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2007/03/30 - Provincial Council Information *for period ended March 30, 2007* *Provinciall A.M.O.* 1. Provincial & Federal Budget 2. Accessible Parking Permits 3. Health Force Recruitment 4. Healthy Living Niagara - Compulsory Credits for Secondary Schools 5. Enhanced 911 Service 6. Energy 7. Ontario Power Generation 8. Ontario Forestry Coalition - proposed Species at Risk Legislation .t1Je 393 University Ave, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-6191 E-mail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 07/015 To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 22, 2007 FOR MORE tNFORMATlON CONTACT: Patricia Swerhone, Senior Policy Advisor 416.971.8099 ex!. 323 Ontario Budget 2007 Issue: The Ontario Government tabled a 2007 Budget that will see some municipalities receiving additional funding for infrastructure projects but offer no structural improvements in current provincial-municipal cost-shared programs. Budget Highlights: . An immediate additional $70 million for the provincial "Rural Infrastructure Investment Initiative Fund" to bring the total funding for this one-time initiative to $140 million. This additional funding is to be allocated by March 31, 2007 based on existing applications already received. . A commitment to invest in public communications infrastructure with $10 million in 2007- 2008 to help expand broadband coverage in rural southern Ontario by leveraging community and private-sector investments. . A commitment to immediately flow through the Federal Government "Infrastructure Transit Trust" funds of $352 million to transit-operating municipalities by March 31, 2007 based on transit ridership; and, to immediately flow through $127 million of the Federal Government's $392 million "Affordable Housing Trust" to municipalities to either build new affordable housing or to rehabilitate existing housing. . A proposal to address the current variations by implementing a maximum Business Education Tax (BET) rate of 1.6%. The adjustment will result in a $540 million cut to BET rates phased-in over a seven-year period. This isa welcome change that will improve the competitive position of affected municipalities across the province. The change does not, however, reduce the burden on the municipal residential property tax payer, . Proposed new measures to address volatility in the property tax assessment system. These included a move to a four-year assessment cycle, to be implemented province- wide in 2009, with future residential assessment increases phased-in over four years, I- a: w --I < Page 1 of2 Association of Municipalities of Ontario ..t!i. Member Communication . The Province has committed to provide $11 million to municipalities in strategic locations (Hamilton, Cornwall, Brantford, St. Catherines and the University of Ottawa) to clean up Brownfield properties for the economic and social vitality and growth of Ontario. . GTA pooling was established under the previous government in 1998, to share social < assistance and social housing costs across the GTA. This program results in a transfer of approximately $200 million in assistance from the municipal property tax bases of contributing municipalities including York Region, Peel Region and Halton Region primarily to benefit the City of Toronto. The Province has committed to phase out GT A pooling over seven years, beginning in 2007 with pooling contributions to be rolled back to 2004 levels. · A proposed increase of social assistance (Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support L- Program) rates by two (2) per cent effective November 2007. This proposed increase will'--- result in additional $18 million in annual costs to municipalities, beginning January 2008. I'1tI1JI' Combined with other social assistance rate increases since 2003, this proposed rate .... increase will result in total additional costs to municipal property tax payers of approximately $60 million a year. W --I . The Ontario Government has identified a proposed Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) to be phased-in over a five-year period to provide assistance to children whether their parent(s) are employed or on social assistance. As part of this initiative, the Province proposes to end the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) "c1awback" effective July 2008. AMO has always advocated for the creation of a separate income-tested child benefit as an excellent opportunity to end the claw back - provided that the Province continues to fund the reinvestment portion of the NCBS that currently funds programs and services in local communities and municipalities. The Province has identified $~ million in net savings for municipalities (at maturity in 2011) as a result of this initiative, It is not clear if the estimated $40 million in NCBS-funded community based programs and services will result in a financial pressure for municipalities. . The Ministry of Finance made a curious comment at the end of the Budget Speech. He said, in the context of the pending provincial election, that the government would, within weeks, "present the Province's first pre-election financial report". It is not clear what the pre-election "Financial Report" will entail. . What we do know is that the 2007 Ontario Budget projects a provincial surplus of $1 ,3 billion in 2008-09; and, $1,6 billion in 2009-10. This, coupled with an additional $2 billion a year in health and social service transfer from the federal government to the Province, will assist the Province in financing the upload of provincial health and social services off the municipal property tax base. Action: For your information, This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca. Page 2 of 2 Association of Municipalities of Ontario ..t!i. MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 071014 I- a: w --I < .t1Je 393 University Ave, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-6191 E-mail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 19, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Swerhone, Senior Policy Advisor 416.971.8099 ex!. 323 2007 Federal Budget a Step in the Right Direction for Municipal Infrastructure Issue: The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. tabled a budget that although overwhelmingly focuses on the long-term economic plan by restoring fiscal balance and furthering debt reduction, does build on the 2006 Federal Budget investments in infrastructure with an extension of the "Gas Tax Fund" for municipalities; and, allocation of new funding to support additional investments in municipal infrastructure projects. Background: The 2007 Budget implicitly acknowledges the need for continuing and expanding Federal involvement, with short-term measures to help maintain municipal infrastructure, including local cuitural and recreational facilities. Budget Highlights: . Budget 2007 builds on the commitments in 2006 for infrastructure, with key elements for a Federal role in infrastructure, including: o The extension of the federal "Gas Tax Fund" to municipalities by another 4 years from 2010-11 to 2013-14 is a welcome step in addressing Canada's municipal infrastructure deficit and, per current arrangements, will directly result in additional funding for Ontario municipalities of almost $3 billion over 4 vears. This is a tremendously important development and one that AMO had been advocating for on behalf of its members. o A new "Building Canada Fund" will allocate $6 billion in infrastructure funding to provinces and territories over 4 years on a per capita basis. That will provide the Government of Ontario with additional infrastructure funding of more that $2 billion over 4 vears. While it is not clear how much will end up in municipal infrastructure, there is a clear signal that municipal infrastructure is an intended destination for some of this funding. . Budget 2007 commits to an investment of $250 million per year starting in 2007-08 to provinces and territories for the creation of new child care spaces. It is anticipated that the Government of Ontario will receive approximately $90 million of this important and welcome funding. The Budget also commits to the extension of the existing $850 million under current funding agreements for early learning and child care to 2013-14. . Budget 2007 targets $45 million over 3 years to help provinces and territories with capital costs related to construction and renovations for physical accessibility for persons with disabilities. This may be good news for municipalities in Ontario as they proceed to implement their responsibilities under the Accessibility to Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005. Action: For your information, 1-1 Association of Municipalities of Ontario ..t!i. I- a: Wm --I < .t1Je 393 University Ave, SuIte 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-8191 E~mail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 07/017 To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 27, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Milena Avramovic, AMQ Senior Policy Advisor (416) 971-9856 ex!. 342 Environmental Assessment Reforms - Supporting Alternatives to Direct Landfill Disposal Issue: Ministry of the Environment has enacted a new Regulation under the Environmental Assessment Act and put in place amendments under the Environmental Protection Act for waste recycling, alternative fuels, and new/emerging technologies. The proposed regulatory changes, while still addressing environmental stewardship will help streamline the process and provide cost-savings. Background: The initiatives contain the following components: . Small rural landfills or expansions of between 40,000 and 100,000 cubic metres would go through an environmental screening process rather than a full EA. This is expected to save municipalities 18 months and thousands of dollars. . Proponents can pilot new waste technologies without having to undergo an EA providing they aresmall and can meet the Ministry's air emission standards, . Recycling facilities of any size will not have to go through the EA process providing just 1,000 tonnes per day of residual waste ends up going to disposal. . It will be easier to recycle certain wastes that currently do not meet existing exemption criteria, Included are waste paint, crumb rubber, batteries and electronics, . Converting certain wastes into alternative fuels while no longer would require waste management approvals, would still need to meet air emission standards. Response: AMO strongly endorses and encourages municipal governments to support the proposed Regulation. It is consistent with positions set out in our previous submissions to the Ministry of the Environment regarding waste-related Environmental Assessment reform, This Regulation should assist municipalities in addressing the growing gap between the amount of annual waste processing and disposal capacity that is required in the province, by: . Encouraging the timely development of facilities that process and further recover materials from waste and/or generate waste derived fuels; . Applying an environmental screening process to both small scale landfill developments or expansions as well as for the development of energy from waste facilities. . Streamlining the EA approvals requirements, and achieving efficiencies in time and expense for many smaller municipalities across the province that require small scale landfill sites or small scale expansions in order to provide for short and/or long term disposal needs, but who do not have the resources to pursue alternative approaches. 1-1 Association of ...~. Municipalities of Ontario ~-li1I ~T41212601j bean iOrfiaa~b1b312arF:MfiYAccesslbleParking Permits.pdf _00=' .u.~ --.. ..... - . --:-- ---.... .. ..... ... . ..... . ..' .. - '.MI_...!~____. :~: _ ____ ___~_______ : ...== __ _... =.:. ... ........ .&m~ AssoCIation of MunicIpalities of Ontarto 393 University Ave, Suite 1701 Taenlo, ON MSG 1 E6 Tel.: (416) 971"98:56 I Fax: (416) 971.6191 E-m3il: arro@arrnon.ca MEMBER COMMUNICATION AL ERT NO: 07/013 To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 12, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurel McCosham, PoIicyAdvlsor (416) 971-9856 exl315 Notification Process for Permits Seized under MTO's Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Program Issue: Municipal parking authorities are being asked to notify MTO regarding any permits issued under the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) program seized for misuse Background: In January 2006, the Ministry ofTransportatio n (MTO) introduced a new Accessible Parking Permit (APP) program, replacing the Disabled Person Parking Permit program. Designed to improve access for people who need permits, the new APP program makes it more difficult for individuals who attempt to abuse the system. Accordingly, APP permits are equipped with enhanced security features that help to reduc e misuse and fraud. To ensure the success of the new program and to ensure that legitima te pennit holders have access to designated parking spaces, greater coordination between local parking enforcement and MTO is required. MTO is asking municipalities and parking enforcem ent officials to notify the Ministry of any permits seized for misuse. Enforcement officers are entitied under Section 28(2) of the Highway Traffic Actto lake possession ofa parking permit when fraud is suspected orif the permit has expired. When this information is pa ssed on to the Ministry itwill place a warning fiag on the permit holder's file. Depending on the outcome of the court appearance, the enforcement agency may advise MTO of the outcome of the court case. Under Section 26(3) and (4) of the Highway Traffic Act, the Ministry may cencel the permit. Action: Notification of seized permits as well as folio w-up notification regarding the outcome of court appearances should be directed to the License Renewals Unit of MTO by either fax or mail: Ministry ofTransportatio n License Renewals Unit - APP Section P.O. Box 9800 Kingston, ON K7L 5N8 Fax: 613-545-4678 The notification should include the name of the permit holder, permit expiry date, date permit seized, descriptive reason permit was seized, the municipality/enf orcement agency providing the notification. Rather than send seized permits to the Ministry, municipalities are asked to destroy them once they are no I anger required for court purposes. This information is available in tI1e Policy/ssues section oftl1e AMOwebslte at www.amo.on.ca . Association of ............ 1-1 Municipalities of Ontarlo."-' . .......-~.a.~.e:1J I- a: w ...I <C 1(4J2/2bbl)DeanI6rfi(ja:_Q1Q:312alf:Fea'iIti:For~'O~n.l@<?..pdf.. . .:::::--- :-:.=~.= _ ____..._ - _ ... ........... - .&m... Assaclatlonof Munlclpalith:s of Ontario 393 University Ave, Suite 1701 Tc.ronlo. ON MSG 1E6 Tel.: (416) 1171-9656 I Fax: (416) 971~6191 E-mail: arro@aITD;OO.ca MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 07/012 To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 12, 2007 FOR MORE tNFORMA TION CONTACT: Laurel McCoshafl'\ Policy Adviser (416) 971-9856 ext 315 HealthForce Ontario Recruitment Centre Issue: An updal€ on the HealthForce Ontario Recruitment Centre and its initiatives to increase the number of practicing physicians and other health care professionals in the province. Background: Ontario continues to face a shortage of health care professionals that cannot be immediately redressed through normal domestic production. In response, the Province creal€d the HealthForce Ontario Recruitment Centre in May 2006. Designed to encourage and facilital€ the recruitment of qualified professionals to Ontario, the C entre is part of an overall strategy to increase the number of health care professionals practicing in the province. The work carried out by the Recruitment Cent re consists of marketing and recruitment initiatives both within and outside of the province. Within Ontario, activities are focused on coordinating and inl€grating inte r-professional recruitment through partnerships with health care organizations, employers and communities. Identifying local needs and supporting the "recruitment readiness" of commu nities with information, education and other resources is a primary focus. Outside Ontario, activities centre on stral€gic outreach that positions Ontario as the employer of choice for health professionals. This area of activity also includes relocation management to facilitate matters such as immigration, provincial and national certifications, and issues related to living in Ontario. The design, development and implementation of an individualized or case management approach to potential candidate s is a key feature of this initiative. The Recruitment Centre is also involved in the Emergency Department Coverage Demonstration Project (EDCDP). The project is working on defining a supply of qualified Ontario physicians who can be matched to offer locum assistance in emergency departments which are in particularly dire straits. Action: For Information. Municipalities inl€rested in this Initiative and how itcan benefit local communities may wish to contact the Recruitment Centre directly at: info{a)healthforce ontario.ca . This information is available in the Policy issues section of the AMOwebsite at www.amo.on.ca . 1.1 Association of .......... Municipalities of Ontario ..-111I --.--. .=,.=PaQ~1:1 I- a:: w ...I <( From: InfOrmation Niagara 905-682-1900 ext 223 To: NIAGARA FAUS, CITY OF ~......., HI.A,...fIl!' . ,jJ//IlA heBlthylMngnlagara,com Our Community Partners Brock University Canadian Cancer Sociaty Niagara Unit Canadian Diabetes Association CAP .C. Niagara Brighter Futures City of Niagara Falls Parks, RecreaUon and Culture CommunHy Care St. Catharlnes and Thorold Community Health Services - Canadian Red Cross Community Health and Wellness Fort Erie Community Uvtng -Grlmsby. Lincoln & West Lincoln District School Board of Niagara Elementary Teachers' FederaUon of Ontarlo - Niagara Heart and Stroke Founda~on of Ontario Heart NIAGARA Hope for a Healthy Workplace Hotel Oleu Shaver Heallh and RehabllitaUon Centre Niagara Cathollo District School Board Niagara College's Niagara Culinary Institute Niagara Community Food Advisors Niagara Council on Smoking and Heaith Niagara Elementary UnitofOnfarlo English Cathollc Teachers' Association Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Tourlng Club Inc. Ntagare Health System Niagara Physlc:al Activity Advisors Ontano Early Years Centres O.S.S,T.F. District 22 Niagara Project S.HAR.E. The Mental Health and WoIlnass Network Niagara Region . Community Services Department . Public Health Department Town of Lincoln University Women's Ciub St. Catharines YMCA of Niagara Zonta Club of Niagara Faris Date: 3i14/07 "me: 5:46:58 PM Page lof2 clo Niagara Region Public Health 220151. David's Road, Campbell East P.O. Box 1052, Station Main Thorold, Ontario, L2V OA2 Telephone: (905) 688-3762 Toll Free: 1-800-263-7248, Fax: (905) 688-7024 hln@reglonal.niagara.on,ca March 8, 2007 This fax is to seek your support in our campaign, Reality PE: The 60 Minute Edge. The campaign urges parents to encourage their children to take physical education more than once in high school and to let the government of Ontario know that they support a second compulsory Health and Physical Education activity credit for secondary schools. . In Ontario, less than half of students beyond Grade 9 take physical education classes, a small fraction are involved in school sports programs, and adolescents who are inactive at school are unlikely to be physically active elsewhere. . Over the past 25 years, obesity rates have more than tripled for Canadian children between the ages of 12 and 17. · View a DVD and other supportive material about the need for a 2"" compulsory Health and Physical Education Activity Credit at www.healthvlivinoniaqara.com Healthy Living Niagara has the support of MPP Kim Craitor who will read names from the petition supporting a second compulsory Health and Physical Education activity