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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-11ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:15 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. N. Sonder, Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. M. Aulich, A. Boterman, J. Countryman, R. Dingman, D. Lippert and P. ©'Toole. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Mr. G. Richardson. 1. APPOINTMENT OF AN ACTING CHAIR In the absence of Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Mr. R. Dal Bello, Co-Chairs of the Environmental Committee, an Acting Chair was appointed from among the members present this date. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That Mr. Patrick ©'Toole be appointed as Acting Chair for the purpose of conducting the September 11,2003 Environmental Committee meeting." Mr. P. ©'Toole assumed the Chair. 2. DTS-03-153 - FEASIBILITY OF FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR TURF CONVERSION The Committee was in receipt this date of Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-03-153, dated September 10, 2003 concerning a proposal for financial incentives to residential / commercial property owners to encourage conversion of turf areas to drought tolerant and pest resistant alternatives. This proposal was first presented by Mr. D. Lippert, member of the Environmental Committee, at the Committee's March 6, 2003 meeting, at which time staff were directed to investigate the feasibility of the proposal. Ms. B. Steiner provided an overview of the staff report in which it was noted that direct financial incentives do not currently exist to encourage conversion to alternatives to turf grass in planted landscapes. Ms. Steiner pointed out that the Region of Waterloo-Water Services Division is responsible for water efficiency and conservation incentives and outlined details of two financial incentive programs currently operated by the Region, being the Toilet Replacement and Rain Barrel Distribution programs. She advised that at 29% of the total annual water consumption, toilets are highest among household water uses while lawn watering accounts for approximately 3%. She stated that with current financial incentives already in place and the relative lower use of water for turf irrigation, the Region would likely be disinclined to go beyond current education and promotion of naturescaping. Ms. Steiner also commented on efforts being co-ordinated by the Region's Public Health Department to develop a program to reduce the non-essential use of pesticides Region-wide. She suggested that there may be potential to implement financial incentives for conversion of turf grass areas to alternative landscapes that would require no, or reduced, pesticide use. She stated that as the City staff representative on the Regional Non- Essential Pesticide Reduction Working Group, she could request that the Working Group consider the merit of direct financial incentives as part of the program to be developed to reduce the use of pesticides. She also outlined programs offered by the City that could be taken advantage of including various grant programs such as the Environmental Stewardship, Community Gardens or Community Development Infrastructure grants. Ms. Steiner responded to several questions concerning relativity of water consumption statistics and the merit of turf conversion relative to air quality and biodiversity. Ms. Steiner agreed to pursue the issue of implementing financial incentives with the Regional Non-Essential Pesticide Reduction Working Group. BRIGADOON POND - RECENT EVENTS Ms. B. Steiner gave a verbal presentation on recent events involving Brigadoon Pond. She advised that a number of man-made ponds historically exist in the southwest corner of the Strasburg Creek system between Huron Road and Biehn Drive. In recent weeks, part of the dam that created what is known as the "Brigadoon Pond" washed away allowing pond water and sediment to escape downstream. Accordingly, Brigadoon Pond no longer exists. She pointed out that an Environmental Assessment Study is scheduled for 2004 in the Strasburg Creek area ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11~ 2003 -17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. BRIGADOON POND - RECENT EVENTS (CONT'D) and Brigadoon Pond will now be added to the Study to determine if it can be rehabilitated or not. She advised that the timeframe for completion of the overall study is significant and will involve public consultation with perhaps an opportunity for the Environmental Committee to provide some input. Ms. Steiner responded to a number of questions concerning the cause of the dam break and its relationship, if any, to recent land developments in the area. She advised that the immediate cause is not known; however, a contractor has been retained to stabilize the area and may be able to provide some determination as to the cause. She also advised that development sites are regulated to manage water during pre-development and development stages, as new subdivisions are put in place. 4. 2003 EARTH DAY FESTIVAL - WRAP-UP Mr. G. Richardson attended to give a verbal presentation respecting the 2003 Earth Day Festival and distributed this date a document entitled "Earth Day 2003 - Summary of Events", dated September 11, 2003. Mr. Richardson commented on the success of the 2003 event, including: the official launching on Earth Day, April 26, 2003 at Franklin Public School, tree plantings at the Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area; guided walking tours along the Walter Biehn Grand River Trail; and litter pick-up campaigns throughout the weekend resulting in collection of over 1,000 bags of garbage from a variety of parks and trails. He noted that appearances were made at the official launching by Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic, as well as by the "Man from Glad". In response to questions, Mr. Richardson advised that staff discussions are ongoing with respect to development of monthly activities to promote continued environmental awareness. 5. HYDRO POWER OUTAGE-REACTIONS The Committee entered into a general discussion with respect to the recent power outage experienced Province-wide on August 14, 2003. Members of the Committee commented that the crisis was handled very well within the municipality and expressed appreciation for the way in which members of the community reached out to assist each other. The City and local businesses were complemented for their part in energy conservation efforts and it was noted that the City reached a 50% usage reduction for City facilities. Members were of the opinion that the incident has served to bring awareness to the fragility of the Province's power system and with this knowledge, an opportunity has presented itself to learn from the experience by taking proactive measures toward energy conservation and development of alternative energy resources. 6. ALDER CREEK/UPPER STRASBURG WATERSHED STUDY Ms. B. Steiner advised that she will be receiving interim information respecting the Alder Creek / Upper Strasburg Watershed Study on September 15, 2003. When this information is received, Ms. Steiner advised that she would contact the Environmental Committee's study representatives, Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. M. Aulich and P. ©'Toole, to review the documentation and receive their input. 7. REGIONAL NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP - UPDATE Mr. P. ©'Toole provided an update on activities of the Regional Non-Essential Pesticide Reduction Working Group. He advised that the primary approach will be to develop a public education campaign, the details of which, including a tentative budget, is being formulated for future presentation to Regional and area municipal Councils. He pointed out that focus groups and an independent survey will be conducted during the winter months and the data collected will assist in formulating an educational campaign. Secondary, he noted that the Working Group will continue to review the potential for introduction of a by-law and in this regard, he pointed out that a presentation made by an independent group opposed to the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes was made to Regional Council in June 2003, requesting immediate implementation of a by-law to prohibit such use; however, this request was denied in favour of allowing the Working Group to complete its work. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11~ 2003 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. REGIONAL NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP - UPDATE (CONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. O'Toole advised that it is anticipated the educational campaign will be underway in Spring 2004. Mr. D. Lippert requested that timing be taken into consideration so as not to overlap with the anti-idling educational campaign. Ms. N. Sonder raised concerns with respect to the lack of signage at Community Centres to address the issue of anti-idling and Ms. Steiner advised that staff are in the process of discussing this issue. Mr. P. ©'Toole commented that it would be beneficial to gain support of the auto industry with respect to the issue of anti- idling. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator