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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-66-92 REPORT #2 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT Meeting: COUNCIL File# Date: JULY 27, 1992 Res. # Report#:-RD_-66_-92_ Fife#: Os 80 . 07 By-Law# Subject: ONTARIO MINISTRY OF ENERGY ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMMUNITIES PROGRAM Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the following: 1. THAT Report WD-66-92 be received; and 2 . THAT the Director of Public Works be authorized to submit an application to the Ontario Ministry of Energy to be a contractual partner in the Energy-Efficient Communities Program in accordance with Attachment No. 2 to Report WD-66- 92 . ---------------------------------------------------------------- REPORT 1.0 ATTACHMENTS No. 1: Correspondence dated June 24, 1992, to the Ministry of Energy from Helen MacDonald No. 2 : Ontario Ministry of Energy Application Guidelines 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2 . 1 The letter from Helen MacDonald to the Ministry of Energy concerning the Ministry's Energy-Efficient Communities Program was included as Correspondence 1-19 in the Agenda for the July 13, 1992, Council meeting. At the request of Helen MacDonald, a meeting was held on July 16, 1992, with her, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Directors of Community Services /2 c '­ 1A- REPORT NO. : WD-66-92 PAGE 2 and Public Works to discuss the program referred to in the letter. 2 .2 After some discussion, it was agreed that Council would probably be interested in participating in this program. 3.0 REVIEW AND COMMENTS 3. 1 The "Application Guidelines" (Attachment No. 2) provide a brief explanation of the program. As noted on page 3, municipalities are included as an example of a contractual partner. We are on the understanding that the contractual partner is not responsible for the costs of the program. 3 .2 Helen MacDonald has advised that the deadline for applications is August 7 . Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to Council, 'Walter A. Evans, P.Eng. , Lawrence E. K t Pive ff, Director of Public Works Chief Admini r Officer WAE*ph July 21, 1992 Attachments i i COUNCIL INFOORMATION I-19 (Mrs . )Helen MacDonald a ! R. R. #1 W.3`" Newtonville , ON ,.: UN 30 t ,On 1•JO (416)963-9667 June 24 , 1992 �" 0 ZE ico bin ino Programme Sup_rvisor Energy Effi_ iency Section Ministry f Energy 56 Wel sley Street blest Toro o , ON t,o 2 B Dear Mr . Dinino : I am Keenly interested in the community energy conser-vat ion/eff is iency plan which has now been implemented in three communities - Cornwall , Sarnia and nt itoKan , I believe . In add it ion , I am interested in receiving copy of the documentation regarding the special project under•taKen in Espanola by Ontario Hydro . I believe there is a strong case for the Town of Newcastle to play a leadership role in energy conservation and efficiency in this province . ns the host community of the Darlington Nuclear Station , what better place to achieve goodwill and pUb I is relations for the citizens of the community and of Ontario? I understand that a considerable amount of groundworK must taKe place for our community to apply for the funding. for this project , and that the infrastructure roust be developed at the community level in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy . Evident in the six non-profit environmental organizations in our community is a high level of environmental awareness and experience which is very alive , and from which a wealth of resources might be tapped . These groups have often collaborated in their pro-active. efforts . Furthermore , we have a municipal council which is highly sensitive to environmental issues and has an excellent record of worK ing with its constituents . In addition to the Espanola documentation and any literature which would assist me in understanding this programme , I would appreciate receiving newsletters about the other community projects , progress reports , and information about other communities which have pursued this programme . ThanK you for your time , Sincerely , E V"i ")He en M:_acDonald Y)1 i t cc : Gord Mills tylpp Durham East ! ¢ t vtown of Newcastle Newcastle Hydro-Electric Commission Ross Stevenson , MP Durham f� � � o C) Peter Fraser , Min istry of Energy ATTACHMENT NO. 1 WD-66-92 Ontario Ministry of Energy Energy-Efficient Communities Program APPLICATION Energy plays a critical role in the quality of life in our communities. It touches almost everything—it lights our streets to help keep them safe;it drives our industry,our computers and our appliances; it fuels the vehicles that take us to work, shopping and recreation. It keeps us warm in winter and cool in summer. Energy is a big part of modern life,but it's more obvious every day that the production,transmission and use of energy contributes to the damaging of our environment. Damage to the environment is very real and it's a global problem. If we are to protect our environment and enjoy the benefits energy brkigs,we must find ways to use less energy.Reducing energy use can lead to saving money—better profits in commerce and industry;less strain on local taxes;more money in the local economy;and more individual disposable income. We believe that one of the most effective ways of reducing energy use— energy efficiency—is through community action. We'd like to work with communities to mobilize the special strengths they posses—in local knowledge, in community spirit, in leadership, and in their ability to get things done by thinking globally and acting locally. The Energy-Efficient The Ontario Ministry of Energy wants to mobilize selected communities to Communities Program save energy through a new kind of partnership.To do this, it has created the Energy-Efficient Communities Program. The program's main objective is to encourage communities to achieve their own energy-efficiency goals through local initiatives.The Ministry would also like to encourage commu- nities to address energy,water and waste initiatives in an integrated way. The Ministry is prepared to expand this program to a limited number of committed communities who want to work with us as partners in saving energy and protecting the environment. If we combine the knowledge and resources of the Ministry with your skills and leadership in the community,we can do it. If you believe your community can make a difference in leading the province in saving energy and protecting the environment, please fill out the Energy-Efficient Communities Program application form and attach the necessary information. I En r ........... XX: Matters P* d on naycW P*Pw b is G&Mft Sw ATTACHMENT NO. 2 I Ontario Ministry of Energy Energy-Efficient Communities Program APPLICATION GUIDELINES Z Getting involved The program relies on a multi-year commitment from the community.We are looking for partners who will maintain a commitment to the program beyond the period of Ministry of Energy support. Briefly, here is the sequence of events that occurs when a community applies to the program: Support is developed in the community for initiatives, including the devel- opment of an advisory group capable of giving the community program direction,and the designation of a contractual partner.An application is then completed and submitted to the Ministry; If selected,the community will hire a community program co-ordir ,develop a corrxrwnity energy profile and a detailed proposal or"action plan"of the activities and programs it wants to implement,including financial and other resources needed from the Ministry and community resources.The Ministry will assist selected communities throughout this process. Once approved by the Ministry,the action plan is to be implemented by the conurwnity with guidance,training and financial support from the Ministry. Selection process The Ministry will choose a limited number of communities to participate in the Energy-Efficient Communities Program in the next few years. In order to assess candidate communities fairly,the Ministry has adopted eligibility factors, selection criteria and other considerations. Eligibility factors are conditions that candidate communities must meet in order to receive program consideration; Selection criteria are ingredients felt to be important by the Ministry for program success; Other considerations are factors that,while not essential,would contribute to successful implementation and evaluation of a community-based program. Eligibility factors The Ministry of Energy will only consider applications for its Energy- Efficient Communities Program that demonstrate that the community/ sponsoring organization has the following characteristics: A. The community is prepared to develop a detailed project proposal and to form a project advisory group broadly representative of the community. B. The community has a proven record in getting local organizations to work together to mobilize residents around community issues. C. The contractual artner is an incorporated p rpo body that is willing to enter into a formal contract with the Ministry and is able to administer -resply any funds required to implement the project. I Ontario Ministry of Energy Energy-Efficient Communities Program A P P L I C A T I O N G U I D E L I N E S 3 Tell us about yourself If you meet the eligibility factors,here is what the Ministry needs from you in order to evaluate your application to the Energy-Efficient Communities Program. Selection criteria An advisory group with brad representation from the community. This group will provide the community program with direction, oversee the preparation of a community energy profile, an action plan for saving energy and protecting the environment, and a community awareness program.The advisory group should include representation from municipal energy utilities, environmental groups,service clubs, local government, media, energy groups, economic development agencies and the business community. Ideally, it would also include educators, neighbourhood groups, religious organizations, social service agencies, and seniors'organizations; Identirication of a contractual partner for the program. The partner must be incorporated and preferably non-profit,capable of entering into a contractual agreement with the Ministry,and willing to manage finances.The contractual partner must provide confirmation of willingness to undertake this role.The contractual partner must also define the relationship that will exist between itself and the advisory group.If a third party is involved in project management,administration or implementation,the relationship between the advisory group,the third parry and the contractual partner must be defined. Examples of contractual partners include chambers of commerce,economic development commissions,municipalities,and local utility companies. Show us your Ideas. While detailed action plans will be developed after communities have been seceded,we want to hear about your ideas on energy,water and waste programs and activities. Integrated approaches to these programs should be considered.Consider all sectors of your community,(e.g.,commercial,residen- tial,industrial,transportation,schools,municipal)when developing your program ideas.You may want to draw on existing Ministry programs(refer to'Ministry of Energy Programs'kit),other govemment programs and programs offered by Ontario Hydro and your local utilities. Other considerations Provide a community rdsumd. Tell us about your community's experience in projects that demon- strate volunteerism, mobilization around public education and program promotion,co-operation between municipal govemment,community groups, business, etc., and any other indicators of community spirit. Preference will be given to communities with populations of between 10,000 and 100,000 people.This can include clearly-defined communities within larger metropolitan areas. If you have further questions please contact: Energy-Efficient Communities Program Team Toll-Free at 1-800-ENERGY-1 or(416)327-1234 and we'll be pleased to help. i I