Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee Minutes

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Hybrid Meeting
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Wenda Abel
  • Sara Best, Vice-Chair
  • Andrea Cecchetto
  • Anahita Jami
  • Brian Kelly
  • Patti Mavins
  • Catherine Philogene
  • Bryan Widner, Chair
Regrets:
  • Robynne Dunn
  • Janet Dignem
Also Present:
  • Councillor Lundquist, Mayor's Designate
  • Sarah Shields, Staff Liaison, Project Manager, Sustainability and Climate Change
  • 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 bySara Best

    That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee minutes of September 6, 2023 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Presentations

 

There were no presentations.

5.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

6.
General Business and Reports

 

6.1
Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee Annual Report

 

Bryan Widner advised that the draft Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee Annual Report would be presented for review at the Committee's November meeting. He further advised that the final draft would be approved by the Committee during the Committee's December meeting.

Sarah Shields provided a copy of a previous Annual Report for the Committee to review.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • assigning sections of the Annual Report to Members for review;
  • attaching the Committee's Work Plan;
  • including a list of presentations received by the Committee in 2023;
  • an overview of the Committee's achievements in 2023; and,
  • determining actionable items and areas of focus for 2024.

6.2
Project Planning and Work Plan

 

Bryan Widner requested feedback from the Committee regarding areas of focus for project planning and the Work Plan. Mr. Widner advised that several Members expressed interest in tree planting and vegetation management as well as planting sustainable species. He stated that additional key priorities included establishing compost pick-up for multi-residential buildings, and education pertaining to climate change, sustainability, natural ground cover, and invasive species management.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • the United Nations (UN) recommendations for managing climate change;
  • creating a framework for the Work Plan that models the 'One Planet Living Principles' framework; and,
  • aligning the Committee's goals and actions to the Town's Community Strategic Plan, Sustainability Plan, and Council Goals; and,
  • establishing a deadline for Members to submit their project and Work Plan ideas.

6.3
2023 Sustainability Events

 

Waste Reduction Week - October 16 - 22, 2023

Sarah Shields advised that several events were planned for October 21, 2023 in celebration of Waste Reduction Week including a Waste-Themed Family Storytime and Craft, Repair Cafe, Community Swap, and Drop off Difficult-to-Recycle Waste event.

7.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

8.
Council Update

 

Councillor Lundquist requested that the Committee provide feedback on opportunities regarding environmental issues that come before Council.

9.
Other Business

 

9.1
Posting Information Regarding Sustainability

 

Wenda Abel suggested that URL links be included in the Town’s media releases and social media posts for residents to access additional information regarding the Town's sustainability initiatives and activities. Ms. Abel used a recent example, 'Help Choose Whitby's Official Tree Survey', to offer suggestions for future media releases.

9.2
Sustainability Updates

 

Sarah Shields provided updates regarding:

  • the Emergency Preparedness Survey launch; and,
  • the Committee's annual budget.

10.
Next Meeting

 

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

11.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byBrian Kelly

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.


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