council information package june 26, 2020 table of … · initiative, citywide and community...
TRANSCRIPT
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE
June 26, 2020
Table of Contents
Item From Subject Page
1 Corporation of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills
Support for Rural Broadband 1-2
2 Adam Belovari, Arts and Culture Coordinator, Recreation Services
Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF) Grant Program
3-5
3 Rebecca Holmes, Planner - Recreation Services Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services
Concession and Vending Services 6-7
4 Bruno Viacava – Supervisor of Recreation – Child, Youth and Family Recreation Services
Update on Staff Direction – Recreation Services
8-9
5 The Corporation of the City of Sarnia
Long Term Care Home Improvements 10-11
6 Association of Ontario Municipalities
AMO Policy Update – Provincial Emergency Extended and Tribunals Ontario
12-+13
7 211 Ontario Agency Update 14-20
9 Halton Region Blue Box Transition Update 21-30
VIA E-MAIL June 19, 2020 Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario [email protected] Hon. Steve Clark Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing [email protected] Hon. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade [email protected] Hon. Lisa MacLeod Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries [email protected] Hon. Stephen Lecce Minister of Education [email protected] Hon. Laurie Scott Minister of Infrastructure [email protected] Dear Premier and Ministers, RE: Support for Rural Broadband On behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, this is to advise you that the following resolution was adopted by Council at its meeting held on June 16, 2020.
Resolution No. 246-20 Moved by Councillor Maydan Seconded by Councillor Dalgity
WHEREAS in December 2016 the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission declared broadband internet an essential service for Canadians;
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MISSISSIPPI MILLS
3131 OLD PERTH ROAD PO BOX 400 RR 2 ALMONTE ON K0A 1A0
PHONE: 613-256-2064
FAX: 613-256-4887
WEBSITE: www.mississippimills.ca
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AND WHEREAS access to internet in many rural communities in Ontario is limited or non-existent;
AND WHEREAS current broadband investment projects across Ontario will still leave many residents unserved;
AND WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the digital divide leaving many rural residents unable to participate in e-commerce, online schooling, are unable to move businesses online or access healthcare and other services online;
AND WHEREAS communities and municipalities are developing economic recovery plans;
AND WHEREAS there may be potential federal and provincial funding for shovel-ready infrastructure programs to kick-start the economy;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Mississippi Mills calls on the provincial and federal governments to include rural broadband investment as part of the economic recovery shovel-ready projects for municipalities;
AND THAT Council direct staff to circulate this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada; the Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development; the Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; the Federal Minister of Economic Development; the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Federal Minister of Health; the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Municipal Affairs; the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries; the Minister of Education; the Minister of Infrastructure; and all Ontario Municipalities; the Association of Rural Municipalities of Ontario; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and The Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
CARRIED
Should you have any questions please feel free to follow up with our office directly at 613-256-2064 or [email protected]
Kind Regards,
Jeanne Harfield Clerk
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Recreation Services
TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
FROM: Adam Belovari, Arts and Culture Coordinator, Recreation Services
CC: Tim Commisso, Allan Magi, Chris Glenn, Angela Paparizo.
DATE: June 18, 2020 SUBJECT: Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF) Grant Program
This memo provides an update on the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund grant program, including successful projects and funding distribution for 2020/2021.
Background: Approved by Council on Sept. 11, 2017 with Report PB-58-17, the City of Burlington’s Arts and Culture Fund (BACF) provides grants to local artists, multicultural groups, and arts and culture organizations to foster creativity and enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture. The program recognizes and supports diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures and artistic practices. The BACF accepted applications between Jan. 6 and Feb. 6, 2020 and received 28 applications in total with an ask of $162,980. Applications were judged by a peer assessment jury and internal staff based on artistic merit, program merit and strategic initiative, citywide and community impact, and economic impact. Peer assessment jury members included: Alexander Chorny, Jin Won Han, Mary-Ellen Heiman, Anne More and Dr. Gwendolyn Starks (jury chair). This year’s grant program with a total funding of $75,000 was able to support 19 arts and cultural projects across the municipality. The objective of the BACF is to nurture the capacity of the arts and culture sector in Burlington, while fostering creativity, encouraging social cohesion, enhancing quality of life, and stimulating cultural and economic development through direct investment. Below please find the list of approved applicants and funding distribution for this year’s program. Project descriptions can be found online at burlington.ca/artsandculturefund under the approved projects 2020/2021 tab. In terms of program timelines and modifications during the ongoing situation with COVID-19, applicants were provided with the option of carrying their 2020 project over
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to 2021 in order to complete the project when it is safe to do so and in accordance with local government and public heath guidelines. Applicants were also given the option to modify their event to an online/virtual format and carry it out in 2020. As of this time one project, Nature Tales, plans to proceed and offer their program in a virtual/online format. All other applicants have opted to carry over their projects to 2021. Applicants have been encouraged to invite the appropriate Ward Councillor(s) and the Mayor to their event and/or project opening. Staff will connect with the various organizers to finalize the specifics of their 2021 project plans and will communicate the revised dates once determined. BACF 2020/2021 Approved Projects:
Project Name
Applicant
Funding Lowville Festival
Lowville Festival $7,000
Sultans of String: Refugee -Concert and Cultural Fair
Chris McKhool $6,800
The Still Living Project
Meraki Arts Collective $6,200
Halton Freedom Celebration Festival
Halton Black History Awareness Society $6,000
One Burlington: Building Bridges
One Burlington $6,000
Lunar New Year Celebration Gala
Redleaf Cultural Integration $5,500
Nature Tales
Telling Tales $5,000
Prospects: An Evening of Dance and Discussion
Aeris Korper Contemporary Dance $4,600
Gratitude Project
Effusion Collective $4,250
From Levant - Arabian Night Festival
MOSAIC Foundation for Women and Children
$4,000
Between Ethnicity and Fashion
Arts for People $3,550
The Artist’s Mark Juried Show
Burlington Fine Arts Association $3,200
Burlington Symphony Orchestra Youth and Seniors Outreach
Burlington Symphony Orchestra $3,000
Authors in Your Neighbourhood
Sylvia McNicoll $2,400
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Project Name
Applicant
Funding Carmen
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera $2,000
Sleigh Ride Holiday Concert
Burlington New Millennium Orchestra $2,000
Emerging Artist Showcase Series
Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore $1,500
Dreams of Peace
Burlington Civic Chorale $1,000
Engaging the Community with Song
Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus
$1,000
Sincerely,
Adam Belovari, MA Arts and Culture Coordinator Recreation Services 905-335-7600 ext. 7335 [email protected] Reviewed By: Reviewed By:
Angela Paparizo Chris Glenn Manager of Arts and Culture Director Recreation Services Recreation Services
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To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Rebecca Holmes, Planner - Recreation Services Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services
Cc: Tim Commisso, Allan Magi, Chris Glenn, Joan Ford, Kevin Arjoon Date: June 2020 Re: Concession and Vending Services In October 2017, through report PR-05-17, Council approved the Healthy Supportive Food Environment policy. The report identified action plans to address physical activity and healthy eating interventions to help support sustainable eating behaviour changes. As part of this report, Council also approved the implementation of a concession and vending services adjustment, which included arenas, pools and community centre concession and vending services city wide, introducing 100% Healthy Food. Through a competitive bid process in March 2018, a contract was awarded to a vendor for a five (5) year contract, expiring in 2023, with an option to renew for another 5 years. This contract was in place to provide high quality concession and vending food and beverage services at a variety of locations with a diverse customer base. Throughout 2018 and 2019, staff worked closely with the vendor to assist with the transition and listened to the challenges they were experiencing. The vendor expressed challenges with sales revenues, cost of goods, and the overall sustainability of the operation due to the 100% Healthy Food initiative. Despite staff’s efforts to support the vendor, in August of 2019, the vendor provided the City with a “termination letter”. Staff provided an update to council in November 2019, and the vendor was scheduled to terminate the agreement for the operation of the concessions and vending machines (snack and beverage) by June 2020. Due to COVID-19 the vendor decided to terminate the agreement even earlier, resulting in the agreement ending March 30, 2020. When facilities are safe for the vendor to access, staff will work with the vendor to ensure the concessions are cleared out and the removal of all vending machines from City facilities. Due to COVID-19 and the closure of the city facilities, there will be no concessions operations for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 at the following locations;
• Appleby Ice Centre • Central Community Centre • Mainway Community Centre • Mountainside Community Centre
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• Beach Snack Shack • Tansley Woods Community Centre
Vending services including both snack and beverage will be removed from the following locations when access is available:
• All Recreation facilities for public and staff use • City Hall – located in staff lounge, services staff • RPF – located in Harvester Road, services staff
The 2020 budget for concession and vending services consists of staff management costs offset by the tenant lease revenues. With the early termination of the agreement, the budget will be negatively impacted. The 2020 approved net operating budget is $26,044, favourable. The yearend projects will be updated to reflect the changes, resulting in an unfavourable net operating of ($20,854) for 2020. Staff are looking forward into 2021 and will be reviewing the food services operations by assessing the evolving changes due to recent events along with engaging the users and visitors of the value of having concession and vending services within City facilities. Staff will be preparing a report for Q1 of 2021 on recommendations for an adjusted concession and vending operation to service the users and visitors of City facilities. Sincerely, Rebeca Holmes Planner – Recreation Services
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To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Bruno Viacava – Supervisor of Recreation – Child, Youth and Family
Recreation Services Cc: Tim Commisso, Allan Magi, Chris Glenn, Denise Beard, Rob Axiak,
Kevin Arjoon
Date: June 22, 2020 Re: Update on Staff Direction – Recreation Services
The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to Council regarding: Staff Direction - Parks & Recreation March 25, 2019 SD-10-19 Councillor Nisan CW-Budget
Direct the Director of Parks and Recreation to conduct a workshop for council that provides an overview of current practices and opportunities in recreation services with a focus on youth and people with special needs and report back with opportunities for the 2020 budget. Due to the extended Emergency State and closure of recreational facilities, the following process and timeline is being implemented to address the staff direction. Updated process that will be followed by staff:
Youth Individuals with Disabilities • Staff have reviewed the program offerings for
youth across the City of Burlington and completed a mapping exercise (both city delivered and opportunities from recreation provided by others (e.g. Sport organizations, YMCA, private sector, etc.) o To date, we have engaged with youth
through social media portals like the No Socks for Ivan and Student Theatre Instagram accounts, as well as the Teen Tour Band’s social media platforms.
o Staff will conduct phone surveys with participants from previous programming seasons.
o On May 4 staff launched a youth survey to coincide with Youth Week. The survey focuses on identifying the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for youth programming in Burlington.
• We will reschedule the workshop to the Spring of 2021. We will be inviting service providers from across the City and the Region that support Burlington residents with disabilities.
• Pending the restrictions on access to facilities, the workshop may be conducted through an online forum.
• Goals of the workshop include: o Mapping and Awareness of Services o Promote opportunities to work collectively
to serve Burlington residents o We will be inviting the Mayor and Ward
Councillor who initiated the staff direction
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Update on Staff Direction – Recreation Services Page 2 of 2
Youth Individuals with Disabilities o The survey is intended to get a better
sense of the Youth’s interest in services that community provides. This relates back to the Staff Direction, as it will provide Recreation Planners and Coordinators with ideas on the types of programming that Youth would like to attend and will help them identify community providers that we can direct youth to.
o We ask for your support in promoting these surveys through your social media platforms to extend the reach and opportunity for engagement. Please use this link.
Once staff has gathered the above information, a Workshop with Council will be held in the Spring of 2021. Reviewed By: Reviewed By: Denise Beard Chris Glenn Manager of Community Development Director Recreation Services Recreation Services
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THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF SARNIA
City Clerk’s Office 255 Christina Street N. PO Box 3018
Sarnia ON Canada N7T 7N2 519 332-0330 519 332-3995 (fax)
519 332-2664 (TTY) www.sarnia.ca [email protected]
June 24, 2020
To: All Ontario Municipalities
Re: Long Term Care Home Improvements
At its meeting held on June 22, 2020, Sarnia City Council adopted the following
resolution submitted by Councillor Margaret Bird with respect to the conditions
in Long Term Care homes exposed by the pandemic:
That due to the deplorable conditions exposed by the pandemic
in LTC homes in the province, and because this is a time for
action, not just continuous streams of investigations,
commissions and committees, and because the problems have
been clearly identified, that Sarnia City Council direct staff to
send this motion to the 444 Ontario Municipalities, asking them
to urge Premier Ford to start implementing the required
resolutions immediately, as follows:
1. increasing hours for all part-time and casual labour
2. since the government provides funding for privately-
operated homes, they have an obligation to inspect these
homes and see that they are being properly run, and that funds
are being used for the benefit of the residents and not the huge
profitability of the operators, and
3. to end the neglect and unacceptable conditions being
experienced, each day, by our vulnerable seniors.
