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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 04-23 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: SUS 04-23 Date: April 3, 2023 From: Kyle Bentley Director, City Development & CBO Subject: 2022 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review - File: D-7300 Recommendation: That Report SUS 04-23, regarding the release of the 2022 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review, be received for information. Executive Summary: The 5th Annual Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review, as set out in Attachment #1, provides a high level, reader-friendly summary that highlights City achievements, events, programs and projects. The document promotes the efforts of the City of Pickering and our community partners, and serves to inspire others to connect and get involved. The Year-in-Review will be posted online and be promoted through the City’s different communication channels. Financial Implications: Not applicable to this report. Discussion: The City of Pickering’s sustainability efforts address a variety of initiatives, including community engagement, pollinators, waste diversion, local food, sustainable development, climate change, natural environment, and more. In 2022, staff delivered both in-person and virtual events and programs to engage with the community, including for example, tree plantings, pollinator projects, litter cleanups, Pickering Farmers’ Market and educational webinars. The City also worked on projects that are critical to the social, economic, and environmental health of the community, such as the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards and the Community Climate Adaptation Project. It is important for the public to be aware of the activities and achievements that are occurring in their community. To achieve this, staff developed comprehensive education and marketing campaigns, using the website, social media, eNewsletters, events, presentations to external groups, curbside and digital signage, community page, etc. However, considering the large volume of messages that residents receive from a variety of sources, the Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review is meant to provide a reader-friendly synopsis of activities and quantitative metrics (where applicable). Attachment: 1. 2022 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review SUS 04-23 April 3, 2023 Subject: 2022 Sustainable Year-in-Review Page 2 Prepared By: Original Signed By Melanie Edmond, BSc 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 Attachment #1 to Report SUS 04-23 2022 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review Table of Contents A Message from the CAO 1 Enhancing the Natural Environment 2 Partnerships with Local Businesses 3 Engaging with Our Community 7 Reducing Waste 11 Looking Towards the Future 12 2022 Year-in-Review A Message from the CAO 1 | Page I am thrilled to present the City’s key sustainability highlights and accomplishments from 2022. Staff continued to further the City’s sustainability journey through meaningful partnerships, programs, and services, with a sharp focus on making positive, long-lasting change. I was honoured to be named one of Canada’s Clean50 award honourees. The annual awards program celebrates Canada’s top leaders in sustainability, and I was proud to represent all of the great work being done by staff in support of the forward-thinking policies set by Council. The City’s new Integrated Sustainable Design Standards, net zero community infrastructure projects (Pickering Heritage & Community Centre and the Redman House Program Centre), naturalization projects with local businesses, and the new fishing line receptacles along Pickering’s waterfront are a few of the innovative initiatives I invite you to learn more about. As we reflect on the meaningful work that has enriched the community, we are both energized and driven by the possibilities that lie ahead as the City continues on its sustainability journey. By working together, Pickering will continue to evolve as an inclusive, sustainable, and engaged community. Visit pickering.ca/sustainable to learn how you can get involved. Marisa Carpino Chief Administrative Officer 2022 Year-in-Review A Message from the CAO 2 | Page Enhancing Parks and Boulevards As part of the City's annual tree planting program, over 400 trees were planted across City boulevards and parks including: Creekside, Denmar, Beechlawn, Village East, Glendale, Forestbrook, Shadybrook and J. McPherson Park. These efforts were completed to help increase tree canopy and shade opportunities around play-units and walkways. Mayors’ Monarch Pledge 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 10 actions to support pollinator populations. This included native species plantings, and educational campaigns to increase pollinator awareness throughout the community. Raised pollinator garden bed near Pickering City Hall Enhancing the Natural Environment 2022 Year-in-Review 3 | Page Beachfront Shoreline Restoration A shoreline stabilization project was completed in the spring of 2022 in Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park, as part of the Parks Master Plan implementation. It involved the removal of old cottage foundations and the addition of boulders to protect the Lake Ontario shoreline from wave action and further erosion. Additionally, tree and shrub plantings were completed to restore the area and to further stabilize the lake bank. Clear Your Gear The City partnered with Ontario Power Generation on the ‘Clear Your Gear’ project, a volunteer-led recycling network that keeps wildlife and residents safe from improperly disposed fishing lines, which can pose a major safety risk to wildlife, people, and property. Last summer, the City installed six fishing line receptacles along Pickering’s waterfront (in high traffic areas) to help reduce the amount of fishing lines left in Frenchman’s Bay, and to divert them from landfills. The collected line is shipped to a special recycling facility. Recycled monofilament fishing line is used for many purposes, including the manufacturing of Berkley Fish Habs, that help attract fish and promote plant growth. Clear Your Gear installation at Pickering waterfront ” “We are thrilled to support the Clear Your Gear project and improve the safety of our wildlife, residents, and visitors.” - Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services Beachfront shoreline restoration at Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park Enhancing the Natural Environment 2022 Year-in-Review 4 | Page Take Pride in Pickering As part of Take Pride in Pickering Day, the City hosted a native plant giveaway in the spring, and distributed 300 Nannyberry shrubs for residents to plant in their own backyard. The species provides a useful early nectar and pollen resource in the spring for early-emerging pollinators. In the fall Take Pride in Pickering event, the City hosted a community tree planting event. Over 100 volunteers planted 500 trees and shrubs in Duffin Heights. Take Pride in Pickering initiatives were a joint partnership with Environmental Stewardship Pickering (a partnership with the City, Ontario Power Generation, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority). Take Pride in Pickering shrub giveaway Backyard Tree Planting Program In partnership with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), and the Region of Durham, the City completed year two 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 two of the program, 18 trees and 36 shrubs were planted in Pickering residents’ properties. Some long-term benefits from these plantings include enhancement of the urban forest, increased property value and aesthetics, energy savings and comfort from shade, carbon sequestration, reduced urban heat island effect, and habitat improvement. “It has been stress-free to have professional help to select the correct trees and the proper location to provide shade and beauty to my backyard. “ - Pickering resident and LEAF participant Enhancing the Natural Environment 2022 Year-in-Review 5 | Page Partnering with TD Friends of the Environment Since 2019, the City has been undertaking restoration efforts along Duncannon Ravine to help address erosion and target canopy gaps from the impacts of Emerald Ash Borer and the Lymantria dispar dispar (Spongy) Moth. Thanks to the generous contributions from TD Friends of the Environment, an additional 15 large caliper trees, 200 shrubs and 500 willow stakes were planted this year to help stabilize the ravine banks. Planting trees in Duncannon Ravine Partnerships with Local Businesses 2022 Year-in-Review 6 | Page Partnership with Elexicon Energy The City partnered with Elexicon Energy to complete many pollinator initiatives this year, including the coordination of several planting events. Community groups and volunteers helped the City plant over 380 nectar-producing plants in 6 of Pickering’s pollinator gardens. Volunteers from different community garden groups, Dunbarton High School, and the Toronto Conservation Youth Corp, helped plant and maintain these gardens. The pollinator gardens help add diversity to the city’s landscape, provide a food source, and enhance the natural habitat for pollinators. Elexicon Energy also funded an educational exhibit at the Pickering Central Library, where visitors could watch and learn in- person about the lifecycle of Painted Lady butterflies. These newly emerged butterflies were then released at a pollinator garden in Esplanade Park, that is maintained by the Pickering Horticultural Society. Tree and shrub planting with Dunbarton High School students Butterfly release with Elexicon Energy The funding also helped the City convert a raised garden bed near City Hall into a pollinator supportive garden with native plants. This prominent location will help increase awareness about pollinator-friendly plant species. “Pollinators play a critical role in preventing biodiversity loss, which can pose a major risk to human survival and sustainable development. No action is too small to save our planet.” - Indy Butany-DeSouza, President and CEO, Elexicon Energy Partnerships with Local Businesses 2022 Year-in-Review 7 | Page Pickering City Centre Farmers' Market The City hosted another successful year at the Farmers' Market to help residents connect with local farmers, bakers, artisans, and small 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 2,600 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. Pickering Farmers’ Market Engaging with Our Community 2022 Year-in-Review 8 | Page CAO Marisa Carpino – Clean50 Award Honouree