HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnv Minutes - 2018-01-18
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m.
Present: Ms. C. Gaetani - Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. J. Jackson, J. Gray, and E. Saxon, and Ms. T. Driver,
E. Kelly, K. Milicic, S. Dankert, and T. Belanger.
Staff: B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
J. Rodrigues, Committee Administrator
S. Delaney, Administrative Clerk
1.COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN – PHASE 2
The Committee was in receipt this date of a report entitled ‘ClimateActionWR: Setting a long-
term target’, regarding a proposed long-term target for community Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
emissions reductions in Waterloo Region.
Ms. Kate Daley, Plan Manager, ClimateActionWR, introduced the collaborative partners and
advised of the five project milestones which include: creating a baseline emissions inventory
and forecast; setting emissions reduction targets; developing a local action plan; implementing
the local action plan; and, monitoring progress and report results. She noted the climate action
plan aims to achieve a reduction of 842,000 tonnes of GHG’s, which is a target of 6% below
2010 levels by the year 2020.
Ms. Daley advised of the progress to date, which include a 5.2% emissions reduction that
occurred between 2010-2015. She provided an overview of current emissions and noted that
transportation (49%) is responsible for half of the emissions, in comparison to: workplaces
(27%); homes (18%); agriculture (5%); and, waste (1%).
In regards to the proposed long-term target, Ms. Daley indicated the goal is to achieve an
emissions reduction of 80% below 2010 levels, to be reached by the year 2050. She noted the
community is in favour of an ambitious target, as out of the 1,830 people surveyed across
Waterloo Region, a majority of 53% chose a target of 70% or higher. She made note of other
Ontario communities setting 2050 targets of 80% and advised reaching our target goal will
require significant changes in Waterloo Region regarding energy (CEIS); transportation
(RTMP) and land use planning.
Ms. Daley cited the community benefits associated with a target of 80%, anticipating the
proposed target would likely be considered at the April 9, 2018 Community & Infrastructure
Services Committee.
Ms. B. Steiner advised the Committee can endorse the proposed target, provide suggested
amendments to the proposed target, or endorse another target.
A motion was brought forward by Mr. J. Jackson to amend the recommendation outlined in the
Report to include “at least” 80% below 2010 levels by the year 2050.
Ms. Daley noted once the proposed target is approved by the Regional municipalities,
ClimateAction WR plans to formulate the first short-term plan, likely a 10-year plan, to outline
actions to help achieve the target for 2050. The Committee requested the first short-term plan
be brought to the Environmental Committee for consideration.
On motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
“That the Community Climate Action Plan – Phase 2 as presented at the Environmental
Committee on January 18, 2018, be endorsed with a proposed target of at least 80%
below 2010 levels by year 2050.”
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 2018 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES - COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT
(CEIG)
- ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS
Ms. C. Gaetani led a discussion on the various Sub-Committees. The following updates were
provided:
Item 2.1 – Water Management Stewardship
Mr. J. Jackson indicated the Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet with Mr. N. Gollan on
January 19, 2018 regarding initiatives the Sub-Committee can facilitate. Mr. Jackson advised
through email correspondence, Mr. Gollan suggested the following two potential initiatives:
creating an “Adopt-A-“ project for a specific stream, wetland, or stormwater facility; or, helping
create citizen understanding of new “Low Impact Development” (LID) stormwater management
techniques that citizens can apply on their own properties.
Mr. Jackson advised after meeting with Mr. Gollan on January 19, 2018, the Sub-Committee
will formulate a recommended initiative for the Environmental Committee’s consideration.
Item 7.1 – Environmental Events
Ms. E. Kelly advised the Sub-Committee has identified the lead person for each event. She
indicated the Sub-Committee is still requesting Committee members to confirm which event(s)
they will be attending. She further provided the Committee with potential topics for public
outreach, such as composting or pollinator gardens. Ms. Steiner advised the Sub-Committee
should contact Mr. J. Shea, Natural Area Coordinator, regarding the date for Earth Day and the
ideas for public outreach. Councillor Y. Fernandes and Ms. C. Gaetani noted they would be in
attendance at Earth Day. Councillor Y. Fernandes confirmed she could be the lead person for
Bikefest, stating she will arrange a table for the Environmental Committee at the event. Ms. E.
Kelly stated Ms. T. Driver would be the lead person for the Kidspark event in Victoria Park.
Item 7.2 – Community Environmental Improvement Grants (CEIG)
The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence regarding general information about
the grant and the application process for members to share with individuals interested in
applying. Ms. Steiner advised she would follow up with the Committee members by email with
regard to the grant application deadline.
3.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Jaclyn Rodrigues
Committee Administrator