GENERAL COMMITTEE
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Stuart Taylor, Director, Strategic Services
	PREPARED BY:	Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership
	DATE OF MEETING:	May 16, 2005
	SUBJECT:	Update on Town of Markham 2004-2005 Clean Air Commitments

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the staff report entitled “Update on Town of Markham 2004-2005 Clean Air Commitments”, dated May 16, 2005, be received;

THAT Councillor Erin Shapero, Chair, Environmental Issues Committee, or designate, be authorized to sign the 2005 Toronto and Region Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air on behalf of the Town of Markham at the Toronto Smog Summit VI on June 8, 2005; and,

THAT Town staff continue implementing the recommended Clean Air Initiatives, as outlined in this report.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Clean Air Commitments and outline progress underway on the recommended 2004 Clean Air Initiatives, including the adoption of an anti-idling educational program and idling control by-law, and to recommend that the Town of Markham be a signatory on the Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air at Smog Summit VI, being held at City Hall in Toronto on June 8, 2005.

BACKGROUND:

On May 28, 2004, Council received a report entitled “Update on Town of Markham 2003-2004 Clean Air Commitments and directed that:

• Councillor Shapero, Chair of the Clean Air Working Group, sign the 2004 Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air on behalf of the Town of Markham at the Toronto Smog Summit;
• The Town support and promote the Region of York’s Smog Summit Community Forum;
• An Anti-Idling By-law be prepared and presented to Council for adoption;
• The Town adopt an internal policy limiting idling of Town-owned vehicles to 3 minutes;
• The Town adopt an education program and hire two students to implement an anti-idling campaign;
• Staff continue implementing the recommended Clean Air Initiatives as outlined in the staff report; and,
• Finally that staff review and report back on the possibility of hosting a future meeting of the Smog Summit (this matter is dealt with in a separate report on this meeting’s agenda).

The Annual Toronto Smog Summit

With its inaugural event in 2000, the Toronto Smog Summit is an annual gathering of industry, community, and all three levels of government, promoted by the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Council. The Town of Markham is a member of the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Council (GTA CAC), an intergovernmental working group dedicated to exploring joint clean air initiatives in the Greater Toronto Area and to liaising with municipalities across Canada to discover best practices for reducing smog. The Town of Markham participated in the Smog Summit in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. This year, on June 8^th, political representatives from all levels of government within the GTA will gather in Toronto to publicly sign the Toronto and Region Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air, to report on progress made since last year’s summit and to announce new initiatives for government action to reduce smog. The declaration will include a “Joint Call for Action” by municipal participants on a number of issues. These actions are summarized in Appendix “A”. The theme for Smog Summit V, taking place at Toronto City Hall on June 8, 2005, will be Transportation and Health. New activities have been scheduled relating to the transportation and health theme including a pre-summit air quality sampling exercise at the end of May and a free, public event called the Fresh Air Fair on June 4^th.

The Smog Summit is a political event that is open to members of the public. This year, the event has been shortened to 2 hours allowing for introductions, a presentation on the state of smog in the GTA and a GTA municipal government roundtable discussion, followed by remarks from provincial and federal representatives. The event will conclude with the signing of the 2005 Toronto and Regional Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air. As the representative for the Town of Markham, Councilor Shapero (or designate), will be asked to participate in the roundtable forum with other government representatives to discuss current issues related to the transportation and health theme.

DISCUSSION:

The following is a discussion on Markham’s progress on Clean Air Initiatives.

2002 Clean Air Initiatives

Two Clean Air initiatives from 2002 remain outstanding. One is the Green Roof Project and the other is the Green Procurement Policy. As described below, an extensive green roof is being considered as part of the Centennial Community Centre expansion project and staff has commenced work on the Green Procurement Policy and accompanying guidelines.

