March 2, 1998
TO: Works and Utilities Committee
FROM: M.A. Price, P. Eng.
Interim Functional Lead for Solid Waste Management
SUBJECT: Council Appointees on Consultation Committees
Purpose:
To request one Committee appointee to the Solid Waste Management Industry Consultation Committee (SWMICC) and one Committee appointee to the Keele Valley Landfill Site Liaison Committee.
Funding Implications:
There are no financial implications associated with this report.
Recommendations:
That one member of the Works and Utilities Committee be appointed to the Solid Waste Management Industry Consultation Committee and one member be appointed to the Keele Valley Site Liaison Committee.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The City of Toronto Works and Emergency Services Department is engaged in regular, ongoing consultations with members of the general public, government agencies, non-government organizations, businesses and site neighbours who are concerned about current and planned Works policy and/or operations. These committees are an important link between the Department, the Toronto Council and the public.
In the past, Councillors have been appointed to a number of Works-related consultation committees.
SWMICC
The SWMICC operates as an advisory body to the Solid Waste Management Unit of the Department. Members represent a variety of interest groups related to waste management within the Toronto area, including recyclers, waste haulers, waste generators, industry affiliated groups, and consultants.
Attendance at SWMICC meetings has traditionally included the above noted industry representatives, members of the former Metro Council and the staff of the Works Department, along with any interested observers. SWMICC meetings provide a setting for the discussion of waste management issues, including potential policy changes, fee increases and planning activities.
SWMICC emerged from the public participation program for Metro
=s earlier Solid Waste Environmental Assessment Plan (SWEAP - 1987-1992), as a standing industry liaison committee. During the SWEAP period, the committee was active in reviewing collection costs for solid waste; solid waste management in the private sector; the Blue Box program; tipping fees at transfer stations and landfill; user pay systems; and, bans on recyclable materials from landfills.
After the conclusion of the SWEAP process in 1992, SWMICC developed a new Terms of Reference, which has since been updated twice to reflect its evolving mandate. The group has met regularly with senior staff of the Works Department to discuss industry concerns and ideas related to the search for long term disposal, as well as policy formulation, implementation and enforcement matters.
According to the January 24, 1995 revision of the Terms of Reference, the purpose of the committee is "to exchange and analyze ideas on solid waste management policies and regulations among solid waste industry representatives, members of Environment and Public Space Committee (now the Works and Utilities Committee) and senior Works Department staff".
SWMICC has been an important venue for discussion between the waste management industry, staff and Council. In 1998, it is anticipated that four regular meetings will be held, commencing in March. Meetings normally take place on the second Tuesday of the month, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Additional special meetings will be convened, if necessary.
Keele Valley Landfill Site Liaison Committee
In 1988, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Vaughan (now the City of Vaughan) requested that Metro Council appoint a member of the Metro Works Committee to sit on the Keele Valley Landfill Site Liaison Committee "thus allowing for a Committee membership that encompasses a total cross-section of interests in Landfill Site matters."
The purpose of the consultation is to provide "an objective forum for the exchange of information in an open and apolitical environment." Members of this Committee include the City of Vaughan Chief Administrative Officer (Chair), the Mayor of the City of Vaughan and a local member of Council, officials from the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, members of Vaughan Citizens Association to Restore Environmental Safety (C.A.R.E.S.), other local residents, a Toronto Council representative (formerly the chair of the Metro Works Committee), Works senior staff and senior landfill operating staff. Meetings take place every six weeks between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the City of Vaughan municipal offices.
In order to facilitate proactive dialogue and communication, we are seeking the appointment of members of the Works and Utilities Committee to SWMICC and the Keele Valley Site Liaison Committee.
Conclusions:
Consultation committees provide a valuable opportunity for discussion among all parties involved in Toronto
=s waste management projects. Continuing involvement of members of the Works and Utilities Committee on the SWMICC and the Keele Valley Site Liaison Committee will ensure that all stakeholders are represented at the meetings.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Tracey Ehl, Public Consultation Coordinator, Metro Hall
phone (416) 392-6698, fax (416) 392-2974
e-mail tracey_ehl@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca
Michael A. Price, P. Eng.
Interim Functional Lead
Solid Waste Management
Barry H. Gutteridge
Commissioner
Works and Emergency Services
