HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-14
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 14, 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. Jackson and E. Saxon, and Ms. T. Driver.
Staff: B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range and Policy Planner
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
J. Rodrigues, Committee Administrator
1.COMMUNITY ENERGY INVESTMENT STRATEGY (CEIS) - DRAFT VERSION
Mr. B. Sloan referred to a presentation made by Mr. Roewade, Region of Waterloo, entitled
‘Community Energy Investment Strategy - Draft for Comment’ at the Environmental Committee
meeting on November 16, 2017. He advised the meeting this date was intended to provide the
Committee opportunity to further discuss the CEIS and consider formulating a draft
recommendation to be forwarded to a Standing Committee meeting in conjunction with a
Community Services Department report on the CEIS.
The Committee expressed the importance of dedicating a staff member to facilitate and
manage the implementation of CEIS and the integration of energy management into land-use
and infrastructure planning. In response to questions, Mr. Sloan advised one of the goals in the
Kitchener Growth Management Plan is Energy Conservation. He further indicated the goal
lacks information and oversight, which staff sees as a tool for successful implementation.
The Committee discussed, and it was agreed, the following items should be considered when
implementing the CEIS:
a better reflection of community input into the Energy Opportunities and Recommended
Actions;
each action should consider messaging and approaches tailored to each community or
audience;
encourage or highlight that the implementation of the Community Energy Investment
Strategy (CEIS) should learn from and/or collaborate with local advocacy groups such
as REEP, as they have successfully executed local community projects;
coordinate advocacy with federal, provincial, and municipal partners; and,
implementation should emphasize the spirit of a holistic approach which should focus on
the social, economic, and environmental aspects.
On motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
“That the draft Community Energy Investment Strategy (CEIS) as presented at the
Environmental Committee on November 16, 2017, be endorsed with a number of
recommended actions as discussed at the Environmental Committee on December 14, 2017
for inclusion in the implementation of the CEIS.”
2.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
Ms. C. Gaetani led a discussion on the various Sub-Committees. The following updates were
provided:
Item 1.1 - Kitchener Natural Areas Program
Councillor Y. Fernandes advised Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock is the new liaison for the
Kitchener Natural Areas Program.
Item 1.2 - Bee City Kitchener Working Group
Ms. B. Steiner advised Report INS-17-081 Bee City Canada - Becoming a Bee City Affiliate
was passed at Council on December 11, 2017. She indicated Mr. J. Shea will schedule
meetings for the Bee City Kitchener Working Group in January, 2018.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 14, 2017 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
Item 7.2 - Community Environmental Improvement Grants (CEIG)
Mr. Sloan provided the Committee with an update on the new deadlines for the Community
Environmental Improvement Grants, stating staff anticipate advertisement will begin in
January, 2018 with the deadline for applications being in late February, 2018. He advised
following this deadline, the Sub-Committee will meet to review the applications and formulate a
recommended grantee for the Environmental Committee to consider at the March 15, 2018
meeting. He further advised once the Committee has agreed on a recommendation for the
successful grantee, the recommendation will be forwarded Standing Committee and Council
for consideration in April, 2018.
In response to questions, Mr. Sloan indicated staff is exploring the possibility of suggesting to
unsuccessful applicants with environmental related initiatives who applied for the
Neighbourhood Placemaking Challenge to now apply for the Community Energy Investment
Strategy (CEIS).
3.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Jaclyn Rodrigues
Committee Administrator