Environmental Advisory Committee

Having read and discussed the following motion, Markham Environmental Advisory Committee endorses the follow motion: Taking Action Against Invasive Species Whereas: Invasive species are a significant risk to the health and biodiversity of natural areas and their enjoyment by the community. Policy 3.2.2 of the Markham Official Plan 2014 provides direction to develop, in cooperation with York Region, an Urban Forest Management Plan to address local tree canopy targets, tree species diversity, invasive species management (emphasis added), soil conservation strategies, and the long-term maintenance of Markham’s urban forest including tracking and measuring the health benefits of the urban forest. On May 29, 2024 Council endorsed the Natural Heritage Management Study, including an Invasive Plant Species Management Plan and Natural Areas Management Guidebook. The Natural Areas Management Guidebook provides direction to address invasive species as a best practice The Invasive Species Management Plan provides information on key invasive plants in Markham, past and ongoing management efforts, and direction for the prioritization and implementation of invasive species management projects in City-owned natural areas. On May 29, 2024 council also endorsed the Natural Assets Study. The Natural Assets Study includes invasive species management as a current life cycle activity undertaken to manage city-owned natural assets. The Natural Assets Study Climate Guide identifies undertaking targe

That the Minutes of the February 27, 2025, Environmental Advisory Committee be approved as presented.

That Vicky Choy be appointed the Vice-Chair of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee.

That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee recommend that the City of Markham proclaim Bird Migrations in early May and in early October, with the next Bird Migration Day being on October 11, 2025.

1) That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee endorse in principle and request that Markham Council look into the following motion of the Friends of Swan Lake Park: A. Encourage Markham to adopt an integrated Natural Asset Strategy that reflects the interconnected terrestrial water and human elements; and, B. Investigate the Toronto Natural Stewards (TNS) approach as potential stewardship model for managing invasive species plants in Markham’s parks. C. Endorse Friends of Swan Lake Park’s efforts for two pilot projects for managing invasive species in Markham: I. Swan Lake Citizen Science lab as monitoring model for other environmentally sensitive areas in Markham. II. Using the TNS approach as a Stewardship management model for invasive species. 2) And That the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee request that the City investigate other municipalities practices for addressing invasive species, such as Brampton’s practices.