HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-16ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p. m.
Present: Mr. B. McColl -Chair
Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. L. Matthews, Ms. S. Smith and Messrs. D. Ryrie, M.
Peterson, C. Schneider, G. Lehman and G. Zador.
Staff: G. Murphy, Director of Engineering
B. Korah, Manager of Development
C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
1. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) ANNUAL FUNDING REQUEST
The Committee considered a request from Waterloo Region Green Solutions (WRGS),
Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), dated September 1, 2010, for a grant in the
amount of $27,500., which would represent the City of Kitchener's contribution to their 2011
budget.
Ms. Mary Jane Patterson gave a presentation reviewing their achievements in 2009/2010 and
their goals for 2011. She outlined that through their ecoENERGY home energy evaluations, as
of August 1, 2010 Kitchener residents who have followed REEP's energy-saving
recommendations have collectively: reduced over 1,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions last year;
saved $405,300 in home energy costs; received over $1,354,912. in government grants; and,
helped stimulate the local economy through their home energy retrofits.
The Committee was advised that the current reduction in 2010 ecoENERGY home energy
evaluations correlated with the loss of federal funding in March 2010. The Province has
continued to participate in the home evaluations grants until March 2011, with no discussions
of an extension at this time. Ms. Patterson noted that there are still a number of homeowners
showing an interest in sustainable living.
Ms. Patterson further advised that REEP would begin focusing on several new initiatives for
2011. This includes: showcasing the REEP house, which highlights energy saving measures
for the average homeowner; the continuation of the stormwater public education and
awareness program; and, a new initiative partnering with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro introducing
electricity audits. This new program would be similar to building envelope audits, where
qualified electricity auditors conduct home electricity evaluations educating consumers on
electricity saving techniques.
Ms. Patterson outlined that Kitchener's support is vital to their continued operation and serves
to leverage funding from other municipalities, as well as the provincial and federal
governments. She noted that REEP is grateful for the continual support; however, due to the
increasing costs of running the organization they are requesting an increase of $2500. for a
total grant amount of $27,500.
The Committee expressed support for REEP and acknowledged that over the past four years,
their cost of doing business has continued to increase, yet their level of funding has remained
at $25,000. Accordingly, the Environmental Committee is requesting Council's endorsement of
the recommendation outlined herein.
On motion by Mr. C. Schneider -
itwas resolved:
"That subject to consideration during the 2011 budget deliberations, $27,500. be
allocated to the Waterloo Region Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project
(REEP), as part of the Environmental Committee's 2011 operating budget."
2. PRESENTATION -GRAND RIVER CAR SHARE
The Committee considered correspondence from Jason Hammond, President, Grand River
Car Share (GRCS), dated September 8, 2010 concerning a proposal to partner with the City in
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2010 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2. PRESENTATION -GRAND RIVER CAR SHARE (CONT'D)
provision of dedicated parking at City facilities for use of vehicles owned and operated by the
GRCS.
Mr. Matthew Piggott, Members Services Co-ordinator, GRCS, advised that GRCS has been in
operation since 1998 and currently services the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and
Hamilton. He stated that GRCS is asking the City to consider providing parking spaces for
their vehicles at non-revenue generating City-owned facilities throughout the community.
GRCS would provide and install appropriate signage to draw attention to the dedicated spaces,
bringing awareness to their organization and helping to grow their membership. He advised
that GRCS is not asking the City for financing but rather to leverage available space in existing
City facilities. He noted that the City has supported the organization in a variety of ways
including approving a line of credit that has been used since 2002 and funding through the
Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF). Mr. Piggott advised that the Region of Waterloo has
provided a space at their location and has entered into a Corporate membership that allows
use of a GRCS vehicle by Regional employees. Mr. Piggott added that GRCS would also like
to pursue a similar arrangement to that of the Region with the City of Kitchener.
The Committee considered the Grand River Car Share's proposal concerning the provision of
dedicated non-revenue generating parking spaces at City facilities. In addition, an overview
was provided of the potential for the City of Kitchener to become a Corporate partner of the
GRCS, similar to that of the Region of Waterloo, wherein a GRCS vehicle could be made
available to those City employees who need vehicles on an infrequent basis for City business.
Several members spoke in support of the proposals, noting how they align with the tenets of
the Air Quality in Kitchener report. The Environmental Committee resolved to endorse both
requests of the GRCS, as outlined at the September 13, 2010 Finance and Corporate Services
Committee.
3. FREEPORT PUMPING STATION AND OUTLET ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The Committee considered the Freeport Pumping Station and Forcemain Schedule 'B' Class
Environmental Assessment (EA), prepared by Aecom Canada Ltd. In addition, the Committee
was in receipt this date a copy of the Freeport Pumping Station and Forcemain presentation,
dated April 8, 2010.
Mr. Duncan McLeod, Aecom Canada Ltd. presented the report and advised that the Freeport
sanitary sewer catchment area is an existing residential/commercial and institutional area
located on the east side of Kitchener. The City is anticipating intensification of the area and will
result in a greater demand on the existing sanitary sewer system including the Freeport
Sewage Pumping Station. He noted that the Study's intention is to consider the current
capacities, future service demands and future growth strategies for the Freeport area. He
reviewed the various alternatives for both the pumping station and the outlet options that were
considered, recommending alternative 4 for the Freeport Pumping Station and alternative 5 for
the Forcemain Outlet. He pointed out that meetings have been held with the Ministry of
Natural Resources, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Transportation
to discuss the alternatives for the pumping station and forcemain to mitigate its impacts. He
stated that the pumping station is a priority project as capacity limits are occasionally being
met. He noted that pending endorsement by the City of Kitchener, the EA will be filed with the
Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory 30 day review period; and, following the
review the project may proceed to detailed design, tender & construction.
Questions were raised regarding the construction process and what affects it would have on
the Hidden Valley Creek and Hidden Valley Drive. Mr. McLeod commented that the crossing
of Highway 8 and Hidden Valley Creek will be done with through trenchless technology. There
will be temporary road closures on Hidden Valley Drive with the potential for complete road
closures anticipated for only a short period. He also noted that anyone interested in being
notified of the public review period can be added to the mailing list to receive future updates.
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4. 2010 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) APPLICATIONS
Ms. L. Matthews declared a conflict of interest as she is affiliated with one of the organizations
applying fora 2010 Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) and accordingly,
she did not participate in any deliberations or voting regarding this matter.
At the September 16, 2010 Environmental Committee meeting, the Committee undertook a
review of the 2010 Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) applications. Due to
the number of applications received, the Committee decided to forego the aggregated ranking
process employed in previous years and considered each application separately on its own
merits.
Questions were raised regarding the Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival and
the means through which its overall projected cost of $95,000. would be raised. Several
members spoke in support of this application, noting that the Festival is in its 15th year, during
which time it has brought together the expertise of educators, groundwater specialists and
members of industry and government to provide students with the opportunity to discover the
importance of groundwater. Accordingly, it is not anticipated that the Festival would have any
difficulty in obtaining the additional funding. It was noted that the Festival would specifically
use the requested $3,000 Community Environmental Improvement Grant toward:
• activity centre-watershed model $1,000;
• Aboriginal presenter $1,500; and,
• Activity centre supplies $500.
Members expressed concerns with the application submitted by the Household Perma-Culture
Initiative, noting that it did not conform to Criteria 4.b of Council Policy I-590 (Grant Program -
Community Environmental Improvement), as it lacked information regarding their
organizational structure, specifically their ability to manage and account for finances.
Accordingly, it was agreed that as this application does not meet the prescribed criteria it would
not be evaluated; however, it was noted that should the Household Perma-Culture Initiative
clarify its organizational structure, the Committee would encourage them to submit an
application fora 2011 Community Environmental Improvement Grant.
To ensure a greater level of accountability as to how the awarded funding is used, it was put
forward that Criteria 3.b(vii) of Council Policy I-590 should be expanded. Members expressed
support for having the 2010 CEIG recipients submit a minimum of two progress reports and
attend a future Committee meeting to provide an update on the status of their projects.
Environmental Planning staff agreed to follow-up with each successful recipient regarding the
requested status reports.
Based on its deliberations, the Environmental Committee is requesting that a total of $6,000.
be allocated to the two CEIG applicants, as outlined in the recommendation contained in this
report. In addition, it was suggested that the balance of the remaining 2010 CEIG funding be
prorated toward advertising and/or used for increasing the number of 2011 grant allocations.
On motion by Mr. G. Lehman -
itwas resolved:
"That the 2010 Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG), to be funded
from the Environmental Stewardship Capital Account, be awarded as follows:
• $3,000. to Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival; and,
• $3,000. to My Sustainable Canada and Dads Against Dirty Air; and further,
That the remaining $4,000. of the 2010 CEIG funding be prorated for use as part of the
2011 grant program."
5. 2011-2012 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER APPLICATION
Mr. B. McColl noted that any members interested in re-applying for the Environmental
Committee, applications are attached to the agenda and the deadline for submission is
October 1, 2010.
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6. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:20 p. m.
D. Saunderson
Committee Administrator
