Minutes - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20210922 1
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice Chair)
Margaret Baker
Barry Bridgeford
Colin Brown
Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
Ryan Hamid
Members Absent: Sam Cunningham
Sandy Hudson
Crystal Robertson
Councillor Rachel Gilliland (Chair)
Other Attendees: Natalie Kehle, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Sara Tienkamp, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Ishita Soneji, 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 Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Ryan Hamid
2
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 June 23, 2021
Moved by Margaret Baker
Seconded by Ryan Hamid
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 23,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Energy and Climate Change Analyst, Re: Corporate
Environmental Action Plan 2020 Progress Report
Natalie Kehle, Energy and Climate Change Analyst provided an overview of
on the background and purpose of the Corporate Environmental Action
Plan (CEAP) and highlighted the details of the 2020 progress report
including the various action items and challenges. Sara Tienkamp,
Manager, Parks and Fleet, provided further details on the action items
regarding parks, biodiversity, and natural heritage. Staff sought the
Committee's feedback and suggestions regarding the progress report and
the associated tracking sheet.
The Committee sought clarification regarding incorporating ecological
design in landscaping of parks, and staff advised that ecological park
designs is the target for all new park designs and retrofits.
3
The Committee and staff discussed about means of mitigating invasive
species and access to information for residents and business owners
regarding environmental initiatives. Staff advised that informational
booths to increase awareness regarding invasive species will be held at
the Aurora Farmer's Market beginning in 2022 and other environmental
public engagement initiatives are being explored. The Committee provided
further suggestions such as: developing educational videos on means to
manage invasive species to be posted on the Town website and other
social media platforms, information pamphlets for business owners, and
installing signage to encourage people to be more environmentally aware.
The Committee and staff further discussed about the anti-idling initiatives,
the associated anti-idling policy, and its parameters and effectiveness.
Staff advised that the public education campaign is ongoing which
includes installation of mobile signs, providing resources and tips through
social media, and the involvement of the By-law Department to educate
residents and business owners where necessary.
The Committee referred to the various community campaigns and sought
clarification on tracking the response metrics and effectiveness of the
initiatives, and staff provided clarification. The Committee suggested that
successes of the initiatives, campaigns, and various action items should
be including in future progress reports and be made available for
members of public.
Staff advised that the Committee will be discussing the Green
Development Standard project at the next meeting.
Moved by Colin Brown
Seconded by Ryan Hamid
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan
2020 Progress Report be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Corporate Environmental Action Plan 2020 Progress Report be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
4
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Ashley Gatto Cassagrande
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Carried