HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-12 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
July 12, 2010
9:00 a.m.
Blaney Room, 1St Floor, Municipal Hall
The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and
other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at
this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to
Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more
information or clarification.
REMINDERS
July 13, 2010
Council Meeting
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2. MINUTES - July 5, 2010
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
7:00 p.m,
3.1 Mr. Randy Kamp, MP - Pitt Meadows -Maple Ridge -Mission
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 E3 Fleet Program Update
Staff report dated July 6, 2010 providing an update on the District's E3 Fleet
Program and initiatives.
4.2 Major Industry Class Property Taxation
Staff report dated July 7, 2010 providing information on the District's Major
Industry Class Property Taxation.
4.3 Housing Accessibility Update
Verbal update by the Manager of Inspection Services
Council Workshop
July 12, 2010
Page 2 of 3
4.4 Animal Services Council Update
Verbal update by the Bylaws Supervisor
4.5 Metro Vancouver Draft Solid Waste Management Plan
Staff report dated July 8, 2010 recommending that a plan that includes an in -
region mass burn incineration facility not be supported, that existing successful
multi -drop recycling centers be investigated and expansion considered and that
municipalities be allowed an appropriate time to address financial implications
resulting from the Solid Waste Management Plan.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is
seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include:
a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be
taken.
b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter.
c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion.
d) Other.
Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent.
5.1 Pension Reform - New Westminster & District Labour Council
E-mail dated June 18, 2010 from Carolyn Rice, Secretary -Treasurer, New
Westminster & District Labour Council requesting support for the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities resolution and four point plan to expand and improve
Canada's pension system.
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
8. ADJOURNMENT
Checked by:
Date: 1 L'
Council Workshop
July 12, 2010
Page 3 of 3
Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting
A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered.relates to one
or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as
an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or
honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity;
(c) labour relations or employee negotiations;
(d) the security of property of the municipality;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that
disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the
conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
(h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality,
other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council
(i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor -client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose;
0) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited
from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at
their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the
interests of the municipality if they were held in public;
(1) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and
progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal
report]
(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting;
(n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of
subsection (2)
(o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings)
should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
(p) information relating to local government participation_ in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where
an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential.
i
Deep Roots
Greater Heights
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
District of Maple Ridge
His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin
and Members of Council
Chief Administrative Officer
E3 Fleet Program Update
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
DATE:
July 6, 2010
FILE NO:
OPS100706
ATTN:
Workshop
The District of Maple Ridge was one of the first municipalities to embrace the E3 Fleet Program. As a
Charter Member of the Fraser Basin Council's E3 (Energy, Environment, Excellence) Fleet program,
we have access to tools and resources that enable the municipality to reduce fuel costs and
emissions through excellence in fleet management.
The E3 Fleet Program recognizes achievements in green fleet performance through a rating system,
the first of its kind for fleet in North America. The system includes a Green Rating Guide, a points
system for determining how green a fleet is, a third party fleet audit, and an overall rating of Bronze,
Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The program is based on continuous improvement. Our initial baseline
submission was made to the E3 Fleet Program in 2008 following which we received a detailed
review with recommendations from the Fraser Basin Council.
The E3 Fleet Program currently has a District of Maple Ridge staff member collecting data on
municipal vehicles and is populating the E3 Data base for an updated submission and rating by the
Fraser Basin Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
That this report be received for information.
E3 INITIATIVES:
Fuel efficient driving.
In 2010, driver education was conducted with Air Care trainers who reviewed driving techniques,
unnecessary weight of vehicles, tire efficiency, and the whole driving cycle. Awareness of emissions
and fuel consumption is the first approach to fuel efficient driving.
4o l
Anti -Idling.
The basic idea of turning a vehicle off when it is not in use is expressed as anti -idling. The benefits
are instantaneous with improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and significant fuel
savings. Driver awareness is the first approach to anti -idling. We have held two information
sessions with drivers and posted anti -idling signage at key municipal locations.
