Item - 2018.PE26.7

The Parks and Environment Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the Pollinator Protection Strategy presented in Attachment 1 to the report (March 21, 2018) from the Director, Environment and Energy, including the following guiding principles:

a.  to prioritize actions that support and sustain native pollinator biodiversity in Toronto, recognizing that native bee species, for example, are more threatened than non-native honey bees, that they are ecologically important, and that once they are lost, they cannot be replaced;

b.  to create, enhance, and protect habitat in natural and urbanized areas – using native plants, trees, and shrubs as much as possible – recognizing that habitat loss is one of the greatest threats facing pollinators and that additional habitat will benefit all pollinators, both native and non-native; and

c.  to engage and support the community in taking action to help sustain Toronto's native pollinators.

2.  City Council declare the metallic green sweat bee, Bicoloured Agapostemon (Agapostemon virescens), as Toronto's Official Bee, to raise awareness about Toronto's diverse native bee community.

3.  City Council declare Toronto a Monarch-friendly city by participating in the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, as presented in Attachment 2 to the report (March 21, 2018) from the Director, Environment and Energy, and authorize the Director, Environment and Energy, to complete the online pledge form, to show Toronto's commitment to becoming a Monarch-friendly city.

4.  City Council adopt the Pollinator Stewardship Incentive Program framework, as presented in Attachment 3 to the report (March 21, 2018) from the Director, Environment and Energy, which will provide financial support to community-led pollinator stewardship initiatives.

5.  City Council approve the establishment of a discretionary reserve fund account named the "Pollinator Protection Reserve Fund" in Schedule 7 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 227, Reserves and Reserve Funds ("Chapter 227"), the purpose of which is to hold funds for pollinator stewardship incentives, with criteria as set out in Attachment 4 to the report (March 21, 2018) from the Director, Environment and Energy.

6.  City Council authorize the transfer of the balance of the Home Energy Assistance Toronto Reserve Fund Account (XR1719) to the Pollinator Protection Reserve Fund Account, direct the Home Energy Assistance Toronto Reserve Fund to be closed and deleted from Schedule 7 of Municipal Code Chapter 227, Reserves and Reserve Funds ("Chapter 227") and amend Chapter 227 accordingly.

7.  City Council authorize the City Manager or designate to negotiate and enter into all necessary agreements, including funding agreements, to support the implementation of the Pollinator Protection Strategy recommendations, in forms satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

8.  City Council forward a copy of City Council's decision to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for consideration as they move forward with implementing their Pollinator Health Action Plan and reviewing the Ontario Bees Act.

9.  City Council include the list of Native Ferns, Grasses and Wildflowers, Native Shrubs, and Native Trees, submitted by Councillor Sarah Doucette (Communication PE26.7.5), previously identified by Urban Forestry, to create, enhance, and protect habitat in natural and urbanized areas, in addition to those pollinator-friendly plants native to the City of Toronto listed in Attachment 5 to the report (March 21, 2018) from the Director, Environment and Energy.

This report presents a Pollinator Protection Strategy for Toronto. The Strategy recognizes that pollinators are a key component of a sustainable city, and supports the vision of Toronto being home to diverse pollinator communities that contribute to resilient ecosystems and enhance urban biodiversity.

The Strategy brings together City initiatives that are already underway to protect pollinators into a single comprehensive approach, while creating new opportunities and partnerships. It presents 30 actions that can be taken by the City and the community to support pollinators, and identifies six key priorities: create habitat, connect green spaces, build partnerships, incentivize action, educate, and recognize achievements.

Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators, including over 360 species of native bees, 112 species of butterflies, and one species of managed bee - the European Honey Bee - which is not native to North America. Honey bees colonies are managed by beekeepers and are governed by the Ontario Bees Act. While the primary focus is the protection of native pollinators, the foundation of the Strategy is habitat creation, which will benefit all pollinators, native and non-native.

Bees provide the invaluable service of pollination, allowing plants to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants. Without bees, our natural landscapes and food could not exist. One in three bites of food relies on bee pollination. Butterflies are also an essential component of our ecosystem. Caterpillars, the larvae of butterflies, are natural herbivores and a primary source of food for birds.

Pollinators are under increasing stress due to habitat loss, invasive species, diseases, pesticides and climate change. As a result, some species are in decline. Evidence suggests that native bee species are even more threatened than non-native honey bees, despite the significant media attention on honey bees. Once native species are lost, they cannot be replaced. Recent studies indicate that honey bees may negatively impact native pollinators due to resource competition and the unintended spread of parasites and disease. While research in this area continues, City staff will remain committed to efforts known to benefit all pollinators, rather than efforts to encourage additional beekeeping activities in Toronto, which may stress our native species.

The Strategy was developed with guidance from conservation biologists, native plant experts, pollinator specialists, beekeepers, and non-profit groups, among others. Thousands of residents also participated by providing feedback via surveys and pop-up consultations, showing their support for leadership from the City of Toronto on this important issue and their willingness to get involved.

The Strategy, a collaborative effort by Environment and Energy, City Planning, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR), will form part of the City's broader Biodiversity Strategy. City Planning, and PFR were engaged in the preparation of this report and agree with its content, conclusions, and implementation points.