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Annual Report 2010

Cover image by Mathew Noble. www.pixelshifting.com

EarthWise Advisory CommitteeTop Row: Lynn Duffield, Kirsti Tasala, Denise Golden, Barry Beaupre, Councillor Andrew FouldsBottom Row: Sarah Kerton, Councillor Rebecca Johnson, Jane Todd, Kerri Marshall and John Stephenson

| 2010 | EarthWise Annual Report | 3


Contents

EarthWise Advisory Committee and Working Group Volunteers 04

Message from the CEAP Coordinator 05

Introduction 06

ENERGY & TRANSPORTATION 08

Active Transportation 08

Green Building 10

Energy 11

LANDS & WATER 20

Community Greening 20

Water 22

Land Use 24

HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 27

Air Quality 27

Food 28

Waste 30

COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY 33

Education 34

Economy 35

| 2010 | EarthWise Annual Report |4

EarthWise WG Members in 2010

Tina Ahokas Murray ArmstrongJim BaileyBarry BeaupreGlenn BerstRod BesselChris BeveridgeAlex BouletHugh Briggs Chris BrittRudy BuitenhuisBrian CampbellCharles CampbellMarita CampbellThora CartlidgeRuth CookTammy CookTom CookKaren Copeland Cindy CroweIna Chomyshyn Vanessa Degiacomo-Zwaresh Micheal DorvalLynn DuffieldRobert EadyPaul FayrickPatrick FenlonCarl GoodwinAlan HallAndrew HamiltonScott HarrisJay HendersonLarry HogardJanice Horgos Duncan HutchisonHanna JannecSusan Jaward Rebecca JohnsonMaureen Kahn

Thank you Citizens working together for a sustainable future.

Sarah KertonSteve KissinSteve KozakRon KresackAdam KrupperLucy Laframboise Pat LaroqueRick LattaLucie LavoieLynne LegrosBruce LehtinenLynne Lessard Decio LopesLuke MaloneyJudi MartonPat MauroRandy McAllisterLeslie McEachernAnn McGoey Ellen MortfieldDan MunshawKerstin Muth Martin NantelCynthia NaultMary NucciGwen O’ReillyAnne OstromBrigette PetersonMartha PicardSimone PolingGlenn PorterRoyden PotvinBruce PritchardChristy Radbourne Jenny RainthorpeCam RosaTanya RossDon Rutledge Derek Tessier

Pauline SchesnickyWerner SchwarCatherine Schwartz MendezPaula SdaoTyler SeedIan SgambelluriHeather ShaverJason SherbandDonna SippalaMark SmithShannon SmithTessa SoderbergLynne SoromakiStasia StarrCory StechyshynJohn StephensonLee Stevens-Vaillant Rob StewartHeidi Strobl Jim SuffakKirsti TasalaJane ToddHelen Trochimchuk Katherine TurnerGordon VanFleet Shelley VescioDavis Viehbeck Rena ViehbeckMike VogrigKelly Von-BargenJim Vukmanich Chris WaltonKirk WhalenBill WillisBarry Wolframe

Our thanks go out to everyone who has touched the EarthWise process over the last year. As always, there may be other participants whose names are not reflected here. We apologize if we have missed your name - please let us know for next year!

EarthWise Advisory Committee

Councillor Rebecca JohnsonCouncillor Andrew FouldsKerri Marshall, Manager of Environment DivisionSarah Kerton, CEAP CoordinatorLynn Duffield, EWAC ChairJane Todd, EWAC Co-ChairBarry BeaupreDenise GoldenJohn StephensonKirsti Tasala


Message from the CEAP Coordinator

This past year, 2010, was the second year of implementation of the EarthWise Thunder Bay Community Environmental Action Plan. City Administration, EarthWise Volunteers, and EarthWise Community Partners have been busy working on a variety of projects through the Working Groups as well as supporting community-based initiatives.

The plan identifies a number of specific projects; however, a common theme throughout is to raise awareness about the importance of changing our behaviour in order to lead more sustainable lifestyles. With that in mind, an important event was initiated this past year, and will continue annually. The “Go Green Expo; Green Living for Everyone” helped to raise awareness of the organizations, service providers, and resources available in our community to assist with this transition. With over one-thousand people in attendance, we know that community interest and understanding is growing.

The commitment of all those involved in championing the CEAP and its principles internally, in the community, and within their own organizations are leading to change in Thunder Bay. While EarthWise may not be directly behind the change in all cases, the leadership shown at the municipal level directly influences attitudes and consequent project in the community. This report highlights a number of City and EarthWise-driven progress areas including methane capture at the landfill, commissioning of the UV-Cogeneration project at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant, our first off-grid city facility, bike lanes, a rate structure to support a financially sustainable world class water system, a 100% mark on our water system review from the Ministry of the Environment, increased local food use, a variety of public education activities, and the list goes on. One need not look far to see the solar panels that are beginning to dapple the roofs of neighbourhoods, or for rain-barrels, composters, and naturalized yards. While these evidences are far from the majority, their existence has become much more mainstream, and continues to grow as we build a cleaner, greener, more beautiful and proud community. On behalf of the EarthWise Advisory Committee, we look forward to continuing this work into 2011 and beyond.

S. KertonCEAP CoordinatorCity of Thunder Bay


IntroductionEarthWise provides an interface for the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay, and the community at large, to work together on issues related to sustainability. As a member of the Partners for Climate Protection program, Thunder Bay also has a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Municipalities have a vital role to play in reducing GHG emissions, with up to half of Canada’s emissions under the direct or indirect control of Municipalities.

