Minutes (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20260223
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, February 23, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Ron Weese (Chair)
Victor Carvalho
Shun Chen*
Jason Cheng
Angela Daust
Leta Dayfoot
Denis Heng
Ken Turriff (Vice Chair)
Members Absent: Alain Godin
Other Attendees: Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager of Parks and Fleet*
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*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
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February 23, 2026 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ken Turriff
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 October 20, 2025
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
October 20, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager, Energy and Environment; Re: Draft
Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study
Staff introduced Janice Ashworth, Senior Consultant, and Alex Hill,
Partner, Dunsky Energy before providing a brief overview of the evolution
of the Feasibility Study to the Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program Design
Study. Janice reviewed the study's main objectives, recapping the main
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February 23, 2026 3
sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Aurora, identifying the
demographic characteristics of energy poverty and retrofit barriers, and
reviewing recent changes to various multi-level government and utility
program initiatives. Multiple short-, medium- and long-term initiatives, both
individual and in collaboration with various levels of government, were
outlined, along with funding resources to address the inadequacy of
natural gas emissions reduction efforts.
The Committee inquired about loan and grant options geared to low-
income households, marketing efforts to piggyback on existing energy-
efficiency programs and utilize local social networks to reach the target
audience.
Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns regarding the publication
of household energy ratings and their accuracy, as well as energy data
collected by the Town being shared with the Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (M.P.A.C.), which could adversely affect home
valuation. Feedback was provided that the homeowner will maintain the
ability to opt-out or update energy ratings, as per a national energy
standard.
The Committee requested further details on the reliability and return -on-
investment of heat pumps and the optimal energy upgrade time for
homeowners, as well as alternate solutions through partner programs to
achieve the Town's retrofit targets. It was noted that knowledge barriers
will be targeted through a variety of awareness methods to incentivize
households.
The Committee further inquired on the availability of natural gas
consumption details through home energy retrofit programs pre- versus
post-retrofit, as well as historical data available from the federal
EnerGuide program.
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the memorandum regarding Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program
Design Study be received; and
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February 23, 2026 4
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: The Protection and
Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural
Significance
Staff provided an overview of the program to be presented to Council at
an upcoming meeting regarding the inventorying of Aurora's significant
heritage trees and employing preservation, commemoration and potential
lineage redistribution to continue their legacy. Staff noted that various
revenue generation opportunities are also to be considered.
The Committee provided suggestions on location of commemorative
plaques as well as providing protection to the root systems from future
development in the immediate area of identified trees. Staff noted that
setbacks will be incorporated into the new program.
The Committee inquired whether heritage tree designation would extend
to trees on privately-owned land. Staff responded that legalities limit the
Town's ability to protect those trees but current penalties are being
reviewed, and the Private Tree Protection By-law will be updated in 2027 in
order to strengthen the protection of significant trees located on privately-
owned land.
The Committee queried how invasive tree species will be managed and
how the heritage tree inventory will be generated and maintained. Staff
provided details that the current significant tree inventory is regularly
updated and will include a public call-out to provide an opportunity for the
public to add new tree locations.
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the memorandum regarding The Protection and Commemoration
of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural Significance be
received; and
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February 23, 2026 5
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding The
Protection and Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold
Natural and Cultural Significance be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about tracking of waste diversion, and to what location
recyclables will be taken, with the province awarding the recycling contract to
Circular Materials. Additionally, concerns were shared relating to the closure of
multiple Beer Stores in Ontario and the effect it will have on recycling and waste
diversion. Staff commented that Amanda Cutler, Coordinator Waste/Recycling
will attend a future meeting.
The Committee shared concerns regarding the lack of clearing of some storm
sewers and ponds, which could lead to an increased risk of flooding, and queried
how the Town may account for climate change and new development, and how
maintenance may be affected due to the shortfall on infrastructure funds. funds.
The Committee inquired about how tree canopy projections may have changed
based on recent tree losses on private property, and staff provided a response.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Angela Daust
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Carried