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02 21 2008 OMEGA AgendaTOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 TIME: 7:00 P.M. ** The meeting will be digitally recorded ** 1. OPENING OF MEETING Lead: Mel C. - 1 minute 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (Motion) Lead: Mel C. - 2 minutes 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: - "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT" - 2 minutes 4. MINUTES: Lead: Mel C. - 5 minutes a) Minutes of OMEGA Meeting held on January 17, 2008. (Motion) 5. WORKING GROUPS: Lead: Sandy A. and Mel C. - 15 minutes a) Sustainable Agriculture -Draft Terms of Reference (Motion) b) Water Quality/Lake Management (WQLM) -Draft Terms of Reference (Motion) c) Habitat -Tree Preservation By-law [deferred from January 17, 2008 meeting] (Motion) 6. WORKING GROUPS -UPDATES AND PROCESS (Discussion) Lead: Sandy A. and Mel C. - 30 minutes a) Oro Moraine -Update b) Growth Issues -Update c) Habitat -Update d) Process for Working Groups 7. COMMUNICATIONS: Lead: Sandy A. - 5 minutes a) Tim Crooks, correspondence dated February 11, 2008 re: Membership on the Water Quality/Lake Management Working Group. (Motion) b) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, re: 2008 Central Ontario Municipal Conference, Thursday, April 10, 2008, Vaughan. (Motion) 8. OTHER BUSINESS/QUESTIONS Lead: Mel C. - 5 minutes 9. NEXT MEETING DATE Lead: Mel C. - 3 minutes 10. ADJOURNEMENT (Motion) Lead: Mel C. - 2 minutes Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes ~~- TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING MINUTES Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 7:02 p.m. Council Chambers Present: Bob Barlow John Bosomworth Steve Cromwell Meryl Drake David Edwards Ruth Fountain Susan Grant Margo Holt Allan Johnson Regrets: Vera Cameron-van Amelsvoort Lynette Crawford-Mader Don Hanney David Kennedy Jacinta McNairn Council/Staff Councillor Sandy Agnew Present: Councillor Mel Coutanche Andria Leigh Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Wilf McMechan Andy McNiven Gerry Murphy Jim Purnell Kim Wand Jim Woodford Avery Parle Doug Shelswell Beverley Smith Mike Vandergeest Peter Wigham Doug Irwin, Clerk 1. Councillor Coutanche called the meeting to order. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion No. OMEGA-080117-1 Moved by Jim Woodford, Seconded by Meryl Drake It is recommended that the agenda for the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting of Thursday, January 17, 2008 be received and adopted. Carried. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT None declared. ~~- a 4. MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2007 MEETING Motion No. OMEGA-080117-2 Moved by Susan Grant, Seconded by Ruth Fountain It is recommended that the minutes of the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors Group (OMEGA) meeting held on November 15, 2007 Meeting be adopted, as amended, as follows: (1) Motion No. OMEGA 071115-1 -Replace "Wednesday", November 15, 2007 to "Thursday", November 15, 2007. (2) Item 7 and Motion No's. OMEGA 071115-4 and OMEGA 071 1 1 5-5 -Replace "Planning" with "Growth Issues". (3) Item 7, Identify Categories for Issues and Opportunities: - Add "Integrated pest management" to Growth Issues, - Add "Keep in perspective" to Agriculture in forefront under Sustainable Farming, - Add "Algae" under Lake Management. (4) At the end of the Issues and Opportunities section, add a phase stating, "The OMEGA Members concurred that Education was the consistent factor with all of the Issues and Opportunities identified." Carried. 5. PROCEDURAL BY-LAW 2007-136 Councillor Agnew provided an overview of Procedural By-law 2007-136. Section 18 of the By-law was highlighted. 6. REVIEW OF ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES APPROVED BY COUNCIL Councillor Coutanche provided an overview of the Issues and Opportunities approved by Council. Page 2 OMEGA Meeting -January 17, 2008 ~Q.- 7. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR WORKING GROUPS IDENTIFIED AT NOVEMBER 15, 2007 MEETING Motion No. OMEGA-080117-3 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by John Bosomworth It is recommended that the correspondence received November 21 and 22, 2007 from the OMEGA Working Groups re: Terms of References, for Growth Issues, Habitat, and Oro Moraine be received and approved, as amended to change "lobbyists' to "educators" on #3 in the Growth Issues. And Further That it is recommended to Council that the terms of references for the three (3) OMEGA Working Groups for Growth Issues, Habitat, and Oro Moraine be adopted, as amended. Carried. 8. STATUS UPDATES FROM WORKING GROUPS Motion No. OMEGA-080117-4 Moved by Gerry Murphy, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that the status updates from the OMEGA Working Groups for Growth Issues, Habitat and Oro Moraine be received. Carried. 