HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-12-187 - LEAF Program History and Options ReviewREPORT TO:Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
November 26, 2012
SUBMITTED BY:Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services
PREPARED BY:
Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services
WARD(S) INVOLVED:All
DATE OF REPORT:November 19, 2012
REPORT NO.:
FCS-12-187
SUBJECT:
Allocation of Remaining Local Environmental Action Fund
(LEAF) Funds
RECOMMENDATION:
For direction.
BACKGROUND:
In 2007, the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) was created to support environmental
projects within the City. In 2011, staff recommended that the remaining funds in LEAF be
allocated to unfunded park and trail capital projects. Before deciding on the matter, Council
asked Compass Kitchener to undertake a community consultation to obtain citizen input on
options for LEAF. Compass Kitchener presented their recommendations, which lead to the
following resolution on October 22, 2012:
‘That the recommendations contained in the Compass Kitchener report on the Local
Environment Action Fund (LEAF) Community Consultation, as attached to Chief
be received and referred for consideration
Administrator’s Office report CAO-12-043,
to the November 26, 2012 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting
along
with the list of unfunded capital projects identified at the January 9, 2012 Finance and
Corporate Services Committee meeting; and,
That staff be directed to gather the independent priorities of each member of Council on
how the balance of the LEAF funds should be used, with the responses consolidated in a
report to be considered at the November 26, 2012 meeting; and further,
That staff be directed to report back with information on the revenues anticipated from the
Kitchener Operations Facility’s (KOF) solar roof and whether those funds should continue
to be applied toward the repayment of the loan which currently accounts for a portion of
the estimated $3M remaining in LEAF.’
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Council is requested to provide direction on the following 3 points:
1. The amount to be allocated from the balance of the LEAF funds;
2. The projects/initiatives to which funds will be allocated (subject to final 2013 budget
approval;
3. When to officially terminate the existing LEAF program.
REPORT:
To support decision-making around allocation of remaining LEAF funds, this report contains a
summary of the LEAF program evolution since inception in 2007 through to the present, a
summary of Council’s recent input on how the balance of funds should be used, and information
on anticipated revenues from the KOF solar roof.
1. LEAF Evolution and Timeline
a. Establishment of LEAF and Operating Framework: 2007 - 2008
In 2007 a Council Strategy session on LEAF was held, and a specific public workshop on LEAF
was facilitated as part of the community engagement for the update to the City’s Strategic Plan
for the Environment. LEAF was established as a City Reserve Fund to provide funds for
environmental initiatives, initially with catalyst funding of $5 million. $2 million was sourced from
the Hydro Capital Investment Fund in 2007, as a partial allocation of the net proceeds from the
sale of Atria Inc., and $1 million was sourced in each of the years 2008-2010 from the Economic
Development Investment Fund.
Based on stakeholder input, an operating framework for LEAF was created, and LEAF was
incorporated into the Strategic Plan for the Environment as a key tool for the
enhancement/optimization of the environment for Kitchener. The framework was approved by
Development and Technical Services Committee on March 3, 2008 and the approved
assessment criteria are shown in Appendix A.
To assist in operationalizing the framework, an application and evaluation process was received
for information, and the final composition of the LEAF Steering Committee was approved by
Council.
b. Fund Activity
In 2009, 2010 and 2011, grant applications for funding for a variety of projects were approved
by Finance and Corporate Services Committee. The approved projects and amounts awarded
are summarized in Appendix B, totalling $2.1 million. A current projection of the LEAF reserve
fund is included in Appendix C. The following is a summary of the current status of the fund:
The balance projected at the end of 2012 is $2.30 million
Total funds available once the KOF solar roof loan is repaid are anticipated to be $3.07
million by 2015
Additional funding of $434,945 (as at October 30, with additional reductions possible
before year-end) potentially can be returned to LEAF through the return of funds
transferred to the Kitchener Green Housing Program, a 3-year commitment ending in
2012 which saw $500,000 transferred to the Building division to fund LEED-certified,
new residential construction projects
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Funds in the amount of approximately $86,500 will not be issued from LEAF for several
projects which were approved but will not proceed for various reasons
As a result, the amount of funding available ranges from approximately $2.30 million to $3.59
million depending on how Council chooses to allocate the funding.
c. Parks and Urban Forestry Unfunded Capital Projects - 2011
As part of the 2012 Capital Budget projects, Operations staff provided an issue paper outlining
unfunded parks and urban forestry projects, which due to funding constraints could not be
accommodated within the Capital Forecast (see Appendix D). These projects were previously
identified to Council through budget processes, reports, master plans or information sessions. A
summary of the updated target funding levels (2013-2022) for these projects is included in
Tables 1-3 below. Through Council discussion of the Capital Forecast, the potential of utilizing
future uncommitted LEAF funds for these types of projects was raised. Huron Natural Area,
Victoria Park and McLennan Park presently have minimal allocations in the capital forecast to
address ongoing improvements and upkeep. Community Trails and Emerald Ash Borer are
funded to a higher level, albeit not at the levels recommended in relevant plans.
The following table identifies the target (ideal) funding levels for these projects.
Table 1: Parks and Urban Forestry Projects – Target Funding Levels 2013-2022
HuronVictoriaMcLennan Community Emerald
Natural Area ParkParkTrailsAsh Borer
2013000700,000350,000
2014275,000 270,000200,000800,000700,000
2015300,000 300,000225,000900,000750,000
2016325,000 330,000250,0001,000,000750,000
2017350,000 330,000250,0001,100,000700,000
2018350,000 330,000250,0001,200,0001,750,000
2019350,000 330,000250,0001,250,0001,650,000
2020350,000 330,000250,0001,300,0001,550,000
2021350,000 330,000250,0001,350,0001,450,000
2022350,000 330,000250,0001,400,0001,400,000
Total3,000,000 2,880,000 2,175,00011,000,000 11,050,000
The following table identifies the incremental funding required for Community Trails given a
portion of the target amount is already included within the capital budget. The Trails Master
Plan recommends a total funding level of $11M, $700K per year in each of the first five years of
the plan, and $1.5M in each of the second five years of the plan.
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Table 2: Community Trails General Provision
Note: Amounts shown in 000’s
2013 201420152016201720182019 2020 20212022Subtotal
Existing Capital
4,734
378 381384387419499554 566 577589
Budget
Proposed Increase to
6,266
322 419516613681701696 734 773811
Capital Budget
Multi-use Pathways
11,000
700 8009001000110012001250 1300 13501400
Master Plan - Total
The following table identifies the incremental funding required for Emerald Ash Borer. At
present, budget has been identified for tree removals and injections but not budgeted for
stumping and replanting of trees which are typically replaced within two years. This will result in
a removed service level if not budgeted at all and reduced service level if budgeted beyond two
years after removal. Refer to CAP 03 – Emerald Ash Borer Strategy 2013 budget issue paper
for additional information.
Table 3: Emerald Ash Borer
Note: Amounts shown in 000’s
2013 201420152016201720182019 2020 20212022Subtotal
Budgeted (removals,
4,300
350 700750750700400300 200 10050
injections)
Not Budgeted
13501350 1350 135013506,750
(stumping, planting)
Total350 70075076070017501650 1550 1450140011,050
d. Park and Trail Capital Projects and LEAF Fund Suspension – January 2012
In January of this year, staff prepared a report and recommendation that remaining
uncommitted LEAF funding be utilized to fund portions of the 2012-15 park and trail capital
projects, and that staff review funding options past 2015 as part of the 2013 budget process.
Staff included reference to the LEAF operating framework and how each of the suggested
projects relates to the fund’s criteria (if such capital programs and projects were eligible for
LEAF funding, for which they are not normally eligible). Staff recommended uncommitted
funding from LEAF be utilized to fund portions of 2012-2015 park and trail capital projects as
follows:
Emerald Ash Borer Impact on Street Trees: $1,100,000
Huron Natural Area Conservation and Development: $550,000
Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2: $360,000
McLennan Park Development: $600,000
Walter Bean Trail Completion: $100,000
Community Trails: $750,000
Council discussions led to a resolution to suspend LEAF immediately, and fund portions of two
capital projects in 2012: Walter Bean Trail Completion ($100,000) and Community Trails
($250,000). Council also passed a resolution to undertake stakeholder consultation regarding
LEAF funding options and commitment of remaining LEAF funds.
