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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-19 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. J. Jackson and M. Yaeger, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. A. MacKinnon, Ms. K. Milicic, Ms. C. Gaetani, Ms. T. Driver and Ms. T. Belanger. Staff: N. Gollan, Manager of Stormwater Utility C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner J. Shea, Natural Area Coordinator D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - WATERLOO REGION BLUE DOT MOVEMENT 1. The Committee considered a presentation entitled, “The Blue Dot Movement: Declaring Support for Canadians’ Environmental Rights”, dated February 19, 2015. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a “Model Municipal Declaration: The Right to a Healthy Environment” prepared by the Waterloo Region Blue Dot Movement. Mr. J. Marston, Waterloo Region Blue Dot Movement, presented the materials, advising that the goal of the Blue Dot Movement is to protect Canadians’ environmental rights at the national level through an amendment to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He noted that they are a grass roots organization whose goal is to inform the public and gain support from the various municipalities to adopt a declaration in support of the “Right to a Healthy Environment”. He indicated the Blue Dot Movement would use the support demonstrated by the municipalities through the adoption of the declaration, to leverage the Province and the Federal government to help implement or improve the Environmental Bill of Rights, with the ultimate goal of extending the Canadian Charter to include environmental rights. He noted that he has been communicating with staff at the Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge and City of Kitchener, indicating that they are pursuing support from all of the municipalities within the Region. Mr. Marston provided an overview of the proposed Declaration, noting that the Blue Dot national office, in conjunction with Ecojustice, a Canadian non-profit environmental law firm, has provided a Model Municipal Declaration that could be customized to better align with current municipal policies and practises. He stated that the City of Waterloo’s Environmental Committee has already made a recommendation regarding the Declaration, requesting that Council refer it back to staff for further review. He advised that the City of Hamilton has passed a motion to adopt the Declaration including some minor amendments. He further advised that the Movement has a goal to have one of the municipalities within Waterloo Region adopt the Declaration by Earth Day on April 22, 2015. Ms. B. Steiner advised that in speaking with staff at the City of Waterloo, the motion passed by the Waterloo Citizens' Environmental Advisory Committee (WCEAC) included endorsing the Blue Dot Movement in principle and encouraging staff to collaborate with the area municipalities to customize the Declaration; requesting staff to report back to WCEAC prior to reporting to Council. She noted that staff has been corresponding with the other area municipalities regarding the Blue Dot Movement and there has been some discussion on a collaboration but nothing has been determined as of this date. She indicated that the Blue Dot Movement presentation was being considered by the City of Cambridge’s Environmental Committee the following week. She further advised that there is a willingness on behalf of staff to collaborate with the other municipalities; however, staff would need direction from Council to pursue this initiative. Mr. J. Jackson expressed concerns with the Model Declaration as provided, stating that in his opinion, it should have a stronger message and perhaps include a statement that would encourage municipalities to urge the Province and the Federal government to adopt environmental rights. Questions were raised about the overall goal of the Blue Dot Movement and whether their sole objective is to seek a change to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or whether other environmental initiatives were also being pursued. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2015 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - WATERLOO REGION BLUE DOT MOVEMENT (CONT’D) 1. Mr. Marston advised that the current goal of the Movement is to seek environmental protection through an amendment of the Charter. He stated that an amendment to the Charter would potentially provide a legal tool to investigate or challenge organizations that violate an individual’s right to a healthy environment. Ms. T. Driver questioned whether the Declaration contradicts any pre-existing legislation, noting that there is already legislation in place for the protection of the environment through the Environmental Bill of Rights. Mr. Marston advised that the Declaration, in his opinion, does not contradict already existing legislation. He stated that although there is environmental legislation currently in place, the Movement does not believe the current legislation is effective enough. Councillor Y. Fernandes expressed concerns that the Declaration as presented may not be strong enough to impact change at the Provincial or Federal levels. She suggested that consideration be given to amending the Declaration to include lobbying support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, which may assist in gaining more support from the Province and the Federal government to take action. Ms. S. Dankert noted some potential options for the Committee’s consideration, including: forming