELIMINARY COMMUNITY DESIGN
PRINCIPLES
7.1 Introduction
In order to develop and evaluate planning and servicing scenarios for Alton, it is important to
first develop a set of goals and objectives for the Village Plan. Given the importance of built
form and community character, it is also necessary to develop a set of preliminary
community design principles that can be used subsequently to evaluate the alternative
scenarios. The Goal, Objectives and Design Principles identified below will work together in
a mutually supportive fashion and will guide all three study components in an integrated
manner.
The Caledon Official Plan contains overall goals for planning within the Town, as well as
detailed objectives regarding specific topics, such as ecosystem planning and management.
These Town-wide goals and objectives establish an overall framework which will guide the
Alton Village Study, and the resultant Community Plan, Servicing Plan and Environmental
Management Plan. Also applicable are the broad policy directions contained in the Region
of Peel Official Plan and the PPS.
The following are draft Alton specific goals and objectives which build on, and complement
those found in the Caledon Official Plan.
7.2 Draft Goal
To develop a comprehensive and integrated Community Plan, Servicing Plan and
Environmental Management Plan for the Village of Alton to guide the evolution of the
Village to the year 2021 in a manner that is consistent with and complies with Provincial
policies and Plans, conforms to the Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Official Plans, and
recognizes and strengthens the unique characteristics of the Alton community.
7.3 Draft Objectives
7.3.1 Draft Planning Objectives
To develop a Community Plan that meets the following objectives:
1. To preserve and enhance distinctive community characteristics.
2. To identify and protect, as appropriate, cultural heritage and archaeological resources.
3. To recognize and strengthen the open space and trail system, including links to the
Bruce Trail, and the Grand Valley Trail.
4. To ensure that new development and servicing protects and enhances the natural
environment of the Credit River watershed.
5. To enhance the vitality of the Commercial Core and maintain the Core as a focal
point for the community.
- 266 -

6. To ensure pedestrian connections between new development, the Core and the open
space and trail systems.
7. To identify and address transportation-related problems, including parking within the
Core area.
8. To enhance streetscapes and promote development that is pedestrian-oriented.
9. To continue to provide an appropriate distribution of community facilities and
services.
10. To establish population levels for the Village which recognizes its role within
Caledon’s “community of communities” thus allowing for moderate growth while
protecting the quality of life of existing residents.
11. To provide for a range of housing types that are compatible with the existing
character of the Village and consistent with the existing public policy framework.
12. To establish appropriate mechanisms to manage the rate and phasing of growth as
established through the Village Plan, in a manner that is compatible with the existing
Village.
7.3.2 Draft Environmental Objectives
To develop an Environmental Management Plan that meets the following objectives:
1. To adhere to the Ecosystem Planning and Management Objectives contained in the
Caledon Official Plan.
2. To assess the assimilative capacity of the Credit River and ensure that development and
servicing does not exceed this assimilative capacity.
3. To ensure that all new water services do not negatively impact groundwater and surface
water resources and related biological communities
4. To identify measures to enhance the local natural environment.
5. To promote awareness and stewardship of the local natural environment to seek
opportunities for residents to become involved in stewardship activities.
7.3.3 Draft Servicing Objectives
To develop a Servicing Plan for Alton Village to the year 2021 that will meet the following
objectives:
1. To provide water and wastewater servicing capacity to service planned growth in an
uninterrupted and orderly manner to the year 2021.
2. To ensure that the development of the Servicing Component meets the requirements of
the Class Environmental Assessment process.
3. To develop communal water and wastewater servicing options, rather than individual onsite
systems in accordance with the approved public policy framework.
4. To ensure adequate wastewater treatment to meet provincial regulations and policies and
the Environmental Management Plan for protection of the groundwater (subsurface) and
surface water, and to protect aquatic ecosystems.
5. To provide adequate water treatment to ensure that water quality meets the Ontario
Drinking Water Quality Objectives (ODWO).
- 267 -

6. To size water and wastewater systems based on Regional Design Criteria, and
consideration of extending services to existing residents if required.
7. To locate new water and wastewater facilities appropriately, in consideration of existing
land uses and land use policies, and recommended Community Plan and Environmental
Management Plan.
8. To develop a staged implementation plan for the preferred servicing alternative.
7.4 Preliminary Community Design Principles
Based on the community character analysis contained in Chapter 3 of this report, and the goal
and objectives listed above, preliminary community design principles have been identified as
follows:
Community Form – the form of all new development should have respect for the existing
community and the natural environment. It should be connected to and support the existing
community in a positive symbiotic way.
Land Use – should encourage a mix of residential and employment land use types to
encourage a range of housing types and allow for local economic development activities.
Lot size/Density – a variety of lot sizes should be considered, with provisions for future
infill. A range of densities should be permitted that are compatible with the surrounding
community, and allow for an efficient use of land and cost-effective provision of services in
accordance with the PPS and provincial Growth Plan.
Lot Development – setbacks, building heights, building coverage, accessory uses, and
parking provision should reflect those within the historic Village.
Housing and Building Design – should encourage a variety of house forms that are
compatible in scale and design with the character of a rural village. It should also encourage
a range of accommodation for a variety of households, including families, singles, retirees,
etc.
Streets and Roads – should provide for a balance of vehicular and pedestrian movement,
parking (where appropriate), and recreational modes of movement (e.g. hiking, cross country
skiing bicycling, horse-back riding, etc.). Existing streetscapes should be enhanced and new
streetscapes should reflect the heritage characteristics of the core.
Natural Areas – should be incorporated into the community structure as open spaces and
green corridors with appropriate set-backs.
Community Facilities – existing facilities should be maintained and improved, as necessary
to meet the needs of planned growth and should be accessible on foot, by bicycle, as well as
by car.
- 268 -

Views – important views of the Credit River Valley, the Pinnacle, and other significant
natural and built features, should be identified and protected.
Recreation Areas and Corridors – the existing recreational open space and trails should be
protected and enhanced to strengthen the role of the community as an important recreational
node and to recognize the potential economic and social benefits of this role.
7.5 Next Steps
The draft Goal, Objectives and Design Principles will be refined and finalized in Phase 2 of
the Study. This will be done through additional review and consultation with the Liaison
Group and other village residents and landowners, Caledon Council, development
proponents, key agencies such as the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, and other
interested parties (e.g.: other providers of community services, recreation groups and the
Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee).
The Goal, Objectives and Design Principles will be used, in conjunction with the overall
goals, objectives and policies set out in the Caledon Official Plan and the Regional and
Provincial policies and plans, to develop and evaluate Community Planning and Servicing
alternatives for Alton, and ultimately to assist in selecting the preferred Community Plan,
Servicing Plan and Environmental Management Plan for the Village.
- 269 -

8.0 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
8.1 Background
The Alton Village Study was initiated in 2000 with the approval of the Terms of Reference
by Council. Community meetings were held on December 5, 2001 and June 18, 2002. On
October 19, 2004, a planning scenario for future development of the village was presented to
the Alton Village Study Liaison Group by Town Councillors and staff. The planning scenario
consisted of a list of principles that suggested that there would be no expansion to the
settlement boundary and that development would be based on the historic model of ¼ acre
lots. This would result in a total village population of approximately 2,500 compared to the
current population of approximately 990.
Members of the Liaison Group indicated that they needed to consult with the broader
community before they could respond to the principles presented by the Town and a series of
meeting was subsequently held with residents and business people (referred to as the Alton
Study Group). On January 19, 2005, the Alton Study Group made a request to suspend the
study process to allow them to complete an independent study of community design and
other issues to be considered in the Alton Village Study. Subsequently in February 2005 the
Planning Department sent letters to the Region and the Conservation Authority advising of
the suspension of the study pending completion of the community design exercise undertaken
by the villagers. Based on public input received at 2 visioning workshops on September 15
and 17, 2005, the Study Group completed a report titled “A Community Vision for the
Village of Alton: A Plan to Capitalize on Alton’s Unique Character” dated April 2006. This
report was presented to Council on September 2006 and is summarized below in Section 8.2.
Council resolved that the submission be received as input into the study and directed the
ongoing involvement of the Study Group in the Alton Village Study. On June 5, 2007,
Heritage Caledon responded to the heritage aspects of the Study Group report.
In addition to the meetings noted above, the Region has completed Phases 1 and 2 of the
Environmental Assessment and has held Public Information Centres (PIC) on February 26,
2004 and June 17, 2004.
With commitments of Planning staff on other Caledon priorities, it was decided to hire a
planning consultant as Project Manager to assist with the planning component and integrate
all three components of the study. Keir Corp., the planning consultant was retained in
February 2008 and the project was reinitiated.
Since that time a Liaison Group meeting (Alton Resident’s Association Executive) was held
on May 5, 2008 in Alton and a Liaison Group/Community meeting on June 24, 2008 in Alton
as part of the Alton Resident’s Association annual general meeting. Subsequently the
AltonVillage Association provided a summary of its concerns which included:
• Diversity of lots, heights and buildings styles
• No major expansion of the settlement boundaries at this time
- 270 -

• Environmental concerns regarding water quality and sewers along Queen and main
Streets
• Traffic calming and enforcement
• Creation of a village green or square
Additional correspondence was received in the summer of 2008 from the Millcroft Inn and
Spa expressing interest in a possible expansion to the inn and requesting a portion of the site
(approximately 11 acres) be included within the village boundaries.
Based on an advertisement placed in the Orangeville Banner in September 2008, the Town
requested thoughts and opinions from residents, and property owners regarding such things
as:
• Ultimate population for the village
• Type and extent of municipal servicing
• Possible village boundary expansion
• Types and areas of possible new development along with the look and form of
development and redevelopment
• Any other thoughts or opinions about how Alton should progress and /or develop
from its current state.
A follow up letter in the fall of 2008 by the Alton Village Association indicated a summary
of surveyed members emphasized the following:
• Village history and heritage properties
• Small town character
• Fear of uncontrolled development and preference for low density , detached dwellings
• Retention of the school
• Restoration of the pond and environmental health of the river.
In addition, Alton Mills prepared a submission that consideration be given to a settlement
boundary expansion to accommodate a retirement community and that heritage preservation,
community sustainability, creation of community focal point and intensification of lands
within the settlement area also be priorities.
8.2 A Community Vision for the Village of Alton
In April 2006 a report entitled “A Community Vision for The Village of Alton” was
produced which was “A Plan to Capitalize on Alton’s Unique Character”. The study,
prepared by Maurice Nellischer of the University of Guelph Landscape Architecture School,
was undertaken on behalf of the Alton Residents’ Study Group in response to the Alton
Village Study.
The report documents the results of an extensive public process of two day workshops
including over 200 attendees. The results of the workshops were used as the foundations for
a vision for the village which was principally focused on maintaining the unique character of
Alton. In order to maintain the unique village character, the near future growth was
- 271 -

determined to be in the range of 200-250 homes utilizing existing vacant lands and some
infilling. This was based on allowing approximately a 20%+/- increase in population which
was felt would not jeopardize the character of Alton if done over 2-3 years. Other suggested
initiatives included: new Main Street streetscaping, a village green/commons, a historic
district along Queen Street West, exposure of the creek and an integrated path system,
slowing vehicles and reducing truck traffic on Main St., gateway features and reconnecting to
the train.
The issue of primary importance indicated at the community meetings was retention of
Alton’s village character defined by its natural and cultural heritage and distinctive assets
including the Alton Mill and pond as a major feature and a new Village Green as the village
centre and gathering place. Concerns were expressed that sewer services will attract too
much growth and development and result in a loss of village character. However, many
support new changes in the village that require full municipal services and most are willing
to accept new development if it is property executed and integrated into and reflects the
existing fabric of the community.
The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOTs) analysis indicated the top
strength of the Village was the Town’s history and heritage properties and greatest weakness
the lack of support for youth. The greatest opportunity was noted to be the restoration of the
pond area and the greatest threat uncontrolled development.
8.3 Summary of Issues
Based on the earlier consultations and those since the project resumed in 2008, residents
concerns include the following:
• Impacts of haul trucks through the village for aggregate extraction
• Impacts of new development/boundary expansions
• Village character and heritage preservation
• Environmental sustainability
• Servicing – where is it going and who is paying
- 272 -

9.0 NEXT STEPS
9.1 Phase 2 Introduction
Phase 2 Development and Evaluation of Community Planning Scenarios and Servicing
Alternatives and Selection of Preferred Alternatives(s) of the study will involve the
generation of development scenarios and their evaluation and the finalization of the
community goal, objectives and community design principles. These will form the basis for
evaluation criteria against which to evaluate the various development alternatives.
Alternative development scenarios will represent a range of density, population and land use
options with appropriate phasing based on a 2021 Plan period.
Potential impacts of the alternative planning scenarios will be identified on such things as
community form, function and character, ecosystem, economic potential, transportation and
water and wastewater services. Phase 2 also provides for 2 meetings with the Liaison Group
and 2 Community Meetings in order to arrive at a preferred planning scenario to carry
forward for the preparation of the Conceptual Village Plan.
Phase 3 involves the preparation of a draft Community Plan. Draft Servicing Plan and Draft
Environmental Management Plan based on the preferred alternative selected in Phase 2.
In the final Phase, Phase 4, the recommended Community, Servicing and Environmental
Management Plans will be finalized and brought forward for approval by Council as well as
any related amendments to the Caledon Official Plan. Phases 3 and 4 will also involve
additional consolation with the community, relevant agencies and stakeholders.
- 273 -

GLOSSARY
Aquifer. A natural underground layer of porous, water-bearing materials (e.g., sand, gravel)
usually capable of yielding a large supply of water.
Assimilative Capacity. The ability of a receiving water to accept and process wastewater
material without damage to the aquatic, biota, and human uses of the water. Once determined,
the assimilative capacity can be used to determine the allowable discharges from a wastewater
treatment facility.
Average Day Flow. The total annual quantity of water production for a community divided
by 365.
Class Environmental Assessment (EA). A planning process approved under the EA act, for
a class or group of undertakings. Projects included in the Class EA may be implemented
without further approval under the EA Act provided the approved Class EA planning process
is followed.
Contact Time. The duration of time that the disinfectant is in contact with water in the
disinfection segment of the treatment process. This parameter is used to ensure that adequate
time is allowed for the disinfectant (e.g., chlorine) to kill pathogenic organisms.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). A partnership of the municipalities within the Credit
River Watershed, responsible for ensuring a clean supply of water for human and
environmental needs.
Detention Time. Average length of time that water is resident in a storage facility. This
measure is commonly used to ensure adequate disinfection of water supplies.
Disinfection. The process designed to kill or inactivate most micro-organisms in water,
including essentially all pathogenic (i.e., disease-causing) bacteria. There are several ways to
disinfect, with chlorine being most frequently used in water treatment.
Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Part of Operation Clean Water, which is a
comprehensive action plan to give Ontario residents the most reliable and safest drinking water
in Canada.
Engineers’ Report. The objectives of these reports are to assess the potential for
microbiological contamination of the water works and to identify operational and physical
improvements necessary to mitigate this potential. In addition, a monitoring regime for the
entire water works will be identified to ensure compliance with the ODWS and the Drinking
Water Protection Regulation.
Equalization Storage. This storage is used to enable the source and pumping facilities to
operate at a predetermined rate, without having to fluctuate output to meet changing demand.
Equivalent Population. The sum of the actual population of a community and a population
allowance for water demand from institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) uses.
Fire Reserves. Fire storage requirements are based on the need for water to supplement the
capacity of the water supply such that it can provide fire flow while still meeting maximum
daily demand.
Flow Proportioned Discharges. Discharge of wastewater treatment plant effluent where
storage is used to control the discharge rate and dilution level.
Maximum Day Demand. The highest water demand of the year during any 24-hour period.
Ministry of the Environment (MOE). The Ontario Government ministry responsible for
protecting the environment of Ontario by regulating human activity within the Province that
has an impact on the environment.
- 274 -

Ontario Drinking Water Standards (ODWS). The water supply system operating authority,
municipal or private, is responsible for monitoring the drinking water to ensure that it satisfies
standards for specific parameters under the ODWS.
Peak Hour Demand. The highest water demand of the year during any 1-hour period.
Peaking Factors. The increase above average annual demand, experienced during a specified
time period. Peaking factors are customarily used as multipliers of average day demand to
express maximum day and peak hour demands.
Permit to Take Water (PTTW). A permit issued by the MOE specifying the maximum daily
volume of water that can be taken from a surface water or groundwater source for drinking
water supply.
Piezometers. Small wells used to calculate groundwater flow directions, water levels, and to
sample water quality at different depths of an aquifer.
Pressure Zones. Zones within a water distribution system with different operating pressure
limits to ensure that very high and very low pressures are modified. A system with a largely
flat topography will generally only require a single pressure zone, whereas a system with large
elevation changes between different sections will require multiple pressure zones.
South Peel. The communal water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure
servicing the southern portion of the Region of Peel, including Mississauga, Brampton and
parts of Caledon.
Standpipe. A tank that is generally cylindrical in shape with a height greater than its
diameter, used to store drinking water for a community.
Unconfined Aquifer. An aquifer containing water that is not under pressure; the water level
in a well is the same as the water table outside the well. Due to the absence of an overlying
impermeable layer, an unconfined aquifer is susceptible to surface water contamination.
- 275 -

REFERENCES
Chapter 2 Policy Context
Town of Caledon (August 1, 1997) Town of Caledon Official Plan Consolidation December
31, 2004
Town of Caledon (August 11, 1997) Planning Report 97-27: Prioritizing Settlements for
Servicing and Settlement Master Plans and Villages Study Resolution
Town of Caledon Zoning By-Law No 2006-50 (Comprehensive Zoning By-law)
Province of Ontario. (Revised 2005) Provincial Policy Statement
Province of Ontario. Greenbelt Plan 2005.
Province of Ontario. Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006.
Province of Ontario. Built Boundary for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe,
2006, 2008.
Province of Ontario. Planning Act, RSO 1990, Office Consolidation amended to 2006. June
5, 2007.
Region of Peel (March 10, 1997) Water Protection and the Provision of Communal
Wastewater Services in the Rural System in Peel
Region of Peel (1998) Region of Peel Official Plan
Region of Peel (Undated) Watermain and Sanitary Sewer Projects: Owner Initiated Local
Improvement Process Information Sheet
Chapter 3 Community Planning Component
Caledon Community Services: Susan Cameron, pers. communication April 24, 2002 and
updated May 13, 2008
Town of Caledon, Craig Campbell, Director of Public Works2008.
Town of Caledon, Brain Baird, Manager of Parks, 2008.
Town of Caledon Public Library, Bill Manson, Chief Librarian, May 13, 2008.
Town of Caledon (1992) Rural Service Centres Study: Survey Results
- 276 -

Town of Caledon (June 23, 1994) Rural Service Centres Study: Open House/Public Meeting
for Alton Information Package
Town of Caledon (August 28, 2000) Planning and Development Report 2000-43 re:
Proposed Official Plan Amendment and Rezoning Beacon Hall Limited Northeast Half of
Lot 20, Concession 3 WHS Town of Caledon File Nos. POPA 98-01 and RZ 98-01
Town of Caledon (May 16, 2006) Planning and Development Report 2006-36 as amended re:
Town of Caledon Population and Employment Forecasts and Allocations.
Town of Caledon (February 19, 2008) Planning and Development Report 2008-12 as
amended re: Comments on the Proposed Final Built Boundary for the Growth Plan for the
Greater Golden Horseshoe
Town of Caledon Business Directory (2008)
Town of Caledon (2008) Building Permits Issued 1981 – 2007
Town of Caledon 2004 Recreation and Parks Masterplan.
Cobren Investments Inc. (1986) Draft Plan of Subdivision 21T-86060C
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Stephanie Cox, May 13, 2008.
Falby Candaras & Associates Ltd. (1987) Pinnacle Estates: Application for Draft Plan of
Subdivision 21T-87047C
Glen Schnarr & Associates Inc. (1999) Former Thomas Farm Development Concept Plan
Glen Schnarr & Associates Inc. (2000) Planning Justification Reports Town of Caledon
Zoning By-law Amendment Applications Osprey Valley West Golf Course Part of East Half
of Lots 16,17 & 18 Concession 4, Town of Caledon
Millcroft Inn (2008) www.millcroft.com
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (1985) Alton Integrated Resource Management Area
Draft Plan
Peel District School Board, Phillip Sousa, Planning Officer (2008)
www.peel.edu.on.ca/schools/
Peel Living: Ivy France, pers. Communication April 12, 2002
Region of Peel Planning Department, 2008.
Statistics Canada: 2001 Census
Toronto Star (July 5, 2001) Caledon Links a Hoot to Play
- 277 -

Chapter 4 Environmental Component
AquaResource, 2007. Region of Peel WHPA Study for Municipal Residential Groundwater
Systems Located within Credit River Watershed, Regional Municipality of Peel. April 2007.
AquaResource Inc. 2008. Draft Groundwater Modeling Results for Shaws Creek
Subwatershed Study. In Progress.
Barton, D.R. 1996. The use of percent model affinity to assess the effects of agriculture on
benthic invertebrate communities in headwater streams of southern Ontario, Canada.
Freshwater Biology, 36:397-410.
Beak Consultants, Aquafor Engineering Limited and Donald G. Weatherbe Associates
Inc. 1992. Credit River Management Strategy. pg 5.1.
Bennett L., and R. Milne. 2000. Amphibian Road Call Count and Field Survey for West
Credit - Subwatershed 15. Unpublished Report Number 2000-01. Credit Valley
Conservation. 61 pgs.
Berger, G., and Eyles, N. 1994. Thermoluminescence chronology of Toronto-area
Quaternary sediments and implications for the extent of the mid-continent ice sheet(s).
Geology, 22: 31-34.
Bode, R.W., M.A. Novak, L.E. Abele, E.L. Heitzman, and A.J. Smith. 2002. Quality
assurance workplan for biological stream monitoring in New York State. Stream
Biomonitoring Unit, Bureau of Monitoring and Assessment, Division of Water, NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) (1999) Canadian Environmental
Quality Guidelines.
Chapman, L.J., and Putnam, D.F. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario: Ontario
Geological Survey, Special Volume 2.
Chow, V.T., 1959. Open Channel Hydraulics. McGraw Hill, Boston.
Cowan, W.R. and Sharpe, D.R., 1973. Orangeville – Southern Ontario – Quaternary
Geology, MNR, Ontario Division of Mines, Map 2326, Scale 1:50,000.
Cowan, W.R., 1976. Quaternary Geology of the Orangeville Area, Southern Ontario.
Ontario Division of Mines, Ministry of Natural Resources, Geoscience Report 141.
- 278 -

Credit Valley Conservation, 1997. Credit Watershed Natural Heritage Project - Detailed
Methodology for Identifying, Mapping and Collecting Field Data at a Watershed and
Subwatershed Scale.
Credit Valley Conservation, 1998. Credit Watershed Natural Heritage Project – Bird Species
of Conservation Concern. Unpublished document available through CVC.
Credit Valley Conservation, 1999. DRAFT: Alton Settlement and Servicing Management
Plan, Phase I – Environmental Component.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2001. Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program 2000
Summary Report.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2002. Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program 2001
Summary Report.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2003. Caledon Creek and Credit River Subwatershed Study,
Phase I Characterization – Stream Morphology Component.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2003. Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program 2002
Summary Report.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2004. Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program 2003
Summary Report.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2004. Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program, Fluvial
Geomorphology Summaries.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2007. Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study, Phase I
Characterization – Stream Morphology Component.
Credit Valley Conservation, 2007. Interim Watershed Characterization for the Credit River
Watershed. Unpublished report.
Credit Valley Conservation. 2008. Hydrology Impact Assessment Model - Shaws Creek
Subwatershed Study - Phase II and III - Impact Assessment Report. Prepared for Credit
Valley Conservation. Prepared by John Perdikaris. June 2008.
Credit Valley Conservation and EBNFLO Environmental. 2008. Water Quality Strategy –
Phase II. Watershed Model Development and Application to Future Management Scenarios
– Draft Report. Unpublished report.
Credit Valley Conservation, Environmental Water Resources Group, Parish Geomorphic,
Blackport Hydrogeologic and Water Systems Analysts. 1998. Caledon Creek and Credit
River Subwatershed Study Background Report (Subwatersheds 16 and 18). Prepared by
Credit Valley Conservation.
- 279 -

Credit Valley Conservation. Shaws Creek Subwatershed Study Characterization
Report, In Progress.
Daigle, J-M., Havinga, D.J. 1996. Restoring Nature’s Place: A Guide to Naturalizing
Ontario Parks and Greenspace. Ecological Outlook and Ontario Parks Assoc. 226 pp.
David, S.M., K.M. Somers, R.A. Reid, R.J. Hall and R.E. Girard. 1998. Sampling
protocols for the rapid bioassessment of streams and lakes using benthic
macroinvertebrates. 2 nd edition. Dorset Environmental Sciences Centre, Aquatic Science
Section, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Dorset, Ontario.
Donald G, Weatherbe Associates Inc. (1998) Assimilative Capacity of the Credit River at
Inglewood (Inglewood Waste Assimilation Study).
Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
And Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy. 1996. A Draft Framework for Guiding
Habitat Rehabilitation in Great Lakes Areas of Concern - Version 2. 35 pp.
Eyles, C.H., and Eyles, N. 1983. Sedimentation in a large lake: A reinterpretation of the late
Pleistocene stratigraphy at Scarborough Bluffs, Ontario, Canada. Geology, 11: 146-152.
Eyles, N.,Clark, B.M.,Kaye, B.G., Howard, K.W.F., and Eyles, C.H., 1985. The application
of basin analysis techniques to glaciated terrains: an example from the Lake Ontario Basin,
Canada. Geoscience Canada, v. 12, p. 22-31.
Fischenich, C., 2001. Stability thresholds for stream restoration materials. USACE
Research and Development. Technical note SR-29. 10pp.
Galli, J., 1996. Rapid stream assessment technique, field methods. Metropolitan Washington
Council of governments. 36pp.
Griffiths, R.W. 1998. Sampling and evaluating the water quality of streams in southern
Ontario. A how to manual. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Planning and
Policy Branch, Toronto, Ontario.
Hills, G. A. 1959. A Ready Reference to the Description of the Land of Ontario and its
Productivity. Ontario Departments of Lands and Forests.
Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1987. An improved biotic index of organic stream pollution. Great
Lakes Entomologist, 20:31-39.
Hunter and Associates (1999) Hydrogeological Background Study: Town of Caledon
Villages
Jalava, J.V., Riley, J.L., Cuddy, D.G., and Crins, W.J. 1997. Natural Heritage Resources
- 280 -

Of Ontario: Revised Site Districts in Ecological Site Regions 6E and 7E, Part I: Rationale
And Methodology. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources,
Peterborough. 17 pp.
Kassenaar, J.D.C., and Wexler, E.J, 2006. Groundwater Modeling of the Oak Ridges
Moraine Area. CAMC/YPDT Technical Report Number 01-06.
Komar, P.D., 1987. Selective gravel entrainment and the empirical evaluation of flow
competence. Sedimentology, 34: 1165-1176.
Lee, H., Bakowsky, W., Riley, J. Bowles, J., Puddister, M., Uhlig, P., McMurray, S.,
1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its
Application. 225 pp.
Limerinos, J.T., 1970. Determination of Manning coefficient from measured bed
roughness in natural channels. USGS Water Supply Paper 1898B.
Miller, M.C., McCave I.N., and Komar, P.D., 1977. Threshold of sediment motion under
unidirectional currents. Sedimentology, 24, 507-27.
Milne, R., Bennett, L.1997. Seasonal Avian Patterns at Forks of the Credit Provincial
Park and the Grange Property, Credit Valley. 16 pp.
Ministry of Environment. 1994. Deriving Receiving-Water Based, Point-Source Effluent
Requirements for Ontario Waters.
Ministry of Environment. 1999. Water Management: Policies, Guidelines, and
Provincial Water Quality Objectives of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Ministry of Environment, 2003. Ontario Ministry of Environment. Stormwater
Management Planning and Design Manual.
Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Memorandum from Michael McMurtry, District
Ecologist, Aurora District. Aurora. 3 pp.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Credit Valley Conservation, 2002. Credit River
Fisheries Management Plan.
Montgomery, D.R., and Buffington, J.M., 1997. Channel-reach morphology in mountain
drainage basins. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 109 (5): 596-611.
Parish Geomorphic Ltd., 2004. Alton – Credit River Assessment. Submitted to Credit
Valley Conservation. Dated January 26, 2004.
Province of Ontario. 1997. Provincial Policy Statement. Queen’s Printer, Toronto. 18 pp.
- 281 -

Province of Ontario. 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the
Provincial Policy Statement. 127 pp.
Reynoldson, T.B., C. Logan, R. Pascoe and S.-A.P. Thompson. 1999. Methods manual: I.
The creation of reference-condition data bases for benthic invertebrate community
structure. NWRI Contribution No. 99-211.
Richards, C., Haro, R.J., Johnson, L.B., and Host, G.E., 1997. Catchment and reach-scale
properties as indicators of macroinvertebrate species traits. Freshwater biology, 37: 219-
230.
Rouse, J.D., Bishop, C.A. and J. Struger (1999) Nitrogen Pollution: An Assessment of Its
Threat to Amphibian Survival Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 107, Number
10, pgs 799 to 803.
Schroeter and Associates (1999) Hydrology Technical Appendix of the Caledon Creek
and Credit River Subwatershed Study (Subwatersheds 16 and 18).
Singer, S.N., Cheng, C.K., and Scafe, M.G., 2003. The Hydrogeology of Southern Ontario,
Second Edition. Hydrogeology of Ontario Series, Report 1. Ministry of the Environment,
Toronto, 200p.
Strahler, A.N., 1952. Dynamic basis of geomorphology. Geological Society of America
Bulletin, 63: 1117-42.
Town of Caledon, Region of Peel and Credit Valley Conservation (1999) Inglewood
Village Study.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2008. HEC-SSP Statistical Software Package. Users
Manual. Version 1.0. August 2008. Available online at:
http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ssp/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. DFLOW 3.1. Available online at:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/models/dflow/
White, O.L., 1975. Quaternary Geology of the Bolton Area, Southern Ontario, Map
2275. Ministry of Natural Resources. Geological Report 117.
Wilm, J.L and T.C. Dorris. 1968. Biological parameters for water quality criteria.
Bioscience, 18:477-481.
Wolman, M.G., 1954. A method of sampling coarse riverbed material. Transactions of
The American Geophysical Union, 35 (6): 951-956.
- 282 -

Chapter 5
Existing Servicing Conditions
CVC, Town of Caledon, Region of Peel, Alton Village Study, Environmental Component,
Background Report (Draft). December 1999.
KMK Consultants Ltd., Region of Peel, Engineers’ Report: Alton System. November 2000.
KMK Consultants Ltd., Region of Peel, Caledon Water Distribution Systems:
Interconnection Feasibility Study. March 1997.
Chapter 8
Community Consultation
Maurice Nellischer, University of Guelph, School of Landscape Architecture, A Community
Vision for the Village of Alton, A Plan to Capitalize on Alton’s Unique Character, April
2006.
- 283 -