HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 08-24Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: SUS 08-24 Date: June 10, 2024
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: 2023 Sustainable Year-in-Review
-File: D-7300-001
Recommendation:
1.That Report SUS 08-24, regarding the release of the 2023 Sustainable Pickering
Year-in-Review, be received for information.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to share the 2023 Sustainable Pickering
Year-in-Review, as set out in Attachment 1. For the past five years, the City has provided the
community with a reader-friendly summary of the City of Pickering’s achievements, events, programs, and projects related to sustainability. The document promotes the efforts of the City, and our community partners, and serves to inspire others to connect and get involved. The Year-in-Review will be posted on the City’s website and will be promoted through various
corporate communication channels.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priorities of Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship,
Innovation & Resiliency; and Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships.
Financial Implications: Not applicable to this report.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to share the 2023 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review report. The City of Pickering’s sustainability efforts address a variety of
initiatives from community engagement, urban agriculture, sustainable development, climate
change, natural environment, waste diversion, energy efficiency, and more.
In 2023, staff delivered both in-person and virtual events and programs that enabled the community to participate in tree plantings, pollinator projects, litter cleanups, the Pickering Farmers’ Market, and educational webinars. In addition to these staff-led Sustainability
activities, the City also undertook broader corporate efforts that were critical to the overall
social, economic, and environmental health of the community, including the completion of Pickering’s first Corporate Strategic Plan, waterfront restoration projects, urban agriculture, and community climate adaptation initiatives.
SUS 08-24 June 10, 2024
Subject: 2023 Sustainable Year-in-Review Page 2
It is important for the public to be aware of these activities and achievements that are occurring in their community. To support this objective, staff developed comprehensive education and
marketing campaigns using, for example, the City website, social media, eNewsletters, the
Let’s Talk Pickering platform, events, presentations to external groups, and curbside and digital signage. Considering the large volume of messages that residents receive from a variety of sources, the 2023 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review is meant to provide a reader-friendly synopsis of activities and quantitative metrics (where applicable). Subject to
Council’s approval, the 2023 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review report will be posted online
and be promoted through various corporate communication channels.
Attachment:
1.2023 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Melanie Edmond, HBSc.
Coordinator, Sustainability
Original Signed By
Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P Manager, Sustainability & Strategic Environmental Initiatives
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
ME:ld
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer
2023 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review
Attachment 1 to Report SUS 08-24
Table of Contents
1 | Page
A Message from the CAO 2
Enhancing the Natural Environment 3
Engaging with Our Community 7
Reducing Waste 13
Urban Agriculture 14
Becoming More Energy Efficient 16
Looking Towards the Future 17
Message from the CAO
2 | Page
I am pleased to present the City’s key sustainability highlights and accomplishments from 2023, marking another successful year in our journey towards a more sustainable future.
The City’s dedication to driving our corporate priorities forward and supporting an environmentally
innovative community is reflected through several impactful initiatives that were undertaken by both staff, and through rich and meaningful partnerships with the community. These include the Community Climate Adaptation Project, Urban Agriculture Project, waterfront
restoration, and naturalization projects.
Our commitment to sustainability was further highlighted when the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) recognized Pickering as one of the world’s Smart 21 Communities of 2023. This annual awards program recognizes the world’s leading municipalities that are successfully leveraging the
power of technology to develop inclusive and prosperous communities.
Our adoption of the City’s new Integrated Sustainable Design Standards, in particular, exemplifies our innovative approach to sustainability.
We recognize the importance of the natural environment as an integral part of any complete, world
class City, and I encourage you to learn more about how we lead and advocate for environmental stewardship, innovation, and resiliency.
Marisa Carpino
Chief Administrative Officer
A Message from the CAO
3 | Page
Enhancing Parks and Boulevards
Valley Farm Ravine Project
As part of the City's annual tree planting program, over 400 large caliper trees were planted across
City boulevards and parks including: Claremont Memorial Park, Erin Gate Park, David Farr Park, Kitley Ravine, and Parkham Parkette. These efforts were completed to help increase tree canopy and shade opportunities around play-units and
walkways.
To enhance the urban tree canopy within the City, staff worked with Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) to complete a desktop analysis of potential tree planting locations. Valley Farm Ravine was identified as an excellent location to fill existing tree canopy gaps. The project included the planting of 265 stems, 90 trees and 175 shrubs to help
enhance the natural area.
