October 23, 2008

Conservation Authority Board Room

7 – 9 pm

Handouts:      

Toward a Zero Waste Future: Review of Ontario’s Waste Diversion Act – copies of can be found at:          

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/land/wda/

Community Go Green Fund – copies can be found at: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/news/2008/101501.php

In Attendance: Ted McMeekin, MPP, Amanda Hobbins, Barb Miller, John MacLennan, Steve Miazga( Conservation Authority), Bill Bardswick(MOE), Steven Burton (MOE), Ken Phillips, Bob Korol.

Mr. Bill Bardswick, Regional Director for the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) provided the group in attendance with an overview of the local priorities of the area. 

These priorities included;

*       Air Quality: Various air quality issues ranging from visible smoke plumes to invisible particular matter in the air.  MOE is always working with local companies to rectify these dangers and ensure they are following the standards set out by the Province.  Environmental standards are higher now and can lead to major expenditures for local industry.  The MOE will continue to work closely with all stakeholders.

*       Surface Water: This includes storm water, Randall Reef, sewage plants, etc.  Mr. Bardswick stated that Hamilton has an excellent Remedial Action Plan (RAP) that is being followed.  The website to find out more regarding the RAP is http://www.hamiltonharbour.ca/rap/

*       Ground Water:  This includes the St. Mary’s Quarry where testing is in progress.  The MOE is currently reviewing the results from the first round of testing.

*       Other Issues:  Right-to-Know legislation and the follow up to the Biederman fire are still top priorities for the MOE.

The meeting was now open for general discussion.  Topics included:

Ø      How can all levels of the Ministry of the Environment improve communication between them and stakeholders.

Ø      Regional MOE working on how best to make the local community aware of local initiatives, good news stories, hot topics.

Ø      Watershed Stewardship funding to be on-going and sustainable.

Ø      SpencerCreek conditions since the Biederman fire are better than expected.  Plant and animal life are coming back quickly.

Ø      Halton Conservation Authority discussed Operation Beehive.  For further information go to: http://www.conservationhalton.com/uploads/Planning%20Permits/Operation%20Beehive%20results%20July%2017%202008.pdf

Ø      Ministry of Government Services has increased their use of hybrid vehicles to 15%.

Ø      Ministry of Government Services has opened a “green office” initiative which focuses on clean and green procurement, buy local, etc.

Ø      Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing working on the expansion of the Greenbelt.

Ø      Ministry of the Environment working on the Toxic Reduction Strategy.

Meeting adjourned.