HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-18
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 18, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. C. Gaetani, Ms. T. Driver Ms. A. MacKinnon and Ms. K.
Milicic
Staff: B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range Planning
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
F. Sargeant, Brand and Marketing Associate
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
1.
The Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “ClimateActionWR: Reducing
Emissions, Enriching Lives”, regarding an update on the Community Climate Action Plan.
Ms. Elizabeth Hilgers, ClimateActionWR, presented an update on the work being undertaken
by Climate Action WR through the Climate Change Mitigation Plan that was adopted by the
Region of Waterloo and Cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo. She noted that the Plan
has a target of reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by 6% by 2020. She noted that
there are five focus areas within the Plan, including: homes; workplaces; transportation;
agriculture & food and waste. She indicated that within those focus areas there are goals and
initiatives identified for each focus area which target GHG emission reductions.
Ms. Hilgers advised for 2015, ClimateActionWR will be focusing on: increasing uptake in
existing Actions; re-inventorying Carbon footprint data; advancing Green Building Standards;
advancing the Centre for Sustainability Excellence; potentially assisting with introducing new
innovative financing options for residential energy retro-fits; pursuing a collaborative
Community Energy Plan; and, seeking new opportunities/initiatives to advance the Climate
Change Mitigation Plan. She noted there were a number of ways that members could take part
in the Plan, including but not limited to: attending their open house event September 17, 2015
at the Kitchener Public Library; applying for a position on the Leadership Committee;
supporting various initiatives currently underway such as Green Building Standards and
BikeShare/CarShare; or, seeking opportunities through a working group.
In response to questions, Ms. Hilgers advised that under the focus area of waste, there are not
as many initiatives proposed due to their impact on GHG emissions in comparison to the other
focus areas. She noted that although waste does have environmental challenges in relation to
people’s day-to-day lives, the focus of the Plan is investigating initiatives to assist in reducing
GHG emissions.
Questions were raised regarding the target audience for the ClimateActionWR event being
hosted September 17, 2015. Ms. Hilgers advised that their goal for the Session is to reach out
to leaders within the community, including Neighbourhood Associations and Environmental
Committees, in hopes that those leaders will help to promote and educate members within
their communities. Members suggested extending invitations to community garden participants
and faith groups as potential participants for the event.
Ms. C. Gaetani requested clarification on the GHG emission reduction target of 6% and how
the number was determined. Ms. Hilgers advised that the Regional target of 6% was
established by reviewing initiatives that can be affected by residents within the Region. Mr. B.
Sloan advised this target was established using an approach that strikes a balance between a
level that is challenging yet achievable.
KITCHENER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (KEDS) - ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2.
ENGAGEMENT
The Committee considered a memorandum entitled “Public Consultation - Kitchener Economic
Development Strategy (KEDS)”, dated June 3, 2015, regarding updates to the City of
Kitchener’s Economic Development Strategy.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 18, 2015 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER
KITCHENER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (KEDS) - ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2.
ENGAGEMENT (CONT’D)
Mr. F. Sargeant presented a brief overview on the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy
(KEDS), noting that the Strategy is currently being updated and as part of that process, Council
had mandated the engagement of advisory committees in order to obtain input on the
suggested areas of focus for the next four-year cycle of the Strategy. He provided background
on the consultation process and reviewed the various areas which fall under the umbrella of
economic development, including: Industry and Innovation; Quality of Life; Creative Industries;
and, City Building.
Councillor Y. Fernandes left the meeting at this time.
Members then participated in a facilitated session and provided input on the following
questions:
1. What do you like best about Kitchener?
2. Think about the future of your profession/industry. What excites you? What worries
you?
3. What is one idea that would solve an economic development issue in Kitchener?
4. Imagine a better Kitchener 10 years from now. What do you see? How do we get
there? What could make the economy stronger?
Mr. Sargeant further advised that staff intend bring forward a report to Council regarding the
updated Strategy in fall 2015. He requested members go to the following link on the City’s
website,www.kitchener.ca/ideasofthebrave, to register for updates and stay engaged in the
development process. He indicated there are a number of ways outlined on the site for
members to provide additional feedback or stay informed of the development process.
ADJOURNMENT
3.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson
Committee Administrator
