REVISED AGENDA ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 5, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. River Plate Room, Town Hall Meeting No.7

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1 REVISED AGENDA ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 5, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. River Plate Room, Town Hall Meeting No.7 Online Agenda: Anything in blue denotes an attachment/link. By clicking the links on the agenda page, you can jump directly to that section of the agenda. To manoeuver back to the agenda page use the Ctrl + Home keys simultaneously OR use the Bookmark icon on the navigation panel to the left of your screen. 1. Call to Order Alternative formats available upon request by contacting: accessibility@ajax.ca or ext Disclosure of Conflict of Interest 3. Approval of Minutes 3.1 September 7, Page 2 4. Presentation/Discussion Items 4.1 Proposed Regional Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan Area and Draft Agricultural System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe... external link Stev Andis, Senior Policy Planner 4.2 Petition Bird Feeders in Ajax... circulated separately Derek Hannan, Manager of By-law Services To seek the Committee s comments and feedback in the size of residential bird feeders. 4.3 Committee Discussion: Litter & Waste To formulate questions for staff, in advance of forthcoming presentation. 5. Correspondence 5.1 Letter from Resident Patricia Spindel...Page 7 6. Update from Council 7. Standing Items 7.1 Work Plan... Page Durham Environmental Advisory Committee Update (K. Sellers) 8. New Business

2 9. Adjournment Next Meeting Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., River Plate Room, Town Hall

3 DRAFT MINUTES Environmental Advisory Committee September 7, 2017 River Plate Room, Town Hall Alternative formats available upon request by contacting: Meeting No. 6 sarah.moore@ajax.ca or ext Committee Members: Staff: Guests: Regrets: Councillor Dies Melissa Beynon Neil Burnett Jeff Hammond David Hogg Chair Valerie Silveira Kayla Ginter - Vice-Chair Lesia Lapointe Kim Sellers Nicholas Trevisan, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Moore, Committee Coordinator Danielle Agar, Environmental Sustainability Intern, Operations & Environmental Services Scott Slack, Prathiba Mathews 1. Call to Order Chair Hogg called the Meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Members inquired the status of S. Slack s membership with the Committee. S. Moore advised that she had been in contact with him regarding attendance concerns and his appointment is still active at this time. 2. Disclosure of Conflict of Interest None 3. Approval of Minutes Moved By: Seconded By: K. Sellers J. Dies That the June 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes of the Environmental Advisory Committee be approved as amended. CARRIED 4. Presentation/Discussion 4.5 Committee Presentation to Council 3

4 Chair Hogg and Vice-Chair Ginter presented a draft report to Council, highlighting Committee accomplishments. Members encouraged the presentation to include information on the Committee s Adopt-a-Park initiative, hosting of the Provincial EAC Symposium and DEAC Awards nomination. It was suggested that the presentation also speak to litter concerns in Ajax. Members expressed interest in discussion waste receptacle removal and litter in more detail. It was requested by J. Schofield that discussion on litter and waste receptacles be deferred to a forthcoming meeting for more fulsome discussion. 4.1 LEED Certification Overview Danielle Agar, Environmental Sustainability Intern, Operations & Environmental Services, delivered a detailed presentation on sustainable development and the certification levels and process for LEED designation. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Scoring across 8 categories is used to evaluate level of certification. D. Agar discussed the advantages and disadvantages of certification. It was noted within the Town s Official Plan that all new buildings will be built to LEED Silver level. Members posed questions relative to certification audit processes and the value of LEED certification s return on investment. J. Schofield noted that Green Development Standards will be a future presentation and discussion topic for the Committee s consultation. 4.2 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory J. Schofield presented an overview of the fundamentals of climate changes. She discussed greenhouse gases (GHGs) and how they impact the climate, noting that their reduction is the most effective way to control climate change. Information on Ajax s path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which began in 2010 was discussed, notably a commitment to 6% reduction in GHG emissions by From m the Town has seen a 15% decrease in GHG emissions, despite a population growth of 33.3%, surpassing the 6% reduction goal. Members inquired what the next steps are in terms of reduction, having met the initial goal. J. Schofield noted that the Region is in the process of developing a Durham Community Energy Plan, which will provide more in depth information. 4.4 Climate Adaptation Plan Update J. Schofield shared a brief update on the creation of the Town s Climate Adaptation Plan. She noted a grant application had been submitted to the Federal of Canadian Municipalities to conduct a baseline study and vulnerability modelling of the community. Such data would feed into the development of the Climate Adaptation Plan in the New Year. Further updates will be provided as they become available. 4.3 Fall Community Event Update J. Schofield reviewed details relative to several forthcoming environmental events: September 23 Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up September 27 National Tree Day October 21 Community Tree Planting 4

