GEAC Agenda 1 2016-02-11
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA
ENVIROMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AGENDA Thursday, February 11, 2016 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEMS
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Pages 1-5 (1) Minutes of the meeting held on January 14, 2016
7. DELEGATIONS/SPEAKERS
8. PRESENTATIONS
(1) Blue dot. To be presented by Councillor Dave Neeson. (http://bluedot.ca)
9. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS ON THE AGENDA
(1) Upper York Sewage Solution project.
Pages 6-7 (A) Executive Summary. As requested by Committee on January 14, 2016.
(B) Update to be given to Committee by Councillor Dave Neeson regarding briefing provided by Mike Rabeau, Director, Capital Planning & Delivery, and Lina Bigioni, Director of Government Relations & EA to Regional Chair to Council on the York Sewage Solution project on February 3, 2016.
GEAC Agenda 2 2016-02-11
Pages 8-12 (2) Environmental Advisory Committee Exchange, draft minutes of the regional meeting hosted in Georgina on November 26, 2015.
10. COMMUNICATIONS
Pages 13-14 (1) 2016 Provincial Environmental Advisory Committee Symposium.
Pages 15-17 (2) Ontario Raises $750 Million with Second Green Bond.
Pages 18-19 (3) Ontario Recognizes Carpool Week.
Pages 20-21 (4) Province Seeking Public Input on Improving Pollinator Health.
Pages 22- 23 (5) 'Seabin'.
Pages 24-25 (6) Statement from the Honourable Bob Chiarelli.
Page 26 (7) Statement on the Meeting between Premier Kathleen Wynne and Premier Rachel Notley.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Pages 27-29 (1) Earth Hour event. Follow up correspondence from World Wildlife Federation and Earth Hour Organization.
(2) Invasive species awareness campaign for 2016.
Committee Services Coordinator emailed Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) at the request of the Committee. Brittany Ballagh, Stewardship Technician, from the LSRCA responded by phone on January 28, 2016 and advised they are more than happy to attend a meeting; however, at this point they do not have an invasive species management program in place. In addition, LSRCA advised that if they receive any inquiries from land owners, regarding invasive species, the owner would be referred to the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC). Following the phone call, Brittany emailed to recommend the Committee consider contacting Dayna Laxton, Invasive Species Specialist, from the Regional Municipality of York. GEAC Agenda 3 2016-02-11
Page 30 (3) Work plan review. The Committee discussed at their previous meeting adding to the work plan. The suggestions that were made are listed below:
(A) Earth hour event: Working with the Parks and Recreation Department if possible. Promoting Earth Hour/day/month at the Farmers Market. Team building activity with Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation.
(B) Invasive Species Inviting staff from Operations and members from OIPC to attend the same meeting as the LSRCA to be present for the discussion on Invasive species. Developing a best practices management plan after meeting with Operations, OIPC and LSRCA.
(C) Creating a new logo in 2017.
(D) Celebrating UN days such as environment, water, forest etc.
(E) Recommending a reusable bag program.
12. CLOSED SESSION, IF REQUIRED
13. MOTION TO ADJOURN
(1) Next Meeting Next Meeting: Date: Thursday, March 10, 2016 Time: 7:00 p.m.
GEAC Minutes 1 2016-01-14
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA
ENVIROMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES Thursday, January 14, 2016 7:00 p.m. Committee Board Room 1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order, at 7:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
The following Committee members were in attendance: Mary Mallany Amanda Bacci Bill Horrocks Tricia Richens Katie Davis
The following Committee members were absent with regrets: Sean O’Malley Councillor Dave Neeson
The following staff member was in attendance: Sarah Brislin, Committee Services Coordinator
3. INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEMS - None
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Tricia Richens, Seconded by Katie Davis
RESOLUTION NO. GEAC-2016-0001
That the agenda for the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee for January 14, 2016 be approved as presented.
Carried.
5. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - None
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Page 1 of 30 GEAC Minutes 2 2016-01-14
(1) Minutes of the meeting held on September 10, 2015.
The Committee highlighted some corrections to be made to names of Committee members which were found throughout minutes within the motions made.
Moved by Tricia Richens, Seconded by Katie Davis
RESOLUTION NO. GEAC-2016-0002
That the minutes for the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee’s meeting held on September 10, 2015 be adopted with corrections made to member names as highlighted by the Committee.
Carried.
(2) Minutes of the joint GEAC & GAgAC meeting, November 12, 2015 for review, to be approved at next joint meeting November 2016.
Moved by Tricia Richens, Seconded by Mary Mallany
RESOLUTION NO. GEAC-2016-0003
That the minutes for the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee and Georgina Agricultural Advisory Committee joint meeting held on November 12, 2015 be received.
Carried.
7. DELEGATIONS/SPEAKERS - None
8. PRESENTATIONS - None
9. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS ON THE AGENDA
(1) 2016 Budget
Honorariums $2,800
Publications & Subscriptions $200
Professional Development $500
Advertising $500
Miscellaneous $1,500
Page 2 of 30 GEAC Minutes 3 2016-01-14
The Committee discussed with Sarah Brislin, Committee Services Coordinator, the process for budget submissions. The Committee was reminded the 2016 budget was discussed with them in September before submissions were due. The Committee was advised their recommendations were submitted to the Planning Department. The Committee was advised that it would be consulted during the 2017 budget submission process.
10. COMMUNICATIONS
(1) Help Develop Ontario's Budget
(2) Winter Webinar Series 2016
(3) High-Occupancy Toll Lanes Pilot Coming to the QEW in Summer 2016
(4) More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations On The Way
(5) Ontario Québec and Manitoba Form a Dynamic Alliance to Fight Climate Change
(6) Ontario Approves 22 Local Source Water Protection Plans
(7) Ontario Commits to Future in Nuclear Energy
(8) Ontario Drinking Water Still Among the Best Protected
(9) Ontario Permanently Bans Coal-Fired Electricity Generation
(10) Ontario Releases New Climate Change Strategy
(11) Ontario Releases Renewed Mineral Development Strategy
(12) Ontario Supports New Global Climate Change Agreement
(13) Ontario Taking Action To Protect Drill Rig Operators
(14) Resolve to Bag-it-Back this January
(15) Upcoming EAC Symposium
(16) Water Bottle Fill Station
Moved by Mary Mallany, Seconded by Amanda Bacci
RESOLUTION NO. GEAC-2016-0004
Page 3 of 30 GEAC Minutes 4 2016-01-14
That the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee receive communication items 10(1) to (16).
Carried.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
(17) Earth Hour event ideas. Committee to discuss. http://www.earthhour.org
The Committee discussed ideas for the event, the discussion included the following suggestions:
Reaching out to other Environmental Advisory Committee’s for ideas. Having an Earth month – with tips either daily or weekly posted on website and social media. Having an ‘Earth month’ which would run from Earth Hour to Earth Day. Participating in the pitch in day. Posting a link on the webpage to Earth hour organization website where tips can be found. Contacting the Advocate and Rogers Community TV to promote the Earth Hour event(s). Offering goals to participants, to get people to commit. Encouraging engagement and social media use of likes and shares and posting photos. Ensuring there is a screening process in place which will limit and control content online and ensure positive desired outcomes.
(18) Invasive species awareness campaign for 2016. The Committee Services Coordinator emailed Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at the request of the Committee and is awaiting a response. The Committee Services Coordinator contacted Paul Harpley from South Lake Simcoe Naturalists Club and they have agreed to present at the March 10, 2016 Committee meeting to further discuss ideas.
The Committee discussed the campaign and clarified that they would like to know what Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s plan is. The Committee further clarified that they would like Paul Harpley from South Lake Simcoe Naturalists Club to discuss the organizations views on the Upper York Sewage Solution and not invasive species.
(19) Work plan review.
The Committee discussed ideas to potentially be added to the work plan:
Earth hour event, working with Parks and Recreation if possible. Promoting Earth Hour/day/month at the Farmers Market.
Page 4 of 30 GEAC Minutes 5 2016-01-14
Team building activity with Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation, as an activity for Earth Hour. For 2017 creating a new logo. Inviting staff from Operations to attend the same meeting as the LSRCA to be present for the discussion on Invasive species. Celebrating UN days such as environment, water, forest etc. Recommending a reusable bag program. Developing a best practices management plan for Invasive Species, sometime after Operations, OIPC and LSRCA have attended a meeting to further discuss.
(20) Tree Planting.
The Committee inquired if the Town had a tree planting policy. Members reported observing the Town was planting on some boulevards and asked Committee Services Coordinator to follow up with respect to:
Criteria and policy Purpose for recent planting, members asked if planting it is to replace the Ash tree.
12. CLOSED SESSION, IF REQUIRED - None
13. MOTION TO ADJOURN - None
______Bill Horrocks Chair ______Sarah Brislin, Committee Services Coordinator
Page 5 of 30 Executive Summary
Who The Regional Municipality of York
What Ministry Review of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed undertaking, the Upper York Sewage Solutions (UYSS), which includes three integrated components:
a A water reclamation centre treating 40 megalitres per day of wastewater to produce a) clean treated water for discharge to the East Holland River and b) reclaimed water for various applications; a A project-specific phosphorous off-setting program. Seven existing stormwater management ponds in the Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket would be retrofitted to maximize phosphorus capture, a new pond would be constructed in the Town of Georgina, and low impact development technologies would be installed in the Town of Newmarket; and a Modifications to the existing York Durham Sewage System: wastewater would be conveyed by a new forcemain adjacent to the existing York Eurham Sewage System, a second new forcemain would convey wastewater from the existing Newmarket and Bogart Creek Pumping Stations to the first new forcemain, and connections from the Newmarket and Bogart Creek Pumping Stations to the new forcemains for treatment and discharge to Lake Ontario would be constructed.
When EA Submitted: July 25,2014
2
Page 6 of 30
-- Where The study area for the UYSS project extends to areas in the Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Newmarket and Whitchurch- Stouffville (see figure 1). From the north to south the study area extends between Cook's Bay and St. John's Sideroad, and from west to east the study area extends between Bathurst Street and Woodbine Avenue. South of Green Lane the west to east study area narrows to just west of Yonge Street and just east of Leslie Street. whv The purpose of the undertaking is to develop a sustainable sewage servicing solution to accommodate the provincially-approved growth forecasts for an area in York Region including portions of the Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, and Newmarket.
Conciusions The Ministry Review concludes that the Environmental Assessment was prepared in accordance with the approved amended Terms of Reference and contains sufficient information to assess the potential environmental effects of the proponent's undertaking. The Environmental Assessment demonstrated that York Region will be able to meet the objectives set out in the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and the Phosphorous Reduction Strategy. Most of the issues raised by Aboriginal communities and the Government Review Team during the EA process were addressed in the EA. Conditions are being considered to address the remaining concerns regarding Aboriginal community consultation, and reinforce York Region's commitments regarding phosphorus offset facility monitoring and pilot testing of the reverse osmosis concentrate.
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Page 7 of 30
Environmental Advisory Committee Exchange Forum Minutes November 26, 2015 Hosted by the Town of Georgina 20849 Dalton Rd. Sutton, ON L0E 1R0 Attendance City of Markham – Karl Lyew, Jennifer Wong LSRCA‐ Christa Sharp, Brittany Ballagh Town of Aurora – Mel James Town of Georgina – Bill Horrocks, Councillor Dave Neeson, Katie Davis, Mary Mallany, Sarah Brislin Town of Newmarket – John Birchall Town of Richmond Hill ‐ Myles O’Brien Town of Whitchurch‐Stouffville – Councillor Hugo Kroon Township of King – Susan Beharriell, Bruce Craig York Region‐ Barb Davies, Christie Fulford, Michelle Dudzik Regrets TRCA‐ Mary Gawen City of Vaughan – Kailyn Smith York Region – Helen Doyle Town of East Gwillimbury – Kyla Greenham
Presenters
Colin Dobell, Ontario Water Centre – Clean Water Farm
Denis Poncelet, York Region – Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre
ACTION ITEMS:
MINUTES
1. Arrival and Refreshments 2. Welcome by Bill Horrocks, Town of Georgina EAC Chair 3. Opening Remarks by Barb Davies 4. Clean Water Farm Presentation – Colin Dobell, Ontario Water Centre 5. Round Table updates:
Georgina ‐ EAC ‐ hosted 2 education workshops one was called Food under Feet and focused on wild plant edibles and medicines (approximately 25 participants) ‐ created a recipe book – Recipe book available through FTP – link not available on website
Page 8 of 30 EAC Spring Forum Minutes – November 26, 2015
‐ Plan to do more education on weeds and invasive plants Town of Georgina ‐ Creating Georgina Waterways Committee – scoping the gaps of all other committees to avoid duplication ‐ LED street light conversion currently underway ‐ Looking at Solar LED lighting possibilities for Town buildings ‐ Assessing EAB financial impact ‐ Planning to host Earth Hour celebrations ‐ Requested a change to the Conservation Authorities Act to incorporate public consultation as part of the development review required through this Act ‐ First municipality to ban Neonicotinoids ‐ Assisted partners in publishing “Do Fish Fart?” King SAC ‐ Participated in the Trails Master Plan, Oak Ridges Conservation Plan and Greenbelt Plan review, King Township ‐ Transportation Master Plan, King’s Water/Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan & Urbanization Study, King Official Plan Review and Nobleton Zoning By‐law Review ‐ Provided Living With Wildlife Workshops and the King Loves Spring event ‐ Proposed Biomass Facility at YMCA Cedar Glen ‐ The Right to a Healthy Environment ‐ Presentation by Country Day School Students; The Sustainability Advisory Committee recommended that Council pass the Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment ‐ Received grants to fund multiple initiatives ‐ Connected with both the public and catholic school boards
Markham ‐ MEAC ‐ Hosting Earth Day event in April at Markville Mall ‐ Hosted EAC provincial forum – All EACs have a page on provincial EAC website – Contact Susan Elston to update ‐ Hosted Rouge Urban National Park Charrette ‐ discussion on Cornell Gateway into and out of the Park City of Markham ‐ Working to improve the 81% waste diversion rate ‐ Created a “What Goes Where” item look‐up tool to help residents determine how to sort waste ‐ Markham Milk Bag Program – weave milk bags into floor mats and sleeping mats or temporary surgical mats to be sent to Haiti ‐ Community Garden Seed Library – supporting urban agriculture and providing free access to a variety of seeds to provide healthy affordable food ‐ Providing workshops to educate public on growing food and gardening techniques Town of Richmond Hill ‐ Environmental Strategy “Greening the Hill” released in 2014 ‐ Converting street lights to LED ‐ Continuing restoration of eroded valleylands ‐ Bike Valet service is now run through Blue Dot to reduce Richmond Hill resource requirements Town of Whitchurch‐Stouffville ‐ Converting street lights to LED
Document #6423160 Page 2 of 5
Page 9 of 30 EAC Spring Forum Minutes – November 26, 2015
‐ Received an Ecogift property near Musselman’s Lake and are working towards converting into local park with the remaining parts managed by LSRCA Newmarket EAC ‐ Youth outreach and education through colouring contests ‐ Worked with schools to plant trees and teach children how to grow trees and plants properly ‐ Provided food bank programs to teach cooking techniques and intended use of ingredients ‐ Main focus is on Energy Management Plan – bringing in a public input/consultation process ‐ Low Impact Development (LID) focus as lessons learned from Davis Drive construction ‐ Stormwater management focus through new position hired (50% funded by the Town of Newmarket and 50% funded by LSRCA) ‐ Converting street lights to LED ‐ Engaging in Holland River Clean‐up Aurora EAC ‐ Advising on Stormwater report ‐ Nest Box Project – Connecting students with nature by supplying bird nest boxes. Students monitor nests and report data to Bird Studies Canada. ‐ Working with community gardens ‐ Solar installation on LED lighting ‐ Encouraging interest and promoting Aurora’s Naturalization Park ‐ Banning pool outlets draining into streams ‐ Banning small plastic bottles in public facilities through Blue Dot ‐ Working on Energy Management Plan ‐ Hosting Earth week or month fair. o One initiative is to teach kids how much it costs to heat their house by 1o C, to teach using your thermostat to manage house temperatures and hope that the message goes home and influences parents LSRCA ‐ Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP) added LID projects eligible for funding ‐ Stormwater management project underway in Keswick on the Maskinonge River. Building a rain garden with permeable pavers and rain barrels for water collection and filtration as a demonstration site ‐ Working with many municipalities on LID projects York Region ‐ The construction and opening of the Forest Stewardship and Education Centre (see presentation) ‐ Urban Forest Study for Newmarket underway. 5 of 9 municipalities completed ‐ Strategic Forest Management Plan development is underway and will be consulting with this group at the next meeting ‐ 44.2 hectare property in King Township secured with York Region funding support to be owned and managed by TRCA ‐ Greening Strategy four year action plan will be complete in 2016 and staff will be developing new actions for the subsequent years
Document #6423160 Page 3 of 5
Page 10 of 30 EAC Spring Forum Minutes – November 26, 2015
‐ Greening Partnership Action Fund application available to municipalities for tree planting and stewardship/education programs (hand out provided contact York Region staff for an application package) ‐ Developing a conservation demand management plan (covers fleet vehicles, buildings, water and wastewater facilities etc.) ‐ Good Food Program ‐ provides meal planning ideas, encourages healthy eating with the goal to reduce food waste in the home. www.york.ca/goodfood ‐ ‘Water Is’ campaign – YR staff available to present to get the word out about water and wastewater awareness. ‐ Greener Home and Gardens Seminars for 2016: o looking for places to present , co‐presenters and cross‐promotion opportunities o Has tailor‐made and packaged presentation to come present at partner events – Contact Michelle Dudzik at [email protected] if interested ‐ Application for York Children’s Water Festival open to schools and groups to attend from Friday May 16 ‐ 20, 2016 ‐ FOG (Fats, Oil, and Grease) campaign coming ‐ Flushable Wipes that are not flushable – bringing awareness to clogs Email update from Vaughan EAC ‐ Organization Changes City of Vaughan underwent a restructuring of the organization in September. As a result, the Environmental Sustainability Department merged with Policy Planning, forming the Policy Planning & Environmental Sustainability Department. A new Manager of Environmental Sustainability has been assigned: Tony Iaocobelli, formally Senior Environmental Planner at the City of Vaughan. We expect to participate in the Embedded Energy Manger program again for 2016. ‐ Municipal Energy Plan City of Vaughan is in the process of finalizing our Municipal Energy Plan, which is expected to launch early in 2016. The MEP leveraged the process and funding from the Community Action Plan. The City of Vaughan utilized the City of London’s “Economic Analysis of Energy Consumption” tool to estimate the total cost of community energy consumption in 2013. It also strives to allocate each dollar to a sector of the economy (i.e. Ontario business, provincial/federal government, resource acquisition, etc.) to demonstrate the flow of money in and out of our community. ‐ Green Directions Vaughan The City of Vaughan’s Community Sustainability and Environmental Master Plan has reached the end of its 5 year implementation plan. Funds have been secured to refresh the plan for the period of 2016‐2021. Expected review of the ICSP is anticipated for Q3 of 2016. ‐ Upcoming Events Earth Hour Vaughan, March 26 (energy trade show, lantern walk, green hero awards, etc.) 20‐Minute Makeover, April (community litter pick up campaign) 6. Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre Presentation – Denis Poncelet, York Regional
Document #6423160 Page 4 of 5
Page 11 of 30 EAC Spring Forum Minutes – November 26, 2015
Future EAC Forum hosts and dates:
2015 spring March 5 Vaughan City Hall 2015 fall November 26 Georgina The Link 2016 spring February 2016 King or York TBD 2016 fall October 2016 Markham or York TBD
Next Meeting: February, 2016 Host: King EAC or York Region, to be confirmed
Document #6423160 Page 5 of 5
Page 12 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Dawson Blake
1 Page 13 of 30
Dawson Blake | Co‐op Student | City of Oshawa 905‐436‐3311, ext. 2624 | 1‐800‐667‐4292 [email protected] | www.oshawa.ca
2 Page 14 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario Raises $750 Million with Second Green Bond
February 2, 2016
Proceeds to Finance Eight Infrastructure Projects Benefitting Environment
Ontario has successfully issued its second green bond, raising $750 million to support environmentally friendly, low- carbon infrastructure projects.
Proceeds from the bond will help fund eight projects, improving transit, education, health care and creating jobs in communities across Ontario.
Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in the province's history - more than $134 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals.
Green bonds help support Ontario's efforts to fight climate change, alongside initiatives including the province's Climate Change Strategy, working with industry and other partners on the design of a cap and trade program, ending coal-fired electricity generation and electrifying and improving Ontario's commuter rail network.
Utilizing innovative financing tools like green bonds is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
Pioneered by the World Bank in 2008, green bonds are a tool to raise capital for a project with specific environmental benefits.
1 Page 15 of 30 This set of Ontario green bonds was issued globally, primarily to institutional investors.
Altogether, 52 investors participated in the trade, including investors with green mandates and/or United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) signatories representing 70 per cent of overall sales. The PRI is an international network of investors’ working to incorporate sustainability issues into their investment decision making and ownership practices.
On January 22, 2016, Ontario successfully priced a $750 million bond with a maturity date of January 27, 2023.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read about the results of Ontario’s first green bonds issue
Learn more about Ontario’s green bonds
Read about Ontario’s infrastructure plan
Read how Ontario is leading in the green economy
Read Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy
QUOTES
"Issuing Ontario Green Bonds helps grow our economy. As global financial markets seek new and innovative opportunities to invest in socially responsible initiatives, many are turning to Ontario, which is already the top destination in North America for foreign direct investment. Ontario's green bond program attracts more strategic investment to increase our competiveness and create jobs in our province. It funds the construction of specific infrastructure projects that improve our environment and supports a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Ontarians." — Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
"Effectively combating climate change requires smart investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure projects such as improving energy efficiency and building more public transit. Green bonds give all Ontarians the opportunity to invest in climate actions that will protect the environment, strengthen the economy and improve everyday life." — Glen R. Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
2 Page 16 of 30 "Green bonds build on our track record of infrastructure investments and support this government’s commitment to priority transit projects like the Eglinton Crosstown, York Viva Bus Rapid Transit and GO Regional Express Rail. These investments will help to manage congestion, connect people to jobs and improve the economy and residents’ quality of life." — Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"Investing in environmentally friendly hospital infrastructure projects through green bonds will grow Ontario’s communities in a meaningful way. Green bonds will have a positive impact on Ontario’s families now and in the future through smart and innovative investments." — Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
CONTACTS
For Media Inquiries only:
Kelsey Ingram Minister’s Office 416-326-1409 [email protected]
Scott Blodgett Ministry of Finance 416-325-0324 [email protected]
Ministry of Finance http://www.ontario.ca/finance
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3 Page 17 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Ontario Recognizes Carpool Week
February 1, 2016
Province Adds More Carpool Parking at GO Transit Stations
In recognition of Carpool Week, which runs Feb. 1-7 this year, the province is encouraging commuters to share their ride by carpooling.
Carpooling has many benefits including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing congestion on our roads. Ontario has made it easier for commuters to carpool by:
adding more designated carpool parking at GO Transit stations, including six new spots at Langstaff station, six at Maple station and four at both Rouge Hill and Cooksville stations continuing to build commuter parking lots near major interchanges across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the Simcoe and Niagara areas providing a tool to find or help set up a carpool.
Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in the province's history - more than $134 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. In the last six months of 2015, the province announced support for nearly 200 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.
Investing in transit is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
1 Page 18 of 30 This annual campaign is led by Metrolinx’s Smart Commute program.
Through Smart Commute, Metrolinx works with schools, workplaces, and communities to encourage smart travel choices like carpooling, public transit, cycling, walking and teleworking.
GO Transit offers more than 500 designated carpool parking spaces at 48 of its stations.
In the GTHA, Simcoe and Niagara areas alone there are 44 MTO/GO Transit carpool lots on the provincial highway network, providing close to 6,100 carpool parking spaces.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn more about the benefits of carpooling at the Smart Commute website
QUOTES
"By adding more parking for carpooling we are encouraging drivers to share a ride and take advantage of the many benefits of carpooling and taking transit. Our government is committed to making the daily commute better for Ontario families." — Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"By participating in Carpool Week and investing in carpool parking at GO stations, Metrolinx is committed to reducing the number of single occupant vehicles on the road. Supporting smart travel choices such as carpooling is another example of how Metrolinx is transforming the way the region moves. " — Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx
CONTACTS
Patrick Searle Minister’s Office [email protected]
Bob Nichols Communications Branch
2 Page 19 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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News Release
Province Seeking Public Input on Improving Pollinator Health
January 22, 2016
Ontario Taking Action to Reduce Pollinator Losses
Ontario is seeking public feedback on a draft action plan to improve pollinator health and reduce pollinator losses.
Pollinators, including honey bees, are essential to Ontario's agricultural sector and contribute approximately $992 million worth of economic activity annually to the economy. The province became the first jurisdiction in North America to protect bees and other pollinators through new rules introduced on July 1, 2015, to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds by 80 per cent by 2017.
Now, Ontario is looking for the public's feedback on a proposed plan to improve pollinator health that will address:
Habitat and nutrition Diseases, pests and genetics Climate change and weather Pesticide exposure.
The proposed plan will be posted on the Environmental Registry until March 7, 2016. Additionally, the public can also provide input on protecting pollinator health by completing a public survey.
Supporting pollinator health is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
1 Page 20 of 30 Ontario is home to more than 400 bee species, which are the most common pollinators.
Honey bees and some bumble bees are bred specifically for pollinating plants for food. A foraging honey bee will travel up to 3 km from the colony (and up to 10 km if food is scarce).
