1. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE - |
Committee
recommendations
That Council:
a) Receive
the 2005 Annual Report of the Environmental Advisory Committee as detailed in
Document 1; and
b) Approve
the objectives contained in the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
Recommandations du Comité
Que le Conseil :
a) reçoive
le Rapport annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur l’environnement, tel que
décrit à la pièce jointe no 1;
b) approuve
les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2006, tels que décrits
à la pièce-jointe no 2.
Documentation
1. Environmental Advisory Committee
Chair’s report dated 10 March 2006 (ACS2006-CCV-EAC-0001).
2. Environmental
Advisory Committee Terms of Reference were
previously distributed to all members of Council and are held on file with the
City Clerk.
3. Extract of Draft Minute, 11 April 2006.
Report
to/Rapport au :
Planning
and Environment Committee
Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement
and Council/et au Conseil
10 March 2006 / le 10 mars 2006
Submitted by/Soumis par : Chair/président
Environmental Advisory Committee/Comité
consultatif sur l’environnement
Contact/Personne-ressource : Kelly Sammon,
Committee
Coordinator/coordonnatrice du comité
|
Ref N°: ACS2006-CCV-EAC-0001 |
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE -
2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
OBJET: COMITÉ
CONSULTATIF SUR L’ENVIRONNEMENT -
RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2006
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend that the Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:
a) Receive
the 2005 Annual Report of the Environmental Advisory Committee as detailed in
Document 1; and
b) Approve
the objectives contained in the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
Que le Comité consultatif sur l’environnement
recommande que le Comité de
l’urbanisme et de l’environnement recommande que le Conseil :
a) reçoive
le Rapport annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur l’environnement, tel que
décrit à la pièce jointe no 1;
b) approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés
dans le plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.
City Council, 3 December 2003, reconfirmed its governance structure. This included the advisory committees, and the requirement for each to complete a workplan outlining proposed projects and activities for the upcoming year. The workplan is to identify each and every activity the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year, whether they have a budgetary impact or not. The item should be identified, a brief description of the project or activity should be noted, and the anticipated timing of the item should be provided.
The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the workplans of the Committees tie into that workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department. The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.
At its meeting of 9 February 2006, the Environmental Advisory
Committee approved its 2005 Annual Report.
The 2005 Environmental Advisory Committee annual report is at Attachment
1 of this report.
The EAC undertook a review of its 2006 work plan at its 9 February
2006 meeting and approved the final document at its 9 March 2006 meeting. The 2006 final work plan of the
Environmental Advisory Committee is at Attachment 2 of this report.
The mandate of the Environmental Advisory Committee is to promote
the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the environment, in the City of
Ottawa, to safeguard and improve the quality of life of those who live and work
in the City of Ottawa, both now and in the future.
The complete Terms of Reference can be found at Attachment 3 of this
report.
PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT (Lead Department)
EAC
members contribute a lot of expertise and time to providing advice and
leadership to the City on environmental matters. Planning and Growth Management (PGM) acknowledges the major
contribution that is demonstrated in both the Annual Report and the proposed
Work Plan. There are many common
items in the work plan of the Environmental Sustainability Division and that of
the EAC. PGM looks forward to working
with the EAC on these items and supports the Committee's proposed Work Plan for
2006.
The Work Plan identifies a potential funding requirement of $200 to
participate in community events like the Eco-Fair (in April) and other outreach
activities. Outreach activities at this
level can be supported by PGM’s internal resources.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 – 2005 Annual Report of the Environmental Advisory Committee
Document 2 EAC Yearly Report: Recommendations to Committees of Council & City Staff
Document 3 – Proposed 2006 Workplan of the Environmental Advisory Committee
Document 4 – Environmental Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (Previously distributed to all members of Council and held on file with the City Clerk)
City Clerks Branch staff will forward the recommendations approved by the Planning and Environment Committee to City Council for ratification.
Document 1
CITY OF OTTAWA
ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC)
2005
Annual Report
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) has completed 4.5 years of advising City Council and staff while representing the community in support of its mandate. The EAC is proud of its accomplishments but in recent months has become concerned that City Council, while supporting EAC strategic recommendations, does not follow through on those recommendations when making day-to-day decisions. While Council purports to be in support of creating a Sustainable Community, it has not adopted the triple-bottom-line and full life-cycle cost accounting principles so necessary to make this possible.
This was
particularly true during the 2006 City Budget Process when, for the third
consecutive year, key funding and headcount for already committed environmental
programs was eliminatedpostponed. A
number of these programs involve previously made commitments, (e.g. Partners
for Climate Change) and/or approved matching funds from other government
sources. In addition, failure to follow
through on these initiatives may see the City of Ottawa fail to live up to
requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Health
Protection and Promotion Act with possible legal implications.
A serious setback in the protection of public health in Ottawa was the failure of Council to pass a fairly watered down by-law on pesticides. It is therefore most desirable that a strong pesticide by-law becomes an election issue in 2006.
In 2005, the EAC continued its focus of working with staff to advise and help them improve their recommendations to Council on a wide variety of topics and issues. During the year 26 specific recommendations were made to Committees of Council and senior staff via motions and presentations. These are summarized in EAC Yearly Report: Recommendations to Committees of Council and City Staff - attached as Document 2.
During the year,
the EAC adjusted its 2005 Work pPlan
to meet changing conditions and respond to new information. In July, it held a mid-year
planning/strategy session during which it reviewed a list of 59 items that
represented all of the issues/topics/projects being pursued by EAC members as
of that point in time. During the session it also carried out a SWOT Analysis
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) as well as examining how it
could organize to be more effective. The outcome of this planning/strategy
session was distributed to Council - Report
on 2005 Mid-year Planning/Strategy Meeting - July 14, 2005.
