2024 BEA Year-end Review

2024 Litter free city workshop

It was difficult to write this year-end review for the Brampton Environmental Alliance. Not because we didn’t work very hard to make a difference but because several things conspired to make this a very challenging year, environmentally speaking.

Among the issues we faced: the Province prioritizing building Highway 413, and the efforts of the Emerald Energy From Waste company to expand its garbage burning operations in Brampton without appropriate environmental controls being in place. Of greater concern is the general apathy of the public towards environmental issues and the vitriolic response to public policies aimed at climate change mitigation, notably carbon pricing and rebates. The fact that we seemingly cannot have an adult conversation related to these important topics is deeply troubling.

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Ontario Climate Emergency Network Town Hall

OCEC Town Hall infographic

The Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign, (OCEC), is a non-partisan group promoting awareness on the climate crisis and environmental issues in the Province of Ontario. It’s aim is to empower citizens and urge political leaders with the power of democratic voice to drive the urgent transformational changes needed for the present and the future climate security of all Ontarians.

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Brampton’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Brampton 2013 Ice storm damage

Not to start 2025 on a downer note but, the climate crisis is upon us. 2024 will likely be the warmest year on record, the first to surpass the 1.5 degree Celsius mark set by the Paris Accord as a “safe” threshold to avoid the worst effects of a changing climate. In Canada, 2024 was a year of unprecedented climate related property damage, over $7B worth.

That said, we must realize that, even if we could reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels to zero today, the earth’s temperature would continue rising for many decades accompanied by increasing weather-related risks. While carbon emissions reduction efforts are still critical to maintaining a livable future, steps must be taken now to prepare for the increasing hazards due to anticipated weather extremes both now and in the future.

Working with community stakeholders, City of Brampton staff have prepared the “Climate Ready Brampton” plan to address anticipated climate impacts on the City’s infrastructure, economy and natural systems. This plan defines the blueprint for action that will better equip the City to manage the changes and increase resiliency to recover quickly from adverse climate impacts.

The development of the plan has gone through three phases over the past 2 years, Research, Investigation, and Development. During the Research phase, staff along with expert consultants reviewed how Brampton’s climate has changed over the past 75 years. During the investigation phase the team solicited external expertise along with stakeholder engagement to define future climate scenarios, assess climate risks, and identify prioritized climate adaptation actions. The plan also includes financial cost analysis of those actions compared to doing nothing. Finally, the plan outlines performance targets, collaborative implementation approaches, and a framework for monitoring and reporting.

How climate events will affect Brampton
How climate events will affect Brampton

The plan identifies 6 Goals, 5 Themes, 15 Objectives with 55 supporting actions.

Climate Ready Brampton Vision

“Brampton will be a climate leader fostering resilient, low-carbon, and adaptable communities, with thriving natural systems, climate-ready infrastructure, and a robust economy that advances equity, innovation, and quality of life both now and for future generations”.

Climate Ready Brampton Goals

  1. Brampton is adaptable to predicted climate change impacts using best available science and climate data,
  2. Climate action will prioritize the most vulnerable people, communities, and places in the City,
  3. Climate resilience is the new normal where city staff, partners, neighbourhoods and generations work to protect each other,
  4. Climate change preparation adaptation occurs within the context of a robust economy,
  5. Climate resilience actions become more efficient and effective through collaboration and strong partnerships,
  6. Progress is transparently reported against clear, measurable targets.

Climate Ready Brampton Themes and Objectives

  1. Collaborative Leadership,
    • Brampton will be a leader in climate resilience
    • Municipal staff are prepared, informed and have all required tools
  2. Protected and Connected People,
    • Equity-deserving groups are prioritized,
    • Moving around the city is safe and simple in all conditions,
    • People are prepared for climate disasters through emergency planning
  3. Resilient Infrastructure and Buildings
    • Essential infrastructure is resilient
    • Community is safe in their daily life,
    • Buildings and homes are climate proof
  4. Resilient and Healthy Natural Systems,
    • Naturalized spaces help protect Brampton from climate impacts
    • Natural systems are healthy and intact
  5. Community Involvement and Communication
    • Brampton is prepared for climate emergencies
    • Emergency communications keep the community safe
    • The community is involved in climate action

The 55 actions are assigned to each of the objectives noted above. They cover different aspects from addressing climate risk, to protection and enhancement of forests and wetlands. Here a just a few examples:

  • Hiring a Climate Risk Officer,
  • Staff training on climate adaptation strategies and risk assessment,
  • Climate emergency preparedness training,
  • Creating a climate toolkit for businesses,
  • Vector-borne disease management,
  • Extreme weather traffic impact notification system,
  • Shading standards for public spaces including bike parking and bus stops,
  • Tree planting and natural cover target including survivability rates
  • Heat management plan for public events
  • Development of an urban agriculture strategy
  • Look for opportunities to acquire additional land for greenspace
  • Enhanced building codes for energy efficiency and resilience to severe weather,
  • Minimize hard surface ground cover that impedes water absorption,
  • Provide flood plain models to assess flood risk,
  • Implement emergency water supply program

Please visit the City’s website for more information and to download the draft plan. Provide your comments to growgreen@brampton.ca by January 15th.

