Grimsby Green Advisory Committee

Resolved that the July 17, 2024 Grimsby Green Committee agenda be approved.

Resolved that the Grimsby Green Committee minutes of June 19, 2024 be received.

Whereas 68% of Canadian businesses or organizations have a full-time sustainability position; and Whereas more than 80 Ontario municipalities have declared a Climate emergency including Niagara Region and Grimsby. Niagara Region has also declared Sustainability as a regional priority; and Whereas more than 35 municipalities in ON have dedicated sustainability staff; and Whereas Sustainability is an established professional position with a pool of experienced, qualified individuals; and Whereas there are 3 sustainability positions currently in the Niagara Region; and Whereas grants are available for salaries dedicated to Climate Change and Sustainability; and Whereas Green Bonds are a tool available to municipalities to raise funds for climate adaptive infrastructure; and Whereas every dollar spent on adaptation and resiliency saves $13-$15, including both direct and indirect economy-wide benefits including jobs, improved productivity and community well being; and Whereas municipalities are estimated to be responsible for generating 3- 7% of GHG directly and 50% of GHG emissions indirectly via land and energy use; and Whereas the Ontario Community Environment Fund (2023) offers funding for environment projects (such as tree planting); the Ontario Climate Adaptation Fund (2026) provides municipalities with funding for adaptation projects, the Canadian Government $503M Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Fund supports municipalities’ adaptation projects; and Whereas investme

Resolved that the Green Committee's report to Council be

Whereas the Town of Grimsby’s motto is “Friendly By Nature” and protecting and promoting our natural environment is a strategic priority of this Council; and Whereas the Province of Ontario has stated through it’s 2012 Invasive Species Strategic Plan Executive Summary “invasive species are a growing environmental and economic threat to Ontario. Invasive species are defined as harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health. Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to control and eradicate, and their ecological effects are often irreversible;” and Whereas invasive species represent the second most significant cause of species extinction worldwide, after habitat loss; and Whereas our community residents are concerned on the impacts of Invasive species as witnessed at the Grimsby Green Advisory Committee booth during the Happening in Grimsby event; and Whereas invasive plants impact the recreational, ecological and economic values of our natural environment; and Whereas when invasive species are introduced to urban environments, they impact infrastructure, urban ecosystems, the economy, and community well- being; and Whereas Invasive Species, Plants & Pathogens such as Spotted Lanternfly and Oak Wilt pose an immediate risk and will have a devastating impact on our farming community for local tender-fruit crops, vineyards, natural areas and local eco-systems; and Whereas the

Whereas spring and storm surge run-off of Grimsby’s creeks and tributaries can present flooding hazards above and below the escarpment; and Whereas private investment (arable farmland, residences) and public investment (Coronation Park, Forty Mile Creek Park, bridge infrastructure) are at risk of erosion damage during spring and storm surge; and Whereas run-off from creeks and tributaries adds silt and pollutants to the lake, (our drinking water supply); and Whereas natural assets like marshes and trees have proven to be effective at soil retention, water absorption, and protecting creek banks from erosion; and Whereas naturalized areas have proven to capture carbon, filter air and water, and increase biodiversity; and Whereas naturalized watercourses provide natural corridors for fauna; and Whereas projects in neighbouring municipalities have successfully naturalized headwaters with ponds and marshes to mitigate flood damage downstream, (i.e., Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Program); and Whereas ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) projects rewards and encourages farmers along waterways to naturalize acreage adjacent to creeks and streams; and Whereas ALUS projects show benefit to the farm owner and those living downstream; and Whereas the Federation of Canadian Municipalities estimates that for every dollar spent mitigating damage now saves five that will have to be spent in the future. Therefore be it resolved that the Green Committee request the NPCA to p