Tree and shrub planting at Valley Farm Ravine
Enhancing the Natural Environment
4 | Page
Waterfront Trail Restoration & Construction of
Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park
Mayors’ Monarch Pledge
The City commenced reconstruction along the Waterfront Trail, from Bruce Handscomb Park to Elvira Court. The TRCA has designed the project, which will include restoration plantings along the shoreline of
Frenchman’s Bay. These plantings will help restore the trees that were lost during the severe windstorm of 2022. The City also completed the final construction phase of the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park Master Plan. This included shoreline habitat creation,
installation of bat boxes, dune creation/restoration, and the decommissioning and replanting of some former parking areas.
Pollinators, such as butterflies, birds, and bees, play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment and sustainable food system. As part of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge – Leadership Circle, the City
committed to completing 9 actions to support pollinator populations. This included planting native species, removing invasive species, supporting native seed giveaways, connecting with garden groups, and delivering educational campaigns to increase pollinator
awareness throughout the community.
Thank you to the community garden volunteers,
Dunbarton High School students and the Toronto
Conservation Youth Corp who helped plant and maintain pollinator gardens across the City.
”
“I am incredibly proud of the actions Pickering and its partners have taken
through the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge to help
protect pollinators. By continuing to collaborate and take action, we can make
a meaningful difference in our community. “
- Mayor Kevin Ashe
Dunbarton High School students planting native plants at Ernie L. Stroud Park
Fishing node at Rotary Frenchman’s Bay
West Park
Enhancing the Natural Environment
5 | Page
Weed-cutting Pilot Project
Phragmites Pilot Project
Douglas Park Planting
The City’s Eurasian water-milfoil weed harvesting project resulted in approximately 5
acres of weed being cut, gathered, dried, and
disposed of. Pickering Harbour Company also harvested 5 acres of Eurasian water-milfoil. The purpose of these projects was to create weed free areas for recreation. The higher
water levels in 2023 helped maintain the cut
areas longer than when Frenchman’s Bay experienced low water levels in 2022.
The City worked with TRCA on a Phragmites
Pilot Project, which aimed to control this invasive plant in the Hydro Marsh around Frenchman’s Bay. The ditches along Brockridge Park, Sandy Beach Road, and
Sunbird Trail were also treated. The Hydro
Marsh, east of Frenchman’s Bay, is owned and managed by Ontario Power Generation, who is also completing their own phragmites control in the marsh.
The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association and the Pickering West Shore Community Association, in partnership with
the City, hosted a tree/shrub planting at
Douglas Park. The event included the planting of 140 native trees and shrubs by 50 youth volunteers from across the community.
Milfoil weed harvesting in Frenchman’s Bay
Tree and shrub planting at Douglas Park
Milfoil weed harvesting in Frenchman’s Bay
Enhancing the Natural Environment
6 | Page
Bring Back the Salmon
Backyard Tree Planting Program
The City, in partnership with the Pickering Public Library, and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, supported a salmon hatchery at the Pickering Public Library. Library patrons observed
and learned about the Atlantic Salmon’s lifecycle
and the importance of biodiversity. The hatchery resulted in the release of 196 Atlantic Salmon into Duffins Creek. To date, the program has helped release almost 800 Atlantic Salmon into Duffins
Creek.
In partnership with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) and the Region of Durham, the City completed its third year of the Backyard Tree Planting Program. This program provides residents the opportunity to add native
trees or shrubs to their property at a discounted rate. The program includes on-site consultation, free delivery and tree planting, as well as follow-up tree assessments. In year three of the program, 29 trees and 32 shrubs were planted on Pickering
residents’ properties. Some benefits from these plantings include enhancement of the urban forest, increased property value and aesthetics, energy savings, comfort from shade, carbon sequestration, reduced urban heat island effect,
and habitat improvement. “I am very pleased with the tree planting program that LEAF provided.
My trees were planted professionally and look healthy. I look forward to watching them
grow and to see the changes they will go through as the seasons change.
Thank you, LEAF!”
- Pickering resident and LEAF participant
Students releasing salmon into Duffins Creek
LEAF staff planting a tree in a resident’s backyard
Enhancing the Natural Environment
7 | Page
Plant Party Workshop
To help kick-off the March Break, children from
ages 6 – 12 were invited to the Pickering
Central Library for two Plant Party workshops. 137 attendees were able to learn about seeds and how they grow from Pickering Parks Operations staff. The successful event ended
with each participant taking home a starter
seed kit to plant in their own backyard.
