Agenda (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20250616Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Monday, June 16, 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
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 May 12, 2025 1
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
May 12, 2025, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Analyst, Energy and Climate Change; Re: Overview of
The Town’s Corporate Energy Management System
6
(Presentation to be provided by Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate
Change)
That the memorandum regarding Overview of The Town’s
Corporate Energy Management System be received; and
1.
That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments
regarding Overview of The Town’s Corporate Energy
Management System 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, May 12, 2025
7:00 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Ken Turriff (Vice Chair)
Victor Carvalho
Shun Chen*
Jason Cheng
Angela Daust
Leta Dayfoot
Alain Godin
Members Absent: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Denis Heng
Others Present: Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended virtually
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Introductions were made around the table.
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,
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2025 2
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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Alain Godin
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
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 24, 2025
Moved by Angela Daust
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 24, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager, Energy and Environment; Re: Home
Energy Retrofit Program Feasibility Study Update
Page 2 of 32
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2025 3
Janice Ashworth, Senior Consultant, Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors
presented an update to the study of the Home Energy Retrofit Program for
Aurora residents, to reach the Town 2050 target of 80% greenhouse gas
(GHG) reduction, as outlined in the Aurora Community Energy Plan (CEP).
The feasibility study assessed market conditions, collaboration,
incentives, funding options and services available, discussed
recommendations and provided next steps on the study's remaining
budget.
The Committee discussed the feasibility of the Town implementing by-
laws pertaining to new-build labelling for performance and GHG emissions
standards, as well as providing amortized retrofit financing options tied to
a property. There was discussion regarding various existing provincial
retrofit programs in relation to overlaps and gaps in funding, and possible
opportunities available to assist homeowners through the loan program.
The Committee further analyzed initial outlay costs vs. long-term savings,
clean vs. dirty fuel, and optimal energy vs. GHG savings to identify the
most beneficial balance of upfront cost and incentive.
The Committee requested further review of savings options not tied to
solar power as an option to decrease up-front costs to homeowners, and
to provide an average annual savings per retrofit option. The Committee
suggested the following models best suited to Town residents:
Outreach and Education - to promote existing programs, raise
awareness, and focus on target communities
Roadmap for Staged Retrofits - to provide tailored solutions and a
scenario tool for homeowners, including resiliency measures for
prevention
Virtual Home Assessments and Energy Ratings - to identify areas of
savings
Incentives and Rebates - offered to target audiences for specific
equipment or outcomes
Bulk Procurement - exploring ways to reduce the initial cost through
collaboration with neighbouring communities
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2025 4
It was further suggested that additional information on municipal cost
analysis, authority of the Town in implementing by-laws associated with
new home build labelling, green building standards and neighbourhoods
and demographics at risk of energy poverty be included in the forthcoming
presentation to Council in June.
It was noted that following the direction from Council in June, a detailed
program design will be brought to the Environmental Advisory Committee
in the fall.
Moved by Alain Godin
Seconded by Jason Cheng
1. That the memorandum regarding Home Energy Retrofit Program
Feasibility Study Update be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Home Energy Retrofit Program Feasibility Study Update be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee highlighted Provincial Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our
Economy Act, 2025, and its potential to negatively impact the environment,
through amending and/or repealing the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the
Environmental Assessment Act.
The Vice Chair mentioned the following events as noted on the Town's website:
Aurora's Annual Cleanup Day, Saturday, April 22, 2025 - The Committee
expressed their appreciation to all volunteers, and mentioned a Fall Cleanup
Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025 with pre-registration required on the
Town website.
Page 4 of 32
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2025 5
2025 Curbside Giveaway Days, with six upcoming events scheduled between
June and October.
Rain Barrel purchases have now closed for 2025.
E-Waste Collection Day is upcoming at the Joint Operations Centre on
Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Community Garage Sale is upcoming at the Aurora Community Centre
parking lot on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Pre-registration is required.
The Committee thanked first responders from Central York Fire Services for
tackling the grass fire outbreak in the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve in April.
The Committee discussed embracing No Mow May to help pollinators and
honeybees utilize nectar from early flowers.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Victor Carvalho
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Carried
Page 5 of 32
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: Overview of The Town’s Corporate Energy Management System
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Will Stover, Analyst Energy and Climate Change
Date: June 16, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Overview of The Town’s Corporate Energy
Management System be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding Overview of The
Town’s Corporate Energy Management System be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Background
The Town of Aurora continues to pursue climate change action by reducing carbon
emissions and improving climate resiliency.
Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan (ECDMP)
The 2024 ECDMP is a strategic document designed to promote energy efficiency, and
lower greenhouse gas emissions from corporate sources, including from facilities, fleet,
water / wastewater facilities, public lighting and solid waste. The ECDMP initiatives
focus on optimizing energy through infrastructure upgrades, behavioural changes, and
innovative technologies while strategically planning for emission reduction measures
up to 2050.
Key objectives of the 2024 ECDMP include:
Report progress from the previous ECDMP
Expand the ECDMP emission sources by identifying all corporate emission
sources, aligned with municipal best practices
Page 6 of 32
Town of Aurora Conservation Demand Management Plan Review
June 16, 2025 Page 2 of 3
Set short, medium and long-term emission reductions targets
Identify carbon emission reduction measures including from facilities, fleet
vehicles, streetlights and water / wastewater facilities and reduction of corporate
waste emissions
This plan aligns with broader provincial/federal sustainability targets and supports the
Town’s commitment to the environment. The Council-endorsed plan outlines proposed
measures, projected savings, and implementation strategies.
The ECDMP fulfills the Town’s commitments to the Partners for Climate Protection
(PCP) and its legislative requirements under the Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 25/23.
Partners for Climate Protection (PCP)
In partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the PCP sets out a
framework for corporate and community climate action. Over 500 Canadian
municipalities are currently participating. Each milestone layouts progress and
methodology for executing climate action. The milestones are as follows:
1. Creating an inventory
2. Setting a target
3. Developing a plan
4. Implementing a plan
5. Monitoring the impact
Currently, Aurora has completed Milestones one and two under the corporate stream.
Milestone three is pending PCP submission. At the Community-level, the Town has
completed Milestones one to four.
O. Reg. 25/23: Broader Public Sector: Energy Reporting and Conservation and Demand
Management Plans
The above regulation, filed under the Electricity Act, 1998, aims to reduce natural gas
and electricity consumption in Ontario by establishing energy standards and
encouraging sustainable energy practices. It applies to all public sector institutions
such as school boards, hospitals, and municipalities.
Page 7 of 32
Town of Aurora Conservation Demand Management Plan Review
June 16, 2025 Page 3 of 3
The regulation requires that energy plans be reviewed and updated every five years.
Aurora completed its first in 2014, and two additional plans have been created since, in
2019 and 2024. The next plans will be produced in 2029.
Each year, the Town submits energy usage data to the Ministry, using the Energy Star
Portfolio Manager platform.
Corporate Energy Management System
To track and monitor corporate energy use in a more detailed setting, Town staff use a
software called RETScreen Expert. Utility invoice data is uploaded into the software for
further analysis. The software is a Natural Resource Canada (NRCAN) software used for
tracking utility data and aids in pursuing energy management best practices. Within
RETScreen, individual assets can be tracked and monitored uploading utility data on a
regular basis. The Town has been using the software since 2019. The data in
RETScreen can also be uploaded into the Ontario Government’s O. Reg. 23/25 reporting
platform, called Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
Currently RETScreen is used to track corporate energy from facilities only, however
there are plans to expand in the future to include all corporate emission sources
identified from the 2024 ECDMP, including:
Fleet
Water and Wastewater facilities
Public lighting (parks, streets, etc.)
Waste generation
Natural capital assets (carbon emission removal and storage source)
Attachments
1. Attachment 1 – Overview of Town Corporate Energy Management System
Presentation
Page 8 of 32
TOWN OF AURORA, Environmental Advisory CommitteePage 9 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanFLEETPUBLIC LIGHTINGWASTEWATER / WASTEWATERBUILDINGS•Town Hall•Town Square•Community Centre•Light Duty•Heavy Duty•Equipment•Park Lights•Streetlighting•Traffic Lights•Public Garbage•Corporate Waste•Pumping Stations•Booster StationsPage 10 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanPage 11 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanCompleted2021COMMUNITY CORPORATECompleted2024Completed2024Page 12 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanFLEETPUBLIC LIGHTINGWASTEWATER / WASTEWATERBUILDINGSPage 13 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management Plan50% 20352018NetZero2050Page 14 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanOntario Regulation 25/23Broader Public Sector: ECDMPAnnual Progress Reports Submitted throughEnergyStar Portfolio ManagerPage 15 of 32
Town of Aurora, EACEnergy Conservation and Demand Management Plan2019ElectricityNatural GasGreen House GasSquare Footage-2%-30%-20%•Aurora Sports Dome•Armoury2024Current ResultsPage 16 of 32
2019 - Green Fleet Action Plan2022 – Climate Adaptation Plan2024 - Natural Capital Asset Management PlanPage 17 of 32
RETScreenPortfolioPage 18 of 32
AMWG, RETScreen OverviewEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanPublic LightingFleetWasteWater / WastewaterBuildingsPage 19 of 32
AMWG, RETScreen OverviewEnergy Conservation and Demand Management PlanPublic LightingFleetWasteWater / WastewaterCostEnergyGHGOptimizationElectricity InvoicesNatural Gas InvoicesSolar Generation*WaterPropane InvoicesElectricity InvoicesFuel UseWaste audit dataPump Station EnergyO.Reg 25/23 SubmissionEmission TrackingBuilding PerformanceProject PerformanceEnergy Efficiency ImprovementsFleet Trip OptimizationBill VerificationAudit / ReconciliationUtility ForecastingPerformance AnalysisBenchmarkingBudgeting & PlanningReportingBuildingsNatural Capital AssetsPage 20 of 32
AMWGJOC Natural Gas Consumption Heating Degree DaysPage 21 of 32
AMWGLibrary Electricity – Construction New SqFtConstructionPage 22 of 32
AMWGTown Hall LED RetrofitCost avoidance/ year ($)Savings / year (kWh)$ 7,528 50,189 TOTAL Page 23 of 32
AMWGPortfolio Analysis – Natural Gas202020212022202320242019Page 24 of 32
AMWGPortfolio Analysis - GHGPage 25 of 32
AMWGPortfolio Analysis – Utility CostsPage 26 of 32
AMWGEnergy Conservation and Demand Management Plan2027<CostEnergyGHGBuildingsWater / Waste WaterPublic LightingFleetWasteNatural Capital AssetsPage 27 of 32
Aurora Charger Energy ProvidedEACElectric Vehicle Chargers050010001500200025003000350040004500Aurora Town squareAurora Town HallAurora Stronach Recreation ComplexAurora Joint Operations CentreAurora Family Leisure ComplexAurora Community CentreAurora ArmouryPage 28 of 32
EACElectric Vehicle ChargersPage 29 of 32
EACElectric Vehicle ChargersPage 30 of 32
Discussion PointsEV Adoption is 50% of GHG reduction in CEP. From the Community Energy Plan.Ideas how to improve outreach for EV adoption.Questions related to RETScreen?Page 31 of 32
QUESTIONS?Page 32 of 32