2019.IE7.8

Background

Historically, Toronto has lost much of its native biodiversity due to urbanization, including the destruction of forests, filling of ravines, and damming of waterways. While Toronto has made progress in protecting and managing natural habitats, challenges remain. Approximately "75% of the City's ravines and natural areas surveyed contain invasive species," with one-third severely impacted. With this is mind, Toronto’s first Biodiversity Strategy aims to foster healthier, more robust biodiversity and increase awareness of nature through a comprehensive vision, ten principles, and 23 actions under the themes of Protect, Restore, Design, and Engage. The strategy seeks to position Toronto as a leader in protecting and restoring urban biodiversity by developing an ecological integrity framework, advancing invasive species management, and joining the Biophilic Cities Network.

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

This item proposes that City Council adopt the Toronto Biodiversity Strategy and “develop an ecological integrity monitoring and reporting framework, including an implementation and budgetary framework, for Toronto's natural areas ravines”.

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Infrastructure and Environment Committee