Minutes (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20250512
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,
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
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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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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.
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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