Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-17 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 17,2014 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. A. MacDonald, Ms. K Milicic, Ms. S. Do and Messrs. G. Zador and C. Priddle Staff: H. Gross, Director Asset Management J. von Westerholt, Senior Planner B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner H.Anderson, Environmental Planner D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator 1. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT(EA) - ROBERT FERRIE DRIVE The Committee considered a presentation entitled "Official Plan Amendment and Schedule `C' Class Environmental Assessment Public Information Centre #3: Westerly Extension of Robert Ferrie Drive from Evens Pond Crescent to Strasburg Road", dated April 10, 2014. Ms. J. von Westerholt presented the Environmental Assessment (EA) study, stating that the City is currently processing an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and an EA to determine the location of the westerly extension of Robert Ferrie Drive. She provided an overview of the process to date, indicating that an initial evaluation of alternatives has resulted in a number of alignments being removed from further consideration due to environmental, agricultural, planning, road geometric/design and/or heritage impact considerations. Ms. von Westerholt reviewed the short-listed alignment alternatives and advised that out of those short-listed alignments the preliminary preferred alignment is 2 (4). She then highlighted several environmental benefits that would be achieved through the proposed preferred alignment. In addition, she stated that, Ms. Kristen Harrison, Environmental Consultant, MMM Group and Ms. Lashia Jones, Heritage Consultant, MHBC Planning are in attendance and can respond to any specific questions regarding heritage or environmental concerns that the Committee may have. Ms. von Westerholt stated that the Project Team will be accepting comments and feedback on the preliminary preferred alignment until April 24, 2014. She advised that the next steps include finalizing various study reports with respect to: traffic; noise; environmental; and, servicing. She indicated following the completion of the study reports, staff will be conducting a statutory public meeting to consider the EA and OPA on June 9, 2014 at the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee. She advised that pending Council's final approval on June 16, 2014, the EA study report will be filed with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory 30 day review period; and, the OPA will be forwarded on to the Region of Waterloo for final approval. In response to questions, Ms. Harrison advised that there are 3 Categories used to establish the habitat sensitivity with regards to the Blending Turtle. She indicated that Category 1 would indicated highest level of sensitivity and would identify that there are nesting areas in the vicinity and Category 3 would be the least sensitive and most tolerable to disturbance. She stated that mitigation measures will likely be implemented as part of construction to ensure the protection of the species and its habitat. 2. CSD-14-026-2013 BEST BETS FOR AIR QUALITY: FINAL REPORT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-026, dated April 17, 2014, regarding a summary of the actions undertaken on the 2013 Best Bets for Air Quality. Ms. H. Anderson presented the follow-up report and gave a summary of the work that has been undertaken to date by the 2014 Best Bets Sub-Committees. Mr. G. Zador suggested that further work should be done on behalf of the City to develop a program that would educate homeowners on what is permitted regarding City owned cul-de- sac and boulevards. He stated that if additional information was given regarding planting and landscaping it may reduce the demand for turf maintenance and its impact on Air Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 17, 2014 -8 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-14-030 - OPTIONS TO UPDATE AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER 2010 REPORT AND ANNUAL BEST BETS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-030, dated April 3, 2014, regarding options to update the Air Quality in Kitchener 2010 report and a review of the annual Best Bet selection process. Ms. B. Steiner presented the report advising since the first citizens' report on Air Quality in 2006, more formalized plans, policies and initiatives to address air quality have been implemented by the City, which include: Citizen's Report on Air Quality in Kitchener (2010 update); Kitchener Cycling Master Plan (2010); ClimateActionWR, member; Corporate Greenhouse Gas Inventory (PCP Milestone 1) (2013); and, Community Climate Action Plan for Waterloo Region (PCP Milestones 1, 2, and 3) (2013). She stated due to the City implementing more formalized plans and initiatives to improve air quality, it may be time to re- think the 2010 Report and/or its associated implementation processes. She highlighted the following three potential options for the future of the Air Quality in Kitchener report: 1. Convene the Sub-Committee appointed for the reconsideration/update and either: a. complete the work in time to report to the Environmental Committee in June 2014 followed by Standing Committee on September 8, 2014. Staff availability to assist with this option may be limited; or, b. commence the work in 2014 with a target date set for completion in 2015; 2. Delay commencing and completing the update until 2015; and, 3. Reconsider the need to continue with creating another report on Air Quality in Kitchener in light of the issues and recent actions outlined above through discussion at the Sub- Committee level, at the full Environmental Committee, or other forum. Ms. Steiner further advised that the decision regarding the Report and annual Best Bets will likely require a larger discussion and the Committee is not required to make a decision on its overall status at today's meeting. She encouraged members to provide feedback on the current process regarding the Air Quality report and the annual selection of Best Bets. In response to questions, Ms. Steiner advised that there are approximately 15 Best Bets in the 2010 Air Quality in Kitchener report that are actionable items. The Committee generally agreed to complete an audit of the Best Bets that have not been selected from the Air Quality in Kitchener report 2006 and 2010 to determine whether any actions should be taken on some or all of the outstanding items. Ms. Steiner advised that Planning Staff will work to complete a summary of the outstanding Best Bets and it will be added as a discussion item to the May or June Environmental Committee agenda for further discussion. 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Committee Administrator