The province recently introduced a new Bee Mortality Production Insurance plan under the Agricultural Products Insurance Act to promote best management practices and allow farmers to manage their risk more effectively.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Draft Pollinator Health Action Plan
Pollinator friendly gardens
ontario.ca/agriculture-news
QUOTES
"Pollinators are critical to Ontario’s agri-food sector and our society as a whole. While, Ontario farmers are working to protect pollinators through integrated pest management, the proposed Pollinator Health Action Plan will create more discussion and encourage greater cooperation to improve pollinator health in our province. It is important to recognize that we all have a role to play in protecting pollinator populations in this province." — Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
"Much of the food we eat and the vibrancy of Ontario’s natural habitats depend on a healthy pollinator population. The decline of bees and other pollinators is a serious problem that requires immediate action to protect Ontario’s ecosystems. The draft Pollinator Health Action Plan builds on action the province has already taken to improve pollinator health through a new pesticide regulation that reduces the use of neonicotinoid insecticide. We encourage urban and agricultural communities, environmental groups, municipalities and interested organizations to provide feedback on Ontario’s action plan." — Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
CONTACTS
2 Page 21 of 30 Page 22 of 30 Page 23 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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Statement
Statement from the Honourable Bob Chiarelli
January 27, 2016
"Ontario is pleased with the Federal Government's announcement of new principles and consultation processes related to decision-making on interprovincial pipelines. The responsibility for reviewing interprovincial pipeline projects lies completely within federal jurisdiction and is the purview of the National Energy Board (NEB).
Today's announcement will help to repair changes made by the previous federal government, which limited the voice of communities in NEB hearings. Ontario agrees with our federal partner that all aspects of proposed pipeline projects, including impacts on our climate and natural environment must be considered, and enhanced mitigation measures must be a priority.
For generations, Canada's vast natural resources have helped grow our national economy; across the country Canadians also recognize our shared obligation to future generations. Economic prosperity and environmental sustainability are fundamentally linked, and we must ensure that we develop our energy resources in a smart, sustainable and ecologically responsible manner.
This is precisely why Ontario took action in 2013 and tasked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) with giving a voice to the public, First Nation and Metis communities and safety experts on the impacts of the proposed Energy East project to Ontario's economy and natural environment. Across 18 months and more than a dozen communities, hundreds of Ontarians participated in meaningful consultations and open dialogue. Last summer the OEB delivered its final report to the government. This report will inform our position as an intervenor in this renewed federal regulatory process and ensure that the best interests of Ontarians are protected - including our safety, environment, jobs and the economy.
Canadians have been clear - all levels of government must take the time to hear from experts, community and municipal leaders, aboriginal groups, business leaders and other impacted groups to ensure that all voices can be heard during the regulatory process.
1 Page 24 of 30 With the steps announced today, the environment and the economy have a much better chance of being appropriately harmonized."
Background
Ontario's Pipeline Principles:
Pipelines must meet the highest available technical standards for public safety and environmental protection; Pipelines must have the world leading contingency planning and emergency response programs; Proponents and governments must fulfill their duty to consult obligations with Aboriginal communities; Local communities must be consulted; Projects should provide demonstrable economic benefits and opportunities to the people of Ontario, over both the short and long term; and Economic and environmental risks and responsibilities, including remediation should be borne exclusively by the pipeline companies, who must also provide financial guarantees demonstrating their capability to respond to leaks and spills.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read the Ontario Energy Board’s Final Report
CONTACTS
Dan Moulton Minister’s Office 416-327-3551
Aslan Hart Communications Branch 416-326-4542
Ministry of Energy http://www.ontario.ca/energy
2 Page 25 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Ontario News
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Statement
Statement on the Meeting between Premier Kathleen Wynne and Premier Rachel Notley
January 22, 2016
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne met with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley today in Toronto to discuss issues important to the future prosperity of both provinces. The meeting focused on climate change, the upcoming First Ministers' Meeting and infrastructure, including Energy East.
Following the meeting, Premier Wynne issued this statement:
"I have said all along that we need to balance what must be done to address climate change and protect our environment and the development of our energy resources. That is why the Canadian Energy Strategy is so important.
Alberta's new climate plan -- in particular the cap on emissions from the oil sands -- makes the national conversation about climate targets and pipelines easier.
