HomeMy WebLinkAboutCO 01-06
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REPORT TO COUNCIL
Report Number: CO 01-06
Date: June 19,2006
From:
Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner
Chair, Benchmarking Sustainability Standards Committee
Subject:
Sustainable Pickering
A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability
Recommendations:
1. That Council receive report CO 01-06 regarding Benchmarking Sustainability
Standards, including the June 2006 report prepared by the RDC Group entitled
Sustainable Pickering: A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability, as set out in
Attachment 1.
2. That Council endorse the Phase Two Work Program for the Benchmarking initiative,
as set out in the RDC report, and authorize the Benchmarking Committee to
continue to work on this initiative with the continued assistance of staff, the RDC
Group, the community and others, using the remaining available funds approved by
Council in the 2006 budget for this benchmarking project.
3. That Council request the CAD to report back on the feasibility of establishing a
"Sustainability Coordinator" or similar position for the City, funded with the
assistance of outside sources including project partners and any available grant
programs.
4. That Council agrees to the City's participation in the "Walk 21" conference to be held
in Toronto in 2007, provided that the City's contribution to work leading up to the
conference does not exceed $1500 in 2006.
5. That a copy of this report be forwarded to Durham Region, Enbridge, Veridian,
Ontario Power Generation, UOIT, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority and
others interested in this initiative.
Executive Summary:
This report is in response to Resolution #161/05 passed at Council on September 19,
2005 to establish benchmarking standards for sustainability in Pickering. This report is
a follow up to the Report to Council CO 04-05 presented to Council on November 7,
2005.
RDC Group has prepared a progress report (attached) for Council's consideration.
That report summarizes work done to date on the benchmarking program, including our
Report CO 01-06
Date: June 19, 2006
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Subject: Sustainable Pickering
A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability
Page 2
community consultation program. It also outlines a "Sustainability Framework" for the
City and sets out a Phase Two work program for the benchmarking exercise. The
Phase Two work program will allow the City to begin establishing appropriate
Sustainable Pickering indicators and targets. Work will be done in consultation with the
community, various groups and agencies (including the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology) and others.
Financial Implications:
Sufficient funds are available in account 2192-2392 to cover the consulting and other
related costs associated with the Phase Two work program, as set out in Attachment 1
to this Report.
Background:
On September 19, 2005, to further reinforce and signify the City's commitment to
sustainability, Council passed Resolution #161/05. That resolution provided for the
establishment of a Committee made up of Councillor Brenner (who chaired the
Committee), Councillor Dickerson, Councillor Johnson and Mayor Ryan as an ex-officio
member. The Committee was asked to establish benchmarking standards for
sustainability in Pickering through a consultation process with wide cross representation
from all sectors of the community. The September resolution directed the Committee
to report on the proposed consultation process no later than November 7, 2005.
In November the Benchmarking Committee submitted a report to Council that made a
number of pertinent observations and conclusions, including:
· The benchmarking exercise should be considered within the context of a City-
wide sustainability program (now called "Sustainable Pickering")
· The term sustainability is not well understood, and should be defined for
Pickering
· Consultation on the program should be broad and multi-faceted, using the City's
website, town hall meetings, workshops and special events
· Sustainability is a journey, not a one-time effort
Council endorsed the Benchmarking Committee's November report and asked that
work continue, on what was described as "Phase One" of the program. In Phase One,
the Committee, with the assistance of staff and the RDC Group, completed a number of
tasks, including:
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~ Report CO 01-06
Date: June 19, 2006
Subject: Sustainable Pickering
A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability
Page 3
· Established a local perspective on the term "sustainability" based on the three
lenses (Environmental, Social and Economic)
· Established and delivered an effective community consultation program including
town hall meetings, roundtable discussions and a Sustainable Pickering Day
event held in May at the Pickering Town Centre and City Hall
· Launched a "Sustainable Pickering" website
· Developed a conceptual framework for the Sustainable Pickering journey, which
identifies a number of areas of interest to the community, under five
sustainability objectives. The five objectives are:
o Healthy Environment
o Healthy Society
o Healthy Economy
o Responsible Development
o Responsible Consumption
Phase One of the Sustainable Pickering journey is now complete. The attached report
prepared by the RDC Group summarizes work done during this Phase, and
recommends a work program for continuing the journey in Phase Two. The Phase Two
work program includes the following:
· Continue to build Sustainable Pickering as the umbrella for all benchmarking,
PCP, SNP, and related sustainability work in the City
· Develop specific targets and indicators for each of the areas of interest
· Pursue partnership opportunities, such as the UOIT Observatory
· Continue to engage the public and the business community, including
consideration of another public event (e.g., in September 2006), building on the
success of Sustainable Pickering Day
· Proceed with staff orientation and education
· Continue development and expansion of sustainablepickerinQ.com for the public,
and as support for internal staff education
· Prepare a status update in the fall, along with next steps for continuing the
journey in 2007
It is recommended that Council approve the work program outlined in the RDC Report
and authorize the Benchmarking Committee to continue this initiative, with the
assistance of staff and the RDC Group.
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Report CO 01-06
Date: June 19, 2006
Subject: Sustainable Pickering
A Framework for Benchmarking Sustain ability
Page 4
Attachment:
1. Sustainable Pickering: A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability
Dated June 2006 and prepared by the RDC Group
Prepared By:
M rice S. Brenner
egional Councillor
Attachment
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
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I ATTACHMENT '...L TO REPORT #Co 0 I~
Sustainable Pickering:
A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability
June 2006
Prepared by
a
RD( Group
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 1
1.0 BACKG ROU N D ............ ........ ................ ................... ............... .......... ............ ........................ 2
2.0 PHASE ONE: JANUARY - JUNE 2006.............................................................................. 3
2.1 Sustainability - The Three Lenses ........................................................................................ 3
2.2 Engaging the Public............................................................................................................... 3
Town Hall Meetings
Youth
Sustainable Pickering Day
Summary of Consultation Program Findings
2.3 Sustainability Framework....................................................................................................... 5
3.0 PHASE TWO: CONTINUING THE JOURNEY BEYOND JUNE 2006................................ 6
3.1 Benchmarks and Indicators ................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Pilot Projects.......................................................................................................................... 7
PCP Action Plan
Walk 21
Eco-Schools
3.3 Partnership Opportunities ......... ...... ............... ............ .................................... ........................ 7
3.4 Staff Education and Consultation .......................................................................................... 8
3.5 Sustainability Coordinator...................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................. 8
APPENDICES
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Sustainable Pickerina: A Framework for BenchmarkinQ Sustainabilitv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Benchmarking Sustainability Standards Committee - Councillors Brenner (Chair), Dickerson,
and Johnson, and Mayor Ryan (ex-officio) - was formed in September 2005. The Committee
worked through October, with support from senior staff and consultants, to prepare a report that
was received by Council in early November.
This initial report outlined the results of preliminary research, and presented an innovative
approach for the City to follow in order to make Pickering a leader in sustainability. The report,
followed by the work undertaken by the Committee, placed a major emphasis on involving the
public and key stakeholders in the most open and interactive way possible. A Phase One work
plan was developed for implementation in the period of January to June 2006.
Following are some key events that were designed and implemented by the Committee, staff and
consultants during Phase One:
· A series of Town Hall Meetings (February/March 2006), held in three locations
throughout the City;
· Information distribution to individuals and organizations involved in the Partners
for Climate Protection (PCP) process, as well as to all community groups listed
with the City;
· Design and implementation of a new website - sustainab/epickering.com
· Working groups with key stakeholders - e.g., youth; and
· The first Sustainable Pickering Day, held at the Pickering Town Centre and City
Hall, involving 20 exhibits, an afternoon workshop, and an evening Town Hall
meeting.
Through events such as those outlined here, residents and key stakeholders were given
extensive opportunities to comment on and participate in the City's sustainability planning work.
