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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-07 - Joint Heritage Kitchener & Environment JOINT HERITAGE KITCHENER& ENVIRONMENT MINUTES MAY 07, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener and Environmental Advisory Committees met this date, commencing at 5:10 p.m. Present: Ms. E. Rudland—Vice Chair, Heritage Kitchener Ms.A. Hooykaas, Ms. B. Glenn-Graham, Messrs. J. Stevens and S. Burrows. Mr. S. Crossman—Chair, Environmental Committee Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms.A. MacDonald and Mr. G. Zador Staff: B. Korah, Manager, Development Engineer L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Planning C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner C. Mahood, Heritage Planner M. Lee, Heritage Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION - STRASBURG ROAD EXTENSION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Heritage Kitchener and Environmental Advisory Committees met this date to consider the Strasburg Road Extension Class Environmental Assessment, presentation of the Technically Preferred Alignment Alternative prepared by SNC Lavalin. Mr. Ian Upjohn, SNC Lavalin, gave a presentation outlining the background and process for determining the alignment alternatives for the Strasburg Road extension from north of Stauffer Drive to New Dundee Road. He advised that the draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the Class Environmental Assessment was presented to the public for review in May 2012. He indicated that Council directed supplemental work be conducted to complete the Class EA process in November 2012. Following the direction of Council, the scope of work was expanded to include the following actions: a review of the Evaluation Criteria; a comparative assessment of seven alignment alternatives; Heritage Impact Assessment and Designation of 500 Stauffer Drive; mitigation research for the Jefferson Salamander habitat; additional investigations for the developers proposed alignment; and, a Servicing Feasibility Analysis. He then reviewed the information prepared for the Public Information Centre held April 24, 2013 at Huron Heights Secondary School, stating that the development and assessment of the alignment alternatives for the Strasburg Road extension have been based on the following project objectives: to provide for approved development and future growth in the Doon South area; consideration of the future demand on Homer Watson Boulevard, Huron Road, and Fischer-Hallman Road; achieve compatibility between the City and regional land use planning and transportation policies; and to minimize the impacts to heritage features and environmental resources. He stated that seven alternative alignments were established which met the objectives of the project, and advised that the Project Team considered the advantages and disadvantages of each and arrived at a series of scores and rankings based on the evaluation criteria. He acknowledged W1 Alignment Alternative as the Technically Preferred Alignment identified by the Project Team and reviewed the rationale, stating that W1 avoids natural heritage features; avoids regulated habitat and challenges associated with obtaining an Endangered Species Permit; results in the least significant impacts to 500 Stauffer Drive; results in the lowest noise impacts; avoids cultural built heritage resources and landscapes; provides spacing between the new intersection on New Dundee Road and the existing Reidel Drive and Cameron Road intersection. He indicated that although there are advantages to W1, the Project Team acknowledges concerns over the potential cumulative effects on natural heritage features and agricultural resources associated with the anticipated pressure to relocate the west limit of the urban boundary. With regard to the next steps in the process, Mr. Upjohn advised that comments are to be received from the public by May 8, 2013 and a staff report will be prepared for consideration at the special Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting on May 22, 2013. The comments received from the Committee will be carefully considered and adjustments implemented prior to the preliminary design phase of the ESR. He stated that the Consultant Team will continue discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and will finalize and submit the ESR for consideration in October 2013. Mr. G. Zador provided comments on behalf of Mr. M. Peterson, who was unable to attend the JOINT HERITAGE KITCHENER& ENVIRONMENT MINUTES MAY 7. 2013 -18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION - STRASBURG ROAD EXTENSION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT(CONT'D) joint meeting, advising that he is in support of the W1 Alignment Alternative as it does not directly infringe on the environmentally sensitive areas. He stated that it provides connectivity through environmental areas and does not fragment the woodlots and wetlands within the study area. Mr. Zador commented that pressure is expected from the development community to extend the urban boundary west of the City of Kitchener. He stated that it is critical to maintain road alignments that act as a greenbelt around the periphery of the City. Mr. S. Crossman expressed concern with regard to the impact of development on the water resources and recharge area. Mr. Upjohn responded that the current policies in place by the Region of Waterloo permit transportation infrastructure in the country side. He added that the road will incorporate stormwater management best practices, including lined ponds that will capture stormwater and treat it. Mr. D. Dixon pointed out that scoring of the evaluation criteria was based on the existing situation; adding that if the urban boundary or development line did shift, scoring would have been different. Mr. Crossman inquired if the C2 Alternative Alignment could be implemented without impact to the Jefferson Salamander habitat. Mr. Upjohn responded that C2 did not score well as it crosses the widest portion of natural resources, including the pond in the north, and involves multiple crossings of the Blair Creek and tributary south of the system. He stated that the Project Team has assessed all mitigation requirements that cross habitat, adding that the Ministry of Natural Resources has made it clear that it is necessary to demonstrate that any mitigation options presented would be effective. Mr. Upjohn responded to questions related to the mitigation costs associated with crossing the Jefferson Salamander regulated area, stating that once the project is completed, the species has to be proven to have benefited. Mr. Burrows suggested approaching the Ministry of Natural Resources to invest funds to improve the habitat. Mr. Upjohn responded that the topic could not be broached until the permit process, and indicated that the first step is examining the area, second step is to examine how to avoid impact to the species and propose mitigation; thirdly is how to improve the habitat in a way that benefits the species overall. He advised that the Project Team recognized the challenge in developing a mitigation plan in the scoring of each alternative. Councillor Y. Fernandes stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources has never given permission for a four-lane road through Jefferson Salamander habitat. She indicated that she does not support the Strasburg Road extension and is concerned the study area consists of aboriginal sites including a burial ground. Mr. Upjohn responded that under agreement with the Ministry of Arts and Culture, archeological significant sites cannot be illustrated on the documentation; however, he stated there are areas identified as having archeological potential, and are located adjacent to watercourses or near a pioneer settlement, but are outside the study area. Councillor Fernandes referred to the proposed alignment of Strasburg Road and expressed concern that the Blair Creek Drive expansion west of Reidel Drive would enter protected countryside. Mr. Upjohn stated that the extent of planned expansion is the connection of Blair Creek Drive to Strasburg Road and does not contemplate the expansion into the protected countryside. In response to questions, Mr. Korah stated that the Region of Waterloo Transportation Master Plan considers the Strasburg Road extension as an imminent part of the Regional transportation network. He indicated that the Region's Transportation Master Plan speaks to widening Homer Watson Boulevard, and improving major intersections in 2031, all based on planned and approved development. Ms. B. Glenn-Graham inquired if estimated Capital Costs include mitigation expenses. Mr. Upjohn responded affirmatively, and estimated that mitigation costs are expected to be one to two percent of total capital costs of the project. He explained that the cost of the overall benefit is unknown at this time. He confirmed that the W1 Alignment Alternative has the least cost for mitigation. JOINT HERITAGE KITCHENER& ENVIRONMENT MINUTES MAY 7. 2013 -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION - STRASBURG ROAD EXTENSION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT(CONT'D) In response to further questions, Mr. Upjohn stated that the recommendation from the Project Team defines the Technically Preferred Alignment, and is being brought forward for approval in order to proceed with a final ESR. He explained that the final ESR will be presented to Council and filed in the public record for review and comment in Fall 2013. Mr. J. Stevens commented that the W1 Alignment Alternative speaks to relocation of the urban boundary to the west. Mr. Upjohn responded that relocation of the western boundary is a potential, however, no development is permitted at this time into the protected countryside. Ms. Glenn-Graham requested clarification of the intention of the presentation to the Advisory Committees. Mr. Korah responded that it is important to present to Heritage Kitchener and the Environmental Committees for comments on the new Technically Preferred Alignment, and although it is not required, he would accept a recommendation and any additional comments until May 8, 2013. In addition, he noted that individuals can submit comments to the Ministry of the Environment during the public review process of the ESR. Mr. Zador indicated that he appreciates the revised scoring and weighting of the criteria as it has proved very effective in determining the Technically Preferred Alignment for the Strasburg Road extension. Ms. Rudland advised that at this time, Heritage Kitchener has indicated a motion will be brought forward for consideration. She noted that as the Environmental Committee does not have quorum present, their comments will be provided to Mr. Korah for consideration in drafting his report. On motion by Ms.A. Hooykaas- it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener supports the W1 Alignment Alternative of the Strasburg Road Extension, but does not support the urban boundary expansion or development to Countryside Line." 2. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Daphne Livingstone Committee Administrator