Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan and Oakville's Health Protection Air Quality Initiatives Implementation Update

REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: AUGUST 9, 2011

FROM: Environmental Policy

DATE: July 25, 2011

SUBJECT: Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan and Oakville's Health Protection Air Quality Initiatives Implementation Update

LOCATION: Town wide WARD: Town wide Page 1

RECOMMENDATION: 1. That the report on Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan and Oakville Health Protection Air Quality Initiatives Implementation Update, dated July 25, 2011, be received;

2. That a multi-year prioritized road shoulder paving program, be referred to the town’s annual capital budget review process for consideration;

3. That the Region of Halton be requested to consider implementing road shoulder paving of regional roads in the Oakville-Clarkson area as recommended in the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan including Ford Drive from Sheridan Garden Drive to Upper Middle Road and Ninth Line from Upper Middle Road northerly; and

4. That a copy of this report be provided to the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier, the Honourable John Wilkinson, Minister of the Environment, the local Members of Provincial Parliament, MPPs Kevin Flynn, Ted Chudleigh and Charles Sousa, and to the Regions of Halton and Peel, and City of Mississauga.

KEY FACTS: The following are key points for consideration with respect to this report: • An overview of the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan (OCAAP) implementation progress by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the town is provided. • The Province is working with the federal, and other provincial and territorial governments on a new collaborative air management approach to better protect human health and the environment.

• The town is addressing nine OCAAP recommendations including actions related to dust control, fleet greening, public transit, planning and land use, the Health Protection Air Quality By-law (HPAQB) and outreach and education. • For improved dust control, a multi-year road shoulder paving program is recommended for roads with unpaved shoulders in the Oakville-Clarkson area. • A brief update on the implementation of the HPAQB is provided. • The town remains committed to protecting the health of its residents by implementing the OCAAP recommendations and other initiatives to improve air quality in Oakville.

BACKGROUND: On November 24, 2009, the province appointed Dr. David Balsillie to develop a comprehensive action plan that would lead to reduced emissions from local industry, traffic, residences, and transboundary sources, and improve air quality in the Southwest GTA.

To assist in the development of the action plan, Dr. Balsillie formed a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) involving local representatives of municipalities, health units, industry, and local community groups.

On June 24, 2010, the Southwest GTA Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan (OCAAP) was issued. The Southwest GTA OCAAP proposed 35 recommendations for actions aimed at preventing air pollution as well as abating emissions by every sector in the community. The report is available on the Ministry of the Environment’s website at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/publications/7651e.pdf.

On August 30, 2010, Council passed a resolution regarding the OCAAP calling for a moratorium on further development of the proposed Oakville Generating Station until actions were taken to address the risk to the health of residents living in the overtaxed Oakville-Clarkson airshed (OCA) from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other air emissions.

On October 7, 2010, the Provincial Government announced the cancellation of proposed Oakville Generating Station.

On October 20, 2010, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) announced the intent to create a new collaborative air management approach to better protect human health and the environment. The Air Quality Management System (AQMS) seeks to establish regionally coordinated airsheds and airzones to better manage air quality in Canada.

On November 15, 2010, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) responded positively to the town’s request for a provincial review of the policy framework with regard to PM2.5 and indicated it would take 15 to 18 months to complete their review.

On December 20, 2010, Council approved transitional implementation of certain sections of the Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 until the MOE review of PM2.5 was completed allowing staff to participate in all consultative activities around these provincial and federal reviews. The purpose of the by-law can then be considered in relation to the outcomes of these MOE reviews.

On January 20, 2011, Council approved support for the Oakville-Clarkson airshed as the first pilot airzone in the regionally coordinated airshed management system, with commitment to actively engage in consultative activities around this initiative.

The town remains committed to implement initiatives to improve air quality in Oakville and to address the recommendations for municipal actions in the Oakville- Clarkson Airshed Action Plan (OCAAP). This report provides an overview on progress in the implementation of air initiatives by the Ministry of the Environment and the town in the Oakville-Clarkson area.

COMMENT/OPTIONS: Since Council nominated the Oakville-Clarkson airshed as the first pilot airzone for regional airshed management, staff has met with the MOE on several occasions to update and coordinate efforts to implement the OCAAP recommendations and establish a pilot airzone. The initial meeting was on February 17, 2011 with town staff. Since then, the MOE has organized a series of meetings (one in May, two in June and the next one will be on August 10) to discuss details of the pilot airzone, by inviting staff from the Regions of Halton and Peel Public Health Departments, the Town of Oakville, and the City of Mississauga, residents and local community groups in Oakville and Mississauga, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, and industry representatives from Ford of Canada, Suncor Energy Inc. and Holcim (Canada) Inc.

MOE Initiatives

Air Quality Management System (AQMS)

As announced by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment on October 20, 2010, the MOE has been working with the federal government, other provinces and territories on a new national approach to air management - the Air Quality Management System (AQMS).

The AQMS builds on the proposed Comprehensive Air Management System (CAMS) as a new national approach to managing air quality, based on an April 2010 framework.

The five main elements of AQMS are to: 1. Establish airshed coordination across Canada (federal lead); 2. Develop regional/local airzone management (provincial lead); 3. Review and update Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS); 4. Create base-level industrial emissions requirements (BLIERs) for major industrial sectors; and 5. Address transportation emissions by aligning the federal standards for transportation sources.

The major system elements are expected to be developed by 2011 with implementation beginning in 2013.

Consultations for CAAQS and BLIERs are currently in progress involving multi- stakeholder groups facilitated by the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN). Also, a formal stakeholder advisory group was formed by representatives from environmental and health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry.

Information on these initiatives and the consultative process can be found at http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/cams_proposed_framework_e.pdf and http://rcen.ca/public-participation/environment-canada-multi-stakeholder- consultation-series-to-finalize-elements-o.

Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan (OCAAP)

In January 2011, the Minister of the Environment, restated the Ministry’s commitment to continually improving air quality in Ontario and extended an invitation for municipalities to work with the provincial government, especially with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to implement OCAAP recommendations in the Oakville- Clarkson airshed. This correspondence is included in Appendix A.

A number of OCAAP recommendations align with the concepts of the Air Quality Management System and airzones. The following summarizes several key recommendations and the actions taken by the MOE to date:

• Develop and implement a new form of governance and an Airshed Management System in the Oakville-Clarkson airshed (Recommendations 1 and 2)

Since the town and the City of Mississauga formally nominated the Oakville- Clarkson airshed as the pilot for regional airshed management (on January 20,

2011 and March 23, 2011, respectively), town staff met with the MOE and other stakeholders on several occasions to discuss details on what would be involved and the way forward to establish a pilot airzone. The meetings were constructive and positive. Correspondence related to the MOE’s consideration of a pilot airzone for Oakville-Clarkson is in Appendix B.

• Develop an Inter-Ministry Action Team to coordinate provincial policy development in order to implement the Air Quality Action Plan (Recommendations 3)

The MOE indicated that a multi-ministry Directors committee has been developed within the provincial government to establish an Inter-Ministry Action Team to coordinate efforts to implement the OCAAP recommendations.

• All applications for Certificates of Approval for new or modified industrial activities, which will increase emissions within the airshed, must be considered in light of the current capacity of the airshed, including the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the power plant. (Recommendation 4)

On October 7, 2010, the provincial government announced the cancellation of proposed Oakville Generating Station. The development of the AQMS with its air zone management element would provide a framework for place-based air quality challenges. However, there is no direct response regarding a revised approach to the environmental approval process in the Oakville-Clarkson airshed at this point.

• The MOE should set a provincial standard for emission of primary PM2.5. (Recommendation 5)

On November 15, 2010, the MOE responded to the town’s request for a provincial review of the policy framework with regard to PM2.5 that will include an assessment of the need to revise the policy approach to direct emissions of PM2.5 over the next 15 to 18 months. According to the MOE, the judiciary scan has been completed and technical assessment is underway.

• A review of the state-of-the-art of air pollutants and provincial standards and criteria should be conducted on a regular basis. (Recommendation 6)

As part of the AQMS, new national ambient air quality standards (Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, CAAQS) are being developed to protect human health and the environment, initially with standards for PM2.5 and ozone that would gradually extend to include other pollutants. The ambient air quality standards would be based on and be more stringent than the existing Canada-

wide standards and they are being developed under a federally led, multi- stakeholder consultative process, including federal, provincial and territorial governments, public health units, and various NGOs.

These standards would be science-based, taking into account achievability and economic considerations, and would be reviewed on a regular basis. Jurisdictions would begin reporting against the CAAQS in 2015.

In addition, the creation of new emission standards (BLIERS) for industry is also one of the main elements of AQMS. The provincial government also works collaboratively with the federal government and other provinces and territories on an on-going basis to develop consistent national standards for key air pollutants.

• The MOE should release the “Acrolein” report, along with an action plan for dealing with this (and other similar) pollutant(s). (Recommendation 7)

The “Acrolein” report has been released.

Please refer to the table provided by the MOE (Appendix C) for additional details on the responses to each recommendation in the OCAAP.

Review of Statement of Environmental Values (SEV)

The MOE indicated that the review of the Statement of Environmental Values and the integration of the cumulative effects of air emissions within the approval process are underway. However, the MOE has not revealed a timeline for the completion of the review or an associated public consultative process.

Oakville’s Initiatives

Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan (OCAAP)

Nine recommendations in the OCAAP are directed toward the local municipalities or require the town’s participation for their implementation. The main recommendations are related to dust control, fleet greening, public transit operations, planning and land use, and outreach and education for the community. The following summarizes the key recommendations and the actions taken by the town:

• Outreach, education, and moral-suasion can be used to persuade residents to reduce their emissions into the community (Recommendation 20)

The town has extensive outreach and education programs already in place to promote a variety of environmental / sustainability initiatives focused on achieving residential energy conservation, vehicle idling reduction, environmental stewardship, reduced use of vehicles, increased use of public and alternative modes of transportation, etc. This year’s programming includes Earth Hour, Earth Week, the 5th Annual Energy Fair (over 400 attendees), Summer Fun Bus and Bike Day, Anti-idling at schools, Clean Air Commute and attendance at other community events. Funds for these programs are included in the annual Environmental Policy operating budget. For more information about these events, please visit http://www.oakville.ca/oakvilleconserves.htm.

• Residential and industrial planning needs to be reviewed to reduce the level of encroachment into industrial zones and transportation routes of all types. (Recommendation 21)

Planning policies to address industrial/residential development encroachment issues and distance separation are included in the town’s new Official Plan - Livable Oakville and the North Oakville Secondary Plan (New Communities of Oakville). Implementation of Livable Oakville will provide for studies of various potential environmental issues, including the air quality and health impacts of proposed developments.

The town also completed a planning study around siting of power generation stations in Oakville and has established zoning requirements to manage their development.

• Pending the development and issuance of an updated Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), every proposal for new land uses in the OCA should be examined carefully to ensure that it is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement’s provisions for the “orderly development of safe and healthy communities” and the “appropriate location of growth and development.” (Recommendation 22)

Town staff is well aware of these identified land use policies in the PPS as well as the PPS policy respecting the siting of major facilities so as to prevent adverse effects on sensitive land uses.

Comments to the province on the Five-Year Review of the PPS, 2005 were submitted in December 2010 jointly by the Halton Area Planning Partners (Regions of Halton and all local municipalities.) Recommendations to the province are consistent with the OCAAP and include requests to better support and promote complete communities, the relationship of health, air quality and the built environment, active transportation, climate change, protecting and

promoting public health, acknowledging air as a resource, and to clarify policies for industrial, commercial and institutional instead of combining them.

• Municipalities should pave the shoulder of main roads within the airshed to prevent dust entrainment and tracking of materials into the roadway (Recommendation 26)

In summer 2011, the town will be undertaking a project to pave the shoulders along Royal Windsor Drive between Ford Drive and Winston Churchill Boulevard, and to implement a dedicated cycle facility that supports the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) by encouraging alternate modes of transportation. The cost of this project is estimated to be $157,000 and is funded as part of the town’s annual program for new sidewalk and cycleway construction. Completion is expected before the end of the summer of 2011.

In addition to the project noted above, staff has also reviewed road shoulder areas along major corridors within the airshed that could be paved to prevent dust entrainment. As a result of the review, the Engineering and Construction Department has developed a multi-year prioritized road shoulder paving program. Road paving priority has been established using traffic volume, the potential for dust entrainment, and where possible, has coordinated with the town’s ATMP. Please refer to Appendix D for details.

The total cost of this multi-year program is estimated to be $700,000. It is recommended that this program be referred to the annual capital budget review process for funding consideration.

Furthermore, it is recommended that the Region of Halton be advised of the potential to implement the OCAAP recommendation for road shoulder paving on the regional roads within the airshed (i.e. Ford Drive from Sheridan Garden Drive to Upper Middle Road and Ninth Line from Upper Middle Road northerly).

• MTO, municipalities, industry and construction companies should adopt best management practices to develop dedicated street sweeping programs for removing road dust materials so that the re-entrainment of particles by car and truck traffic is lessened. (Recommendation 27)

The town has already employed three ‘best available technology’, high efficiency dustless waterless sweepers and one mechanical sweeper in the street sweeping program. Street sweeping frequency varies and is subject to road type and area characteristic. In general, primary and secondary roads are swept 10 to 12 times per year, local residential roads are swept four times per year, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are swept between 30 to 40 times per year.

This is considered to be a high level of service. Where there are issues with dust entrainment related to mud-tracking from private property, the town will work with the MOE to address these issues and in certain circumstances more frequent street sweeping by the town may be implemented.

• Industrial and construction sites should adopt best management practices to lower fugitive dust emission. (Recommendation 28)

Town staff continues to address dust generation by industries located in the area. The town met with a local business to address dust generation at their location with encouragement to adopt best practices to suppress dust in parking lots and loading areas to prevent material tracking onto local roads.

The town is working cooperatively with the MOE to raise the priority of this issue with local businesses.

• Transit, commuter and local forms of transportation should be improved to encourage utilization of these facilities, including synchronization of buses and GO trains. Items such as “one fare” tickets, right-size buses, structured and safe biking lanes and ample parking availability at all transit venues, are also examples of improvements. (Recommendation 30)

In 2009, the town completed an Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) study. The ATMP is being implemented to improve and expand the pedestrian and cycling facilities network, with an additional focus on how these initiatives blend with transit services to promote cycling and walking in Oakville.

In September 2009, Oakville Transit re-designed and improved its service delivery model with more route options and better services across the entire town. As a result ridership has been growing since that time. The new service design also provides a strong framework that can be built upon in the future to provide even more frequent and convenient service to attract more transit customers. In addition, a new electronic fare system, PRESTO, is fully implemented on all service vehicles allowing passengers to travel across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area using one fare media for both the municipal transit system and GO transit.

The updating of the 2007 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is underway with a purpose to amend the town’s network plans for roads, public transit, and active transportation over a planning horizon to 2031, and provide for new or updated policies and guidelines to ensure that there is continuous progress towards a sustainable, resilient transportation system.

• Municipal and commercial fleets of motorized vehicles should be converted to lower emission vehicles as soon as possible (Recommendation 33)

Since Council received the Sustainable Green Fleet Procedure in 2009, the town has been implementing the fleet greening program to achieve fuel efficiencies; and energy, greenhouse gas, and air contaminant emission reductions.

The latest initiative involves the town’s participation in the FleetWise EV300 pilot program facilitated by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund as one of 5 leading municipalities preparing to integrate electric vehicles into their fleets.

Please refer to Appendix E for responses to each recommendation in the OCAAP.

Furthermore, the town has continued to actively engage the public and local community groups, such as Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA), in consultative and promotional activities around health and air quality improvement initiatives.

Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 Implementation Update

As part of the town's commitment to improve air quality in Oakville, the town passed the Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 (HPAQB) in 2010. Under the HPAQB, facilities in Oakville that emit above the “negligible quantity” of any health- risk air pollutant (i.e., PM2.5, NOx, SO2, NH3, and VOCs) are required to submit an emission report to the town. This requirement to report provides public disclosure of information on local health-risk air pollutant emissions from facilities in Oakville.

This environmental reporting and disclosure feature (Section 4 of the by-law) improves Oakville’s ‘community right-to-know’ of local fine particulate emissions and also aligns with the intention of the OCAAP Recommendation 9. The facility and emission information is posted on the town’s website at http://www.oakville.ca/emissionreports.htm.

As of May 31, 2011, the town has received 91 emission reports from facilities, including 74 facilities (out of the 111 expected reporting facilities) with Certificates of Approval (C of A) of air emissions issued by the MOE. Emission reporting for town facilities has also been completed in compliance with the by-law. The town is very encouraged by the compliance effort brought forward by facilities. Staff will continue to promote compliance with the by-law through the outreach and education campaign and by continuing to provide technical support to assist facilities with the emission reporting process.

As approved by Council, Section 5 of the by-law regarding requirements for proposed major emitters has been in effect since February 1, 2010, and Section 6

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Environmental Policy Date: July 25, 2011 Subject: Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan and Oakville's Health Protection Air Quality Initiatives Implementation Update Page 11 for existing major emitters is deferred until September 2012 pending the outcome of the MOE review of their PM2.5 policy framework.

Conclusion

The town remains committed to protect the health of its residents by implementing initiatives to improve air quality in Oakville and to address the recommendations for municipal actions in the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan. Staff will continue to actively engage in all consultative activities around the provincial and federal initiatives to ensure that the town’s goals to protect the health of Oakville’s community and local air quality are addressed.

CONSIDERATIONS:

(A) PUBLIC The town is taking steps to continue to protect the health of residents and improve air quality in Oakville through implementation of the various air initiatives, including the recommendations in the OCAAP.

(B) FINANCIAL The OCAAP recommends some initiatives that would require funding by the town. The total cost of the proposed multi-year prioritized road shoulder paving program is estimated to be $700,000 and it is recommended that the program be referred to annual capital budget review process for funding consideration.

(C) IMPACT ON OTHER DEPARTMENTS & USERS The implementation of the OCAAP will impact various departments, such as Engineering and Construction, Roads and Works Operations, Transit, Planning Services, Environmental Policy, Parks and Open Space, among others.

(D) CORPORATE AND/OR DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC GOALS This report addresses the corporate strategic goal to: • enhance our natural environment • have environmentally sustainable programs/services • be accountable • be the most livable town in Canada

(E) COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY This report is in support of the pillars of social (health and well-being) and environmental sustainability.

APPENDICES: Appendix A: Letter from Minister Wilkinson to Mayor Burton and Mayor McCallion, dated January 10, 2011

Appendix B: Letter from Minister Wilkinson to the town, dated March 7, 2011 and Letter from Minister Wilkinson to Mayor McCallion, dated May 2, 2011

Appendix C: MOE Response to the Recommendations of the Air Quality Task Force (AQTF) for the Southwest Greater Toronto Area, Oakville-Clarkson

Appendix D: Proposed Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Study Road Shoulder Improvement Program

Appendix E: Summary Table of Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Action Plan Recommendations

Prepared by: Submitted by: Jeffrey Lee Cindy Toth Research Policy Analyst – Air, Director, Environmental Policy Environmental Policy

Response to the Recommendations of the Air Quality Task Force (AQTF) for the Southwest Greater Toronto Area, Oakville-Clarkson

Recommendation Response

1 Develop and implement a new form of Air zone management is a key element of the proposed new national AQMS. The Ministry of the Environment’s governance and an Airshed Management objective is to arrive at a model for air zone management that could be applied across the province. System in the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed to effectively manage cumulative impacts. The Ministry of the Environment will work with the Oakville-Clarkson community to establish a multi-stakeholder working group to lay the foundations needed for a locally-led air zone Committee for the area.

2 Development of supportive and required The development of air zone management as part of the new AQMS would consider the need for new policies. policies and regulations for the Airshed Management System should be a priority. 3 The province should develop an Inter- The Ministry of the Environment has established a multi-ministry Directors committee to serve as an Inter-Ministry Ministry Action Team, consisting of senior Action Team as recommended by the AQTF. staff from the Ministries of the Environment, Transportation, Health and Long-Term Care, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Energy and Infrastructure to coordinate provincial policy development in order to implement the Air Quality Action Plan. 4 All applications for Certificates of The Ministry of the Environment is committed to developing long-term tools, including science, policies and Approval for new or modified industrial guidelines to support the consideration of cumulative effects in environmentally significant decision making for air, activities, which will increase emissions water and land. The development of the proposed new national AQMS with its air zone management element would within the airshed, must be considered in provide a framework for place-based air quality challenges. light of the current capacity of the airshed. This recommendation would also apply to the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the power plant. 5 The Ministry of the Environment should The Ministry of the Environment is undertaking a review of the need to regulate emissions of fine particulate matter set a provincial standard for emissions of (PM2.5). The review commenced in December, 2010 and is expected to take about 18 months to complete. primary PM2.5. Other ministries with mandates that affect air quality should also work cooperatively with MOE on development of other air standards. 6 A review of the state-of-the-science of air The new national AQMS would include new ambient air standards (CAAQS) for ozone (O3), fine particulate (PM2.5) pollutants and provincial standards and and new emission standards (BLIERS) for industry. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment continuously criteria should be conducted on a regular monitors the science of air pollution. When new science emerges the ministry prioritizes its review of related basis (i.e., every five years). standards and criteria. Under the Local Air Quality Regulation (O. Reg. 419/05), Ontario sets air standards to protect local communities near industrial sources of pollution. Ontario also works collaboratively with the federal government and other provinces and territories on an on-going basis to develop consistent national standards for

1 key air pollutants.

7 The Ministry of the Environment should The acrolein report has been released. The report notes that the Ministry of the Environment has relied on U.S. EPA release the “Acrolein” report, along with methods for acrolein sampling and that the U.S. EPA recently determined that there is uncertainty associated with an action plan for dealing with this (and the results produced using this method. The ministry will be using the TAGA (mobile air monitoring unit) to other similar) pollutant(s). undertake other VOC monitoring in 2011. The ministry has also begun using infra-red camera technology to assist in identifying sources of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

8 Air quality improvement targets should The new national AQMS would include more stringent ambient air quality standards (CAAQS) and industrial address the emissions of PM2.5, NOx, emission standards (BLIERS). The focus is to establish emission standards for smog-causing emissions: nitrogen PM10, VOCs and selected Criteria Air oxides (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total particulate matter (TPM). Also Contaminants, but phased in over time, see recommendation #5 and #6. commencing with PM2.5 and NOx. 9 Available emissions data should be The federal government is proposing to lead the development of a one-window emission reporting system or reported on a more regular basis to the systems that would support implementation of the AQMS. This would build upon existing reporting mechanisms or MOE and these data should be posted on systems. The provinces and territories will collaborate with the federal government to improve reporting. the community website. 10 Establish an offset system for the Air zone management, part of the new national AQMS, would provide a framework for considering the effects of all Oakville-Clarkson Airshed. Emission emission sources on air quality. At this time, an offset system is not being considered; however, the idea of new offsets would only be allowed between policies on emission caps may be revisited over the longer term as the province already has emission caps on NOX emitters located within the airshed and and SO2 emissions from the electricity sector and seven other industrial sectors. embrace the concept of increasingly more restrictive caps to sequentially improve the air quality of the airshed. 11 Funding should be available to industries The Ontario Power Authority has announced the Industrial Accelerator Program for transmission connected from both the Industrial Energy Reduction industrial customers (http://www.industrialaccelerator.ca). This program provides attractive financial incentives to Program (IERP) [now Industrial Energy speed up investment in electricity saving projects. It is a 5 year, $646 million initiative. Efficiency Program (IEEP)] and an Incentive Fund to assist industry with Plans are in place to expand the Industrial Accelerator program in 2011 to distribution connected industrial “going beyond compliance.” customers. The new distribution program will be managed by the Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) throughout the province. In addition to funding for capital expenses, it will offer consulting and roving project managers, funded by the program, to help industry make best use of the new capital equipment, improving environmental, energy, and production efficiency.

12 Local industry, working with the Inter- See recommendations #3 and #11. Ministry Action Team, should focus on process change and energy reduction to lower emissions. 13 Participation in airshed management See recommendation #2. would be mandated through the Certificate of Approval process. 2 14 Emissions data posted on the community The Ministry of the Environment conducts audits in cases where industry is undertaking air monitoring and will website should be audited by an continue this role. independent third party. The audit does not have to precede the posting of this data. 15 All proposals for new or amended Ontario is working with many partners to create a future public portal that will make detailed information about Certificates of Approval, including those environmental approvals applications available to the public via the internet. Information that would be posted on the subsequent to an environmental portal would include Certificates of Approval currently listed on the ministry’s eCofA website assessment, will be posted on the (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/industry/assessment_and_approvals/environmental_approvals/index.htm) community website at the same time as as well as Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) and supporting information about each ECA. In addition, they are posted on the EBR. Ultimately the public will also be able to view registrations made on the ministry’s proposed Environmental Activity and Sector the Ministry’s decision would also be Registry. posted on the community website. 16 The MOE should develop and operate an Real-time reporting of ambient air quality from the Ministry of the Environment’s Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring ambient air monitoring network for the stations is currently posted in real time on the ministry’s air quality website at www.airqualityontario.com. OCA and the monitoring data should be posted, in real-time, on the community website. 17 The Province should adopt the national The Ministry of the Environment is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to explore Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and the feasibility of implementing the Air Quality Health Index across Ontario. Environment Canada is already reporting report on cumulative health impacts the AQHI for the GTA (specifically Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, Newmarket, Oshawa, Toronto) and associated with smog pollutants also Ottawa. AQHI reporting for Hamilton is expected to begin in June. The AQHI is available on Environment monitored at suitable locations. The Canada's website at http://www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi. successful adoption of the AQHI requires the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, support from the Ministry of the Environment and input from the local health departments which are the source of local information, awareness programming and citizen contact. 18 A new position for a Senior Local staff in the Ministry of the Environment’s District Office will continue to work with the community on air quality. Environmental Officer should be created Ministry policy staff are currently working with the federal government and other provinces and territories to develop and funded a detailed proposal for the national AQMS which includes air zone management.

19 The Ministry of the Environment must Addressing transboundary pollution is a key element of the new national AQMS. Ontario continues to partner with develop a strategy to deal effectively with neighbouring provinces and U.S. states and organizations, and participate in the U.S. process to address air pollution originating from outside the transboundary air pollution. Oakville-Clarkson Airshed, including the long-range transport of emissions originating outside of Ontario. The development of this strategy should involve Environment Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and relevant U.S. state governments. 3 20 Outreach, education and moral-suasion All levels of government and other organizations involved in air quality can undertake outreach and education to help can be used to persuade residents to reduce emissions. The Ministry of the Environment has previously published outreach materials on the importance reduce their emissions into the of reducing emissions during smog days. In addition, the ministry’s Drive Clean program continues to contribute to community through such steps as: using public awareness of the impact of vehicles on air quality and the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. The high efficiency gas furnaces and high ministry will continue to work with other ministries and municipalities to develop messaging and programs to help combustion efficiency fireplace inserts; reduce emissions from residents. refraining from using gasoline powered gardening equipment at any time, but particularly during smog events; utilizing public transportation when possible; and avoiding the use of barbeques on smog days. 21 Residential and industrial planning needs Upper and lower tier municipalities are responsible for land use planning and to ensure that decisions are consistent to be reviewed to reduce the level of with provincial policies as stated in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) under the Planning Act. Policies regarding encroachment into industrial zones and land use compatibility currently exist in the PPS. The PPS is currently under review and land use compatibility will transportation routes of all types. be assessed as part of this review. 22 Pending the development and issuance See recommendation #21. of an updated Provincial Policy Statement, every proposal for new land uses in the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed should be examined carefully to ensure that it is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement’s provisions for the “orderly development of safe and healthy communities” and the “appropriate location of growth and development.” 23 The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Under the Municipal Act, 2001, municipalities have broad powers to pass by-laws concerning the economic, social Housing and the Ministry of the and environmental well-being of the municipality and the health, safety and well-being of persons as long as they do Environment should take a position on not conflict with or frustrate a provincial Act, regulation or any other instrument of a legislative nature. The whether municipalities have the authority determination of whether there is a conflict with, or frustration of, a provincial Act, regulation or any other instrument to set environmental protection standards of a legislative nature is made by a court and not a ministry. in areas of provincial jurisdiction through the by-law process.

4 24 The Ministry of Transportation should In November 2010, more than 16 kilometres of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes were opened on the QEW between work closely with the Oakville-Clarkson Trafalgar Road in Oakville and Guelph Line in Burlington. This will ease congestion, and encourage carpooling and Airshed Action Committee (OCAC), when greater transit use. established, in the Preliminary Design Study to ensure transportation-related To encourage even more carpooling, two existing carpool lots adjacent to the QEW have been enhanced. The emissions in the Oakville-Clarkson Bronte Road interchange carpool lot was relocated and expanded to 142 parking spaces, while the carpool lot at Airshed (OCA) and its impacts on the Guelph Line interchange was expanded for a total of 177 parking spaces. communities are at the forefront of decision-making. In addition, the Ontario The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is now in the early stages of the preliminary design study of Highway 403 from government should also examine the QEW to Highway 407 and the QEW from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Trafalgar Road. The study will identify alternative traffic management tools such operational and capacity needs and develop improvement plans for Highway 403 and the QEW within the study as rush hour tolling to facilitate the area. Potential improvements include, adding new lanes and/or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, movement of traffic through the OCA. rehabilitating/replacing structures, interchange improvements and the addition of the "north to east" and "east to north" freeway to freeway ramps at the Highway 403/QEW interchange. A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on April 13, 2011 to present the project purpose, the results of existing conditions via field investigations, traffic studies undertaken to date, the proposed undertaking, the potential design alternatives, the evaluation criteria, and the next steps. The PIC provided an opportunity for interested parties, including the Public and Agency Stakeholders to review and comment on the study. The study will include air quality and GHG impact assessments. Study completion is anticipated for late 2012.

25 The Ministry of Transportation should In May 2011, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) planted trees and shrubs at the following sites: proceed quickly with plans to plant trees • QEW and Winston Churchill Blvd – 700 trees and 200 shrubs; and other vegetative barriers to absorb • QEW and Ford Drive – 11,175 trees and 1,260 shrubs; pollutants generated by the vehicles • QEW and Royal Windsor Drive – 500 trees. using the major highways in the airshed. Planting at QEW and Trafalgar Road will be undertaken in fall 2011. 26 Municipalities should pave the shoulders The responsibility for this activity resides with the local municipality. of main roads within the airshed to prevent dust entrainment and tracking of materials into the roadway. Royal Windsor Drive, from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Ford Drive, is an example of such a roadway.

5 27 The Ministry of Transportation, Businesses, municipalities and the province can all take steps to suppress dust. municipalities, industry and construction companies should adopt best The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and its maintenance service providers follow MTO’s Maintenance Quality management practices to develop Standards and Maintenance Best Practices for the removal of dust along provincial highways. MTO’s construction dedicated street sweeping programs for contracts also include dust mitigation measures. The Ministry of Transportation will continue to develop best removing road dust materials so that the practices to reduce re-entrainment of road dust by transportation vehicles as a source of particulate air pollution. re-entrainment of particles by car and truck traffic is lessened. Local roads, construction permits and inspections are a municipal responsibility. Municipalities have tools that can be used to help control dust such as by-law making authority. Many municipalities have street sweeping programs and some have been purchasing specialized sweepers that minimize dust.

28 Industrial and construction sites should See recommendation #27. adopt best management practices to lower fugitive dust emissions. Solutions range from the application of dust suppressants to paving of parking lots and loading areas. 29 Metrolinx should accelerate the timetable On January 26, 2011, the Metrolinx Board of Directors approved electrification of the Lakeshore and Georgetown for modernizing its fleet of locomotives GO Transit rail corridors, with the new Air Rail Link (ARL) as the first phase. The final report is available online at from diesel to electric technologies. www.gotransit.com/estudy. Power for electrification needs to be sourced from emission-free generation Ontario has directed Metrolinx to move forward with an environmental assessment to electrify the Air Rail Link. facilities. Consideration should be given to making the electrification of the Metrolinx’s electrification study concluded that electrification would not materially reduce regional greenhouse gas Lakeshore West Line the first priority. emissions, since GO produces such a small percentage of the overall emissions in the region. (Note: This recommendation could also apply to all rail traffic activities, especially the shunting of freight cars within the airshed). 30 Transit, commuter and local forms of Municipalities, the province and the federal government all have important roles to play in improving our transit transportation should be improved to systems. encourage utilization of these facilities, including synchronization of buses and The Province, GO Transit and nine municipal transit partners in the GTA, Hamilton and Ottawa have come together GO trains. Items such as “one fare” to design, develop and implement a seamless provincial regional transit fare card system. The PRESTO Fare Card tickets, right-size buses, structured and can be used on Hamilton Street Railway, Burlington Transit, Oakville Transit, Mississauga's MiWay and Brampton safe biking lanes and ample parking Transit, and on the majority of GO Transit's rail network. PRESTO is also currently available at 12 TTC subway availability at all transit venues, are also stations. York Regional Transit, Durham Region Transit and GO Transit's bus network will implement PRESTO over examples of improvements. the summer, and Ottawa's OC Transpo will implement PRESTO in spring of 2012.

Since 2003, GO Transit has added over 17,800 new parking spaces.

Under the Building Canada Fund (BCF) program, GO Transit will be proceeding with the construction of an Oakville Parking Structure in the near future. The total cost is anticipated to be approximately $37M, and it is expected to be complete in 2012. The parking structure will result accommodate about 1,300 total spaces, resulting in over 1,100 6 net new spaces available for commuters using the Oakville Station.

GO Transit has added a third track on the Lakeshore West Corridor, between Port Credit and Oakville and between Burlington and Hamilton. This additional track will help to improve reliability of services in the corridor, and provides operational flexibility to increase levels of service.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is updating its cycling policy and is looking at ways to accommodate cycling within the provincial highway network.

Through Metrolinx’s Bikelinx Program, bicycle-carrying racks have been installed on GO buses across the region. GO stations are being equipped with bike storage facilities during their normal retrofit schedule.

MTO has awarded over $750,000 to 33 municipalities for 34 municipal projects that promote alternative forms of transportation.

31 It is also vital that the Ontario government Since 2003, the Province has invested more than $10.8B in public transit, including approximately $4.7B in GO provides long-term, stable funding Transit. assistance for transportation capital improvements and operations. The The Province provides two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenues to eligible municipalities as a source of federal government also has a role in sustainable funding for public transit. Since 2004, the Province has provided over $1.6B in gas tax funding to supporting improved transit and other municipalities. measures aimed at improving the flow of goods along the QEW and Highway 403 In 2007, the Province announced an $11.5B MoveOntario 2020 funding commitment which forms the foundation while improving air quality. investment for the transit projects identified by the Metrolinx RTP.

Additionally, the federal and provincial governments are supporting major rapid transit projects already underway in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including: • Toronto York Spadina Subway Extension – Federal: $697M; Province: $870M through the Move Ontario Trust. [In addition, the City of Toronto committed $526M and York Region $352M] • Mississauga Transitway BRT – Federal: $83M; Province: $65M; GO Transit: $48M • Brampton Züm BRT – Federal: $95M; Province: $95M 32 The Ontario government should join its Ontario supports strong North American standards for vehicles. Final emission standards for passenger vehicles provincial partners and accelerate the and light duty trucks are harmonized across North America and will achieve 6.634 L/100km by 2016. The new adoption of more progressive vehicle standards are directed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. emission standards in advance of the implementation of the proposed The federal government has just begun consultations for the development of GHG regulations for heavy duty Passenger Automobile and Light Truck vehicles. Ontario is participating with our provincial colleagues to ensure these tougher standards are harmonized Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations. with the U.S. The Ontario government should also be at the forefront in championing tougher fuel economy standards for heavy duty trucks.

7 33 Municipal and commercial fleets of Many municipalities and businesses are taking steps to green their fleets (including Oakville and Mississauga). motorized vehicles should be converted to lower emission vehicles as soon as The province supports greening of fleets to reduce emissions and encourage adoption of new technologies. The possible. province is committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions from its fleet. Currently there are over 1,000 hybrid vehicles in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) fleet, which represents approximately 30% of the passenger fleet. The province has committed to acquire approximately 500 plug-in electric vehicles for its fleet by 2020, based on vehicle availability. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) provided $5.5 M in grants to support the purchase of 2100 green commercial vehicles; MTO is now monitoring the technology to evaluate its performance and effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gases.

The province has set an ambitious vision of 1 in 20 vehicles being electric by 2020. To support this vision the government offers an incentive for the purchase or lease of eligible plug-in electric vehicles of between $5,000 and $8,500 depending on the battery size. The government also offers a green licence plate which permits drivers of electric vehicles to drive on high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) with a single occupant until 2015. In the future, select GO Transit stations will have public recharging capacity in their public parking lots. In addition, Ontario government-owned lots will have recharging facilities available.

34 All work undertaken in the airshed must The province agrees with the importance of integrating initiatives. One of the most important aspects of air zone be compatible with other government management is to provide the framework for considering air quality as part of all activities and decisions affecting an programs that are currently in place or area. are subsequently developed. 35 In order to facilitate transparent and Real-time reporting of ambient air quality from the Ministry of the Environment’s Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring timely disclosure of information and data, stations is currently posted on the ministry’s air quality website at www.airqualityontario.com. a community website must be set-up for the posting of real time monitoring data with the relevant activities and outcomes within the airshed.

8 OAKVILLE-CLARKSON AIRSHED ACTION PLAN, SHOULDER PAVING ESTIMATE ASPHALT PAVING ASPHALT PAVING Priority LENGTH WIDTH SHOULDER LOCATION: FROM: TO: ($18.00/m2) 50mm ($25.00/m2) 90mm ATMP Coordination Ranking (m): (m): AREA (m2) Asphalt Asphalt

Beryl Road Structure Winston Churchill Blvd. 5 750 1 750 $18,750 Proposed Multi-use Trail Chartwell Road Cornwall road South Service Road 6 860 1.5 1290 $23,220 Proposed Signed Bike Route Maple Grove Drive Cornwall Road North Limit 4 340 1.5 510 $12,750 N/A Royal Windsor Drive South Service Road Ford Plant Entrance 2 1900 4 7600 $190,000 Proposed On Road Bike Lane Royal Windsor Drive Ford Plant Entrance Ford Drive 1 1800 2 3600 $90,000 Proposed On Road Bike Lane Sherwood Heights Drive South Sheridan Way Kingsway Drive 7 1700 2.3 3910 $70,380 N/A

On road Trafalgar to Davis, Signed South Service Road Trafalgar Road Royal Windsor Drive 3 4050 2.3 9315 $232,875 Route Davis to Chartwell South Sheridan Way Sherwood Heights Drive Sherwood Heights Drive 8 1950 2 3900 $70,200 N/A

TOTALS: 13350 30875 $163,800 $544,375 $708,175 Appendix E Table: Southwest GTA Oakville-Clarkson Action Plan (OCAAP) Implementation Update July 2011 (Report of the Air Quality Task Force to the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment), David Balsillie, Ph.D, Task Force Chair, June 24, 2010 (Note: Shaded recommendations are aimed at municipal jurisdictions.)

# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility 1 Develop and implement a • An airshed • Consistent with town’s • Province of • The Ministry of the (p. 12) new form of governance management request for provincial Ontario Environment (MOE) has been and an AMS in the OCA approach is air quality regulation of working with the federal to effectively manage proposed. PM2.5 and its government, other provinces cumulative impacts. • Reduced emissions precursors including and territories on a new (AMS = Airshed would be expected cumulative impact national approach to air Management System from every sector. assessment and management - the Air Quality OCA = Oakville-Clarkson • A pilot cumulative town’s Health Management System Airshed) impact assessment Protection Air Quality (AQMS). with multiple sources By-law requirements • The Town and the City of is proposed for the for major emitters. Mississauga have requested OCA. • The Action Plan the Oakville-Clarkson airshed requires Provincial to be the pilot airzone for the action. AQSM in Ontario. 2 Development of • Develop new place- • Consistent with town’s • Province of (p. 12) supportive and required based (airshed request for provincial Ontario policies and regulations specific) policies air quality regulation of for the Airshed and/or regulations PM2.5 and its Management System requiring cumulative precursors. should be a priority. impact assessments • The Action Plan in OCA. requires Provincial action. 3 The province should • Improve cooperation • Town would be • Province of • A multi-ministry Directors (p. 13) develop an Inter-Ministry and communication prepared to participate Ontario committee has been formed Action Team, consisting between provincial in the Action within the provincial of senior staff from the ministries. Committee to improve government to establish an Ministries of the • Involve municipal cooperation and Inter-Ministry Action Team to Environment, government, local implement mutually- coordinate efforts to Transportation, Health industries, interest supportive actions to implement the OCAAP and Long-Term Care, groups and individual achieve improvements recommendations. Municipal Affairs and residents. in OCA air quality. Housing, and Energy and • Create a governance • The Action Plan

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility Infrastructure to structure under the requires Provincial coordinate provincial Ministry of the action. policy development in Environment (MOE) order to implement the Air for an OCA AMS. Quality Action Plan. • Create an OCA Action Committee of up to ten members representing various sectors. • Create a long-term communications plan for all sectors of community. 4 All applications for • All applications for • Consistent with the • Province of • On October 7, 2010, the (p. 14) Certificates of Approval Certificates of town’s position that Ontario provincial government for new or modified Approval for new or the airshed is “taxed”, announced the cancellation of industrial activities, which increased emissions that the siting of a new proposed Oakville Generating will increase emissions need to be reviewed significant major Station. The development of within the airshed, must in light of the “taxed” emitter would cause the AQMS with its air zone be considered in light of airshed considered to significant health and management element would the current capacity of the be incapable of air quality impacts and provide a framework for airshed. This accepting additional that regulatory efforts place-based air quality recommendation would pollutant loadings. are needed to realize challenges. However, there is also apply to the issuance • Locating the continuous no direct response regarding of a Certificate of proposed improvements in a revised approach to the Approval for the power TransCanada Energy health and air quality. environmental approval plant. power plant in the • Goals should include process in Oakville-Clarkson OCA “is a major long-term reductions Airshed at this point. science and technical in emissions to issue, as well as a improve air quality in major social-political the taxed OCA issue with the airshed, rather than residents of the simply maintaining area.” current levels of emissions. • The Action Plan requires Provincial

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility action. 5 The Ministry of the • There is no safe • While the • Province of • On November 15, 2010, the (p. 15) Environment should set a exposure to PM2.5 recommendation Ontario MOE responded to the town’s provincial standard for and direct emissions acknowledges that request for a provincial review emissions of primary of PM2.5 are a PM2.5 emissions are of the policy framework with PM2.5. Other ministries concern. not regulated by the regard to PM2.5 that will with mandates that affect • Ontario has Province, some of the include an assessment of the air quality should also regulations, discussion points need to revise the policy work cooperatively with guidelines, policies, appear to contradict approach to direct emissions MOE on development of and initiatives to this recommendation of PM2.5 over the next 15 to other air standards. address local and by suggesting that the 18 months, i.e. estimated regional impacts of Province has August 2012 completion. PM2.5. regulations that • A policy gap is acknowledged • The current address the impacts of with respect to direct regulatory approach PM2.5. This emissions of primary PM2.5 of dealing with inconsistency must be from domestic sources. precursors does not resolved. • According to the MOE, the address all sources • The town does not judiciary scan has been of PM2.5 loadings. agree that there are completed and a technical • The lack of regulatory provincial regulations assessment is underway. control for direct that address emissions is troubling emissions of PM2.5 for persons living in and precursor airsheds such as pollutants. A request Oakville-Clarkson. was submitted to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario for provincial PM2.5 regulation. • The Action Plan requires Provincial action to establish PM2.5 regulation. 6 A review of the state-of- • The Ontario • The science • Province of • As part of the AQMS, new (p. 15) the-science of air government should supporting some of Ontario Canadian Ambient Air Quality pollutants and provincial undertake its own the air quality Standards (CAAQS) are standards and criteria review of the state-of- standards is very being developed to protect

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility should be conducted on a the-science of air dated and is very human health and the regular basis (i.e., every pollutants and much in need of environment, initially with five years). associated human updating with the standards for PM2.5 and health and ecological newest evidence of ozone that would gradually effects, as well as a health impacts, extend to include other review of ambient air particularly for PM2.5, pollutants. quality criteria and NOx and SO2, and in • CAAQS are being developed standards to ensure particular the impacts under a federally led, multi- provincial standards of acute and chronic stakeholder process. are based on current exposure to these • CAAQS would be science- science and new contaminants. based, taking into account evidence. • The Action Plan achievability and economic requires Provincial considerations, and would be action. reviewed on a regular basis. • It is not clear if there is municipal consultation planned. • Jurisdictions would begin reporting referencing the CAAQS in 2015. • In addition, the creation of new emission standards (BLIERS) for industry is also one of the main elements of AQMS. • The provincial government is also working collaboratively with the federal government and other provinces and territories on an on-going basis to develop consistent national standards for key air pollutants. 7 The Ministry of the • Toxic compounds • The release of the • Province of • The “Acrolein” report has (p. 16) Environment should such as acrolein and MOE “Acrolein” report Ontario been released. release the “Acrolein” acrylonitrile are is overdue. • It is posted at report, along with an known to be • The Action Plan http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/env

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility action plan for dealing carcinogens and requires Provincial ironment/en/resources/STDP with this (and other mutagens are a action. ROD_087145 similar) pollutant(s). concern. 8 Air quality improvement • Reduce emissions as • Targets should be • Province of • The new national AQMS (p. 17) targets should address stated including SO2, consistent with the Ontario would include more stringent the emissions of PM2.5, total particulate most stringent ambient air quality standards NOx, PM10, VOCs and matter and ozone. international standards (CAAQS) and industrial selected Criteria Air • Share responsibility and provide for emission standards Contaminants, but for improvement immediate reductions (BLIERS). phased in over time, between to reduce the negative • The focus is to establish commencing with PM2.5 transportation, health impacts on emission standards for smog- and NOx. industrial and those living in the causing emissions: nitrogen residential sectors. OCA. oxides (NOX), sulphur dioxide • Implementation • The Action Plan (SO2), volatile organic should be consistent requires Provincial compounds (VOCs) and total with the development action. particulate matter (TPM). of new national and international standards 9 Available emissions data • Strategy for achieving • The town’s Health • Province of • The federal government is (p. 19) should be reported on a targets should include Protection Air By-law Ontario proposing to lead the more regular basis to the emission reporting provides a reporting • Industry development of a one-window MOE and these data and disclosure, an and disclosure emission reporting system or should be posted on the emission offset function for PM2.5 and systems that would support community website. program, and precursor pollutants. implementation of the AQMS. percentage and • More regular reporting • This would build upon tonnage reductions of up-to-date existing reporting for emissions. emissions monitoring mechanisms or systems. • Industries within the data would provide for • The provinces and territories OCA should be more effective will collaborate with the required to report management of the federal government to emissions on a airshed with a goal to improve reporting. regular basis and reducing emissions • Oakville’s Health Protection move to full-time and achieving Air Quality By-law requires monitoring over time. improved health and facilities that emit above the air quality. “negligible quantity” of any • The Action Plan PM2.5 and precursors to

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility requires Provincial submit an emission report to action. the town. • The facility and emission information is available on the town’s website at http://www.oakville.ca/emissio nreports.htm. 10 Establish an offset • New industrial and • The town is concerned • Province of • Air zone management in (p. 19) system for the OCA. residential that an emission offset Ontario AQMS, would provide a Emission offsets would development in the system could be framework for considering the only be allowed between OCA must find established that would effects of all emission emitters located within emission offset not achieve sources on air quality. the airshed and embrace reductions in the continuous • An offset system is not being the concept of OCA. improvement in the considered; however, the increasingly more • Offset system must airshed and allow new idea of new policies on restrictive caps to be local and verifiable or existing emitters to emission caps may be sequentially improve the and must include a take advantage of a revisited over the longer term air quality of the airshed. requirement for a ‘potentially’ pay-to- as the province already has retirement process pollute system. emission caps on NOX and and caps or limits on • Existing air quality is SO2 emissions from the specific air harming the health of electricity sector and seven contaminants. those living in the other industrial sectors. • Would create “air OCA and emission space” within the reductions and airshed to associated air quality accommodate growth and health improvements should be guaranteed. 11 Funding should be • Industrial process • Funding to assist • Province of • The Ontario Power Authority (p. 20) available to industries upgrades to reduce industry to go beyond Ontario (OPA) has announced the from both the IERP and energy consumption compliance and Industrial Accelerator an Incentive Fund to and improve reduce energy Program for transmission assist industry with “going emissions come with consumption with connected industrial beyond compliance.” costs. commensurate customers (IERP = Industrial Energy • The OCA could act emission reductions (http://www.industrialaccelera Reduction Program) as a pilot ‘Incentive could also be tor.ca ). Fund’ program to expected to assist • This program provides

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility support industrial Oakville facilities to attractive financial incentives emission reduction comply with the Health to speed up investment in actions. Protection Air Quality electricity saving projects. By-law. • It is a 5 year, $646 million • The Action Plan initiative. requires Provincial action. 12 Local industry, working • The focus of pollution • This is consistent with • Province of • See recommendations #3 (p. 20) with the Inter-Ministry reduction actions the town’s position on Ontario and #11 for MOE actions. Action Team, should should be on the front environmental • Industry focus on process change end, i.e. achieved sustainability, energy and energy reduction to through process management and land lower emissions. improvements, use planning. energy conservation • The Action Plan actions, equipment requires action by upgrades, use of local industries. alternative energy sources or development of combined heat and power projects. 13 Participation in airshed • Short, medium and • Budget implications, • Province of • See recommendation #2 for (p. 23) management would be long-term actions for additional investment Ontario MOE actions. mandated through the all ‘partners’ are would be required. • Town of • Town staff has actively Certificate of Approval identified. • To be considered as Oakville engaged in consultative process. • Stakeholder roles part of a new Airshed • City of activities with the MOE and and responsibilities Management System. Mississauga the other local municipalities. are defined. (Refer to • The Action Plan • Region of • In January 2011, Council has report Appendix B requires Provincial Halton endorsed the town’s Executive Summary) action and actions by • Region of Peel participation in an Oakville- all airshed partners. • Industry Clarkson airzone pilot project. 14 Emissions data posted on • Third party auditing • Consistent with the • Province of • The MOE conducts audits in (p.24) the community website ensures openness town’s Health Ontario cases where industry is should be audited by an and transparency and Protection Air Quality undertaking air monitoring independent third party. need not be onerous By-law intent to and will continue this role. The audit does not have or costly. provide community • However, there is no mention to precede the posting of access to information of the potential for a

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility

this data. on local PM2.5 and community website by the precursor pollutant MOE. emissions sources. • Oakville’s HPAQB requires • The Action Plan facilities that emit above the requires Provincial “negligible quantity” of any action. PM2.5 and precursors to submit an emission report to the town. • The facility and emission information is available on the town’s website at http://www.oakville.ca/emissio nreports.htm. 15 All proposals for new or • The existing • The town would • Province of • Ontario is working with many (p. 25) amended Certificates of Certificate of welcome more Ontario partners to create a future Approval, including those Approval posting responsive and public portal that will make subsequent to an system is considered accessible disclosure detailed information about environmental to be inadequate in of Certificate of environmental approvals assessment, will be terms of timely Approvals notices to applications available to the posted on the community disclosure to support improve the public via the internet. website at the same time public participation in community’s access to • Information that would be as they are posted on the the review process. information on local posted on the portal would EBR. Ultimately the environmental include Certificates of Minister’s decision would emissions. Approval currently listed on also be posted on the • The Action Plan the ministry’s eCofA website community website. (EBR requires Provincial (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en = Environmental Bill of action. vironment/en/industry/assess Rights) ment_and_approvals/environ mental_approvals/index.htm) as well as Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) and supporting information about each ECA. • The public will also be able to view registrations made on the Ministry’s proposed Environmental Activity and

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility Sector Registry. 16 The MOE should develop • A monitoring network • The town has already • Province of • Real-time reporting of (p. 26) and operate an ambient is required to assisted with the siting Ontario ambient air quality from the air monitoring network for accurately determine of an air quality MOE’s Air Quality Index (AQI) the OCA and the existing ambient air monitoring station monitoring stations is monitoring data should be quality conditions, near Deer Run Ave. currently posted in real time posted, in real-time, on contributions and and Winston Churchill on the ministry’s air quality the community website. impacts of sources, Blvd. and would website at trends over time continue to support www.airqualityontario.com. related to the ambient siting of additional air • The two MOE air monitoring air quality. quality monitors as stations in Mississauga and required. Oakville are not located in the • The Action Plan Oakville-Clarkson Airshed. requires Provincial • The Region of Halton has action. undertaken airshed modelling to determine the contribution of existing local emission sources and background air quality to Halton’s airshed. The report is available at http://www.halton.ca/cms/One .aspx?portalId=8310&pageId =61437 17 The Province should • The AQHI is a • The Region of Halton • Province of • Environment Canada and the (p. 26) adopt the national AQHI valuable already has AQHI Ontario Region of Halton already and report on cumulative communication tool reporting and a • Region of have AQHI reporting and health impacts associated to inform the public promotional program Halton conducts related outreach with smog pollutants about the immediate underway. • Region of Peel and awareness-raising monitored at suitable cumulative health • The Action Plan activities. locations. The successful effects of PM2.5, requires Provincial • For more information about adoption of the AQHI ozone and NO2. action. AQHI in Halton, please visit: requires the leadership of http://www.halton.ca/cms/One the Ministry of Health and .aspx?portalId=8310&pageId Long-Term Care, support =13729 from the Ministry of the Environment and input from the local health

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility departments which are the source of local information, awareness programming and citizen contact. (AQHI = Air Quality Health Index) 18 A new position for a • Implementation of the • Often the • Province of • Local staff in the MOE’s (p. 27) Senior Environmental Action Plan will implementation of Ontario District Office will continue to Officer should be created require MOE staff action plans is work with the community on and funded. resources. thwarted if dedicated air quality. staff resources and • Ministry policy staff are budgets are not in currently working with the place to support federal government and other implementation. provinces and territories to • The Action Plan develop a detailed proposal requires Provincial for the implementation of the action. national AQMS. 19 The Ministry of the • Long-range transport • Provincial actions to • Province of • The MOE has been working (p. 30) Environment must of air pollutants obtain international Ontario with the federal government, develop a strategy to deal impacts the OCA. commitments to other provinces and territories effectively with air reduce long-range on a new national approach pollution originating from transport of emissions to air management, including outside the OCA, are absolutely managing transboundary including the long-range essential to fully emissions. transport of emissions achieve local health • Ontario continues to partner originating outside of and air quality with neighbouring provinces Ontario. The improvements. and U.S. states and development of this • The Action Plan organizations, and participate strategy should involve requires Provincial in the U.S. process to Environment Canada, the action. address transboundary air U.S. Environmental pollution. Protection Agency, and relevant U.S. state governments. 20 Outreach, education, and • There should be a • The town already has • Town of • The town continues its effort (p. 30) moral-suasion can be shared responsibility outreach and Oakville, to outreach and educate the used to persuade for air quality education programs • City of community.

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility residents to reduce their improvements focused on achieving Mississauga • This year’s programing emissions into the between all sectors residential energy • Region of includes Earth Hour, Earth community through such contributing conservation, vehicle Halton Week, the 5th Annual Energy steps as: using high emissions including idling reduction, • Region of Peel Fair (over 400 attendees), efficiency gas furnaces from the residential environmental Summer Fun Bus and Bike and high combustion sector. stewardship, reduced Day, Anti-idling at schools, efficiency fireplace use of vehicles, Clean Air Commute, and inserts; refraining from increased use of attendance at other using gasoline powered public and alternative community events. gardening equipment at modes of • The town adopted the any time, but particularly transportation, etc. updated Clean Air Plan, during smog events; • The Action Plan including, Smog Alert utilizing public requires action by Response Plan that outlines transportation when airshed partners. smog reduction strategies on possible; and avoiding Smog Alert days. the use of barbeques on • Various environmental smog days. initiatives and stewardship factsheets and best practices brochures are also available to public on the town’s website. • Funds for these programs are included in the annual Environmental Policy operating budget. 21 Residential and industrial • There are • The town is very • Town of • Planning policies to address (p. 32) planning needs to be circumstances where aware of the two-way Oakville industrial/residential reviewed to reduce the past planning issue of industrial and • City of development encroachment level of encroachment decisions have land use Mississauga issues and distance into industrial zones and resulted in the encroachment and the • Region of separation are included in the transportation routes of erosion of distance need to maintain Halton town’s new Official Plan - all types. separations between distance separations • Region of Peel Livable Oakville and the residential and and planning policies North Oakville Secondary industrial to protect the health Plan (New Communities of development. and safety of the Oakville). community and is • Implementation of Livable making every effort to Oakville will provide for

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility maintain appropriate requiring studies of various planning processes to potential environmental uphold this intent. issues, including air quality • The Action Plan and health impact of requires Provincial proposed developments. action and action by • The town also completed a airshed partners. planning study around siting of power generation stations in Oakville and has established zoning requirements to manage development. 22 Pending the development • The Ministry of • Town staff is aware of • Town of • Comments to the Province on (p. 32) and issuance of an Municipal Affairs and these identified land Oakville the PPS, 2005 were updated Provincial Policy Housing began a use policies in the • City of submitted in December 2010 Statement, every review of the PPS as well as the Mississauga jointly by the Halton Area proposal for new land Provincial Policy PPS policy respecting • Region of Planning Partners (Region of uses in the OCA should Statement (PPS) on the siting of major Halton Halton and all local be examined carefully to May 12, 2010. facilities so as to • Region of Peel municipalities.) ensure that it is prevent adverse • Province of • Recommendations to the consistent with the effects on sensitive Ontario Province are consistent with Provincial Policy land uses. the OCAAP, noting the need Statement’s provisions for • The town has for better support and the “orderly development participated in the promotion of complete of safe and healthy PPS review to communities, the relationship communities” and the comment on these of health, air quality and the “appropriate location of identified land use build environment, active growth and concerns related to transportation, climate development.” health and air quality change, protecting and among other planning promoting public health, issues. acknowledging air as a • The Action Plan resource, and clarifying requires Provincial policies for industrial, action and action by commercial and institutional airshed partners. instead of combining them. 23 The Ministry of Municipal • Oakville has • While the Town is • Province of • In the MOE response letter to (p. 33) Affairs and Housing and requested, supported supportive of improved Ontario the town’s request for PM2.5

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility the Ministry of the by resolution from communication regulation in Ontario, dated Environment should take Mississauga that the between the Ministries Nov 15, 2010, a policy gap is a position on whether MOE review and on air quality issues, acknowledged with respect to municipalities have provide for the the Municipal Act direct emissions of primary authority to set regulation of PM2.5. provides the Town PM2.5 from domestic sources. environmental protection with the authority to • There has been no call from standards in areas of address the health the Province to declare that provincial jurisdiction and nuisance impacts the Oakville’s Health through the by-law of emissions of PM2.5 Protection Air Quality By-law process. and its precursors. 2010-035 is not in effect. • In the absence of provincial regulation of PM2.5, the town passed the Health Protection Air Quality By-law under the authority of the Municipal Act to protect the health, safety and well-being of the community. • The town has also requested that the Province establish PM2.5 regulation. • The Action Plan requires Provincial action. 24 The MTO should work • The MTO has • Any efforts to evaluate • Province of • In November 2010, more than (p. 34) closely with the Oakville- commenced a study and improve local Ontario 16 kilometres of High Clarkson Airshed Action of the local QEW / traffic congestion Occupancy Vehicle lanes Committee (OCAC), 403 Highways to problems will support were opened on the QEW when established, in the identify operational air quality between Trafalgar Road in Preliminary Design Study and capacity needs, improvements. Oakville and Guelph Line in to ensure transportation- evaluate alternatives, • The Action Plan Burlington. related emissions in the and develop requires Provincial • To encourage even more OCA and its impacts on improvement plans. action. carpooling, two existing

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility the communities are a the carpool lots adjacent to the forefront of decision- QEW have been enhanced. making. In addition, the The Bronte Road interchange Ontario government carpool lot was relocated and should also examine expanded to 142 parking alternative traffic spaces, while the carpool lot management tools such at Guelph Line interchange as rush hour tolling to was expanded for a total of facilitate the movement of 177 parking spaces. traffic through the OCA. • The MTO is now in the early (MTO = Ministry of stages of the preliminary Transportation) design study of Highway 403 from the QEW to Highway 407 and the QEW from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Trafalgar Road. • The study will identify operational and capacity needs and develop improvement plans for Highway 403 and the QEW. 25 MTO should proceed • Planting trees and • Consistent with the • Province of • In May 2011, the Ministry of (p. 34) quickly with plans to plant other vegetation near town’s street tree and Ontario Transportation (MTO) planted trees and other major traffic corridors Urban Forest Strategic trees and shrubs at the vegetative barriers to would be helpful in Management Plan following sites: absorb pollutants reducing pollution goals. o QEW and Winston generated by the vehicles levels in the area. • The Action Plan Churchill Blvd – 700 trees using the major highways requires Provincial and 200 shrubs; in the airshed. action. o QEW and Ford Drive – 11,175 trees and 1,260 shrubs; o QEW and Royal Windsor Drive – 500 trees. • Planting at QEW and Trafalgar Road will be undertaken in fall 2011. 26 Municipalities should • Fugitive dust • Budget implications, • Town of • The town will pave the

