TAMRMS#: B06
title
Environment Department - Year in Review
Presented by: Christian Benson, Environment Manager
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That the "Environment Department - Year in Review" report, provided as an attachment to the April 18, 2017 agenda report entitled “Environment Department - Year in Review," be received as information.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the programs and services provided by the Environment Department in 2016 in accordance with the City Council Policies “Environmental Sustainability” (C-EUS-01) and Strategic Framework (C-CG-06).
COUNCIL DIRECTION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Environment Department provides Council, the Corporation and Community with programs, services and strategic advice related to the natural environment. This includes assisting the corporation in identifying environmental risks and legal requirements in its day to day operations as well as working with the community to develop plans and targets around key environmental sustainability issues that are important to them.
The attached “Environment Department - Year in Review” provides a summary of key accomplishments related to the programs and services provided by the Environment Department in 2016.
The Environment Department also provides an annual ‘Report on the Environment’ to the Community that provides updates on the goals and targets of the Environmental Master Plan. These two reports complement each other, with today’s report to Council focusing on programs and services, whereas the community focused ‘Report on the Environment’ is more related to the progress of the Environmental Master Plan and education and awareness.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternative could be considered:
1. Refer the 2016 Environment Department Annual Report back to Administration to amend as per direction from Council.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
a) Council’s Strategic Outcomes and Priorities
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
We protect, embrace and treasure our deeply-rooted connections with the natural environment through championing environmental action.
5. We are an environmentally caring community, mindful of the nature that surrounds us, that puts the Earth first, which is reflected in our green living lifestyle and conservation of natural resources.
b) Long Term Plans
• Environmental Master Plan
c) Corporate Objectives
• Deliver programs and services that meet or exceed our standards
• Exercise strong fiscal management
• Ensure our customers are very satisfied
d) Council Policies
• Strategic Framework (C-CG-06)
• Environmental Sustainability Policy (C-EUS-1)
e) Other Plans or Initiatives
• Capital Region Air Quality Management Framework
• Capital Region Particulate Matter Response Plan
• St. Albert Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• St. Albert Local Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Parks and Open Spaces Management Plan
• Integrated Pest Management Plan
• Grey Nuns White Spruce Forest Management Plan
• Solid Waste Management Systems Review
• State of the Sturgeon River Watershed Report
• Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan
Report Date (Council Meeting Date): April 18, 2017
Author(s): Christian Benson/Leah Kongsrude
Committee/Department: Environment Services
General Manager: Glenn Tompolski
City Manager: Kevin Scoble