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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-18ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:04 p.m. Present: Mr. B. McColl - Chair Ms. L. Matthews, Ms. J. Young and Messrs. M. Peterson, C. Schneider, G. Lehman and G. Zador. Staff: B. Sloan, Interim Manager of Long Range Planning D. Schmitt, Environmental and Urban Forestry Project Manager B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator HURON NATURAL AREA - ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG 1. The Committee considered an information package on the Huron Natural Area (HNA), Strasburg Creek Site and Archaeological Find, dated March 2010, regarding the discovery of artifacts from the First Nations dating back to the 1600’s. Mr. Paul J. Racher, Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. gave a presentation highlighting the remains of a Neutral Village along the Strasburg Creek located in the HNA. He stated that the archaeological study along Strasburg Creek was home to the Neutral First Nation in approximately 1500 A.D. The site has turned up artifacts that include arrowheads, broken pottery, pipes and knives, all evidence that a village was located along the creek. He noted that when the City initially proposed a trail crossing in this portion of the HNA there was no knowledge of the site’s existence. Upon its discovery, the City, in partnership with the Six Nations and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, proposed a plan to construct an elevated boardwalk across the site connecting the Strasburg Creek Trail with the HNA. He further advised that the trail was constructed using raised helical piers, a design that affects the site only at the footprint of the piers themselves. The design both respects and protects the site while providing opportunities for education and stewardship. The project is the first of its kind and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture are considering using it as a template for the future preservation of similar sites located in public spaces. Mr. D. Schmitt advised that the completion of the trail does not minimize the site’s protection. He added that the Strasburg Creek Site is registered under the Ontario Heritage Act, meaning anyone removing items or causing damage can be charged with the maximum fine of $1M. In addition to the Ontario Heritage Act designation, the City will be amending the Parks By-law identifying the site for added protection. He commented that over the next few months, the City will be working on a number of initiatives to educate people on the Neutral Nation Village, which include: interpretative signage, web-based information, educational walks, and opportunities to display the artifacts. He noted that the HNA will be hosting an open house highlighting the site that will correspond with Earth Day, April 2011. KITCHENER NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS OFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE 2. The Committee considered correspondence entitled “Official Plan Review, Kitchener Natural Heritage System (KNHS) Project Update,” dated November 2010. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “Kitchener Official Plan Review, Kitchener Natural Heritage System,” regarding a review and development of policies for the protection of the City’s significant natural heritage features to ensure that Kitchener’s new Official Plan is consistent with all applicable Provincial legislation and the Region of Waterloo’s Official Plan. Ms. B. Steiner and Ms. C. Musselman presented the highlights of the KNHS review, including its status and key objectives. Ms. Musselman noted that since the initial presentation to the Environment Committee in December 2009, staff have been developing an inventory list of local, Regional and Provincial natural heritage environmental features and systems in Kitchener, in connection with the Official Plan Review. Using this inventory list, the goal is to develop policies for the new Official Plan that will focus on the protection of natural heritage features. She stated that due to the significant amount of mapping work that was required, the initial timelines for this project have been amended and noted that the next step is to host a public information session and comment period, which is anticipated for December 2010. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2010 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER KITCHENER NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS OFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE (CONT’D) 2. Ms. Steiner gave an overview of several environmental features and functions that will be included in the KNHS as prescribed by Federal and Provincial legislation as well as Regional conservation policies. In addition to the existing regulated features, the KNHS will include those features significant to Kitchener, including: locally significant woodlands up to four hectares in size; locally significant valleylands; other locally significant natural areas; corridors and linkages; and, ecological restoration areas not designated as significant by another level of government. She then requested feedback from the Committee on those natural heritage systems and the approach that should be used in deeming their significance. Councillor-Elect Y. Fernandes addressed the Committee regarding the proposed policy changes and questioned whether this project would address the restoration of tree coverage being lost due to development. Ms. Mussleman advised that the KNHS would be an added planning tool outlining the significant woodlands that should be protected from development. Several members spoke in support in identifying all types of tree coverage within the City, using different classifications to determine their significance. Mr. M. Peterson suggested that consideration should be given to the inclusion of plantations in the definition of locally significant woodlands. He added that with proper management, plantations have the potential to become an active ecological linkage within the KNHS. He also put forward that street trees and urban forestry should be negated when calculating tree coverage to give greater significance to the woodlands located in a particular planning unit / community. Regarding locally significant valleylands, members generally expressed support for the identification of smaller riparian systems as being identified as significant in the KNHS. Mr. Peterson stated that smaller tributaries provide linkages to larger ecological systems and, providing they are active, should be identified for inclusion in the KNHS. Ms. Steiner then spoke to the need for direction regarding the disposition of natural earth science areas in the context of the KNHS project. She stated that areas, such as the Freeport Esker, fall under the criteria of earth science, but are not defined as being “significant” and are not afforded any level of protection. Several members expressed support for the protection and further definition of those kinds of natural features, suggesting that where possible the City should endeavour to designate areas of natural earth science as open space. In addition, it was recommended that staff continue to examine policies for restoration and replenishment to maintain the City’s Natural Heritage Systems. 2009 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS FINAL UPDATE 3. The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence entitled “2009 Community Environmental Improvement Grants - Final Wrap-Up”, dated November 9, 2010, regarding the 2009 Community Environmental Improvement Grant recipients and their projects. Ms. C. Musselman provided a summary of each project and thanked Mr. C. Schneider for attending the Greening Celebration opening ceremony at Queen Elizabeth School on behalf of the Committee. COMMITTEE FAREWELL 4. As this was the last meeting of the Committee’s current term, Ms. C. Musselman thanked the members and staff for all of their hard work over the past two years. Mr. B. McColl, Mr. C. Schneider and Ms. J. Young were then presented with a token of appreciation in recognition of their six years on the Committee. ADJOURNMENT 5. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator