FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Stuart Taylor, Director, Strategic Services

 

 

 

 

PREPARED BY:

Victoria McGrath, Manager, Environmental Leadership

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

2004-Sep-20

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Replenishment

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT staff report titled “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Replenishment”, dated

September 20, 2004, be received;

 

AND THAT Council approve the $32,700 of projects evaluated and recommended by the Environmental Issues Committee, outlined in the Financial Considerations section of this report, to be funded from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF), Account #87 2800168;

 

AND THAT the replenishment for the fund, to the base level of $300,000, be considered in the 2005 Capital Budget process, as approved by Council on April 13, 2004;

 

AND THAT Members of Council be invited to attend the Official Launch of the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund and cheque presentations to successful applicants on Saturday, October 2, 2004, at noon at the Civic Centre;

 

AND FURTHER THAT staff proceed with advertising the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund and soliciting applications for the 2005 season.

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to bring forward for Council approval the successful applicants for funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund, as recommended by the Environmental Issues Committee and a recommendation for replenishing the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF) to its base level of $300,000 for 2005.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report outlines the projects recommended by the Environmental Issues Committee to be funded by the MESF in 2004, the advertising and promotion that was done for the MESF and makes recommendations to sustain and replenish the fund for 2005.

 

BACKGROUND:

In 2001, Council of the Town of Markham created the MESF, in an interest-bearing reserve account, in the amount of $302,611 to provide financial assistance in funding Town internal and community-based projects and initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and innovation.  With interest, the fund had grown to the amount of $312,753 to the end of February 2004.

 

MESF Fund Criteria and Application Process

In April 2004, Council of the Town of Markham approved the criteria and application process for the MESF and at that same meeting, directed that the MESF be sustained at $300,000 through reporting through the annual budget process.  The administration of the MESF is overseen by the Environmental Issues Committee. The Environmental Issues Committee is responsible for coordinating the application process, reviewing proposals and recommending proposals to receive funding.  Council, through the Finance and Administrative Committee, will approve proposals recommended for funding. 

 

DISCUSSION:

The MESF was created to assist the Town with funding innovative and leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability and health of the natural environment.  The fund is intended to provide financial resources for Town of Markham-based projects and initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and enhance the protection of the Town’s natural resources.  Projects and initiatives eligible for funding through the MESF include staff initiatives as well as community initiatives.

 

Administrative Process

The Environmental Issues Committee administers the MESF.  Under the administration guidelines approved by Council in April 2004, the MESF would be replenished annually through the capital budget process so that the MESF remains funded at a base level of $300,000, or more, annually, in an interest-bearing reserve account.  It was recommended by the Environmental Issues Committee that community projects be allocated up to $100,000 annually (approximately one-third of the fund) with the remaining $200,000 available for Town internal projects. The administrative process can be reviewed annually by the Environmental Issues Committee.

 

MESF Principles

The following principles shall be considered by the Environmental Issues Committee when reviewing requests.

·        the project provides an environmental benefit

·        the project is undertaken within Markham and benefits the larger community

·        the project is a leading innovation that can be showcased by the Town of Markham

·        the project provides an educational or promotional benefit

·        the project supports the Town’s environmental policies and strategic plan

Projects would be expected to meet at least one of these principles, if not more.

 

Description of Projects

This report examines all 2004 projects related to the MESF fund and financial including:

·        2004 MESF Projects Approved for Funding

·        2004 MESF Town Internal Projects Approved for Funding

·        2004 Projects Recommended for Approval in this Report

 

 

2004 MESF Community Projects Approved for Funding

The Markham Green Neighbourhoods Program

In April 2004, Markham Council approved the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) application for $10,000 funding and $5000 in-kind services for the Markham Green Neighbourhoods Program. The majority of the in-kind services provided by the Town included signage created from the Town’s sign shop, meeting space and staff involvement.

 

The Markham Green Neighbourhoods Program (MGNP) helps Markham residents create ecologically-sound lawns and gardens.  In 2004, the Markham Green Neighbourhoods program was available to 75 Markham residents, on a first-come, first-served basis, for a subsidized fee of $32.40. For that small cost, participants received an entire garden comprised of one native tree, two native shrubs and a variety of native perennials. 

 

To promote the Town’s funding of and participation in the MGNP, the Markham logo was included on all signage promoting the program, including signage that was placed on the front lawns of MGNP participants. The MGNP was promoted on the Town of Markham web page, the TRCA’s web page and in the Town community page of the Markham Economist and Sun as well as through email distribution and flyers. In addition, the MGNP hosted two very well-attended events including a Naturalization Workshop in June and a Naturalized Gardens Tour in August with a third event, a joint North American Native Plants Sale/Naturalization Workshop, planned on October 2, 2004, at the Civic Centre.

 

Town Internal Projects Approved for MESF Funding

Anti-Idling Education Campaign

In May 2004, Town of Markham Council approved an education program to support the Anti-Idling By-Law, due in 2005, including hiring two students from September 2004 to January 2005 at a cost of $20,000 to implement the Anti-Idling Education Campaign, to be funded from the MESF. It is anticipated that students will be hired and begin working on the Anti-Idling Education Campaign by the end of September 2004.  A progress report on the success of the Campaign will be provided upon completion of the Campaign in the Spring 2005.

 

Markham Energy Conservation Office

In June 2004, Town of Markham Council approved the engagement of the Canadian Urban Institute, at a cost not to exceed $65,000 to be funded from the MESF to: establish a deferral account between Power Stream and the Ontario Energy Board; prepare background documentation on the purpose of a Markham Energy Conservation Office (ECO) and how it will achieve its aims; provide an overview of the major issues involved in establishing the Markham ECO and its ability to access funds from the Power Stream deferral account and other sources of funding, and; provide a formal business plan for the Markham ECO in order for it to be launched in the Fall 2004.

 

Kyoto Task Force Committee

Through the 2004 budget process, Council approved $25,000 from the MESF for projects initiated by the Kyoto Task Force Committee.

 

2004 MESF Community Projects Recommended for Approval

The following community projects are recommended for approval, by the Environmental Issues Committee, from the MESF for 2004:

 

Markham Gateway Public School Eco Camp Students - School Yard Outdoor Classroom and Naturalization (Appendix A)

Location: (Ward 7) 30 Fonda Road, Markham

The Markham Gateway Public School Eco Camp Students have asked for $4000 to plant large trees to continue naturalizing the schools outdoor classroom. In 2003, twenty Eco Camp Students and two teachers began creating the outdoor classroom which included planting trees around a rock circle. In the Spring 2004, the students planted shrubs and trees as the second phase of the outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is adjacent to Beaupre Park where the students intend to extend the naturalization.  The request for $4000 will complete the planting in October 2004 with an additional eight to twelve large calliper trees, a walking path and sitting location to form an extended learning area.

 

Walden Walkabout – Improvement and Enhancement of Austin Park (Appendix B)

Location: (Ward 3) Austin Drive

The Walden Walkabout – Improvement and Enhancement of Austin Park has applied for $10,000 to plant trees and shrubs and organize the second annual Walden Walkabout Clean Up in the spring 2005.  The $10,000 will purchase shovels, a pump, hose, hip waders (to clean up the creek), signage, 150 trees and 150 shrubs. Anticipating approximately 300 volunteers to assist with the planting and clean-up, the preparation for this will begin this fall 2004 with land preparation.  The project will improve wildlife habitat, including raptor poles and small animal habitat and it is expected that the planting and clean-up will become annual events. This project is also being coordinated with Toronto Region Conservation, the Community Resource Centre and the condominiums at Austin Drive and Bullock Road.

 

Reesor Park Woodlot Restoration Project (Appendix C)

Location: (Ward 5) Wootten Way North

The Reesor Park Woodlot Restoration Project at Reesor Park Public School, has applied for $7500 to continue implementing the Reesor Park Public School Woodlot Five Year Management Plan 2002-2006.  The funds will purchase trees, mulch and hire an arborist to continue restoring the woodlot, help return the woodlot to a healthy state and improve the ecological integrity of the area.  The Reesor Park Woodlot is one of very few remnant woodlands within Markham Village and has had over 450 volunteers involved with its restoration. An outdoor classroom was completed in 2003 adjacent to the woodlot to improve education and awareness of the importance of trees to the community. The Town of Markham Urban Forestry section was involved with this project for several years and this project received the Silver Trash Can award from the Town in 2003 for its Pitch-In efforts.

 

Thornhill East Don Scout Group (TEDS - 5th Thornhill) Settlers Park Regeneration (Appendix D)

Location: (Ward 2) German Mills Settlers Park, German Mills Road

The TEDS – 5th Thornhill Scouts have applied for $10,000 to control erosion and improve bank stabilization through tree plantings, restore wildlife habitat, improve water quality and enhance public education at Settlers Park.  The Environmental Issues Committee has approved $1200 for tree and shrub plantings pending the outcome of the Master Plan for Settlers Park currently underway by the Town of Markham Urban Design staff. These funds will be used to purchase trees and shrubs and signage.  A work plan outlining the project will be submitted.

 

Scouts Canada “Rolly the Rain Barrel” Rain Barrel/Downspout Disconnection Program (Appendix E)

Location: Town wide

Scouts Canada has applied for $10,000 to purchase the minimum 50 barrels and accessories (including elbows, connectors and patio stones) to initiate a downspout disconnection program within the Town of Markham.  The funds will also help with delivery costs and marketing for the program.  Scout groups in Markham will sell and install the rain barrels in their locations to fundraise and to improve storm water management and water quality. The funds raised will be used to purchase additional rain barrels and will help to create a self-sustaining program.  Rain barrels help to store rain water during storm events which can then be used at a later time to water garden plants, etc. Storing the water helps to reduce flows to storm sewers and, ultimately, nearby streams and rivers and helps to reduce erosion and sedimentation.

 

2004 MESF Community Projects  - Advertising and Promotion

The MESF Community Projects were advertised on the Town’s web page, under the Environmental Issues section and within the Forms and Applications section as well as on the Town’s Community Page in the Markham Economist and Sun. In addition, the MESF was communicated to environmental and community groups through email distribution and word-of-mouth. In addition the North American Native Plants Society has promoted the MESF on their web site advertising the October 2, 2004, Native Plant Sale taking place at the Civic Centre.

 

Applicants are expected to promote the MESF on all advertising and promotional information and to place signage promoting the MESF in a prominent location at the time of their event.

 

All community projects recommended for approval in 2004, including the TRCA Markham Green Neighbourhoods Program will be invited to an official cheque presentation with media opportunities and will be invited to submit photographs to include on the Town’s web page for promotional purposes.  The official launch of the MESF will be held on October 2, 2004, at noon at the Civic Centre as part of the Markham Green Neighbourhoods Program-North American Native Plants Fall Plant Sale. At this event, a cheque presentation will be made to all approved MESF applicants for the 2004 application period.

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Community Applications Approved:

Amount: ($)

Markham Green Neighbourhoods

10,000

 

Internal/Town Applications Approved:

Amount: ($)

Anti-Idling Education Campaign

20,000

Markham Energy Conservation Office

65,000

Kyoto Task Force Committee

25,000

Total:

110,000

 

 

Community Applications Recommended for Approval in this Report:

Amount: ($)

Markham Gateway Public School Eco Camp Students - School Yard Outdoor Classroom and Naturalization

4,000

Walden Walkabout – Improvement and Enhancement of Austin Park

10,000

Reesor Park Woodlot Restoration Project

7,500

Thornhill East Don Scout Group (TEDS - 5th Thornhill) Settlers Park Regeneration

1,200

Scouts Canada “Rolly the Rain Barrel” Rain Barrel/Downspout Disconnection Program

10,000

Total:

32,700

 

The Environmental Sustainability Reserve Fund’s current balance, adjusted for the approved projects listed above, plus interest, is $195,918. Provided all projects recommended in this report are approved, the new balance will be $163,218.

                                                                                               

As approved by Council in April 2004, base funding for the MESF will be replenished annually through the Capital budget process so that the base amount of the Fund remains at $300,000 or greater. The MESF will continue to be held in an interest-bearing reserve account.

 

CONCLUSION

The MESF was created to assist the Town with funding innovative and leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability and health of the natural environment.  The fund is intended to provide financial resources for Town of Markham-based projects and initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and enhance the protection of the Town’s natural resources. A wide variety of challenging and worthwhile projects have been approved and recommended to date. New and innovative projects are anticipated to be funded from the MESF in 2005.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Community and Fire Services

Corporate Services

Development Services

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A – Markham Gateway Public School Eco Camp Students - School Yard Outdoor Classroom and Naturalization

Appendix B – Walden Walkabout – Improvement and Enhancement of Austin Park

Appendix C – Reesor Park Woodlot Restoration Project

Appendix D – Thornhill East Don Scout Group (TEDS - 5th Thornhill) Settlers Park Regeneration

Appendix E – Scouts Canada “Rolly the Rain Barrel” Rain Barrel/Downspout Disconnection Program

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart Taylor

Director, Strategic Services

 

Jim Sales, Commissioner of

Community and Fire Services

 

 

 

 

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