This collection consists of records relating to the pertaining to the Oak Ridges Moraine. including the minutes for the meetings of the Technical Working Committee, from August 13, 1991 to October 13, 1994, various correspondence from environmental… Read more
This collection consists of records relating to the pertaining to the Oak Ridges Moraine. including the minutes for the meetings of the Technical Working Committee, from August 13, 1991 to October 13, 1994, various correspondence from environmental organizations, companies, firms, and various levels of government, and various other materials (i.e., published and unpublished studies).
The Oak Ridges Moraine is a massive ridge in southern Ontario, extending from the Niagara Escarpment to the Trent River. This landscape feature (an interlobate moraine) is a product of sedimentary deposition, of mainly sand and gravel (glacial till), during the glacial retreat and melting of the Wisconsin ice-sheet, approximately 12,000 years ago.
In regard to ecology, it is a significant water storage and headwater feature for southern Ontario. It is molted with various kettle lakes and serves as a "drainage divide" for central Ontario where rivers and streams emanate either north or south from the moraine.
Due to the incursion of urban sprawl and development, as a result of population growth, the integrity of this significant feature has been compromised. Ecological consequences include depletion of water supply, in topsoils, forests and wetland areas, ant the introduction of toxic pollutants. As a result, there has been various efforts towards protecting the moraine.
One endeavour, known as the Oak Ridges Moraine Technical Working Committee, has attempted to coordinate efforts, in scientific background studies of the moraine and the devising of appropriate policies to protect the moraine, through public, private, and governmental consultation and participation.
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