The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee is a volunteer committee established to provide input to City Council and staff on matters relating to the natural environment and infrastructure.
Meetings
The Committee shall meet approximately six times per year, or at the call of the Chair. For a schedule of upcoming meetings view our meeting calendar and for more information read the committee's agendas and minutes to stay informed.
The Committee shall conduct its meetings in accordance with and otherwise comply with the City of St. Catharines Simplified Meeting Procedures for advisory bodies.
Purpose
The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee will:
- Provide input on and support to staff in encouraging active transportation with an emphasis on sidewalks, paths and bike lanes as an alternative to vehicular traffic.
- Provide input on and support staff’s development of the City’s plans, programs, policies or by-laws relating to climate resilience, environmental stewardship and enhancing the natural environment.
- Provide input to staff in the development and monitoring of green and environmental sustainability and resilience initiatives, as requested by staff or Council.
- Provide input to staff on the introduction or expansion of green infrastructure on City-owned land (parks or property), and where applicable consider active transportation opportunities, and identify potential collaboration or partnership opportunities to support these initiatives.
- Provide input on the City’s educational and outreach opportunities (i.e. campaign, program or material) to promote climate resilience, including but not limited to active transportation, emissions reduction, reduce heat impacts, mitigate flooding impacts, local food systems, increases biodiversity to support a healthier environment and community.
- Provide input into an annual staff report regarding the City’s response to climate change.
Members
- Martine Esraelian
- Nicholas Godfrey
- Gimuel Ledesma
- Dorothy Moszynski
- Tom Neale
- Rebecca Selkirk
- Curtis Thompson
- Olivia Groff, Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator (staff liaison)
The membership term for the committee lasts for the term duration of City Council or as determined by Council.
Composition
The Committee shall be comprised of up to eight citizen members who have a demonstrated interest and commitment to the delivery of environmental stewardship best practices. A cross-section of members with skill sets, knowledge or experience representing as many of the following fields is desirable:
- Urban forestry or horticulture
- Water Resources
- Environmental studies
- Community outreach and public education
- Government policies, procedures, or budgets
- City Planning
- Active Transportation
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives
The committee will collectively be comprised of a balanced representation of the community either as a resident, worker or business owner in the municipality.
Advisory agencies may be represented on an as-needed basis. Advisory agencies are non-voting and do not count towards quorum.
Reporting structure
The committee reports directly to City Council.
A Staff Liaison shall be assigned to the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer to provide administrative support.
Additional staff resources as required from time to time will be provided by the relevant department(s).