Figure 1 – GHG Emissions data taken from the Conference Board of Canada, the Government of Canada, the ICLEI GHG Emissions Inventory for Thunder Bay.

Partners for Climate ProtectionThunder Bay is working on Milestones Four and Five of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program – implementing the CEAP, monitoring progress, and reporting results.

The 2007-2010 Strategic Plan: Building on the New Foundation The City has begun the development of a new Strategic Plan to be completed in 2011 and implemented over the years 2011 - 2014. We hope to see a continued focus on integrating all aspects of sustainability into City operations. The CEAP continues to influence decision making at both a corporate and community level as we move forward.

earthWise Mission statementEarthWise Thunder Bay will focus the energy, involvement, and collective wisdom of the community to secure the environmental health of our region, and thereby improve the social and economic wellbeing of future generations.

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ENERGY & TRANSPORTATION

Active Transportation Goal: To increase the personal and environmental health of local residents and the area, provide economic benefits, and reduce GHG emissions, through leadership, planning, and partnerships; making Thunder Bay a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly community where active transportation is a key component of an integrated transportation system that links where we all live, work, and play.

Objective: Improved safety for people who are engaged in active transportation (AT) activities.

Indicator: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# of traffic injuries to pedestrians (pedestrian-only data available – CTB TCAP)

73 62 73 28 46

# of emergency dept. visits for cycling injuries (TBDHU – TBDistrict data)

534 492 448 374 403

# of hospitalizations for cycling injuries (TBDHU – TBDistrict data)

35 30 28 30 21

# of traffic accident deaths (CTB-TCAP) 3 1 1 1 2

Progress Highlights:

• EcoSuperior, in partnership with Active Transportation Thunder Bay, received a three-year, $115,000 safe cycling education grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

• The City of Thunder Bay will track cyclist volumes in yearly traffic counts on select active transportation routes.

• The Corporate Information & Technology Division has improved the Traffic Collision Analysis Program (TCAP) to enable it to isolate incidents related to cyclists.

Objective: Increase the number of people walking, biking, or traveling by other human-powered means.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

# of uses of bike racks on buses - - 7290 13746

# of transit rider trips per capita 29 31 33 31.7

Traffic Volume (vehicle km traveled per lane km on major roads) (OMBI data)

1501 1472 1333 -


• Active Transportation Advisory Committee refined the Active Transportation Plan to include rural and outlying residential areas within the municipality.

• Active Transportation counts were undertaken in the summer of 2010 to provide data on bike lane usage.


Objective: Develop infrastructure that supports active transportation.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Wayfinding - # of new signs - - - -

kms of bike-lanes and sharrows 0 0 0 10

kms of recreational trails 33.4 35.4 36 36

Dedicated AT Funding (in thousands) 0 0 28.5 130


• Resurfaced 25 kilometers of paved multi-use trails in 2010.

• New proposed active transportation routes planned on Syndicate Ave., John St., Shuniah St., Balsam St., Victoria Ave., and Francis St.

Objective: Develop policies that support active transportation.

Indicator:

• Policy/By-law development


• City of Thunder Bay received $39,900 from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to develop a Transportation Demand Management Plan for Thunder Bay.

Objective: Develop community partnerships committed to implement a dynamic and sustainable Active Transportation plan/strategy.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

# of presentations on Active Transportation 2 14 30

# of people reached through presentations 175 560 2954

# of community organizations engaged 8 18 22

Progress Highlights: • Establishment of Safe Cycling Thunder Bay – a community partnership between seven

organizations dedicated to providing cycling education.

• Strong partnerships between Active Transportation Thunder Bay and local organizations have led to new publications, presentations, and workshops.

• City of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit have partnered to cost share on various cycling injury prevention initiatives.


Green Building Goal: To promote community sustainability, develop leadership and economic diversification in our building sector, and greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by encouraging the use of green building strategies, technologies, incentives and regulations to reduce energy consumption, promote conservation, and create safe and healthy places to live, work and play.

Objective: Develop and promote a standard that reflects best practices for all publicly funded buildings, both new construction and retrofits.

Indicator: Development of a sustainable building policy for the City of Thunder Bay.

Progress: The Renovation & Construction Division continues to incorporate sustainable design principles into municipal buildings where possible.

Objective: Achieve long-term savings to the citizens of Thunder Bay through reduced operating and life-cycle costs of municipal and private facilities.

Indicator: Reporting will be on a success by success basis until meaningful local measures are developed.

Progress: Energy upgrades across the Corporation (see energy section).

Objective: Promote the use of best design practices and guidelines for sustainable design and construction practices within the community.

Objective: Share and expand local knowledge and experience between designers, builders, utilities, the public, and consumers through networking and education.

Indicator: Reporting will be on a success-by-success basis until such time that meaningful measures can be established.

Progress:

• Produced brochure for home builders, and one for home-renovators.

• Hosted a Sustainable Communities workshop aimed at developers, planners, and municipal leaders, in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Objective: Foster a focus on the economic development potential of green building materials and products.

Indicator: Reporting will be on a success by success basis until meaningful local measures are developed.

Progress: The Green Building WG has been working to support the development of a replicable year-round greenhouse designed by one of its members.


Energy

Goal: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the wise use of energy, and to promote the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

Objective: Reduce total energy usage by 35% within the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay, and 10% within the community at large, below 2005 levels by 2017.

Objective: Reduce fossil fuel generation by adopting practices that reduce electricity demand during peak periods.

Indicator: 2005 2009 2010 2005vs2010 2009vs2010City of Thunder Bay - kWh of electricity

Buildings 24,349,609 25,310,545 24,237,062* (112,547) (1,073,483)

Traffic, Street, and other outdoor lights 13,327,175 12,666,391 12,830,284 (496,891) 163,893

Water and Wastewater 20,822,415 26,320,070 23,514,514 2,692,099 (2,805,555)

TOTAL ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION 58,499,199 64,297,006 60,581,860 +2,082,661 3.5% increase

-3,715,145

City of Thunder Bay – m3 of Natural gas

Buildings 4,814,845 4,754,679 4,309,405 (505,440) (445,273)

Traffic, Street, and other outdoor lights 2,439 2,149 (290)

Water and Wastewater 327,103** 1,073,705 943,750 616,647 (129,999)

TOTAL NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION 5,141,948 5,830,823 5,255,304 +113,356 2.2% increase

-575,563

City of Thunder Bay – Diesel*** 1,002,089 1,116,514 1,036,114 34,025 (80,400)

City of Thunder Bay - Gasoline 811,143 929,332 1,059,530 248,387 130,198

City of Thunder Bay – Transit Operations (Diesel)

1,681,140 1,818,848 1,823,943 142,803 5,095

City of Thunder Bay – Transit Operations (Gasoline)

18,834 15,855 15,177 (3657) (678)

Average daily residential electricity consumption in kWh

21.2 21.5 est

Average daily ICI electricity consumption in kWh

369.7 340.6 est

* Decommission of buildings include Loch Lomond Water Treatment Plant, Westfort Community Centre and Brodie Street Bus Terminal. ** The 2005 ICLEI report was not inclusive of the natural gas consumption for the water and wastewater facilities

***Diesel consumption does not include Transit operations.


Progress:

• From 2009 to 2010, Corporate facilities and operations successfully reduced the consumption of electricity by 3,715,145 kwh (5.8%) and natural gas by 575,563 m3 (10%).

• Energy and Support Services Division is continuing to work on a Corporate Energy Management Plan, integrating energy efficiency opportunities into facility infrastructure and operational processes. A report will be brought to Council in 2011.

• Energy and Support Services Division is continuing to work with each Division to raise awareness and create a culture of conservation for the wise use of energy within all facilities and operations.

• The Construction and Renovations Services Division undertook an energy audit at the Mountdale Administration Facility and implemented capital improvements recommended in other previous facility audits.

• Continued to work with the AMO-LAS Energy Task Force to advise the Board of Directors of AMO on issues, preferred policy outcomes and advocacy possibilities relevant to energy conservation, local and distributed energy generation, climate change, and related issues.

Energy Efficiencies at City of Thunder Bay Facilities:

The following are a listing of the energy efficient projects and process improvements undertaken within City of Thunder Bay Facilities in 2010 that led to savings in electricity and/or reductions in natural gas consumption.

Corporate Information and Technology Division:

Corporate Facilities

• Implemented the Nightwatchman Program to turn off computers left on at the end of the day. The program also puts monitors into sleep mode if they have not been used at anytime during the day after a one hour period. New energy efficiency servers have also been installed at various locations around the City.

Environment Division:

Water Treatment Plant

• Bare Point Water Treatment Plant implemented process changes through switching to cold/cool water washes of the membrane filtration system to reduce the consumption of natural gas.

• Temperature control changes were implemented at Rockcliff Reservoir and Grenville Dam to reduce consumption of natural gas and electricity.


Wastewater Treatment Plant (WPCP)

• Implementation of HVAC upgrades to reduce building air exchanges when unoccupied.

• Modifications to the BAF (Biological Aerated Filter) boiler system and hot water supply to reduce natural gas consumption.

Facility Services Division – Corporate Facilities:

Archives• Energy efficient lighting upgrades.

• Implementation of new variable volume controls in the Administration Area.

Facility Services Division – Construction & Renovation Services Division – Commercial Properties:

Various Facilities • Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades with implementation of occupancy sensors.

Victoriaville Civic Centre• Installation of new energy efficient boilers.

• Installation of new energy efficient heat pumps.

Whalen Building • Installation of new hot water boilers.

Facility Services Division and Parks Division – Arena and Stadia Operations:

Delaney Arena

• Installation of soft starts on compressor starters and brine pumps to reduce peak demand of electricity.

• Installation of new hot water system to flush (melt) snow in Zamboni Room.

Port Arthur Arena • Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades implemented over ice surface.

Various Facilities • Operational changes to accommodate changes to ice usage at City Arenas.

Parks Division – Fort William Gardens Operations:

Fort William Gardens• Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades

completed by the Fort William Curling Club Operations.

Facility Services Division and Parks Division – Parks Operations:

Trail Lighting • Energy efficient exterior lighting upgrades implemented at various trail lighting areas.

Seasonal Buildings: • Energy efficient exterior wallpack lighting at various seasonal buildings.

Maintenance Building

• Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades implemented in shops and garage.

• Re-commissioning and upgrades to HVAC system.


Facility Services Division – Construction & Renovations Services Division – Recreation & Culture Division - Aquatic Operations & Wellness Operations:

Volunteer Pool

• Replacement of exterior lighting (partial) to induction lighting.

• Redesign and replacement of patio doors.

• Replacement of air conditioning unit with an Energy Star unit.

• Installation of additional humidity controls and new dampers.

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) were upgraded.

Churchill Pool

• Upgrade interior lighting with induction lighting.

• Implementation of liquid pool cover and controls.

• Installation of energy efficient gas heating system - small pool.

Facility Services Division and Construction & Renovation Services Division –Recreation & Culture Division - Canada Games Complex Operations:

Canada Games Complex

• Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades.

• Walk way lighting was upgraded to LED lighting.

• Installation of solenoid system in the whirlpools to allow heated make-up water into the whirlpools when the hydrotherapy pumps are activated.

• Installation of a timer control for the hot water make-up for the men’s and women’s hot tubs.

• Installation of Energy Star & increased energy efficient motors.

• Posters were put up by the shower area asking users to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the time spent in the showers.

• New Energy Star window installation within the office area.

• Energy efficient facility maintenance including replacement of weather stripping.

• Implementation of the liquid pool cover.

• Installation of new hot water boilers with heat recovery from cooling tower.

• Increased insulation from R20 to R42 within the entire natatorium roof.


Facility Services Division – Recreation & Culture Division - Algoma DayCare Operations:

Algoma Daycare

• Installation of three (3) high efficiency furnaces.

• Installation of a hot water on demand system.

• Installation of a new energy efficient commercial fridge.

Facility Services Division and Recreation & Culture Division – Community Centres Operations:

Current River CC• Community Centre Council purchased

energy efficient appliances - refrigerators and ice machine.

John Jumbo CC

• Increased attic insulation from R12 to R40.

• Installation of high efficiency furnace from mid efficient.

• Installation of a hot water on demand system.

North End CC• Increased attic insulation from R12 to R40.

• New Energy Star window installations.

Oliver Rd CC • New Energy Star window installations.

South Neebing CC• Increased attic insulation from R12 to R40.

• Community Centre Council purchased energy efficient appliance - dishwasher.

Thunder Bay Tennis Club • Installation of new energy efficient Energy Star air conditioning units.

Vale CC• Energy efficient interior lighting upgrades.

• New Energy Star window installations.

Vickers Heights CC • New Energy Star window installations.

West Thunder CC • New Energy Star window installations.

Various Facilities

• Upgrade exterior lights to induction lighting at various Community Centres to reduce electricity consumption and the amount of light spilling into residential yards.

• Installed programmable thermostats and implemented programmed setback temperatures at all Community Centres.

Facility Services Division and Construction & Renovations Services Division –Recreation & Culture Division – Thunder Bay 55+ Centre Operations:

Thunder Bay 55+ Centre• Re-commissioning and upgrades to HVAC

system to ensure comfort of users.

• Installation of new heat pumps.


Facility Services Division and Construction & Renovations Services Division –Golf Operations:

Chapples Golf Course

• Implementation of HVAC upgrades.

• Replacement of electrical heating units with two high efficiency gas furnaces.

• Upgraded water heating requirements (replacement of three inefficient water heating tanks with two high efficiency tanks)

Various Facilities • Energy efficient interior lighting.

Facility Services Division – Tourism Division:

Pagoda Tourism Centre• Continue to ensure the temperature of

facility meets the needs of users and building requirements.

Facility Services Division and Animal Services Centre – Animal Services Operations:

Animal Services

• Energy efficient facility maintenance including new door sweeps.

• Installation of programmable thermostats with recalibration to meet users needs.

• Installation of new energy efficient walk-in freezer.

• Adjustment of heat recovery unit to reduce the amount of outside air utilized.

Facility Services Division and Fire Rescue Services – Fire Rescue Services Operations:

Hodder Ave & Junot Ave Fire Station • Installation of on-demand hot water system.

Vickers Fire Station • Installation of new windows on the north side.

Various Fire Stations

• Installation of motion and occupancy lighting sensors.

• Installation of heater controls and set back thermostats for the apparatus floor.

• Energy efficient interior lighting for the apparatus area and station living quarters.

• Energy efficient exterior lighting upgrades at all Fire Stations including some automatic sensors.

• Upgrading of exit lighting to LED lights.

Facility Services Division – Landfill Operations:

Solid Waste and Recycling Facility

• Installation of variable speed drives on boiler heating loops.

• Adjustment of BAS to align with operational needs.


Facility Services Division – Construction & Renovations Services Division – Police Services:

Balmoral St Police Station

• Installation of energy efficient boiler.

• Installation of programmable thermostats.

• Energy efficient facility maintenance including new weather stripping on main and overhead doors.

• Installation of occupancy sensors in single staff washrooms.

• Replacement of new energy efficient heat pumps.

Facility Services Division – Construction & Renovations Services Division - Public Works Yards:

North Operations Yard • Replacement of new make-up air handling.

North and South Operations Yards

• Energy efficient facility maintenance including new door sweeps and overhead door seals.

• Replacement of faulty thermostats.

• Installation of programmable thermostats.

Facility Services Division and Transit Division – Transit Operations:

Fort William Rd Transit

• Re-commissioning and upgrades to HVAC systems over office area.

• Installation of new booster heaters in control area.

Water St Terminal • Upgrades including set back thermostats and occupancy sensors.

Parking Authority:

Various Facilities• Reduced energy consumption at various

sites by tailoring lighting requirements to hours of operation.

Roads Division – Streetlighting:

Streetlighting• Continued research into streetlighting

LED technology to decrease energy consumption.


Superior North EMS (SNEMS):

Various Facilities

• Implemented seasonal temperature control policy at all EMS facilities to reduce energy consumption.

• Replaced weather stripping and door stops to minimize heat loss.

• Continuing to work with staff to reduce phantom load.

• Replacement of older fixtures with energy efficient ones, lights, heater, etc.

Fleet Services Division:

Corporate Vehicles

• Replaced standard diesel usage with B5 blend for all diesel used in 2010.

