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06 18 2009 OMEGA AgendaTownship of Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Page TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:30 p.m. 1. OPENING OF THE MEETING 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA a) Motion to adopt Agenda. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: - "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT" 4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 3-8 a) Minutes of April 16, 2009. 5. PRESENTATIONS: 9-10 a) Nadine Abrams, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re: Remediate Surface Water Run-off in Shanty Bay. 6. ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: 11 a) Motions from Council. 12-16 b) Grant/ Subsidy Application Form 17 c) Environmental Initiatives Financial Update. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES: a) Oro Moraine b) Growth Issues c) Habitat d) Water Quality / Lake Management 18-22 e) Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. Page 1 of 38 Page 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES: -Article dated July 26, 2008, Laura Rance, Winnipeg Free Press, re: Canadian Planners Call for Local and Sustainable Food Systems. f) Sustainable Agriculture -Waste Reduction Policy. 8. COMMUNICATIONS: 23-24 a) Mayor H.S. Hughes, re: Delivery of Environmental Services within the Severn Sound Watershed. 25-26 b) Councillor Agnew, re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Shoreline Workshops. 27 c) Correspondence dated June 2, 2009, Steve Klose, Director, Lake Simcoe Project, re: Lake Simcoe Protection Plan - Released. 28-29 d) Press Release dated May 13, 2009, County of Simcoe, re: County of Simcoe Organics Collection Program a Huge Success. 30-31 e) News Release dated May 23, 2009, Simcoe County Farm Fresh, re: 2009/10 Guide Map to Local Food Release! 9. OTHER BUSINESS / QUESTIONS 32-38 a) Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated April 21, 2009 from Keith Sherman, Co-ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association, re: Endorsement of the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan - January, 2009. 10. NEXT MEETING DATE a) Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Page 2 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ORO-MEDONTE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ADVISORS (OMEGA) MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 16, 2009 @ 7:35 p.m. Council Chambers Due to technical difficulties. no diaital recordina of the meetina is available. Present: David Edwards Wilf McMechan Meryl Drake Steve Cromwell Ruth Fountain David Kennedy Jim Purnell Andy McNiven Doug Shelswell Mike Vandergeest Kim Wand Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Regrets: Councillor Terry Allison Gerry Murphy Allan Johnson Bob Barlow John Bosomworth Council/Staff Mayor Harry Hughes Councillor Sandy Agnew Present: Councillor Mel Coutanche Lisa McNiven, Manager Engineering Marie Brissette, Committee and Environmental Services Coordinator 1. Councillor Coutanche called the meeting to order. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Motion No. OMEGA-090416-01 Moved by David Edwards, Seconded by Steve Cromwell It is recommended that the agenda for the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2009 be received and adopted as amended to include: 7 c) Bruce Keeling, Chairman, The Maple Tree Committee (branch of Maple Leaves Forever), correspondence dated April 8, 2009 re: Grant for Maple Trees. 8 f) Content and timing of minutes. Carried. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT: None declared. Page 3 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. 4. MINUTES: a) Minutes of OMEGA Meeting held on February 19, 2009. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-02 Moved by Meryl Drake, Seconded by Ruth Fountain It is recommended that the minutes of the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA) meeting held on February 19, 2009 be adopted as amended: 1. Remove the hyphen in Oro-Moraine Brochure, Motion No. OMEGA-090219-7; 2. Add Couchiching Conservancy and Oro Moraine Association after NVCA, Motion No. OMEGA-090219-8. Carried. 5. ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Highlight key messages. The recommendations from the previous OMEGA meeting that were considered by Council, were reviewed. 6. WORKING GROUPS UPDATES: a) Oro Moraine • Oro Moraine - Indicators Report Card. It was noted that the Working Group met with the Couchiching Conservancy, NVCA, LSRCA, Oro Moraine Association and Members of Council on March 31, 2009. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-03 Moved by Andy McNiven, Seconded by David Kennedy It is recommended that the verbal update from the Oro Moraine Working Group re: Oro Moraine - Indicators Report Card Working Document, be received. Carried. Page 2 OMEGA Meeting -April 16, 2009 Page 4 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. b) Growth Issues • Process for input into the upcoming Official Plan Review. The Group discussed the benefit of having a joint meeting with the Planning Advisory Committee in order to review the current Official Plan and applicable Provincial requirements. Councillor Coutanche distributed a chart listing groups that could provide input to an OP review. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-04 Moved by Steve Cromwell, Seconded by Ruth Fountain It is recommended that the verbal update from the Growth Issues Working Group re: Process for input into the upcoming Official Plan Review be received. Carried. c) Habitat • Draft Tree Preservation By-law. The Working Group felt it would be beneficial to review the requirements from the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan in order to utilize that template. It was also suggested to invite members of the Committee of Adjustment to participate in the drafting of the by-law. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-05 Moved by Meryl Drake, Seconded by Kim Wand It is recommended that the verbal update from the Habitat Working Group re: Draft Tree Preservation By-law be received. Carried. d) Water Quality / Lake Management • "Ribbon of Life" Waterfront Property Owners Workshop - June 13, 2009. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-06 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by David Edwards It is recommended that the verbal update from the Water Quality / Lake Management Working Group re: "Ribbon for Life" Waterfront Property Owners Workshop - June 13, 2009, be received. Carried. Page 3 OMEGA Meeting -April 16, 2009 Page 5 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. e) Sustainable Agriculture It was noted that a meeting to discuss developing a local food procurement policy was to be held with representatives from Simcoe County Farm Fresh and Local Food Plus on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Township Office. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-07 Moved by Josephine Martensson-Hemsted, Seconded by Andy McNiven It is recommended that the verbal information from the Sustainable Agriculture Group be received. Carried. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Keith Sherman, Co-ordinator, Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), correspondence dated April 1, 2009 re: Formation of the Interim Sustainability Plan Steering Committee. The item was noted. b) George Smitherman, Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, correspondence dated March 26, 2009 re: Official Plan, Growth Plan Conformity. The item was noted. c) Bruce Keeling, Chairman, The Maple Tree Committee (branch of Maple Leaves Forever), correspondence dated April 8, 2009 re: Grant for Maple Trees. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-08 Moved by Doug Shelswell, Seconded by Meryl Drake It is recommended that correspondence dated April 8, 2009 from Bruce Keeling, Chairman, The Maple Tree Committee (branch of Maple Leaves Forever) re: Grant for Maple Trees, be received. Carried. Page 4 OMEGA Meeting -April 16, 2009 Page 6 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. 8. OTHER BUSINESS/QUESTIONS: a) Funding requests. Councillor Coutanche provided a chart outlining the process for funding requests. The Group asked that requests be submitted utilizing the Township's current Grant/Subsidy Form in order to acquire the appropriate information, and that requests be reviewed by the Group bi-yearly rather than sporadically. It was noted that this item, supported with a current list of all Environmental Initiative requests granted to date, and a copy of the Township's Grant/Subsidy Form, would be on the next agenda. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-09 Moved by Mike Vandergeest, Seconded by Meryl Drake It is recommended that 1. The correspondence dated February 20, 2009 from Andy McNiven re: Funding requests to OMEGA, be received. 2. That OMEGA reviews any funding requests at their meeting of June 15, 2009 and October 19, 2009. 3. And that OMEGA utilizes the Township of Oro-Medonte's current Grant Request Form for any subsequent Environmental Initiatives requests. Carried. b) North Simcoe Community News - OMEGA information. The Group read the article and commented that future articles should reference the items being reviewed by OMEGA rather than simply noting funding requests the Advisory Group has approved. c) Issues and Opportunities from Council. No matters had been referred from Council for this meeting. d) Review of Issues and Opportunities from November 15, 2007. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-10 Moved by Mike Vandergeest, Seconded by David Kennedy It is recommended that the excerpt from the November 15, 2007 OMEGA minutes, and excerpt from the November 28, 2007 Council minutes, be received. Carried. Page 5 OMEGA Meeting -April 16, 2009 Page 7 of 38 Agenda Item # 4a) - Minutes of April 16, 2009. e) Severn Sound Environmental Association Tree Seedling Distribution Project. It was noted that the trees were to be distributed in the coming weeks. f) Content and timing of minutes. Members requested that the minutes offer an outline of the discussions. 9. NEXT MEETING DATE: Members noted that the suggested change of meeting date to Monday had previously been discussed and was not favourable to the Advisory Group. Motion No. OMEGA-090416-11 Moved by Mike Vandergeest, Seconded by Andy McNiven It is recommended that OMEGA meets every third Thursday of every second month with meetings starting at 7:30 p.m. from May to September and 7:00 p.m. from October to April. Carried. 10. ADJOURNMENT: Motion No. OMEGA-090416-12 Moved by Steve Cromwell, Seconded by Wilf McMechan It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 9:24 p.m. Carried. Co-Chairperson, Councillor Coutanche Co-Chairperson, Councillor Agnew Absent Co-Chairperson, Councillor Allison Committee Coordinator, Marie Brissette Page 6 OMEGA Meeting -April 16, 2009 Page 8 of 38 Agenda Item # 5a) - Nadine Abrams, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re... File 29E93B3A8C224610988D777F15B31383- Name: Swale Buffer Planting Presentation. oot Size: 2':_t?, I C'e. iEVs Type: Unknown File Type Uploaded: 19 Jun 2009 06:13:57 AM Page 9 of 38 Agenda Item # 5a) - Nadine Abrams, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re... File 43A84CEE3B68470796F6A4F2FEOD3540- Name: SWM Retrofit Presentation. oot I~ y t Size: 0-0 Type: L_ ?nknown File Type Uploaded: 19 Jun 2009 06:13:57 AM Page 10 of 38 Agenda Item # 6a) - Motions from Council. Council Meeting Minutes - May 13, 2009. Motion No. C090513-16 10* Moved by Agnew, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved that Motion No. OMEGA 090416-11 which reads, "it is recommended that OMEGA meets every third Thursday of every second month with meetings starting at 7:30 p.m. from May to September and 7:00 p.m. from October to April", be deferred until September 23, 2009. Carried. a) NottaConservation Aut drity, highlights of me ing held on 13. CON/Recoendation: A: April Staff Receipt. b) Michair, Gilda' lub Barrie, Ontario, orrespondence da April ter of Appreciation. tes, meetings held o February 26 and Mar ph 26, c) rrie Public Library 74, 009. t aff Recommendation: eceipt. Orillia Public Libr ry Board, minutes of eeting held on March 5, 2009 and 2008 Annual R ort. Staff Recom endation: Receipt. Motion . C090513-17 Move y Coutanche, Seco ed by Allison Be! resolved that the sta recommendations wit 41espectto the items liste u er "Consent Agend orrespondence" be a opted as printed: a) Nottawasaga V ey Conservation Auth ty, highlights of meeting eld on April 17, 200 . Received. b) Michael leason, Chair, Gilda'lub Barrie, Ontario, corr pondence dated pril 28, 2009 re: Letter f Appreciation. c) E)grrie Public Library min es, meetings /on uary 26 and March 26, 2009. Received. d) Orillia Public Libr Board, minutes of on March 25, 2009 and 2008 Annu Report. Received. Carried. Page 7 of 14 Page 11 of 38 Agenda Item # 6b) - Grant / Subsidy Application Form THE CORPORATION OF THE 148 Line 7 S., Box 100 Oro, Ontario LOL 2X0 (705) 487-2171 TOW-NSHIP Fax Phone (7 05) 487-0133 - e5~~F www.oro-medonte.ca APPLICATION FOR GRANT/SUBSIDY Instructions: In order to process the application on fields including Appendix "A" financial information must be completed Note: Grants/Subsidies are not automatically renewed annually PART A - ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS INFORMATION Organization Name Address City Prov. Postal Code Contact Telephone E-mail Fax PART B - ORGANIZATION GENERAL INFORMATION Number of Out of Town Membership Fee Members Residents If Applicable Geographic Area Date Served Formed Outline the mission, purpose and objectives of your organization. Page 12 of 38 Agenda Item # 6b) - Grant / Subsidy Application Form Type of Organization (i.e. Registered Charity, Non-Profit Organization, no status, etc.) and registration number if applicable. Indicate the products / services / benefits provided to the Township of Oro-Medonte by your organization: # of individuals served: PLEASE ATTACH DETAILED ANNUAL BUDGET INFORMATION INDICATING REVUNUES AND EXPENDITURES (Appendix "A") PART C - DETAILS OF REQUEST Grant is a request for a financial contribution from Council Subsidv is a request for a reduction or waiving of fees Application is for a (please check) Grant Subsidy Amount Requested: Purpose for which the grant/subsidy, if approved, would be used. Give complete details (i.e. project or event description, time frame, community benefits). Do you currently receive other grants or subsidies from the Township (facility subsidization, photocopying, secretarial, etc). Page 13 of 38 Agenda Item # 6b) - Grant / Subsidy Application Form Previous grants/subsidies from the Township? Amount Requested: $ Amount Approved: $ Year of Request: Year of Approval: PART D - SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL(SI Name & Position Date: Name & Position For office use only Approved: Amount $ Date: Denied: Date: NOTE: Personal information contained on this form is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility for grants. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator, The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte, 148 Line 7 South, Box 100, Oro, Ontario. LOL 2X0 Please use additional sheet ( and attach more if required) to complete the information requested on the Grant/Subsidy Application Form. Page 14 of 38 Agenda Item # 6b) - Grant / Subsidy Application Form APPENDIX "A" FINANCIAL INFORMATION ORGANIZATION NAME: Page 15 of 38 Agenda Item # 6b) - Grant / Subsidy Application Form CURRENT FISCAL YEAR: Year: NEXT YEAR PROPOSED: Year: REVENUE: REVENUE: Source: Amount: Source: Amount: TOTAL: TOTAL EXPENDITURES: EXPENDITURES: Item: Amount: Item: Amount: TOTAL: TOTAL: SUMMARY: SUMMARY- Surplus or deficit from Surplus or deficit from previous year: previous year: Revenue Revenue Sub Total Sub Total Minus Expenditures Minus Exp. Expenditures BALANCE: BALANCE: Signature. Date: Page 16 of 38 Agenda Item # 6c) - Environmental Initiatives Financial Update. Account Details Account 1-77-772-209-778 Type Expense Tax Standard Rebate Partial Resp. Level Treasury Retired Expenses Township of Oro-Medonte Fund 1 OPERATING Department 77 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVIC Sub-dept 772 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATI Activity 209 EXPENDITURES Tag 778 EXPENSES Paid Committed Balance Budget Unallocated 1,407.34 0.00 1,407.34 10,000.00 8,592.66 Transactions 2009103/18 AP00625 2009/03/25 AP00626 print charge Packet & Times Cheque: 8032989 "Behind The Lens" Project Ladies of the Lake Cheque: 8033046 Wednesday June 17, 2009 3:15:34 PM (gravelle) Debit Credit Balance 451.59 451.59 955.75 1,407.34 1,407.34 Page 1 of 1 Page 17 of 38 Agenda Item # 7e) - Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. Brissette, Marie From: Sheep [Sheep@vanam.com] Sent: June-17-09 12:01 PM To: Brissette, Marie Subject: Local food policy-OMEGA AG Committee Hello Marie, Could you please forward this Local Food Procurement Policy ( OMEGA agenda item 7e) to the OMEGA committee members? I realize the agenda indicates that it will be distributed at the meeting, but I thought It might give members a chance to read and consider it prior to the meeting if it were sent earlier. Thanks! Josephine Environmental and agricultural sustainability is central to the mission of the Oro-Medonte Environmental Group of Advisors (OMEGA) and to the Township of Oro-Medonte. Sourcing local/regional sustainably produced food is a major way that we express this commitment. By incorporating sustainable local food sourcing into any food service which the Township of Oro-Medonte has control over, the Township of Oro-Medonte can work towards its vision of contributing to the economic vitality, environmental sustainability and quality of life in Ontario. This supports our stated Council Mandate of " Service excellence, while buiding a sustainable, healthy community that enriches quality of life." The Township of Oro- Medonte seeks to enhance its relationship with stakeholders by providing them with freshly harvested, sustainably grown nutritious food. The Township of Oro-Medonte embraces its role as a responsible citizen of the province and country by fostering food service procurement policies which economically support local/regional farms, promote environmentally sustainable local food systems, and improve the quality of life in Ontario. Food vendors who support this concept are specifying products from local/regional farms that produce food in environmentally and socially responsible ways while educating consumers and others about the benefits of local sustainable food systems. Wherever possible, food should come from local/regional farms where farmers work diligently to: 1. Employ sustainable production systems that reduce or eliminate synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and conserve soil and water. 2. Protect and enhance wildlife habitat and biodiversity. 3. Provide safe and fair working conditions for on-farm labour. 4. Provide healthy and humane care for livestock. 5. Reduce on-farm energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through recycling, minimal packaging, and selling their products regionally whenever possible. Simcoe County Farm Fresh (SCFF) is a local organization which encourages Simcoe County residents/businesses/institutions to buy fresh local foods. SCFF can identify sources of local foods, caterers, and restaurants which utilize local produce. For more information, please contact Sandra Trainor at www/simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca or (705) 734-2075 Therefore be it resolved that OMEGA recommends to Council that: Oro-Medonte Township commits to using local produce from local farmers at Township functions where food is served. In the first year, Oro-Medonte Township commits to using a minimum of 10 per cent (by price), and increasing Page 18 of 38 Agenda Item # 7e) - Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. this by 5 per cent each subsequent year. This policy will apply to all events which the Township of Oro-Medonte controls, and will be encouraged in other areas through education. And that the Township of Oro-Medonte introduce a Zero Waste program which will implement features such as: 1. Reusable, recyclable or bio-degradable kitchenware 2. Minimum 10% recycled paper products 3. Elimination of plastic water bottles for water jugs and glasses, and 4. Elimination of polystyrene food ware. 5. Use of the green bin/composting and other programs designed to reduce waste into landfills And that the Township of Oro-Medonte forward this resolution to other municipalities within Simcoe County, including the County, and the cities of Barrie and Orillia, and to other municipalities in Ontario encouraging them to implement their own local food policies. Page 19 of 38 Agenda Item # 7e) - Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. From: Coutanche. Mel To: AfIrmn. Terrv; Aenew. Sandv; Crawford. 7nhn: Hushes. Harrv; Fvans. Dwioht; Coutanche- Mel- Houah. Raloh Cc: Dunn_ Robin; Leigh Andria.; Irwin. Dom; Teeter. Janette; Brissette. Marie; McNiven. I isa Subject: Fw: Canadian Planners Call for Local and Sustainable Food Systems Date: April-22-09 4:28:21 PM Hello all (Council, Senior Staff, Clerk, OMEGA) Marie, plse include this on the next OMEGA meeting Agenda. Thanks Josephine Mel C Original Message From: Sheers To: 'Sandv Aonew' ; 'Mel Coutanche' Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:48 AM Subject: Canadian Planners Call for Local and Sustainable Food Systems Please share with staff, members of council and OMEGA FYI... in case you hadn't seen this...... Subject. Canadian Planners Call for Local and Sustainable Food Systems www.wimninegfreenress_corn Canadian planners put food on menu 100 Mile Diet may become survival strategy Laura Rance Updated: July 26, 2008 at 12:15 AM CDT When planners the people who determine zoning and design neighbourhoods start talking about food and sustainability, you know the times they are a changin'. The Canadian Institute of Planners followed the lead of its American counterpart at its annual meeting held in Winnipeg this month by putting planning for food and agriculture on the agenda. Speakers told participants it's been about 50 year since what and how people will eat has been considered part of the public planner's role. Maybe it's because of the spectre of declining energy reserves and global warming is finally seeping into the public's consciousness. Maybe it's due to the linkages being drawn between the food system and rising levels of obesity, or the safety scares related to our reliance on foods produced and processed by big companies in far-off places. "You are what you eat and right now, that's not looking too good," noted Jim Hiley, a land evaluation specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as he outlined reasons for the Page 20 of 38 Agenda Item # 7e) - Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. growing interest in sustainable food systems. Or maybe it's because prices have been driven up over the past year to the point where people no longer take food for granted. Whatever the reasons, food has now joined the list of other necessities of life, such as clean air, potable water and shelter, that planners are starting to examine more closely in the context of building and maintaining sustainable communities. Why wasn't it there before? Jerry Kaufman, a professor emeritus with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told the Winnipeg meeting that until recently, there was a sense that the food system would look after itself. But this failure to plan for food and agriculture has resulted in the degradation and loss of the primary resource needed to produce it land. Canada, for example, is the second- largest land mass in the world, but the only major producing countries that have fewer arable acres are the likes of the United Kingdom and France countries that are a fraction of Canada's size. Only 7.3 per cent of Canada's massive land base can be used for agricultural purposes compared to 13.9 per cent of China, 41 per cent of the United States, and 63 per cent of Argentina. Half of Canada's prime farmland has already disappeared to urban development and subdivisions have been gobbling it up at an escalating pace. The 40,000-member American Planning Association planners went so far as to develop a policy guide that promotes food systems that strengthen the local economy, improve the health of the region's citizens, are ecologically sustainable, are socially equitable and just, sustain traditional food cultures and promote comprehensive food planning at the community and regional levels. It is a policy ethic that considers food in a much broader context than as a saleable commodity. It treats land as a resource rather than a possession. Canadian planners haven't collectively gone there yet. But some cities have started to consider the implications of the changing paradigm. Vancouver's city planning commission organized a series of seminars in 2005-2006 designed to help citizen planning groups examine scenarios such as Peak Oil price shocks and global warming. The exercise in crystal ball gazing underlined some stark realities. While increasing urbanization combined with large-scale agriculture has been the model for modern efficiency, those development strategies don't fare well in a resource-depleted world. "Everything we take for granted right now is up for grabs," says Richard Balfour, a Vancouver-based architect who chaired the strategic sustainable planning process for the Vancouver City Planning Commission. Page 21 of 38 Agenda Item # 7e) - Sustainable Agriculture: -Local Food Procurement Policy. The debate continues over when or if the world will actually rum out of oil, but there is growing awareness that increasing demand on the limited supplies could make petroleum prohibitively expensive for all but critical necessities. No clear technological fix has emerged. In the book, Strategic Sustainable Planning A Civil Defense Manual for Cultural Survival, that resulted from the Vancouver workshops, Balfour and co-author Eileen McAdam Keenan say communities must choose between a radical adaptation now or endure a meltdown of the economy and infrastructure that amassed during the industrial age. "During the century of cheap oil, planning policy in North America has resulted in the creation of cities, towns and neighbourhoods where no alternative to the automobile to carry out the necessities of daily life exists," they write. "We are now the possessors of an enormous automobile infrastructure clogged with frustrated motorists trying to commute increasing distances every day, and despite the clear warnings, we're still building more." He predicts Peak Oil could push civilization back to the future to a time when communities were small, largely food self-sufficient and fuelled predominantly by renewable energy. In other words, the 100 Mile Diet might become less about fads and more about survival. Laura Rance is editor of the Manitoba Co-operator. She can be reached at 742-4382 or by e-mail: 1 aura(a).fbenubl is h in g.com The Toronto Food Policy Council manages this information service for people working on food issues with community organizations, social agencies, public health units, educational institutions, faith and justice organizations, and local governments. If you would like to share information on community gardens, urban agriculture, farmers markets, school meals, obesity, social determinants of health and diet, local food systems, or multicultural, educational and anti-hunger initiatives in your area, please send them to Wayne Roberts at wrobert@toronto.ca or tfpc@toronto.ca. Opinions expressed in items carried through this information service do not, unless explicitly stated, reflect the views of either the Toronto Food Policy Council or Toronto Public Health. If you are interested in global food policy, please consider subscribing to an e-mail service we co-sponsor called Foodforethought, at editor@foodforethought.net If you would like to view the TFPC's website, please visit us at: littn://www.toroiitn.ca/liealtb/tfpc_indcx:htm, If you know someone who would like to receive these mailings, have them e-mail their name and address to: tfpc@toronto.ca If you would like to unsubscribe, please let us know at: tfpc@toronto.ca Page 22 of 38 Severn Sound Subwatersheds within the Township of Oro-Medonte MY r -a 00M O M N N 0) M CL Re1uw/ N b Mr~n 6W aMVnrN MwdYb b M , 4 aa~aaa aaea~"`we+o bew:a~i. w m'~eme.~'v \V/ PaW p,NMNanY/~fW lb ilnvw YYlrMapb~afp~ Total Costs for Environmental Services 2002------ $30,346 LAKE ~~r~rciE ~csn So` IGv 4 1 "sA W' Legend subject Lands Waterow Boundary Q WoMdo Boundary Open Water Stream Road 2009------$255,932 Plus Environmental Innatives $101000 Plus full time Law Enforcement Officer $120,000 $385,932 (Source Water and Lake Simcoe Protection Act Costs expected) The Orillia Packet & Times Page 1 of 1 P1 C 'KE - V n~M_ E S « Back Township, NVCA ironing out issues ORO-MEDONTE Posted 1 day ago There is hope for clarity after the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) held a public meeting recently regarding its working relationship with Oro-Medonte Township. The township's mayor, Harry Hughes, earlier raised concerns about possible duplication of services and how its taxpayers' money was being used by the NVCA. After Friday's "productive meeting" in Essa Township, NVCA CAO Wayne Wilson was "optimistic that we can solve this concern that's been raised by the municipality of Oro- Medonte." "We all have the common goal of ensuring the environment is protected at the end of the day," he said. The West Oro Ratepayers' Association (WORA) also raised concerns about the confusion surrounding services. In a letter sent to the NVCA and Oro-Medonte council, WORA "urges the Township of Oro-Medonte to retain the services of a conservation authority for the complete township... and that a memorandum of understanding be put in place immediately." A solution to that issue is in motion, Wilson said yesterday. "There was an agreement by all parties that we need to sit down together... and develop a memorandum of understanding or an agreement describing who does what in terms of environmental services and the cost of those services," he said. Township and NVCA staff will meet shortly, Wilson said, adding "there's an even greater need to have a co- ordination" between all parties involved, including the Severn Sound Environmental Association, which recently expanded its program mandate further into the township. That, in part, is what WORA was hoping would happen, said the association's vice-president, Domenic Natale. "The two entities should really be meeting face to face to iron out their differences," he said, adding they shouldn't be doing so in the media. In its letter, WORA also suggested "Oro-Medonte not assume the responsibility for delivering environmental programs and services in-house as this would clearly put them in a conflict-of-interest position." The NVCA expanded its mandate within Oro-Medonte in 2003. "If the memorandum of understanding had been put in place in 2003, when this agreement was reached, there wouldn't be this confusion now," Natale said. "There's an equal responsibility for the township and the NVCA to put this in place." It will take time for an agreement to be crafted, Wilson said, as there's a need to identify who can provide particular services in accordance with a number of legislative and regulatory rules, including the Municipal, Planning, Conservation Authorities and Fisheries acts, among about a half-dozen others. About 15 members of the public attended the meeting, along with the majority of the NVCA's directors and all of Oro- Medonte council, Wilson said. He said the message from the public was clear: "The environment's too important not to cooperate." 00 M 4 O 'IT N N O1 (>3 l1 Copyright 0 2009 The Orillia Packet & Times Agenda Item # 8b) - Councillor Agnew, re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Author 1 20 BAYVIEW PARKWAY TEL: 905.895.1 281 INFO@LSRCA.ON.CA NEWMARKET, ON L3Y 4X1 FAX: 905.853.5881 WWW.LSRCA.ON.CA 1.800.465.0437 RESTORE YOUR SHORE WORKSHOP SERIES Free Environmental Workshops to be held in Oro-Medonte and Lagoon City June 3, 2008 For Immediate Release r- Ak NEWMARKET - Residents of Oro-Medonte and Ramara are invited to a free environmental workshop in their area to learn about natural ways to care for their shoreline property. Grant funding opportunities for environmental shoreline projects will also be discussed. 1 "Restore Your Shore" workshops are scheduled for June 13 and 20, and are organized by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Ramara, and the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission. The June 13 workshop will be held at the Township of Oro-Medonte offices, located at 148 Line 7 South, and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those interested in attending are asked to register by June 11 by contacting the Township of Oro-Medonte at (705) 487-2171. The June 20 workshop will be held at the Lagoon City Community Centre, located at 84 Laguna Parkway, and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those interested in attending are asked to register by June 18 by contacting Andrea Gynan of the LSRCA at 1-800-465-0437 Ext. 236. "Landowners living on shoreline properties have an important role to play in improving the overall health of Lake Simcoe," said Phil Davies, Manager of Watershed Stewardship, LSRCA. "This workshop is an opportunity for landowners to learn about ways to care for their property, while improving water quality and aquatic habitat in Lake Simcoe." The workshop will feature presentations on natural lawn and garden care, shoreline naturalization using native plants, protecting near-shore lake habitats, shoreline area regulations and information on invasive species in and around Lake Simcoe. LSRCA staff will be present to answer your questions. Refreshment will be provided. For more information on the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the various grant funding programs available to landowners, please visit www.lsrca.on.ca/leap or call 1-800-465-0437. -30- Media contact: Jonathan MacMull Community Marketing Specialist, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Phone: 905 895.1281, Ext. 259 Email: i.macmull(a)lsrca.on.ca Page 25 of 38 Agenda Item # 8b) - Councillor Agnew, re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Author WORPP1 - r. ~ and TS ~ ~1 ~s o REFRESHEN te JW The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Ramara, and the Lagoon City Waterways Commission will be hosting two FREE WORKSHOPS about caring for your shoreline and your lake. Learn about: • Restoring and naturalizing your shoreline • Wildlife on the shores of Lake Simcoe • Natural lawn and garden care • Ecologically safe boating • Regulations and permits for shoreline areas SHORELINE WORKSHOP No. 1 Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 am - 12 pm Township of Oro-Medonte Offices 148 Line 7 South, Oro-Medonte Please RSVP by June 11 to: The Township of Oro-Medonte Phone: (705) 487-2171 6 2 TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE.""ES 148 LINE 7 SOUTH 11 F \S s F s ~ \9 N A p,NNSHIP 0 Lake Simcoe -24 Region Conservation Authority RAMARP. 