AGENDA

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 3, 2012 at 6:15 p.m.

River Plate Room, Town Hall

Meeting No.5

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1. Call to Order

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

3. Approval of Minutes

3.1 April 5, 2012 .......................................................................................................... Page 1

4. Presentation/Discussion Items

4.1 Tree Inventory Discussion (6:20 - 6:40 p.m.) Tim Field, Supervisor, Environmental Services 4.2 Urban Forestry Management Plan Update (6:40 - 7:00 p.m.) Tim Field, Supervisor, Environmental Services 4.3 Emerald Ash Borer Presentation (7:00 - 7:20 p.m.) Tim Field, Supervisor, Environmental Services

5. Standing Items 5.1 Work Plan .............................................................................................................. Page 6 5.2 Operations & Environmental Services Update 5.3 DEAC Update 5.4 Brock Lands Master Plan Public Advisory Committee Update 5.5 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Committee Update

6. Correspondence 6.1 Toronto Zoo Phone Apes Program .................................................................... Page 9

6.2 “Sewage Plant Opponents Host Meeting” - yorkregion.com Article ............. Page 10

7. Update from Council

8. New Business

9. Adjournment

Next Meeting Date: Thursday June 7, 2012 at 6:15 p.m., River Plate Room, Town Hall

DRAFT MINUTES Environmental Advisory Committee

April 5, 2012 River Plate Room, Town Hall

Meeting No.4 Committee Members: Councillor Joanne Dies Geoff Carpentier, Co-Chair Andrea Duncanson Wayne Hingston Karen McDonald Kim Sellers Staff: Tracey Chala, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Moore, Committee Coordinator Guests: Nilesh Surti, Development Approvals Coordinator Regrets: Russ Dolan, Phil Jocz, Tanya Roberts, Maryam Nassar, Monique Micallef, Wilfred Pierre, Mary Williams, Valerie Silveira

1. Call to Order

Co-Chair Carpentier called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. With consent of all Members present, the Meeting proceeded without quorum.

1. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest None

2. Approval of Minutes

With consent of all Members present, the Minutes of the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting held on April 5, 2012 were approved.

4. Presentation/Discussion 4.1 Planning & Development Services Update Mr. Nilesh Surti, Development Approvals Coordinator, provided several updates for various projects from the Planning & Development Services Department. Magnum Opus Development

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Further to discussion held at the October 6, 2011 Meeting, Mr. Surti noted that charges have been laid by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority with regard to disturbance of the provincially significant wetland in the north portion of the property. Magnum Opus is working with TRCA to address the charges laid by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Cougs A9 & Workman’s Circle It was noted that in September 2011, the Ontario Municipal Board approved development of the westerly portion of the Cougs A9 draft plan of subdivision and associated Zoning By-law Amendment application. An Environmental Assessment of Church Street North was identified to be currently underway. Members inquired about preservation of a Butternut tree located onsite. Mr. Surti noted that the draft plan provides for a private open space block for the protection of the Butternut Tree. This Block is dual zoned as private open space/future residential. Cougs will deal with the future of the Butternut Tree in accordance with Ministry of Natural Resources policies. Should the Butternut Tree be permitted to be removed in accordance with the Ministry’s policies, the underlying Block would be further subdivided through the part lot control exemption process. Otherwise the Block is sufficiently sized to protect the existing Butternut Tree. Members raised questions relative to the creek valley and lighting nearby the creek. Mr. Surti noted setbacks from the creek and indicated that typical street lighting would be incorporated. A Master Environmental Servicing Plan will be requested. Carruthers Creek Natural Burial Cemetery The 8.8 ha natural burial cemetery proposed for land south of Bayly Street East on the west side of Lakeridge Road was discussed. The project proposes 10,000 plots. No chemical preservation will be used. Instead, burials will be contained in shrouds or biodegradable coffins with natural grave markers, such as shrubs or trees. Mr. Surti provided a summary of comments received during the May 2011 Open House, noting that ground water was a significant concern of local residents. He noted that a hydrological study of the proposed site is currently underway, which will be peer reviewed upon completion. Members inquired whether the study will determine from what aquifer the surrounding wells draw water. Questions were also raised relative to examples of other natural burial cemeteries. Jizoco Development The proposed area for residential development at Rossland Road West and the Town Line, west of the A9 development lands, was noted to be a heavily treed. The Toronto Region Conservation Authority was noted to have granted the owner permission to remove the first phase of trees in order to conduct hydrological bore hole testing. Medallion Development Mr. Surti reviewed details of the multi-phase development proposed for the south west corner of Harwood Avenue and Bayly Street. He discussed construction timelines and buildings included in the various phases of development. The site was noted to include several environmental features including white roofs, bird friendly design. Mr. Surti discussed provision of bike lockers, large canopy trees as well as sustainable power elements.

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Members noted concern for the potential impact wind turbines could present to the local bat population. Staff agreed to consider and investigate the concern in the approval phases of the project. Questions were also raised relative to the storm water collection. The Committee proposed incorporating space for community gardens. Possible partnership with the Steam Plant was suggested to assist with snow/ice melting on sidewalks. Lawrie Road Sanitary Detention Tank Construction of a below-grade tank and small utility building at the southern foot of Lawrie Road was noted. The tank will allow for storm water overflow and will assist with mitigating significant flooding in the area during heavy rain. The project is being undertaken by the Region. New Trails/Parks A trail link between Kingston Road and Kerrison Drive was noted for construction. Mr. Surti provided details of the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Caruthers Creek at Shoal Point Road. Creation of two small public parks was identified for Pickering Beach Road, south of Bayly Street East, and behind the Royal Canadian Legion building on Hunt Street. Co-Chair Carpentier thanked Mr. Surti for his presentation and encouraged staff to bring forward Planning & Development discussion items early in the decision making process to ensure that the Committee is granted the opportunity to provide comments. 4.2 Active Transportation & Trails Advisory Committee Update On behalf of the Active Transportation & Trails Advisory Committee, Ms. Moore discussed information relative to ongoing initiatives the Committee is involved in including updating content on the Town’s website, development of an active transportation survey, as well as coordination of monthly walks and hikes through the Ajax Trail System. She shared details of the upcoming hike on Sunday April 15, 2012, highlighting the Rotary Park West trail. Members proposed that Ms. Moore relay to the Active Transportation & Trails Advisory Committee that they are interesting in partnering on some of the walks to provide assistance with environmental information, such as plant and bird species. 4.3 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Update Ms. Sellers summarized details of the recent meetings of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan steering committee. The committee is comprised of a core group of forty community participants. Ms. Sellers indicated that the group has participated in an interactive SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis relative to what one likes and dislikes about Ajax. Ms. Chala added that the project is currently within development phase 2 and 3. She provided information relative to an Eco-Art contest for youth that has also been circulated to local schools. Members were encouraged to participate as part of the contest jury. The Committee proposed including artists in the jury, such as local artist, Geordie Lishman. 4.4 Ajax Green Living Days Event Schedule

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Ms. Chala provided a detailed summary of logistics and events scheduled for Ajax Green Living Days, April 19 – 22, 2012. She circulated an event flyer, which outlines event details including a vertical vegetables workshop, environmental activities at the Ajax Public Library, a compost give away, the Mayor’s 20 Minute Makeover, tree planting, as well as community clean-up opportunities and a hike through Greenwood Conservation Area. The Committee was noted to be leading the community litter pick up at Rotary Park on Sunday April 22, 2012. Ms. Moore agreed to send out a reminder to all Members regarding participation in the event.

5. Standing Items

5.1 Work Plan Ms. McDonald circulated a sample decal from the City of Markham relative to taking care of boulevard trees during the summer. The Committee expressed interest in a similar awareness project in Ajax. Ms. Chala noted that she would forward the information to Mr. Tim Field, Supervisor of Environmental Services, and Mr. Jeff Stewart, Manager of Environmental Services for consideration. 5.2 Operation & Environmental Services Update

Ms. Chala noted that the film screening of “Water Life” in recognition of Canada Water Week was well attended. She thanked Ms. Roberts, Ms. Duncanson and Ms. Silveira for their assistance with the Earth hour Drum Café event. The interactive event was enjoyed by a diverse audience and Ms. Chala noted that she would look to making it an annual activity. 5.3 Durham Environmental Advisory Committee (DEAC) Update Ms. Sellers and Ms. MacDonald indicated that Durham Region will be taking part in Partners in Project Green and Ajax was noted to be the first municipality to commit to the program. It was noted that the DEAC Environmental Achievement Awards recipients had been determined and will be presented in May 2012. 5.4 Brock Lands Master Plan Public Advisory Committee Update Mr. Hingston provided a detailed update from the March 6, 2012 meeting. He noted that the area has been renamed the Greenwood Conservation Lands. A draft master plan is anticipated in the coming weeks. Mr. Hingston reviewed discussion relative to designated land use for the area and discussed concerns that had been expressed relative to potential relocation of the off-leash dog park. He indicated that some trails would be closed during the restoration phase and noted that part of the land has been identified as an archeological site.

