HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-24ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:12 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Smith - Chair
Councillors Y. Fernandes and D. Glenn-Graham, Ms. L. Matthews, Ms. S. Danckert and
Messrs. S. Crossman, M. El-Hakim, D. Hoshowsky, G. Lehman, M. Peterson and G.
Zador
Staff: J. Witmer, Director of Operations
B. Sloan, Manager of Long Range Planning
S. Allen, Manager of Engineering Design & Approvals
T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner
D. Schmitt, Environmental and Urban Forestry Project Manager
D. Lupsa, Design and Construction Project Manager
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
J. Ouellette, Facilitator of Volunteer Resources
J. Shea, Natural Area Coordinator
S. Longstaff, Policy Analyst
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
STRASBURG CREEK (NORTH BRANCH) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) -
1.
PONDS 65, 66 AND 61
The Committee considered background materials, dated March 9, 2011 regarding the
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) – Strasburg Creek (North Branch) –
Schedule B Class EA – Ponds 65, 66 and 61.
Mr. Chris Denich, Aquafor Beech Ltd, gave a presentation, advising that the EA was conducted
to select a preferred design alternative for Ponds 65, 66, and 61 and the interconnecting
channels within the North Branch of the Strasburg Creek Watershed in order to improve the
water quality. He mentioned that the EA considered several additional objectives, including:
restoring local aquatic and terrestrial habitats; removal of fish barriers; improvements of
baseflow and instream temperature regimes; improvement of future operations and
maintenance; and, the retrofitting of existing concrete channels to represent a more natural
stream channel design. Mr. Denich reviewed the various alternatives for the Ponds and
channels that were considered, advising that it is being recommended that a full retro-fit and
creation of an off-line facility for Pond 61; a bypass channel and selective works creating an
off-line facility for Pond 65; and, a wetland restoration for Pond 66. The preferred alternative
for the channel reaches will be evaluated and selected once the preferred options for the three
ponds have been confirmed through agency consultation. He then highlighted several net
environmental benefits that would be achieved through the proposed preferred solutions,
outlined in the circulated materials.
Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned whether making Ponds 61 and 65 off-line facilities would
provide long-term solutions to sediment build up, or if similar work would be required again in 4
to 5 years. Mr. Denich advised that a major objective of the EA was to improve water quality;
and, leaving the Ponds online would add an increased potential for flooding and sediment
build-up. He noted that the preferred alternatives include the addition of a sediment forebay to
slow the water velocity and provide for a sediment collection area.
Concerns were raised regarding what effects the abutting properties may have on the Ponds,
given that one property is currently being used as an automotive repair shop. Mr. Denich
commented that the EA must take into consideration several factors when determining the
preferred alternatives, which includes the potential impacts of the adjacent private properties.
He advised that the automotive repair building has the largest commercial oil and grit separator
that can be purchased for individual use; thereby mitigating their potential impact on the
Ponds.
Mr. Denich further advised that the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) was consulted
several times and they have endorsed the selected preferred alternatives. Ms. D. Lupsa stated
that any additional comments could be sent via email to diana.lupsa@kitchener.ca. She noted
Council’s endorsement of the EA is required prior to it being filed with the Ontario Ministry of
the Environment for the mandatory 30-day review period.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2011 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER
URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANS – PILOT PROJECT
2.
The Committee considered an information report entitled “A Sustainable Urban Forest, for
Today and Future Generations”, dated March 11, 2011. In addition, the Committee was in
receipt this date of a presentation entitled “Developing a Sustainable Urban Forest”, regarding
the different management options and the pilot management plans currently underway for
urban forest sustainability.
