Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Community Participation
How to Get Involved
Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition
The Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition (Coalition) is a volunteer, watershed-wide advisory committee created by Toronto and Region Conservation to protect and regenerate the Etobicoke Creek and Mimico Creek watersheds and help achieve The Living City vision of healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity, and sustainable communities.
The Coalition is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the 2002 Revitalization Strategy document, Greening Our Watersheds, which laid out a blueprint for restoring the health of the Etobicoke and Mimico creeks watersheds. Reflecting TRCA’s inclusive approach to community empowerment, the Coalition is comprised on volunteer citizens, members of community groups, and municipal representatives from Caledon, Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto.
Currently in its third term (2010 - 2012), the Coalition is continuing to work on key initiatives within both the Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds.
New memberships will be considered in 2013. In the meantime, if you would like to participate within the Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds, 'Project Teams' are always accepting new members.
Project Teams
A number of Project Teams were established as part of the 2010 to 2012 Coalition Term. These Project Teams are smaller groups made up of Coalition representatives and local community members. Project Team's enable work to be done at a local level and engage community members in the improvement of the watershed.
Heart Lake Project Team
This project team works closely with TRCA and the Coalition to implement the Heart Lake Conservation Area Master Plan and the objectives set out in the watershed report card for the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks watersheds. The primary focus is on restoration and stewardship initiatives including the organization of events to increase environmental awareness and provide ongoing maintenance at various restoration projects on site.
Sherway Trail Project Team
The project team focuses on the reach of the Etobicoke Creek Valley from The Queensway to the waterfront and provides input to the Coalition and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) on trail design and restoration plans. They help raise awareness in the community and provide opportunities for the local community to become engaged in the project area through various events.
Valleybrook Green Project Team
The project will facilitate a multi-year community engagement program focusing on the Valleybrook community surrounding the Etobicoke Creek valley between Sandalwood Parkway and Williams Parkway in Brampton. Members assist TRCA with project delivery and develop programs to encourage community to participate in lot level storm water management, backyard naturalization, and trails appreciation.
West Deane Project Team
The project team focuses on the reach of the Mimico Creek Valley between Eglinton Avenue and Rathburn Road and works with TRCA, City of Toronto and Coalition to implement objectives set out in the watershed report card for the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks watersheds. They assist with the development and implementation of a multi-year restoration and stewardship plan for the area. They help raise awareness in the community and provide opportunities for the local community to become engaged in the project area through various events.
Learn more about membership
Want to become involved in a Project Team? Want to learn more? Contact Alexandra Papaiconomou for more information at apapaiconomou@trca.on.ca.
TRCA's Environmental Volunteer Network
If you would like to know how you can get involved in other volunteering opportunities, please click here or for more information Environmental Volunteer Network, or contact Dash Paja at the dpaja@trca.on.ca.
Learn more about membership:
As a Coalition Member, you can:
- Participate in a forum for input in environmental, heritage, recreation, education, and agricultural initiatives;
- Obtain assistance in planning and implementing projects in your community;
- Attendance at natural environment conservation seminars, technical training sessions, and other educational programs; and
- Gain valuable experience working towards positive solutions for your Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds.
