HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-19
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 19, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:04 p.m.
Present: Ms. C. Gaetani - Chair
Messrs. J. Jackson, J. Gray and E. Saxon, and Ms. T. Belanger, L. Bourassa, S.
Danckert, T. Driver, and E. Kelly.
Staff: B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
J. Bunn, Manager, Council and Committee Services/Deputy Clerk
J. Rodrigues, Committee Administrator
1.INS-17-081 - BEE CITY CANADA - BECOMING A BEE CITY AFFILIATE
The Committee was in receipt this date of Infrastructure Services report INS-17-081 entitled
‘Bee City Canada - Becoming a Bee City Affiliate’, dated October 5, 2017, regarding the
benefits of becoming a Bee City affiliate and planned initiatives to support pollination and
pollinators in Kitchener.
Mr. Joshua Shea, Natural Area Coordinator, was in attendance and provided an overview of
the Report, noting the Bee City program is a movement focused on establishing and
maintaining a healthy pollinator habitat within the community. He noted staff are
recommending the City become a Bee City affiliate, with the goal of raising awareness of the
importance of bees and other pollinators to our world. He indicated the staff report provides an
overview of initiatives the City of Kitchener currently engages in that are complementary to the
goals of Bee City Canada.
Ms. Kimberly Fellows was in attendance this date to provide the Committee with an update on
the Bee City program, indicating eight Canadian cities have become Bee City affiliates, with
Toronto first and St. Catherine’s most recently in August 2017. She indicated other cities that
are not Bee City affiliates are also actively involved.
Mr. Shea indicated Council will consider Report INS-17-081 after the recommendation is
brought forward to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee for consideration on
December 4, 2017. He noted following ratification at the City’s Council meeting scheduled for
December 11, 2017, an application to Bee City Canada will be drafted to include the City of
Kitchener’s commitments for the first year as an affiliate municipality.
The Committee discussed ways to measure the success of the Bee City program and how to
encourage local businesses to become involved.
In response to questions, Mr. Shea noted the next step is to establish a Committee of
individuals to brainstorm program initiatives and their implementation.
Ms. Steiner suggested creating a liaison position for a member of the Environmental
Committee to participate in the Bee City affiliate program at the City.
On motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
“That the City of Kitchener become a Bee City affiliate."
2.WASTE-IN-A-JAR CHALLENGE
Ms. C. Gaetani led a discussion on the Committee’s participation and experience with the
Waste-in-a-Jar Challenge. The Committee discussed issues experienced with recycling certain
items and the difficulty avoiding purchasing items without packaging.
3.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
Ms. B. Steiner led a discussion on the various Sub-Committees. The following updates were
provided:
Ms. Steiner requested a volunteer to be the City’s liason for the Bee City program noting
Joshua Shea, Natural Area Coordinator would be the staff contact. Ms. E. Kelly volunteered
and it was agreed upon by the Committee.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 19, 2017 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES (CONT’D)
Item 5.1 - Energy Systems
Ms. Steiner noted this Sub-Committee has two vacancies which will need to be filled. Ms. L.
Bourassa and T. Driver volunteered and it was agreed upon by the Committee. Ms. Steiner
proposed the Sub-Committee connect with Ms. S. Brown, Senior Sustainability Planner.
Item 7.3 - Green Festival Strategy
Ms. Steiner indicated selection for this Sub-Committee was scheduled to begin this fall. Ms.
Gaetani provided the Committee with an opportunity to volunteer for this Sub-Committee;
however, no member volunteered at this time.
Item 7.1 - Environmental Events
Mr. J. Gray provided a list of City of Kitchener events relating to the environment that would be
prudent for the Committee to attend. Mr. Gray also identified a number of community groups
that would be beneficial as partnerships for these events. The Committee brainstormed public
outreach plans, prioritized which events they are interested in attending and discussed which
resources may be available for participation in the events. The Sub-Committee recommended
formulating a list of event dates, resources, and potential public outreach ideas for the
Committee Members to consider prior to the next Environmental Committee meeting.
Item 2.1 - Water Management Stewardship
The Sub-Committee recommended arranging a meeting with Ms. L. Cooper, Manager of
Development Engineering, and Mr. N. Gollan, Manager of Stormwater Utility. Ms. T. Driver
volunteered to join the Sub-Committee and it was agreed upon by the Committee.
4.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
Jaclyn Rodrigues Jeff Bunn
Committee Administrator Manager, Council and Committee Services/
Deputy Clerk