Mr. D. Schmitt stated that the goal of defining the urban forest is to maximize the benefits to
the community for the least cost to current and future generations. He commented that trees
and the larger urban forest play an important role in the economic, environmental and social
health of a community. He stated that staff have been undertaking several asset management
initiatives to inventory and identify the different classifications of trees on City owned lands,
including: street trees, park trees and natural areas. He noted, that the creation of a
sustainable forest is not something that can be achieved without community support. He
advised that neighbourhoods and community groups have shown interest in the developing
tree management programs, noting that the Westmount Neighbourhood Association was the
first to engage in creating their own street tree management plan. He further advised that due
to the community involvement, staff developed eight urban forestry principles to help guide
citizen participation, which include: engaging the community in stewardship programs;
recognizing the environmental benefit; managing and protecting the City’s green infrastructure;
and, conserving the public natural areas.
Several members expressed support in the development of strategies to help protect and
enhance the urban forest. Mr. M. Peterson stated that in his opinion, educating people on the
natural environment and dispelling the myths that natural areas will take care of themselves,
will be a key component in gaining community support.
Mr. Schmitt advised that a list of draft policies in defining the urban forest is anticipated to be
presented to this Committee at the June 16, 2011 meeting. He added that members can
forward any immediate comments or suggestions via email to dave.schimitt@kitchener.ca.
OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW
3.
The Committee was in receipt of the City of Kitchener Official Plan Review E-Newsletter, dated
Winter 2011. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “City
of Kitchener, Official Plan Review, Environmental Committee”, dated March 24, 2011.
Mr. B. Sloan, Ms. S. Longstaff and Ms. T. Malone- Wright, Official Plan Review Project Team,
gave a presentation outlining the history of the City’s Official Plan, along with the reasons and
scope of the review. Mr. Sloan advised that much has occurred over the past 15 years that
requires the City to review and update its Official Plan. He added that there has been
considerable growth and changes in the planning landscape with respect to policy direction as
well as the need to comply with new legislation, both at the Provincial and Regional levels. He
commented that although the Official Plan is concerned mainly with land use and physical
development of the City, the underlying consideration in its formulation is the need to balance
the social, economic, and environmental interests of the community. He stated that the current
Plan contains many policies that will be modified and incorporated into the new document.
Ms. T. Malone-Wright advised that there are several environmental policy sections proposed
for the new Official Plan, including: the Kitchener Natural Heritage Systems and the Green
Development Policies. She stated that these new policies would provide more direction for
landowners and developers when modifying or developing property within the City.
In response to questions, Mr. Sloan stated that currently, staff are in the process of soliciting
feedback on the initial draft policies. He further advised that a formal public review period of
the new draft Official Plan is anticipated in Spring 2011, adding that additional comments will
be sought from the Committee at that time.
Councillor Y. Fernandes recommended that a Sub-committee be formed to review the
environmental sections of the Official Plan that have not yet been considered by the
Committee.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2011 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER
OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW (CONT’D)
3.
Ms. S. Smith opened the floor to volunteers, and it was agreed that the following members
would comprise the Official Plan Sub-committee: Ms. S. Smith, Ms. L. Matthews and Messrs.
M. El-Hakim, D. Hoshowsky.
EARTH DAY 2011 STATUS REPORT
4.
The Committee was in receipt this date of a calendar entitled “Community Eco-Calendar,
Spring 2011” regarding a summary of Earth Day and Earth Hour events being held in March
and April of 2011. Ms. J. Ouellette and Mr. J. Shea gave an overview of the following City of
Kitchener 2011 Earth Day events, including a brief summary of their overall goals and
objectives:
Earth Hour;
20 Minute Makeover;
Tim Hortons Community Litter Pick-up;
Community Organized Litter Pick-ups;
Laurentian Wetland Walk;
Huron Natural Area Earth Day Celebration;
The Bloomin Earth Eco-Fair; and,
The EcoAction Teams Program;
Mr. Darren Price, Facilitator, Earth Hour Organizing Committee gave a brief presentation on
the various activities planned for Earth Hour 2011, stating that the event is being held at City
Hall in Civic Square on March 26, 2010 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. He further advised that the
calendar provided to the Committee included a summary of Earth Week events that will be
held throughout the Region.