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility (p. 35) pave the shoulders of emissions from additional investment Oakville shoulders along Royal main roads within the unpaved road would be required. • City of Windsor Drive between Ford airshed to prevent dust surfaces contribute • To be considered as Mississauga Drive and Winston Churchill entrainment and tracking significantly to local part of a new Airshed • Region of Boulevard, and implement a of materials into the air quality problems. Management System. Halton dedicated cycle facility. The roadway. Royal Windsor • The Action Plan • Region of Peel cost of this project is Drive, from Winston requires action by estimated to be $157,000 and Churchill Boulevard to airshed partners. completion is expected by the Ford Drive, is an example end of summer 2011. of such a roadway. • Staff has also reviewed road shoulder areas along major corridors within the airshed that could be paved to prevent dust entrainment. • The Engineering and Construction Department has developed a multi-year prioritized road shoulder paving program. • Road paving priority has been established using traffic volume, the potential for dust entrainment, and where possible, coordinated with the town’s ATMP. • The total cost of this multi- year program is estimated to be $700,000 and it is recommended that this program be referred to the budget committee for funding consideration. 27 MTO, municipalities, • Fugitive dust • Budget implications, • Province of • The MTO and its (p. 35) industry and construction emissions from additional investment Ontario maintenance service companies should adopt particle-laden paved would be required. • Town of providers follow MTO’s best management road surfaces • To be considered as Oakville Maintenance Quality practices to develop contribute to local air part of a new Airshed • City of Standards and Maintenance

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility dedicated street quality problems. Management System. Mississauga Best Practices for the removal sweeping programs for • The Action Plan • Region of of dust along provincial removing road dust requires Provincial Halton highways. materials so that the re- action and action by • Region of Peel • MTO’s construction contracts entrainment of particles airshed partners. • Industry also include dust mitigation by car and truck traffic is measures. lessened. • MTO will continue to develop best practices to reduce re- entrainment of road dust by transportation vehicles as a source of particulate air pollution. • The town has already employed three best available technology, high efficiency dustless waterless sweepers and one mechanical sweeper in the street sweeping programs. • Street sweeping frequency varies and is subject to road type and area characteristic. • In general, primary and secondary roads are swept 10 to 12 times per year, local residential roads are swept four times per year, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are swept between 30 to 40 times per year. 28 Industrial and • Fugitive dust • The town has a • Town of • Town staff continues to (p. 35) construction sites should emissions from requirement for Oakville address dust generation by adopt best management industrial and Sediment and Erosion • City of industries located in the area. practices to lower fugitive construction sites Control Plans in place Mississauga The town met with a local dust emissions. Solutions contribute to local air for development, • Region of business to address dust range from the quality problems. construction and Halton generation at their location application of dust engineering projects. • Region of Peel with encouragement to adopt

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility suppressants to paving of • The Action Plan • Industry best practices to suppress parking lots and loading requires action by dust in parking lots and areas. airshed partners. loading areas to prevent material tracking onto local roads. • The town is working cooperatively with the MOE to raise the priority of this issue with local businesses. 29 Metrolinx should • Diesel-powered • Actions to reduce • Metrolinx • On January 26, 2011, (p. 36) accelerate the timetable locomotives produce emissions from diesel- • Province of Metrolinx announced plans to for modernizing its fleet of emissions that impact powered rail transit Ontario begin electrification of the locomotives from diesel local air quality. would result in local Lakeshore and Georgetown to electric technologies. improvements in GO Transit rail corridors, with Power for electrification health and air quality the new Air Rail Link (ARL) needs to be sourced from for the benefit of the as the first phase. emission-free generation community. facilities. Consideration • The Action Plan should be given to requires Provincial making the electrification action and action by of the Lakeshore West Metrolinx. Line the first priority. (Note: This recommendation could also apply to all rail traffic activities, especially the shunting of freight cars within the airshed). 30 Transit, commuter and • A move away from • Consistent with • Province of • GO Transit will invest ~$37M (p. 37) local forms of single occupancy Oakville Transit’s Ontario in the Oakville Station with transportation should be vehicle use to Service Plan, and the • Town of the construction of a parking improved to encourage alternative modes of goals of the town’s Oakville structure to provide 1,100 utilization of these transportation must Master Plans for • City of additional spaces for facilities, including occur. Transportation and Mississauga commuters. synchronization of buses Active Transportation. • Region of • Third tracks have been added and GO trains. Items • The Action Plan Halton between Port Credit and such as “one fare’ tickets, requires action by • Region of Peel Oakville and between

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility right-sized buses, airshed partners. • GO Transit Burlington and Hamilton to structured and safe biking help improve reliability of lanes and ample parking services and provide availability at all transit operational flexibility to venues, are also increase levels of service. examples of • The MTO is updating its improvements. cycling policy and is looking at ways to accommodate cycling within the provincial highway network. • GO buses and GO stations are being equipped with bike friendly facilities for commuters. • The MTO has awarded over $750,000 to 33 municipalities for 34 municipal projects that promote alternative forms of transportation. • The town continues to implement the town’s Master Plans for Transportation and Active Transportation. • Oakville Transit has improved its services to provide more fuel-efficient routes and better services. • PRESTO electronic fare system is implemented. • The updating of the 2007 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is underway with a purpose to amend the town’s network plans for roads, public transit, and active transportation over a planning horizon to 2031, and provide

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility for new or updated policies and guidelines to ensure that there is continuous progress towards a sustainable, resilient transportation system. 31 It is also vital that the • Funding from higher • The town is committed • Province of • Since 2003, the Province has (p. 37) Ontario government orders of government to enhancing the Ontario invested more than $10.8B in provides long-term, stable is required to support transit and • Federal public transit, including funding assistance for continuous transportation Government approximately $4.7B in GO transportation capital improvement of infrastructure that Transit. improvements and public transportation. would benefit from • The Province provides two operations. The federal Provincial and Federal cents per litre of provincial government also has a commitment to provide gas tax revenues to eligible role in supporting stable funding municipalities as a source of improved transit and assistance. sustainable funding for public other measures aimed at • The Action Plan transit. Since 2004, the improving the flow of requires Provincial Province has provided over goods along the QEW action and action by $1.6B in gas tax funding to and Highway 403 while the Federal municipalities. improving air quality. government. • In 2007, the Province announced an $11.5B MoveOntario 2020 funding commitment which forms the foundation investment for the transit projects identified by the Metrolinx RTP. 32 The Ontario government • Although there have • More stringent • Province of • The MOE has been working (p. 38) should join its provincial been dramatic Provincial standards Ontario with the federal government, partners and accelerate improvements in for vehicle emissions other provinces and territories the adoption of more vehicle emissions, would produce local on a new national air progressive vehicle further major health and air quality management approach. The emission standards in reductions are still improvements by AQMS also addresses advance of the required. addressing the transportation emissions by implementation of the • This will require considerable aligning the federal standards proposed Passenger aggressive action by contributions of for transportation sources. Automobile and Light the provincial transportation sources • Final emission standards for

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility Truck Greenhouse Gas government. to local poor air passenger vehicles and light Emission Regulations. quality. duty trucks are harmonized The Ontario government • The Action Plan across North America and will should also be at the requires Provincial achieve 6.634 L/100km by forefront in championing action. 2016. tougher fuel economy • The federal government has standards for heavy duty just begun consultations for trucks. the development of GHG regulations for heavy duty vehicles. • Ontario is participating with provincial colleagues to ensure the tougher standards are harmonized with the U.S. 33 Municipal and • Emissions from • The town is • Town of • The province has set a target (p. 38) commercial fleets of vehicular sources implementing the Oakville of 1 in 20 vehicles being motorized vehicles should need to be reduced in Sustainable Green • City of electric by 2020. be converted to lower the OCA. Fleet program to Mississauga • The provincial government emission vehicles as achieve fuel • Region of offers an incentive for the soon as possible. efficiencies, and Halton purchase or lease of eligible energy and • Region of Peel plug-in electric vehicles of greenhouse gas • Industry between $5,000 and $8,500 emission reductions. • GO Transit depending on the battery • The Action Plan size. requires actions by • The province also offers a airshed partners. green licence plate which permits drivers of electric vehicles to drive on high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) with a single occupant until 2015. • In the future, select GO Transit stations will have public recharging capacity in their public parking lots. • In addition, Ontario government-owned lots will

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# Area of Recommendation Key Points Town Comments Responses (page) (verbatim from Action Plan) Responsibility have recharging facilities available. • The town is implementing the Sustainable Green Fleet program. • The latest initiative involves the town’s participation in the FleetWise EV300 pilot program facilitated by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund as one of 5 leading municipalities preparing to integrate electric vehicles into their fleets. 34 All work undertaken in the • Other government • Harmonization of • Province of • The province agrees with the (p. 38) airshed must be programs are in government Ontario importance of integrating compatible with other effect, e.g. phase-out programming will be initiatives. government programs of coal-fired power essential for the • One of the most important that are currently in place plants by 2014, etc, effective management aspects of air zone or are subsequently that have air quality and improvement of management is to provide the developed. improvement health and air quality. framework for considering air benefits. • The Action Plan quality as part of all activities requires Provincial and decisions affecting an action and actions by area. airshed partners. 35 In order to facilitate • Transparent and • This action would • Province of • Real-time reporting of (p. 39) transparent and timely timely disclosure of improve access and Ontario ambient air quality from the disclosure of information information and data disclosure of Ministry of the Environment’s and data, a community will promote environmental Air Quality Index (AQI) website must be set-up implementation of the information to the monitoring stations is for the posting of real Action Plan. community. currently posted on the time monitoring data with • The Action Plan ministry’s air quality website the relevant activities and requires Provincial at www.airqualityontario.com. outcomes within the action. airshed.

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