Minutes - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20220622 1
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Barry Bridgeford
Colin Brown
Sam Cunningham
Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Ryan Hamid
Crystal Robertson
Members Absent: Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)
Sandy Hudson
Other Attendees: Anca Mihail, Manager of Engineering and Capital Delivery
Sebastian Contarin, Energy and Climate Change Analyst
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the Anishinaabe
lands, the traditional and Treaty #20 territories of the Chippewas of Georgina
Island, recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to
this day and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of this
land. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of
the Credit, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties of 1923.
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3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
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 May 4, 2022
Moved by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of May 4,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst; Re: Climate
Change Adaptation Plan - Implementation Plan
Lisa MacTavish, Advisor, Climate Risk & Resilience, WSP, presented an
overview of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan with a focus on the
Implementation Plan including project process and objectives, findings,
top risks, and recommendations. Jay Maloney, Climate Risk & Resilience
Analyst, WSP, was also present to answer questions.
The Committee, staff, and consultant discussed various aspects including:
booster stations; sanitary system risk of water infiltration; high impact
events and increased variability; provision of electricity risk and power
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failures; winter climate trends and risks, increased winter freeze-thaw
cycles and flooding; climate change modeling; need for focus on socio-
economic and environmental impacts, mitigation opportunities, and
community; flood remediation study recommendations; low impact
development, and green development standards.
The Committee and staff further discussed homeowner incentives and
programs for energy efficiency retrofitting—including roof solar panels,
building envelopes, white roofs vs. black roofs, windows, and insulation—
through energy provider rebates and various government grants, including
the Town’s Community Energy Plan (CEP). Other municipalities’ programs
and grant opportunities were discussed as well as the Passive House
building standard.
Moved by Crystal Robertson
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
1. That the memorandum regarding Climate Change Adaptation Plan –
Implementation Plan be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Implementation Plan be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst; Re: Corporate
Environmental Action Plan 2021 Progress Report
Staff presented a brief overview of the Corporate Environmental Action
Plan (CEAP) and annual progress report for 2021, including the CEAP
purposes and themes, reporting process, and successfully implemented
objectives. The Committee inquired about corporate-wide staff
involvement and about the usage and monitoring of the IVY electric
vehicle charging station at Town Hall. Staff provided clarification and
agreed to provide usage information.
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
2021 Progress Report be received; and
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2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Corporate Environmental Action Plan 2021 Progress Report be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Round Table Discussion; Re: Unauthorized Private Use of Adjacent
Environmentally Protected Ravine Lands
The Committee inquired about the Town's position on homeowners,
whose property is adjacent to environmentally protected (EP) lands, who
have cut holes in the fence and planted vegetation in the adjoining EP
lands. Staff advised that such encroachments are not acceptable and
referred to sections 9 and 39 of the Town's Parks and Public Spaces by-
law number 4752-05.P. Staff confirmed that By-law Services
investigations into noncompliance issues are mostly complaint driven.
The Committee further inquired about the impact of long-term
encroachments and staff provided clarification. The Committee
suggested that the public could be educated on elements of the Parks and
Public Spaces by-law through the Town's communication channels.
Moved by Ryan Hamid
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Unauthorized Private Use of Adjacent Environmentally Protected
Ravine Lands 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 Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Seconded by Sam Cunningham
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Update List be received
for information.
Carried
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9. Adjournment
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Carried