Climate Change Advisory Committee - September 23, 2025

High-level summary

The Climate Change Advisory Committee and related Climate Change actions discussed advancing the Community Liaison Group (CLG) framework, refining terms of reference, and planning public engagement, while also reviewing funding frameworks, transparency tools, and equity-focused climate initiatives. Key decisions included approving basic agenda/minutes, advancing discussions on the CLG terms of reference, and continuing with parallel initiatives (grants, reporting, and engagement) with further public input and refinement planned.

Five most important topics discussed

1) CLG Terms of Reference and recruitment process - The group focused on refining the CLG terms of reference and clarifying recruitment processes, including who selects members and how turnover is managed. A key point was that refining the terms of reference is a priority, and there is concern about how recruitment will operate under the new structure. Quotes include: “The terms of reference really could use some refining. I think this may be a chance now to do that.” and “It’s no longer going to be councilors selecting members. That’s one of the things they’re going to give up.” Public recruitment questions were raised, and it was noted that the Clerk’s Office would not conduct formal recruitment unless directed by the council. - File numbers: None specified in this section.

2) Climate Change Reserve Grant Framework and neighborhood grants - Discussion covered establishing a grant framework with a climate justice lens and accessible processes, plus a $100,000 annual allocation for neighborhood climate action small grants, with granting expected to begin in 2026. A relevant quote: “We want to ensure that a climate justice lens is used in the development and implementation of this granting process... and that this is a process that is accessible for folks.” This topic directly affects community-led climate action funding and equitable access to grants. - File numbers: None specified.

3) Live streaming and accessibility of CLG meetings - The group addressed transparency and accessibility, including concerns about clerk support for live streaming. Quote: “For example, live streaming from my understanding, um, like we’ll have no support from clerks moving forward in the CLG.” This has direct implications for residents’ ability to participate remotely and stay informed. - File numbers: None specified.

4) Public engagement plans and timeline for climate action strategy - There was emphasis on providing the public with clearer updates and timelines, including upcoming communications to council and the community. A representative sentiment: “We felt there was a need to come back and provide a little bit more detail for them and for the community,” and a commitment to return to council with details: “we’ll come back to council through GIC before this year is over. So, it’ll probably be December with a little bit more detail about the pathway forward and some timelines as well.” - This topic shapes how residents understand progress and participate in the climate action process. - File numbers: None specified.

5) Climate justice engagement and community partnerships - The committee discussed integrating a climate justice lens into engagement efforts, including youth and diverse community involvement. A representative list of engagement approaches was provided: “Engagements range from focus workshops, working groups, surveys, pop-up activities, asset mapping, arts, games, and more,” and the drive to apply a climate justice lens to indicators and programming. This has tangible effects on who gets heard and how communities contribute to climate action. - File numbers: None specified.

Opportunities for public input

• Public input opportunities include feedback on the CLG terms of reference as a work-in-progress and upcoming consultations on the CLG composition and mandate.
• Residents can anticipate further consultation opportunities via future CLG engagements and public consultations (e.g., surveys, workshops, or platform-based input like Hamilton Engage).
• Public comment opportunities were highlighted in the context of draft terms of reference, community engagement planning, and feedback on climate action reporting and indicators.

Motions and outcomes

• Motion: Approval of Agenda for September 23, 2025
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
• Motion: Approval of Minutes from June 17, 2025
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
• Motion: Review/Establish Community Liaison Group (CLG) Terms of Reference
  • Outcome: No formal motion; discussion and feedback invited.
• Motion: Establish CLG Membership Terms
  • Outcome: Passed.
• Motion: Develop Annual Work Plan
  • Outcome: Deferred.
• Motion: Maintain Existing Working Groups
  • Outcome: Passed.
• Motion: Schedule Six Meetings Per Year
  • Outcome: Deferred.
• Motion: Google/streamlining terms of reference (public input focus)
  • Outcome: Proposed but not finalized; public input sought.
• Motion: Defer Green Building Standards Discussion
  • Outcome: Deferred.
• Motion: Combine Working Group Meetings (GHG/public engagement)
  • Outcome: Deferred.
• Additional motions across sections frequently noted no formal motion or were recorded as ongoing discussions (e.g., reporting mechanisms, transparency initiatives) with next steps rather than final votes.

Councillors present

• Councillor Craig Casar (online)
• Councillor Alex Wilson (in person)
• Councillor Linda Lassic (listed as Councillor in transcript sections)
• Councillor Crutch (mentioned in one section as actively engaged)

Note: The materials include multiple sections with overlapping or inconsistent participant names. The names above reflect those explicitly identified as councillors in the provided meeting segments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this further to emphasize a specific section of the meeting or reorganize topics around a resident-impact checklist (e.g., how decisions affect accessibility, funding, and public engagement).