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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 26, 2008 Page 1 CORP0228—2/02 Minutes /Meeting Summary Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee February 26, 2008 10:00 am Main Committee Room Attendees: Doug Dickerson, City Councillor, Ward 2 (Chair) Jennifer O’Connell, City Councillor, Ward 1 (Vice-Chair) Bill McLean, Regional Councillor, Ward 2 David Pickles, City Councillor, Ward 3 Tom Melymuk, Director, Office of Sustainability Neil Carroll, Director, Planning & Development Shawna Mutton, Coordinator, Community Sustainability Mark Guinto, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Marla Shim, Executive Assistant, Council (Recording Secretary) Guest: Jack Shukla Absent: Jack McGinnis -Durham Sustain Ability Item /Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items /Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome Tom introduced Jack Shukla and advised that he is attending the meeting to observe some of the Committee’s work and to find out if there is some way that he can assist in contributing towards the Committee’s sustainability efforts. Jack gave various suggestions and described in detail, his vision for intensifying the City of Pickering’s downtown area. Councillor Dickerson thanked Jack and advised him that many of his ideas have already been discussed and considered, and that his vision for the downtown area is consistent with the City’s. 2. Measuring Sustainability • Shawna reminded members that the Measuring Sustainability Plenary session is being held on February 28th at 9:00 am in the O’Brien Room • Sally Leppard of Lura Consulting has been hired to facilitate the session Page 2 CORP0228—2/02 • Biggest allotment of time will be for providing input on the indicators that the five working groups developed • A representative from UOIT will attend the session to provide academic input • Hoping to have a matrix of how we measure sustainability – a way to track our progress • Councillor Pickles suggested contacting AMO to look into the possibility of Pickering having a display booth at their August conference Tom and Shawna will investigate 3. Sustainable Pickering Day • Scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2008 • Considering holding the event at the Civic Complex, instead of the Pickering Town Centre • A small committee will be formed to organize the event • Will focus on more city specific initiatives, including downtown intensification • Use lobby, Council Chambers and outside bricked area (set-up tents in case of inclement weather) • Councillor O’Connell stated that she is concerned about the location being changed. She feels that Artfest attracts a particular audience and not the average citizen. It has been proven that other events held at the Civic Complex in the past have not been successful in attracting many residents • Shawna advised that the Pickering Town Centre’s court might not be available this year, due to renovations • Discussion ensued and the general consensus was to still hold the event at the Town Centre • It was suggested having a three dimensional video of the downtown area Shawna to coordinate Shawna will look into the availability of alternative space at Pickering Town Centre 4. FCM Sustainable Communities Conference • Tom reported that the FCM Conference was a success and that many positive comments were received with regards to the sustainable work that has been done by the City of Pickering 5. Other Business • Councillor McLean suggested that to help enforce the City’s commitment to sustainability, the committee write to the MTO to follow-up on a previous letter that was sent regarding using the MTO property for a parking lot • Tom advised members that staff have had a meeting with MTO about their property and are following up on a Page 3 CORP0228—2/02 number of technical issues • Councillor Pickles suggested either requesting a meeting with the Minister and his staff now or waiting for the AMO Conference to request a delegation with the Minister • Councillor O’Connell feels that Pickering is being held under different rules than Toronto by MTO, e.g. building projects such as Indopak and Home Depot • Councillor McLean recommended requesting a meeting with our MPP’s so that they can address some of the Committee’s concerns • Councillor O’Connell circulated a copy of a request from Metrolinx -Future of Transportation and suggested that the committee comment. Need to let them know that better transit is a priority for Pickering and we should not miss out on the opportunity to comment • Councillor O’Connell advised members that the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Great Waterfront Trail Adventure Bike Ride will be coming through Pickering on July 6th and municipalities are being asked to create an itinerary for people that are not participating in the ride. Pickering has been requested to have a sustainable theme: o Good opportunity to have a sustainable booth o Partner with OPG to organize a walking tour with David Crombie o Businesses can get free advertising on the Waterfront Regeneration Trust website for a year if they support the ride by providing discount coupons, etc. • Tom advised that he received an email from David Steele requesting some answers related to Seaton and would like the Committee’s permission to respond to the letter • Councillor Dickerson suggested inviting Mr. Steel to attend a committee meeting so that he can share his ideas Neil will respond to the request. Members are requested to forward their suggestions to Councillor O’Connell Tom will invite David Steele to attend a future meeting 6. Next Meeting March 18, 2008 Meeting Adjourned: 12:30 pm. Copy: All Members Chief Administrative Officer Directors City Clerk