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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-15ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15. 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:03 p. m. Present: Mr. S. Grossman -Chair Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, Ms. S. Danckert, and Messrs. M. EI-Hakim, R. Younis, D. Hoshowsky, M. Peterson, and G. Zador. Staff: G. Murphy, Director of Engineering N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility M. Ryan, Design and Construction Project Manager W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator 1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR Ms. D. Saunderson advised that due to the resignation of Ms. S. Smith, the position of Committee Chair would need to be re-appointed and opened the floor to nominations. Mr. S. Grossman was nominated and agreed to stand for appointment. No further nominations were forthcoming. On motion by Mr. G. Zador - it was resolved: "That Mr. S. Grossman, be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term expiring November 30, 2012." 2. WATERLOO REGION GREEN SOLUTIONS (REEP) FUNDING REQUEST The Committee considered a request from Waterloo Region Green Solutions (WRGS), Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), dated September 15, 2011, for a grant in the amount of $27,500., and the WRGS 2010 Annual Report. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled "REEP, Waterloo Region Green Solutions -Working Together for Healthier Homes and Sustainable Communities", and their 2012 draft Budget, dated September 7, 2011. Ms. Mary Jane Patterson gave a presentation reviewing REEP's achievements in 2010/2011 and their goals for 2012. She outlined that REEP continues to work toward healthier homes and sustainable communities, with a mandate to go beyond home energy evaluations into a broader environmental programming based on community need. She reviewed the various programs that REEP is currently engaged in. She advised that with the City's continued support, REEP has been able to provide 12 years of home energy audits, benefiting homeowners by: saving money on their energy bills; increasing home health and comfort; reducing their environmental impacts; and, increasing the value of their homes. The benefits to the community equals: a reduction of 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions; $5 million in energy savings; $7 million in grants received; and, $36 million in local spending. The Committee was advised that the Federal government has reinstated the ecoEnergy Home Energy Grants, increasing the initial number of home evaluations for 2011 from 90 to approximately 120. In addition to the ecoEnergy Home grants, REEP, with the assistance of a Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) grant from the City of Kitchener, have been able to offer additional incentives to Kitchener residents with homes built prior to 1970 who update their insulation and air sealing. These retro-fits have been identified as the most difficult to complete but offer the greatest energy savings to homeowners. Ms. Patterson referenced her circulated report, outlining a list of top five reasons why the Committee should continue to support REEPs efforts in creating healthier and more sustainable communities. She added that Kitchener's support is vital to their continued operation and serves to leverage funding from other municipalities, as well as the Provincial and Federal governments. In response to questions, Ms. Patterson stated that the City of Waterloo does not fund REEP; their contributions are indirect through Waterloo North Hydro. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15. 2011 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. WATERLOO REGION GREEN SOLUTIONS (REEP) FUNDING REQUEST (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. M. Peterson - it was resolved: "That subject to consideration during the 2012 budget deliberations, $25,700., be allocated to the Waterloo Region Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), as part of the Environmental Committee's 2012 operating budget." 3. DRAFT MULTI-USE PATHWAY AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY The Committee was in receipt of a draft executive summary for the "Multi-use Pathways Master Plan and Implementation Strategy", dated July 2011 prepared by MMM Group and Eco Plans Ltd. Mr. W. Sleeth advised that the "Multi-use Pathways Master Plan and Implementation Strategy" is now in its final draft and is currently under public review. He commented that since the presentation at the Committee's April 21, 2011 meeting, the initial comments provided by the members have been incorporated into the document. Mr. Sleeth further advised that the Committee may wish to form aSub-Committee to review the final policies to be considered at the October 20, 2011 meeting. He noted that any additional feedback, including the Committee's endorsement, would be included in a staff report anticipated to be presented to Council in Fall 2011. Mr. S. Grossman opened the floor to volunteers, and it was agreed that the following members would comprise the Multi-use Pathways Master Plan and Implementation Strategy Sub- committee: Messrs. M. EI-Hakim, R. Younis, M. Peterson and S. Grossman. Environmental Planning staff agreed to facilitate the coordination of the Sub-Committee members comments and suggestions, between now and the Committee's October meeting. 4. VICTORIA PARK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT -UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled "Victoria Park Lake Improvements 2011/2012," dated September 15, 2011 regarding the work being undertaken as part of the Victoria Park Lake Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to address sediment accumulation and water quality issues. Ms. M. Ryan advised that since the Victoria Park Lake improvement update at the Committee's May 19, 2011 meeting, the project team has completed the detailed design phase and have pre-qualified potential contractors with experience on similar projects. She noted that all of the required approvals have been applied for and construction is scheduled to begin in November 2011. Ms. Ryan advised that the goals of the project are to improve the Lake's water quality, managing short and long-term solutions to sediment build-up; and, maintaining the historical significance of the Lake and Park. She then reviewed the following design details: • sediment removal; • deepening the lake; • adding a forebay; • the addition of a floating wetland area; • the inclusion of the Victoria Park Strategic Plan elements: • shoreline modifications; • removal of the pump station; and, • reconstruction of the Heritage Bridge and boathouse dock and patio. Ms. Ryan noted, as an area of interest to the Committee, the project team has partnered with the Region of Waterloo to find a more sustainable approach to the sediment removal and disposals from the City's stormwater ponds. She advised that the sediment from Victoria Park Lake is only mildly contaminated and after significant testing the sediment could potentially be used as topsoil for other projects. She noted that this approach would be more sustainable and represent potential costing savings on future projects. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15. 2011 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. VICTORIA PARK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT -UPDATE (CONT'D) In response to questions regarding the updating and potential expansion of the Boathouse, Ms. Ryan advised that the design details specifically relate to Victoria Park Lake; however, the design could be broadened to accommodate the expansion of the Boathouse. Ms. Ryan stated that an aggressive timetable has been set for this project and staff intend moving forward with the tendering process in October 2011. She commented that public participation is encouraged, noting that the next Public Information Centre would be held on September 27, 2011. She noted that updated information on the status of the Project could be found at: http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Victoria Park Lake Improvements.asp. 5. OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW -SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT The Committee was in receipt of the City of Kitchener's Official Plan Review E-Newsletter, dated Spring/Summer 2011. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled, "City of Kitchener 2029 Official Plan Review: A Complete & Healthy Kitchener" dated, September 15, 2011, prepared by the Official Plan Sub-Committee. Mr. M. EI-Hakim, reviewed the circulated presentation and on behalf of the Official Plan Review Sub-Committee, and spoke in support of the draft policies that have been included in the new Official Plan. He advised that the new Plan has clear and sufficient goals and objectives, with well described resources. He stated that for every category, objectives were listed, followed by the policies to fulfill the anticipated objectives. He added that where gaps were identified previous policies were modified, and/or new policies were added to facilitate the fulfilment of the new Official Plan's objectives. He further advised that the new Plan also integrated the tenets of the Planning Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Environmental Assessment Act and the Municipal Act, 2011. He noted that one shortfall of the new Plan was that it did not consider the risk associated with population increases or design an evacuation plan in case of natural disasters. He suggested that this could be integrated by defining the evacuation corridors in different zones. He pointed out that a few sections of the new Plan are still under review as the "secondary plan land use policies" have yet to be finalized. He added that some of the new Plan's schedules continue to be under review as the "roads to be widened" and the "intersections to be widened" are dependent on the completion of the Transportation Master Plan. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Official Plan is a collaboration of defined policies and objectives to assist staff in coordinating the City's future planning and development; thereby ensuring both these areas meet the specific needs of the community. She noted that the Plan is meant to be the City's legal tool to protect the City's resources if challenged regarding development. She commented that policies in the Plan encompass both developed and non-developed land within Kitchener. Regarding the City's emergency plan, she commented that, although emergency procedures are important, it would not likely meet the criteria for inclusion in this Plan. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:55 p. m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator