TAMRMS#: B06
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Environmental Advisory Committee 2017 Annual Report Recommended 2018 Priorities
Presented by: Leah Kongsrude, Director
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
1. That the 2017 Annual Report to Council - Environmental Advisory Committee, provided as an attachment to the January 15, 2018 agenda report entitled “Environmental Advisory Committee 2017 Annual Report Recommended 2018 Priorities”, be received as information.
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee’s Proposed 2018 Priorities on page 9 of the 2017 Annual Report to Council - Environmental Advisory Committee, provided as an attachment to the January 15, 2018 agenda report titled entitled “Environmental Advisory Committee 2017 Annual Report Recommended 2018 Priorities”, be approved.
3. That the Written Advice Submitted to Council - Environmental Leadership Recognition Program, provided as an attachment to the January 15, 2018 agenda report titled entitled “Environmental Advisory Committee 2017 Annual Report Recommended 2018 Priorities”, be received as information.
4. That City Council Policy C-CS-03 Community Recognition Program be updated to include Environmental Leadership as a seventh category for Council approval in Q4 2018.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The 2017 Annual Report of the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) provides a summary of their activities and written advice to Council during the year. This report also presents the EAC’s proposed work plan and priorities for 2018.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
The Environmental Advisory Committee Bylaw 35/2015, provided as an attachment, requires that an annual report be submitted to Council.
On January 9, 2017, the EAC presented their annual report for information and Council approved the Environment Advisory Work Plan 2017-2019, provided as an attachment, and 2017 EAC annual priorities:
1. Recommend 2017 Environmental Initiatives Grant Recipients
2. Update the Implementation Plan for the Local Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3. Update targets for Environmental Master Plan including community greenhouse gas emissions, tree canopy cover, river water quality index, and public participation
4. City-owned Contaminated Sites Policy update
5. Provide advice on Environmental policies with in the Municipal Development Plan (if funded)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Annual Report and Recommended Priorities
The 2017 Annual Report provides a summary of the EAC’s activities during the year and includes copies of any written advice provided to Council. The proposed 2018 priorities were discussed by the EAC at their November 23, 2017 meeting and are provided for Council’s consideration.
The 2018 proposed priorities for the EAC are:
1. Recommend the 2018 Environmental Initiatives Grant Program Recipients;
2. Provide advice on the review of the Idle-Free Bylaw and Residential Solid Waste Management Bylaw;
3. Provide advice on the update of the Implementation Plan for the Local Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The EAC Work Plan 2017-2019 was completed to provide a longer-term planning tool for the committee that also aligns with corporate and council priorities. As the champion for the Environmental Master Plan (EMP), it also allows the EAC to be aware of and prepare for the update of the EMP. The EAC Work Plan 2017-2019 will be updated after the new Council sets its strategic priorities at the January strategic planning retreat and the community provides input on the update of the EMP in 2019. Council can also request advice from EAC on any environmental issue throughout the year through a Council motion.
Environmental Leadership Recognition
As part of the EAC’s Work Plan 2017-2019, the Committee looked at ways to recognize environmental leaders in the community. After discussing and reviewing potential options, the EAC is recommending that rather than duplicate existing City recognition programs that an additional category for environmental leadership be incorporated into the City Council’s existing policy C-CS-03 Community Recognition Program. The City’s existing Community Recognition Program policy currently includes six categories:
1. Arts and Culture
2. Citizenship
3. Professional Achievement
4. Sport Excellence
5. Past Era Business of Distinction
6. Pillars of Business
Previously, nominees for environmental leadership were grouped under the Citizenship category.
Through written advice to City Council, provided as an attachment, the EAC is recommending that Administration be directed to update the Community Recognition Program Policy to include a category for environmental leadership. They are also recommending that EAC be delegated the responsibility for reviewing and recommending nominations to Council under this category. This would be similar to the Pillars of Business category where the Chamber of Commerce is delegated the review and recommendation of nominees.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The EAC approved their 2017 Annual Report and proposed 2018 priorities at their November 23, 2017 meeting. The EAC includes seven representatives from the public and one Councillor. Non-voting representatives from various agencies, by invitation of the committee, attend meetings and provide input and subject matter expertise.
The EAC has a webpage on the City website which includes links to the EAC Bylaw, the minutes of meetings and links to their Annual Reports.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial: none at this time
Legal / Risk: none at this time
Program or Service: The addition of an environmental leadership category to the existing policy C-CS-03 Community Recognition Program would not change the intent of the existing policy but rather allow for greater focus on community environmental achievements.
Organizational: The proposed EAC priorities are aligned with corporate and council priorities for 2018 and the action plan of the Environmental Master Plan. Consideration was also given to environmental related projects or issues in other department’s action plans.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendations, the following alternatives could be considered:
a) Do not accept the recommended Environmental Advisory Committee priorities
• Remove or add priorities with input from Council
b) Amend the Environmental Advisory Committee’s Work Plan 2017-2019
• Revise work plan with new input from Council
c) Do not accept the recommendation from EAC to update the City Council Policy C-CS-03 Community Recognition Program
• Reassess options to recognize environmental leadership with input from Council
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
Council’s Strategic Outcomes and Priorities
Natural Environment
We protect, embrace and treasure our deeply-rooted connections with natural environment through championing environmental action.
3.2 Foster community environmental stewardship through provincial and regional partnerships, facilitating the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Environmental Initiative Grants and engaging the community through targeted programs and events.
Social
We are friendly and inclusive community of passionate equals, where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We believe that community starts with the person next door.
6.1 Promote volunteerism within the community to enhance civic engagement and foster a sense of connectiveness.
Report Date: January 15, 2018
Author(s): Leah Kongsrude
Committee/Department: Environment
Acting General Manager: Kevin Cole
City Manager: Kevin Scoble