9. TREE PRESERVATION BY-LAW REPORT Motion No. OMEGA-080117-5 Moved by Margo Holt, Seconded by Kim Wand It is recommended that the correspondence dated January 2, 2008 from the OMEGA Habitat Working Group re: Tree Preservation By-Law Report be deferred to the next regularly scheduled OMEGA meeting. Carried. Page 3 OMEGA Meeting -January 17, 2008 ~~,, ~ 10.CORRESPONDENCE RE: MOTION, USE AND SALE OF COSMETIC CHEMICAL PESTICIDES Motion No. OMEGA-080117-6 Moved by Margo Holt, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that the correspondence dated December 4, 2007 from Mayor Hughes re: Motion, Use and Sale of Cosmetic Chemical Pesticides be received. Carried. 11. CORRESPONDENCE RE: OMEGA ORO MORAINE WORKING GROUP Motion No. OMEGA-080117-7 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by Bob Barlow It is recommended that the correspondence dated January 6, 2008 from Pat Woodford re: Request to Become a Member of the OMEGA Working Group for Oro Moraine be received. And Further That it is recommended to Council that Pat Woodford be appointed as a Member of the OMEGA Working Group for Oro Moraine. Carried. 12. ENGAGE OMEGA MEMBERS ON WORKING GROUP Motion No. OMEGA-080117-8 Moved by Bob Barlow, Seconded by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted It is recommended that an OMEGA Working Group be established for Water Quality, that incorporates Lake Management, and that the following members be appointed: • Bob Barlow, • David Edwards, • Wilf McMechan, • Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, • Gerry Murphy, • Beverley Smith. Carried. Page 4 OMEGA Meeting -January 17, 2008 ~- ~~ - - `~ Motion No. OMEGA-080117-9 Moved by Andy McNiven, Seconded by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted It is recommended that an OMEGA Working Group be established for Sustainable Agriculture and that the following members be appointed: • Andy McNiven, • Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, • Doug Shelswell, • Allan Johnson, • Mike Vandergeest. Carried. Motion No. OMEGA-080117-10 Moved by Allan Johnson, Seconded by Steve Cromwell It is recommended to Council that Avery Parle be appointed to the Growth Issues Working Group. Carried. 13.OMEGA FUNDING Motion No. OMEGA-080117-11 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended to Council that funding in the amount of $25,000.00 be allocated to the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) for Education, Communication, Studies and raising the profile of OMEGA activities/initiatives. Carried. 14.OTHER BUSINESS Discussion occurred with respect to: • Canada Day Celebrations -Fireworks -consensus was that fireworks are not a significant environmental concern. • Slow Moving Vehicle Signage -beyond the jurisdiction of OMEGA • Bass Lake Working Group -meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Page 5 OMEGA Meeting -January 17, 2008 ~~. - ~ 15. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre. 16. ADJOURNMENT Motion No. OMEGA-080117-12 Moved by Gerry Murphy, 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 6 OMEGA Meeting -January 17, 2008 s~ -. r February 13, 2008 Draft Terms of Reference OMEGA Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Agriculture has historically been the backbone of Oro-Medonte Township. The Township recognizes the value of agriculture and acknowledges that farms must be viable business operations in order to stay as active farms. The Agricultural working group recognizes that agriculture is governed by a number of other authorities and that the mandate of the working group is not to duplicate existing processes. Farm operations should be encouraged to operate using best management practices. The mandate of the Sustainable Agriculture Working Group will be to: 1. Research what local farms require to be sustainable operations, 2. Make recommendation to Council on how the municipality can assist local farmers to remain viable business operations, 3. Respond to Council with respect to requests regarding agricultural issues and environmental policy relating to agriculture 4. Work in cooperation with the other OMEGA Working Groups 5. Act as proponents for sustainable agriculture within the township. 56-~ February 13, 2008 Draft Terms of Reference OMEGA Water Quality/Lake Management Working Group The working group recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of Water Quality and Lake Management to the township and its residents. The mandate of this working group is not to duplicate existing processes but to provide additional input and review environmental policy for the township. The mandate of the Water Quality and Lake Management working group will be to: 1. Make recommendations to Council in regard to future water related environmental policy. 2. Provide feedback to Council on water quality and lake management issues. 3. To help educate in these matters 4. To work in cooperation with the other OMEGA working groups and to 5. Act as advisors for water quality and lake management within the township affecting Bass Lake, Lake Simcoe, shoreline management, surface water quality and wetlands. 5~-/ OMEGA -Habitat Working Group Report dated: Jan. 2, 2008 For consideration: Tree bylaw as recommended by the Committee of Adjustment in a letter to Council dated Council referred this item to OMEGA 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: The Committee of Adjustment has expressed concern with the number of applications coming forward that are 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. The 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 for 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: The 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 or 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 UFI 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 UFI has a pecuniary interest in municipal contracts. 5~-a. Most examples of tree preservation bylaws (Barrie, Wasaga, Caledon, London, Oshawa etc) pertain to residential areas. All bylaws pertain to trees on privately owned property but with the exception of Toronto which protects individual trees, all bylaws pertain to woodlots of a certain size and not individual trees. University of Guelph Report: A tree cutting bylaw report dated 2002 by the Centre for Rural Development of the University of Guelph assesses the effectiveness of these bylaws in protecting trees. Not 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 report also notes 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. For example, many municipalities that do not have a bylaw are now considering one, and those that do have a bylaw are looking at greater enforcement. A copy of the report 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. This 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 anecdotally by the County enforcement officer) that such a provision does not already exist. (tea.- l OMEGA -Oro Moraine Working Group Terms of Reference As Adopted by Council Resolution C-080213-14 The OMEGA Oro Moraine Working Group recognizes the significance of the moraine and suggests it be a priority for OMEGA. The Oro Moraine is a significant natural heritage feature in Oro-Medonte & 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 and development pressures are and will be increasing significantly on the moraine. Resource extraction pressures will also increase. The OMEGA Oro Moraine Working Group would like to work towards enhanced protection for the moraine and its aquifers. We would like to promote moraine greenspace protection through acquisition and easements by government and conservancy organizations. We would like to further improve the habitat on the moraine by restoration and tree planting projects. An educational component would provide information about the moraine and its significant natural features for residents. The OMEGA Oro Moraine Working Group would like to work toward achieving these goals. ~h- ~ OMEGA -Growth Issues Working Group Terms of Reference As Adopted by Council Resolution C-080213-14 The Growth Issues 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 on future policy considerations from an environmental perspective. The mandate for the Working Group will be to: 1. Make recommendations to Council in regard to future policy amendments which are intended to strengthen the environment first philosophy of Council; 2. Ability to act as public educators in the implementation of Council's planning directions; 3. Growth Issues Working Group interconnected to other OMEGA working groups/priorities: Oro Moraine, Water Quality, Waste Management, Habitat, and Recreation. Intent is for the Working Group to provide advice and recommendations to Council on the mechanism for implementing their above Working Group mandates i.e. policy, by-law, education ~c-i OMEGA -Habitat Working Group Terms of Reference As Adopted by Council Resolution C-080213-14 A habitat is the place a plant or animal lives. Habitats in Oro-Medonte are as diverse as the plants and animals that live in them, ranging from the obvious such wetlands, streams, lakes, forests and fields, to small vernal pools that are necessary to sustain creatures like the wood frog. Most plants and animals are uniquely adapted to survive in a specific habitat, and if that habitat is destroyed, the plant or animal's survival is severely threatened. Habitats do not function independently of each other: wetland creatures need forests and fields to provide upland cover for nesting. Woodland creatures need wetlands and streams for water and food. Fields provide hunting opportunities for the variety of raptors -such as the Great Gray Owl -that stage in our forests. Nor can habitats function in isolation: a lonely stand of trees in the middle of a residential area serves neither deer nor residents very effectively. 