Minutes - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20220504 1
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Barry Bridgeford
Colin Brown
Sam Cunningham
Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Ryan Hamid (arrived 7:48 p.m.)
Sandy Hudson
Members Absent: Crystal Robertson
Other Attendees: Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development and Policy
Nick Kazakoff, Economic Development Officer
Natalie Kehle, Energy and Climate Change Analyst
Sebastian Contarin, Energy and Climate Change Analyst
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Natalie Kehle introduced Sebastian Contarin, the Town’s new Energy and Climate
Change Analyst, who will also serve as Staff Liaison to the Committee, replacing
Natalie during her leave of absence starting in May 2022.
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2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations,
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2022
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February
23, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
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7.1 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst; Re: Climate
Change Adaptation Plan
Lisa MacTavish, Advisor, Climate Change Risk and Resilience, WSP,
presented an overview of the Climate Change Adaption Plan, including
project scope, climate change overview, risk assessment process, top
risks, recommendations, and conclusions. Christina Schwantes, Specialist,
Climate Change, Resilience and Sustainability, WSP, was also present to
answer any questions.
The Committee provided feedback and inquired about various aspects
related to the plan including risk and cost assessments, downstream
flooding impacts, protection of natural heritage assets, public education
on flood mitigation and protection for homeowners, flood control and
preservation of park assets, budgeting for green infrastructure, potential
loss of power, emergency preparedness, design standards and budgeting
for climate adaptation, and collaboration with other municipalities and
partners. The consultants and staff provided further clarification.
Moved by Sandy Hudson
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
1. That the memorandum regarding Climate Change Adaptation Plan be
received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Climate Change Adaptation Plan be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Economic Development Officer; Re: Community
Improvement Plan Review Consultation
Staff presented an overview of the memorandum including background on
the Promenade Area Community Improvement Plan (CIP), a best practice
review of the seven programs in the initial Plan in comparison with
neighbouring municipalities, and next steps. Staff sought Committee input
on the proposed four priority areas of the updated CIP with a focus on the
environment and sustainability. The Committee provided feedback and
inquired about various aspects including historical uptake of the CIP
programs, suggestions to make the application process easier and more
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accessible, funding, and criteria for sustainability-related incentives. Staff
provided clarification and noted that the CIP update will align with the
Town’s Official Plan and the new Green Development Standards.
Moved by Ryan Hamid
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
1. That the memorandum regarding Community Improvement Plan
Review Consultation be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Community Improvement Plan Review Consultation be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
8.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Update List
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Update List be received
for information.
Carried
9. Adjournment
Moved by Sam Cunningham
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Carried