• Reduced tailpipe emissions by 90% by replacing 28 old diesel engine trucks and pieces of off road equipment.

• Replaced 30 gasoline powered vehicles with more fuel efficient vehicles.

• Continued to recycle used tires, waste motor oil and filters, plastic fluid containers, waste vehicle fluids, cardboard packaging and waste metals.

• Reduced carbon footprint by using re-tread tires for heavy trucks, instead of purchasing new tires.

Objective: Encourage the development and use of renewable energy technologies.

Indicator: % energy supplied by clean/renewable energy sources

Progress:

• Water Pollution Control Plant commissioned the cogeneration facility. This biogas project will generate approximately 10,000 kw/day, allowing the plant to offset energy needs.

• Methane Capture and power generation at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility was commissioned in 2010.

• Waddington Park Washrooms were constructed in 2010 using a solar hot water heating system and solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity. This facility is completely self sustaining and functions off the grid!

• Strategic Partnership between the City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Hydro to maximize solar energy opportunities at potential City Facilities.


LANDS & WATER

Community Greening

Goal: To protect, improve and maintain the biodiversity, ecosystems and the well-being of the urban and rural ecology of Thunder Bay.

Objective: Develop, implement, and provide sustained funding for a comprehensive Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) that integrates people, the environment, trees and their continual change and interaction with each other.

Indicator: Development of an UFMP.

Progress: The development of a UFMP began upon receiving support from City Council in 2010.

Indicator: Review policies related to the tree-planting component of roadwork

Progress: • Began discussion with the Transportation and Works Department regarding

roadwork standards.

Objective: Use best management practices to develop and maintain an inventory of trees.

Indicator: Tree inventory is developed, and annually updated.

Progress: • Trees planted through the Tree Stewardship Program have been added to the City

inventory database.

• Improvements to update the tree inventory with 2010 records were made possible by a Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporate grant and a partnership with Lakehead University.

Indicator: Identify and protect heritage trees, and protect and enhance the survival rate of existing trees.

Progress: • The launch of the new “Notable Tree Program” began the process of recognizing

trees that are of cultural, historical or biological importance within the City of Thunder Bay.

• Development of a “Citizen Pruner Program” progressed and was made available to the public. The program trains members of the public to properly prune City trees to enhance the to enhance the survival rate, and improve the quality of, existing trees.

• ‘Planning for Emerald Ash Borer in Northwestern Ontario’ workshops were held in Thunder Bay in November to begin planning for the eventual arrival of this destructive invasive species.


Objective: Increase green space within the community.

Indicator: Sustained funding for the coordination of the Tree Stewardship Program.

Progress: The creation of an Urban Forest Program Specialist position was approved by City Council to provide sustained funding to coordinate the Tree Stewardship Program and the Commemorative Tree and Bench Program, the Citizen Pruner Program, the Notable Tree Program and Arbor Day.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

# trees planted annually vs. removals n/a -109 34

# trees planted through the tree stewardship program 83 97 59

% of municipality dedicated to parkland 5.1 5.1 5.1

Progress:

• City of Thunder Bay tree removals vs. tree planting resulted in a net gain of 34 trees.

• There were an estimated 7050 seedlings planted by the community in 2010. Four-hundred and fifty of those were planted on Arbor Day near Boulevard Lake, 1600 were planted by the Thunder Bay Stewardship Council, and 5000 were planted throughout the year by the Boy Scouts.

• The Tree Stewardship Program saw an increase of nearly $7000 in support funds to cover the 1/3 commitment needed to sustain the program.

• Members of the Community Greening Working Group attended the Provincial Policy Statement review and provided input regarding protecting forested land and green infrastructure protection.

Objective: Creation of a Biodiversity Action Plan that includes aquatics and wetlands.

Indicator: Increase community awareness and support for the protection and enhancement of the biodiversity and ecology of the Urban forest, waterways and corridors.

Progress: Increased community awareness and support of green infrastructure through the new Thunder Bay Trees Blog, trade show booths, the Go Green Expo, Rutter Urban Forestry monthly newspaper articles, review of City’s ‘Trees’ web page and through other partnerships.

Indicator: Restore and protect significant areas identified through the Plan

Progress: Preparation for the review of the City’s Official Plan to improve upon, and implement, the creation of a biodiversity action plan as included in the last official Plan.


Water

Goal: Engage various stakeholders to protect the integrity of the local watershed and maintain a safe and reliable supply of potable water now and in the future.

Objective: Build watershed partnerships and work in collaboration with various stakeholders and local citizens on local water issues.

Indicator: Continued collaboration with community groups and stakeholders.

Progress:• The Environment Division continues to collaborate with external environmental groups.

There is a representative on the Lake Superior Binational Forum, a binational focus group that discusses lake-wide issues. The Environment Division also has an active member on the Source Water Protection Committee and the Remedial Action Plan Advisor Committee.

• The EarthWise Water Working Group, made up of stakeholders from water agencies, across Thunder Bay, and the community, continues to work towards the development of a comprehensive stormwater management plan, as well as to raise awareness about alternative methods of stormwater management.

Indicator: The development and implementation of a comprehensive stormwater management plan, including increased community awareness and support for alternative methods of stormwater management.

Progress:• The EarthWise Water Working Group, made up of stakeholders from water agencies

across Thunder Bay, and the community, continues to work towards the development of a comprehensive stormwater management plan, and to raise awareness about alternative methods of stormwater management.