Sarnia City Council respectfully seeks your endorsement of this resolution. If your municipal council endorses this resolution, we would request that a copy
of the resolution be forwarded to the following:
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Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; and
City of Sarnia, City Clerk’s Office
Sincerely,
Dianne Gould-Brown City Clerk
cc: AMO
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June 24, 2020
AMO Policy Update – Provincial Emergency Extended and Tribunals Ontario
Provincial Emergency Extended
The provincial government has extended the provincial Declaration of Emergency under s.7.0.7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to July 15, 2020. This extension, approved by the Ontario Legislature today, was put in place to provide additional time, flexibility, and the necessary tools to safely and gradually allow more places across Ontario to reopen using the required public health measures. A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Tribunals Ontario to Replace Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario Since 2017, the Ontario Government has been working to transition tribunals or boards that arbitrate land-based matters into a single Tribunal. This work has been completed and will take effect July 1, 2020. This new organization will include the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), Environmental Review Tribunal, Board of Negotiation, Conservation Review Board, the Mining and Lands Tribunal, and the Assessment Review Board.
The appointed Executive Chair, Marie Hubbard, indicated that the Tribunal will “focus on land-related dispute resolution to help increase the housing supply in the province, while balancing the needs of environmental protection and conservation”.
A new website will be launched soon at olt.gov.on.ca and the former Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario website will be decommissioned. Finally, effective July 1, fees for filing appeals with the LPAT will increase. The filing fees will depend on the type of appeal being made.
AMO’s COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find critical
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information in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemic questions to [email protected].
*Disclaimer: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario 200 University Ave. Suite 801,Toronto ON Canada M5H 3C6
Wish to Adjust your AMO Communication Preferences ? Click Here
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June 23, 2020
AGENCY UPDATE
This note is being sent to nonprofit agencies in Ontario – please share with
program staff and senior management in your organization.
UPDATE YOUR 211 RECORD
We continue to update our inventory of services. As Ontario begins to reopen, it
will be important for us to have up-to-date and current information about your
programs and services. Please remember to update your records.
Please provide updates on emerging services to the link below:
https://211ontario.ca/contact-211-with-service-updates/.
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ONTARIO 211 - TOP NEEDS & UNMET NEEDS
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ONTARIO NONPROFIT NETWORK (ONN) SURVEY
State of the Ontario nonprofit sector: Three months into the COVID-19 crisis
Many organizations continue to face challenges and some are struggling to
keep their doors open. That’s why ONN has partnered in a bilingual sector
survey with Assemblée de la Francophonie de l'Ontario and the Ontario Trillium
Foundation to collect important data on the needs and realities for nonprofits
and charities now.
Support granting and relief efforts for the nonprofit sector by providing credible
data and analysis for government, agencies, and other funders and response
networks.
The deadline for the survey is June 26.
Take The Survey
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23 juin 2020
MISE À JOUR DE L'AGENCE
Cette note est envoyée aux organismes sans but lucratif en Ontario - veuillez la
partager avec le personnel des programmes et la direction de votre organisme.
METTRE À JOUR VOTRE FICHE 211
Nous continuons de mettre à jour notre répertoire de services. Alors que
l'Ontario commence à rouvrir, il est important pour nous d'actualiser
l’information sur vos programmes et services. N'oubliez pas de mettre à jour
vos fiches.
Veuillez fournir des mises à jour sur les services émergents au lien ci-dessous:
https://211ontario.ca/contact-211-with-service-updates/.
ONTARIO 211 - BESOINS PRIORITAIRES ET BESOINS NON SATISFAITS
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ENQUÊTE DE L’ONTARIO NONPROFIT NETWORK (ONN)
État du secteur sans but lucratif de l'Ontario : Trois mois après le début de la crise de la COVID-19
De nombreux organismes continuent de faire face à des défis et certains ont du
mal à garder leurs portes ouvertes. C'est pourquoi ONN s'est associée à une
enquête sectorielle bilingue avec l' Assemblée de la Francophonie de
l'Ontario et la Fondation Trillium de l' Ontario pour recueillir d'importantes
données sur les besoins et les réalités des organismes sans but lucratif et
caritatifs.
Soutenir les efforts d’attribution de subventions et de secours au secteur à but
non lucratif en fournissant des données et des analyses crédibles pour le
gouvernement, les agences, les autres bailleurs de fonds et les réseaux
d’intervention.
La date limite pour l'enquête est le 26 juin.
participer à l'enquête
Karen Milligan
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Executive Director | Ontario 211 Services
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The Regional Municipality of Halton
Report To: Regional Chair and Members of Regional Council
From: Jim Harnum, Deputy CAO and Commissioner of Public Works
Date: June 17, 2020
Report No. - Re: PW-07-20 – Blue Box Transition Update
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT the proposed transition timeline dates for the collection and processing of Blue Box material as outlined in Report No. PW-07-20 be approved.
2. THAT the Regional Chair write to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks advocating:
THAT Halton Region requests April 1, 2025 for the transition of Blue Box program to full producer responsibility given the timing of contract expiries as outlined in Report No. PW-07-20, re: “Blue Box Transition Update”; and,
THAT Halton Region is interested in providing collection services should there be mutually agreeable terms with Producers given the benefits of the current integrated solid waste management system; and,
THAT the Province of Ontario maintain the original intent and mandate of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, ensure that it is appropriately staffed and resourced and that stringent waste diversion targets are set and achieved.
3. THAT the Regional Clerk forward a copy of Report No. PW-07-20 to Halton’s Members of Provincial Parliament, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, the Town of Oakville, and the Association of Municipalities Ontario for their information.
REPORT
Executive Summary
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has requested that Municipalities inform their respective Councils of a preferred date to transition the Blue Box program to full Producer responsibility.
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The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has recommended municipal Blue Box programs transition to full Producer responsibility over a three-year period between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025.
Halton Region’s contracts for the collection and transfer of Blue Box material expires March 31, 2024, and includes two one-year options to extend, and the contract for the processing and marketing of Blue Box material expires on March 31, 2023 and includes five one-year options to extend.
This report recommends that Halton Region continue to collect Blue Box material through a negotiated agreement with the Producers commencing April 1, 2025 and that the processing and marketing of Blue Box material be transitioned to full Producer responsibility and this service not be provided by Halton Region commencing April 1, 2025, as well.
Background
As stated in Council Report No. PW-39-19 re: “Blue Box Transition to Full Producer Responsibility”, the Province of Ontario announced a timeline for the transition of the Municipal Blue Box programs to full Producer responsibility over a six-year period. Stewardship Ontario is to submit the wind-up plan for the Blue Box program to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (formerly Waste Diversion Ontario) by June 30, 2020 and the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority is to approve the plan by December 31, 2020. Once approved, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will enact new legislation and may identify the timeline when each municipality is to transition their Blue Box program to Producer responsibility. Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022, the Producers are to prepare for transition to full responsibility of municipal Blue Box programs. The municipal transition is proposed to take place over a three-year period between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025. It is the intention of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to see one-third of municipal programs transitioning each year over this period.
In addition to the above, on October 28, 2019, the Province of Ontario proposed the following changes in the mandate of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority:
1. Change the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority’s mandate to include digital reporting services, fee setting, and cost recovery for other programs beyond producer responsibility;
2. Allow the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to set guidelines on fee structures for the programs that the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority will be providing digital reporting services;
3. Other changes: a. Recover Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ costs more
efficiently through a Minister’s order;
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b. Amend the Waste Diversion Transition Act to allow the transfer of residual surplus funds left at the end of transition, from an Industry-Funded Organization to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority; and,
c. Permit future regulations that could assign additional duties and powers to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority.
Staff are generally supportive of the move to digital reporting as a means of increasing efficiency and accessibility, and reducing paper waste. In addition, the continued oversight of new and existing programs by the Province of Ontario is recommended.
On December 29, 2019, the decision to change the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority’s mandate to include digital reporting services through its registry for a wider range of waste and resource recovery programs was posted. To change the mandate, the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and Waste Diversion Transition Act were amended.
On December 6, 2019, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, also informed stakeholders of minor changes proposed to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act that affect the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. The following changes were proposed as part of legislative amendments to modernize the governance, accountability and transparency of the Administrative Authorities overseen by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, via the Rebuilding of Consumer Confidence Act (the Bill):
1. The Minister can appoint a Chair from among the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority Board.
2. The Minister can request disclosure of compensation information from among the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority board of directors, officers and employees.
3. The requirement to table the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority’s annual report in the Legislative Assembly has been removed, but the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority must continue to post the report on their website by the annual deadline of June 1.
These changes will come into effect upon Royal Assent of the proposed Bill.
Discussion
On December 18, 2019, the Association of Municipalities Ontario sent an email to all Mayors and Heads of Council titled “Call for Action to Pass a Resolution about Transition of the Blue Box to Full Producer Responsibility”. In the email, the Association of Municipalities Ontario requested Municipalities to make a resolution by June 30, 2020 that specifies the following:
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1. Council’s preferred date to transition the Blue Box program based on existing service provision (between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025);
2. The rationale for the transition date;
3. Whether Council is interested in potentially continuing to provide services (e.g. contract management, collection, haulage, or processing services) or not, and;
4. Key contacts if there are any follow up questions.
Importantly, the Association of Municipalities Ontario notes in their letter that the stated preference may not be the final determination of Halton Region’s transition date, nor is Halton Region obligated in any way by the date specified in the resolution or the agreement to potentially continue providing services.
Since Halton Region implemented the curbside Blue Box program in the late 1980s, Halton Region has awarded and administered agreements for the collection and processing of Blue Box material. Beginning in the early 1990s Halton Region has awarded agreements for the processing and marketing of Blue Box material to privately owned and operated material recovery facilities. Since 2002, the collection of Blue Box material has been integrated with agreements that also include the collection of garbage, bulk waste, yard waste, and metal items and appliances. In 2008, Halton Region introduced weekly co-collection of Blue Box and Green Cart material and also began the practice of awarding collection and transfer agreements aligned to the means by which material is to be collected (e.g. cart-based), location type (e.g. multi-residential, commercial) and transfer to designated processing facilities. Halton Region’s integrated waste management system has evolved to provide a cost effective and efficient method of collecting and transferring waste that meets the needs of those utilizing the service. The most recently awarded contracts for collection of waste material have terms through to March 31, 2024 and include two one-year options to extend. The agreement to process and market Blue Box material has a term to March 31, 2023 with five one-year options to extend.
For over ten years, Halton Region has developed and awarded agreements that focus on these four primary areas:
Appropriate levels of service; Enhanced customer service; Fiscal responsibility; and Proven service providers.
It is currently understood that municipalities will have the opportunity to continue to provide collection services under an agreement with Producers, or to opt-out of the collection of Blue Box material completely. As stated above, Halton Region has developed and implemented an integrated waste management program that efficiently and consistently provides a variety of waste collection services based on where the
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services are to be delivered and most effectual means to collect. As a result, it is not easy to remove Blue Box collection without it also significantly changing how other waste material (e.g. organic waste, garbage, bulk waste) is to be collected. Halton Region also closely monitors the activities of collection contractors, provides an enhanced level of customer service to residents and has developed an effective promotion and education campaign utilizing various tools and resources.
Below is a summary of how the transition could affect Halton Region in the four areas noted above and how staff suggest these impacts could be mitigated:
Appropriate Levels of Service
Halton Region’s Integrated Waste Management System provides the most cost effective and efficient method of collecting and transferring waste materials that Halton Region is currently responsible for. Agreements have been developed and awarded to align these services with the preferred means of collection. Changing the way waste material is collected in Halton Region as a result of Producers being responsible for the collection of Blue Box material will negatively impact how all waste material is collected and cause confusion for residents. Maintaining the current levels of service will minimize the impacts to the public and will provide the best chance of sustaining Halton Region’s current waste diversion rates. When the Blue Box program is fully transferred to the Producers and if the Producers agree to have Halton Region deliver the collection program on their behalf, Halton Region can easily incorporate the new Blue Box program into the Region’s new waste collection contracts and agreements (i.e. acceptable material, approved locations). This way the Integrated Waste Management System is not disrupted.
Enhanced Customer Service
To best support the operations of the Blue Box program through the transition and when the program is fully the responsibility of the Producers, it will be beneficial to maintain Halton Region’s current practice to have customer service resources to support the operational issues on and off the road that are closest to the delivery of the operations. If the collection of Blue Box material is still delivered by Halton Region through an operating agreement on behalf of the Producers, then Halton Region would continue to be in the best position to support the operations. Since Halton Region will still be responsible for the majority of the curbside waste programs, Halton Region will still receive and manage all inquiries/complaints regarding waste management services, therefore it makes sense for the public to call Halton Region regarding operational issues associated with the Blue Box program. Producers assuming responsibility for the collection of Blue Box material would still result in residents contacting Halton Region and/or their Councillors, leading to delayed responses and further confusion. Furthermore, if the services are not convenient and/or cause confusion, residents are unlikely to participate, negatively impacting diversion and landfill lifespan. Halton Region staff have the most knowledge and experience with the Blue Box program and this customer service support can be easily incorporated into the service agreements with the Producers. In addition, the promotion and education component of the program can also
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be delivered by Halton Region as there would be savings by promoting the program through Halton Region’s Integrated Waste Management System and current campaigns.
Fiscal Responsibility
Unlike a number of large municipalities, Halton Region will not have any stranded assets (e.g. Material Recovery Facility, transfer stations, collection vehicles) as all of the Blue Box services are through various contracts. This places Halton Region in a favorable position as Halton Region does not need to concern itself with negotiating the transfer of assets to the Producers or determine any potential financial loss in the event of stranded assets that are no longer required for the delivery of a municipal Blue Box program.
Halton Region currently receives more than 50 per cent of Blue Box expenditures through funding from the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority which in comparison to other municipalities indicates that Halton Region is a high performer in regards to cost effectiveness, material recovery and how the program is delivered.
The approved 2020 Budget and Business Plan for Halton Region’s Blue Box program is $4.2 million, which is net of funding received from the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. The actual impact of moving to full Producer responsibility will be determined through the transition process when an agreement is secured with the Producers and new agreements for collection services are awarded. There may also be impacts resulting from changes to other services and programs resulting from the transition to full Producer responsibility. However, it is anticipated that moving to full Producer responsibility will have a favourable impact on the cost of Halton Region’s Blue Box program.
If the Producers are agreeable to a Service Contract with Halton Region, then Halton Region would be looking to receive full cost recovery for the Blue Box program plus an administration cost to manage the operations and administer the program on behalf of the Producers. For such an agreement to occur, it is important that the Province maintain the original intent and mandate of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. This includes oversight of responsible agencies to implement their obligations, to support and enforce regulations and legislation enacted by the Province, and ensure transition of the Blue Box program increases diversion of waste from landfill. Furthermore, the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority can ensure municipalities consistently receive the appropriate level of financial compensation for their Blue Box programs over the transition period.
Proven Service Providers
Halton Region would continue to award Request for Proposals and administer the agreements. This will ensure a proven contractor(s) is awarded the work and ensure a seamless transition. It is anticipated that if the Producers assume the responsibility for securing collection agreements for Blue Box material, that they would award tenders based on the lowest price. Time has shown repeatedly that waste collection contracts
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awarded solely on the lowest price and regardless of the terms and conditions outlined in the Tender, almost always result in poor service over time. Plus, the Producers would likely be attempting to secure collection agreements around the same time as Halton Region is securing collection agreements for waste collection programs we remain responsible for. As a result, private haulers may pick and choose which agreements they want to bid on minimizing competition. Therefore, it is in the best interest of Halton Region to have all waste collection services awarded through an Request for Proposal process and whereas the document is prepared and awarded by Halton Region.
Outstanding Transition Issues
Though our contract terms place Halton Region in a good position with respect to the proposed transition timeline, much remains unknown and undecided about how the transition will occur and any resulting changes. Whereas the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has expressed the need for a seamless transition whereby residents see no change to the current levels of service, the following has yet to be decided:
Acceptable Blue Box material; Funding of the Blue Box program up until transition is completed; Confirmation of which specific services are being transitioned; and, How forthcoming changes will be communicated.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will also need to enact and implement new legislation and regulations to ensure the key duties and responsibilities of Producers are delivered and enforced, as well as to repeal legislation specific to how municipalities are to provide Blue Box services. Staff are participating in the public consultation process with municipal governments, Producers, waste management industries, and non-profit organizations, on the transition of the Blue Box program to full Producer responsibility. The purpose of the public consultation organized by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is for stakeholders to take part in the development of a new regulation for the Blue Box under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016. A Discussion Paper on the proposed regulation will be released for public comment in May, 2020.
