AGENDA - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20170615Environmental
Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
7 p.m.
Holland Room
Aurora Town Hall
Public Release
June 9, 2017
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:
Time and Location:
Thursday, June 15, 2017
7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
1.Approval of the Agenda
Recommended:
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
2.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
3.Receipt of the Minutes
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2017
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of April 6, 2017, be
received for information.
4.Delegations
(a)Ryan Ness and Angela Wallace, Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority
Re: The Living City Report Card
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017 Page 2 of 2
5.Matters for Consideration
6.Informational Items
1.Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Invasive Plant Species Update
Recommended:
1.That the memorandum regarding Invasive Plant Species Update be received
for information.
2.Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan Update Status
Recommended:
1.That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
Update Status be received for information.
7.New Business
8.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Councillor Tom Mrakas (Vice
Chair), Irene Clement, Larry Fedec (arrived 7:04 p.m.),
Melville James, Jennifer Sault, Sara Varty (arrived 7:04
p.m.), Nancee Webb, Kristina Zeromskiene (arrived 7:04
p.m.), and Mayor Geoffrey Dawe (ex-officio member)
Member(s) Absent: None
Other Attendees: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental
Initiatives, and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1.Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Jennifer Sault
Seconded by Irene Clement
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Minutes
Page 1 of 4
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2017 Page 2 of 4
3.Receipt of the Minutes
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2016
Moved by Nancee Webb
Seconded by Melville James
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of November 24,
2016, be received for information.
Carried
4.Delegations
None
5.Matters for Consideration
1.Memorandum from Mayor Dawe
Re: Anti-Idling
The Mayor provided a brief overview of the memorandum. The Committee
expressed support for the campaign, and provided suggestions to increase
public awareness regarding idling vehicles.
Moved by Nancee Webb
Seconded by Larry Fedec
1.That the memorandum regarding Anti-Idling be received for information;
and
2.That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
(a)That staff be directed to draft an anti-idling by-law; and
(b)That staff be directed to draft an anti-idling education campaign that
details the effects of idling vehicles.
Carried
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2017 Page 3 of 4
6.Informational Items
2.Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Bring Your Own Bottle Initiative at Town Facilities
Staff provided background information regarding the initiative. The
Committee inquired about the elimination of the sale of bottled water and
pop. Staff advised that pop will be removed from one beverage machine at
the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex as a pilot project for the month of
September 2017.
Moved by Sara Varty
Seconded by Kristina Zeromskiene
1.That the memorandum regarding Bring Your Own Bottle Initiative at
Town Facilities be received for information.
Carried
2.Extract from Council Meeting of December 13, 2016
Re: Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 24, 2016
The Committee inquired about whether there has been any follow-up
regarding New Business Motions No. 3 and No. 4. The Chair and staff
indicated that updates will be provided at a future meeting.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Jennifer Sault
1.That the Extract from Council Meeting of December 13, 2016, regarding the
Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of November 24, 2016,
be received for information.
Carried
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2017 Page 4 of 4
7.New Business
Councillor Mrakas noted that nominations for the 2017 Community Recognition
Awards are being accepted, and he encouraged Committee members to make
submissions.
Staff advised that Rick Hansen Public School is requesting volunteers for Aurora’s
Annual Clean-up Day on Saturday, April 22, 2017.
8.Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Nancee Webb
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Carried
Committee recommendations are not binding on the Town unless adopted by Council at
a later meeting.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Minutes
Page 4 of 4
DELEGATION REQUEST
This Delegation Request form and any written submissions or background information for
consideration by either Council or Committees of Council must be submitted to the Clerk’s office by
the following deadline:
4:30 P.M. ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED MEETING DATE
COUNCIL/COMMITTEE/ADVISORY COMMITTEE DATE: Environmental Advisory Committe - June 1, 2017
SUBJECT: The Living City Report Card
NAME OF SPOKESPERSON: Ryan Ness/Angela Wallace
NAME OF GROUP OR PERSON(S) BEING REPRESENTED (if applicable): Toronto & Region
Conservation Authority
BRIEF SUMMARY OF ISSUE OR PURPOSE OF DELEGATION: TRCA recently released The Living City Report
Card: A Progress Report on Environmental Sustainability in the Toronto Region (reportcard.trca.ca). The Living City Report Card
examines indicators within six themes: carbon, air quality, waste, water, land use, and biodiversity. We would like to share the
findings of this report with the EAC.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of
interest?