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e. Direction to Compass Kitchener to Undertake Community Consultation – March 2012
In order to remove any potential for perceived bias in the community consultation process
associated with LEAF, staff proposed that Compass Kitchener facilitate a community
consultation regarding LEAF. On March 26, 2012 Council passed a resolution authorizing this
role for Compass Kitchener. Further, on August 27, 2012 Council granted an extension to
October for Compass Kitchener’s report on the community consultation and associated input
(see Appendix E for full text of the Council resolutions).
f. Compass Kitchener Report on Community Consultation – Oct 2012
On October 15, 2012 Compass Kitchener’s report on the community consultation and
recommendations on use of remaining LEAF funds was provided to Finance and Corporate
Services Committee. Compass Kitchener recommended the following:
$2,000,000 be allocated to the development of new and/or enhancement of already
designated natural areas, including the development and improvement of trails within
those areas or the connection of existing trails and pathways to those natural areas
$1,000,000 be added to the Environmental Stewardship Capital Account for grants
through the Community Environmental Improvement Grants to be distributed over the
next five years
Compass Kitchener also recommended specific tools and criteria to assist in implementation of
these key recommendations, outlined in their report. Additional options were presented by other
citizens and members of Council, leading to further discussion and the resolution to refer the
recommendations to November 26 with direction to staff to obtain input on Council priorities,
and to report back on the anticipated revenues from the KOF solar roof.
2. Summary of Council Ranking Results
To facilitate gathering of the independent priorities of each member of Council on how the
balance of the LEAF funds should be used, a brief online survey was created and available to
Council from November 5 to 9. In addition Council was provided background information
regarding previous recommendations from both staff and Compass Kitchener regarding the
remaining LEAF funds as follows:
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Compass
StaffKitchener
ProjectRecommendation Recommendation
Community Environmental Improvement Grants n/a$1,000,000
Development of New Natural Areas and/or Enhancement of
n/a
Existing Natural Areas (including trail improvements or
connections)
Community Trails * $750,000
$2,000,000
Huron Natural Area $550,000
Walter Bean Trail Completion ** $100,000
Emerald Ash Borer $1,100,000 n/a
McLennan Park Development $600,000 n/a
Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2 $360,000 n/a
Totals$3,460,000 $3,000,000
* $250,000 of the Community Trails recommendation was funded in 2012
** Walter Bean Trail was funded in 2012 so does not appear on the list of projects to rank
The survey included 7 projects to be ranked in importance by Council from 1 to 7 with 1 being
the highest priority through to 7 being the lowest priority. All 11 members of Council participated
in the ranking exercise, and each had 28 points to allocate across the 7 projects. Two
Councillors did not elect to use all of these points in this manner, and did communicate to staff
that they prefer to see these funds go toward debt reduction.
The results of the combined ranking are shown below:
ProjectTotal Points Rank
Multi-Use Pathways and Trails
601
Emerald Ash Borer
482
Huron Natural Area
403
Development of New Natural Areas and/or Enhancement of
Existing Natural Areas – not including Huron Natural Area 403
Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2
314
McLennan Park Development
275
Community Environmental Improvement Grants
266
The combined results indicate Multi-Use Pathways and Trails are the top priority of Council
collectively, with a fairly large gap between that project and the second priority, Emerald Ash
Borer. Huron Natural Area and Development/Enhancement of Other Natural Areas are tied for
rd
3 priority, followed by the final 3 priorities: Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2, McLennan
Park and Community Environmental Improvement Grants.
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While Council may decide to split funds across multiple projects, the following is provided to
illustrate the potential impact the remaining LEAF funds (assumed to be $3 million) could have
relative to the first three priorities:
Allocating all of LEAF to trails would fully fund the program for the next 5-6 years
Allocating all of LEAF to Emerald Ash Borer would cover half the amount required for
stumping and replanting
Huron Natural Area would be fully funded
The extent of work related to Development/Enhancement of Natural Areas is presently
undefined
3. Solar Roof Anticipated Revenues and Potential Usage
Council requested information regarding revenues anticipated from the KOF solar roof and
whether those funds should continue to be applied toward repayment of the loan which currently
accounts for a portion of the estimated $3 million remaining in LEAF.
In June 2009, Council approved the business case related to the solar roof including a
resolution that Kitchener’s portion of the required funding ($1,366,667) be sourced from LEAF
over a five-year term. Based on actual and projected revenues since installation it is estimated
the solar roof repayment to LEAF will be completed by 2016, after which time net revenues of
approximately $300,000-$400,000 will continue to be received by the City annually.
Council should be aware of the following details for the project:
The City has a 20-year contract with the Ontario Power Authority under the Feed-In-
Tariff program.
Since the time the City entered into the program, certain Feed-In-Tariff rates have been
reduced.
The solar panels may be at the end of their lifespan after 20 years.
These three factors indicate that the current solar roof revenues likely have a 20-year duration
at best. The revenues are presently treated as a contribution to reserve, which is an appropriate
treatment for a non-sustainable source of revenue. Maintaining the revenues as a contribution
to reserve renders them available to fund one-time projects or initiatives, or the eventual
replacement of the panels at the end of their lifecycle.
4. Termination of LEAF
Council direction is required as to if/when LEAF should be formally terminated. Council may:
1. Continue with normal calls for applications should funds remain in the granting program.
2. Suspend the program further (this will be communicated to the public and will mean no
approvals could be granted in time for 2013 Earth Day).
3. Terminate the program effective immediately, meaning that there will be no further calls
for applications.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The LEAF initiative and related processes leading to Council’s evaluation and decisions related
to the program align to the following areas of the City’s Strategic Plan:
Effective and Efficient Government Priorities: Financial Management, Asset Management,
Marketing and Customer Service.
Community Priorities: Quality of Life, Leadership and Community Engagement, Diversity,
Environment.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
As outlined in the report.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
A community consultation process was undertaken by Compass Kitchener, and outlined in staff
report CAO-12-043 presented to Finance and Corporate Services Committee on October 15,
2012.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO
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Appendix A: Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) Grant Assessment Criteria
Each successful application MUST contribute to achieving the GOALof LEAF.
GOAL
To reduce, or repair, Kitchener’s impact on the environment focusing on the reduction of
greenhouse gases, and to enhance the ability of the Kitchener community to live sustainably
into the future.
OBJECTIVES
Projects or programs funded by LEAF MUST:
1. Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases produced by the City’s own operations
and / or the community-at-large; AND
2. Increase public awareness of the environmental impact of the behaviours of municipal
governments, communities, businesses, families, and/or individuals, and promote
changed behaviour at this local level; AND
3. Provide a long-term, sustainable, environmental benefit to Kitchener;
AND accomplish ONE OR MORE of the following
4. Contribute to enhanced local air quality
5. Result in reduced energy use, increased energy efficiency, increased use of alternative
energy sources
6. Increase City-ownership of significant natural lands where other techniques for
acquisition have not succeeded
7. Provide capital enhancements to City-owned and –managed natural lands over and
above what would occur as part of normal City procedures
8. Facilitate capital improvements that will make existing communities more complete and
residents of those communities less dependent on the automobile.
AND THEN
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS OR PROGRAMS THAT:
Inspire environmental change (see attached table detailed definition of each criterion);
Show the necessity of funding;
Have local impact;
Raise profile of important environmental issues;
Increase environmental capacity;
Attract additional funding;
Promote environmental awareness and education;
Address the community’s most significant environmental concerns;
Provide measureable outcomes and timelines.
Therefore, those projects or programs which meet as many of these criteria as possible, and
meet them most effectively, will be preferred.
