The Committee discussed several opportunities for staff to explore:
Mary-Lynn Seeley recommended that staff look into more sustainable transportation. Mark Setter added to this by recommending that staff seek opportunities to increase the amount of electric vehicle charging. Mark explained that current charging stations in Georgina generally have a large line-up and asks, how can we expect people to transition to greener transportation, if there are not enough charging stations? Staff member, Neil Comer, suggests this is a mitigation opportunity to increase green transportation and suggests that Georgina should advocate to the Region to create more sustainable transportation (ie: buses).
Councillor Neeson recommended that staff look into increasing Georgina's tree canopy as well as phosphorous reduction in Lake Simcoe. Staff are to look into how the Municipality, along with other levels of government, can incentivize more environmentally friendly opportunities to help the agricultural sector sector in this regard. Additionally, staff are recommended to explore how to decrease salt usage in the winter and make the change to greener materials.
Mark Setter recommended that staff look into how we design our streets to positively impact runoff, such as using plants instead of pipes for drainage, or creating sediment trenches. He states that the goal should be to slow water down, spread it out and soak the area, rather than rushing it into the lake or the water table. Further to this, Mark recommends that the Town modifies their urban design thinking to become a leader in addressing climate change, by utilizing our landscape architects and engineering skills. Justine Burns offers an update stating that design development criteria is currently being looked into and is in the process of being updating.
Mary-Lynn advocates for the consultation of youth to engage them in this process to which the remainder of the Committee endorsed the recommendation.