Green Roof Demonstration Project

On March 29, 2005, Council approved tendering the Centennial Community Centre Expansion and Indoor Bocce Courts project. They directed that an extensive green roof on the swimming pool roof be included as a separate item in the tender for the Centennial Community Centre Expansion and that the decision to include the green roof in the project be deferred until the tender award. Subsequently on March 31, 2005, the Environmental Issues Committee considered a presentation by the project architect, Michael Taylor concerning the proposed installation of the green roof at that location. As a result, Environmental Issues Committee determined that funding should be provided towards the cost of this project from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund. Provided Council endorses this recommendation, staff and the architect will begin working on the design of the green roof project.

Green Procurement Policy

The green procurement policy, being coordinated by Corporate Services’ Purchasing Department, is currently in draft form. An “appendix” to the policy, is a guide for procurement of environmentally preferred products that will facilitate the implementation of the green procurement policy consistently across the Town. This guide will outline the “green” programs currently available and the considerations to be made when purchasing a “green” product vs. a traditional product. There are various guides to green procurement available in other municipalities, including an excellent example from Richmond, British Columbia. The green procurement policy and the guide will be brought to Council in October 2005.

2004 Clean Air Initiatives Update

The Clean Air Working Group recommended a series of initiatives to be included as the Town of Markham’s commitment in the Intergovernmental Declaration on Clear Air which will be carried forward into 2005 as described below:

2005 Commitment*	Commission and Department Responsible
Establish an Anti-idling by-law	Corporate Services Commission, Clerks Department
Review status of bicycle master plan and develop a bicycle implementation strategy	Development Services Commission, Transportation Department
Perform Emissions Audits at all Town of Markham buildings, starting with the Civic Centre	Community and Fire Services
Develop a Monitoring program for restoration projects in Town of Markham – database containing information on groups, locations planted, area restored, etc.	Development Services Commission, Planning Department
Develop incentives for environmental incentives, including clean air initiatives	Community and Fire Services Commission, Operations Department, Communications Departments and others

*Some of the above commitments will be multi-year projects

Progress to Date on Commitments

Establish an Anti-Idling By-Law

In September 2004, Council directed an educational program be undertaken and that an anti-idling by-law be prepared. Two Anti-Idling Technicians, Justin Tse and Jean Pierre Bombardier, were hired and they conducted a seven month community outreach program with a wide range of initiatives as identified on Appendix “B” to this report.

On April 27, 2005, a public consultation meeting was held by Staff to discuss the proposed anti-idling by-law and its regulation and enforcement. A report and accompanying by-law will be presented to Council in the near future. The report will examine the elements of the by-law, as well as the enforcement plan and cost of implementation.

Review status of bicycle master plan and develop a bicycle implementation strategy

A staff report was received by Transportation Committee and Council in January 2004.  The following work was not completed in 2004 due to other priorities and staff resources. It is now in the 2005 budget:

1) Initiate and establish a Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) (mid-May date targeted for first meeting);

2) Implement Phase I of Bike Plan (which includes signage and some pavement markings to generate interest and promote the mode) which will be subject to input from CPAC; and,

3) Initiate the Phase II Bike Study which will look at the longer term bike planning for the Town.  This includes establishing and costing a plan which can be incorporated into the Town's capital works plan and phased over the next ten plus years by way of new development, reconstruction as a result of maintenance and other issues.

Perform Emissions Audits at all Town of Markham buildings, starting with the Civic Centre

Operations and Asset Management staff contacted an independent environmental consulting firm (Water & Earth Science Associates Ltd.) and a result of a preliminary review they determined that the Ministry of the Environment’s, O. Reg. #127 (re - Emission Reporting sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide), does not apply to the Civic Centre since the emissions are so low. Other municipal facilities will be reviewed over the course of 2005 and the findings reported in 2006.

Develop a Monitoring program for Restoration Projects in the Town of Markham

A Monitoring Program was incorporated into the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study which commenced in 2004. The significant policy changes emerging from the Provincial Greenbelt Plan and other Provincial initiatives has impacted the study scope and Staff will now be reviewing how best to move this study forward. Much of the base line environmental data has been collected which provides the foundation for the environmental monitoring program.

Tree Planting Incentives for Businesses

The Town of Markham is not in a position to provide incentives to businesses to encourage them to plant trees on their properties, but Markham could provide recognition and promotion such as:

• A Markham web site;
• Signage recognizing the tree planting(s) at the business’s location;
• Articles In the About Markham Newsletter;
• A Certificate of Appreciation from Council;
• Small promotional gifts such as pen sets, ball caps or golf balls for participating employees; and,
• Advertisements in the Recreation Guide.

A broader award system should also be considered that rewards those in the community that have made noteworthy contributions that promote the environment, such as clean air initiatives. This would be a longer term project which could be contracted in 2005.

Review Naturalization practices in natural areas (Phase I); identify opportunities for naturalization in natural areas, including ravines and valley lands (Phase II)

An RFP for “Turf Care and Maintenance Practices Review and Assessment” will be released shortly. The study will require the consultant to review current park standards and conditions and make recommendations for improvements, including organic/pesticide free maintenance options in the fall of 2005. In addition to seeking a review of park conditions, staff will request that the consultant also review the Town’s naturalization practices in natural areas and identify opportunities for naturalization within the Town’s parks system. A report related to the consultant’s review will be provided to Council upon its conclusion.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

There will be cost implications for the enforcement program for the anti-idling by-law which will be detailed in the forthcoming report to Council.

CONCLUSIONS:

This report summarizes the corporate initiatives underway to address the Town’s Clean Air Commitments. The Manager of Environmental Leadership acknowledges the excellent environmental work completed by various Town Departments and encourages their continued environmental efforts. It is anticipated that the Environmental Management Plan which is presently being prepared will also assist in identifying environmental priorities and monitoring the Town’s environmental progress.

It is the recommendation of this report that Councillor Erin Shapero, Chair, Environmental Issues Committee, sign the 2005 Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air on behalf of the Town of Markham at the Toronto Smog Summit VI on June 8, 2005; and that Town staff continue their efforts to implement the recommended Clean Air Initiatives as outlined in this staff report.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Corporate Services

Development Services

Community and Fire Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A - Preliminary Summary of Actions Items for the Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air

Appendix B – Accomplishments of the Anti-Idling Campaign

Stuart Taylor, Director, Strategic Services

Jim Sales, Commissioner, Community and Fire Services

APPENDIX A

Preliminary Summary of Action Items for the Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air

On Clean Air Day, June 8^th, 2005, elected official from municipalities across the GTA, and the provincial and federal governments, will gather in Toronto to sign the 2005 Toronto and Region Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air. A copy of last year’s declaration is available on the GTA Clean Air Partnership website at:

• http://www.cleanair partnership.org/smogsummit/pdf/2004_declaration.pdf.

The following is a draft summary of the preliminary action items under consideration by the GTA Clean Air Council to be incorporated into this year’s declaration. The final copy of the declaration will be presented at the Smog Summit.

GTA Clean Air Action Items:

1. Undertake joint research and action on key areas of concern with respect to the theme of the 2005 Smog Summit which is transportation and health;

2. Collaborate with existing programs, such as 20/20 The Way to Clean Air, the One Tonne Challenge and the Smart Commute campaigns to strengthen and support efforts to engage residents in energy conservation activities;

3. Integrate the work of the GTA – Clean Air Council on reducing green house gas emission and improving regional air quality with Canada’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and the Government of Canada’s One Tonne Challenge;

4. Explore the applicability of a municipal model by-law developed by members of Environment Canada’s Burn It Smart! Program to ensure that all new residential gas and wood fireplaces and stoves meet low emission certification requirements;

5. Support the federal government’s development of a revised air quality index that reflects the combined health effects of exposure to multiple key pollutants;

6. Explore the benefits of hosting a cross-border Smog Summit;

7. Continue to undertake research and actions already underway as committed to in the 2004 Intergovernmental Declaration on Clean Air.

APPENDIX B

The Town of Markham Idle-Free Campaign Highlights

October 2004

o Idle-free booth hosted at Markham Civic Centre for October.

o Broadcast E-mail to all staff regarding the Idle-Free Campaign and Markham/Newmarket Idle-Free Challenge

o Oct. 27^th, Markham Team Work Day – Set up display booth and succeeded at acquiring pledges for the Markham/Newmarket Idle-Free Challenge

o Oct. 28^th, Presented to Environmental Issues Committee on the Idle-Free Campaign and the main initiatives.

o Oct 29^th , broadcasted Smell-O-Ween (Halloween) e-mail to all town employees reminding them to be Idle-Free

November 2004

• Campaign Material posted at Angus Glen Community Centre.
• Nov. 1^st – 30^th, Displayed Idle-Free Booth at Thornhill Public Library.

• Nov. 2^nd, Presented Idle-Free initiative to Markham District H.S. Environment Club (10 youths and 1 Teacher).
• Nov. 3^rd, Created Town of Markham Idle-Free Campaign Brochure.
• Nov. 4^th, Presented to Mayor’s Youth Task Force (50 youths).
• Nov. 10^th, Developed an Idle-Free website on Town Home Page.
• Nov. 16^th, Presented to Parks Department (40 Employees)
• Nov. 16^th, 17^th, 18^th – Presented to Waterworks Department (20 Employees)
• Nov. 25^th, Presented to Markham Conservation Committee. (15 Members)
• Nov. 26^th, Interviewed by Sing Tao Newspaper regarding Idle-Free Campaign.
• Nov. 29^th, Presented at Commuter clinic in part with the Smart Commute program (15 Employees and 1 Councillor)

December 2004

• Prepared staff report for declaring Markham Civic Centre an “Idle-Free Zone”
• Dec. 1^{st – 31st}, Displayed Idle-Free Booth at Markham Public Library.
• Dec. 7^th, Presented to Student Council at Markville H.S.

• Dec. 10^th, Hosted and facilitated Town of Markham Fleet Presentation attended by NRCAN, Power Projects Inc, GEOTAB, Tim Hortons, and Fleet reps from the Region of Peel.
• Dec. 16^th, Idle-Free Article published in Sing Tao Newspaper.
• Dec. 17^th, Attended Ontario Trucking Association meeting.
• Dec. 19^th, Developed Advertisement insert in the Recreation guide, 2005.
• Dec. 20^th, Sent out Holiday email to all staff with anti-idling tips

January 2005

• Jan 3^rd, Set up Unionville Public Library display booth.

• Jan 8^th, Hosted a display booth at Markville Mall and collected approximately 40 signed pledges for the Markham/Newmarket Challenge.
• Distributing anti-idling materials at the 4 Markham Recycling Depots
• Distributing anti-idling materials at 3 Markham GO Train Stations (Unionville, Centennial, Markham)
• Contact with IBM to solicit pledges
• Jan 13^th Presentation to Daycare Centre
• Jan 29^th Presentation to Environment Committee to request Idle-Free Zone designation

February 2005

• February 8^th , Presentation to Thornlea Public School
• February 9^th, Presentation to All Saints Public School
• February 9^th , Presentation to Unionville High school
• Website update
• Contribute to Celebrate Our Environment Calendar
• Present display and attend OCETA seminar
• Interview with Fairchild Television Station

March 2005

• March 11^th and 29^th, Presentation to Roads Department
• March 31^st Launch of Civic Centre and other municipal buildings as Idle Free Zones

April 2005

• April 22^nd, Anti Idling Display at Earth Day Celebrations in Markville Mall
• April 27^th, Assist in the organization and present to public consultation meeting for the Anti-idling by-law
• Assist in drafting of the staff report on proposed by-law