Plant Party workshops at the Pickering Central Library
Engaging with the Community
8 | Page
Partnership with Elexicon Energy
Take Pride in Pickering
Elexicon’s Corporate Giving Program funds projects that help empower communities. As part of Phase 1 of the City’s Community Climate
Adaptation Project (CCAP), the City identified that
community-based preparedness was particularly important for protecting health during emergencies. As a result, the City partnered with Elexicon Energy to purchase 100 Emergency Preparedness
kits that could assist residents in the event of a
power outage or emergency. Participants that engaged in the survey for the CCAP were entered into a draw to win a free bag.
As part of Take Pride in Pickering Day, the City hosted a community clean-up and tree planting event in the spring. Over 200 volunteers joined the two-hour event to pick up litter and plant 150 trees and
shrubs in Duffin Heights.
Take Pride in Pickering initiatives were
undertaken by Environmental Stewardship
Pickering (ESP), which is a partnership with the City, Ontario Power Generation, and TRCA.
“These community planting events highlight that the environmental awareness
of the Pickering community continues to strengthen, and that there is a continued call
for community-based opportunities for environmental action.”
- David-Angelo Williams, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority & Environmental Stewardship Pickering
Emergency Preparedness kits sponsored by Elexicon Energy
Volunteers planting trees in Duffin Heights for Take Pride in Pickering event
Engaging with the Community
9 | Page
Earth Month
Bike Month
Pickering Prom Boutique
In celebration of Pickering’s Earth Month, the City
offered free educational workshops and webinars with
expert guest speakers. Over 130 individuals participated in these events to learn about a variety of topics, including Making a Birdhouse, Invasive Species and their Environmental Impact, as well as Gardening for a
Changing Climate.
In partnership with Smart Commute Durham, the City celebrated Bike Month from June 1 – 30. Bike Month brings together families, employers, commuters, and community organizations to promote cycling events
across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The
local events included: bike month pledge and bingo, as well as a cycling challenge and scavenger hunt. The City also invited Durham Region Cycling Coalition to the Pickering Farmers’ Market to share information and
tips for safe cycling in the community.
To support high school students with formal clothing for their prom and graduation, the City, in partnership with
the Pickering Public Library, hosted its first-ever Prom
Boutique. The event encouraged residents to donate their gently used dresses, suits, and formal wear at the Pickering Public Library, so that students could shop for free. Thanks to the community’s generosity, the two-day
event supported 175 students to dress for their
upcoming special events.
Getting ready to help students shop at the Prom Boutique
Earth Month webinar
Earth Month workshop
Engaging with the Community
10 | Page
Pickering named Smart21 Community of 2023
Park Stewardship Program
Birds in Pickering Campaign
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has
recognized Pickering as one of the world’s
Smart21 Communities of 2023. The ICF’s program recognizes leading municipalities that are successful in levering the power of technology to develop inclusive and prosperous communities.
Notable smart initiatives in Pickering include:
increasing all-fibre broadband in remote areas, enhancing library programs and services, implementation of the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards, and many others initiatives.
The Park Stewardship Program encourages businesses and community groups to keep their local parks clean. As of 2023, there are 19 groups, that have become Park Stewards
by making a commitment to do litter
cleanups and promote a positive image in their neighbourhood park.
The City of Pickering, in partnership with the Pickering Naturalists Club and TRCA, hosted an educational bird webinar that was attended by 36
residents. The group also hosted a Birdwatching
for Beginners event for 30 participants at Alex Robertson Park to educate residents on the variety of birds that inhabit the area.
Pickering City Hall
Birdwatching event at Alex Robertson Park
Volunteer doing a litter cleanup
Engaging with the Community
11 | Page
Community Litter Cleanups
Civic Awards
The City regularly supports community groups, individuals, schools, businesses, and places of worship, who wish to help keep the community
clean. Pickering provides bags, gloves, and disposals of the collected materials. Volunteers participate in litter clean up initiatives through Pickering's 20-Minute Makeover, Pitch in Parties, Plastics & Litter Challenge, and the Provincial Day
of Action on Litter. This year, 47 community cleanups took place throughout the city, representing over 2,000 participants.
The Civic Awards recognizes members of the Pickering community that have made a significant
contribution to the city.
Mattamy Homes was awarded the Sustainability Award for their Bloom in Seaton Project. This is an innovative, sustainable community of 50 townhouse units and 24 stacked back-to-back units in the
Seaton area, featuring advanced sustainable technology, natural amenities, and energy-efficient
home designs. The Environment Award was provided to Craig Bramford for his role in advocating for responsible urban design and city planning on behalf of Pickering residents.
Mattamy Homes presented the Sustainability Award Craig Bramford presented the Environment Award
20-Minute Makeover Litter Cleanup event
Engaging with the Community
12 | Page
Winter Wonderland
Environmental Schools Grant
The City, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation, North American Young Generation in Nuclear, TRCA, and PineRidge Arts Council, hosted a free family workshop event to kick-off the winter. At this event, 50
attendees had the opportunity to paint a wooden ornament, make a wreath, explore wildlife up-close, and more.
The Environmental Schools Grant supports Pickering school-based activities and programs that benefit the
community and contribute to a healthy environment. By accessing the grant, seven schools in Pickering were able to undertake exciting projects, such as: creating pollinator gardens with native plantings, installing outdoor community garden beds to grow
flowers and fresh food, installing bird feeders, improving outdoor learning programs, and purchasing materials such as a hydroponic growing tower and vermicomposter to enhance their garden projects.
“Thank you, City of Pickering, for supporting our local environment, our eco initiatives
and the students at our school!”
- St. Monica Catholic School
Wreath making at the Winter Wonderland Workshop
Tree Planting at St. Monica Catholic school
Engaging with the Community
13 | Page
Pickering named Smart21 Community of 2023
Battery Recycling Program
Compost Giveaway and Recycling Bin Exchange
Dog Waste
The Battery Recycling program allows residents to drop-off batteries to the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering Central Library, Pickering Museum Village, George Ashe and East
Shore community centres. In 2023, 299 kilograms of
batteries were recycled responsibly.
The City hosted a compost and recycling bin exchange, in partnership with the Region of Durham. At this popular curbside event, over 1,325 residents picked up free compost for their gardens and were
able to purchase or swap out their old bins for new
ones.
The Dog Waste Diversion Program is available in 18 parks across Pickering. In 2023, approximately 6.5 tonnes of dog waste was collected and delivered
to a facility that converted it into electricity.
Compost Giveaway
Urban Agriculture
14 | Page
Urban Agriculture Project
The City has long recognized the importance of implementing and investing in urban agriculture
initiatives to address food supply, food security, and to encourage sustainable urban
development. These activities can help reduce grocery bills, carbon emissions, and provide opportunities to support social, physical, and mental wellbeing.
In February 2023, Pickering Council requested staff to explore ways to enhance urban
agricultural initiatives. Through Let’s Talk Pickering, an online survey was conducted to better understand the needs of the community, and 530 respondents shared their insight. The City also engaged with schools, places of worship, and members of the development community to explore incorporating urban agriculture features into their lands.
Working with community partners is a great way to move forward. ‘We Grow Food’ for example, worked with residents of a Durham Community Housing site in 2023 to construct raised garden plots using funds from the City’s Community Grant program. Also, the City’s Environmental
School Grant Program was used by local area schools to build raised garden beds and
purchase indoor vegetable growing towers. Looking ahead, the City will continue developing opportunities that promote urban agriculture through a variety of means, including workshops, stakeholder outreach, and working with others, such as the building community to integrate these features into new developments.
Urban Agriculture
15 | Page
Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market
Community Vegetable Gardens in Pickering
The City hosted another successful year at the Farmers' Market to help residents connect with local farmers, bakers, artisans, and small local businesses. Residents also enjoyed themed events, such as 55+ Day,
Environment Day, Pickering Blooms Day, and more. The in-person market ran for 17 weeks, with approximately 2,500 visitors, supporting upwards of 25 vendors. Thanks to community support, the market won Diamond Winner - #1 Farm Market for Pickering/Ajax Durham
Region Readers' Choice Awards. This is the 5th consecutive year that the City has been recognized in the Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Farm Market’ category.
The City of Pickering’s Community Garden Policy
recognizes these areas for their benefits to health,
social ties, environmental education, and food security. This policy oversees municipal community gardens, ensuring equal access for residents to grow produce in collaborative, engaging, and healthy environments.
Currently, Pickering operates two such gardens: one at
Valley Plentiful Community Garden (VPCG) in Diana Princess of Wales Park, and another at the George Ashe Library & Community Centre, part of the '55+ Plot to Plate' program. Both sites also feature donation
plots that support the local food bank.
In 2023, the City began planning for an enhancement to the VPCG site, to add accessible parking and raised beds. Pending approval, this project aims to be completed in the fall 2024.
The Pickering Public Library also initiated its first Seed Library program. The Seed Library encourages
healthy food and sustainable practices, while protecting the biodiversity of plants and food crops. Through this initiative, the library will be offering free programs in 2024 about food literacy, seeds, and gardening. This project will be completed in three phases. Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 and 3 will be completed by the end of 2024.
Valley Plentiful Community Garden
Farmers’ Market vendor
Urban Agriculture
16 | Page
Community Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Energy Retrofits
To support and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the City completed the installation of six EV charging ports at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. This includes a 60 kW Level 3/DCFC charger, a first for Durham Region municipalities. The City also installed six Level 2 EV charging ports at the Pickering Operations Centre. The project was partially funded through Natural
Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which provided funding to Elexicon
Group Inc. to help support the installation of EV chargers across Ontario.
The City successfully completed a comprehensive boiler retrofit project at the Pickering Civic Complex, encompassing City Hall and the Central Library. The initiative involved replacing end-of-
life natural draft units with high-efficiency modulating condensing
boilers, achieving a 20% increase in efficiency. This retrofit has resulted in a significant annual reduction of 52 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the ongoing improvements to the system in the current year, new design
envelope heating circulators are being introduced. These
enhancements are expected to optimize heat generation, delivery, and system controls, resulting in further energy savings. The City was recognized by Windfall Ecology Centre for its implementation of this project. City recognized by Windfall Ecology Centre
17 | Page
Community Climate Adaptation Project
The Community Climate Adaptation Project is one of Pickering’s many initiatives, that supports its journey to advance sustainability. Building upon existing work, the results of this project aim to assist the City to further improve climate resiliency by verifying and addressing
the impacts of climate change, such as from extreme weather-related events. The project will engage the broader community, including residents, organizations, community groups, businesses, institutions, places of worship, and vulnerable populations. This project aims to
be completed in 2024.
Promoting the Community Climate Adaptation Project
Looking Towards the Future
18 | Page
Integrated Sustainable Design Standards
Corporate Strategic Plan
The Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) came into effect in January 2023 and established a new set of standards that allows the City to review development through a sustainability lens, based on
modern, green technology criteria and best practices.
In November 2023, Council passed By-law No. 8054/23 to adopt Amendment 50 the Pickering Official Plan. This by-
law recognizes and reinforces the ISDS with policies in the
Pickering Official Plan.
The ISDS is mandatory for all new Planning Act
applications, and it includes both mandatory (Tier 1) and voluntary (Tier 2) standards.
Notable development applications include high-rise residential buildings in the City Centre area and along Kingston Road, that are all proposing green roof design,
and where feasible, community gardens into the landscape and building podiums. Various developers of mid to high-rise residential developments committed to pursuing several sustainable design elements, including timber construction, greenroofs, Passive House
Certification, and Zero On-Site Carbon.
The City has developed its first Corporate Strategic Plan, which identifies a vision, goals, and key actions to be achieved over this term of Council and beyond. The
strategic plan focusses on six key priorities and include actions to:
1. Champion Economic Leadership & Innovation
2. Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy
Community
3. Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to Support a
Connected, Well-serviced Community
4. Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship, Innovation
and Resiliency
5. Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships
6. Foster an Engaged & Informed Community
Vegetable gardens and greenhouse at Daniels FirstHome™ Pickering
Greenroof at Chestnut Hill Developments – Universal City Phase 1
City of Pickering Corporate Strategic Plan
19 | Page
We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact the City's Sustainability staff at sustainability@pickering.ca
Alternate formats available upon request at 905.683.7575 or customercare@pickering.ca
In 2024, the City of Pickering will continue its longstanding commitment to create
a more sustainable community. Join us on the journey to become one of the most
sustainable cities in Canada. There are many fun and inspiring ways to make
Pickering a better place socially, environmentally, and economically.
To learn how you can get involved, visit: pickering.ca/sustainable.