Efficiency:
In 2010 the fleet utilized a nitrogen tire inflator. A total of 36 tires on 9 vehicles were re -inflated with
nitrogen for a predicted improvement by reduction in rolling resistance for an improvement of 3%
fuel savings and up to a 25% increase in tire lifespan. After the trial period and cost benefit analysis,
a unit may be purchased, at which time nitrogen would be introduced into every fleet vehicle tire.
Diesel Fuel:
In 2006 the District of Maple Ridge began purchasing Low Sulphur diesel fuel. The use of this type of
fuel achieves lower emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines.
In 2010 the District of Maple Ridge began purchasing B5 Bio-diesel fuel. B5 designates that 5% of
the diesel fuel is derived from a biomass source. Bio-diesel typically has low to no sulphur which
reduces particulate emissions.
New Vehicles:
E3 Fleet Review identified 17 units with higher than average fuel consumption for vehicles within our
fleet. Systematic replacement of fleet vehicles takes advantage of improving engine emission
standards. Most of these vehicles have been replaced. For instance, the Road Sweeper and
Tandem Dump Trucks were noted as the highest greenhouse gas producers and will be replaced by
the end of 2010. There will be a measurable increase in fuel efficiency and reduction in greenhouse
gas and particulate discharge as a result of the new vehicles.
Hybrid Vehicles
Fleet purchases in 2006 added the first twelve Hybrid vehicles to our fleet. In 2007 two hybrid
vehicle were added; in 2008 four hybrid vehicle were added; in 2009 four hybrid vehicle were added
and in 2010 five hybrid vehicle were ordered. By year end there will be a total of twenty-seven
Hybrid vehicles out of a total of 40 small transportation vehicles in the Maple Ridge Municipal Fleet.
We are proud to say it is now more common to see a hybrid vehicle with Municipal Decals than any
other type of transportation vehicle. Since the first hybrid units were purchased in 2006 until the
end of 2009, the District has saved 48,600 lites of fuel and eliminated 115 tonnes of greenhouse
gas emissions (CO2) as a result of utilizing hybrid vehicles in the fleet.
CONCLUSION
Reducing fuel consumption and particulate/greenhouse gas discharge, reduces costs and is
beneficial to the environment. Continuous improvement is being measured and documented and
the E3 Database is being compiled for submission and rating to the Fraser Basin Council's E3
(Energy, Environment, Excellence) Fleet program.
Additional information on the E3 program and other initiatives aimed at reducing our impact on the
environment can be viewed on our online corporate reporting tool, "See -It". See -It can be accessed
through the Maple Ridge website by clicking on Municipal Hall —> How Are We Doing?.
Prepared by: Russ Carmichael AScT, Eng.L
Director of Engineering Operations
Approved by. Funk Quinn, MBA, P.Eng
V/1'eneral Manager Public Works and Development Services
r
Concurrer4e: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
MAPLE RIDGE
Deep Roots
Greater Heights
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
District of Maple Ridge
His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin
and Members of Council
Chief Administrative Officer
Major Industry Class Property Taxation
DATE: July 7, 2010
FILE NO:
ATTN: Council Workshop
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Finance Department provides Council with regular reports on property assessments and
taxation. This information allows Council to see how our tax policies compare to those of other
municipalities in our area. In recent weeks, Council received reports on the tax rates that we charge
the Residential and Business classes. The reports concluded that overall, the rates that we charge
against these classes are quite reasonable.
In March of 2008, Council was presented with an overview of the Major Industry Class 4 property
class which indicated that the property tax burden against this class was quite high. Municipal
Council decided to take steps to deal with this inequity by transferring some of the tax burden to the
Residential class. In 2009, the tax rate to the Major Industry class was reduced by 5%, and in 2010,
Council directed that this class receive a further reduction of 5%. While this signifies a significant
decrease to the Major Industry class, it represents a much smaller increase (1/6th of 1%) to the
Residential class.
The purpose of this report is to see how our Major Industry tax rate now compares to other
municipalities in our area, and to see if a further shift is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive for information.
DISCUSSION:
In Maple Ridge, there are two properties (folio numbers) that are classed as Major Industry Class 4,
and they are owned by International Forest Products Ltd (InterFor). Figure 1 illustrates year to year
changes in assessed values, municipal tax rates, and municipal tax rate multiples for this class in
Maple Ridge.
