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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-001-13 Clarftwn REPORT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: January 21, 2013 Resolution #: - 1'1 By-law#: Report#: CAO-001-13 File #: Subject: SUSTAINABLE CLARINGTON COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CAO-001-13 be received; 2. THAT Council endorse the Terms of Reference for the Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee (Attachment 1); 3. THAT the Municipality proceed to advertise for Clarington resident's interest in public appointment to the seven (7) member Committee; and 4. THAT the members of the Living Green Community Advisory Committee be advised of Council's decision about this new Committee. Submitted by: Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer CC:FW CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: CAO- 001-13 PAGE 2 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to recommend action to implement a key action in Clarington's Strategic Plan under the objective of "Create a culture of 'going green"'. Specifically, the commitment to "Continue Green Committee for Clarington". 1.2 On January 31, 2011, Council directed staff to prepare a Terms of Reference for a new Living Green Community Advisory Committee to ensure Clarington's continued focus on a sustainable culture. "WHEREAS the Living Green Community Advisory Committee presented a Green Community Strategy to Council on June 28, 2010 that was endorsed in principle by Council; AND WHEREAS the Green Community Strategy has been referred to staff for an implementation report in 2011; AND WHEREAS Council deems it important to maintain citizen involvement in issues of the environment and community sustainability; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Planning Staff be directed to prepare terms of reference for a new Living Green Community Advisory Committee that would focus on the implementation of environmental and sustainability initiatives in Clarington with particular references to the Green Community Strategy." 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 The Green Community Strategy is attached as Attachment 2. It dealt largely with matters of community actions although included in the some 68 suggestions were 10 suggestions about how the Municipality manage its own business, e.g., management of energy conservation in municipal facilities and vehicles. These are matters that the municipal administration is directly responsible for managing and it is suggested that they continue to do so and report to Council on these matters as appropriate and that the Advisory Committee's efforts be focused on the remaining 58 community matters. 3. PROPOSED NEW COMMITTEE 3.1 Committee Structural Issues The initial Living Green Committee was formed in May 2007 with the adoption of Report PSD-055-77 and culminated with the preparation of the Green Community Strategy in 2010. The initial committee members included two members of Council with voting rights. It is proposed that the Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee include a single member of Council appointed by Council and a member of staff appointed by the CAO to sit as ex- REPORT NO.: CAO- 001-13 PAGE 3 officio members with no voting rights. The Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee would consist of seven (7) voluntary members who are appointed by Council. 3.2 Mandate The mandate of the Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee would be to foster a community-wide culture of sustainability focusing on environmental protection, energy, health, climate change, and development. They would provide advice to Council and affected community organizations on the following three community matters: 1. for each of the 58 suggestions for community action as set out in the Green Community Strategy, the (1) suitability (2) feasibility and (3) acceptability and resulting recommended priority and implementation time frame of each of the suggestions that the Advisory Committee recommends should proceed 2. for those 58 suggestions that the Advisory Committee ranks as of highest priority in its review, a description of the current actions to implement these and the Committee's suggested further steps to best implement what it deems to be the highest priority items 3. recommend other actions beyond those 58 set out in the Green Community Strategy that the Advisory Committee recommends would foster a community-wide culture of sustainability in Clarington. It will be important that advice be received on these matters in a timely and cost effective manner. The Terms of Reference recommends time frames and resource management approaches to accommodate this goal. The Advisory Committee will not be involved on any site/project specific proposals or environmental assessments unless requested by Council. 3.3 Regarding item 2, the Green Community Strategy suggested a number of initiatives involving actions by the Municipality of Clarington, the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Province of Ontario. To efficiently proceed it will be important that the new Committee develop, on those matters it deems to be of high priority, a good understanding of the current actions that have been taken or planned by these bodies and what further action should be taken to advance Clarington's sustainability. As an example, the new Committee will want to consider the impact of the Region of Durham's Local Action Plan on Climate Change in meeting suggestions put forward by the initial Living Green Committee that the new Committee deems to be of high priority. REPORT NO.: CAO- 001-13 PAGE 4 3.4 Administrative and Financial Support Staff support will be provided by the Corporate Initiatives Officer in the CAD's Office. In addition to staff resourcing, a modest budget may be required to advance sustainability matters in 2013 that the newly appointed Advisory Committee may recommend to Council. A $25,000 start-up allocation is included in the 2013 draft Budget for this purpose. 4. CONCLUSION 4.1 There is a strong interest by residents and businesses in seeing Clarington become a leader in environmental issues. The establishment of the Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee would assist the Municipality in developing and implementing priority programs related to 58 suggestions in the Green Community Strategy and develop any other actions the Committee recommends would foster a community-wide culture of sustainability in Clarington. CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — The recommendations contained in this report conform to the following priorities of the Strategic Plan: Promoting economic development Maintaining financial stability Connecting Clarington X Promoting green initiatives Investing in infrastructure Showcasing our community Not in conformity with Strategic Plan Staff Contact: Curry Clifford, MPA, CMO, Corporate Initiatives Officer Attachments: Attachment 1 - Terms of Reference Attachment 2 - Green Community Strategy, June 2010 List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision: 2010 Living Green Community Advisory Committee Attachment 1 To Report CAO-001-13 TERMS OF REFERENCE SUSTAINABLE CLARINGTON COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee is to advise Council on matters of sustainability in accordance with these Terms of Reference and is to conduct its business according to the attached Protocol for Council Appointed Advisory Committees. Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment. (US EPA) The widely accepted definition of"Sustainability" as created by the Brudtland Commission in 1987 will guide the Committee's work: "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The Committee will be further guided by promoting the history and culture of the Clarington community that is reflected in an important local value: conservation. In particular the value as a community that we attach to conserving our resources, our natural environment and advancing our conserver economy and conserver way of life. MANDATE OF COMMITTEE The Committee is to foster a community-wide culture of sustainability. It will focus on the community's local response to the interrelations among environmental protection, energy, health, climate change, and development. How the Municipality manages its own business, e.g., management of energy conservation in municipal facilities and vehicles, will continue to be managed by the municipal administration reporting through Council. On behalf of Council, the Advisory Committee shall engage in a dialogue with key parties, including staff from the Municipality of Clarington, the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Province of Ontario involved in developing policy and/or implementing policy in the matters the Committee deems of high priority. The Committee may also consult such other parties as it deems suitable to consult within the scope and limits of its terms of reference. The Advisory Committee will not be involved in any site/project specific proposals nor environmental assessments unless requested by Council. SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES OF COMMITTEE The Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee will undertake consultation and research, including consultation with any party as requested by Council, in order to provide advice to Council and affected community organizations on the following three community matters: 1. for each of the 58 suggestions for community action as set out in the Green Community Strategy, the (1) suitability (2) feasibility and (3) acceptability and resulting recommended priority and implementation time frame of each of the suggestions that the Advisory Committee recommends should proceed 2. for those 58 suggestions that the Advisory Committee ranks as of highest priority in its review, a description of the current actions to implement these and the Committee's suggested further steps to best implement what it deems to be the highest priority items 3. recommend other actions beyond those 58 set out in the Green Community Strategy that the Advisory Committee recommends would foster a community-wide culture of sustainability in Clarington. The Committee will report to Council on items 1 and 2 by early Fall 2013 in order to permit Council to consider the Municipal Staff's advice on the Committee's recommendations in Council's deliberations on its 2014 Municipal Budget and by July 1, 2014 on item 3. MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION ON THE COMMITTEE Council will appoint the Sustainable Clarington Advisory Committee. The Committee shall consist of seven voluntary members who believe they can make a significant contribution to the Committee and, as a whole, represent the diversity of Clarington, including its range of communities and types of employment or business. Membership from youth is especially encouraged in this important initiative. A majority of the membership - four (4) - shall constitute a quorum. A member of Council appointed by Council shall sit as ex-officio member with no voting rights. Stewardship coordinators for CLOCA and GRCA may be invited too, as appropriate. The members shall possess a strong interest in and willingness to help advance the Municipality's vision: "Building a sustainable, creative and caring community." Openings for the seven (7) Clarington residents shall be publicly advertised and any resident of the Municipality of Clarington may apply. Applicants will submit applications to the Municipality of Clarington Clerk's office. The membership of the Committee will be formally appointed by Municipal Council. STAFF SUPPORT AND FUNDING The Corporate Initiatives Officer shall serve as the staff liaison to the Committee. i The Committee's funding will be determined by Council. PROTOCOL The Committee will conduct its business according to the Municipality of Clarington's Protocol for Council Appointed Advisory Committees set out below. PROTOCOL COUNCIL -APPOINTED ADVISORY COMMITTEES BACKGROUND Council has established a number of advisory committees whose purpose is to provide advice to Council on matters within the committee mandate established by Council and on any issues referred to the Committee by Council. Council appoints the members and representatives to these committees at the beginning of each Council term. PURPOSE The purpose of the Protocol is to establish a standardized Rules of Procedure for Council- Appointed Advisory Committees. POLICY Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference for a Committee shall be approved by Council. These Terms of Reference are the mandate of the Committee shall address the following matters: • Background • Mandate of Committee • Scope of Activities of Committee • Membership and Representation on the Committee Council shall appoint a Council member and/or a responsible department for staff resources. Chair and Vice-Chair The Committee shall select a Chair and Vice-Chair from among its membership. When a new committee is initially formed, a member of Council may act as an interim Chair for a maximum of 18 months, after which time a Committee member, other than a member of Council or municipal staff, shall be selected to assume the position of Chair or Vice-Chair. The Chair shall provide leadership to the Committee, ensure that the Committee carries out its mandate, and act as the primary liaison between the Committee and Staff. The Chair shall set the agenda for each meeting in consultation with the staff liaison. If the Chair is temporarily absent, the Vice-Chair shall assume the position and responsibilities of the Chair in the interim. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Vice-Chair shall assume the responsibilities of the Chair until a new Chair can be elected. If the position of Vice- Chair becomes vacant, the Chair may appoint a member of the Committee as Interim Vice- Chair until a new Vice-Chair can be elected. Elections, when required, shall be held at the next meeting of the Committee. Responsibilities and Obligations of Members All Committee members shall abide by the Terms of Reference for the Committee as approved by Council. Members must also be willing to commit the time required to understand and evaluate the information provided, as well as be open-minded to various opinions and perspectives. The Chair or a spokesperson appointed by the Committee may speak on behalf of the Committee to Council or the public. Other members shall not act or speak on behalf of the Committee without prior approval of the Committee. A Committee or its members shall not issue petitions, resolutions or position papers on behalf of the Committee, unless specifically authorized by Council resolution. A Committee and its members shall also not act outside of the mandate and advisory capacity of the Committee. Should a Committee wish to comment on an issue that is within the mandate of another Council committee, the Chair shall consult with the responsible Liaison(s) and the Chair of the other committee. The Chair may eject any Committee member from a meeting if, in the opinion of the Chair, that person is being disruptive or disrespectful. A Committee shall also have the right to censure members that, in the Committee's opinion, are misrepresenting the Committee and may request Council to remove that person from the Committee. Members unable to attend a Committee meeting shall notify the staff liaison at least 24 hours in advance. Members unable to attend a meeting cannot send an alternate. The Chair shall advise the Municipal Clerk in writing of any member who is absent from the meetings for three successive months without being authorized to do so by a resolution of the Committee, and may request that the member be removed from the Committee. Members who wish to resign shall notify the Chair in writing of their decision who, in turn shall notify the Municipal Clerk in writing of the resignation. Council shall appoint new members to a Committee to fill any vacancies as required. Quorum and Voting A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum, In the event that a quorum is not achieved, the meeting may proceed but members shall not vote or make decisions. Recommendations and decisions reached by the Committee shall be based on consensus, wherever possible. In the event that a consensus cannot be reached and there are divergent opinions on an issue, the Chair may call for a formal vote by a show of hands. Decisions shall be carried by a simple majority of the voting members present. Each member of the committee has a vote. i Conflict of Interest I Members of the committee must abide by the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. I Public Participation All Committee meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are not permitted to participate in Committee discussions, but may appear as a delegation before the Committee. Delegations shall be for a maximum of 10 minutes. Those wishing to appear as a delegation at a Committee meeting must so advise the staff liaison a minimum of five working days before the meeting. The Chair may eject any member of the public from a meeting if, in the opinion of the Chair, that person is being disruptive or disrespectful. Meetings Committee meetings shall generally be held in the Clarington Municipal Administrative Centre, although meetings may occasionally be held elsewhere in the Municipality of Clarington if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Chair, the Mayor, or the relevant Liaison. Committee meetings shall generally occur a minimum of once per month; however, the Chair may schedule additional meetings or cancel meetings at his/her discretion and after consulting with the staff liaison. Reporting and Communications The draft minutes of all Committee meetings shall be reviewed by the staff liaison and forwarded by memorandum to the Municipal Clerk for inclusion on the next Council Agenda and, at the discretion of the Department Head may be posted on the Municipal website. The minutes of Committee meetings shall generally not attribute comments to a specific member of the Committee. All recommendations of the Committee shall be forwarded by the staff liaison to the Municipal Clerk for inclusion in the Council agenda. A Committee shall not forward comments or recommendations directly to other groups or agencies without the consent of Council, the Mayor or