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02 - November 3, 2020 Environmental Advisory Committee Agenda Package ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Table of Contents I.Agenda……………………………………………………………………………...2 II.Environmental Advisory Committee Orientation Session Minutes……………3 III.Presentation –Developing an Action Plan………………………………………5 IV.Correspondence –Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign Letter………………...15 V.Correspondence –Ontario Blue Box Program News Release………………..21 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORYCOMMITTEE AGENDA Tuesday, November 3, 2020 10:00 a.m. Meeting to be held electronically. Agenda 1.Approval of Agenda 2.Adoption of October 7, 2020 Minutes 3.Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest 4.Election of Chair 5.Election of Vice Chair 6.Developing an Action Plan Facilitated Discussion 7.Correspondence Lawn Sign Road Safety CampaignLetter 8.Correspondence Ontario Blue Box Program News Release 9.Date of Next Meeting 10.Adjournment 2 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ORIENTATION SESSION Meeting:Environmental Advisory Committee Orientation Session Date: October 7, 2020 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location:Webex Attendees: Dave Mennill, Warden Grant Jones,Councillor Sally Martyn, Councillor Robert Braam, Community Member Sarah Emons, Community Member Primrose Kisuule, Community Member Michaela Lenz, Community Member RayPrice, Community Member Kim Smale, Community Member Staff:Julie Gonyou, Chief Administrative Officer Brian Lima, Director of Engineering Services Katherine Thompson, Supervisor of Legislative Services and Community Relations Carolyn Krahn, Legislative Services Coordinator Megan Shannon, Legislative Services Coordinator DRAFT MINUTES 1.Call to Order th The Environmental Advisory Committee Orientation Session met this 7day of October, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. 2.Introductions The newly appointed members of the Committeeintroduced themselves to County Council members and staff supports. 3 3.Review of Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct The Supervisor ofLegislative Services and Community Relationspresented an overview of the Committee’s Terms of Reference and Mandate and the Elgin County Code of Conduct. 4.Overview of Current Elgin County Environmental Initiatives The Supervisor of Legislative Services and Community Relations presentedan overview of the current Elgin County Environmental Initiativesfollowed by a presentation from the Director of Engineering Services on energy conservation, roads, and cycling infrastructure in the County. 5.Who Does What? – An Overview of Government Jurisdictions The Supervisor of Legislative Services and Community Relations presentedan overview of Government Jurisdictions. 6.Date of Next Meeting The Warden suggested the next meeting be facilitated by Jennifer Kirkham to help the Committee develop their plan of action. The Committee agreed to meet th again on Wednesday,November 4at 10:00 a.m. provided that Jennifer Kirkham was available to meet. 7.Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Environmental Committee Members County of Elgin October 28, 2020 Re: Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign – Environmental Impact of Coroplast Signs Dear Environmental Committee Members, At its meeting held on October 27, 2020, Elgin County Council consideredimplementing a lawn sign road safety campaignin response to continuing concerns about speeding on County roads. The lawn signs would be used on local roads within built-up settlementareas in order to raise awareness to the issue of speeding and to remind drivers of the importance of driving safely and obeying the speed limit.The lawn signs would be constructed with coroplastand could be reused for successive road safety campaigns.Council expressed concerns about creating disposable itemsthat will eventually end up in a landfill.After considerable discussion, Council passed the following resolution: RESOLVED THAT the report titled “Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign” from the Director of Engineering Services, dated October 16, 2020, be received and filed; and, THAT the matter be referred to the Environmental Committee to review the environmental impact of a lawn sign road safety campaign. Of particular concern for Council, was that the negative environmental impactof creating disposable itemswould outweigh the positive effects of the road safety campaign. Council are requesting further information from the Environmental Committeeregarding the use ofcoroplast signs, specifically inrelation to their environmental impact. A copy of the report titled “Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign” is attached for reference. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Dave Mennill, Warden cc: Julie Gonyou, CAO/Clerk, County of Elgin 15 1 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM:Brian Lima, Director of Engineering Services DATE:October 16,2020 SUBJECT: Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign” from the Director of Engineering Services, dated October 16, 2020, be received and filed. INTRODUCTION: A Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign provides another tool for municipalities to confront the issue ofspeeding predominantly and most effectively onlocalroads within built-up settlement areas. The intent is to raise awareness to the issue of speedingand to remind drivers of the importance to drive safely and obey the speed limit. Staff have investigated lawn sign programs in other municipalities andif directedby Council, a pilot Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign, in partnership with local municipal partners could be implemented in 2021. As requestedby Councilat its October 13, 2020meeting, this report is in response to continuing concerns about speeding on County roads, and the suggestionthat lawn signs encouraging drivers to slow down could be made available to concerned residents. DISCUSSION: Historically, requests have been received from residents for additional road safety measures to address concerns of speeding and aggressive driving. Lawn signs are a cost-effectivemethod to bring awareness and toeducate motorists of their driving behaviours. The effective use of lawn signs predominantly on local roads within build-up settlement areas, is increasingly more common asmany municipalities across the province have implemented campaigns in recent years, including but not limited to City of London, City of Toronto, City of Mississauga,City of Burlington, etc. 16 2 Countystaff receive numerous concerns annually from residents regarding excessive speeding. To address these concerns, staff undertake technical evaluations to determine if posted speed reductions are warranted. In addition, the Elgin detachment of the OPP assists County staff with enforcement and monitoring activitiesaimed at reducing the speed of vehicles. It should also be noted that in the absence of a County wide traffic calming policy, County staff also periodically relies upon the latest edition of the Transportation Association of Canada’s Canadian Guide to Traffic Calming, being a guide aimed toprovide up-to-date information and guidance related to the planning, design, installation, operation, and maintenance of traffic calming measures on local, collector and arterial roads in Canada. A Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign provides another tool for municipalities to confront the issue of speeding predominantly and most effectively on local roads within built-up settlement areas. The intent is to raise awareness to the issue of speeding and to remind drivers of the importance to drive safely and obey the speed limit. Staff have investigated lawn sign programs in other municipalities and if desired by Council, a pilot LawnSign Road Safety Campaign, in partnership with local municipal partners could be implemented in 2021 if so directed. The following outlines the details of a proposed Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign: Lawn Sign Design Lawn signs would be printed double sided and constructed with a durable material (coroplast) with a metal stake provided. The size of the signs wouldbe approximately 48 centimeters (19 inches) wide by 40 centimeters (16 inches) tall. The design ofthe sign itself would be preparedby staffin partnership with local municipal partners, ensuring professionalism andbranding. Below areexamplesof similar signsoffered by other municipalitiesand other agencies: 17 3 As directed by Councilin 2019, similar targeted traffic calming speed reduction education temporary signagewas installed along Bank Street and Dexter Lineas part of the ongoing Port Bruce – Temporary Bridge Traffic Control Plan. Guidelines for Lawn Sign Placement To ensure the success of a Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign and to ensure the placement of signs doesnot create a sightline obstruction or a hazard for any roadway users, staff propose the following program guidelines: The signs must: be set-back a minimum of 0.6 meters (2 feet) from curb or edge of the roadway shoulder; not obstruct the travelled portion of the roadway, median, traffic island, sidewalk, bicycle path, or multi-use trail; be inserted into the ground using the wire frame only; be placed where it will not obstruct sight lines for pedestrians, cyclists or drivers; and, be placed as supplied and without further illumination or the use of reflective tape. Any lawn signs determined to be unsafe or require relocation for any reason may be removed or relocated by either Countyand/or local municipal partner staff. 18 4 Sign Distribution The County and its local municipal partnerswould offer one sign per household, on a first come first serve basis, freeof charge to residents. Countystaff would work collaboratively with all stakeholders to establish a distribution method to be in place and communicatedto the publicin the spring of 2021. Following the manufacturing and distribution of lawn signs,Countystaff in consultation with local municipal partners wouldevaluate the uptake and public response to the program andreport back to Council before the end of 2021 to coincide with 2022 budget deliberations. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The cost of lawn signs is approximately $6.94(excluding HST) per sign.Based on the production of500 sign units, which could besupplied toElgin County’s local municipal partners and stakeholder agenciesfor distribution to the public,the anticipated total cost to produce signage in support of a Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign would cost approximately $3,500(excluding HST).Such material signage cost would need to be accounted for within the 2021 operating budget. Furthermore, and following an evaluation of the pilot campaign’s success in the fall of 2021,Council may wish to allocate additional fundingfor the purchase of additional signs tobe included in the 2022 budget deliberations. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Serving ElginGrowing ElginInvesting in Elgin Ensuring alignment of Planning for and Ensuring we have the current programs and facilitating commercial, necessary tools, services with community industrial, residential, resources, and need.and agricultural growth. infrastructure to deliver programs and services now and in the future. Exploring different Fostering a healthy ways of addressing environment. Delivering mandated community need. programs and services Enhancing quality of efficiently and Engaging with our place. effectively. community and other stakeholders. 