TAMRMS#: B06
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Environmental Advisory Committee 2020 Report and 2021 Priorities
Presented by: Christian Benson, Manager, Environment, Utilities & Environment Department
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RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
recommendation
That the Community Living Standing Committee recommend to Council that...
1. The 2020 Annual Report to Council - Environmental Advisory Committee, provided as an attachment to the January 18, 2021 agenda report entitled “Environmental Advisory Committee 2020 Report and 2021 Priorities”, be received as information.
2. The Environmental Advisory Committee’s Proposed 2021 Priorities on page 9 of the 2020 Annual Report to Council - Environmental Advisory Committee, provided as an attachment to the January 18, 2021 agenda report titled entitled “Environmental Advisory Committee 2020 Report and 2021 Priorities”, be approved.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Bylaw 35/2015, requires that an annual report be submitted to Council. The EAC 2020 Annual Report provides a summary of the Committee’s activities and written advice to Council during the year. This report also presents the EAC’s proposed work plan and priorities for 2021.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Strategic Priority #6: Environmental Stewardship: Explore innovative environmental and conservation opportunities.
Seek innovative practices to protect environmental footprint, to ensure the vitality of our natural resources for future generations.
• Enhance waste minimization strategies with emphasis on reduce and reuse activities.
• Implement Waste to Energy Pilot, subject to Council Approval.
• Investigate and integrate existing environmental master plans into the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and related plans activities.
• Continue development of a potential net zero pilot project.
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
Environmental Strategy and Policy Development
• In partnership with related agencies, environmental strategies, policies and actions are developed to protect the environment.
Environmental Grants Management
• Management and coordination of applications and approvals of the Environmental Initiatives.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL (OR COMMITTEE) DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
The EAC Bylaw 35/2015, provided as an attachment, requires that an annual report be submitted to Council.
On February 10, 2020 the EAC presented their annual report for information to the Community Living Standards Committee to recommend to Council to approved the EAC annual priorities:
1. Recommend 2019 Environmental Initiatives Grant Program Recipients
2. Provide advice on the environmental policies included in the Municipal Development Plan
3. Provide advice on leadership opportunities in waste (Council priorities)
4. Provide advice on the Parks Bylaw and Fire Bylaw reviews and PACE Bylaw development
5. Provide advice on net zero neighborhoods
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The 2020 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 2021 priorities were discussed by the EAC at their November 26, 2020 meeting and are provided for Council’s consideration. The 2021 proposed priorities for the EAC are:
1. Recommend 2021 Environmental Initiatives Grant Program and Community Recognition Program (environmental stewardship category) Recipients
2. Provide advice on the Environmental Master Plan (EMP) update
3. Provide advice on the Parks Bylaw review
4. Provide advice on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) / Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) Bylaw and program development
The 3-year work plan was developed on Saturday, October 26, 2018 in a facilitated session of Committee members and Environment staff. The work plan was developed to provide a longer-term picture of the EAC’s work load and identify potential priority areas for the next three years.
The 3-year work plan expires at the end of 2021 and Administration will work with the EAC to schedule a 2022-2024 strategic work plan session before the end of 2021.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The EAC approved their 2020 annual report and proposed 2021 priorities at their November 26, 2020 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 2021 work plan and priorities are aligned with the Environmental Master Plan and scheduled work of the Utilities and Environment Department. If the priorities are significantly changed from what is proposed this could impact the programs and services provided by the Utilities and Environment Department.
Organizational:
None at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1. Do not accept the recommended Environmental Advisory Committee priorities.
• Remove or add priorities with input from Council.
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Report Date: January 18, 2021
Author: Christian Benson
Department: Utilities and Environment
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble