Members of the Committee suggested areas in which the Committee should focus, and offered suggestions of potential new initiatives that could be investigated.
D. Pearson suggested Neighbourhood Resilience, and offered the example of Toronto CREW (Community Resilience in Extreme Weather). An initiative would include educating on climate change, and preparing neighbourhoods or small areas for extreme weather events. Building resilient communities that would be educated and know how to respond to extreme weather situations.
D. Pearson also commented on the importance of the agricultural sector, and that it should be a large focus in implementing the HEP.
B. Snider expressed concerns regarding the loss of wetlands at an increasing rate. He suggested again that an important focus be on the agricultural sector.
D. Ryrie indicated that the Committee focus on the targeted emission reductions set out locally and federally, decide on a target rate to aim for, and concentrate on ways to reach the targeted goal. J. Morris expressed the need for annual updates on emission levels and the Committee agreed the addition of a new staff member dedicated to the HEP would be very beneficial. P. Warren suggested the new HEP co-ordinator attend an upcoming CKLEAC meeting.
D. Lowles expressed concerns regarding water and waste water in both urban and rural areas, particularly about inspecting all septic systems. R. Holy suggested that such a program would need to be resourced with additional staff in order that all septic systems could be inspected on a recurring basis. Discussion ensued regarding downspouts connected to storm sewers and the importance of this practice not being permitted in any new applications. R. Holy advised that the City has a program to have these connections removed when they are found. Additional discussion took place regarding the potential for licensing and inspection of septic systems for short term rental properties.
D. Lowles also indicated the importance of the advertising of Hazardous Waste and Round Up days. T. Richardson advised the Waste Calendars had been printed and would be available this week, and that she would reach out to Communications Division to promote these events.
V. Collings also confirmed the importance of connecting with the Agricultural Board and educating the community particularly on topics such as the value of ecosystems, limiting pesticide use, choosing native plants, composting, green infrastructure, and ALUS.
V. Collings also commented on the importance of EV charging stations being incorporated into all new developments. R. Holy updated members on some examples of methods already starting to take place locally and beyond.
J. Morris suggested a main focus continue to be on Active Transportation strategies and encouraging residents and visitors to use transit, walk, bicycle and carpool. Members discussed the potential of the formation of an Active Transportation Sub-Committee to concentrate on some of these AT strategies. J. Morris will draft further ideas and recommendations in this regard and bring to the next meeting.
E. McGregor echoed D. Ryrie’s thoughts on focusing on the emission targets and goals, and also confirmed the importance of having proper infrastructure to accommodate the future of electric vehicles including parking and charging stations.
P. Warren commented of the importance of the Agricultural portion of the HEP. Additionally, P. Warren would like to see a focus on low impact developments and engineering and design standards. P. Warren hopes to investigate and provide comment on what sort of standards we are expecting of new developers.