The District's taxation policy ensures that changes in assessed values due to market causes do not
give rise to changes in tax levies within property classes. For example if assessed values in one class
rise 15%, the municipal tax rate for that class is reduced by 15%, making the market change
revenue -neutral. Not all taxing jurisdictions apply this policy.
As is shown in Figure 1, in 2010, assessed values for the Major Industry Property class increased
approximately 6.8%from 2009 assessed values: The municipal tax rate was decreased to offset this
market value increase, and decreased further to effect a 5% reduction in the property taxes
assessed to this class. The municipal tax rate multiple has now been reduced to 8.2.
Page 1 of 4 4.2
Figure 1: Major Industry Class 4 Assessed Values, Municipal Tax Rate, Municipal Tax Rate Multiple Comparison
2010
2009
2008
2007
Assessed Value $18,076,000
$16,923,000
$16,923,000
$10,852,000
Municipal Tax Rate 32.20030
36.20440
38.10990
56.55520
Municipal Tax Rate Multiple 8.2
10.1
11.3
15.6
As in previous years, we will look at two indicators to determine whether the District's Major Industry
Class 4 municipal tax rate is reasonable when compared to other lower mainland municipalities.
Municipal Tax Rate Comparison to Other Municipalities:
This indicator looks at the municipal tax rate in one municipality and compares it to the municipal tax
rate for the same class in other municipalities. While this indicator is fairly easy to obtain, it is
problematic in that similar properties in one community may be valued very differently in other
communities.
As is shown in Figure 2, below, in 2010, the District's Major Industry Class 4 municipal tax rate is
$32.2003 per $1,000 of assessed value. Among fourteen surveyed municipalities in the lower
mainland, our tax rate ranks as fifth highest, as it ranked in 2009 and 2008. In 2009, the Major
Industry Class 4 tax rate was 36.2044. Interestingly in 2009, the District was the only municipality in
our survey to actually reduce the tax rate in this class. In 2007, this District's tax rate in this class
$56.5552 per $1,000 of assessed value was ranked as second highest amongst surveyed
municipalities.
Figure 2: Major Industry, Class 4 Municipal Property Tax Rates
2010
2009
2008
2007
Major Industry
Major Industry
Major Industry
Major Industry
Municipality
Municipal
Rank
Municipal
Rank
Municipal
Rank
Municipal
Rank
Tax Rate
Tax Rate
Tax Rate
Tax Rate
Burnaby
44.48440
3
44.32280
4
41.45650
4
47.27470
5
Coquitlam
60.50650
1
57.92530
1
54.32760
1
57.47600
1
Delta
31.37929
7
28.88280
8
26.90410
9
27.78320
9
Langley, Township
9.07520
14
10.09650
14
9.51640
13
11.64290
13
Maple Ridge
32.20030
5
36.20440
5
38.10990
5
56.55520
2
New Westminster
28.25280
9
27.94670
9
24.30150
10
30.33480
7
North Vancouver, City*
27.50000
10
27.50000
10
27.50000
8
27.50000
10
North Vancouver, District
44.39072
4
47.61590
3
45.85600
3
49.85970
4
Pitt Meadows
31.98620
6
30.97950
6
29.76100
6
35.77070
6
Port Moody
48.48230
2
50.16970
2
46.81200
2
53.13380
3
Richmond
10.15272
13
10.14490
13
8.43530
14
9.00670
14
Surrey**
11.36379
12
11.79970
12
11.24650
12
13.47610
11
Vancouver
30.64936
8
30.28940
7
28.28630
7
30.25420
8
West Vancouver
13.07550
11
13.07550
11
12.70080
11
12.33360
12
*w/Prov Cap
**rate + $161 Drainage
Page 2 of 4
It is important to remember that not all assessed values are comparable across the lower mainland.
The City of North Vancouver may have a lower tax rate, but the assessed values for a waterfront
property similar to those owned by Interfor in Maple Ridge would likely be much higher. Also, notable
is that the major industrial properties in the City of North Vancouver are located along the waterfront
and are operated as ports. Ports have a regulated Provincial Cap tax rate of 27.50. For this reason,
we should also look at another indicator such as the municipal tax rate multiple.