Objective: Create and support education and awareness programs for stakeholders and local citizens that promote stewardship of the local watersheds, with a focus on areas of public concern.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

Ultra low-flush toilet rebates (residential) 239 350 200

Ultra low-flush toilet rebates (IC&I) 114 17 n/a

Progress: • Presentations by EcoSuperior on “Wise Water Use” were provided to over 1,300 elementary

students.

• The Environment Division contracted EcoSuperior to launch a “Back to the Tap Campaign” to promote use of the municipal drinking water supply. A Back to the Tap Taste Test challenge held at Lakehead University resulted in over 87% of participants favoring tap water over bottled water.

• The portable Water Bar was staffed by EcoSuperior at fifteen different public events. The water bar provides municipal drinking water to those carrying refillable water bottles.

• A demonstration Xeriscape garden, which requires less watering, was established at Central


Natural Environment Gardens.

• The Environment Division continues to promote tours of the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant and Atlantic Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. In 2010, over 400 people toured each facility.

• The Go Green Expo, held in September, featured workshops on building a rain-garden, and wise water-use gardening.

• Lakehead University and the North Shore Remedial Action Plan continue to work in collaboration with the EarthWise Water Working Group to study the effects of stormwater on local water bodies.

• Sold a total of 849 rain barrels with rebates from the City water program. EcoSuperior also sold another 422 rain barrels without rebates.

• EcoSuperior provided 30 Waterwise Home Gardening visits, funded by the City of Thunder Bay.

Objective: Promote best water management practices.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Litres of treated water per capita per day (residential & ICI sectors) 442 407 400

Progress: • Eliminated approximately 20,000 kilograms of Chlorine used for disinfection at the Atlantic

Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant through the use of Ultraviolet Light.

• The City of Thunder Bay has contracted EcoSuperior to deliver water conservation programs to both the residential and IC&I sectors. Programs include toilet rebates, rain barrels, and promotional materials such as low-flow shower heads, faucet kits and shower timers.

• A new water rate structure was endorsed by City Council and implemented in 2010, supporting a sustainable water system.

• The City of Thunder Bay Environment Division Water Authority was one of the first ten Municipalities across Ontario to receive a License, Drinking Water Works Permit and Accreditation of the Water Authority.

Objective: Review water-related projects and initiatives and identify the need for new projects and/or studies.

Progress:• The EarthWise Water Working Group is working in collaboration with the City’s Central

Support Division to develop a water resource website for the City of Thunder Bay. The purpose of this project is to generate the capacity to identify gaps in water management, facilitate and initiate collaboration between stakeholders, and develop a community interface to provide information to stakeholders and local citizens on water resources. Funding for this project was provided by the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant.

kjohansen

Sticky Note

Please insert the value "391" as the number of litres of treated water per capita per day (resident & ICI sectors) under the 2010 column. Based on: 15,577 million litres treated in 2010 365 days in a year 109,140 population of Thunder Bay


Objective: Promote projects and/or studies that generate useful information to protect the integrity of the local watershed and make all relevant information available to stakeholders and local citizens.

Indicator: Accessibility of data.

Progress:• A Pilot Plant at the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant was installed and commissioned in

2010.

• The City of Thunder Bay continues to take the lead on studies relating to Source Water Protection at the Bare Point intake.

• The Environment Division participates in the Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative Water and Wastewater Expert Panel sharing practice, policies and development of Best Practices to improve operating performance – including reducing the carbon footprint of water and wastewater operations.

• The EarthWise Water Working Group was represented, in partnership with Lakehead University and provincial counterparts, at the 4th International Conference on Natural Channel Systems and presented a poster on Building Capacity for Stream Naturalization: A Case Study of Thunder Bay, ON.

Land Use

Goal: To promote land use and development which feature healthy, sustainable communities that make wise use of existing resources; and to ensure that municipal policies, programs and regulations are thereby supportive.

Objective: Protect, enhance, and showcase cultural heritage and ecological features.

Indicator: • Identify, define, and inventory natural features within City as recommended in the City of

Thunder Bay Official Plan (OP) 2.1(a) and 2.4.

Progress: • None.

Objective: Champion Smart Growth focusing on best design practices and guidelines for sustainable design.

Indicator: • Creation of an interdisciplinary team of City Staff and Administrators to lead the review of

the Official Plan, including staff from all departments.

Progress: • 2010 saw greater integration between City Divisions in the approach to reviewing planning

and development applications.

• EarthWise Working Groups are preparing to participate in the the Official Plan review in 2011.


Objective: Encourage the sharing of local knowledge and experiences between designers, builders, utilities, and cultural groups through partnerships.

Indicator:Creation and implementation of and Environmental and/or Cultural Advisory Committee to Council.

Progress: • EarthWise, in partnership with the Planning Division and CMHC hosted a Workshop on

planning for sustainable communities.

• EarthWise and the Planning Division participated in World Town Planning Day, in partnership with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and a variety of community stakeholders.

• EarthWise participated in the development of the Cultural Plan.

Objective: Curb Thunder Bay’s urban sprawl to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Indicator: • Establish Settlement Areas and direct growth within those boundaries in accordance with

the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).

Progress: EarthWise Working Groups participated in the review of the Zoning Bylaw and made recommendations that support the objectives of the EarthWise CEAP, and the reduction of urban sprawl.


HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Air qualityGoal: To improve outdoor and indoor air quality by reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective: Educate the community about the impacts of air pollution, and how to reduce personal contributions to air emissions.

Indicator: • Reporting will be on a success by success basis until meaningful local measures are

developed.

Progress: • The City purchased a new paint truck and switched to the use of water-based paint which

eliminated toluene, an aromatic hydrocarbon.

Objective: Assess and report on local air quality.

Objective: Improve air quality locally by adopting reduction targets, and activities tailored by sector (Residential, Municipal, Industrial, Commercial, Institutional)

Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) of Ontario Annual Reports, and daily air quality readings.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Moderate Air Quality days (AQI)* 16 8 15 13

* AQI includes the following categories: Very good, good, moderate, poor, very poor – TBay has no poor or very poor days.

Progress: • Facilities and Fleet continues to implement the Green Fleet Plan with up to 90% reductions

in smog and particulate emissions at the tailpipe for each replaced vehicle.

Objective: Ensure that the importance of air quality in Northwestern Ontario is made clear to those wishing to do business in the area. While it is critical to be ‘open for business,’ it can’t be at the cost of human health and the environment.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

# of noise complaints to local authorities (CTB stats) 14 21 N/A*

Progress: • All noise complaints received by the City of Thunder Bay Licensing and Enforcement

Division were resolved.*


Food To build a more just and sustainable local food system in Thunder Bay that promotes social justice and supports local production, storage, processing, sale and distribution of food.

Objective: Use the Thunder Bay Food Charter to guide related decision-making and policy development within the city.


developed.

Progress:• The Thunder Bay Food Charter was adopted by City Council in May 2008, and endorsed by

both school boards.

• The Food Action Network received a SPARK advocacy grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation to support policy work in schools. A meeting was held with school stakeholders from all boards in November, 2010 to establish priorities and working groups to begin implementing the food charter in schools.

• The City of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit held a joint workshop on November 8 for World Town Planning Day allowing the Food Action Network to raise awareness of the Food Charter, and our local food system. Recommendations from the day included three ideas to move forward: 1) a follow-up Agricultural Capacity Study, 2) a Food Policy Council and 3) a Food Strategy.

Objective: Increase the amount of food grown, hunted, gathered, processed, and consumed locally.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

# of events that promote local foods 13 16 16

# of participants at “Eat Local” Workshops 350 400 425

Progress:• The Food Action Network (FAN) held a 3-day conference in March, called Northern Food

Connections that attracted over 120 participants and included 12 local speakers and 3 speakers from Minnesota, Waterloo and Toronto.

• FAN produced an updated version of their “Get Fresh Guide” which included restaurants and caterers meeting criteria related to sourcing local food.

• FAN continues to engage local residents through their Get Fresh Campaign, including workshops to increase the knowledge and skills necessary to access more local food. FAN held ten workshops in 2010.

• The Food Security Research Network undertook a number of projects including the Northern Co-op, Blueberry Project, CSA network, Community Service Learning projects, and the Annual Food Forum.

• The Gleaning Program, run for the first time in 2010 through the RFDA, allows participants to pick for free at local farms after the main harvest. In 2010 there were a total of eight trips to four local farms. A total of 600 litres of strawberries, 90 litres of raspberries, 150 litres of cucumbers, 300 litres of peas and 500 litres of beans, 100 lbs corn, 700 lbs of potatoes, 245 L of other vegetables, with a total value of $6000 were harvested. Approximately


1005 people directly and indirectly benefited from this program, including the 280 trip participants.

• The Ministry of Natural resources held one wild game and fish distribution, reaching 100 people in 2010. This is down from two years before due to provincial cut-backs resulting in less meat confiscated and available for distribution.

Objective: Reduce the transportation requirements and environmental impacts of the food system.

Indicator: Increase in availability and demand for local food.

Progress:• See last objective.

• Opening of the City’s first local food co-operative True North Co-op on Bay Street, and first on-line Superior Season’s Market to assist individual consumers and restaurants in procuring local food.

Objective: Develop an integrated food waste management system that minimizes the environmental impacts of food production and consumption.

Indicator: Reporting will be on a success by success basis until meaningful local measures aredeveloped.

Progress: None.

Objective: Support and develop sustainable energy initiatives for local food production and processing industries.

Indicator: Reporting will be on a success by success basis until meaningful local measures aredeveloped.

Progress: None.

Objective: Integrate social justice and health concerns into environmental planning and policies in order to create a food system that is just, and therefore truly sustainable.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

% annual change in food bank usage (OAFB Data Sept07-Sept09) +28.5 +46 32

Cost per month of a Nutritious Food Basket in our district in $ for a family of four (TBDHU data) 679.85 705.47 182.44

# of community gardens 5 6 6

Progress:• The Community Garden Policy for the City of Thunder Bay was approved in May 2010.

• The Food Action Network partnered with the newly formed Poverty Free Thunder Bay to hold a news conference in support of income advocacy. The TBDHU Board of Health sent a letter to the Government advocating for a review of social assistance to ensure an adequate


income for a healthy diet based on the Nutritious Food Basket survey results.

• Participated in Poverty related meetings/forums.

Waste Goal: Adopt a goal of Zero Waste to secure the environmental health of the Thunder Bay region, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving and protecting our natural resources, and creating employment opportunities as a sustainable community.

Objective: Develop and implement a long-range comprehensive, Integrated Waste Management Master Plan adhering to Zero Waste principles.

Indicator: • Development of an Integrated Waste Management Master Plan; dedicated staff

Progress: • None to date, although we continue to participate in provincial waste minimization

programs.

• Legislation is currently under review pertaining to waste management in the province of Ontario.

Objective: Increase the reduction and diversion of hazardous waste.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Amount diverted through the HHW Depot in Metric Tonnes 178 157 165 276

Progress: • New Household Hazardous Waste brochure developed to increase awareness of safe

disposal

• Facilities Services continues to manage designated substances, the Corporate ESA program, and promote recycling of lamps, batteries, and various liquids.

