HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainable Communities Board 2007THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BOARD #1/07
April 13, 2007
The Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/07, was held in the South Theatre, Black
Creek Pioneer Village , on Friday, April 13, 2007. The Chair Suzan Hall , called the meeting
to order at 11:15 a.m..
PRESENT
Suzan Hall Chair
Jack Heath Member
Colleen Jordan Member
Glenn Mason Member
Linda Pabst Vice Chair
John Sprovieri Member
ABSENT
Glenn De Baeremaeker Member
David Gurin Member
Dick O'Brien Member
RES. #E1/07 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Glenn Mason
Linda Pabst
THAT the Minutes of Meeting 4/06, held on December 1, 2006, be approved.
CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) A presentation by Maurice Stevens, Vice President, Castlepoint Investments Inc., in
regard to item 8.1 - City of Vaughan Block 39 - Progress Update.
(b) A presentation by Chandra Sharma, Etobicoke Mimico Watershed Specialist, TRCA and
Chris Rickett, Planner, Watershed Resources, TRCA, in regard to the GTAA Living City
Project.
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RES. #E2 /07 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Jack Heath
Linda Pabst
THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received.
CARRIED
RES. #E3 /07 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Linda Pabst
THAT above -noted presentation (b) be heard and received.
CARRIED
SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION
RES. #E4 /07 - TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
PARTICIPATION IN SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Overview of sustainability projects and programs participated in by
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and development of the
Greater Toronto Atmospheric Fund.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Linda Pabst
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to develop a
partnership with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) and the Greater Toronto Area Clean
Air Partnership (CAP) to establish the Greater Toronto Atmospheric Fund (GTAF);
AND FURTHER THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) participate in
development of collaborative proposals to seek funding from the provincial and federal
governments to support the GTAF.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At Authority Meeting #4/03, held on May 16, 2003, the Authority approved the Strategic Plan
Draft Framework, including an amendment to the advisory board names to include the
Sustainable Communities Board (SCB). The SCB was designed to initiate, study, report on
and recommend a comprehensive program of community outreach and leadership
development towards the sustainable communities objective of The Living City.
In May, 2003, the Authority directed staff to develop a new strategic plan for TRCA, in support
of the vision for The Living City:
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The quality of life on Earth is being determined in the rapidly expanding city regions.
Our vision is for a new kind of community, the Living City, where human settlement can
flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.
This vision is to guide TRCA over the next half of the 21st century. Our mission points to the
way, and to the union of four major objectives necessary to achieving The Living City. We can
only realize a better future by working in partnerships. We can only restore biological systems
through the redesign of human systems in relation to the natural environment. Thus our
mission, to work with our partners to ensure that The Living City is built upon a natural
foundation of healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity and sustainable communities,
recognizes people as architects of our future, and that every decision is a factor towards a
sustainable future.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is growing rapidly. It faces drastic challenges to manage
growth, maintain a high quality of life and to simultaneously restore biological diversity and
water resources to new levels. The Living City is an attainable vision of nature in the city where
human systems (belief systems, governance systems, built systems and economic systems)
mimic and assimilate nature's processes to achieve resource efficiency, well -being and
prosperity. Cities are part of, not separate from nature.
Our ability to realize this vision has necessary global implications since the GTA has the
highest consumption of energy per capita and plays an important continuing role in fostering
global peace and equitable resource distribution. We hold within our borders approximately 20
percent of the world's fresh water, including 7 percent of the world's fresh renewable water, a
resource facing impending pressures and shortages in this century.
The future of the planet will be determined in cities. By 2030, 61 % of the world's population will
be living in cities. The GTA is the largest urban area in Canada. 80% of Canadians already live
in cities. Increasing the livability of the GTA by conserving freshwater and biological resources
for future generations, is imperative and our commitment.
With this new vision for The Living City, TRCA embarked on a new era of conservation - with a
refocused effort to harness our strengths and experience, and to address climate change as
we work to achieve our mission. We recognize the importance of learning from the past to
envision a sustainable future.
TRCA is leading and participating in several sustainability initiatives aimed at adapting to and
mitigating against climate change. This staff report is intended to provide an overview of these
projects and programs for the members of the Authority.
THE LIVING CITY CAMPUS AT KORTRIGHT
The Living City Campus is designed to be a facility that inspires people from all over the world
to live more sustainably. From renewable energy to green buildings to new technologies and
sustainable transportation, visitors will experience the latest in green living, inspiring change in
how we live, work and play today for a healthier tomorrow. The Living City Campus grows out
of TRCA's vision for healthy urban environments and The Living City.
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Education and Training
The Living City Campus will be a dynamic and collaborative learning environment where
students, professionals and the public will meet to share and immerse themselves in the
perspectives and best practices of sustainability. Programming on the campus will appeal to
people representing a diversity of ages, cultures and professional sectors. Together they will
chart out the theory and practice of sustainability as it continues to emerge.
Sustainable Transportation
Fuel cell technology is one type of sustainable transportation innovation that will be showcased
at The Living City Campus. Fuel cell technology has improved over the past few years to make
it safer, more reliable and a real alternative for powering vehicles. Fuel cells are extremely
attractive from an environmental standpoint because they are able to convert hydrogen into
energy to power a vehicle producing a by- product of only air and water vapour.
The Energy Plan
The Living City Campus is striving to be a net producer of renewable electricity with the
potential of being able to sell excess energy produced on -site. In order to achieve this goal, an
energy plan for the campus is being developed. A major part of making this goal achievable is
using the most up -to -date sustainability technology in the construction of all the new buildings.
The Earth Rangers building in the Southern Gateway is already an energy efficient building and
all other structures will follow that lead. The Kortright Centre is supplied by 100% green
electricity purchased from Bullfrog Power.
Energy will be produced on the campus through all of the means demonstrated on the energy
trail. Passive solar, geothermal and solar photovoltaic energy sources will heat, cool and power
the buildings as much as possible. The large windmill in the centre of the energy trail will be
another means of supplying the campus with power in addition to the biomass and biofuels
that will be produced in the agricultural zone. Diversifying the energy sources on The Living
City Campus will increase the likelihood of meeting our goal of being a net producer.
Sustainable Development on Campus
The Living City Campus will not just be a place to learn about sustainable development, but
also to implement sustainable technologies within its buildings and developments. All the new
and refurbished buildings will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
certified and incorporate energy efficient technologies. TRCA also strives to influence the local
community and the region to create more sustainable housing.
TRCA has been working with the City of Vaughan and developers to create a sustainable
community surrounding the campus. A new greener community project is being carried out in '
Block 39' across from the service corridor exit on Pine Valley Drive (additional detail provided in
a report on this project included in the agenda). Two other key sustainable development
projects that are being completed within the larger campus context include TRCA's Restoration
Services Centre and the City of Vaughan's Emergency Medical Services building. These two
buildings are expected to receive LEED Platinum and LEED Silver certification respectively.
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Trails and Key Linkages
Trails will be an integral part of The Living City Campus as they will allow visitors to access
diverse parts of the Campus as well as connect to the wider community and the region. Within
the campus itself, there is an extensive trail system that meanders through the wetlands and
brings travellers into the river valley. This trail system will be used primarily by visitors to the
campus itself.
2007 will see the development of the new Ryerson University Sustainable Technology
Research Centre. Ryerson is committed to this project and TRCA needs to work with the
university to establish project direction and design objectives.
Additional projects under review include:
• partnership with the Design Exchange in the design of The Living City Campus marketing
book;
• retrofit of the Power Trail in partnership with Direct Energy;
• review of Conference Centre opportunities with key stakeholders including Delta Hotels.
ARCHETYPE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE PROJECT
The TRCA Archetype Sustainable House Project began with a national competition conducted
in partnership with the Design Exchange. The intent of the competition was to engage
architects, engineers and graduate students from across Canada to design a mass production
green home for new community development. The winning team, chosen on June 21, 2006,
was selected from 17 entries by a blue ribbon panel of judges. A comprehensive report was
provided with each design submission, with final design drawings and specifications to be
generated by the winning team prior to construction.
The winning design will be built at The Living City Campus at Kortright, at the entrance to the
Energy Trail. The Energy Trail is an interactive renewable energy learning exhibition. The
Archetype Sustainable House Project will serve as the primary energy conservation education
facility for workshop participants and as a model to help monitor and verify the effectiveness of
materials, systems and technologies.
TRCA plans to build two semi - detached houses at this location. The primary goal of the first
home will be to represent affordable green options that can be adopted by home builders and
buyers in today's marketplace; the second home will showcase alternative materials and
technologies that will demonstrate the best in sustainable design, resource efficiency and
energy management systems for the longer term. These houses will serve as models for
industry and municipal leaders to see the next generation green homes as we move towards
ever more sustainable housing. They will be a powerful statement of what can be achieved in
an environmentally conscious new home design. They will demonstrate Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation's (CMHC) five principles of Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing (NZEHH),
and stand as a case study for the emerging LEED for Homes program in Canada.
The goals of the sustainable demonstration houses are to:
• educate and demonstrate new technologies, materials, and processes for residential mass
construction;
• provide training for product installation and systems management;
• provide equal opportunities for the demonstration and application of products;
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• encourage a holistic approach to sustainable design (not just energy efficiency).
One of the primary objectives of the Archetype Sustainable House Project is to highlight the
support and sustainability initiatives of sponsors and associates. Initiatives conducted on The
Living City Campus must be conducted through partnerships and associations to ensure
success and achieve market transformation towards communities that are healthy and
sustainable. Construction is planned to begin in July 2007, with completion expected in the fall
2007.
RESTORATION SERVICES CENTRE
The Restoration Services Centre is the facility that will address long standing deficiencies
related to the administration and operation of TRCA's Indigenous Plant Propagation Program
and the staging and implementation of resource management projects. The new facility will
also provide much needed office space to house staff from the Parks and Culture and
Restoration Services divisions.
In keeping with the vision for The Living City Campus as a cluster of sustainable infrastructure,
TRCA endeavoured to build it's first LEED rated building on the Boyd North property to meet
the need for a new facility. TRCA received the occupancy permit for the new centre at the end
of March 2007, and are still awaiting the final LEED certification - LEED Platinum is expected. If
a Platinum rating is achieved, TRCA's first LEED building will be only the 2nd building in
Canada to receive the Platinum rating.
One feature of the development is an on -site stormwater management system, including the
enlargement of an existing retention pond. The reservoir and on -site well has allowed the
nursery irrigation operation for the first time to be off -line in terms of taking water from the
Humber River, removing any impact to baseflow.
WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
The World Green Building Council (WGBC), founded in 1999, provides a "union" of national
green building councils whose common goal is the sustainable transformation of the global
property industry. Nine countries are currently members - Canada, United States, India,
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Mexico.
The WGBC is committed to changing the property industry. The property industry is defined as
all those who produce, develop, plan, design, build, alter, or maintain the built environment,
and includes building materials manufacturers and suppliers as well as clients and end use
occupiers. By bringing together the green building councils from around the world, WGBC is
working together to share knowledge, resources and common principles to advance the
development of greener buildings.
A sustainable property industry will balance environmental, social and economic issues to
ensure a viable and valuable industry for future generations. Buildings account for one -sixth of
the world's fresh water withdrawals, one - quarter of its wood harvest, and two -fifths of its
material and energy flows. Currently the problems /opportunities that face the WGBC are that
demand greatly exceeds supply, and the recent and rapid emergence of other organizations to
address the same problems that the WGBC does. An important goal of the WGBC is to
coordinate efforts with other international forces to optimize everyone's effectiveness.
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WGBC is seeking to establish a Secretariat. At present the work of the WGBC is being done
largely through volunteer efforts with the support of part time staff. Demand for the services of
the WGBC is rising due to the increasing awareness about climate change and potential for
built infrastructure to address this pressing issue and therefore capacity to support this
demand needs to be enhanced.
At Authority Meeting #1/07, held on February 23, 2007, the Authority resolved to submit a bid
to the WGBC to develop and support a Secretariat to be located at the Earth Rangers LEED
rated facility at the Kortright Centre for Conservation /The Living City Campus. Staff is currently
preparing additional information requested in response to the two proposals received, one to
be located at Kortright and one in Montreal. A decision on the successful bidder is expected in
the next couple of months.
CANADA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
At the direction of the Authority in May 2004, TRCA and the Canada Green Building Council -
Greater Toronto Chapter (CaGBC -GTC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
to partner on activities and projects supporting green building design across our regions, in
support of TRCA's vision for The Living City. This relationship was developed to help engage
leaders and promote sustainable community development and community transformation
within the GTA.
Further developing the relationship, the Authority approved an amendment to the MOU in
February 2007 allowing TRCA's Manager, Sustainable Development to devote 50% of his time
to the CaGBC -GTC as their Executive Director, for a minimum of one year.
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMS
The Community Transformation Programs are a group of programs under The Living City
banner focussed on creating substantive measurable change in the sustainability of the
Greater Toronto Area. The programs were endorsed by the Authority in 2004 and the business
plan was approved in 2005.
The programs are collaborative initiatives working with partners to engage and enable
leadership to take action. The programs are dynamic, continually shifting to meet the needs of
participants in target sectors as well as ephemeral, existing only for as long as needed to effect
the necessary change.
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Program Scope
Climate
Cinge
Pollution
Prevention
Alternative-
Energy
Waste
Reduction
Energy
Efficiency
Green
Buildings
I
Conservation
servation
Near Urban
Agriculture
The intent is to engage leadership in programs that achieve substantial, measurable
improvement in the sustainability of city regions. The programs developed or delivered to
achieve this goal include:
1. Mayors' Megawatt Challenge;
2. Greening Health Care;
3. Greening Retail;
4. Renewable Energy Roadmap;
5. Renewable Energy Business Case;
6. Eco- industrial Network;
7. Home Energy Clinic;
8. Sustainable Schools.
Mayors' Megawatt Challenge
The Mayors' Megawatt Challenge (MMC) brings municipalities together to improve energy
efficiency and environmental management in their own buildings. Through the Mayors'
Megawatt Challenge, municipalities demonstrate leadership, inspiring other organizations and
individuals to take action toward healthier, more sustainable communities.
Thirteen municipalities are participating in the program including, the Town of Ajax, City of
Barrie, City of Burlington, City of Guelph, City of Kitchener, Town of Milton, City of Mississauga,
City of Oshawa, Town of Richmond Hill, City of St. Catharines, City of Toronto, Township of
Uxbridge and the City of Waterloo. The program is continuing to recruit new participants from
across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Since its inception in 2003, buildings enrolled in the program have reduced their total energy
use by 2% or the equivalent of 2.2 MWh, with a savings value of $2.6 million and a green house
gas (GHG) emissions reduction of 1,500 tonnes.
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The Arenas Project is a special project of the MMC. The goal of the Arenas Project is to
achieve large -scale energy and water use savings in arena facilities across the Greater Golden
Horseshoe, through identification and implementation of comprehensive energy retrofit
projects and operational best practices. Ten municipalities have joined the program and have
enrolled 27 arenas. Data collection occurred over the winter with workshops and final audits
and action plans to be developed by late spring 2007. The Arenas Project has been so
successful that planning for a second round of the project will begin this summer.
Greening Health Care
The nature of health care facilities and operations makes them inherently intensive users of
resources. Hospitals in Ontario spend more than $250 million a year on utilities. As facilities
expand and acquire new equipment, and the prices of energy, water and waste removal
continue to rise, hospitals are faced with volatile costs that consistently rise faster than the rate
of inflation.
Membership in the Greening Health Care program includes 20 hospital corporations,
representing a total of 29 hospital sites. Hospital membership continues to increase as the
program is offered to hospitals across Ontario through the support of the Ontario Power
Authority. The program has partnered with the Canadian Health Care Engineering Society
(CHES) on a workshop for potential members and TRCA has joined the Canadian Coalition for
Green Health Care to increase support for the program.
Greening Retail
In April 2006, the Authority directed staff to pursue funding and partnership opportunities in
order to develop and implement a new program of The Living City that engages the retail
sector in the application of sustainable practices and technologies. Staff was able to secure
$25,000 from Environment Canada and $6,000 in -kind from The Conservation Foundation of
Greater Toronto to undertake and complete Phase I of the program. The results of the Phase I
report confirmed the premise for Greening Retail that, doing the right thing for the environment
can also be good for the bottom line. There are a great many environmental best practices
that leaders in the sector are implementing but are not yet common practice across the sector.
The objective of Greening Retail is to make the best practices of the leaders, common practice
for the sector.
Having confirmed the premise for the program, staff was able to secure an additional
contribution of $25,000 from Environment Canada as well as $20,000 from PowerStream.
These funds are being used to initiate Phase II research and prepare a web based database of
environmental best practices for the Greening Retail web site. An additional $155,000 are
required to complete Phase II and staff will work closely with the Conservation Foundation to
raise these funds.
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Renewable Energy Road Map
Adoption of renewable energy technology has been identified as one of the key areas where
society can address the issue of climate change and significantly reduce green house gas
emissions. TRCA has more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy education and
training through the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The Renewable Energy Road map is a
project to build on our current renewable energy experience and initiatives to identify strategic
leverage points (opportunities) for TRCA and its partners to transform the marketplace for
renewable energy in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
In this project, staff will compile and synthesize all of the recommendations and issues
identified in key documents published by governments, non - government organizations and
industry associations. Through consultations with renewable energy experts, staff will identify
who is acting on these recommendations and what is being accomplished, identify gaps in
recommendations and activities and make recommendations for actions in strategic areas. The
results of the report will be used to determine the actions that TRCA will take in transforming
the market for renewable energy in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Business Case for Renewable Energy
Discussions with experts in the renewable energy sector has indicated that there is a significant
amount of misinformation or misunderstanding of the business case for renewable energy.
