Oshawa Environmental Advisory

Committee Minutes

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Committee Room
Present:
  • A.J. Groen
  • Emily Posteraro
  • Gregory Waclawek
  • Councillor Lee
  • Joseph Young
  • Chris Biancaniello
  • T. Speirs
Absent:
  • Peter Kanellos
Also Present:
  • J. Lane, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • B. Morris, Planner A
  • K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator

The Chair called the meeting to order and advised that all members were participating from the Committee Meeting Room except Tim Spiers who was participating electronically and Peter Kanellos who 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.

Pearl Shore from Never Collide addressed the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee concerning the use of glass railings on buildings in the City of Oshawa.

Members of the Committee questioned Pearl Shore.

  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That Report OEAC-24-16 concerning information from Oshawa City Council be referred to the Road Salt Working Group to provide a report to Committee and Council on its respective project before presenting to the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That based on Report OEAC-24-23 a Glass Railings Working Group be formed to look into Bird Safety Standards in the City of Oshawa; and

    That AJ Groen, Chris Biancaniello and Joseph Young be appointed to the Working Group; and

    That Chris Biancaniello be appointed as Chair of the Working Group.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That based on Correspondence OEAC-24-22 from the Durham Integrated Growers, the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee renew its annual membership for 2024 with Durham Integrated Growers and pay the membership fee in the amount of $100.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That based on Report OEAC-24-17 being the Tree Giveaway Working Group Report of April 2024, the Committee approve September 14, 2024 for the date of the tree giveaway.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That based on Report OEAC-24-18 being the Fall Film Night Working Group Report of April 2024 the Committee approve the date of October 24th, 2024 as the date of the Fall Film Night event the Regent Theatre.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That Report OEAC-24-19 concerning Mind Your Plastic Working Group Report of April 2024 be referred back to the Mind Your Plastic Working Group for further information.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That based on Report OEAC-24-20 being the Bloor Simcoe Intensification Working Group Report of April 2024:

    1. That bike lanes be installed along Bloor Street to support the intensification of the area; and,
    2. That the old growth trees that are present at the southwest segment of the vacant lot located at the Northwest corner of
      Wentworth Street West and Simcoe Street South be conserved.; and,
    3. That part of the vacant lot be utilized to create green space and sports/exercise equipment or fields for the community; and
    4. That the study team considers the comments from O.E.A.C. and questions during the intensification study process; and,
    5. That a mitigation plan be developed should de-vehicalization in the area be not as successful as projected; and,
    6. That the City continue to promote applicable Community Improvement Plan financial incentives to help grow and support development.
  • Amendment:
    Moved byA.J. Groen

    That the motion be amended to add the following at the beginning of the motion: "That the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to the Economic and Development Services Committee". 

    Motion Carried
  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Report OEAC-24-20, as amended.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That Report OEAC-24-21 being the Road Salt Working Group Report for April 2024 be received for information.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That Report OEAC-24-24 being an information memorandum dated March 27, 2024 concerning staff report INFO-24-53 about the Province of Ontario's 2021 Air Quality Report be received for information.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That the composition of the Event Group Coordination Working Group be reconsidered. (Requires 2/3 vote of members present)

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byJoseph Young

    That the Event Group Coordination Working Group be increased by one member; and,

    That Greg Waclawek be appointed to the Event Group Coordination Working Group. 

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byGregory Waclawek

    That Jacinta MacDonnell from Plant Based Treaty be invited to make a presentation concerning sustainable food systems with the goal of combating the climate crisis to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture and to promote a shift towards healthier, sustainable plant-based diets at a future O.E.A.C. meeting.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That Francis Arnaldo, Biosafety and Radiation Safety Officer, Ontario Tech University be invited to make a presentation concerning the future nuclear training facility with no spent nuclear fuels at Ontario Tech University to a future O.E.A.C. meeting.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That a tour of the Second Marsh be coordinated in May with Peter Taylor, President, Friends of Second Marsh.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byA.J. Groen

    That the meeting adjourn at 8:20 p.m.

    Motion Carried