credit into Queens Park. He will start the readings in March until the end of May. We ask you to circulate the attached petition to your staff and others. Aim for 5 or more names. You can mail the signed petitions to us for Mr. Craitor to read into Queens Park. Working together we can have a meaningful impact on physical activity and ultimately health in Ontario. Sincerely, ~\\J'"- Dan Malleck, PhD Chair, Healthy Living Niagara Healthy Choices Make a Di(ference...EnJoy Healthy Eating. stay Active. Live Smoke-Free. From: Information Niagara 905-682-1900 ext 223 To: NIAGARA FALLS, CITY OF Date: 3/14/07 "me: 5:46:58 PM Page 2of2 Physical Activity Petition To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: "Whereas over the past 25 years, obesity rates have more than tripled for Canadian children between the ages of 12 and 17, and "Whereas in Ontario, less than half of students beyond Grade 9 take Health and Physical Education classes, a small fraction are involved in school sports programs, and adolescents who are Inactive at school are unlikely to be physically active elsewhere, and "Whereas Canada's Physical Activity Guide recommends thai adolescents get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, and "Whereas a second compulsory Health and Physical Education activity credit for secondary schools would result in an increase in adolescents being active." "Therefore, we the undersigned concerned citizens of Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows: "That the Ministry of Education add a second compulsory Health and Physical Education activity credit for secondary schools." . .i.',:;,.,: ,:"Ni:iMeF&'MdressOfo'lllls$';i;fjj{trf>;'.:;-."-<'i',J.;,; ,. ."",' '. .,: ":'~;;t";,;r~' ., ,".... -""~:'}'"':~) r ur~':'~;;' ~ .,"~fJ"~"~:::-.". .' . . .. " . "" . ~_ ..', ~.:'~"'r"f:. ....,. "r...:: '. "".".'" .,;(.;(:-->, '.-:,"~ -":ib~.."\'~~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Return this peUlion by mail to: Healthy living Niagara cIa Niagara Region Public Health P,O. Box 1052, Station Main. Thorold, ON L2V OA2 .t1Je 393 University Ave. Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel.: (416) 971-98561 Fax: (416) 971-6191 ERmail: amo@amo.on.ca Association of Municipalities of Ontario MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT NO: 071010 To the attention of the Clerk and Council March 6, 2007 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurel McCosham. Policy Advisor (416) 971-9856 ex! 315 Use of Enhanced 911 Information for Community Notification Services Issue: CRTC decision on extending access tolLEC 9-1-1 database information to local authorities for the purpose of providing an enhanced community notification service. (A copy of this decision is available on the AMO website in Enalish or French.) Background: In June 2004, Strathcona County on behalf of itself, AMO, the City of Fort Saskatchewan, the City of Brandon, the New Brunswick Department of Safety, Emergency Management Alberta, Emergency Management Ontario, the County of Essex and the City of Niagara Falls ("the Municipalities") filed an application under Part VII of the CRTC Telecommunications Rules of Procedure. The application asked that government authorities responsible for providing emergency services be granted access to enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) database information with the purpose of providing telephone-based emergency alerts. Currently maintained by Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), this information would allow local authorities to implement Community Notification Services (CNS). CNS would allow local authorities to notify citizens of imminent threats to public safety. ILECs largely embraced the concept of CNS. However, they did note several privacy-related concerns that would need to be addressed by the CRTC. The CRTC has received submissions and comments from the Municipalities, ILECs and other stakeholders on this issue. The Decision The CRTC determined that it is in the public interest to allow ILECs to provide E9-1-1 information for a telephone-based community notification service. ILECs must provide this information where available and as requested by a public authority. However, this permission is subject to several limitations, safeguards, notification requirements and other constraints outlined below, It will take one year before a full set of guidelines, security procedures and practices for enhanced CNS are in place, The transfer of ILEC E911 information is limited to telephone numbers and associated addresses. Its use is limited to public authorities - broadly defined to account for the diverse structure of emergency service groups, The information may only be deployed when there is an emergency, defined as "an imminent or unfolding danger that threatens I- a: w --I <C 1-2 Association of .....~. Municipalities of Ontario ....1iI Member Communication the life, health or security of an individual", as determined by a public authority. The use of E9-1-1information is limited to the specific emergency alert and parties must destroy E9-1-1 information once notification has been completed, If the CRTC determines that CNS information is misused, ILECs must suspend or terminate the disclosure of E9-1-1 information, Authorized administrators for public alerts are restricted to PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points), which also manage 911 calls. To ensure privacy is respected, public authorities must submit annual enhanced CNS reports detailing the circumstances surrounding any public alert. Non-disclosure agreements with ILECs must be in place, signed by the public authority, authorized administrators and CNS providers. The E9-1-1 information may not be enriched with additional personal information, except supplemental geographic information to be used to improve enhanced CNS delivery. A set of standard guidelines, security procedures and practices for enhanced CNS will be established by the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC), to be put forth one year from the date of the decision. The Municipalities' draft guidelines will inform this process. Prior notification regarding the use of enhanced CNS must be provided by local public authorities, who must bear these associated costs. At minimum, this must be in the form of a billing insert three months before the service becomes operational. Both ILEC and non-ILEC CNS providers may operate as the CNS provider. Neither GIS nor IVR (integrated voice response) capabilities are mandatory for ILECs to provide enhanced CNS. Centralized enhanced CNS functions across ILECs were recommended to ensure greater efficiency. Such centralization will be the responsibility of ILECs, but the associated costs will be included in the cost of the service. ILECs must file proposed tariff pages, following a request from a public authority. CISC will address all future operational issues as they arise, CNS costs, including the implementation costs, will be recovered by the ILEC from the public authority through an explicit tariff rate. Mark-up on costs related by elements such as the E9-1-1 CNS repository are limited to a maximum of 10 per cent, in line with the constraint imposed on 911 service. ILECs must indemnify the local public authority in the event of a claim arising out of a breach of the agreement by the ILEC. ILECs are to be held to the same standard of limited liability that applies to 911 terms of service, Action: For information. This information is avaiiable in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca. I- a: w --I < 2-2 Association of Municipalities of Ontario ..t!i. 1:(4)2/200i)Dean-iorfia:a~-eiElc-~ash:fe.6:mar~H2]o.7pdf ~_ ". =::: ~-=,='.m _.:.=.:: .'.j:ia~e1 ~LAS · i - Making U10 ivlost of i:nergy local Authority Services newsfLASh for Electricity Program members February has been a busy rmnth behind the scenes for the about.to-be-Iaunched LAS Electricity Pro- gram, a unique pooled purchasing program for Ontario municipalities. The RFP 10 Supply Electricity to Ontario municipali- ties was issued in early February to 19 potential vendors; eight responses were received and are being carefully reviewed by LAS staff and independ- ent energy consultant, Dr. Larry Murphy of Henley International. Coral Energyacts BSLAS Electricity Program Manager; Coral Is not Involved In any phase of the vendor selection process and will not be involved In the bid selection process, as Coral may also be a supplier. Coral Energy/Shell Trading will only become involved once the bids have been awarded by LAS, in order 10 manage the supply con1racts and billing. To ensure 1ransparency and accountabi1i1y, LAS will make available 10 all bidders the winning bid prlce(s) and suppliers. Once vendors are selected, oontracts will be exe. culed, deals confirmed and eligible municipalities enrolled. The target start date is April 1 st. Detailed program Information will be provided to all program members In the coming mJnths. With con1rac1s established, we will be able 10 pro- vide definitive pricing and projected savings informa. lion to all AMO members. Additional enrollment opportunities will be offered throughout 2007 as Councils pass their resolutions, aswe receive completed enrollment packages and as new load thresholds are met To find out how your municipality can be proactive about managing electricity costs before the Regulated Price Plan ends next April, contact AMOIlAS. For more information onElec1ricityor other LAS Programs, contact LomaGrace IlVlIio. LAS Program Coordinator: 416971-98561877 426-6527ext 320. ~bii) ..It.S5oClAnoNOFM~Of'ClIirrAAlO AMO Is developing a com- prehensive 2.day conference for elected officials. keystaff and IndUstry partners inter~ ested in a broad range of energy Issues, Including: Green powering your fleet Bill 21 Developing an Energy Plan Water IWaste Water Carbon Credits Municipal case studies and much more... June 4& 5 Doubletr ee Inter national Plaza Hotel, Toronto June 27 & 28 Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay I (4J2J2007 j Deanlorfida:elec flastilebmaich2.QQ7-P,9!. -_~~~ = _ _nn___. ==--~--:::: :~-::. _.