Often generalizations on the "pay- back - period" for renewable energy installations are passed
around by word -of -mouth and are taken as gospel. In many cases these generalizations are
based on actual case studies, but the information has been used more broadly as a general
rule -of- thumb.
These general rules are important tools, to help us understand how and where best to apply
our resources on more detailed feasibility studies or implementation. However, the context for
these general rules is often lost and thus just how applicable the rule is to a specific set of
circumstances cannot be determined without undertaking a feasibility study. Staff believe that
this lack of good general rules for a defined set of contexts is a significant barrier to
implementation of renewable energy technologies.
In this project, staff will partner with universities and industry groups to identify and
communicate accurate general business cases for a set of target audiences (homeowner,
small and medium business, large business, institution and investor) and group of renewable
technologies (solar PV, geothermal, solar thermal air and water, and wind). The results of the
study will be used as part of a larger marketing effort to transform the market for renewable
energy.
Eco- industrial Network
Staff is developing an Eco - industrial Network as part of the creation of the proposed Pearson
Eco - industrial Park. The purpose of the network is to identify and facilitate potential
partnerships between businesses to reduce the generation of waste, improve energy efficiency,
implement renewable energy technologies and undertake collaborative projects.
The results of this project will be used to develop a strategy for rolling the network out across
the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
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Home Energy Clinic
The Home Energy Clinic teaches homeowners to identify and understand the benefits of
making their homes more energy efficient. The clinic offers homeowners a solution by
identifying the actions that can be taken, the resulting savings in energy costs and the
appropriate incentive and rebate programs. This information is then presented in an easily
understood Home Energy Plan.
Development of the Home Energy Clinic was put on hold when staff learned that a significant
local distribution company (LDC) was in the process of developing a similar software program.
Staff is exploring partnerships with the LDC in question and determine how best to move
forward with the program.
Sustainable Schools
The Sustainable Schools program identifies and evaluates best practices in green design,
commissioning and operations, and helps school boards take action to improve the energy
and environmental performance of their new and recently -built schools. There are four school
boards participating in the program including, York Region District School Board, Peel District
School Board, Dufferin -Peel Catholic District School Board and Simcoe County District School
Board. Energy data and building profiles from more than 50 recently built schools have been
entered into an online performance management system.
Benchmarking results for 50 of the schools in the system indicate that there is a significant
range in energy intensity, with the least efficient schools using nearly 3 times more energy per
square foot than the most efficient schools. Inventories and testing are underway for selected
schools to relate energy use profiles to system design, use of portables and installed power
densities. The results from these investigations will be used to conduct design charettes with
participating school boards to increase the efficiency of new school design. Eventually the
program will be expanded to address operation and retrofit opportunities in all schools.
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
An initial set of environmental management targets and objectives was finalized in 2002.
Initially, under the Environmental Management System (EMS), only environmental targets were
set. The program was expanded in 2004 to include social and economic targets and renamed
the Sustainability Management System in order to better manage TRCA's organizational
movement toward sustainability.
The SMS enables TRCA managers to continually review, consult on, monitor, report, revise and
improve TRCA's environmental performance in selected areas where internal operations have
significant impact on the environment. These areas are called 'significant aspects' under ISO
14000 terminology, one global standard for environmental management systems.
SMS priorities include:
• creating a culture of operating sustainably;
• working toward greater greening of TRCA's vehicle fleet;
• using the EcoOffices program and office EcoTeams to improve sustainability performance;
• pursuing an energy management plan for data monitoring and energy retrofit of existing
facilities - preparation of a request for proposal for energy management services and
initiation of contract;
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• instituting "green" purchasing policies so TRCA can continue supporting and facilitating the
shift to a sustainable economy;
• improve communications with TRCA staff on sustainable operations (through newsletters
and a Sustainability Station at all work locations); and
• improve SMS data system to incorporate weather normalized data and improve staff
access to ongoing performance information.
The 2006 annual report of the SMS is included in this agenda as a separate report.
ONTARIO ECOSCHOOLS PROGRAM
TRCA is a partner and participant in the Ontario EcoSchools program, and has been since its
development in 2002. The goal of the Ontario EcoSchools Program is to help schools reduce
their environmental impact by making decisions for a healthy world a part of everyday school
life. The program is uniquely designed to address both how schools are run and what
students learn. Based on the Ontario curriculum, it is a holistic approach to education that
engages students, staff and volunteers in learning activities that are the foundations for
sustainable communities. Ontario EcoSchools also offers schools the opportunity to
participate in a certification program, with a scoring system for bronze, silver and gold, to
recognize and honour their environmental efforts each year.
TRCA education staff saw the EcoSchools Certification program as an opportunity to
showcase its efforts in sustainability education, to formally integrate the Sustainability
Management System (SMS) into its work, and to inspire visitors and other agencies to build on
their environmental programs and practices. To this end, in September 2005, the process for
certification was initiated at TRCA's five education facilities.
In June 2006, Claremont, Lake St. George and Albion Hills field centres, the Kortright Centre
for Conservation and Black Creek Pioneer Village joined the ranks of Ontario's 112 certified
EcoSchools; the results: one silver and four gold Ontario EcoSchools certifications. TRCA
policy and guidelines, as set out in the SMS, were also fully integrated into the EcoSchools
Certification Guide. In becoming the first conservation authority, and non - school board, to
achieve Ontario EcoSchools certification, TRCA is demonstrating its commitment to educating
for sustainable living. Black Creek Pioneer Village is also the first museum to achieve
certification.
At Authority Meeting #8/06, held on October 27, 2006, the Authority resolved to participate in
the EcoSchools Program in 2006 -2007, as certification is not a one time thing, but rather must
be obtained annually. Over the 2006 -2007 academic year, the five TRCA education facilities
will continue to demonstrate their commitment to education for sustainable living through their
teaching and facilities operations by participating in EcoSchools once again. As well as
meeting on -going challenges from the previous school year, such as a more explicit integration
of a systems thinking approach in the curriculum, or more effective delegation of the
EcoTeam's tasks, TRCA education facilities want to 'raise the bar' in a few key areas, including
the following:
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• Litterless lunches and snacks be promoted to visiting classes as a means to increase their
participation in TRCA EcoSchools Program while decreasing the production of waste at the
education facilities, along with efficient diversion of waste produced by visitors to either
recycling or compost bins.
• Research on efficient ways to purchase a greater amount of local and organic produce and
foodstuffs as a means to decrease the education facilities' ecological footprints, and to
further build on 2005 -2006 EcoSchools Certification achievements. Some facilities have
already begun to purchase fair trade coffee and tea (Kortright) and are experimenting with
biodegradable cups and plates (BCPV). Collectively, staff are also researching various
options for more ethical and ecologically friendly food purchasing.
• Promotion of EcoSchools Program to other conservation authorities and district school
boards as a means to creating a culture of sustainability in Ontario.
EcoOffices
At the October 27, 2006 Authority Meeting, the Authority further resolved that the EcoSchools
model for managing environmental sustainability be adapted for use, under the TRCA SMS, at
TRCA's administrative offices - Boyd Office, Restoration Services Centre, Head Office and
Downsview Office beginning in the fall of 2006. To assist with this process, EcoTeams were to
be convened at each site.
Staff will ensure that the EcoSchools Steering Committee are advised and consulted
throughout the TRCA pilot project for consideration of application of EcoOffices at their school
board offices. To assist in the process, staff are developing an internal certification process to
recognize office efforts.
It is the opinion of staff that the following EcoSchools components, which are absent in the
existing SMS, will add value to TRCA's organizational efforts towards sustainability:
• establishment of EcoTeams at each facility;
• empowerment of facility EcoTeams to set annual targets and pursue site specific solutions;
• incorporation of annual goals that are set cooperatively.
It is anticipated that the SMS will be greatly enhanced by the establishment of facility specific
EcoTeams and the generation of site - specific approaches to sustainability that these teams will
provide. The EcoSchools methodology is based on staff empowerment and ownership,
whereas, too often in the past, the SMS has worked in atop- down,' or prescriptive fashion.
Adapting EcoSchools for use at TRCA offices will empower staff and have a positive impact.
TRCA EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
TRCA education is a network of centres and programs whose commitment to excellence in
education has spanned 50 years. Included in TRCA's education program are the formal and
non - formal programs offered through Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV), the Kortright Centre
for Conservation, the three residential field centres (Albion Hills, Lake St. George and
Claremont), the Watershed on Wheels outreach program, the Investigating The Living City
Spaces programs, and the seasonal /new educational initiatives offered in the TRCA parks. The
education programs are designed to connect learners to their environment through fun and
meaningful, hands -on exploration of local systems and sustainable technologies.
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In 2005, the Authority approved the adoption of a TRCA education curriculum entitled A
Systems Thinking Guide to Learning in The Living City. This curriculum set out the future
concepts and directions for the re- orientation of TRCA environmental education towards
sustainability education.
2007 Activities
In 2007 this important work in sustainability education will continue through the pursuit of the
following:
• Developing more dynamic and engaging resources for on -line visitors, such as interactive
maps of the watersheds and Tommy Thompson Park.
• Participating in the United Nations Decade (2005 -2015) of Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) initiative through the Toronto Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE).
Staff will share their expertise in ESD, as well as contribute to the Governance and
Outreach committees on an ongoing basis over the life of the program.
• Implementing and evaluating the PowerStream Energy Education Pilot Project in
collaboration with Ontario EcoSchools, the York Region and York Catholic district school
boards, York Region Health Services and the Clean Air Partnership.
• Expanding educational program opportunities for secondary students and adults.
• Exploring a redevelopment strategy for the Lake St. George Field Centre, including the
retrofit or rebuild of existing facilities to LEED standards and provision of
technology - enabled learning through broadband networking to connect the field centre
with advanced broadband - enabled schools within the GTA and province.
• Continuing to expand professional and skill development opportunities for TRCA education
staff.
• Introducing two new programs at the Kortright Centre for Conservation: a team building
and leadership development program and a GPS / Geocaching program. Both programs
will be geared towards secondary school students to maintain relevancy and meet
education needs.
• Expanding Black Creek Pioneer Village's work in environmental citizenship and
communicating environmental messaging to all schools and visitors. The EcoSchools
movement has helped us to plan how to go about this.
• Investigating, through proposals that are underway, the possibility of Black Creek Pioneer
Village becoming the 'Gateway to the Greenbelt' with the Greenbelt Foundation. This would
put the village in a unique position for promoting the sustainable use of the province's
farmlands and environmentally sensitive areas.
• Building a sense of place by linking schools to their watershed addresses and using this,
along with EcoSchools certification, as a basis for watershed reporting in ecological literacy
and achievement.
14
POWERSTREAM ENERGY EDUCATION PILOT PROJECT
In October 2006, TRCA entered into an agreement with PowerStream Inc. to implement the
PowerStream Energy Education Pilot Project to selected schools within the Town of Markham,
City of Vaughan, Town of Aurora and Town of Richmond Hill, in the 2006/2007 academic year.
The goal of the PowerStream Energy Education Pilot Project is to generate immediate and
long -term energy savings through behaviour change and actions at school, in the community
and at home
PowerStream Inc. is mandated to foster and encourage the development and adoption of
energy conservation and demand side management programs within its service area. This
mandate has presented opportunities for joint programming and projects with TRCA. In
January 2005, PowerStream and TRCA entered into a Conservation and Demand Side
Management Services Agreement to execute such joint programming for six Community
Transformation Programs.
The positive relationship built between PowerStream and TRCA led to discussions regarding
energy education programming. TRCA, in collaboration with boards of education and others,
prepared a proposal for an energy education pilot project and in August, received funding
approval for same.
The PowerStream Energy Education Pilot Project is a collaboration of regional education,
environmental and health organizations interested in combining efforts and resources to
implement one of the first, integrated, multi - partnership energy education /climate change
programs in Ontario.
• The project provides the framework for energy savings and sustainable behaviour change.
• The project builds on successful energy education resources, avoiding duplication of effort.
• School boards can build connections with their current energy conservation initiatives.
• Teachers will become more confident in addressing energy curriculum with their students.
• PowerStream will strengthen relationships with school boards, schools and the other
education project agencies.
• School boards will build capacity as schools become Certified EcoSchools.
• A culture of energy conservation and leadership will develop with the students and within
schools.
• An education model for others to emulate will be developed.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Interest in sustainable community planning and design throughout North America and Europe
has been growing dramatically since the early 1990s. The Sustainable Community
Development program is committed to working with organizations, agencies and municipalities
to accelerate sustainable urban development in a way that best reflects the interests of our
communities' social, economic and environmental health. TRCA's aim is to enrich existing
sustainable community initiatives and support the growth of environmentally friendly urban
development.
15
The Block 39 project located in the City of Vaughan is currently Ontario's largest Energy Star
community under development. The project was led by TRCA to explore what is possible in
new community development, and as an additional feature in The Living City Campus. Block
39 grew into a project supported by the developer, 4 builders, the gas and electric utilities, the
City of Vaughan and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The framework
used to educate the builders and engage community leaders on Block 39 is now being used to
encourage future developments around the GTA.
Block 40 in the City of Vaughan has begun a review of sustainable community options. Block
40 could be one of the first communities to use the LEED for Homes rating system in Ontario.
Additional communities are also beginning to work with TRCA to review their sustainable
community options.
Municipal Green Building Tool Kit
Across the country, regional and municipal governments are developing exemplary sustainable
development programs. Many of these programs have put forth legislation, revised building
codes, tax incentives and language specific to green design. Also, there are many
demonstration projects and publications featuring voluntary or mandatory guidelines that
advance green principles. The purpose of the tool kit project is to gather information about
these existing resources and make the information accessible through various publications,
including an interactive website. The kit will allow those interested in starting a green building
and planning program quick and easy access to information about existing programs and
models, case studies and tools of the featured programs.
CaGBC, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and TRCA staff distributed the Municipal
Green Building Tool Kit in December 2006. Workshops will be conducted in 2007 to assist
municipal staff in southern Ontario with navigating through the tool kit and applying the
information to potential green building projects within their jurisdictions.
A 2007 initiative is now underway as a partnership between TRCA and the CaGBC -GTC to
develop a website in support of the tool kit. The website will be hosted by CaGBC -GTC and will
focus on the direct needs of municipal leaders in southern Ontario.
SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES EVALUATION PROGRAM
The idea for a TRCA -led program that evaluates environmental technologies originated from an
earlier multi- agency program in which TRCA was a partner - the Stormwater Assessment
Monitoring and Performance (SWAMP) Program. In 2003, as the SWAMP program neared the
end of its mandate, strong support was expressed for the continued existence of a program
like SWAMP. However, participants thought that the original mandate should be broadened to
include greater focus on stormwater pollution prevention, source controls, construction phase
measures, cost factors, maintenance, management and operating practices (e.g. street
cleaning), and restoration.
16
In response to these recommendations, TRCA's Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program
(STEP) was developed in 2005. The program, which has a much broader focus than its
predecessor, helps to fulfill the goals of several regional initiatives, including the Toronto and
Region Remedial Action Plan, the Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan,
Drinking Water Source Protection Plans and TRCA's vision for The Living City. STEP provides
data and analytical tools to support implementation of sustainable technologies and practices.
STEP's main objectives are to:
• monitor and evaluate sustainable technologies in the areas of water /land, energy and air;
• assess potential barriers to implementing sustainable technologies;
• provide recommendations for guidelines and policy development; and
• disseminate study results and recommendations and promote the use of effective
technologies at a broader scale through education and advocacy.
Technologies evaluated under STEP are not limited to physical structures; they may also
include preventative measures, implementation protocols, alternative urban site designs or
other practices which promote more sustainable ways of living.
Several technologies are being evaluated or are undergoing evaluation under the program.
These include:
• rooftop gardens;
• permeable pavement;
• bio- retention swales;
• rainwater harvesting systems;
• erosion and sediment control ponds;
• air biofiltration systems.
A website has been developed highlighting sustainable technology monitoring and research by
STEP, SWAMP and other agencies to not only disseminate information about STEP projects,
but also provide a portal through which developers, private organizations, universities,
government /non - governmental agencies and the general public can access and learn about
work being undertaken by other groups on sustainable technologies.
In future years, STEP will conduct evaluations of:
• the Archetype Sustainable House Project at The Living City Centre Campus;
• the Mattamy Homes in Milton;
• the Ryerson town homes in Toronto;
• the Now House -WW2 retrofit project in Toronto;
• various stormwater source and conveyance controls;
• and other projects yet to be identified.
Discussion papers will be prepared for the air and energy components of the program to define
directions for research.
17
Green Roofs
STEP has been involved with the development of the Canadian green roof industry for several
years, starting with the initiation of the York University Green Roof monitoring study. The study
was undertaken to provide the local data needed to support broader implementation of green
roofs in the GTA. The York University study yielded key information on the stormwater and
biodiversity benefits that green roofs can provide within TRCA's jurisdiction. These findings
have helped to inform the actions of our partner municipalities as they develop green roof
policies and incentive programs.
STEP has also recently completed a study of the costs and savings to building owners
installing green roofs in the GTA. The goal of the study was to develop a better understanding
of the financial bottom line by looking at both the capital and life cycle cost of a green roof
relative to a conventional roof. The results will be used to better inform green roof policy
decisions, including the type and magnitude of incentive that is required to motivate broader
use of this technology.
In 2006, TRCA also became a corporate member of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC)
and is currently providing guidance to this organization in the development of a Green Roof
Life Cycle Cost Calculator intended to assist industry professionals responsible for green roof
projects. TRCA staff will also attend and present the York University study findings at GRHC's
Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference in the spring of 2007.