Transition Timeline
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has requested municipalities to transition their respective collection and processing of Blue Box material to full Producer responsibility at the same time. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has also requested that one-third of municipalities transition each year, during the transition timeline of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
As Halton Region’s contract to process and market Blue Box material is independent of the collection contracts, staff recommend to continue to provide collection of Blue Box material under a negotiated agreement with Producers, staff recommend that transition
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commence no sooner than April 1, 2025. This will ensure sufficient time to negotiate with Producers, develop and award the next collection agreements, learn from the experiences of other municipalities that have transitioned, and ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted services. Competitive Request for Proposals for the various waste collection levels of service would need to be awarded no later than 18 months prior to when new agreements are to commence. This means that Halton Region will need to release Request for Proposals by mid-2023 and award by September of that year for services commencing April 1, 2025. This timeline provides Halton Region sufficient time to negotiate and secure an agreement with the Producers between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
However, with respect to the processing and marketing of Blue Box material, staff recommend that Halton Region does not continue to process Blue Box material and that this service should also transition commencing April 1, 2025. Recent changes to recycling markets, quality standards and material types have made it difficult for municipalities to control costs and accommodate the different forms of packaging that enter the waste stream. By expanding and streamlining the list of acceptable Blue Box material and to achieve diversion goals as identified in the Waste-Free Ontario Act, 2016 and the Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan, Producers are in the best position to secure agreements with various processing facilities to effectively recycle the material they produce.
During the Blue Box transition process, it is important that the Province maintain the original intent and mandate of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. This includes oversight of responsible agencies to implement their obligations, to support and enforce regulations and legislation enacted by the Province, and ensure transition of the Blue Box program increases diversion of waste from landfill. Furthermore, the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority can ensure municipalities consistently receive the appropriate level of financial compensation for their Blue Box programs over the transition period.
It should also be noted that based on the scale of the work to be undertaken to achieve full Producer responsibility it is reasonable to predict there will be delays, and that the transition timelines will be adjusted accordingly. While all municipalities and Producers should work co-operatively and diligently to achieve preferred transition timelines, it is more important for the transition to be implemented seamlessly and with as little confusion as possible.
Recommendation
Staff are of the opinion that Producers can assume full responsibility for securing and administering agreements to process and market materials captured via the Blue Box program without support or assistance from a municipality. However, for the reasons outlined above staff recommend Halton Region continue to provide all current waste collection and transfer services and negotiate an agreement with Producers whereby Halton Region receives full funding for Blue Box material collected in addition to
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administrative fees related to monitoring of contractor performance, responding to customer inquiries and the development and delivery of promotion and education campaigns.
Staff recommend that the Halton Regional Chair, on behalf of Regional Council, write a letter to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks outlining Halton Region’s preferred transition timeline for the respective levels of service and continued receipt of funding for Halton Region’s Blue Box program through the transition period. By identifying the preferred timeline to transition, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be better able to establish a transition timeline for each municipality based on their preference and ability of Producers to comply with proposed timelines. Furthermore, the Province must maintain the original mandate of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority to ensure waste diversion goals are achieved, effective enforcement of regulations is met, strong advocacy for the circular economy to protect the environment exists, and to guarantee that Producers meet their obligations. For a successful transition of municipal Blue Box programs to full Producer responsibility, the Province of Ontario must also ensure the following:
1. That municipalities are meaningfully involved in the transition process and consultation with all stakeholders.
2. That the new Blue Box Program Plan will not negatively impact Ontarians’ experience with, and access to Blue Box services and other waste diversion programs.
3. Establish and enforce through appropriate regulations, aggressive waste diversion targets that are supported with programs and services aimed to eliminate waste and create a strong circular economy.
4. That the Blue Box Program Plan respect the cost effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental performance of the integrated waste management system currently provided by Halton Region and Ontario municipalities.
5. That the Blue Box Program Plan include a cost recovery mechanism to compensate municipalities for any additional costs due to waste materials being redirected to the organics or garbage streams in the event that a revised standard list of Blue Box materials excludes currently acceptable materials.
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FINANCIAL/PROGRAM IMPLICATIONS
There are no direct financial implications associated with this report. Any financial implications arising from the transition to full Producer responsibility will be communicated to Council through the transition process, and will be reviewed as part of the annual budget process.
Respectfully submitted,
Rob Rivers CETDirector, Waste Management and Road Operations
Jim HarnumDeputy CAO and Commissioner of Public Works
Approved by
Jane MacCaskillChief Administrative Officer
If you have any questions on the content of this report, please contact:
Rob Rivers Tel. # 8289
NoneAttachments:
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