HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnv Minutes - 2018-04-19
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 19, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Ms. C. Gaetani - Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. 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
L. Majcher, Manager, Strategic & Business Planning
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
S. Delaney, Administrative Clerk
1.UPDATE ON THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG)
Ms. C. Musselman provided an update on the Community Environmental Improvement Gant
(CEIG) recommendation that was considered by Council at the April 16, 2018 Council meeting.
She advised Council brought forward an amendment to approve a CEIG in the amount of
$3000. to Trinity Village/Lutheran Homes Kitchener Waterloo, for their berm revitalization and
naturalization project.
2.CORPORATE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN - PHASE 2 - CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY
AND RISK ASSESSMENT
The Committee was in receipt this date of a report entitled ‘Corporate Climate Vulnerability &
Risk Assessment’, dated April 5, 2018 regarding Phase 2 of the Corporate Climate Action
Plan, which included a list of high to low priority action items for future consideration for the
identified risk factors.
Ms. L. Majcher was in attendance to discuss Phase 2 of the Corporate Climate Action Plan
advising the primary focus of Phase 2 is to complete a risk and vulnerability assessment. A
discussion took place regarding prioritization for action (high, medium and low) and the
methodology used to develop the Corporate Climate Action Plan was outlined.
Ms. Majcher advised of the Corporate Climate Resiliency Evaluation (ICLEI Climate Adaption
Methodology) focusing on the risks; and provided an overview of the risk assessment process,
which includes:
the level of confidence that the climate impact will occur;
how likely the climate impact is to translate to consequence occurance; and,
how severe the consequences will be for the public, staff, municipal asset conditions;
and, environmental conditions.
She indicated a separate risk assessment was also completed for each category, which
included a thorough and comprehensive analysis.
Ms. Majcher described the difference between vulnerability and risk, and outlined the priorities
which include the greatest risks to city operations as a result in anticipated changes in climate.
She noted some risks include severe flooding, wind storms and freezing rain, extreme heat
and draught. She also noted additional priorities include addressing the impact of climate
change, which result in more frequent and intense rainstorms, extreme heat and diseases,
and, damage to City facilities, assets and infrastructure as they become unsuited to the
changing climate and more frequent climate hazards. In response to questions, Ms. Majcher
advised vulnerability and risk are two separate concepts, and that risk is not a function of
vulnerability.
Questions were raised regarding public education and Ms. Majcher noted there is an
opportunity to educate citizens about the plan, through community centres and workshops. The
Committee then discussed the emergency preparedness kits and made note that community
awareness and preparedness should be a priority.
In response to questions regarding the vulnerable population, Ms. Majcher advised that the
scope of the plan is intended to focus on city operations and facilities; however, the Region is
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 19, 2018 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2.CORPORATE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN - PHASE 2 - CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY
AND RISK ASSESSMENT (CONT’D)
currently working on a plan to deal with community implications. Discussion ensued in regards
to the new Corporate Sustainability Officer position, and the idea of leveraging partnerships
and communications within the community.
3.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
Ms. C. Gaetani led a discussion on the various Sub-Committees. The following updates were
provided:
Item 1.2 – Bee City Kitchener Working Group
Ms. E. Kelly provided an update on the working group and advised they are currently looking
for opportunities to reach out to the community and inform citizens about being a bee city.
Focus will be placed on attending events to discuss natural plants and pollinator friendly
habitats.
Item 3.1 – Anti-Idling Education
Mr. E. Saxon discussed the progress of the group to date, and advised that next steps will
include contacting other organizations who are currently involved in this initiative to gain their
feedback.
Item 5.1 – Energy Systems
Ms. T. Driver advised the group held a meeting on April 6, 2018 with Sustainable Waterloo
Region and provided an overview of the meeting. The sustainability checklist in developers’
requirements was discussed and the group advised the next steps will include holding a
stakeholder type discussion to determine what types of things would be reasonable to include
in the checklist.
Item 7.1 – Environmental Events
Ms. E. Kelly provided an update on the Earth Day events that will be taking place at Kiwanis
park. An email will go out to Mr. J. Joseph to attain additional details about the event and the
group will be distributing pamphlets at the event regarding ‘How Not to Kill Trees’.
4.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson Siobhan Delaney
Committee Administrator Administrative Clerk