The feedback received through this process was highly supportive. Residents generally approve
of the direction being taken by the City, and have indicated their continued interest in further
participation in this work. Some significant momentum has been built already, and more can be
accomplished in the coming months and years. Some "next steps" are outlined in Section 3.6 of
this report, in key areas such as:
· Continued development of Sustainable Pickering and related partnerships;
· Acceptance and implementation of actions arising from PCP and SNP plans;
· Further efforts to engage the public, build on current momentum; and
· Emphasize short-term practical action, continue expansion into 2007.
Over the past eight months the City of Pickering has made extensive progress in its innovative
work on sustainability. It's clear that residents support this effort and will continue to participate
actively in future programs.
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1.0 BACKGROUND
The City of Pickering has for many years been committed to protection of the environment, and
has developed and implemented concrete programs to address this commitment. More recently
the City has focused on the fact that environmental issues do not exist in isolation. They must be
balanced with other critical needs, in particular economic and social concerns.
In September 2005, Council launched its current effort on this subject with the creation of the
Benchmarking Sustainability Standards Committee. This Committee was comprised of Councillor
Brenner (Chair) and Councillors Dickerson and Johnson, with Mayor Ryan as an ex-officio
member.
From September through October the Committee worked with staff and consultants to develop an
innovative approach - one designed to emphasize solid research while also maximizing
participation by the general public and key stakeholders. The Committee's report was brought to
Council, as planned, in early November. The plan presented by the Committee outlined a
recommended approach that would address the following:
· Educate and inform the public about the benefits of sustainable practices being
adopted in residential, commercial, and municipal operations in Pickering;
· Design Phase One so that it can be implemented immediately and completed by
June 2006 at the latest;
· Engage key stakeholders from all sectors in a concrete and practical discussion of
the importance of sustainable practices, and facilitate feedback from the public on
best practices, technological opportunities and the public's priorities; and
· Design a process that ensures concrete and practical results, from now through
the end of Phase One, while setting the foundation for a process to set
benchmarks and monitor progress, a process designed to grow and evolve
through 2006 and beyond.
Following acceptance of the Report by Council, the Committee proceeded, during November and
December, to finalize program design and planning for the Phase One work to be carried out from
January to June 2006.
The work of the Committee was carried out with reference to example programs from dozens of
similar efforts by other municipalities, in Canada and globally. Several key conclusions guided
this initial work, including:
· Learn from the work of other municipalities, and from example efforts carried out
in the private sector;
· Design an approach involving extensive, interactive consultation with the public
and affected stakeholders at each step in the process; and
· Emphasize short-term practical action, wherever possible, to build involvement
and momentum for a Sustainable Pickering.
This last point was identified as particularly important, in relation to a number of example
municipal programs analyzed. The Committee wanted to avoid a situation where months or
years of planning would be carried out, with little or no practical results. In a number of
municipalities, this approach led to non-interest or even mistrust on the part of the public. The
goal was to ensure that the City of Pickering involves residents in a way that builds support while
also drawing on the wealth of ideas available from interested citizens.
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SUSTAINABILlTY: "Meeting the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs. 11
- Brundtland Reoorl (1987)
2.0 PHASE ONE: JANUARY - JUNE 2006
2.1 Sustainability - The Three Lenses
In Phase One of the program, the three lenses of sustainability were introduced and discussed
through consultation with the public.
In the past, we tended to view the needs of a community as
disconnected segments: the environment, the economy and the
society. Addressing issues in isolation, however, will not result in a
community that is truly sustainable. Instead, sustainability is about
balancing economic, environmental and social objectives.
These sustainability objectives can be thought of as separate yet
equally important "lenses". In order to achieve true balance, we
must examine new initiatives through each of these lenses.
Balancing economic, environmental and social objectives is also collectively referred to as "triple
bottom line" accounting. This approach to community decision making takes into account all
resources - economic, environmental and social and recognizes the full costs of decisions in a
way that supports financial, environmental, and community well-being over the long-term.
