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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 01-26 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: SUS 01-26 Date: April 7, 2026 From: Kyle Bentley Director, City Development & CBO Subject: Pickering Environmental Schools Grant Results of the 2025 Funding File: D-7000-007 Recommendation: 1. That Report SUS 01-26 regarding the Pickering Environmental Schools Grant be received for information. 1.0 Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to present an overview of the student activities enabled by the City’s 2025 Environmental Schools Grant program. On October 21, 2019, Council approved the creation of a Pickering Environmental Schools Grant (Resolution #154/19). The purpose of the grant was to provide Pickering students with the opportunity to implement activities that contribute to a healthy environment. The Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) each had access to up to $15,000.00 for their respective schools. The Viamonde School Board (VSB) could apply for up to $1,500.00, which was reflective of there being only one joint elementary and secondary school site in Pickering. Staff worked with the three school boards to communicate the grant opportunity to their respective schools. Eight schools applied and a total of $24,396.88 was allocated in funding in 2025. The DDSB, the DCDSB, and the VSB each provided a report outlining the projects that were undertaken (see Attachments 1, 2, and 3). The reports outline how Pickering’s Environmental Schools Grant provided equitable access for hundreds of students to be engaged in fun, educational, and meaningful activities they otherwise would not have been able to pursue. SUS 01-26 April 7, 2026 Page 2 2.0 Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship, Innovation & Resiliency; and Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships. 3.0 Financial Implications: The cost of the Environmental Schools Grant program is funded from the casino reserve within the adopted 2025 Budget. 4.0 Discussion: The purpose of this report is to present an overview of the student activities enabled by the City’s 2025 Environmental Schools Grant program. The parameters outlined in the Environmental Schools Grant Application Guidelines ensured that the funded activities/programs achieved the following: • positively impacted the Pickering community and residents; • directly supported the City’s goal to continuously improve environmental sustainability; and, • had clear measurable benefits and results. A total of eight schools from DDSB, DCDSB and the VSB participated in the 2025 program, and they recognized the City’s contribution in various ways including: • eNewsletter; • school website and social media; • classroom communications; • school assembly; • Parent Council meetings; • outdoor signage; and, • school yearbook. Through the 2025 City of Pickering Environmental Schools Grant, students achieved the following initiatives: • created flower garden beds with native plants to attract pollinators, and used these gardens to teach grade three students about the life cycle of plants; • completed a Ride or Roll to School campaign, and purchased bicycle and scooter racks; • purchased materials to build an outdoor learning environment (e.g., wooden benches) and outdoor exploration materials (e.g., magnifying glasses); SUS 01-26 April 7, 2026 Page 3 • developed educational and interactive workshops to gather citizen science data for both plants and soil, while also considering the impact of nature-learning on mental health and wellbeing; • purchased Monarch Butterfly kits to teach and observe the monarch lifecycle; and, • purchased vegetable and fruit garden materials, such as seeds and soil, to enhance their garden and outdoor learning space. A portion of the approved Environmental Schools Grant funding allocated to DCDSB was not utilized during the 2025 program year due to unforeseen administrative changes at the school level that affected project implementation. These changes resulted in delays that prevented the school from proceeding with the approved initiative within the required program timeframe. By the time City staff were informed of the situation, it was near the end of the program year, leaving insufficient time to reallocate the funding to another eligible school. Going forward, schools will be required to notify the City of Pickering within 30 days of any administrative or operational changes that could affect project delivery. In addition, minor City procedural changes will help improve communication with the schools. Together, these measures will support effective use of approved funding and allow funds to be reallocated, if necessary. Schools have inquired about applying for funds in 2026. The City’s 2026 Budget offers DCDSB and the DDSB access to up to $15,000.00 (each) for their respective schools, and $1,500.00 for the VSB. The attached reports provide a brief overview and photographs of the work that was completed. Through the Environmental Schools Grant, many schools were able to deliver meaningful projects that they may have otherwise not been able to undertake. The City of Pickering’s grant provided opportunities for local students to expand their knowledge about environmental matters and share their experience with family and friends. These efforts will help Pickering’s future decision-makers gain a sense of empowerment about the role they play in environmental stewardship and living sustainably in their neighbourhood and the City. Attachments: 1. Durham District School Board 2025 Environmental Grant Final Report 2. Durham Catholic District School Board 2025 Environmental Grant Final Report 3. Viamonde School Board 2025 Environmental Grant Final Report Prepared By: Melanie Edmond, HBSc., Coordinator, Sustainability Prepared By: Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P, Manager, Sustainability & Strategic Environmental Initiatives SUS 01-26 April 7, 2026 Page 4 Approved/Endorsed By: Kyle Bentley, P. Eng., Director, City Development & CBO Approved/Endorsed By: Stan Karwowski, CPA, CMA, MBA, Director, Finance & Treasurer ME:ld Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council By: Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Attachment 1 to Report SUS 01-26 Durham District School Board Pickering Environmental Schools Grant 2025 Final Report City of Pickering Environmental Schools Grant Final Report 2025 As of the end of 2025 the following schools have completed their Environmental Schools Grant projects in partnership with the City of Pickering. Elizabeth B. Phin Public School: The project involved the creation of a white cedar planter-box (flowerbed) to the north of the Kiss and Ride lanes that run east west along Rougemount Drive. The idea was to teach our students about the life cycle of plants (Grade Three curriculum) and then have them plant bulbs (tulips and daffodils) in the late fall