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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-20 Present: Mr. B. McColl - Chair Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. J. Young, Ms. L. Matthews, Ms. S. Smith and Messrs. D. Ryrie, G. Lehman, M. Peterson and G. Zador. Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner E. Brown, Planner L. Ross, Urban Designer D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. UPDATE - GREEN DEVELOPMENT POLICIES OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW The Committee considered the Kitchener Official Plan Review Project Work Program - Green Development Policies. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence entitled "Official Plan Update - Review of Green Development Policies" (RGDP), dated May 20, 2010 regarding a summary of draft "green" development policies for inclusion in the City of Kitchener's Official Plan Review. Ms. E. Brown provided an update on the RGDP, advising that the Green Development Sub- Committee has prepared a summary of draft policies for consideration in Kitchener's new Official Plan. She stated that, as outlined at the February 18, 2010 Environmental Committee meeting, the Sub-Committee has completed the initial background review, research and determination of overall objectives for Kitchener's Official Plan regarding green development. She advised that through this process, the Sub-Committee has drafted a list of potential draft policies that have been structured into seven functional areas, being: water resources; energy conservation and generation; air quality; sustainable development; light emissions; waste reduction and community gardens. Ms. Brown requested that members review the list of potential development policies and provide comments or suggestions to her via email to Elizabeth.Brown@kitchener.ca, prior to June 1, 2010. She noted that the final draft policies are anticipated to be considered by Council at the end of June 2010. At the request of the Committee, Ms. Brown agreed to circulate an electronic version of the draft policies to assist members in providing suggested changes. 2. UPDATE - URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES REVIEW The Committee considered correspondence from Ms. L. Ross dated, May 5, 2010 regarding the update to the City of Kitchener's Urban Design Manual (UDM). Ms. Ross advised that Planning staff are in the process of reviewing and updating the UDM, indicating that the first Design Manual was considered and approved by Council in 1999; and noted that since that time City policies and standards of practice have evolved. She stated that the Manual contains three principle sections: Policy-Type, outlining urban design guidelines; Design Briefs, outlining specific requirements for particular types of developments; and, Design Standards incorporating design specific requirements. She noted that the specific Design Standards are accepted by Council as opposed to receiving formal approval. With formal approval, the standards would have to be strictly applied in accordance with their exact wording. She stated that acceptance allows for flexibility of interpretation enabling a more practical application of these standards to meet the needs of specific sites. She reviewed the new aspects of the UDM pertaining to the mandate of the Environmental Committee, including: . increased landscape buffers between properties and uses; . required tree plantings along property lines in industrial areas; . strengthened language in the site lighting section to ensure dark sky compliant lighting; . various policy statements and standards which support pedestrians; . minimum bicycle parking requirements for all land uses; minimllm cnil rlonthc ~nrl cnil \/nh Imoc fnr nl~ntinnc. Ms. Ross indicated that the draft 2010 UDM has been circulated to staff as well as members of the building development industry and was generally well received. She advised that any comments received from the Committee would be incorporated in the staff report anticipated to be presented at the June 7,2010 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. Members generally expressed support for the proposed updates. Mr. M. Peterson, referencing industry standards, questioned why the minimum requirement for tree planting soil volumes was defined at 20 cubic meters instead of the recommended 30 cubic meters. Ms. Ross indicated that different sites and species of trees dictate different volumes for sustainability, noting that this is the first time that soil volumes have been defined as a design requirement. The Committee requested that staff include the following in their report being presented at the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting: "That adequate soil volume be provided to allow for the expected mature size of a tree, and where necessary this should go beyond the minimum 20 cubic meters of soil volume." 3. DTS-10-098 - 2009 AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER BEST BETS FINAL REPORT The Committee was in receipt this date of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-10-098, dated May 5, 2010 regarding the implementation of the 2009 Air Quality in Kitchener Best Bets. Ms. C. Musselman provided a final update on the 2009 Best Bets highlighting some of the new programs that have evolved out of the Committee's recommendations, being: a partnership with the Region of Waterloo to increase awareness of air quality issues; a direct connection to the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) on the City's new website; Fleet Division achieving ISO 14001 Certification; and, a partnership with Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) and the Building Division to promote the green building initiatives. She advised that through these new partnerships and programs there have been long-term achievements toward improving air quality in Kitchener. In response to questions, Ms. Musselman advised that through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) grants the City has implemented the Kitchener Green Housing Incentive Program, offering incentives to builders for homes constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified standards. She commented that a report on the CIP is anticipated to go to the Development and Technical Services Committee on June 7, 2010; and once approved, this incentive program will encourage the construction / reconstruction of buildings or the use of land, in a way that achieves measurable improvements / efficiencies in energy and water conservation. She noted that this program is one of the first of its kind in Ontario. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commended the Committee for their ongoing efforts with respect to the Air Quality in Kitchener report. He noted that it is one of the most comprehensive documents put forward by this Committee, and has brought about significant change within the City. Several members expressed frustration in trying to engage the public on environmental awareness. It was suggested that there should be consideration in the future for hosting public information sessions at different local events to educate the public on air quality. 4. 2010 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (CEIGP) APPLICA TIONS Mr. B. McColl stated that the 2010 Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program applications (CEIGP) are now available. He suggested that members encourage any groups n~rtil"in~ti nn in on\/irnnmont~1 imnrn\/omont ~I"ti\/itioc tn c I Ihm it ~ n ~nnlil"~tinn Mr. B. McColl reminded members interested in re-applying for the Environmental Committee that they will need to submit an application as this term expires on November 30, 2010. Mr. C. Goodeve advised that applications for the 2011-2012 Committee term are anticipated to be attached to the September 16, 2010 Environmental Committee Agenda. 6. 2010 DRAFT AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER REPORT Ms. C. Musselman advised that she has not yet received all of the comments and feedback from the 2010 Air Quality Sub-Committee regarding changes to the draft report. Accordingly, she requested, and it was agreed, to defer this item to the June 17, 2010, Environmental Committee meeting. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator C. Goodeve Committee Administrator