Municipal Tax Rate Multiple Comparison to Other Municipalities:
This indicator looks at the relative tax rate on one class, as a ratio of the tax rate charged to another
class. The "other" class used in this analysis is the Residential class. As outlined in previous reports
to Council in recent weeks, the main weakness of this indicator is that it is greatly affected by varying
market value fluctuations between the classes.
As is shown in Figure 3, below, in 2010, the District's Major Industry Class 4 municipal tax rate
multiple dropped to ninth highest, below the average multiple of 10.2 for the fourteen surveyed
municipalities. This year, all municipalities, except one - Vancouver, saw decreases in their multiples
from 2009. Since 2007, our multiple for this class has dropped from 15.6 to 8.2, making it the most
significant improvement in the surveyed municipalities.
Figure 3: Major Industry, Class 4 Municipal Property Tax Rate Multiples
2010
2010
Major Industry
Municipal
Municipality
Municipal
Residential
2010
Rank
2009
Rank
2008
Rank
2007
Rank
Tax Rate
Rate
Multiple
Multiple
ue
multiple
p
Multiple
p
Burnaby
44.48440
2.58670
17.2
2
17.9
3
17.5
3
19.1
3
Coquitlam
60,50650
3.20770
18.9
1
19.8
1
19.9
1
20.1
1
Delta
31.37929
3.51913
8.9
7
9.5
8
8.8
9
8.7
9
Langley, Township
9.07520
3.20283
2.8
14
3.5
14
3.5
14
4.0
13
Maple Ridge
32.20030
3.91240
8.2
9
10.1
7
11.3
7
15.6
5
New Westminster
28.25280
3.82410
7.4
10
7.7
10
7.0
10
8.1
10
North Vancouver, City*
27.50000
2,48982
11.0
6
11.9
6
12.5
6
11.3
7
North Vancouver, District
44.39072
2.60146
17.1
3
19.4
2
19.5
2
19.6
2
Pitt Meadows
31,98620
3.59340
8.9
8
9.3
9
9.5
8
10.7
8
Port Moody
48.48230
3.29200
14.7
4
16.7
4
16.3
4
17.2
4
Richmond
10.15272
2.41731
4.2
13
4.3
13
3.7
13
3.7
14
Surrey**
11.36379
2.46040
4.6
12
5.2
12
5.3
12
5.9
11
Vancouver
30.64936
2.14861
14.3
5
14.2
5
13.3
5
12.5
6
West Vancouver
13.07550
2.31820
5.6
11
6.2
11
6.2
11
5.5
12
*w/Prov Cap
**rate + $161 Drainage
Page 3 of 4
CONCLUSION:
The District's position in terms of Major Industry Class 4 municipal property tax rates and multiples
has improved as a direct result of direction from Council. Maple Ridge now seems to be well placed
when compared to other municipalities in the lower mainland. Our Class 4 municipal tax rate is
ranked as fifth highest when compared to the fourteen surveyed municipalities, and our Class 4
municipal tax rate multiple ranks as ninth highest, below the average of the fourteen surveyed
municipalities.
It appears that the tax burden against Class 4 properties has become more reasonable. We will look
at our overall financial capacity at business planning time, to see if further improvements can be
achieved. Additionally, we will continue to review the tax burden against our other property
classifications to make sure we remain well positioned.
Prepared by: L:!s4uiergmann
Research Technician
Approved by: Paul Gill, BBA, CGA
General Manager: Corppati� & Financial Services
Concurrence: . (Jim) Rule
tLief
Administrative Officer
:jgbb
Page 4 of 4
Deep Roots
Greater Heights
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
District of Maple Ridge
His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin
and Members of Council
Chief Administrative Officer
DATE: July 8, 2010
FILE NO:
ATTN: WORKSHOP
Metro Vancouver Draft Solid Waste Management Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Draft Solid Waste Management Plan ("the Plan") dated April 28/2010 was presented to the
Metro Van Board on April; 30/10 and forwarded to the Public Consultation and Input Phase. This
began with a Council of Councils on May01, 2010 the final date for comment from the public and
Councils is July 14, 2010. The comments and input will be considered and presented to the Waste
Management Committee on July 21, 2010 and a final plan will be presented to the Metro Van Board
on July 30, 2010.
The public consultation process has been extensive with the final date for comment being July 14,
2010. The consultation process included five (5) municipal workshops for staff and Council
members. Metro Vancouver is requesting that final comments from municipalities also be submitted
within the July 14, 2010 deadline.
Council has discussed draft versions of the Plan at a number of Council Workshop Meetings. This
includes a presentation of the Plan by Metro Vancouver staff.
Overall the goals and strategies appear sound. The strategies identify the expected implementation
actions for the different levels of government, including the Provincial Government, Metro Vancouver
and Municipal Governments within the region. There are some that will pose challenges to Maple
Ridge and those are discussed in this report. The implementation of the Plan will have financial
implications both at the regional and municipal levels. Those implications remain unclear at this
time.
The most controversial components of the Draft Plan are the implementation strategies for Goal 3 -
Recover Energy From the Waste Stream After Recycling. Specifically the use of incineration for
waste to energy recovery has generated the most discussion through the public consultation. It
appears that most municipalities do not support the use of incineration to recover energy from the
waste stream.
The following resolutions are proposed for Council's consideration to forward to Metro Vancouver.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
THAT a plan that includes an In -Region Mass Burn Incineration Facility not be supported.
Page 1 of 9 4 ■ 5
THAT Council supports Metro Vancouver Investigating existing multi -drop recycling centers that are
already in operation to learn from successful operations and consider additional funding to allow
existing operations to expand prior to building new centers that may duplicate existing efforts.
THAT flexibility be incorporated into the Solid Waste Management Plan to allow municipalities the
appropriate time to address the financial implications emanating from the Plan.
DISCUSSION:
a) Background Context:
The Consultation process was a total of 28 meetings with the Metro Vancouver Board, the Metro
Vancouver Waste Committee Chair, staff and members of the Metro Vancouver Waste Committee as
schedules allowed. This process included:
• One (1) Council of Councils Meeting on May 01, 2010;
• Eight (8) Public Regional Meetings including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on May 6, 2010;
• Five (5) Municipal Workshops for staff and Council members;
• Various sessions with Fraser Valley Regional District, First Nations Regional Meetings, the
Staff Technical Group and the Solid Waste Reference Panel.
As well there is an extensive website presence on the Metro Vancouver website. It includes
background material, discussion and feed back opportunities.
The Plan is comprised of four (4) goals with a number of actions attached to each goal in order to
achieve the 70% waste reduction target by the year 2015. Within each goal are implementation
actions required of the different levels of government. Like all Plans, the implementation of the Plan
will have financial implications. Some of the strategies are already being implemented. Others will
have new financial implications to municipalities. These financial implications will become clearer as
the implementation proceeds.
b) Analysis:
Goal 1- Minimize Waste Generation
• The Plan calls for strong advocacy to shift responsibility to producers and consumers
• Advocate strongly for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• Work towards National Extended Producer Responsibility Guidelines
• Accelerate EPR programs with a development and implementation plan
• Work with disposal facility operators, local municipal government, and the recycling industry
to introduce material bans
• Develop social marketing, consumer and business education plans
Municipal Implementation Requirements
The actions required of municipalities are actions municipalities are already doing in the areas of
advocacy and education. Greater clarity in terms of the funding of the educational programs and
material is required.
Page 2 of 9
Goal 2 - Maximize Reuse, Recycling and Material Recovery
• Investigate financial and regulatory barriers which prevent or discourage the reuse of
material
• Implement disposal bans
• Monitor and enforcement of disposal bans
• Public education on banned materials
• Target Demo and Construction Sector for increased reuse and recycling
• Reduce paper and paperboard being disposed of
• Province to develop EPR programs for all plastics that provide alternatives to non recyclable
plastics
• Develop bylaws at Metro Vancouver and at the municipal level to require recycling in all multi
family and commercial buildings and complexes
• Target organics; establish one or more organics processing facilities in the region
• Municipalities to direct all organics from the waste stream
• Build Eco Centers on the region
Goals 1 and 2 have targets that will have an estimated capture of 600,000 tones of waste in Metro
Vancouver that can be diverted from the waste stream. This figure represents more tonnage than
currently goes to Cache Creek from the region.