Permeable Pavement and Bioretention Swale Demonstration Project
In September 2004, the TRCA retrofitted a portion of a parking lot at Seneca College, King
Campus with permeable concrete block pavement and a bioretention swale in order to monitor
their performance as a stormwater infiltration technology. The site includes a custom designed
drainage networks that permits the monitoring of water quantity and quality of surface runoff
and infiltrate. In addition, all instrumentation is powered via solar panels and a wind turbine.
Beginning in the fall of 2005, monitoring has been focused primarily on water quantity and
quality, however, in 2006 the monitoring protocol was revised to include sediment quality and
infiltration tests of both the Seneca site and at six older permeable pavement installations, as
well as, subgrade /pavement temperature and storage monitoring in order to answer concerns
raised about pollutant accumulation and the affects of winter. For 2007, monitoring will
continue with the intention of testing the permeable pavements structural stability under various
moisture conditions and weight loads. A final report will be published in March 2008 and it is
expected that results and other literature will be used to develop GTA design guidelines for
these two technologies.
18
Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration Project
Collecting rainwater from roofs and using it for non - potable domestic use (e.g. irrigation) can
significantly reduce runoff, while at the same time relieving pollution and flooding pressures on
local watersheds. This project will be undertaken from April 2006 - March 2008 to evaluate the
benefit of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and explore potential barriers (e.g. cost,
regulation) and incentives (e.g. tax benefits) for the adaptation of RWH on commercial
properties. For this study, two sites were chosen: i) Metro Label printing facility and ii) a newly
constructed condominium by Minto Developments. While both buildings are LEED certified
(silver and gold respectively) and will be using the RWH system for irrigation and several
toilets, they differ significantly in rainfall collection area and water use demand. By observing
the performance of these very different RWH systems in terms of water /sediment quality and
quantity, considerations can be made in order to conclude the viability of RWH system
applications in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Evaluation: Ground Truthing the Guideline
In Ontario, sediment control measures have been required on construction sites for over a
decade. However in many cases, recommended practices are either not implemented,
improperly installed, under - engineered or not maintained. As a result, elevated levels of
suspended sediment in local watercourses can degrade water quality, increase stream
flooding, influence geomorphic stability and cause deleterious effects on aquatic life.
According to the Greater Golden Horseshoe Conservation Authorities Erosion and Sediment
Control Guideline for Urban Construction (December 2006), an effective erosion and sediment
control (ESC) plan should involve a multi- barrier approach which includes both erosion
prevention and the application of various measures (e.g. ESC ponds) designed to reduce
sediment transport from a construction site.
This study which will be conducted from April 2007 to March 2009 is expected to monitor the
effectiveness of a guideline designed ESC plan for a new development underway in the City of
Vaughan from the beginning to final stages of construction. The ESC plan process will be
directed by a steering committee made up of both public and private candidates and for the
first time demonstrate the effectiveness of a web -based tracking tool which will document and
communicate all plan attributes to all involved with the ESC plan (e.g. committee to field staff).
While construction has not yet started, in 2007 the study focus will be developing a monitoring
protocol and baseline monitoring of current study area conditions including in- stream water
quality and quantity, local populations, study area land use and habitat conditions. The study
results and practical knowledge acquired through this process will be applied in training
workshops on application of the new ESC guideline.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES RESEARCH PROJECTS
Community -based social marketing research and a survey of new home buyers was conducted
to inform implementation strategies for lot level stormwater management and naturalized
landscaping. Recommendations from the studies are being incorporated in the watershed
plans to address water balance and other sustainability objectives.
19
NEAR URBAN AGRICULTURE
The acquisition of property by TRCA since the 1950's resulted in an inventory of productive
agricultural land which has historically been rented on an annual basis for conventional crops
such as corn, soybeans, alfalfa and some livestock pasturing. Due in large part to the advance
of urban sprawl, economic pressures and other needs for this land by TRCA, agricultural use
has steadily declined. Today, there is a total of 2,960 acres (1,396 hectares) being rented for
agricultural use: 2,000 acres (800 hectares) in the Rouge River watershed, 900 acres (360
hectares) in Humber River watershed and 60 acres (24 hectares) in the Duffins Creek
watershed.
TRCA could have a meaningful role in the evolution of a new kind of agriculture in the Toronto
region because of its land base. A vision for a new form of agriculture on TRCA -owned lands
includes making smaller farm areas more profitable through the use of new, innovative and
land intensive agricultural production methods. It will involve finding new partners and maybe
growing new kinds of crops to satisfy a need for locally grown products that cater to the
changing demographics.
Contributing to near urban agriculture will help achieve The Living City objective for Sustainable
Communities by:
• promoting social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for
increased accessibility to fresh, healthy foods;
• providing opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the
number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for the local people;
• reducing our ecological footprint by providing locally grown and sold food, reducing food
miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation;
• providing a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a new
range of crops sought after by new Canadians.
In 2005 TRCA entered a partnership with the City of Toronto and a number of other community
groups to initiate an urban farm on 8 acres (3 hectares) of TRCA -owned land within the
boundaries of Black Creek Pioneer Village. The objectives are to:
• build community capacity to address local food security and environmental issues;
• promote healthy nutrition and active lifestyles;
• increase the availability of rare and nearly extinct vegetable and other plant species;
• increase participants' knowledge and skills in organic farming and environmental
stewardship;
• generate and disseminate knowledge in sustainable agriculture and community
development;
• create meaningful employment opportunities for local youth;
• enable youth to develop employment, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
TRCA staff is currently working on a discussion paper and policy for agricultural use on
TRCA -owned land. Other partners are also being sought that may have an interest in near
urban agricultural ventures across TRCA's jurisdiction.
20
ONTARIO CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT
In 2003, TRCA entered into an agreement with Environment Canada to be the lead, with
Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) remaining as the delivery
agent, for the Toronto Region Sustainability Program. This program provides small to medium
sized manufacturing enterprises in the Toronto region with a 50% cost -share funding incentive
(up to a maximum of $4,000) for pollution prevention planning. The objectives of the program
are to create an action and results oriented program in Toronto to advance the performance of
small and medium enterprise (SMEs) and manufacturing operations in the City of Toronto in
areas of sustainable development and environmental performance in line with Environment
Canada's objectives.
In 2004, TRCA watershed specialists worked to initiate support for OCETA by engaging local
manufacturers; TRCA and OCETA staff worked together to promote Toronto Region
Sustainability Program through conferences and workshops; and TRCA worked to gain
municipal support by developing a framework for shared action.
In 2005, TRCA entered into an agreement with the City of Vaughan and OCETA to develop the
Vaughan Manufacturer's Sustainability Program to engage SMEs in Vaughan under the
Toronto Region Sustainability Program. Staff is attempting to develop similar agreements with
municipalities across the Toronto region.
GREATER TORONTO ATMOSPHERIC FUND
At Authority Meeting #7/05, held on September 30, 2005, Resolution #A187/05 was approved,
as follows:
WHEREAS at the annual GTA Smog Summit this year, representatives of the federal
and provincial governments, along with municipal politicians from across the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA), signed a declaration expressing their intent to explore the creation
of a GTA -wide climate and clean air agency on the model of the Toronto Atmospheric
Fund;
WHEREAS the year 2005 has seen the highest number of air quality alerts in the history
of the region;
WHEREAS parts of the GTA are experiencing constraints in electricity supply through
the provincial grid;
WHEREAS municipalities in the GTA recognize the serious effects that climate change
will have on the region's economic, environmental and social health;
WHEREAS rising energy prices are creating a strain on municipal budgets;
WHEREAS the creation of a GTA climate and clean air agency would assist GTA
municipalities, as well as the federal and provincial governments, in dealing with these
problems;
21
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority call on the federal and provincial governments to fund the creation and
ongoing operation of such an agency, based on the Toronto Atmospheric Fund model,
said agency to work in cooperation with the GTA regions and local municipalities, as
well as with senior levels of government, other public sector agencies, and the private
and not - for - profit sectors, in dealing with clean air and climate change issues across the
GTA;
AND FURTHER THAT the local municipalities and regional Medical Officers of Health in
the GTA be so advised.
Discussions are underway with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and the GTA Clean Air
Partnership to establish the Greater Toronto Atmospheric Fund. Staff is seeking approval from
the Authority to pursue a partnership with TAF and CAP to establish the GTAF, and to develop
proposals with these two agencies to seek funding from the provincial and federal
governments. If funding is achieved, GTAF will be administered by a secretariat at TRCA with
the goal of advancing building retrofits, energy efficiency and renewable technology
applications.
Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264
For Information contact: Glenn MacMillan, extension 5212;
Brian Dundas, extension 5262;
Renee Jarrett, extension 5315;
Gary Wilkins, extension 5211
Date: April 5, 2007
RES. #E5/07 - RENEWABLE ENERGY DISCUSSION PAPER
To determine what additional role Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority can, or should play, in the transformation of the market place
for renewable energy.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Linda Pabst
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to prepare a
discussion paper, in collaboration with leaders in the field, to determine what additional
role Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) can, or should play, in the
transformation of the market place for renewable energy;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Sustainable Communities Board in
September, 2007 with the final draft of the discussion paper.
CARRIED
22
BACKGROUND
There is a general understanding that energy use is one of the most significant factors
contributing to climate change. According to the National Round Table on the Environment
and Energy (NRTEE), addressing the impact of energy on climate change requires examining
two key areas: how energy is used and how it is produced. TRCA is involved in a number of
strategic activities that target these two key areas of energy activity.
Energy Use
TRCA is currently pursuing a number of sector based energy efficiency programs such as the
Mayors' Megawatt Challenge, Greening Health Care and Sustainable Schools. Through these
programs, TRCA assists more than 40 institutional organizations in improving their energy
efficiency and environmental management in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.
Energy Production
NRTEE recommends addressing several areas of energy production in terms of climate
change. TRCA cannot influence carbon capture and sequestration in the oil and gas sector.
However, the other two key areas recommended for activity by NRTEE are combined heat and
power (CHP) projects and renewables, and TRCA can play a role in these. For example, in the
past year, TRCA hired Tridel Corporation using funding from Ontario Power Authority and
Toronto Atmospheric Fund to design a CHP installation for a high rise residential building.
TRCA has been involved in renewable energy education and training for more than 25 years
through the Kortright Centre for Conservation.
RATIONALE
There have been several nationally and provincially focussed strategy documents developed in
recent years by organizations such as the Pembina Institute, David Suzuki Foundation,
Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance and others. Staff believe there is a significant
opportunity to build on TRCA's current renewable energy initiatives and the strategy
documents already developed. There is also a significant opportunity to identify strategic
leverage points (opportunities) for TRCA and its partners to transform the marketplace for
renewable energy in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.
TRCA is in a good position to engage key government and non - government organizations
(NGOs) in the development of a discussion paper. With its regional focus and municipal
partners, TRCA is well situated to facilitate a process to synthesize the recommendations and
issues being addressed in key documents already published, identify who is acting on the
recommendations and what is being done, identify gaps in the current activities and make
recommendations for actions in strategic areas.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Internal meeting with staff to confirm direction and approach (completed).
• Compile and synthesize key reports (completed).
• Meet with key NGOs and government agencies to engage them in the project (mid to late
May) .
• Complete draft report (end of June).
• Broad circulation for profile and feedback (3 months).
• Finalize and publish report (September, 2007).
23
FINANCIAL DETAILS
$10,000 from PowerStream's 2006 contribution to The Living City has been allocated for this
project, as well as $10,000 from the Regional Municipality of Peel and $10,000 from the City of
Toronto.
Report prepared by: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326
For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326
Date: March 28, 2007
RES. #E6/07 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
BOLTON ARTERIAL ROADS STAGE 2
Class Environmental Assessment. To provide information regarding the
Bolton Arterial Roads Stage 2 Class Environmental Assessment.
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Linda Pabst
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Town of Caledon be advised
that the South Alignment, as proposed in the Draft Environmental Study Report, dated
January 2007, is satisfactory to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
subject to the conditions provided in this report;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be advised of the Authority's
position.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1983, the Town of Caledon completed the Bolton Transportation Study which identified that
an eastern arterial needed to be developed along the Vaughan /King /Caledon Townline Road.
The town completed an Environmental Study Report for the proposed works in 1988 at which
time concerns were raised with respect to the need for the proposal, its links to other arterial
roads in the Bolton area, and the potential environmental effects. As a result, in 1989, the
Minister of the Environment (MOE) "bumped up" the level of study required for the project to
an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA).
The IEA report was submitted to the Ministry in 1997 and divided the proposal into two stages.
Stage 1 included immediate improvements to the transportation network, including the
reconstruction /construction of both Townline Road and Coleraine Drive, south of King Street.
Stage 2 included a "by- pass" road around the Village of Bolton from King Street and Coleraine
Drive, extending north, crossing Duffy's Lane and Regional Road 50 and then running
southeast to connect with King Road at Townline Road (Exhibit 5 -1).
24
Concerns regarding the IEA were raised by TRCA related to significant impacts on landform
features and functions of the Humber River watershed, as well as significant impacts on the
management and operation of TRCA's Bolton Resource Management Tract. On February 21,
1997, the Authority recommended that staff advise MOE and the Town of Caledon that TRCA
could not support the proposed alignments for the Bolton By -pass (Res. #A310/96), between
Duffy's Lane and Regional Road 50.
The town submitted a formal amendment to the IEA in 1998 which moved the alignment to the
northern limits of TRCA property (Exhibit 3). The Bolton Arterial Roads IEA was approved by
the Minister of the Environment in April 2000. For Stage 2, however, as part of the Conditions
of Approval set forth by MOE, it was required that a future Municipal Roads Class
Environmental Assessment (EA) be carried out for confirmation of the road alignment between
Duffy's Lane and Regional Road 50.
Bolton Arterial Roads Stage 2 - Environmental Study Report
There are two alignments being discussed at this time. The first alignment is the WN2
Refinement which is located at the northern limit of TRCA property. The second alignment is
the South Alternative which is located approximately 240 m south of TRCA property's north
boundary line (Exhibit 5 -1). The South Alternative was proposed so that the WN2 Refinement
(northerly alignment) would not sever a farmland parcel. In a letter prepared by TRCA dated
August 11, 2006, it was noted that further to previous discussions with the Town of Caledon,
the consultant, the farm owners and TRCA technical staff, it was determined that TRCA staff
has no objection in principle to the southern alignment based on the town's commitment to
address TRCA's outstanding concerns.
The Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR), dated January 2007 was received on March 9,
2007. The draft ESR concluded that the South Alternative is the most technically preferred and
through enhancements, impacts to the environment will be minimized and mitigated through
the following conditions:
Conditions pursuant to the Authority approved Res. #A300/97:
• TRCA has traditionally made lands available for municipal road widenings and servicing
purposes at no cost. The Town of Caledon should be aware that since the optional
alignment involves a substantial area of tableland where no road presently exists, TRCA
may seek compensation for the land, if and when the road project proceeds, so that further
greenspace acquisition could take place.
• Given the extent of TRCA land holdings to the north of Bolton and the value of these large
blocks of TRCA -owned lands as contiguous greenspaces, the Town of Caledon should
seriously consider protecting these lands from any proposals for new road crossings
between the Bolton Resource Management Tract and the north end of Albion Hills
Conservation Area.
• The connection from Duffy's Lane to the by -pass be shifted north of the tributary feature
and minimize further encroachment into the Bolton Resource Management Tract parcel,
maximizing the length of the existing Duffy's Lane right -of -way to be decommissioned.
25
• The Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association has established a basic trail which links
Bolton to Albion Hills Conservation Area, through these lands. Maintenance of the regional
trail through the Bolton Resource Management Tract lands, in the vicinity of the new arterial
road and improvements such as the Humber River bridge, should be accomplished as part
of this road project.
• Aquatic habitat creation projects in the area previously impacted by the Duffy's Lane
crossing of the Humber River should be part of the detailed design phase of this project
and put in place as part of the construction of the road.
• Terrestrial habitat creation projects where the opportunity exists, including reforestation
efforts and the creation of wetlands where conditions permit, should be part of the final
construction phases.
• Stormwater quality and quantity treatment for the runoff from all new impervious surfaces
will need to be incorporated in the final design according to the best management practices
at that time.
• Archaeological assessment of resources and appropriate measures to protect them.
• Interpretive signage along the new road.
• Permits pursuant to Ontario Regulation 158 (now 166/06).
Additional conditions pursuant to TRCA review of the draft ESR:
• Commitment to incorporate requirements of the Humber Valley Trail Association regarding
the relocation of the trail to have an underpass instead of a grade crossing.
• Commitment to appropriately span the wetland and watercourse crossings associated with
the new alignment.
Staff will continue to be involved in the review process, once the project reaches the detailed
design stage, to ensure that our concerns are addressed, appropriate watercourse crossing
spans are achieved and that appropriate compensation is obtained.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA staff is currently preparing additional comments on the draft ESR and will be including
the above -noted comments as part of the letter. It is expected that the town will be filing the
final ESR for 30 -day public review the week of April 9, 2007 and it is our expectation that the
comments will be fully addressed, prior to final approval.
Report prepared by: Sharon Lingertat, extension 5717
For Information contact: Beth Williston, extension 5217
Date: April 03, 2007
Attachments: 3
26
Attachment 1
27
Attachment 2
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29
MOTION TO RE -OPEN
RES. #E7 /07 - BOLTON ARTERIAL ROADS STAGE 2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT item 7.3 -
Jack Heath
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Bolton Arterial Roads Stage 2, be re- opened.
CARRIED
RES. #E8 /07 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
BOLTON ARTERIAL ROADS STAGE 2
Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Linda Pabst
THAT item 7.3 - Bolton Arterial Roads Stage 2, be reconfirmed.
CARRIED
SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD
RES. #E9 /07 - CITY OF VAUGHAN BLOCK 39
Progress Update. Draft approval for Block 39 is in place and preliminary
design work is underway to ensure sustainable features including Energy
Star commitment for all homes.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Jack Heath
Linda Pabst
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the staff report entitled "City of Vaughan Block 39 Progress
Update" be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Over the past 18 months, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), City of
Vaughan, PowerStream Inc., CastlePoint Investment Group and Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation (CMHC) have been working together to develop Block 39 in the City of
Vaughan as an example of sustainable development. As a measure of success to date, the
Block 39 project was identified in January 2007 by Enerquality Corporation and the Ontario
Home Builders Association as the largest Energy Star community under development in the
province. Building on this success, project partners are working to maximize the site potential
for sustainable measures beyond Energy Star. Some of these measures under consideration
include:
Site Opportunities
• naturalized landscaping;
• pedestrian /cycling right -of -ways;
• parkway linkages;
• permeable paving for driveways and public areas;
30
• rain barrel program.
Utility Support - PowerStream
• infrastructure assistance program;
• transformers: reduced quantity, smaller and new technology;
• energy efficient street lighting and reduced quantity;
• Smart Meters with Load Control program.
Home Builder Initiatives
• Energy Star Homes;
• pre- wiring for photovoltaic;
• solar /tankless water heating option package;
• air quality assurance during building process;
• enviro- friendly, inert releasing agent for forms;
• Indoor Air option package for home owners including consideration of Low Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC) and no formaldehyde materials.
Homeowner Support for Sustainable Living
• sustainable living workshops at The Living City Campus;
• Archetype Sustainable House tours and demonstrations.
In addition to the above initiatives, TRCA introduced zerofootprint to the builders. Zerofootprint
is an organization promoting geothermal heating and cooling for the community. The use of
geothermal technology in community applications is running into some resistance due to the
perceived poor reputation these systems have with the Block 39 builders. This reputation
resulted from application problems 20 -30 years ago. Advances in geothermal installation
techniques have come a long way since that time. TRCA and zerofootprint staff are working to
address the builder's concerns.
Report prepared by: Andrew Bowerbank, extension 5343
For Information contact: Andrew Bowerbank, extension 5343
Date: March 23, 2007
RES. #E10/07 - SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
2006 Annual Report. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Operational Sustainability 2006 Report and 2007 priorities.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
John Sprovieri
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the 2006 Sustainable
Management System Annual Report be received.
CARRIED
31
BACKGROUND
At Authority Meeting #10/99, held on October 29, 1999, Resolution #A278/99 was approved as
follows:
THAT the proposed corporate Environmental Policy Statement be adopted;
AND FURTHER THAT the proposed framework for implementing an Environmental
Management System be approved.
Extensive staff consultation, research and planning following this resolution resulted in an initial
set of environmental management targets and objectives. These were finalized in 2002.
Initially, under the Environmental Management System (EMS), only environmental targets were
set. The program was expanded in 2004 to allow for inclusion of social and economic targets
and renamed Sustainability Management System in order to better manage Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) organizational movement toward sustainability.
The Sustainability Management System (SMS) enables TRCA Managers to continually review,
consult, monitor, report, revise and improve TRCA's environmental performance in selected
areas where internal operations have significant impact on the environment. These areas are
called 'significant aspects' under ISO 14000 terminology, one global standard for environmental
management systems.
SMS HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2006
In 2006, TRCA's Field Centres, the Kortright Centre for Conservation (KCC) and Black Creek
Pioneer Village (BCPV) became certified EcoSchools. EcoSchools certification demands high
environmental performance and the integration of sustainable operations into the curriculum.
This is a major development and a laudable achievement.
Also in 2006, TRCA revamped the EcoSchools program to fit our office facilities and renamed it
EcoOffices. Just as they had been set up at the educational facilities under the EcoSchools
program, EcoTeams have been finalized for the following offices:
• Boyd /New Restoration Services Centre
• Downsview
• Head Office (5 Shoreham)
• Eastville (tentative)
Certification of offices as EcoOffices is targeted for 2008. Permission to use EcoSchools
materials and branding for TRCA's internally developed EcoOffices initiative was provided by
Ontario EcoSchools.
2006 also saw the establishment of 'Sustainability Centers' at the Boyd, Downsview and Head
Offices. The centers are displays (chalk and bulletin boards) where information about TRCA
sustainable operations is communicated to staff. The center has a resource box attached to it,
so staff can go and retrieve tips, information, contact names, and /or TRCA policies related to
operating more sustainably.
32
TRCA took a significant step toward managing its facility energy use in 2006 by initiating a
contract with BOSS Online, a web -based energy and water use tracking system. Establishing
baseline energy usage is the first step in the goal of dramatically reducing the amount of
energy consumed. This service will allow energy use to be measured accurately, factoring out
the impact of annual weather patterns. Once trends are observed, steps can be taken toward
improvement and accurate reporting of successes.
TRCA pursued Audubon certification for Bathurst Glen Golf Course, receiving environmental
planning certification, naturalizing more than four acres of previous manicured turf, increasing
cultural practices to reduce maintenance and chemical application and completing plans for
additional Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement for 2007 implementation.
TRCA's Electronic Information Management System implementation continued with the
establishment of the Laserfiche document system. This electronic filing system will significantly
reduce paper consumption.
Other sustainability initiatives and accomplishments in 2006:
• The beginning of construction of the new Restoration Services Centre, a Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified 'green' building;
• Completed 5 year project to mitigate (remove or retire) approximately 28 underground
storage tanks;
• Continued purchasing of green products, with the addition of:
• a new requirement to request bids from Eco Certified printing companies,
• employees to stay at green certified hotels when away on business, and
• mandatory purchasing of energy efficient flat screen monitors;
• 20% of electrical energy used at TRCA is green sourced;
• Completed removal of pit toilets at Conservation Areas (CAs) (2005);
• Six buildings at BCPV have been converted to gas from oil heating as part of the BCPV
energy conservation initiatives;
• Four new seasonal wetlands have been created at KCC (over past couple of years);
• Installed solar hot water system at Indian Line Campground to supplement existing electric
heaters to ensure that there is sufficient hot water to meet demand and reduce hydro
requirements;
• KCC entrance walkway lighting changed to energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED)
fixtures;
• Converted pool at Indian Line Campground to salt water system reducing chlorine usage;
• Targeting of higher use vehicles, such as Central Services and Enforcement Officers
vehicles, for greater efficiency. In 2006 two new central services vans were purchased. One
vehicle has a smaller gasoline V8 motor than in previous vans and the other vehicle is
powered by a Diesel motor with a Tight fiberglass body. The gasoline van improved by
1 L /100 kilometres and the diesel - powered van's fuel use was 61/100 kilometres, which
relates to a 30% improved efficiently. Two of the Enforcement vehicles were replaced with
Honda Ridgeline Pickup trucks. The improvement in fuel usage was 3 and 4 litres /100
Kilometres which is 15 % -20% improvement respectively;
• Purchased a new Toyota Prius vehicle in 2006, bringing the number of hybrid vehicles in
the fleet to 3;
• Fleet mileage has improved from 17.2 L /100 km to 15.0 L /100 km between 2003 and 2006;
33
• As part of a test program, a small gas powered coolant heater has been placed in a Central
Services cargo van. This unit, called BlueHeat, uses the vehicle's existing fuel and electrical
supply to heat the engine coolant and circulate it to heat the engine and vehicle interior.
This simultaneously defrosts the windshield without idling the engine. It uses a small
amount of fuel (.61 /hour) to heat the coolant. The program is aimed at reducing idling. If
this unit works efficiently this winter season, additional units may be installed in other
trucks;
• Improved the mileage recording sheets for all TRCA vehicles to include the number of
passengers in the vehicles during the trip. This will help set targets for the types of vehicles
required to meet the needs of work locations. This information is primarily important for the
pool vehicles at Head Office and the Downsview Office;
• Using BioDiesel at the Claremont Field Centre and KCC in the landscape equipment. No
technical problems have been encountered with the motors. Expansion of the use of
Bio- Diesel fuel is planned for Glen Haffy CA and the Nursery this summer;
• Expanded an existing program that donates used cell phones to food banks to include staff
member's personal phones;
• Expanded program for computer recycling to staff personal computers (e.g. computers at
home);
• Instituted bicycle commuting between Head Office and Downsview Office with purchase of
bikes and bike racks; and
• Replaced inefficient Head Office toilets with high performance, low -flow models.
As in every year, SMS continued its regular auditing of unnecessary idling, adherence to smog
day policies, best practices of sediment control structures and the shutting off of lights and
computers when not in use. "Turn off computer" and "turn off lights" reminder stickers have
been produced and posted at various facilities.
Social Indicators of Sustainability
Quality of Working Life:
1. Overtime is less than 0.5% of total salary dollars for the second year.
2. Absence due to illness is up 4.77 days per employee vs 4.16 in 2005, but is less than the
national average of 9 to 10 days.
3. Work /life balance indicators have improved by 1.3 points on a scale of 5 as indicated by
the 2006 Employee Survey.
4. Employee Engagement improved from 1.89 to 1.84 as indicated by the 2006 Employee
Survey.
Diversity and Social Equity
1. 20 Mentees currently being mentored at TRCA.
2. 30 Internationally trained professionals are seeking professional accreditation through
TRCA programs.
3. 10% of staff were born outside of Canada (Benchmark Source: 2006 Employee Survey)
4. All Staff trained in Diversity.
34
In 2007, the SMS will focus on launching the EcoOffice program (with establishment of
EcoTeams), greening the vehicle fleet and developing a corporate Energy Management Plan to
set a path for significant reductions in our energy use at facilities.
The list of new SMS targets for 2007 is as follows:
• EcoTeams meeting and operating at Head Office, Boyd /Restoration Services Building and
Downsview;
• EcoTeams to investigate site - specific office temperature policies for heating and cooling
seasons;
• EcoTeams to address and report on waste management issues, including composter
performance and benchmarking;
• Enact Thermal curtains at Downsview (note: Downsview Park initiative);
• New Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for Downsview (note:
Downsview Park initiative);
• Continue getting mandatory bids from at least one EcoLogo certified printer and compile
data on reliability, quality and price differential to determine if a certified printer can be used
every time;
• Research viability of more than 50% recycled paper and /or eco- certified sources of paper
(e.g. forest certifications) by surveying partner municipalities for policies;
• Consider adding green catering companies to mandatory procurement list;
• Pursue Energinox systems for recovering waste energy in cooking /food services
operations;
• Develop online energy and water tracking and redo TRCA performance reporting;
• Consider expansion of Restoration Services Building car pool policy to other offices;
• Train and begin reporting on our Green House Gas totals;
• Investigate needs for calculating TRCA 'corporate footprint;'
• Investigate centralized shutdown of computers;
• Consider implementation of Green Performance awards for sustainable operations;
• Pursue installation of LED exit lighting;
• Investigate staff concerns over sustainability practices at external meeting facilities;
• Reinforce 'no idling' efforts;
• Prepare and distribute additional prompts for staff use (e.g. no idling, turn off lights and
computers and print double sided);
• Investigate ethanol in Canadian gasoline. Is Sunoco still the leader? Think about incentives
to staff for using;
• Look into recyclable food containers at food services;
• Create Sustainability Centres for other facilities that request;
• Pursue Social Purchasing Portal membership and opportunities associated with it; and
• Continue biodiesel implementation and monitoring.
Report prepared by: Brian Dundas, extension 5262
For Information contact: Brian Dundas, extension 5262
Date: March 22, 2007
35
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:15 p.m., on Friday, April 13, 2007.
Suzan Hall
Chair
/ks
36
Brian Denney
Secretary- Treasurer
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BOARD #2/07
September 7, 2007
The Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #2/07, was held in the South Theatre,
Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, September 7, 2007. The Vice Chair Linda Pabst,
called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m..
PRESENT
Laurie Bruce Member
Jack Heath Member
Colleen Jordan Member
Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair, Authority
Linda Pabst Vice Chair
ABSENT
Glenn De Baeremaeker Member
Suzan Hall Chair
Glenn Mason Member
John Sprovieri Member
RES. #E11 /07 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Jack Heath
Laurie Bruce
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/07, held on April 13, 2007, be approved.
PRESENTATIONS
(a)
CARRIED
A presentation by Glenn MacMillan, Senior Manager, Water and Energy Management,
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in regard to item 7.1 - Permeable
Pavement and Bioretention Swale Demonstration Project.
RES. #E12 /07 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by: Jack Heath
Seconded by: Laurie Bruce
37
THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received.
CARRIED
SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION
RES. #E13/07 - PERMEABLE PAVEMENT AND BIORETENTION SWALE
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
Preliminary results from the permeable pavement and bioretention swale
demonstration project at Seneca College, King Campus.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Jack Heath
Laurie Bruce
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report on the Permeable
Pavement and Bioretention Swale Demonstration Project be received;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back on study results after completion of the study.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Many of the adverse impacts of urban development on watercourses stem from the loss of
natural infiltration and evapotranspiration functions as pervious vegetated areas are replaced
with buildings and paved surfaces. When less rainwater infiltrates and evapotranspires, more
runs off over the surface, causing flooding, channel erosion and degradation of aquatic habitat.
Permeable pavement and bioretention swales help to prevent these negative consequences by
preserving or re- instating natural hydrologic functions to the landscape.
Implementation of these stormwater practices in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been
limited due to concerns about the effectiveness of the technologies in cold climates,
maintenance requirements, potential contamination of soil and groundwater resources by
infiltrated stormwater, cost and other factors. Initiated in the fall of 2004, this three year
demonstration project was intended to address these concerns by evaluating the benefits and
limitations of the technologies under climate and soil conditions representative of watersheds
in the GTA.
Permeable pavement refers to a group of technologies that reduces surface runoff by allowing
rainwater to seep through the road surface. This group of technologies includes porous
asphalt, pervious concrete, plastic grid systems and interlocking concrete blocks. This project
evaluates a specific concrete block paver design (manufactured by Unilock) as a
representative example of a type of permeable pavement that has shown promise under cold
weather conditions.
38
Bioretention swales consist of small excavated depressions at the curbside that allow runoff
from paved surfaces to pond and infiltrate. The vegetation, mulch and soils in the swale are
specially selected to enhance infiltration and retain and filter contaminants in the upper soil
layers before water passes through the system into the groundwater or underground drainage
system. Bioretention swales provide a useful complement to permeable pavement where tight
soils limit infiltration rates under the pavement itself.
The study is being conducted on a parking lot at Seneca College in King City, Regional
Municipality of York, on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The area is within the Humber River
watershed, and drains to a tributary of the East Humber River. The clay loam soils at this site
are representative of soil texture in the majority of urban and urbanizing areas within Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) jurisdiction.
The study site was specially designed and constructed in the summer and fall of 2004 to
facilitate evaluation of the various benefits and limitations of the two technologies. The parking
lot is divided into three equal sized sections for the permeable pavement, bioswale and a
conventional asphalt control area (Figure 1). Parking lot runoff is being collected both at the
road surface level and as infiltrate from the native soil approximately 1.5 meters beneath the
permeable pavement and bioswale. The permeable pavement and bioswale areas are lined
with an impermeable plastic membrane overlaid with weeping tile to allow monitoring of water
passing through the granular base course and native soils. All monitoring equipment is
located underground in a large sampling vault and is powered by a combination of a wind
turbine and three solar panels, which were installed in the summer of 2005.
39
Figure 1: Parking Lot Design
26.4 m
4
1
8.8 m
Asphalt
Parking Lot
Parking Curbs
8.8 m
Asphalt
Parking Lot
8.8 m
•
Permeable
Pavement
Parking Lot
•
Bioretention Swale
Trough Y'•.
—► Surface Flow
> Subsurface Flow
• Water Level Sensors
N
Trough 1
Y' 1 !
Monitoring
Area
3.7 m
•
0.8 m
Infiltration Basin
w and Overflow
•
3
To date, three interim reports have been prepared as part of this study. The third interim report
for the project was completed in May, 2007 and is available on TRCA's Sustainable
Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) website ( www .sustainabletechnologies.ca). The
report includes a review of international literature on permeable pavement and bioswales,
describes the overall study design, and presents preliminary results for the period from the late
summer of 2005 to March, 2007.
Results to date show that permeable pavement and bioretention swales offer significant
advantages over conventional impervious pavement drainage systems. The main study
findings to date include the following:
40
• Permeable pavement infiltrated virtually all rainfall for events up to approximately 48 mm.
Surface runoff was observed during only one event, in which 72 mm of rain fell over a five
hour period.
• The bioretention swale operated within its design capacity, infiltrating all runoff during
events with rainfall depths of less than 15 to 20 mm. The swale experienced overflows
during larger events because of limited storage on top of the swale.
• Bioswale runoff volumes from the underdrain were less than the permeable pavement site
even when the swale did not overflow because some runoff is held in the root zone and
released to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.
• The permeable pavement and bioretention swale reduced peak flow rates by over 95%
relative to the control pavement area. Runoff was stored and released over a period of
several days after each rain event.
• Both infiltration technologies provide good `removal' of typical parking lot contaminants,
such as zinc, lead and hydrocarbons. Concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS),
nutrients, hydrocarbons and most metals in the permeable pavement infiltrate fell within
acceptable limits for the protection of receiving waters. Copper concentrations were
slightly elevated, possibly due to leaching from the native soils or drainage materials.
• Nutrients and undegraded oils from the organic rich bioswale soils resulted in elevated
levels of these constituents in the bioswale infiltrate.
• Surveys of six older permeable pavement parking lots ranging in age between 3 and 14
years indicated that pavements were generally in good structural condition with few signs
of slumping or heaving caused by freeze /thaw cycles within the base course layer. Several
of the sites were experiencing reduced surface infiltration from clogging with fine
sediments. The use of sand either as a bedding layer for the pavers or for winter
maintenance was identified as an important factor contributing to clogging of pavement
void spaces.
• The chemical quality of soils underlying the older permeable pavements were found to be
similar to, or better than that of nearby reference sites. Chloride was the only variable with
higher concentrations in the permeable pavement soils. Although further sampling is
needed, results so far suggest that heavy metals and hydrocarbons in infiltrated runoff are
mostly retained within the granular base course layer of the pavements, and that long term
accumulation of contaminants in subsoils is probably not a significant concern.
Other questions relating to the structural integrity of permeable pavements, winter performance
and the cost of the technologies relative to conventional alternatives are the subject of ongoing
investigations.
As monitoring continues through 2007 and 2008, more will be learned about the performance,
longevity and maintenance requirements of the permeable pavement and bioretention swale.
Findings from the monitoring assessment will be used to develop water management
guidelines for application of these technologies on new and reconstructed parking lots. The
final report will be disseminated through a variety of sources (print, web, conferences).
41
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Table 1 shows the schedule of project activities.
Table 1. Schedule of activities
Activity
Schedule
Status
Conduct a Literature Review;
Design Plan of Parking Lot and
Study Area
May - August 2004
Complete
Construction of Permeable
Pavement Parking Lot and
Bioswale
August - September 2004
Complete
Develop Monitoring Program
November - December 2004
Complete
Report of activities to date,
monitoring design, monitoring
protocol, and activities for 2005.
March 2005
Complete
Install equipment and monitor
performance
May 2005 to March 2008
On -going
Year end report
March 2005/2006/2007
three of four completed
Final Report
April 2008
to be completed
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Table 2 lists project partners for fiscal year 2007/08.
Table 2: Partner contributions
Partner
Funding Status
Funding Type
Contribution
($)
Toronto, York, Peel
Committed
cash
40,000
Markham
Committed
cash
10,000
Environment Canada
Proposed
cash
12,500
Ontario Ministry of the
Environment
Committed
laboratory services
cash
25,000
12,500
The Great Lakes
Sustainability Fund
Decision Pending
cash
30,000
Fisheries and Oceans
Canada
Decision Pending
cash
10,000
Total
120,000
42
Construction costs for this study were approximately $88,000, which included labour,
construction material purchases, machinery rental and landscaping. Approximately $38,000 in
donated materials was supplied by Unilock, Hanson Canada, Layfield Geotextiles and EMCO
Ltd.. Seneca College provided the wind turbine, one solar panel and some of the electrical
supply materials (approximately $15,000 in value). It is expected that monitoring, data analysis
and final report preparation will cost approximately $110,000. Of this, $25,000 will be in -kind
contributions for lab services from the Ministry of the Environment. An additional $10,000 is
needed to conduct structural stability tests and off site investigations of older installations.
Funding contributions in earlier years were received from the Pat and John McCutcheon
Foundation ($20,000), the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation ($25,000), Wal Mart ($10,000), the
Concrete Association of Canada ($5,000), the Interlocking Concrete Paving Association
($5,000), the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund ($55,000), Toronto and Region Remedial Action
Plan (RAP) Memorandum of Understanding ($60,000), Fisheries and Oceans Canada
($19,000), City of Toronto ($20,000), Regional Municipality of Peel ($10,000) and Regional
Municipality of York ($10,000).
Report prepared by: Tim Van Seters, extension 5337
Email: tvanseters @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Tim Van Seters, extension 5337
Email: tvanseters @trca.on.ca
Date: August 17, 2007
RES. #E14/07 - THE LIVING CITY POLICIES FOR WATERSHEDS
Comprehensive Policy Update to Valley and Stream Corridor
Management Program (1994) - Planning and Development Policy
Guidance Document. To undertake a comprehensive policy review and
update the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (1994),
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) principal policy
document, to be consistent with current legislation; to establish new
policy directions supported by the technical information and science
gained by the development of TRCA watershed plans; and to incorporate
and advance the objectives of The Living City.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Jack Heath
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff proceed with "The Living
City Policies for Watersheds" as per the work plan, which includes a comprehensive
review and update to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Valley and
Stream Corridor Management Program (1994), including emphasis on new program
areas of natural systems and sustainable communities;
43
THAT staff be directed to report back to the Sustainable Communities Board in 2008 with
the progress on the work detailed in the work plan and to bring forward a work plan for
the public and municipal consultation process;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA's member municipalities be so advised of this initiative as it
is complementary to, and supportive of, the municipal growth planning and Official Plan
updating process.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (VSCMP) was approved by TRCA in
1994. It was TRCA's first attempt at integrating ecosystem planning and management in a
single policy document by incorporating components of many TRCA plans and programs in
the 1980 Watershed Plan and the 1986 Watershed Plan Update. It was also an attempt on
behalf of TRCA of consolidating policies and procedures within other separate documents and
reports, such as the 1982 Environmentally Significant Areas Study, 1987 Flood Susceptible
Sites Policy and the 1990 Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River
Watershed. The VSCMP also updated policies and procedures to reflect the understanding of
the watershed ecosystem at that time and established new policy directions responding to
watershed issues. Essentially, the VSCMP established TRCA's policies for the protection and
rehabilitation of valley and stream corridors within its jurisdiction.
On a day to day basis, the VSCMP is used to guide TRCA's role in the planning and
development review process and assists with the implementation of responsibilities under the
Planning Act and the Conservation Authorities Act (CA Act). However, legislative amendments
have been made to both the Planning Act and the CA Act since 1994, and several new acts,
plans and regulations related to planning and development have been issued by the province.
These include the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act and Plan (2001), Ontario Regulation
97/04 - Generic Regulation Conformity (2004), the revised Provincial Policy Statement (2005)
and associated guidance documents, the Greenbelt Act and Plan (2005), Bill 51, Planning and
Conservation Land Statute Amendment Act 2005 (2006), The Places to Grow Act and Growth
Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006), The Clean Water Act (2006), Ontario Regulation
166/06, and TRCA's Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines
and Watercourses Regulation (2006). In 1997, TRCA entered into a Level III Agreement with
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to review development applications
under Section 35(1) of the Fisheries Act. In 2001, Conservation Ontario, the Ministry of Natural
Resources and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing entered into a memorandum of
understanding, in which conservation authorities (CA) were delegated responsibilities under
the Provincial One Window Planning System to review policy documents and applications
under the Planning Act to ensure that they are consistent with Section 3.1 (Natural Hazards) of
the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). Given the significant amount of legislation that has been
released since 1994, and changes to our planning and regulatory roles and responsibilities, a
comprehensive review and update to the VSCMP is necessary in order to ensure consistency
with current legislation. Furthermore, TRCA's member municipalities are in the process of
updating their official plans to be consistent with all of the new planning legislation.
44
Through the completion of new watershed studies and strategies and updates to TRCA's
existing watershed plans, the base of scientific research has grown substantially. In turn,
TRCA has significantly advanced the understanding of watershed issues. The results of this
work indicate the need to update current policies and procedures, as well as develop new
policies to address the complex interrelationships between watershed health and urban
development. This is in order to build more sustainable communities consistent with The
Living City vision.
Since 1994, TRCA also adopted a strategic plan for moving towards The Living City with a
vision of a healthy, attractive, and sustainable urban region extending into the 22nd century. A
comprehensive review and consolidated policy update to the VSCMP is essential to achieving
The Living City. The objectives of Healthy Rivers and Shorelines, Regional Biodiversity,
Sustainable Communities and Business Excellence need to be integrated into the policy
framework. The objectives of The Living City are compatible with the province's vision of a
healthy natural environment, productive urban and rural areas, community well -being and an
integrated transportation network supported by a diverse, more compact urban form for the
entire Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), as promoted by the Growth Plan for the GGH.
WORKPLAN
TRCA's new policy document, The Living City Policies for Watersheds, will be a comprehensive
consolidation and update of policy to reflect the evolution of programs and their policies since
1994. This report relates specifically to planning and development review policies associated
with the natural systems and sustainable communities. As such, TRCA staff has developed a
work plan to undertake a comprehensive review and update to those policies (Attachment 1).
This work plan outlines the first phase of the project of preparing a draft policy document. Staff
will report back to the Sustainable Communities Board in 2008 with a work plan to deal with the
municipal and public consultation process on the draft policy document for the planning and
permitting aspects of policies.
Similar to the exercise and process that was undertaken for the development of the VSCMP,
the work plan includes a consolidation of existing TRCA policies and procedures. As an
example, the Shoreline Management Program 1980, and related program updates, will be
consolidated into our new policy document to address the Lake Ontario waterfront within
TRCA's jurisdiction. It should be noted that although there have been a significant number of
legislative changes related to planning and development, many of the principles and policies
established within the 1994 VSCMP remain relevant and applicable today. The intent is not to
lose these elements through this review and update, but rather to build upon the foundation
and success of those policies within the VSCMP.
45
The implications of new legislation to TRCA's planning and regulatory responsibilities under the
Planning Act and the CA Act will be included in this update. For example, amendments to the
CA Act that led to the Generic Regulation conformity exercise undertaken by TRCA between
2004 and 2006 resulted in the new regulation, Ontario Regulation 166/06: Development,
Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses. Policies related to
the implementation of TRCA's regulatory responsibilities need to be updated to be consistent
with new regulations. In 2006, TRCA adopted transitional policies and guidelines to facilitate
the transition from TRCA's previous regulation to the new regulation and a "Permission for
Minor Works" letter of approval protocol to streamline the review of minor works, as initial steps
in TRCA's overall initiative to update the VSCMP. CAs across the province are undertaking a
similar process to update their policy and guideline documents as a result of the Generic
Regulation process. Conservation Ontario has established the Section 28 Peer Review and
Implementation Committee to, in part, develop a policy guidance document to assist CAs in
the interpretation of the regulation and in the development of their own individual policies.
TRCA's understanding of watershed issues has been expanded by a growing base of scientific
research obtained through watershed plans, strategies and studies, such as the Rouge River
Watershed Plan and TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. Accordingly, the
current policies and procedures in the topic areas of natural heritage, water management and
aquatic resources need to be updated to reflect the outcome and directions of this research.
In the area of water management for example, TRCA Ecology staff is in the process of
developing a comprehensive, state -of- the -art "Water Management Guideline" to assist
practitioners (consultants and developers) and review agencies (municipalities and TRCA) in
the planning, selection, design and costing of a wide range of best management practices
(BMPs). This will lead to a more streamlined and focused design and review process. The
guideline will also help to ensure that the goals, objectives and targets as outlined in larger
scale studies (watershed and subwatershed studies) are being met. It is expected that the
proposed guideline will be completed by the end of 2007 and will have input from
municipalities and the development community. The guideline will include sections on:
relevant legislation and TRCA's role in water management, integrating stormwater management
into the planning process, stormwater design criteria, water balance (surface and
groundwater), watercourse /fluvial geomorphology (meander belt, watercourse crossings), flood
plain management, BMPs, erosion and sediment control, operations and monitoring. The
guideline will be a key reference for the update as its technical requirements and the new
policies will need to be compatible.
46
Sustainable community planning and design is an integral component of watershed
management and new policies built on the foundation of The Living City objectives will be
included in this update. Through the planning and development process, TRCA has the
opportunity to encourage sustainable development patterns and energy efficiency in building
design, which will contribute to climate change mitigation. It is current practice that where
opportunities exist in the development review process, TRCA staff work with developers,
builders and municipal staff to incorporate sustainable practices and building designs, such as
green building technologies (e.g. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)),
greenroofs and permeable pavement, into developments. Successful achievements have been
negotiated through this process from individual sites to large scale developments, such as
Block 39 in the City of Vaughan. Planning for growth and development to be undertaken in a
more sustainable and energy efficient manner is supported by Bill 51, which enables
municipalities to include these elements in their official plans.
MUNICIPAL AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Consultation with TRCA's municipal partners, the public, the development community and
watershed stakeholders will be an integral part of this policy update process. It is the intent of
staff to complete a draft of the The Living City Policies for Watersheds document by early 2008,
so that this document can be used as a basis for discussion and consultation. Staff will bring
forward to the Sustainable Communities Board in 2008 a work plan detailing the municipal and
public consultation process. Municipal consultation will occur prior to the public consultation
process. Staff will be building upon TRCA's consultation and on -going dialogue with municipal
partners and key stakeholders established with recent and current policy related initiatives.
Through the Generic Regulation conformity exercise, TRCA conducted extensive municipal and
public consultation. TRCA staff met individually with municipal partners to discuss the
implications of the new regulation and associated policy and implementation issues. During
this process, staff indicated to municipal partners that staff would be undertaking a
comprehensive update to the VSCMP to address both planning and regulatory responsibilities.
The updated flood plain and hazard mapping in support of the new regulation has also
generated specific policy related discussions with both municipal partners and the province. In
TRCA's jurisdiction, some of the 'Urban Growth Centres' designated under the Growth Plan and
Special Policy Areas (SPAS) in municipal official plans, which are slated for redevelopment and
intensification, are also located within the Regulatory Flood Plain. TRCA staff has been
working with municipalities, the province and developers to reconcile the conflict inherent in
intensifying development in flood prone areas through appropriate flood studies, flood
remediation and flood proofing measures, and seeking opportunities for intensification outside
the flood plain. Policy formulation on the technical parameters and risk assessment strategies
to facilitate this reconciliation is needed.
47
TRCA has and will continue to conduct consultation with municipalities, key stakeholders and
the public on watershed plans, strategies and special studies. The results of these
consultations will be integrated into the policy update. Examples of these include the
watershed plans for the Rouge, Humber and Don rivers; Headwater Drainage Features Study
and Water Management Guideline. This ongoing consultation process ensures that the
science and research of this work that will help formulate TRCA's policies, is available to
support municipal partners as they update their official plans and undertake growth planning
exercises. This is in keeping with the municipal plan review and technical clearance
agreements that TRCA has with municipal partners.
Over the past five years, there has been an on -going dialogue between TRCA and the
development community (developers, consultants and proponents) regarding TRCA's planning
and regulatory functions, including opportunities to increase procedural transparency and
streamline the review and approval process where appropriate. Significant progress has been
made in improving TRCA's working relationship with the development community, primarily
through the adoption of technical guidelines and complete application checklists. All of these
have been recently incorporated into a "Development Procedural Guide ". The guide serves as
a comprehensive reference document detailing TRCA's legislative authority, technical
requirements and review and approval procedures. It has been prepared to guide both
novices and those familiar with TRCA's processes. Through the policy update process, TRCA
will continue to work with the development community to further improve clarity around TRCA's
planning and regulatory responsibilities.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Funding for this project is available in TRCA's 2007 Capital Budget from the regions of Peel,
York, Durham and the City of Toronto.
CONCLUSION
The Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (1994) is used to guide TRCA's role in
the planning and development review process and assist with the implementation of our
responsibilities under the Planning Act and the CA Act. However, given the significant amount
of legislation that has been released since 1994, a comprehensive review and update to the
VSCMP is necessary to ensure consistency with current legislation. Furthermore, this update
is essential to achieving the objectives of The Living City. This work is also complementary to
the growth planning and official plan updating process being undertaken by TRCA's member
municipalities.
Report prepared by: Laurie Nelson, extension 5281
Email: Inelson @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Laurie Nelson, extension 5281
Email: Inelson @trca.on.ca
Date: August 21, 2007
Attachments: 1
48
Attachment 1
The Living City Policies for Watersheds
Last Revised: August 23, 2007
Work Plan
Legend:
Policy Research &
Consolidation of
Existing Policy /Practice
Preparation of
1st Draft
Consultation with
TRCA Staff
Preparation of
2nd Draft
Preparation of Final Draft
Policy Document
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Policy Topic
Area
Policy Components
2007
2008
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan. Feb. March
0
Introduction
Landforms
Watersheds
Valley & Stream Corridors
Lake Ontario Shoreline
Oak Ridges Moraine
Niagara Escarpment
Lake Iroquois Shoreline
Agricultural Lands & Greenbelt
Natural
Heritage
Wetlands
Lands Adjacent to Wetlands
Woodlands
Meadows
Inland Lakes
Other Components: Significant
Valleylands, Wildlife Habitat, ANSIs
Restoration
ESAs
Natural
Hazards
Flooding
Erosion
Dynamic Beaches
Wetlands
Lands Adjacent to Wetlands
Special Policy Areas
Two Zone Areas
49
Work Plan
Legend:
Policy Research &
Consolidation of
Existing Policy /Practice
Preparation of
1st Draft
Consultation with
TRCA Staff
Preparation of
2nd Draft
Preparation of Final Draft
Policy Document
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Policy Topic
Area
Policy Components
2007
2008
May
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
0
Water
Management
Stormwater Management
•
•
Municipal Notification
Water Budget
•
Municipal & Public Consultation
Fluvial Geomorphology
• 0
Internal Training
Hydrogeology
• 0
Water Quality
Source Protection
Aquatic
Resources
Fish
Benthics
Riparian Habitat
Public Use
Areas
Lake Ontario Shoreline
Conservation Lands
Public Parks & Open Space
Acquisition through Planning process
Emerging
Policy Topic
Areas
Policy Components
2007
2008
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
0
Air
Air Quality
Atmospheric Deposition
Community
Design Planning
Neighbourhood Design
Cultural Heritage
Building Design
Infrastructure
Energy
Climate Change
Additional Tasks / Activities
2007
2008
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
0
Board Reports
•
•
Municipal Notification
•
Municipal & Public Consultation
• 0
Internal Training
• 0
50
RES. #E15/07 - CLIMATE CHANGE, CLEAN AIR AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PLAN:
MOVING FROM A FRAMEWORK TO ACTION
To highlight Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's support of the
City of Toronto's Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and
Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Jack Heath
Colleen Jordan
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT WHEREAS Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority's (TRCA) strategic plan, Moving Toward The Living City, identifies
the integration of climate change as a critical component in achieving the objectives and
goals of a healthy, sustainable urban region extending into the 22nd century;
WHEREAS TRCA is committed to taking immediate action and exemplifying leadership to
support our communities and partners in dealing with the climate change issue;
WHEREAS TRCA is currently working on a variety of climate mitigation and adaptation
initiatives that complement the City of Toronto's Climate Change and Clean Air Action
Plan and Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the City of Toronto be congratulated for their
leadership and proactive approach to climate change, clean air and sustainable energy
issues within the city;
THAT staff be directed to assist the City of Toronto with the implementation of
recommendations set out in the City of Toronto Report," Climate Change, Clean Air and
Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from Framework to Action" and to seek
opportunities for partnerships with other municipalities, government agencies,
community groups and corporate sector to accelerate the implementation of
recommendations that have TRCA jurisdiction -wide implications;
THAT the City of Toronto be requested to ensure that the city's Agencies, Boards and
Commissions be eligible for special funding programs that support the implementation of
said recommendations;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations for TRCA action outlined below be forwarded
to the City of Toronto for their consideration.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At its meeting held on June 27, 28 and 29, 2006, City of Toronto Council approved the
development of an energy plan that would move the city to a sustainable level of energy use by
2031.
51
On February 20, 2007, the City of Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee held a special
meeting with experts to discuss the key issues related to air quality and climate change and
how the city could address these issues. A subsequent report, Framework for a Climate
Change and Clean Air Action Plan, was presented to the Executive Committee on March 26,
2007 and public engagement was recommended.
The document, Change is in the Air: Toronto's Commitment to an Environmentally Sustainable
Future was released on March 27, 2007 and outlined the framework for public review and
engagement. On April 29, 2007, the City of Toronto held a Climate Change Action Forum at
the Direct Energy Centre to solicit input during the development of the Climate Change and
Clean Air Action Plan. Input was also solicited on -line and a number of different methods were
piloted to reach various target groups. TRCA staff participated in a number of consultation
sessions.
The report, Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from
Framework to Action was approved by City Council at the council meeting held on July 16, 17,
18 and 19, 2007. This report brings together two important City of Toronto initiatives, the
Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan. Both plans
outline a series of recommendations suggesting how the City of Toronto can mitigate and
adapt to the effect of climate change.
The Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan provides a series of recommendations that both
engages the community and builds upon existing City of Toronto programs. The plan explains
actions that can significantly reduce the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and
suggests ways to make substantive positive change to local air quality.
Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan recommends the development of funding programs that will
encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives which in turn will support
implementation of the recommendations for the Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan.
The plans support the overall goal of reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions from the
1990 levels of approximately 22 million tones per year for the Toronto urban area:
i) 6% by 2012 (the "Kyoto target ");
ii) 30% by 2020;
iii) 80% by 2050.
Additionally, a 20% reduction target for locally - generated smog causing pollutants from 2004
levels by 2012 for the Toronto urban area was recommended.
To meet the reduction targets, the plans are designed to:
• Encourage Torontonians to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles, and reduce
the energy required to heat, cool and light their homes.
• Help Toronto businesses be more environmentally friendly.
• Make the City of Toronto a leader in local renewable energy production.
• Help the City of Toronto build a sustainable transportation system.
• Double the tree canopy from 17% to 34 %.
• Foster mutually beneficial improvements in air quality and climate change by continuing
to build necessary partnerships.
52
• Help Torontonians understand the need to reduce their energy use and what actions
they can take at home, work and on the road.
• Help the City of Toronto prepare for and adapt to climate change and the effects on its
residents, vulnerable populations and city operations.
• See the City of Toronto monitor and evaluate its progress on reducing emissions and
report on that progress to the community.
• Help the City of Toronto build on its success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
from city operations by over 30% since 1990.
• Help the City of Toronto establish the financial resources to implement the programs
required to meet reduction targets.
• Help move the City of Toronto toward a sustainable energy future.
The City of Toronto will bring forth further recommendations for action in a Phase II Climate
Change and Clean Air Action Plan and associated Sustainable Energy Action Plan in early 2008.
TRCA's Chief Administrative Officer is participating in this process.
TRCA and Climate Change
TRCA's Strategic Plan, Moving Toward The Living City identifies the integration of climate
change as a critical component in achieving the objectives and goals of a healthy, sustainable
urban region extending into the 22nd century. At TRCA, we are convinced that the most
effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore to help mitigate against
climate change, is to promote renewable energy application, energy conservation and acting
sustainably in virtually everything we do.
In addition to acting sustainably, TRCA's goal is to become a trusted resource in areas of
climate change adaptation and mitigation. TRCA is involved in several programs and projects
aimed at increasing our understanding of climate change and developing new projects and
partnerships to reduce the region's ecological footprint, helping to create a livable sustainable
region in the future - The Living City. A brief description of TRCA's initiatives related to the City
of Toronto's Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan
are below:
Sustainable Management System
TRCA's Sustainability Management System (SMS), previously called Environmental
Management System (EMS), enables TRCA to track indicators of operational sustainability and
report to our stakeholders. Within SMS, the EcoOffices Certification initiative (currently in
development) will strive to educate, involve and drive employee participation in an effort to
make TRCA's offices more sustainable.
Community Transformation Programs
With sustainability and strong environmental values at the core, Community Transformation
Projects are designed to achieve substantial measurable improvements in the sustainability of
towns, cities and regions. To do this, Community Transformation Programs engage leaders in
business, government and society to create and deliver innovative programs that allow cities to
grow and thrive today and well into the future. Designed to be implemented in communities
across Canada, projects include the Mayors' Megawatt Challenge, Greening Health Care,
Greening Retail, Home Energy Clinic, Sustainable Schools and the Renewable Energy
Program.
53
Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program
The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) is a multi- agency program, led by
TRCA. The program has been developed to provide the data and analytical tools necessary to
support broader implementation of sustainable technologies and practices within a Canadian
context.
The Living City Campus
The Living City Campus is a facility that initiates, inspires, supports and monitors change
toward sustainable living, leading the way toward sustainable development and the use of
sustainable technologies through practice, education and market transformation.
Green Building Partnership
TRCA has formed a partnership with two green building councils, the Canada Green Building
Council - Greater Toronto Chapter (CaGBC -GTC) and the World Green Building Council
(WorldGBC). In both cases, TRCA assists in programming and operations.
Eco- Industrial Networks
The essence of eco- industrial networking is improving the financial and environmental
performance of industry. This is achieved by reducing energy, waste and water -use through
efficiencies and developing synergies between companies, where one company's waste is
another's feedstock. TRCA is currently exploring opportunities for partnerships related to
realizing eco - industrial networks.
Ontario EcoSchools Program
TRCA is a proud partner and participant in the Ontario EcoSchools Program with four
EcoSchool certified facilities. The program's goal is one that TRCA embraces - to help schools
reduce their environmental impact by making decisions for a healthy world a part of everyday
school life.
TRCA Climate Modeling
Through the Rouge and Humber watershed plans, TRCA has begun to model potential climate
change effects on our watersheds to assist with adaptation strategies.
TRCA Actions
To assist the City of Toronto in meeting the specific goals of the Climate Change, Clean Air and
Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from Framework to Action, TRCA will undertake the
following actions:
1. Neighbourhood Actions for Green Toronto ( Motion #4)
a) The Live Green Toronto Program will support the greening of neighbourhoods
through a range of programs delivered by residents' groups, Business
Improvement Areas and other neighbourhood agencies and community groups.
54
b) TRCA offers to lead the first Live Green Toronto Program in the
Jane - Finch - Steeles neighbourhood where the combination of schools, natural
spaces, local businesses, cultural facilities, water management issues in Black
Creek, new transit, social housing and the presence of the Black Creek Urban
Farm attest to the need to coordinate greening activities within the
neighbourhood.
c) TRCA will investigate the feasibility of banning the use of equipment powered by
two stroke engines (motion 4j).
d) TRCA will continue to assist the city with city's Green Development Standard
labeling system, green buildings and LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) for Neighborhood programs recently developed with
Canada Green Building Council and World Green Building Council.
2. Environmentally Friendly Public Institutions, Industries and Commercial
Operations (Motion # 5)
a) TRCA supports the City of Toronto's Green Economic Development Strategy.
b) Through TRCA's new eco- industrial park initiative, TRCA proposes to work with
the city to provide assistance to businesses to lower their operating costs and
improve their environmental performance through increased efficiencies in
resource use and by- product exchanges.
c) TRCA is currently working with the Greater Toronto Area Agriculture Action
Committee to promote sustainable agriculture within the Greater Toronto Area.
Feasibility of using TRCA lands for near urban agriculture projects is currently
being investigated. The Black Creek Urban Farm, developed in partnership with
the city, will be a model for future partnerships and will assist the city's
Enviro -Food Working Group.
3. Toronto, Becoming the Renewable Energy Capital of Canada
a) TRCA will continue to participate on the Renewable Energy Action Plan Working
Group to prepare recommendations on addressing issues concerning
renewable energy generation (motion 7e).
b) TRCA will continue to develop and establish landscaping and maintenance
techniques that eliminate the need for equipment powered by small engines and
shift to use of equipment powered by alternative technologies (motion 9i).
4. Setting an Example by Greening City Operations
a) Through the existing SMS, TRCA has begun to phase out the use of
incandescent light bulbs wherever possible (motion 9d). TRCA continues
anti - idling education in TRCA fleet vehicles (motion 9f), supports the Smart
Commute Program for the Toronto Public Service (motion 9g), has created and
adheres to TRCA's Mandatory Green Product /Service Procurement Listing
(January 2007) (motion 9j) and promotes the use of energy efficient appliances
(motion 7k).
b) TRCA welcomes the opportunity to work with the City of Toronto's General
Manager of Solid Waste Management Services, on the proposed agreement
between the City of Toronto, TRCA and Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc. to
install and operate electrical generation equipment to utilize methane from the
Thackeray Landfill Site (motion 9m).
55
5. Making More Sustainable Transportation Choices
a) TRCA will continue to work with the City of Toronto to complete the Bike Plan by
the end of 2012, in particular expanding the existing network of trails (motion 8b).
6. Double the Tree Canopy
a) TRCA, identified as a key partner with Parks, Forestry and Recreation, will assist
City of Toronto in doubling the existing tree
canopy from 17% to 34% (motion 10). TRCA will assist the City of Toronto in
delivering tree planting on public lands. (motion 3).
7. Partnerships for Change
a) Leveraging partnerships and funding resources is a strength that TRCA brings to
our existing partnerships. TRCA is committed to accelerate the implementation
of sustainable technologies to meet The Living City objectives. TRCA will
continue to support the city with it's climate change initiatives by participating on
new enviro- action working groups. (motion 11 a).
A number of the initiatives highlighted above are dependent upon funding support from the
City of Toronto and as such, TRCA requests that City of Toronto's Agencies, Boards and
Commissions be eligible for special funding programs that support implementation of the
above noted initiatives.
TRCA's additional actions supporting City of Toronto's Climate Change, Clean Air and
Sustainable Energy Action Plan
In addition to assisting the City of Toronto in meeting the specific goals of the Climate Change
and Clean Air Action Plan and Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan, TRCA will undertake the
following actions in concert with the plans:
1. Build upon the success of TRCA's SMS which has reduced TRCA's footprint in the
areas of energy use, vehicles and equipment emissions, green purchasing and water
consumption by promoting the system to external partners.
2. Build on the data gathered through the Rouge and Humber watershed plan climate
modeling to better understand and communicate the effects of climate change on our
watersheds.
3. Develop a plan to achieve 30% of TRCA's electricity needs from green energy sources
by 2010. TRCA operations utilize 20% of electricity needs from green energy sources,
with the exception of the Kortright Centre which sources 100 %.
4. Develop purchasing policies and implementation strategies relating to food that
address energy, waste and economic priorities.
5. Strengthen the role of STEP by beginning to monitor and evaluate new green building
technologies.
6. Develop and implement a net -zero energy plan for The Living City Campus.
7. Adopt CaGBC's new LEED Complete strategy to address the issue of building life cycle
analysis.
8. Launch The Living Building Challenge which will challenge several new building
projects to move beyond LEED to create the greenest buildings in North America.
These projects will act as case studies for further research and monitoring.
56
9. Develop a Renewable Energy Roadmap to identify the most strategic method for
transforming the market for renewable energy technologies in the Greater Toronto Area.
Additional Recommendations for Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy
Plan Implementation
a) TRCA, as partner and participant in the Ontario EcoSchools Program, will
recommend our participation on the School Board /City Environmental Education
Working Group to review current environmental curriculum and explore
opportunities for collaboration on environmental initiatives (motion 12b).
b) The Toronto Environment Office will continue to coordinate the City of Toronto's
actions to measure, monitor and model greenhouse gases and smog causing
emissions to ensure efforts are focused on those that have the greatest effect on
human health and the natural environment (motion 14a). TRCA recommends
that this motion be strengthened by measuring and monitoring energy use as it
relates to greenhouse gases.
c) Further, TRCA recommends that information should be incorporated into the
City of Toronto's financial reporting structure for each division.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
1. Forward TRCA recommendations to the City of Toronto for their consideration.
2. Continue to assist the city with the implementation of their recommendations and
support the development of the Phase II Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and
associated Energy Plan actions.
Report prepared by: Jeff Birchall, extension 5583
For information contact: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237
Adele Freeman extension 5238
Emails: jbirchall @trca.on.ca, csharma @trca.on.ca, afreeman @trca.on.ca
Date: August 20, 2007
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:42 a.m., on Friday, September 7, 2007.
Linda Pabst
Vice Chair
/ks
57
Brian Denney
Secretary- Treasurer
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BOARD #3/07
November 2, 2007
The Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #3/07, was held in the South Theatre,
Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, November 2, 2007. The Chair Suzan Hall, called
the meeting to order at 11:25 a.m..
PRESENT
Laurie Bruce Member
Suzan Hall Chair
Jack Heath Member
Colleen Jordan Member
Linda Pabst Vice Chair
Reenga Mathivanan Member
Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair, Authority
John Sprovieri Member
ABSENT
Glenn De Baeremaeker Member
Glenn Mason Member
RES. #E16 /07 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Linda Pabst
Colleen Jordan
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/07, held on September 7, 2007, be approved.
PRESENTATIONS
(a)
CARRIED
A presentation by Dave Hallman, Managing Principal, Transportation, Stantec
Consulting, in regard to item 7.1 - Heart Lake Road Stormwater Management Plan.
RES. #E17 /07 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by: Linda Pabst
Seconded by: Colleen Jordan
58
THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received.
CARRIED
SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION
RES. #E18/07 - HEART LAKE ROAD STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POND
To provide information regarding the Heart Lake Road Stormwater
Management Pond permit application.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Linda Pabst
Colleen Jordan
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to proceed with
the review and permitting of the Mayfield Road improvements and Heart Lake Stormwater
(SWM) pond in accordance with the staff report dated October 11, 2007.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the Mayfield Road Environmental Assessment (EA)
was filed in November, 2002. The report discussed improvements along Mayfield Road from
Hurontario Street to Heart Lake Road. As part of the proposed road works a SWM pond was
proposed on the southwest corner of Heart Lake Road and Mayfield Road.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff received the permit application and
preliminary design submission for the proposed works along Mayfield Road (east of Kennedy
Road to Heart Lake Road) on January 28, 2005. Staff met with the Regional Municipality of
Peel (hereafter the Region of Peel) and the project consultant on April 14, 2005 to discuss
TRCA's technical, property and land management concerns related to the proposed location of
the SWM pond. Staff explained that further studies were required to assess the most
appropriate location of the SWM pond due to the sensitivities of the natural heritage features in
the area and the proposed location of the SWM pond relative to Teapot Lake.
Staff received the Mayfield Road Stormwater Pond Review on July 15, 2005 and the
Hydrogeological Assessment on July 20, 2005. The submission was in support of the Region
of Peel's permit application and included a review based on the MTRCA Staff Review, Use of
Authority Owned Lands for Stormwater Management Facilities Guidelines, dated January 18,
1993. Further to the review of the submission, staff advised that the reports did not adequately
demonstrate that the proposed location for the SWM facility was the only technically feasible
location. Staff requested that the SWM Pond Location Evaluation Matrix presented in the
submission be revisited and further analysis be provided based on technical issues, a review of
the draft Heart Lake Master Plan and in consideration of the Greening Our Watersheds:
Revitalization Strategies for Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks. On April 6, 2006, staff received an
updated SWM Pond Location Evaluation Matrix after which time it was concluded that the
SWM pond on the southwest corner of Heart Lake Road and Mayfield Road would be
acceptable based on conditions outlined and finalized in a letter dated September 6, 2006.
59
Road Widening and Stormwater Management Pond
As a result of the proposed Mayfield Road widening to 4 lanes, a SWM pond is required to
treat the stormwater runoff. As one of the conditions of the September 6, 2006 letter, staff
requested that the Region of Peel design an innovative SWM facility that would complement
the landscape and existing environment. The proposed SWM pond was to be designed in
such a way that it would be integrated with the existing landscape and resemble a wetland
feature. It will be constructed with a clay liner and will be planted with a variety of deciduous
and coniferous trees, native shrubs and submergent and emergent plants. A pedestrian trail
will be constructed along the northern limit of the pond from the southwest corner of Mayfield
Road and Heart Lake Road west to an access road. Interpretive signage will be located on the
southwest corner to highlight some of the features of the pond.
Archaeology
For any proposed work on TRCA lands, an archaeological investigation must be undertaken by
TRCA Archaeologists. A Stages 1 to 3 archaeological investigation was completed on
TRCA -owned lands for the proposed road widening and SWM pond, and a Stage 4
investigation was completed in June, 2007 for a section just south of Mayfield Road, within the
area of the proposed SWM pond. Artifacts from the Late Paleo- Indian and early to late Archaic
periods were recorded including a variety of scrapers, drills and points. This excavation was
conducted with the participation of descendant Aboriginal peoples. As recommended by one
of the descendant representatives, this site has been named the 'Stopover' because it reflects
the fact that this campsite was reused for short periods of time over the millennia.
Representatives of the descendants participated with the excavation works and conducted a
'smudging ceremony' on site to honour their ancestors.
The earliest artifacts found at the Stopover site date back at least 9,000 years. These Early
Archaic peoples likely descended in Ontario from the Paleo- Indian peoples who were the first
human occupants of southern Ontario following the last ice age. The Early Archaic period was
similar to that of the Late Paleo- Indian period. However, the Early Archaic period had a greater
diversity of animals and plant life. Small family groups would have lived a nomadic life and
would have travelled throughout the watershed as different foods became seasonally available,
and beyond the watershed at times for specific non -local resources such as tool stone. They
perfected ways to fashion large, intricately flaked stone spear points which were used for
hunting various animals such as caribou, beaver, bears and deer. This is the most thoroughly
documented Early Archaic site found in the Etobicoke Creek watershed and is of great
significance to this area.
Later occupations at the site date to approximately 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. A distinguishing
feature of the Middle and Late Archaic periods was the production of extremely durable ground
and polished stone tools which may have been used for heavy woodworking or as weights for
spear- throwers and fishing nets. Differing styles of similar artifacts were discovered throughout
southern Ontario suggesting that groups were beginning to adapt in different ways and were
starting to experiment with new technologies.
60
Teapot Lake is located south of the proposed SWM pond, within Heart Lake Conservation
Area. Teapot Lake is a small meromictic lake in which the bottom layer of the water never
mixes with the upper layer. It is also unusual in that the bottom waters are devoid of life and
rarely, if ever, receive oxygen. As a result, pollen and artifacts in the lake do not decay. The
lake is exceptional in that it contains a continuous record of climate change spanning the last
12,000 years. High resolution analysis of these sediments can be used to obtain information
on magnitude, frequency and trends in climate change and land use change. There are also
very few meromictic lakes in Eastern Canada and therefore it is of extreme importance that this
lake is protected and appropriately studied.
Phasing of Work
Due to the presence of peat deposits along Mayfield Road, the Region of Peel is proceeding
with these works in two phases. Phase 1 work (CFN 39514) was conditionally approved by the
Executive Committee on August 10, 2007 for work involving:
• clearing and grubbing along Mayfield Road from approximately the Ogada Wilderness
Centre Entrance to Heart Lake Road;
• construction of a 1200 millimetre (mm) diameter culvert under Mayfield Road;
• construction of a 400 mm diameter and a 600 mm diameter watermain along the south side
of Mayfield Road;
• construction of storm sewers and a headwall along the east side of Heart Lake Road at the
storm sewer outlet;
• construction of temporary surcharge berms, culverts and rip rap ditches along Mayfield
Road within the limits of the peat deposits to allow for road drainage through the berms.
The Phase 2 work (CFN 36212) was conditionally approved by the Executive Committee on
October 12, 2007 for work involving:
• widening Mayfield Road;
• removal of the surcharge berms;
• construction of a SWM pond on the southwest corner of Heart Lake Road and Mayfield
Road;
• installation of monitoring wells;
• restoration of the study area.
Compensation
In order to compensate for the use of TRCA -owned lands, the Region of Peel has committed
to the following:
• Acquisition of Lands - TRCA will be acquiring a piece of land from the Region of Peel
located on the south side of Mayfield Road. The acquisition of this land would partially
compensate for the permanent easement that will be secured by the Region of Peel
through the TRCA Conservation Lands and Property Services section for the construction
of the SWM pond.
• Watermain Connection - The Region of Peel will provide a municipal water connection to
the TRCA rental property located on Heart Lake Road, near Mayfield Road.
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• Surface and Groundwater Monitoring - The Region of Peel has committed to installing 3
groundwater monitoring wells within locations to be determined by TRCA staff between the
SWM pond and Teapot Lake. The Region of Peel has also committed to a contribution of
$50,000 to be used towards a 5 year groundwater monitoring program that will be directed
by TRCA staff and will be coordinated in partnership with Carleton University students. This
analysis will help to provide a better understanding of the hydrology and hydrogeology of
the Teapot Lake to help ensure protection of the rare feature.
• Off -Site Plantings - The Region of Peel has committed to a contribution of $40,000 to be
used towards restoration plantings which will take place within the headwaters of the
Etobicoke Creek watershed.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
The TRCA permit has been issued for Phase 1 and work is expected to commence in late
October, 2007. The TRCA permit for the Phase 2 works will be issued in the near future, once
revised plans have been received and outstanding technical concerns addressed.
Report prepared by: Sharon Lingertat, extension 5717
Email: slingertat @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Sharon Lingertat, extension 5717
Email: slingertat @trca.on.ca
Date: October 11, 2007
RES. #E19/07 - NET ENVIRONMENTAL GAIN
York Region. Receipt of staff report on the mechanisms for implementing
net environmental gain practices in York Region's planning and
development processes.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Linda Pabst
Laurie Bruce
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT WHEREAS Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff has been working with York Region on numerous
projects and programs to ensure that net environmental gains are achieved, since the
Ministry of Environment's approval of the 16th Avenue Phase II York Durham Sewage
System project in 2005;
WHEREAS TRCA staff has developed a service delivery partnership with York Region
which has facilitated quality working relationships with York Region staff on
environmental assessment and permit related projects and their implementation;
AND WHEREAS TRCA staff continue to work with York Region in the development of
their growth plan, infrastructure master plans and sustainability strategy to ensure that
net environmental gain is included as an integral component of planning and
development;
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THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to report to the Authority once
the final 16th Avenue Environmental Improvements Initiative, Southeast Collector
Environmental Enhancement Plan and Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)
Greening and Biodiversity Plan, have been developed;
AND FURTHER THAT the Regional Municipality of York be requested to make a
presentation to the Authority once their sustainability strategy is finalized.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 2005, staff provided updates to the Authority regarding the design and implementation of the
York Durham Sewage System (YDSS) 16th Avenue Phase II project. As directed by the
Authority, staff has continued its involvement throughout the implementation of this project. At
Authority Meeting #8/05, held on October 28, 2005, Resolution #A240/05 was approved as
follows:
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Sustainable Communities Board in 2006
with a detailed presentation regarding mechanisms for implementing net environmental
gain practices in York Region's planning and development processes.
Since October 2005, staff has participated on various committees, working groups and teams
regarding mechanisms for implementing net gain practices in York Region. These mechanisms
include:
• 16th Avenue Environmental Improvements Initiative;
• YDSS projects;
• YDSS mitigation and monitoring;
• Environmental Assessment (EA) service delivery;
• Growth Plan and infrastructure master plans;
• Sustainability Strategy and other initiatives.
Both individually and collectively, these mechanisms will facilitate net gain achievements in
York Region. Details of each are provided in the following report.
16th Avenue Environmental Improvements Initiative
On October 4, 2004, the Minister of the Environment issued a number of conditions for
approval of the YDSS 16th Avenue Phase II EA in response to a request for a Part II Order. One
of these conditions was for York Region to develop and implement an aquatic habitat
improvement plan. In response, York Region formed the 16th Avenue Environmental
Improvements Initiative Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) to plan a series of environmental
improvements for the Rouge River watershed. At the September 2007 meeting the working
group defined their goal which is to improve the natural system around 16th Avenue and to
leave a positive legacy so that the state of the Rouge River Watershed is in a better condition
than it was prior to construction.
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The SWG includes representatives from TRCA, the Town of Markham, 16th Avenue Trunk
Sewer Project Community Liaison Committee, Rouge Park Alliance, Friends of the Rouge
Watershed, Ontario Streams, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Regional Municipality
of York. To date, two meetings have been held during which the SWG has developed draft
goals and objectives for project selection and development of the 16th Avenue Environmental
Improvements Initiative.
In selecting key projects, both public and private lands will be considered; partnership funding
will be sought; relevant planning policies and guidelines will be considered; existing data and
studies completed by others will be used; and they will work within the context of the Rouge
Park and Rouge North management plans.
Projects selected must meet some of the following objectives:
• provide for increased stream baseflow;
• provide for improved run -off quality and quantity control;
• provide for enhanced aquatic health /fish habitat (i.e., for brook trout and redside dace);
• provide for riparian cover;
• identify and protect recharge areas and discharge areas.
The goals and objectives are to be finalized over the coming months and implementation is
expected to begin in 2008. It is likely that many of these projects will require an Ontario
Regulation 166/06 permit, or a letter of advice issued on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans
Canada. Staff will report back to the Authority once the final plan has been developed.
YDSS Projects
In accordance with the YDSS master plan, a number of projects are in various stages of
planning or implementation. Based on the 16th Avenue example, each of these projects
includes provisions for net environmental gain.
Southeast Collector Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA)
As part of the Southeast Collector (SEC) IEA, York Region has developed an Ecological
Working Group to provide input into ecological and hydrological enhancement opportunities
within the area of the SEC IEA. The working group will propose an Environmental
Enhancement Plan to be used as a vehicle to enhance ecological, hydrological, recreational,
infrastructure and cultural heritage values for the SEC IEA. TRCA is a member of the working
group. Staff will report back to the Authority once the final plan has been developed.
Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)
Construction of the Stage 3 Expansion has been initiated. Ontario Regulation 166/06 permits
have been issued. It has been agreed by TRCA staff and the regions of York and Durham that
restoration and enhancements to the site would be incorporated into the overall project and
not through the individual permits. As such, a partnership with TRCA's Restoration Services
section has been developed and TRCA is working with the regions to design and construct a
new wetland and berming system that meets the standards of other waterfront projects. TRCA
is also working with the regions and the City of Pickering to develop the "Greening and
Biodiversity Plan ". Through the implementation of this plan, a net environmental enhancement
will be achieved. Staff will report back to the Authority once the final plan has been developed.
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Interceptor Sewer
York Region's goal in constructing the YDSS Interceptor Sewer project was to reduce the
amount of dewatering required. To do this they chose to use earth pressure balance (EPB)
tunnelling and groundwater isolation sealed shaft technologies. To date dewatering has
averaged approximately 5 L/sec of maintenance pumping of the process water for the
tunnelling operation, rainwater and some groundwater seepage. It should be noted that the
16th Avenue YDSS project Permit To Take Water (PTTW) issued by the Ministry of the
Environment (MOE) permitted York Region to take up to a maximum of 850 L /sec. The PTTW
for the YDSS 19th Interceptor project permits water taking up to a maximum of 55 L/sec. In the
event that York Region is required to pump at the maximum rate, they have developed a
comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Comprehensive monitoring is
ongoing, and mitigation techniques are readily employable if required to address any
dewatering issues.
9th Line - Phase 2
This project is complete. The pipe was constructed through a shallow medium, and shallow
groundwater monitoring data confirmed full recovery of the shallow groundwater system.
Impacts from the project construction were monitored and adequately mitigated in accordance
with the approved EMP. Monthly monitoring reports were provided to the attention of the
YDSS Coordinator for subsequent review. Environmental monitoring was conducted until the
last shallow piezometer demonstrated full recovery. Monitoring of all sensitive features that
were identified in the EMP was sustained over all project stages and it was confirmed that no
surficial impact was caused by project dewatering.
Bathurst Street Collector /Langstaff Road Trunk Sewer
This project is currently being constructed in accordance with the approved Dewatering
Environmental and Ecological Impact Assessment which serves as the Environmental
Management Plan. No groundwater dewatering has occurred to date with the use of sealed
technology for shaft construction and EPB technology for tunnelling construction and there
have been no impacts from this activity.
West Rainbow Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade
As part of the detailed design for the West Rainbow Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade project York
Region is acquiring a permanent easement from TRCA for the construction of an access route
to their YDSS sewer through the former Thackeray Landfill site, located north of Steeles
Avenue between Kipling Avenue and Islington Avenue in the City of Vaughan. Staff is
negotiating the use of this access route as part of the multi -use trail system York Region is
proposing in their draft Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Study. The location, alignment and
details on the type of trail and where it would connect to north of Highway 407 need further
discussion with TRCA and all other stakeholders. The Region is also considering constructing
a maintenance access bridge to provide a permanent access route on both sides of the river,
which could also be used as a trail linkage. Although details of a permanent access route with
a permanent bridge structure would still need to be reviewed and approved by TRCA under
Ontario Regulation 166/06, TRCA staff is of the opinion that this would be a valuable
connection to the trail network within the Humber River watershed.
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Nobleton Sewage Works
Through detailed design of the Community of Nobleton sewage works, an artificial wetland will
be created at the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) outlet from a portion of an existing oxbow
adjacent to the Humber River. The purpose of the artificial wetland is for the final polishing of
effluent from the proposed STP prior to discharge into the Humber River. Increased
concentrations of phosphorus available for plant growth (known as bio- available phosphorus)
can have negative impacts on a river system as plants rely on phosphorus for their growth and
if too much phosphorus is available in a system, too many plants can grow causing an
imbalance to the ecological function of a river system. During the summer plant growth
season, the period when an excess of bio- available phosphorous would have the greatest
impact on the Humber River, this constructed wetland will provide water quality benefits, and a
functional benefit in phosphorous control at the STP. Additional water quality benefits of the
wetland will include a reduction in ammonia and nitrogenous oxygen demand during the
summer months. This wetland was proposed at the request of TRCA in exchange for using
TRCA -owned lands. It is not a requirement by the Ministry of Environment. Additional
enhancement planting has been incorporated into the detailed design for the project area.
YDSS Mitigation and Monitoring
Since 2005, comprehensive monitoring plans have been developed to facilitate implementation
of each YDSS project. Monitoring is completed on a continual basis, and reports are
submitted to agency staff on weekly, monthly or bi- monthly intervals. The monitoring plans
have been approved by TRCA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) and MOE as part of their respective permitting processes. In order to
facilitate a timely review of the information, TRCA has hired a coordinator to review these
documents, conduct site visits, liaise with York Region and their staff and contractors on a
regular basis, liaise with agency staff, and provide advice to senior management of TRCA, DFO
and MNR. MOE completes its own review through a separate process. Opportunities to
provide environmental enhancements on site are included in the respective Ontario 166/06
permit approvals or negotiated on site as part of the adaptive mitigation process. Funding for
this position has been provided through a partnership agreement with York Region.
EA Service Delivery
Under a signed agreement between York Region and TRCA, detailed Service Delivery
Standards (SDS) are in place for TRCA to review environmental assessment projects in a
comprehensive and streamlined manner. York Region provides complete submissions, and
TRCA provides application review, meetings, and issuance of comment letters and permits, as
per the timelines set out in the SDS. The SDS were developed to incorporate the review of
environmental assessment applications, Ontario Regulation 166/06 permit applications and to
effectively monitor project implementation on active construction sites by TRCA Enforcement
staff. With these standards in place York Region is able to address TRCA issues effectively
without holding up targeted timelines for implementation of their projects. In addition, TRCA
staff is able to effectively negotiate net environmental gains in each EA project through effective
project management and a more integrated environmental review which deals with system
based impacts. These gains are noted in the respective permit reports to the Executive
Committee. Funding for the additional TRCA staff required to facilitate the review has been
provided by York Region.
66
Growth Plan and Infrastructure Master Plans
York Region is currently in the process of updating its growth plan to conform to the Clean
Water Act, 2006, Places to Grow and the Greenbelt Plan. The draft Growth Plan has determined
which communities are to grow, as well targeting communities that will intensify in order to
meet the provincial growth management objectives and regional requirements. The water and
wastewater, transportation and pedestrian and cycling master plans will be developed to
ensure that the infill and new development growth areas can be effectively serviced while
maintaining the environmental integrity of the region.
The master plans will include analyses of several land use alternatives, making
recommendations regarding the impact on infrastructure, thus impacting community
development. The watershed management, water management and cultural and natural
heritage management are being reviewed, as are climate change, energy efficiency and
communication.
There are opportunities to integrate net environmental gain strategies into the master planning
process. Through participation on the technical advisory committees for the respective master
plan studies, staff has advocated that York Region include requirements for ensuring that
opportunities for net environmental gain are included in each of the respective projects to
offset some of the negative environmental impacts that are anticipated if such growth is not
mitigated. Recommendations for appropriate mitigation are provided in the draft Humber,
Rouge and Don watershed plans.
Sustainability Strategy and Other Initiatives
Another condition for approval of the YDSS 16th Avenue Phase II EA in response to a request
for a Part II Order was the Minister of the Environment's requirement that York Region develop
a sustainability strategy. The strategy is to set the direction for all regional planning initiatives,
including the infrastructure master plans and land use development. Once the sustainability
strategy, and growth and master plans are completed, they will be incorporated into the
updated regional official plan.
In September 2005, Regional Council endorsed the establishment and work plan of the
Towards Sustainability in York Region (TSYR) Advisory Group. The Sustainability Strategy will
inform and improve all the regional policies, initiatives and operations, including Planning for
Tomorrow, Vision 2026 and the Regional Official Plan, Housing Strategy, Economic Strategy,
Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy and the Human Services Strategy. The committee has
endorsed a preliminary draft strategy, and public consultation is scheduled for this fall. Once
complete, staff will report back to the Authority.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, TRCA, will continue to be involved as a member
of the Towards Sustainability in York Region (TSYR) Advisory Group related to the
Sustainability Strategy and will report back to the Authority when the plan is complete.
