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01 17 2008 OMEGA AgendaTOWNSHIP QF ORO-MEDONTE QRO-MEDQNTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2008 TIME: 7:04 P.M. GROUNDRULES: 1. Adhere to the approximate time guidelines. 2. Structure and Process are governed by the Township's Procedural By-law. *~'*A digital recording of the meeting will be made~'~* Notes: Time =Guideline only # A enda Item Process Lead Time 1 O enin of Meetin Mel 01 2 Ado Lion of A enda Motion - Ado t Mel 02 3 "Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest & the -Declare All 02 General Nature Thereof - In Accordance with the Act" 4 Minutes from November 15, 2007 Meeting -Highlight amendments Mel 05 Motion -Ado t 5 Procedural By-law 2007-136 -Review Sandy 10 - Hi hli ht 6 Review of Issues and Opportunities -Review list Mel 05 a roved b Council -Reference the Flowchart 7 Terms of Reference for Working Groups -Adopt Terms of Sandy 15 identified at November 15, 2007 meeting Reference Motion 8 Status Updates from Working Groups -Present (by Sandy 20 (Motion} spokespersons} +Andria a. Growth Issues -Recommend next steps +Lynette b. Habitat (includes Tres By-law} -see Flowchart +Margo e. Oro Moraine 9 Tree Preservation B -law Rs ort Motion -Receive Sand 05 10 Correspondence dated December 4, 2007 -Receive Sandy 05 from Mayor Hughes re: Motion, Use and Sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides Motion 11 Correspondence dated January 6, 2008 -Receive & recommend Sandy 05 from Pat Woodford, re: OMEGA Oro to Council Moraine Workin Grou Motion 12 Determine process to engage all OMEGA -List Mel 05 members on at least one Workin Grou -Volunteer 13 Preliminary -Determine items far which -Concept of $ sans $ Mel + All 10 OMEGA may require funding -List activities which will cost $ - Next ste s? 14 Other Business /Questions -Discussion Sandy 10 a. Canada Day Celebrations -Fireworks -Agreement b. Slow moving vehicle signage? c. Bass Lake Working Group? d. Other? 15 Next Meetin Date - A reement Mel 04 16 Ad'ournment Motion 01 Total time =approx. 1:45 TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA} MEETING MINUTES Thursday, November 15, 2007 @ 7:01 p.m. Council Chambers Present: John Bosomworkh Lynette Crawford-Mader Steve Cromwell Meryl Drake Ruth Fountain Susan Grant Don Hanney Margo Nolt Regrets: Bob Barlow Vera Cameron-van Amelsvoort David Edwards David Kennedy Simon Kennedy Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Council/Staff Mayor H.S. Hughes Present: Councillor Sandy Agnew Councillor Coutanche called the meeting to order. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion No. OMEGA-071115-1 Allan Johnson Andria [-sigh Gerry Murphy Jim Purnell Doug Shelswell Beverley Smith Kim Wand Jim Woodford Wilf McMechan Jacinto McNairn Andy McNiven Avery Parle Mike Vandergeest Peter W igham Councillor Mel Coutanche Doug Irwin, Clerk Moved by Ruth Fountain, Seconded by Susan Grant It is recommended that the agenda for the Oro-Medante Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting of Wednesday, November 15, 20Q7 be received and adopted. Carried. 2. MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 18, 2007 MEETING Motion No. OMEGA-071115-2 Moved by John Bosomworth, Seconded by Meryl Drake It is recommended that the minutes of the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors Group (OMEGA) meeting held on October 18, 2007 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. 3. TREE PRESERVATION BY-LAW REQUEST Motion No. OMEGA-071115-3 Moved by Andria Leigh, Seconded by Steve Cromwell It is recommended that the tree preservation by-law request dated October 29 and October 8, 2007 be received. Carried. 4. REVIEW OF ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES IDENTIFIED AT OCTOBER 18, 2007 MEETING A general review of the Issues and Opportunities occurred. 5. GENERATE COMPLETE LIST OF DETAILED ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES The following additional Issues and Opportunities were identified: • Cosmetic use of pesticides • Burning of waste in heating systems • Integrated pest management • Garbage pick up day around lakes • Monitor ProvinciallCounty responsibilities 6. CATEGORIZE THE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Councillor Coutanche and half of the group present categorized the Issues and Opportunities. Page 2 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 7. IDENTIFY CATEGORIES FOR ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES: Councillor Agnew and half of the group identified the Categories of the Issues and Opportunities as follows: • Education o Water quality awareness o Education -waste • Water Quality o Water quality o Wetlands preserve/create/re-establish a Protect headwaters o Bass Lake Planning o Smart Growth a Official Plan policies a Influx of people o Growth development pressures o Big Bay Paint development o Cosmetic use of pesticides o Noise pollution • Recreation o Hiking trails o Boating o ATV o Air pollution o Car idling by-law o Rail Trail a Recreational Trails • Heritage & Life Standards o Rural quality of life o Sustain development o Heritage -preserve it o Property standards o Visual environment o Sign pollution o Balance rural character a Model for other communities • Energy Conservation a Improve environment -affordable/workable ,-. FffiriPn~iPS thrni ~r7h tPChnnlnw o Clothes lines {dry) Page 3 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 • Waste Management o Composting o Garbage pick up day around lakes o Sewage treatment o Plastics waste o Monitor Provincial/County responsibilities a Garbage • Reduce • Road cleaning • dumping o Waste management o Oiling roads a Electronic recycling o Burning of waste in heating systems o Annual clean-ups • Sustainable Farming o Keep agriculture opportunities o Agriculture in forefront o Sustainable farming • Habitat o Tree by-law o Tree preservation a Habitat o Tree planting a Wetlands preservelcreatelre-establish • Ora Moraine o Gravel pits o Oro Moraine -protect, enhance, conserve o Ora Moraine -same protection as Oak Ridges Moraine o Protect headwaters • Lake Management a Lake Simcoe management o Bass Lake o Protect headwaters o Feeder streams o Shoreline -tree planting o Water quality -Lake Simcoe Page 4 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 5 $. ESTABLISH PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA AND PRIORITIZE THE CATEGORIES The following criteria was established to prioritize the categories: Council priority High Da-ablelApproval by Township High Environmental Impact High OMEGA Core Interest High Economic Impact Medium Resident interest Medium Timelines Low Relationship sequence 9. IDENTIFY THE TOP 4 OR 5 ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKING GROUPS Based on the above-noted criteria, each OMEGA Member present identified their tap three (3) categories. Motion No. OMEGA-01115.4 Moved by Jim Woodford, Seconded by Don Hanney It is recommended to Council that the following top issues and opportunities for the OMEGA Working Groups be approved: - Water Quality, - Planning, - Recreation, - Waste Management, - Habitat, - Oro-Moraine. Carried. Page 5 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 10.1©ENTIFY POTENTIAL. WORKING GROUPS COMPOSITION Motion No. OMEGA-071115-5 Moved by John Bosomworth, Seconded by Beverly Smith It is recommended to Council that the following OMEGA working groups be established: Pro osed Workin Grou Name Members Susan Grant, Planning Ruth Fountain, Andria t_eigh, Steve Cromwell, Jim Woodford, Jim Purnell. Pro osed Workin Grou Name Members Lynette Crawford-Mader, Habitat Beverly Smith, Kim Wand, Doug Shelswell, Allan Johnson, Me 1 Drake. Pro osed Workin Grou Name Members Jim Purnell, Oro Moraine Jim Hodgins, Margo Holt, David Kennedy, Jim Woodford, John Basomworth. Carried. 11. OTHER BUSINESS Consent Forms will be distributed to the OMEGA Members to receive consent to share the Members' names, addresses, telephone numbers and a-mail addresses with all OMEGA Members. 12. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled far Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre. Page 6 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 13.ADJOURNMENT Motion No. OMEGA-071115-fi Moved by Ruth Fountain, Seconded by Allan Johnson It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 8:54 p.m. Carried. A digital recording of the meeting is available for review. Co-Chairperson, Councillor Coutanche Co-Chairperson, Councillor Agnew Clerk, J. Douglas Irwin Page 7 OMEGA Meeting -November 15, 2007 1 Motion No. C071128-21 Moved by Allison, Seconded by Coutanche Be it resolved that 1. The top issues and opportunities for the OMEGA Working Groups be amended to replace "Planning" with "Growth Issues". 