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ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. T. Driver, Ms. T. Belanger and Ms. C. Gaetani.
Staff: L. Cooper, Manager, Development Engineering
N. Gollan, Manager, Storm Water Utility
E. Riek, Project Manager, Development Engineering
M. Wilson, Engineering Technologist, Stormwater Utility
J. Shea, Natural Area Coordinator
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
1.
INS-16-031 - UPPER BLAIR STATE OF THE WATERSHED STUDY
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-031, dated
March 2, 2016 regarding the Upper Blair Creek State of the Watershed report (SOW), dated
February 10, 2016.
Mr. E. Riek noted he was in attendance this date as a follow-up from the Committees March
meeting regarding the SOW, noting there was insufficient time at that meeting to respond to all
the Committees questions. He indicated the Members were requested to submit questions
where possible prior to the meeting this date to ensure a fulsome response could be provided.
Mr. Riek provided a summary of the questions received, including the responses:
1. What is the tolerance of the report? Will the confidence intervals of the findings still be
on the preferred side of the targets?
In general, depending on the discipline, it is the intent to ensure that during
·
construction and post construction, results remain on the preferred side of the
targets (i.e. maintain existing conditions, acknowledging that there is natural
variation).
2. If subsystems are being dealt with separately, does that mean there is no way to
measure potential interactions or upstream/downstream effects?
Many of the targets and indicators cross each sub-discipline or subsystem (i.e.
·
flow affects habitat and water quality, etc.). Some indicators have been repeated
for different subsystems because of the interrelationship.
3. How will monitoring be done and under what time line? What are the consequences to
issues/delayed reporting, etc?
Monitoring is to be completed by the developers (as part of development
·
monitoring) and the GRCA (as part of systems wide monitoring). Targets which
are not met will trigger a response from the Grand River Conservation Authority
and the City for: increased monitoring; remedial action) i.e. Rapid Assessment
and Action Protocol (RAAP) or use of the Erosion and Sediment Control bonds);
and, implementation/use of the contingency lots for additional infiltration. There is
no mechanism in place for delayed reporting; however, delayed reporting would
likely effect subsequent approvals and the release of development
bonds/securities.
Questions were raised regarding the development monitoring requirements, noting one of the
original developers recently changed ownership. Mr. Riek advised the conditions outlined in
the development approvals were registered on title and will need to be in compliance to
continue development in the subject area.
In response to questions regarding infiltration lots identified in the Doon South subdivision, Mr.
Riek advised that to his knowledge, the infiltration lots are unique to the Doon South
Subdivision, noting the area has higher targets for ground water infiltration. If those targets are
not maintained, the identified lots will be left undeveloped.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2016 - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER
1.
INS-16-031 - UPPER BLAIR STATE OF THE WATERSHED STUDY (CONTD)
Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned whether the City was giving consideration to a request
from a developer in the Doon South area to increase intensification by adding an additional 7
residential development lots. Mr. Riek advised that Engineering Services has expressed
concerns regarding drainage and the request is currently lacking support from other
departments as well.
Several members questioned whether consideration was being given to applying similar types
of development standards to other areas of the City, and what the penalties may be for not
meeting the standards. Mr. Riek advised an update to the Citys Development Manual would
be required to implement greater environmental controls such as infiltration galleries, etc. He
noted any updates to the Development Manual would need support from all members within
the industry prior to making changes of that nature. He further advised that staff do impose
penalties for developers who do not meet the requirements as outlined in the registered
development agreements. He noted there are a number of municipalities that have much
stricter environmental protection requirements, and the City is gradually making the shift to
strengthen our environmental requirements similar to those already in use by the Credit Valley
Conservation area, but it will take time.
Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested the Environmental Committee may wish to give some
consideration to working with Engineering Services to increase the Citys environmental
protection requirements related to construction. She questioned whether it could be added as a
future agenda item for the Committees consideration. Mr. Riek advised that he would be
willing to attend a future meeting to discuss environmental development standards.
Mr. Riek added if members have any additional questions regarding the SOW report, they are
welcome to contact him via email at eric.riek@kitchener.ca.
2.
PRESENTATION - NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT PLANS
- MONARCH WOODS AND EAST LAURENTIAN WETLANDS
The Committee considered information materials entitled Overview of Natural Area
Management Plans and Request for Input dated April 21, 2016. In addition, the Committee
was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled Natural Area Management Plans 2016:
Monarch Woods & Laurentian Wetlands, dated April 21, 2016 regarding an overview of the
Environmental Management Plans for Monarch Woods & East Laurentian Wetlands, and work
completed to date on the Natural Area Management Plans.
Mr. J. Shea presented an overview of the process for developing an Environmental
Management Plan (EMP), highlighting the six-step process, including: project initiation; data
gathering and public consultation; assessment and inventory; preparation of a draft Plan;
public review of the draft Plan; and, creating the Final Management Plan. He indicated staff
have a goal of completing one EMP annually, noting in 2016 staff are undertaking two EMPs;
one for Monarch Woods, Lynnvally Park & Eastforest Park and the other for East Laurentian
Wetlands. He stated staff are currently undergoing step three in the process which includes an
assessment of the parks, including understanding the current ecological conditions. He stated
staff have already completed the initial field work and have identified three emerging themes
for each park. Mr. Shea advised the three key themes identified for Monarch Woods include:
improving maintenance, keeping the park natural and addressing visitor and resident impacts.
He further advised the key themes identified for the East Laurentian Wetlands include:
sustainable access, protecting wildlife and education.
Mr. Shea indicated staff have selected goals, objectives and targets that will guide the
management of the parks. He noted staff are currently seeking feedback on those goals,
targets and objectives to inform the draft EMPs. Once the public consultation is complete, draft
plans will be completed and a Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held to review the drafts.
He further advised the EMPs are anticipated to be completed in Summer/Fall 2016, with the
goal for implementation, being Spring 2017 onwards.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2016 - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2.
PRESENTATION - NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT PLANS
- MONARCH WOODS AND EAST LAURENTIAN WETLANDS (CONTD)
In response to questions regarding invasive plant species, Mr. Shea advised that staff typically
try to engage with the homeowners adjacent to the parks to provide education on species and
ways to manage them to ensure they do not overrun the parks, noting periwinkle as an
example. He indicated a brochure that outlines/educates homeowners on invasive plant
species is entitled Grow Me Instead and can be found at the following link:
http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/GMI_Booklet_spreads_2011_Final_web.pdf
3.
INS 16-042 - HURON NATURAL AREA (HNA) PERMEABLE PAVER DEMONSTRATION
PROJECT
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-031, dated
March 17, 2016 regarding the 17-space permeable paver parking lot installed at the Huron
Natural Area (HNA). In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation
entitled Permeable Paver Demonstration Project at Huron Natural Area, dated April 21, 2016.
Mr. M. Wilson presented the Report, advising the City received a $25,000. grant from Great
Lakes Guardian Community Fund (GLGCF) administered by the Ministry of the Environment
and Climate Change (MOECC), and received approval for approximately $175,000. in funding
from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), administered by the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM), to install a 17-space permeable paver parking lot at the HNA. He
indicated the project is intended to assist with educating individuals on the benefits of green
infrastructure, and raise awareness about stormwater management. He further advised it
would also provide a basis for comparison of new innovative technologies versus traditional
approaches in stormwater management within a local context. Mr. Wilson provided an
overview on the installation of the parking lot, noting the grand opening of the lot will occur at
the HNAs Earth Day event on April 30, 2016.
Ms. C. Gaetani questioned whether the type of soil would impact the installation of a
permeable paving driveway. Mr. N. Gollan advised the type of soil does have some impact on
the installation of permeable paving stones. He noted if the soil was less penetrating, the
installation of a release drain under the stones would assist with any overflow that soil was not
able to absorb. He indicated even with a release drain, it is still a preferred solution as there
are fewer impacts on the storm sewer system.
Questions were raised regarding incentives and whether the new Stormwater Master Plan
(SMP) will provide greater incentives to those individuals/businesses who implement a similar
type of parking lot/driveway. Mr. Gollan advised there are a number of recommendations in the
SMP that include the use of permeable pavers, and recommendations for their use in road
reconstruction projects. He indicated although the rebates may not fully cover the cost of
installation of stormwater technology, at this time the life cost of a permeable paving driveway
is similar to a traditional material driveway.
In response to questions regarding the recommendations within the SMP related to
technologies such as permeable paving stones, Ms. B. Steiner advised Low Impact
Development standards are becoming more significant and the Province will likely be updating
stormwater management policies regarding infiltration within the next two years.
4.
ACTIVE SUB-COMMITTEES - STATUS UPDATES
Ms. B. Steiner advised she was in receipt of email correspondence from Ms. K. Milicic who
sent her regrets for this date, advising she was a member of the Green Festival Strategy" Best
Bet, and wanted to provide an update on the work completed this date. Ms. Milicic advised she
has been in contact with City staff and is waiting for information regarding possible meeting
times.
Ms. S. Dankert provided an update on Sub-Committee 7.2 - Other Environmental Committee
event(s), noting it was their intention to organize an event in conjunction with Earth Day. She
indicated the individual who assumed the leadership role for the Sub-Committee has since
resigned from the Committee of Whole and the planning lost traction. She noted due to timing
they were unable to host an Earth Day event this year.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2016 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER
5.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson
Committee Administrator