=:.:=:--:::: __n_:...:. ::.. 'P~f!e2:1 Why Hedge for Electricity? Hedges look great in your yard.. and they are considered a besl practice for managing the volatil- ity and uncertainty (and therefore the risk) related to folWard pur- chasing commodities. H"".....O<l.lI<iO:En0t9y'P'I"".(HOEPI J<bl"'"'Yr:~.""'-"~~I._ A hedge is a contract purchased now for future supply. While no one knows what future prices will be, a hedge provides the price assurance that helps municipali- ties budget correctly and confi. denUy. Depending on the marketplace and the purchasing strategies, hedges can also save money. , . . "P'~'.'''''''''''' In Ontario, the spot market for electricity is meant to reflect the aelual cost to generate power. This can be very volatile asthe prloo of electricity changes hourly. Closely linked to supply and demand, the Hourly Ontario. Electricity Price (HOEP) is usually higher during peak demand and lewer during eff-peak times. Ontario. municipalities can choese to be served in ene efthree ways for electricity: the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) the spot market, or a Retail Contract (may Include financial hedging). The Regulated Price Plan offers less volatility than the spot market However, underthe RPP, municipal accounts are rec- onciled to the true cost of generation, mlch Is based on the spot market price. Ultimately, municipalities pay the spot market price. If your municipality is Involved in a Retail Contract, you typically purchase a financial deal from a supplier for a fixed arrount of electricity over a set period of time ata fixed price. The supplier makes sure that you receive the price you contracted for reo gardless of mat else goes on In the market This way your pricelsprotectad. Under this type of contract there Isno ream. cJllation to the cost of generation or spot market each year; you pay for what you buy - or hedge. A well. managed hedging plan protects your municipality 'NIlen most needed during high price perledsand allows you to take advantage oflow prices. Again, no one knows men each of those will happen. However, a good plan takes into account the risks, mitigates them based an solid decisions and balances those risks against the opporb.mily to buy lower priced power. The LAS Electricity programoptimises the advantages of all three methods by: determining which municipal accounts may best be served under the RPP hedging a portion of each municipality's electricity usage to offer price certainty and budgetability maIntaining spot market involvement Vvtlen it is beneficial to do. so. . . .. "_,>-,,:-: bui~power- Go G....n, join the .5000 tonne Challe~t " ... f'r--- i\MCJ'has pl:lrtrt~_red-~th-~ulrfT_eg' f:i~r.-:O;ntl~6'~:fll;St:io:0$-':--" 9reenelectrl,dtr;:(l~,faller.-t()_pro.~(!~:~r;_i~palitie"S:~!lf'~:_:":". - - . corwenlentway'to'gp'green~,Firirl ~I.~_rrt'lr.{'-"' ",~," :" .:"-- .-' The following municipalities are enrolled in the LAS Electricity program. We salute them as energy leaders! Brant Chatsworth Dryden Essex Goderlch Greenstone Grimsby Hanover Howick Huntsville Kawartha Leamlngton Middlesex Mississippi Mills Oakvl1le Owen Sound Red Rock Saugeen Shores South Huron Southwest Middlesex St.Clair Stratford Thames Centre Val Rita-Harty Wellington 1'(4121200't)Dean .'iorfiaa::~as'iI~~flfe_b 1l1-a.~ch=2q6!-E~f==--- .. _ ..-- 00'_""1 __._._.m'.d .'_..,':'.6ge1; ~LAS · local AuthOrlty Services newsfLASh for Natural Gas Program members After many years the LAS Natural Gas program is in transition with a new Program Manager; effective June 1st, Burlington-based I independ- ent energy seNices provider, Energy A:::fvan- tage, will replace ECNG, /J.s natural gas utilities require 30-90 days to record account changes, we are working now to ensure a smooth transfer of seNices. For most program members, this transition will be seam- less and invisible. However, we may discover anomalies with individual accounts along the way that require immediate attention to facilitate the shift in program management. In that case, we will be in touch with our municipal natural gas program contact immediately. What other changes can you expect? Improved communication about the program and about the energy marketplace Enhanced reporting to program members at the program, the municipal and the individ~ ual account levels Estimated program pricing for the November to October program year provided by June of each year to align with the budget cycles of most program members Multiple opfXlrtunities to enhance your un- derstanding of the marketplace and regula- tory issues through AMO/LAS communica- tions, conference sessions. town hall presR entations that include both our natural gas and electricity program managers, etc. CommItment to delivering longRtenn value LAS staff available to address your quesR tions and concerns Program oversight by your peers who bring a range of municipal perspectives to both the Advisory Committee and the lAS Board of Directors Program management by knowledgeable and experienced ener gy professionals ,..-..'t"" td@) Mark your cal endars and watch for more information. AMO is comprehe nsive 2-day conference for elected offi- cials. key staff and industry partners Intere sted in a broad range of energy issues, in- duding: Green powering your fleet 811I21 Developing an Energy Plan Water/WasteWater Carbon Credits Municipal case studies and much more.. June4 & 5 Double tree Int emational Plaza Hote I, T oronio June 27 & 28 Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay For more information on Natu ral Gas or olhe r LAS Programs, contact LornaGrace Irwin, LAS Program Coordin alar: 416971-98561877 426-6527 ext 320. I. (4/2/2661).t)e~~nio-rf@ljia~rr~sFfi~p<m~;:~h.26(jr~aL _m_:,,_ .-= -- .~~~~: :'_:.f'~_\ie 21 What You Should Know About Retail Energy Marketers In jurisdictions that have deregulated energy markets (electricity and/or natural gas) Itis likely that retail energy marketing companIes will approach municipalities and their indlvid- uallocations to solicit their energy supply business. Soma of the retail marketers cur- rently operating in Canada are Direct Energy Essential Home Services, Ontario Energy Savings Corporation (OESC) and Superior Energy Management Typically, retail energy marketing corrpanles are skilled, assertive marketers whose sales- people may use high-pressure tactics 10 sign up new busInesses. Some unwary consumers can be "signed-up" without even knowing it. Bysimply providing the salesperson with a copy of the current utility account number (often obtained when 1I1ey ask to see a recent utility bill), accounts can be enrolled In a retail program. Currentiy, a common practice of retail energy marketers Isto offer 1I1ree or five year fixed price terms for 1I1e energy corrmodity, on the premise of providing "peace of mind" tocon~ sumers who are concerned about rising and volatile costs. So, what's the problem? The cost of the 'peace of mind" can be very high. RecenUy, a sampling offour retail mar~ keters' 5.year fixed natural gas prices (for the gas commodity alone, does not Indude trans- portation or fuel gas compression) ranged from 34.8ttlm3 to 39.9ttlm 3 and averaged 38.2#m3(or$10.07IGJ). On the same day,5~ year gas supply was available on the whole~ sale market for 30.68#m 3 ($8.1 OIGJ) plus transportation and fuel gas corrpresslon. LAS's program price for 200612007 Is3526ttl m3 and Includes transportation and fuel gas. Make sure you are comparing apples 10 ap- ples when looking at prices and terms. GeneraUy speaking, by committing to one of 1I1ese retailers' offerings, your municipality would be getting a price that reflects record high levels in the futu res market, where your municipality would be locked in for a long time, perhaps even longer than you think. Retail marketers' contracts wi1l1 commercial customers wiU almost Invariably have "negative option" dauses, whereby the mar~ keter may automatically renew 1I1e contract for further term(s) unless 1I1e customer spe~ cificafly serves Vvrltten notice before the termi~ nation date that it does not wish to renew. Retail marketers buy the physical energy commodity for re-sale to their customers or enter into financial contracts (hedges) cover~ ing their supply obligations. These supply- side transactions are greatly Influenced by prevailing market conditions and by the credit~ worthiness of the marketer. In volatile markets, If 1I1e marketer does not have a strong credit rating, Its supply (and byextensl on, its customers' sup- ply) could be at risk. If I don't deal with a retail marketer, what are my options? You can stay wi1l1 your local utility as supplier. For natural gas, you would be purchasing what Is known as "system gas." Supply will be assured, however the price you pay for the gas wJII be a pass-through of the utility's cost to purchase gas- and that Is typically tightiy linked to the spot mar. ket prices. Utility customers are frequenUy re- quired to pay retroactive adjustments when the utility's projected gas costs fall short of their actual oosts. OR You can Join the AMOA...AS or other poOled pur. chase programs that buy wholesale rather 1I1an retail. The LAS program is managed byan inde- pendent energy consultant 1I1at sits on the munld. palities' side of the table and whose objective Is to provide AMO and its merrbers with expert advice and to exeaJte and manage purchase strategies that will reduce costs and volatility over the long term What can I do IT a marketer has already signed up municipal accounts? Unfortunately, not much. The oon1racts are legally binding if signed by duly authorized staff. Just make sure you remember to avoid 1I1e auto. mafic renewal by providing the written notice of cancellation stipulated In your agreement ~ here to obtain a Terrrination Letter temolate And make sure your employees know about these practices and, In particular, 1I1at under no drcufTl-. stances should they provide utility bllls, account numbers or any information to energy marketers that may call or visit 1I1e municipal premises. ONTARIOFOiiiER GENERATION NIIlG. FillLS CLERKS '07 031909:56 700 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G lX6 March 8, 2007 Mr. Dean lorfida City Clerk City of Niagara Falls Box 1023, 4310 Queen SI. Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. lorfida: I am pleased to enclose a copy of Ontario Power Generation's semi-annual performance report "It's All About Performance". The report contains highlights of OPG's performance in 2006. These include updates on our electricity generation, and our financial, safety and environmental performance; updates on our recent asset improvement initiatives; and our progress with respect to several new generation projects. The report also looks at some of the key challenges we face in 2007 and our priorities for addressing them. The goal of this report, as with our previous performance reports, is to provide you with information that may be useful in assessing our performance as a provincially-owned company accountable to you and our many other stakeholders. This is consistent with our commnment to openness and transparency. As a company that produces over two-thirds of the electricity consumed in Ontario, OPG is committed to improving its performance and efficiency on a continuous basis. This report documents in an open and straightforward manner how we are striving to achieve this objective. I hope you find it useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about this report, please contact us at webmaster@opg.com, or contact Kathi Austerberry at 416-592-2685. To find out more about OPG, please go to our Web site at www.opg.com. Sincerely, ~~ Jim Hankinson President and CEO <J~ T;. " u<;/ 01100 Generating 70 per cent of Ontario's Electricity It's All About Performance REPORT ON 2006 PERFORMANCE FEBRUARY 2007 ONTARIOPGiiiiER GENERATION 2 It's All AbOllt Performance Nuclear and Hydro production up in 2006 Fossil reliability improves for second consecutive year. Increased hydro and nuclear produc- tion meets 53 per cent of Ontario's electricity demand During 2006, OPG increased production from its nuclear and hydroelectric stations, OPG's 10 nuclear units generated 46.9 TWh* - an increase of four per cent over their 2005 production levds. This increase was primarily because of the generation from the Pickering Unit 1 reactor, which completed its first full year of operation since returning to service in the fall of 2005. OPG's 64 hydroelectric stations also pro- duced more electricity than in 2005. Total hydro production in 2006 was 33.3 TWh compared to 32.6 TWh the year before. This increase resulted from higher water levels in Eastern Ontario and effective outage management. Unlike its nuclear stations and large hydro- electric plants, OPG's fossil facilities are not operated as baseload generators, They are mainly used as "swing resources" whose flexibility enables them to quickly produce power during periods of higher demand. While OPG's fossil-fuelled stations pro- duced less electricity than in the previous year, this decrease was mainly due to lower electricity demand and higher production from OPG's nuclear and hydro assets. * One terawatt hour lTWh) is equal to one billion kilowatt hours. A kilowatt hour is a measure of electricity demand per hour by customers. Tile average Ontario household uses approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours a month. Slrong fossil and hydroelectric reliability Reliability of our plants was strong in 2006 - as evidenced by their significantly lower forced outage rate of 14,1 per cent compared to 15.9 per cent in 2005 and 18.7 per cent in 2004. Effective maintenance improved equipment rdiability at the fossil-fuelled stations, ensuring that they could respond quickly to changes in demand. Reliability was also strong at OPG's hydro- electric stations. These stations were avail- able to produce electricity 93 per cent of the time - three per cent better than the industry's five-year average. This is an impressive achievement given that the average age of OPG's hydro fleet is 72 years - with some stations more than 100 years old. Nuclear stations faced some challenges Despite producing more electricity in 2006, OPG's nuclear stations did not meet their production target of 49.3 TWh) primarily because of longer than expected planned outages. 2006 Nuclear Unit Capability Factor 100.00 % 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 DarHngton Pickering A Pickering B Nuclear unit capability declined at Darlington and Pickering B in 2006 wI1ile improving at Pickering A. Extensions to planned outages contributed to the lower unit capability factors at the two stations. OPG Electricity Production 120 108.5 105.2 100 Fossil B<l Nuclear _60 40 Hydroelectric 20 0 2005 2006 OPG's Pickering B nuclear station. OPG's nuclear units account for about 30 per cent of the company's generating capacity, but produced 45 per cent of its energy output in 2006. The higher output of these units relative to their share of capacity underscores their important contribution to Ontario's electricity supply. It's All About Performance 3 We Are Investing to Improve Performance OPG's asset improvement programs aimed at increasing electricity production. Improving our nuclear fleet OPG undertook six planned outages in 2006 to improve planr condition and reactor performance. "While several of these outages went beyond their scheduled com- pletion dates, they accomplished much good work. OPG has made it a priority to improve outage completion times in 2007. Pickering A: The station's Unit 4 planned outage went beyond schedule to repair degraded boiler nozzles discovered during inspection. Other key improvement initia- tives included: feeder tube and boiler inspections and equipment maintenance to reduce the fOrced loss rate for the next cycle. Pickering B: In late 2006, Pickering B complered the last phase of a major fOur-year inspection and maintenance program on 1,554 fuel channels. The procedure prevents contact between pressure tubes and calandria tubes within fuel channels. This is an impor- tant step toward shorter outages, longer operating runs, and higher electricity output. Nuclear production has risen 50 40 30 TWh 20 10 o 2003 2004 2005 2006 OPG has increased its nuclear production every year since 2003. Darlington: Darlington conducted two major planned outages in 2006. The first outage, although extended, enabled the station's Unit 3 to be the first Darlington unit to enter a 36-month outage cycle. improving on the station's current 24-month cycle. Evenrually scheduled fOr all Darlington units, the new outage cycle will help increase operating time. Darlington Unit 1 underwent a fall outage. which was completed on time and within budget. A key achievement included the completion of Darlington's first ever multiple feeder pipe replacement program - an important step in enhancing Darlington's reliability and performance. Improving our hydroelectric fleet OPG invests an average of $160 million a year to maintain and enhance performance at its hydroelectric stations. Improvements in 2006 included: runner upgrades at Abitibi Canyon and Ranney Falls: rehabilitation of the Caribou Falls station; and upgrades to the switchgear at the Whitedog generating station in Northwest Ontario. During the Pickering B Unit 7 outage, advanced ultrasonic technology was used to evaluate the condition 01 components of low pressure turbines. Since 1992, improvements like these have added 425 MW* of additional capacity to OPG's hydroelectric supply - including 25 MW added during 2006. Future upgrades will add anotber 116 MW to OPG's hydro- electric capacity by 2015, helping to ensure continued reliable service from these vital heritage assets. Improving our fossil-fuelled assets Improvements to enhance reliability at OPG's fossil fleet in 2006 included: . Installing a new high pressure turbine at the Nanticoke generating station in Unit 5; . Initiating work leading to a major generator overhaul of Lamb ton's Unit 3; and . Replacing the original control system at the Thunder Bay station. One of OPG Hydro's largest asset improvement projects. the Caribou Falls rehabilitation project involved staff from across OPG's Northvvest Plant Group. OPG's hydroelectric assets have provided Ontario with clean, renewable electricity for many decades. Enhancements like these will help ensure they continue to produce for many years more. * A megawatt (MVV') is 1 million watts. It is a measure of electricity generation capacity. 4 It's AJi About Performance Progress Continues on New Supply Projects OPG adopts new approaches to project management to better meet Ontario's needs. Managing construction risk Unlike its predecessor, Ontario Hydro, OPG does not build generating stations using its own work force. OPG acts as project manager, contracting with third party firms who largely assume a project's responsibilities and risks relating to costs, schedule adherence and other key areas. OPG has adopted this approach with respect to two new design/build initiatives it is managing. Big Becky, the world's largest hard rock tunnel boring machine, disappears from view as it proceedS to dig the NiagaraTunnel. Niagara Tunnel: The contractor for the Niagara Tunnel is Strabag Ine. - an Austrian- based firm with a strong international reputa- tion. Work on the tunnel is now well underway, following the September launch of "Big Becky," the world's largest hard rock tunnel boring machine (TBM). After some initial growing pains, resulting in slower than expected excavation progress, the TBM is now completely underground. W1Ien com- plete, the Niagara Tunnel will enable OPG's Beck hydroelecrric stations to generate an addirional 1.6 billion kilowatt honts of renewable hydroelectricity per year. Lac Seul: The 12.5 MW Lac Seul hydro- electric generating station in Northwestern Ontario is being constructed by SNC Lavalin Inc. The project is on schedule to be in-service by the end of 2007. Construction milestones at year end 2006 included: completion of the powerhouse substructure, erection of the powerhouse frame and substantial completion of the water conveyance runnel. Work has pro- ceeded safely, with no lost time injuries or "near miss" safety incidents for 2006. New relationships with First Nations Building commercial relationships with First Nations in potential hydroelectric projects is an important parr of OPG's hydroelectric development strategy. In 2006, OPG settled past grievances with the Long Lake #58 and Lac Seul First Nations. Memoranda of Understanding and project participation agreements were signed with the Mattagami First Nation and the Taykwa Tagamou First Nadon. A Protocol Agreement was reached with the Moose Cree First Nation. OPG is also moving forward on a number of other potential hydro projects in northern Ontario. These include: . The Lower Mattagami project - a potential 450 MW upgrade of four OPG hydro sta- tions in Northeast Ontario now well into the "definicion" stage of development; and . Four other potential hydroelectric projects (Upper Mattagami; Hound Chute; Mattagami Lake Dam; and Healey Falls) also in the definition stage, representing about 55 MW. The 12.5 MW Lac Saul generating station will be the first OPG hydro station to be built in Ontario in 13 years. Partnerships with other companies OPG has also joined forces wirh established energy providers to develop and explore new supply initiatives. These partnerships combine OPG's strengths with the strengths and expertise of other companies to undertake emerging energy opportunities. Portlands Energy Centre: In October, o PG and TransCanada Energy conducted the official groundbreaking of the Portlands Energy Cenrre in downtown Toronto. This is also a design/build project. Construction of the 550 MW combined cycle gas generat- ing station has been underway since the summer. The site is now cleared and fOlUlda- cion work has started. The project is targeted to produce its first power using simple cycle generation by summer 2008. It will employ combined cycle generation, using waste heat to generate electricity, in the following sum- mer. In September, Portlands signed a 20 year Accelerated Clean Energy Supply con- tract with the Ontario Power Authority. Lakeview site: OPG is also working with Enersource Hydro Mississauga Services Inc. to explore the possibility of developing a gas-fired generating station. It would be located at the site of the former Lakeview coal-fired generating station, which was closed in 2005. The Portlands Energy Centre will play a major role in supply- ing Toronto's energy needs. It's All About Performance 5 Moving Forward On Nuclear Generation Potential refurbishment and new nuclear units being planned, Pickering B refurbishment It has been a busy period since the Ontario Government's directive to-OPG to begin feasibility studies on the potential refurbish- ing of Pickering B. In Augusr 2006, a feder- al Environmental Assessment commenced on rhe Pickering B Refurbishment and Continued Operations Project. o PG launched a public consultation pro- gram ro give the public and stakeholders the opportunity to learn about and provide input into the EA studies. These included not only local residents, but also regional and national groups across Ontario and Canada. By the end of the year, a wide array of consultation activities had been launched rhat included: stakeholder briefings and proj. ect updates; public open houses; newslet- ters and presentations; a toll-free number (1-866-487-4600) and a dedicated web site at: www.opg.comlpickeringb l -j i l I 1 In addition to environmental factors, the business case assessment for Pickering B's potential refurbishment will consider the safety, financial, technological and logistical implications of refurbishment. The business case will be presented to OPG's Board in early 2008, at which time a decision will be made on whether or not to proceed with the under- taking. Refutbishment will not take place without a solid business case to justify it. As many as 100 peopie attended ead1 of the tv,;o rounds of open houses on Pickering 8's potental refurhishment that were held in 2006, The open houses provided the public witr,;,nformation and the opportunity to provido input into the EA process. Nuclear new build progress OPG was also directed by rhe Ontatio Government in June 2006 to begin rhe federal approvals process for the potential construction of new nuclear units at an existing facility. By year-end, five commu- nity information sessions had been held to introduce the community to the project and the fedetal approvals process, and ro receive their input on how they would like to be involved. In addition, a toll-free information line (1.866-487-6006) and a Project website WWVi'.opg.com/newbuild have been established to enable the public and stakeholders to access information about the project and status of the approvals. The public consultation process will contin- ue rhrough 2007 and beyond. Pickering 8 employees performing outage work in 2006. OPG plans to make a recommendation on Pickering 8's refurbishment to its Board early next year. The Darlington nuclear site. potential home of new nuclear units to generate power for Ontario. QPG believes Darlington is an excellent site for new nuclear. Its advantages include: enough room to build; pmxirr,ity to a major transmission corridor and load cent,e; support from local and regiona', governmer,t; and a highly skilled and experienced workforce Employees and Community Citizenship Our strength and reputation depends on people and partnerships. ":.>.:._ .-'_ _' _ _ '_ --.,,"_ :_<~:_:'__:__-_ ,_._._--,-',; _-_\:"~~8~#-:-- '~_-'~_~_CJ:~t,?~~.f:~or_-:~Jc~pl~<_!~e:-given' ei~-t : ;_?Y,~t?,(t.t<i.:ihing repreSenting an- invesuneIit 0'f$1 ~mil1ion. ~ .- - - TypIc8J -OI,:_hd~dr~d~-o!_ 'd~;__~ii1Plbye~S, B~mnie_ Olm~tead_ )5:-8' N.~ptiCqke-Security__,9u.a:dWMo__fOr~O(~-tha~ '? quarter :6f a 'Qt;lntllrv.h--a:s:beeb_8otive as a volunteer l~ader in Sco~tS_-9a-narJ.a._-~h~ fl8S' b~fped hundrs$ of. yq"un'9_'p_eople in~ writl ~hta~i~' b-ec6~e m?tEl confident .and self-r~]jant by -.strsi1gthening -thei~JMlqernes:s and car'nplng,' ski_lis. Open and accountable Transparency, openness and accountability are fundamental to OPG's reputation and success. In 2006, OPG strengrhened irs commitment to these values by updating and enhancing its policies on disclosure, business conduct, and business and travel expenses. OPG also posts directives from its Shareholder, the Government of Ontario. instructing the company to undertake cer- tain actions. Three directives were received by OPG in 2006. These and many orher docwnents relating to OPG's safety, environ- C~ring .about communities ,- - -- -._---..-'.'-- _._-' CJPC; and ilS~ emf'1oyets m engag;,d members of rheir communiries. 1~ 200"6, OPG ~ employees aild pe!lsjoners'donared $1.79. ~ ~miIljon rhTough OPG's ann\lllLChariry . . Camphgn ro assisr chose in ne,d.and che orgai)iZarions. char help rhem. '--- --,- - - . "~':--~_1l(W1Pl?.r~~;:_~_~:-~6i1trrhut~:-'#'mem_D6f&- i;if1odJ drg~ni?;a:tiQtiS;-:'Pa:rti_cJBaJl-~$;' i~- -,or: -" ". --, - _ _-:_C~ll1~urii~:_~ev?n~;-__anW~~~u~t~e~~::f~t-:,-_ h~nj6:f)t}U~- vyo,tthy :cau$~'_ OPG supPQrrs cotllinuniti';' rh~;'gh : . CprpQrnre Ci~zel1shi , 11120 OPG.invesled .Cflpre rhan --~---as}i~t;f~~fl~'~-~~~~~~~#-~1: _.,-' -co: _.',. ','- '_,' ~':(- and (;(:ml'rntirUty_~iwtiative~icw1iere_,\V~-:o ,'- -','.:_<.-:. .0__'__ _-- .':-_',"_,'_,-___., '-Co' '--~:;-<- ';, '$--~-; "',r "', +::;:'.. ,",-',',' c; ~:{;}i';;>-'.: 'j;<-.,.. mental, ethical and governance performance can be accessed on the company's website - www.opg.com. In communities where it has facilities, OPG regularly repofts on its operations and activ- iries. In 2006, for example, plane officials from the Pickering nuclear station appeared 10 rimes before che local Communiry Advisory Council to repott on plant opera- tions. OPG holds Of participates in regular meetings with community stakeholders in many of its station communities. In addi- cion, to inform people about the potential refurbishmene of Pickering Band potenrial new nuclear unirs ar Oarlingron, OPG held dozens of presentations and open houses for local and regional residenrs. These are a few examples of OPG's many outreach initiatives. Want to know more about OPG? We can be reached ar: www.opg.com{contact.asp Interested in a career at OPG? Go to: www.mypowercareer.com ONTARIOPOiiEiI GENERATION f'(4J212601)1ieail iorlida:letferf6Hea;ds~orCo~~]-_~N.EEl S.,A.R.~:e9f --:.... ~~=..:.:== --.-....=::-:. : ....P........;.,. _<"_ooU . ..-... -.. Page 1 OJ rr i-\F{J 0 F [) HEST Iff C [)i-\LJJ J [) J\J ~/\P'\".-'" ". rom f~?.:l~ .:;1;; A "'-,.... OFIA _fIilmM\1lU_ ~ m.'""'.';. ........., ... .' ."-~' -,~ ',~: ...... ........ -', ":Al;d~ "^""~ . ~ FONOM Ikr_d_r-.~ ~ '/'NNI, (:) (I,,; 'lli in ,G/lnJ. Date: February 12, 2007 To: Heads of Councils and Councils From: The Ontario Forestry Coalition Re' Prooosed Soecies at Risk Leoislation The Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Natural Resources is working to introduce new legislation dealing with the protection of Species atRisk. As written the proposed framework does not provide a balanced approach to the protection of species at risk. Not only will the framework's overly prescriptive approach to in terim habitat protection fail to provide for species at risk, it will have significant and unnecessary impacts on the resource sectors and those many communities that depend on those sectors for jobs, tax assessment, and, ultimately, prosperity. The current "one size fits all" approach of the proposed legislation does not relate to the diverse geographic and ecological nature ofthis province nor will it adequately assist in the recovery of species at risk. The Ontario Forestry Coalition believe s that the legislation will negatively impact the farming commu nity, the forestry and mining sectors, urban planning and homebuild ing, treppers, anglers, hunters, sand, stone and gravel industries, hydro electric developers among just a faw Attached you will find a briefi ng note on the proposal. We are writing to ask for your assistance in dealing with this proposed Act At this stage in the process we went you and your Council to adopt the Resolution accompanying this memo and to complete and send the attached lettar to the Premier. 1'(4/2/2007) Dean loifida:Lelter: to' Re,adsc)rgO:uii~l('o.~Iie'~AR:Sj)_df.. .....~~..._.. ...::' -:: P~f1e2'1 Our key message is that we want full public hearings, across Ontario, so that all affected, as well as inte rested parties, can have an opportunity to offer their advice before the proposed Act is adopted in principle by the Ontario Legislature at Second Reading. As said in the letter to the Premier "Species at Risk Legislation, once passe d, will be in place for many, many years. We all need to take the time to get it right before it becomes law." It is likely that the Legislation will be tabled early in March. It is important that each Municipality make their views known to the Govern ment weli before then if we are to have any chance of getting hearings. Please schedule consideration of this request immediately. Together we are a much stron ger force within the Province. Yours truiy ~ Michael Power President of NOMA Chief Spokesperson, Ontario Forestry Coalition I (4/2i2bdt)Deanlorfid8: Leher tci:H~ads_olc:og~~ii:ON'( r:~Sj\;J-i~29L "-~--~......_.. -- -- -~. ~ - :. - - ... -~ <. ~ ~ - - - -::='=::P13~e03.i1 FORESTRY COALITION ~-'\T; ""....''''>; rom .s ---,- --" ... J..,~ OFIA _rlII:I$I..stIlS_ II" ,,~ ,- .;., '~'-'.-. ,",:'''' ~._ ;;,_."I.":;l~.. ,',-.."{- ',-",.:'-',., U_' d' '"y ", Ji2V.. -,~-". . f.ql"JQ1~ ~ A 'i{'i{'N, i'<) '/ Ii ()i1,t; iil March 12,2007 To Selected Media For I mmediate Release Rush iob risks Ontario economvand wildlife Species at Risk Act needs full public input TORONTO - Calls from municipal government and resource stewardship and development sectors for full public consultetion on Ontario's new Species at Risk Act appear to be falling on deaf ears. Despite numerous meetings. delegations, resolutions and letters to government that raise concerns and urge broader consultation, the controversial new act remains on a high speed trajectory for first reading at what Ontario Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay called the "earliest opportunity in the spring session of the Legislature." "No one that I knowatthe municipal level or among the resource stawardship comrYlJnity is opposing a species at risk act, but, considering what is at stake, we want to ensure the new legislation and regulations are truiy effective in protecting species at risk and that jobs and economic prosperity are not unduly sacrificed in the process," says Michael Power, President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. Municipalities across Ontario are passing resoiutions and issuing letters to Premier McGuinty urging broader public consultations, particularly with the communities that could be severely impacted by legislation that could lead to immediate and indefinite moratoriums on any resource-besad activity, many of which are already approved through other stringantenvironmentallegislation. As it Is currently written, broad swaths of land couid suddenly be off limits to a vast arrey of ectivities. Farmer's fields and food production could be halted, the door slammed on housing developments and forestry and mining activities frozen. Even pastimes like hunting and fishing could be unnecessarily ilT!lacted. ...2 I' "(4l2i2Obi)' Dean ioif@l~Ielte(toHe~ds orCiiu~Ajr d.N:TIEl.'~[\_I3S .pd!. __=.=~":'::~':.-... .':~.~== Public input March 12,2007 Page Two The government is selling the new Act as more flexible and streamlined, but what has been developed is actually more convoluted and promises to add more process and more red tape. "It is a bureaucracy run wild," saysCEP National Representative in Thunder Bay, Marvin Pupeza, whose union members have already suffered massive lay-offs that are a byproduct of excessive red tape and bad public policy. No one is saying that we shouldn't be taking action to address species at risk, but we want to make absolutaly certain that we get th is legislation right. Irs going to be with us for years to come and we shouldn't be rushing headlong into itif we don't know what the eftects may be," adds Thunder Bay Mayor Lynn Peterson. The President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association Jamie Lim points out that the federal Species at Risk Act took more than six years to be completed while Ontario is trying to undertake an even more complicated Act in the span at less than a year. "We are simply asking tor consultation that the people of Ontario should have on an Act of this magnitude and importa nce and we do not believe this to be an unreasonable request," concludes Mayor Power who, with other like-minded municipalities and resource stewardship groups, will continue to press Queen's Park for full public legislative committee hearings prior to the adoption at Second Reading. -30- For more information or interview requests contact Mayor Power at 806-854-6766, Mayor Peterson at 807-625-3600 or Ontario Forest Industries Association at 416-368- 6188. ..:"."=. :.::::.:=:.:" J=).~Qe41 I (.412J2001) Deii,.,lilifidii-: L~I(ertof-5~611er:r~?f:\.I3J:.c~ from. ~ou_t~~.!l... ~alor~ (3).d.CJ~.._<"_=:=,"" . _ ._.__..::=..__.:::::<w_:" '-Pii~:El1 .1 The Hon. Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Room 281 Queens Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1M Dear Premier, On behalf of the Council of the Municipality of I am writing to express our concerns with the provincial government's current approach to the development of the species at risk legislation. I am also writing to request that you hold fuli public hearings across the province prior to 2nd reading in the Ontario Legisiature. We were not afforded the normal time to review the details of the government's proposed framework as the information was posted by your Government on the Environmental Bill of Rights web site on December 22, 2006 the day our offices closed until the new year. The 30 day review period was in fact reduced by a third. For this reason we believe that it is imperative that full public hearings be undertaken prior to 2nd reading of the Act. Pre-2nd reading hearings mean that the Committee will be able to modify the principle of the Act, not just ensure that the clauses in the Act conform to the principle. On the specifics of the proposed framework and legislation, I and my Council are very concerned that the proposed framework does not provide a balanced approach to the protection of species at risk. Not only will the framework's overly prescriptive approach to interim habitat protection fail to provide for species at risk, it wili have significant and unnecessary impacts on the resource sectors and those many communities that depend on those sectors for jobs, tax assessment, and, ultimately, prosperity. The current "one size fits all" approach of the proposed legislation does not relate to the diverse geographic and ecological nature of this province nor will it adequateiy assist in the recovery of species at risk. We believe that the legislation will negatively impact the farming community, the forestry and mining sectors, urban planning and homebuilding, trappers, anglers, hunters, sand, stone and gravel industries, hydro electric developers among just a few. As an elected official I understand the need to revise the current legislation, and I do support the concept of legislation that assists in the recovery of species at risk, however, I believe that it must be accomplished in an open and transparent manner, and must result in legislation that is truly balanced and accountable to 1(4/2/2007) [)eariiorfida' :Teiter tcprel1lie(re 's;1\Rj\afr'~m~o~liie:rEIM~~o!S l~II~(~=_~='~ --.=...:~= ..~=..:~::.__ . 'pai)a" 21 the public of Ontario. I strongly urge the provincial government to re-consider Its approach to the development of this legislation and to start by having the Legislature hold public hearings across the Province prior to 2nd reading approval by the Legislature. Hearings need to be held in those communities whose livelihood depends on a viable resource sector industry - forestry, mining, agriculture to name just a few - so that the MPPs can hear first hand how the current draft will negatively affect the viability of industry and our community. Mr, Premier, Species at Risk Legislation, once passed, will be in place for many, many years. We all need to take the time to get it right before it becomes law, We look forward to your positive response to our request. . Regards, ac. Please see distribution list on the following page 1(4/2i26(j7)pea~lo'iTTd.~=~I:~nerJ6-F.'~~@~i!~ SABAC! fro-rii~~uthern ~~y-ors (3).docM._ .. _-.--==:== _"__:=-_::=.=.:=:::"~~~]!I Distribution List Hon. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development & Trade Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy Hon. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal John Tory, Leader, Progressive Conservative Party Howard Hampton, Leader, New Democratic Party of Ontario Area Members of the Ontario Legislature Association of Municipalities of Ontario Ontario Good Roads Association Rural Ontario Municipal Association Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Ontario Forest Industries Association Ontario Waterpower Association Ontario Lumber Manufacturer's Association Ontario Fur Managers Federation Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Ontario Mining Association Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association - Urban Development Institute I (4/2/2001) bean' f6i1idii: LeiteifciPremler i~ .~!\R~A.ct~~~!.l1 ?out~ern ~.<l.y~s. m.:qii.c.:...==:-':..__. __. -:.=:..:..:-'-':::'.'.-'P~fie I;I Draft Resolution on Species at Risk Legislation WHEREAS the Government of Ontario posted its framework for the development of species at risk legislation on the Environmental Bill of Rights web site on December 22, 2006 the day that most municipal offices closed until the New Year, and WHEREAS the currently proposed language to address species at risk could impose moratoriums affecting the livelihoods of more than 1.2 million people and more than $100 billion in economic activity, and WHEREAS there are 12 Provincial and 5 Federal pieces of Legislation including the Federal Species At Risk Act (SARA) and the Provincial Endangered Species Act of 1971 that currentiy provide protection for some species, and WHEREAS the new proposed Ontario Species of Risk Legislation as written will: . add a new and costly layer of bureaucracy and regulatory burden . create an Act that will not achieve recovery of endangered species . impose an Act that will not be supported by the landowners, land stewards, employers, unions and developers . create a further disincentive to invest in Ontario . result in a loss of jobs . result in a loss of economic opportunity, and WHEREAS the currently proposed framework for a species at risk act is wrong for Ontario and will negatively impact the farming community, the forestry and mining sectors, the urban planners and homebuilders, fur managers, anglers and hunters, sand, stone and gravel industry, hydro electric developers and many, many others, and WHEREAS, public hearings by a Legislative Committee prior to Second Reading adoption by the Ontario Legislature will allow for a full and proper debate on the principle of the Bill not just how well the clauses meet the intent of the Act THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of write to the Premier of Ontario requesting the full public hearings beheld into the proposed Species at Risk Act and that those hearings be held prior to Second Reading by the Ontario Legislature, and FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution and the letter to the Premier be forwarded to the following: Association of Municipalities of Ontario Ontario Good Roads Association Rural Ontario Municipal Association Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities 1'(4/i/2601) ~Dean~lorfiaa-:ref~erT()'Prei1il~i!~~AR.:Acffr()~:-9Euther~!'1~i<ir~ m"~_oc_..=--== ."_ .._::.._ .=:::... ..::.:.....~.PafJe51 Hon. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development & Trade Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy Hon. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal John Tory, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Howard Hampton, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Ontario Ontario Waterpower Association Ontario Lumber Manufacturer's Association Ontario Forest Industries Association Ontario Fur Managers Federation Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Ontario Mining Association Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association - Urban Development Institute Area Members of the Ontario Legislature I (41212001jDean'T6rfida: [eueiI6Prerrli~r-reSAR.:AcD~fil...?outhern lI:1..1!yo~~l~,i[o~==::', . ,....:==:':_='::::--:'=':.--)5iifj'e6 :1 Minister Addresses Honourable David Ramsay Minister of Natural Resources 6th Floor, Whitney Block Queen's Park 99 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario. M7A 1W5 The Hon. Rick Bartolucci Minister of Northern Development and Mines Whitney Block 5th Floor Room 5630 99 Wellesley St W Taranto. ON M7A1W3 The Hon. Greg Sorbara Minister of Finance Frost Building S. 7th Floar 7 Queen's Park Crescent Taronto ON M7A1Y7 Hon. Leona Dombrowsky Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs 11th Floar 77 Grenville St Toronto ON M5S1B3 Hon. Sandra Pupatello Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hearst Block 8th Floor 900 Bay St Toronto ON M7A2E1 Hon. Dwight Duncan Minister of Energy Hearst Block 4th Floor 900 Bay St Taronto ON M7A2E1 Hon. David Caplan Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Mowat Block 6th Floor 900 Bay St Toronto ON M7A1C2 Hon. John Gerretsen Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing 17th Floor 777 Bay St Toronto ON M5G2E5 Hon. Marie Bountrogianni Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs & Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal Ferguson Block 12th Floor 77 Wellesley St W Toronto ON M7A1N3 Ii (4/2/2001) Dean <fo~rfida:[eHerfo-piEl~mreireS~f{~<:t fr!l.~. ~(?u!herfi~~yors (32-do(:==~.=:<~mv<. ::===~..m<..'... '-:.:"'}5~g~i.11 ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 TORONTO ON M5G 1 E6 (Only till the end of May 2007) Ontario Good Roads Association 6355 Kennedy Road, Unit 2 MISSISSAUGA ON L5T 2L5 Rural Ontario Municipal Association 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 TORONTO ON M5G 1 E6 (Only till the end of May 2007) Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association 161 Brock Street, East THUNDER BAY ON P7E 4H1 Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities P. O.Box 117 CORBEIL ON POH 1 KO Ontario Forest Industries Association 20 Toronto SI., Suite 950 Toronto ON M5C 2B8 The above organization will forward copies to the following: Ontario Waterpower Association Ontario Lumber Manufacturer's Association Ontario Fur Managers Federation Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Ontario Mining Association Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association - Urban Development Institute I (4iZi2007) Dean lorfida::Spedes- atRiskReiio.lul1o~J3f~()C ..~--_a~=='~ '~Pag:e 11 Draft Resolution on Species at Risk Legislation WHEREAS the Government of Ontario posted its framework for the development of species at risk legislation on the Environmental Bill of Rights web site on December 22, 2006 the day that most municipal offices closed until the New Year, and WHEREAS the currently proposed language to address species at risk could impose moratoriums affecting the livelihoods of more than 1.2 million people and more than $100 billion in economic activity, and WHEREAS there are 12 Provincial and 5 Federal pieces of Legislation including the Federal Species At Risk Act (SARA) and the Provincial Endangered Species Act of 1971 that currently provide protection for some species, and WHEREAS the new proposed Ontario Species of Risk Legislation as written will: . add a new and costly layer of bureaucracy and regulatory burden . create an Act that will not achieve recovery of endangered species . impose an Act that will not be supported by the landowners, land stewards, employers, unions and developers . create a further disincentive to invest in Ontario . result in a loss of jobs . result in a loss of economic opportunity, and WHEREAS the currently proposed framework for a species at risk act is wrong for Ontario and will negatively impact the farming community, the forestry and mining sectors, the urban planners and homebuilders, fur managers, anglers and hunters, sand, stone and gravel industry, hydro electric developers and many, many others, and WHEREAS, public hearings by a Legislative Committee prior to Second Reading adoption by the Ontario Legislature will allow for a full and proper debate on the principle of the Bill not just how well the clauses meet the intent of the Act THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of write to the Premier of Ontario requesting the full publiC hearings beheld into the proposed Species at Risk Act and that those hearings be held prior to Second Reading by the Ontario Legislature, and FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution and the letter to the Premier be forwarded to the following: Association of Municipalities of Ontario Ontario Good Roads Association Rural Ontario Municipal Association Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities 1 (4i2i20di). bean...lorfida :SpeciesaiRfs k'Resoiu.Hori:(~))IoC^:':^ ':':'=:::~:':::':^.:..:'." .:-:":.:...::":-::-:"::::.".:':'.' Page '2 :1 Hon. Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development & Trade Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy Hon. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources Hon, Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal John Tory, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Howard Hampton, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Ontario Ontario Waterpower Association Ontario Lumber Manufacturer's Association Ontario Forest Industries Association Ontario Fur Managers Federation Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Ontario Mining Association Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association - Urban Development Institute Area Members of the Ontario Legisiature n4j2j26~7)'~earilo.lfl~a: ~)J:eGreS:ar:.~~~J~,e_s~IlJ!!2.r1j]). doc___ -~._-=-'-:'.-~:~a:g~::l;1 Minister Addresses Honourable David Ramsay Minister of Natural Resources 6th Floor, Whitney Block Queen's Park 99 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario M7A 1W5 The Hon. Rick Bartolucci Minister of Northern Development and Mines Whitney Block 5th Floor Room 5630 99 Wellesley St W Toronto ON M7A1W3 The Hon. Greg Sorbara Minister of Finance Frost Building S. 7th Floor . 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M7A1Y7 Hon. Leona Dombrowsky Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs 11th Floor 77 Grenville St Toronto ON M5S1B3 Hon. Sandra Pupatello Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hearst Block 8th Floor 900 Bay St Toronto ON M7A2E1 Hon. Dwight Duncan Minister of Energy Hearst Block 4th Floor 900 Bay St Toronto ON M7A2E1 1 (41212ddl)beaii.IO'rfjaa.~..SpElcies'arRi~k'R~Scifu]9'~ (~l:dq~ . ~..~._." ~- .,~-- u _..=. :-------.-=-~ ---. . 'I . ____ _ .. 'p'a_fl~.4 \ Hon. David Caplan Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Mowat Block 6th Floor 900 Bay St Toronto ON M7A1C2 Hon. John Gerretsen Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing 17th Floor 777 Bay St Toronto ON M5G2E5 Hon. Marie Bountrogianni Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs & Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal Ferguson Block 12th Floor 77 Wellesley St W Toronto ON M7A1N3 OFIA Address Ontario Forest Industries Association 20 Toronto St., Suite 950 Toronto ON M5C 2B8