Agenda (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20251020Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Monday, October 20, 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 June 16, 2025 1
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
June 16, 2025, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Analyst, Energy and Climate Change; Re: 2024
Energy and Environment Progress Update
5
(Presentation to be provided by Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate
Change)
That the memorandum regarding 2024 Energy and Environment
Progress Update be received; and
1.
That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments
regarding 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update 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, June 16, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Victor Carvalho*
Jason Cheng
Angela Daust
Leta Dayfoot
Denis Heng
Ken Turriff (Vice Chair)
Members Absent: Shun Chen
Alain Godin
Other Attendees: Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 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 24
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Jason Cheng
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 May 12, 2025
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of May
12, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Analyst, Energy and Climate Change; Re: Overview of
The Town’s Corporate Energy Management System
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change presented an overview of
the energy conservation and demand management plan highlighting the
background, objectives, the milestones in creation of this plan, and details
Page 2 of 24
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025 3
of the RET Screen software to gather, monitor and track data on corporate
energy use for individual assets such as facilities including future
expansion on the utilization of this tool to other corporate emission
sources.
The Committee and staff discussed about various aspects about the plan
including the availability of the carbon emissions inventory online, details
of the current corporate results and the current status based on 2050
targets. There was further discussion on means to represent the data in a
simplified manner such that it is informative, shows comparisons and
progress by asset type, and the future of the RET Screen portfolios and the
application of the data. The Committee suggested that based on the RET
Screen data, departments could collaborate to determine improvements
to reduce GHG emissions.
The Committee and staff further discussed about the means to improve
outreach for Electronic Vehicle (EV) adoption through more awareness on
the value of EVs, availability of EV chargers, and advocating for provincial
and federal incentives.
Moved by Jason Cheng
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
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.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
Page 3 of 24
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2025 4
9. New Business
The Committee noted about the availability of carbon emissions inventory in the
GTHA and staff advised that this information is currently available with The
Toronto Atmospheric Fund through taf.ca.
The Committee referred to the changes coming to the blue box collection in
2026, in line with the new provincial regulations, and requested that more
information be provided at the next meeting regarding the impacts.
The Committee expressed grave concerns regarding Bills 5 and 17, noting the
impact the bills would have on the Town's current resiliency plans and planning
policies, Oak Ridges Moraine, heritage properties, endangered species,
stormwater, water and wastewater capacities, and mature canopies.
The Committee requested that more information regarding the following topics
be brought forward to future meetings: impact of carbon emissions on mature
tree canopies due to recent developments, climate change impacts on existing
infrastructure in Aurora, and current state of invasive species including
phragmites.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Victor Carvalho
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Carried
Page 4 of 24
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Date: October 20, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update be
received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding 2024 Energy and
Environment Progress Update be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Background
Since the development of the Town’s first Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)
in 2010, climate science, regulations, guidelines, and policies have evolved calling for
additional and more specific action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
This update summarizes progress made towards achieving the various environmental
goals detailed in the Town’s environmental strategic plans with consultation from all
Town Divisions in 2024. This update covers actions from the following Town initiatives:
2024 Official Plan
The Town’s Strategic Plan
2018 Corporate Environmental Action Plan
Community Energy Plan
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Tannery Creek Flood Relief Study
2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
Green Fleet Action Plan
Natural Capital Asset Management Plan
Page 5 of 24
2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update
October 20, 2025 Page 2 of 2
The actions in the progress update are summarized under the following environmental
themes:
Water Conservation
Waste Reduction and Diversion
Natural Capital and Biodiversity
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Climate Resiliency
Reporting on sustainability performance is an important governance and accountability
process to measure progress towards goals and targets set, as well as monitors and
verifies the effectiveness of the actions. This is an ongoing and growing process as the
Town continues to operationalize sustainable development practices.
An annual progress update is presented to the Environmental Advisory Committee
(EAC), Town Council and shared with the public through social media and on the Town’s
website. The reporting has a one-year lag due to the timing of key energy and emissions
data being released by external groups in late fall, and allowing time for staff to collect,
verify and analyze all the data needed for tracking and reporting purposes.
The final 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Report is scheduled to go to
Committee of the Whole meeting on December 2nd, 2025.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update Presentation
Page 6 of 24
Energy and Environment Progress Update2024 Environmental Advisory Committee MeetingMonday, October 20th, 20257:00pmEngineering & Capital Delivery Division Attachment 1Page 7 of 24
2024 Energy and Environment Progress UpdateThe annual Progress Report is presented to the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), Town Council and shared with the public through social media and on the Town’s website. One-year reporting lag due to the timing of key energy and emissionsDivisions involved in the process:-Operational Services-Community Services-Planning and Development ServicesTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateIntroductionPage 8 of 24
PProgresss Updatee DirectionTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateDirectionStream & Creek Management PlansTown’s Strategic PlanCorporate Environmental Action PlanEnergy Plans (Community & Corporate)Active Transportation Master PlanNatural Capital PlansClimate Adaptation PlanOfficial PlanPage 9 of 24
21%of water meters are left to be replaced. Residential and Business. 2023 202480753775In 2024, over 15,000water meter transceiver units were installed to increase efficiency.18,000accounts482Tonnes of Waste Gathered during cleanouts preventing flooding and maintaining storm water flow. Operations Division performed a total of 10OGSand1,465catch basin cleanouts in 2024.289 Rain Barrels SoldWater Conservation482Tonnes of Waste Gathered during cleanouts preventing flooding and maintaining storm water flow. Operations Division performed a total of 10OilGritSeparatorand1,465catch basin cleanouts in 2024, an important maintenance activity that removes pollutants reducing waterways contamination.Annual Town-run rain barrel sale and public education campaign starting in 2023. 289 rain barrels sold in 2024, helping manage storm water onsite.21%of water meters are left to be replaced. Residential and Business.2023202480753775Natural Capital and BiodiversityWaste Reduction and Diversion Energy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsClimate ResiliencyTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateFive (5) Environmental ThemesPage 10 of 24
Water ConservationTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateWater Conservation482Tonnes of waste gathered during cleanouts preventing flooding and maintaining storm water flow. Operations Division performed a total of 10 Oil Grit Separator and 1,465 catch basin cleanouts in 2024, an important maintenance activity that removes pollutants reducing waterways contamination.21%% of residential and business water meters are left to be replaced as part of the Town’s water loss reduction strategyIn 2024, over 15,0000 water meter transceiver units were installed to increase metering efficiency, only 20% remaining.Page 11 of 24
Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateWater ConservationAurora Wins Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority 2024 Healthy Water Award. The Town was recognized for improving local waterways, ecosystems and access to nature through four bioengineering projects. These award-winning projects addressed critical environmental challenges by stabilizing eroding streambanks, removing accumulated sediments from a roadway cross culvert and stormwater management facility, and enlarging a road culvert to improve stormwater flow and enhance wildlife passage. Water ConservationAnnual Town-run rain barrel sale and public education campaign starting in 2023. 289 rain barrels sold in 2024, helping manage storm water onsite on private property.Page 12 of 24
WaterConservationWaste Reduction and Diversion Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateWaste Reduction and DiversionIn 2024, over 120,0000 lbss of textiles were collected. 2023 2024 74,0000 120,000289 Rain Barrels SoldCommunity Curbside waste maintained 5,300 tonnes2023 2024 5,3266 5,3180 Dog Waste Diversion Program (lbs)2023 20248,3700 8,7605000550060006500700075002018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024Tonnes of WasteCommunity Tonnesof Curbside Waste to LandfillPage 13 of 24
Waste Reduction and DiversionWaste Reduction and Diversion Town Initiatives Completed in 2024•Public waste diversion events:•Electronic waste collection•Community Cleanup•Rain Barrel Sale event•Community garage sale•April to Oct Curbside Giveaway Days•Continued education through the Recycle Coach App which also provides insight to staff into search items for ongoing education campaigns.•Corporate waste baseline developed under the 2024 ECDMP with waste audits and reduction plan scheduled for 2025-2026. Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdatePage 14 of 24
Trails per 1,000 residents through natural area 2023 2024 0.6kmm 0.7km253 Urban Trees Replaced in 2024 to ensure the future of urban forest canopy.100%% of Park and Trail safety inspections were complete ensuring health and wellness for all who participate3.55 Hectaress of parkland per 1,000 residents ensure adequate space is meet and symbolizes the Towns commitment to urban spaces.46kmm of Trails, 443parks playgrounds continue to provide an active living lifestyle for residents.Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateNatural Capital Asset & BiodiversityNatural Capital and Biodiversity00 residents tural area 20240.7kmPage 15 of 24