Municipal Implementation Requirements
The municipal actions required under Goal 2 calls for the development of one stop drop-off centres
for recycling. For Maple Ridge this already exists at the Ridge Meadows Recycling Depot. Rather
than developing new ones, it may be more appropriate to invest in existing centres such as the Ridge
Meadows Recycling Depot.
Goal 3 - Recover Fnerdy From the Waste Stream After Rec cy lino
• Continue existing WTE facility in Burnaby
• Increase Waste to Energy (WTE) capacity in region up to 500,000 (replace Cache Creek)
• Maximize energy recovery through district heating and electricity
• Monitor trends in waste diversion and disposal and to ensure compliance
• Scale WTE operations so that total capacity does not exceed most probable minimum waste
flow projection
• Recover metals and ash for beneficial use
• Recover land fill gas at the Vancouver Landfill and strive to have a beneficial use
Note: Waste to Energy may include a number of options:
• Targeted or mass burn incineration
• Industrial use of refuse derived fuels
• Gasification (gasification is a process that converts carbonaceous materials, such
as coal, petroleum, biofuel, or biomass, into carbon monoxide and hydrogen by
reacting the raw material, such as house waste, or compost at high temperatures
with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. The resulting gas mixture is
called synthesis gas or syngas and is itself a fuel. Gasification is a method for
extracting energy from many different types of organic materials)
• Pyrolysis (pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of condensed substances that
occurs spontaneously at high enough temperatures)
Page 3 of 9
• Anaerobic digestion
• Composting to recover heat from that process
• Or a combination of technologies
This section has generated by far the most debate with regard to the Draft Plan and in particular, the
discussion around mass burn incineration. In essence the debate centres on whether the
science/technology is proven and whether this approach discourages reusing and recycling. It is
understood that the majority of municipalities do not support incineration for these reasons and are
requesting that incineration be removed from the Plan. The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
position on this issue is attached to this report.
Municipal Implementation Requirements
The Plan calls for municipalities to develop and implement a workplan for division of organic waste.
For Maple Ridge, where garbage pickup is done by private firms, this will require developing
appropriate strategies. Currently staff are working with Ridge Meadows Recycling staff on strategies
for organic diversion.
Goal 4 - Disoosal of All Waste in Landfill After Material Recyclfng and Energy Recovery
• Utilize the Vancouver Landfill for any remaining waste not directed to WTE subject to existing
permits and agreements
• Where existing permits and agreements work to the contrary of the community, work in good
faith to resolve
• Establish contingency disposal at out of region landfills if capacity within the region is
insufficient
• Ensure disposal capacity is available for demolition, land clearing and construction waste
after recycling
Municipal Implementation Requirements
The actions required of municipalities appear appropriate.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The timing of a number of the strategies appear aggressive. For example mandating demolition land
clearing (DLC) by December 2011 would require that municipal bylaw amendments and
enforcement capabilities be in place by that time. The costs to individual municipalities for the
implementation of the Plan have not been determined. The timing of the implementation of the
strategies need to be flexible to allow municipalities the appropriate time to meet the financial
requirements of the Plan.
COMMENTS TO METRO VANCOUVER:
The consultation process included five (5) municipal workshops for staff and Council members.
Metro Vancouver is requesting that final comments from municipalities also be submitted within the
July 14, 2010 deadline.
Page 4 of 9
Overall the Plan appears sound and appropriate. However, of most concern to the public is the
inclusion of incineration in the Plan. The majority of municipalities are requesting that incineration
not be included in the Plan and Council may wish to consider a similar resolution.
The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society provides excellent one -stop -drop services. The Plan calls for
establishing new Eco-Centres which are one -stop -drop centres. Council may wish to consider
requesting that Metro Vancouver invest in existing one -stop -drop centres rather than duplicating
services.