• Take-back programs by businesses in the community.

Objective: Expand on leaf and yard waste collection and other composting initiatives.

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Organic waste diverted from landfill through City programs (IC&I Sector) in Metric Tonnes

1,625 1,387 922 1093

Organic waste diverted from landfill through City programs (Residential Sector) in Metric Tonnes)

941 900 1181 1384

% of population who compost at home (IPSOS Reid, 2009) - - 51% -

Progress: • Annual Christmas Tree Chipping program, Put Jack in the Box pumpkin collection, and bi-

annual curbside leaf and yard waste collection.

• Subsidized backyard home-composters for sale at EcoSuperior.


• Year round drop off of leaf and yard waste at landfill site composting area.

Objective: Increase waste reduction and diversion in the residential sector

Indicator: 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total residential waste generated in Metric Tonnes 48,100 50,500 50,100 52,800

Total residential waste diverted in Metric Tonnes 12,800 13,900 15,300 16,500

% of residential solid waste diverted from landfill 27% 28% 30% 31%

Progress: • The new Solid Waste and Recycling Facility is open. The facility is designed to optimize the

management of solid waste and emphasize recycling.

• Ongoing comprehensive social marketing campaign aimed at promoting waste diversion and recycling initiatives within the community.

Objective: Reduce littering in Thunder Bay through a preventative approach with an emphasis on public education and incorporate recycling/litter prevention opportunities for people at play and away from home.


developed.

Progress:• Ongoing EcoSuperior Program promoting this initiative

• Twin recycling and waste receptacles distributed throughout the City through a partnership between Litter Free Thunder Bay and the City of Thunder Bay.

• Ongoing Community Services 5 year recycling strategy

Objective: Work with large and small IC&I waste generators to develop and implement waste reduction/diversion strategies.


developed.

Progress: • The Roads Division partnered with ZWAT to assist in hosting their 3Rs Workshop

• Ongoing support for the IC&I sector through various community partnerships.


Objective: Develop and promote green procurement capacity within Thunder Bay by adopting sustainable environmental and ethical purchasing policies (SEEPP).


developed.

Progress: • Beginning in the fall of 2009, at least 5% of RFP weighted criteria has been allocated to

“Demonstrated Environmental Stewardship – environmental friendliness of the product or service and/or unique environmental initiative(s) the company has undertaken.”

• Draft Sustainable Environmental Ethical Purchasing Policy prepared by Materials Management Division.

• Biodegradable dishes and cutlery are available for internal functions through the City Stores.


COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY

Education Goal: The citizenry of Thunder Bay and region adopt behaviours necessary to maintain a healthy ecological relationship between human activity and the environmental resources upon which it depends.

Objective: Coordinate environmental initiatives within the City of Thunder Bay and region.

Indicator: • Reporting is on a success-by-success basis.

Progress:• Hosted the Go Green Expo at the CLE grounds, with a tradeshow, tours, workshops and a

keynote speaker, reaching 1300 attendees.

• Education Working Group meetings provide an opportunity for volunteers to network, share updates and resources, and support each other on environmental initiatives.

Objective: Remove barriers to the adoption of sustainable behaviours.

Indicator: • Policy change. Community-based social marketing programs.

Progress: • Adoption of a Community Garden Policy that removes common barriers to a successful

community garden by providing infrastructure support (rototilling, fertilizing, and water-delivery).

• Proposed policy to discontinue the sale of bottled water in municipal facilities with easy access to municipal water. The proposal was not adopted by Council, however, the discontinued use and provision of bottled water internally was approved.

• Lakehead Public School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board continue to green their curriculum where possible.

Objective: Develop a culture of ecological consciousness.

Indicator: 2008 2009 2010

# of presentations, displays, interviews, workshops 40 30 25

# of people reached, estimated 2000+ 600+ 1800+

Progress:• The inaugural Go Green Expo was held, and planning for the 2011 event has begun.

• Planning for “Climate Idols,” an educational project that partners Thunder Bay with sister-city Duluth, MN, and their sister-city, Vaxjo SE. Recruitment for the four local climate idol families took place in the fall of 2010.


• The CEAP Coordinator gave 25 separate presentations, workshops, interviews, and display set-ups during 2010.

• Enviro-tips are written by the CEAP Coordinator and shared across the community.

• EarthWise supported the Sustainable Communities in the North Conference at Lakehead University – February 2010.

• EarthWise worked with Leadership Thunder Bay to add an Environment Day to their annual Curriculum.

• IPSOS Reid Poll results released.

• Participated in the Terrace Bay Green Tradeshow, making connections regionally.

• The CEAP Coordinator hosted a High School Co-op student for a semester.

Economy

Goal: To identify and promote sustainable economic opportunities to the public and private sectors, and to assist in the update and implementation of the economic aspects of the EarthWise Thunder Bay Community Environmental Action Plan.

Progress: • The Economic Working Group began a strategic planning exercise in the fall of 2010.

• ReNew Thunder Bay commitment to Green infrastructure fund

• Duluth Sister Cities Delegation focused on EarthWise and opportunities for partnerships.

• Facility and Fleet won the Chamber of Commerce Environmental Stewardship Award

A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 0

EarthWise Thunder BayTransportation & Works Department – Environment DivisionVictoriaville Civic Centre111 Syndicate Ave. S.PO Box 800Thunder Bay, ONP7C 5K4

p (807) 625-2411f (807) 625-3588


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