Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Wenda Abel
  • Janet Dignem
  • Brian Kelly, Vice-Chair
  • Catherine Philogene
  • Bryan Widner, Chair
  • Bob Willard
  • Zartasha Zainab
  • Alex Van Camp
Regrets:
  • Ginette Best
  • Patti Mavins
Also Present:
  • Councillor Cardwell, Mayor's Designate
  • Sarah Shields, Staff Liaison, Project Manager, Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Kristin Palilionis, Staff Liaison, Climate Change Coordinator
  • Heather Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byJanet Dignem

    That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee minutes of April 2, 2025 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

5.
General Business and Reports

 

5.1
April Sustainability Events Update

 

Kristin Palilionis provided an update regarding April Sustainability events. Ms. Palilionis stated that the LEAF Community Spring Tree Planting, Waste Diversion Event, Repair Cafe, and Composting and Waste Management Workshop were well attended.

5.2
May Sustainability Events and Environmental Awareness Days

 

Kristin Palilionis provided an overview of the May Sustainability Events and Environmental Awareness Days which included:

  • a bird watching event at Lynde Shores Conservation Area hosted by Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) on May 10, 2025 in recognition of World Migratory Bird Day;
  • a Compost Giveaway event at Whitby Operations Centre on May 10, 2025;
  • Provincial Day of Action on Litter on May 13, 2025;
  • World Bee Day on May 20, 2025; and,
  • International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2025.

6.
Council Update

 

Councillor Cardwell provided an update regarding:

  • amendments to the Town’s Procurement By-law in response to tariffs imposed by the United States;
  • progress on the New Whitby Sports Complex;
  • a Council resolution directing Staff to report on the method for electing Regional Councillors;
  • Youth Week from May 1 to 7, 2025;
  • community engagement for the proposed future use of Luther Vipond Memorial Arena; and,
  • the Canada Day fireworks celebration.

7.
Other Business

 

7.1
Presentation Request from a Whitby Resident

 

Kristin Palilionis advised that a resident had requested to present to the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee on the topic of climate change. Ms. Palilionis provided details regarding the materials submitted to Staff, which would serve as the foundation for the presentation.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • reviewing the submitted materials before the Committee decides whether to invite the resident to present; and,
  • welcoming alternative viewpoints about climate change.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byBrian Kelly

    That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee receive a presentation from Jeanette Miller at the June 4, 2025 Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting regarding her perspective on climate change.

    Carried

7.2
Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee Budget

 

Kristin Palilionis requested that the Committee submit their budget by June 30, 2025.

7.3
Sustainability Newsletter

 

Kristin Palilionis advised that the next edition of the Sustainability Newsletter would be released in July. Ms. Palilionis requested that written submissions from Committee Members were due by June 2, 2025.

7.4
Update Requests

 

Wenda Abel requested information and updates regarding:

  • a Whitby location for Durham Little Forests;
  • whether Whitby was designated as a Bird City; and,
  • the preservation of mature trees and the premature removal of trees prior to land development.

7.5
Brooklin Spring Fair

 

Bryan Widner requested volunteers to assist with the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee booth at the Brooklin Spring Fair. Mr. Widner further requested recommendations for engagement materials and activities for the booth. He suggested a pollinator theme and promoting the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and Whitby Bee City status.

8.
Next Meeting

 

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.

9.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byCatherine Philogene

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.


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