Natural Capital and BiodiversityTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateNatural Capital Asset & BiodiversityTown Initiatives Completed in 2024•Opening of the John Abel Park includes many natural features, lots of shade and walkways linking the park to the Town’s trail system enhancing accessibility and encouraging exploration. •John Abel Park Community Garden, 55 plots or community space•Aurora Urban Forest Study completed, setting a commitment of 40 percent canopy cover by 2051 target. At 34 percent canopy cover; current canopy coverage is within the 29 to 35 percent recommended by the York Region Forest Management Plan.•Aurora's Natural Capital Asset Management Plan completed, Council approved an increased investment over the next 25 years.ePage 16 of 24
Energy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateEnergy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsCommunity Emissions 308,000 tCO2eCorporate Emissions 4,500 tCO2e1.5%98.5%Town of Aurora Carbon EmissionsPage 17 of 24
Community Energy UpdateTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateEnergy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions2903564376121049147656302018 2019 2020 2021 2022 20232024Total Number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Aurora Percent of registered vehicles in Aurora in 2024 that are EV or PHEV2023 2024 3.2%% 11.9%Community Carbon Emissions 2022 2023 2024 247,000 308,415 Pending data67%% increase in Town Public EV Chargers usage 2023 2024 16,3122 kWhh 27,3555 kWhPage 18 of 24
Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateEnergy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsCommunity Energy UpdateTown Initiatives Completed in 2024•Active Transportation Master Plan completed, helping to guide the development of trails and bike routes over the next 20 years. Approximately 300 km is existing and the ATMP proposes about 190 km of new routes.•Project kick-off of the Home Energy Retrofit Program.•Continued implementation of Green Development Standards (GDS). The GDS sets minimum sustainable design requirements for new buildings and lands. The Town received 5 GDS applications in 2024.•The annual “Aurora Idle-Free Campaign” continued to target school zones using mobile signs and Town By-Law officers providing education on anti-idling.•The Town hosted its third “EV Showcase”, an EV public awareness campaign.•Energy and Climate Change objectives added to 2024 Official Plan review.Page 19 of 24
Corporate Energy UpdateChangee inn Townn Carbonn Emissionss Sincee 20188 +13%New Facilities, Construction, and increased Carbon Emissions produced from the Ontario electricity grid have caused a significant carbon increase.Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateEnergy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsBuildingg Energyy Efficiency 2018 2024 15%Buildings have improved in energy efficiency since 2018.05,000,00010,000,00015,000,00020,000,00025,000,00030,000,0002018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024Energy Consumption (kWh)Town Building Energy UsePage 20 of 24
Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateEnergy and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsTown Initiatives Completed in 2024•Fleet decarbonizations projects completed: •Purchase of two (2) Electric ice resurfacers•Four (4) hybrid vehicles•Facility Retrofits completed:•LED conversions at Town-owned facilities•Low-flow fixture retrofits at Town-owned facilities•2024 ECDMP council approved-net zero carbon by 2050. List of upcomingprojects:•Further fleet decarbonization like ice resurfacers electrification•Energy audits•Fleet and facility electrification planning•Waste audit and waste reduction strategy•Employee energy management training•Facility retrofitsCorporate Energy UpdatePage 21 of 24
Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateClimate ResiliencyProjections for Aurora6.8oC10.1oC8.2oC2080’s2050’s2020’sBaseline1981 - 201012.3oCClimate ProjectionsAnnual TemperaturesThe yearly average temperature in Aurora is currently 6.8oC.The following are the average yearly temperatures predicted for 2020, 2050, and 2080.8.8m200520509.4m20809.7mAnnual PrecipitationAnnual Precipitation (Snow & Rain) is expected to increase. In 2005 Aurora saw 8.8m of Precipitation.By 2080, Aurora is expected to see almost a meter more in a year.Page 22 of 24
Climate Resiliency ProjectsTown of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateAurora Town Square HighlightsTown Initiatives Completed in 2024•Creek rehabilitation and flood control project on Delayne Drive that improve natural flow and flood mitigation.•Watermain rehabilitation at Poplar Crecent reducing probability of failure during extreme weather events.•Several stormwater pond maintenance and rehabilitation works, improving flood resilience. •Stormwater pond inspections and maintenance of all 64 ponds•Climate considerations included in infrastructure project planning and during design phase, examples: resiliency measures like stream bank improvements or invasive species mitigation Page 23 of 24
Town of Aurora, 2024 Energy & Environment Progress UpdateAurora Town Square HighlightsAuroraa Townn SquareSustainablee Designn MeasuresWater Conservation•Low-flow water fixtures throughout the facility •Green roof installation with water-efficient landscaping •In ground holding tank that harvests greywater to water landscape/annual plantersWaste Diversion & Management•Construction Waste management – 75% diverted from landfill•Storage and collection of recyclables; inclusion of recycling storage areas, three-stream binsClimate Resiliency•Durable building design; building is designed to a high standard of durability and weather-tightness•Public Cooling with spray feature for increasingly frequent heat waves•Splashpad – Community Cooling Area•Storm Water Management; landscaping, cisterns, and permeable pavementEnergy•High efficiency HVAC and building controls•Efficient lights and lighting control systems•Daylighting design•EV Charging, Bike Racks, Public Transit•Regional construction materialsNatural Capital and Biodiversity•Water Efficient Landscaping, well planted site•Bird Friendly Glass designPage 24 of 24