AGENDA - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20171204Environmental
Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Holland Room
Aurora Town Hall
Monday, December 4, 2017
7 p.m.
Public Release
November 27, 2017
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date: Monday, December 4, 2017
Time and Location: 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 October 5, 2017
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of October 5, 2017,
be received for information.
4. Delegations
5. Matters for Consideration
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017 Page 2 of 2
1. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Update – November
2017 Update
Recommended:
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
(CEAP) – November 2017 Update be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
(a) That the Corporate Environmental Action Plan dated November 2017
be approved.
6. Informational Items
2. Extract from Council Meeting of November 14, 2017
Re: Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 5, 2017
Recommended:
1. That the Extract from Council Meeting of November 14, 2017, regarding
the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of October 5,
2017, be received for information.
7. New Business
8. Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2017
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Leksand Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Irene Clement, Larry Fedec,
Melville James, Sara Varty, Nancee Webb, and Kristina
Zeromskiene
Member(s) Absent: Councillor Tom Mrakas (Vice Chair) and Jennifer Sault
Other Attendees: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental
Initiatives, and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Nancee Webb
Seconded by Irene Clement
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, with the following addition,
be approved:
• Item 4 – Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA) dated September 29, 2017; Re: Appointments to the TRCA Regional
Watershed Alliance 2017-2021
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
Monday, December 4, 2017
Minutes
Page 1 of 5
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2017 Page 2 of 5
3. Receipt of the Minutes
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2017
Moved by Sara Varty
Seconded by Kristina Zeromskiene
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 15, 2017, be
received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
None
5. Matters for Consideration
1. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Update
Staff provided background and a brief overview of the memorandum and
CEAP Update, and noted that the Community Energy Plan would be
developed over the next two years.
The Committee inquired about funding and resources, discussed various
aspects of the CEAP Update, and made suggestions including the addition of
implementation timelines, departmental assignments, prioritization,
identification of recipients of outreach, outreach and education regarding
invasive species, creation of a community environment component, inclusion
of targets in addition to indicators, and more information on healthy and safe
routes to schools.
Moved by Nancee Webb
Seconded by Sara Varty
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
(CEAP) Update be received; and
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Minutes
Page 2 of 5
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2017 Page 3 of 5
2. That the comments and suggestions of the Committee be referred to staff
for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
6. Informational Items
2. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Progress Report 2016
Staff provided background and a brief overview of the memorandum.
The Committee requested clarification on several initiatives, and staff agreed
to provide more detail to the Committee regarding the ongoing vegetation
management and protection initiatives for new subdivision development areas
and the ongoing ecological integrity monitoring of natural heritage areas within
2C development lands.
Moved by Larry Fedec
Seconded by Melville James
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
(CEAP) Progress Report 2016 be received for information.
Carried
3. Extract from Council Meeting of September 12, 2017
Re: Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 15,
2017
Moved by Nancee Webb
Seconded by Irene Clement
1. That the Extract from Council Meeting of September 12, 2017, regarding
the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 15, 2017,
be received for information.
Carried
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Minutes
Page 3 of 5
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2017 Page 4 of 5
4. Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA) dated September 29, 2017
Re: Appointments to the TRCA Regional Watershed Alliance 2017-2021
The Chair noted that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is
seeking an Aurora municipal representative to participate on the Regional
Watershed Alliance. Staff advised that Aurora’s watershed comprises two
percent of the total watershed area, and encouraged anyone interested to
contact the Clerk’s Office by noon on October 6, 2017.
Moved by Kristina Zeromskiene
Seconded by Larry Fedec
1. That the Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) dated September 29, 2017, regarding Appointments to
the TRCA Regional Watershed Alliance 2017-2021, be received for
information.
Carried
7. New Business
The Committee inquired about available grants in relation to the eradication of
invasive plant species, and staff provided an update.
The Committee inquired about the disposition of items picked up in the Town’s
monthly textile collection, and staff provided an update.
The Committee inquired about the status of the planned nature reserve in the 2C
lands. The Chair and staff agreed to follow up on the matter and provide an
update at the next meeting.
The Committee noted that the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has
recently released a report, Beyond the Blue Box – Ontario’s Fresh Start on Waste
Diversion and the Circular Economy, which is available on the ECO website,
eco.on.ca/our-reports/special-reports.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Minutes
Page 4 of 5
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2017 Page 5 of 5
8. Adjournment
Moved by Larry Fedec
Seconded by Sara Varty
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Carried
Committee recommendations are not binding on the Town unless adopted by Council.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Minutes
Page 5 of 5
Memorandum
Date: December 4, 2017
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives
Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) – November 2017 Update
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
(CEAP) – November 2017 Update be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
(a) That the Corporate Environmental Action Plan dated November 2017 be
approved.
Background
At the October 5, 2017 meeting, the Committee reviewed the CEAP update and
requested that the following items be added to the Plan (Notes on where to find the
items addressed within the Plan are located in parentheses below each item.):
• Addition of implementation timelines;
(Appendix A, Timeline/Target column was added)
• Prioritization of actions;
(Directors are to prioritize actions within their responsibility annually during
budget and staff work plan development);
• Identification of recipients of outreach;
(Page 15, highlighted segments within actions)
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 and Environmental
Services
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Item 1
Page 1 of 31
Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) – November 2017 Update
December 4, 2017 Page 2 of 2
•Outreach and education regarding invasive species;
(Page 15, Action 4, second bullet highlighted)
•Creation of a community environment component;
(Page 18, Implementation item added, highlighted)
•Inclusion of targets in addition to indicators;
(Appendix A: many targets added to Indicator column or Target Column,
highlighted)
•More information on healthy and safe routes to schools to be added to the
Plan; and
(Page 10, highlighted new section Re: active school program)
•Departmental assignments.
(Departmental assignments will exist in a separate document in order to be more
flexible in adapting to position changes and organizational changes. Staff did not
come across any examples of environmental plans that stated which division
was responsible for completing specific actions within their posted Environmental
plans. These details were kept in a separate operational document.)
