HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-12-031 - Compass Kitchener LEAF Consultation - Request for ExtensionREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services
DATE OF MEETING:
August 13, 2012
SUBMITTED BY: Shelley Adams, Director, Strategic Planning and Innovation,
519-741-2476
PREPARED BY:
Shelley Adams, Director, Strategic Planning and Innovation,
519-741-2476
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: July 31, 2012
REPORT NO.: CAO-12-031
SUBJECT:
COMPASS KITCHENER LEAF CONSULTATION:
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION
RECOMMENDATION:
That Compass Kitchener be granted an extension from September 10, 2012 to the
October 15, 2012 Standing Committee meeting for a report on the results of the Local
Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) community consultation.
BACKGROUND:
During Council’s deliberations in advance of the 2012 budget staff prepared a budget issue
paper (C11-Park & Urban Forestry Strategic Plans) and were directed to report back with a full
report (INS-12-010 LEAF, Funds for Parks & Trails Projects). The report outlined several high
priority projects related to parks, street trees, and community trails which are unfunded or
underfunded and recommended that uncommitted LEAF funding (3.46M) be utilized to fund
portions of specified park and trail projects from 2012 through 2015.
On January 16, 2012 Council passed a resolution directing staff to:
immediately suspend the LEAF grant program,
report back to Council by May 2012 regarding LEAF funding options for 2013-2015
(determined in consultation with the LEAF Steering Committee, Environmental
Committee and any other interested Citizen group), and,
subject to final budget considerations, utilize LEAF funds in 2012 to fund portions of the
2012-2015 park and trail capital projects ($100,000 for Walter Bean Trail and $250,000
for Community Trails).
In order to provide for facilitation of an open, transparent and impartial engagement process
associated with the LEAF funding question, staff proposed that Compass Kitchener take the
lead. At the March 19 Standing Committee, Council agreed and resolved that the results of the
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Compass Kitchener engagement process be reported back to them on September 10, 2012
(CAO-12-11).
REPORT:
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On May 15, 2012, Compass Kitchener launched a LEAF community engagement process that
included an online survey, a meeting for all the city’s advisory committees, 2 public meetings
(held at the Kitchener Market and Stanley Park Community Centre), and a meeting with
Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) and other local youth. The originally planned process
was to span a 6 week time frame. However, an early review of data – derived both online and
through public meetings – revealed a low response rate. In response, a reinvigorated media
campaign and extended online survey deadline were implemented.
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The consultation formally concluded on July 31, 2012, with the closing of the online survey.
In total, 275 people provided input; 205 online and 70 as participants in community meetings.
With the healthy increase in numbers of respondents and the various summer schedules of the
Compass Kitchener sub-committee members, Compass Kitchener had a new issue to deal with;
adequate time to analyse the data and consider their recommendations based on the input
received.
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With Council’s agreement to extend the report date to October 15, Compass Kitchener will
review, summarize and make recommendations based on the findings from the internet survey
and the public meetings through August and September, and take a report to Council
thereafter. With this information in hand, Council will be in a position to consider their options
and reach an informed decision regarding the use of the remaining LEAF funds.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The LEAF consultation aligns with and supports strategic priorities in the following areas;
Quality of Life, Leadership and Community Engagement and Environment.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A In addition, staff have confirmed that the delay will not substantively impact the budget
process.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
As above.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer
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