HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-10-149 - Citizens Report on Air Quality in Kitchener 2010
REPORT
REPORT TO:
Development & Technical Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
August 23, 2010
SUBMITTED BY:
Alain Pinard, Interim Director of Planning
PREPARED BY:
Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
(519-741-3400 x 3148)
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
All
DATE OF REPORT: August 11, 2010
REPORT NO.: DTS-10-149
SUBJECT:
Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010
RECOMMENDATION:
That the ‘ as attached to report DTS-10-149 be endorsed;
Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010’
BACKGROUND:
In May 2006, the Environmental Committee presented a report entitled Air Quality in Kitchener -
2006to Kitchener Council. The report was the culmination of a year of deliberations by
members of the Committee responding to direction from Council in November of 2004 to
develop a long-term, “comprehensive plan” on the air quality in Kitchener.
TheAir Quality in Kitchener - 2006 included a series of (50+) Recommended Actions. Each
year recommended actions or Five Bets have been chosen by the Environmental Committee
and ultimately Council for investigation by staff.
TheAir Quality in Kitchener - 2010 is a continuation of the first “comprehensive plan” on air
quality and, as such, contains a series of Recommended Actions to improve Kitchener's air
quality.
REPORT:
The population of Southwestern Ontario is over 2.3 million people, approximately half of whom
live in the metropolitan areas of Windsor, London and Kitchener. Southwestern Ontario
experiences unique air quality challenges arising from its distinct economy and geography. The
highly industrialized nature of parts of our region, and its proximity to emissions sources in the
United States, are major regional air quality issues. In the last decade several Canadian studies
have linked environmental pollution to adverse health impacts in Ontario communities. These
ïì ó ï
reports have shown that Southwestern Ontario has several ‘hot spots’ in terms of air pollution
exposure. (Southwestern Clean Air Partnership)
Air quality remains one of the pressing problems of modern cities, and Kitchener is no
exception. As rapid urbanization continues at an increasing pace, health and environmental
impacts resulting from air quality degradation demonstrate the breadth and magnitude of the
challenge.
Emissions, produced through the combustion of fossil fuels for industrial/manufacturing,
transportation, heating and electric power, diminish our air quality, and continue to take a toll on
climate change and human health.
The health effects caused by air pollutants may range from subtle biochemical and physiological
changes to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and aggravation of existing respiratory and
cardiac conditions. These effects can result in increased medication use, increased doctor or
emergency room visits, more hospital admissions and even premature death.
Research in Ontario has shown a consistent and direct correlation between poor air quality and
respiratory symptoms, medication use, and increases in hospitalization for respiratory disease
(Ontario Ministry of Health and Long term Care, report of the Chief Medical Officer of Health,
October 2000, www.health.gov.on.ca).
Local Government
Although air quality is far reaching, local governments do have a significant role to play in
addressing air quality. Local communities are vulnerable to the impacts of air quality and thus
have a stake in efforts to reduce emissions.
According to a 2009 Federation of Canadian Municipalities report, municipalities could cut
between 20 and 50 mega tonnes of emissions, which would represent 15 per cent to 40 per
cent of Canada's 2020 emission reduction goal.
It is important to note that local governments have regulatory authority over many direct and
indirect sources of air pollution. For example, local governments define land-use, zoning and
transportation policy; and enforce the Ontario Building Code. Action at the local level is a key
component of Kitchener's response to the impacts of poor air quality.
To effectively improve air quality in Kitchener, emissions reduction will need to come from all
sectors.
Environmental Committee
In January of this year Environmental Committee members began the process of revising the
Air Quality in Kitchener - 2006. Overall the content of the Air Quality in Kitchener – 2006 was
relevant and required only minor revisions. It was recommended that a new list of
Recommended Actions or potential Best Bets be created and that they be categorized under the
seven functional areas outlined in the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment as
listed below:
1. Natural Heritage System and Recreational Amenity Areas
2. Water Resources
ïì ó î
3. Air Qualities
4. Land Resource and Growth Management
5. Energy systems
6. Resources Consumption and Waste Management
7. Environmental Education and Public Awareness
The Committee undertook two separate brainstorming sessions where members put forward
ideas for Recommended Actions or potential Best Bets. The ideas were consolidated into a list
for consideration at the March Environmental Committee meeting. Committee members
reviewed the list as well as the remaining Recommended Actions from the Air Quality in
Kitchener - 2006. The top four or five Recommended Actions or potential Best Bets were
selected by each member for each of the seven functional areas.
In April the Committee was in receipt of the consolidated draft Recommended Actions or
potential Best Bets. Members reviewed the informationand provided comments and/or
suggestions. At the June meeting the Environmental Committee supported the final draft
Recommended Actions or potential Best Bets with minor changes.
Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010
The Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010 proposes both short-term and long-term Recommended
Actions. Some actions can be undertaken now, such as continuing to encourage energy and
water conservation, improving public awareness and knowledge of air quality issues and
providing businesses with the tools and incentives to make more energy-efficient decisions.
Other initiatives require effort over a number of years, such as investing in more energy-efficient
technologies.
TheAir Quality in Kitchener – 2010:
is intended to provide a vision of a responsible, innovative, healthy and energy-
efficient community;
strikes the balance needed to enable our local economy to flourish even as we
reduce our polluting emissions; and
aims to advance these goals without placing an unreasonable burden on the City of
Kitchener in an attempt to make the successful transition to a less polluting, healthy
community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Although the endorsement of the Air Quality in Kitchener – 2010 has no direct capital financial
implications, the selection of each Recommended Actions or potential Best Bets in future will be
evaluated for feasibility and budget requirements.
COMMUNICATIONS:
No advertisement was required for the Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010. Once the report is
endorsed the Communications and Marketing Division will prepare a final version for
distribution.