The financial implications remain unclear to municipalities. As such there needs to be flexibility built
into the Plan with regard to the deadlines for the implementation of the required strategies. Council
may wish to consider a resolution requesting that flexibility be incorporated into the Plan.
CONCLUSIONS:
The public consultation process has been extensive with the final date for comment being July 14,
2010. The consultation process included five (5) municipal workshops for staff and Council
members. Metro Vancouver is requesting that final comments from municipalities also be submitted
within the July 14, 2010 deadline.
This report outlines some further comments in the form of resolutions that Council may wish to
consider forwarded to Metro Vancouver.
Prepare
y: Frank Quinn P.Eng
Gep6i�l nags ublic Works and Development Services
Co -Prepared: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
FQ/JR:CDE
Page 5 of 9
APPENDIX A
Solid Waste Plan
Metro Vancouver Highlights and Performance Measurements
Goal 1: Minimize waste generation
Goal 2: Maximize reuse, recycling and material recovery
Goal 3: Recover energy from the waste stream after material recycling
Goal 4: Dispose of all remaining waste in landfill, after material recycling and energy
recovery.
The target of the ISWRMP is to increase the regional diversion rate from an average of 55%
to 70% by 2015.
Conventionally it has been assumed that the 5Rs hierarchy approximates the sequence of
processes in waste management and the goal of reducing, reusing or recycling waste to the
maximum extent possible has been measured as the rate of `diversion' of waste from
reaching the fifth step in the hierarchy - the disposal of residuals. Modern reality is more
complex. As a result, using the conventionally defined `diversion rate' includes some source
separated material that is used as fuel still being considered 'recycled' while some material
that is recycled after incineration is still considered `disposed'.
This plan is driven by the underlying principles but, for the sake of historic comparability
continues to use the conventional definition of `diversion rate'.
If the waste reduction and recycling initiatives in the plan are successfully implemented,
only 30% of the generated waste stream will require treatment before disposal. Additional
waste -to -energy capacity would be made available to recover energy from this stream.
Sustainability encompasses a longterm commitment to economic prosperity, community
well-being and environmental integrity. It is at the core of Metro Vancouver's vision for the
future, and provides the foundation for the development of the region's management plans.
The Metro Vancouver Sustainability Framework identifies three overarching principles which
state that decision making must:
• Have regard for both local and global consequences, and longterm impacts
• Recognize and reflect the interconnectedness and interdependence of systems
• Be collaborative
These provide the foundation for the three operating principles that guide Metro Vancouver:
• Protect and enhance the natural environment (Conserve and develop natural capital)
• Provide for ongoing prosperity (Conserve and develop economic capital)
• Build community capacity and social cohesion (Conserve and develop social capital)
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A solid waste management plan which follows these principles will seek to ensure our
individual and collective behaviour does not generate avoidable or unnecessary material
waste and will seek systems and technologies which recover and recycle materials and
recover energy.
Where investment or reinvestment in infrastructure is required, that infrastructure will be
resilient, be adaptable to climate change, lessen the region's dependence on non-
renewable energy sources, and protect the environment.
Integrated Resource Recovery is an approach to designing and managing urban systems,
particularly utilities, to generate synergies which enable the `waste' from one system to
become `resources' for another.
These traditional wastes are untapped resources. If accessed and used appropriately, they
can help preserve non-renewable resources, stretch the capacity of existing infrastructure,
save energy, generate revenue, protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
Metro Vancouver will develop a waste accounting system for the entire solid waste
management system, identifying the quantities generated, recycled, composted, used far
energy recovery, and disposed in landfill. Comparison of per capita disposal values will
provide the most accurate assessment of progress of the plan.
The following performance measures will monitor progress in achieving the specific goals.
Performance should be considered in the context of 2008 waste management data.
Performance Measures for each goal are:
Goal 1: Minimize Waste Generation
• Waste generation per capita tracked year -over -year
• Waste generation per capita for residential and commercial waste tracked year -over -
year
SP Increase of product stewardship initiatives by senior governments to more than two
initiatives every three years
Goal 2: Maximize Reuse, Recycling and Material Recovery
Overall diversion rate tracked year -over -year
Diversion rate per capita tracked year -over -year
Tracking of material recycling tonnage
Goal 3: Recover Energy from the Waste Stream after Material Recycling
Energy outputs from solid waste and its beneficial use tracked year -over -year
Energy outputs recovered from materials that cannot be recycled through recycling
efforts and stewardship programs
Greenhouse gas production tracked year -over -year
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Goal 4: Dispose of all Remaining Waste in Landfill, after Material Recycling and Energy
Recovery
Quantity of treated and untreated waste per capita going to landfill is tracked year -
over -year
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APPENDIX B
�} Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
October 2008
POSITION ON WASTE TO ENERGY
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society believes that Waste -to -Energy (WTE) plants are NOT
part of the Zero Waste initiative. Our position is based on the conviction that the use of such
plants is contrary to the goal of achieving Zero Waste.
On paper, Waste -to -Energy plans are enticing because they lead you to believe that this
is the final piece to achieve Zero Waste. This idea is misleading. A comprehensive plan
comprised of four components is the only true way to achieve Zero Waste.
REDUCTION in the amount of materials used is the first line of action toward Zero
Waste. Reducing consumption extends the life of our resources. We have to move away from
being a disposal society.
REUSING materials extends the life of the product with manufacturers encouraged to
design products that will last or can be repaired.
RECYCLING closes the loop in the life cycle of a product allowing it to be used
indefinitely. Burning or gasification is not part of a renewable cycle.
COMPOSTING all organics diverts a major portion of the present waste stream,
thereby reducing pressure on landfills while benefiting the environment. Composting is a
natural process that increases the quality of our land, which in turn enhances the quality of the
food we grow while reducing greenhouse gases. Waste -to -Energy plants are not part of the drive
to achieve Zero Waste.
These plants need large quantities of waste to run. Contrary to assertions by their
supporters, recycling tends to be de-emphasized in order to maintain the tonnage required to
generate the promised energy. When all recyclables and compostable materials have been
removed from the waste stream, there is very little left to fuel the Waste -to -Energy plant, thus
rendering it a non -viable option. Some plants therefore have a "put or pay" deal with
municipalities which ensure the company gets paid whether there is waste to burn or not.
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society does not support Waste -to -Energy initiatives as part of our goal of
"Moving towards Zero Waste."
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From: New Westminster & District Labour Council [mailto:nwdlc@shawcable.com]
Sent: June-18-10 2:39 PM
To: Mayor Council and CAO Users List
Subject: Pension Reform
Dear Mayor Daykin and Members of Council:
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities at their May 2010 Convention passed an emergency
resolution, sponsored by the City of Toronto, calling on the Conservative government to expand the
Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), increase the Senior's Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), implement a
pension insurance system to protect Canadian pensions and to host a National Pension Summit. A copy
of the resolution is attached.
We are writing to ask that your Council consider writing a letter immediately to the Federal and
Provincial Finance Ministers urging their support for the FCM resolution and the four point plan to
expand and improve Canada's pension system.
The FCM resolution is based on a national campaign plan on Canada's Retirement Security system, first
introduced by the Canadian Labour Congress. Please visit the CLC's website
http:llwww.canadianlabour.ca/action-center/retirement-security-for-everyone to view the CLC's
Retirement Security Plan.
The CLC's proposed Plan has encouraged all levels of government and Canadians from a wide range of
backgrounds to engage for the first time ever in an in depth discussion about the current status and
future of Canada's pension system. In today's economy, more and more working Canadians
understand the reality of their future and the need for change.
We want to congratulate local government leaders in Canada who supported the resolution at the FCM
and thank your Council members for their support and interest in the issue of Canadian's retirement
security.
If you have not already done so, we urge your Council to communicate their support for the FCM
resolution by writing to the Federal and Provincial Finance Ministers at your earliest possible
convenience.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rice, Secretary -Treasurer
New Westminster & District Labour Council
#105 — 3920 Norland Avenue,
Burnaby, BC V5G 4K7
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