MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
COMMITTEE
2009-10-05
CANADA ROOM, MARKHAM
MembersDeputy Mayor Jack Heath Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor Philip Ling, Advisory Committee Regrets: Councillor Logan Kanapathi |
StaffVicky McGrath. Director, Sustainability
Office Katie Burns, Sustainability Coordinator Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership Claudia Marsales, Manager, Waste Management Bill Wiles, Manager, Bylaw Enforcement &
Licensing Raj Raman, Senior Manager, Expenditure
Control and Purchasing Alex Moore, Manager, Purchasing Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development Laura Szeptycki, Environmental/Wildlife
Officer Karen Boniface, Technical Coordinator,
Operations Learie Miller, Senior Planner Environmental Policy Pallavi Kumar, Environmental Technician - Intern Judy Kee, Committee Clerk |
The Environmental Issues Committee convened at
1.
COMMUNITY
APPLICATIONS
Invasive Plant Special Awareness Program
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, provided a brief summary of the project application from the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) requesting MESF funding in the amount of $8,485.
Ms. Miriam Henriques, Co-President, and Ms. Deborah Dale, Treasurer, North American Native Plant Society, (NANPS) and Ms. Jane McCulloch, Grandview Area Residents Association were in attendance.
Ms. Henriques delivered a presentation regarding invasive species of plants that overtake natural habitats, including typical characteristics, and provided examples of plants, such as Norway Maple, periwinkle and goutweed, that grow aggressively and overtake areas displacing native plants, such as Norway maple, periwinkle and goutweed. Details of the 2010 timeline and workplan for the project were provided, which will increase awareness of invasive species in gardens, parks and natural areas, and provide information and tools to the community to remove the invasive plants.
Members were advised that the Project Team will include representatives of NANPS; Toronto Region Conservation Authority; the Grandview Area Residents Association and Town staff.
Committee expressed support of the project and the need for more public awareness, and discussed the following:
· suggest outreach to owners/operators of garden centres and nurseries
· suggest garden centres have a segregated area labeled “invasive species”
· goal is to eventually prevent these species from being offered; source should be targeted
· the provision of literature for nurseries, community centres and libraries; listing of substitute plants; colour pictures; larger and more detailed
· project budget should be revised from $8,485 to $10,000
·
the development of an
educational brochure on invasive plants; suggested title: “Top Ten Invasive Plants
in
· importance of clear communication to the average resident
·
approaching other
organizations, such as Landscape
· Team should initially work towards finding replacements for the more common invasive plants (Norway Maple, goutweed, periwinkle)
· to show leadership, Town staff could consider the preparation of a by-law relating to invasive species in the long term
Committee requested that the applicants prepare a revised budget that would reflect the cost of a more extensive brochure, with clear, colour pictures, and staff advised that when the revised project figures were received, the information would be emailed to all Members of Committee.
Moved by P. Ling
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the application by the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), for MESF funding for an invasive plant species awareness program, be approved in the amount of $10,000 in principle, subject to approval of a revised project budget.
CARRIED
Naturalized Planting and Natural Heritage Sign
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, provided a brief summary of the application from
Committee discussed the long term benefits and
signage, and staff advised that the Project Team is planning onsite permanent
interpretive signage and will also be producing a poster to be distributed
throughout the public libraries and school community. It was noted that signage will be developed
with the assistance of Parks and Communications Department staff.
Moved by P. Ling
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application for MESF funding by Stonebridge Public School, for a naturalized planting and heritage sign in the new adjoining park, be approved in the amount of $4,000, subject to final review and approval of planting plan and species selection by Markham Parks staff.
CARRIED
Ecowatch
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, provided a brief summary of the application from Ecowatch
Members were advised that Ecowatch Canada and
York Rotary Club will act as the project managers, and will work with school
staff and students to collect the batteries.
Ms. Claudia Marsales, Manager, Waste Management, advised that Town staff
will look after the disposal of the collected batteries. The budget is based upon eighteen (18)
schools, both elementary and secondary, being involved.
Committee queried and discussed the following
matters:
·
concern
that Region of York is not taking part regarding battery disposal; costs would be
considerably lower if Region was involved;
· Town staff should follow-up with Region to request disposal at Regional Household Hazardous Waste depots;
· concern that Region’s reticence to be involved may be because of a “technicality”; batteries to be collected are “household” batteries
· educational component of this project is most important
· project team should also promote the use of reusable batteries
· discussion of various approaches to be used within the schools to retrieve the batteries, i.e. posters, newsletters, contests, prizes
· reference to an episode of CBC’s Marketplace regarding a recent battery blitz in Port Perry
Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by P. Ling
That the MESF funding request for a battery recycling program by Ecowatch and the York Rotary Club be approved in the amount of $10,000, subject to:
·
program funding being for
· submission of a revised budget
· working together with Markham Waste Management staff on battery disposal
· any prize/award must be related to environment and learning;
And that the York Rotary Club administer the funding and accounting of the program;
And that the promotion of reusable batteries also be included in the Project;
And that the
Project also encourage residents to dispose of household batteries at the
various Household Hazardous Waste Depots located within the Town of
And that the Manager, Waste Manager be requested to send a letter to the Region of York requesting their involvement in this Project and acceptance of the collected materials directly;
And that the budgeted battery disposal expense, in the amount of $6,250, be held until a response has been received from the Region of York.
CARRIED
Rainwater Collection and
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, advised that the application
from St. Patrick’s
2.
STAFF
APPLICATIONS
Results of the
Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and Licensing, delivered a
presentation on the results of the “Kick-Start at Work” project. Ms. Laura Szeptycki, Environmental/Wildlife Officer, was also in attendance
and provided additional information. Members
were advised that numerous community meetings had been held during the Project
to enlist assistance from residents, ratepayers associations and the private
sector.
Committee raised and discussed the following
related matters:
·
Town’s
approach regarding items to be picked up; are they recycled?
·
importance
of community outreach at local festivals, fairs, etc.
·
minimal
impact from City of
·
working
with other Town programs, such as Adopt a Park, and Pitch-In Week
·
costs
related to hiring summer students; possible 2010 MESF funding?
·
dumping
and debris locations include: ravines, vacant fields, curbside; some locations encourage
repeats?; important to clean areas up quickly to deter more dumping
·
the
assistance of schools and churches would be a great asset
·
City of
Committee congratulated staff and thought that the initiative should continue. Staff recommended that community partnerships could be pursued to assist with the project in the future. There was some discussion regarding possibly appointing one person, under the 2010 Budget, to lead the project, which would include the setting up of a dedicated tracking system to monitor the program.
Committee directed that this presentation also be delivered at an upcoming meeting of General Committee, to provide an opportunity to discuss the feasibility of continuing the program in 2010.
Some concern was expressed regarding dumping of debris in and adjacent to the new subdivisions. It was suggested that the Town should consider working closely with the developers, contractors and builders within the Developers Round Table Forum regarding a community strategy that would help alleviate this problem. One option would be to establish a mini transfer station on site
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by P. Ling
That the presentation by the Manager, Enforcement and Licensing regarding the results of the Markham Kick-Start Clean-up Project, be received;
And that staff be commended for their work;
And that staff be requested to make the presentation at an up-coming meeting of General Committee.
