Regional Councillor Report

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

Date: May 09, 2011

Regional Council Retreat – Special Education Session Apr. 27, 28, 29, 2011

Overviews were provided by Regional staff regarding plans and challenges facing Durham Transit, Roads, Bridges, Sewer and Water Asset Management and Police Services.

Information was received regarding road rationalization and roads being considered for a transfer of responsibilities. In Ajax, 26 kilometres are proposed to be transferred to the local municipality and 42 kilometres are proposed to be assumed by the Region. For the short term, it is proposed that Church Street north of Highway 401, Westney south of Bayly and Harwood south of Hwy 2 be transferred to Ajax while Salem north of 401 is assumed by the Region. In the longer term, Rossland from Lakeridge to Pickering could be transferred to the Region. Councillors were advised that negotiations are occurring with municipal staff to determine the impact of assumption on future costs at the local and Regional level.

Regional staff provided comparisons of representation based on population and electors. Ajax Councillors stated their concerns about the current status whereby Ajax is underrepresented. Regional composition has not been reviewed since 1996. Population growth has significantly skewed representation across the five Lakeshore municipalities, with Ajax being left under represented.. Based on Dec. 2010 population statistics the Ajax population per Councillor is 36,818 compared to Oshawa’s 19,062. Clarington and Whitby also have seen growth in their representation numbers. Ajax representatives voiced their desire to strike a Committee to resolve this matter of inequity so that changes would be in place for the 2014 election.

During the round table sharing session, Ajax Councillors also raised the issue of the need for a plan to address infrastructure inadequacies to meet intensification goals as well as the need to review the Regional Revitalization plan. Infrastructure in many built areas does not have the capacity to serve increased densities. A coordinated sanitary servicing plan and funding will be required; otherwise potential intensification development will not be able to proceed. A revised revitalization plan would be more effective if based on clearly defined criteria such as underground parking, intensification minimums etc. so that potential developers have a clear understanding of what is required for eligibility. Incentives would then be aligned with the goals of municipalities.

Economic Development was an issue that Councillors from a number of municipalities felt should also be a key focus for this term.

Toronto Region Conservation Authority - April 29, 2011

Please see the attached report from TRCA and GLU letter. I recommend the Town of Ajax support the Toronto Region Conservation Authority regarding their endorsement of comments sent by Great Lakes United to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pertaining to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Feasibility Study. This report highlights the threat of invasion into the Great Lakes posed by the spread of Asian Carp. Due to the potential severity of impacts should Asian Carp migrate to the Great Lakes it is important to endorse the Great Lakes United comments and call for a Canadian Hearing on this matter. A recommendation will be brought forward for endorsement and submission to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, at this meeting.

Works Committee – May 4, 2011

The Committee toured a number of Works facilities on May 3^rd such as Duffins Creek WPCP, Orono depot and viewed a sample of bridges and roads in need of repair as well as recently completed works projects and sites of future projects. t was a very informative tour and the Committee thanked staff for the opportunity.

A presentation was received regarding the roll out of the multi-residential recycling program and a sample of the promotional and education materials was provided. Starting this month, this material will be provided to all 343 multi-residential properties (about 22,488 units) receiving Regional collection services. Funding for the program is from the Provincial Continuous Improvement Funding managed by Waste Diversion Ontario. The goal is to improve diversion rates in multi residential sector to move the Region closer to its 70% diversion target.

A video presentation on the award winning Material Recovery Facility was received by Committee and due to its educational value the Committee recommended it be presented at Regional Council. This video is available for access by the public through the Region’s website and is used in waste management education programs in Durham schools. A report on the ongoing education programs on waste reduction and diversion to Durham students was received and directed to be shared with school boards, MOE and Minister of Education.

Works Committee approved a motion that staff report back on negotiations with school boards regarding collection services that meet our goals of educating students to meet diversion targets.