Agenda (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20250224Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Monday, February 24, 2025
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
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
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
That a Committee member be appointed as Vice Chair of the
Environmental Advisory Committee for a two-year term (2025-
2026).
1.
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 16,
2024
1
That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
December 16, 2024, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager, Energy and Environment; Re:
Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Project
5
(Presentation to be provided by Janice Ashworth, Senior Consultant,
Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors)
That the memorandum regarding Project Introduction to the
Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Project be received; and
1.
That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments
regarding Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan
Program Project be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, December 16, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)*
Nicole Arsenault
Shun Chen*
Denis Heng
Kristen Martens
Ken Turriff
Members Absent: Pippette Eibel
Alain Godin
Other Attendees: Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Page 1 of 28
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
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 October 21, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
October 21, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager Energy and Environment; Re: 2023
Energy and Environment Progress Report
Staff introduced new staff member, Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and
Climate Change, who will also be participating in future Committee
meetings. Staff presented an overview of the 2023 Energy and
Environment Progress Report with a focus on two of the five main themes:
Page 2 of 28
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024 3
Climate Resiliency; and Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(community and corporate levels); summarizing the actions and progress
of the Town's various environmental strategic plans toward mitigating and
adapting to climate change.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including LEED
certification and Town review of best practices/research into a new
building standard for new corporate facilities or major reconstruction;
consideration of Net-Zero type and Passive House building standards; the
Town's annual anti-idling campaign and education-based policy and the
potential need for an anti-idling policy and by-law specific to school zones;
a proposal to include anti-idling education in the local school curriculum;
flood resiliency; the Town's Green Development Standard (GDS) and
requirements for new developments; the Green Municipal Fund
Community Efficiency Financing grant to support the feasibility study of a
home energy retrofit loan program toward mitigating the barriers for
Aurora residents; scope 3 emissions tracking; and tracking of embodied
carbon emissions.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the staff presentation, data
and progress report, as well as the development of a baseline. It was
suggested that future reports would have the opportunity to include multi-
year data trending in order to determine whether the Town is on track and
how to move forward.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the memorandum regarding the 2023 Energy and Environment
Progress Report on be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding the
2023 Energy and Environment Progress Report be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
Page 3 of 28
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2024 4
9. New Business
Councillor Gaertner, on behalf of Councillor Gilliland, extended happy holiday
wishes to all.
The Committee expressed appreciation to the Councillors and staff for their
leadership and guidance.
Councillor Gilliland expressed appreciation to all members and staff for their
engagement on the Committee.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Ken Turriff
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Carried
Page 4 of 28
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Project
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Natalie Kehle, Program Manager Energy and Environment
Date: February 24, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit
Loan Program Project be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding Project
Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Project be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Background
Addressing greenhouse gas emissions from Aurora’s residential building sector was
identified as a critical emissions strategy in the Aurora Community Energy Plan (CEP),
as homes represents the biggest source of emissions at 37%. However, deep energy
retrofits have been historically difficult to achieve due to social and economic barriers.
The Town aims to assess the financial options and services to help more homeowners
upgrade the energy performance of their homes, through deep energy retrofit efficiency
measures, renewable energy installations, or both. The feasibility study for a residential
energy efficiency loan program explores and assesses options for a financing program
for home energy upgrades. Based on the results of the feasibility stay, a detailed
program approach will be developed. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is supporting this project through their Community
Efficiency Financing (CEF) grant.
The Town is committed to addressing climate change and joined the Joint Partners for
Climate Protection (PCP) program in 2018 and declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.
With Council’s support of those commitments, the Town completed its first CEP in 2021
Page 5 of 28
Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study
February 24, 2025 Page 2 of 3
and set a target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050 from the
2018 baseline.
Analysis
The Town retained the consulting services of Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors to
support the development of the feasibility study. The project kickoff was in December
2024 with the study completion date planned for June 2025. The project has the
following elements:
1. Stakeholder Engagement; which includes identifying relevant stakeholders and
seeking input throughout the project. Stakeholders may include:
Town staff, Town Council and Town Environmental Advisory
Committee
York Region staff and other local municipal staff
Local energy service providers/ utilities
Aurora residents
Local contractors, real estate professionals, and equipment suppliers
Local financial institutions and/or credit unions; and/ or
EnerGuide energy advisors and/or service organizations, etc.
2. Project Background; which assembles information that is relevant to assessing a
financing program, including:
Building stock and retrofit potential analysis
Retrofit measure potential, barriers, and financing options available to
Aurora
Evaluation of financing models
3. Program Approach; with an understanding of Aurora’s context, this stage of the
project recommends how to proceed with a detailed program design for a local
efficiency program, as well as identify a recommended financing model.
4. Final Report and Presentation; the draft study is completed and communicated
to stakeholders for feedback. The draft study is presented to the Environmental
Advisory Committee, then to Council.
Based on the outcomes from the feasibility study, a second phase of the project is
provisionally planned to develop a detailed program approach and implementation plan.
The detailed program approach and implementation plan identifies program champions,
cost implications and roles and responsibilities.
Page 6 of 28
Project Introduction to the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study
February 24, 2025 Page 3 of 3
Attachments
1. Attachment 1 - Presentation Introducing the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program
Project
Page 7 of 28
Aurora Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility StudyOverview for the Environmental Advisory Committee Feb 2025Page 8 of 28
Agenda1Context2Work Plan3 FeedbackPage 9 of 28
Projects across31States & ProvincesACCELERATING THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONBUILDINGSMOBILITYINDUSTRYENERGYANALYSIS+ STRATEGY800+Dedicated Professionals20YearsProjects across32States & Provinces60Page 10 of 28
CORPORATE + NON-PROFITUTILITIESGOVERNMENTSACCELERATING THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONBUILDINGSMOBILITYINDUSTRYENERGYANALYSIS+ STRATEGYPage 11 of 28
Aurora’s Pathway to Net-Zero EmissionsBackgroundIn 2019, Aurora declared a Climate Emergency. In 2021, the Town adopted a Community Energy Plan, which set targets to reduce community GHG emissions by 80%. In 2022, Aurora adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. In 2024, the Town adopted a net zero carbon target for corporate emissions by 2050. Addressing emissions from residential buildings is a crucial step in as residential buildings account for 37% of community emissions. The Town has taken steps to reduce community emissions through:•A Go Green Challenge•Demonstrating efforts to reduce emissions at Town buildings•Installing public EV charging stations•Waste reduction efforts •Green Development StandardsContextStudy ObjectivesDesign a program to support homeowners undertake home energy upgradesPage 12 of 28
Aurora’s Community Energy Plan – for HomesContextHomes account for 37% of community emissions, mostly from natural gas space and water heating. Aurora homes are relatively new and mostly single detached (77%).Page 13 of 28
BarrierSolution•Access to competitive and trustworthy financing•Consider municipal role in offering financing (municipality, utility, etc)•Public awareness •Home energy ratings and retrofit pathways•Energy hot line•Thermal cameras•Quality and quantity of skilled labour•Training for contractors•Motivation •Incentives for equipment or performance•Support for target audiences or outcomes (eg.additional dwelling units, resiliency, etc)Role of the Program to Overcome Market Barriers ContextPage 14 of 28
Examples of Municipal Home Energy Loan Programs ContextEnergy coaching and home labeling platformPrivate loans to homeowners for energy efficiency and renewablesDurham Greener Homes ProgramMunicipal loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and secondary unitssecondary unitssecondary unitssecondary unitssecondary unitssecondary unitssecondary units20 year loan termContractor trainingOttawa Better Homes ProgramMunicipal loans to homeowners for solar panelsHalifax Solar City Program Municipal loans to homeowners for energy efficiency and renewable energy20 year loan termContractor trainingToronto Home Energy Loan ProgramPage 15 of 28
Retrofitting at scaleContextSupport DemandIncentives & FinancingOwner does not payKits or direct install programsOwner pays upfront Program reduces total costsGrants/rebatesOwner borrows to cover upfront costsProgram improves termsTraditional lenders with improved rates for retrofits Organization lends for energy retrofitsCapacityContractor training and programsCreate DemandEducation & supportEnergy labellingCodes, standards, performance requirementsFinancing alone does not generate demand for efficiency retrofits.Financing needs to be aligned with other strategies and policies to meet GHG emission reduction goals. Multiple initiatives must work together to address barriers and accelerate home and building energy retrofits.Page 16 of 28
Market readinessPolicy can influence the program uptakein the long run after the initial program years. These policies can encourage (or require) homeowners to make retrofits, and thereby expand the need for financing and uptake. Longer term policy support examples include:•Carbon pricing•Building regulations (i.e.local building emissions standards)•Home and Building Energy Rating and Disclosure policies•Restrictions on fossil fuel use or fossil fuel equipment use/upgrade (as in Quebec)Context2027202820292030Timeline (years)Projected UptakeInitial UptakeProjection with additional policy supportTimeline (years)Page 17 of 28
Page 18 of 28
Key stakeholders influencing program deliveryContextHomeownersContractors &Service ProvidersPotential PartnersLendersUtilitiesPotential ProgramAdministratorOthers?LendersUtilitiesNon profitorganizationsFundersPage 19 of 28
Agenda1 Context2Work Plan3 FeedbackPage 20 of 28
Stakeholder Engagement Work PlanInterviews with key stakeholders: York RegionLocal utilitiesLocal contractorsDEI representativesRelevant Town staffSurveys of:Financial institutionsLower tier municipalities in York RegionHomeowner Questionnaire available at Engage Aurora until late Jan, 2025Have we missed any stakeholders?Page 21 of 28
Study MethodologyWork PlanAssessing the Feasibility of a HERLP for Aurora Input on the Study methodology?Integrate stakeholder consultation input throughout the studyAssess building stock data from MPAC, NRCan (EnerGuide), and Statistics Canada CensusDetermine most prominent home archetypes (only homes < 4 stories) Develop sample retrofit packages and determine GHG and energy reduction estimates from each packageRun Dunsky's finance model to determine projected uptake and capital needsExplore financial models such as municipal LIC financing, utility on-bill financing, private lender green mortgagesConduct Needs and Benefits Assessment of the proposed program design and financing structureDetermine the feasibility of a home energy retrofit loan programPresent to EAC then Council on the Feasibility StudyPage 22 of 28
Provisional Scope: Detailed Program DesignProgram Design DevelopmentPending positive results from the Feasibility Study and Council approval, we will continue with a more detailed program design Adjust model of home archetypes and retrofit uptake estimates based on homeowner demographics and target audiencesDevelop detailed program design including program features, eligibility criteria, measures includedDetermine set-up and implementation requirements (budget, partnerships, funding sources, financial flows, delivery model, etc.)Follow up stakeholder consultationsGeneral Meeting to confirm program designWork PlanPage 23 of 28
Agenda1 Project Context2Work Plan3FeedbackPage 24 of 28
Discussion Question:Target audienceFeedbackCommunity DemographicsAre there demographics most ready to participate in this program? Are there demographics most in need of this program?Are there ways to reach those communities effectively?What equity considerations are important?Who is the program’s target audience?What equity considerations are important?Page 25 of 28
Discussion Question:Program objectivesFeedbackAurora Home Energy Loan ProgramTarget buildings:•Detached residential buildingsoPre-1980oPost 1980•Low-rise MURBsQuestions:1. Do you have suggestions on how Aurora's Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program could cater to different building types?2. Should the program prioritize volume (number of retrofits) or individual impact (deep retrofits)?3. Should the program prioritize GHG emissions reductions, energy efficiency, climate resiliency, cost savings,or other?Page 26 of 28
Dunsky will:1. Stakeholder Engagement:• Consult internal and external stakeholders to determine program potential2. Project analysis:•Assess data to determine program impact3. Feasibility Study:•Report to EAC then Council on feasibility of the program and seek guidance on next steps.•Timeframe is ~June 2025Next StepsConclusionPage 27 of 28
ContactAlex HillPartneralex.hill@dunsky.comTel: 514-504-9030 ext. 4200Janice AshworthSenior ConsultantJanice.ashworth@dunsky.comTel: 514.504.9030 ext. 4283Page 28 of 28