with the intention being of having these same students water and take care of the bulbs when they emerge in the spring. In addition to this, we are beautifying the streetscape of our school and of Rougemount Avenue, benefitting not only E B Phin, but our local community too. The funds were used for the construction of the planter. This project is ongoing; the first set of tulip and daffodil bulbs were planted in the late fall. 60 tulip bulbs and 80 daffodil bulbs were planted. The intention is that when the bulbs have emerged and bloomed, that a second planting of other plants - possibly Hostas and/or native species will take place so that the flowerbed will be in "bloom" from early April until the plants die off in the fall. All of the planting is preceded by curriculum instruction around the life cycle of plants, together with instructions on how to plant. We were very grateful to be joined by one of our local contractors, Mr. Matt Haubold and his daughter, who both braved the cold weather and came out to show our students exactly how to plant the bulbs. William Dunbar Public School: The funds were utilized to enhance the outdoor learning environment for Kindergarten and primary students. This included providing a dedicated yard space and structures, as well as essential materials—such as magnifying glasses, clipboards, wagons, and visual aids of local animals, flora and fauna—to actively encourage outdoor exploration and inquiry-based learning. The activities described contribute to environmental benefits primarily through: Promoting Environmental Stewardship: The project encourages students to "look after their environment" by participating in hands-on activities, specifically the planting and care of plants. This fosters a sense of responsibility toward nature and allows for the careful exploration of how butterfly's help our environment. Encouraging Outdoor Inquiry: By providing materials for exploration (magnifying glasses, clipboards) and a dedicated outdoor space, the project promotes direct interaction with and appreciation for the natural environment. We started our exploration late this Fall and are excited to continue it in the Spring/Summer. Westcreek Public School: Project 1: Our project included two large garden beds with well over 30 flowers. Funds were used to purchase two raised garden beds, garden soil, and flowers. Our garden provides a habitat for local pollinators, such as our bees and butterflies which supports biodiversity in our area. Our flowers help to stabilize soil, reduce erosion and improve soil health. The garden provides a unique opportunity for students and our local community to learn about environmental sustainability and biodiversity. This hands-on experience has helped students to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. We will continue to promote environmental sustainability, support biodiversity and create a beautiful and educational space for our students to enjoy. Project 2: Caterpillars, caterpillar food and 3 caterpillar/butterfly habitats were purchased from Monarch Butterflies. Our 3 kindergarten classes each raised butterflies within their classrooms, observing and documenting the butterfly lifecycle. The butterflies were released into Westcreek's Pollinator Garden. 31 butterflies in total were released. Children learned about the importance of pollinators, and about the lifecycle of butterflies. 31 butterflies were released into our school's pollinator garden. We had three releasing events as each class went outside to release the butterflies they raised. Project 3: The grant funds were utilized for the purchase of 4 new bike racks. The 4 new racks provide 28+ new spaces for student bike parking and will allow us to add new locations around the school where we do not currently have racks available. Attachment 2 to Report SUS 01-26 Durham Catholic District School Board Pickering Environmental Schools Grant 2025 Final Report Durham Catholic District School Board Pickering Environmental Schools Grant 2025 Final Report St. Mary Catholic Secondary School: St. Mary Catholic Secondary School used the funds to build, plant and improve their Outdoor Classroom. The funds were used to plant 6 trees, mulch and compost. Once the project was complete teachers signed out the space for outdoor lessons. This project engaged the St. Mary community, St Mary Ed Team (50 students), the eco team (20 students) and retreat leaders. St. Mary’s acknowledged the City of Pickering through the school website, yearbook, Twitter and Instagram. St. Monica Catholic School: St. Monica Catholic School was awarded funds from the City of Pickering’s Environmental School Grant to support sustainable transportation and environmental awareness among students. As part of this initiative, the school hosted a “Ride or Roll to School” event, encouraging students to bike, scooter, or walk to school to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthy living. To enhance the long-term impact of the initiative, the grant funds were used to purchase and (later install) two scooter racks, complementing the existing bicycle racks outside the school. These additions provide secure and accessible storage for students who choose eco-friendly modes of transportation, reinforcing the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and active living. Over 100 students participated in the “Ride or Roll to School” event, demonstrating strong community engagement and interest in sustainable transportation. This project not only supports the school’s eco goals but also fosters a culture of sustainability and community engagement. The City of Pickering was thanked in school newsletters, social media posts, and during school announcements related to the initiative. Acknowledgment signage was placed near the newly installed scooter racks, highlighting the City’s role in funding the project. The initiative was also shared with families and the broader community. 1 Attachment 3 to Report SUS 01-26 Viamonde School Board École secondaire Ronald Marion Pickering Environmental Schools Grant 2025 Final Report 2 Through the Pickering Environmental Schools Grant, SHSM students received the SHSM certification offered by EcoSpark called Health and Wellness, under the School Watch program. The students were able to participate in a health and wellness workshop that happened both in-class and outside in the forest to gather citizen science data for both plants and soil, while also considering the impact of nature-learning on mental health and wellbeing. The school was also able to purchase citizen science kits such as water and soil analysis kits through funding from the grant. Twenty-three students attended the workshop. Fifteen students have indicated their engagement in forming the committee to plan the Grade 7-10 students, with further plans to engage more of the SHSM students as well as work with school clubs such as the Health and Wellness club at the school.