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Appendix B: Summary of LEAF-Funded Projects, 2009-2011
Local Environmental Action Fund
5002052
2011 Amount
GROW - Green & Grounds Rejuvenation (Tree Hill)
Westmount Public SchoolSchoolground Greening
3,000
St. Dominic Savio Catholic Elementary SchoolOperation Dragon's Den Schoolground Greening
2,400
COK - INS OperationsConservation & Stewardship of Urban Turtle Populations
36,911
Sustainable WaterlooGrowing the Regional Carbon Initiative in Kitchener
43,650
The Working Centre (Community Access Bicycles)Community Access Bicycles
100,000
Waterloo Region Green Solutions (REEP)Kitchener Home Energy Improvement Program
500,000
¡RAIN! An Ecological Approach to Stormwater
Waterloo Region Green Solutions (REEP)Management
161,245
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW)Kitchener Solar-City Pilot Program (Phase 1)86,500
Total Grants Approved for 2011933,706
2010
Southridge Public SchoolSchoolground Greening4,680
King Edward Public SchoolSchoolground Greening (Playground Improvement)3,210
Waterloo Stewardship NetworkClassroom Trees From Seed6,500
Grand River Conservation AuthorityRestoration of Pioneer Tower Floodplain Forest8,500
Sandhills Public SchoolGREEN - Sandhills Greening Project2,000
Master Plan & Applied Pilot Projects for a Sustainable
Urban Forest in Kitchener
Westmount Neighborhood Assoc with CSD - Operations72,132
Total Grants Approved for 201097,022
-
-
2009
Waterloo Region District School BoardHuron Natural Area Interpreter12,000
Trinity VillageGreen Roof Addition31,075
JW Gerth Public SchoolSchoolground Greening20,000
Kitchener Master GardenersPesticide-Free Workshops4,244
Emmanuel Bible CollegeEnvironmenal Master Plan and Implementation (Phase 1)18,740
Sustainable WaterlooThe CO2 Initiative35,000
World Wide Opportunities for WomenHome Energy $aver Project: A Green Multicultural Initiati49,900
v
Waterloo Stewardship NetworkSchool Stewardship Program20,000
Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival'Only Tap Water Delivers' (2009 Festival)12,900
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW)Power $aving Network5,000
Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational SchoolGreen Industries Education Centre220,000
Waterloo Region Green Solutions (REEP)REEP House60,000
City of Kitchener Green City CommitteeCity Hall Waste Reduction Initiative74,700
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) w/
Kitchener Green Housing Incentive500,000
DTS Building
Public Awareness and Social marketing Campaign to
Promote/Increase Carsharing in Kitchener
Grand River Car Share25,000
CS -Facilities Mgmt with Vigor Clean Tech IncVertical Axis Wind Turbine Field Testing80,000
Total Grants Approved for 20091,168,559
Total Grants Approved 2,199,287
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Appendix D: Parks and Urban Forestry Unfunded Capital Projects
CITY OF KITCHENER
2012 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: C11 – PARK & URBAN FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLANS
(NOT INCLUDED IN CURRENT CAPITAL FORECAST)
FUND: CAPITAL
DEPARTMENT: INS - OPERATIONS
PREPARER: Dan Ritz, ext. 4348
BACKGROUND:
In September 2010, Council passed a resolution approving the Parks Strategic Plan and
directing staff to refer strategies and implementation actions to the capital budget process.
The Parks Strategic Plan contained 6 major themes, namely Natural Areas, Community Trails,
Grand River Corridor, Active Parkland, Neighbourhood Parks, and Community Engagement.
Contained within each of the 6 themes are several strategies and implementation actions, many
of which are either: i) underway and identified in the capital budget or ii) outstanding and
pending capital budget inclusion.
This issue paper addresses a number of outstanding strategies and implementation items to be
introduced into the 10 year capital budget process.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
Staff have developed detailed implementation strategies as identified in the Parks Strategic Plan
for the following capital projects, a brief summary of these strategies are as follows:
Urban Forestry Strategy
Parks Strategic Plan Action Item 1.2.3 - Develop an Urban Forest Management Strategy
The Urban Forestry Strategy is a ten-year strategy that addresses street tree protection, natural
area monitoring & restoration, natural area asset management, street tree structural pruning,
large tree conservation and emerald ash borer (EAB) removal & replanting for city street trees.
Huron Natural Area
Parks Strategic Plan Action Item 1.3.3 - Develop site-specific natural area management plans
for priority areas.
The Huron Natural Area (HNA) Conservation and Development Strategy implements
outstanding work and long term (ten-year) upgrades identified in the HNA Masterplan (2001)
and Masterplan Update 2007. Works include the development/upkeep of trails, activity area,
front entrance, woodlot, meadow & wetland conservation/restoration and archeological
conservation.
Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2
Parks Strategic Plan Action Item 4.1.2 - Complete the Victoria Park Strategic Plan (2004-2013
EDIF) … and identify funding requirements beyond 2013.
The Victoria Park Strategic Plan Phase 2 addresses the long term (ten-year) upkeep and
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improvements to Victoria Park beyond 2013 when the EDIF funding expires. Work includes the
development/upkeep of trails, commons, playstructure, picnic shelter, park furniture, signage,
lighting, upper pedestrian bridge, pavilion/boathouse/entrance landscapes and park
trees/plantings.
