Report to: General Committee Report Date: October 16, 2009

SUBJECT: Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund, Fall 2009

PREPARED BY: Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership,

Operations Dept, Community and Fire Services Commission

Ext. 7502

RECOMMENDATION:

1) THAT staff report “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF) – Fall 2009 Funding”, dated Oct 16, 2009, be received;

2) THAT the Environmental Issues Committee are recommending the following applications:

a) THAT the application by the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), for an invasive plant species awareness program, be approved, in the amount of $10,000;

b) AND THAT application by Stonebridge Public School, for a naturalized planting and heritage sign, be approved, for $4,500, subject to final review and approval of a planting plan and species selection by Parks staff;

c) AND THAT the application by Ecowatch and the York Rotary Club, for a battery collection and recycling program, be approved, for $10,000, subject to:

· program funding being for Markham schools and residents only 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

· that the York Rotary Club administers the funding and accounting of the program

· that the promotion of reusable batteries also be included in the Project

· that the Project also encourage residents to dispose of household batteries at the various Household Hazardous Waste Depots located within the Town of Markham

· 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

· that the budgeted battery disposal expense, of $6,250 of the $10,000, be held until a response has been received from the Region of York to determine whether they can cover the cost of battery disposal instead;

d) AND THAT application by the Manager, Waste Management for one (1) BigBelly solar garbage compactor and one (1) BigBelly recycling compactor as a pilot project, be approved, in the amount of $14,106;

e) AND THAT the application from Sustainability Office staff, together with Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), 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 in the amount of $10,000;

f) AND THAT application from Finance staff, for hiring of a part-time student to finalize the Green Procurement Guide in the amount of $20,000, be approved;

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

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report recommends projects for MESF funding in the second half of 2009, totaling $68,606. All of the recommended projects conform to objectives established by Council (Attachment 1 and 2) and have been circulated/discussed with affected departments. Applications are appended to this report.

The application for $20,000 in funding for a student to prepare the Green Procurement Guide was not recommended by staff. While it is recognized that Green Procurement as a very important and progressive environmental initiative, it would not appear to meet Council’s direction that MESF funding be for projects that are not normally be part of a Department’s budget. It was the opinion of staff that the application didn’t meet the criteria. However, the Environmental Issues Committee at its meeting approved this application.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The balance of this Fund at the beginning of 2009 is $300,000. This funding is split between Town Projects ($200,000) and Community Applications ($100,000).

This Fall report recommends funding for 3 Community projects for $24,500 and 3 staff projects equaling $44,106 for a total of $68,606 (See following chart). Funding would come from Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), account #87 2800168. The next deadline for applications is February 12, 2010.

The following chart sets out this year’s expenditures from the fund.

MESF FUNDING 2009
TOTAL FUNDING	$300,000
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS	$100,000
Town Projects included in 2009 Capital Budget to date
None	0
Community Projects Recommended – 1^stHalf of 2009(Spring)
Sir Wilfred Laurier Public School Outdoor Classroom	$5,000
Ontario Streams	$5,000
Markham Green Neighborhood Speakers Series	$2,400
Community Projects Recommended – 2^nd Half of 2009(Fall)
Invasive Plant Species Awareness Program	$10,000
Naturalized Planting and Natural Heritage Sign	$4,500
Educational Programs on Battery Collection and Recycling	$10,000
Total	$36,900
Funds Remaining for Community Projects in 2009	$63,100
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR TOWN PROJECTS	$200,000
Town Projects Recommended – 1^st Half of 2009(Spring)
School Safe Cycling Education Pilot Project	$10,050
Native Plant Demonstration Project	$7,950
Town Projects Recommended – 2^nd Half of 2009(Fall)
Parks BigBelly Solar Compactor - Pilot Project	$14,106
Fatal Light Awareness Program – Education Outreach	$10,000
Part time Student to complete Purchasing Guide	$20,000
Total	$62,106
Funds Remaining for Town Projects in 2009	$137,894
TOTAL MESF FUNDS RECOMMENDED FOR PROJECTS IN 2009	$99,006
2009 TOTAL MESF FUNDS REMAINING	$200,994

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to:

· Recommend 2009 MESF Fall funding for Staff and Community projects; and,

· Provide a progress report on expenditures for 2009.

BACKGROUND:

This Section describes the Community applications which are evaluated based upon community funding criteria (Attachment 1):

1. Invasive Plant Species Awareness Program (Attachment 3)

North American Plant Society (NANPS) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority requesting $8,485

NANPS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, conservation, cultivation and restoration of North America native flora. This project is about non-native plants that grow aggressively and overtake natural areas displacing native plants which results in decreased biodiversity and threatened habitats. Common invasive plants include garlic mustard, European buckthorn, dog strangling vine and more recently, hogweed. Also, some common horticultural plants like bugleweed are invasive as well.

The purpose of this project is to raise awareness about these plants in gardens, parks and natural areas and encourage community participation in their management and native habitat restoration. The program includes a training session for staff, inspirational talks for Markham residents, native garden design workshop with residents, a native plant sale and restoration events. The total project cost is estimated to be $16,900 based upon a revised budget with $10,000 from MESF and $6,900 from other sources. The increased budget is for a higher quality brochure with clear colour photographs and educational outreach. The in-kind support is estimated to be 800 hours. A detailed budget was submitted with the application and revised at the request of the Environmental Issues Committee. The revised budget has been reviewed and approved by the Committee.

Recommendation:

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.

2. Naturalized Planting and Natural Heritage Sign (Municipal Park - north of 16^th, west of McCowan Ave) (Attachment 4)

Stonebridge Public School requesting $5,000

This application comes from 2 teachers at Stonebridge Public school and their grade one and grade six classes and is supported by the school principal. The proposal is to add native plants to the park which is adjacent to their school. This is part of a learning program to restore the natural habitat, help rebalance the ecosystem and increase awareness of native plants in Markham. A natural heritage sign identifying some native plants is proposed in the park and the students plan to develop a poster to promote native species in schools, libraries and among families of the school community. 170 in-kind hours of work are indicated on the application. Funding is proposed to be used as follows:

• Native Plant Sign $2500
• Shovels $120
• Printing of poster $227.13
• Native Plants $900

Total $3747.13

Funding is being sought from corporate sponsors. A previous application from Stonebridge Public school for a Goose Awareness project and sign was successfully completed in 2008. Parks staff has reviewed the application and are willing to assist the school with their project. Staff did not include taxes in the presentation of the funding request to Environmental Issues Committee. The total cost of the project is $4,288.49 not $3,747.13, including taxes. As a result, Environmental Issues Committee has approved an adjusted budget of $4,500.

Recommendation:

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 $4,500, subject to final review and approval of planting plan and species selection by Parks staff.

3. Ecowatch Canada - Educational Program on Battery Collection and Recycling in Schools of Markham (Attachment 5)

Carmen Ng, Executive Director Ecowatch Canada Corporation and York Rotary Club, requesting $13,480

This application is from Ecowatch Canada Corporation. Their website indicates that this is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to address society’s most urgent environmental problems. The objective of this project is to educate students about the proper disposal of household batteries and provide a convenient location to collect the batteries through schools. Ecowatch proposes to work in partnership with the York Rotary Club and act as the project manager and coordinator of the project and communicate between all stakeholders. The Rotary Club of York is registered in Markham and the President of the Club would be working with Ecowatch in contributing funds and volunteers. The application estimates 1340 hours of in kind support which includes student support. The total cost of the project is shown to be $14,480 with $13,480 requested from MESF and $1,000 from other sources. There is a difference in budget submitted and MESF funding requested on the application form. Budget shows slightly different costs as follows:

Ø Recycling bin $3600

Ø Printing (Logo, Sponsors, School kit, other) $ 990

Ø Posters $ 540

Ø Equipments(Gloves, Scale, Garbage bags, Bins) $ 1080

Ø Recognition/ Prizes $ 500

Ø Mileage $ 900

Ø Battery Disposal $ 6250

Total $13,860

Since the maximum amount funded by MESF is $10,000, Ecowatch must revise their budget for approval. The Waste Department from the Town of Markham would support the project by managing the disposal of the collected battery. The application indicates that the environmental benefits of the project would include supporting the federal government’s policy to eliminate mercury and helping the Town of Markham reduce the number batteries sent to landfill. The maintenance and monitoring of the project after completion would be done by Eco-watch and the participating schools. Ecowatch is planning to approach Trillium Fund for additional funding to continue the program.

Recommendation:

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 Markham schools and residents only

· 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 Markham;

· 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, of $6,250 of the $10,000, be held until a response has been received from the Region of York to determine whether they can cover the cost of battery disposal instead.

This Section describes the Staff applications which are evaluated based upon Internal funding criteria (Attachment 2):

1. Parks BigBelly Solar Compactor - Pilot Project (Attachment 6)

Claudia Marsales, Manager, Waste Management requesting $14,106.00

This application is from Town of Markham’s Waste Management Department in partnership with the Parks Department to conduct a six month pilot project of 1 BigBelly solar garbage compactor and 1 BigBelly solar recycling compactor, which run entirely on solar energy. The purpose of this project is to determine whether use of the BigBelly solar compaction units will benefit the community from an environmental, operational and economical perspective, more than current parks waste management program. The measurable benefits of this project include:

• Improve public participation in Markham’s Parks recycling program
• Reduce number of collections required to maintain bins
• Decrease amount of litter in parks
• Increase amount of recycling collected in parks
• Decrease amount of garbage in parks

The program would be audited and Markham Waste staff will report on results. This initiative supports the Zero Waste program. Funding is proposed to be used as follows:

Ø BigBelly Compactor Unit $ 4,300

Ø Blue Wrapped BigBelly Compactor Recycling Unit $ 4,700

Ø Liner Bags $ 90

Ø Shipping $ 260

Ø Students to monitor and waste audits $ 756

Ø Launch $ 1000

Ø Print, Design and Labels $ 3000

The total project cost is estimated at $14,106 from MESF. Project team will consist of the Town of Markham’s Waste Management and Parks Department staff and students. Shayne Hartin, Environmental Inspector, Waste Management Department will maintain and monitor the project after completion. A detailed budget, workplan and a case study of BigBelly success in one of the community in Alberta has been submitted with the application.

Recommendation:

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.

2. Fatal Light Awareness Program – Education Outreach (Attachment 7)

Vicky McGrath, Director, Sustainability Office requesting $10,000

This application is from the Sustainability Office and the Executive Director of the FLAP. FLAP is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the protection of wild birds in built environments. Their mission is to safeguard migratory birds from colliding with high rise buildings, through education, research, rescue and rehabilitation. Their vision is to create a 24 hour collision-free urban environment for these birds. The Director of Sustainability, together with FLAP, is proposing a program to educate Town staff, the public, architects, designers, builders and building owners and managers about this issue. The application indicates it will target Markham businesses. The Sustainability Office would support and administer funding for the program. The budget indicates funding would be used towards professional services as follows:

• Executive Director $6,800
• Program Assistant $3,200

Total $10,000

1700 volunteer hours are estimated. FLAP has indicated that it would also solicit donations for this project. The education component would include bulletins, migration alerts, a link to FLAP website, displays, workshops for tenants and outreach, etc. A workplan has been submitted. Measurable benefits should be identified at the outset of the program as the application indicates that MESF will be used for multi-year funding to continue and expand their program. It should be noted that while MESF allows multi-phase projects it is not intended support on-going programs.

Recommendation:

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.

3. Part time Student to complete Purchasing Guide (Attachment 8)

Raj Raman, Senior Manager, Expenditure Control and Purchasing requesting $20,000

This is a funding request to hire a part-time student for 6 months to:

• help complete a green purchasing guide
• assist individual staff members change their purchasing practices
• offer tips for integrating sustainable practices into purchasing decisions

The benefits are to include better environmental practices and cost savings. Finance staff advise that the $20,000 would be for a salary for the student and they do not anticipate other costs such as printing/promotion. Environmental Issues Committee has recommended approval of this application. While Staff recognizes the importance and value of completing the Green Procurement Guide, Council’s direction, (November 25, 2008), specifies that MESF funding is intended for projects that would not normally be considered as part of a department’s budget. Hiring of a student to assist with development and delivery of an existing policy initiative would not meet this standard in staff’s opinion and could set a precedent for future funding requests.

Recommendation:

That the application from Finance staff, requesting MESF funding in the amount of $20,000 for hiring of a part-time student to help finalize the Green Procurement Guide, not be approved.

4. St. Patrick’s Catholic School

One additional application for a rainwater collection and teaching garden was received from St. Patrick’s Catholic School, but was deferred as the school is awaiting approval from the school board. The project team hopes to resubmit in spring 2010.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Under the administration guidelines, the MESF is replenished annually to $300,000. 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 11 projects have been recommended for approval this year, in a total amount of $99,006.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE:

“Not applicable”

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

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

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

“Not applicable”

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Parks

Finance Department

Communications and Community Relations

Waste Management

Operations

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Peter Loukes, P. Eng. Brenda Librecz

Director, Operations Commissioner,

Community and Fire Services

ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT 1 Criteria for Funding Applications - Community

ATTACHMENT 2 Criteria for Funding Applications - Internal

ATTACHMENT 3 Invasive Plant Species Awareness Program

ATTACHMENT 4 Naturalized Planting and Natural Heritage Sign

ATTACHMENT 5 Educational Programs on Battery Collection and Recycling

ATTACHMENT 6 Parks BigBelly Solar Compactor - Pilot Project

ATTACHMENT 7 Fatal Light Awareness Program – Education Outreach

ATTACHMENT 8 Part time Student to complete Purchasing Guide