a Sub-Committee to further research the Movement and report back to the Committee with a recommendation on the Declaration; adopting a similar motion as the City of Waterloo’s Environmental Committee, to request Council to direct staff to collaborate with the other area municipalities to customise the Declaration and present back to the Committee prior to reporting back to Council; the Committee could revise the Declaration this date and forwarded to Council for final approval; or, the Declaration could be endorsed as presented and forwarded to Council for final approval. Several members expressed support for engaging in a collaborative approach with the other municipalities, noting that it would likely have a greater impact if the Declarations adopted were similar in nature. Questions were raised regarding a potential collaborative approach with other municipalities, and whether a member of the Committee could participate in the collaboration of a customized declaration. Ms. Steiner advised that if the Committee approved a recommendation requesting Council to direct staff to collaborate with the other municipalities, the process for collaboration would not be known unless the other municipalities adopted similar recommendations. Councillor Fernandes questioned whether staff had available time on their Work Plan in 2015 to pursue a review of the Model Municipal Declaration. Ms. Steiner advised that it was not currently on staffs Work Plan 2015. Councillor Fernandes expressed concerns that staff have not identified this on their Work Plan for 2015, and stated that if the Committee was considering making a recommendation to refer it back to staff to collaborate with the other area municipalities, the work may not take place until 2016. She encouraged Members to consider adopting the Declaration as presented this date, noting that in her opinion, the Declaration was general enough that a Legal Opinion should not be required. Mr. Jackson expressed concerns with passing the Declaration as presented this date, noting that it would be his preference review the Declaration further to strengthen the wording. Ms. Steiner advised that the City of Hamilton has adopted the Model Declaration with a few amendments including a Clause that the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, correspond with the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and the Honourabe Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario calling for the development of Federal and Provincial legislation that recognizes that all people have the right to live in a healthy environment. Ms. A. MacKinnon stated that, in her opinion, the Model Declaration as worded appears to summarize environmental rights that already exist. She stated that she would be willing to support the Declaration as presented. Ms. Dankert advised that any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on March 30, 2015. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2015 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - WATERLOO REGION BLUE DOT MOVEMENT (CONT’D) 1. A motion was brought forward by Mr. M. Yaeger to endorse the Blue Dot Movements ‘Model Municipal Declaration: for the Right to a Healthy Environment.’ Mr. J. Jackson brought forward an amendment to Mr. Yaeger’s motion to include an additional clause similar to the one used by the City of Hamilton requiring the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, correspond with the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and the Honourabe Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario calling for the development of Federal and Provincial legislation that recognizes that all people have the right to live in a healthy environment. Carried. Mr. Jackson’s amendment was then voted on and was On motion by Mr. M. Yaeger - it was resolved: “That the Blue Dot Movements ‘Model Municipal Declaration: for the Right to a Healthy Environment’, be endorsed; and further, That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, correspond with the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and the Honourabe Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario calling for the development of federal and provincial legislation that recognizes that all people have the right to live in a healthy environment.” APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS: 2. The Committee was in receipt of job descriptions for the following Committee Liaison positions: Earth Day 2015 Organizing Committee; Community Environmental Improvement Grant Sub- Committee - Application Review; and, Kitchener Natural Areas Program. Mr. J. Shea and Ms. C. Musselman were in attendance to outline the various liaison positions and answer any questions from the Committee. Ms. S. Danckert opened the floor to nominations and it was agreed that the following members would be appointed as Committee Liaisons: • Councillors Y. Fernandes, be appointed to act as the Environmental Committee’s representatives to the Earth Day 2015 Organizing Committee; • Mr. M. Yaeger and Ms. C. Gaetani, be appointed to the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) Sub-Committee – Application Review; • Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. A. MacKinnon, Ms. K. Milicic and Ms. S. Danckert be appointed to the Kitchener Natural Areas Program. CITY OF KITCHENER STORMWATER MASTER PLAN - CYBER PUBLIC ADVISORY 3. COMMITTEE (PAC) The Committee considered a newsletter entitled, “Public Advisory Committee (PAC) Cyber Committee Electronic Newsletter No. 1 – Class Environmental Assessment, City of Kitchener Comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan”, dated January 16, 2015 and prepared by Engineering Services, requesting that one member from the Environmental Committee be appointed to participate on the PAC. Mr. N. Gollan presented the newsletter and outlined the responsibility of the PAC and responded to questions from the Committee. Ms. E. Donaher entered the meeting at this time. Ms. S. Danckert opened the floor to nominations and it was agreed that the following member would be appointed as the Environmental Committee representative on the PAC: • Mr. J. Jackson, be appointed to act as the Environmental Committee’s representatives to the Stormwater Master Plan - Cyber Public Advisory Committee (PAC). ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2015 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS - STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE 4. ENVIRONMENT ANNUAL REPORT CARD The Committee was advised that at the January 22, 2015 Environment Committee meeting, members were presented the Strategic Plan for the Environment Annual Report Card. Ms. B. Steiner advised that following the presentation, there was interest from the Committee to establish a Sub-Committee to review the currently utilized environmental indicators within the Report Card and provide comments and suggestions for the indicators that could be utilized in the future. Ms. Steiner provided a brief summary of the expectations, noting that work on the annual indicators would not likely begin until September 2015. Ms. S. Danckert opened the floor to nominations and it was agreed that the following members would be appointed as Committee Liaisons: • Ms. T. Driver, Ms. A. MacKinnon, Ms. C, Gaetani and Ms. S. Danckert, be appointed to act as the Strategic Plan for the Strategic Plan for the Environmental – Annual Report Card Review Sub-Committee. 2014 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) – RECIPIENT 5. UPDATE AND RE-CONSIDERATION The Committee considered an memorandum entitled “2014 Community Environmental Improvement Grants (CEIG) Recipient Update and Recommendation”, dated February 4, 2015, regarding a 2014 Grant recipient and their inability to meet the conditions of their grant approval. Ms. C. Musselman provided a summary of the memorandum noting that The Mansion Greens Community Garden – Rain Water Infiltration Project 2014 CEIG recipient was not able to meet the conditions of their grant approval. She noted that a condition required them to provide proof that they would be able to raise an additional $1,500. to complete the project. They have since contacted staff and advised that they are not able to meet that condition. Ms. Musselman advised that the 2014 CEIG Sub-Committee was notified and staff provided them four potential options which included: 1. That the remaining $1500. be offered to the next-highest scoring applicant - Forest Heights Collegiate Institute, with the following two options: Option 1a – require proof of funding to complete the project (a condition that is consistent with what has been requested of others) Option 1b – provide the grant without conditions; or, 2. That the remaining $1,500. be divided equally ($750. each) between Forest Heights C.I and St. Dominic Savio Catholic Elementary School as they have somewhat similar proposals and were close in scoring; or, 3. That the remaining $1,500. be held over and used in 2015; or, 4. Other Ms. Musselman noted that the Sub-Committee opted to put forward Option 3 as outlined in the memorandum, which included holding pro-rating the remaining $1,500. balance to the 2015 CEIG program. Ms. E. Donaher addressed the Committee on behalf of the Sub-Committee, stating it was their opinion that if the money was not able to be used by the awarded 2014 Grant recipient, the small increase could be an incentive to receive higher quality grant requests in 2015, as greater allocation of grants could be awarded. Ms. D. Saunderson advised that she had spoken with Financial Planning staff and confirmed that the money could be held over in the account for use in 2015 if it was not awarded in 2014. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2015 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2014 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) – RECIPIENT 5. UPDATE AND RE-CONSIDERATION On motion by Ms. E. Donaher - it was resolved: “That the $1,500. intended for The Mansion Greens Community Garden – Rain Water Infiltration Project in 2014, be returned to the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) account and be pro-rated toward, and added to, the 2015 CEIG available funds.” 2015-2016 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 6. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Environmental Committee, with the assistance of Planning staff, are required to develop and implement a Work Plan for the coming term. Accordingly, at the March 19, 2015 meeting, members were requested to provide suggestions on the initiatives they would like the Environmental Committee to accomplish in the coming term. She stated that staff will incorporate those suggestions received to date and develop a draft Work Plan based on the Committee’s existing goals, objectives and priorities, as well as the goals, objectives and priorities identified by the City’s Planning Division. She then indicated that although there is no deadline to bring the Work Plan before Council for consideration, it would be desirable to bring it forward before the July recess. ADJOURNMENT 7. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Committee Administrator