The following provides an update on the top 10 priorities selected for action at the July 14th meeting. A number of these priorities will continue to be part of the EAC’s efforts in 2006.
1. Development and launch an Ottawa Sustainability Fund in cooperation with the Ottawa Community Foundation.
Progress: This initiative has been
‘shopped’ within City Hall and within the community and is being received as a
very positive initiative. The City is
being asked to provide initial funding of $10,000 to formalize the fund. Approval is expected shortly at which point
formal development of the details of fund operations including a fundraising
strategy will be pursued.
2.
Working with staff to ensure that the City’s Pesticide By-law and process for enforcement is put in place to
meet the health protection needs of the community;
Progress: The failure of Council to
approve the Pesticide By-law was seen as a defeat for the environment and human
health in Ottawa. This will undoubtedly
become an election issue in 20056.
3.
Pursuit of the City approving and installing an Air Quality Monitoring Network
Progress: The EAC has worked
diligently to justify and support the need for such a network which would help
raise public awareness of smog and air quality as well as provide citizens with
factual information on which to adjust their day to day behavior with respect
to transportation in particular. Smog
and air quality are significant human health issues. The recent cuts to the draft budget have had a major impact on
progress to achieve this objective but the EAC will continue to build the
business case until such time that an appropriate network is approved and
installed.
4.
EAC communication with its
public through the involvement of volunteer experts and other citizens.
Progress: The EAC continues to pursue this approach as a way of making its efforts more effective. In late November an article was published in a number of Community Newspapers to introduce the EAC to a broader base of citizens. This will be followed in 2006 with further articles on important environmental topics.
5. Reviewing the proposed City of Ottawa Act and pressing for the inclusion of those items that will support the attainment of the EAC Vision.
Progress: The EAC submitted a Review and Recommendation of the City of Ottawa Act in the hopes that this help the City build its case to enhance the City’s powers to deal with environmental issues.
6. Peak Oil initiative including a November 19th Community Workshop.
Progress: Due to the Rural Summit this Workshop was postponed and will be run on January 28th. Funding for the Workshop has been obtained from a number of sources including the City’s environmental grants program and from Hydro Ottawa.
7. Review EAC concerns and recommendations related to the Development Application Review Process (DARP) with senior staff.
Progress: This review took place and a number of recommendations for further action by both the EAC and Development Services were tabled and continue to be pursued to help make the process more effective.
In 2005 the EAC reviewed approximately 100 development applications,
making no comment or minor recommendations to the Planner on approximately 85
of them and submitted a report with more detailed recommendations to staff and
Committee on about 15. The EAC
recognizes its limitations both in terms of capacity and, in some cases,
knowledge to carry out this responsibility. A planning effort is currently
underway to develop the appropriate approach for fulfilling this responsibility for 2006.
One recommendation being pursued is for the City to implement a Smart Growth Development Checklist (modeled after that of the City of New Westminster) to be filled out by the developer and submitted with all applications. This would provide a benchmark and measurement tool for assessing individual developments as well as the performance of the developers.
8. Continue to participate in development of City Corporate Plan with a particular emphasis on the resulting plans for City and Community Report Card.
Progress: EAC members have actively participated in and supported the development of the City Corporate Plan by consulting directly with staff, by attending consultation sessions and by reviewing draft documents and providing comments and suggestions. This effort is continuing as work proceeds on finalizing the Community Impact Indicators to be used for Report Card development.
9. Follow-up on EAC’s recommendation regarding Green Buildings/Green Roofs/R2000 Homes/LEEDS and related topics.
Progress: Unfortunately, the cuts to the proposed 2006 Budget pose a major setback to the implementation of these recommendations unless new sources of funding are found. The EAC will continue to focus on helping the City pursue these topics as progress is seen as fundamental to the City making progress on its obligations related to climate change and energy conservation
10. Development of EAC Strategy for wetland protection and EAC participation in Inter Agency Wetlands Working Group.
Progress: The EAC has facilitated better communications among a broad group of citizens interested and concerned with wetland protection. In 2006, these efforts will be coordinated by the EAC’s Water Working Group.
|
Subject |
Approved |
EAC Memo, Report, e
tc. |
City Staff |
Standing Committee |
City Council |
Status |
1 |
Trail Road
Landfill Leachate |
Nov 18, 2004 |
Memo |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
PEC – Nov 23 |
December 8 |
City Council
recommended the use of an on-site facility – coincides with EAC’s position |
2 |
Air Quality
& Climate Change |
Dec 9, 2004 |
Memo |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
PEC – Dec 14 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
City Council
approved PEC recommendations |
3 |
Trail Road
Leachate Project: Citizen Advisory Group |
Jan 13, 2005 |
Memo |
Richard Hewitt
(February 4) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
4 |
2005 City of
Ottawa Budget |
Jan 13, 2005 |
Presentation |
N/A |
N/A |
January 24 |
Council approved
City of Ottawa Budget on February 7 |
5 |
Use of Food
Waste Disposers |
Mar 10, 2005 |
Memo |
Felice Petti,
Utility Services |
PEC – April 26 |
N/A |
Complete |
6 |
Greenspace
Master Plan |
Mar
10, 2005 |
E-mail
|
Bruce Finlay |
PEC – May 24/31
for consultation product |
N/A |
Ongoing |
7 |
Rideau Street
Planters |
Mar 10, 2005 |
Memo |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
PEC – April 12 |
April 27 |
Council
approved the removal of the 2 Tree Planters |
|
Subject |
Approved |
EAC Memo, Report, e tc. |
City Staff |
Standing Committee |
City Council |
Status |
8 |
OC Transpo Bus Fares |
Mar 10, 2005 |
EAC recommendation supported by
PTAC |
Followed-up with Gord Diamond,
Director, Transit Services (Public Works & Services) Sept 13 |
N/A |
N/A |
Departmental staff
to continue lobbying the Federal Government for the Employer Provided Tax
Deductible Transit Pass in early 2006 |
9 |
Peak Oil |
Apr 14, 2005 |
E-mail to R.
