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Home My WebLink About2024-10-11 Electronic Council Communications Information Package Date:October 11, 2024 Time:12:00 PM Location:ECCIP is an information package and not a meeting. Description: An ECCIP is an electronic package containing correspondence received by Staff for Council's information. This is not a meeting of Council or Committee. Alternate Format: If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator, at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Members of Council: In accordance with the Procedural By-law, please advise the Municipal Clerk at clerks@clarington.net, if you would like to include one of these items on the next regular agenda of the appropriate Standing Committee, along with the proposed resolution for disposition of the matter. Items will be added to the agenda if the Municipal Clerk is advised by Wednesday at noon the week prior to the appropriate meeting, otherwise the item will be included on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the applicable Committee. Members of the Public: can speak to an ECCIP item as a delegation. If you would like to be a delegation at a meeting, please visit the Clarington website. Pages 1.Region of Durham Correspondence 1.1 Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee 2024 Farm Tour - October 11, 2024 3 1.2 Energy From Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee meeting minutes dated Tuesday, September 24, 2024 8 2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence 3.Other Municipalities Correspondence 3.1 Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury - Ontario Deposit Return Program - September 20, 2024 14 4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence 5.Miscellaneous Correspondence October 11, 2024 Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP) Page 2 If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564. The Regional Municipality of Durham Information Report From: Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Report: #2024-INFO-62 Date: October 11, 2024 Subject: Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee 2024 Farm Tour, File: A01-38-02 Recommendation: Receive for Information Report: 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the 22nd annual Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) Farm Tour event, which was held at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre in Port Perry (Scugog) on September 26, 2024. 2. Background 2.1 Since its inaugural tour in 2003, DAAC has showcased more than 40 farms and other agricultural facilities across Durham Region to more than 1,700 participants. 2.2 The 2024 tour was originally scheduled to take place at Twin Erin Farm and Two Blokes Cidery. Due to unforeseen issues in the late summer, the tour was moved to the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, bringing the elements of the Farm Tour directly to the participants. Page 3 Page 2 of 5 3. Event Overview 3.1 Over 130 participants representing municipal and provincial governments, public agencies including conservation authorities, school boards, post-secondary institutions, municipal advisory and economic development committees, the financial and insurance industry, the agricultural community and media attended the event. The tour highlighted the importance of Durham’s agricultural sector, Durham’s agricultural heritage as well as some of the issues and challenges faced by the industry. 3.2 The theme for this year’s tour was “Forward Thinking Agriculture in Durham Region”. A variety of topics were covered including: • The challenges of operating and establishing an on farm-diversified use (OFDU); • The experience of farmers obtaining permits and permissions for OFDU’s on their farms; • The realities of operating a family farm; • Agriculture as a complex, competitive market that requires innovation; • The importance of marketing to farm businesses; • Environmental management on farms; • How Trent University’s experimental farm operates; and • The variety of agricultural transportation equipment for transporting goods; 3.3 At the event, there were several displays for attendees to visit and learn from, staffed by several organizations, including: • District 12 Grain Farmers of Ontario; • Durham College Galen Weston Centre for Food and Barrett Centre; • Durham Farm Connections; • Durham Region Federation of Agriculture; • Durham West 4-H; • Durham Workforce Authority; • Greenbelt Foundation; • Invest Durham; • Kawartha Conservation Authority; • Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority; • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness; and • Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association; Page 4 Page 3 of 5 3.4 At the event lunch, DAAC Vice-Chair Dave Risebrough welcomed attendees to the event and introduced the themes of the tour. 3.5 Regional Chair and CEO John Henry then spoke about: • The success of the food products grown in Durham; • The important contributions of farming and agriculture in Durham; • How farmers feed our community and economy; and • Progressive and innovative farms in the Region 3.6 Township of Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten the spoke about: • How agriculture is critical to Scugog’s identity; • The economic importance of the agriculture industry in Scugog; • Her deep appreciation for the agricultural way of life and appreciation for the land; and • The importance of agricultural innovation. 3.7 Adam Hayes and Don King of the Soil Resource Group provided the keynote address on the ONFarm program and the importance of soil health to agriculture. 3.8 Participants attended presentation stations featuring the following speakers: a. Matt Porter, Trent University - Trent University Experimental Farm and Modern Challenges in Agriculture; b. Jordan and Alyson McKay, Willowtree Farms & Pingles Farm Market - Diversifying Farm Operations; c. Matt Sommerville, Sommerville Farms - The Opportunities and Challenges of On Farm Diversified Uses and Family Farms; and d. Agriculture Transportation Display and Presentation 4. Event Feedback 4.1 Each year, participants are asked to complete a survey that is used by DAAC to evaluate the success of the tour and to help plan for future events. This year, an electronic survey was circulated to attendees following the event, along with paper surveys that were available at the tour. From the responses received, almost all agreed that the tour met or exceeded their expectations. Some general comments were: Page 5 Page 4 of 5 • Excellent presentations! Something for everyone, loved the format as well; • Great day. Speakers were fantastic and the transportation display was great. Food was amazing! Excellent location; and • The organizing committee did an excellent job pivoting from the planned farm tour by bringing in several interesting speakers. 4.2 Participants were asked what the “Take Home” message was for them. Responses included: • That our farming community is filled with innovators. They are a great resource for understanding not only the complexities of the land and doing day to day business, but the economics and social dynamics involved in such a competitive market; • Agriculture is an important industry in Durham. Agriculture is quite varied, and policies need to adapt to the changing face of agriculture. Environmental management is a key part of agriculture; and • Farmers have a unique perspective and understanding of the land that is invaluable, and we need to work together to protect our environment. Exchanging knowledge with opportunities like this can be very helpful. 5. Previous Reports and Decisions 5.1 In January 2024, Council considered DAAC’s 2024 Workplan through Commissioner’s Report #2024-P-1. The Farm Tour is a major component of the DAAC Workplan. 5.2 In October 2023, #2023-INFO-87 was released, summarizing the 2023 DAAC Farm Tour. 6. Relationship to the Strategic Plan 6.1 This report aligns with/addresses the following strategic goals and priorities in the Durham Region Strategic Plan: a. Environmental Sustainability - Protect, preserve and restore the natural environment, including greenspaces, waterways, parks, trails, and farmlands. b. Economic Prosperity - Provide a supportive environment for agriculture and agri-food industries. Page 6 Page 5 of 5 7. Conclusion 7.1 DAAC is once again commended for its continued efforts in advancing the knowledge of the agricultural industry in Durham. The annual farm tour continues to be a valuable element of the Council approved work plan for the Committee. 7.2 A copy of this report will be forwarded to the Area Municipalities, the Durham Federation of Agriculture, Durham Farm Fresh, the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance and DAAC. Respectfully submitted, Original signed by Brian Bridgeman, MCIP, RPP, PLE Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Page 7 If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2097. The Regional Municipality of Durham Minutes Energy From Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Tuesday, September 24, 2024 A meeting of the Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 in Council Chambers, Regional Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, at 7:05 PM. Electronic participation was permitted for this meeting. 1. Roll Call Present: G. Gordon, Whitby, Chair M. Cannon, Oshawa G. Baswick, Clarington G. Best, Whitby R. Fleming, Pickering J. Vinson, Clarington *all members of the Committee participated electronically Absent: P. Haylock, Clarington, Vice-Chair K. Palinka, Oshawa T. Shomar, Clarington Non-Voting Members Present: Councillor Elhajjeh, Local Councillor, Municipality of Clarington B. Parayankuzhiyil, Facility Manager, Covanta *all non-voting members of the Committee participated electronically Staff Present: S. Ciani, Committee Clerk, Corporate Services – Legislative Services K. Dykman, Supervisor, Waste Services A. Evans, Director, Waste Management Services R. Inacio, Systems Support Specialist – Information Technology R. Jagannathan, Commissioner of Works L. Saha, Manager, Waste Services D. San Juan, Environmental Health Specialist, Health Department, Durham Region N. Williams, Project Manager, Waste Services *all staff members participated electronically Page 8 Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 2 of 6 2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest There were no declarations of pecuniary interest. 3. Adoption of Minutes Moved by G. Best, Seconded by M. Cannon, That the minutes of the EFW-WMAC meeting held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, be adopted. CARRIED 4. Presentations There were no presentations heard. 5. Delegations A) Wendy Bracken, Clarington Resident, re: Information Report #2024-INFO-55: Durham York Energy Centre 2024 Compliance Source Test Update Wendy Bracken, Clarington resident, appeared electronically before the Committee and provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding her concerns with Information Report #2024-INFO-55: Durham York Energy Centre 2024 Compliance Source Test Update. Highlights from the presentation included: • Pay Careful Attention to Statements Made in Reports • Stack Testing Issues are Identified in STANTEC Oversight Report dated August 15, 2024, for the DIOXIN/FURAN Test • Critical to Understand • Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) Emits Thousands of Pollutants but Just a Handful are Monitored at Stack Continuously • Most Pollutants (Including the Most Toxic) are Stack Tested Less Than 0.5% of Annual Operating Time through Pre-Arranged Stack Tests Conducted Under Optimal Operating Conditions or are Not Monitored at All • Unclear Whether CEMS Data was Also Excluded During Problematic Period of Low Steam Production • STANTEC Auditing Process Involved, “Eliminating Data that May Have Been Influenced by Calibration or Purging Events that Took Place This Time.” • Boiler 1 Temperature Below ECA Requirement, Boiler 2 Steam Production Below Criteria • ECA: Absolute Temp Requirement of 1000°C • Serious Concerns with Durham’s Reporting • Conclusion Page 9 Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 3 of 6 W. Bracken stated that in conclusion, better monitoring/reporting is needed that includes testing during other than normal operating conditions (OTNOC) conditions that is now required by the EU; and environmental monitoring (flora, fauna, and agriculture). B) Wendy Bracken, Clarington Resident, re: the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) Long-Term Sampling System (LTSS) Quarterly Report Q1-2024 and Related September 13, 2024, Memorandum from the Commissioner of Works Wendy Bracken, Clarington resident, appeared electronically before the Committee and provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding her concerns with the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) Long-Term Sampling System (LTSS) Quarterly Report Q1-2024 and related September 13, 2024, memorandum from the Commissioner of Works. Highlights from the presentation included: • Memorandum dated September 13, 2024, from Ramesh Jagannathan, Commissioner of Works, re: Durham York Energy Centre Quarterly (Q1 – 2024) Long-Term Sampling System Report • Durham York Energy Centre Long-Term Sampling System Quarterly (Q1) Report January 2024-May 2024 • Table 1: AMESA Cartridge Replacement Schedule • 7.1 Investigation • More Issues at the DYEC with Dioxins/Furans: Long-Term (Monthly) Sampling of Dioxins/Furans Reporting is Very Incomplete, and it is Neither Traceable nor Transparent • Many Hours and Months of Dioxin/Furan AMESA Data Have Already Been Invalidated/Omitted/Missing From 2020 to 2023 • DYEC has had Major Dioxin and Furan Emissions Exceedances • ToxicoWatch Study of Paris Incinerator; French Government Warns Millions Not to Eat Backyard Chicken Eggs • More Concerns: DYEC 2023 Soil Testing Report Shows 2023 Dioxin Concentrations More than Double 2013 Pre-DYEC Levels W. Bracken responded to questions from the Committee. 6. Correspondence There were no items of correspondence considered. 7. Administrative Matters A) EFW-WMAC Work Plan (2023-2024) – Working Group Appointments A. Evans reminded the committee members of the three areas of the workplan that could be further investigated: Page 10 Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 4 of 6 1. Plan and Program Implementation (as it relates to the Long-Term Waste Management Plan, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and changes and enhancements to the Region’s Organics Program); 2. Diversion Program Assessment (review and assess opportunities for the Region to optimize and increase diversion opportunities within Durham Region); and 3. Technology and Facility Review (reviewing key technologies which are or may be utilized by the Region in delivery of waste management services). Discussion ensued regarding whether a working group should be formed with respect to standardizing procedures regarding the testing and reporting at the DYEC. Further discussion ensued regarding reviewing the materials presented by the delegate in order to have a more fulsome discussion at a subsequent EFW- WMAC meeting. 8. Other Business A) Update by Lipika Saha, Manager, Waste Services, the Regional Municipality of Durham, regarding 2024 Community and Outreach Activities L. Saha highlighted community and outreach activities across the Region such as the 50th anniversary of the Region and the Open Doors event held at the DYEC, as well as 2 curbside giveaway days, that were all well attended. L. Saha advised that on October 19, 2024, staff will focus on in-house food waste production, and they have a few more events in the works for the remainder of the year. A. Evans advised that battery collection week will occur October 7-11, 2024, and that the batteries can be placed on top of the green bins now instead of the blue bins. B) Update by Andrew Evans, Director, Waste Management Services, the Regional Municipality of Durham, regarding Extended Producer Responsibility A. Evans advised that the Region transitioned on July 1, 2024, and that the Region is no longer collecting directly and that it has moved over to the producer organizations where Green for Life (GFL) and Miller have been contracted within the community for collection. He advised that there was some backlog initially but that the transition went well overall. He further advised that staff remain very engaged in the local business communities with respect to how the transition will affect the local businesses