Yes XX No IF YES, WITH WHOM Christina Nagy-Oh ______DATE_April 20, 2017
I acknowledge that the Procedural By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations.
Legislative Services
905-727-3123
councilsecretariatstaff@aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
100 John West Way, Box 1000
Aurora, ON L4G 6J1
X
X
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Delegation (a)
Page 1 of 1
Memorandum
DATE: June 15, 2017
TO: Environmental Advisory Committee
FROM: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
RE: Invasive Plant Species Update
Recommendations
1. That the memorandum regarding Invasive Plant Species Update be received for
information.
Background
A resident and Heritage Advisory Committee member provided an overview of invasive
plant species in Aurora at the November 24th EAC meeting. He noted that there is no
funding for the control and/or eradication of these species. The Province of Ontario has
proposed the following three invasive plants: Phragmites, Dog-strangling vine and Japanese
knotweed be regulated as “restricted” under its new Invasive Species Act (2015), came into
force in November 2016. The same three invasive plants appear to be the most threatening
in the Town of Aurora.
This memo was drafted in response to the following Motion carried at Council in December
2016.
New Business Motion No. 3
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
(a) That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of containment or removal of
phragmites, and report back to Council within the first quarter of 2017; and
(b) That a public education strategy be developed regarding phragmites, dog-
strangling vine and Japanese knotwood.
Carried
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone: 905-727-3123 ext. 4382
Email: cnagy-oh@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Infrastructure & Environmental
Services
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 155, 2017
Item 1
Page 1 of 18
June 15, 2017 -2-Invasive Plant Species Update
Town Trial Pilot Project To Date
The following information was obtained from the April 11 2017 Council meeting discussion
between Councillor Pirri and Director Al Downey. Mr. Downey was asked to respond to the
above EAC Business Motion No.3.
Last year the Arboretum committee, in partnership with Parks staff, initiated a pilot project to
attempt to eradicate phragmites on the lands just north of Tim Hortons, with a cost of
approximately $10,000.
Questions /Concerns to date:
Will pilot be successful? If pilot is successful, staff has a method in order to refer to
and a cost estimate based on same project square footage.
Determining the cost estimate in relation to various strategies (ie control, eradicate)
Determine if we want to use mechanical or chemical techniques. Different cost
implications relating to both techniques.
Considered a new field of expertise for most municipal parks operational staff
If Town successfully remove or eradicate an area of particular invasive plants, there
is a solid possibility that the plants could re-emerge in the case of the adjacent
municipalities failing to eradicate the plants in their jurisdiction
Overall level of success of program, given the numerous uncontrollable variables and
lack of proven standard operating procedures
council needs clear understandings on what are expectations for success
a) Preliminary Summary of Staff Research
Examples of Invasive plant species strategic plans to control Phragmites, dog-Strangling
vine, and Japanese knotwood:
Invasive Specie Management, City of Brampton- Municipal Wide Initiative(2016)
Town of Caledon urban Forest Study, Town of Caledon(2011)
Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strategy (NHEMS), City of Brampton-
Municipal Wide initiative (2015)
Invasive Plant Management Strategy for the York Regional Forest, York Region (2014)
West Collingwood Community Action Plan in association with Town of Collingwood,
2016
Greening the hill: A public Guide to environmental strategy, Town of Richmond Hill
(2014)
Phragmites Management Project, Township of Tay (2016)
Oakville Species Strategy includes Ontario Invasive Species Strategy (2012), Town of
Oakville
Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan 2008-2027, Town of Oakville
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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June 15, 2017 -3-Invasive Plant Species Update
Public Education & awareness campaign across municipalities:
Georgian Bay forever’s Invasive phragmites Workshop in partner with Town of Collingwood
o Fighting invasive Phragmites in Collingwood
Community in Action
Information on Phragmites (i.e. Maps, Control methods, background
information)
Town of Collingwood’s Website:
o Updates on phragmites control projects
o Education: Presentations, Upcoming Workshops to discuss the removal and
management of invasive phragmites
o Picture promoting “Raising Awareness on Phragmites” Event
o Promoting “Fight the Phrag” and linking it to other organizations involved
Tay Township’s Website:
o Information on incoming events and Workshops on Phragmites
o Tay township Shoreline guide provide information and education about various
aspects of Tay Shoreline, including invasive species management (i.e.