Jellett |
N/A |
N/A |
April 27
(letters sent to FCM) |
Forum held Jan 28, 2006 |
10 |
Country Club
Village & Hwy 7 Service Road Access |
May 12, 2005 |
Memo &
presentation |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
Transportation
Committee – May 18 |
June 8 |
City Council
approved TRC recommendations |
11 |
Road Salt
Management |
June 9, 2005 |
Memo |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
Transportation
Committee - July 6 |
July 13 & 15 |
City Council
approved TRC recommendations |
12 |
Green Building
Policy |
June
9, 2005 |
E-Mail |
Robert
Vaillancourt (RPAM) |
Corporate
Services & Economic Development –(CSED) Sept 20 |
September
28
|
City Council
approved CSED recommendations |
13 |
Integrated Waste
Management Master Plan |
June 9, 2005 |
Memo |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
PEC June 28 |
July 13 |
City Council
approved PEC recommendations |
|
Subject |
Approved |
EAC Memo, Report, e tc. |
City Staff |
Standing Committee |
City Council |
Status |
14 |
Greenroofs |
June 9, 2005 |
Report |
N/A |
Approved by PEC – August 23 |
September 14 |
City Council approved PEC
recommendation |
15 |
Solar
Water Heating
|
June 9, 2005 |
Report |
N/A |
Approved by PEC
– Sept. 27 |
October 12 |
City Council
approved PEC recommendation |
16 |
Car Free Day |
Aug 11, 2005 |
EAC
recommendation moved by D. Holmes |
N/A |
Approved at PEC
Aug. 23 |
September 14 |
City Council
approved PEC recommendation |
17 |
Hybrid Buses |
Aug 11, 2005 |
Provided
information to appropriate staff – will prepare memo to Transportation
Committee |
Jean-Yves
Carrier (PWS) |
Transportation
Committee - Nov 16 |
November 30 |
City Council
approved TRC recommendation |
18 |
Ottawa Commuter
Survey |
Aug 11, 2005 |
Memo to Mayor
& Members of Council & cc’d appropriate City staff for information |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
19 |
UNEP Urban
Environmental Accords |
Aug 11, 2005 |
Memo to Mayor
Chiarelli |
cc’d appropriate
City staff |
N/A |
N/A |
Mayor was unable
to attend due to Budget meetings. |
|
Subject |
Approved |
EAC Memo, Report, e tc. |
City Staff |
Standing Committee |
City Council |
Status |
20 |
Municipal Leaders Summit |
Aug 11, 2005 |
Memo to Mayor Chiarelli |
cc’d appropriate City staff |
N/A |
N/A |
Mayor was unable to attend due to Budget meetings. |
21 |
EAC Review and Recommendations of the new City of Ottawa Act |
Sept 8, 2005 |
Memo |
Mayor & Members of Council, & cc’d
appropriate City staff |
N/A |
N/A |
Ongoing – awaiting additional information from staff |
22 |
Report on 2005 Mid-year Planning/Strategy
Meeting - July 14 2005 |
Sept 8, 2005 |
E-mail on behalf of P. Koch |
Mayor & Members of Council, & cc’d
appropriate City staff |
N/A |
N/A |
Ongoing EAC work in progress |
23 |
81 Colonnade Road – Zoning Amendment & Plan of
Subdivision Proposal |
Sept 8, 2005 |
Memo to be prepared |
Will cc appropriate City staff |
PEC – November 22 |
November 30 |
City Council approved PEC recommendation |
24 |
Assessment of 2004 City Decision-Making in Support of the Environment
and of EAC’s Influence on City’s Decision-Making - Approval of
Recommendations |
Oct 13, 2005 |
Memo prepared |
Councillor Jellett, Cullen and Bob Hertzog |
N/A |
N/A |
Ongoing EAC work in progress |
25 |
Ottawa Sustainability Fund |
Oct 13, 2005 |
Report prepared |
Carol Christensen/Finance Legal |
PEC - February 14, 2006 |
March 8, 2006 |
City Council approved PEC recommendation |
26 |
Scent Free Environment in City Buildings |
Nov 17, 2005 |
Report prepared |
Sent to appropriate staff |
HRSS - April 6 2006 |
To be determined |
N/A |
Document 3
2006 WORK PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (EAC)
CITY OF OTTAWA
Introduction
During the summer 2005, the EAC held a strategic planning session to set
priorities, to assess what is working well and not so well, and to confirm an
EAC strategy that is most effective. It provided a base from which to develop
the 2006 Work Plan. The EAC is fortunate to have the past Chair remaining as a
member.
The EAC has been very active and is proud of its numerous accomplishments. The EAC is energized by the addition of new members, and increased interest by the public to have environmental considerations key and a priority when Council decisions and trade-offs are made. The EAC will continue to work constructively and cooperatively with Council, staff, businesses, and community groups and its Network of Volunteer Experts to develop an environmentally friendly City.
