Oshawa Environmental Advisory

Committee Minutes

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Committee Room
Present:
  • Emily Posteraro, Chair
  • A.J. Groen, Vice-Chair
  • Emily Noel
  • Gregory Waclawek
  • Councillor Lee
  • Joseph Young
  • Chris Biancaniello
  • Tim Speirs
Absent:
  • Peter Kanellos
Also Present:
  • P. Aguilera, Council Committee Coordinator
  • F. Bianchet, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • B. Morris, Planner A

Emily Posteraro, Chair, called the meeting to order and stated that all members of the Committee were participating from the Committee Room except for Emily Noel and Chris Biancaniello who were participating virtually. Peter Kanellos was absent.

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands within the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, which include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations. We are grateful for the Anishinaabeg who have cared for the land and waters within this territory since time immemorial.

We recognize that Oshawa is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is now present day home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We express gratitude for this diverse group of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land and shape and strengthen our community.

As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing the negative impacts that colonization continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, developing reciprocal relationships, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

We are all Treaty people.

Michelle Brake, Programs and Policy Manager, Mind Your Plastic, provided a presentation to the Committee regarding Mind Your Plastic's scope of work and available programs.

The Committee questioned the presenter.

  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That based on the presentation from Mind Your Plastic, a Mind Your Plastic Working Group be created in order to review the information and report back at the March 5, 2024 meeting of the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee; and, 

    That the Working Group consist of three members of the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee; and,

    That Emily Posteraro, Joseph Young and Gregory Waclawek be appointed to the Working Group; and,

    That Emily Posteraro be Chair of the Mind Your Plastic Working Group. 

    Motion Carried

Victoria White, Principal Planner, Planning Services provided a presentation to the Committee regarding the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study.

The Committee questioned the presenter.

  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That based on the presentation from Planning Services a Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study Working Group be formed to provide comments and/or concerns related to the study; and,

    That the Working Group consist of five members of the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee; and,

    That Gregory Waclawek, A.J. Groen, Emily Noel, Tim Spiers and Jospeh Young be appointed to the Working Group; and,

    That Gregory Waclawek be appointed as Chair. 

    Motion Carried

Isabel Savransky, Sustainability & Asset Planner, Ontario Tech University provided the Committee with a presentation on sustainability initiatives.

The Committee questioned the presenter.

  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That based on Correspondence OEAC-24-09 dated January 19, 2024 from Durham College, the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee attend and display a booth at the Climate Symposium at Ontario Tech University on March 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and,

    That Joseph Young, Gregory Waclawek and A.J. Groen attend the event on behalf of O.E.A.C.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Lee

    That Report OEAC-24-10 concerning the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee's approved 2024 Work Plan be received for information.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen, Vice-Chair

    That based on Report OEAC-24-11 from the Tree Giveaway Working Group the Committee vote on increasing the budget from $4,600 to $6,000, and that the event be held on September 21, 2024.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That based on Report OEAC-24-12 from the Fall Film Night Working Group:

    1. That up to $2000 from OEAC’s annual budget be allocated for the 2024 Fall Film Night; and,
    2. That city staff reserve one of the following dates from the Regent Theatre for the2024 Fall Film Night: October 10, 17, or 24, 2024; and,
    3. That the film “The Climate Baby Dilemma” be selected for the 2024 Fall Film Night.
    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen, Vice-Chair

    That Report OEAC-24-13 from the Road Salt Working Group be received for information.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen, Vice-Chair

    That staff investigate the purchase of a tent with the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee name/logo on it.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That Maggie Chan from the Climate Advisory Group be invited to provide the Committee a presentation. 

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That the meeting adjourn at 8:07 p.m. 

    Motion Carried