Pollinator Action Sub-Committee
D. Pearson updated the Committee on the Parks Division’s review of the Broad Street Urban Island Pollinator Garden project which indicated support but recommended a smaller project as a start which could be built on into the future. The Parks Division were concerned with ongoing maintenance and the need for commitment by neighbours and the Pollinator Action Committee to maintain the garden over time. The project will start at the beginning of May, will be smaller and the funding commitment by CKLEAC of $3,800 may turn out to be lower with the smaller project.
Questions of CKLEAC members resulted in the following:
- A front yard pollinator garden tour is considered later in the summer and not in conflict with the Lindsay Garden Tour held in in July.
- The City’s Property Standards By-law would enable the creation of front yard pollinator and flower gardens unless overgrown with weeds and noxious plants.
- The road side boulevards within the municipal road allowance do not allow for the placement of objects/benches citing municipal snow management responsibilities.
- A prior request by the Library for CKLEAC funding to support a seed packet program was not required as the Library can undertake the project on their own.
Environmental Hero Awards
The Chair reported the Environmental Hero awards would be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting of Council at 1:00 p.m. on May 3, 2022 by Deputy Mayor Tracy Richardson. Members were invited to observe the ceremony by Zoom.
Transportation Sub-Committee
V. Colling, J. Morris and D. Pearson reported on the following active projects:
Electrical Vehicle Event on Saturday, August 20, 2022: An Electric Vehicle (EV) "meet and greet" event is proposed in downtown Lindsay involving the Kawartha EV Society as the lead with their members displaying their electric vehicles. This educational event will also see the Plus 'N Drive discovery centre offering short rides and a tent and information booth. Necessary insurance documentation is now in place for the event and applications for a $2,000 funding grant and request to close Kent Street road between Cambridge and Victoria Streets, will proceed. The event will complement the usual Saturday Market Day and Laurie McCarthy, EDO – Tourism Staff member will assist in promotion and potential funding for charging stations.
Questions of CKLEAC members clarified:
- The event is informational/educational and local dealerships will be notified to attend as interested citizens and not to set up marketing/selling booths.
- Pearson offered to investigate the cost of charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Pedi Go will be setting up a display.
Bike Sharing: The Bike Sharing project would qualify for a grant program for up to $100,000 for projects to be in place by the end of 2022 and with an application deadline of mid May 2022. The application and project implementation requires a lead organization and a number of groups are under review including the BIA, Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, Green Trails Alliance or the Kawartha Cycling Club. Issues such as where to locate the bike sharing stands, involvement of municipal divisions if the location is on city property, the short time line and delivery time for bikes/frames were noted. Deputy Mayor Richardson also offered to provide J. Morris and Laurie McCarthy with electric vehicle lease information.
Raise Awareness on Active Transportation: J. Morris reported on a kid-focussed initiative involving a local public school principal to make October 5, 2022 International Walk to School Day. The event will encourage kids to walk/bike to school with recognition awards/prizes, presentations on walking/biking safety and Kawartha Cycling participation in a bike rodeo.
Emission Reduction targets and reporting: Report was provided that an internal corporate team to create a Healthy Environment Plan was now dissolved as its mission had been completed. R. Holy noted a new Environmental Planning Officer position had been created to implement a variety of environmental policies including the Environmental Health Plan, tree policy, etc. and work was underway to create the detailed job description and fill the position.