ïì ó í
CONCLUSION:
TheAir Quality in Kitchener – 2010 is a continuation of initiatives that support and enhance our
community’s vision and priorities as outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan for the responsible
stewardship of our environment. The plan is a critical step in taking proactive action to reduce
our local impact on air quality and supports the work that’s already underway.
REVIEWED BY:
Brandon Sloan, Interim Manager Long Range & Policy Planning
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jeff Willmer, Interim General Manager
Development and Technical Services Department
List of Attachments
Appendix A: Air Quality in Kitchener – 2010
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Appendix A: Air Quality in Kitchener – 2010
Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMITTEE
ïì ó ë
Preface
Maintaining good air quality is a society-wide responsibility, and all levels of government
have important roles to play in protecting the public from the dangers of poor air quality.
Provincial and Federal efforts to improve air quality are important, but the role of our
local government is vital. A 2009 report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
notes that municipalities have direct or indirect control over about 44 per cent of
Canada's overall greenhouse gases. That's because municipal governments wield much
control over urban and rural development, transportation, economic activity and energy
use.
Cities around the world have used their capacity to implement educational campaigns,
their purchasing practices, infrastructure investment, bylaws and other targeted
initiatives to make a positive impact on local air quality. The City of Kitchener can play a
vital role by advocating action from all levels of government, facilitate local action to
clean the air and inform residents about air quality issues.
In October 2003, Kitchener's Environmental Committee recommended that staff be
directed to develop and post Stop Idling signs outside City facilities, community centers,
school zones and other significant areas. At the same time, the Environmental
Committee also recommended that staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of
incorporating into the City's Parking By-Laws designated “No Idling” zones within
specified public areas. Staff reported back to the Environmental Committee in October
2004 (Staff Report DTS-04-145) with the committee recommending that Council fund a
one-time cost of $21,500 for the manufacture and installation of Stop Idling advisory
signs at idling “hot spots” – approximately 60 City facilities and 50 school zones.
Amendments to City parking by-laws to incorporate “no idling” provisions were
determined by staff to be problematic from a legal perspective. The “no idling”
provisions, proposed education campaign, the impact of drive-through restaurants on air
quality, and Council's desire for a long-term, comprehensive plan for air quality was
considered at a number of Kitchener meetings (Council, Development and Technical
Services Committee, Environmental Committee) through October and November of
2004. Ultimately, in November 2004, Council deferred the Environmental Committee's
air quality recommendations and referred them back to that committee in order that a
long-term, comprehensive plan be developed on air quality in the city of Kitchener.
TheAir Quality in Kitchener - 2010 is a continuation of the fist comprehensive report
requested by Council and, as such, makes recommendations for initiatives to improve
Kitchener's air quality to be implemented by all departments within the City's
administration as well as by the citizens of Kitchener.
It is recommended that future Kitchener Environmental Committees pursue, and present
to Council, recommendations flowing from this document as well as update this plan in
five years.
ïì ó ê
Executive Summary
The population of Southwestern Ontario is over 2.3 million people, approximately half of
whom live in the metropolitan areas of Windsor, London and Kitchener. Southwestern
Ontario experiences unique air quality challenges arising from its distinct economy and
geography. The highly industrialized nature of parts of the region, and its proximity to
emissions sources in the United States, are major regional air quality issues. In the last
decade several Canadian studies have linked environmental pollution to adverse health
impacts in Ontario communities. These reports have shown that Southwestern Ontario
has several ‘hot spots’ in terms of air pollution exposure. (Southwestern Clean Air
Partnership)
Air quality remains one of the pressing problems of modern cities, and the city of
Kitchener is no exception. Local governments have a significant role to play in
addressing air quality. Local communities are vulnerable to the impacts of air quality and
thus have a stake in efforts to reduce emissions. Although air quality is far reaching,
local governments have regulatory authority over many direct and indirect sources of air
pollution. For example, local governments: define land-use, zoning and transportation
policy; and enforce the Ontario Building Code. Action at the local level is a key
component of Kitchener's response to the impacts of poor air quality.
To effectively improve air quality in the city of Kitchener, emissions reduction will need to
come from all sectors.
Participating in an effort to address our air quality is an issue that requires the best from
citizens, entrepreneurs, scientists, communities and governments. The Environmental
Committee's report Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010 identifies actions that can result in
improved air quality and significant societal benefits.
This report
is intended to provide a vision of a responsible, innovative, healthy and
energy-efficient community
strikes the balance needed to enable our local economy to flourish even as
we reduce our polluting emissions
aims to advance these goals without placing an unreasonable burden on the
City of Kitchener in an attempt to make the successful transition to a less
polluting, healthy community.
The Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010 proposes both short-term and long-term
recommended actions. Some actions can be undertaken now, such as encouraging
energy and water conservation, improving public awareness and knowledge of air quality
issues and providing businesses with the tools and incentives to make more energy-
efficient decisions. Other initiatives require effort over a number of years, such as
investing in more energy-efficient technologies.
ïì ó é
Background Information
This section provides a very short summary of the effects of air quality on health and
climate change. Emissions produced through the combustion of fossil fuels, space
heating and transportation degrade air quality, contribute to global warming, and can
adversely affect human health.
Health Effects of Poor Air Quality
Clean air is essential to health and well-being. Overall, air quality in Ontario has
improved over the past 35 years, with significant reductions in carbon monoxide,
nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. However, some pollutants like ozone and
particulate matter remain a concern. At certain levels, air pollution impacts both human
and animal health and damages vegetation and property.
Air pollution is made up of gases, liquids, and particles that can react together to create
harmful conditions. Pollutants come from a wide range of sources that include both
natural and human-caused conditions. Sources of human-caused air pollution include:
vehicle exhaust, home and building heating, wood burning, construction dust, industrial
processes, and energy generation. Some of the pollution we are exposed to is carried
from distant sources, but some is created locally. For example, emissions from vehicle
traffic in Waterloo Region contribute to the creation of poor air quality.
The human health effects of poor air quality are far reaching, but principally affect the
body's respiratory system and the cardiovascular system. Individual reactions to air
pollutants depend on the type of pollutant a person is exposed to, the degree of
exposure, the individual's health status and genetics. People who exercise outdoors, for
example, on hot, smoggy days increase their exposure to pollutants in the air.
The health effects caused by air pollutants may range from subtle biochemical and
physiological changes to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and aggravation of
existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. These effects can result in increased
medication use, increased doctor or emergency room visits, more hospital admissions
and even premature death.
Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe faster than
adults and inhale more air per kilogram of body weight. Air pollution also causes
unnecessary difficulty for elderly people and those with respiratory problems, such as
asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health,
asthma is currently the leading cause of hospitalization for children in Ontario. Asthma
rates have markedly risen in Ontario over the past two decades with approximately 12
per cent of Ontario children and seven per cent of Ontario adults being diagnosed with
asthma (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long term Care, report of the Chief Medical
Officer of Health, October 2000, www.health.gov.on.ca).
Research in Ontario has shown a consistent and direct correlation between poor air
quality and respiratory symptoms, medication use, and increases in hospitalization for
respiratory disease (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long term Care, report of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health, October 2000, www.health.gov.on.ca).
ïì ó è
Illness Costs of Air Pollution in the Waterloo Region
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
200520082026
Premature DeathsHospital AdmissionsEmergency Visits
Source: Ontario Medical Association (OMA) -Illness Costs of Air Pollution Regional Data for 2005 with
Projections to 2026 and data derived form the OMA Illness Cost of Air Pollution (ICAP) Model.
Health Canada estimates that more than 5,000 Canadians die prematurely each year
because of air pollution, and thousands more become unnecessarily ill. Health Canada
also estimated that over 1,900 Ontarians die each year directly related to air pollution.
Climate Change
Global climate change is another reason to improve our air quality. Canadians want to
see their governments taking concrete action on climate change here at home," said
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic (CBC News, December 8, 2009) Climate change will occur
more rapidly in the future because of an increase of greenhouse gas emissions from
human activities.
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will also improve regional air quality. Such
actions include improved energy efficiency of buildings and heating systems, widespread
use of cleaner fuels, and the implementation new green technologies.
ïì ó ç
Air Quality in the City of Kitchener
Waterloo Region is an extraordinarily dynamic metropolitan economy, rich in industrial
heritage while supporting innovative advances in technology, education and the arts. As
the central hub of the region, Kitchener’s economy has begin to focus less on suburban
industrial/manufacturing and more on building a healthier urban economy.
Emissions, produced through the combustion of fossil fuels for industrial/manufacturing,
transportation, heating and electric power, diminish our air quality, and continue to take a
toll on climate change and human health. Occasionally, periods of poor air quality occur
in Waterloo Region. These are normally associated with weather conditions in the
summer months, but outdoor air pollution is possible at any time of year.
Southern Ontario has the worst level of air quality in the country with Waterloo Region
ranked in the same category as bigger cities such as Hamilton and Toronto. According
to a study printed in Canadian Geographic (May/June 2000), Waterloo region has some
of the worst air quality in the country in terms of ground-level ozone and respirable
particulate matter.
Air Quality Index Summary for Kitchener
100%
90%
Very Poor (100+)
80%
70%
Poor (50-99)
60%
50%
Moderate (32-49)
40%
30%
Good (16-31)
20%
10%
Very Good (0-15)
0%
Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment: Annual Air Quality Reports
From April to October, the region of Waterloo often experiences extended periods of
poor air quality.
Smog, traffic congestion and sprawl are the consequences of the way cities have
developed and, in particular, the decisions made about the form of cities. If we conduct
'business as usual' and allow emissions to increase, ambient air quality and the quality
of life in Kitchener will deteriorate to irreversible levels. In an attempt to curb emissions,
several initiatives exist in Kitchener.
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Number of Smog Advisories and Alerts in Kitchener
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
199319951997199920012003200520072009
Number of Smog AdvisoriesNumber of Smog Alert Days
Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment: Annual Air Quality Reports
Generally, emission sources are managed and/or influenced by a number of government
agencies. There are many benefits to an inter-governmental approach to addressing air
quality issues. Having multiple jurisdictions at the same table enhances networking and
the exchange of resources and information. It also ensures that no one group is working
in isolation and efforts are not unnecessarily duplicated.
Inter-governmental cooperation also provides an opportunity to leverage scarce
resources for research, outreach and other air quality improvement initiatives. Bringing
together multiple staff from different departments and municipalities across the airshed
also helps break down silos that may exist within and amongst municipalities, and
increases cooperation on air quality issues (Southwestern Clean Air Partnership)
According to a 2009 Federation of Canadian Municipalities report, municipalities could
cut between 20 and 50 megatonnes of emissions, which would represent 15 per cent to
40 per cent of Canada's 2020 emission reduction goal.
Government Involvement
The Federal Government
The Federal Government has developed an aggressive plan to tackle climate change by
taking action to reduce greenhouse gases and to reduce air pollution. The target is to
reduce Canada’s emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020. This approach is
concrete and practical, and should result in real improvements to our climate and our
environment.
The Federal Government is committed to reducing GHG emissions from new vehicles.
On April 1, 2010, Environment Canada released the proposed Passenger Automobile
ïì ó ïï
and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations. These tough new regulations
align with the mandatory national standards of the United States beginning with the 2011
model year.
The Government’s comprehensive environmental agenda also includes:
the ecoENERGY Initiatives, including home retrofit grants and funding for
renewable power;
the ecoTransport Strategy;
support for public transit; and
action to expand the production and use of biofuels.
The federal government also has authority of the in-use fuel standards, the quality of fuel
produced, imported and sold in Canada, and emissions from non-road vehicles and
engines across Canada. Environment Canada and Health Canada share responsibility
under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to assess and manage
threats posed by toxic substances. Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release
Inventory has a community portal that allows the public to see pollution sources in their
area.
The Provincial Government
Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has been monitoring and protecting our air
quality for over 30 years. The MOE collects and monitors air quality data using the
Provincial Air Monitoring Network. The ministry issues official smog alerts. The Province
also has new air quality regulations with respect to industrial emissions. The information
collected is used to determine the state of air quality in Ontario and help develop
abatement programs to reduce the burden of air pollutants, address key air issues and
assess the efficacy of policies and programs.
The MOE is responsible for:
Legislation and regulations that set strict air standards
Facility Certificates of Approval to ensure companies operate within their limits
Inspections and investigations of companies that are out of compliance
Educating and informing the public about ways to reduce air pollution and protect
themselves from the effects of poor air quality.
Region of Waterloo
In 2009, the Region of Waterloo completed an Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Within the Strategy the Environmental Policy states that the Region “will embrace
environmental considerations in its entire decision making and will foster community
stewardship of the natural environment.” A Green Region of Waterloo provides
environmental programs working together to promote choices which help contribute to a
sustainable community.
A sample of Regional programs or initiatives are listed below
Region of Waterloo Clean Air Plan Waterloo Region Partners for
Clean Air
Idling Control Protocol
Pedestrian Charter (2005)
ïì ó ïî
Regional Master Transportation Plan ECOfest
Cycling Master Plan The Waterloo Wellington
Children’s Groundwater Festival
Clean Air Partnership (GTA, associate
member) Encourages Community
Gardens in the Region
Energy Conservation Office
The City of Kitchener
The City of Kitchener has been a municipal leader in environmental planning and
stewardship for many years. Kitchener City Council approved the city’s first Strategic
Plan for the Environment in 1992 and an updated plan in 2008. The plan identifies
objectives and priorities for action in seven key areas of focus identified by the
community, including: natural heritage system and recreational amenity areas, water
resources, air quality, land resource and growth management, energy systems, resource
consumption and waste management, and environmental education and public
awareness.
A sample of Kitchener programs or initiatives are listed below
ISO 14001 for fleet operations Kitchener Cycling Master Plan
Fleet Idling Protocol Community Trails Master Plan
Kitchener Energy Management Team Local Environmental Action Fund
initiatives(LEAF)
Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air LEED Gold for the construction of new
(member)large buildings
Active and Safe Routes to School Community Environmental Improvement
Grants (CEIG)
Walkable Communities: urban design
approachKitchener Natural Areas Program
(KNAP)
Pedestrian Charter (2005)
Partners for Climate Protection
(member)
Non-Governmental Involvement
While the city accepts a leading role in a number of areas, it must work in partnership
with both public and private interests within the community in order to achieve broad
participation by the community and, thus, the maximum benefit to the environment.
Waterloo Regional Partners for Clean Air
The Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air was originally established in 2005, and
includes representation from local government including the City of Kitchener, school
boards, college and university, hospitals and a utility.
It continues to build on the Clean Air Plan originally developed by Region of Waterloo in
1999. The partnership is intended to help raise the collective, as well as the individual,
capacity of each participating organization to achieve reductions in air emissions and
further develop the Clean Air Plan.
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For the past several years, partners have focused on various aspects of their
organizations’ operations with the intent of improving environmental benefits such as
reduced energy consumption and/or lower vehicle emissions
Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP)
REEP is a community-based non-profit environmental organization that is funded by a
combination of local partners (including the City of Kitchener), provincial contracts,
grants and client fees. REEP provides the citizens of Waterloo Region with tools for
sustainable resource use, energy conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy
applications.
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW)
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo is a local non-profit organization dedicated to
Their
making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. vision is to
be a network of knowledgeable advocates, early adopters and interested citizens who
initiate resource and support all local projects that encourage energy conservation and
sustainable use of energy or materials from naturally regenerating sources, such as wind,
solar and earth energy.
Clean Air Partnership
Clean Air Partnership (CAP) is a registered charity whose mission is to work with
partners to achieve clean air, facilitate the exchange of ideas, advance change and
promote and coordinate implementation of actions that improve local air quality.
CAP’s energies are directed at addressing the greening of cities through cleaning the air,
stabilizing climate, and protecting people from air pollution and the impacts of climate
change.
CAP works closely with local communities and others who share the common goal of
healthy sustainable cities. CAP’s strategic focus is to get results, using our resources for
targeted efforts concentrated on the critical issues of air quality and climate change.
Sustainable Waterloo
Sustainable Waterloo is a not-for-profit that guides organizations in Waterloo Region
towards a more environmentally sustainable future by facilitating collaboration between
industry, local government, academia, and non government organizations. Their current
focus is the Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI), which supports voluntary target-setting and
reductions of carbon emissions by organizations across Waterloo Region.
Long Term Plan for Action
The intent is to maintain this report, Air Quality in Kitchener - 2010, as a "living
document". Each year the Environmental Committee will select five actions (also know
as ‘best bets’). Those chosen ‘best bets’ will then be forwarded onto Council to be
ïì ó ïì
endorsed. With Council endorsement staff will then investigate the feasibility and means
of implanting each of the selected best bets.
