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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-21 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. S. Crossman, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. A. Khalil, G. Zador and D. Hoshowsky, Ms. M. Baharloo, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. S. Do, and Ms. L. Rice. Staff: C. Goodeve, Supervisor, Legislated Services C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator APPOINTMENT OF NEW MEMBER TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE 1. The Committee was in receipt this date of an application from Ms. S. Danckert for appointment to the Environmental Committee. This application was circulated to the Municipal Freedom of Committee under separate cover in accordance with the Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and members were asked to return the application once deliberations were complete. Mr. C. Goodeve addressed the Committee, advising that an application had not been received from Ms. Danckert for consideration at the November 19, 2013, Council Appointment meeting. He stated that at the inaugural meeting of the Environmental Committee, the desire to have Ms. Danckert participate in the Committee was expressed by members; and, she subsequently submitted an application for consideration. He then reviewed Ms. Danckert’s background, indicating that she has been a past member of the Committee, with exemplary attendance, and has demonstrated interest in continuing her participation on the Committee. He referred to Section 3.1 of Council Policy I-100 (Environmental Committee – Terms of Reference) stating that the current complement exceeds the 10 to 11 members of the public; and, that appointing Ms. Danckert would require an exemption to the Policy. On motion by Mr. G. Zador - it was resolved: “That notwithstanding Section 3.1 of Council Policy I-100 (Environmental Committee – Terms of Reference) restricting the number of community at large members, Stacey Danckert, be appointed to the Environmental Committee for a term expiring November 30, 2014.” PRESENTATION - STRASBURG CREEK FLOOD CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL 2. ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “Strasburg Creek Flood Control Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment”, dated February 21, 2013. Messrs. B. Korah and S. Brown, Stantec Consulting Ltd., reviewed the presentation which provided an update on the status of the project. Mr. Brown advised that the Strasburg Creek Master Watershed Plan was completed in 1991 to ensure that urbanization of the watershed would not lead to increased flood risk. He stated that houses adjacent to Strasburg Creek downstream of Doon Village Road and adjacent to Schneider Creek downstream of the Strasburg confluence, were identified as being prone to flood damage. He provided background to the study, stating that the objectives of the Class EA were to determine a preferred option for flood control while taking into account aquatic habitat; impact on provincially significant wetlands; aesthetics; safety; and public access. He advised that criteria were evaluated and a preferred option was identified to construct the facility in conjunction with the Huron Road reconstruction; which incorporated the necessary flood control measures with dedicated wildlife crossing within the design. He further stated that the conditions upstream, particularly at Fischer Hallman Road, were also considered during the EA, to determine if flood controls were required at this location. He noted that while their evaluation determined that Fischer Hallman Road does not require additional flood control measures, the Region of Waterloo will examine potential culvert re-sizing through further environmental study. He stated that the next steps within the EA process are to finalize the recommendations and hold the second Public Information ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2013 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - STRASBURG CREEK FLOOD CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL 2. ASSESSMENT (CONT’D) Centre (PIC) in March 2013. He added that following the PIC, a Final Study Report will be completed and submitted to City Council which will then be subjected to a 30 day review period. Questions were raised regarding accommodating a pedestrian crossing at Fischer Hallman Road. Mr. Brown indicated that the EA does provide guidance for future road works, including upgrades of culvert sizes on Fischer Hallman Road to maintain flood elevations and for a potential pedestrian crossing. He elaborated that future EA studies would occur to determine if the elevation of Fischer Hallman Road is high enough to accommodate a pedestrian crossing at this location without the Region of Waterloo having to add height to their design. In response to questions related to the ponds in the area, Mr. Brown acknowledged that there are ponds in the study area; however, that the intent of this study is to have no impact on the ponds and no changes to the pond outlets. With regard to wildlife habitat, he indicated that mitigation measures for wildlife have been incorporated into the design of the culvert. He noted that these measures include rocks and resting places for small species like turtles; however, the specific species has not been identified. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS 3. Ms. C. Musselman referred to the Environmental Sub-Committee Descriptions, which were circulated at the January 24, 2013 Committee meeting. She advised that liaisons are still required for the Community Environmental Improvement Grant Application Review Sub-committee and the Air Quality 5 Best Bets Sub-committee. She acknowledged that Mr. C. Priddle had volunteered for the Kitchener Natural Area Program Sub-Committee via email. The Committee then agreed to the following Sub-committee liaison appointments: CEIG Application Review Sub-committee: Ms. S. Danckert and Mr. Priddle; and, Air Quality 5 Best Bets Sub-committee: Ms. S. Do and Messrs. A. Khalil and D. Hoshowsky. COMMITTEE PRIORITIES AND WORK PLAN FOR 2013 4. The Committee was in receipt this date of the 2011-2012 Environmental Committee Work Plan. Ms. C. Musselman advised that the Work Plan establishes core projects to be pursued over the coming term; such as, Earth Day, Community Environmental Improvement Grant program; and, the 5 Best Bests for Air Quality in Kitchener. She stated that the Work Plan can be designed to incorporate long-term objectives of the Committee, as well as the annual core projects. She encouraged members to forward suggestions to her regarding projects that could be integrated into the Work Plan for 2013, which will be discussed at the March 21, 2013 Committee meeting. Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested a report card could be implemented similar to the annual initiative of Compass Kitchener that would tie into environmental projects like the 5 Best Bets. Ms. Musselman affirmed the report card compiled by Compass Kitchener provides Council with an annual citizen’s report on various aspects of municipal operations; and, perhaps the Environmental Committee initiatives could be incorporated as an annual indicator. She added that Compass Kitchener will be attending an upcoming meeting of the Environment Committee, at which time the topic of an environmental indicator on the annual report card could be discussed. . EARTH DAY SHOWCASE SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE 5 Ms. E. Donaher provided an update as to the activities of the Earth Day Showcase Sub- Committee, advising that there is an opportunity to hold a large, joint event in celebration of Earth Day in 2013. She referred to the Earth Day Showcase 2012, which was a ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2013 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER . EARTH DAY SHOWCASE SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE (CONT’D) 5 smaller singularly organized event which was held in place of the April Environmental Committee meeting. She stated that the joint event is anticipated to be held on April 20, 2013 in the Rotunda at City Hall. Councillor Y. Fernandes elaborated that the 2013 event has expanded from the Showcase held in previous years and will provide an opportunity to network and share information on environmental endeavours. She suggested having a booth set up to promote and provide information on the Community Environmental Improvement Grant program to encourage participation. Ms. Donaher agreed and further suggested focussing on the success of past recipients through the use of a poster and display. Ms. S. Danckert suggested having an area designated for students of Environmental Science to demonstrate areas of research at the universities. Mr. S. Crossman indicated that should additional speakers be required for the event, he can provide a list of environmental contacts. Councillor Fernandes commented that after the next Sub-Committee meeting she would circulate a list of organizations who have been invited to participate in the event, and members could identify other groups who may want to attend. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator