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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-18 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 18, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Ms. C. Gaetani - Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. J. Gray, J. Jackson and E. Saxon and Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. S. Danckert, Ms. R. Joneja, Ms. E. Kelly, and Ms. E. Skopec. Staff: B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner S. Brown, Senior Sustainability Planner J. Bunn, Committee Administrator S. Delaney, Administrative Clerk 1.CSD-17-012 - COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT The Committee was in receipt this date of Community Services Department report CSD-17- 012, dated May 4, 2017 regarding the Community Climate Action Plan. In addition, the Committee considered a presentation entitled ‘Our Progress, Our Path’, and a progress report entitled “Our Progress, Our Path: An Update on Waterloo Region’s Community Carbon Footprint”. Ms. D. Laperriere, ClimateActionWR Plan Manager, Reep Green Solutions/Sustainable Waterloo Region, was in attendance this date to provide an overview of the ClimateActionWR progress report, outlining the proposal to reduce community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to 6% below 2010 levels by 2020. She noted the five focus areas include: transportation; workplaces; homes; agriculture; and, waste. Ms. Laperriere noted between 2010 and 2015 the community reduced the carbon footprint by 5.2%, with a decrease in emissions during a period of economic growth. At a sector-specific level, transportation emissions grew by 5% and comprise 49% of the carbon footprint. Agriculture emissions comprised 5% of community GHG emissions and had a slight decrease, while the increase in GHG emissions from community waste was attributed to population growth. Workplaces and homes also decreased in emissions due to local effort to conserve energy. She advised the report highlights local action from partners and individuals in the community, and will help to achieve the reduction target. Ms. S. Brown advised the City is a Partner of the Climate Protection Program, as established by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). She explained the Climate Protection Program is comprised of five milestones: creating a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast; setting an emission reduction target; developing a local action plan; implementing the local action plan or a set of activities; and, monitoring progress and reporting results. She further defined the difference between the corporate GHG reduction target and the broader community-scope Climate Action Plan, and noted the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is supportive of the City’s initiative and collaborative action plan with ClimateActionWR. Ms. Brown advised the City has set up the framework to pursue a 6% reduction target by 2020. She explained between 2010 and 2015, GHG emissions decreased by 5.2%. She acknowledged a one-time reduction event of the provincial coal phase-out can be attributed to 4.4% of overall GHG emission decrease. In response to questions, Ms. Brown advised the coal reduction was taken into account when the 6% target was created. To observe further reduction and to meet GHG reduction target by 2020, the process must be accelerated in our local communities. She further outlined the recommendations contained in the report and advised on the next steps which include addressing Standing Committees and Council. On motion by Ms. S. Danckert- it was resolved: “That the recommendations identified in the Community Climate Action Plan Progress Report, outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-17-012 be endorsed”. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 18, 2017 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2.2017/2018 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE WORK PLAN The Committee was in receipt this date of the draft 2017/2018 Environmental Committee Work Plan based on the Committee’s existing objectives and priorities. Ms. B. Steiner provided an overview of the final draft, and members expressed support for adding a green-driving component to the Work Plan regarding anti-idling and the barriers surrounding it. Ms. Steiner led a discussion on the educational component of green-driving, and suggestions were put forth to develop a green-driving strategy. She advised the City of Kitchener currently does not have a by-law regarding idling, and members discussed researching the City’s by- laws and planning processes. The creation of a green-driving Sub-committee was discussed and Ms. Steiner suggested green-driving be listed under the heading air-quality on the Work Plan. The Committee discussed Item 3 before voting on adopting the Work Plan. 3.APPOINTMENT OF SUB-COMMITTEE LIAISONS Ms. C. Gaetani opened the floor to nominations and it was agreed that the following members would be appointed as Sub-Committee Liaisons: Ms. E. Kelly, Ms. C. Gaetani and Mr. J. Jackson, be appointed to the Water Management Stewardship Sub-committee; Councillor Y. Fernandes, Mr. E. Saxon, Mr. J. Gray, and Mr. J. Jackson, be appointed to the Air Quality Sub-committee; and, Ms.E. Skopec, Ms. S. Danckert, and Mr. E. Saxon be appointed to the Green Development Guidelines Sub-committee. Discussion took place regarding item 8.2 on the Work Plan, Strategic Plan for the Environment – Review Methodology for Annual Report Card, and it was decided this item should be added as a future agenda item, instead of remaining a Sub-committee. Ms. Steiner advised this item will be added to the September agenda. On motion by Ms. E, Kelly - it was resolved: “That the 2017/2018 Environmental Committee Work Plan, be approved”. 4.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES Ms. M. Bird, Community Engagement Student (Urban Forests), was in attendance this date to provide an overview of Urban Forestry and to discuss Urban Forest Management. She advised on the City of Kitchener’s involvement in the upcoming BikeFest and noted the opportunities available for the Committee to take part. She further discussed EcoFest and the networking opportunities available at this event, and offered suggestions on how the Committee can become involved. The Committee then discussed distributing t-shirts to Committee event volunteers and a rain barrel give-away at BikeFest or EcoFest. Councillor Fernandes requested the Committee be provided a list of urban forestry-related events in order to identify volunteer and community outreach opportunities. 5.JUNE 15, 2017 MEETING LOGISTICS Mr. J. Bunn discussed the June 15, 2017 Environmental Committee site visit to view the Strasburg Creek restoration. He recommended holding a meeting at City Hall followed by a site visit. Since transportation funds are currently unavailable, participants will arrange for their own transportation to the site for that portion of the meeting. 6.ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Jeff Bunn Siobhan Delaney Committee Administrator Administrative Clerk