Green Committee

Committee Type

Advisory committee or task force.

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Purpose

The purpose of the Green Committee is to implement the City of St. Catharines' Green Plan. The primary focus of this plan is to enhance and expand the green spaces within St. Catharines through creative partnerships.

The Committee undertakes special projects either independent of City work, or in partnership with the City, to provide green spaces that enhance what presently exists. The success of their work is a result of the Committee's skills, talents and perseverance when dealing with potential partners. They are able to cultivate relationships that encourage people to embrace a greener St. Catharines.

Public spaces that are usually not considered for greening become the center of interest for the committee. This could include gore areas, riparian corridors or schools in need of greening. New and innovative methods of greening are always explored. The Green Committee cultivates a wide range of partners for greening projects.

Vision

The Garden City has a long-standing sense of pride in the "green" aspects of the City. Greening takes shape in the form of residential gardens, city street trees and a variety of riparian and natural areas within the City. There are varied parks, horticultural displays, small urban parks and waterfront areas. The Committee strives to enable as many greening opportunities as possible and helps to educate the public regarding the importance of an attractive and green environment. Cities that are sustainable, creative and memorable always include greening. The Green Committee is seen as a leader in promoting this image through beautification, education and naturalization .

Goals

There are several key goals that the Committee aims to achieve each year. These are achieved through their projects, which are grouped into three categories:

Greening projects grow St. Catharines' image through the beautification of outdoor spaces that will benefit and be accessible to the public. Planting, seating areas, focal points and attractive paving, sculptures and overhead features will be a component of ongoing projects. Past projects include the Merritton Cenotaph, the British Methodist and Episcopal Church, The St. Catharines Horticultural Society Garden at Church Street and Niagara Street and the planting of dozens of trees along Glenridge Avenue.

Naturalization and restoration projects are critical in cities connected by natural valley lands and intensive waterway systems -  such as the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. These projects often involve collaboration with partners such as Niagara College, Ontario Power Generation, the Niagara Restoration Council and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Past projects include the Arthur Street Riparian Project, the Twelve Mile Creek

Education projects are a focus of the committee each year. The world of greening and environmental issues is rapidly changing, and to remain current the Green Committee is committed to continuous education. Public education initiatives can include open houses, trade show visits, seminars and newsletters.

Membership

The volunteer members on the Green Committee are appointed by Council. There are four core members, including:

• Member of Council
• Staff representative from the Parks Division of Recreation and Community Services
• Staff representative from the Engineering Division of Transportation and Environmental Services
• Staff representative from Planning and Development Services
• Up to eight volunteers, decided upon by application in conjunction with election years.

The committee aims to have members with diverse talents, skills and backgrounds, reflective of the broad objectives of the committee. Potential member applications are reviewed to determine how the applicant will contribute to the overall work of the committee. Among the many skills that would be beneficial are:

• Interest and appreciation for the "green" aspects of St. Catharines
• Horticultural training or interest
• Environmental training or interest
• Business savy
• Environmental stewardship
• Sustainability

Voting Membership

All members of the committee have voting privledges

Membership Responsibility

The Committee works with partners who have approached them for assistance or with individuals the Committee has approached. Projects must involve greening and beautification visible from the streets of the City. The Committee does not become involved in residential work or and work that is not visible from the street.

In order to qualify for assistance with projects, the partner must complete an application that indicates why their project qualifies and states their share of responsibility. The Committee will review the application and determine how they can best assist the applicant through recommendations, special interest groups or partnerships. Partnerships may involve grants, donations or supply of services for project sites.

Members shall observe all corporate policies of the City of St. Catharines with respect to conduct, harassment and discrimination.

Members shall work together in order to develop a common approach that is reasonable and practical.

A committee member shall make every effort to attend all meetings.

Each member of the Committee is recognized as an independent representative to the Committee who does not represent the concerns of only one group or special interest.

Membership Term

The Green Committee term coincides with the City Council term. Membership is open to citizens who reside and/or are property owners in the City of St. Catharines and who are 18 years of age or older. When applications are received they are reviewed for the volunteer's overall ability to contribute to the specific purpose of the committee.

Membership List

Tony Di Paola
David Haywood
Matt Holley
Mark Jemison
Lou Marcantonio
Jesse Matthews
James McWilliam
John Sheehan

Coun. Matthew Harris
Coun. Jennie Stevens

Dan Dillon, Assistant Director, Transportation and Environmental Services
Rick Tapp, Planning and Development Services
Kristen Sullivan, Recreation and Community Services

Meeting Schedule & Location(s)

The Committee meets monthly at City Hall on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m.