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Draft CEAP dated November 2017
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Item 1
Page 2 of 31
Corporate
Environmental
Action Plan
November 2017
(Draft)Attachment 1Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 3 of 31
WELCOME
The Town of Aurora is a beautiful municipality offering urban amenities and a small town lifestyle. Located on the Oak Ridges
Moraine, Aurora is an environmentally savvy town that is dedicated to the management and protection of our local environment.
We are pleased to present you with the Town of Aurora’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Update. This plan outlines
how the town intends to protect and enhance its natural environment. It also describes the steps to promote environmental
sustainability, integrity and conservation of resources.
Aurora is proud to support several conservation initiatives to improve our natural surroundings. We are a strong supporter of
renewable energy, green technology and protection of our natural resources. Recently, the Town completed Solar PV projects at
Town Hall, Aurora Public Library, Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex and the new Joint Operations Center. The Town also
incorporated energy saving technology and systems such as 2 electric vehicle charging stations, LED street lighting, mixed recycling
bins, motion sensor lighting controls, compact florescent lighting, water bottle refilling stations, Eco-Chill refrigeration and more.
This plan adds strength to Aurora’s corporate culture of environmental leadership. I invite you to browse through these pages to
become familiar with the Plan’s environmental initiatives and our town’s environmental successes. As a community, we can provide
a sustainable future for our families and preserve our natural surroundings to enjoy for years to come.
Sincerely,
(Mayor Dawe’s Signature to be added)
Mayor Geoffrey Dawe Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 4 of 31
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Town of Aurora’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) would not have been successfully completed without the
dedication, professional attitude and energy of many individuals, including Members of Council, the Environmental Advisory
Committee (EAC), the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the Environmental Management Team (EMT). This project was executed
under the leadership and co-ordination of Christina Nagy-Oh Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives with design and
copywriting support from the Corporate Communications division.
The Mayor and Council, EAC, ELT and EMT provided valuable external direction and critique at key points in the process.
Council
Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Councillor John Abel
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Jeff Thom
Councillor Paul Pirri
Councillor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael Thompson
EAC
Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair)
Councillor Tom Mrakas (Vice Chair)
Melville James
Jennifer Sault
Irene Clement
Larry Fedec
Sara Varty
Nancee Webb
Kristina Zeromskiene
Executive Leadership Team
Doug Nadorozny (CAO)
Al Downey (Director)
Marco Ramunno (Director)
Dan Elliot (Director)
Techa van Leeuwen (Director)
Environmental Management Team
Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives, IES, (Lead)
Sara Tienkamp, Parks Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Services
Fausto Filipetto, Policy Planner, Planning Services
Glen McArthur, Municipal Engineer, IES
Amanda Cutler, Waste/ Recycling Coordinator, IES
Laura Sheardown, Financial Analyst, Cash Flow and Investment, Corporate & Financial Services
Afshin Bazar, Manager of Building Services
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 5 of 31
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) is a five-year action plan that allows the Corporation of the Town of Aurora to meet
its environmental goals. The original Plan and its updated 2017 version received input from 3 Advisory committees, staff and senior
management. The purpose of the Plan is to protect and enhance the natural environment, promote environmental sustainability,
integrity and conservation of resources and create a practice of environmental stewardship within the community.
The CEAP is intended to provide corporate direction on key strategic environmental initiatives that will be initiated over the next five
years. The Plan has been developed to assist council to plan for and implement specific actions to improve the Town’s
environmental performance and sustainability for future generations.
The success of the Plan will require a coordinated approach to implementation that includes all departments within the corporation.
As the town moves forward with the implementation of this Plan, we will need to build and enhance internal and external
partnerships and synergies and commit to continually updating and monitoring this Plan. The Corporate Environmental Action Plan
is a prelude to the development of a broader Sustainability vision and Plan for the Town of Aurora.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 6 of 31
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
ABOUT AURORA 1
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT - CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 3
WHAT IS THE CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN? 4
AURORA’S SUSTAINABILITY VISION 5
LINKAGES TO OTHER PLANS, REVIEWS AND PROJECTS 6
AURORA’S CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 7
WATER CONSERVATION 8
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT 11
WASTE REDUCTION AND DIVERSION 12
BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL HERITAGE 13
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY 14
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 16
IMPLEMENTATION 18
INTEGRATE THE CEAP FRAMEWORK INTO THE DAY-TO-DAY FUNCTIONING OF THE MUNICIPALITY 18
TABLE 1: LISTING OF COMPLETED, CURRENT, AND ONGOING TOWN OF AURORA ENVIRONMENTAL INITITAVES, ACTIVITIES, AND ACTIONS 18
MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS 19
CONTINUALLY REVIEW AND ENHANCE THIS PLAN 19
FIGURES
FIGURE 1: MUNICIPALITY OF AURORA MAP 2
FIGURE 2: SUSTAINABILITY VISION 5
FIGURE 3: LINKAGES TO THE CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 6
FIGURE 4: FIVE SECTIONS OF THE CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 7
FIGURE 5: OVERVIEW OF THE CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN (CEAP) 17
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: TOWN OF AURORA ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS INDICATORS 20
APPENDIX B: ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED PLANS 22
APPENDIX C: BLUE DOT CAMPAIGN 23
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 7 of 31
INTRODUCTION
About Aurora
The Town of Aurora is located in York Region on the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Town population is 59,000
resident’s doubling in size since 1986. This growth is anticipated to continue with an additional 11,000 residents planned in the
community by 2031.
Aurora is also home to more than 1,300 businesses including approximately 150 major industries and head offices. The town
features a strong entrepreneurial spirit with over 84 per cent of Aurora businesses employing less than twenty employees. The
town’s business community has grown significantly in recent years and this growth is forecasted to continue with an additional
10,000 jobs anticipated by 2031.
Aurora is a welcoming and unique town with a strong sense of community pride and volunteerism. We are committed to healthy
and inclusive lifestyles inspired by natural heritage, historic culture, diverse neighborhoods, thriving businesses and natural
environment.
Aurora is a mosaic of contemporary living in charming heritage surroundings that continues to attract those looking for the ideal mix
of small town and urban amenities. The town is a popular residential destination for those commuting to Toronto or the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA).
Residents will enjoy a variety of sporting and cultural facilities, more than 500 acres of parkland, pedestrian trail systems, valley
lands, creek system, a community Arboretum, championship golf courses, fine dining, theatre, shopping, and a myriad of community
activities. The town is home to land with soil capability to accommodate agriculture, encompass three separate headwaters, open
spaces, natural areas, wildlife and wildlife habitat/corridors. Figure 1 illustrates Aurora’s greenlands, open spaces and environmental
protection lands (next page).
The Town of Aurora takes pride in its environmental stewardship actions and is continually working towards greater sustainability.
The development and update of the Corporate Environmental Action Plan reflects the town’s long term commitment to the
protection and management of this environmentally sensitive landscape. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 8 of 31
Figure 1: Map of Town of Aurora Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 9 of 31
Background and Context - Corporate Environmental Action Plan
The physical environment is the basis for our health, economy and well-being. It is also an intricate and delicate web of
microorganisms, flora, fauna, biodiversity and hydrological cycles. The Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) supports a
broader sustainability vision that integrates the Town’s environmental commitment with community and economic considerations.
Aurora Town Council is committed to supporting policies and initiatives and a vision of a more sustainable Aurora. Based on this
commitment, the CEAP was created with the support and strategic guidance of the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). The
creation and implementation of the CEAP is a clear indication of Council’s dedication to environmental stewardship – to protect and
preserve natural areas, maintain biodiversity and advance key environmental initiatives across the corporation.
At the Council meeting on January 26, 2016, the following Blue Dot motion had been passed.
All people have the right to live in a healthy environment, including:
a) The right to breathe clean air;
b) The right to drink clean water;
c) The right to consume safe food;
d) The right to access nature;
e) The right to know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment; and
f) The right to participate in decision-making that will affect the environment.
The town also recognizes and values the partnerships and contributions of the community in a number of environmental initiatives.
Residents and stakeholders are crucial to the town’s ongoing success and commitment to continued public engagement across the
community. The development of this updated Plan was based on several consultation workshops/meetings held with staff, senior
management. The goal of the meetings included developing:
• The purpose and rationale for the CEAP
• Key themes of the Plan
• Key objectives and actions; and
• Options for implementation.
Based on the feedback received, an inter-departmental Environmental Management Team was formed for the purpose of
implementing the plan and give feedback for the update of the plan. Initial meeting with the group addressed the structure,
context, environmental indicators, objectives and actions of the Plan as they relate to each department. The later meeting involved
discussions relating to review the final draft. Many corporate departments are responsible for the implementation of this Plan. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 10 of 31
What is the Corporate Environmental Action Plan?
The CEAP is a five-year plan that allows the Corporation of the Town of Aurora to meet its environmental objectives. The Plan
focuses on what the town can do to protect and enhance the natural environment. The Plan also supports the implementation of
the Town’s Strategic Plan, new Official Plan, master plans, and other ongoing environmental activities. The CEAP planning process,
consultation, and outcome will provide the town with an opportunity to capitalize on past experiences and implement change that
will empower Aurora to deliver progressive environmental policies and ensure that all departments are working together to achieve
common environmental objectives. The purpose of the Town of Aurora’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan is to:
• Protect and enhance the natural environment
• Be a catalyst for local initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, integrity and conservation of our
resources and ecosystem; and,
• To enhance environmental stewardship within the community.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 11 of 31
Aurora’s Community Sustainability Vision
Our Vision for Aurora in 2031 is an innovative and sustainable community where neighbours care and businesses thrive. Also, an
integrated community seamlessly connected by trails and open space that promote energy efficiency and provides accessible and
convenient transportation and sustainable development.
Our mission for sustainability in the Corporate Environmental Action Plan is the Town’s commitment to educate, inspire , and
empower our corporate demands to act sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations through a responsible balance
of Aurora’ s environment, Social/cultural and economic needs.
Creating the CEAP is one of the ways the Town is continuing to advance sustainability and move us towards a sustainable
community. Aurora will be integrating the Community Sustainability vision in decision-making processes that will interconnect the
natural environment, the economy, and the community (as illustrated in Figure 2 below).
Figure 2: Sustainability Vision
Natural Environment
Community
Economy
Sustainability Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 12 of 31
Linkages to Other Plans, Reviews and Projects
The Town of Aurora has a number of plans that guide priorities, daily actions and planning for the future (Figure 3 – below). These
include plans developed by the town as well as other jurisdictions that were critical to the development of this Plan. Examples
include:
Figure 3: Current Environmental Plans and Policies
Town
of
Aurora
Provincial Plans
Regional Plans
Corporate
Energy
Management
Plan
Community
Wildlife Park
Master Plan
Park and
Recreation
Master Plan
Community
Energy Plan
Corporate
Environmental
Action Plan
Comprehensive
Stormwater
Management
Master Plan
Town of Aurora
Official Plan
Trail Master
Plan
Urban Forest
Management
Plan
Tree protection
By-Law
Active and Safe
Transportation
Policy
Master
Transportation
Operations
Study Update Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 13 of 31
CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN
The Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) has been structured around water, urbanization, waste, natural environment,
climate change, and public education– to provide a direct link between the prescribed actions and the natural environment. The
CEAP includes six categories supported by a number of objectives and action items that are outlined in this section. The actions are
summarized in Figure 5 (Page 17).
Figure 4: Five sections of Aurora’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan
Corporate
Environmental
Action Plan
Water
Conservation
Sustainable
Urban
Development
Waste
Reduction and
Diversion
Biodiversity
and Natural
Heritage
Climate
Change and
Energy
Environmental
Awareness
Comment [CN1]: add symbols for the
various new categories. arrange them in a
circle with little arrows between them
showing their conectedness to eachother
and the environment. possibly have a nature
symbol in the middle and have arrows
points from each symbol to the middle. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 14 of 31
WATER CONSERVATION
Water is an important and limited resource. The Town of Aurora will take the appropriate steps towards reducing corporate water
consumption in order to conserve water resources. The corporation is also responsible for managing stormwater. Stormwater
management controls the stormwater runoff for the purpose of reducing downstream erosion, water quality degradation, and
flooding as well as mitigating the adverse effects of changes in land use on the aquatic environment. Stormwater management
facilities include stormwater retention and detention ponds, which retain water to control the runoff or improve the stormwater
quality by reducing the concentration of nutrients, sediments, hazardous substances and other pollutants. Low impact development
(LID) stormwater management involves infiltrating and/or filtering stormwater runoff into the ground either on individual lots,
through the stormwater conveyance system, or at storm sewer outlets. LID’s also control the quantity and improve the quality of
stormwater.
Objective W1: Reduce town owned facility water consumption
Action 1: Reduce corporate water consumption
To reduce corporate water consumption through increased efficiency techniques such as:
• Computer-automated irrigation systems;
• Water-efficient landscaping;
• Rainwater harvesting; and
• Greywater collection and reuse
Action 2: Implement a water loss reduction strategy
To implement a water loss reduction strategy, involving the installation of updated water meters to both residents and businesses
and the relining of aged sanitary sewer incrementally each year.
Objective W2: To reduce the uncontrolled and inadequately controlled stormwater areas with respect to both quality and
quantity by following recommendations of the Town’s Comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan
Action 1: Investigate ways to enhance and optimize the functioning of the current stormwater management facility inventory by:
• Reducing the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe via Tannery Creek and East Holland River; Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 15 of 31
• Restoring a self-sustaining coldwater fishery, where possible;
• Improving water quality to meet Town’s, LSRCA, and Lake Simcoe Protection Plan requirements;
Action 2: Improve stormwater quality in all new road reconstruction projects
To improve stormwater quality for all road reconstruction projects, where possible, by installing oil/grit separators or using Low
Impact Development (LID’s) to treat the road’s stormwater runoff.
• Implement the Stormwater Management (SWM) Rate Program
• Develop a stormwater infrastructure maintenance program and facility monitoring and inspection program
• Update SWM Design Standards
• Develop low impact development (LID) design guidelines/ incentives
• Apply LID techniques during construction/renovation of infrastructure and Town buildings
Action 3: Encourage at source storm water management control measures on private property
• By developing and implementing a marketing strategy to raise awareness within the community of how they can manage
their storm water within their private properties and the positive impact this can have; and
• By refining, updating or altering existing by-laws as required related to implementing source control measures on private
property
Action 4: Investigate new practices that may enhance pollution prevention including:
• Safer Alternative Products;
• Materials Storage Controls;
• Pool Drainage Controls;
• Erosion and Sediment Control;
• Cross Connection Control Program (ensuring sanitary services do not outlet to a storm drainage system);
• Public Education;
• Business Education and Awareness;
• Yellow Fish Road Program, in cooperation with York Region;
• Salt Management measures; and
• Snow Disposal practices.
(See appendix A for detailed summary of recommendations) Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 16 of 31
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Aurora is over 50 square kilometres in size. The variety of the town’s land assets is a big part of our economic strength and high
quality of life. With increasing urban intensification pressures in Aurora, it is important to manage and protect significant natural
resources. This section supports the protection of natural areas and their amenities as well as to promote more sustainable,
accessible and environmentally compatible land development.
Objective S1: Foster a sustainable green development and alternate methods of transportation to improve the quality of life of
Aurora’s residents and Town staff.
Action 1: Promote Sustainable Transportation to Town staff
Various Sustainable Transportation initiatives to reduce single occupancy vehicle use and maintain the smart commute gold
designation such as:
• Creating and offering flexible work hours opportunity for staff
• Creating and supporting a telecommuting policy
• Designating carpooling parking spots at town hall;
• Encouraging employees to actively transport themselves to work (cycle, walk);
• Encourage staff utilization of the e-bike share program
• Offer discounted transit passes for town staff
• *Increase bike parking at Town owned public facilities for both staff and residents; and
• *Improve walking / cycling network including safer grade-separated routes and cycling signals
Continue to implement and promote the Active and Safe Routes to School Program:
This program focuses on active transportation to increase physical activity of students to promote healthy, active travel to and from school in
the Town of Aurora. Town staff in coordination with School Boards and York Region community and health services work with each school to
develop a plan to reduce barriers to walking, reduce traffic congestion and increase walking and cycling safety skills.
Action 2: Implement Sustainable Building Metrics in the construction of all new Town facilities
Action 3: Set up new areas for additional community gardens in Aurora.
Opportunity: Apply for green infrastructure grant funding
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 17 of 31
WASTE REDUCTION and DIVERSION
The Town’s waste management strategy continues to concentrate on waste reduction programs with significant focus on reducing
over waste tonnage collected while maximizing material recoveries and increase promotion and education. To ensure our diversion
rate continuously increases, we will focus on specific targeted promotion and education to residents about reducing over waste
through the 4 R’s, reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. The Town works collaboratively with the Region, via the York Region SM4RT
Living Plan to implement specific planning processes that form part of the Integrated Waste Management Master Plan.
Objective D1: Implement sustainable construction practices to reduce waste, incorporate sustainable design and reclaim or
recycle materials.
Action 1: Implement sustainable construction and building practices for town buildings and facilities that considers ‘Sustainable
Sites Guidelines’:
• Reuse/recycle existing materials and support sustainable production practices
• Maximize the efficient use of aggregates through the recycling of recovered materials to minimize waste volumes and utilize non-
aggregate supplements (e.g. shredded tires) to minimize demand for new aggregates.
• Minimize effects of construction-related activities
• Maintain the site for long-term sustainability
• Utilize biodegradable and low impact green building cleaning products.
Action 2: Develop a Green Purchasing Policy for the Town of Aurora and its contractors
Objective D2: Reduce waste going to landfill disposal.
Action 1: Implement Waste Reduction Strategies
• A bag tag system and enforce 3 bag maximum;
• A full recycling program with parks and open spaces;
• Offer recycling and the green bin program to multi-residential buildings
• Develop initiative to promote reduction and re-use with radio, e-advertising and newspaper
• Develop a video campaign to increase awareness about the current blue box and waste programs
• Amend the current by-law requiring residents to source separate recyclables and organic materials from the waste stream, including
textiles
• Capture baseline data of 3 stream diversion and complete business case of effectiveness
• New Diversion options to be developed for public events
• Implement fee for bulky waste items and appliances Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 18 of 31
BIODIVERSITY and NATURAL HERITAGE
A large portion of Aurora is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine which forms a portion of the provincial Greenbelt. Through
biodiversity and the benefits it provides, ecosystems are the fundamental units for supporting life on earth. Ecosystem services are
the foundation for natural processes of climate, water and air regulation. These are some of the benefits:
• Supply clean water;
• Filter contaminants naturally;
• Stabilize water flows;
• Mitigate greenhouse gas;
• Control soil erosion;
• Cycle nutrients;
• Create habitat, recreation, opportunities; and
• Provide health benefits and cultural pursuits
The Town strives to maintain an environment that is ecologically sound and protect the natural heritage systems and their
biodiversity.
Opportunities for Innovation:
Use naturalization incentives to improve and create new wildlife habitat for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Objective B1: Enrich Aurora’s ecology by protecting and preserving biodiversity.
Action 1: * Encourage ecological design in landscaping of parks and retrofit projects
• Extending the area of natural grassland, wood edge and increasing the core areas of existing woodlands where possible
• Implement options to naturalize parking lots and include landscaping for shade
• Develop a maintenance protocol to improve survival of newly planted/restored areas
Action 2: Improve natural heritage significant wildlife habitat
• Re-evaluate by-laws that address wildlife feeding
Action 3: Implement the Urban Forest Management Plan
• Promote Conservation authorities’ tree planting programs to encourage planting trees on public and private property
• Update standards and specifications for tree health, including soil
Action 4: Implement the Invasive Species Act in partnership with York Region and the Province.
• Apply for grant funding to help annually reduce the spread of invasive plant species
• Eradicate Noxious weeds within proximity to trails and actively used public areas to make them pedestrian friendly Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 19 of 31
CLIMATE CHANGE and ENERGY
What is Climate change?
“Climate change is a change in the usual weather found in a place. This could be a change in how much rain a place usually gets in a
year. Or it could be a change in a place's usual temperature for a month or season. ‘It’ is also a change in Earth's climate. This could
be a change in Earth's usual temperature. Or it could be a change in where rain and snow usually fall on Earth. Weather can change
in an hour. Climate takes hundreds or even millions of years to change”.4
Climate change is expected to place increased stress on natural, social and built environments particularly on infrastructure,
planning and social services, environmental conditions and buildings. Increasingly, communities across Ontario are feeling the
effects, from more frequent and heavier rainstorms, to longer summers. This will create challenges for municipalities as they work to
minimize the impacts of extreme weather through the development and implementation of climate change adaptation plans.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change predicted an increase of temperature variability and precipitation patterns and
increasing occurrences of extreme events such as droughts, extreme heat, storms and flooding for York Region. Aurora is planning to
model its greenhouse gas reduction targets after the Provincial targets set as part of the climate change Action Plan. The Province
committed to reducing 37 per cent by 2030 and 80 % by 2050.
Adaptation measures are the process of adapting to the changing climate by seeking to lower the risks posed by the consequences
of climatic changes. The following actions should be taken to ensure that the Town of Aurora begins to adapt better for future
weather conditions and storms.
Objective C1: Prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Action 1: Identify climate change risks by completing a vulnerability risk assessment of key departmental priorities
Action 2: Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan that will assist the town to mitigate the risks of climate change. The Plan
would benefit from climate change planning partnerships with other municipalities, conservation authorities and York Region.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 20 of 31
Mitigation measures address the root causes, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The following objectives consist of actions to
mitigate the magnitude or rate of the changing climate.
Objective C2: Implement the Provincial Climate Change Plan Actions
Action 1: *Province Propose amendments to Municipal Act
Action 2: *Require electric charging in surface lots
Action 3: *Set green development standards
Action 4: *Eliminate minimum parking requirements over the next 5 years for municipal zoning bylaws
Action 5: *Make climate change mitigation and adaptation mandatory in municipal official plans
Objective C3: Reduce the town’s greenhouse gas emissions by town staff and at town facilities.
Action 1: Implement an anti-idling initiative
• To implement an anti-idling initiative that will include working with schools to educate parents and public. This will also include the
implementation of an anti-idling education campaign for town staff and contractors.
Action 2: *Develop a Green Fleet Plan
• To develop a corporate Green Fleet Plan that addresses new green fleet procurement and replacement to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. The Plan should consider alternative fuels, higher efficiency vehicles, hybrid and electric options that meet the required
need.
• Develop Electric Vehicle Charging Station usage fee Policy and maintenance plan
• *Consider installing an EV charging station at SARC
Action 3: Improve energy efficiency of existing building and business operations4
• Engage with town owned facility operators, businesses and institutions to implement corporate sustainability initiatives aimed at
reducing GHG emissions
• *Reduce emissions/ energy costs by implementing energy conservation measures
Action 4: Consider all green infrastructure options as part of new corporate builds
• Placing trees in and around Parking lots
• Redesign and retrofit water collection and conveyance infrastructure due to climate change
Implement water quality and water and wastewater conservation strategies and incentives
* From the Provincial Climate Change Plan Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 21 of 31
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Public education and awareness is the cornerstone of environmental outreach and it is reflected in the town values to have a
positive impact on the environment. The town continues to engage staff and the community about environmental initiatives and
accomplishments.
Objective A1: Encourage the stewardship of Aurora‘s natural resources and advance green initiatives by promoting community
involvement
Action 1: Promote the use of reusable water bottles in conjunction with the new water bottle filling stations. Communication
campaign is aimed at the community including staff and should include but may not be limited to the following:
• Waste caused by disposable water bottles
• Promote town’s municipal water as being clean, safe and drinkable
• Promotion of Blue W, web application in order to fill water bottles at no cost in participating business’s
• Town to partner with York Region’s education and outreach programs for water conservation and local water source protection
• Minimize disposable water bottle usage at group organized events or meetings
Action 2: Increase overall community awareness of climate change:
• Increase awareness of natural hazards from flooding and erosion
• Increase public awareness and education on stormwater management
• Promote idling reduction and education campaigns (community/corporate)
• Public awareness campaigns encouraging good behaviour using incentives supported by corporate sponsorship
• Increase uptake of sustainable transportation options
• Promote actions to reduce the creation of GHG emissions and support our ability to adapt to climate change
Action 3: Develop an urban forest communication plan that delivers key messages to target audiences within the community:
• Promote “Adopt a Park” Program as “Community Stewardship Program”
• Support and promote LEAF’s Backyard Planting Program
• Support stewardship programs through planting trees/shrubs/maintenance with partners LSRCA, Arboretum, and Neighbourhood work
Action 4: Develop an education communications strategy aimed at the community to help protect and enhance our biodiversity
• Provide targeted outreach for residents surrounding the natural system via stewardship and education programs
• Maintain an invasive species web page on the town website linking residents to additional informational websites Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 22 of 31
16
Figure 5: Overview of the Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)
WATER CONSERVATION
Objective W1: Reduce town owned facility water consumption
Action 1: Reduce corporate water consumption
Action 2: Implement a water loss reduction strategy
Objective W2: To reduce the uncontrolled and inadequately controlled stormwater areas with respect to both quality and
quantity by following recommendations of the Town’s Comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan
Action 1: Investigate ways to enhance and optimize the functioning of the current stormwater management facility
inventory
Action 2: Improve stormwater quality in all new road reconstruction projects
Action 3: Encourage at source storm water management control measures on private property
Action 4: Investigate new practices that may enhance pollution prevention
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Objective S1: Foster a sustainable green development and alternate methods of transportation to improve the quality of life
of Aurora’s residents and Town Staff.
Action 1: Promote Sustainable Transportation to Town staff
Action 2: Implement Sustainable Building Metrics in the construction of all new Town facilities
Action 3: Set up new areas for additional community gardens in Aurora.
WASTE REDUCTION and DIVERSION
Objective D1: Implement sustainable construction practices to reduce waste, incorporate sustainable design and reclaim or
recycle materials.
Action 1: Implement sustainable construction and building practices for town buildings and facilities that considers
‘Sustainable Sites Guidelines’
Action 2: Develop a Green Purchasing Policy for the Town of Aurora and its contractors
Objective D2: Reduce corporate waste going to landfill disposal.
Action 1: Implement Waste Reduction Strategies
BIODIVERSITY and NATURAL HERITAGE
Objective B1: Enrich Aurora’s ecology by protecting and preserving biodiversity
Action 1: * Encourage ecological design in landscaping of parks and retrofit projects
Action 2: Improve Natural Heritage Significant Wildlife Habitat
Action 3: Implement the Urban Forestry Management Plan
Action 4: Implement the Invasive Species Act in partnership with York Region and the Province.
CLIMATE CHANGE and ENERGY
Objective C1: Prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Action 1: Identify climate change risks by completing a vulnerability risk assessment of key departmental priorities
Action 2: Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan that will assist the town to mitigate the risks of climate change.
Objective C2: Implement the Provincial Climate Change Plan Actions
Action 1: *Province Propose amendments to Municipal Act
Action 2: *Require electric charging in surface lots
Action 3: *Set green development standards
Action 4: *Eliminate minimum parking requirements over the next 5 years for municipal zoning bylaws
Action 5: *Make climate change mitigation and adaptation mandatory in municipal official plans
Objective C3: Reduce the town’s greenhouse gas emissions by town staff and at town facilities.
Action 1: Implement an anti-idling initiative
Action 2: *Develop a Green Fleet Plan
Action 3: Improve energy efficiency of existing building and business operations
Action 4: Consider all green infrastructure options as part of new corporate builds
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Objective A1: Encourage the stewardship of Aurora‘s natural resources and advance green initiatives by promoting community
involvement
Action 1: Promote the use of reusable water bottles in conjunction with the new water bottle filling stations
communication campaign
Action 2: Increase overall community awareness of climate change
Action 3: Develop an urban forest communication plan that delivers key messages to target audiences
Action 4: Develop an education and outreach communications strategy to help protect and enhance our biodiversity
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Item 1
Page 23 of 31
IMPLEMENTATION
The Town of Aurora’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) unites a number of programs, policies and
initiatives that will help position the town as a leader in promoting environmental sustainability. The town will
place a strong emphasis on achieving the objectives and Actions outlined in this Plan. The CEAP demonstrates
council’s continued commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment. To ensure implementation, the
town will need to:
• Integrate the CEAP framework into the day-to-day function of the municipality;
• Maintain and enhance internal and external partnerships; and
• Review and enhance Plan every 5 years.
Integrate the CEAP Framework into the Day-to-Day Functioning of the Municipality
Key to the implementation of the CEAP is the governance and accountability structures that will be in place to move the Plan
forward. The Manager of Environmental Initiatives will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of this
Plan. The following actions will be pursued to integrate the CEAP into the day-to-day function of the municipality:
Table 1: Listing of completed, current, and ongoing town of aurora environmental inititaves, activities, and actions
Actions Suggested Timeframe
CAO to support the ongoing role of the Environmental Management Team (EMT) to manage the implementation of
the CEAP. The implementation team will include representatives from all departments and will report to ELT.
Ongoing
Individual Departments, with the assistance of EMT, will consider the implementation of this Plan when developing
departmental priorities and preparing budgets.
As part of annual
budget process
Implementation of CEAP to flow through directors and CAO, who will be responsible for assigning respective
departmental staff to implement.
ongoing
Staff are strongly encouraged to reference the relevant CEAP objectives in the Link to the Strategic Plan section of
all Council reports.