2. And Further That the following top issues and opportunities for the OMEGA Working Groups be approved: - Water Quality, - Growth Issues, - Recreation, - Was#e Management, - Habitat, - Oro-Moraine. Carried. Motion No. C071128-22 Moved by Coutanche, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved that Motion No. OMEGA-071115-5 with respect to the 3 establishment of OMEGA Working Groups be deferred pending ratification of the terms of reference of the three (3) OMEGA Working Groups by OMEGA. Carried. C4MMUNICATIQNS: a) Lynda ,Bruce Chappell, Michelle Lynch, Garry Patter, Ric ebster, Committee o 'ustment, correspondence dated Novem 6, 2007 re: Severance Applica 2007-8-17 [Refer to Items 9a , 12a), 13a}, 14b}, 14h}, 15a}, 15b}]. Motion No. C07112$-23 Moved by Coutanche, S ded by Allison . Be it resolve at the correspondence dated November 16, from Lynda Aiken ce Chappell, Michelle Lynch, Garry Potter, Rick Webster, mmittee of stment, re: Severance Application 2007-B-17 be received. Carried. Page 10 Council Meeting Minutes- November 28, 2007 ~. On~7[~:GA - Planning V4rorkin~ Group The Planning Working Group recognizes that the Township has a number of other authorities which review and assess planning applications and applicable policies. The mandate for this OMEGA working group is not to duplicate these existing processes but to provide additional input and opportunity to review planning policy for the Township and to provide advice an future policy considerations from an environmental perspective. The mandate far the working group will be to: 1. Make recommendations to Council in regard to future pulley amendments which are intended to strengthen the environment first philosophy of Council; 2. Provide feedback to Council as requested on environmental planning matters; 3. Ability to act as public lobbyists in the impieme7~tation of Council's planning directions; 4. Planning working group interconnected to other O(vIEGA working groups/priorities: Oro Moraine, Water Quality. Waste Management, Habitat, and Recreation. Intent is for planning group t prop ide advise and recommendations to Council an the mechanism for implementing their above working group mandates i.e. policy, by-law, education ~~ habitat is the place a plant or animal lives. Habitats in C)ro i4ledonte are as di~~~~rse as the plants and animals that live in them, ranging f~~.m the c~b~c=ious such ~,-etlands, rrr~~.~„~s, lake,, forests and fields, to small vernal pools th;ir :u r necessary to sustain creatures like the wood frog. :Most plants and animals are uniquely adapted to sure is e in a specific habitat, and if that habitat is destroyed, the plant or animal's survival is severer threatened. Habitats do not function independently of each ether: wetland creatures need Forests and fields to proY*ide upland cover far nesting. Woodland creatures need ~~et]ands and streams for water and food. f fields provide hunting opportunities for the variety of raptors -such as the Great Gray Owl -that stage in our forests. Nar can habitats Function in isolation: a lonely stand of trees in the middle of a residential area serves neither deer nor residents very effectiyer. When wild animals cross through developed areas to get to sources of Food and water, conflicts inevitably arise. For habitats to function effectively they must be healthy and connected, aIlowing plants to thrive and animals to pass through safely according to their natural habits. habitats do not just benefit plants and anmals. Wetlands improve water quality, woodlands help reduce carbons in the air and streams feed the lakes we enjoy for recreational purposes and as a source of water. ~~'e are all connected: the destruction of one type of habitat starts a negative chain reaction that wi11 indisputable end up at our doorsteps and reduce quality of life in this township and beyond. X111 habitats are essential in the fight against, and adaptation to, climate change. faro ?