Physical landforms 

–Lake Ontario 

Lake Ontario got its name from an Iroquois word for “a beautiful lake” It was formed from glacial shifting and melting from the most current ice age. Etienne Brulé, the French explorer was the first to reach Lake Ontario in 1615 according to the Canadian Museum of History. There was lots of trade and commerce around this lake especially around the War of 1812. Also during the 17^th and 18^th century, the French built forts around the lake. Later railroads were made as a way of transportation for shipment of trading. 

Popular current activities people do in and around Lake Ontario include boating, fishing, and swimming. Even though Lake Ontario is the most polluted out of all the 5 great lakes it’s still very safe to attend water activities in the lake as they do regular water testing to make sure it is safe for the public. Lake Ontario is extremely popular for their salmon fishing industries, supplying the fish to local fishing markets and restaurants. Also, Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) helps Ontarians rely on a safe drinking water system and are very important to the economy and have been supported by over $200 million in Ontario investments. 

-Toronto Islands 

The Toronto Islands were formed by deposits from the Scarborough Bluffs, and once began as a peninsula thousands of years ago. Two massive storms in 1852 and 1853 ripped through the city and the Eastern Gap was created. There have been many plans for bridges and/or tunnels to be built for transportation across the island but none of which have gone though. The first ferry built for the Islands (from the Toronto Harbour to the Islands) was made in 1833 and used to transport people from where York Street meets the mainland to Micheal O’connors hotel called The Retreat. 

The Island are also popular for their sports facilities and kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Some popular renting facilities would be, The Boat House and Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre. Not only mainly renting to tourists but these sports are common activities to people who live in Toronto. Though, the islands are mainly successful in the Ferry Terminal businesses like the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and around 75,000 people ride on their ferries daily. 

Climate 

The climate of Toronto is continental, meaning they normally have very hot summers and very cold winters. Because the North American continent cools down a lot, the winters are colder (average: -5.5°C) and last from late November to mid-March. Snowfalls are common and can last for several days per month. Occasionally, they will have what they call “ice storms”, where rain falls on the frozen ground freezing roads, trees, light poles, cars, etc. Spring lasts from mid-March to May and snowfalls still occasionally occur for the first month. Summers are from June to August and the usual temperature is around 26°C  but can sometimes go over 30°C . Humidity brought by Lake Ontario are also frequent during summer. However cooler days can be caused by the breeze from lakes. During Autumn, which lasts from September to mid-November, the temperature can raise over 25°C with many sunny days. But the temperate decreases rapidly as weeks go by. Toronto is also exposed to different types of air masses, causing occasional random jumps in temperature. In the mornings and late at night, fog is usually expected in Toronto. 

Vegetation Characteristics 

The vegetation in Toronto include of lots of grass, shrubs, bare earth, and water. There are also different types of trees that are native to Toronto and some of those are red oak, black oak, white oak, sugar maple, silver maple, red maple hemlock. Maples trees tend to grow in cooler, wetter climates. Due to the shrubs and grass there, Botanical gardens are extremely popular. Botanical gardens hold fundraisers, course revenues, membership fees, personal events, etc. There are not many economic activities in Toronto due to it being a very urban city, however because of the large trees there are many aerial adventure parks farther into Ontario. 

Environmental issue 

The most common environmental issue in Toronto is air pollution. The consequences of air pollution there can cause respiratory health problems, diabetes, brain development problems, chronic diseases, and affects birth outcomes. The air pollution currently gives rise to 1,700 premature deaths and 3,500 hospitalizations annually according to Toronto Public Health and many other sources.  

My ideas on how to stop/prevent air pollution is increasing protesting. Many people aren’t aware of the severities of the air pollution. Encouraging people to reduce the numbers of trips you take in your car and when driving places increase the number of passengers in their car could make a difference. Also conserving energy, reducing the use of fireplaces and stove use, not burning leaves, trash, etc, using energy efficient light bulbs, driving electric vehicles, reduce spilling gasoline when filling your car, are things some people need to be reminded of, also showing people the consequences of air pollution during the protest. 

Smog in Toronto: 

Reflection questions 

A) Was I able to identify an environmental issue with ease? How was I able to find the problem and solutions? 

Yes I was, I found the solutions by just searching ways to end air pollution. 

B) How did I build my project from a backwards design? Was I able to dream of the future and identify solutions through that process? 

I drew a picture of people protesting because I believe that was the most realistic solution and could actually make a difference if enough people attend the protest. 

C) Were you satisfied with the result of your design and solutions? 

Yes 

D) How would you refine your assignment in the future? 

I would set aside and organize more time and procrastinate less to improve it and show more effort. 

Bibliography 

City of Toronto. “Air Quality.” City of Toronto, 11 Dec. 2017, www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/air-quality/. 

“Climate – Toronto.” Toronto Climate: Average Weather, Temperature, Precipitation, Best Time, www.climatestotravel.com/climate/canada/toronto. 

Fishing Lake Ontario – Salmon, Chinook, Coho & Steelhead Trout, www.thefishinguide.com/lake-ontario-fishing.php. 

“Lake Ontario Facts.” LiveScience, Purch, www.livescience.com/34571-lake-ontario.html. 

“Lake Ontario.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Oct. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ontario. 

“Landforms and Vegetation.” Toronto, a Commercial Community, torontoisawesome.weebly.com/landforms-and-vegetation.html. 

Neild, Dylan. “Is It Safe to Swim in Lake Ontario?” Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, 28 July 2008, www.waterkeeper.ca/blog/7773. 

Spina, Michael, et al. “The Climate and Weather of Toronto, Ontario.” Living in Canada, www.livingin-canada.com/climate-toronto.html. 

“Toronto Island.” Toronto Island Information Website, www.torontoisland.com/. 

What Can I Do to Help Reduce Air Pollution? – Air Quality Monitoring and Data Program – NH Department of Environmental Services, www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/tsb/ams/aqmdp/share.htm.