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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-20PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 6:33 p. m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors S. Davey, J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes, P. Singh, K. Galloway, B. loannidis, Z. Janecki, and F. Etherington, D. Glenn-Graham. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development A. Pinard, Director of Planning S. Adams, Director of Strategic Planning & Innovation S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor B. Sloan, Manager of Long Range Planning D. Ross, Manager of Development Review T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner S. Weare, Strategic Planning Associate S. Longstaff, Policy Analyst C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator FCS-11-123 -ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE WORK PLAN (2011/2012) The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-123, dated May 25, 2011 regarding the Work Plan developed by the Environmental Committee for their current 2011/2012 term. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - itwas resolved: "That the Environmental Committee Work Plan (2011/2012), as attached to Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-123, be approved." CAO-11-006 -CITY OF KITCHENER COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-11-006, dated June 14, 2011, which seeks to formalize the City's existing dedication to the principles of diversity and inclusion. Ms. S. Adams and Ms. S. Weare presented the Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, as attached to the staff report. Ms. Weare advised that it supports a shared vision for Kitchener to be a community where all residents have equitable access to and meaningful inclusion in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of civic life. She explained that in the past, the City has managed this issue on the basis of demand and response. Instead, a more proactive and intentional approach is required to meet the diverse needs of citizens that takes into account the many elements of the Corporation and integrates these components into a common vision. She stated that the Commitment describes the values, vision and goals for the Corporation with regard to diversity and inclusion, and outlines general expectations for how specific departments and committees can work together to achieve these goals. She reviewed the Diversity Committee Work Plan (2011-2012), and identified the following as its priority action items: assessing the organization through a gap analysis; training and awareness building; reducing barriers in operating divisions; and, partnership and consultation with the community. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham questioned how the Commitment would be shared with the public and whether some kind of weighted hiring system would be enacted. Ms. Adams advised that since 2005, the Manager of Employee Strategies has implemented several processes with respect to diversity and inclusion. She added that the City utilizes recruitment and hiring practices which are free from systemic barriers, with the goal of eliminating recognized barriers in order to develop a diverse workforce which is truly reflective of the community. To this, the City has utilized the World Education Services (WES) for recruitment credential assessment and a partnership with a referencing firm to secure reference checks for international candidates. She stated that, as outlined in the City's Economic Development Strategy, the attraction and integration of skilled immigrants is critical to the future growth and prosperity of Waterloo Region. Accordingly, staff has been collaborating with local non-profit organizations PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20. 2011 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CAO-11-006 -CITY OF KITCHENER COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (CONT'D) to educate and assist persons from diverse groups to prepare for and secure employment at the City and elsewhere. She indicated that the City has been involved in partnerships with the New Canadian Program, The Working Centre, and Focus for Ethnic Women as well as being members on the Employer Initiatives Committee for Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN). Councillor J. Gazzola asked what was intended by the goal of having a workforce that represents the diversity of the community. Ms. Weare clarified that this initiative is not calling for quotas to be employed as part of the City's recruitment process, but rather focuses on the removal of barriers that might have an adverse effect on someone applying for a job. She confirmed that in matters of employment, the City hires qualified individuals on the basis of merit. She added that the City is committed to maintaining a workplace where recruiting practices are equitable and inclusive for everyone. Ms. Adams provided an example that some of the testing previously administered during the hiring process was very North American centric and had a tendency to refer to such things as baseball. She noted that a prospective new hire not familiar with that sport would not relate to that reference. Accordingly, the testing has been changed to address this barrier. Councillor Gazzola further requested clarification as to the end goal of this initiative. Ms. Adams advised that even when new Canadians have been hired, there is a tendency for them to leave after 3-5 years. She stated that this is due to a lack of connection with the larger community; however, this is where the City is well positioned to offer services that are accessible to all. She noted as an example, the implementation of specific swim times for men and women who are Muslim to use the City's pools in accordance with their beliefs. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned what was meant by the risk of the City falling behind and how this proposal would be funded. Ms. Weare advised that immigrants are ideally suited to fill the labour shortage that will be experienced in the coming years. She added that a diversity program is a competitive advantage in attracting talent and is already common place in most private sector organizations. She stated that for a baseline, staff examined the Cities of Edmonton, Toronto, and Hamilton, noting that additional comparisons would be conducted as part of the gap analysis. Ms. Adams indicated that approximately four years ago, funding was allocated to the Strategic Planning Division for use toward this initiative. She stated that any additional funding requests related to this matter would come forward for evaluation as part of Council's future budget deliberations. Councillor F. Etherington expressed support for the proposed Commitment and inquired into whether information has been collected on the various backgrounds of the people currently employed with the City. Ms. Adams advised that collection of such information has been considered in the past, but not pursued. She stated this is due in part to organizational readiness, adding that while anonymity can be promised, it cannot be guaranteed; and, some may have a fear of self-identification. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification regarding the composition of the Diversity Committee, adding it is indicated that the role of this group is to advise Council and staff on matters of diversity, but he has not been aware of them until now. Ms. Adams stated that the Committee is comprised of staff from across the Corporation who have volunteered their time to provide advice on policies and procedures with respect to diversity, access, and inclusion. She commented that the Diversity Committee has recently drafted a new Terms of Reference and Council can expect to hear more from them as this initiative moves forward. Councillor Janecki indicated that he had difficultly determining the direction of this proposal, as outlined in the staff report. Ms. Adams advised that initially the Diversity Committee will be undertaking a gap analysis of the Corporation to actively identify, address, and remove barriers to participation. In addition, a focused community consultation will be undertaken in early 2012 to gather feedback on the Commitment and the City's current approach to diversity and inclusion. She indicated that the goal of this consultation would be to hear back from groups who previously identified an impediment to access, and evaluate whether that barrier has been successfully addressed. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20. 2011 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CAO-11-006 -CITY OF KITCHENER COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (CONT'D) Councillor Janecki commented that while he finds the information provided by staff to be interesting, during his election campaign no one ever brought up diversity or mentioned that they had issues regarding access. He added that he is finding it difficult to support what is being presented, given that he has not received any telephone calls or e-mails from constituents to indicate that this a priority issue. Mayor C. Zehr advised that what is before the Committee is a statement of principles to remove barriers and strive to do better when it comes to diversity and inclusion. He commented that the opposite of these principles would be exclusion or a monolithic Corporation. He stated that a quota system is not being proposed, nor would he be in support if one was suggested. He added that it is a slippery slope when you begin to identify differences, noting that this is a program that has evolved over time and is not the type of initiative where one can predict a quantitative result. He further advised that as members of Council, it is their role to represent everyone in the community and ensure an equal opportunity for people to access the services provided by the City. He noted that this is at the core of the proposed Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. On motion, Mayor C. Zehr brought the recommendation contained in Report CAO-11-006 forward for consideration. Councillor P. Singh advised that setting a clear outline to ensure diversity and inclusion is important for all organizations. He stated that as a visible minority, he does not believe in hiring based on a quota system; and, acknowledged that improvements are needed to evaluate the skills of people who were trained outside of Canada. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in support of the proposed Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. He advised that it is estimated that within 10 years, approximately 600,000 new immigrants will be needed annually to meet the growing labour shortage and the City needs to have policies and procedures in place to take advantage of this opportunity. He stated that no one is questioning that the City needs to hire the most qualified person. However, in some cultures, a career in government has a negative connotation and as a result, the most qualified candidate may not be interested in applying. He added that work needs to be done to address these issues and when additional resources are required, those would be balanced against the City's other budget priorities. Councillor Janecki advised that he is well aware of the challenges faced by his parents when they immigrated to Canada. He indicated that what is at question here is what resources will be used for this initiative and toward what ends. The following motion was voted on by a recorded vote and Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway, P. Singh, B. loannidis, B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey, F. Etherington, J. Gazzola and D. Glenn-Graham voting in favour, and Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, as attached to Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-11-006, be endorsed." The Chair then 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." PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20, 2011 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-11-078 -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC06/20/R/AP - 153 ROSEMOUNT DRIVE - AYSE ARIF The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-078, dated May 19, 2011 recommending approval of a zone change to permit a triplex use at 153 Rosemount Drive. Ms. D. Ross reviewed the report. In response to questions regarding potential future traffic issues, Ms. Ross advised that other property owners would be required to go through the same planning process to allow triplexes in zones that do not currently permit this use. She stated that the zone change process requires staff to examine a property based on its individual merits to determine if it would be appropriate. Through this process, Transportation Planning staff would review the proposal to ensure that any traffic issues are adequately addressed. Councillor Y. Fernandes referred to comments submitted by an area resident regarding noise complaints and property standards issues. While acknowledging that those issues are separate from the proposed zone change, she questioned how they could be addressed to alleviate the resident's concerns. Mr. J. Willmer agreed to discuss this matter with the Director of By-law Enforcement and ask him to provide a response. He noted that as those issues are not connected to the proposed change in zoning, they should not be taken into account when considering the merits of the subject application. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - itwas resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC06/20/R/AP (Ayse Arif, 153 Rosemount Drive), for the purpose of changing the zoning from Residential Three Zone (R-3) to Residential Three Zone (R-3) with Special Use Provision 367U and Special Regulation Provision 554R, in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law" dated May 18, 2011, attached to Community Services Department report CSD-11-078 as Appendix `A', be approved." CSD-11-075 -FIRST DRAFT OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER NEW OFFICIAL PLAN The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-075, dated June 9, 2011 regarding the first draft of the new Official Plan for the City of Kitchener, which will guide planning and development for the next planning horizon to 2029. Ms. T. Malone-Wight and Ms. S. Longstaff reviewed the report, advising that the draft of the new Official Plan will be made available to the community for review and comments until the end of September 2011. Ms. Longstaff stated that staff would then review the comments and prepare a response document. She added that there may be additional public forums and/or open houses in the fall of 2011 to provide more information and address specific issues that may arise through the review. She noted that staff anticipates presenting the next steps in the Official Plan Review process in November 2011. In response to questions, Ms. Malone-Wight confirmed that until the new Official Plan is approved by the Region of Waterloo, the existing Official Plan is in place and in effect. She advised that as part of the consultation process thus far, staff have sought feedback from all of the City's advisory committees. She added that a circulation list was developed consisting of everyone who has indicated an interest in being informed of this process. Councillor Y. Fernandes requested that copies of the new Official Plan be made available for review at the City's libraries and community centres. In addition, she suggested that staff present aspects of the new Official Plan at the start of the Public Information Sessions as a means of highlighting the proposed changes. Questions were raised as to whether it was anticipated that there would be an increase in applications submitted before the new Official Plan is in place. Mr. A. Pinard advised that the new Official Plan incorporates the tenets of recently enacted Provincial regulations. He indicated that all applications would still need to comply with the regulations set out by a higher order of government, as they supersede municipal policies. Ms. Malone-Wight added that the PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20, 2011 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-11-075 -FIRST DRAFT OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER NEW OFFICIAL PLAN (CONT'D) City is required to have its new Official Plan in place within two years of the adoption of the new Regional Official Plan (ROP). She noted that this timeline does not come into effect until the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeals filed in opposition to the ROP have been resolved. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That the first draft of the new Official Plan for the City of Kitchener attached as Appendix `A' to Community Services Department report CSD-11-075, be received; and, That the draft of the new Official Plan be made available to the community for their review and comment and that staff continue to engage in public consultation of the draft Official Plan; and further, That staff report on the public consultation comments and provide recommendations for next steps in the Official Plan Review process in November 2011." ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:50 p. m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator