Minutes - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20211124 1
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Barry Bridgeford
Colin Brown
Sam Cunningham
Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Sandy Hudson
Crystal Robertson
Members Absent: Margaret Baker
Ryan Hamid
Other Attendees: Mayor Tom Mrakas (ex-officio)
Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development and Policy
Sara Tienkamp, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner, Land Use & Real
Estate
Natalie Kehle, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Procedural Notes
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
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Moved by Crystal Robertson
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
3. 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.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 22,
2021
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 22, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Senior Policy Planner; Re: Green Development
Standards Consultation
Matthew Volpintesta presented an overview of the memorandum and
presentation and sought the Committee’s input on the Green Development
Standards (GDS) program. The consultant Nadia Dowhaniuk, Head of
Research, PRIME Strategy & Planning, was also present.
The Committee made suggestions and discussed various aspects with
staff including: remaining greenfield development areas; future preparing
for infill development; construction demolition and recycling/disposal of
building materials; prioritization of window and insulation retrofits; GDS
program implementation timeline; stormwater management and climate
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change; low impact development and bioswales, rain and pollinator
gardens; and climate change adaptation.
Moved by Sam Cunningham
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That the memorandum regarding Green Development Standards
Consultation be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Green Development Standards be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
6.2 Memorandum from Manager of Economic Development and Policy; Re:
Streetscape Needs Assessment
Lisa Hausz provided an overview of the memorandum and sought the
Committee’s input on the proposed improvements for the subject area on
Yonge Street from Wellington Street south to Church Street. Janine Cik,
Policy Student assisting on the project, was also present.
The Committee made suggestions and discussed various aspects with
staff including: tree plantings and benefits; challenges of the existing
underground infrastructure; Silva Cell technology for tree and stormwater
management; long-term planning and engineering to ensure tree longevity;
vertical sensory gardens; mix of trees and alternatives such as tall grasses
and bushes; more planters and hanging baskets; consideration of new
LED lighting that is not too bright; bike lanes; connection to active
transportation master plan; concept drawings; permeable surfaces; and
electric vehicle charging stations. Staff noted that further comments and
ideas can be submitted online at engageaurora.ca/downtownstreetscape.
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Crystal Robertson
1. That the memorandum regarding Streetscape Needs Assessment be
received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
Streetscape Needs Assessment be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
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6.3 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: Lymantria Dispar Dispar
(LDD) Control Options
Sara Tienkamp provided an overview of the memorandum and sought the
Committee’s feedback on the LDD control options.
The Committee made suggestions and discussed various aspects with
staff including: Town-wide control options; concern about spraying impact
on other insect species, and resident perception; extensive cost of
treatments; smaller-scale, home approaches to controlling LDD; support
for the burlap method and need for increased communication and
educational opportunities for residents in advance; and partnership
opportunities in sourcing/repurposing burlap bags. Staff advised on the
provincial and regional approaches and monitoring of the LDD infestation
and defoliation, and provided an update on the nuclear polyhedrosis virus
(NPV).
Moved by Crystal Robertson
Seconded by Sandy Hudson
1. That the memorandum regarding Lymantria Dispar Dispar (LDD)
Control Options be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding LDD
control options be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Crystal Robertson
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Carried