Grimsby Green Advisory Committee

Resolved that the agenda for the August 16th, 2023 Grimsby Green Advisory Committee be approved.

Resolved that the minutes from the July 19th, 2023 Grimsby Green Advisory Committee be received.

Resolved that the Presentation from the Public Works Department be received.

Whereas climate change is a threat to the citizens of the Town of Grimsby; and Whereas climate change is a threat to the natural environment; and Whereas climate change is a threat to agriculture and the built environment; and Whereas Canada and 194 other nations signed the Paris Climate Accord in 2015; and Whereas the United Nations and many other scientific agencies report that human activity is the main cause of global climate change; and Whereas the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently pleaded for immediate radical action on climate change, saying that record-shattering July temperatures show Earth has passed from a warming phase into an era of global boiling; and Whereas the First Nations leaders from across Canada passed a resolution declaring a global climate emergency at the Assembly of First Nations, representing 634 First Nations across Canada; and Whereas 650 Canadian Municipalities have already declared a Climate Emergency; and Whereas smoke from wildfires in Canada is affecting the air quality of Grimsby; and Whereas the Town of Grimsby can take action, needs to take immediate action and act as a leader to the residents and businesses of Grimsby; and Whereas immediate action is needed to develop climate risk mitigation and climate risk adaptation strategies, policies, and procedures; and Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Grimsby declares a climate emergency and recognizes the need to take immediate action that will contribute to the

Whereas the butternut tree at 15 Fair Ave. in Grimsby Beach is recognized to be on Environment Canada’s endangered species list of trees; and Whereas the Butternut is classified as an endangered species under the Ontario Endangered Species Act (ESA 2007) which states that it is illegal to harm or kill a naturally occurring Butternut tree without a Butternut Health Assessment; and Whereas this tree is estimated to be over 150 years old and therefore, likely to be pure in species, rather than a hybrid species of Juglans cinerea; and Whereas this tree has been a significant natural asset to the community, shading a large area for decades thereby mitigating temperature in the immediate vicinity while capturing climate alternating carbon from the atmosphere; and Whereas its present condition shows significant deadwood limbs overhanging the homes at 11, 13,15, and 17 Fair Ave posing a threat to residents; and Whereas much if not all of this tree is situated on Municipal property; and Whereas the Town of Grimsby can take action to mitigate the risk to residents while at the same time make an attempt to preserve an important part of our natural heritage, Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Grimsby conduct a Butternut Health Inspection, determine the genealogical study to determine its genotype by sending a sample to Guelph University for identification, carry out the maintenance required to minimize the risk to surrounding residents and their property and to seek out services t