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02 19 2009 OMEGA AgendaTOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009 TIME: ?:00 P.M. ** The meeting will be digitally recorded ** 1. OPENING OF MEETING 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: - "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT" 4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING a) Minutes of OMEGA Meeting held on December 11, 2008. 5. PRESENTATIONS a} 7:05 p.m. Annabel Slaight, Ladies of the Lake, re:2009 Youth Project "Behind the Lens" -Lake Simcoe Revolution Funding Request. b} 7:15 p.m. Andrea Gynan, Watershed Coordinator, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re: ~SRCA Stewardship Programs. 6. ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING a) Highlight key messages. 7. WORKING GROUPS UPDATES a} Oro Moraine • Draft Oro Moraine Brochure. • Draft notes from the February 2, 2009 meeting. b) Growth Issues c) Habitat d) Water Quality /Lake Management • Draft notes from the February 5, 2009 meeting. • Proposed Project to Remediate Surface Water Run-off in Shanty Bay. • "Ribbon of Life" Waterfront Property Owners Workshop. e) Sustainable Agriculture • Harry Pelissero, General Manager, Egg Farmers Ontario, correspondence dated December 22, 2008 re: Buying Food that is Produced Close to Home. • Ministry of the Environment Corporate Management Division, dated August 2008 re: Ministry of the Environment's Green Meeting Guide. 8. COMMUNICATIONS a) Lake Simcoe Guide Focus Sessions. b} Simcoe Protection Plan. e} Keith Sherman, Co-ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association, correspondence dated December 5, 2008, re: Tree Seedling Distribution Project - Municipal Participation in 2009. d) Marina Whelan, Program Manager, Health Protection Service, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, correspondence dated January 21, 2009 re: Focus on Health Stats Report, "Outdoor Air Quality in Simcoe Muskoka". 9. OTHER BUSINESSlQUESTIONS a) Issues and Opportunities from Council. b} Member Update. 10. NEXT MEETING DATE 11. ADJOURNMENT TOWNSFIIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING MINUTES Thursday, December 11, 2008 ~ 7:03 p.m. Council Chambers Present: Bob Barlow John Bosomworth Meryl Drake David Edwards Ruth Fountain Susan Grant Regrets: Steve Cromwell David Kennedy Wilf McMechan Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Andy McNiven Doug Shelswell Mike Vandergeest Kim Wand Jim Woodford Gerry Murphy Jim Purnell CouncillStaff Councillor Sandy Agnew Present: Councillor Mel Coutanche Councillor Terry Allison Doug Irwin, Director Corporate Services/Clerk Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator Lisa McNiven, Manager Engineering and Environmental Services Others Jennifer Brock Allan Johnson Present: Jamie Brock Bruce Keeling John Crawford Ken Ewens Doris Crawford Peter DeVillers 1. Councillor Coutanche called the meeting to order. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Motion No. OMEGA-081211-1 Moved by Meryl Drake, Seconded by John Bosomworth It is recommended that the agenda for the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2008 be received and adopted. Carried. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT: None declared. 4. MINUTES: a) Minutes of OMEGA Meeting held on September 18, 2008. Motion No. OMEGA-081211-2 Moved by Susan Grant, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that the minutes of the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting held on September 18, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. 5. PRESENTATIONS: a) Jennifer Brock, re: Zero Waste Simcoe. Ms. Brock provided a PowerPoint presentation. Motion No. OMEGA-081211-3 Moved by John Bosomwarth, Seconded by Susan Grant It is recommended that 1. The information received December 1, 2008, and verbal information presented by Jennifer Brock, re: Zero Waste Simcoe, be received. 2. It is recommended to Council that the Township endorses the principle of a program far the County of Simcoe that will instill practices to encourage a zero waste community. Carried. b) Bruce Keeling, re: Application for GrantlSubsidy, Huronia Woodland Owners Assaeiation. Mr. Keeling distributed a presentation to members of OMEGA. Motion No. OMEGA-081211-4 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by Mike Vandergeest It is recommended that 1. The Application for GrantlSubsidy received November 7, 2008, and information presented Bruce Keeling, re: Application for GrantlSubsidy, Huronia Woodland Owners Association, be received. 2. That it is recommended to Gauncil that the Application far GrantlSubsidy submitted by Huronia Woodland Owners Assaeiation, in the amount of $4,250.00, be approved as an Environmental Initiative. Carried. 6. ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Highlight key messages. 7. WORKING GROUPS UPDATES: a) Oro Moraine • Oro Moraine Report Card. Members of the Working Group advised of an upcoming Oro Moraine Report Card to be coordinated by the NVCA in conjunction with various agencies. b) Growth Issues Members of the Working Group advised they would reconvene in the New Year. Page 2 OMEGA Meeting -December 11, 2008 c) Habitat • Draft Tree Preservation By-law. Mohan No. OMEGA-081211-5 Moved by Jim Woodford, Seconded by Kim Wand It is recommended that the meeting notes of October 30, 2008 and verbal information presented by the Habitat Working Group, re: Draft Tree Preservation By-law, be received, and that the Habitat Working Group proceed to develop mare specific recommendations an a Tree Preservation By-law. Carried. d) Water Quality 1 Lake Management • Brochure distribution "Protecting Yaur Water & Shoreline Property. • Bass Lake Update. Motion No. OMEGA-081211-6 Moved by Bab Barlow, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that 1. The correspondences dated November 27, 2008 from David Featherstone, Manager, Watershed Monitoring Program, NVCA, and Wayne R. Wilson, Chief Administrative Officer, NVCA, re: Bass Lake/Ora-Medonte Update be received. 2. And that the verbal information presented by the Water Quality/Lake Management Working Group, re: Bass LakelOro-Medonte Update, be received. Carried. e) Sustainable Agriculture Members of the Working Group reviewed the success of the Simcoe County Farm Fresh initiative. 8. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Update from Provincial Environmental Advisory Committee (Oshawa, October 4, 2008). Motion No. OMEGA-0$1211-7 Moved by Ruth Fountain, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that the verbal information presented by Councillor Agnew, re: Update from Provincial Environmental Advisory Committee (Oshawa, October 4, 2008), be received. Carried. Page 3 OMEGA Meeting -December 11, 2008 e ~- b) Sandra Trainor, Project Manager, Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association, correspondence dated November 15, 2008, re: Application for Grant(Subsidy. Motion No. OMEGA-081211-8 Moved by Doug Shelswell, Seconded by Meryl Drake It is recommended that 1. The correspondence dated November 15, 2008 from Sandra Trainor, Project Manager, Simcoe Gounty Farm Fresh Marketing Association, re: Application for GrantlSubsidy be received. 2. That it is recommended to Council that the Application for GrantlSubsidy submitted by Simcoe Gounty Farm Fresh Marketing Association, in the amount of $625.00, be approved as an Environmental Initiative. Carried. 9. OTHER BUSINESS/QUESTIONS: a) Member updates. b) Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re: Presentation of LSRCA's Stewardship Programs. Motion No. OMEGA 081211-9 Moved by Susan Grant, Seconded by Ruth Fountain It is recommended that 1. The verbal information from Councillor Agnew, re: LSRCA's Stewardship Programs be received. 2. And further that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority be invited to make a presentation at a future OMEGA meeting. Carried. c) Review of OMEGA's first year. What has worked well: • Strong focus to move forward with OMEGA initiatives • Co-Chairs working well with Members, current format works well • Terms Of Reference far Working Groups provide solid foundation • Funding for 2008 for environmental initiatives Page 4 OMEGA Meeting -December 11, 2408 What needs improvement: • OMEGA should be more as a "sounding board" for specific environmental and Township impact issues (i.e. impact of the Ctean Water Act and Nutrient Management Act, Weeds By-law, animal density on farms) rather than "looking for work to do". Several Members of OMEGA had joined OMEGA believing that this would be the primary role of OMEGA • Environment Impact Statements for developments should be referred to OMEGA for comment • OMEGA initiativestactivities should be included in the North Simcoe Community News • Screen funding requests to avoid opening OMEGA for all Environment Initiatives • Increased input from Members an Agenda items • Council MemberslStaff to provide administrative support for Working Groups 10. NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT: Motion No. OMEGA-081211-10 Moved by John Bosomworth, Seconded by Bob Barlow It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 9:16 p.m. Carried. A digital recording of the meeting is available far review. Co-Chairperson, Councillor Coutanche Co-Chairperson, Councillor Agnew Committee Coordinator, Marie Brissette Page 5 OMEGA Meeting -December 11, 2008 ~l December 21, 2008 Mr. Doug Irwin Clerk Township of Oro-Medonte Box 100 Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Dear Mr. Irwin: Ladies th~~Lake Tne x~a ~t„m E JAN 0 1 1~9 OHO-MEDONTE TOWNSHIP At the Board Meeting of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority held on Friday, December 19th, 2008, a presentation was made by the Ladies of the Lake, Windfall Ecology Centre and the LSRCA regarding a very exciting new partnership in the project: Behind the Lens. Following this presentation, the Authority's Board of Directors recommended that we contact each municipality in the Lake Simcoe watershed to arrange a similar presentation before Council early in the New Year and to discuss funding for this project. The Behind the Lens project is a three-part program that will take place in the summer of 2009. It is comprised of an eight-week film school for approximately 100 youth from around the Lake Simcoe watershed, asix-location and on-line film festival, and a conference intended to result in actionable ways to help lake Simcoe. For additional information, please see the attached two page description of the project. The entire project will cost approximately $400,000 in cash and in-kind. At present we have confirmed in-kind contributions of $55,000 and cash contributions of $145,000. We are requesting the balance of funding from various agencies including Drinking Water Stewardship Program, Go Green Fund, RBC Blue Water Program and local Regions and Municipalities. Specifically, we are asking that each Municipality or Region contribute $5,000. In order to provide a full presentation on this very exciting initiative we are respectfully requesting placement on your next Council agenda. Please contact the undersigned at (90573-3742 at your convenience to discuss dates and times. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. We believe that Behind the Lens will be a valuable vehicle to inspire the youth of our watershed as well as to create awareness and commitment to helping and protecting Lake Simcoe. Yours truly, Goody Gerner, President, Ladies of the Lake Attach. 28 Tumer Street ~ P.O. Box 1152 ~ Roches Point ~ Ontario ~ LOE 1 PO ( 905.535.0444 www.lakeladies.ca ~' ' r~ : _ tt of t ,,,,^ Region th~~ke t4 conservation ecC~1~~~ .wrrr+~+'~.,, ~ Authority ~ ~@f1tY@ 1'7rv \nkcd "truth The inner life of young people is exactly like the primeval state of the planet: their untamed and uncontrollable energies give rise to all kinds of wild and contradictory manifestations. This is the human: renewable energy of our time -once channelled, it will fuel a bright new future.... BEHIND THE LENS-- ~~ L.AKE SIMCtJE REYt)I.UTION" THE FILM 5CHOOl - ,4n eight-week program in summer 2009 in which 100 watershed teens between 14 to 19 will develop an increased appreciation for the importance of Lake Simcoe, its challenges and how people can help, and {earn how to connect with audiences and inspire them through video storytelling techniques. After excursions around the watershed and atwo-day session reinforcing the programs' context, the School will get rolling in asolar-assisted mobile studio that travels between five locations with equipment and facilities. Learning is ihraugh one-on-one coachi~7g and through a specially-created website. The result will be a minimum of 20 films created in teams. THE FILM FESTIYAt. -Celebrates the young filmmakers' work and shares it at six locations in the watershed, two in outdoor venues. The films will also form the basis of a watershed-wide geo-caching treasure hunt. Once found using GPS technology, the films will go online. They will also be shared worldwide as a prelude to connecting lakes in other countries to Lake Simcoe. THE WHERE WATERS MEET CONFERENCE -- 25-30 representatives of Lake Simcoe's mosaic will come together far atwo-day workshop. The centrepiece will be a compilation youth film, and the challenge for the group will be to plan out collaborative community actions to protect, restore and sustain the health of the Lake Simcoe watershed and advance the future. Participants will work alongside musicians, scientists, native elders, artists, and filmmakers and youth representatives from other lakes of the world. The outcome will be a few meaningful and implementab(e "must do" actions rather than the usual long lists of "should do's."The results will be published in print and in a special video presentation to reach and engage all 350,000 watershed residents. FINANCING SCENARIO Cost : $400,000 cash and in-kind in kind confirmed $55,000 From three Initiating Partners Cash contributions confirmed $145,000 Trillium Foundation $75,000 Ladies of the Lake $50,000 Provicne of Ontario {MNR) $20,000 Balance being requested $210,000 Sources include Drinking Water Stewardship Program, Go Green Fund, RBC Blue Waters Program, and Regions and Municipalities REQUEST TO REGIONS AND MUNCIPAt.ITIES Our hope is that each of the municipalities would help with in kind and cash contribution towards community casts: teams of young people, learning expeditions, outdoor classrooms near studio bus, publicizing the film school, festival and the conference, the screening of the youth films in your communities. THE "BEHIND THE LENS LUMINARIES" -PROVIDING ADVICE FROM YOUTH, FILMMAKING AND LAKE SIMCOE PERSPECTIVES Cheryl Daniel, Principal of W.l Watson Public 5choal in Keswick has lived an Lake 5imcoe for 15 years. Ner interest is finding creative ways to engage students in preserving/conserving Lake Simcae and developing an awareness of all that makes this an amazing place to live. Pau! Davis, a film industry veteran, founded the PACT Youth Film program, a mobile film school that teaches youth in conflict with the law haw to write, shoat, and edit their awn films. Steve De Nure is President of DECODE Entertainment one of the largest and mast important international suppliers of television and Interactive programming far children and youth. Among many volunteer activities, he is Vice Chair of the Canadian Film Centre, Toronto and the Vice Chair of the Alliance for Children and Television. He has a tree farm an the Oak Ridges Moraine. .lustin Dyck, a producer/director, grew up in Barrie and graduated from Ryerson University in 2004 with a BFA in Image Arks -New Media. Nis company, Dare2 Pradudions, has produced videos far local, national and international charitable organizations, as well as music videos, commercials and television pilots. Dr David O. Evans is a senior research scientist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Re~,aurces and Adjunct Professor, Watershed Ecosystem Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario. Nis research spans fish physiology, population biology, aquatic ecology and watershed science. David Fitt has been teaching Communication Technology at Barrie Collegiate High School for the past 15 years focussing on broadcasting, TV, film and journalism. He offers the only pragram in Ontario where students can specia-ize and receive a Specialist High Skills Major designation in Broadcasting and Film. Working with David as Luminaries are two students: Caitlind Lusty and Melanie Oidford. ~lohn Gilbank before moving to Georgina to restore a heritage home as a B & B, was a CEO in the energy industry. Early in his career he worked as a consul and trade commissioner, focusing an international trade strategies in the western United States. Peggy Hebden, a long-time media professional was Program Director for CKVR (Barrie} and CHUM Regional Television {A-Channels} across Canada. She is now Station Manager at A Channel Barrie, and is actively involved the Barrie community through the Rotary Club. Chris Lowry, PhD in Philosophy of Education, has served an the faculty of the Institute Without Boundaries, an interdisciplinary graduate Program on sustainable housing design at George Brown City College School of Design. He co-founded Street Kids International (SKI}, and has worked with MSF/Doctors Without Borders (Canada}, Now, with Green Enterprises Toronto he is working to build a better future sustained by a green economy. Linda Schuyler, Creator of a multi-award winner range of TV and web programs under the De Grassi rubric, is a founding member of the Association for Media Literacy. She was honoured for her work with an Order of Canada in 1958. Karen Kraft Sloan served as MP for this area from 1993 to 2004. Then, as Canada`s Ambassador far the Environment, she headed delegations to the United Nations on matters relating to sustainability, the environment and renewable energy. She is now special advisor on environmental research to York's Vice-President for Research and Innovation and runs her own strategic planning and consulting business. Cynthia Wesley Esgirnaux, assistant professor in Aboriginal Studies at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, has worked in the local, regional and national Canadian Native political field as a researcher and advocate. She is Chair of the Mac~aren Art Centre in Barrie, and an Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Quammie Williams is a video maker with a long relationship with Trinity Square Video, helping involve youth in video production. He is also a drummer, and is helping to shape the region's arts vision as Arts Administrator for the City of Barrie. Phyllis Yaffe has been in the film and television industry for aver 20 years. Most recently she was the CEO of Alliance Atlantis, now she is a member of the Board of Directors of Cineplex Entertainment. She is Vice Chair of Ryerson University and an the Board of the Word Wildlife Fund. d) Ora-Medonte Environmental Graup Advisors minutes (OMEGA), meeting held an December 11, 2008. Motion No, CWU81217-15 Moved by Agnew, Seconded by Evans It is recammended that the draft minutes of the Oro-Medante Environmental Group Advisors minutes (OMEGA), meeting held an December 11, 2008 be received. Carried. Motion Na. CW081217-16 Moved by Coutanche, Seconded by Allison It is recammended that the Township endorses the principle of a program for the County of Simcoe that will instill practices to encourage a zero waste community. Carried. Councillor Crawford declared a conflict of interest on Item 9d), Oro-Medonte Environmental Graup Advisors minutes (OMEGA), meeting held on December 11, 2008, Motion No. CW081217-17, Application far GrantlSubsidy submitted by Hurania Woodland Owners Association, as he is a member and sits an asub-committee of Maple Trees Forever. Councillor Crawford left the Chambers and did not participate in any discussion ar vats an this item. Matson No. CW081217-17 Moved by Allison, Seconded by Coutanche It is recommended that the Application for GrantlSubsidy submitted by Huronia Woodland Owners Association, in the amount of $4,250.00, be approved as an Environmental Initiative. Carried. Motion No. CW081217-18 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Evans It is recammended that the Application for GrantlSubsidy submitted by Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association, in the amount of $625.00, be approved as an Environmental Initiative. Carried. Page 8 Committee of the Whale Meeting Minutes -December 17, 2008 ~~~ Brissette, Marie From: Ward 1 Mel Coutanche [mel-wardl ~sympatico.ca] Sent: February-18-09 4:28 PM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Cc: Brissette, Marie; Teeter, Janette; Hughes, Harry; Evans, Dwight; Allison, Terry; Agnew, Sandy Subject: O-M Brochure Budget / Feb 19-09 OMEGA item 7a. To OMEGA members (Bcc'd) See ,4genda Item 7a. Mel ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat & Jim To: Mei Coutanche ;Agnew, Sandy Cc: Harry Hughes ; D.K. ;Pat & Jim Woodford ;John Bosomworth ; iIM AURNELL Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 7:52 PM Subject: Brochure Budget for Oro Moraine Brochure Printing 5000 copies - $1824.95 Computer graphics and layout $1200.00 Distribution to 1450 households on the Oro Moraine -per Canada Post $ 180.23 Writing $700.00 Images $600.00 Total $4505.18 Grant from TD Environmental Fund $2545.00 Balance $1960.18 The Oro Moraine Association requests a grant of $1960.18 from the Oro Medonte Council per the OMEGA Group. Please make cheque out to the Oriliia Naturalists' Club. Pat Woodford, Chair Oro Moraine Association Draft Notes - Oro Moraine OMEGA Working Group meeting - February 2, 2089 Present - NVCA - Wayne Wilson, Dave Featherstone, ~SRCA - Pam Strong, Couchichin Conservancy - Ingrid VanderMarel, Oro Moraine Association - ]im & Pat Woodford, f~IEGA OM Working Group - Dave Kennedy, Mel Coutanche, Sandy Agnew Introduction At the outset of discussion, Wayne outlined the Conservation Ontario report card initiative and LSRCA (Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority} and NVCA {Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority} report cards (generally undertaken on a watershedlsubwatershed basis} were introduced. A challenge here is to develop a report card for a landform-based feature rather than a subwatershed. NVCA staff have, as yet, been unable to find a similar landform- based report card and LSRCA is also unaware of such a product. IssuesjThreats Wayne initiated a discussion of issues/threats on the Oro Moraine to assist in shaping potential reporting needs. Points raised included: - unsustainable forestry practices (Rugby ANSI} - subdivision development {including approved development that could be considered inappropriate by today's standards) - aggregates (perceived inadequate rehabilitation, potential groundwater impacts} - inadequate Environmental Impact Studies - groundwater {quantity - ski and golf operations; agriculture likely not a significant issue} - Species At Risk (incomplete data, inadequate protection} - my notes aren't strong on this! - Access - AN and mountain bike (Copeland Forest) impacts - Overabundance of white-tailed deer and wild turkey - Hunting - concerns regarding hunting in County forests in close proximity to urban areas i.e. Sugarbush Potential Reporting Categories Following this discussion, five broad categories were identified for potential reporting purposes: Forests {discussion regarding level of Ecological Land Classification resolution required - NVCA has coarse data while ~SRCA} - Land Use {including urban, agriculture-intensivelnon-intensive, ~. ~ regeneratiantmeadaw, pits} - Water (Streams and Groundwater - possible municipal, Conservation Authority and provincial data sources} - Wetlands (extent and possibly buffer area} - Access (Trails and Hunting - measures?} Biadiversity (forest, wetland, grasslandlmeadow and streams) should be a significant component within these categories. dim Woodford, Couchiching Conservancy and others have been monitoring the Moraine far a number of years - may be relatively data-rich here compared to other areas. Pamela Strong (LSRCA) and Dave Featherstone (NVCA} will prepare a potential report card framework based on the five categories (i.e. potential indicators and easetdifficulty of measurement} to be distributed to OMEGA no later than March 25 for discussion at the March 30 OMEGA meeting. Citizen Monitoring Opportunities to supplement the ongoing citizen monitoring an the Oro Moraine were discussed. Same monitoring is relatively straightforward (i.e. stream temperature sampling) while others (i.e. breeding bird surveys} are mare complex and require considerable trainingtexperience. There are a number of standard monitoring protocols available. Training and coordination of volunteers generally takes a fair bit of staff time and effort to ensure that the volunteer programs run well and are of benefit to bath agencies and volunteers. Far the interim Pamela (? - correct me if I'm wrong!} and Dave F will be points of contact far volunteers wishing to undertake monitoring - basically, at this time, their role would be to direct volunteers to appropriate monitoring programs. Based an further development of the report card concept, associated indicators and assessment of staff capacity, additional volunteer training/coordination could be considered. Ora Moraine Mapping Dave F provided an updated Oro Moraine map developed by Azimuth Environmental Consulting. This was requested from Mike hones (Azimuth} following his presentation at the Ora Moraine Day in October 2008 where a refined map was shown. David Kennedy offered to send Dave F this presentation to review. Concern was expressed that the updated boundary, particularly on the west end, was significantly smaller in extent than on previous mapping (even with minor additions in the Bass Lake area). Will need to find agreement on the most appropriate boundary and also, possibly, on some type of buffer area around the Moraine to guide reporting. Stakeholders A number of potential report card stakeholders were identified: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Orillia Fish and Game, Couchiching Conservancy, Severn Sound Environmental Associated, Simcoe County (significant forest tracts on Moraine), Ora Moraine Association, OMEGA, Oro-Medonte Twp, Ganaraska Trail, Orillia Naturalists, Huronia Woodlot Association, Horseshoe Valley Property Owners' Association, Nature Conservancy Canada, Bass Lake Ratepayers Association, Horseshoe Resort, Oro/Orillia Lions Club, ATV and Mountain Bike groups, Garfield Dunlop, Bruce Stanton, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of the Environment, Aggregate operators, North Simcoe Agriculture. Thanks for your time! David Featherstone, B.Sc. Manager, Watershed Monitoring Program Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority ~,~ 8195 Concession Line 8 Utopia, Ontario L0M 1T0 P: (705) 424-1479 Ext. 242 F: (705} 424-2115 This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain eonfidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the original message. GREEN SPACE CQRRIDOR By-law Proposal (Provincial Highway 11 Corridor) This proposal promotes green space goals for new development and major reconstruction in urban areas. All new construction must leave the undisturbed land in order to minimize impacts on water resources. Purpose The purpose of establishing a Green Space Corridor far the Provincial Highway 11 corridor is as follows: 1) To protect and enhance the distinctive scenic quality of the Provincial Highway 11 corridor by providing for nonresidential developments which will maximize preservation and enhancement of the natural, rural and open character of the terrain and foliage. 2) To address the issues of traffic and safety. 3) To address environmental concerns which include but are not limited to, soil erosion, vegetation preservation, drainage and heat islands. 4) Ta preserve and enhance the economic value and viability or property within and near the Green Space Corridor. Green Space Corridor Boundaries The proposed green space corridor encompasses all lands lying within 200 meters (660 feet) of each side of the right-of-way of Provincial Highway 11 from Penetanguishene Road to Line 15. Application of Green Space Corridor Regulations and Standards The regulations and standards contained herein shall apply to all nonresidential properties (including but not limited to new development, redevelopment and expansions of existing development), located with the Green Space Corridor boundaries. Such regulations and standards shall be in addition to and shall overlay all other by-laws regulations and standards, including built not limited nonresidential zoning areas and signage regulations and standards. Should the regulations and standards of the underlying and overlay corridor conflict, the Green Space Corridor shall control. Nonresidential Site Design and Development Standards 1) Green Space. A minimum of 8 meters (25 feet) of landscaped green space exclusive of right-of-way shall be provided along the highway right-of-way and any public road to which the development has frontage. Parking lots shall not encroach into the green space and shall be screened when abutting a required green space area. The green space area must contain at least one tree per 10 linear meters (30 linear feet) of road frontage. At least one-third of the trees required by this section shall be domestic hardwoods and no more than one-third of the trees shall be of the same species, and the trees shall be a minimum of 4 meters (12 feet) in height when planted. If any tree dies or is removed from the property, it must be replaced so that the property owner remains in compliance with the requirements of this section. 2) Signage. Nonresidential Free-Standing Sign. T/8 reviewed against existing Ora-Medonte Zoning By-laws. 3} Lighting. Parking lot lighting shall be designed and located in such a manner to preserve the scenic appearance of the corridor. Lighting shall be shielded and directed downward to the parking lot and light spread shall not reflect into the adjacent neighborhood. When a parcel abuts residential property, no light source shall be visible, in a direct line of sight, from the residential area behind the front building line. Lighting shall not exceed 10 meters (35 feet) in height and shall utilize high-pressure sodium lighting fixtures. 4) Screening. All mechanical and utility equipment, waste enclosures, and parking lots shall be screen in the following manner: Equipment. All mechanical and utility equipment on the side of the building and/or on the ground shall be screen by fencing andlor vegetation sufficient to prevent it from being visible from the highway/road right-of-way or residential property. Screening of roof mounted utilities shall be incorporated into the structure, utilizing materials compatible with the supporting building. Waste enclosures shall be screened on three sides with the access not visible from the highway/road. 5) Parking lots. Parking lots shall be screen in the fallowing manner: Perimeter landscaping. Parking lots shall be screened by a 1.2 meters (4 foot) high view obscuring landscaped berm, wall, landscaping or combination of berm/wall andlor landscaping sufficient to preview view of the parking area from adjacent properties. If view obscuring walls are utilized, they shall be set back a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the property line with landscaping located between the wall and property line. All walls shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or natural looking materials. Interior Landscaping Requirements. Amount of landscaping. Parking lots containing 10 or more vehicles shall be landscaped utilizing one of the fallowing options: Option 1. Narrow tree lawn: A continuous strip between rows of parking. The minimum width of a tree lawn is 2.4 meters (8 feet); however if large tree species are used, the minimum width is 3 meters (1d feet). One tree shall be planted every for every 12 parking spaces with this option. If planting a 3 meters (10 feet} width tree lawn, only large tree species shall be planted fro every 15 parking spaces. Trees may be grouped or spaced within the lawn area. Option 2. Tree Island: Tree island 14 square meters (150 square feet) minimum, minimum width of 2.4 meters (8 feet) Only medium tree species are allowed within landscaped islands. One tree shall be planted for every 12 parking spaces within this option. Minimum with of all islands is measured from the actual planting area, (back of curb to back of curb}. Calculation of area. Required perimeter landscaping may not be substituted for interior landscaping. However, it is recognized that interior landscaping may join perimeter landscaping. In such cases, landscaping which extends 1.2 meters (4 feet} or more into a parking area may be included in the calculation of interior area. 6) Site Coverage. 25°l° of the site shall be left in open space. 80°t° of the open space shall be landscaped which may include ponds and fountains. 7) Utilities. All utilities shat! be placed underground unless it is prohibitively expensive pr impossible to do so. Above ground utilities must be located at the rear of the property line. 8) Optional fencing. All Fencing shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or natural looking materials. Na optional fencing shall be located within the green space required in section 1). No metal fencing shall be allowed except in the following cases: a. Wrought iron fencing. b. If other types of metal fencing are necessary for security purposes, they may be used if the area is first fenced off with a view obscuring natural or natural looking fencing material. The metal fencing shall be placed inside the view obstructing fencing, and the view obstructing fencing shall be at least the height of the metal fencing. 9) Outdoor Storage of material and Equipment. All outdoor storage of material and equipment shall be screened with a berm or wall andlor vegetation sufficient to screen it from view from adjacent properties. 10}Buffer Zone. A minimum 8 meters (25 feet) green space buffer zone is required between all nonresidential and residential areas. The buffer zone shall contain a landscaped berm and a wall that are sufficient to screen the view of nonresidential development from the residential development. All walls shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or natural looking materials and shall be set back a minimum 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the property line with landscaping located between the properly line and the wall. Draft Notes (by Sandy Agnew) from the OMEGA Water QualitylLake Management Working Group February 5, 2009 meeting. Present: Tim Croaks, Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Gerry Murphy, David Edwards, David Kennedy, Wilf McMechan, Sandy Agnew. Tim. and Sandy presented information outlining stormwater issues including erasion and stormwater pond functions in the Shanty Bay subwatershed. Dave E. suggested this may be potentially a good LSCUFlPropel application in partnership with LSRCA, Georgian College and others. Action: Tim will draft a short summary and Sandy will seek a digital aerial photo for the February 19`~ OMEGA meeting agenda. 2. Dave E. discussed a Lake Simcoe Info Session that he had attended at Lagoon City (hosted by Ramara Township and L5RCA). It was agreed that such an "info session" would be a good idea for O-M to host. Action: Dave E. will draft a short outline of a "Ribbon of Life Info Session" to be included in the February 19~' OMEGA meeting agenda. 3. The issues of boathouses and their impact on shoreline health were discussed. No action proposed at this time. Meeting adjourned 6:SOpm. Proposed Project to Remediate Surface Water Run-off in Shanty Bay Date: February 12, 2009 To: CIMEGA From: Tim Crooks, Sandy Agnew Problems During the past several years residents of Shanty Bay have noticed or experienced some basic problems with the drainage systems in Shanty Bay. For example: • Storm water holding ponds that are silted up or inadequate. • Roads washed out. • Silt washed into the lake. • Stormwater drainage overflowing onto private property. • The existing drainage systems may be allowing excessive phosphorus to flow into Lake Simcoe, Objectives The first objective is to reduce erosion by bringing the function of the drainage systems and storm water retention ponds up the latest best practices standards. The second main objective is to reduce the amount of phosphorus that may be flowing into the lake during the spring snowmen run-off and during summer rain events. Scope of Project This project has four main tasks: 1. Review the current drainage system, including storm water retention ponds, identify the problems and recommend the remedial action required. 2. Estimate the amount of phosphorus flowing into the lake from the stormwater runoff. 3. Estimate the cost required to remedy the problems. 4. Complete the remediation actions recommended. Objectives of a well designed drainage system. There are two recent stormwater holding ponds, STP1 and STP2, and one older pond (STP3) within the village of Shanty Bay. We believe that the purposes of the holding ponds should be to: • Retain storm water to prevent downstream flooding. • Prevent silt from flowing into Lake Simcoe. • Prevent erasion. • Prevent phosphorus from flowing into Lake Simcoe. • Prevent e-coli and other pollutants (such as gas and oil spills from driveways) from flowing into Lake Simcoe. Existing drainage systems (subwatersheds} Within the village of Shanty Bay, there are three main drainage systems or subwatersheds. 1, The land surrounding houses in Arbourwood and Martine Crescent and including the Church Woods (a 25 acre old growth forest now owned by the Couchiching Conservancy). 2, The area drained by the ditch that runs along the Line 2 and directly into the lake, 3. The fields and subdivision north of the fire hall that drains into the lake via an ever-deepening ditch that runs through a wooded property parallel to and east of O'Brien Street. Problems The following is a visual assessment of the situation. Each of the above three small subwatersheds has problems. 1. Drainage from Arbourwood and Martine Crescent Most of the runoff from Arbourwood flows into an on-site starmwater treatment pond (STP1). The overflow from STP1 flows underneath the Rail Trail where it joins runoff from Martine Crescent and flows into another treatment pond (STP2) at Martine and Ridge Road. Then the combined runoff flows under Ridge Road to a partly natural and partly man made pond on private land (STP3). Finally it flows via a seasonal stream into Kempenfelt Bay. STP1, not yet assumed by the township, may not be functioning properly. During a heavy thunderstorm in the summer of 2006 and on April 12, 2008 the pond was full. The amount of water exiting the pond appeared to be the same as the amount of water leaving the pond. The developer still owns this pond. During the first week of Apri12008, the intake culvert to the pond was partially washed out and all the silt from the washout is assumed to still be in the pond. STP2 appears to be silted up and does not have any holding capacity. It has become a streambed with some bulrushes to slow the flow. The property owner to the east of STP2 has made a lawn on part of the bed of the pond. The overflow from STP2 flows underneath the Ridge Road and into STP3, a pond that is partly natural and partly man-made. During the winter and spring of 2008, STP3 overflowed twice and washed out the culvert underneath the gravel driveway at the west end of the pond. STP3 is not a township pond. It was created over eighty years ago. The then existing natural pond was deepened and a culvert was put under a new road made from the Ridge Road to the private properties south of the pond. The pond is dry during the summer but it fills up every spring and the overflow runs under the culvert and into a seasonal stream that meanders through the woods and eventually flows into Kempenfelt Bay. Some of the runoff from Arbourwood flows directly into a ditch that runs along the north side of the Rail Trail. From there it flaws west in the ditch, underneath the Rail Trial, underneath the Ridge Road and into the Church Woods, After exiting the woods it finally goes underneath Bay Street and into Kempenfelt Bay. 2 The volume of water flowing through the Church Woods has been increasing lately, especially during the annual spring thaw. This increased flow through the wood causes increased and significant erosion in the woods which ends up in Kempenfelt Bay. 2. Drainage Along the Second Line The water flowing along Line 2 runs directly into the lake. There are no stormwater holding ponds to remove silt, phosphorus and other pollutants from the rushing water. After a heavy thunderstorm in the summer the waters surrounding the autfall in Kempenfelt Bay are dark with all the silt and pollutants washed into the bay. Another problem is that the township made a temporary mud dam to split drainage at the junction of Line 2 and the Rail Traih Part of the drainage is funneled to go west along the north side of the Rail Trail to join the drainage coming from other parts of Arbourwood. The additional drainage from Line 2 adds to the amount of water flowing through the Church Woods. 3. Drainage into the woods east of O'Brien Street Uncontrolled storm water runoff has turned a very modest ditch into a four to six foot deep eroded gully. Tons of silt are washed into the lake every spring during the annual rush of melted snow water. Recommendation That OMEGA recommend to Council that the Township seek a partnership with LSRCA, Georgian College and others to submit funding proposals to the LSCUF and possibly other funders to seek resources to undertake the proposed project to: 1. Review the current drainage system, including storm water retention ponds, identify the problems and recommend the remedial action required. 2. Estimate the amount of phosphorus flowing into the lake from the stormwater runoff. 3. Estimate the cost required to remedy the problems. 4. Complete the remediation actions recommended. Brissette, Mane From: Sandy Agnew [bluebird ~ igs.net] Sent: February-13-09 4:11 AM To: Brissette, Marie Cc: Allison, Terry; Coutanche, Mel Subiect: WQI~M WG items Attachments: ShantyBay SW proposal Feb09.doe From David Edwards The Water QualityLake Management Group recommend to OMEGA that council support a waterfront property owners workshop to be presented by The Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority. It is suggested that this be held on a Saturday late spring or early summer in council chambers or Trinity Church? with the township assuming the cast of lunch and hall rental? I attended one of these information sessions in Ramara Township at Lagoon City last summer and approached the authority to see if they could bring it to Ora-Medonte and they were quite positive about it. It involves an address by the mayor and presentation by very informative speakers including the authority we also heard from Bob Bowles, a noted environmentalist and Bab Eaton of the Ontario marinas assoc. The theme was on the "ribbon of life" around the waterfront and what vested people (owners} could do to improve the lake. The event that I attended was quite well attended and got a positive response. Notice to property owners could be arranged through the various ratepayer organizations on Bass Lake and Lake Simcoe. '~ ., ~ ~ _ ~ ~. t ~ ~~ Y ~ _ s ' ~ .