~ledonte is blessed to be home to a rich diversity of habitats. This is part of the cultural Fabric that makes up this township and the reason why many choose to live here. It is an interesting paradox then that because this is such a desirable place to live, habitats are ixnder significant and constant threat. `T`his is most recently evidenced in a communication from the C;omrnittee of ~~djustment which has formally expressed its dismay at the number of applications resulting in the needless destruction of healthy, mature trees. The township must assess its habitats holistically and in their entirety, balancing the interests of humans, plants and animals alike, to sustain the quality of life here and ensure that these essential places are not needlessly destroyed. Fox all of these reasons, we would ask council to give favourable consideration to the establishment of a Habitat Working Group under f~~11^.Gr1 that would research, assess and make recommendations on issues pertaining to habitats in CJro hledonte. ~`3 Irwin, Doug From: Margo Holt Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2{}07 2:26 PM To: Irwin, Doug Subject: submission to council re OMEGA Oro Moraine subgroup Page 1 cif 1 The OMEGA Oro Moraine subgroup recognizes the significance of the moraine & suggests it be a priority for OMEGA. The Oro Moraine is a significant natural heritage feature in Oro-Medante & the province. The moraine is home to several 'species at risk' .The moraine is important as it provides recharge to ground water aquifers. Population growth & development pressures are & will be increasing significantly on the moraine. Resource extraction pressures will also increase. The OMEGA Oro Moraine subgroup would like to work towards enhanced protection for the moraine & its aquifers. We would like to promote moraine greenspace protection through acquisition & easements by government & conservancy organizations. We would like to halt the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation on the moraine by restoration & tree planting projects. An educational component would provide information about the moraine & its significant natural fea#ures for moraine residents. The OMEGA Oro Moraine subgroup would like to work toward achieving these goals. Margo Holt for Ora Moraine subgroup members i t I'1`~ /'iflfl'7 i xr, ~ R OMEGA -Habitat Working Group Report dated: Ja 2, 20(1$ . For consideration: Tree b~rlaw as recommended by the Conunittee of Adjustment in a letter to Council dated Council referred this item to C}MEGA for consideration. The habitat Working Group compiled some background information and research as one of their first items of business. Background: The Committee of Adjustment request: 'I`he Cotiirnittee of Adjustment has expressed concern with the number of applications coming forward that axe resulting in the needless destruction of mature healthy trees. They point out that the official plan provides clear direction to protect trees and have requested that Council consider a Tree Preservation Bylaw in support of the official plan. "I'he Habitat Working Group members spoke with two members of the committee of adjustment who provided several examples of the types of incidents that have raised concern. It seems that there have been some applications far variances where: 1) trees were removed before the application had been approved 2) a declination of a variance would result in the removal of a heritage tree (to accommodate the proposed structure without the need for a variance) Simcoe County Tree Preservation Bylaw: `I"he Habitat Working Group then contacted the Simcoe County forester for information on the Simcoe County Bylaw. The Group felt that the County bylaw might adequately address these issues if it were better promoted. The County forester advised that the county bylaw exits to protect larger tracts of forests and therefore pertains only to woodlands of at least one hectare or greater. If it is of interest to the township to protect individual ar heritage trees, this would best be done at the township level. The Simcoe County bylaw enforcement officer agreed and added that the County receives numerous calls from concerned citizens regarding the removal of trees prior to an application being approved. The bylaw officer is unable to act on these types of concerns and commented that "it is a planning issue." Examples of other Municipal tree preservation bylaws: The Environment Committee of the Town of New Tecumseh has requested a tree preservation bylaw for individual trees in residential and rural areas. A copy of the background on this is attached. After some consideration, community input both for and against, and a presentation from a professional tree maintenance company called UFI, the town is proceeding in the short term to contract LFI to inventory and provide recommended maintenance for trees on municipal Lands. "The UFI report recommended that the town could consider a bylaw to protect trees in rural areas as a secondary step only after it has demonstrated that it is effectively managing trees on municipal Lands. While this is a sensible approach, it should be noted that liFI has a pecuniary interest in municipal contracts. Mast examples of tree preservation bylaws ~13arrie, ti~Llasaga, Caledon, London, Oshawa etc) pertain to residential areas. All bylaw s pertain to trees an privately awned property but with the exception of Toronto which protects individual trees, all bylativs pertain to woodlots of a certain size and not individual trees. University of Guelph Report: tree cutting bylaw report dated 202 by the Centre far Rural Development of the University of Guelph assesses the effectiveness of these bylaws in protecting trees. Nat surprisingly, the level of effectiveness is proportional to the level of enforcement. That said, the report concludes that one of the greatest strengths of a bylaw is that the majority of the public voluntarily complies. The repart also Hates that Ontario is a leader in the protection of trees, and that municipalities seem to be moving along a continuum toward greater protection of trees. Far example, many municipalities that do Hat have a bylaw are Haw considering one, and those that do have a bylaw are looking at greater enfarcement. ~ copy of the repart is attached. Conclusions: If the township were to consider a tree preservation bylaw that protects individual trees on privately owned rural properties, such a bylaw would be unique to Oro Medonte. T"his does not mean it is the wrong thing to do and in fact would demonstrate strong environmental leadership, but it would be difficult and potentially costly to administer and enforce. The township could, at a minimum, consider a tree preservation bylaw for those areas that are zoned as settlement areas. This would bring the township in line with other municipalities are leading in this area and would assist in maintaining the rural character that is an important part of the township's heritage and Council's mandate. That said, 1) the concerns brought forward by the Committee of Adjustment are real and still need to be addressed 2) the official plan specifically recognizes the importance of healthy trees and calls for their protection even outside of environmentally protected areas. The official plan is not currently being upheld/enforced on this matter. The township must consider some means of embracing and upholding the environmental protection measures in its own official plan. Perhaps the Committee of Adjustment's concerns could be addressed by regulating and administering tree preservation through application processes, including requests for variances. Special provision could be included in draft site plan conditions, subdivision agreements and site plan agreement conditions. The writer of this report is not familiar with current application approval processes and must assume, based on the concern expressed by the Committee of Adjustment and the number of tree removal incidences occurring (corroborated anecdotall}r by the County enforcement officer} that such a provision does not already exist. /~~! ~ O'f O$O ~~~~ MSG Q r, ~ ' .~ F !+1 ,. ~~~'.,- - ,r~_ ~~~ THE ~~~ZF'dRA~I'l~M1t C1F THE ~~ ~~ ~~~~ /, ~ f 148 l.u}~ 7 S.. E3ox ! (i0 C~rc~. Otieario LOL ZXO December 4, 2007 The Honourable Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario Queen's Park, Room 281 Main Legislative Building Toronto, ON M7A 1 Al rhor~e (7C75i 487-2 f 7I Fax ;705j X87-Ot33 www.oro-r r,e~~tan Pe. ca Re: Motion Use and Sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides Dear Premier McGuinty: At its regular Council meeting of November 28, 2007, the Council of the Township of Oro- Medonte adopted the fallowing motion with respect to the above-noted matter: "Be it resolved that 1. The correspondence dated November 5, 2007 from Susan Greatrix, City Clerk, The Corporation of the City of Waterloo, re: Motion, Use and Sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides be received. 2. And Whereas the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte supports the City of Waterloo's resolution with respect to the use and sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides to remind the Provincial Government of its promise to legislate on the use and sale of cosmetic chemical pesticides in the Province of Ontario. 