Contact(s)
The Environment Committees (EC) mandate is to:
a) To make recommendations to Council on various issues related to the Committee’s objectives.
b) To serve as an advisory, resource and information support group to the citizens of Goderich and Council.
c) To encourage and promote sustainable and achievable environmental programs.
d) Discuss new or changing environmental legislation or regulations.
e) To encourage civic pride and enhance the environmental sustainability, appearance and visual appeal of neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces, and streets.
f) To work closely with Town staff, Goderich BIA, groups, and organizations that support community beautification and environmental initiatives.
g) To support fundraising, community sponsorship, and volunteer recruitment to assist in the operation of the annual Communities in Bloom program.
The objective of the EC is to prepare a term of office Work Plan that identifies priority environmental issues and actions, in consultation with Town staff, and subsequently approved by Council. At the beginning of each year, the EC will update the Work Plan and present an annual progress report to Council.
The Work Plan will include:
• Explore cost effective, practical solutions to reduce organic materials ending up in landfill sites. Implement two pilot projects and evaluate the level of success.
• Establish an education/incentive program to increase the number of native trees planted on private property and establish targets for transitioning Town gardens to native species and pollinator gardens.
• Engage external expertise to work with Council and staff to complete a coastal environment plan.
• Continue with the five-step Partners for Climate Protection Milestone Framework by meeting the standards set by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
• Support active transportation community groups through the grants for groups funding initiative.
The EC’s Work Plan shall be accomplished within its allocated annual budget. The Work Plan status will be a standing EC Agenda item. The EC will prepare, by October 15 of each year, a projected budget based on their Work Plan for the succeeding year to the Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer.
The full terms of reference can be accessed here