# ~ ~ h <~ tp ~ J V'" ~j ~ecemt~er 22, ~U08 ~ ~~~~' Try: a~.~ayor Harry S. Htaghes Cc: Gletk of the Township of Oro-Me~ionte 3 Cs: City Coun~;iiors ~ ~ , . '~ Cc: City P,rianager ~ - -._= ;=, To~wr~ ,hip of ~Jro-r;,~~t~ot~te ~ - 148 ~ir~e 7 South P.~. Qt/x 1 ~~0 fro. C1N heat ~.~ayor Nu~hes: Tt~~is letter is a follow-u~ to the ~r,~~uir~ that Ec1g ~arrnets of t~ntatio rc~cet~tiy r`~~~~~e to your CierK's office. ~s +~onsumets ettzl~tci{;Q the "1 t~ P'y1;3e Diet" anc~ _f~ek ~{~r~ays cif k~~a`y~!r~g food ~F~at ?S 'Jtt.~.Lji.iC;BC~ t~IC35e t0 tiCC?"?e, 'v5~e situ ~.~rC~!C~ {~~ say e~i'~S ~iiC~~lc? aEG trt~?71 ~t?tcit'I~ :~+1:}(+-'f"4' ::~;tC7t° ~C?~~i~/:3S itc~VE:~ 1t~1i1 ji,1";~} itJ ic~~7~~ !Cl ~i~~t{3XIiT!%tt'~ji '~ TC: ? a~~ajii. },~~;c~ ~=:~rmets cif ~Jr~tarir~ re~reser?ts ~`~or~= tl~!an X00 ~atrn fa~-r~ilies ~~nf7o ~~re ~r{~t;c~ to {~=r!~!l{~~' `:~~rI~JU?~i~r~ '~^Jt~ #tt~~511. ~t,~t;=ii~'y~ ~t"i~t.~:si~,t~C~ v~t~S. vt~Sl~t;!i`?t_~r~ "~e~~fU' e3C'~ ~ 'r) rt ."atif_~i~J C}3 ;:;1t~(Ce~ ::1t tre ^zj,~~ ~,"lii ~~trC `aA°'`l,;t,h It~Gl~t~{? ~!a~~IC t--~~~S ! 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Ck"~.clt ~J~i~{~S f:'J ~i''t~ :1C~iiSI ~if`~ 3'vQ a'35~'~'Gi~Lii~`f ,:~.~i~ ~}`~~~t °r- ~ 4 T,,--, A A ! i.. .-yY , ,y # t er R 9,-°}~ ,ry t}t'~,~~ i'+ ter~t r 14)'v~t'ti::~i i~1 dal ,.af U`-t~l~.U~ZIiIL:% i~vik ~ail~G; ...~:~~'p.t~~r?ICi~ ~1 ;;~~ iv,~:f'~i~. e"'tu~•. uC~,r y•-.,, .~. ''putt?3t~~iat?It4" 'l"i°~ t;i:~T ~i.,!".~~1.3~t`' I?lf~{l~j' f?C~t~S ;.it i o r; ~..,;t~ 1L31i~i t"tltl ii'`>Tf L;si~ lam, <{-' ?`t? l~'•C1fJiC"1C~ iJ 3,aV'~? tC'~",t11 ar'~a i~it',v'' y{~t~nC•ilS ~;.i~4S t..)i°1tctCiC? ~!~~~C,~tI this n,1C)iC'~Cl + t~ 'r ; ~ ,( ~ + -~;~ ~~ ^r~h(f:lt ,E'::t1t~l`'.Z~=S tllE'.:,'~Il.ti~UiiC't~ i~i~t'tJ~..i~ ~E~ ~, lT'1~ta "T~~~~` tip x:l':r~~~t~lir~ct~:'#_. >4vF , ~` a Although tunes and teChr~olugy have; cha~lged, ihie I :vei o~fi care today`s modern egg farmers give to their hens remains the carne. Egg farmers a~.ross Gntario are proud of their contribution to the he~ilth and e~.,ono~~ny of'ocaf comrrfunities like yours. if you have any questions about the attached motion or about egg fanning in general we would tivelcome the c~pportunit~y to provide you with more info rnaticn. Please feel #ree t4 contact me at Jt75-~i~8-`790 for ~~ol~e Information. tNe ~vil1 be contacting your office in the coming woeks to request an opportunity to tr~eet ~nJith you to disc~~ss this in rY~ore detail. sincerely, a, ~ 1. 1-carry Pelissero general ~ilanager ~.~-~ t °~ Itr10TlON WHEREAS the [COUNCIL NA11lIE] supports practices that contribute to the creation of a sustainable environment; AND WHEREAS Ontario egg farmers currently provide our community with #resh, locally produced Grade A eggs which travel from farm to table in 4 to 7 days; AND WHEREAS Ontario egg farrriers take pride in caring for their hens vvhiie offering consumers a variety of egg choice; THEREFORE 03E 1T RESOLVED THAT the current procurement practice of eggs by the [COUNCIL. NAME, produced by Ontario egg farmers, be identified as the preferred local sustainable procurement practice. SE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the purchase of all Ontario eggs contributes to the creation of a sustainable environment in which consumers and farmers benefit. ~ ~z i Ministry of the Environment's Green ~, F ,, Nl~et i n ~~~ i d e g .~ ~~~:~ ~~ ~~. ~'~,~ .- ; ,~ ~~,~. , ~~\\~~~ Ontario Ministry of the Environment Corporate Management Division August 2008 Ministry of the Environment Minist~re de I'Environnement . Pr~c r~~~- ~ ~~~~ pert ... m everything we do ... pour tout, partout r~~ ~r" Ontario ~- Table of Contents introduction .......................................................................................1 Why Go Green? .....................................................................................1 What is a Green Meeting ..........................................................................1 Hosting a Green Meeting ........................................................................ 2 Choosing a Location ...............................................................................2 Meeting Options ..................................................................................... Reduce Paper Usage ..............................................................................2 Food and Beverage Considerations ........................................................... Communications ...................................................................................4 Aim for aWaste-Free Event ....................................................................5 3 ~~\ ,~~ Introduction ~, As part of MOE's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, we are committed to organizing Green Meetings. MOE has developed this Green Meeting Guide as a staff resource for organizing meetings or conferences. The Guide provides staff with information and guidelines and on how to host a Green Meeting, whether it is internal {i.e. branch, division or inter-ministry meeting) or with external partners. Why Go Green? Meetings and conferences can be a major source of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, for some of the following reasons: • Travel to and from the meeting location; • Paper use; • Waste generation {from refreshments, take-aways, etc.); • Energy consumed by the event venue; and • Transportation of goods to the venue. By opting to host eco-friendly, "green" meetings, MOE is demonstrating a genuine commitment to the environment by taking responsibility for the ecological impacts of its decisions. What is a Green Meeting? Green Meetings ensure that all aspects of an event, including its location, food services, transportation and the provision of materials, are done with waste prevention and carbon reduction in mind. A Green Meeting reduces environmental impacts at every stage of the meeting planning process with the objective of minimizing waste, water and energy consumption, and related air emission. ~~Z~ s ,;~ < Hosting a Green Meeting Choosing a Location When deciding on a meeting location, opt where possible, for a central location that participants can access easily by public transit, bicycle or on foot. If vehicle use is necessary, encourage carpooling or arranging for a shuttle bus to transport participants to the meeting location from the nearest transit stop or carpool drop off point. The goal is to make it easy for your meeting participants to choose greener transportation options. Alternative Meeting Options Provide alternatives to meeting in person such as teleconferencing, video conferencing or online meetings (where feasible). This will help reduce GHG emissions from travel. If this technology is not available to you, speak to your supervisor about the potential use and implementation of these services. Did you know... ? Increased videoconferencing usage in MOE's Northern Region has resulted in savings of over 7,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions in one year! Reducing Paper Usage Ensure that all materials that would otherwise be distributed in paper-form (i.e. invitations, agendas, presentations, etc.) are circulated electronically to participants prior to the meeting. Meeting information can also be posted on a website (MOE's intra/internet). In addition, ask participants not to print materials unless necessary. An option is to post the meeting agenda somewhere in the room where everyone can see it, and to show presentations on a screen. If paper is distributed, the most eco-friendly option should be used. When possible, paper should be: • FSC-certified • 100% post-consumer waste recycled • Chlorine-free • Printed on both sides What is FSC-certified paper? Forest Stewardship Council- certified paper is guaranteed to contain wood fibre from well- managed forests, postconsumer recycled content, or a combination of FSC-certified wood fibre, recycled content and other controlled forest friendly sources. 2 ~~5 Food and Beverage Considerations When arranging food and beverage services, consider the following to help ensure there is minimal waste from food and beverage consumption: • All plates, bowls, cups, cutlery and linens should be re-usable. Avoid the use of paper or polystyrene plates and cups, napkins, plastic cutlery, etc). * If your office does not have re-usable dishware for meetings, talk to your Manager about purchasing these items to set up a "Green Kitchen" for the section/branch. • Avoid bottled water where possible. Use a reusable jug filled with chilled tap water or use treated water. • Encourage meeting participants to bring their own reusable mugs and containers for beverages. • Provide beverages in bulk where possible, or in recyclable containers. • Avoid the use of other disposable items such as plastic stir sticks and straws. * Tip: replace plastic coffee stir sticks with a cup of water and a few spoons. Replace with clean water as required. • Avoid Styrofoam products (foamed polystyrene). • Avoid using single-serve containers for items such as sugar, milk/cream, salt, and pepper, condiments (i.e. ketchup and mustard), etc. Serve these items in bulk where possible. • If you must use disposable dishware, purchase, where feasible, biodegradable plates, cutlery, napkins, etc. They are suitable for cold and hot foods and in most cases are 100 per cent compostable. If you cannot find a biodegradable option, attempt to buy recycled and recyclable products. Did you know... ? It takes three litres of tap water to produce one litre of bottled water Green Catering When ordering food and beverages for meetings, staff often book catering companies. When booking caterers, consider the following factors: • Does the service provider have a formal environmental policy andlor an environmental certification? Do they make all reasonable efforts to reduce waste, such as: o Providing reusable tableware and linens a Using biodegradable /recycled-content materials a Providing reusable pick-up serving platters, containers, etc. o Supplying composting bins for food scraps o Avoiding battled water use If the caterer does not provide the above services, suggest that they do. Caterers will likely be more willing to accommodate established customers. When placing your food order, provide caterers with the exact, or smaller, number of attendees. This will reduce the amount of excess waste generated. Choose caterers that serve organic and/or locally grown foods and beverages (where possible). Using a local supplier reduces the GHG emissions resulting from the transportation of goods. Speak to your caterer about organic and locally-grown options. Meeting Communications Hosting a successful Green Meeting requires commitment from all participants. Prior to the meeting, inform attendees of the meetings green aspects and ask for their cooperation. You can also share a copy of the meeting guide to remind staff of what a green meeting entails. After the meeting, remember to thank staff far their greening efforts. You can also prepare a summary of the meeting's green aspects and identify lessons learned. This document will be useful when planning your next green meeting. 4 _~ ~~ ~~~~ ' Aim for aWaste-Free Event In addition to the waste reduction strategies you have implemented in the planning and execution of your meeting, please ensure that any garbage that is generated is handled with azero-waste objective. This means that all products and materials that are used atlfor the event (i.e. food and beverage items, paper, name tags, etc.} are collected, separated and either reused, recycled or composted. Ideally, the end result is that no items will end up in a landfill site. To achieve this objective, you will need the support and cooperation of all meeting participants, so discuss this objective with them before hand. Emphasize your waste-reduction goals in the meeting invitation. As the meeting organizer, ensure proper handling of waste by: • Providing well-marked recycling bins that are conveniently located; « Setting up a compost program for all food waste -where possible - if there is not an existing program at the meeting location, you may be able to arrange this with your food service provider If the meeting is being held at an off-site location, enquire if the venue is a waste- free facility. If not, arrange for a recycling facility to pick-up and properly dispose of the waste. Thank you for your commitment to helping reduce MOE's carbon footprint. By engaging in Green Meetings, you are helping achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2010. 5 e . ©MEGA Sustainable Agriculture Working Group meeting, February 12, 2009 a Present: Andy McNiven, Mike Vandergeest, Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Wayne Varcoe, Sandy Agnew The Sustainable Agriculture Working Group met on February 12th to discuss potential programs to support local farms and food producers including an MOE Green Meeting Guide, a letter from Ontario Egg Farmers and a media announcement from the City of Markham. The media release from Markham outlined the City's Agreement with Local Faod Plus to Adopt ~FP Standards and a Zera Waste Program for municipal catering and food services. Specifically Markham has entered into an agreement with C.ocal Food Plus that commits them to using LFP certified material and produce from local farmers. Their agreement mandates the City to use a minimum of 10 percent in the first year and increase this by 5 percent every year. t.PF`s certification process for farmers ensures they are using their municipal buying power to procure locally and from sources that are transitioning to more sustainable farming practices. The announcement goes on to praise one local farm family's passion about climate change and the social, environmental and economic and benefits of sustainable farming. In a related program Markham also introduced a Zero Waste Program across its facilities that will implement features such as: 1. Bio-degradable cutlery 2. 1Q% recycled paper products 3. Elimination of plastic water bottles for water jugs and glasses 4. Elimination of polystyrene food ware Markham also expressed optimism that other municipalities and businesses will reduce their environmental footprint through similar programs. The Sustainable Agriculture Working Group endorsed the City of Markham's initiative and agreed that similar procurement and waste reduction policies for Oro-Medonte Township would provide support for local farm businesses and food produces and set an example for businesses and other municipalities for waste reduction practices. Given the importance of the local agricultural business and local farmers' environmental commitment the Working Group felt that the Township should work with Simcoe County Farm Fresh and local farmers to develop a local food procurement policy for Township facilities and events. Similarly the Working Group felt that the Township should work with the Simcoe County Environmental Services Dept. and the Zero Waste Simcoe group to development a waste reduction policy for Township facilities and events. The Working Group therefore seeks OMEGA's endorsement of these two recommendations to Council. Brissette, Marie Subject: Fw: fake Simcoe Guide Focus sessions From: Wegman, wil (MNR} Sent: Monday, January 26, 2Q09 12:28 PM To: Wil Wegman Subject: FW: Lake Simcoe Guide Focus sessions Hi Folks, We are trying to get the word out about two upcoming Lake Simcoe Workshops. They will offer an opportunity to help design a program that supports individual property owners and their neighbours throughout the watershed so that properties can be managed in an environmentally sustainable way. These workshops are being hosted by local Stewardship Councils around Lake Simcoe, in partnership with the province and local partners, and will be facilitated by the University of Guelph. Details: Thursday, January 29th, 2009 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Innisfil Town Hall, Room A 2101 Innisfil Beach Rd (just east of Hwy #li} or Saturday, January 31st, 2009 9:30 a.m. -Noon Sunderland Memorial Arena -Upper Level Meeting Room 20 Park Street, Sunderland (just west of Hwy#12, north of River St.JReg. Rd. 10) Attached you'll find more details. If you wouldn't mind sending the notice to whomever you think would be valuable from a community interest andjor landowner standpoint that would be really appreciated. Thanks so much far your help, Wil Wegman MNR Aurora District 1 Brissette, Marie From: Coutanche, Mel Sent: January-14-09 1:02 PM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Cc: Brissette, Marie; Agnew, Sandy; Allison, Terry; McNiven, Lisa SubJect: Fw: Draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Attachments: FINAL NR_Draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan_Jan 13.pdf; FINAL BG_Proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Plan_Jan 13.pdf Ail OMEGA members FYI t just received through the Clerk's Office. Mel C This a-mail is being sent on behalf of Steve Klose Director, Lake Simcoe Project On December 10, 2008 the Lake Simcoe Protection Act became law. Building on Ontario's watershed- protection approach in the Clean Water Act, the new act requires the province to establish a protection plan for the lake and surrounding areas. The draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan is the most comprehensive watershed- based legislated plan in Canada. The draft plan is based on advice from the Lake Simcoe science and stakeholder advisory committees and from the people who live and work around Lake Simcoe. The draft Plan sets the priorities and targets for addressing key threats to the health of the Lake Simcoe ecosystem based on science. Key threats to be addressed by the Plan include: • degraded water quality due to pathogens, toxins, and excessive nutrients (e.g., phosphorus), • loss and fragmentation of sensitive natural areas and habitat (e.g., shorelines, wetlands, woodlands, riparian areas), • newly introduced species such as zebra mussels, • emerging threats such as climate change, • changes to the hydrologic cycle (e.g. water quantity changes), and • other human pressures such as recreational activities (e.g. fishing and other resource uses}. Your comments and feedback will be important, as the government finalizes the draft Pian. The Protection Plan is being posted for public comment on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry (www.eb~ov.on.ca) until March 16, 2009. The posting number is 010-4636. The government is also hosting two open house sessions and four community partner workshops. These sessions will provide interested public and community partners with an opportunity to meet with government policy staff to learn about the plan and tell us what they think. The times and locations far the public information forums and community partner workshops are: Public Open House Sessions (5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m) Barrie -February 4, 2009 (South Share Community Centre, 205 Lakeshore Drive) Newmarket -February 25, 2009 (Newmarket Community Centre, 200 Duncan Drive) Carnmunity Partner Workshops {9:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m) Barrie -February 6, 2009 Jackson's Paint -February 9, 2009 Newmarket -February 20, 2009 Qrillia -March 4, 2009 To register for one of the four community partner workshops, please use the fallowing link: ht~:Ilwww.communicor.callsi~p/ once you have registered you will receive venue and location information. There is no registration required for the open houses. Municipalities are important partners in the protection of the lake and the plan recognizes the contributions already made by municipalities to protect the health of Lake Simcoe. In addition to the opportunities to provide input which was described above, we would like to make ourselves available to your municipal council or committee to discuss the draft protection plan. It would be beneficial to understand your specific areas of interest so we can tailor the presentation to your municipality. If this is of interest to your council or committee please contact Jason Niblock at 416-327-9467 to schedule a date before the end of the comment period. We recognize that the health of Lake Simcoe is a common interest to all our community partners and we look forward to working together with you to protect Lake Simcoe. For general information about Lake Simcoe, please visit our website at: http:!lwww.ene.gov.on.calec~lwater/lakesimcoe/index.php, This site will be updated regularly so please refer to it often for the latest announcements and information. Thank you in advance for your interest and participation. Sincerely, Steve Klose Director Lake Simcoe Project Environmental Programs Division Ontario Ministry of the Environment ~"'` /""" }~.... c~ ~r~~~r~0 Ministry of the Environment TAKING THE NEXT STEP TO PROTECT LAKE SIMCOE McGuinty Government Asks Ontarians To Comment t?n Profecfion Plan NEWS January 13, 2009 The province is asking Ontarians to comment an the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The draft protection plan represents the next step in protecting Lake Simcoe and follows the passage of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act on December 10, 2008. Building on Ontario's watershed-protection approach in the Clean Water Act, the new act requires the province to establish a protection plan for the lake and surrounding areas. The draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan is the most comprehensive watershed-based legislated plan in Canada. The draft plan is based on advice from the Lake Simcoe science and stakeholder advisory committees and from the people who live and work around Lake Simcoe. The draft plan proposes voluntary and mandatory measures to restore and protect the ecological health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed starting with the most critical areas: ^ Improving water quality by curbing the amount of phosphorus entering the lake and reducing the lake's current excessive phosphorus levels to 44 Cannes a year ^ Protecting and rehabilitating fish habitat, wetlands, woodlands and the vegetation that buffer the lake, rivers and streams ^ Managing the potential impacts of climate change and invasive species. Going forward the plan would not be applied to existing developments or development proposals that have already obtained significant development approvals. The Ontario government has also committed $20 million aver four years to help protect Lake Simcoe through research, monitoring and on-farm stewardship activities. QUOTES "The approach we are taking is intended to ensure the long-term health of the lake and its watershed ecosystem," said Environment Minister John Gerretsen. "We need everyone from around the lake to participate in this process and make this plan work so that future generations can continue to enjoy this wonderful resource," he added. QUICK FACTS ^ Human activities have been affecting the Lake Simcoe ecosystem for more than 200 years. ^ Lake Simcoe's watershed crosses 23 municipal boundaries including Barrie, parts of York and Durham regions, Kawartha Lakes and Simcoe County. ^ Thirly-five rivers flow into Lake Simcoe including the Holland River, Black River, Beaver River, Pefferlaw River and Uxbridge Brook. LEARN MORE Learn more about protecting Lake Simcoe. Jahn Karapita, Minister's Office, 416-314-6736 011~a~1'iO.C~/OtlyirorttlrtOtlt•CiOWS Kate Jordan, Communications Branch, 416-314-6666 Disponible en fran~ais ~`'~:._ Ministry of the Environment DRAFT LAKE SIMCC)E PROTECTION PLAN January 13, 2009 The Lake Simcoe Protection Act and the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan raise the bar for environmental protection of a watershed in ways that Ontario has never done before. Building on Ontario's watershed-protection approach in the Clean Water Act, the new act requires the province to establish a protection plan for the lake and surrounding areas. The draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan is the most comprehensive watershed-based legislated plan in Canada. The draft plan is based on advice from the Lake Simcoe science and stakeholder advisory committees and from the people who live and work around Lake Simcoe. Draft policies work together to meet the objectives in the act of restoring the Coldwater fishery and protecting the ecological health of the lake. Protections will apply consistently across the watershed, which includes 23 municipalities. The draft plan takes an ecosystem approach. This approach is science-based and considers cumulative impacts. It recognizes that a healthy environment is the cornerstone of healthy communities and a healthy economy. The draft plan is bath precautionary and adaptive. It exercises caution in favour of the environment when there is uncertainty about environmental risks. It will evolve and improve over time based on new science, changing conditions of the lake and experience in implementing the plan. The draft plan is the first of its kind in many ways: • It would require the development of a comprehensive phosphorus management strategy based on a phosphorus long-term goal of 44 tonnes per year, an amount much lower than Current loading and based on the health of cold water fsh communities. • It would require municipalities to prepare master plans to control stormwater, which is a significant source of contaminants entering the lake. • It would require the development of a comprehensive climate change adaptation strategy. This strategy will be Central to helping the watershed's Capacity to adapt naturally to future climatic changes. • It would ban the import of live bait. This is a key step in tackling invasive species and restoring the ecological health of the lake. • It would protect the Lake Simcoe shoreline and natural heritage features in the watershed by restricting development and site alteration in key natural heritage and hydrologic features and imposes clear shoreline protection zones: 0 100 metres for undeveloped Lake Simcoe shoreline areas a 30 - 120 metres in built up shoreline areas a 30 metres in settlement areas, where feasible. Plan policies would not be applied to development proposals that have already obtained their significant development approvals, for example, decisions made by the Ontario Municipal Board. The draft plan integrates and builds on Ontario's existing frameworks for environmental protection and land use planning. This would provide protection for the lake where it most needs it without duplicating existing protections. The draft plan provides for ongoing scientific advice on the ecological health of Lake Simcoe, on policies, programs and regulations being developed, and on the need for new policies. The draft plan builds on the regulatory and stewardship roles of existing communities, organizations, businesses, landowners and the public, and seeks to involve these people in the implementation and review of the plan. The draft plan is available for public comment until March 16, 2009. Read and comment on the plan at www.ontario.ca/lakesimcoe or through the Environmental Registry at www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistrv. The posting number is 010-4636. John Karapita, Minister's Office, 416-314-6736 ontario.ca/environment-news Kate Jordan, Communications Branch, 416-314-6666 Disponibte en fran~ais ti. Ct7NSENT AGENDA: a} Orillia Public Library Board, mira~ites of meetings held on October 22 and November 12 and t9, 2008.. Staff Recommendation: Receipt. b} Springwater Library Board, minutes of meeting d an November i8, 28. Staff Recommen tian: Receipt. ra _xe___. r. _. ~rtir~w ~w~+n Moved by lison, Seconded by Coutanche ~~ It is commended that the staff. ecommendations with respect to the items listed er "Consent Agenda" be opted as printed: a} Orillia Public Libra oard, minutes of me ngs held an October 22 and November 12 an 19, 2008. Received. b} Springwa er Library Board, minute of meeting held an Nov ber 18, 2008. Recei c!. ,.