While economic demands are a driving force and are often a significant and immediate need,
they must be balanced with the critical and long-term significance of social and environmental
concerns.
Sustainability recognizes the interconnectedness of economic, environmental and social
objectives. Balancing all three objectives will ensure a greater quality of life now, without
compromising future generations.
2.2 Engaging the Public
As part of Sustainable Pickering, town hall meetings, public events and targeted working groups
were held to educate the public and business sector about the City of Pickering's sustainability
program. These events were also designed to engage these same groups and gather feedback
on the concept and elements of the Sustainable Pickering action plan. The new website -
sustainablepickering.com - was also launched to support and extend this consultation process.
In total, well over 100 people participated in the town hall meetings and targeted working groups,
with countless more taking part in Sustainable Pickering Day.
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Town Hall Meetings
At the first set of town hall meetings (February/March 2006), comments were mainly positive and
constructive. Overall, there was a clear consensus that the City is taking the right approach and
that the "three lens" system for achieving sustainability is correct. Energy (both conservation and
renewables), agriculture, and land-use planning were raised as key topics in all three sessions of
this first round of town hall meetings.
A significant number of people said they would continue to participate, including some who
volunteered to join a working group.
At the second town hall meeting held during Sustainable Pickering Day (May 2006), the
information gathered and conclusions drawn from previous sessions were presented. The
framework developed was also presented to attendees for feedback. Again, most comments
were positive and constructive. Some participants had taken part in previous town hall meetings,
while some were new participants. Again, energy, agriculture, and transit were raised as key
topics. By and large, there was generally a consensus that the City of Pickering is taking the right
approach with the framework and topics covered.
Youth
Following the first round of town hall meetings, a special session was held with City of Pickering
youth. The comments from youth were positive and creative. Youth understand the concept of
sustainability and see it as especially pertinent to their generation. The main sustainability
concern for youth is transportation. Youth want to learn more about sustainability and believe
that public education is the key to getting the message out.
Sustainable Pickering Day
Sustainable Pickering Day was held on May 25, 2006 at the Pickering Town Centre, and at City
Hall. It consisted of three events:
· Interactive and educational exhibits from groups representing key areas of sustainability
in Pickering (see Appendix A);
· A targeted presentation to Pickering's business community (titled The Business Case For
Sustainability); and
· An open and interactive town hall meeting (as follow-up to the three town hall meetings
held in February/March 2006).
Sustainable Pickering Day garnered positive responses from both the public and exhibitors who
were impressed with the range of groups, products and services displayed. Approximately 60
people participated in depth, via the 'Passport to Sustainability' draw. These residents visited a
minimum of four exhibits and provided written feedback on the Sustainable Pickering initiative.
Hundreds more stopped by one or more displays, the town hall meeting, or the afternoon
presentations at City Hall.
Summary of Consultation Program Findings
The following is a list of key issues raised during the consultation program, along with several
examples of community input for each category. A full list of input received can be found in
Appendix B.
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Neighbourhoods & Homes
· More walkable neighbourhoods - less car dependence
· Should also focus on infill, brownfield and existing development, support higher density
· Create all new buildings as "green" buildings, EnergyStar
Energy
· Support for renewable energy, concerns about nuclear energy
· Idling is a problem - must enforce anti-idling by-law
· Support for waste incineration - provides energy, reduces transportation impacts and
creates jobs
Agriculture
· Commercial farming: reduce barriers (i.e. support services), research innovative farm
products and technologies, incentives to support farmers
· Promotion of local food production, organic farming and farmers' markets as niche
markets to increase economic viability of current local agricultural practices
· Promote non-food products - e.g. ethanol and bio-diesel
Employment
· Need to be aggressive to bring more employers to Pickering - less commuting
· Potential for 'green' technology jobs
Education, Awareness & Accessibility
· Need to make sustainable options available to diverse population (e.g. various cultural
backgrounds and income levels)
· Start education in the schools - kids will educate their parents
· Must educate residents, e.g. literature on conservation, smart meters, help residents to
see the difference that changing their energy use can achieve
Local Identity
· Residents and business owners in Pickering want a vibrant and sustainable city with a
sense of identity
· Need to promote local food and local businesses - not 'big box' stores
· Must preserve heritage properties (tourism opportunity)
TransitlTransportation
· Need improved transit: location of stops, frequency, connections, service
· Transit is not easily accessible - youth need better incentives to encourage use of public
transportation to and from school
· Interest in hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, fleet conversion, bike commuting systems
Other general comments and suggestions about Sustainable Pickering include:
· Need milestones to measure our success
· Leadership in sustainability has to come from the City of Pickering (lead by example) -
but not politicized
· Need legislation to ensure implementation of initiatives
· Must involve other levels of government (i.e. Region of Durham, Federal, etc.)
· Public/private partnerships are essential (e.g. government, developers, industry, etc.)
· Need incentives to encourage sustainability initiatives to residents, business owners,
developers (e.g. tax breaks for sustainability related businesses to locate in Pickering,
fast-tracking of approvals for 'green' developments)
2.3 Sustainability Framework
Based on research carried out by staff and the consultants, the following framework was developed.
Each objective brings forward several areas of interest.
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OBJECTIVE 1: HEALTH)'ENVIRONMENT "
· Our Air · Our Water
· Our Land · Our Plants & Animals
OBJECTIVE 2: HEALTHY SOCIETY
· Basic Needs (food, shelter, access) · HealthlWell-being/Happiness
· Education/Literacy · Arts/Culture/Heritage
· Community Safety/Preparedness · Citizen Participation/Involvement
OBJECTIVE 3: HEAL THY ECONOMY
· Employment Opportunities · Labour Participation Rates
· Income Levels · Business Attraction/Expansion
· In novationlEntrepreneu rship · AgriculturelThe Rural Economy
OBJECTIVE 4: RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
· Building/Structures · Neighbourhoods
· Transportation System · The City of Pickering
OB,JECTIVE 5:>.RESPONSIBLE.·CONSUMPTION
· Energy Use · Water Use
· Food Consumption · Waste Production/Diversion
3.0 PHASE TWO: CONTINUING THE JOURNEY BEYOND JUNE 2006
3.1 Benchmarks and Indicators
Based on the framework, indicators and benchmarks are now being developed for each area of
interest, under each objective. The areas of interest will also be prioritized to determine which
indicators and benchmarks to address now, and which will follow over time. As part of the
benchmarking exercise, it will be necessary to evaluate the City's current performance before
setting specific targets and plans for future performance.
Benchmarking: Process in which companies evaluate various aspects of their business in
relation to how these same practices are carried out by other companies. Specifically, a
company will measure their performance, against the highest standards that are achievable.
This enables the company to develop plans for how to improve, how to achieve a higher goal.
Continuous Improvement: Benchmarking can be a one-time event, but most progressive
companies treat it as a continuous process in which they evaluate their performance on a regular
basis, e.g., annually.
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Possible Indicators
· Renewable energy production
· Anti-idling
· Use of alternative fuels/hybrids within municipal fleets
· Energy efficiency of new building (EnergyStar, LEED certification)
· Walkability (distance to services)
· Density of development
· Average size of homes
· Use of local services (including agriculture)
· Local jobs created, 'commuting rate'
· Education (number of students reached)
The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Action Plan, which is being submitted to Council at a
later date, outlines a benchmarking process for one key area of the overall plan for Sustainable
Pickering. In the area of energy production and consumption, current levels and benchmark
targets are identified for City operations, residences, and the commercial and industrial sectors.
The primary focus is on greenhouse gas reduction. Some consideration is also given to directly
related issues, such as smog. This PCP work will be incorporated into the overall benchmarking
system developed by the City of Pickering.
3.2 Pilot Projects
In keeping with the goal of moving to practical action as soon as possible, a number of new
initiatives were identified in Phase One that could be implemented in the short-term. Some of
these efforts arose from discussions with the public and key stakeholders, as part of the Phase
One consultation program. Examples include:
PCP Action Plan: Some 30 initiatives were identified by one or more of the Working Groups in
the PCP process. Many of these action items can be implemented with little or no cost, others
may be carried out and/or funded by participating stakeholders, ideally in partnership with the City
of Pickering.
Walk 21: Given the profile that Pickering has gained with its launch of this sustainability program,
the organizing group responsible for the Walk 21 Conference that will be held in Toronto in the fall
of 2007 have invited the City of Pickering to consider participating as a demonstration project.
The City of Toronto will be involved as an urban "test case" for improved walkability. Organizers
are also looking to include a suburban and a rural example. The plan is to have several world
experts work with the three municipalities over the coming year to develop walkability plans for
their respective communities for presentation at the conference next fall. Funding for the experts
will come mainly from the Trillium Fund. Pickering is now in discussion with the organizers to
determine if this project is a good fit.
Eco-Schools: The Durham Board of Education has been working for some months to promote
the adoption of the Ontario-wide Eco Schools program. Representatives from the School Board
participated in the PCP Working Group process, and also in the Sustainable Pickering Day at the
Pickering Town Centre. Through this interaction it now appears likely that several Pickering
schools will commit to adoption of the Eco Schools program for this fall. The pilot effort will
hopefully expand to other Pickering schools in subsequent years.
3.3 Partnership Opportunities
Over the past year the number and scope of partnerships has grown significantly, as a result of
the City's Sustainable Pickering efforts. The first concrete example came with the PCP program,
where OPG, Enbridge, and Veridian became key corporate sponsors - contributing valuable
financial and staff resources. More recently, the City of Pickering has begun to explore a different
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type of partnership, with UOIT - in particular, around the University's new work with creation of
the Observatory on Sustainable Cities. The breadth of partnerships that are being fostered by the
City was very evident at the Pickering Town Centre exhibit on May 25th, with some 20
organizations and companies assembled to tell a common story about the importance of a
Sustainable Pickering. Additional partnership opportunities can potentially be developed in the
coming months, as the City's program expands.
3.4 Staff Education and Consultation
Senior Staff have developed plans for orientation and education efforts that can ensure all staff in
all Departments are fully aware of the City's commitment to sustainability. Over the coming
months, it will be possible to move ahead with meetings and workshops within the City, and to
continue expanding the use of the intranet for internal staff education and feedback.
3.5 Sustainability Coordinator
Consideration is being given to a new staff position, perhaps titled Sustainability Coordinator.
The model that is being considered is one where partners such as OPG and Enbridge could
provide funding for this position, since it will serve important objectives that are already part of
their corporate mandate. As with the City's Community Emergency Management Coordinator
position, this approach allows the City to increase its capacity without adding too great a staff
cost.
3.6 Next Steps
The work of the Benchmarking Sustainability Standards Committee has already been functioning
as a sort of umbrella for the City's full range of work in this area. With the receipt of this Report to
Council, it will be possible for this evolution to continue. This step has been logical, in part
because of the strong emphasis on engagement of the public. While people can learn to
understand the need for "benchmarking standards", it has been clear that the public relates more
readily to a title such as Sustainable Pickering.
It was evident at the Sustainable Pickering Day event at the Pickering Town Centre that people
were extremely interested in the practicalities of sustainability. They reacted well to phrases such
as "sustainable school", "sustainable workplace", and "sustainable home". In coming months, it
will be important to not only pin down the specifics of the benchmarking process, as discussed
earlier in this report, but also to continue building public understanding, support, and involvement
in the City's wide range of programs.
Following is a summary of key work program tasks that should be considered for Phase Two:
· Continue staff planning to build Sustainable Pickering as the umbrella for all
benchmarking, PCP, SNP, and related sustainability work in the City;
· Develop specific targets and indicators, as discussed in Section 3.0;
· Pursue partnership opportunities, such as the UOIT Observatory;
· Continue to engage the public and the business community, including
consideration of another public event (e.g., in September 2006), building on the
success of Sustainable Pickering Day;
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· Proceed with staff orientation and education;
· Continue development and expansion of sustainablepickering.com for the public,
and as support for internal staff education;
· Prepare a status update in the fall, along with proposed priorities to be considered
in 2007.
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APPENDIX A - Sustainable Pickering Day Details
As part of the Sustainable Pickering program, the City of Pickering held a multi-faceted event with
the following objectives:
· Educate the public and business sector about the City of Pickering's sustainability
program: Sustainable Pickering;
· Engage the public and the business sector on a variety of levels
(e.g. conservation in their own home and business, champions and volunteers for
future programs, etc.); and
· Gather feedback on the concept and elements of the Sustainable Pickering action
plan.
The event consisted of exhibits from a variety of groups that represent sustainability in Pickering
as well as targeted presentations.
LOGISTICS
· Date:
· Time:
· Location:
Thursday, May 25, 2006
10:00am - 9:00pm
Pickering Town Centre and Pickering Civic Complex
THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUST AINABILlTY
· Bob Willard - The Business Case for a Sustainable Municipality/Business
· Blair Feltmate - Sustainable Development is Smart Business
· Susan Clinesmith - Sustainable Opportunities in the Commercial & Industrial Sectors
EXHIBITORS
Sustainable Community
· City of Pickering - Sustainable Pickering Program
· City of Pickering - Partners for Climate Protection Program
· City of Pickering - Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan
· City of Pickering - Environmental Awareness Programs
· City of Pickering - Recreation Complex
· City of Pickering - Economic Development
· Durham Sustain Ability
· Pine Ridge Secondary School- 'I am the Change' Program
· University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
· Durham Strategic Energy Alliance
Sustainable Home
· Enbridge
· Veridian
· Sears
· Home Depot
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· Tranquility Heating
· Next Energy
· Region of Durham - Green Bin Program
Sustainable Workplace
· OPG
· Enbridge
· Veridian
· Siemens
Sustainable Transportation
· City of Pickering - Hybrid Vehicle
· GO Transit
· Durham Region Transit
PASSPORT TO SUSTAINABILlTY
Each exhibit had signage to indicate its category: Sustainable Community, Sustainable Home,
Sustainable Workplace or Sustainable Transportation.
Attendees who wanted to enter the draw filled out their 'passport' with stamps from a
representative exhibit for each category, encouraging them to visit a variety of displays. The
completed passport served as a ballot for the draw and was also used to collect feedback on the
Sustainable Pickering program.
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APPENDIX B - Detailed Town Hall Comments
General Comments
· Public wants timeframe - when will a plan be ready?
· Need milestones to measure our success
· Leadership in sustainability has to come from City (lead by example) - but not politicized
· Need legislation to ensure implementation of initiatives
· Must involve other levels of government (i.e. Region of Durham, Federal, etc.)
· Public and private partnerships are essential (e.g. government, developers, industry, etc.)
· Need incentives to encourage sustainability initiatives to residents, business owners,
developers (e.g. tax breaks for sustainability related businesses to locate in Pickering,
fast-tracking of approvals for 'green' developments)
· Want to know specific initiatives involved in Sustainable Pickering, i.e. identify plans and
initiatives under each area of interest (e.g. bike path master plan, compost giveaways)
· Need to consider noise and light pollution in our environment
· Need to make sure we go beyond the natural environment and also consider social
objectives, such as public safety
· Should regulate use of pesticides
· Would like to see health care providers in local neighbourhoods
· Should take advantage of existing Provincial programs
· "It takes one City to change"
· "Sustainability is making it equal for everyone"
· Water conservation is important - youth need to be more informed
· Nighttime safety in parks is a concern - need more lighting (solar powered?)
