Report to: General Committee                                                          Report Date: May 5, 2008

SUBJECT:                          Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund, Spring 2008

PREPARED BY:               Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, x7502

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT staff report “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund – Spring Funding”, dated May 5, 2008, be received;

 

AND THAT Council approve funding for the following Town-initiated Project as evaluated and recommended by staff and the Environmental Issues Committee, in the amount of $10,000, as follows:

 

1.   Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) be        granted $10,000 for Markham Manufacturers’ Sustainability Program provided      that:

·        the Program starts in September 2008;

·        the Program be managed by the Manager, Environmental Leadership with  assistance from the Director, Economic Development;

·        a Program outline first be presented to Environmental Issues Committee for review and approval prior to commencement of the program;

·        the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with OCETA respecting terms and deliverables of this program;

 

            And that OCETA’s further request for $10,000 for holding a Pollution Prevention Stakeholder Workshop be approved, in principle, but a final decision be deferred pending completion of the Sustainability Program to determine what is the best focus for a potential workshop;

 

AND THAT Council approve funding for these Community Projects as evaluated and recommended by staff and the Environmental Issues Committee in the amount of $24,950, as follows:

 

      1.         Unionville BIA for the “Unionville is Cool” LED lighting project be granted                          ($7,600), following review and approval of the detailed lighting plan and                              education/promotional proposal and program for tracking savings by:

(i)                  Heritage Markham

(ii)                Manager, Utilities and Contracts

(iii)               Managers of Environmental Leadership and                                                                         Markham Energy Conservation Office

 

            And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter  into an agreement with the Unionville BIA who agree to: maintain, replace and repair the lighting; work with the Markham Energy Conservation Office to track all energy cost comparisons to traditional lighting, including energy reduction, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon credits; and, promote and publicize energy savings in the         community acknowledging the assistance of MECO and the MESF in their promotional brochures, signage and materials.

 

2.                  Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School be granted $5,000 for a planting program, subject to approval of a planting plan with native species, maintenance/watering program by Parks staff and signage acknowledging funding from MESF;

 

3.                  All Saints Catholic School be granted $5,000 for a planting program conditional upon the school working with Parks Staff to provide a strengthened proposal with a more comprehensive educational component to the program; approved planting plan with native species, approved maintenance and watering program and signage acknowledging funding from MESF;

 

4.                  10,000 Trees be granted $7,350 for Spring Planting Event in the Rouge Valley which includes cost of administration of the planting program by the TRCA;

 

                        And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a Memorandum of     Understanding with 10,000 Trees and the Toronto Region Conservation      Authority for the transfer and administration of the Markham Environmental   Sustainability Fund (MESF) funding to TRCA on behalf of the Town in a           form     satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;

 

            AND that funds come from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), account #87 2800168;

 

            AND should Council wish to publicly recognize the energy conscious initiatives Walden Pond have undertaken in advance of a future incentive/rebate program, they could be awarded a certificate at Council recognizing these important efforts.

 

AND THAT Staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to the above.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The purpose of this report is to recommend projects for Markham Environmental Sustainability Funding in the first half of 2008, totaling $34,950. All of the recommended projects conform to objectives established by Council and have been circulated to/discussed with affected departments. Since 2004, 46 applications have been processed and 30 environmental projects approved and funded. These additional projects will bring the total to 35.

 

Markham Council has previously requested staff explore creation of a rebate/incentive program. Development of this program is not yet underway, due to other project priorities. Walden Pond II condominium representatives are hoping to benefit from this program once it is developed and they have already undertaken a number of energy conscious initiatives on their own and with the benefit of other funding programs (see Appendix 6). Based upon their work completed to date Staff can only recommend in advance of the future program that should Council wish to publicly recognize all the energy conscious initiatives Walden Pond II have already undertaken, they could be awarded a certificate, at Council recognizing these important efforts.

 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The balance of the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund for 2008, including the 2008 top up in 2008 Capital Budget, is $300,000. This funding is split between Town Projects ($200,000) and Community Applicants ($100,000). This report recommends funding for four Community projects for $24,950 and one Town project equaling $10,000 for a total of $34,950.

 

A chart showing the financial information about this project is below:

 

 

 

MESF FUNDING 2008

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR TOWN PROJECTS

$200,000.00

Town Projects included in 2008 Capital Budget

 

None

 

Town Projects Recommended in this report – 1st Half

 

OCETA Manufacturer’s Sustainability Program

$10,000

Total

$10,000

Funds Remaining for Town Projects in 2008

$190,000

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

$100,000.00

Projects Recommended for Approval in this Report – 1st  Half of 2008

 

Unionville BIA LED Lighting Project

$7,600

Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School

$5,000

All Saints Catholic School

$5,000

10,000 Trees

$7,350

Total

$24,950.00

 

 

Funds Remaining for Community Groups in 2008

$75,050

2008 TOTAL FUND REMAINING

$265,050

 

Provided all projects and the request for funding as recommended in this report are approved the new balance will be $265,050 ($190,000 + $75,050). Funding would come from Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), account #87 2800168. The next deadline for applications is September 12, 2008.

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to:

·        recommend Town and Community projects for Spring 2008 funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund; and,

·        provide a progress report on expenditures to date

 

Funding is issued twice a year (spring and fall) to reduce the planning timeframe for community groups.

 

BACKGROUND:

This Section describes the Town applications:

 

1.         Ontario Centre of Environmental Technology Advancement (Appendix 5)

OCETA is a private sector, not-for-profit Ontario Corporation with a mandate of providing business services to entrepreneurs, start-up companies and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to assist the process of commercialization of new environmental technologies and to support sustainable economic development both domestically and internationally. Funding has been requested for development and delivery of:

  • $10,000 for Markham Manufacturer’s Sustainability Program
  • $10,000 for A Pollution Prevention Education and Awareness Outreach Forum

 

i)          Markham Manufacturer’s Sustainability Program

This program is intended to provide pollution prevention and energy efficiency technical assistance for small to medium sized manufacturers in the Town of Markham. OCETA will work with Markham staff and business networks to promote energy efficiency practices and participation in the program. Expert consultants will provide pollution prevention and energy technical assessments to manufacturers that choose to participate and OCETA will cost share subsidies for the manufacturers that complete the P2 assessments through the Program. Quarterly milestones and an annual report will be prepared for the Town.

 

ii)         Pollution Prevention Stakeholder Workshops in York Region

OCETA will design and deliver a pollution prevention education and awareness outreach forum in Markham. Eight have already been held in York Region including one in the Town of Markham several years ago. The forum target would be 75-100 Markham-based stakeholders including youth, senior, business owners, teachers, government authorities, school boards and non-profit organizations. The Manager, Environmental Leadership and Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Development has met with Fred Granek to discuss the Sustainability Program and the Director would be prepared to participate in this program providing it commences in Fall 2007.  The Manager, Environmental Leadership, recommends this project and has prepared an application in support of the proposal. The workshop could be undertaken after completion of the sustainability program which could establish the focus of the workshop.

 

The Manager, Environmental Leadership has met with Frank Granek and recommends that Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) be granted $10,000 for Markham Manufacturers’ Sustainability Program provided it starts in the fall and is delivered with the assistance of Economic Development staff. A Program outline would be presented to Environmental Issues Committee as the first step. OCETA’s further request for $10,000 for holding a Pollution Prevention Stakeholder Workshop can be approved, in principle, but staff recommends that a final decision be deferred pending completion of the Sustainability Program to determine what is the best focus for a potential workshop.

 

This section describes the Community Applications.

 

1.  Unionville BIA – “Unionville is Cool” Project  (Attachment 1)

            Requesting $10,000 for a lighting project called “Unionville is Cool”

This is a request for funding to reduce energy use on Main Street Unionville and demonstrate to the public how to work together as a group to reduce energy consumption. Funding would be for the purchase of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and solar lights on Main Street. Local BIAs are established by Council under the Municipal Act and are non-profits in the sense that all revenue they generate is for business promotion in the designated improvement area. This in turn benefits the Town and its residents.  There are 2 BIAs in Markham.

Components of the proposed program are described briefly below.

      Gateway Signage

  • Spot-light future heritage gateway signs with LED bulbs powered by solar power

LED String Lights

  • Provide LED String Lights to businesses to educate businesses on energy saving potential and encourage replacement of incandescent lights

Solar Mini-Lights

  • Replace existing seasonal incandescent holiday lighting mounted on street light poles and flower poles with year-round solar-powered LED mini lights which operate “off grid”

 

The educational component of this project would be promoted through:

  • Enviro-walking tours of Main Street (part of an existing walking tour program)
  • In schools
  • Brochures
  • Marketing campaign

 

Since LED lights result in over a 50% energy savings as compared to the older high intensity discharge (HID) lighting this program is consistent with the Markham Energy Office mandate to raise awareness that conservation starts within the community and individuals can make a difference by changing their day to day attitudes and behaviours and raising awareness about how to conserve.

 

The Unionville BIA has committed to tracking reductions in energy consumption using Watt Readers.  They advise that “Unionville is Cool” would be promoted on the website, through environmental walking tours, signage in Main St. windows and Unionville Gateway signage that would be lit by solar spots. The total project cost is shown to be $25,900 with funding coming from other sources including Unionville BIA, OTMP and in kind graphics and marketing. MESF funds are shown on the budget to be used for:

  • Solar and flood lights, $3,200
  • Solar pole mount panels, $400
  • LED light strings, $2,400
  • Solar pole lights, $4,000

 

Other costs include an educational brochure, web site graphics and window signage. The project is not eligible for funding from MECO because typically they fund projects that result in energy reductions. MECO would assist, however, in the education program as a resource and would also provide advice on the tracking of energy cost comparisons to traditional lighting.  While staff support this program and providing funding to benefit and educate the public, providing funding for LED light strings for retailers to put up on their windows could be considered a “direct financial benefit for the fund recipient”, which is contrary to the funding requirements. As a result, Staff would recommend that LED string lights not be funded. Staff has contacted Powerstream and they have agreed to participate in the UBIA program and assist with funding for the LED lights for the stores.

 

This application has been circulated corporately. Heritage Markham Council’s heritage advisory committee reviewed the proposal on March 12, 2008 (see Attachment 7 – for Meeting Extract). The Committee had no objections to the gateway sign lighting on the understanding that it will not be readily visible and had no objection to the replacement light for buildings. The Committee only supported the proposed year-round mini-lights for street light poles and flower basket poles, in principle, subject to seeing a sample solar panel installed on the pole. The Committee wants to ensure that the installation of 60 solar panels will not detrimentally impact the heritage character of Main Street.

 

Staff therefore recommends that funding in the amount of $7,600 only be provided for the Unionville BIA for the “Unionville is Cool” project subject to review and approval of the detailed lighting plan and the education program staff and the Unionville BIA entering into an agreement to:

  • maintain, replace and repair the lighting;
  • work with the Markham Energy Conservation Office to track all energy cost comparisons to traditional lighting, including energy reduction, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon credits; and
  • promote and publicize energy savings in the community, including signage

 

2.                  Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School, 90 Roxbury (Attachment 2)

            Requesting $5,000 for Planting Program

This is a request for funding for the Eco-Schools Team from an elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 8). They have agreed to become an Ontario Eco-School (York University Program) and part of their mission towards certification as an Eco-School is the greening of their schoolyard.  Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education program to encourage school boards to incorporate environmental education, as well as environmentally responsible action into the school setting. The Ontario EcoSchool program is intended to make environmental protection part of school life. It is based upon a program developed by the Toronto District School Board and Facility Services Departments. The main goals of EcoSchools are to help schools reduce their energy consumption, minimize their waste, green their school ground and teach staff and students to become more ecologically literate. The education component of the proposed project focuses on the important role of trees in the environment and teaching and learning the benefits of trees and their proper care. The school is proposing to create a living teaching area for students and others. Children will be stewards of the trees. No money is being sought from other sources. 210 in-kind hours are indicated.

 

Staff recommends that Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School be granted $5,000 for a planting program, subject to approval of a planting plan with native species and a maintenance/watering program by Parks staff.

 

3.         All Saint’s Catholic Elementary School (130 Castlemore Street, Unionville)

            Requesting $5,000 for site beautification (Attachment 3)

This school (JK to Grade 8) is requesting funding for school ground improvements to make their school more inviting. The application states that the school was built in 2000 and the gardens have been neglected. They are seeking to plant larger trees in the field play area of their yard to provide shade and replenish their front and side gardens. The school student council would provide $700. The school environmental committee would maintain and monitor the project. Volunteer hours are shown “to be determined”.

