Burlington Sustainable Development Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Room 247, Level 2, City Hall

1.
Members Present:

Tim Park (chair), Jim Feilders (vice-chair), Carolyn Barnes, Guy Sheppard, Katherine Miller, Katie Rauscher, Steven Horwood, Farzaneh Farahani, Herb Lewington, Chris Maynard, and Bob Burchett

2.
Others Present:

Susan Mattine (Alt), Lisa Kohler (HEN – Guest Presenter) and Lynn Robichaud (staff)

3.
Regrets:

Herb Sinnock, Henry Onah, Colleen Lowe, Ramsha Ahmed, Tania Barlow (Alt), and Councillor Sharman

4.
Declarations of Interest:

None.

5.
Presentation: Lisa Kohler, Halton Environmental Network

HEN is a non-profit organization and was created back in 2004. Previously their focus was more on networking and supporting local groups.  There used to be 50 to 60 local groups under their umbrella.  They still support some local groups to build capacity but HEN has changed their focus to deliver programming across the region.  Three areas of focus include:  Greening Sacred Spaces, Halton Green Screens and Climate Change Initiatives.  Lisa is also a climate leader under the Climate Reality program (Al Gore) and often makes presentations in public about climate change.  More information about HEN can be found at http://haltonenvironet.ca/

6.
Approval of Minutes:

7.
Regular Items:

7.1
Updates from previous events

a.
Burlington Car Show (Jim)

Jim provided an update on BG’s participation. They asked people the type of car they drove and how far they drove and created a chart with info on emissions. Also did a survey with people about their knowledge of EVs, the rebate program and charging stations. Overall it seems people are more knowledgeable, although not necessarily on what type of rebates are available. There was a lot of response with Plug’n Drive. 

b.
BurlingtonGreen's Eco Film – The Future of Energy

The Future of Energy. The documentary was very positive about renewable energy but focused on California. Would be good to have more information about what’s happening in Canada. There was a lot of interest in the solar share program following the film. The film showed the benefits of community energy projects and decentralized power, where the community has more control. Germany is an example where this is happening.

c.
Green Energy Doors Open – Sept. 22-24th (Jim Feilders home on Seneca)

Sept. 22-24th (Jim Feilders home on Seneca) – Jim had approximately 25 visitors; some were undertaking renos and wanted information. Someone from Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development attended and is interested in how to train students in technologies.  Some were just interested in how the house and heat pump works.  Jim financed the sustainability improvements through his mortgage.  Energy savings =  net positive.  Other options include using a heat pump water heater which has 3 modes of settings and radiant heat flooring.

7.2
Upcoming events/news (All)

a.
McMaster Centre for Climate Change, David Miller – Oct 18th, 7:00 pm (McMaster Innovation Park)

b.
SDC's Green Home Reno 101 – Oct 25th (Central Library)

c.
McMaster Water Week - Oct 30th - Nov 3rd

d.
BurlingtonGreen’s Eco Film – Minimalism, Nov 15th (Central Libary)

e.
BG’s Connect the Dots – David Suzuki, Nov 21st (PAC)

It was agreed that the SDC budget would cover the cost of tickets for members given there is still funds in the professional development budget.

Moved by Bob to spend up to $350 to cover tickets. Those planning to attend include Chris, Farzaneh, Carolyn, Susan, Bob, Steve and Herb.

Action:  Lynn to check with other members to see if others would like to attend.

7.3
Staff Updates (Lynn)

a.
Membership Update

One member for sure will be stepping down and finishing his term. Another one is a potential.

b.
Climate Change Funding

City staff are working on options to apply for GHG reduction funding from the province. Options include Joseph Brant Museum (green roof, geothermal and EV charging station); electric zambonis and EV transit buses, as well as greening facilities. There is definite interest in developing a micro grid at Central park using renewables, but there is currently no master plan for the park and facilities. There is much opportunity there, especially with the arena and the YMCA pool across the street.

c.
Staff Reports

Lynn had three staff reports presented to the Committee of the Whole on Monday related to the Hamilton Burlington Mohawk Climate Change Partnership; Sustainable Hamilton Burlington; and Ministry of Energy Funding for the Community Energy Plan.

7.4
Business arising from the minutes (All)

None.