Phragmites), and to improve awareness
o A link to learn how invasive species threaten Ontario’s biodiversity is provide on
the Sustainability and the Environment
o Information on what “ Invasive species may be in your garden”
o Other useful education and awareness campaign on other invasive species and
how to deal with it
Town of Richmond Hill- Community Stewardship Program 2016
As part of the program, the Town of Richmond Hill works together with local community groups
and thousands of volunteers to plant more than 10,000 trees, shrubs and wildflowers, clean up
streams, remove invasive plants and spread the word about the importance of our green
spaces.
The Community Stewardship Program includes a number of green projects and events,
including:
Invasive plant removal
Tree planting events
Woodlot restoration
Stream rehabilitation
Green space monitoring
Restoration site maintenance
Native plant gardening
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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June 15, 2017 -4-Invasive Plant Species Update
The program helps to create a vibrant community by establishing a healthier urban forest and
natural corridors throughout the town’s greenway system.
Under the things to do section, there are links to community tree planting and stewardship
events, where it provides information on ongoing and incoming projects and events.
Under find or learn about section, there are information and guides on native plants species and
on what to avoid to plant.
Public education and awareness on Native vs Non-Native Species, King Township
King Township has a dedicated website to spread awareness on invasive species affecting its
township. The website helps to educate the public on the difference on native and invasive
species and to inform on the importance of planting native species. Also, it provides weed
control and techniques to avoid the growth and spread of noxious weeds.
Upcoming events organized by King Township Parks’ recreation &culture in partner with
Toronto and Region Conservation and Cold creek Stewardship:
Stop the spread: Invasive species Walk &Pull on June 17 at Cold Creek Conservation
Area
Invasive Species Awareness Hike on August 23 at Cold Creek Conservation Area
b) Aurora’s Invasive Species Public Education an Outreach Plan
The PMEI met with the Manager of Communications regarding an invasive species initiative
and the suggested timeline for kick starting the public education campaign was fall 2017. Mr.
Barry Bridgeford, (previous delegate to EAC) collaborated with the Town’s 2017 Eco festival,
held on April 29th. Barry prepared detailed invasive species education and awareness
materials to share with festival participants.
The following promotional channels were suggested for this public education campaign:
• Media release/Public Service Announcement
• Social media postings
• Website content
• NoticeBoard (directing back to website)
• Handout/flyer/poster placed in participating facilities
Attachments
Attachment 1: Invasive Plant Species Additional Information
Attachment 2: Invasive Plant Species in Aurora and the Invasive Species Act, Author Barry
Bridgeford.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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Attachment 1: Invasive Plant Species Additional Information
Cynanchum Rossicum (Dog-strangling Vine):
•Invasive perennial herbaceous plant
•Family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed family)
•Forms thick mats of vegetation which hinder recreational activities, choke out native species, and negatively
impact managed woodlots
•Spreads quickly along roadsides, ditches and fence lines
*Dog-strangling Vine is regulated as a restricted species under the Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015
Reynoutria japonica var. japonica (Japanese Knotwood)
•Native to eastern Asia
•Semi-Woody perennial
•Spread along roadsides and near building
•Grow through concrete and asphalt
*Japanese Knotweed is regulated as a restricted species under the Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015
Phragmites australis subsp. australis (European Common Reed):
•Native to Euroasia
•Invasive and perennial
•Spread in coastal wetlands, stream banks, lake shores, wet field, beaches and ditches
•Allelopathic
•Monoculture stands
Existing Policies and Programs
Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program:
The program focused on regulating the spread Dog-strangling Vine, Phragmites and Japanese knotwood as restricted
under the Invasive Species Act
Actions:
•Learn to identify these species and avoid accidentally spreading the invasive plants
•Educate the public to effectively and environmentally manage these invasive species on the private properties
•Promote the sale of native species
•Designate trails and keep pets on a leash to avoid the spreading of these invaders
•Raise awareness on how to prevent the spread of Dog-strangling Vine, Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed
•Encourage people to report any illegal importing, distribution or sale of Dog-strangling vine and Japanese
Knotweed.
http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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Town of Caledon urban Forest Study prepared by Toronto and Region Conservation (2011) Partnership: Region of Peel,
City of Mississauga, Brampton City, Credit Valley Conservation, and
The study was a baseline to better manage the forest in Town of Carleton, as well develop and implement invasive
species control strategies in infested areas.
Goal:
•Implement preventive measures to mitigate the spread of invasive species
•Enhance public outreach programs that utilize community-based social marketing
Reference:
Town of Caledon urban Forest Study_ Technical Report, 2011.
https://www.peelregion.ca/planning/climatechange/reports/pdf/Caledon-Urban-Forest-Study-Tech-Report.pdf
Invasive Species Management (specified in Woodland Management Plan/Periodic Ecological Review.), City of Brampton
(2016)
Invasive Specie Measures:
•Invasive species that detract from biological diversity and inhibit pedestrian movement in woodlands will be
controlled.
•Herbaceous species will be controlled by repeated pulling of plants prior to seed set.
•Woody invasive species will be controlled by trimming flush to the ground followed with treatment of stubs with
a herbicide approved for use.
•In areas with severe infestations, canopy and soil management may be required to alter environmental
conditions of the woodland.
Reference:
Woodland Management Plan_ City of Brampton (2016)
Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strategy (NHEMS), City of Brampton (2015)
Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strategy (NHEMS) is to include and implement the Ontario invasive
species Strategy and Ontario biodiversity Strategy (2011). The Ontario invasive species Strategy is intended to “prevent
new invaders from arriving and surviving in Ontario, to slow and where possible reverse the spread of existing invasive
species, and to reduce the harmful impacts of existing invasive species.” The Ontario Biodiversity Strategy (2011)
highlights four goals critical to Ontario’s Biodiversity:
•Engage people
•Reduce threat
•Enhance Resiliency
•Improve Knowledge
Each goal is supported by long-term objectives, outcomes, key actions and targets.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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Environmental initiatives,
2012 https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Environment/Documents/Appenidx%20I_Environmental%20Initiatives%2
0April%202012.pdf
Natural Heritage & Environmental Management strategy, 2015
https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Environment/Documents/Brampton%20NHEMS%20Background%20Report%2
0_FINAL%20(Dec%202015)v2.pdf
Invasive Species Strategic Plan, 2012_Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
https://www.ontario.ca/document/invasive-species-strategic-plan-2012
Ontario Biodiversity Strategy_ Ontario Biodiversity Council
http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-%20environment/Ontario_Biodiversity_Strategy_2011.pdf
http://ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca/homepage_banners/ontarios-biodiversity-strategy/
*** The strategy is adopted by Town of Oakville***
Invasive Plant Management Strategy for the York Regional Forest, York Region (2014)
The Invasive plan management Strategy is intended to prevent reduce and mitigate the effects of invasive plants in York
Region Forest.
Objectives:
•Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants in YRF
•Raise awareness of, and educate the public and forest users about invasive plant threats and management
•Control existing invasive plants in the YRF and restore areas where invasive plants have been removed
•Enhance community and partnership collaboration
Reference:
Developing an Invasive Plant Management Strategy for the York Regional Forest by Dayna Laxton
http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/events/creating-invasive-plant-management-strategy-workshop-eastern-
ontario
Phragmites & Invasive Species Action Plan for the Nottawasaga Valley Watershed, Nottawasaga valley Conservation
Authority (2016)
The report focuses on Phragmites ecology and management but also addresses other current and potential invasive
species issues. An Action Plan was recommended to work with various watershed partners and champions to address
invasive species within the watershed. Nottawasaga valley Watershed partnered with Georgian Bay Forever, Blue
Mountain Watershed Trust, the Town of Collingwood and several condominium associations to monitor and control
Phragmites along the Collingwood shoreline.
This Action Plan consists of the following components:
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Item 1
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•providing invasive species identification and monitoring services in the watershed
•development of education and outreach material regarding invasive species including Phragmites
•hosting a workshop to inform all watershed partners about invasive plant issues, invasive plant identification
and best management practices for control
•Providing coordination and logistical support, as capacity allows, for invasive species monitoring and control in
the watershed
•applying for project grants and participating in invasive species-related projects when the opportunities arise
•providing support for municipalities in efforts to implement non-regulatory and regulatory strategies (by-laws)
that will aid in the outreach, education and enforcement to assist with control of invasive species in the
watershed
•Monitor a range of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species issues with watershed partners and to provide
vigilance/early warning for emerging invasive species issues
http://www.nvca.on.ca/Shared%20Documents/Phragmites%20Action%20Plan_FinalDraft%20(3).pdf
West Collingwood Community Action Plan in association with Town of Collingwood, 2016
Town of Collingwood Population based on Statistics Canada (2011): 19,241
The project supports the goal of enhanced research and monitoring by mapping current stands and following the
invading front of Phragmites. It improved conservation of aquatic habitats and species by being a part of the province-
wide effort to control Phragmites and provided a drive to protect a critical part of Ontario’s environment and economy.
