Items

The following delegations addressed Committee with respect to concerns regarding the proposed expansion of Emerald Energy from Waste Inc.:

1. Steven Kirby, Brampton Environmental Alliance, and Julian Russel, Sierra Peel 

2. Liz Benneian, Founder, Ontario Zero Waste Coalition 

3. Emily Alfred, Waste Campaigner, Toronto Environmental Alliance 

4. Amisha Moorjani, Brampton Environmental Alliance 

The delegations' submissions included the following:

• Magnitude of the proposed expansion project
• Environmental impact and associated public health risks
• Timelines for taking action against this project
• Indication that this project does not align with the City's environmental goals
• Previous decisions of the Region of Peel regarding incinerators
• Information on why incinerators are not a good solution for waste
• Information regarding waste burned at this facility and the significant pollution already existing in the Brampton/Peel airshed
• Advocacy to the Provincial Government regarding the impacts of this project
• Impact of this project on Brampton's reputation

• The delegations sought Committee's support to stop the expansion of Emerald Energy from Waste Inc., and to request that the Provincial Government undertake a third party investigation of this matter. 

  Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Concerns regarding air pollution in Brampton
• Suggestion that this matter be referred to Government Relations staff for discussion with relevant provincial partners
• Public awareness and consultation regarding this project
• Suggestion that the delegations attend a future Peel Regional Council meeting, as health issues and waste management are under the jurisdiction of the Region of Peel 

• Sylvia Roberts, Brampton resident, provided information regarding the purpose of the proposed Emerald Energy from Waste Inc. expansion, the implications of not proceeding with this project, and the limited landfill capacity in Ontario. In addition, the delegation expressed support for increasing recycling efforts across Ontario to reduce waste.

  The following motion was considered.

3.2

Staff Report re: Budget Amendment and Request to Begin Procurement – Energy Retrofit of Earnscliffe Recreation Centre – Ward 7

This item has Video

Note: Council agreed to vary the order of business, and dealt with this item after Closed Session.

Council consideration included:

• proposed referral of the report back to staff for additional information on impacts on the 2023 hockey season as a result of a potential closure of four recreation centres at the same time (Earnscliffe Recreation Centre, Chris Gibson Recreation Centre, Susan Fennell Sportsplex and Memorial Arena)
• potential impact on funding should the design work for Earnscliffe be delayed
• possibility of proceeding with construction at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre in advance of Earnscliffe

Deputy Mayor Singh outlined concerns brought forward from a non-profit organization regarding a potential expansion of the Goreway Gas Plant.

A motion, moved by City Councillor Power and seconded by Mayor Brown was introduced, with the operative clauses as follows:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 

1.    That staff be directed to report back and provide an update on the potential expansion of the Goreway Generation Station (8600 Goreway Drive, Brampton, ON); and

2.    That the report back from staff specifically highlight how it effects our City approved GHG emission reduction targets and any potential environmental and health impacts as a result of this contract extension 

Deputy Mayor Singh outlined the purpose of the motion.

Councillor Power accepted an amendment from Mayor Brown to request that staff also report on how an expansion of the plant may impact the City’s targets for reductions in GHG emissions. 

Capital Power proposes two electricity enhancement and expansion options at the Goreway Generation Station site on lands with municipal address of 8600 Goreway Drive, with Option One entailing the construction and operation of additional BESS units and Option Two entailing the construction and operation of a new gas-powered electricity3. Capital Power proposes two electricity enhancement and expansion options at the Goreway Generation Station site on lands with municipal address of 8600 Goreway Drive, with Option One entailing the construction and operation of additional BESS units and Option Two entailing the construction and operation of a new gas-powered electricity generating unit