The Etobicoke Creek has a new Watershed Plan

lightning over Etobicoke Creek valley
Etobicoke Creek Watershed Plan cover
Etobicoke Creek Watershed Plan cover

The Etobicoke Creek watershed is highly urbanized with large amounts of hard surfaces and low amounts of natural cover compared with other watersheds in the greater Toronto area. This contributes to issues with flooding, erosion, and negative impacts to both animal and plant habitat. The added stress of further urbanization and climate change impacts will further degrade watershed health unless immediate remediation and mitigation actions are taken.

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As the clock ticks, Loafer’s Lake Project in Final Stage of Completion

Etobicoke Creek Trail Hoarding

With less than two weeks left in 2024, crews at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are working hard to complete wetlands, shoreline and habitat restoration work in Conservation Drive Park, Loafer’s Lake Park, and along the Watson Valley south of Conservation Drive.

Loafers Lake construction
Loafers Lake construction

Wetlands provide essential eco-system services including, flood and erosion control, water filtration, heat island mitigation, and habitat for a plethora of animal and plant species. Loafer’s Lake was considered a priority as its water quality was among the worst in Brampton. Flood risk management is important along this water course as the City looks to intensify development in the downtown core.

This past February the Provincial Government’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced $2.5 million in support of the Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement Project, designed to improve accessibility and recreational opportunities in Loafer’s Lake Park as well as build additional wetland habitat along the Etobicoke Creek valley between Sandalwood Parkway and Mayfield Road. A condition of funding is that the project be completed before the end of 2024.

Work started in March in multiple locations. A total of 8 wetland areas were created or restored including Loafer’s Lake. Three wetland areas were created south of Mayfield Rd.

Equipment at restoration site south of Mayfield
Equipment at restoration site south of Mayfield
Restoration site south of Mayfield
Restoration site south of Mayfield

The wetland just north of Conservation Drive was expanded and enhanced.

Conservation Dr wetland before restoration
Conservation Dr wetland before restoration
Conservation Dr. restoration work starts
Conservation Dr. restoration work starts
Conservation Drive new wetland takes shape
Conservation Drive new wetland takes shape
Conservation Dr. wetland complete
Conservation Dr. wetland complete

Large tree trunks were installed in the area behind Somerset Drive Public School, both for habitat and for soil stabilization.

Large tree trunk installed in Loafer's Lake Park wetland
Large tree trunk installed in Loafer’s Lake Park wetland

A watercourse at the northern edge of this area known as the Snelgrove Channel received particular attention. This underground storm drain and water channel is the remnant of what used to be a surface creek that was buried when the surrounding residential subdivisions were built in the early 1980’s. The original channel washed away over the next 30 years eventually dangerously exposing sanitary sewer infrastructure.

Sanitary sewer pipe exposed by erosion
Sanitary sewer pipe exposed by erosion in 2014 prior to restoration

The channel was restored in 2014 using large rocks to create a naturalized waterfall plus a series of ponds designed to dissipate the water energy.

Snelgrove Drainage Channel
Snelgrove Drainage Channel after 2014 restoration

Unfortunately nature had other plans and by 2022 further bank erosion was, once again threatening the sanitary sewer pipes.

bank erosion around previously restored infrastructure
bank erosion around previously restored infrastructure

This time a large volume of rock was brought in to stabilize the channel floor and banks. Most of the massive rocks were removed and the picturesque but impractical waterfall and pools were replaced with a gentler slope and more rocks designed to slow the water speed.

Large rock pile waiting to be installed
Large rock pile waiting to be installed
New channel restoration
New channel restoration

Let’s hope this restoration will last for many years. Hat’s off to the team who appear to be delivering the project on time and on budget!

TRCA staff planting trees along Etobicoke Creek valley
TRCA staff planting trees along Etobicoke Creek valley

BEA Completes Healthy and Connected Bramalea Project

Bramalea SNAP Map

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has teamed with City of Brampton, the Federal Government’s Healthy Communities Initiative, United Way, and various community partners, including the BEA, to deliver projects in Bramalea’s K, E, and F sections. This is all part of the Bramalea Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP). The Bramalea SNAP integrates local community interests and sustainability objectives under the overarching theme of working together for a green, healthy, and welcoming Bramalea neighbourhood. The Action Plan is made up of six themes, each with their own integrated initiatives:

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Is Your Community About To Get Burned?

Emerald Energy from waste plant

by: Liz Benneian Ontario Zero Waste Coalition

Incinerator/Waste-to-Energy corporations are once again trying to sell their polluting plants to municipal councils

[Editor’s note: Emerald Energy From Waste, a Brampton based company recently submitted a proposal to the Ontario Government requesting permission to increase its incineration capacity up to 5 times from current levels. Peel Region Council cancelled its contract with Emerald in 2012 meaning the waste burned in the Emerald plant is imported from other municipalities. If allowed to proceed this expanded plant would be the largest mass burn facility in Canada with a capacity to consume 1/3 of all of Ontario’s garbage.]

After years of bad press about failed incineration/waste-to-energy projects, plants polluting their communities, municipal bankruptcies due to “put or pay” contracts, fires at various sites, stiff opposition to new plants from citizens and an end to some lucrative government subsidies, incinerator proponents largely disappeared from the Canadian landscape. Now, however, they are back.

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Brampton Environmental Alliance hosts Annual General Meeting

AGM Announcement Tile

The Brampton Environmental Alliance (BEA) hosted its second annual general meeting this past Wednesday March 13th. Twenty-two individual and organizational members attended along with 9 non-members and 5 guests. Among the guests was Brampton North MPP Graham McGregor who engaged with members at the conclusion of the meeting.

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