Vision
The EAC updated its vision statement in 2005 to
complement the Mandate and Terms of Reference given by Council. This vision is:
“That Ottawa becomes a
recognized leader within Canada and among world capitals as a sustainable
community by ensuring the integration of economic prosperity, social
well-being, and environmental and ecological integrity”.
Mandate:
The mandate given to the EAC by Council is:
"To promote the protection, maintenance and enhancement of all aspects of the environment in the City of Ottawa, to safeguard and improve the quality of life of those who live and work in the City of Ottawa, both now and in the future."
Terms of
Reference:
The terms of reference provided by Council are:
·
Assisting
in the development of policies, programs, and by-laws which could have an impact
upon the environment,
·
Reviewing
existing policies, programs, by-laws and development proposals and making
recommendations upon environmental implications of same,
·
Identifying,
researching, consulting and bringing forward to Committee and Council local and
global issues which may affect the environment,
·
Soliciting
and facilitating public input on matters of environmental significance to
Council,
·
Consulting
with and receiving submissions for local environmental and other groups and
reporting with recommendations,
·
Aiding
Council by increasing awareness of the City of Ottawa Environmental policy,
programs and by-laws, and issues which have an environmental impact, by means
of education campaigns, public meetings, articles in local newspapers and other
appropriate means as determined by the Committee,
·
Advising
on the design, maintenance and frequent updating of a City database on the
natural, built and socio-economic aspects of the City’s environment, and
environmental health
·
Liaise
with other City of Ottawa Advisory Committees as appropriate.
2006 Strategy
The EAC 2006 Work Plan is guided by a strategy intended to achieve
greater efficiency and consistency in the delivery of outputs. To harmonize the
EAC outcomes, the following strategic approach provides the guiding principles
and objectives:
a.
Systems Approach
– To consider the City’s Corporate Plan, Ottawa 20/20 and other plans when
advising City and take pro-active action on issues by anticipating local issues
and trade-offs;
b.
Responsibility
and Role – To reinforce a decision making process that will integrate
environment, environmental health, sustainability and community education and
involvement;
c.
Decisions – To
understand who are the various stakeholders in the decision making process, the
political dynamic at Councillor and staff levels to influence decisions at City
hall;
d.
Consultations –
To consult with Councillors when developing recommendations or motions, to
engage and mobilize a range of community organizations on key and complex
issues and to work with senior staff early-on in building a City response which
includes a strong environmental component; and
e.
Communications –
To increase information to the public on issues before the City in terms of
environmental impacts and how to be proactive for the environment and public
health. Also to increase the EAC’s visibility.
The EAC will continue to use the triple-bottom-line approach
(environment, social and economic) in its planning and full life-cycle cost
accounting, in its day-to-day work, and in its recommendations.
EAC Organization Structure
The EAC has structured its work program and Working Groups along the following environmental themes:
a.
Land Development
– Development Application Review Process, City Land Disposals, Community Design
Plans, Neighbour Plans;
b.
Air – Air Quality
and Human Health;
c.
Water – Water and
Human Health;
d.
Waste - Waste
Management;
e.
Transportation
Planning – Liaison;
f.
Community
education and involvement – Community Education and Outreach;
g.
Special projects
- Cumulative Effects and Report Cards Indicators, Transportation (Southern
Corridor and Environmental Impact Assessment), Peak Oil, Biodiversity, Ottawa
Sustainability Fund, Public Health Review, Municipal Act Review, Annual
Reports, City 2006 and 2007 Budgets, City Managers Working Group for the
Environment and Mayor’s Priorities; and
h.
Liaison with
other Advisory Committees – Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace, Pedestrian and Transportation, Roads and Cycling.
The EAC has 15 regular members and 9 reserve members. It has also a
number of alumni and a number of community volunteers with specific areas of
expertise, all of whom are willing to help the EAC when asked. Reserve members
are totally integrated within the EAC team and are key participants in the
delivery of the Work Plan.
The EAC will use a systems approach when advising Council and take
pro-active positions on issues. It will also consider the cumulative effects of
Council’s decisions on its recommendations as they affect the environment.
Human health issues, which link the environment with human health, will
not be considered as a stand-alone theme. Instead the EAC has opted to
integrate human health consideration in all its themes. This integrated
approach will give greater consideration to public health and the well-being of
its citizens as linked to environment and sustainability.
During the course of the year the EAC will integrate the development of
appropriate indicators as part of the delivery of its Work Plan. Data from
those indicators will be useful in tracking advancement, trends and assessing
the City’s progress against its environmental goals and commitments set out in
the Environmental Strategy. The development of indicators will be complementary
to the set of indicators being developed by the City to be published in its
Annual Report.
EAC Key Activities
The principal aim of the Work Plan consists of laying down the
foundations for a comprehensive and coherent approach, by concentrating on key
activities. Integral to the Work Plan development process is the identification
of those priority activities. This process is not intended to exclude the other
identified activities but to guide the EAC, being a group of volunteers, to
channel its principal effort on those priority activities. During the planning
period, it is also anticipated that unforeseen activities will be added to
respond to specific requests. The EAC will have to be very selective on what
other work is added to avoid overloading its members and therefore, failing to
deliver on many of the identified activities in the Work Plan.
The EAC’s overarching priority is to restore environmental items that
were proposed by staff and supported by EAC but not approved in the 2006
budget. The EAC considers the reinstatement of budget resources as critical to
the implementation of action plans for the City to meet its goals set out in
Ottawa 20/20. The EAC will work with management and City Council to reinstate
those resources to the Environmental Sustainability Division. Without the
allocation of the required resources to the Environmental Sustainability
Division, the EAC will be hamstrung in delivering its Work Plan. Our efforts to
work with the City to establish an air quality network will go nowhere, the designing
and implementation of an energy conservation program for community buildings
will be on hold, and the City will not be able to provide matching funds from
other organizations or government levels. The EAC communications and outreach
program requires that the City play a key function by interacting, consulting
and educating its citizens in the implementation of the environmental strategy.
Funds are required to work with communities and reach ordinary citizens to
change public behaviour. Without funding, the planned air and energy
initiatives will not proceed resulting in no measurement of energy consumption
levels in corporations, no steps taken to implement anti-idling program, no
support to the car-free day and the inventory of green gas emissions and air
pollution sources will remain incomplete or non-existent.
The EAC key activities, in ranking order, are as follows:
a.
Air Quality Monitoring Network – To advise City on requirements for an urban air
quality network;
b.
Ottawa Sustainability Fund – To become operational with City support;
c.
Communications and Outreach with the Public - To have an active website, to write articles
for community newspapers and participate in community events;
d.
Development of a Strategy for Wetland
Protection – To develop a
strategy to address wetlands and related ground water issues; and
e.
Green Building – To follow up on EAC recommendations and
related approved Council decisions.
The EAC will continue to work cooperatively with the City to assist in
the achievement of priorities identified in the Corporate Plan. The EAC work
cannot be limited by what City staff are working on but should also anticipate
long-term changes so that the City and community become a sustainable entity.
The City needs to consider also broad community interests. At the end of the day, it remains that
progress is very much dependent on the City’s commitment to deliver on its
environmental strategy.
Work Plan
The detailed Work Plan is presented in the tables below. For some
activities, more details will be added when Working Groups have time to do some
investigation and define the way forward. The EAC also recognizes the need to
be responsive to new items that are brought to our attention by the City,
community groups and others.
Funding
The Work Plan identifies funding requirement of $ 200 to participate in
community events like the Eco-Fair (in April) and other outreach activities.
The above funding requirement is small but essential to deliver on the
outreach program identified in the Work Plan. The EAC efforts will be severely
constrained by a lack of funding. Additional efforts by EAC members, City staff
and Council members will be required to secure the necessary funding. In
addition, the Work Plan has been prepared on the assumption that funding will
be quickly reinstated to the Environmental Sustainability Division.
Conclusion
The proposed Work Plan highlights a strategic approach, priorities,
activities, EAC funding, and an organizational framework. This plan reflects
EAC priorities and interests, in consultation with Councillors and staff, with
a realization that other topics will emerge throughout the year to respond to
City’s requirements. The EAC has a committed team whose members are interested
in developing a sustainable City.
EAC WORK PLAN 2006
Community Education &
Outreach Working Group
Members: Laura
Beauchamp (Eco-Fair), John Dover (media), Jenny Bouchard and Susan
Belle-Ferguson (writing and editing), Fazal Lockhat
Objectives: To
finalize the EAC website
To continue to solicit,
develop and distribute EAC public information articles to community newspapers
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
*Website |
Active EAC Website |
P.Quealey |
Fully operational
Website |
Splash screen and
contact screen active. Further updates to site ongoing |
*Community Articles |
Articles of interest
to the community based on EAC and City activity on environmental issues |
P.Quealey E.D’Andrea |
Monthly/bi-monthly
articles |
Successfully
ongoing. |
Community Events |
Help other EAC members and work teams prepare for, and present at, community events such as the Eco-Fair, Car free day etc |
P.Quealey E.D’Andrea |
As opportunities are
identified |
|
Special Events |
Where relevant discuss the role of the EAC or environmental issues facing the city with interested parties (presentations to schools or industry groups etc). |
P.Quealey E.D’Andrea |
As required |
|
EAC Funding Requirement: $ 200 to participate in community events
(Eco-Fair and other outreach activities)
* Priority work
EAC
WORK PLAN 2006
Climate Change and Energy Working Group (CCEE)
Members: S. Belle-Ferguson, M. McGarrity, R. Denault, M. Lascelles, A. Coffey, M. Costa, P. Croal, B, Sales, C. Rappel, B. Pugsley, C. Caccia, E. D’Andrea
Objectives: To work with City’s staff on initiatives to increase by 10 to 20% the amount of climate-friendly power
To explore opportunities to reduce green houses gases GHGs and promote energy efficiency
Climate
Change/Energy
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Green Power Initiatives – Identify with City’s staff projects |
Increase by 10-20% the amount of climate friendly power used by the
city |
P. Quealey |
To be identified |
|
GHGs – Input into any process related to the “City of Ottawa” act |
Explore further fiscal mechanism to reduce GHGs/promote energy
efficiency |
P. Quealey |
To be identified |
|
*Green Building – Support the program including the use of green
roofs Support the LEED building program Other initiatives that will reduce energy consumption or reduce GHGs |
Increase the number of green buildings |
P. Quealey |
To be identified |
|
Support the use of energy
sources that are non-polluting and emit fewer GHGs |
Help power Ottawa’s infrastructure, buildings, and homes |
P. Quealey |
To be determined |
|
Work to reduce GHG emissions and other air pollutants |
Promote cycling |
|
|
|
Linked
with Air Quality/other working groups
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Green roof strategy |
Provide inputs to City’s staff |
P.Quealey |
|
|
Creating a Car-free By-Ward market |
Explore the concept |
P.Quealey |
|
|
Reduction in GHGs |
Explore the use of local improvement charges Encourage climate friendly behaviour |
P.Quealey |
To be determined |
|
*Greater use of
public transport |
Assist the Transportation Working Group and PTAC to increase
ridership Maximize comfort of buses, service levels and maintain/reduce fees |
P.Quealey |
To be determined |
|
Education Outreach – Presence at design/home show Presentation to local businesses, schools and others on climate
change |
Promote green architecture, renewable alternatives and the expansion
of the city’s eco-pass transit Explain what climate change is, how it will impact our
city/country/world and what we can do |
P.Quealey |
To be determined |
|
* Priority work
EAC WORKPLAN 2006
Water and Human Health Working Group
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
|
Objective: Promotion of sustainable use of water resources and
wetlands Members: Bruce Collier (EAC) [BC](LEAD),Laura Beauchamp (EAC)[LB], Mary
Hegan (EAC)[LB], Charles Caccia (EAC)[CC], Paul Koch (EAC)[PK], Megan
McGarrity (EAC)[MM], Jenny Bouchard (EAC)[JB], McRae [KM], Dugal (AD), Brian Finch (BF), Gisele
Bouchard |
|||||
*Groundwater |
1. Initiate ground water research and City status 2. Review ground water with respect to City development assessments and community design plans 3. Review City’s groundwater plans |
1. MH (lead) 2. LB |
1. Review City groundwater position. 2. Present to EAC 06/06 |
Discussion with City staff initiated. |
|
Well water/aquifer |
1. Review present well water/aquifer policy |
1. MH (lead) |
1. Review City well water/aquifer policy. 2. Develop recommendations to EAC 08/06 |
TBD |
|
City Policy on water issues |
1. Review City by-laws/provincial policy statements on water sustainability/safety |
1. BC (lead) 2. JB |
1. Review City/Provincial water policies 2. Present recommendations to EAC 08/06 |
Discussion with City staff initiated. |
|
Stormwater |
1. Attend City’s stormwater committee meetings 2. Develop recommendations |
1. MM (lead) |
1. Attend 3 meetings 2. By 08/06 |
TBD |
|
Identify upcoming developments impacting wetlands |
1. Review and update EAC about upcoming developments impacting wetlands 2. Develop appropriate responses to development proposals on wetlands |
1. PK (lead) 2. CC 3. KM 4. BF |
1. Identified as they occur |
TBD |
|
Develop better approaches to work with landowners on wetland issues |
1. Set up meeting with landowner groups to develop a better process for addressing wetland issues |
1. PK (lead) 2. MH 3. KM |
1. To develop a plan and setup meeting by 09/06 |
1. Initial discussion with chair of Rural Summit Task force |
|
Identify flaws in City of Ottawa policy on wetlands |
1. Review City policy on wetlands and identify areas of improvement |
1. CC (lead) 2. MH 3. KM |
1. To develop improved policy recommendations to EAC by 09/06 |
1. TBD |
|
*
Priority Work
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Objective: Advice to City on the impact of Air Quality on Health, where it is
greatest, and appropriate responses Members: Bill
Pugsley (lead), Ronald Denault, Mike Lascelles, Megan McGarrity, Serge Morin,
Heather Parker, Patrick Quealey, Manuel Costa, Ann Coffey |
||||
*-Urban Air Quality Monitoring (AQ) Network |
1. Advise City on requirements for an urban AQ network based on location and intensity of toxic vehicle emissions 2. Advise City on optimum network sites, sensors and sampling frequencies and explore community pilot project 3. Assess anti-idling policy and recommend improvements |
Lead -Bill Pugsley Support- Mike Lascelles Anti-idling lead- Megan McGarrity |
SOR for AQ network in place by Dec 06 Pilot project by Sept 06 |
Follow-up with MOH planned re:Council motion 8 Feb 06 - presentation to Alta Vista Drive Residents Assoc 23 Jan 06 |
Air Quality- Health issues, outside of vehicle emissions |
1. Seek approval of Scent Policy by Council and assist staff in development 2. Support development of Cosmetic Pesticide ban 3. Represent EAC on Advisory Group for Plasma Waste pilot project (2007-08) |
Scent Policy Lead –Serge Morin Pesticide Ban lead – Manuel Costa Plasma lead- Heather Parker, Support- Megan McGarrity |
Work in Progress |
|
Car Free Day |
1. Ensure air quality health link is made in promotion of CFD to be marked internationally on Sept. 22, 2006 |
Lead- Bill Pugsley Support- TBD |
Work in Progress |
Note City may withdraw CFD support |
Use of treated Wastes on Agricultural Lands |
1. Assess health impacts and advise Council/staff on reintroduced policy |
Lead- Ann Coffey Support- Megan McGarrity |
|
|
Indoor Air Quality |
1. Assess health impacts and advise Council/staff, including city owned facilities and residences near pollution sources |
Lead- Mike Lascelles |
|
|
Funding Requirements: City’s requirement for $20 K for #1 (AQ Network) for equipment costs for community pilot project – some or all of the funding may come from city grant or March 2006 budget reallocation
*
Priority Work
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
The Waste Management Working Group will
advise on all issues related to waste management and will work with the other
EAC working groups, particularly on health related issues as they relate to
waste management. It will promote the
need that Ottawa, the Nation’s capital, take a leadership role in Waste
Management Best Practices. It will
empower residents and visitors to Ottawa to first REDUCE, then REUSE, and
lastly, RECYCLE. Members: Isabelle Hughes (lead), Paul Koch (lead), Peter Croal, Bruce Collier (Biosolids), John Dover (Brownfields), Terry McIntyre and Ronald Denault. |
||||
* Integrated Waste Management Master Plan (IWMMP) and E-Waste Strategy. |
1. Work with Ken Brothers and Ann Marie Fowler in support of the IWMMP. 2. Assist city and various stakeholders develop an e-waste strategy for the City. |
TBD |
TBD |
E-waste presentation to EAC March 9, 2006. |
* Biosolids Plan |
1. Advise city staff by giving comments and recommendations on the up-dated plan/report, before it goes to Committee & Council. 2. Participate upfront by offering suggestions for the report’s final content. |
Bruce Collier |
TBD |
Draft report was presented to the DCM PW&S on Friday January 27, 2006. Presentation on Biosolids to EAC on March 9, 2006. Report going to Committee & Council in March. |
Trail Road contaminated groundwater and leachate |
1. Support the City in extending the lifespan and improving the efficiency of operations. 2. Give advice on on-site treatment projects and other projects when they present themselves. |
TBD |
TBD- as opportunities present themselves |
Ongoing |
Brownfields |
1. Follow Brownfields activity. |
John Dover |
TBD |
Ongoing |
Other Waste Management Issues (e.g. Munster Sewer Lagoons, pipeline, Sewer Use By-Law) |
1. Keep an open ear, in case inactive issues resurface. 2. Get involved and participate, if the issues do reappear. |
TBD |
TBD- as opportunities present themselves |
TBD |
* Priority Work
EAC WORK PLAN 2006
Development Application Review Process Working
Group
Members: Paul Koch, Serge Morin (Orleans),
Bettina Sales (East), Bruce Collier (far west & south), Peter Croal (N.
Gower), Heather Parker, Megan McGarrity (central region), Ronald Denault (Bay
Ward)
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
1. Identify criteria to trigger EAC review of development applications *2. Work with the City to implement a New Westminster Smart Growth Checklist for Developers to submit with their applications 3. Recommend policies for certain development issues or themes (car washes, ground water requirements, etc…) 4. Participate in the Community Design Planning exercises (those that make sense) |
Provide staff with criteria to screen applications Adapt the Westminster checklist and test it before implementation Develop recommendations and policies to address broad themes Provide inputs |
Mike Lascelles |
|
|
* Priority Work
EAC WORK PLAN 2006
Cumulative Effects & Report Cards &
Indicators Working Group
Objective: To contribute to City’s indicators projects and track the cumulative effects of Council’s past decisions for environment and public health
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Track and evaluate City decision-making in meeting City principles, strategic objectives, policies, and plan requirements for the environment |
Continue to build the report cards using the methodology developed in 2005 Adjust the methodology to align it with the City’s performance indicators |
Paul Koch Members: I. Hughes, M. Hegan and B. Pugsley |
|
|
Special Projects
Transportation
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET (for 2006 |
STATUS |
|
|
|||||
Southern Corridor Working Group |
1.
Continue discussions with the NCC and the City of Ottawa. 2.
Represent the EAC on this working group.
3.
Work to identify a solution to the issue with respect to the lands in
question |
EAC Lead -F. Lockhat City – Councillor McRae |
TBD by Councillor McRae |
Ongoing |
|
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) |
1.
Review Environmental Impact Assessments (EIS) prepared under the existing
Guidelines 2.
Systematically identify deficiencies and recommend solutions based on
professional opinion and an assessment of the EIS process and Guidelines in
other Ontario municipalities 3. Revise the EIS Guidelines and related process EIS as per the results of this review. |
EAC Lead – F. Lockhat City – D. Irwin |
3 working group meetings? RFP for consultant Prepare draft report |
Project currently on-hold, but expected to proceed in 2006 |
|
Objectives: To
identify City’s issues related to peak oil
To discuss the impacts of peak oil and what can be done now to prepare
for it
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Peak Oil |
To host a workshop To produce a
workshop summary To develop a follow
up work plan and to set up WGs |
Ann Coffey Member: R. Dagenais |
28 Jan 06 01 Mar 06 01 Oct 06 |
On schedule |
Funding requirement: City’s requirement for $ 10,000 to host
follow up plus $ 1,000 for photocopying support
Objective: To participate in the development of the
City’s biodiversity strategy
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Biodiversity – To be
defined |
To participate in
the City’s biodiversity strategy |
Ann Coffey Member: Laura
Beauchamp |
To be determined |
Not started yet |
Objective: To implement the Ottawa Sustainability Fund
in cooperation with the Ottawa Community Foundation
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
*Ottawa Sustainability Fund |
1. Receive City support 2. Implement fund’s terms
of reference and structure 3. Build fund 4. Develop fund’s
application process 5. Fund projects that
improve air quality and address climate change in our community |
P. Quealey and Paul Koch Member: M. Costa |
April 06 Aug 06 |
City Council has given support and one time donation to fund (March 06) |
Objective: To prepare various reports in a timely manner
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
EAC Annual reports |
Produce various
reports |
Mary Hegan and Serge
Morin Member: Paul Koch |
As required |
|
* Priority Work
Public Health Review
Member: B. Pugsley
Objective: To examine how the City is addressing environmental health proposals
as part of the provincial review of public health
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
Creation of the Ontario Health Agency Capacity review of public health Review of the Health Protection and Promotion Act |
(applicable to all activities) Provide inputs to various
documents Identify impacts on the delivery of Public Health for the City Provide recommendations to City’s staff |
Mary Hegan |
As documents become available |
|
Miscellaneous Activities
Objective: To respond to various documents and requests
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
City 2006 and 2007
budgets City Managers
Working Group for the Environment and Mayor’s priorities Municipal Act Review |
Develop an
environmental agenda for 2007 City Budget Advise on filling 2006 budget gaps Work closely with
City Managers and its new City Managers Working Group on corporate wide
environmental priorities and coordination of city actions, including
implementation of a 2006 Communication Plan Review proposals to
ensure environment and health are considered Provide inputs to City’s staff |
Mary Hegan and Paul
Koch Member: Mike
Lascelles Mary Hegan Members: Mike
Lascelles, Paul Koch and Serge Morin Serge Morin Members: B. Pugsley
and P. Koch |
|
|
Liaison Positions
(EAC has formal liaisons with other Advisory
Committees who address environment and environmental health issues)
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
OFGAC (Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee) |
Represent the EAC Coordinated actions Provide reports to EAC |
Laura
Beauchamp Peter
Croal |
|
|
Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee |
Represent the EAC Coordinated actions Provide reports to EAC |
Bruce Collier |
|
|
* Priority Work
ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUTS |
LEAD |
TARGET |
STATUS |
|
Promotion of sustainable forms of transportation, given its
role as a major contributor to air pollution and GHG emissions Members: Bill Pugsley (lead),
Serge Morin, Ronald Denault, Patrick Quealey, Bettina Sales, Manuel Costa,
Fazal Lockhat, Mike Lascelles |
|||||
Liaison with Pedestrian & Transit (PTAC) and Roads and Cycling (RCAC) Advisory Committees |
1. Identify issues of common interest and support between EAC and
PTAC/RCAC by reviewing upcoming agendas and attending meetings 2. Prepare joint motions to Council on sustainable transportation |
PTAC-Serge Morin RCAC – TBD Backup -Bill Pugsley |
Bimonthly meetings of RCAC, PTAC
|
PTAC meeting 19 Jan 06 attended by Serge Morin RCAC meeting 16 Jan 06 |
|
Represent EAC on EA Public Consultation Groups for East-West Light Rail Transit Project |
1. Participate
in and support the work of PCG 2. Critically
assess environmental health aspects, follow up to reduce these impacts |
East –West LRT - Bill Pugsley (lead); backup- Mike Lascelles |
Quarterly meetings of PCG |
Meeting with EA project consultant’s air quality expert expected by
Feb 06 Final meeting or PCG expected April 06 |
|
Provide support for Car Free Day for lead agencies (Sierra Club of
Canada, City of Ottawa) |
1. Make CFD a major public education event to promote transit,
walking and cycling whether it is downtown or in neighbourhood venues |
Bill Pugsley (lead) Support- TBD |
CFD on Sept.22, 2006 and preceding weekend |
Awaiting decision by City to support CFD 2006- expected by March 06 |
|
Review environmental aspects
of all City major road and bridge projects |
1. Bring EA issues to attention of City and Council to examine impacts
of road widening and benefits of other options |
Southwest Transitway – Fazal Lockhat (lead) NCC Interprov. Bridge project – Ronald Denault (lead) Road Maintenance- Bettina Sales (lead) |
TBD |
Awaiting call for EAC rep for NCC bridge project PAC- expected by
April 06 |
|
Funding Requirement:
For Car Free Day where historically the City has provided $10-20 K to staff
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE -
2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR L’ENVIRONNEMENT -
RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2006
ACS2006-CCV-EAC-0001 CITY-WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE
Ms. Mary Hegan, Chair, Environmental
Advisory Committee and Mr. Serge Morin, the EAC Vice Chair appeared before the
Committee. Ms. Hegan described the
mandate of the EAC, noting that its focus would be on linking the environment
to human and public health concerns.
She added that, in the face of comments about the City not being
responsive to environmental issues, the City Manager has formed a new Working
Group for the Environment and the EAC is examining the Group’s Terms of
Reference.
Ms. Hegan listed the following as
the EAC’s Priorities and Actions for 2006[1]:
·
A
focus on protection and enhancement of the environment, environmental health
and sustainable development;
·
The
launch of a new website on Earth Day, 26 April 2006;
·
The
launch of the Environmental Sustainability Fund;
·
An Air
Quality Monitoring Network;
·
Looking
at waste management in an integrated fashion;
·
Utilizing
a New Westminster Smart Growth Checklist for development applications and land
use.
Councillor Alex Cullen, Council
liaison to the EAC, said the Advisory Committees are frustrated with the
process and with the fact that politicians don’t necessarily listen to the
advice the committees proffer. He added
that the City Manager’s initiative assures the committees they have the
attention of the Mayor and the City’s senior management, including Hydro
Ottawa. Councillor Cullen encouraged
advisory committee members to persevere in their efforts to bring issues of concern
to the attention of City officials.
The Committee Chair, Peter Hume, responding to suggestions from Councillors Bédard and Diane Holmes about the early release of departmental reports, or reports “in principle” to the Advisory Committees, pointed out that some Councillors do not favour this approach. He indicated he would consult with the Chairs of the other Standing Committees to see how earlier circulation of reports could be facilitated.
Councillor Gord Hunter said he felt
the advisory committees needed to be proactive and provide input even before
reports are generated.
Councillor Holmes put forward a
Motion, calling for a policy to be put in place to guide the early circulation
of departmental reports to advisory committees.
Councillor Cullen referred to the
City Clerk’s Governance Review to take place prior to the establishment of the
new Ottawa City Council later in the year, and he moved that Councillor Holmes’
Motion be referred to that review process.
Moved by A. Cullen
That the following Motion (from
Councillor D. Holmes) be referred to the City Clerk’s Governance Review prior
to the new term of Council.
That a policy be established that
all reports that are appropriate for Advisory Committee comments be circulated
early in their conception for input.
CARRIED
The report recommendations were then
put forward:
That the Environmental Advisory
Committee recommend that Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:
a) Receive the 2005 Annual Report of the
Environmental Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and
b) Approve the objectives contained in the 2006
workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
carried