5 She noted that complete event and registration details are available on the Town s event calendar at 5. Correspondence S. Moore provided verbal reminders of the deadline to submit Community Award Nominations and to RSVP for the September 29 Committee Team Building event. D. Agar reminded Members to take a moment to complete the 2017 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Survey. 6. Update from Council Councillor Dies informed the Committee that the three areas of the trails system impacted by heavy rain have now reopened. A summary of her attendance at the FCM conference was shared, including discussion on beekeeping in cities. Updates relative to the Duffins Creek Water Pollution Control Plan and Carruthers Creek Watershed matters were provided. Members were encouraged to participate in the online Budget Builder survey. It was noted that the Town received funding for 5 storm water management retrofit and regeneration projects. 7. Standing Items 7.1 Work Plan Chair Hogg reminded Members of the October 16, 2017 Litter Pick at 9am. Members inquired why trees had been removed in the Vale Crescent area; J. Schofield noted it was due to Emerald Ash Borer. Sightings of painted/snapping turtles in the waterfront-west area were shared. Staff encouraged Members to contact the TRCA or Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre to report injured turtles and sightings in vulnerable areas. Chair Hogg requested feedback on the work plan and Committee s interest in educational items. It was proposed that K. Sellers take back the Committee s interest in a Regional waste management presentation/joint-meeting. 7.2 Durham Environmental Advisory Committee Update K. Sellers shared a summary of the recent DEAC Meeting noting discussion topics on the Ontario Ministry of Agricultural Food and Rural Affairs and Regional Tree By-law review. K. Sellers agreed to forward a copy of the by-law to Members and staff. 8. New Business Chair Hogg shared details of the public comment period regarding Provincial Farmbelt Designation. Further information will be circulated via . 5

6 Banning of plastic straws was brought up as a possible initiative to pursue in Ajax. Seattle was noted to have successfully implemented a ban. Staff informed the Committee that the municipality does not have the jurisdiction to impose a ban on private business, however such guidelines are included and encouraged through the Town s Green Event policy. Details of the Town s Ajax in Bloom Ceremony on September 13 were shared. Members were invited to attend. 9. Adjournment Moved By: Seconded By: K. Sellers J. Hammond That the September 7, 2017 Meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee be adjourned. (8:00 p.m.) CARRIED 6

7 Statement Of The Problem ILLEGAL DUMPING AND WASTE BIN REMOVAL TOWN OF AJAX A SUBMISSION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Since 2006, Ajax has seen an increase in illegal dumping of household waste in garbage bins located throughout the town. This increase was directly related to the Regional decision to pick up garbage every other week instead of weekly (Oshawa This Week, July 26, 2006). By 2010 illegal dumping is estimated to have made up 20% of waste in public bins according to Tim Field, Environmental Services Supervisor for the town (Szekely, Aug. 14, 2010). Garbage that was once a Regional problem had become an Ajax problem. On average, Ajax empties 800 cans a week. Research has shown that those who are the greatest offenders when it comes to illegal dumping also tend to engage in other criminal activities (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), March 26, 27, 2013). The Consequences Illegal dumping can deter businesses from wishing to locate in specific areas; decrease tourism and property values; and increase cleanup costs for municipalities. Illegal dumping can increase criminal activities, and result in decreased community pride. Some illegal dumping can reduce drainage due to clogging, release harmful chemicals into the environment, and increase the presence of mice, rats, and other scavengers. In some cases it can cause safety hazards for the general public (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, (MDEQ). March 26, 27, 2013). The Response Ajax has taken steps to reduce or eliminate dumping of household waste in public bins. In 2006 the maximum fine for illegal dumping was $5, with individual tickets usually being in the range of $ (Oshawa This week, July 26, 2006). At the present time the Municipal Act allows fines of up to $100, Those found illegally dumping could also face multiple court appearances (Szekely, Aug. 14, 2010). The Region of Durham has a waste management call centre where illegal dumping can be reported. More recently a decision was made by the town to simply remove public garbage bins, thereby consequencing law abiding citizens who use them appropriately along with the offenders, and 7

8 undermining the efforts of local citizens who collect garbage thrown on the trails, in the forests and on the streets. This kind of response tends to reduce community involvement and increase the likelihood of passive-aggressive acting out behavior (i.e. not picking up dog waste, throwing trash along trails and into forests, increased illegal dumping on roadsides and along forest trails, citizens putting out their own garbage bags where bins once stood) as well as non-cooperation with local authorities with whom they are angry. When taxpayers feel that they are losing services while continuing to pay their taxes, it is a recipe for conflict between them and town staff and politicians. Ajax could not have handled this issue in a more inappropriate way when it comes to public relations. Citizens are inconvenienced and angry at the removal of so many waste bins with little to no effort on the part of the town to enlist their support before doing so, or to explain its actions. A Better Way A successful anti-dumping approach requires the cooperation of citizens, not their alienation. It requires a balanced prevention/enforcement program. And it requires a reasonable approach to waste management that is also seen as reasonable by local citizens (MDEQ, March 26, 27, 2013). If the town wishes to introduce a more effective approach, the following recommendations may be helpful: Public education (public meetings, brochures, electronic communications, letter from the Mayor to households etc) about the problem of illegal dumping and the town s planned approach; Outreach to citizens, local businesses and industries, chamber of commerce, local citizen groups and service clubs, developers and construction companies etc; Elicitation of public support in reporting illegal dumping; Elicitation of law enforcement support since illegal dumping is often also related to other criminal activities (see Broken Windows policing approach); Sign posting at significant dumping locations warning individuals of up to $100,000. In fines under the Municipal Act; Increased by-law enforcement and public presence of by-law enforcement officers, especially at known illegal dump sites; Issuing of tickets and fines; Closed circuit cameras in known illegal dump sites (Kives, August 9, 2017) Rewarding citizens who take part in clean-up operations, and who, on their own initiative, pick up garbage. 8

9 Messaging to citizens should include: Information on where and how to dispose of excess waste legally (include dump locations and costs); How to reduce and recycle waste; What the fines are for illegal dumping; What the economic and environmental consequences of illegal dumping are for the town and for taxpayers; How to report illegal dumping (local process by phone, , mail). Conclusion The Town of Ajax should begin to employ a response to illegal dumping that enlists the support of its citizens rather than alienating them. Illegal dumping is everyone s concern. It is also important to ensure the prevention of littering with strategically placed public waste bins. Employing a strategy of simply removing bins without explanation or the input of a local community is irresponsible and can dampen community spirit and involvement. By recommending the implementation of the above recommendations, the Environmental Advisory Committee can help to address this problem. R E F E R E N C E S Kives, B. (August 9, 2017). Eyes in the sky appear to help Winnipeg crack down on illegal dumping. CBC News. Retrieved September 11, 2017 from: Oshawa This Week. (July 26, 2006). Illegal dumping jumps in Ajax. Retrieved September 10, 2017 from: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. (March 26, 27, 2013). Building a successful illegal dumping prevention/enforcement program. Retrieved September 11, 2017 from: Dumping.pdf?OpenElement Szekely, R. (August 14, 2010). Quit dumping your garbage in our parks pleads Town of Ajax. Retrieved September 11, 2017 from: quit-dumping-your-garbage-in-our-parks-pleads-town-of-ajax/ United States Environmental Protection Agency. (March, 1998). Illegal dumping prevention guidebook. 9

10 Broken Windows Policing Submitted by Patricia Spindel Ed.D. 10

11 PROJECT ITEM OBJECTIVES & SUMMARY LEAD TIMELINE STATUS / NOTES Ajax Waterfront Management & Shoreline Improvement Environmental Education & Events Stormwater Management Environmentally Significant Planning & Development Consultation on various waterfront and shoreline improvement elements, not limited to: o Trail improvements o Carruthers Marsh rehabilitation o Pickering Beach Bioswales o Algae growth o Water quality testing o Interpretive signage Provide consultation and feedback on variety of public environmental events, not limited to: o Invasive Species Awareness Week o Canada Water Week o Earth Hour o Green Living Days o Pollinator workshops o Ajax in Bloom o Community Clean-ups o Community Tree Planting o Bring Back the Salmon Identify educational opportunities for Members to provide background knowledge informing feedback Provide feedback on: o Stormwater pond rehabilitation projects o Low impact development projects (rain gardens, bioswales) Review of site plan and development applications adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas Green Development Standards Review Operations & Environmental Services Various staff TRCA Engineering Planning & Development Annual Review Annual Review Joint Public Meeting Macy 4, 2017 Council Chambers Review of 2017 Events Calendar February 2, 2017 Committee Educational Areas of Interest: o Invasive Species (March 2, 2017) o LEED Certification (ARC Phase 2) o Region of Durham Waste Management Annual Review & Update Fall 2017 target Target: Twice Annual Development Update 11

12 5 Waste Management Review of waste management projects and initiatives o Annual facility waste audits 6 Urban Forestry Update on anti-litter initiatives within the parks system Urban Forest Management Plan Update on LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program Tim Field Craig Blencowe Annual Review February 2, Sustainability Update on the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Pending Community Corporate Energy Plan Complete Completed Fall 2016 McLean Community Centre E-Vehicle Charing Stations Mujtaba Khawaja Pending 8 Energy LED Streetlight Retrofit Update Rick Chalmers Pending ARC Phase 2 Update (LEED review) Green Fleet Strategy Ajax Climate Adaptation Plan Catherine Bridgeman Chris Addley Pending Pending June 2016 Climate Mitigation Plans (Partners for Climate Protection Program) 9 Climate Change Ajax Corporate Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update Fall 2016 Ajax Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update 12 Fall 2017

13 10 Adopt-a-Park/Trail 11 Community Awards Adoption of the Arbour Park Trail o Training for all Members o Coordination of 3 Committee Clean-ups per year Committee consideration for submission of nominees for various community awards: o Durham Environmental Achievement Awards o Town of Ajax Environmental Community Award D. Hogg EAC EAC Initiated 2016 Review Annually beginning in November 2017 dates: DEAC Nomination deadline: February 28, 2017 Community Awards Nominations: Fall 2017 Participation in Ajax Community Awards Selection Committee (2 members) 12 Committee Report to Council Review of recent committee achievements and future projects EAC Chair/Vice- Chair 13 Greenwood Conservation Expansion to Brock South Lands TRCA Fall 2017 target Working Groups: 13