Ms. Liu and Ms. Gibson presented and provided an overview on lead and litter impacting waterfowl. They noted fishing lines, lead sinkers and seabin collection. They spoke to the fishing line collection containers and a recycling program as a solution. They provided a brief comparative analysis on lead versus non-lead sinkers and further noted purchase options as well as benchmarking. The next steps consist of a Litter Campaign, sponsorships for new initiatives and waste audits.
Members of Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns about seabin collection, lead-free tackle, no feeding waterfowl signage, educational social media campaign, problematic areas, budget and sponsorships, as well as store signage advising customers that bread-feeding waterfowl is dangerous.
Ms. Gibson and Jamie Ferguson, Manager of Park Services responded noting waste audits are being conducted, current signage may need to be revamped to heighten awareness and noted an upcoming litter campaign that will include an educational piece. They further responded noting resource allocation, pursuing funding sponsorships and the upcoming Silver Salmon Challenge that will be donating another seabin collection and providing lead free tackle samples.
Councillor Dasko requested for a list of local tackle shops that provide/sell alternative tackle to lead tackle, signage stating do not need feed the waterfowl and educational social media campaign.
DIRECTION to staff was given to provide Councillor Dasko a list of local tackle shops that sell an alternative to lead tackle.
DIRECTION to staff was given to collaborated with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as well as investigate the feasibility of educational social media campaign and signage in parks and stores and to report back to a future Environmental Action Committee meeting.