0 Page 26 of 38 Agenda Item # 8c) - Correspondence dated June 2, 2009, Steve Klose, Director, La... Brissette, Marie To: Subject: Brissette, Marie FW: Lake Simcoe Protection Plan - Released This e-mail is being sent on behalf of Steve Klose, Director, Lake Simcoe Project. June 2, 2009 As you may have heard, today the government announced the release of the final Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. This Plan is the most comprehensive watershed-based legislated plan in Canada. The 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. During consultations (January - May 2009), the ministry held a number of Community Partner Workshops and Open Houses, as well as meetings with interested partners and Aboriginal communities. These sessions provided an opportunity for everyone interested to learn about the proposed Plan and tell us what they think. The Plan sets the priorities and targets for addressing key threats to the health of the Lake Simcoe ecosystem based on science. Key threats 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 invasive 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). We recognize that the health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed is a common interest to all Ontarians and we look forward to continuing to work together on its protection. For general information about Lake Simcoe and to view the final Plan, please visit: www.ontario.ca/lakesimeoe. This site will be updated regularly so please refer to it for the latest announcement and information. Thank you for your interest and participation. Sincerely, Page 27 of 38 Agenda Item # 8d) - Press Release dated May 13, 2009, County of Simcoe, re: Coun... Brissette, Marie From: Irwin, Doug Sent: May-13-09 2:29 PM To: Council Cc: Dunn, Robin; Ball, Jerry; McNiven, Lisa; Othman, Samah; Teeter, Janette; Brissette, Marie Subject: FW: MEDIA RELEASE: County of Simcoe Organics Collection Program a Huge Success Attachments: Microsoft Word - County of Simcoe Organics Collection Program a Huge Success May 2009. pdf From: MacLennan, Robin [ma ilto: Robin. MacLen na n@simcoe.ca] On Behalf Of Communications Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 11:49 AM Subject: MEDIA RELEASE: County of Simcoe Organics Collection Program a Huge Success The following media statement was issued today by the Office of the Warden and CAO for the County of Simcoe. Robin MacLennan Communications Co-ordinator County of Simcoe, Corporate Communications Department 1110 Highway #26, Midhurst, Ontario LOL 1X0 Phone: 705-726-9300 Ext. 1036 Fax: 705-725-1285 Email: Robin.MacLennan@simcoe.ca simcoe.ca SIMCOE >.ft&~Qw Press Release County of Sln-k OfA of the Warden and CAO llIaH#iA yU.MidhhwskOnprbUK.IXa sht¢a - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE County of Simcoe Organics Collection Program a Huge Success Participation rate tops expectations during first six months of new waste diversion program Midhurst/ May 13, 2009 - The County of Simcoe's Corporate Services Committee today received an update on the first six months of the County's curbside organics collection program. Since green bins were delivered to more than 120,000 Simcoe County households and collection began on September 29, 2008, the program has diverted more than 6,100 tonnes of organic waste from Simcoe County landfill sites, exceeding Council's initial expectation. "Council's decision to implement the green bin program and reduce the garbage bag limit across the region has proven to be even more successful than we had anticipated," stated County Warden Tony Guergis. "This is very exciting news and preliminary statistics that we have received today indicate that the initiative is having the desired effect of significantly reducing landfill disposal rates." Based on collection statistics presented to the Corporate Services Committee today, 6,120 tonnes of organic material was collected and diverted from landfill during the first six months of the green bin program. This indicates that the County is on target to meet or exceed the original estimate of 11,000 tonnes of organics diverted from landfill annually. Page 28 of 38 Agenda Item # 8d) - Press Release dated May 13, 2009, County of Simcoe, re: Coun... As a result of the green bin program implementation the volume of garbage collected across the region from October 2008 to March 2009 dropped significantly to 17,400 tonnes from a total of 25,127 tonnes collected during the same six month period one year ago. The County's overall waste diversion rate has increased to approximately 60 per cent. Along with the high participation rates for the green bin program, blue box recycling rates have also increased. `These numbers are extremely encouraging," stated the Warden. "I would like to thank our residents for their strong support of our new collection initiatives and I encourage anyone who has not yet used their green bins to join with us. By working together, we will continue to improve our environment and correct the issues from the past. As Warden, I am proud that this Council's legacy is one that enables the County to turn the corner on waste management so that future Councils can move forward with public support for new initiatives. I also remind everyone that organics collection is just one piece of our waste management strategy." The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca. -30- Allan Greenwood, Communications Manager 705-726-9300 ext. 1230 Allan. Greenwood @ si mcoe.ca Rob McCullough, Director of Environmental Services 705-726-9300 ext. 1102 Rob. M cCu I lou ah @ si mcoe.ca Doug Irwin Director Corporate Services/Clerk Township of Oro-Medonte Page 29 of 38 Agenda Item # 8e) - News Release dated May 23, 2009, Simcoe County Farm Fresh, r... Brissette, Marie Subject: FW: NEWS RELEASE - 2009 Farm Fresh MAPS From: Simcoe County Farm Fresh [maiIto: info@simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca] Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 1:41 PM To: ; Subject: Fw: NEWS RELEASE - 2009 Farm Fresh MAPS d Simcoe County Farm Fresh 2009/10 Guide Map to Local Food Released! May 23, 2oog For Immediate Release Simcoe County ON - Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Assoc. (SCFFMA) is pleased to launch their new BIGGER -Buy Local" guide to buying local foods directly from farms in Simcoe County. 150,000 Simcoe County Farm Fresh paper guide maps will be released to the public starting Tuesday, May 261h and Thursday, May 28", distributed through the following community newspapers: Alliston Herald, Barrie Advance, Bradford West Gwillimbury Post, Coll!ngwood/Wasaga Beach Connection, Innisfil Journal, Midland Mirror and Orillia Today, In addition, the maps will soon be available through each of its members, at tourism outlets, at the Ontario Travel centre in Barrie, in libraries, and at Health Unit offices throughout the County, The map, developed by the association, in conjunction with many community partners and contributors lists farms/producers, farmers' markets, country markets and restaurants/caterers who produce, serve and sell food grown and raised in Simcoe County. "Simcoe County has a very rich diversity of excellent quality food available all year long" says Morris Gervais, President of SCFFMA, "The paper map is an extension of our very popular website. It puts on paper what people will find on the site, so that folks can keep it handy with them when they shop." www.simcoecountvfarmfresh.ca "Supporting and promoting local agriculture is the main mandate of Simcoe County Farm Fresh says Sandra Trainor, Project Manager of SCFFMA." "We are pleased to welcome more members Page 30 of 38 Agenda Item # 8e) - News Release dated May 23, 2009, Simcoe County Farm Fresh, r... this year, which will be reflected in the larger format of the map," "We feel that buying local is about more than buying food. Eating and buying local is about keeping our hard earned dollars circulating in our communities. That's good for our local economy, environment and health." Community contributors and supporters to the map project include: Good for Life, The Townships of Oro-Medonte, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil, Essa and Adjala-Tosorontio, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, Royal Victoria Hospital (Nutrition & Food Services), Living Green and Georgian College (Hospitality and Tourism), As well, the County of Simcoe contributed staff time to help design the custom map used for the project. To find out more, go to www,simcoecountvfarmfresh,ca or call 705 734-2075 - 30- Contact: Sandra Trainor, Project Manager Sandra J. Trainor Project Manager Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Assoc. Non-Profit Inc. 13-4 Alliance Blvd, Suite 227 Barrie, ON L4M 7G3 P: 705 734-2075 F: 705 734-7633 E: info@simcoecountvfarmfresh.ca www.simcoecountvfarmfresh.ca "Enjoy a rich diversity of top quality, fresh tasting food." Page 31 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated RECEIVED ern So APR 2 T2009 d ORO-idfEDONTS TOWNSHIP ~'lnc aea~ PS's Severn Sound Environmental Association 67 Fourth Street, Midland, ON 1,411 3S9 www.severnsound.ca April 21, 2009 Dear Mayor and Members of Council: Re: Endorsement of the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan - January 2009 Severn Sound's innovative Sustainability Plan, prepared during 2008, received unanimous approval from the SSEA Board of Directors on January 22, 2009. We are requesting that each Municipality sign the endorsement page of the plan. Please find attached: a) a draft resolution for your use; b) an Executive Summary of the Plan, c) a sample copy of the signature page which will appear at the beginning of the Plan; Please let me or Michele Locke from this office know when Council has passed the by-law to endorse the Plan so that we can arrange to bring the original copies of the signing page for signing. Please contact us with any questions. Thanking you in advance. Yours sincerely, Keith Sherman Executive Director, SSEA Page 32 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated Severn Sound Sustainability Plan Executive Summary - Our Watershed The Severn Sound watershed is over 1,000 square kilometers, and is located in south-eastern Georgian Bay. One hundred and ten thousand people live permanently in the watershed, increasing to over 200,000 people seasonally. The area is located in nine municipalities including the City of Orillia, the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Georgian Bay, Tiny, Tay, Severn, Springwater and Oro-Medonte. The watershed is under pressure from growth. This growth may lead to a significant impact on the quality of life, the ecological balance, and the economic prosperity of the area if not carefully managed. In addition to the municipalities, there are many government and non-government organizations and community members who have interest and responsibility to ensure the continued health of our watershed. By coordinating our efforts in this Sustainability Plan, we can ensure that the watershed is protected for today, and into the future. Our Sustainability Plan The SSEA and its partner municipalities obtained funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in the Fall of 2007 to develop a community-based Sustainability Plan. A Steering Committee was formed, along with a community-based Sustainability Advisory Team to develop the plan. SSEA also attended at a number of community fairs and formed a Citizen Panel. With this input, and support of municipal councils, the Plan's draft was completed in December of 2008. Based on the success of the Remedial Action Plan, and the Picture This! Our Plan for a Healthy Community processes, the Plan includes a Vision, Goals, Strategic Directions and Actions that will, when implemented, ensure the sustainability of the watershed for generations to come. Our Vision By 2050, the Severn Sound Watershed will contain a network of communities that have achieved a sustainable quality of life for all citizens by developing a common culture of environmental, economic and social balance. Our Goals Goals and have been developed under three "Pillars"- Environmental Sustainability, Economic Prosperity and Community Well-Being. Ap ri 1 2009 1 I Page 33 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated Environmental Snstainability Goals Strategies • Protect, restore and enhance open spaces, forested areas, and natural EN1: Protect, restore corridors. • Preserve, protect, and restore wetlands, and shoreline habitats. and enhance natural heritage • Identify, protect and enhance special natural heritage features and functions. • Reduce the number of contaminated sites in the watershed. EN2: Protect and Protect native species and habitat from invasive plants, animals and pests. • Protect rare (threatened) and endangered terrestrial and aquatic plant and enhance biodiversity animal species from development. Solid and Hazardous Waste • Eliminate household hazardous and special wastes from landfill. • Decrease the total annual tonnage of solid waste disposed in landfill over the 2006 baseline. • limit the disposal of food and garden waste in landfills. • Support extended producer responsibility for waste generation. • Support the goal of a zero waste society. • Pursue additional alternatives to minimizing the volume of waste disposed. Energy Consumption • Develop alternative energy plans that consider using solar, wind, and geothermal sources. EN3: Reduce • Implement conservation initiatives. consumption of • Inventory data on energy consumption and monitor progress towards natural resources goals. Water Quality • Protect surface and ground water from contaminants through the watershed's Source Water Protection Plan. • Minimize contaminants to surface and ground water from storm water collection and discharge systems. • Ensure sufficient sustainable sewage treatment plant capacity and treatment to accommodate the growing population. Air Quality and Climate Change • Develop a coordinated plan to reduce our impact on climate change and develop adaptation strategies. • Improve air quality within the watershed to ensure compliance with provincial air quality standards. Transportation Facilities EN4: Design efficient Reduce the impact that transportation has on the watershed's contribution public facilities in to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). harmony with natural • Implement the Simcoe County Transportation Master Plan. • Develop municipal plans that focus on mass transit, including car pooling, systems implementing connecting trails, and encourage micro-private sector initiatives such as community buses. April 2009 2 Page 34 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated Water Quantity and Supply • Ensure a reliable potable water supply for all residents and visitors. • Reduce water consumption through water conservation measures. • Develop a water and wastewater plan based on growth targets. Urban and Rural Development • Decrease urban sprawl and encourage more compact development patterns. • Continue to protect natural areas, parkland, agricultural lands and woodlands (both urban and rural) from encroaching development. • Promote and encourage "green building" design, development and construction through the achievement of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the Canada Green Building Council or equivalent programs. ENS: Promote • Promote the establishment of school programs that create awareness of environmental local natural and cultural environments and sustainable living. education programs to • Increase cooperation among schools and environmental/socio-cultural encourage respect for groups for public education programs about environmental stewardship. • Support local non-government organizations to provide environmental natural areas and education opportunities. habitats Community Well-being Goals Strategies Safety • Reduce motorized vehicle collisions/crashes and fatalities. • Improve the safety of alternative transportation modes, particularly cycling. • Decrease crime within watershed communities. • Promote safe hunting. Health & Health Services • Improve overall health of residents. • Promote safe and healthy work environments. Cl: Promote wellness . Continue preparedness for Pandemic and Emergency Planning. of mind, body and soul Recreation Services • Provide a variety of structured and unstructured recreational services and facilities that are physically and financially accessible for all ages and abilities. Healthy Community Design • Develop policies to promote the design of communities that are livable, attractive and healthy. • Develop a community whose citizenry has a strong sense of personal and spiritual well-being. April 2009 31 Page 35 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated C2: Provide safe, Provide alternative housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all healthy, diverse and demographics, all income levels at all stages of life. affordable housing Reduce homelessness within watershed communities. C3: Protect and • Create a network of interconnected trails and walkways throughout the enhance a network of watershed. active living activities • Increase awareness of wilderness opportunities in the watershed. for all ages and • Increase collaboration between municipal governments and other abilities organizations to provide active living, leisure and educational services. C4: Recognize and • Promote art, culture and heritage in the Watershed. protect cultural • Conserve natural and built heritage facilities and landscapes. identity and local arts • Implement heritage conservation guidelines. and heritage • Continue to recognize and promote volunteerism within the community. C5: Retain and build • Continue to support volunteer initiatives, including monitoring, that are diverse social aligned with this sustainability Plan. networks • Promote and enhance awareness and usage of community networking services and similar initiatives. Economic Prosperity Goals Strategies Economy • Develop strategies or enhance support for business retention and expansions. E1: Create a • Investigate opportunities for the Watershed to implement a Clean Technology plan and strategy. sustainable, diverse . Provide support, tools and incentives for existing business to become and balanced "greener" through energy, resource and process efficiencies. economic base that • Promote ecologically appropriate entrepreneurship within watershed provides quality communities. employment and • Develop a formal business attraction policy for the area. sustainable wages for • Ensure adequate supply of serviced land available to meet our needs. residents Employment • Improve/increase availability and awareness of employment opportunities. • Improve wages/affordability of living to keep people in the community. • Improve the number of opportunities for green businesses. • Improve educational apprenticeship programs in the watershed. E2: Improve the • Access funds to increase availability of high speed/wireless Internet. watershed's • Promote awareness of Internet capacity to support business development communications and and expansion. infrastructure April 2009 4 Page 36 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated • Expand, enhance and promote eco-tourism E3: Strengthen tourism • Expand, enhance and promote cultural tourism. and recreation • Expand, enhance and promote culinary tourism. development in a law- • Work with industry professionals to re-evaluate the direction of tourism given the stressors indicated. impact manner . Work with tourism operators to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. • Maintain vibrant downtowns as the commercial, cultural and social focal E4: Revitalize points of the communities in the watershed. downtowns and main • Support retention and development of local farmers' markets (Orillia). streets for residents • Promote initiatives that support local purchasing. and visitors . Support beautification efforts. Promote pedestrian space and friendliness. • Promote downtown festivals and activities. • Develop and implement an action plan to improve the economic viability of agriculture in the region. • Strengthen local connections between the production and consumption of goods and services. ES: Enhance the • Develop a farm land trust to purchase land from retiring farmers at market economic viability of prices. sustainable agriculture • Support the development of educational programs for sustainable agriculture. • Create financing strategies and programs to support transition to sustainable agricultural practices like organic certification. • Promote purchasing of local foods by all municipal governments, hospitals, educational institutions, grocery outlets, restaurants and residents. Next Steps Now that the Plan is complete, it will move forward to implementation. The strategies and actions will be integrated into existing and new policies and programs of municipalities, government and non- government agencies. To co-ordinate the implementation of the Plan, an Interim Sustainability Plan Steering Committee (ISPSC) will be established for one year (beginning April 2009). In addition, partner organizations will be encouraged to participate in the Plan's implementation by "adopting" strategies and actions for implementation. The ISPSC will consist of representatives from the 9 member municipalities, the SSEA Board Chair, the SSEA Co-ordinator, the Orillia Area Community Futures Development Corporation, the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation, the County of Simcoe, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Any ideas and input for actions to implement the Plan are welcomed. To register your feedback, please contact our office (sseacommunications(@town.midland.on.ca , www.severnsound.ca, 705-527-5166). Apri12009 5 Page 37 of 38 Agenda Item # 9a) - Issues / Opportunities from Council: Correspondence dated PLACEHOLDER Endorsement of Municipal Partners We, the undersigned, on behalf of our respective municipal councils, are pleased to endorse the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan dated April 2009. Our municipalities are proud sponsors of this plan. We celebrate this initiative and look forward to continued progress towards the sustainability of our watershed. The implementation of this Plan will ensure that, as stewards of this watershed, we will leave a legacy of improvement for generations to come. City of Orillia: Town of Midland: Town of Penetanguishene: Township of Georgian Bay: Township of Oro-Medonte: Township of Severn: Township of Springwater: Township of Tay: Township of Tiny: Page 38 of 38