New / ongoing
EMT, through department heads, to report to council by way of annual Progress Report regarding the progress of
the CEAP’s implementation.
Annually in Q1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 24 of 31
Actions Suggested Timeframe
The Green Initiatives Reserve Fund (the “Fund”) is hereby established to receive and hold donations or budgetary
contributions for purposes of funding or lending funding for projects or initiatives which further the objectives or
support the strategic directions of the Town’s Corporate Environmental Action Plan as amended from time to time.
Council may direct that portions of revenues or saving arising from certain projects are to be contributed to the
Reserve Fund.
Balances in the Fund will be planned for specific projects recommended to or by Council during the annual budget
process, or other times throughout the year, having consulted with the Environmental Advisory Committee. Due to
its nature, There is no target balance for this fund. At any time, acting in the best interests of the Town, Council
may direct that some or all balances in the Fund be transferred to other reserve funds, or used for other purposes.
The Fund is established by transfer of the current balance in the Town’s Green Initiatives Reserve Fund account.
During the next (second) review and enhancement of this plan, Stakeholders are seeking to strengthen the
community component which will include a thorough and varied community consultation process which engages
community members, local businesses, staff and council with the renewal of this Plan.
2022
Develop, distribute and promote a staff Environmental Handbook; to be maintained and updated on the intranet
and printed and distributed to new and existing staff during earth week. The handbook will highlight some new
environmental initiatives as well as some basic energy saving and environmentally friendly living tips.
2020
Set up a green team of staff who are passionate about specific environmental initiatives to advise the project lead
until the project is being implemented. This team should also help raise awareness, promote various
environmental programs and choose to help at various environmental events throughout the year.
2020
Maintain and Enhance Internal and External Partnerships
As the town moves forward with implementation of the CEAP, we will need to continue to build/enhance existing internal
(between departments) and external partnerships (with community groups and residents, e.g. Community Arboretum).
Further, the town will continue to take a leadership role with respect to environmental protection and preservation in the
community, in part, by establishing any relevant new partnerships.
Review and Enhance Plan every 5 years
The CEAP is a ‘living plan’ that must be recognized by staff and council as an evolving document. Council is committed to:
• Review and update the Plan every five years;
• Review annual implementation plans in concert with departmental business plans; and
• Prepare an annual progress report. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 25 of 31
Appendix A: Town of Aurora Environmental Progress Indicators
Priority Area Actions Indicators Timeline/Target
Water
Conservation
Action W1.1: Reduce corporate water
consumption
Annual 8 % reduction in corporate water
consumption
Annual water consumption to
be added to Progress Report
Action W1.2: Implement a water loss
reduction strategy
Water meters installed / year
Sanitary sewer Km relined / year
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action W2.1: Investigate ways to enhance
and optimize the functioning of the
current sw management facility inventory
# of assumed sw management facilities
performing as designed
Annual update on Progress
Report
ActionW2.2: Improve stormwater quality
in all new road reconstruction projects
Km’s of road treated by oil grit separators
or LID’s
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action W2.3: Encourage at source
stormwater management control
measures on private property
15 residents adding LID’s to their property
/ year
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action W2.4: Investigate new practices
that may enhance pollution prevention
2 new practices added per year Annual update on Progress
Report
Sustainable
Urban
Development
Action S1.1: Promote Sustainable
Transportation to Town staff
Maintaining Gold Smart Commute
designation
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action S1.2: Implement Sustainable
Building Metrics in the construction of all
new Town facilities
List all sustainable features on
construction projects.
Ongoing, as construction
projects arise.
Action S1.3: Set up new areas for
additional community gardens in Aurora
Add 2 new community gardens projects by
2022
2022
Waste Reduction
Action D1.1: Implement sustainable
construction and building practices for
town buildings and facilities that considers
‘Sustainable Sites Guidelines’
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action D1.2: Develop a Green Purchasing
Policy for the Town of Aurora and its
contractors
The preparation of a Green Procurement
Policy for Council consideration
By November 2019
Action D2.1: Implement Waste Reduction
Strategies
10 % reduction of waste from facilities /
year
Annual update on Progress
Report
Biodiversity and
Sustainability
Action B1.1: * Encourage ecological design
in landscaping of parks and retrofit
projects
Add 1 ecological design feature to
naturalize 2 parking lots per year
Annual update on Progress
Report Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 26 of 31
Action B1.2: Improve Natural Heritage
Significant Wildlife Habitat
Complete 1 of wildlife habitat
rehabilitation project per year
Annual update on Progress
Report
Action B1.3: Implement the Urban Forest
Management Plan
Track the # of trees planted on Town
property / year
Plant 1000 trees / year on Town
property.
Action B1.4: Implement the Invasive
Species Act in partnership with York
Region and the Province
Complete 1 invasive species pilot project
per year.
Apply for 1 grants per 3 years.
Document partnership with other
organizations.
Fall, annually
Spring annually
Climate Change
and Energy
Action C1.1: Identify climate change risks
by completing a vulnerability risk
assessment of key departmental priorities
Apply for funding and document proposal
approvals
Completion date of each climate change
risk assessment
2020
2020 for first Dept.
2021 for second Dept.
Action C1.2: Develop a Climate Change
Adaptation Action Plan that will assist the
town to mitigate the risks of climate
change
The preparation of climate change action
plan approved by Council
Add to 2020 budget
2020
Action C2.1: *Province Propose
amendments to Municipal Act
NA
Action C2.2: *Require electric charging in
surface lots
The date that this requirement has been
added to the Town’s Development Policy
2021
Action C2.3: *Set green development
standards
Green Development Standards approved
by Council
2020
Action C2.4: *Eliminate minimum parking
requirements over the next 5 years for
municipal zoning bylaws
The date that this requirement has been
added to the Official Plan policy
2022
Action C2.5: *Make climate change
mitigation and adaptation mandatory in
municipal official Plan
The date that this requirement has been
added to the Official Plan policy
2022
Action C3.1: Implement an anti-idling
initiative
20 % of staff completing anti-idling
training / year. First year include staff who
drive Town vehicles
40 staff trained per year until all
staff are trained. Yr one 2019.
Action C3.2: *Develop a Green Fleet Plan Prepare a Green Fleet Plan 2020
Action C3.3: Improve energy efficiency of
existing buildings
# of energy retrofit in existing buildings
Create a plan for retrofits per year
2018 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 27 of 31
Action C3.4: Consider all green
infrastructure options as part of new
corporate builds
# of green infrastructure options included
in new corporate projects
Ongoing, as construction
projects arise.
Environmental
Awareness
Action A1.1: Promote the use of reusable
water bottles in conjunction with the new
water bottle filling stations.
# of promotions of reusable water bottles First awareness campaign to
take place in 2017
Action A1.2: Increase overall community
awareness of climate change
# of public events and campaigns
centering around Climate Change
1 community event hosted or
partnered by Aurora which
features this topic by Dec. 2020
Action A1.3: Develop an urban forest
communication plan that delivers key
messages to target audiences.
annual # of trees planted 2000 trees planted / year
Action A1.4: Develop an education and
outreach communications strategy to help
protect and enhance our biodiversity
# of public outreach campaigns promoting
and protecting biodiversity
Ongoing Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 28 of 31
22Aurora Community Wildlife Park Place*** Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan Develop a future Town-wide Stream Erosion Master Plan, in combination with a storm sewer hydrologic and hydraulic model to alleviate erosion risk, infrastructure damage, and environmental degradation Develop and implement a marketing strategy to encourage source control measures on private property through public awareness within community and by refining, updating or altering existing by-laws related to implement these measures Review and update the Town’s Stormwater Management Policy to ensure the policies are extended to all stormwater treatment systems, both conventional and LID, for both water quality and quantity control; and Ensure that the Town’s storm water management policies will allow the Town to obtain adequate cash in lieu of maintenance from developers for the above noted recommendations. Aurora Urban Forest Study Refine the results of the urban tree canopy (UTC) analysis to develop an urban forest cover target. Build on the results of the urban tree canopy analysis (UTC) and the priority planting index to prioritize tree planting and establishment efforts to improve the distribution of ecosystem services, including urban heat island mitigation and stormwater management Increase leaf area in canopied areas by planting suitable tree and shrub species under existing tree cover. Planting efforts should continue to be focused in areas of the municipality that currently support a high proportion of ash species Utilize native planting stock grown from locally adapted seed sources in both intensively and extensively managed areas Corporate Energy Management Plan Reduce energy consumption in Town fleet vehicles Enhance communication, increase engagement and encourage behavioural modifications to improve energy efficiency Ensure that energy efficiency policies, targets, and programs are integrated into the day-to-day function of the Town of Aurora Park and Recreation Master Plan Maintain a high degree of walkability and connectivity among parks through active transportation infrastructure and key linkages Provide a well-balance opportunities for active and passive recreation, recognizing the value they contribute to the overall health and welfare of the community; Achieve a satisfactory distribution of parkland to ensure that they are easily accessible and maintaining the integrity of natural heritage systems Trails Master Plan Designate open space and trail including clear zones and suitable buffers for wildlife passage area in the natural corridor. Adopt the Aurora Trails Network Plan for non-motorized and self-propelled traffic, for utilitarian as well as outdoor recreational purposes. Include off-road trails in natural environments for non-motorized traffic Appendix B: Environmentally Related Plans Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017 Item 1 Page 29 of 31
Appendix C: Blue Dot Campaign
10. NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(ii) Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(c) Councillor Mrakas
Re: Blue Dot Campaign
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Kim
WHEREAS the Town of Aurora understands that people are part of the environment, and that a healthy environment is
inextricably linked to the well-being of our community; and
WHEREAS as the Town updates its Corporate Environmental Action Plan, it will consider and have regard for the
environmental consideration of the Blue Dot Campaign; and
WHEREAS the Town, as an environmental steward, respects, protects, fulfills and promotes rights for the benefit of
existing and future generations; and
WHEREAS the Town is committed to supporting the protection, enhancement and restoration of the environment by
fostering education and outreach, collaborating through partnerships, supporting the development of connected
communities and reporting progress towards reaching goals;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora finds and declares that:
EXTRACT FROM
COUNCIL MEETING OF
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 30 of 31
2. All people have the right to live in a healthy environment, including:
a) The right to breathe clean air;
b) The right to drink clean water;
c) The right to consume safe food;
d) The right to access nature;
e) The right to know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment; and
f) The right to participate in decision-making that will affect the environment.
3. The Town of Aurora has the responsibility, within its jurisdiction, to respect, protect, fulfill and promote these rights.
4. The Town of Aurora shall specify objectives, targets and timelines and actions the Town will take, within its jurisdiction, to
fulfill residents’ right to a healthy environment, including priority actions to:
a) Ensure infrastructure and development projects protect the environment, including air quality;
b) Address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptation measures;
c) Responsibly increase density;
d) Prioritize walking, cycling and public transit as preferred modes of transportation;
e) Reduce solid waste and promote recycling and composting; and
f) Establish and maintain accessible green spaces in all residential neighbourhoods; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora shall forward a copy of this declaration to the provincial government, calling
for a public review of the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights in order to improve the Act and to include recognition that all
people have the right to live in a healthy environment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora shall forward a copy of this declaration to the federal government calling for
the development of federal legislation that recognizes that all people have the right to live in a healthy environment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Aurora shall forward a copy of this declaration to the Association of Municipalities
of Ontario (AMO), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), to show support for recognizing the right of all people to
live in a healthy environment.
CARRIED AS AMENDED Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Monday, December 4, 2017Item 1 Page 31 of 31
Page 1 of 1
5.Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
C1. General Committee Meeting Report of November 7, 2017
1.That the General Committee meeting report of November 7, 2017, be received
and the following recommendations carried by the Committee be approved:
(C4) Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 5, 2017
1.That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of October
5, 2017, be received for information.
Carried
Extract from
Council Meeting of
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 4, 2017
Item 2
Page 1 of 1