 

Staff recommends that All Saints Catholic School be only granted requested funding for a planting program conditional on the school working with staff to develop a strengthened proposal with a more comprehensive educational component and approval of a planting plan with native species and a maintenance/watering program by Parks Staff.

 

4.         10,000 Trees for the Rouge (Attachment 4)

            Requesting $7,000 – 19th Annual Wildlife Habitat Restoration NE corner of       9th Line and Donald Cousins Pkwy

 

10,000 Trees for the Rouge is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to restoring natural habitat within the Rouge River watershed. They organize a public one-day tree planting each year, during Earth Week, which attracts about 1,500 volunteers. This is a request for planting 7000 native trees and establishing forest cover on the north side of Donald Cousens Parkway - .5 km east of the Ninth Line, as shown on the map attached to the application (Attachment 4). This property is owned by the Town of Markham. This group is requesting $7,000 from MESF to support their initiative for the purchase of native species. The total project cost is $106,594 with estimated $50,000 from others including: EcoAction, Evergreen, TD Friends of the Environment and others. There will be an estimated $48,894 contribution in-kind support. Last spring, 10,000 Trees was granted funding and undertook a successful planting program in the same area.

 

The MESF application form states that non-government organizations must work through local community groups. This is to ensure that all funding is directed locally and the community supports the projects. 10,000 Trees is not a local community group. The application states, however, that 10,000 Trees for Rouge Valley will be working with Cornell Ratepayers Association, York Headwaters Scouts and area High schools although 10,000 Trees is still the applicant. To ensure installation of the plantings in accordance with the proposal, staff again recommend that the Town enter into a memorandum of understanding with TRCA and 10,000 Trees, setting out that TRCA will administer the funding and verify the plantings. There is a 5% administration fee for this. Staff therefore recommends that the TRCA administrative costs be added to the amount of the grant for a total of $7,350.MESF will be promoted at the ceremonial tree planting, on signage and through flyers.

 

Staff recommends that 10,000 Trees be granted $7,350 for a Spring Planting Event in the Rouge Valley which includes cost of administration of the planting program by the TRCA. Mayor and Clerk would be authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with 10,000 Trees and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority for this purpose.

 

Incentive/Rebate Program

Markham Council had requested staff explore creating a rebate/incentive program when they considered the spring MESF applications. This request stemmed from an application which was made by Walden Pond II Condominium Corporation for a boiler retrofit that was not approved by Council. Staff has not had the opportunity to undertake setting up such a program yet, due to other project priorities at this time. Preliminary results from the Partners for Climate Protection inventory for the Town supports reductions in the residential sector as it identified as the second largest generator of greenhouse gas emissions (transportation is first). Given the complexity and resources required for delivery of such a program, staff is investigating a delivery partner. In the meantime, should Council wish to publicly recognize all of Waldon II energy conscious initiatives at this time they could be awarded a certificate, recognizing their efforts, at Council.

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Under the administration guidelines, the MESF is replenished annually to $300,000, or more. Community projects are allocated up to $100,000 annually (approximately one-third of the fund) with the remaining $200,000 available for Town internal projects. These projects must meet the Program Requirements of the fund. A total of 4 Community and 1 Town projects are recommended for approval

 

Conclusion

The MESF was created to assist the Town with funding innovative and leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability and health of the natural environment.  The fund is intended to provide financial resources for Town of Markham-based projects and initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and enhance the protection of the Town’s natural resources.

 

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

“Not applicable”

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

“Not applicable”

 

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

“Not applicable”

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

The MESF supports the Town of Markham’s strategic priorities related to the community and corporate vision of environmental focus.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Operations/Parks

Heritage

Economic Development

Finance Department

Legal Department

 

RECOMMENDED

                            BY:    ________________________          ________________________

                                      Mavis Urquhart,                                 Allan Seabrooke,

                                      Manager, Environmental                     Commission Lead

                                      Leadership                                         Community and Fire Services   

                                                                                               

 

APPENDICES:

Unionville BIA LED Lighting Project               Appendix 1

Sir Richard W. Scott Catholic School              Appendix 2

All Saints Catholic School                               Appendix 3

10,000 Trees                                                    Appendix 4

OCETA materials                                             Appendix 5

Walden Pond II                                                            Appendix 6

Markham Heritage Committee Minutes                        Appendix 7