Ms. Ouellette advised that anyone interested in taking part in Kitchener’s Earth Day events can
register to be a participant on the City’s website at http:// www.kitchener.ca/earthday. She
encouraged all members of the Committee to volunteer or plan their own Earth Day event.
KITCHENER NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM - SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
5.
Ms. B. Steiner and Ms. C. Musselman gave a brief summary of the purpose, vision and key
objectives of the Kitchener Natural Heritage System (KNHS) policies to be included in
Kitchener’s new Official Plan.
Mr. M. Peterson on behalf of the KNHS Sub-Committee spoke in support of the draft policies
and provided the following comments / suggestions:
definitions for cold, cool and warm water is required;
in Section 2, a schematic diagram of the overall framework outlining various elements of
the Natural Heritage System would be helpful;
the study period is not clearly specified;
a leading paragraph or sentence when starting a new section would improve document
flow; and,
a short, explicit section referring to “Benefits of the System” should be provided to add
context.
TRAILS MASTER PLAN – SUB-COMMITTEE SELECTION
6.
The Committee were in receipt of background information from the Operations Division
regarding the Multi-use Pathway (Community Trail) Master Plan, dated March 4, 2011. In
addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the draft policy report entitled “Multi-Use
Pathways Master Plan and Implementation Strategy” dated March 2011, outlining strategies
and recommendations on the City-wide multi-use pathways system.
Ms. C. Musselman advised that a further review / presentation of this matter has been
scheduled for the Committee’s April 21, 2011 meeting, which will allow an additional
opportunity to provide feedback. She proposed that a Sub-committee be formed to review the
policies and prepare draft comments to be considered at the April 21, 2011 meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2011 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER
TRAILS MASTER PLAN – SUB-COMMITTEE SELECTION (CONT’D)
6.
Ms. S. Smith opened the floor to volunteers, and it was agreed that the following members
would be appointed to the Multi-use Pathway (Community Trail) Master Plan Sub-committee:
Ms. L. Matthews and Messrs. M. Peterson and S. Crossman.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE 2011-2012 WORK PLAN – IDENTIFICATION OF
7.
COMMITTEE PRIORITIES
The Committee considered a revised draft of its 2011–2012 Work Plan, dated March 9, 2011.
Ms. C. Mussleman reviewed the revised Work Plan and encouraged the members to offer
suggestions as to additional action items as well as comment on the feasibility of undertaking
those items already listed in the Plan.
Concerns were raised regarding the ability to accomplish the development of sustainability
indicators for air quality as a Work Plan item; and, whether it could achieved in the
Committee’s appointed term. Ms. Musselman advised that proposed timelines for completion
could be beyond this Committee’s term if there was an initiative they wanted to see
accomplished. She added that some items that might seem onerous, such as developing
sustainability indicators, could be achieved, given that staff have already undertaken similar
work.
In response to suggestions, Ms. Musselman agreed to add two additional columns to the draft
Work Plan; one including a brief summary of work already conducted by staff and the second
for Committee members to rank their selections. She requested that members review the
updated Work Plan and rank their top action items for accomplishment in the coming term.
She stated that the deadline for submissions is April 6, 2011, and asked members to forward
all selections via e-mail to carrie.musselman@kitchener.ca.
AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER – 2011 BEST BETS SELECTION CRITERIA
8.
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. C. Musselman, dated March 7,
2011, outlining the process for selecting this year’s 5 Best Bets for Air Quality. Ms.
Musselman indicated that the Air Quality in Kitchener Plan 2010, found within the
Environmental Committee reference manual, contains at least 50 action items to improve
Kitchener’s air quality with both short and long-term goals. She requested that members review
the Air Quality in Kitchener Plan 2010 and select their top four or five action items for each of
the seven functional areas. She stated that the deadline for submissions is April 6, 2011 and
asked members to forward all selections via e-mail to carrie.musselman@kitchener.ca.
ADJOURNMENT
9.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
D. Saunderson
Committee Administrator