+`~` Carried. ~' f ?. Ct)MMUNICATIQNS: a) Keith Sherman, Co-ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association, correspondence dated December 5, 2008 re: Tree Seedling Distribution Project - Municipal Participation in 2009. Motion No. CW0812f7-5 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Agnew It is recarnmended that 1. The correspondence dated December 5, 2008 from Keith Sherman, Ga- ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association, re: Tree Seedling Distribution Project -Municipal Participation in 2009 6e received. 2. That the Township of Oro-Medonte will support the distribution of materials and provide a facility. 3. And Further That Council request that the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) consider undertaking this activity as an environmental initiative. Carried. Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes -December i 7, 2Q0$ S ~Z Severn Sound Environmental Association 67 Fourth Street Midland Ontario L4R 359 Te1:705-527-5166 Fax:705-527-5167 Email: ksh~rmanr~rt~J~an.midland.un.ca Web-site: w~w~w.xvernsound.ca December 5, 2008 To: Susan Boonstra, Cierk, Township of Georgian Bay Ted Walker, CAO, Town of Midiand Robin Dunn, CAO, Township of Oro-Medonte Eleanor Rath, CAO, Town of Penetanguishene Eric Peterson, CAO, Township of Severn Simone Latham, CAO/Deputy Clerk, Township of Tay Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, Township of Tiny RE: TREE SEEDLING DISTRIBUTION PROJECT- MUNICIPAL PARTICIPATION IN 2009 ~E'C Q 81IX+~ ar~.~~ Over the past two years, Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) and the North Simcoe Private Land Stewardship Network have partnered with the Townships of Tay and Tiny and the Town of Penetanguishene to provide local residents with reasonably priced, native tree seedlings for spring planting. The objective of the project was to promote tree planting by residents in the Severn Sound area, improving environmental health and increasing tree cover. The project has been very successful: in the past two years, over 24,000 tree seedlings were sold and planted by residents of the participating municipalities. The 2008 final report on the program recommended that the program be offered to participating municipalities again, as well as being expanded to other municipalities in North Simcne. At this time, SSEA would like to determine if your municipality is interested in participating in the 2009 Tree Seedling Distribution Project. Municipalities are not required to provide funding directly to SSEA; however, municipal partners will be responsible for assisting with project promotion and some aspects of project implementation. SSEA will be responsible for: ^ Ordering tree seedlings and coordinating seedling pick-up with the nursery. • Creating promotional materials for use by participating municipalities (i.e. informationlpricing sheet, species selection guide, and tree planting tips sheet). Our website will have the promotional details which can be linked to the websites of participating municipalities. • Receiving tree orders and payments from participating residents. We are proposing a tree order deadline of February 27, 2009. Generating receipts and pick-up instructions for participating residents {to be mailed by municipality). Coordinating volunteers for sorting and distribution of tree carders. The distribution day will. be in late April or early May 2009, Producing a final report on the project by June 2009. Municipal partners will be required to: The infarmationlpricing sheet should be provided to residents via their tax bill or another suitable municipal mailing at an appropriate time far the tree distribution program (.before the end of January}. Municipalities may also choose to promote the program at municipal offices ar in the local media. Promotional materials should be distributed to landowners before the end of January 2009, to allow landowners sufficient time to place their orders before the February 27 deadline. 1~1ai1 receipts and pick-up instructions (provided by SSEA) to participating residents in late March 2009. Provide a suitable facility (e.g. roads garage) and staff support for picking up, sorting, and distributing tree orders. Tree seedlings are typically picked up from the nursery and sorted one day prior to the distribution day, the distribution day is anticipated to be a Saturday in late April or early May. The precise dates will be determined in March; weather conditions determine when seedlings can be harvested and packaged by the nursery. Please advise me as soon as possible if your municipality would like to participate in this project. Yours Truly, :,> ,, ~ , ,..c~ t~ ,.-.~- _ Keith Sherman, Coordinator Severn Sound Environmental Association r~° ~ 511"11COt' _` ~~~ nnuskoka Diu*F>.IG T tfiEA~. i n t, r ` January 21, 2009 Mr. Doug Irwin Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Township of Oro-Medonte 148 Line 7 South Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Dear Mr. Irwin: Pr r ~,~~; _.____ ~~I ;S ^a , ~ 20Q~ OTC-t~r~t:~OV~T~ __ ~JVctdtl~~-PtF~ The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is pleased to provide a copy of the Focus an Health Stats report `Outdoor Air Quality in Simcoe Muskoka'. This report has been produced to provide a local perspective on outdoor air quality issues. The report is available to the general public and has also been developed as a resource for our key stakeholders, such as municipalities, school boards, enviranmen#al agencies and local businesses. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) estimates that, in 2008, exposure to outdoor air pollutants contributed to 220 premature deaths in Simcoe Muskoka. Outdoor air pollution results in hospitalizations, emergency and doctors office visits and lost wark/school days each year. The negative health impacts experienced by people in Simcoe Muskoka are expected to increase as a result of rapid population growth and an aging population. The report discusses the health effects of outdoor air pollution on the people of Simcoe Muskoka and examines the factors that contribute to poor air quality. This document also reports on local activities that are contributing to improved air quality in Simcoe Muskoka. As an initial strategy, the health unit will be focusing an reducing vehicle idling. We hope that this report will raise your awareness and understanding of air quality as a (oval health issue and provide a platform to support new and ongoing activities and initiatives to reduce air pollution. A copy of the report is also available on our website (http:l/simcoemuskokahealthstats.org under Focus Reports). If you wish to discuss this report or other air quality issues, please contact me at 721-7520 ext. 7345 or marina.whelan(c~smdhu.orq. Fours truly, t ~~ Marina Whelan, BSc, CPHI(C} Program Manager, Health Protection Service _I Barrie: J Collingwood: J Cookstown: J Gravenhurst: -'rG1~~V- ~ air, ~F~ C 9 3N ~ i "~cst, Citd I 4 - FA:: ~-?n.~5 F71X ',-..; . t-F:~ ;..5~ a u',05 YQUf ~ ~' : ~ ~ ~r h GO(T J Huntsville: J Midland: f_a Orillia: ~+ tdrain; `S C7,=. ~ ~ :?c, ~Nc..St ,~~.~ S. d, UN ON ~ _ < .:I 1 rJF ,g ~.r r~da F,: ~ 1513 r >c'5-LU91 ~~~~~Qn Focus oN e~~ t S . y ,' ~r ..~, .. ~. ~ , ~,~ . ., ~ _ _ s Outdoor Air Quality in Simcoe Muskoka Illness Costs of Air Pollution 3 Sources of Pollutants 4 Measuring Air Quality 5 Climate Change 7 Think Globally, Act Locally 8 Data Sources 10 Definitions 11 References 12 ~ simcoe muskoka DISTRICT HEALTH 11N1T Tei:721-7520 ToII free: 1-877-721-7520 www. simcoemu skakahealth. arg The air cve breathe is a priceless resource. In a time of increasing smog days, heat advisories and global climate change, air quality has become a major concern. Air quality is affected by pollutants from a variety of sources, but mostly from human activities like industry and transportation. These pollutants result in illness and premature death and cost our health care system millions of dollars each year. Evidence shows that people in Simcoe Muskoka are experiencing negative health impacts from air pollution. In the future, rapid population growth and the aging of the population will contribute to an increased number of these unhealthy effects. This report will focus on the health effects of outdoor air pollution. _~ examine the range of factors '- that contribute to poor air quality, and report on _ local activities that are helping to improve air quality in Simcoe ;~'~.~ ~~ Muskoka. '° ~~, ~^ ~ "Few things are asimportant as the air cue breathe, but our breathing has been increasingly threatened by srnOg." Ontario Medical Associ~atlon ~~~~ t ~a~~ . _* Health Effects from Air Pollution Numerous studies show that poor air quality contributes to • premature death • cardiovascular disease • cancer • stroke • asthma and other respiratory diseases.' Air pollutants, particularly ground-level ozone (03) and fine particulate matter (PM2 5), are known to make asthma and other respiratory conditions worse. New research suggests that air pollution is also as- sociated with the development of asthma, particularly in chil- dren who play outdoor sports in communities with higher ozone levels.2 Rates of asthma in Canada have increased four- fold over the past 20 years, to the point where more than one in 10 Canadian children has been diagnosed with asthma. Currently, asthma is one of the leading causes of hospitaliza- tion for children ages one to 19 years in Simeoe Muskoka.3 Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Studies have found that air pollution may inter- fere with the normal rate of children's lung growth and de- velopment.4 Their small lungs, narrow airways and rapid breathing mean they inhale a greater amount of air than adults. According to one study, children living in communi- ties with higher levels of traf- fic-related pollution had lung function growth approximately 10% slower than children in communities with less air pol- lution. The rate of lung func- tion growth improved once they moved to lower pollution areas.° Exposure to air pollution can also harm the developing fetus. Studies show that prenatal exposure to air pollution can result in poor birth outcomes such as lower birth weight.g :~- ; The elderly are also vulnerable to air pollution and may exper- ience health effects at lower levels of pollutants.6 A study of people older than 60 years found a greater rate of hospital admissions and premature deaths from respiratory conditions among those whose homes were located on roads with higher traffic densities than among those whose homes were on roads with lower traffic densities.' Although children and the elderly are most at risk, recent studies indicate that there is no safe level of human exposure to air pollution, particularly to two key pollutants: ozone and fine particulate matter. Even healthy people experience long- term health effects when they are exposed to air pollution while doing strenuous activi- ties, such as construction work or cycling.' Daily exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter has been linked to cardiovas- cular disease, triggering heart attacks and causing abnormal heart rhythms, strokes and hardening of the arteries.8 Researchers estimate the in- creased risk of death from cardiovascular disease due to long-term exposure to fine par- ticulate matter in some cities is comparable to that associated with being a former smokers One study found that the risk of a heart attack triples within an hour of being exposed to air pollution, whether travelling in cars, on mass transit or by bicycle.a Research concludes that air pollution has a negative impact on health. The exact impact of air pollution depends on the type and amount of pollutants, the length of exposure and individual health status.s SiMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT 2 ~~>~ . ~acu~ a~ 1u1R CtU~~,i: .iK~~' ~ ~ a~ . ,. , .. ~. Illness Costs of Air Pollution (ICAP) The Ontario Medical Associa- tion (OMA) estimates that for 2008, air pollution will con- tribute to an estimated 6,200 premature deaths in Ontario, including 220 in Simcoe Muskoka. This number is projected to increase in Simcoe Muskoka to 360 premature deaths in 2026. Those 18 to 65 years of age will experience an 11 % increase in premature mortality as a result of air pol- lution, while the 65+ age group will experience an increase of approximately 74%.9 In 2008, the total hospital ad- missions related to air pollution exposure is estimated at 580 for Simcoe Muskoka. Most of the hospital admissions will be associated with cardiovascular illnesses. By 2026, admissions are expected to reach nearly 820.4 Less severe respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses are of- ten treated by emergency room (ER) visits. In 2008, the ER vis- its associated with air pollution exposure in Simcoe Muskoka are estimated at almost 2,160 cases.a Although it is commonly believed that air pollution primarily causes respiratory ef- fects, the OMA found that there were three times more smog- related emergency room visits for cardiac symptoms than for respiratory symptoms.t0 Estimated Annual Number of Premature Deaths by Age Attributable to 03, PMzS, CO, SOz, h102 Simcoe Muskoka, 2008 - 2026 aoo -- _ __..__ _-- - _ ____~.___ .~ --- ---_. 350 ~- , 300 ~ ''` °~• t I ~ "-sd ~~ 0 200. i a E t 50 l z I too ! 50 ~ I 0 4 _ _. f 2aoa 200 202 zo~a 206 2ota 2020 2022 2o2a 2o2e Year Souroe: ICAP Vssbn 5.0. 2005, Onlaio Medral As.9o~ibn ' 0,=ozone, PM,~ fne padbulte matter, COacarbon monodtla, SOz~suphur tlbnde, NO,~ndrogen dbWe Estimated Annual Number of Hospital Admissions Attributable to O, and PMzs Simcoe Muskoka, 2008 - 2026 soo -- - - ----- --- - -- - -- __~._ _...__ _, ' All Cardiovascular aoo i c AB Respiratory I O 700 I N I 'E soo , _a ~~I I a ~ G a00 s O 300 .