McLennan Park Development
Parks Strategic Plan Action Item 4.1.4 - Complete the McLennan Park Master Plan
implementation and site development and identify ongoing park improvements over the ten-ear
y
forecast.
The McLennan Park Master Plan (2003) was completed in 2011 with the assistance of the
Provincial/Federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF). Long term (ten-year) upkeep and
improvements include additional trail connections, trail surface upgrades, skating rink, site
furniture, road/parking surface upgrades, and park trees/plantings.
Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Master Plan
Parks Strategic Plan Action Item 2.1 – Provide a detailed strategy for the implementation of
community trails.
The Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Master Plan (Trails Master Plan) is currently underway and
anticipated to be brought forward to Council for final endorsement in early 2012. Strategies and
budgets are to be determined (TBD) as part of this Master Plan process for consideration in the
2013-2022 capital budget process.
Table 1 - Park & Urban Forestry Strategic Plans Forecast (2012-2021)
UrbanHuronVictoria Pk. McLennanTrailsTotal
ForestryNaturalStrategicParkMaster PlanBudget
StrategyAreaPlanIncrease
2012000000
20131,000,00000300,000TBD1,300,000
20141,000,000150,000360,000300,000TBD1,810,000
20151,500,000400,000360,000300,000TBD2,560,000
20161,500,000400,000360,000300,000TBD2,560,000
20171,500,000400,000360,000200,000TBD2,460,000
20181,500,000400,000360,000200,000TBD2,460,000
20191,500,000400,000360,000200,000TBD2,460,000
20201,500,000400,000360,000150,000TBD2,410,000
20211,500,000400,000360,000150,000TBD2,410,000
TBD
Total12,500,0002,950,0002,880,0002,100,00020,430,000
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Due to limited capacity within the 10-year Capital Budget, the Park & Urban Forestry Strategic
not
Plan items identified in Table 1 have been included in the 2012-2021 Capital Budget
Forecast.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the 10-year Capital forecast as outlined in Table 1 -Park & Urban Forestry Strategic Plans
Forecast (2012-2021) above, be included for consideration in the 2012 Capital Budget Process.
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Appendix E: Council Resolutions Related to LEAF Suspension and Community Consultation
January 16, 2012 –
suspending LEAF fund
That the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) grant program be suspended effective immediately;
and,
That subject to final budget deliberations, uncommitted funding from the Local Environmental Action
Fund (LEAF) be utilized in 2012 to fund portions of the 2012 - 2015 park & trail capital projects as
follows:
$100,000 for Walter Bean Trail Completion;
$250,000 for Community Trails; and further,
That staff be directed to report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee by no later than May
7, 2012, outlining LEAF funding options for 2013 - 2015 and funding options for 2015 and beyond, for
the 2013 budget process; the report to also include results of consultation with the LEAF Steering
Committee, Environmental Committee and any other interested citizens groups.
March 26, 2012 –
Compass Kitchener authorized to do community consultation re LEAF options
That Compass Kitchener lead the community engagement process regarding options for the potential
reallocation of Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) funding, as generally outlined in Chief
Administrator’s Office report CAO-12-011, and report back to Standing Committee of Council by
September 10, 2012.
August 27, 2012 –
extended Compass Kitchener deadline to report
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.
October 22, 2012 –
Compass Kitchener report deferred and staff requested for more information
That the recommendations contained in the Compass Kitchener report on the Local Environment
Action Fund (LEAF) Community Consultation, as attached to Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-
be received and referred for consideration to the November 26, 2012 Finance and
12-043,
Corporate Services Committee meeting
along with the list of unfunded capital projects identified at
the January 9, 2012 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting; and,
That staff be directed to gather the independent priorities of each member of Council on how the
balance of the LEAF funds should be used, with the responses consolidated in a report to be
considered at the November 26, 2012 meeting; and further,
That staff be directed to report back with information on the revenues anticipated from the Kitchener
Operations Facility’s (KOF) solar roof and whether those funds should continue to be applied toward
the repayment of the loan which currently accounts for a portion of the estimated $3M remaining in
LEAF.
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