CARRIED
Parks BigBelly Solar Compactor – Pilot Project
Ms. Claudia
Marsales, Manager, Waste Manager, provided details on the staff application
requesting MESF funding in the amount of $14,106 for a project to partner with
the Parks Department to conduct a 6-month pilot project for the use of one BigBelly
solar garbage compactor and one BigBelly solar recycling compactor which would
run completely on solar energy. Members
were advised that
Committee discussed the suggestion to encourage residents visiting our parks to take their garbage home rather than disposing of it in the Parks, and that this project could have a two-pronged approach, with such messaging printed on the units. In response to a query regarding the number of units proposed for parks in the future, staff advised that it is the intention to have only one BigBelly unit in each park.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application for MESF funding in the amount of $14,106 by the Manager, Waste Management for one (1) BigBelly solar garbage compactor and one (1) BigBelly recycling compactor as a pilot project, be approved.
CARRIED
Fatal Light Awareness Program – Education Outreach
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, provided a brief summary of the application from staff and FLAP,
Fatal Light Awareness Program, requesting MESF funding in the amount of $10,000
for an education and outreach pilot project to educate the public about the
importance of preventing bird collisions with windows and mirrored buildings.
Ms. Vicky McGrath. Director, Sustainability
Office, and Mr. Michael Mesure, Executive Director, FLAP were in attendance and
provided details of the program. Members
were advised that displays will be set up, meetings will be arranged with the
corporate community, and tool will be provided to educate the public.
It was suggested that the project organizers consider specific
targeted areas rather that involve all commercial buildings within
Committee raised
the matter of the sustainability of the program over time. It is expected that
FLAP and the Town of
The importance of outreach and communication was emphasized, and Committee suggested that an educational banner promoting the program should be prepared and hung in the Great Hall at the Markham Civic Centre. Also, posters, brochures and other signage was encouraged. It was suggested that due to the number of bird strikes at the Civic Centre, that this building should be audited.
Committee requested that Vicky McGrath, Director, Sustainability Office, report back with an update on the program in the next few months.
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by P. Ling
That the application
from staff’s Sustainability Office and FLAP, Fatal Light Awareness Program,
requesting MESF funding in the amount of $10,000 for an education and outreach
pilot project to educate the public about the importance of preventing bird
collisions with windows and mirrored buildings, be approved.
CARRIED
Part-Time Student to Complete Purchasing Guide
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, provided a brief summary of the application from staff, requesting
MESF funding in the amount of $20,000 for the hiring of a part-time student to
help finalize the Green Procurement Guide.
Staff was not recommending approval of this project.
Mr. Raj Raman, Senior Manager, Expenditure
Control and Purchasing, provided details about the Guide which will provide
educational awareness to staff, contractors and consultants to the approaches
to purchasing products which have a lower impact on the environment over their
life cycle.
Committee expressed its support of this
application, pointing out the importance of this initiative which will affect
all aspects of purchasing throughout the Town.
It was noted that MESF funding is to spark innovation and get projects
of the ground.
Committee requested Finance staff to be present
at General Committee when the MESF report goes forward for consideration.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application from Finance staff, requesting MESF funding in the amount of $20,000 for the hiring of a part-time student to help finalize the Green Procurement Guide, be approved.
CARRIED
3.
Boulevard Tree Project (Ward 1 South)
Ms. Karen Boniface, Technical Coordinator,
Operations, provided a brief summary of the application presented jointly by
staff and members of the Ward 1 South (Thornhill) Residents Inc. requesting Trees
for Tomorrow funding in the amount of $10,700 to encourage residents to have
boulevard trees planted by the Town.
Committee discussed staff’s current practice
regarding the replacement of trees and the resources and funding required. The method of monitoring the inventory of
trees throughout the Town was queried, and it was suggested that staff examine
options available to inventory gapping in boulevard trees, such as GIS mapping.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by P. Ling
That the joint request from staff and members of the Ward 1 South (Thornhill) Residents Inc. for Trees for Tomorrow funding in the amount of $10,700 to encourage residents to have boulevard trees planted by the Town, be approved;
And that staff be requested to examine options available to inventory gapping in boulevard trees, including GIS mapping.
CARRIED
4. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be at the call of the Chair.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor
That the meeting of the Environmental Issues Committee adjourn. (
CARRIED