· The economics of sustainability (triple bottom line) and energy savings should be part of
school curriculum - kids will teach their parents
· Would like to be informed about future Sustainable Pickering events
Neighbourhoods & Homes
· More walkable neighbourhoods - less car dependent
· Need places to congregate/meet with neighbours within existing areas
· Need to demand smaller homes that are more durable, better quality
· Should also focus on infill, brownfield and existing development - not just Seaton
· Support for higher density development
· Phase development with infrastructure and services
· Tighter inspection by City inspectors to ensure code compliance (e.g. for energy
efficiency) on new homes
· More trails that connect neighbourhoods and facilities
· Durham West Arts Centre wants to create a multi-purpose 'green' building that will
showcase sustainability
· Create all new buildings as "green" buildings
· Need more walkable communities
· New neighbourhoods should have strong focus on space for youth groups, community
centres and community groups
· New neighbourhoods should provide adequate medical centres for increased population
Energy
· Support for solar and wind generation and other forms of renewable energy
· Nuclear is not sustainable
· Idling is a problem - must enforce anti-idling by-law
· Interest in hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, fleet conversion
· Ethanol plant potentially part of Seaton
· 'Energy Park' on Federal lands to service Seaton
· Support for waste incineration - provides energy, reduces transportation impacts and
creates jobs
· Minimum EnergyStar level of construction for new buildings
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· Want municipal programs (similar to provincial programs) for renewable energy, e.g.
10MW challenge or pilot projects for new neighbourhoods
· Want to know if nuclear plant will affect health of residents in the long term
· Need to educate the families about energy conservation
· Residents need to see the difference that changing their energy use patterns makes (Le.
Smart Meter)
· Reward system would be effective (e.g. showcase 'top 10 energy saving families' in
News Advertiser)
· Need to address affordability and accessibility for families who cannot afford up front
costs of energy efficiency products (e.g. appliances, changing heating system) -
government grants available?
· Need to start constructing buildings with energy efficient measures so that future
generations are able to conserve
Agriculture
· Make public more aware of community agriculture
· Local food production, organic farming and farmers markets as niche markets to increase
economic viability of current local agricultural practices
· Farming is in a desperate situation: very few farmers in the area, farming services not
accessible
· Need to establish appropriate use for land, Le. agricultural vs. development
· Want to know of incentives that the City is providing to farmers to buy land back - "most
land is owned by developers"
Employment
· Need to keep the critical mass here -less commuting
· Need to be aggressive in bringing more employers to Pickering
· Potential for 'green' technology jobs
Education, Awareness & Accessibility
· Need to make sustainable options available to diverse population
· Start education in the schools - kids will educate their parents
· Must educate developerslnew home buyers on benefits of sustainability elements
· Must educate residents, e.g. literature on energy conservation delivered door-to-door
· More education will increase action around issues such as recycling and climate change
Local Identity
· Residents and business owners in Pickering want a vibrant and sustainable city with a
sense of identity
· Need to promote local food and local businesses - not 'big box' stores
· Must preserve heritage properties (tourism opportunity)
TransitlTransportation
· Want updated transit system
· Transit is not easily accessible - especially for youth
· Should have anti-idling zones
· Suggest modifying road design to accommodate slow vehicles, e.g. farm vehicles and
SMART cars
· Lack of transportation has a huge impact on youth: difficult to get to youth events, gym,
mall, school
· Need improved transportation: location of stops, frequency, connections, service
· Would like to see improved system for high school students to travel to and from school
· Currently, students pay for pass (approx. $100/month), which is expensive for a family
with many students - many just drive instead
· Need better incentive (special price for students?) to encourage use of public
transportation to and from school
· Would also like to see sidewalks on main roads such as Hwy #2 to enable youth to ride
bikes safely along this road, especially to travel to school
· Would like to see more bike trail systems
· There are opportunities for new and innovative businesses in relation to sustainability
principles (e.g. bike loan system at Go Station to simplify linkages)
Green Bin
· Should promote backyard composting - not just central composting
· Want to know what happens to green bin waste after collection
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