~ E 2~ I ..,~.,o „~ z' ioo o~ - 2ooa 2oto zo~2 2o~a zo~6 2oia 2020 2022 2o2a 2026 Year Souse: ICAP Version 5.0, 2005, Ontario Medical Association SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNfT 3 >~ Sources of Pollutants Air is a mixture of gases, most- ly oxygen (21%) and nitrogen (78%). However, due to human activities other gases and par- ticles that cause air pollution are introduced into the air." The most significant sources of air pollution in Ontario are energy generation and trans- portation (planes, trains and automobiles).' Individuals also contribute sig~nifica,ntly to air pollution by consuming energy and using vehicles. Another pollution source, also known as trans-boundary pollution, is generated as far away as the Ohio Valley and carried to Ontario by wind and air currents. Air pollution moves between rural and urban areas and across federal and provincial boundaries. Weather conditions can greatly affect the concentration of pollution in the air. Hot, humid and windless days in the sum- mer can "trap" air pollution near the ground.12 Transportation One of the key causes of air pollution is emissions created by orator vehicles. Many residents of Simcoe Muskoka (ages 15+) drive to work. According to the 2006 Census, the major- ity of these trips to work (91%)`were by private vehicle, while very few (less than 109'0) were by active forms of transporta- tion (walking or cycling) or public transit. In comparison, a higher percentage of people across Ontario (20°r6) used active forms of transportation ar public transit and fewer (7996) used private vehicles to get to work." Twenty per cent of Ontario residents and 199'0 of Simcce Muskoka, residents (ages 15+) in the labour force reported commuting to a different census division for work. Within simeoe Muskoka, commuting rates differ depending on place of residence. For example, in Bradford-West Ciwillimbury, 57°~ of the labour farce commutes outside Simcce County, while 3996 of Georgian. Bay workers commute beyond the border of Muskoka District to get to their place of work." 10U 90 80 70 ~ ~ 50 L w 40 ~`30 ;` ~ 20j e 10 Mode of Transportation to Work Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka, 2006' 91 _3~" Simcoe Muskoka Ontario ~~~ 13 ,~ ~~ ~~~ 2~ 9 1 .. i cats, ttudc or van PubYc trar-~t walked or ayc~aa ~ othe' nwdes Mode of Transp©rt~ation Sotti~cx: Statistics Canada, 2008 Census; ModeoF.Frenepdtatgn 2006 Community. f'rWAe ~ 20% `-~P~ ~~- SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEkLTH UNIT 4 Ll-~-~ ~~CtISe ~N AIR QUAL.1'fY ~ ~ ~ ~.1.~?~~ ~~~i; ~ ~ ~~~ ,. ~. ,_ i ~ _. Measuring Air Quality Air Quality Index The Ontario Ministry of the Environment monitors air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQl) sys- tem. The AQI is an indicator of air quality based on hourly pollutant measurements of some or all of the six most common air pollutants: sulphur diox- ide (S02), ozone (03), nitrogen dioxide (N02), total reduced sulphur compounds, carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter (PMz s). ,~ ~ Measurements far the Simcoe Muskoka area originate from two ambient air monitoring stations in Barrie and Dorset. The AQI generates a number that indicates five categories far air quality: very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good. Very poor air quality may have adverse effects for a large proportion of those exposed and may cause significant damage to vegetation and property. Poor air quality could result in adverse health effects for people with existing health conditions. Moderate air quality may result in some adverse effects for people with health problems. Good and very good air quality results in few adverse health effects.7° Smog Advisories Smog is formed when ozone, fine particulate matter and other contaminants mix in the atmosphere. Smog advisories are issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment when elevated pollutant levels occur (AQI indicates a poor or very poor level) or are predicted to occur and could persist for several hours.14 The number of smog advisory days varies from year to year, primarily due to weather condi- tions. During the hot, humid ~: , NEW REPORTlk6 SYSTEM ~ ',` ~' Since 2001. it3deral. ` ~ ~.• provirtcial end municipal ;~ .•..~ govemmerr~, non govem- ~~> C n)ent8l Organ178ilOR^ end healh protessronels have been working together to develop an improved rTet}orrel as quality reportJng system called the Air Quality Health Index (AQHQ. The AQHI uses a scale to report the level of risk to people's health from exposure to air pollution. The AQtil was piloted in the City of Toronto in 2007 and expanded into the Greater Toronto Area in 2008. Discussions are underway to further expand the AQHI index in Ontario. Smog Advisories Simcoe Muskoka, 2003 - 2007 so ao 30 E 3 z za 70 Advisories Issued _`;~ Advisory Days n 5 5 5 ~~ ---- - _ zoos coos zoos ~ -- Year Sanee~ O~faleo Mir,islry or the Envirunmerrt viwg sdvrsay date, eKtraeted Jeruiary_ 31, 2009 12 }J i3 11 __ _- _ --- _ _ s _ conditions of 2005 there were a greater number of smog advisory days compared with the cooler, cloudier summers of 2004 and 2006. In 2007, there were nine smog advisories issued, lasting a total of 27 days. Although most smog days occur in the summer months, smog can also occur in the winter. SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT 5 ~~>~ ~~lGrIS alb Mtlct CN1AL~'Y1~ - ~ a>;Y,,r~~"~~°.~~;~~' .: - ~ - i Measuring Air Quality Ground-Level Ozone (O~ and Fine Particulate Matter (PM~~ The key contributors to smog and poor air quality in Simcoe Muskoka are ozone and fine particulate matter. Ground- level ozone is formed when pollutants from vehicle exhaust emissions react in sunlight. Sunlight intensity and higher temperatures increase the for- mation of ground-level ozone.16 Ozone irritates the respiratory tract and eyes and results in chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. Fine particulate mat- ter can penetrate deep into the respiratory system triggering a heart attack or stroke. Canada-wide standards, the national standards in many other developed nations includ- ing Europe and Australia, and the health based guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that at times when ozoaE - TIC Goaa aNd TI1E BAD Stratospni3ric ozone, commorlly'referred to as the ozone layer, is found 2t1-30 kBOmetres above the earttt's surface and is important in ptntectktg;us froth the sun's ultra-violet rays: Tropospheric ozone, or ground-!suet. ozone, damages human health and vegetatlon. pollutant levels are not exceeded according to Ontario criteria, the same conditions would trigger an air quality advisory in those provinces or countries where the standards are stricter. For example, in Barrie in 2007, the ozone levels recorded at the local monitoring station exceeded the Ontario criteria seven times. However, when the WHO recommendations are applied the total number of exceedances for ozone levels would have been 42. Number of Times Air Poliu#ant Levels Exceeded Ontario's Criteria* Simcoe Muskoka Area. 2004 - 2007 Children who are active out- daars when air pollution levels are high and individuals with pre-existing respiratory dis- orders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly at risk. Ground-level ozone levels at rural locations tend to be higher than levels in cities as pollutants produced in cities combine and react in sunlight and are caxried by air currents into rural areas.'g Throughout the year, levels of ozone and fine particulate matter in Simcoe Muskoka often exceed Ontario's air quality criteria. These exceed- ances vary from year to year. Ontario's air quality criteria are less stringent than the Ozone (O,) Year Berrie Air Dorset Air Monitoring Station Monitoring Station 20_04 ~ -_---- 3 2005 24 41 Zoos a - 4 - - __ -_ -- 2007 7 34 Barrie Air Dorset Air Monitoring Station Monitoring Station `Ozone 1-hour Ambient Alr Quality criterion is 80 ppb 'The PM 2.5 reference level Is 30 Ng/m' fora 24-hour period Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Historical AIr Quality Data, 2004-2007, extracted June 12/08. vrvw.airqualltyontario. ca Air Pollutant Exceedances in the Barrie Area * in 2007 Comparison of Number of Exceedances Based on Ontario, Canada and WHO Parameters Ontario Canada World Health Organization Ambient Air Quality Canada Wide (WHOj Air Pollutant Criteria (AAQCj Standards (CWS)~ Air Quality Guidelines' Ozone (O~ a2 Fine Particulate Matter (PM, ) 10 'Berne as monitoring statwn results t Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Air Quality in Ontario 2006 Report. 2007 2 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Envronment. Guidance Document an Achievement Determination. Canada-wide Standards for Particulate Matter and Ozone Revised. 2007 3 World Health Organization. WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulftu tlioxide. Global update 2005. Summary of risk assessment. 2006 Source: Ontario Ministry of the Envinxrment. Historical Air Quality Data, 2~4-2007, extracted June 12, 2008. www. airqualityontario.ca A Comparison of Air Ouatity Parameters for Ozone and Fine Particulate Metter PolkAant I On!ano [:mina l;anzda Wido StarWarde WcMd Health O!pt~-~~toiiat Ozone (Oti eo ppb 1-hour mean fi5 ppb. 8-hora avenpnp trine Sa ppo e-luxv rn3Y1 Fine Particulate Mt>iter iP*fny) 30 VWm3 :4fiotrc rne~ 301-g~m3 24-horn average 25 pg'ma 2s-Iwrr mwn Fine Particulate Matter ;PM -. SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ~~ .. , Air Quality and Climate Change Climate change is a prolonged change in temperature (warm- ing or cooling) and other climatic conditions (such as humidity and precipitation) around the globe. Air quality and climate change are closely connected. The same gases that pollute the air and create smog also trap heat and cause the earth to warm up. The formation of pollutants, such as ozone, is enhanced at high temperatures. Recent research indicates that due to climate change, the aver- age annual air temperature iri Ontario could be three to eight degrees higher by the latter part of the century. Climate change is expected to increase the number and dura- tion of heat waves and smog episodes, as well as illness and premature death." In 2003, extreme heat caused the death of more than 30,000 people in Europe. If current cli- mate trends continue, by 2080 the number of people dying from heat-related causes in Toronto and other cities in Canada will increase threefold." SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ~~>~ Think Globally, Act Locally Air pollution is a global prob- lem with multiple sources and relationships. Improving air quality requires action and collaboration between people, agencies, organizations and governments at the interna- tional, national, provincial and local levels. Actions to improve air quality can include individual behaviour change, the imple- mentation of awareness cam- paigns, providing supportive environments and the adoption of policies. These actions can: • improve personal health • improve quality of life • prevent premature death • relieve the health care burden. Efforts to improve air quality are underway in Simcoe Muskoka. A number of stake- holders, including the health unit,.. have initiated programs and activities to raise aware- ness and to promote less air- polluting behaviour throughout the area. In 2006 and 2007, the health unit developed information materials far local candidates in municipal and provincial elec- tions. The materials provided information about the public health impacts of air pollution and examples of government policies and actions that can lead to improved air quality. SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ~{ /// 1# In 2007 and 2008, with the support of Enbridge Energy's Awaire Fund and two local school boards and munici- palities, the health unit imple- mented an anti-idling campaign called Turn It Off. This cam- paign ran at several elemen- tary schools and community sites in Simcoe and Muskoka. The initiative included idling awareness and education for students, parents, drivers and the public. It also included on-site observations of idling behaviours before and after the campaign. Data from the Simcoe Muskoka campaign showed an increase in the proportion of drivers who chose not to idle their vehicle from 28% tss ~ conNdence interval: 23.e~, sz.o ~ ~ in the pre-campaign period to 4390 ~ae.o~, 4~.2~~~ in the post-campaign period. In addi- tion to successfully influencing drivers' idling behaviours, the initiative generated both munic- ipal and public interest regard- ing the impacts of transporta- tion on outdoor air quality. Getting people out of their cars and walking, cycling or using public transit is another way to improve air quality. In Canada, more than half of car trips are less than five kilo- metres in length-the average being between two and three kilometres. This distance is ideal to cover by active forms of transportation.19 In a recent survey in Simcoe Muskoka, 78% ~T4,, ~~,, as., r ~ Of survey respondents reported spending at least some time walking to work, school or to do errands in a typical week, while 10% r7.o~-4, ,2.9 ~~ reported cycling for the same reasons each week.20 8 ~~>~o Think Globally, Act Locally Through its Walkable Com- munities Task Group and two heart health projects (Take Heart and Good for Life), the health unit, along with commu- nity partners, is promoting active transportation and advocating for walkable com- munities in Simcoe Muskoka. Activities include: • facilitating active transporta- tion workshops and planning throughout the County of Simcoe and District of Muskoka • providing resources and presentations to municipal councils and committees • offering WaIkON, a program that encourages walkable communities and provides active transportation tools and supports. The health unit has been, and will continue to be, actively involved in health promotion activities and policy develop- ment and will work with its partners to improve air quality in Simcce Muskoka by: • supporting municipal anti- idling bylaws • advocating for improvements to air quality standards that more accurately reflect health impacts • preparing for Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) implementation • supporting transportation and energy conservation initiatives • providing information so that air quality is considered in municipal planning decisions • developing a health unit green office plan • promoting innovation and sharing successful environ- mental practices • exploring best practices, pol- icy development and funding opportunities related to air quality, climate change and environmental programs. Together we can bring about change through a combination of individual and municipal ac- tion, such as: • walking or cycling to work or school on safe routes • carpooling • using public transit • setting thermostats to conserve energy • purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving appliances. We can also encourage and support municipalities to show environmental leadership by taking the following actions: • increasing the number of safe ..cycling .and walking routes • implementing anti-idling policies and bylaws • supporting green initiatives such as tree preservation policies and green roofs • establishing bylaws that sup- ..port energy conservataon. • ~ cnp roving access to transit; SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEAlSH UNIT 9 ~>~ ~ Data Sources Air Quality Pollutant Data Air quality pollutant data are collected by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Data obtained from automated ambient air monitoring instruments that operate continuously produce an average measure- ment for every hour for a possible total of 8,760 measurements in a given year. In addition, the second and third quarters of the year should have 75% valid data for ozone, whereas for PMZ 5, each quarter of the year should have 75% valid data. Data for the Simcoe Muskoka area originate from two continuous ambient air monitoring stations in Barrie and Dorset. Ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter readings are collected at both stations while the Barrie station also monitors levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Census The Canadian Census Is conducted by Statistics Canada every five years to provide a reliable source for describing the characteristics of Canada's people, dwellings and agricultural operations. The Census provides the population and dwelling counts not only for Canada, but also for each province and territory and for smaller geographic units such as cities or districts within cities. The Census also provides information about Canada's demographic, social and economic characteristics. The most recent Census of Canada took place on May 16, 2006. Hospital Inpatient Discharges Data are collected from each patient's chart at the time of discharge (or separation) from hospital and are recorded on an abstract provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHQ. The abstract collects information on the patient and the nature of their stay. One abstract is completed for each separation (stillbirth, death, discharge) from the hospital. The main diagnostic code gives the primary reason for the hospital stay or "most responsible diagnosis" (MRD}. A second set of codes, external cause or "e-codes", are used to classify the en- vironmental events, circumstances and conditions that cause an injury (e.g. motor vehicle traffic injury). The data source contains discharge records, not admissions. The data is reported for completed cases only. Hospitals do not report on cases that are still being treated. The data presented in this report includes discharges from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2006. The data represents the number of discharges, not the number of people. Illness Costs of Air Pollution (ICAP) The Illness Costs of Air Pollution (ICAP) Is used to identify the direct health effects of air pollution, as well as the economic consequences to the provincial healthcare system in Ontario. ICAP was developed in 2000 from the Ontario Medical Association, prepared by DSS Management Consultants Inc. Users have the ability to pinpoint a census division and analyze the pollutant level with a specific illness. Changes to ICAP have been made and a new, more robust version (Version 5.0) was released in 2005. ICAP receives its pollutant level data from the Environment Canada's National Air Pollution Surveil- lance Network (NAPS) sites in Ontario for the years 1985 to 2003, as well as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the years 2000 to 2003, except for sulphur dioxide (SO J. ICAP uses various epidemiological studies (cohort and time-series studies for premature deaths and time-series studies for hospital admissions and emergency room visits) that analyze the effects of air pollution on one's health. ICAP uses information from Statistics Canada (2001 Census and death statistics) and the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) for the analyses of specific illnesses that are affected by pollu- tion. An updated ICAP mode! is set for release sometime in 2008 but was unavailable at the time of this report's publication. Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) RRFSS is an ongoing monthly telephone survey that occurs in various public health units across Ontario. Every month, a random sample of 100 adults aged 18 years and older in each participating health unit area is interviewed regarding awareness, knowledge, attitudes and be- haviours about topics and issues of importance to public health. These can include: smoking, sun safety, use of bike helmets, water testing in private wells, air quality, etc. The telephone survey is conducted by the Institute for Social Research at York University on behaN of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Smog Advisory Statistics The Ontario Ministry of the Environment monitors air pollution levels and issues smog advisories when there is a strong likelihood that widespread, elevated and persistent smog levels are expected. Smog advisory statistics for the Simcoe Muskoka area are estimated from data collected at air monitoring stations located in three regions: Duf- ferin-Innisfil, Barrie-Orillia-Midland and Parry Sound-Muskoka-Hunts- ville. Tum !t Off AnN-idling Campaign In the fall of 2007 and spring of 2008, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit conducted an evaluation assessing the effect of an aware- ness-building/educational intervention on vehicle idling behaviour of drivers. The intervention targeted parents drivers picking up their children at four elementary schools -two in Simcoe County and two in Muskoka District. A total of 851 vehicles and 58 school buses were observed in Muskoka, and 914 vehicles and 96 buses in Simcoe. These vehicle idling observations were made during the week before the intervention (September 15 to 19, 2007, in Muskoka and March 31 to April 4, 2008, in Simcoe) for one hour depending on when the bail rings at the schools and during the week following the intervention (October 9 to 12 and 15, 2007, in Muskoka and April 21 to April 28, 2008, in Simcoe) for one hour. The intervention was carried out at an elementary school in Muskoka from September 24 to October 5, 2007, and at an elementary school in Simcoe from April 7 to April 18, 2008. Wa1kON Survey WaIkON is an initiative which supports the development of walkable communities through education and access to resources. The Wa1kON survey was developed by six Heart Health initiatives in the Central West region of Ontario. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Untt (SMDHU) conducted the survey in Simcoe Muskoka in the fall of 2007. The survey data provide information on the existing knowledge, attitudes, and practices to inform programming decisions. The questionnaire was designed by the partnership and was conducted by the University of Waterloo (Survey Research Centre). Data were gathered through random telephone calls of households in the Simcoe Muskoka area of persons aged 18 and older. A sample of 403 was achieved. SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ~ O ~>~Z Definitions Active transportation -Any non-motorized form of getting around, such as walking, cycling, rollerblading or skateboarding. Ambient air -Outdoor or open air. Criterion -Maximum concentration or level (based on potential effects) of contaminant that is desirable or consid- ered acceptable in ambient air. tt is not legally enforceable, like regulatory standards, unless included in a regulatory instrument. In Ontario, it is referred to as Ambient Air Qual- ity Criterion (AAQC). Ambient Air Quality Criteria (AAQC) - AAQCs are con- taminant-spec'rfic, effect-based fevels to assess general air quality. They are set at levels below which adverse health and/or environmental effects are not expected. Asthma - A disease characterized by cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheeze. Asthma symptoms and attacks (episodes of more severe shortness of breath) usually occur after exercise or exposure to allergens, viral respiratary infections (colds), irritant fumes or gases. These exposures cause an inflammation of the airway wall and an abnormal narrowing of the airways, which lead to asthma symptoms. Most evidence suggests that air pollu- tion is a trigger for worsening asthma. Cardiovascular diseases -All diseases of the circulatory system including acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmias, high blood pressure and stroke. Census division -Group of neighbouring municipalities joined together for the purposes of regional planning and managing common services (such as police or ambulance services). Census divisions are intermediate geographic areas between the provincelterritory level and the munici- pality (census subdivision). Census subdivision -The general term for municipalities (as determined by provincial/territorial legislation) or areas treated as municipal equivalents for statistical purposes (e.g. Indian reserves, Indian settlements and unorganized territories). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD} - A chronic disease characterized by shortness of breath, cough and sputum production. Symptoms do not usually appear in people younger than age 55. The changes to the lung, however, begin many years earlier. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common underlying processes that contribute to COPD. Carbon Monoxide (CO) - A colourless, odourless, tasteless and at high concentrations, apoisonous gas. Commuting -Travelling to work outside of the census division of residence. Exceedance -Violation of the air pollutant concentration levels established by environmental protection criteria or other environmental standards. Extreme heat -High temperatures (more than 10 degrees over the regional average) that last for several weeks. Fine Particulate Matter (PM ~~ -Particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter caused mainly from fuel combus- tion, condensation of hot vapours and chemically-driven gas-to-particle conversion processes. These are fine enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Morbidity -State of being ill or diseased. Nitrogen Dioxide (NOzj - A reddish-brown gas with a pun- gent and irritating odour. Nitrogen dioxide reacts in the air and contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. It also plays a major role in atmospheric reactions that produce ground-level ozone, a major com- ponent of smog. Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and lower the resistance to respiratory infection. People with asthma and bronchitis have increased sensitivity to NO2. Ozone exceedance day - A day on which there is at least one hour with an ozone concentration greater than the one- hour Ontario AAQC of 80 ppb (parts per billion). Ozone or ground-level ozone(O~ -Colourless, odourless gas formed from chemical reactions between nitrogen ox- ides and reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight near the earth's surface. Ozone is a major component of smog. In Ontario, elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone are generally recorded on hot and sunny days from May to September, between noon ahd early'evening. ppb -Parts (of contaminant) per billion (parts of air) - by volume. Premature deaths -Death that occurs at a younger age than would be expected according to known statistics. Respiratory diseases - Includes a variety of diseases that affect the respiratory system, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema. SIMCOE MUSKOKA pISTRICT HEALTH UNIT ~1)~3 focus oN aua +~wa~.rr~ ~'! ~.~, Sulphur Dioxide (SOgj - A colourless gas that smells like burnt matches. Approximately 70% of the 502 emitted in Ontario comes from smelters and utilities. Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of 302 include breath- ing problems, respiratory illness, and the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Sulphur dioxide also damages trees and crops. T>"ans-boundary pollution -Polluted air and water, or any other contaminated waste that is generated in one country and transmitted to others. Walkable community - Is one that is designed for walking and encourages citizens to walk more often and use their vehicle less. 95% confidence interval -Indicates the interval or range within which the true population percentage probably References (1) Campbell M, Pengelry D, Bienefeld M. Air Pollution Burden of Illness in Toronto: 2004 Summary. Toronto: Toronto Public Health; 2004. (2) Commission for Environmental Coopera- tion. Children's Health and the Environ- ment in North America: A First Report on Available Indicators and Measures. 2006. Available from: URL: http://www.cec. org/files/PDF/POLLUTANTS/CEH-I ndica- tors-fin_en.pdf [accessed February 11, 2008]. (3) Ontario MOHLTC. Hospital Inpatient Data 2003-2006, Provincial Health Planning Database (PHPDB). Extracted August 2007. (4) Bray R, Vakil C, Elliott D. Report on Pub- lic Health and Urban Sprawl in Ontario: A Review of the Pertinent Literature. Environmental Health Committee, Ontario College of Family Physicians; 2005. 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For more information about the data presented in this report, contact Your Health Connection at (705) 721-7520, toll free at 1-877-721-7520 or email at hconnect~smdhu.org, or visit www.simcoemuskokahealih.org lies. The reason for using confidence intervals is due to the uncertainty, or sampling error, associated with using results obtained from a sample to draw conclusions about the entire population from which the sample was drawn. The confidence interval (in our case, a 959~o confidence interval) can also be interpreted as being 95°h likely to include the percentage value we would have obtained If we had studied every member of the target population. For example, our re- port states that the percentage of Simcoe Muskoka survey respondents reporting that they spend at least soma time walking to work, school or to do errands in a typical week was 789io (CI: 74.1 %, 82.1 %), which means that there is a 95% chance that the actual or true percentage of people that spend at least some time walking to work, school or to do errands in a typical week falls between 74.1 % and 82.1 %. Smaller confidence intervals imply greater precision, or less sampling error. SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT 12