HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-17ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 17, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Smith - Chair
Councillors Y. Fernandes and D. Glenn-Graham, Ms. B. Ciochon, Ms. S. Danckert and
Messrs. M. Peterson, G. Lehman, S. Crossman, G. Zador, R. Younis and D.
Hoshowsky.
Staff: A. Pinard, Director of Planning
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
K. Steiss, Inclusion Coordinator
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
1.
The Committee was in receipt of materials regarding the Transportation Master Plan (TMP),
dated February 9, 2011, which included a brief summary on the development of a master plan
to manage the growing demand on the City’s transportation infrastructure.
Mr. Don Drackley, IBI Group, gave a presentation on the development of the TMP. He advised
that the City is undertaking a plan to provide strategies and recommendations on
transportation initiatives within Kitchener. He stated that the goal is to define and prioritize a
transportation network that is supportive of all modes of travel including walking, cycling and
transit; thereby reducing dependency on single occupant vehicle trips and the effect of
community growth on roads and parking facilities. He noted that with an anticipated population
growth of over 100,000 people by 2031, the TMP is meant to provide short, medium and long-
term goals for dealing with the projected increased on the City’s transportation infrastructure.
He requested feedback from the Committee identifying key issues and / or opportunities that
the TMP needs to address.
Questions were raised as to how zoning is being used to manage the projected population
density increase to add greater emphasis on public transit. Mr. A. Pinard advised that the City
has begun to introduce mixed use corridor zoning in areas of increased intensification to
improve the demand on transit and decrease emphasis on the personal vehicle. He added
that the downtown was the first area identified for re-zoning, stating that five corridors have
already been re-zoned. He noted that the Fairview Park Mall area has also been identified as
a future mixed use node for density intensification.
Several members expressed support for a more aggressive shift from the personal vehicle to
other modes of transportation. Mr. D. Hoshowsky noted that cycling lanes throughout the city
lack connection and due to traffic volumes on certain streets, in his opinion, can feel unsafe.
Mr. S. Crossman commented that change can be difficult at first but people will gradually
adapt. Improvements to other modes of transportation should decrease people’s dependency
on the single occupancy vehicle.
Councillor D. Glenn-Graham commented that aggressiveness of the implementation of some
of these transportation initiatives will be somewhat dependent on the cost of retro-fitting older
streets. In response, Mr. Drackley advised there has been greater consideration has been
given to applying a “complete streets” reconstruction model, which are designed to equally
supports all modes of transportation; thereby reducing the number of streets that would need
to be retro-fitted. He cited King Street as a good example, of a shared space for pedestrians,
cyclists and moveable parking.
Mr. J. McBride pointed out added that any further comments or suggestions that members may
have can be sent to via email to john.mcbride@kitchener.ca. He noted that the next public
meeting to present draft transportation options and strategies is anticipated to be in held May
2011.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 17, 2011 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING
2.
The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled “Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act (AODA)”, dated February 17, 2011 regarding the legislated accessible
customer service training required for anyone who works or volunteers with the City.
Ms. K. Steiss provided training on the accessible customer service standards to the members
of the Environment Committee. She advised that the AODA has introduced five sets of
standards for accessibility: customer service; transportation; information and communication;
built environment; and, employment. She advised that the Province has mandated
accessibility training for anyone who provides a direct service or has influence over policy
implementation, with a goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. Accordingly, all staff,
volunteers and third parties associated with the Corporation are receiving AODA training.
In response to questions, Ms. Steiss advised that the best practice for assisting someone with
a disability would be to ask if they need assistance and respect the person’s request. She
stated that it is important not to make assumptions when providing customer service to
individuals with disabilities and to remember that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity
and respect. She noted that any further questions could be directed to
kelly.steiss@kitchener.ca.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS
3.
Ms. S. Smith advised that the appointments for the 2011 Committee Liaisons have been
summarized in draft form on the ongoing projects of interest list attached to the Committee
agenda and will be updated regularly. She stated that with the initial liaison appointments, five
members were selected for the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) Sub-
committee. She noted that the Committees Term’s of Reference Section 3.13, states that
membership on a sub-committee shall not meet or exceed quorum. She requested that in the
interest of accountability and transparency, one member volunteer to be an alternate. Mr. S.
Crossman agreed to be the alternate on the CEIG Sub-committee.
KITCHENER NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM UPDATE
4.
The Committee considered correspondence entitled “Official Plan Review, Kitchener Natural
Heritage System (KNHS) Purpose and Objectives,” 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. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a sub-
committee job description entitled “Environmental Committee, Kitchener Natural Heritage
System Sub-Committee”, outlining the positions expectations.
Ms. B. Steiner and Ms. C. Musselman gave a presentation highlighting the KNHS review
including the purpose, vision and key objectives. Ms. Musselman stated that since their
presentation to the Committee in November 2010, staff have completed the majority of the
mapping, identifying the natural heritage systems and composed a list of draft policies focused
on the protection, maintenance, enhancement and restoration of those systems. She provided
a brief summary of each of the locally significant heritage features and the policy direction for
Kitchener’s new Official Plan.It was recommended that a Sub-committee be formed to review
the policies and prepare draft comments to be considered at the March 24, 2011 meeting.
Ms. S. Smith opened the floor to nominations, and it was agreed that the following members
would be appointed to the Kitchener Natural Heritage System (KNHS) Sub-committee:
Messrs. M. Peterson, R. Younis and G. Zador.
DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR 2011 / WORK PLAN
5.
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence and a draft work plan, dated January 11,
2011 regarding the recommendations arising from the 2008 Advisory Committee Review
requiring the development and implementation of a work plan at the start of each term.
Ms. C. Mussleman advised that members are requested to provide suggestions on what they
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 17, 2011 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER
DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR 2011 / WORK PLAN (CONT’D)
5.
would like to see the Environment Committee accomplish in the coming term, which
correspond with the Strategic Plan for the Environment. She added that due to time
constraints members are requested to forward any questions or potential work plan items to
her at carrie.musselman@kitchener.ca by March 8, 2011 to allow for time to update the draft
work plan. She noted that time will be set aside at the March 24, 2011 meeting for additional
brainstorming.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
D. Saunderson
Committee Administrator