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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-18 Agenda.pdfLeading the Way SUSTAINABLE CLARINGTON COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: APRIL 18, 2013 TIME: 7:00 P.M. PLACE:MEZZAINE ROOM 1.INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS -ALL 10 MINUTES) 2. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEE - CURRY CLIFFORD, CORPORATE INITIATIVES OFFICER MATERIALS: TERMS OF REFERENCE; ARTICLE "TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY", MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 2011-2014 STRATEGIC PLAN*) 15 MINUTES) 3.PROTOCOL - COUNCIL APPOINTED ADVISORY COMMITTEES - PATTI BARRIE, MUNICIPAL CLERK MATERIALS: PROTOCOL - COUNCIL APPOINTED ADVISORY COMMITTEES; MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT*) 10 MINUTES) 4.MEETING PROCEDURES, INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR - PATTI BARRIE 10 MINUTES) 5.DISCUSSION OF MEMBER'S EXPECTATIONS OF COMMITTEE'S OUTCOMES - ALL 30 MINUTES) 6.SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AND DISCUSSION OF EXPECTED PURPOSES OF NEXT FEW UPCOMING MEETINGS -ALL MATERIALS: SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS; JUNE 2010 GREEN COMMUNITY STRATEGY) 15 MINUTES) 7.ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR -ALL, EXCEPT COUNCIL MEMBERS 10 MINUTES) SUSTAINABLE CLARINGTON COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Cont'd) -2- 8.OTHER BUSINESS: SUBMISSION FROM JOHN STEPHENSON "ENERGY RETURN ON (ENERGY) INVESTED ( 7 PAGES) These documents will be distributed in paper form at the meeting 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 toourFuture 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, MunicipalitydClarington PLAN46RLVIEW : Compass to ourFutumLvingGreen OilCommunityAdvisoryCommittee1-0.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 MunicipalityofClarinWon LivinO, Green OilCommunityAdvisoryCommitteet. H.gth,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. Monicipalityof CI.irington LivinO, Green on Iadhg the IVay iCommunityAdvisoryCommittee 4rPOFFICIAL PLAN R EVI EW Compas,toourFutum 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 ipalityofClaringtonc Living Green Community Advisory Committee L(di.g 1h.W.y N—QFFICIALdiZPLAN1WREVIEW 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 0nCommunityAdvisoryCommittee PLAN IAL REVIEW Compass to ourFuture' 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. Municipalityof Clarington Living Green ClaringtonCommunityAdvisoryCommittee1-dl8th,O,,,y I&PLAN OFFICIAL REVIEW CwTafs to ourFutum 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 ii 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 FFIALAL PLANWREVIEW Corti-S to mrFutur 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. Municipalityof Clarington LivinO, Green Cl on I Community Advisory Committee L—dl,g 1h,VVy XOFFICIAL 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.* PolunicipaI ly ofClarington Livino, Green APW 6PL'O WCommunityAdvisoryCommitteeLdl,g th,1Wy 0 PLANQ[ AL PLAN REVIEW Compass to 0urFUtum 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 gfh 4.0 X—OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW C—F—to ourF-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. Municipalilyof Clarmgton Living Green Community Advisory Committee Q70FFICIAL PLAN 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 orClarington Living Green Community Advisory Committee I.-di.g th,Wq i0oWo COPPXOFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW CmTw to ourFuture 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 orClaririgton Livi-no, Green OilCommunityAdvisoryCommitteeQdigoreWq I1W QFFICIAL 14 PLANWREVIEW Compass to ourFuture 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 tollCommunityAdvisoryCommitteeAdig1h,Wy 0 IAL PLANWREVIEW CoMpW to ourFuture: 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 C1arington Living Green 0CommunityAdvisoryCommitteeodl,gthe Vt',,y tio L Q0 OFFICIA PLAN low REVIEW Cmpa to mrFuture 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,wy Woiia PLANIAL REVIEW Compass to ourFuture Page No. 15