We appreciate that there is a need for a way to get Canadian oil, which is allowed under Alberta's new emission cap, to overseas markets. And the people of Ontario care a great deal about the national economy and the potential jobs this proposed pipeline project could create in our province and across the country."
Premier Rachel Notley issued the following statement:
"It is time for all Canadians to recognize and appreciate the climate leadership we've seen here in Ontario. This province acted decisively to reduce its own emissions by phasing out coal. There was a cost to ensuring that Ontario has a clean and reliable electricity system, but there are also huge savings from clean air. Ontario is continuing to lead with the cap and trade program it will be phasing in shortly.
1 Page 26 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Sneha Subramanian
Hi Sarah,
I have CC'd you in the email to WWF Canada. Let me know if you have any other requests/questions.
In the meantime, do you think you could fill out this survey, so we can hear about your Earth Hour plans? If you don't have all the answers to the survey, that is ok. You can always return to it and continue filling it out from the same device!
Once again, let me know if you need anything else :)
Thanks, Sneha
-- Sneha Subramanian Internal Communications, Assistant Manager Earth Hour Global
354 Tanglin Road, Tanglin International Centre, Tanglin Block, #03-11, Singapore 247672 Tel: +65 6922 7650
Join us this Earth Hour on 19 March 2016, 8:30pm
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect y our priv acy , Outlook prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Watch the Earth Hour 2015 impact video and help build our movement to change climate change - donate at earthhour.org/donate today!
Share your Earth Hour stories with us on: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/earthhour Twitter http://twitter.com/earthhour Please consider the environment before you print this email.
1 Page 27 of 30 Sarah Brislin
From: Caroline Gosselin
Thank you Sneha for forwarding this message.
Hello Ms. Brislin, Thank you for your interest in Earth Hour and WWF work. Each city celebrates Earth Hour up to their capacity (humanly, financially and time‐wise). Some cities will organized a full public events with animations, other city will simply turn off the city hall lights and publish a press release asking their citizens to do the same. Both options are really helpful to raise awareness against climate change.
If you would like some ideas, stay tuned as WWF‐Canada will provide a toolkit in this current month.
I copied my colleague Kathy Nguyen on this email as she is the English Canadian public mobilization specialist and based in Toronto.
Regards, Caroline
Caroline Gosselin | Conseillère aux relations avec les collectivités, Québec | WWF‐Canada Téléphone : 514‐394‐1106 | [email protected] | Site : wwf.ca/fr Adresse postale : 50, rue Sainte‐Catherine Ouest, bureau 340, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3V4
From: Sneha Subramanian [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 31 janvier 2016 07:14 To: Caroline Gosselin
Dear Caroline,
My name is Sneha and I am the Internal Comms assistant manager at Earth Hour Global. The EHG team received an email from Sarah Brislin (which I have copied below). I have also CC'd her. Do you think you could help her with her question?
Thanks, Sneha
"Good afternoon,
My Environmental Advisory Committee is considering hosting an Earth Hour event. I must present their budget to Town Council, I am not sure what other local Municipalities spend on these events, I am hoping you might know.
1 Page 28 of 30
Thank you.
C. Sarah A. Brislin, BA
Committee Services Coordinator
Clerk's Division | Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Rd., Keswick, ON L4P 3G1
T: 905-476-4301 ext 2248 905-722-6516
705-437-2210
E: [email protected] www.georgina.ca"
-- Sneha Subramanian Internal Communications, Assistant Manager Earth Hour Global
354 Tanglin Road, Tanglin International Centre, Tanglin Block, #03-11, Singapore 247672 Tel: +65 6922 7650
Join us this Earth Hour on 19 March 2016, 8:30pm
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect y our priv acy , Outlook prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Watch the Earth Hour 2015 impact video and help build our movement to change climate change - donate at earthhour.org/donate today!
Share your Earth Hour stories with us on: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/earthhour Twitter http://twitter.com/earthhour Please consider the environment before you print this email.
2 Page 29 of 30 Town of Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee
WORK PLAN 2016
Action tasks status
1 Inquiry sent to Earth Hour – Oct. 1, 2015 Waiting for response from Earth Hour Org. Follow up on Inquiry – Jan. 7, 2016 Host Earth Hour A response was received from Earth Hour Org., Jan. 31, 2016 and Event WWF., Feb. 1, 2016.
2 Invasive Species LSRCA was contacted. They advised they do not have a Campaign management plan. They recommended the Committee Contact York Region Invasive Species Specialist, Dayna Laxton.
3
4
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