in the BIAs and downtown cores. Page 11 Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 5 of 6 A. Evans responded to questions from the Committee regarding what will happen to the local businesses that will now have no recycling pick up; and when Durham’s transitional recycling pick-up will stop. C) Update by Andrew Evans, Director, Waste Management Services, the Regional Municipality of Durham, regarding Expanded Green Bin Program A. Evans advised that the expanded Green Bin Program rolled out July 1, 2024, and that it went relatively well. He advised that staff talked to the service providers regarding the material coming in and were advised that the materials were a bit wetter than in other jurisdictions, which was expected for the program, and that it will take some time to build momentum. A. Evans advised that staff would provide a more detailed update to the Works Committee and the EFW-WMAC towards the end of the year, and that staff will continue a promotion campaign to ensure residents know that additional green bins are currently on sale at a reduced rate. D) Update by Andrew Evans, Director, Waste Management Services, the Regional Municipality of Durham, regarding Automated Cart-Based Garbage Collection Pilot Project A. Evans advised that the Automated Cart-Based Garbage Collection Pilot Project occurred in mid/late July 2024 and that the residents are currently going through their 3rd/4th pick-up with the cart system. He advised that staff are continuing to educate residents on how the carts work and will be reaching out to the residents in the next couple of months to collect additional feedback through various pre, mid, and post surveys. A. Evans also advised that staff will be looking into completing time and motion studies to see how the collection efficiency has changed, and how fast the bins can be picked up and put in the truck as opposed to manual collection. E) Update by Andrew Evans, Director, Waste Management Services, the Regional Municipality of Durham, regarding Durham York Energy Centre A. Evans advised the Committee that the requests to elevate the expansion application to a full Environmental Assessment were denied and was presented to the Works Committee where there were additional questions from members of the public. As a result, the Works Committee asked staff for an update report that will be presented to the Works Committee in November 2024. A. Evans advised that the source test results from the first quarter are now published to the website and that there were no issues from a plant perspective with respect to meeting the compliance limits. The ECA limits were also met during the tests with no violations. Page 12 Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 6 of 6 Detailed discussion ensued regarding whether there was a way to receive the reporting data in a less technical manner so the public can better understand the information being released. 9. Next Meeting The next regularly scheduled meeting of the EFW-WMAC will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Council Chambers, at 7:00 PM, Regional Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby. 10. Adjournment Moved by R. Fleming, Seconded by M. Cannon, That the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM. G. Gordon, Chair, Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee S. Ciani, Committee Clerk Page 13 Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury 100 Dissette Street, Unit 4, P.O. Box 100 Bradford, Ontario, Canada L3Z 2A7 Phone: 905-775-5366 jleduc@townofbwg.com www.townofbwg.com September 20, 2024 BY E-MAIL Hon. Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks 5th Floor 777 Bay St. Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Minister Khanjin: Ontario Deposit Return Program I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally address the recent discussions surrounding the Ontario Deposit Return Program, particularly regarding our community residents asking us about the recycling of nonalcoholic beverage plastics. Whereas the Ontario Deposit Return Program has successfully incentivized the recycling of alcoholic beverage containers, resulting in the removal of over 204,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, we recognize the potential for similar success with nonalcoholic beverages. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks highlighted in their June 2023 letter that they are considering the adoption of a deposit-and-return system for nonalcoholic beverages. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to further promote recycling, reduce litter, and encourage sustainable practices among consumers. Therefore, I am proud to announce that our Council endorses the expansion of the Ontario Deposit Return Program to include nonalcoholic beverage containers. We believe that this expansion will not only enhance environmental stewardship but also foster a culture of sustainability within our community. We encourage all stakeholders to support this initiative and work collaboratively towards its implementation. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and set a positive example for future generations. Yours truly, Mayor James Leduc Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury CC: Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance Hon. Caroline Mulroney, Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe MPP Sandy Shaw, Opposition Environment, Conservation and Parks Critic Ontario’s Municipal Councils and Conservation Authorities Page 14