MINUTES - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20210224 1
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Margaret Baker
Barry Bridgeford
Colin Brown
Sam Cunningham
Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Ryan Hamid
Sandy Hudson
Crystal Robertson
Other Attendees: Mayor Tom Mrakas (ex-officio)
Natalie Kehle, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Sara Tienkamp, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
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1. Procedural Notes
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Margaret Baker
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
2
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2021
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Sandy Hudson
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January
25, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Round Table Discussion; Re: Private Tree Protection By-law No. 5850-16
The Committee discussed the Private Tree Protection By-law with
particular reference to the definition of a “Heritage Tree” and suggested
changes, including that a Heritage Tree be determined by the preservation
measures of a Cultural Heritage Landscape, which would clearly define
the terms and conditions. It was noted that, further to a motion adopted by
Council in November 2016, no Cultural Heritage Landscapes have yet
been established by the Town and it was suggested that this matter be
addressed through the Town's current Official Plan review now underway
and that the process be connected with the Private Tree Protection By-
law. The Committee further discussed examples of the challenges faced
by property owners who seek to remove or relocate trees on properties
that are designated or listed as a property of cultural heritage value or
interest versus non-designated properties.
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Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Margaret Baker
1. That Private Tree Protection By-law Number 5850-16 be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Private Tree Protection By-law Number 5850-16 be received and
referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
6.2 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst; Re: Electric
Vehicle Charging Station Policy and Process
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and development of the
proposed electric vehicle (EV) charging station policy and process for
Town-owned properties.
The Committee inquired about the charging times and cost difference
between the various levels of EV charging stations and staff provided
clarification noting that the Level 3 (rapid charge) station is approximately
ten times more expensive than the Level 2 (fast charge) station. It was
further noted that the most practical level for Town facilities would be the
Level 2 "top-up" charging station. Opportunities for the installation of Level
3 charging stations were discussed for fleet vehicles and for the economic
benefit EV chargers may have in attracting visitors to the downtown core.
The Committee inquired about EV charging provisions for condominium
and apartment properties and staff noted that installation opportunities
for private developments would be considered within the upcoming review
of the Town's green design and development standards.
The Committee inquired about the proposed policy's alignment with the
Region and other municipalities and suggested that any additional EV
chargers should be provided on a cost-neutral basis to the Aurora
taxpayer. Staff confirmed that the proposed policy is based on the
Region's EV charging station policy and it would be difficult to make any
cost assumptions without first collecting data for a period of time. The
Committee inquired about the allocation of the Region's planned
installation of 70 EV chargers, and staff provided clarification on how the
locations were determined.
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The Committee inquired about whether the existing EV chargers would be
networked in order to collect data and determine needs. Staff advised the
older units would require upgrading in order to collect data and are being
considered for charging the Town's fleet vehicles in future.
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Margaret Baker
1. That the memorandum regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Policy and Process be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Policy and Process documents be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Carried