the relevant Liaison. Staff Resources The municipal department responsible for a Committee shall provide clerical, administrative and technical assistance to the Committee, as deemed appropriate by the Department Head, to ensure the proper functioning of the Committee. Specifically, Staff will provide the following resources to a Committee: • preparing and forwarding meeting materials to members; • preparation of summary meeting minutes and Committee correspondence (including assistance in drafting); • professional advice on matters within the mandate of the Committee; and • assist the Committee in participating in events and activities related to its mandate. Generally, Committee members are selected to be able to carry out the mandate of the Committee. Staff resources are provided only to assist the Committee in undertaking their mandate. Additional requests of resource staff, such as original research or organization of events shall be at the discretion of the Department Head and within staff, time and budget constraints. Term of Committee The term of the Committee shall coincide with the term of Council unless otherwise indicated in the specific Terms of Reference for the Committee. In general, a Committee shall not meet between the time of the municipal Council elections and the appointment of a new Committee by Council, unless considered necessary by the relevant liaison. Relationship to Committee Terms of Reference It is recognized that Committee mandates or terms of reference were prepared and approved in advance of this protocol. In the event of a conflict between the protocol and the committee's terms of reference, this protocol shall prevail. I i ATTACHMENT 2 to Report CAO-001-13 Note: The 10 items marked with an asterisk *in this report concern how the municipality manages its own business. It is recommended in Report CAO-001-13 that the new Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee mandate be focused on the remaining 58 community matters. GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Prepared by: THE LIVING GREEN COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 2010 Municipality of Clarington Living Green Community Advisory Committee • PLAN IAL' Cl 'gton RLAIESN Leading the Way Compass to our Future Website: bluetogreen.net GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................ 1 Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings........................................................ 5 Energy Efficiency in New Developments.................................................... 7 ZeroWaste.................................................................................................. 9 Thriving Green Economy........................................................................... 11 Healthy Natural Environments ................................................................. 13 0FFICIAC, Municipality dClarington PLAN 46 RLVIEW : Compass to ourFutum Lving Green Oil Community Advisory Committee 1-0.g ------------— ............—................................ ........................ ........... .............I.................... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Introduction The role that municipalities can play in addressing climate change issues is apparent. From land use and zoning decisions to control over building codes and licenses, infrastructure investments, municipal service delivery, management of | parks and recreation areas and transportation options, local government is uniquely positioned to influence citizen behaviours that directly affect global To implement a local action plan within the Municipality of Clarington, the Living Green Community Advisory Committee (LGCAC) was formed. The mandate of the LGCAC is to prepare a Green Community Strategy that will focus on the local response to the interrelations between energy, health, climate change and I development. Comprised of 13 voluntary members including business leaders in I energy management and land development, scholars, residents, elected officials I and municipal representatives, the development of the Green Community Strategy has involved the combined contributions of the local private and public In preparing the Green Community Strategy, the LGCAC has, on behalf of Council, consulted with the public through surveys, focus groups, briefs and public meetings. A meeting was also held with student representatives from several Clarington high schools. The Green Community Strategy encompasses local initiatives, private projects, and partnerships with other levels of government, the if private sector and non-profit groups. Recognizing the important role that communities play in affecting both our I immediate and long-term impact on the environment, as well as the limitations associated with Regional and Provincial responsibilities (e.g. incineration, nuclear power, 407 extension, etc.), the LGCAC has identified a list of six (6) priorities for sustainable action, sustainable policy and sustainable future investment to form the foundation of the Green Community Strategy. These priorities are listed as V Transportation Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency in New Developments Municipality of ClarinWon LivinO, Green Oil Community Advisory Committee t. H.g th,lv'y OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Page No. 1 .............------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY 'v Zero Waste Thriving Green Economy V Healthy Natural Environment Each of the six (6) priorities is comprised of a goal and a series of actions (policies, programs, and projects) for achieving local sustainability and demonstrating leadership as a green community. While implementation of many of these suggested actions falls appropriately to Council and Municipal staff, the success of the Green Community Strategy relies on the acceptance by residents and their commitment to help us make these positive changes. Implementation must also rely on Clarington's ability to partner I with neighbours, community groups and businesses, and in many cases, other levels of government. This is not an "action plan" in the traditional sense. The implementation of policies and the setting of priorities must fall, appropriately, to Clarington Council and to the Municipal staff who will ultimately make any formal plan a success. But I this is surely a plan for potential action — an inspirational list of actions to continue the Municipality's progress on the path to sustainability. To aid in the Municipality's progress on the path to sustainability, it is the intention that the actions and initiatives contained in this document, as supported by the community, will inform the Official Plan review and perhaps make their way into Municipal policy. Monicipality of C I.irington LivinO, Green on �!Iadhg the I Vay i Community Advisory Committee 4rPOFFICIAL PLAN R EVI EW Compas,to our Futum Page No. 2 ....................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ------------------------............................. ..........-........................................................... ------ ------- GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Transportation I! The transportation sector in Clarington, which includes travel by all residents in personal vehicles and public transit (not including rail, marine or air) emitted 182,674 tonnes of GHG emissions in 2008; per capita, that is approximately 2.18 tonnes each! Sustainable transportation generates benefits for the A health and quality of life of people, as well as for the environment. The Municipality of Clarington aims to facilitate the movement of people throughout the community by means of an integrated, safe and efficient transportation system. To promote active and healthy modes of transportation. • In existing neighbourhoods, maintain crosswalk networks and repair road shoulders on main routes to improve safety. • Establish clear, convenient and safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation links within and between communities as part of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan component of the Official Plan review. • In partnership with Durham Region, create a local map of Clarington's trail system to highlight features such as parks, rest stops (e.g. downtown cores), tourist features, bike repair shops, etc. • Provide adequate bicycle parking at municipal facilities for patrons and staff. • Require bicycle parking for patrons and employees as part of new commercial development. • Require bicycle parking and storage as part of new multi-storey residential or mixed use buildings. Work in partnership with transit agencies, schools, the private sector, existing riders and the general public to improve public transit within Clarington. • Continue to promote public transit, including special "discount days" for community residents during special events. • Encourage the integration of Durham Transit with GO Transit systems in Clarington. Muni ipalityofClarington c Living Green Community Advisory Committee L( di.g 1h.W.y N�—QFFICIAL diZ PLAN 1W REVIEW Cmp�to mrFuture Page No. 3 ............ ............................................ ............... ............................................... ..................................... ------ .................................................................................... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY • Encourage Durham Region to improve transit shelters and waiting areas. • Investigate a partnership opportunity with a corporate auto manufacturer or local automobile dealership to start a hybrid mini-van or electric mini-bus loop in areas of light ridership or special needs. • Advocate for immediate investments in public transit to accelerate improvements and make public transit more attractive. l ■ To reduce traffic congestion and unnecessary idling. • Employ Traffic Demand Management (TDM) strategies throughout the Municipality to reduce idling, traffic and parking congestion (e.g. drive- thru policies). • Encourage local employers to provide incentives to carpool (e.g. free parking or priority parking for carpoolers, free lunches, contests, etc.) i • Encourage local employers to become a member of Smart Commute Durham. ■ Explore opportunities to facilitate low emission mobility for vehicles within Clarington. • Work with Durham Region to create a regional zero-emission transportation strategy. • Encourage the Municipality to implement a Green Fleet Policy including I an Implementation Plan for all Municipal vehicles.* • • Develop a program to shift all taxis operating in the Municipality to low emission or hybrid technologies. i i • • Mvnicipalily or Claringlon Livin Green 1I1 0n Community Advisory Committee PLAN IAL REVIEW Compass to our Future' i Page No. 4 ------------------*-----*-------- ------ GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings Recognizing the important impact of buildings on green house gas emissions, the Municipality of Clarington is committed to planning for sustainability in both new and existing developments. The following include energy retrofits and sustainable practices in existing buildings that can be of great benefit in terms of both economic return and environmental stewardship. These proposed actions will promote energy efficiency in existing buildings as an integral part of the Green I Community Strategy. ■ Lead by example; retrofit existing Municipal buildings where feasible. • Use Municipal buildings to serve as showcase green projects and teaching tools for the community on green building retrofits. • Develop a comprehensive retrofit program, utilizing the Federation of I Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Municipal Building Retrofit Program and 1 the Ontario Centre for Green Building Design and Development's Municipal Green Building Toolkit for Municipal buildings.* ■ Amend local policy to encourage and support energy efficient upgrades to existing buildings and neighbourhoods. • Support residential and small business alternative energy applications. • Encourage the evolution of existing subdivisions into "complete communities" that follow green building standards. ■ Encourage green building retrofits and energy saving devices for homes and businesses. • Promote Provincial and Federal government energy conservation and efficiency programs, such as the Federal ecoEnergy program or the i Ontario Home Energy Savings Program. • Encourage energy efficiency upgrades for all commercial and industrial renovations. • • Work in partnership with community partners and utility companies to build a mobile energy efficient home that can appear at community 1 events to highlight the latest energy conserving materials, devices and • appliances, as well as alternative energy technologies. Municipality of Clarington Living Green Clarington Community Advisory Committee 1-dl8 th,O,,,y I&PLAN OFFICIAL REVIEW CwTafs to our Futum Page No. 5 ...................... ........------------------------ ..................................................................................................------------- ................... --------------- ................................................................ ............................................----------------------- ...................... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY • Create a database of local green contractors and an inventory of energy and water saving devices and materials, among other resources. • Encourage local media and municipal publications to report on new energy efficient products including how to use them efficiently. ■ Partner with Local Distribution Companies to offer public seminars and information packages. ■ information could include green building retrofits that target residents, is i i small enterprises, organizations and institutions within the community. ■ Information to increase the awareness of Ontario's Smart Meter is program. • • • Municipality o(Claringlon Livino Green -z Community Advisory Committee Leading the 11,,y FFI AL A L PLAN %W REVIEW Corti-S to mr Futur Page No. 6 .......... .......... .............................. ......................... .................... ............................................................................................................................................................... ...................... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Energy Efficiency in New Developments Achieving greater energy efficiency in new development can be realized through the more efficient and effective use of land, the reduction in the resources required to service and maintain new developments,the design and creation of neighbourhoods and communities where the emphasis is on walking and cycling, the use of the most current energy efficient building materials and techniques, appliances and fixtures, and the i recycling of building materials. The result will be new development that will have reduced energy requirements during the development and construction stage and that, over I the long term, will provide energy savings for all. These proposed actions will promote and encourage energy efficiency in new developments. ■ Encourage the Municipality to consult with the development industry, to create and adopt a Green Building Code for new developments based on the highest accepted industry standards. • Encourage the use of energy efficient building standards (ie. LEED or equivalent) for all new construction. • Encourage the use of energy efficient neighbourhood design (ie. LEED ND or equivalent) for all new neighbourhoods. These "complete communities" should be designed with green technologies, higher densities and a mix of uses, including a variety of housing options, stores, 1 services, functional open space systems and recreation facilities all within I walking distance. • Encourage the Municipality to require energy efficient building standards (LEED or equivalent) for all new municipal building construction and major renovation projects.* • Use new Municipal buildings to serve as showcase projects and teaching tools for the development community on green building construction. • Encourage the Municipality to provide priority permitting for green I • buildings that exceed industry standards. Municipality of Clarington LivinO, Green Cl on I Community Advisory Committee L—dl,g 1h,VVy X OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Compa tomrFutumll Page No. 7 '1 ............ ........... ........ ................__............................................................................ GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY • Accelerate, where appropriate, the planning and building permit process for green building applications that meet an advanced set of criteria as established by the LGCAC and the Municipality. • Encourage the Municipality to accelerate, where appropriate, the planning and building permit process for applications on brownfield and greyfield sites. • In co-operation with the development industry, facilitate seminars and develop information packages for green building construction that target developers within the community. ■ Encourage the Municipality to review existing Municipal policies and by- laws that apply to new developments and identify opportunities for green focused amendments. • Develop policies that encourage community owned energy co-operatives for new construction (e.g. solar co-operatives for proposed subdivisions). • Investigate the possibility of district heating systems from major heat producers and develop policies that encourage new developments to take advantage of these opportunities. • Adopt a Green Roof By-law for all new building permit applications made after a set date. Variance and cash-in-lieu provisions may apply. • Develop local policy to include "green infrastructure" (e.g. strategically planned and managed networks of natural lands, working landscapes and other open spaces) as part of new developments. ■ Investigate the possibility of an alternative energy saving streetlight project. o Partner with Local Distribution Companies and the Municipality to create I a demonstration project involving alternative technology for streetlights.* • Polunicipa I ly of Clarington Livino, Green -APW 6 PL'O W Community Advisory Committee L dl,g th,1Wy 0 PLANQ[A L PLAN REVIEW Compass to 0ur FU tum Page No. 8 ................................................................................. ..................................... ....................... ................................................................................. .............. ................................ ............... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Zero Waste Zero waste refers to an approach to consumption that places increasing responsibility on producers to design waste out of products completely. In a zero waste system, businesses are fully responsible for the end-of-life management of their products and therefore, have a financial incentive to become truly sustainable. The Municipality of Clarington has a role in driving the zero waste vision i through sustainable practices and the promotion of principles of efficiency, re-use and recycling. ■ W Work with Durham Region to develop tools to encourage and evaluate responsible waste management. • Establish an active link to the Regional Works Department Waste Management webpage on clarington.net. • In conjunction with the Region of Durham, ensure that local residents and business owners know how to follow the Regional policies for waste I management by providing an annual update of changes in Regional recycling and composting programs through both clarington.net and the local media. ■ Promote programs that encourage a culture of zero waste. • Promote existing programs that offer recycling education to residents, I businesses, industries and institutions. • Encourage green bin and backyard composting through the promotion of educational programs that highlight the benefits of both. • Organize a general public awareness campaign to encourage local businesses to select products with reduced packaging. ■ Advocate for waste reduction laws and policies at Provincial and Federal government levels. o Encourage a grassroots movement to promote and urge Provincial and Federal governments to pass legislation regarding packaging laws, extended producer responsibility and prohibition of hazardous substances. Municipality of Clarington i LivinO Green Community Advisory Comrniitee 1-di�g fh 4.0 X—OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW C—F—to our F-t-,-, Page No. 9 ............ .............................................................................................................................. ............. .............. .................................................................................................... ............... ---------- GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY 0 Demonstrate leadership through municipal operations including green I procurement policies that encourage manufacturers and suppliers to Il meet durable, reusable, repairable and/or recycled content design criteria. ■ Implement policies that require reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging and other similar items at all public facilities including schools I and at all municipally sanctioned events.* ■ Continue to work with Regional and Provincial pilot projects and increase I communication regarding the programs. • Municipalily of Clarmgton Living Green Community Advisory Committee Q70 FFICIAL P L A N REVIEW Compass to ourYutum!� Page No. 10 1 .......... ............................... .................................. ................................................ .............................................................---------------------------------- --------------------- ..........................-------------- GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Thriving Green Economy The Green Strategy recognizes that green initiatives not only make environmental sense, they make economic sense as well. By partnering with our business community we can 4 employ a multi-faceted approach to attract businesses to the Municipality that develop cutting edge green technology and 1W encourage existing businesses to adopt green initiatives and I practice environmentally friendly operations. A green economy can work within the community to educate and encourage residents from across the municipality to make green lifestyle changes that are necessary for sustainable living. ■ Create a green economic development strategy. o Encourage Clarington Board of Trade to create a comprehensive green economic development strategy that focuses on four key areas: 1. Helping businesses go green and attracting existing green businesses to locate in Clarington; 2. Creating green jobs; 3. Educating residents about Clarington's green economy; and 4. Investing in programs and improvements that will allow and encourage residents to shop locally. In partnership with the Clarington Board of Trade, BlAs and the business community, help businesses go green and attract existing green businesses to locate in Clarington. • Actively seek funding partners (Provincial and Federal governments, I private donors, and businesses) to establish a "Living Green Action Fund" to support investments in green business. • Establish a green marketing package to communicate existing incentive programs to new or existing businesses. • Create green jobs. o Implement a green jobs pilot project by establishing a partnership with • community organizations, vocational training programs, unions, and Municipality or Clarington Living Green Community Advisory Committee I.-di.g th,Wq i0o Wo COPP XOFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW CmTw to our Future Page No. 11 1! ........................................... ...................................................................................................................................................................... .................................... ....................................................... ------------- ---------------------- -------------- ----------------- GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY businesses to provide green job training and opportunities for young adults. ■ Educate residents about Clarington's green economy. o Work in partnership with the Clarington Board of Trade, BIAS and the business community to make an inventory of existing green businesses, I entrepreneurs and jobs. ■ Invest in programs and improvements that will allow and encourage I residents to shop locally. o Encourage expanded programs and partnership opportunities with the Clarington Board of Trade, local business improvement areas, and community associations, as well as the Municipality and the Region's Tourism and Economic Development staff to promote existing "Buy Local" programs and farmers markets. • Municipality or Cla ririgto n Livi-no, Green Oil Community Advisory Committee Qdi gore Wq I 1W ,�---QFFIC IAL 14� PLAN %W REVIEW Compass to our Future Page No. 12 --------------- ............................ ........... .................... ................... .................................................-------- ........... ------------- ............................. ...................... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Healthy Natural Environments The Municipality of Clarington will continue to see an increase in its population, which will place added pressure on our wetlands, parks, streams, forests, meadows, air and climate. With only about 11% of our land area presently designated as ; `� I urban, the Municipality of Clarington prides and identifies itself on its close relationship, both physically and spiritually, to its un-industrialized landscape. To ensure that our resources remain pristine, the Municipality of Clarington must protect the nature that surrounds us and encourage the renewal of already impacted resources. ■ Support the public health and environmental benefits of locally grown foods. • Encourage Municipal facilities and schools to serve locally grown and organic food. • Work in partnership with community organizations, schools and local businesses to foster the establishment of community gardens, orchards and edible landscaping. • • Encourage partnership opportunities with Foodland Ontario and Durham Farm Fresh to establish new farmers markets within other areas of the community. ■ Improve air quality by reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. • Make air quality statistics available to the public by developing mechanisms for evaluating, tracking and reporting on community air • quality, including a framework for acting on the information obtained. • Organize public and industry educational campaigns, and communications to potential new businesses emphasizing the critical importance of operating in accordance with high air quality standards. ■ Encourage the planting of native species for a healthy natural environment. • Build our "green infrastructure" by encouraging local planting initiatives, such as victory gardens, green roofs and tree planting campaigns. • • Work in partnership with existing community organizations (e.g. Orono Crown Lands, Bowmanville Valleys 2000, Courtice Millennium Trail group, Municipality OrClaringLoll LivinO, Green toll Community Advisory Committee (Adig 1h,Wy 0 I A L PLAN %W REVIEW CoMpW to our Future: Page No. 13 .............. ........................................ ....................................—.............................................................................................................................................................. ...... GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Scouts), schools, business improvement areas and volunteers to expand resources for the planting, maintenance and care of native species. • Partner with local horticulturalists to educate the community about native species and urban ecosystems. • Development of local policy to include native plant species as part of new developments and protect "green infrastructure" where it already exists. 11 ■ Every year, identify one product, chemical or compound that is used within the Municipality that represents the greatest risk to human health and reduce or eliminate its use by the Municipal government. o Consider banning the use of aerosols, floor polish, standard volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting paint, chemical paint strippers, VOC emitting graffiti removers, toxic chemical disinfectants, and toxic pesticides in Municipal facilities. ■ Preserve our surface water and groundwater resources through water stewardship practices to reduce the opportunities for pollutants to enter our ecosystem. • Develop public education programs relating to green roofs, native I landscaping and grey water management. • Establish a policy framework that encourages water saving features in new developments, including xeriscaping, on-demand water supplies and stormwater management principles. • • Promote public awareness of the proper use and disposal of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, which have the potential to contaminate our surface and ground waters. Municipality of C1 a ring ton Living Green 0 Community Advisory Committee ,odl,g the Vt',,y tio L Q0 -OFFICIA PLAN low REVIEW Cmpa to mr Fu tu re Page No. 14 -------------- .......................................................... ................................. ............. GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY Draft Green Community Strategy Prepared by: Amy Burke, Chair, Community Representative Elva Reid, Vice Chair, Community Representative Jim Abernethy, Mayor, Council Representative Mary Novak, Regional Councilor, Council Representative Cathrine McKeever, Community Representative Gordon Johnston, Community Representative Vanessa Hughes, Ontario Power Generation Eryn Wishnowski, Veridian Corporation Douglas Holdway, University of Ontario Institute of Technology Bill Cawker, Building, Industry and Land Development Ron Collis, Clarington Board of Trade Representative Jonathan Wheatle, Durham Strategic Energy Alliance Madison Stange, Youth Representative Municipal Staff Support Lisa Backus, Senior Planner, Community Planning& Design Robin Heathcote,Junior Planner, Development Review Carlos Salazar, Manager, Community Planning & Design Jennifer Cooke, Manager Communications and Tourism Sheila Hall, Economic Development Officer, Clarington Board of Trade Municipality of Clarington Livino, green �- � Community Advisory Committee Adl.g m,w y Wo „iia PLAN IAL REVIEW Compass to our Future Page No. 15