3. And Further That the Premier, the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Minister of Health Promotion, Garfield Dunlop, MPP, Simcoe North, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the City of Waterloo and the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) be advised of Council's decision." On behalf of Council of the Township, I would therefore respectfully request that you give favourable consideration to this recommendation. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Yours respectfully ~l~ H.S. Hughes Mayor cc: Ministry of Environment Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Minister of Health Promotion Garfield Dunlop, MPP Association of Municipalities of Ontario City of Waterloo Members of Council ;faro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) ~:. rN~ ctrv o~ VVat~rl~t~ RES4GUTION QF THE COUNCIL. QF THE C4RP4RATI4N QF THE CITY flF WATERLOO NOVEMBER 5, 2007 RE: Use and Sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides WHEREAS some citizens of Waterloo have expressed concern with the continued use of cosmetic pesticides in the City of Waterloo; WHEREAS some citizens of the City of Watertao believe that cosmetic pesticides are a health hazard, particularly related to respiratory illness; WHEREAS some citizens believe that cosmetic pesticides adversely affect our drinking water supply; WHEREAS the Federal government has the responsibility and authority to approve chemical compounds for use in Canada, including cosmetic pesticides; WHEREAS the Qntario provincial government has the responsibility and authority to legislate and regulate the use and sale of products in the province including cosmetic pesticides; WHEREAS the Liberal Party of Ontario made an election promise to legislate some sort of ban on the use of chemical pesticides in the Province of Qntario; and WNEREA5 the mast effective, fair, reasonable and informed approach to addressing public concerns with respect to cosmetic use of chemical pesticides is through a comprehensive province wide approach (that will address exemptions such as those for agriculture}. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: t } Waterloo City Council call on the Federal government to immediately review and confirm the safety and efficacy of aH chemical pesticides that have been approved far use in Canada by the federal government or federal agencies; 2} Waterloo City Council also Bail on the Qntario Provincial government to immediately review and verify the safety of all chemical pesticides that the provincial government or provincial agencies have approved far sale and use in the province of Ontario; 3) Waterloo City Council remind the Ontario Provincial government of its promise to legislate on the use and sale of cosmetic chemical pesticides in the province of Ontario. FURTHER BE tT RESOLVED THAT Waterloo City Council direct that this resolution be forwarded to: the Prime Minister of Canada, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Health and Minister of Public Safety the Premier of Ontario, Minister of the Enviranrnent, Minister of Health Promotion and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, aH local Members of Provincial Parliament, all local Members of Parliament, ail local municipalities including the Region of Waterloo all municipalities in Ontario with a request that those municipalities endorse the City of Waterloo's resolution and forward their endorsement to the Prime Minister of Canada, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Health and Minister of Public Safety and to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Health Promotion and Minister a# Municipal Affairs and Housing." CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Far fuRher information, please contact Susan Greatrix~ City Clerk The Corporation of the City of Waterloo 19Q Regina Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8 Telephone: 519-747-$705 Fax: 519-747-8510 E-mail: ~re~tr~x'~`c~t~~ wate~ian on ~a Doug ~ Page 1 of I Irwin, Doug From: Pat & Jim Sent: Sunday, January 06, 20Q8 3:36 PM To: Irwin, Doug Cc: Mel Coutanche; Agnew, Sandy Subject: Doug.doc Mr. Irwin: I would like to became a member of the OMEGA Ora Moraine Sub-group. I am Chair of the Ora Moraine Association. This group is made up of representatives from several Rate Payer Groups and interested individuals. Our aim is to get the same protection for the Ora Moraine as has been afforded the Oak Ridges Moraine. I am a retired teacher of chemistry and environmental science. Pat Woodford