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, allowing plants to thrive and animals to pass through safely according to their natural habits. Habitats do not just benefit plants and animals. 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. We are all connected: the destruction of one type of habitat starts a negative chain reaction that will indisputably end up at our doorsteps and reduce quality of life in this township and beyond. All habitats are essential in the fight against, and adaptation to, climate change. Oro-Medonte is 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. Habitats are under significant pressure. The township should assess its habitats holistically, balancing the interests of humans, plants and animals alike, to sustain the quality of life and ensure that these essential places are not lost. Council gives favourable consideration to the establishment of a Habitat Working Group under OMEGA that would research, assess and make recommendations on issues pertaining to habitats in Oro-Medonte. Page 1 of 1 T ~, Irwin, Doug From: Tim Crooks Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 3:15 PM To: Irwin, Doug Cc: Sandy Agnew Subject: Fw: OMEGA WaterQuality/Lake Mgmt subgroup Dear Doug I woul be most pleased to join the group that is working on the shoreline bylaw issue. I may not be able to atend all the meetings but I will be able to provide some ideas and copy work. Regards Tim ----- Original Message ----- From: Sandy Agnew To: TimCrooks .........................._...._________. Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 11:29 AM Subject: OMEGA WaterQuality/Lake Mgmt subgroup Hi Tim At the January 17, 2008 meeting OMEGA the group formed two more subgroups, Sustainble Agriculture and Water Quality/Lake Management. These subgroups will be the people actually putting reports together to go to council. You don't have to be a member of OMEGA to sit on a subgroup. The Water Quality/Lake Mgmt subgroup will be developing a Stewardship Plan for Bass Lake, (among other things). Since the Lake Simcoe shoreline issues are similar I thought you would be interested in joining this subgroup to work on the shoreline bylaw issue. This is the most effective route to have the shoreline issue dealt with by council. There will likely be a few meetings to attend but you could prepare most of the shoreline bylaw work without attending meetings. I hope you will consider joining this subgroup Tim. If so, you can just send an email to Doug Irwin, Clerk at the township office requesting membership. A copy to Mel and me would be appreciated. If there are one or two others who you think might be interested by all means forward this email to them. Call me if you have questions. 705-835-6824 cheers, Sandy ~~-/ fir" Ontario MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING 2008 CENTRAL ONTARIO MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE 5~~~~5 ~orStt~aG~ia~~~ CommuncEie~ ~~.~ ,~ .~ .~ ._ .~ ~ yam... _.. c - __ ,~~ '.i~ c ~"'`. l~ ~ ~ i ~_ ~:..~ ~ v Y -;- ,,. ~1 ^. f y 4 y -~ d^ Register Early to Reserve Your Seat! Thursday, April 10, 2008 Paramount Conference and Event Venue 222 Rowntree Dairy Road, Vaughan Highlight: Hon. Jim Watson Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housinc Luncheon Speaker Keynote Speaker: Glen Murray, President and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute Topics: 1. Growth Management 2. Duty to Consult 3. Performance Base Budgeting 4. Alternative and Renewable Energy 5. Health and Land Use Planning 6. Collaborative Communities ti \ , -,s y ~, ~' ~~ - ~-"~ MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING Municipal Services Office -Central Ontario 2008 CENTRAL ONTARIO MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE "STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES" April 10, 2008 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Paramount Conference and Event Venue 222 Rowntree Dairy Road, Vaughan, Ontario PLEASE PRINT AND COMPLETE IN FULL Delegate's Name: Contact Name (if different than delegate): Organization: Address: Street Telephone: ( ) Fax: City E-mail: Postal Code Dietary Restrictions/Special Needs: BREAKOUT SESSIONS: Please select your first and second choice from the morning and afternoon breakout sessions. Mornin Breakout Sessions (Select one first and one second choice from A, B, or C A. GROWTH MANAGEMENT B. PERFORMANCE BASED BUDGETING ^1$` Choice ^2"d Choice ^1" Choice ^2"" Choice C. DUTY TO CONSULT ^1" Choice ^2"d Choice Afternoon Breakout Sessions Select one first and one second choice from D, E, or F D. HEALTH & LAND USE PLANNING E. 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