City of Pickering Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Marisa Carpino, was named one of 2022’s Clean50 Award honourees. The annual awards program, led by Delta Management Group, celebrates Canada’s top leaders in sustainability, and is selected from 16 diverse categories that transcend industry, academia, government, thought leaders, and advocates. Earth Month In celebration of Pickering’s Earth Month, the City offered free educational virtual workshops with expert speakers from Durham Master Gardeners and TRCA. Over 180 individuals participated in the webinars to learn about a variety of topics, including Microplastics, Square Foot Gardening, Gardening in a New Subdivision, and the Importance of Pollinators. Birds in Pickering Campaign The City of Pickering, in partnership with Birds Canada and TRCA, hosted an Introduction to Birds of Pickering webinar with 80 viewers. They also hosted a popular Birdwatching for Beginners event at Alex Robertson Park to educate residents on the variety of birds inhabiting, and flying, within the city. The popular sold-out event had 50 attendees. 2022 Clean50 Award Honourees Earth Month gardening webinar Birdwatching event at Alex Robertson Park Engaging with Our Community 2022 Year-in-Review 9 | Page Community Litter Cleanups The City regularly supports Pickering community groups, individuals, schools, businesses, and places of worship, who wish to help keep the community clean. Volunteers are involved with litter clean up initiatives through Pickering's 20-Minute Makeover, Pitch-in Parties, Plastics and Litter Challenge, and the Provincial Day of Action on Litter. This year, 40 community cleanups took place throughout the City. The City supported their efforts by providing bags, gloves, and pick-up of the collected materials. Park Stewardship Program The Park Stewardship Program encourages businesses, and community groups to become actively involved in keeping their local parks clean. As of 2022, 19 groups have become Park Stewards by making a commitment to do litter cleanups, and promote a positive image in their neighbourhood park. Civic Awards Program The Civic Awards is a recognition program to acknowledge members of the Pickering community that have made a significant contribution to the city. In 2022, Elexicon Energy, Marshall Homes, and Opus One Solutions, were awarded the Sustainability Award for Altona Towns – Canada’s first pre-planned, nested microgrid community. The project works through the coordinated use of solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and energy storage, helping residents save both on money and energy. The Environment Award was provided to Chúuk, a Mexican inspired restaurant, that demonstrated its environmental efforts through the use of local foods and biodegradable materials in their business operations. Park Stewardship sign at Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park Elexicon Energy, Marshall Homes and Opus One Solutions were presented with the Sustainability Award for Altona Towns project Community litter cleanup Engaging With Our Community 2022 Year-in-Review 10 | Page Bring Back the Salmon 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 187 Atlantic Salmon into Duffins Creek. To date, the program has helped release almost 600 Atlantic Salmon into Duffins Creek. Bike Month The City partnered with Smart Commute Durham to celebrate Bike Month from June 1 – 30. Bike Month brings together families, employers, commuters and community organizations to promote cycling events across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. The local events included: bike month pledge and bingo, as well as a cycling challenge and scavenger hunt. Environmental Schools Grant 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 and vegetable gardens, building outdoor learning environments, purchasing a 3D printer filament extruder, and hosting workshops with Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue. “Students play such a key role in initiating and maintaining community-based environmental sustainability. The City of Pickering has been instrumental in providing opportunities for young people to learn about the value of pollinator gardens, the benefits of planting trees, and the importance of growing local food.” - Paul Brunette, Geography Teacher, Dunbarton High School Atlantic Salmon release at Duffins Creek Recycling filament with 3D Printer Filament Extruder at Elizabeth B. Phin Elementary School 2022 Year-in-Review 11 | Page Recycling Program The Battery Recycling program allows residents to drop-off batteries to Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering Central Library, Pickering Museum Village, George Ashe and East Shore community centres. In 2022, 254 kilograms of batteries were recycled responsibly. Compost Giveaway and Recycling Bin Exchange 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 were able to purchase new bins, or swap out their old ones, and pick up free compost for their gardens. Dog Waste The Dog Waste Diversion Program is available in 18 parks across Pickering. In 2022, approximately 7 tonnes of dog waste was collected and delivered to a facility, that converted it into electricity. Compost Giveaway and Recycling Bin Exchange Looking Towards the Future 2022 Year-in-Review 12 | Page Advancing Adaptation to Climate Change In a collaborative effort since September 2021, the City of Pickering was 1 of 26 Ontario Communities selected to participate in ICLEI Canada’s (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Advancing Adaptation Project, that helps enhance climate resiliency for local municipalities through a Community Climate Adaptation Project. Phase 1 of the project included engagement with key staff from the municipality and multiple agencies, to understand the impacts of climate change on the city, as well as to identify and prioritize actions to address these issues. The City will commence Phase 2 of the project, pending budget approval in 2023. Phase 2 will include: community engagement, re-exploring actions against drivers and constraints, determining monitoring metrics, examining financial considerations, and finalizing an implementation schedule based on this information. Workshop with Climate Adaptation Planning Working Group Looking Towards the Future 2022 Year-in-Review 13 | Page New Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations The City added two electric vehicles (EV) and one EV charging station to its fleet. The City fleet now has seven EVs and seven charging stations. Additionally, the City has added two fully electric mowers, that will supplement the electric powered maintenance tools that are currently in use. Benefits of electric vehicles and tools include: improved air quality, cost savings, lower maintenance, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Cost savings of vehicles are reviewed annually through a fleet analytics monitoring system. Energy Retrofits The City is continuing its efforts to complete energy retrofits and incorporate energy efficient systems to reduce greenhouse gases and save energy. Two baseball diamonds at Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park underwent lighting upgrades to energy-efficient LED with new controls. Existing lighting in the tennis courts and several mechanical rooms at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex was also replaced with LED. In 2023, the City will complete the final stages of a boiler retrofit at the Pickering Civic Complex and the installation of community electric vehicle charging stations at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex and the Pickering Soccer Centre. Net Zero Community Facility Announcement The City announced over $17 million in federal funding for two City of Pickering net zero community infrastructure projects - the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre, and the Redman House Program Centre improvement project. As a key milestone of Pickering’s sustainability journey, the community centre will be the City’s first net zero facility, featuring enhanced insulation, triple glazed windows, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and other features that, when combined, will meet the net zero design targets for the project. Electric mowers Net zero community infrastructure project Looking Towards the Future 2022 Year-in-Review 14 | Page Integrated Sustainable Design Standards Pickering Council unanimously approved the new Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) on September 20, 2022. The ISDS replaced the 2007 Sustainable Development Guidelines with a new set of standards, that allows the City to review development through a lens that includes modern, green best practices and technology. These standards apply to all new Draft Plan of Subdivision and Site Plan applications submitted to the City under the Planning Act. The new standards consist of two tiers of performance criteria that promote sustainable site and building design. Tier 1 elements are required for all new developments arising from Site Plans and Subdivision applications deemed complete on or after January 1, 2023. Tier 2 performance measures are optional, and demonstrate a higher level of performance. Additional information can be found on the City’s website and User Guide. Universal City Green Roof by Chestnut Hill Developments Vegetables harvested at Valley Plentiful Community Garden Implementation of the Integrated Transportation Master Plan The Integrated Transportation Master Plan (ITMP) is a strategic planning document designed to define the policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements required to address existing and future transportation needs. Since the implementation of the plan in 2021, the City’s cycling plan was updated to incorporate new cycling lanes in various roads across Pickering. The cycling plans will be implemented on a yearly basis, pending budget approval. Valley Plentiful Community Garden Valley Plentiful Community Garden (VPCG) is a well- loved space, and the City of Pickering has supported its operation for many years. Community gardens strengthen local food security, promote healthy food, create a welcoming space for residents to come together and learn, and often help others through donations to the local food bank. VPCG donated 747 kg (1,647 lbs) of fresh fruits and vegetables to the local food bank in 2022. To help establish a foundation to support new community gardens in the future, Pickering Council adopted a Community Garden Policy in December 2022. 2022 Year-in-Review 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 2023, 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.