This project aims to add on to these initiatives by educating local residents and empowering them to carry out the
monitoring and control efforts within their community.
The Town of Collingwood played an important role by providing in-kind support to control Phragmites on Town property
and to pick up and dispose of cut Phragmites from the various control sites. They provided a crew of five Parks and
Recreation staff in 2016 to cut and remove Phragmites west of Sunset Point. They also liaised with the condominium
associations and community groups to collect and transport cut stalks to the Collingwood Transfer Station.
Greening the hill: A public Guide to environmental strategy, Town of Richmond Hill (2014)
Town of Richmond Hill Population based on Statistics Canada (2011): 185,541
The Town developed an invasive Species management action plan that consists of best management practices for non-
native species posing a threat to ecosystems in Richmond Hill to reduce the damage caused to the local environment.
Under this plan, the Richmond’s hill Community stewardship program works with agencies and community volunteers to
improve the local environment through activities such as tree planting, stream restoration, and invasive species removal.
Goal:
To prevent and reduce the negative impacts that invasive species have on the natural environment
Actions:
Develop an Invasive Species Management Plan/Strategy
Establish invasive species best management practices (BMPs)
Implement BMPs on Town-managed land
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Create invasive species management standards and specifications for the development or redevelopment of
Town land
Advance the Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy
Continue to promote and plant native species
Pursue partnerships to manage invasive species
Develop a community education and outreach program for
invasive species management and native plant species promotion
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/shared-content/resources/documents/660-environment-strategy-public-guide.pdf
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/Trees-and-Yards-Native-Species.aspx
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/Community-Stewardship-Program-and-Tree-Planting.aspx?_mid_=1138
Township of Tay: Phragmites Management Project (2016)
Township of Tay population (Statisitics Canada): 9,736
The project provides a learning opportunity for both municipal staff and community members on how to best manage
invasive Phragmites. This experience empowered volunteers to take action on their own properties and transfers the
knowledge to multiple areas of the community to enhance stewardship of the Township’s natural environment.
Purpose:
•Recognize that the spread of phragmites is problematic and contribute to the change of ecosystem change and
instability.
•Cause economic or environmental harm to human, animal, or plant health
•Phragmites have the ability to displace and eradicate native species, and reduce the economic or recreational
value of the landscapes
Goal:
•Remove the plant to increase economic and recreational value of the landscapes
•Increase the township leadership on invasive species management, providing both volunteer and a learning
experience for participants
•Improve the ecological health of the local shorelines
https://www.sustainablesevernsound.ca/mobile/portfolio-item.php?id=17
http://www.tay.ca/en/living-here/resources/documents/tay-shoreline-guide_2015_final_sec.pdf
URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN TOWN OF OAKVILLE: 2008 - 2027
Objective 5. Develop campaigns specifically for invasive species problems and extreme weather events.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
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•Research existing materials to educate people regarding invasive species problems and what to do before and
after extreme weather.
•Research potential threats to Oakville regarding these specific problems.
•Create and distribute Oakville-specific educational materials for imminent threats.
•Database of addresses that have received relevant materials
http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-%20environment/OWLSFinalPDF.pdf
http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-%20residents/2008ufsmp.pdf
Public education and awareness on Native vs Non-Native Species, King Township
King Township has a dedicated website to spread awareness on invasive species affecting its township. The website
helps to educate the public on the difference on native and invasive species and to inform on the importance of planting
native species. Also, it provides weed control and techniques to avoid the growth and spread of noxious weeds.
Upcoming events organized by King Township Parks’ recreation &culture in partner with Toronto and Region
Conservation and Cold creek Stewardship:
•Stop the spread: Invasive species Walk &Pull on June 17 at Cold Creek Conservation Area
•Invasive Species Awareness Hike on August 23 At
Control methods:
Control methods for Phragmites include herbicide application as well as mechanical control through excavation,
mowing/rolling, hand cutting, flooding, prescribed burning, mechanical excavation and tarping.
Funding:
Ministry of natural resources and Forestry: Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program
https://www.ontario.ca/page/land-stewardship-and-habitat-restoration-program
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Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 1/8
Invasive Species Act
Phragmites, Dog-strangling vine
and Japanese knotweed are the
three most threatening invasive
plants in the Town of Aurora.
The Province of Ontario has
proposed that these very same
three invasive plants be
regulated as “restricted” under its
new Invasive Species Act (2015),
which will come into force in
November 2016.
Photo: Part of a large outbreak of Japanese
knotweed at the northeast corner of Bloomington
Road and Bathurst Street.Attachment 2Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 11 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 2/8
Phragmites
The Eurasian genotype (haplotype
M) of Phragmites Australis evolved
over millennia to become an
integrated part of many of the
biosphere's ecosystems, with the
notable exception of the ecosystems
of the Americas.
Photo: This pond is on the east side of Leslie Street,
north of Wellington Street. It is being encircled by
invasive phragmites.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 12 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 3/8
Integrated within its original
ecosystems, phragmites was a
source of shelter and food for
many life-forms. At the same time it
was challenged and controlled by
other life-forms native to these
same ecosystems.
Over recent centuries, Europeans
even learned to use sheaths of
phragmites to thatch the roofs of
their houses.
Photo: This outbreak of phragmites is on the south
side of St John's Sideroad, only meters from
McKenzie Marsh.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 13 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 4/8
Back in the 1800's, when machinery
and equipment were shipped from
Europe to North America, freight
crates were cushioned with sheaths
of phragmites. Unfortunately, upon
arrival in America this phragmites
was discarded into local
ecosystems.
Similarly, trans-atlantic ship ballast
(often contaminated with
phragmites) was dumped into local
ecosytems.
Photo: This open space is on the west side of
Bayview Avenue south of Wellington Street and has
been overwhelmed by invasive phragmites.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 14 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 5/8
This particular strain of Phragmites
has now spread out from the New
England area, to become a biologi-
cal scourge .. choking marshes,
wetlands, fields, meadows and
ponds.
These invasive Phragmites reed
beds force out native growth and
don't benefit our native wildlife ..
effectively destroying the impacted
ecosystems!
Photo: The hydro right-of-way on the south side of
Wellington Street has lost acres of wet meadows to a
mono-culture of phragmites.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 15 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 6/8
Japanese Knotweed
In the 1800's, Japanese knotweed
was promoted as an exotic
ornamental plant. However, its
tenacious roots are capable of
breaking through asphalt and
concrete. As a foundation planting,
Japanese knotweed once seriously
impacted Aurora's old Church Street
School.
This plant's ability to cause property,
building and infrastructure damage
contribute to its bad reputation.
Photo: This outbreak of Japanese knotweed is
located in a neighbourhood park in south Aurora.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 16 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 7/8
Dog-strangling Vine
Originating in Russia and Ukraine,
this weed spreads by airborne
seeds, covers the ground in solid
masses and can overwhelm tall
vegetation.
Dog-strangling vine is particularly
problematic in the southern GTA but
is starting to make serious inroads in
Aurora.
Photo: Climbing up a fence on Industrial Parkway
South, these well-seeded vines are just a small part
of a substantial outbreak north of the Sheppard's
Bush soccer fields.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 17 of 18
Invasive Plant Species In Aurora and the Invasive Species Act pg. 8/8
There's currently no town funding for
the control and/or eradication of
invasive plant species. It's ironic that
at this very time that Aurora's Parks
Division needs funding to do this,
they are being directed by council to
shave their 2017 budget.
I ask that council recognize the need
to protect our parks and open
spaces from these three specific
invasive plant species .. and that
they authorize substantial funding
for their control and/or eradication.
Barry Bridgeford October 20, 2016
www.GreenAurora.ca
Photo: Part of the phragmites outbreak at the 'ARC'
on Wellington Street.Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 15, 2017Item 1 Page 18 of 18
Memorandum
DATE: June 15, 2017
TO: Environmental Advisory Committee
FROM: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
RE: Corporate Environmental Action Plan Update Status
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan Update
Status be received for information.
Background
At the request of the Chair staff are providing a status update on the Corporate
Environmental Action Plan (CEAP).
Staff worked on the CEAP update from May – August 2016. This included meeting with the
related advisory committees, CEAP staff working group and conducting internet research.
The first of the CEAP draft was scheduled for the September 2016 EAC meeting. The
project was temporarily delayed in late 2016 due to the shift in operational priorities as
outlined at the November 24, 2016 EAC meeting.
Staff intends to restart the CEAP update and bring forward a draft for EAC in September
2017.
The planned update will primarily focus on the development of Community Energy Plan and
climate change adaptation.
Attachments
None
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone: 905-727-3123 ext. 4382
Email: cnagy-oh@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Infrastructure & Environmental
Services
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Item 2
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