Regional Councillor Report


Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4


Date: June 14, 2010



Regional Council Meeting – June 2, 2010


Incinerator


In response to questioning regarding the incinerator and future changes to emissions regulations, it was stated that should Covanta not be able to meet new emission regulations that the Director of Works may have to request that additional funds be approved for the project.


Climate Change


The following Greenhouse Gas emission targets were adopted as provisional target reductions until a local action plan is developed, at which time the targets may be refined further.



Ride To Read


The program is a partnership between Durham libraries (Ajax Library is participating) and Durham Region Transit which will allow elementary students to ride free of charge during July and August with presentation of their endorsed library card.





Planning Committee Meeting – June 8, 2010


Planning Committee dealt with a report regarding the Region’s response to the Province’s draft decision on Official Plan amendment 128. The Region has adjusted employment numbers down to the 350,000 (a reduction of 25,000) to conform to the numbers provided in the Provincial Growth Plan. They have also removed some lands that were designated for development. However, a number of outstanding issues remain. Of particular concern to Ajax are the lands in North East Pickering which contain the headwaters of Carruthers Creek, which due to downstream flooding and erosion concerns, Ajax has requested that these lands not be developed but instead be included in the Greenbelt. The Toronto Region Conservation Authority Executive requested that their staff reports and endorsed comments on the Growing Durham amendment be once again forwarded to the Region in order to reiterate their concerns should North East Pickering be developed. They cited concerns such as environmental degradation and potential erosion, flooding risks and the potential for significant infrastructure costs for mitigation and repairs. The TRCA requested that a watershed study be completed prior to any Regional or local plan amendment to change the designation to allow development.


An amendment to remove the lands in North East Pickering was defeated. Planning Committee also endorsed a motion to grant authority for the Commissioner of Planning to appeal the Province’s decision if it does not reflect Durham Region’s vision for growth and development to 2031.



Please see motion attached regarding comments made by the Chair of Durham Region Planning Committee, Mayor John Gray on June 9, 2010 to Novae Res Urbis.