The recommended actions are inter-related and will require commitment from a range of
staff and organizations on a number of issues. Therefore, advocacy and partnerships will
be an essential component. It is important to note that there is no single action that can
be taken to address air quality in Kitchener.
The recommended actions to improve air quality have been categorized under the seven
functional areas outlined in the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment as
listed below:
1. Natural Heritage Systems and Recreational Areas
2. Water Resources
3. Air Quality
4. Land Resource and Growth Management
5. Energy Systems
6. Resource Consumption and Waste Management
7. Environmental Education and Public Awareness
The table below identifies a list of over 50 recommended actions that Kitchener should
consider implementing. Also, while all the following actions are highly desirable and
recommended for implementation, it is recognized that only a limited number of
initiatives to improve air quality will be able to be addressed each year.
1. Natural Heritage Systems and Recreational Areas
With increased growth in Waterloo region, it is imperative that the City of Kitchener
increases green space. Among many other functions, forests, wetlands, valleylands,
parks and other green spaces help to moderate climate and provide a place to grow food
locally – sometimes in community gardens. Focusing on planning and building “green
connections” can also serve to provide greater trail access to public green spaces within
the network and more options for walking, biking and alternative, healthy modes of
personal transportation.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
1.1.Promote the use of the a) The City should continue Kitchener has
City of Kitchener’s (the to preserve and acquire accumulated an
City’s) Park System.parklands in existing inventory of 348
public parks,
developments;
including more than
b) The City should promote
1,500 hectares of
educational opportunities
parkland, trails and
that would inform citizens
natural areas. For
of the benefits of natural
more information
areas re: benefits of trees
about Kitchener
and wetlands - particularly
parks, visit
native species;
www.kitchener.ca/pa
ïì ó ïë
rks/
c) Ecological diversity should
be promoted in City parks
(e.g. butterfly habitat,
wildflower sections, plants
that attract and/or sustain
pollinators and removal of
invasive species).
Trees that shade
1.2.Promote the value of the a) Encourage the City to
your house can
City’s Park System, establish a Tree Planting
make it feel cooler in
including natural areas and Partnership Program
the summer.
and trees. by offering incentives to
residents, community
Businesses on tree-
organizations, schools,
lined streets
business improvement
experience
areas and volunteers to
increased sales.
expand resources for the
planting, maintenance and
Having good curb
care of trees.
appeal that includes
trees can help with
home sales.
Trees intercept
rainwater, improve
air quality and make
streets and public
space more
comfortable and
attractive.
1.3.Promote the use of trails a) Citizens should be
as transportation routes. encouraged to take part in
the commuter challenge
or join walking / cycling
The Heart and
organizations as a means
Stroke Foundation of
of promoting the use of
Canada
trails and cycle routes;
recommends at least
b) Existing online mapping
30 minutes of
should be enhanced to
exercise such as
show all natural areas and
walking or biking
parks in addition to trails
every day to help
and cycling routes;
reduce the risk of
c) Encourage the City to
obesity, heart
continue to retrofit and/or
disease and stroke.
install bike lanes, paths
and sidewalk connections
that link trails to provide
safer routes, a mix of
ïì ó ïê
recreational routes and
encourage more users;
d) Through initiatives such
as the Crossing Guard
Program, encourage
school boards to
persuade students to walk
or take alternative modes
of transportation to
school.
1.4.Promote natural yard a) The City should
care or “ecoscaping.” endeavour to ensure that
By adopting natural
it is undertaking up-to-
yard care practices,
date, sustainable park and
you contribute to
yard care practices;
cleaner air and
b) In partnership with the
waterways, and
Region of Waterloo (the
reduce your waste
Region), the City should
and water use.
encourage homeowners
to adopt more sustainable
High concentrations
yard care practices;
of air pollution can
c) Establish promotional
negatively affect
material and fact sheets
vegetation when
for the City’s website that
absorbed through its
encourage the use of
leaves.
landscaping, using native
plants where appropriate.
2. Water Resources
Water is one of our most precious resources—it is essential to human life and the health
of our environment and our community. Much of our drinking water in Kitchener comes
from groundwater sources; in the City, numerous creeks feed into the Grand River,
which receives and assimilates our treated wastewater.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
2.1.Encourage energy and
a) Continue to require
water conservation LEED (Leadership in
measures for buildings. Energy & Environmental
Heating water
Design) standards in
accounts for about
new civic buildings;
20% of a home’s
b) Support the application
total energy costs.
of a rating system such
as LEED for existing and
new private sector
ïì ó ïé
projects or in
site/building
redevelopments;
c) Encourage onsite
controlsthat reduce
individual contributions
of stormwater runoff and
pollutant loading to the
municipal Stormwater
Management System;
d) Encourage the Region to
actively enforce the
Water Conservation By-
law through more
thorough monitoring.
2.2.Increase potable and non-a) Encourage the Region to
potable water conservation continue its community-
Five minutes of tap
and efficiency. wide water conservation
water running
strategy to achieve
represents as much
significant water, energy
energy use as 14
and emission reductions,
hours from a 60-Watt
resulting in cleaner air,
light bulb.
better quality water and
financial savings;
b) Promote the use of rain
barrels to capture run-off
A tap leaking one
for all outdoor watering
drop of water per
needs (lawn, garden, car
second wastes more
washing);
than 25 litres of
water a day! That’s
c) Encourage residents to
9,000 litres a year!
invest in water and
energy efficient
appliances such as
dishwashers and
washing machines.
2.3.Create educational and a) Encourage Kitchener
The production of
awareness programs to Utilities to continue its
plastic water bottles
protect, maintain and public awareness
requires more than
improve water resources. campaign against the
17 million barrels of
use of bottled water;
oil annually to meet
North American
b) Continue to support
demand. Eliminating
community groups and
those bottles would
citizens to undertake
be like taking
projects that protect and
1,000,000 cars off
enhance our local water
the road.
resources.
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2.4.Maintain basic water a) Continue to support the
management systems. creation or updating of
watershed management
plans that report on
Substances in the air
watershed health and
can also be
the protection and
deposited in water
restoration of
bodies, reducing
environmentally
water quality and
significant land and
affecting health of
water sources; thereby
organisms in that
ensuring the long-term
water body.
survival of
forests/swamps to
optimum forest cover in
the City.
3. Air Quality
Air quality remains one of the most pressing problems of modern cities and Kitchener is
no exception. Emissions produced through the combustion of fossil fuels for
transportation, heating and electric power diminish our air quality. Local air quality is a
vital concern, however, winds and atmospheric turbulence can transport harmful
emissions from neighbouring regions. This, ultimately, impacts overall local air quality
levels. Poor air quality can cause acute and chronic diseases in humans as well as
animals and plants.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
Statistics Canada
3.1.Support citizens to reduce a) Support a Public Bike
reported that the
their level of automobile use Sharing Program. The
average annual
and promote the use of non-system could provide
expenditure per
automotive transportation. free or affordable
household on
access to thousands of
transportation is
bicycles as alternatives
about $7,800, second
to private vehicles;
only to the cost of
b) Encourage people to
shelter at
register their bicycles to
approximately
reduce theft
$10,900.
(www.bikeregistrycanad
a.ca);
c) Recommend the
establishment of a Bicycling to work
comprehensive network every day can
of bike lanes and routes.
increase your energy
This includes trails and level and leave you
paths suitable for cycling feeling relaxed during
ïì ó ïç
in parks, along roads,
the day.
green space or hydro
and rail corridors that
link people to shopping
and services;
d) Encourage the Region
to continue to promote
alternative modes of
transportation to citizens
for their daily commute
at least once a month.
3.2.Improve air quality locally by a) Encourage the Region
When you idle your
adopting emission reduction to develop and
vehicle, you pollute
targets and activities tailored implement an anti-idling
the air and waste fuel
by sector (residential, By-law. This will allow
and money.
municipal,for consistency across
industrial, commercial, local municipal
institutional).boundaries and will
An old myth exists
enhance effectiveness
that idling will use
of its application;
less fuel than
restarting your car.
b) Encourage the Region
The fact is that idling
to develop a program to
your vehicle for
shift all taxies and
longer than 10
limousines operating in
seconds uses more
the City to low emission
fuel than it takes to
or hybrid technologies.
restart it.
3.3.Encourage the reduction of a) The City should adopt
pollution, including dust and planning tools to assist
odour, from point sources. with the development of
Community Energy
Plans that would support
Transportation
theAir Quality in
powered by
Kitchener - 2010;
renewable energy
b) The City and Region dramatically reduces
should provide creative greenhouse gas
measures to curb idling emissions and air
pollution.
at traffic lights by
adjusting the timing of
traffic lights during non-
peak hours.
c)
3.4.Ensure that municipal a)
The Ontario Ministry
Recommend the
operations and facilities
of the Environment
replacement of worn out
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meet or exceed applicable street sweepers with maintains a current
provincial regulations with more advanced listing of air quality
respect to air quality.environmentally friendly standards and
models. In addition to guidelines for over
benefiting air quality in 300 contaminants.
the vicinity of city
streets, the new
equipment will reduce
the amount of fine road
dust;
b)
Investigate phasing out
the use of equipment
powered by two-stroke
engines in City
operations (leaf blowers
and lawn mowers);
c)
Where feasible, the City
should avoid the use of
gasoline-powered
garden tools such as
lawn mowers or leaf
blowers on Smog Alert
days.
3.5.Seek continuous In consultation with ICI
improvement from point sources, the City
Industrial/Commercial/Institutshould:
ional (ICI) point sources by
a) Develop business
developing a tiered approach
assistance and
that includes incentives and
recognition programs to
flexible regulatory
encourage businesses
approaches.
to adopt pollution
prevention and eco-
efficiency measures
(LEED incentives);
b) Adopt pollution
prevention and eco-
efficiency measures
(LEED) on new and
existing City buildings;
c) Support Urban Design
Standards that require
all commercial,
institutional and
industrial developments
to be designed to
accommodate bicycle
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storage, showers, etc.;
d) Promote and provide
incentives for
businesses to ecoscape
their properties;
e) Establish sector-based
emission standards
and/or set performance
standards for process or
equipment
modifications, i.e. ISO
14001.
4. Land Resource and Growth Management
Local communities are vulnerable to the impacts of air quality and thus have a stake in
efforts to reduce emissions. It is important to note that local governments have
regulatory authority over many direct and indirect sources of air pollution. For example,
local governments define land-use, zoning and transportation policy, as well as enforcing
building codes. Action at the local level is a key component of Kitchener's response to
the impacts of poor air quality.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
4.1.Encourage sustainable a) Encourage the
development design continued integration of
standards.environmentally
sustainable/walkable
urban design and
neighbourhood design
principles into the
development approvals
process.
4.2.Incorporate “Clean Air a) Encourage an ongoing Reducing
Goals” into long-range plans. review of transportation
policies/guidelines that pollution requires a
pertain to the City’s mixture of
transportation transportation
infrastructure to ensure options, including:
that they provide clear efficient public
direction as to the City’s transit systems,
expectation to shift away walkable and bike-
from auto reliance able communities, in
toward alternative addition to cleaner
modes of transportation; vehicles, cleaner
fuels, fewer vehicle
b) Encourage the City to
kilometres travelled.
consider the implications
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for air quality and global
climate change during
the development of
long-range plans.
4.3.Encourage or facilitate the a) Encourage the City to
implementation of alternative continue to retrofit
modes of transportation.
and/or install bike lanes,
paths and sidewalks on
all streets where they do
Based on a poll
not currently exist;
undertaken for the
b) Encourage Grand River
Region (Ipsos Reid,
Transit to retrofit older
Public Affairs,
public transit vehicles
January 2008),
that would support
residents agree that
continuous
people should be
improvement, and
using their cars less
optimize “express”
often, recognizing
transit service (on
the impact driving
demand for bicycle
has on the
carry-on service and
environment and
cycle storage);
personal health, and
46% think this is
c) Encourage Grand River
achievable.
Transit to specify
stringent, but
achievable, emission
standards for the transit
vehicles under
Information on CAN-
consideration and to
BIKE courses may
seek funding to help
be found at
defray costs;
www.canbike.net
d) Support the CAN-BIKE
program to educate
citizens about aspects of
cycling safely and
enjoyably on roads.
4.4.Encourage environmentally a) Encourage the Region
To join in
sound food choices. to continue to educate
discussions about
citizens about reasons
community gardens
to “buy local;”
and discover new
b) Continue to promote the
and interesting
“100 mile diet” at the
information, visit
Kitchener Market;
www.Regionofwaterl
oo.on.ca search:
c) Continue to support
community garden
private or community
vegetable gardens
within the City.
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5. Energy Systems
The world's energy demand has been increasing exponentially as a result of our ever-
increasing world population. In Canada, the majority of energy is currently supported via
fossil resources - natural gas, oil, and coal. These fossil fuels are used for transportation,
commercial, industrial and residential uses.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
5.1.Support future energy a) Encourage the Province
needs of the community in a to enact energy-
manner that is efficient, efficiency regulations for
cost-effective and heating and cooling
environmentally (HVAC) equipment, and
responsible, and that fosters the use of clean efficient
local economic heat sources;
development.
b) Continue to support non-
Since 1999, home
profit organizations, such
energy retrofits by
as the Residential
REEP customers
Energy Efficiency Project
have resulted in a
(REEP), which provides
reduction of 10,670
homeowners with
tonnes of
practical, hands-on tools
greenhouse gas
and assistance that
emissions annually.
enable sustainable
resource use;
c) Encourage the Province
of Ontario to accelerate
changes to the energy
and sustainability
requirements of the
Ontario Building Code.
5.2.Implement a conservation a) Continue to support the
strategy for energy use replacement of traditional
Products that display
within municipal facilities traffic, street, park and
the ENERGY STAR
and operations. parking lighting with
symbol meet or
more efficient lights,
exceed higher
such as Light Emitting
energy efficiency
Diode lamps (LEDs) and
levels without
intelligent lighting system
compromising
controls.
performance.
5.3.Support alternative and a) Encourage the By purchasing
renewable energy sourcesdevelopment of a plan to RECs, customers
ïì ó îì
obtain a portion of the can choose to
City's facilities’ energy support clean,
needs from “green renewable energy.
power” or low-impact The money
renewable energy generated by the
sources;sale of RECs goes
to new and existing
b) Provide citizens with
renewable energy
information about
facilities, providing a
Renewable Energy
financial incentive
Certificates (RECs).
for developers to
build more
renewable energy
projects.
5.4.Reduce consumption of a) Encourage the use,
non-renewable energy where appropriate, of
sources, across all sectors energy efficient space
of the community. heating (such as low-
energy-use building
design and operations,
community energy
systems, and heating
alternatives to fuel
combustion like geo-
exchange, passive solar
gain, active solar etc.;
b) Encourage the use of
best design practices
and guidelines for
sustainable design and
construction practices
within the community;
c) The City’s website
should incorporate a link
to the Government of
Canada ecoACTION
web page.
6. Resource Consumption and Waste Management
Taking action on waste is essential. We are consuming natural resources at an
unsustainable rate. Valuable energy is used in making new products that are, in turn,
disposed of, also contributing to climate change.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
ïì ó îë
know?
Kitchener residents
6.1.Educate the community a) Encourage citizens to
can safely dispose
about resource consumption find places to drop off
of hazardous and
and waste management. hazardous and special
special wastes such
wastes that can’t be put
as batteries, CFLs
in the blue boxes and
and unwanted
should not go in the
electronics at 20 or
garbage (e.g. batteries,
more approved
CFLs and unwanted
collection points
electronics).
across the City.
b) Implement a green
purchasing policy to
Visit
require products
www.dowhatyoucan.
provided to the City to
ca or
have minimal
www.makethedrop.c
packaging.
a to find a more
information or a
drop-off location
near you.
E-waste is growing
four times more
quickly than other
waste streams but
only 12.5% of that
waste is being
recycled.
6.2.Encourage the continuation a) Encourage the Region
of the Region’s waste to open or enable
collection, recycling, permanent localized
composting and waste recycling/
The Region of
diversion programs. electronic/hazardous
Waterloo Waste
waste drop off depots;
Management
b) Encourage the Region
Division offers a
to reduce garbage
free on-site
collection to every other
environmental
week or recommend
education program
reducing the number of
for school groups
bags collected per
as well as the
week;
general public.
c) Encourage businesses
and apartment buildings
to increase recycling
and composting efforts.
6.3.Promote City recycling, a) Develop and implement New waste facilities
composting and waste policies for City facilities that accept
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diversion programs. that require reusable,
recycling, garbage
recyclable or and compost are in
compostable cups, food place at City Hall
packaging and similar
that allow more
items;waste to be diverted
.
from the landfill
b) That City staff develop
and implement a Green
Festival Strategy for City
managed events and
examine the possibility
of applying it to third
party events;
c) Encourage the diversion
of construction waste
from landfills, and waste
reduction tools for new
development and
redevelopment projects.
7. Environmental Education and Public Awareness
Public education and awareness programs are important to inform residents of their
clean air responsibilities and efforts under way in their community to improve air quality.
RecommendationAction (Best Bet) Facts – Did you
know?
7.1.Improve public awareness a)
Continue to support
and knowledge of air quality
partnerships with school
issues.
boards to increase
public awareness
regarding green yards,
We breathe a
anti-idling and air
mixture of nitrogen,
quality;
oxygen, water,
b)
argon, carbon
Encourage partnerships
dioxide and other
with citizens, community
trace gases. We
groups and schools to
inhale this mixture
develop educational
some 26,000 times
material that can be
each day, a volume
made available on the
of about 14,000
City’s web site;
litres.
c)
Continue to support
collaborations with
school boards to green
schoolyards through
incentive programs.
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7.2.Improve public awareness a) Continue to regularly
and knowledge of local provide results of Best
programs and activities. Bets and other air
quality initiatives on the
City’s web site and in
Your Kitchener;
b) Provide links on the
City’s web site to
information on federal,
provincial, private sector
and community
programs related to
Consumer demand
energy and other
can help increase
environmental issues;
availability of
c) Continue to investigate products, buildings,
and, where feasible, and modes of
enact initiatives transportation that
developed by other consume less
levels of government energy at all stages
and non-government of their lifecycle
organizations to improve
air quality;
d) Continue to support
community-networking
opportunities for
manufacturing, non-
manufacturing and
businesses to share
best environmental
practices.
7.3.Improve public awareness a) Continue to support the
and knowledge of Region’s education
transportation options. campaign to increase
awareness of the air
quality benefits of public
transit aimed at
increasing ridership;
b) Recommend that the
federal and provincial
governments promote
cleaner, fuel-efficient
vehicle purchases by
providing financial
incentives. Federal and
provincial governments
ïì ó îè
should promote regular
vehicle maintenance;
c) Through community
design, encourage
residents to walk or bike
to places within their
neighbourhoods.
Conclusions
This report itself – by necessity – will remain a work in progress, or “living document,” for
future members of the Environmental Committee and the City of Kitchener to monitor
and update. It will evolve over time as we learn from our efforts and adapt to new
possibilities and technologies.
Among the report's findings:
Kitchener's fleet operations have maintained an environmental management
system registered to the ISO 14001 standard since 2008 -- a practice that keeps
us on the leading edge of municipalities in the province in terms of environmental
due diligence.
Data from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care show that asthma
rates amongst Ontario school aged children have significantly increased. Local
school boards have an important role to play in addressing the problem of
respiratory diseases. Schools need to provide a supportive, healthy environment
for students. School boards can, with the assistance from the City of Kitchener,
provide a direct link of information about air quality to a large number of students
and parents.
Green space moderates climate. Urbanization threatens what is left of the City's
natural lands, making it important that the City conserve and create more green
space. Focusing on planning and building “green connections” can also serve to
provide greater trail access to public green spaces within the network and more
options for walking, biking and alternate, healthy modes of personal
transportation.
The promotion of a Natural Yard Care program will encourage homeowners to
adopt more sustainable yard care practices such as reducing or eliminating the
use of chemical fertilizers, gasoline-powered lawn mowers and other yard care
equipment.
The City of Kitchener is in a position to lead by example by developing and
promoting clean and energy-efficient space heating and the exploration of
alternative sources of energy. Examples of our support for energy conservation
include the solar-roof project at the Consolidate Maintenance Facility (CMF) and
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the City’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard
for the construction of all future municipal buildings larger than 5,332 square feet.
There are several steps that the City of Kitchener can take when preparing to act on air
quality. They have started by establishing the Environmental Committee to advise on the
process of reducing the City's impact on the environment. This committee, in this living
document, has recommended a comprehensive approach to air quality improvement
through specific proposals and planning processes for developing and implementing
responsive strategies and actions. Government agencies, the private sector, local non-
governmental organizations, and others should be involved.
The City of Kitchener can educate citizens and work with the private sector to determine
voluntary actions they can take. Natural Resources Canada offers significant
opportunities for cost-effective efforts that can trim expenses while helping the
environment. These, and other opportunities, make good economic and environmental
sense. The City can take a leadership role by making improvements in government
operations. They can make their own operations more efficient, gradually convert
government fleets to alternative-fuel vehicles, retrofit government buildings for energy
efficiency and demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a variety of methods
to reduce harmful air emissions.
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Sources
1. Ontario Ministry of the Environment Air Quality in Ontario, 2006, 2007 and 2008
Reports. Available at - http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/publications/air/index.php#2
2. International Organization for Standardization / ISO (www.iso.org).
3. Ontario Medical Association (OMA) (2005) the Illness Costs of Air Pollution,
2005-2026 Health and Economic Damage Estimates. Available at -
http://www.oma.org/phealth/smogmain.htm
4. Health Canada (2007) Health Effects of Air Pollution. Available at -
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/out-ext/effe/health_effects-
effets_sante_e.html
5. Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Air quality data available at
http://www.airqualityontario.com/reports/index.cfm
6. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long term Care. October 2002. Report of the
Chief Medical Officer of Health. Available at - www.health.gov.on.ca
7. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2004. Building Strong
Communities, Ontario Case Studies for Cleaner Air.
8. Natural Resources Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency.
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/english/index.cfm?attr=8
9. Region of Waterloo Region – Air Quality. Available at,
http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/health.nsf/0/ff2ce79175f3643985256d35005
7115c?OpenDocument
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