Scientific Knowledge Sharing

Evidence-based decision making is at the core of what TRCA does. Several of our Business Units engage in generating new scientific knowledge to support watershed management actions and decisions.

It is critical that the knowledge generated is effectively shared.

The Scientific Knowledge Sharing platform is dedicated to sharing the latest scientific knowledge generated by TRCA and our partners. It is a place where staff can learn about and engage in the scientific work TRCA is undertaking.

PLEASE NOTE: There are several TRCA teams engaged in generating new scientific knowledge. Currently the content on the platform is specific to the Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science business unit. Additional content from other TRCA teams will be added as the platform develops.

Ultimately, the intent of this hub space is to help TRCA and its municipal partners better apply scientific knowledge in the pursuit of their goals.

The content of the space is updated regularly.

Interested in Adding a Resource to the Platform?

If you have a report, research paper, presentation, or any other kind of resource you would like to share, just use our submission form to have it added to the platform.

SUBMIT YOUR RESOURCE NOW

A Note on How to Use the Platform

The content on the platform is organized around broad categories. Each category can be filtered based on preset themes to help further refine the outputs.

New content will be highlighted on the right of the platform under Latest Updates. You can also sign up below to receive email updates when new content has been added.

We encourage you to explore the platform, and to reach out to one of the Key Contacts listed in the sidebar to the right if you have any questions.

EXPLORE THE RESOURCE LIBRARY

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TRCA’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub

TRCA’s new Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub allows the user to interactively explore information about watersheds and the waterfront in the Toronto region.

The Hub identifies current conditions by themes, and explains the importance of different environmental indicators for understanding watershed and ecosystem health. It also shows how conditions are changing over time.

START EXPLORING THE HUB NOW

If you are interested in learning more about TRCA’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub, please contact Laura DelGiudice.

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TRCA Environmental Monitoring

The Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) and Lake Ontario Monitoring programs are ongoing programs developed by TRCA and its partners to provide a comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated approach to environmental monitoring within TRCA’s watersheds and nearshore Lake Ontario.

This monitoring builds on the existing local and project-specific monitoring efforts of TRCA and its partners, and is key to assessing, cataloguing and reporting on the state, condition, and trends in terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity throughout TRCA’s jurisdiction.

TRCA’s comprehensive data collection and analysis capabilities increase standardization, reduce risk, and ensure predictable and cost-effective operations supporting a number of initiatives, including environmental restoration, scientific research, policy and regulatory support, and watershed reporting.

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About the Research and Science Working Group

Ecosystem and sustainability research is critical to informing the actions and decisions of TRCA, its partner municipalities, and other provincial and federal agencies.

Many teams across TRCA are involved in collecting data, undertaking research, interpreting, and presenting data, or applying scientific techniques and practices. The Research and Science working group facilitates a coordinated approach to generating and disseminating the most relevant evidence-based knowledge to support decision making and enable TRCA and its partners to achieve their strategic goals and objectives.

The working group is made up of staff from across the organization involved in generating, sharing, and applying scientific knowledge. The working group meets regularly throughout the year.

If you are interested in learning more about the working group or bringing an item forward to a future meeting, please contact Noah Gaetz.

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About the TRCA Research Agenda

To strengthen TRCA’s capacity to gather, generate, use, and share up-to-date and relevant scientific knowledge and to affect meaningful change, it is important to remain at the forefront of applied research initiatives and be effective in translating data into knowledge that can be used by practitioners. This requires a proactive and strategic approach to identifying and filling existing knowledge gaps.

A TRCA Research Agenda has been developed to address these needs.

The overarching goal of TRCA’s Research Agenda is to provide a strategic and proactive tool to staff that outlines critical knowledge gaps that can be addressed through collaborative and coordinated applied research initiatives. This, in turn, will strengthen TRCA’s capacity to undertake science-based decision making.

The TRCA Research Agenda has four main objectives:

• Develop and maintain an up-to-date curated list of TRCA’s priority research questions based on current knowledge gaps
• Track TRCA’s efforts to fill the identified gaps through applied research initiatives and partnerships
• Help communicate the knowledge generated to broader audiences and stakeholders internally and externally
• Facilitate internal engagement, collaboration, and coordination while undertaking applied research initiatives

To learn more about the TRCA Research Agenda, please contact Namrata Shrestha or Meaghan Eastwood.

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Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP)

The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) is a multi-agency initiative that supports implementation of sustainable technologies and practices within Canada. STEP works to achieve this by:

• Carrying out research, monitoring and evaluation of clean water and low carbon technologies
• Assessing technology implementation barriers and opportunities
• Developing supporting tools, guidelines, and policies
• Delivering education and training programs
• Advocating for effective sustainable technologies
• Collaborating with academic and industry partners through our Living Labs and other initiatives

Technologies evaluated under STEP are not limited to physical devices or products; they may also include preventative measures, implementation protocols, alternative urban site designs, and other innovative practices that help create more sustainable and liveable communities.

STEP also acts as a third-party verifier for the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) process. ETV provides independent evaluation of new technologies to validate environmental claims so that users, developers, regulators, and other parties can make informed decisions about purchasing, applying, and regulating innovative technologies.

STEP Water Resource Library   STEP Energy Resource Library

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Oak Ridges Moraine Groundwater Program

Across south-central Ontario, a coalition of government agencies and local consulting companies are working together to better understand and manage water resources.

With the Oak Ridges Moraine as a central landscape feature, the program’s database and interpretations stretch from the Halton and Nottawasaga Watersheds in the west to the Trent River in the east, and reach from the shores of Lake Ontario northwards to beyond Lake Simcoe and the Kawartha Lakes.

Agencies and consultants look to the data to provide the regional geological and hydrogeological context for their ongoing technical studies and management initiatives.

Any TRCA staff can obtain a login to access the tools and data. Contact Steve Holysh for login credentials.

ACCESS THE DATA NOW

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Interested in Receiving Research and Science Updates?

Just complete the form below to sign up!