7.5
Awareness sub-committee update (Carolyn)

Tim and his son Spencer are working on an App. They have created a prototype to encourage people to act on climate change actions and meet carbon reduction goals.  There doesn’t seem to be a comparable product on the market although have reviewed other apps to get ideas.

Principles & Objectives of Sustainable Development – new pamphlet printed to hand out at events.

Planning for the next library event is going well. Hoping to receive the final presentations by the next meeting. Promotions are under way.  Building Permit staff will participate with a table.  Jim has offered to show his house and heat pump after the event.  Members are encouraged to attend.

Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Awards – Steve is working on an application for the Longo’s chain to recognize the company on all the energy efficiency measures they have achieved.  

Appleby Line Street Festival – continues to be an event with extreme climatic conditions. This year was the hottest day of the summer.  It was suggested that next year request to be closer to the City of Burlington info table and kid zone.  May have more traffic in that location.  A resident came by and had several question about the effectiveness of the committee.  Suggestions for future events – ensure members have information about the committee’s accomplishments and performance measures.  It could be helpful to have someone from P&D attend to help answer questions about planning and development issues.  Another suggestion was to have OMB stats available – why hearings were initiated (city or developer driven) and who has benefitted from OMB decisions.  There was also a discussion about what to do if contacted by the media for comments.

Action: Members should contact Lynn or Fleur to discuss if contacted by the media for comments, unless the matter is being handled by a city Communications Advisor.

Action: Lynn to follow up to find OMB stats to share with the committee. 

7.6
Policy and Development subcommittee update (Guy)

The SDC delegated to the Planning & Development Committee about the Official Plan and there was a question about agricultural land. Not sure what it was related to specifically.  There was also a question from the Ward 2 Councillor about Low impact development examples.

Leah has arranged a meeting between P&D and planning staff next Thursday from 12 – 2:00 about the OP in room 247.

Some members have attended Mobility hub workshops. A workbook is available to complete for feedback.

Development proposal at 490-492 Brock Street, located east and north of the AGB. A 22 storey building is proposed.  Jim is reviewing.

There was a discussion about timing when the SDC is circulated the development application for review of development applications. The SDC receives the package at the same time as other agencies and departments. The SDC has been planning to write a letter to provide the developer with information about the SDC’s expectations for sustainable development for the pre-consultation meetings.  Leah has also suggested a meeting with the Hamilton Halton Home Builders Association to provide an overview of the SDC’s expectations.

Development proposal 421-431 Brant Street. Chris may be able to meet with the developer.

Evergreen wants to meet on Oct 10th.  It was agreed that P&D will be rescheduled to 10th.

It was suggested by a member of council when Herb delegated to committee that the SDC consider meeting with Paletta to discuss the sustainable development of the Bronte Woods lands (south of Upper Middle, west of Burloak).

7.7
Reports from external groups and conferences

a.
Halton Environmental Network (haltonenvironment.net) (Ramsha)

No update.

b.
Community Energy Plan (burlington.ca/CEP) (Herb/Lynn)

Lynn, Carolyn & Jim provided updates. The Energy Efficiency & Generation Task Group recently met. There was discussion about the implementation of a micro grid at Central Park. Jim Cotton has also received funding at McMaster University to work on a large scale community energy mapping project, including Burlington (as one of the GridSmartCities). The Engagement Task Group also met. There was a good discussion on how to engage the community on climate change and what to do to take action.

c.
BurlingtonGreen (burlingtongreen.org) (Jim)

See above for updates.

8.
Other Business:

8.1
Presentations for next meetings

It was agreed that a presentation from Halton Region Waste Management staff could be invited to a future meeting to talk about the future of waste management and the landfill, including the energy from methane plant at the landfill.

Action: Lynn to contact Waste Management staff to request a presentation.

8.2
State of the Environment Report

Katie advised the committee that there has been one meeting with the group (Katie, Steve, Ramsha, Lynn & Fleur) to discuss potential options to produce a future SOER. The group looked at other municipal reports and discussed the pros and cons, as well as what they liked and didn’t like about the current SOER. We are now looking at our top 10 indicators/performance measures.  Lynn will compile a matrix to compare. 

8.3
Upcoming meeting dates

9.
Adjournment:

Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:35 pm.

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