• Beth Williston, Manager, Environmental Assessments, TRCA, will continue to be involved in
the technical advisory committees for the Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update,
Transportation Master Plan Update and the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Study and
she will continue her involvement as a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Committees for
all York Region projects where applicable (e.g., Southeast Collector IEA).
67
• Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration Projects and Maria Parish or Laura Del Giudice,
Planning Ecology Supervisors, TRCA, will continue involvement in the YDSS 16th Avenue
Stakeholder Working Group, Southeast Collector Ecological Working Group and the
Duffins WPCP Greening and Biodiversity Plan, and will report back to the Authority when
the respective plans and initiatives are complete.
• Tamara Kondrachova, YDSS Coordinator, TRCA, will continue to review EMP and design
for all YDSS projects to ensure EMP implementation by conducting site visits, reviewing
monitoring data and liaising with DFO, MNR and York Region's consultants and
contractors.
• The TRCA EA team in Planning and Development will continue to work with TRCA Ecology,
Restoration Services and Watershed Management staff to review EA submissions and
Ontario Regulation 166/06 permit applications in accordance with the service delivery
standards and agreements with York Region.
Report prepared by: Beth Williston, extension 5217 and Chris Barber, extension 5715
Emails: bwilliston @trca.on.ca, cbarber @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Beth Williston, extension 5217
Email: bwilliston @trca.on.ca
Date: October 23, 2007
RES. #E20/07 - GREEN ROOF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR THE GREATER
TORONTO AREA
Final report summarizing findings of Green Roof Economic Analysis
conducted under the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Linda Pabst
Laurie Bruce
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the report entitled 'An Economic
Analysis of Green Roofs: Evaluating the costs and savings to building owners and
developers in Toronto and surrounding regions' be received;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to disseminate study findings to municipal staff,
the development industry and other agencies through technology transfer seminars and
a posting on the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) website.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The environmental and social benefits of urban greenspaces have been well documented by
researchers around the world. These benefits have helped spur the development of new and
innovative ways of increasing green cover in built up areas where land costs are at a premium.
Roof greening is one technique that has emerged as a promising solution to the urban
greenspace issue. Within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), significant progress has been made
in the areas of green roof research and policy development, with a focus on the public benefits
that this technology can provide. Despite this progress, building owners remain reluctant to
build green roofs. Part of this reluctance is due to concerns that green roofs require higher
capital and maintenance costs than conventional roofs without the demonstration of offsetting
benefits to the proponent.
68
The main objective of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) green roof study
under the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) was to estimate the dollar
value life cycle costs (LCC) and savings associated with building and owning a green roof in
the GTA. Costs related to structural modifications, materials and labour for installation, and
long -term maintenance were discussed for both new and retrofit installations. Sources of cost
and savings data include published research, product supplier quotations and completed
green roof project budgets.
Cost information for local green roofs was collected through a survey distributed to individuals
with knowledge of, or access to, green roof cost data. Survey respondents consisted of green
roof suppliers and installers, building managers or their representatives and architects.
Telephone interviews to obtain cost estimates of products currently on the market were
conducted with representatives from several major Canadian companies that supply and /or
install green roofs. All interviewees were asked to provide a per square foot cost range for their
green roof systems, as well as a saturated weight. The weights helped to inform a discussion
of the structural implications of building new and retrofit green roofs.
Data obtained from industry surveying was entered into a spreadsheet database to facilitate
price comparisons, identify trends and determine averages. Information not available through
surveying was estimated based on literature sources and key informant interviews. Data from
surveys and other information sources were used as inputs to a LCC tool developed by the
Athena Sustainable Materials Institute (ASMI). Cost analyses were conducted for a green and
conventional roof on a model one storey office building in Waterloo, Ontario. The data
sources, assumptions and input values were clearly defined. The relative importance of
individual inputs on LCC was determined through alternative scenario analysis.
Key study findings from An Economic Analysis of Green Roofs: Evaluating the costs and
savings to building owners and developers in Toronto and surrounding regions include the
following:
2
• The per ft installed capital costs of extensive green roof systems in the GTA averaged $11,
with a range between $6 and $19.
• Key factors influencing green roof capital costs included the size and complexity of the
installation, special features such as edging, walking paths, safety fencing, local availability
of materials and the need for structural modifications to increase load- bearing capacity on
the roof.
• Only one of the 18 green roofs surveyed required structural modifications. The cost of
these modifications represented 29% of the total cost of the green roof.
• LCC of a conventional roof were found to be between 36 and 39% lower than that of an
extensive green roof.
• Alternative scenario analyses showed that the LCC differential between conventional and
green roofs was most affected by factors that impact capital or replacement costs. These
factors include: (i) roof membrane longevity; (ii) market transformation; and (iii) discount
rates. Variations in annual costs and savings associated with maintenance and energy use
reduction did not have a strong impact on the LCC.
• Based on LCC results from this study, a direct financial incentive of $4 - $7 /ft 2 would be
required in order to make green roofs an attractive option in the GTA and spur market
growth.
69
• Providing an incentive higher than $8 /ft 2 could stunt market growth by allowing suppliers to
keep costs high.
The report identifies several areas in need of further research. Perhaps the most important of
these relates to green roofs on industrial buildings. There are very few examples of green roofs
on industrial buildings in Canada. As a result, none were included in the surveys conducted as
part of this study. A key barrier to adoption of green roofs by industrial building owners and
developers relates to the need of structural modifications. The report recommends that
research be conducted on innovative strategies (e.g. weight transferring structures, creative
green roof design) aimed at reducing the requirement for structural modifications on new and
retrofit industrial buildings (e.g. weight transferring structures). Without cost effective examples
of green roofs on large industrial buildings in Canada, uptake of green roofs by industrial
building owners and developers will likely remain low.
An Economic Analysis of Green Roofs: Evaluating the costs and savings to building owners and
developers in Toronto and surrounding regions is available for download from the STEP
website at www.sustainabletechnologies.ca. Hard copies will also be made available upon
request.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The total cost for this project was $30,500. Financial contributions were provided by:
• Orlando Corporation $10,000
• City of Mississauga $3,000
• Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) $10,000
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada $2,500
• Great Lakes Sustainability Fund $5,000
Report prepared by: Lisa Rocha, extension 5220
Email: Irocha @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Lisa Rocha, extension 5220
Email: Irocha @trca.on.ca
Date: October 15, 2007
RES. #E21/07 - RENEWABLE ENERGY DISCUSSION PAPER
Progress Report. Receipt of the progress report on the Renewable
Energy Discussion Paper: Developing the Business Case for Renewable
Energy Technologies.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Linda Pabst
Laurie Bruce
70
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to proceed with
the preparation of a renewable energy discussion paper, including developing the
Business Case for Renewable Energy Technologies, through a partnership with
University of Toronto as set out in the report dated October 23, 2007.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Historically, one of the most significant barriers to market adoption of renewable energy
technologies is the lack of a good business case for their implementation. As a result, the case
for renewable energy has generally been dominated by the moral argument that 'its the right
thing to do' as one of the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate
change. Although the moral argument is compelling for many people, it does not have broad
market appeal. As a result, it is not likely to have a significant impact on the market for
renewable energy technologies. In recent years the situation has changed; advancements in
renewable energy technology, the rising costs of oil, gas and electricity, incentives, standard
offer contracts for renewable electricity, emissions trading markets and the desire of
corporations to associate themselves with 'green' as a means to attract and maintain
consumers are changing the business case for renewables.
Experts in the renewable energy sector have indicated that there is a significant amount of
misinformation or misunderstanding of the business case for renewable energy. Often
generalizations on the 'pay- back - period' for renewable energy installations are passed around
by word -of -mouth and are taken as fact. In many cases these generalizations are based on
actual case studies, but the information was not meant to be broadly used as a general
rule -of- thumb.
Instead, these general rules are important tools to generate interest and help people
understand how and where best to apply resources toward more detailed feasibility studies or
implementation. However, the context for these general rules is often lost and thus how
applicable the rule is to a specific audience or set of circumstances cannot be determined
without undertaking a feasibility study. The lack of good general information on the business
case for renewable energy is thought to be a significant barrier to the uptake of renewable
energy technologies.
The purpose of this project is to articulate the business case for a key set of renewable energy
technologies and target audiences in a manner that allows better understanding of the
economic benefits of investments in renewable energy. The project will consider business
cases for target audiences (homeowners, small and medium businesses, large businesses,
institutions and investors) and specific renewable energy technologies (solar photovoltaic (PV),
geothermal, solar thermal [air and water] and wind).
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DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA has entered into a partnership with the University of Toronto to undertake this project.
The research is being conducted by Dr. Kennedy, Professor of Civil Engineering, through
graduate student David Bristow. To guide the project, a steering committee has been formed
consisting of industry and municipal representatives including the City of Toronto, Regional
Municipality of Peel, zerofootprint, Conserve! Engineering, Mondial Energy and Solera
Sustainable Energies. One additional industry participant representing wind technologies will
shortly be added. The steering committee will meet periodically to guide the research and to
conduct broader industry consultations on the results. The results of the research will be
released in stages between September, 2007 and September, 2009. The research will
progress from a broad scan of existing or emerging renewable energy technologies, applicable
in different sectors (residential, commercial, industrial), to a detailed, risk -based economic
analysis of the most promising technologies for Ontario markets. The approach is expected to
involve the following steps:
1. Literature Review
Renewable energy technologies are developing at a rapid pace worldwide. There is
substantial academic and non - academic literature assessing their progress. The initial step
in this project will be to undertake a broad scan of the literature to compare the cost and
rates of progress for a range of renewable energy technologies.
2. Industry Consultation
Renewable energy technologies are already available in Ontario markets today.
Consultation with businesses who have either supplied renewable energy technologies in
Ontario, or who use renewable energy, should provide insights into the current technology
costs in Ontario. Moreover, industry consultation may provide an indication of which
sectors (residential, commercial and industrial) are most economically viable for different
renewable energy technologies. The consultation with Ontario industries may involve a
form of survey or a number of case studies. The aim will be to identify a narrower set of
technologies for further detailed study.
3. Technological Analysis
The technologies chosen for further study will be described in technical detail identifying
key attributes of their design. The point of this analysis is to show that cost - effective use of
the technology will depend on site specific conditions (e.g., building orientation in the case
of PV, subsurface thermal conductivity for geothermal heat pumps or wind speeds for
turbines). There are also existing and emerging design choices for any given technology
(e.g., type of PV cell).
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4. Forecasting Future Price of Energy using Existing Technologies
Much of the uncertainty in assessing the business case for renewable technologies relates
to future prices of energy using existing technologies. Forecasting the future prices of
electricity and natural gas in Ontario is by no means easy (nor scientific). The approach
taken in this paper may be to review existing studies and /or conduct expert interviews (e.g.,
using a Delphi technique). Many potential factors may influence the future price of energy
in Ontario such as resource availability, population growth, industry change, government
and private sector investments in infrastructure, and policies relating to climate change. It
is hoped that the paper would achieve amongst the readership an understanding of which
factors could have the most significant impacts on energy prices, establish approximate
best estimates and upper /lower bounds on future Ontario energy prices based on expert
opinion.
5. Economic Analysis
The final stage of the research is to produce measures of economic return for the selected
renewable energy technologies in different sectors and under different design conditions.
This would be done for an Ontario context and would aim to produce measures of
expected pay -back periods and internal rates of return. Tables of these measures have
been produced for grid- connected PV systems by Talavera et al. (2007), though not
specifically for Ontario markets. It is proposed that the paper go beyond these measures
and take a risk -based approach to assessing economic returns which incorporates the
uncertainty in future energy prices (established in step 4). The results will show how
investments in renewable energy technologies compare to other investment alternatives on
a graph of risk versus average expected return.
RATIONALE
The results of this study will be used to develop marketing materials for each of the target
audiences addressed in the project. These marketing materials will be incorporated into a
variety of existing and new outreach programs to help increase the uptake of renewable energy
technologies.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The total cost to support a Masters in Engineering student at the University of Toronto for two
years is approximately $47,000. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is
providing $12,700 of these funds from the Peel Climate Change funds and will partner with
Professor Kennedy with proposals to interested organizations for an additional $12,700. The
award of this contract was approved by TRCA's Chief Administrative Officer on May 2, 2007, as
per the specifications of the Purchasing Policy. The remaining $18,600 will be provided by the
University of Toronto through teaching assistant opportunities for the student.
Report prepared by: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326
Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326
Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca
Date: October 23, 2007
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RES. #E22/07 - ECOOFFICE PILOT PROJECT
Progress Report. Receipt of progress report on development of
EcoOffices program at five Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
office locations.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Laurie Bruce
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to proceed with
the implementation of an EcoOffices program at Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority's (TRCA) Head Office, Downsview Office, Boyd Office, Restoration Services
Centre and the Eastville Office.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At Authority Meeting #8/06, held on October 27, 2006, Resolution #A255/06 was approved as
follows:
THAT the EcoSchools model (5 Step Process) for managing environmental sustainability
be adapted for use, under the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Sustainability Management System (SMS), at TRCA's administrative offices;
THAT the adapted program be called EcoOffices, and be initiated as a pilot project at
the Boyd Office, Restoration Services Centre, Head Office and Downsview Office
beginning in the fall of 2006;
THAT EcoTeams be convened at each site;
THAT the Coordinator, SMS lead the pilot project, with support from TRCA education
staff, to facilitate its integration with the SMS and corporate EcoSchools program;
THAT the EcoSchools Steering Committee be advised and consulted throughout the
TRCA pilot project for consideration of its possible application at their school board
offices;
THAT staff develop an internal certification process to recognize office efforts;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report in 2007 on results of the EcoOffice pilot project.
RATIONALE
At the conclusion of the first year of Ontario EcoSchools certification at TRCA facilities in 2006,
it was determined that the EcoSchools protocols and processes would be helpful in furthering
TRCA efforts to operate more sustainably at its various office facilities. In particular, the
EcoSchools model excelled at involving and empowering the 'grassroots' element of an
organization in facilitating change. Furthermore, EcoSchools processes, protocols and areas
of focus tend to mesh more closely with typical office operations than environmental
management systems such as International Standards Organization (ISO) 14000, which were
designed primarily for industrial operations. Considering this, staff were directed to develop
the 'EcoOffice' program, an adaptation of the EcoSchools Program to address TRCA office
sustainability issues.
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Head Office and Downsview Office
EcoOffices, like EcoSchools, institutes an annual 5 step cycle:
Step 1. Establish the EcoOffice Teams.
Step 2. Conduct the EcoReview.
Step 3. Identify priorities and develop the action plan using an office improvement plan
template.
Step 4. Implement the action plan.
Step 5. Monitor and evaluate progress.
EcoOffice Teams were set up for Head Office and Downsview Office in February, 2007. The
Head Office team had 8 members while the Downsview Office had 9 members. As much as
possible, the EcoOffice teams were comprised of representatives from all departments housed
at each office.
To date, each team has met at least 6 times. Initially, team members were trained by TRCA's
Coordinator, SMS (Sustainability Management System) on the EcoOffices program, which was
adapted with permission from the Ontario EcoSchools program. After introductory training, the
teams proceeded to conduct the initial EcoReview for their office (Step 2). The EcoReview is a
baseline report that details what sustainability focused programs and /or operations /procedures
are underway at present.
Once the EcoReviews were completed and approved by the EcoOffice Teams as a whole,
action plans were drafted using the results of the EcoReviews.
The action plans, as drafted, are quite ambitious and progressive. Generally, the actions
targeted for 2007/08 are investigative and /or communications oriented.
Boyd Office, Restoration Services Centre and Eastville Office
EcoOffice Teams have also been established at the Boyd Office, Restoration Services Centre
and Eastville Office in Scarborough. A joint EcoOffice Team covers the Boyd Office and
Restoration Services Centre. Due to the relative size of these offices and the demands of the
spring and summer outdoor work season, these teams have not yet conducted EcoReviews or
completed action plans. These are expected shortly and both offices have expressed an
interest in achieving EcoOffices certification in 2008.
Highlights of the Action Plans
The action plans include such efforts as:
• investigating heating and cooling settings for improvements in energy savings;
• promoting and educating staff on waste that can be recycled, paper reduction techniques,
teleconferencing and proper composting;
• investigating moving to paperless timesheets;
• investigating opportunities to relocate staff within offices to address temperature concerns;
• investigate improved sustainability practices on smog days such as further cooling /heating
adjustments or alternative work location scenarios (to reduce traffic);
• promoting turning off computers and shutting down unnecessary lighting;
• reviewing lighting requirements and opportunities for de- lighting;
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• training of EcoOffice Team;
• drafting plans for shading office buildings; and
• investigating move to Forest Stewardship Council certified paper.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Head Office and Downsview Office EcoOffice Teams will enact the approved action plans. In
March, each EcoOffice Team will complete a second EcoReview to measure progress in areas
of sustainability such as energy reduction, waste reduction, greening of fleets and
procurement. The EcoOffice Teams will maintain a file that includes a report indicating the
status of their action plans, the grades assigned in their final EcoReviews and copies of all
meeting minutes, promotional materials, etc.. A TRCA EcoOffices certification team will be
appointed to review each office submission. Successful offices will be declared EcoOffices
and will receive certification of same. Upon certification, visual materials for posting at public
locations in the office will be provided.
Report prepared by: Brian Dundas, extension 5262
Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: Brian Dundas, extension 5262
Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca
Date: October 9, 2007
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:50 a.m., on Friday, November 2, 2007.
Suzan Hall
Chair
/ks
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Brian Denney
Chief Administrative Officer