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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-11PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 11, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 7:09 p.m. Present: Mayor C. Zehr - Acting Chair Councillors S. Davey, J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway, B. Ioannidis, D. Glenn- Graham and F. Etherington. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director of Planning S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner H. Holbrook, Planner (Urban Design) C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator Prior to commencement, the Chair read aloud the following statement: “This is a formal public meeting to consider applications under the Planning Act. If a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City of Kitchener before the proposed applications are considered, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and may not be added as a party to a hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board.” 1. CSD-11-043 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 09/06/COK/HH - VICTORIA STREET NORTH - MIXED USE CORRIDOR The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-043, dated March 15, 2011 recommending approval of the City initiated Zone Change Application to implement the Victoria Street North Mixed Use Corridor zoning. Ms. H. Holbrook presented the report. In response to questions, Ms. Holbrook advised that a range of different zoning currently exists throughout the corridor and in some cases the permitted uses may be broadened, while others will no longer be permitted; such as, auto-oriented uses like gas stations and car washes. She stated that all properties in the corridor are proposed to change zoning to either Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-1) or Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-2), noting that no parcels are proposed to change to High Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-3). She commented that for the most part, the density permitted under the existing zoning is similar to what is being proposed. Questions were raised regarding the impact that the Mixed Use Corridor may have on the surrounding heritage properties. Ms. Holbrook advised that consideration was given to the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District (CCHCD) Plan in determining which zone category to apply to these lands. She stated that future development proposals for properties within or adjacent to the CCHCD may require the submission and approval of a Heritage Impact Assessment and/or Conservation Plan. Ms. Holbrook responded further that preliminary circulation of the zone change was sent on January 28, 2011 to internal departments, prescribed agencies, neighbourhood associations and all property owners within 120 metres of the subject lands.In addition, property owners who submitted comments or requested notice of the public meeting were also sent copies of Report CSD-11-043 on March 18, 2011; thereby ensuring they had sufficient time for review. She agreed to provide a copy of the notification list to the Committee. Clarification was requested as to whether the proposed zone changes were related to the anticipated future widening of Victoria Street. Ms. Holbrook stated that this was not connected to the street widening, which has been proposed as part of the Region of Waterloo Official Plan. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 11, 2011 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-11-043 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 09/06/COK/HH - VICTORIA STREET NORTH - MIXED USE CORRIDOR (CONT’D) “That City-initiated Zone Change Application ZC 09/06/COK/HH being an amendment to Schedules 83, 84 and 122 of Appendix ‘A’, sections 162, 167, 254, 272, 280, 401 and 410 of Appendix ‘C’, sections 288, 328, 332, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 565, 566, 568, 569, 570 of Appendix ‘D’ and sections 14, 16 and 17 of Appendix ‘F’ of By-law Number 85-1 as they pertain to the Victoria Street North Mixed Use Corridor for the purpose of changing the zoning from various zone classifications to Mixed-Use Corridor MU-1 and MU-2 zones with and without site-specific special provisions applying to these lands, be approved, in the form shown in the ‘Proposed By-Law’ dated March 15, 2011 attached as Appendix ‘A’ to Community Services Department report CSD-11-043.” 2.PRESENTATION - VICTORIA PARK WORKING GROUP The Committee was in receipt of a presentation regarding the activities of the Victoria Park Working Group, dated April 6, 2011. Messrs. Rych Mills and Bob Sharpe, Victoria Park Working Group gave the presentation outlining their efforts regarding the operation and development of Victoria Park. It was noted that since 2007, the Working Group has been a sounding board for Victoria Park issues where residents can express ideas and concerns to senior City staff. The Group’s objectives are to work with staff to achieve the Park’s overall strategic plan. Questions were raised as to the negative perception of the area around Victoria Park verses reality, and Mr. Sharpe advised that the attitude toward this area has changed for the better in recent years. He attributed this to the ongoing events drawing people Downtown, which allow them to experience the Park in a positive light. In response to questions regarding accessibility, Mr. Mills indicated that the majority, if not all, of the official pathways throughout the Park have been paved. He added that some informal stone dust pathways might still be used in certain sections of the Park, which can be difficult for some people to traverse. He noted that the Working Group continues to address pathway and park space improvements with City staff. The Committee extended thanks to the Victoria Park Working Group for their efforts to assist with the ongoing maintenance and development of the Park. 3. CSD-11-054 - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011 APPLICATIONS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-054, dated April 5, 2011 regarding the 2011 Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) grant applications recommended by the LEAF Steering Committee. Ms. B. Steiner presented the report. In response to questions, Ms. Steiner advised that the number of applications submitted for LEAF grants has fluctuated over the program’s three-year history. She added that for 2011, additional efforts were made to solicit applications from specific groups, such as those in the post-secondary education sector. She further advised that built into the grant agreements is a requirement that each recipient must provide a final report on project outcomes and in some instances, they are also required to provide an interim reports. Questions were raised concerning the issue of loans as a component of the LEAF program and in particular, the one given for the solar roof at the Consolidated Maintenance Facility (CMF). Ms. Steiner replied that the issue of offering loans was investigated and it was determined to not be a viable option for non-City led projects. Mr. D. Chapman advised that the decision to convey a loan for the CMF solar roof project was made by the previous Council and not the LEAF Steering Committee. He added that the interest rate for that loan is approximately 3% with payback expected over a five-year period. Ms. Teresa Cornwell, Dr. Charles Priddle, Dr. James Danckert and Mr. Scott Piatkowski, LEAF Steering Committee, reviewed the 16 applications received for the 2011 grant program and highlighted the seven applications recommended for approval, being: PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 11, 2011 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-11-054 - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011 APPLICATIONS (CONT’D) Applications Under $50,000. 1. Westmount Public Schoolground Greening project; 2. St. Dominic Savio Catholic Elementary Schoolground Greening project; 3. Conservation and Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations - City of Kitchener, Operations Design and Development; 4. Growing the Regional Carbon Initiative in Kitchener - Sustainable Waterloo; Applications Over $50,000. 5. Community Access Bicycles - The Working Centre; 6. Kitchener Home Energy Improvement Program - Waterloo Region Green Solutions / Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP); and, 7. ¡RAIN! An Ecological Approach to Stormwater Management - Waterloo Region Green Solutions / REEP. Clarification was requested regarding how funding would be allocated for the “Community Access Bicycles” project. Mr. Joe Mancini, the Working Centre, addressed the Committee, advising that they are proposing to launch a bike share project in Kitchener, placing 100 bicycles at 10 public access locations throughout the City. He stated that initially they would receive only $20,000. of the requested $100,000., as further investigation, including community surveys and research into best practices, would be undertaken throughout 2011 to produce a business case for the project. He added that only after satisfactory completion of the business case would the balance of funding be released. Questions were raised regarding the funds that are anticipated to be leveraged through the “Kitchener Home Energy Improvement Program.” Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Waterloo Green Solutions / REEP, advised that one of the commitments made as part of the recent Federal budget proposal, was that the ecoENERGY Retrofit Incentives would continue for an additional year. She noted that this is dependant upon the outcome of the current Federal Election. She added that local utilities continue to provide REEP with funding and discussions are underway with various electricity distributors in the area seeking their support for this initiative. In response to questions concerning the “¡RAIN!: An Ecological Approach to Stormwater Management”, Ms. Patterson advised that a pilot version of this initiative was started approximately two years ago. It was implemented to address the need for public education regarding the value of stormwater management to protect natural heritage features such as streams, rivers and wetlands.She stated that funding has been received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation as well as private sector organizations for this project. She then noted the importance of having a positive message to motivate behavioural and physical changes at a time when the first stormwater management bills are being received by homeowners. Mr. Derek Satnik attended in support of an application submitted by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) for their “Kitchener Solar City Initiative.” He advised that they are requesting a grant of $566,000. to create an incentive program for faith institutions to undertake rooftop solar photovoltaic installations, in which solar energy will be directly converted into electricity and sold back through the power grid. He stated that the premise is to “bait and hook” faith groups to partner in this project, whereby, CREW will complete the process under the Ontario Power Authority microFIT Program and provide the first 1 kw/hr system free to partnering faith groups. Thereafter, CREW will administer mandatory education and information sessions to each group toward achieving a full 10 kw/hr installation. He estimated that 3,000-5,000 people would participate in the education sessions, which should result in a reduction of approximately 1070-1120 tonnes of green house gases (GHG) in Kitchener annually. Mr. Satnik noted that unlike CREW’s 2010 LEAF application, the City would retain the funding, which could be drawn from as needed. He added that one of the previously identified risks was with faith groups not understanding the economics behind the installation of a full 10 kw/hr system. He stated that providing the free 1 kw/hr system would establish a starting point to remove this barrier, allowing for the realization that pursuing this even further could generate revenue for their group. He commented that this initiative would inspire change by inviting communities to participate in fundraising and promotion of the projects and in the one-tonne challenge. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 11, 2011 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-11-054 - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011 APPLICATIONS (CONT’D) Mr. Glen Woolner also addressed the Committee in support of the application submitted by CREW. He advised that the educational sessions will enable faith groups to better understand their obligations to build upon the 1 kw/hr system. He stated that once it is demonstrated that this system can generate revenue for these faith groups, he is confident that they would be willing to move ahead with the installation of a larger system. He emphasized that the catalyst of the free 1 kw/hr is needed to entice faith groups to proceed with this project. Councillor K. Galloway inquired into the potential to only offer the educational component of the “Kitchener Solar City Initiative”, suggesting that groups interested in pursuing the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system could independently approach the City for funding. Mr. Satnik estimated the cost of providing only the educational component at approximately $50,000., and cautioned that there may not be the same degree of uptake in this project if the free 1 kw/hr incentive was not provided.Mr. Woolner expressed concerns with the suggested approach, adding that the extra steps of requesting the funds from the City could deter some groups from participating. Responding to further questions, Mr. Satnik estimated the cost of installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic system at $8,000. to $13,000. per 1 kw/hr. He noted that any system that is 10 kw/hr and under can qualify for the microFit Program, which is intended for small renewable energy projects under the umbrella of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program. He stated that he was surprised that the LEAF Steering Committee did not recommend their application, noting that most of the past year was spent addressing issues raised during the 2010 LEAF deliberations. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway, the recommendation contained in Report CSD-11-054 was brought forward for consideration, to approve the LEAF grant applications as recommended by the LEAF Steering Committee. Councillor Galloway suggested that final consideration of CREW’s “Kitchener Solar City Initiative” application should be deferred to provide time to review this proposal in further detail. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham spoke in support of the suggested deferral, adding that CREW’s proposal could be implemented at a few institutions as a pilot project; thereby testing the potential uptake by City-wide faith groups. On motion, it was agreed to amend Councillor Galloway’s motion, to add a second paragraph to provide that the “Kitchener Solar City Initiative” application submitted by CREW be deferred to the May 30, 2011 meeting, to provide additional time for review and consideration of alternative approaches to implementing this project. Councillor Y. Fernandes expressed concerns with providing grants for the schoolground greening projects at Westmount Public School and St. Dominic Savio Catholic School. She commented that, in her opinion, these kinds of initiatives fall under the responsibility of another level of government. She noted additional concerns with providing LEAF funding for the “Conservation and Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations” application and the optics of awarding grants to projects put forward by City staff. Clarification was requested regarding the two potential grant amounts listed for the “Conservation and Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations” application. Ms. Steiner advised that a final decision is pending on a grant from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), which if received, would reduce the amount given to this project through LEAF from $36,911. to $16,911. Councillor Fernandes requested that the “Conservation and Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations” application be voted on separately. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway, the 2011 LEAF grant application for the “Conservation and Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations” as recommended by the LEAF Steering Carried Committee was voted on and was . Councillor S. Davey raised concerns with the proposed grant of $161,245. for the “¡RAIN!: An Ecological Approach to Stormwater Management” application, commenting that it is a considerable sum for a marketing and education campaign. He suggested that it should be reduced to $75,000., which equates to the funds being contributed from the private sector. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 11, 2011 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-11-054 - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011 APPLICATIONS (CONT’D) Ms. Mary Jane Patterson further addressed the Committee, indicating that $28,900. in capital costs and $23,000. for website and software improvements were also being contributed by the private sector and not accounted for in the amount mentioned by Councillor Davey. She advised that if their funding was reduced they would not be able to provide the display or supporting materials that go along with the educational workshops. A motion by Councillor Davey to reduce the 2011 LEAF grant amount for “¡RAIN!: An Ecological Approach to Stormwater Management (Waterloo Green Solutions / REEP)” from Lost $161,245. to $75,000., was voted on and . On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the 2011 Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) grant applications recommended for funding by the LEAF Steering Committee, be approved as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11-054; and further, That final disposition of the 2011 LEAF application submitted by Community Renewable be deferred to the Energy Waterloo (CREW) for their ‘Kitchener Solar City Initiative’, May 30, 2011 Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting, to allow additional time for review and consideration of alternative approaches to implementing this proposal.” 4.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator