Agenda - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20230515Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Monday, May 15, 2023
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Holland Room
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
8.Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst; Re: Town of
Aurora Climate Change Initiative Update
1
That the memorandum regarding Town of Aurora Climate
Change Initiative Update be received for information.
1.
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: Town of Aurora Climate Change Initiative Update
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Sebastian Contarin, Energy & Climate Change Analyst
Date: May 15, 2023
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Town of Aurora Climate Change Initiative Update be
received for information.
Background
The Town of Aurora (the Town) is committed on building towards a less carbon-
intensive and climate resilient community. The purpose of this memorandum is to
provide the Environmental Advisory Committee an update of the climate initiatives and
environmental achievements that the Town has accomplished since the last
Environmental Advisory Committee meeting in June of 2022 and an introduction to the
upcoming climate initiatives in 2023.
The update will include the following:
Brief overview of Town initiatives over last decade (dedicated to new EAC
members)
Town initiatives since last EAC meeting in June of 2022
Endorsement of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Corporate Environmental Action Plan Progress Report 2021
The Introduction of the Town’s Green Development Standards
Environmental Stewardship Programs 2022
2022 ClimateWise Building Challenge
Electric Vehicle Showcase Event 2023
Town’s upcoming initiatives for 2023
o Update of the Town’s Energy Conservation and Demand Management
Plan 2024-2029
Page 1 of 25
Town of Aurora Climate Change Initiative Update
May 15, 2023 Page 2 of 2
o Community Efficiency Financing Application Submission to The Green
Municipal Fund
o Update to the 2013 Economic Value of Natural Capital Assets
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Town of Aurora Climate Change Initiative Update Powerpoint
Presentation
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Climate Change Initiatives Update 2022-2023Environmental Advisory Committee MeetingMonday, May 15, 20237:00pmEngineering & Capital Delivery Division Attachment 1Page 3 of 25
2019Post-2019Pre-20192013: The Economic Value of Natural Capital Assets2016: ToA joins the Blue Dot MovementInstallation of solar PV panels at the SARC2018: Development of the Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)ToA joins the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP)2014: Installation of solar PV panels at Public Library and Town Hall2017: Installation of solar PV panels at the JOC2012: Establishment of the Green Initiatives Reserve Fund2019: Declaration of Climate Emergency2020: Establishment of the Anti-Idling Policy2021: Development of the Green Fleet Action Plan (GFAP)Development of the Community Energy Plan (CEP)Environmental Stewardship Program: GO Green ChallengeEstablishment of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station PolicyInstallation of EV charging stations across Town-owned facilities2022: Development of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP)Town Hall awarded Top Ranked Building in ClimateWise ChallengeTown of Aurora Highlights over Last Decade Page 4 of 25
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Council Endorsement of the Climate Change Adaptation PlanPlan Overview•The Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) was undertaken back in 2021-2022 and consisted of a climate change vulnerability and risk assessment to four (4) Town-owned asset category types including, linear infrastructure (roads, stormwater), water infrastructure, parks and natural heritage, and facilities. Purpose of Plan•The purpose of the CCAP was to assess the level of risk/vulnerability that was associated to each of the four Town-owned asset categories, based on projected climate change analytics. Objective of Plan•The objective of the CCAP was to develop an implementation plan, or a series of recommended climate action items, to address the vulnerabilities presented in the risk assessment and to strengthen the longevity and integrity of Town-owned assets.Plan Completion •The Consultant completed the plan at the end of Q3 and presented to Council in Q4 of 2022. Page 6 of 25
Plan Follow-Up Initiatives•Energy & Climate Change Analyst to review the Implementation Plan included in the CCAP•Consultation with all relevant department leads to assess what initiatives from the Implementation Plan has been completed, in progress, or not yet completed.•Documentation of progress made to the Implementation Plan; this will involve annual outreach efforts to relevant department leads on projectsLink to CCAP Report: Town of Aurora.pdfImplementation PlanConsultationMeasure ProgressEngineering ServicesParks and RecreationGISFacilitiesOperationsEnvironmental ServicesPage 7 of 25
Corporate Environmental Action Plan Progress Report 2022Plan Overview•The Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) is a five-year plan that allows the Town to meet its environmental goals. Purpose of Plan•The plan serves to protect and enhance the natural environment, promote environmental sustainability, integrity, and conservation of resources, and creates a practice of environmental stewardship within the community.Plan Deliverable•A progress report is submitted and presented to both EAC and Council on an annual basis to present a high-level overview of the environmental accomplishments that have been completed over the previous year. Progress Report 2021 Completion •At the start of Q4 of last year, the 2021 Progress Report was submitted to Council for review.Link to 2021 Report: Corporate-Environmental-Action-Plan-2021---Progress-Report.pdf (aurora.ca)Page 8 of 25
Water ConservationSustainable Urban DevelopmentWaste Reduction and Diversion Biodiversity and Natural HeritageClimate Change and EnergyEnvironmental AwarenessCEAP ThemesPage 9 of 25
Successfully Implemented CEAP Objectives Summary: 2021In 2021, Town Council approved the EElectric Vehicle Charging Station Policy, taking another important step towards decreasing the community’s GHG emissions through the transition towards an electric-fuel exclusive corporate transportation fleet. Town Operations changed 315 water metersin 2021 as part of its water loss reduction strategy.Applied low impact development techniques during construction of the 2021 road reconstruction projects (Bioswales and enhanced oil/grit separators)Council approved the Bag Tag Program, which aims to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices and increase town-wide waste diversion rates.The Town diverted approximately 66% of its waste; exceeding the 2018 base year rate by 1%. Planted 1,900trees and shrubs on Aurora lands. Partnership with Herb McKenzie Park, thirteenth partnership, was established in 2021 with the Adopt-a-ParkProgram and Partnership development. Page 10 of 25
Successfully Implemented CEAP Objectives Summary: 2021The Town had partnered with IVY Charge and installed eight (8) Dual Head Level 2 Chargers at Town-owned facilities; with proposed actions on installing two (2) additional chargers as part of the Library Square Project. Continued energy tracking at Town-owned facilities demonstrated 14.5% less energy consumption compared to 2018 metrics.Generated 613, 727 kWh of electricity from Town solar rooftop systems.Integration of the Town’s Anti-Idling campaign in Every Second Counts as well as two (2) GO Green Challenges. Integration of operational changes at Town-owned facilities, in effort to reduce energy consumption, resulting to a 23% energy avoidance in 2021.Developed an enhanced Lymantria DisparDispar(LDD) strategy. Page 11 of 25
The Introduction of the Town’s Green Development StandardsWhat are Green Development Standards?•Green Development Standards (G.D.S) are voluntary or mandatory measures developed by municipalities to encourage developers and builders to create thoughtful and innovative developments using sustainable design, which considers the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.•The GDS sets expectations for high-performance buildings, community connectivity, and promotes access to low or zero carbon options through a series of requirements related to energy, ecology, water, complete communities and building materials, and waste diversion. Release Date of Phase 1 GDS: July 2022Additional Information on Town of Aurora’s GDSGreen Development Standards Handbook - Town of AuroraGreen Development Standards Application Assessment - Town of AuroraAurora's Green Development Standards - Town of AuroraPage 12 of 25
Environmental Stewardship ProgramsGO Green Challenge 2022•The Town held its second annual community GO Green Challenge in July of last year implementing a Superhero themed event. •The Community GO Green Challenge is a month-long event that encourages individuals, families, schools, organizations, and businesses to challenge themselves to reduce their environmental footprint. •Participation rates in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by ~2.6%.•Submissions of climate action activities, by participants, in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by 72.5%•Check out some pictures on the next slide.Page 13 of 25
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Environmental Stewardship ProgramsAnti-Idling Campaign 2022•The Town’s Energy & Climate Change Analyst worked in collaboration with the Communications team to release a series of media posts on the importance of reducing unnecessary vehicle idling practices in Q4 of 2022, in support of the Town’s Anti-Idling Policy.Page 15 of 25
ClimateWise Building Challenge 2022What is the ClimateWise Building Challenge?•This friendly competitive amongst other York Region municipalities and local businesses supports the implementation of the Town’s corporate energy plan and its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 from 2018 levels. 60 municipal buildings and 15 commercial buildings have joined this friendly award and recognition competition.•The ClimateWise Building Challenge is a York Region wide, friendly awards and recognition competition created to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve building energy efficiency through collaboration, education, and innovation.Most Efficient (Top Ranked) Town-Owned Building of 2022•Awarded to Town HallPage 16 of 25
Environmental Stewardship ProgramsSecond Annual EV Showcase Event 2023What is the EV Showcase?•The Town held its Second Annual EV Showcase event at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) in 2023. The goal of the EV Showcase is to provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about electric vehicles and the many benefits that they offer. The event supports the strategies included in the Town’s CEP and Strategic Plan on building initiatives to improve transportation, mobility, and connectivity within the Town. •Date and Time of Event: May 7th2023 from 10AM-4PM•Location: Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) 1400 Wellington St E, Aurora, ON L4G 7B6Event PartnersPage 17 of 25
Event AttractionsTake a spin around the micro mobility car test trackTest your driving skills on an outdoor micro-mobility test track with the SARIT micro-mobility cars. SARIT (Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport) is a three -wheel vehicle measuring 3½ feet wide (1 metre), 7¼ feet long (2.2 metres) and 5.5 feet high (1.6 metres) and is the latest innovation from Magna founder Frank Stronach.Take a Walk-Through of the York Region’s eBusTake a free test driveTest Drive some of the latest EV models(free) with Plug N'Drive. There is no registration required. Simply join us on the day of! Guest Speaker from the EV SocietyGuest Speaker:Tim Burrows, Electric Vehicle Society10:30 a.m., Inside the SARC (meeting room beside pool viewing area)Speak with local EV ownersMembers of the Electric Vehicle Society, as well as other local EV owners will also be on hand to show their EVs, answer your questions and help clear the air on any hesitations you have around driving electric, like range anxiety, battery life, hauling capacity, maintenance costs and everyday use.Event SponsorsPage 18 of 25
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The Renewal of the Town’s Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2024-2029What is the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan?•The ECDMP was created in accordance with the requirements described in Ontario Regulation 25/23 under the Electricity Act. The plan provides a roadmap for energy management over a 5-year period. When was the Town’s last plan?•The last plan was conducted in 2019.When will the next plan be developed?•The Town will be developing its next 5-year renewal ECDMP 2024-2029 this year that will include, but not limited to, the highlight of the following objectives:xExamining historical energy consumption and GHG emissions, as well as energy conservation measures (ECMs) that have been implemented since the 2019 ECDMP;xExamining whether the goals of the 2019 ECDMP have been met, and sets goals for the 2024 ECDMP to be met by 2029; and xExamining what ECMs are already planned, as well as additional ECMs which should be completed from 2024-2028 in order for the Town of Aurora to meet the goals established within the renewal plan.oals Page 20 of 25
Environmental Stewardship ProgramsPhone Recycling ProgramThe development of a new recycling program is under development for the Town. With an anticipated launch date in May 2023, this new program provides an opportunity for the community to drop-off their unused technological devices at one of two drop-off locations. The purpose of this program is to reduce the amount of e-waste that is being sent to landfills and ultimately increase diversion rates. The Town is working in collaboration with Greentec on this initiative and additional information will become available once the final details of program design have been completed.Program Release: Earth Month 2023GO Green Challenge 2023In 2023 there are two (2) GO Green Challenges scheduled for July and November for the community and Town Staff respectively.Anti-Idling Campaign 2023The Energy & Climate Change Analyst will be working with the Communications team in the upcoming months for the development of the Town’s 2023 educational campaign involving the promotion of anti-idling practices and the Anti-Idling Policy.Page 21 of 25
Community Efficiency Financing Application Submission to The Green Municipal FundWhat is Community Efficiency Financing?•CEF is about creating a new financial offering and services to help more homeowners upgrade the energy performance of their homes, through energy-efficiency measures, renewable energy installations, or both. What is the Community Efficiency Financing Grant?•The grant is a $300 million initiative, offered through the Green Municipal Fund, that helps municipalities deliver energy financing programs for low-rise residential properties.Funding for a Feasibility Study: 2023 Capital Project•The Town, in Q3 of 2022, reached out to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with interest in the application for a Community Efficiency Financing grant. •The Town has submitted both its initial proposal and full application to the Green Municipal Fund and currently working on the Terms of Reference for a Request for Proposal on the development of a Feasibility Study. Page 22 of 25
Update to the 2013 Economic Value of Natural Capital AssetsProject Background•In 2013, the Town made an important assessment that estimated an initial baseline of the benefits provided to residents of Aurora from the existing stock of natural capital in the Town through the Economic Value of Natural Capital Assets. •As per the Implementation Plan included in the Town’s CCAP, one of the climate action recommendations suggested by the Consultant was to update the 2013 Economic Value of Natural Capital Assets plan. Project Status•In 2023, Council approved for the internal funding of an update Natural Capital Asset Management Plan. An update to the baseline 2013 analysis will allow the Town to assess economic costs associated with the changes to the features related to natural capital, which can be factored into future land use decisions and other Town initiatives. The Town is currently working on the Terms of Reference for a Request for Proposal on the development of an updated Natural Capital Asset Management Plan. Page 23 of 25
Corporate Environmental Action Plan: 2022 Progress Report2022 Progress Report•This year the Town will be releasing it’s 2022 Progress Report that will provide an overview of the environmental accomplishments that were done last year.•The Progress Report will be presented in the next EAC meeting. Page 24 of 25
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