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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-16 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. Present: Mr. S. Crossman, Chair Councillors Y. Fernandes and P. Singh, Ms. S. Danckert, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. A. MacDonald and Messrs. C. Priddle, R. Younis and G. Zador. Staff: M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL (GREEN) HUB IN 1. KITCHENER The Committee considered a presentation by Ms. Nicole MacCallum, and Messrs. Felix Munger and Kevin Thomason, Waterloo Region Green Hub Coordinating Committee, regarding the establishment of a green hub in the City of Kitchener for the purpose of bringing together environmental organizations within the Region of Waterloo. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the Waterloo Region Green Hub Concept Draft 1.6, which outlines the proposed tasks and timetable of the project. Mr. Thomason provided an overview of the concept of the Green Hub. He defined the Green Hub as physical space for organizations in Waterloo Region’s environmental sector to connect and collaborate on ideas and resources. He stated the objectives of the initiative are to act as a catalyst for environmental innovation within a physical hub; to improve communication; and, to foster collaboration among environmental organizations, the private sector, and the public. With regard to the preferred location of the Green Hub, Ms. McCallum indicated that Kitchener was selected based on its centrality within the Region of Waterloo. Specifically, a location proximal to the Multi-Modal Transit Hub would bring unique opportunities for the initiative. She elaborated that by having a location within a lively storefront in a high traffic public space, the Green Hub could showcase the approximately 80 environmental organizations in Waterloo Region through small booths, information packages, events, and the presence of staff/volunteers that can provide the public with information about organizations and upcoming activities. Mr. Munger advised that the concept has been successfully demonstrated in many instances such as, Center for Social Innovation (Toronto), Evergreen Brickworks (Toronto), Communitech Hub (Kitchener), and 10 Carden Creating Space for Change (Guelph). He outlined objectives, such as initially utilizing a smaller sized storefront in Downtown Kitchener, applying for an environmental grant from the City and Region of Waterloo, and seeking funding opportunities from public and private donations. In terms of next steps, Mr. Munger indicated that space to operate a storefront for the Green Hub is required, as is funding for the project. Mr. Thomason summarized the proposal indicating that at this time it is conceptual and that the Green Hub Coordinating Committee would welcome input and ideas from the Committee. Councillor P. Singh commented that the collaborative effort is similar to the Communitech Hub which brings forward innovative ideas. He inquired if the business case includes opportunities for entrepreneurs to be involved rather than exclusively non-profit organizations. Mr. Munger responded that they are examining opportunities beyond non- profits and would be open to collaborative partnerships between non-profits, private sector and government. Mr. Thomason added that the majority of government funding has an entrepreneurship focus, which may become relative to the concept of the Hub in the future. Ms. MacCallum elaborated that it should not be mutually exclusive in that the goal is for the Hub to become self-sustaining, and to close the gap between the for-profit and not-for-profit environmental organizations. Ms. A. MacDonald commented that there is a strong economic development case within the concept for the Green Hub. She suggested meeting with the Economic Development ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 2013 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION – ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL (GREEN) HUB IN 1. KITCHENER (CONT’D) Advisory Committee in Kitchener to communicate the vision for the Hub. In addition, she suggested that perhaps the City of Waterloo would be a good location for the Hub as it has a strong entrepreneurial aspect which would be beneficial when seeking investors, job creation and shared value. Ms. E. Donaher noted that the Economic Development Division would be a great contact for potential locations of the storefront. Ms. C. Musselman agreed to forward the Organizing Committee’s contact information to staff in the Economic Development Division. Mr. G. Zador inquired about recruitment for the Green Hub and if there are various staffing needs throughout the phases of development. Mr. Thomason stated that the services delivered at the onset would be determined on space and funding. Mr. Munger elaborated that a community assessment will be completed followed by a business plan, to determine what service level would be most effective. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired as to the expected hurdles the Organizing Committee would encounter during the creation of the Hub, since there are 50 to 80 organizations all with their own focus. Mr. Thomason responded that the Communitech model is an effective demonstration of how competing energies can be channelled to create an environment of success. Mr. Munger added that there are models that develop positive collaboration processes and best practices. With the aid of consultation and engagement, a culture within the Hub of successful collaboration will be defined. On motion, the Committee expressed general support for the Green Hub initiative and suggested the Waterloo Region Green Hub Coordinating Committee should present information on the initiative to a future Planning & Strategic Committee meeting. LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN UPDATE 2. Mr. M. Hildebrand addressed the Committee, stating that the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) Project Team has undertaken a refresh of the original 2005 LFMP. The Plan covers such facilities as trails, community centres and pools; and is taking into consideration demographic trends and the needs of the community. The refresh is taking place over a period of 6-7 months and is anticipated be presented to Council in August / September of 2013. Mr. Hildebrand advised that the LFMP Project Team has engaged in public consultation with user groups, neighbourbood associations, and members of Council. He indicated that the final phase of the consultation stage is to garner input from Advisory Committees. The Committee was asked to answer five questions, with the answers to be incorporated in the Draft Report on the LFMP update. He advised that there is a public forum is being held on June 19, 2013 from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. in the Subscriber’s Lounge, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex to allow citizens an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft LFMP update. A copy of the community survey was previously provided to the Committee and completed surveys would be accepted until the end of May 2013. Mr. Hildebrand posed the following five questions concerning the municipal leisure and recreation facilities: 1. What trends do you anticipate to see over the next five years? 