Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) or Office de protection de la nature de Toronto et de la région is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario, Canada. It owns more than 16,000 hectares (40,000) acres of land in the Toronto region and employs more than 400 full time employees and coordinates more than 3,000 volunteers each year. TRCA's area of jurisdiction is watershed-based, and includes 3,467 square kilometres: 2,506 on land and 961 water-based in Lake Ontario. This area comprises nine watersheds from west to east: Etobicoke Creek, Mimico Creek, Humber River, Don River, Highland Creek, Petticoat Creek, Rouge River, Duffins Creek, Carruthers Creek.
TRCA offers knowledge and experience to help its partners contribute to a healthy city region. This includes ecology and the study of water quality, natural habitats, plants, animals and more. It helps identify environmental needs, set targets, and restore natural areas. It advises partners about land use, development proposals and construction, and environmental education to help students and community members appreciate their local environment and learn to look after it. This work is focused in and around Toronto including portions of the Regions of Peel, York, and Durham.
TRCA is not responsible for parks within the City of Toronto, which are operated by Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. The exception is Black Creek Pioneer Village. A few other TRCA lands outside of Toronto are also operated by local municipalities, such as Milne Park in Markham.
History
The TRCA has its roots in the Don Valley Conservation Association (DVCA) established in 1949 by Charles Sauriol to protect the lands of the Don Valley. The DVCA held popular 'conservation special' train outings from the Don Station north along the CNR line to Richmond Hill and other destinations to promote the conservation of the Don Valley. After the deaths and damage of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, governments recognized the need for conservation of river floodplains. The Don Valley Conservation Authority was formed, with full legal authority to purchase and expropriate lands for conservation. The name was changed to Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in 1957 and the authority retained that name until 1997, when Metro Toronto was abolished.
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Properties
A list of parks and conservation areas under the TRCA:
See also
External links