19 5 LOCAL MUNICIPAL PARTNER IMPACT: County staff would work collaboratively with all stakeholders to establish a distribution method. COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS: County staff would work collaboratively with all stakeholders to establish a public communication campaign strategy for release in the spring of 2021, which could include but may not be limited to campaign information made available on the County’sand each participatinglocal municipal partner’swebsites, and social media accounts. CONCLUSION: Atargeted traffic calming speed reduction education Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign provides municipalities atool to confront the issue of speeding predominantly and most effectively on local roads within build-up settlement areas. The intent is to raise awareness to the issue of speeding and to remind drivers of the importance to drive safely, obey speed limits, and to be cautious of all active transportation road provisions. Staff have investigated lawn sign programs in other municipalities and if directedby Council, a pilot Lawn Sign Road Safety Campaign, in partnership with local municipal partnerscould be implemented inthe spring 2021at a cost of approximately $3,500 (excluding HST). All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Brian Lima Julie Gonyou Director of Engineering Services Chief Administrative Officer 20 News Release Ontario Developing a Stronger, More Effective Blue Box Program October 19, 2020 Province consulting on plan to increase recycling in more communities and help divert more waste from landfills TORONTO — Ontario is kicking off Waste Reduction Week by unveiling regulations to improve the blue box program. The enhancements include expanding the items that can be recycled and making producers of products and packaging fully responsible for the waste they create. "We're creating a stronger and more effective Blue Box program that actually works," said Minister Yurek. "By harnessing the innovation and ingenuity of industry and expanding recycling opportunities for people and businesses across the province, we can divert more waste away from landfills by finding new purposes for products and reinserting them back into the economy." The proposed new Blue Box regulation will: Standardize and increase the list of materials accepted in the blue box including paper and plastic cups, wraps, foils, trays, and bags and other single use items such as stir sticks, straws, cutlery and plates. Transition the costs of the program away from municipal taxpayers by making the producers of products and packaging fully responsible for costs, resulting in an estimated savings of $135 million annually for municipalities. Expand blue boxservices to more communities, such as smaller, rural and remote communities, including those under 5,000 people. Set the highest diversion targets in North America for the various categories of waste producers are expected to recycle such as paper, glass,beverage containers and rigid and flexible plastic, encouraging innovation such as better product design and the use of new technologies for better environmental outcomes. 21 The province will also expand blue box services to facilities such as apartment buildings, long-term care homes, schools and municipal parks in 2026 to provide the people of Ontario with more opportunities to recycle and keep their communities clean. The draft Blue Box regulationwill be posted for 45 days for public feedback, ending December 2, 2020. Reducing plastic waste and litter and making producers responsible for managing the full life-cycle of their products is a key part of theMade-in-Ontario Environment Plancommitment to balance a healthy economy, a healthy environment and keep Ontario clean and beautiful. QUICK FACTS The proposed framework ensures that programs already having a positive impact on the environment, like the Beer Store’s deposit return program, can continue under the new producer responsibility model. Waste Reduction Week runs from October 19-25 to promote environmental stewardship and increase opportunities for Ontarians to participate in efforts to reduce waste. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan Waste management in Ontario Waste Discussion Paper QUOTES "The Ontario Waste Management Association supports the Ontario government’s commitment to strengthen the Blue Box recycling program and set some of the highest waste diversion targets in North America. Shifting funding responsibility of the Blue Box to producers will create a catalyst to improve Ontario’s recycling performance. This is not only good for the 22 environment, it is good for the economy, and will encourage investment, job creation and innovation in the recycling and resource recovery sector." — Mike Chopowick, CEO, Ontario Waste Management Association "The Canadian Beverage Association welcomes the government's proposed beverage container diversion targets of 75 per cent by 2026 and 80 per cent by 2030. Our sector plans to build on the success of the Blue Box collection system and meet these targets by introducing a new, comprehensive beverage container recycling program with convenient public space recycling at parks, public buildings and special events." — Jim Goetz, President, Canadian Beverage Association "As one of Canada’s leading beverage companies, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada supports the Ontario Government’s policy to expand and improve the recycling system, by ensuring items like recyclable coffee pods will be included. Our company remains steadfastly committed to reducing packaging waste. We look forward to continuing to work with the government and municipalities across the province to build a more sustainable Ontario for generations to come." —Stéphane Glorieux, President, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada CONTACTS Andrew Buttigieg Minister’s Office 437-224-4599 Andrew.Buttigieg@ontario.ca Gary Wheeler Communications Branch 416-314-6666 Gary.S.Wheeler@ontario.ca Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks http://www.ontario.ca/mecp 23