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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-16 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. J. Jackson and M. Yaeger and Ms. T. Driver, Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. C. Gaetani, Ms. A. MacKinnon and Ms. K. Milicic. Staff: B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range Planning B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION – 2015 RAIN PROGRAM 1. The Committee considered information material entitled “RAIN: Stormwater Solutions for your Home”, prepared by REEP Green Solutions. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “RAIN: REEP’s Delivery of the RAIN Program in Kitchener.” Ms. Cheryl Evans, RAIN Program Manager, REEP Green Solutions (REEP) presented an overview of the RAIN Program, advising that it is an ecological approach to stormwater management, with goals of protecting and enhancing ground and surface water quality; reducing the risk of urban flooding; and, recording actions achieved via the Storm Water Rebate program. She noted that they have shifted the program to utilize the community based on social marketing principles as a means of trying to change property owners behaviours. Ms. Evans stated that REEP has been working with the City of Kitchener since 2009 on the RAIN program and has been an active participant in the development of the City’s Stormwater Master Plan. She highlighted the key RAIN activities for 2014 which included: RAIN Home/Business Visits; Educational Workshops; webinars; community events; best practices tours; awards event; demo projects; and, their role as an advisor to the Stormwater Master Planning process. Ms. Evans noted that there were a number of lessons learned in 2014 which has helped to evolve the program for 2015. She indicated for 2015 REEP will continue to do a number of the initiatives that they conducted in 2014, but the focus to complete a significant number of home and business visits will be reduced. She stated that through the research they conducted in 2014, it was discovered that one-time interventions with clients had minimal effects on encouraging people to change their behaviour. She noted that they are trying to develop strategies for regular engagement with their clients to increase the likelihood of change. She further advised that for 2015, REEP has a goal of delivering a more balanced program which will include the educational components, as well as the on-site visits, but will also include a story-telling component to highlight what residents and business are doing to reduce their stormwater impacts. In response to questions, Ms. Evans advised as a means of promoting stormwater management practises to contractors in the area that they have already approached Paradise Greenhouse to host a workshop on the RAIN program which will be held May 23, 2015. She noted following that presentation it is their intention to contact the local Home Depot’s, Rona’s, Lowes, etc. stores with the intention of hosting additional workshops that would potentially attract interest of the local contractors. She noted that they do have other contractor training opportunities for those that are interested. She further advised that most of the people that are really interested in the RAIN Program are actually gardeners. Questions were raised on whether a financial analysis has been undertaken on the stormwater management fees, and if greater incentives were provided whether there would be a greater interest in the program. Ms. B. Steiner advised that there was a significant amount of debate when implementing the stormwater management rates and credit program. She advised that one of the challenges with the program is that the monthly homeowner charges are minimal, so any rebate offered would be nominal and may not be a large enough incentive to motivate change. Mr. J. Jackson stated that the program may be under-estimated, that if the monthly rate/credits were higher it could actually save the City money in infrastructure costs in the future, and questioned whether a financial analysis of that scope was completed. Ms. Steiner advised that she could speak with staff in the Stormwater Utility Division to see whether they would be ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION – 2015 RAIN PROGRAM (CONT’D) 1. able to make a presentation on the rebate program. She noted as part of the development of the Stormwater Master Plan, staff will likely be reviewing the user rates and rebate program and discussing the potential barriers to the implementation of various stormwater initiatives. In response to questions, Ms. Evans advised that one way that the City can assist in promoting REEP is by maintaining an open line of communication on their environmental priorities. She stated that the open like of communication will assist them in evolving their programs and addressing those environmental initiatives and priorities that are important to the City and its residents. Several members expressed interest in having REEP attend a future meeting to provide a follow-up presentation on the achievements of the 2015 Programs. Ms. Evans noted that she would welcome the opportunity to attend the Committee again at a later date. REGION OF WATERLOO STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 – ENVIRONMENTAL 2. SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREA The Committee considered information materials entitled “Strategic Planning 2015-2018, Environmental Sustainability Focus Area” dated April 1, 2015, regarding the Region of Waterloo’s Strategic Planning process on the theme of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “Region of Waterloo Strategic Planning 2015 – Environmental Sustainability Focus Area”, dated April 16, 2015. Mr. David Rowade, Sustainability Planner, Region of Waterloo, advised that after each Municipal Election, the Region engages the public to participate in identifying priorities for the new term of Regional Council. He stated that the result of this Corporate Strategic Planning process is a commitment by Council and staff to focus resources on matters in the Region’s jurisdiction that are of greatest concern to the residents. He noted that one of the areas where the Region is seeking feedback is on the theme of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability. He indicated that the 2011-2014 Sustainability Actions included, but are not limited to: major wastewater treatment upgrade projects underway or nearing completion; Water Efficiency Master Plan competed; Waste Management Master Plan completed + Energy Waste feasibility study underway; and, Greenhouse gas Emission Reduction Plans completed and targets established. Mr. Rowade advised that where possible he is attending the Environmental Advisory Committees for the municipalities within the Region to seek input on what environmental sustainability and stewardship issues should be considered in the current Strategic Planning Process and posed a number of questions to provide focus for the discussion, including: What environmental sustainability priorities should the Region focus on during 2015- 2106; What should the Region continue to do regarding Environmental Sustainability; Are there any gaps in what the Region is currently doing regarding Environmental Sustainability; Are there existing sustainability initiatives within the community where the Region could play a stronger supportive role; and, What should the Region start to do regarding Environmental Sustainability. Several members expressed support for a continued focus in controlling urban sprawl and the protection of farmland and sensitive environmental areas. Ms. Mackinnon noted that while the promotion of redevelopment is essential, further consideration needs to be given to affordability to ensure that that there is a range of housing options within the Downtown core. Questions were raised regarding proposed development and intensification around the Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations and what the Region/City are doing to increase ridership on public transit. Mr. Rowade advised that the City of Kitchener is currently completing a planning process which has been titled “Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS)” as a means of reviewing development around the LRT stations with a focus for helping to improve the use of LRT. He noted that it is a challenging process as there needs to be cooperation on the part of developers through the planning/development process as well. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER REGION OF WATERLOO STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 – ENVIRONMENTAL 2. SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREA (CONT’D) Ms. K. Milicic noted, in her opinion, that consideration should be given to finding ways to bridge gaps on environmental sustainability between the age generations, noting that there are very few initiatives for youth to get involved in sustainability, specifically within the Region. Councillor Y. Fernandes stated that another area for environmental sustainability that the Region should continue to focus on would be the Smart about Salt program and the use around salt at both residential and commercial facilities. Mr. Rowade advised that he has noted all the feedback provided this date, and indicated that members could forward him any additional suggestions they may have via email at droewaode@regionofwaterloo.ca. He further advised that there are a number of ways that the public can participate in the Strategic Planning Process; staff will be reviewing all the suggestions to determine what is feasible and accomplishable in the 2015-2018 Council Term. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS - 2015 AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER BEST 3. BETS The Committee considered a memorandum entitled “Final Best Bets for Air Quality Sub- Committee Selection”, dated March 5, 2015, regarding the 2014 “Where Are They Now?” audit of the remaining 7 outstanding Action Items from Air Quality in Kitchener report to be completed by the Committee in 2015. Ms. B. Steiner advised that this item was discussed at the Committee’s March meeting, and it was agreed that it should be included as a discussion item for the April meeting as there were some members absent for the initial discussion that may be interested in volunteering on the various Best Bet Sub Committees. She provided a brief summary of the Best Bets outlined in the memorandum and requested volunteers for each Sub-Committee. Ms. Steiner opened the floor for volunteers, and it was agreed that the Sub-Committee members would be appointed as follows: Best Bet No. 1 – Councillor Y. Fernandes, S. Danckert; and, Best Bet No. 2 – J. Jackson, T. Driver, S. Danckert; and Best Bet No. 3 – T. Belanger; and, Best Bet No. 4 – A. MacKinnon; and, Best Bet No. 5 – C. Gaetani, M. Yaeger; and, Best Bet No. 6 – K. Milicic, C. Gaetani; and further, Best Bet No. 7 – J. Jackson. Ms. Steiner advised that staff will assist the Sub-Committees by making the initial contact with the identified staff people, but it will be the Sub-Committees’ responsibility to follow up with their respective staff contact to schedule a meeting. Questions were raised on a previous Environment Committee discussion regarding the status on drive-thrus/idling in relation to air quality. Ms. Steiner advised that the Committee just recently completed an audit of the Air Quality in Kitchener report and noted she would need to review that audit to determine whether drive-thrus were referenced as part of that audit. She indicated that there have been a number of Policies implemented within the City’s new Official Plan regarding the proposed locations of drive-thrus and their development. Mr. J. Jackson stated in his opinion, that the issues regarding drive-thrus and air quality is an important issue, noting that he would like it to be added as a discussion item to a future Committee agenda. A motion was brought forward and voted on that the Committee would like to understand the status of drive-thrus/idling within the City and that it should be included as a future agenda item. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2015-2016 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WORK PLAN – BRAINSTORMING SESSION 4. The Committee was in receipt this date of an updated draft Work Plan based on the Committee’s existing goals, objectives and priorities, as well as a summary of the already appointed Sub-Committees that have been established by the Committee. Ms. B. Steiner advised that a draft Work Plan has been included on both the February and March agendas, with discussion times being included on the agenda for the Committee to provide feedback on which items they would like to see the Committee accomplish as part of the 2015-2016 term. In response to questions, Ms. Steiner advised that Stormwater Utility staff attend the Committee annually for updates on items such as their Stormwater Audit. She noted that if the Committee would like a broader presentation on the use of stormwater ponds, staff would convey that request to the Stormwater Utility staff to include it as part of a future presentation. It was noted for information, that currently there are no projects listed under the Land Resources theme on the draft Work Plan. Ms. Steiner advised that as part of a previous Work Plan discussion, members questioned whether a review of the City’s Growth Management strategies would be brought back to the Committee. Mr. B. Sloan advised that the Growth Management Plan typically gets reviewed every five years, noting that it is due for review in 2016. He further advised that it is anticipated that staff will not have enough work completed on the review until early 2017, at which time staff will bring it forward to the Environment Committee. Ms. Steiner advised that she would include it on the Work Plan as a future item for consideration. Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested that members may be interested in attending a public information session being hosted on May 6, 2015 by the Region of Waterloo on curbside waste collection changes. She noted that if it was of interest of the Committee, anyone volunteering to attend the public information session could report back to the Committee with a summary of the discussion as a future agenda item. Ms. S. Danckert advised that although waste management is, in her opinion, a topic of interest, the item may not be appropriate for the Committee’s consideration as it is not within the City’s jurisdiction. Ms. C. Gaetani expressed interest in the development of a new Grand River Park and whether it would be something that the Committee would be discussing as a future agenda item. Mr. Sloan advised that the Grand River Park has been included within the City’s Parks Master Plan. He noted that Council has requested information from staff regarding the development of the Park, and at some point through the development process it may be appropriate for the Committee to be consulted on that matter in the future. Ms. Danckert advised that one item she was interested in undertaking as part of the 2015-2016 Environment Committee term, is for the Committee to plan an event for Earth Day. She indicated that staff have been providing the Committee with a summary of the Earth Day events annually, noting that the members could also facilitate their own events. Ms. Danckert advised that she would like the Committee to endeavor to plan an event for Earth Day 2016, noting that they could begin planning something earlier than the time lines currently established on the Work Plan. Ms. Steiner advised that the Committee has appointed members to the Earth Day Sub-Committee that could look at that as part of their Sub- Committee work if that was something they were interested in undertaking. Ms. Danckert advised that she would be interested in putting her name forward to the Earth Day Sub-Committee to assist in potentially planning an Earth Day event for 2016. Councillor Y. Fernandes stated as a potential suggestion that members could consider participating in events having an environmental focus, including Bike Fest being hosted May 31, 2015 as an example. She stated that members could run a booth, promoting the Committee and various environmental initiatives. Ms. Steiner further advised 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 June recess. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT 5. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Committee Administrator