2. What is working well for residents? 3. From your perspective, what concerns, gaps or constraints do you feel exist in Kitchener for leisure and recreation services, currently and in the future? 4. What do you believe are the top 3 or 4 priorities? 5. The City is interested in exploring different funding approaches for future leisure services and facilities. Please consider what you might support / don’t support. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 2013 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN UPDATE (CONT’D) 2. In response to Question 1, members indicated that there is great benefit for all ages in the variety of recreation and leisure opportunities throughout the City. Members expressed appreciation for the improvements to the trails, noting that the corridor parks along the natural areas have been greatly improved. Members responded to Question 2, indicating that efforts related to cycling, including bike lanes, are working well for residents. However, concerns were expressed that both cyclists and motorists require education related to sharing the road. Ms. MacDonald referred to an etiquette document produced by the City of Calgary and suggested the City of Kitchener could publish the same type of educational pamphlet. Mr. S. Crossman stated that the trail system is a feature that is working well for residents, but indicated that more shaded areas and sitting facilities along long trails is a necessary improvement. With regard to Question 3, members were asked to provide their perspective on gaps and constraints on recreation and leisure services. Members stated that the intensification of the Downtown Core and construction of the Multi-Modal Transit Hub will put pressure on existing facilities, such as Victoria Park, due to increased demand. Mr. Priddle suggested developing multi-faceted recreation facilities that serve more than one function in outlying areas that would serve many neighbourhoods. Members responded to Question 4, stating that a top priority facing recreation and leisure facilities within the City of Kitchener is the provision of services for an aging population. Mr. Crossman referred to Rockway Senior Centre, noting that a feasibility study has been completed to determine what services would continue to be provided. He stated that aging demographics indicate the need for facilities located throughout the City to meet a variety of interests. In response to question 5, members were not in support of user fees for recreation and leisure services. Mr. Priddle stated that Development Charges should be used to fund new facilities to accommodate the need established due to growth. Ms. S. Danckert agreed, and noted that user fees are prohibitive to children and could discourage participation. Mr. Hildebrand thanked the Committee for their input and encouraged interested members to attend the public forum on June 19, 2013. SUSTAINABILITY FORUM FOLLOW-UP 3. The Committee considered an update on behalf of the Sustainability Forum Subcommittee on the first annual Sustainability Forum which took place on April 20, 2013 in the Rotunda at City Hall. Councillor Y. Fernandes provided an update on the Sustainability Forum, stating that the event was well received, as was demonstrated by the number of attendees and quality of presentation by the Waterloo Region Green Hub Coordinating Committee. She indicated that one objective of the Forum was collaboration between groups. She elaborated that many groups were exchanging information as evidence of solid networking. Ms. E. Donaher agreed, noting that a basic goal was to create an awareness of other environmental groups within the Region of Waterloo. Councillor Fernandes provided the following suggestions in preparation for the next Sustainability Forum: improved preparation for the facilitation portion of the Forum; and, increase networking time at the beginning and end of the event. She noted that the segment involving pictures on the presentation boards did not function, causing minor issues. She added that June 26, 2013 is the next meeting of the larger organizing body, the Sustainability Forum Working Group. She noted that the meeting will include brainstorming as well as a discussion regarding the City of Kitchener’s participation and possible partnership in the next Forum. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 2013 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER SUSTAINABILITY FORUM FOLLOW-UP (CONT’D) 3. Ms. A. MacDonald commended the efforts of the Sustainability Forum Subcommittee and Working Group, stating that the event was an excellent indicator of the green movement and justification for the Waterloo Region Green Hub. She indicated she would like to participate in the future, adding that she would encourage changing the format to include more networking with perhaps one keynote speaker and an additional workshop. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE 2013-2014 WORK PLAN 4. The Committee considered the Environmental Committee 2013 / 2014 Work Plan. Ms. C. Musselman advised that based on the feedback received from the Committee, the Work Plan has been updated to include a review of the Air Quality 2010 Report and actions related to the 5 Best Bets. Mr. S. Crossman inquired if the Committee could consider addressing noise levels in the City. He explained that vehicular noise throughout the City is an issue and should be improved. Ms. C. Musselman acknowledged his concerns, advising that noise levels are regulated by the Ministry of the Environment and the City’s Noise By-law. She added that there are standards required by the Ministry of Transportation related to driving which enable the Police to stop a vehicle and levy a fine. She surmised that it is a topic that can be noted for future interest by the Committee. Ms. Musselman advised that any recommendation from the Committee concerning the Work Plan would be considered at the June 17, 2013 Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting. On motion by Ms. E. Donaher - it was resolved: “That the Environment Committee Work Plan (2013/2014), consisting of newly incorporated actions for the 5 Best Bets, along with those remaining on the previous Work Plan, be approved.” ADJOURNMENT 5. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator