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ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:04 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. K. Milicic, Ms. T. Driver, Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. C. Gaetani,
and Mr. J. Jackson.
Staff: H. Gross, Director, Engineering
N. Gollan, Manager, Storm Water Utility
E. Riek, Project Manager, Development Engineering
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator
PRESENTATION - CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING LABELS ON GAS PUMPS
1.
The Committee considered a memorandum entitled ‘Climate Change Warning Labels on Gas
Pumps’, dated March 1, 2016. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a
presentation entitled “Climate Change & Air Pollution Info Labels on Gas Pumps” dated March
17, 2016, prepared by Our Horizon.
Mr. Rob Shirkey, Our Horizon, presented the materials, advising that Our Horizon is a
Canadian, national, not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to speak to municipal
governments about the implementation of climate change warning labels on gas pumps. He
stated the concept is intended to build feedback between the effects around using fossil fuels
on Climate Change. He noted similar to labels used on cigarette packages, the labels are
intended to make a connection between pumping gas, which has been normalized in one’s
everyday behaviours and locates responsibility into the palm of a person’s hand. He indicated
the idea is based around the medium being the message, the medium - the gas pump nozzle –
is the message. He stated that Climate Change may be one of the biggest challenges of our
time and placing stickers on gas pumps are a low-cost way to challenge our behaviours. He
commented that the concept has attracted attention from all over the world by citizens
requesting permission to replicate the campaign in their own communities. He further advised
that a number of local municipalities have also considered the initiative, advising the City of
Guelph, City of Pickering and the City of Waterloo have passed resolutions on this matter.
Questions were raised regarding the costs for implementation and who would bear the
responsibility for those costs. Mr. Shirkey advised that the costs for implementation are
relatively small, noting the gas nozzle sleeves retail for approximately $16. He suggested the
municipality require the warning labels as part of the business licensing process. He further
advised there have been some discussions regarding jurisdiction and whether local
municipalities would be able to enforce the requirement for the warning labels, which would be
up to the individual municipalities to determine.
Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned whether Our Horizon was lobbying the Provincial or
Federal Governments regarding the implementation of gas warning labels. Mr. Shirkey
advised that similar to the implementation of the first By-law banning pesticides in Quebec, in
his opinion, it can at times be easier to build momentum on an initiative by engaging local
governments prior to lobbying the Provincial and Federal governments. He indicated he has
also spoken with Glen Murray, Member of Provincial Parliament, who has expressed interest in
introducing a private members bill.
Questions were raised regarding endorsement of the concept and Mr. Shirkey advised that if it
was the will of the Committee to pass a resolution, he requested that it omit forwarding the
resolution to the 2016 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention, as he was not able to
secure a place on the Convention agenda. He noted otherwise, the recommendations passed
by the City of Guelph and City of Waterloo were good templates for a potential
recommendation from Kitchener’s Environmental Committee.
In response to questions regarding local jurisdiction, Mr. Shirkey advised that the City of
Vaughan passed a resolution directing staff to review any jurisdictional issues related to the
implementation of the labels, and if jurisdiction could be reasonably argued, a plan be
developed to permit the City of Vaughan to proceed in prioritizing the warning labels within its
borders.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2016 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER
PRESENTATION - CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING LABELS ON GAS PUMPS (CONT’D)
1.
A motion was brought forward by Mr. J. Jackson to endorse the resolution supporting Climate
Change labels on gas pumps, similar to those passed by the City of Waterloo and City of
Guelph, including the requirement to lobby both the provincial and federal governments to
consider implementing the initiative nation-wide; and, that Council consider investigating any
jurisdiction and possibility regulation for local implementation of the Climate Change labels on
gas pumps.
on motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
“That the City of Kitchener supports and advances the following recommendation for
consideration by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau and the Honourabe Kathleen
Wynne, Premier of Ontario:
‘WHEREAS there is evidence that combustion of petroleum products such as gas
and diesel in vehicle engines contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that affect
natural systems in ways that are injurious to human health and the environment;
and,
WHEREAS point-of-sale warning labels have been required for other
consumables, such as tobacco products, which has effectively curbed use of
harmful products;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all vendors of retail petroleum products in
Canada be legislated to provide warning labels on all pump handles (pump
talkers) and/or pump panels, and that those companies who do not have this
feature on their pump handle be obligated to fit them with the plastic sleeves
which will allow warning labels to be displayed,’ and further;
That staff be directed to investigate the municipality’s jurisdiction and capacity to require
the implementation of Climate Change Warning labels on gas pumps.”
INTEGRATED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE
2.
The Committee considered a memorandum entitled “Environmental Committee Presentation –
March 17, 2016,” dated March 2, 2016 prepared by Aquafor Beech Limited, regarding the City
of Kitchener Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan (ISWM-MP). In addition, the
City was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “Integrated Stormwater Management
Master Plan (ISWM-MP)”, dated March 17, 2016.
Mr. N. Gollan introduced the ISWM-MP, noting the City has retained a consultant to assist in
the development of the Master Plan and introduced Mr. Chris Denich, Aquafor Beech Limited.
Mr. Denich provided an overview on the development of the Stormwater Master Plan, noting
the intention of the presentation is to provide an update on the progress to date, noting the
Master Plan will also serve as a transparent community process by which the City can
establish stormwater management guidelines and policies for the next 15 years.
Mr. Denich advised the project team has completed several key study tasks relating to
municipal infrastructure and municipal property, by which to provide strategic direction and
identify specific projects to be undertaken, including but not limited to:
Streams - City Wide Stream System Understanding and Erosion Assessment which
prioritizes erosion sites and restoration opportunities within local watercourses;
SWM Facilities - End-of-Pipe Opportunities Assessment which identifies potential
locations for the construction of new SWM facilities within existing urban areas of the
City which currently do not have stormwater control;
Roads - Municipal ROW (conveyance control) Retrofit Opportunities Assessment which
integrates the City’s 10-year Capital Forecast for surface reconstruction (resurfacing)
and full reconstruction projects with preferred Low Impact Development (LID)
approaches for each road segment and provides a decision making process for Major,
Minor, Local roads, alleyways and sidewalk installation projects;
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2016 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INTEGRATED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE (CONT’D)
2.
Sewer System - Info-Works Model Trunk Sewer Model evaluates the existing
performance of the City infrastructure along with scenarios, which represent predicted
climate change conditions, the application of volume control targets and various
combinations.
In addition, Mr. Denich advised that as well as completion of the key study tasks, the project
team has also begun development on City’s Infiltration Policy Recommendations which will
govern how and where stormwater can be infiltrated to improve stormwater control in the City
per the approved Source Protection Plan. He further advised the next steps in the development
of the ISWM-MP include: finalizing the draft stormwater volume control criteria and targets;
refining the City’s development standards to reflect the recommended approaches; developing
a preferred Market Transformation Strategy designed to encourage and incentivize private
property owners to implement sustainable stormwater practices and LID source controls, as
well as participating in the Stormwater Credit Program; and, refining the City’s Cash-in-lieu
(CiL) Program to align with current and future policy considerations, rebate programs and
market transformation strategies.
In response to questions, staff agreed to circulate a copy of the staff presentation.
Questions were raised regarding the recommendations and the funding that would be required
to complete all of the recommendations as outlined in the Master Plan. Mr. Gollan stated the
purpose of a Master Plan is to guide and prioritize the City’s capital funding related to
stormwater for the next 15 years. He indicated although the recommendations require
significant capital-funding allocations, the benefits would exceed the expense. He further
advised the creation of a Stormwater Utility was to help manage the funding requirements and
lessen the burden for stormwater upgrades on the tax base.
Mr. J. Jackson expressed concerns with the Cyber Public Advisory Committee for the
Stormwater Master plan, noting there were unclear expectations regarding his participation and
lack of feedback from staff / other members of the Committee. Mr. Gollan advised there were
a number of members on the Committee and staff received minimal feedback from the majority
of the participants. Mr. Denich advised that community engagement related to the development
of a Master Plan is historically low. He noted the Project team has offered a number of different
engagement tools to solicit feedback, including mail-outs, handing out flyers, interactive
sessions, and Public Information Centres (PIC). He indicated the intention for the next PIC is to
increase community engagement by targeting invitations to residents where recommendations
within the Draft Plan have been suggested in their general vicinity.
Ms. S. Danckert noted any members having additional comment / feedback could forward
them via email to Nick Gollan at nick.gollan@kitchener.ca.
INS-16-031 - UPPER BLAIR STATE OF THE WATERSHED STUDY
3.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-031, dated
March 2, 2016 regarding the Upper Blair Creek State of the Watershed Report dated February
10, 2016. In addition, the City was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled “State of the
Watershed (SOW) Report Upper Blair Creek” dated March 17, 2016.
Mr. E. Riek and Mr. Chris Denich, Aquafor Beech Limited presented an overview of the State
of the Watershed (SOW) Report. Mr. Denich advised that system-wide monitoring programs
were recommended within the Blair, Bechtel, Bauman Creeks (BBB) Study and the Upper Blair
Creek Functional Drainage Study (FDS), which has been underway in Blair Creek since 2006.
He stated the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), on behalf of the City of Kitchener,
in addition to ongoing monitoring undertaken by three (3) of the four (4) main development
proponents (Hallman, Monarch, Activa) have been undertaking monitoring of the Upper Blair
Watershed since approximately 2007. He commented the purpose for the development of the
Watershed report was to monitor and evaluate the overall health of the Blair Creek ecosystem,
with a secondary goal to demonstrate that it is possible for environmentally responsible
development to occur.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2016 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-16-031 - UPPER BLAIR STATE OF THE WATERSHED STUDY (CONT’D)
3.
Mr. Denich indicated the Upper Blair State of the Watershed (SOW) report includes, but is not
limited to, the following: documenting baseline environmental conditions; determining the
nature of any observed impact on Blair Creek due to ongoing urban development in the East
Study area; assess the operational effectiveness of the monitoring program; and, prioritize
which monitoring parameters will assist in future monitoring efforts to develop an enhanced
understanding of the state of the watershed. He stated future State of the Watershed reports
are scheduled to be completed every five (5) years, and of particular interest to the Region of
Waterloo, City of Kitchener and Grand River Conservation Authority are: changes to flow
regime impacting stream stability; thermal impacts to Blair Creek and associated habitats;
sediment release, loadings and construction erosion and sediment control issues; and,
groundwater recharge. He advised, based on pre-construction monitoring, Upper Blair Creek
can be characterized as a very healthy creek, with very low Total Suspended Solids (TSS). He
indicated targets for future monitoring have generally been proposed to reflect Maintenance of
the existing conditions and further, an increased importance on erosion and sediment control
during construction will ensure the Creek and surrounding environment does not suffer from
the impacts of development.
In response to questions, Mr. Denich advised the SOW is a baseline monitoring report
providing a snapshot of the current water quality conditions in the watershed. He advised that
no recommendations are being made at this time to help to improve the existing conditions.
He stated Upper Blair Creek is characterized as a very healthy creek and the ongoing
monitoring will assist in maintaining the health of the creek through the development process in
the Doon South area. Mr. Riek advised that the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approved the
development currently being undertaken in the area and as part of that decision, developers
are required to undertake adaptive development, which includes the requirement to participate
in the monitoring of the watershed.
Questions were raised on how often the watershed is monitored and whether there would be
sufficient time to take corrective action if any adverse impacts of development are identified.
Mr. Riek advised that ongoing monitoring is required by the developers, City staff and the
GRCA. The intention is to maintain the health of the watershed and minimize any adverse
effects the development may have one the environment.
Concerns were raised regarding the time allotted to discuss the Report and amount of
information that was provided to the Committee. It was requested, and staff agreed, to include
the matter on the April 21, 2016 Environmental Committee agenda for further discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson
Committee Administrator