6. Correspondence

6.1 Drive-Through Study Public Open house

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6.2 Eco-Art Contest 6.3 Dunbarton High School Rain Barrel Fundraiser With the consent of all Members present the items of correspondence identified on the April 5, 2012 agenda of the Environmental Advisory Committee were received for information.

7. Update from Council

Councillor Dies noted that she had forwarded the Committee’s comments regarding splash

pad water management to staff. It was noted that at this time, it is not financially feasible to install a recirculation system as it would require expensive testing by Durham Health to ensure water-borne viruses were controlled. The current drainage system incorporates swales and pools that filter the water before going back into the lake.

Councillor Dies provided information relative to two pilot online town hall meetings relative to

Council’s Community Action Plan. The meetings will provide residents the opportunity to interact online with Council on a variety of predetermined topics aligning with the Action Plan.

It was noted that the Town of Ajax has been recognized as a Blue Community by the

Council of Canadians, and Ajax was noted to be the fourth community in Canada to receive acknowledgement for recognizing water as a human right in Ajax.

8. New Business

8.1 Green Living Show In Ms. Roberts’ absence, Ms. Moore noted that complimentary tickets to the Green Living Show were available for Members. She added that admission to the show is also free with a donation of an e-waste article.

9. Adjournment

With consent of all Members present, the April 5, 2012 Meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee was adjourned (8:25 p.m.).

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EAC WORK PLAN - PROGRAM ELEMENTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS

ITEM DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES DURATION

1.0 Implementation of Urban Forestry Management Plan

Planting programs as identified in the 2011 Urban Forestry Management Plan. Assisting the coordination of volunteers for planting events. Promoting community participation in yearly activities.

2011-2015 Spring and Fall for bare root planting. Year to year based upon Operations programs and TRCA initiatives.

2.0 Ajax Green Living Days Assist staff with policy and procedures for managing the event. Provide support and networking for the events. Provide communication with Council with regard to the initiatives.

2011-2015 Annually every April. Update April 5, 2012

3.0 Shoreline Improvement Strategy Review and comment on development of the shoreline improvement strategy.

2011 – 2012 Update March 1, 2012

4.0 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Review and comment on implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Review .

2011 – 2015

5.0 Sign Systems for natural heritage. Promote and assist in the creation of natural and cultural heritage interpretive signs. Terrestrial and aquatic features, natural processes. Research and sourcing of potential sites and partners.

2011-2015

6.0 Water Quality Monitoring Projects Assist the Operations Department, TRCA and Region of Durham with geese management studies, stormwater quality studies, landfill testing projects and waterfront quality issues.

2011 – 2015 Update March 1, 2012

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ITEM DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES DURATION

7.0 Greenwood Management Plan Assist in the implementation of the Greenwood Management Plan and capital projects planned for the Greenwood Conservation Area.

2011 – 2015

8.0

Waterfront Management Plan Assist the Town of Ajax with the implementation of the 2005 Waterfront Management Plan including naturalization planting, interpretive signage and waterfront trail improvements.

2011 – 2015 Update March 1, 2012

9.0 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

Review and provide comment on development of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.

2011- 2013 Update April 5, 2012

10.0 Litter Assist the Town of Ajax with Anti-Litter campaigns and provide comment on levels of service within the parks system

2011-2015

11.0 Outreach and Public Stewardship Participate in municipal projects that promote public outreach and stewardship initiatives such as tree planting, community gardens, litter picks and educational seminars.

2011 – 2015

12.0 Impacts of Development on Wildlife and Ecosystems

Provide comments to Planning and Development Services regarding proposed developments and their impact on wildlife and natural systems such as grassland nesting birds, shoreline nesting birds and natural heritage corridors.

2011 – 2015

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13.0 Sustainable Energy / Development

Provide comment proposed Town of Ajax initiatives involving sustainable energy. Provide comment and research on sustainable development and provide comment to Planning and Development Services.

2011 – 2015

14.0 Town of Ajax Official Plan Review and comment on proposed changes to the Official Plan.

2011 – 2015

15.0 Waste Management Provide comment on proposed Town of Ajax waste management initiatives. Provide Comment on waste management at the Regional level.

2011 – 2015 Presentation on Proposed Changes to Region of Durham White Goods/Scrap Metal Collection – February 2, 2012

Last Updated March 2012

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"Andrew Ross" <aross@greendiamondindustries.com> 4/20/2012 12:15 PM >>>

Hello Joanne It was a pleasure talking with you last night after the community award ceremonies. Thanks for your interest in the Phone Apes program. Is a very good program that deals not only in electronic recycling (mobile phones and other such devices) but also helps with wild life conservations of areas that are under threat because of the raw materials required to product like cellular phones. Here is the link to the phone apes page. http://www.torontozoo.com/Conservation/PhoneApes.asp

Nia Gibson is my contact for this program. She is very passionate about what she does and also volunteers her time on the Ajax Pickering Board of trade’s Environmental Business advisory committee. The program is free to participate in. The zoo will provide the collection boxes to you. All that is required from you is the space display the collection boxes and that they are returned to the zoo once they are filled. Nia is also responsible for running the eco-executives program at the zoo. I took this program 2 years ago and can tell you that I found the program to be educational, well managed and time well spent. The program tries to highlight human environmental impact using up close animal encounters and explaining how their habitat is under threat. The day is split in two with a behind scene tour of the zoo in the mourning followed by a interactive workshop in the afternoon about topics related to doing business in an environmental way. Here is the link for that program. http://www.torontozoo.com/Conservation/ecoexecutives.asp Here is Nia’s contact information

Nia Gibson OCT Coordinator of Education for Sustainable Development Programs

I hope that you two will be able to work together. Best Regards. Andrew Ross

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YorkRegion

york[~g1on.com

Sewage plant opponents host meeting By Amanda Persico April 20, 2012

Page I of I

ii;i Print

More than 50 residents attended a neighbourhood meeting hosted by the No Queensville Sewage Plant Facebook group to create a unified voice to fight the proposed Upper York Sewage Solution water reclamation centre. But there is a clear divide between residents in terms of how to tackle the situation. Some residents don't want the plant at all, while others want to come up with a solution. The four sites proposed for the plant are all in Queensville. "The basic platform is: We don't want any of these sites," resident Walter Buchanan said. "None of these (sites) are acceptable. This process was so fast, it is being shoved down our throats." Many residents event questioned the need for a sewage plant in the area. However, it was local residents and committees who went to the region asking for a local sewage solution, York Simcoe Naturalists conservation director Sylvia Bowman said. "Bigger is not always better," she said. "With a huge projectlike the York Durham Sewage System, if a catastrophic event happens along the pipe, there is a larger chance of environmental disaster. We need to deal with sewage on a local level." Another reason the Upper York Sewage Solution is viable is water taken from the watershed to your tap or toilet stays in the watershed, Ms Bowman said. Also, taking sewage south would mean tunneling through the Oak Ridges Moraine. "I'm not opposed to this idea, but I'm still not sure about the water reclamation part," she said. "I still have concerns." Discussion at the meeting also veered away from the sewage plant. "What's to stop (developers) from starting to build as well?" Mr. Buchanan said. "We don't want developers to get the idea it would be easier to start construction on development at the same time as construction on this plant." Councillor Tara Roy-DiCiemente quickly put that fear to rest, assuring the crowd any development would have to adhere to the town's official plan and go through the site plan application process. Concerned residents should petition the town not to allow a zoning bylaw amendment to permit the plant in Queensvil\e, Mr. Buchanan said. "Zoning is controlled by the town," he said. "That's where we need the town's support to stop this." "If you go that route, you will be spinning your wheels," Ms Bowman said. other concerns raised at the meeting include prevailing winds in the area and how they would carry the potential smell, the plant's effects on local wildlife, habitat and the local water table, how brown water and biosolids would be shipped out of the plant, the effects on local roads and if the area would be covered under the town's mosquito control program. It was decided the best plan moving forward would be to thoroughly review each of the original 21 proposed site locations and, based on resident concerns and the pre-approved Environment Ministry criteria, narrow the list down to a more suitable location.

This article is for personal use only courtesy of yorkregion.com- a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.

http://www.yorkregion.com/print/1340189 4/23/2012 10