HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnv Minutes - 2018-09-20ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:04 p.m.
Present: Ms. C. Gaetani - Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. J. Gray, J. Jackson, and E. Saxon, and Ms. T. Belanger,
S. Danckert, T. Driver, E. Kelly, and K. Milicic.
Staff: N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
M. Kamphuis, Business Development & Conservation Strategist
C. Nechacov, Stormwater Engineering Technologist
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
C. Boomer, Committee Administrator
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR
Ms. B. Steiner introduced Mr. C. Boomer as the new Environmental Committee Administrator,
effective immediately.
2. REEP GREEN SOLUTIONS - 2018 ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION
Ms. K. Milicic and Ms. T. Driver declared a conflict, and did not participate in any voting or
discussion regarding this matter.
The Committee considered a letter of request from Reep Green Solutions dated September 13,
2018, requesting the City of Kitchener renew its funding in the amount of $30,907. for 2019. In
addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the 2018 Report to the Community entitled,
Ms. M. Patterson and Mr. D. Blake presented Reep Green Solutions 2018 Annual Report,
Reep Green Solutions is a registered
environmental charity. Mr. Blake provided an overview on ClimateActionWR and initiatives they
are undertaking with regard to climate change, as well as an overview on the current in-home
services they continue to offer to residents to improve their home energy savings. Ms. Patterson
provided an overview of the workshops currently being offered at Reep including: sustainable
fashion; vermicomposting; draft-proofing your home, and various others; stating Reep is also
currently encouraging residents to participate in the Zero Waste Challenge.
In response to questions, Ms. Patterson advised that with the recent change in government at
the Provincial level, Reep has not received notification from the province regarding their funding
in the current/up-coming years, but they anticipate a decrease in funding. She stated one
initiative they are currently working towards is to lobby the Federal Government to try to establish
a federal incentive home energy retro-fit program to increase the stability of the program
nationwide. Ms. Patterson advised Reep is currently working with Green Communities Canada
to lobby the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to establish that program.
Ms. Patterson stated they are in attendance this date to get support from the Committee
regarding their funding request, but would welcome any additional support regarding Federal
retro-fit incentives.
On motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
That, subject to the 2019 budget deliberations, $30,907 be allocated to Waterloo Region
Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (Reep), as part of the Utilities 2019
Capital Budget.
Carried.
Several members expressed interest in passing a motion supporting Reep and Green
Communities Canada in lobbying the Federal Government to try to establish federal incentive
home energy retro-fit program. It was noted this item be set aside and considered later this date.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. WATER MANAGEMENT STEWARDSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE
Messrs. N. Gollan and C. Nechacov were in attendance this date to provide an update on the
Water Management Stewardship Sub-Committee. Mr. Gollan stated they were in attendance to
brainstorm ideas with the Committee regarding possible displays/models for consideration for
the 2019 Waterloo-Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival (WWCGF). Mr. Nechacov
presented a YouTube video of the 2018 model, which demonstrated rain simulation. He provided
ideas of other models that have been considered, and requested feedback from the Committee
on other demonstrations that would be worth considering for the 2019 festival.
Several members made the following suggestions for consideration:
make the models as interactive as possible;
use simple language;
more than one model will be useful for different age groups;
the groundwater model could also display where salt goes; and,
give consideration to using smart art, which would allow members of the public to use
their smart phone to wave over a code, which provide additional information on
environmental benefits.
Mr. Gollan requested that members with additional suggestions to forward them to him via email
to nick.gollan@kitchener.ca.
4. SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
a. Events Sub-Committee - Nature of Participation at Future Events
Several members expressed concern with the current Events Sub-Committee noting there
always appears to be a great deal of interest in participating in environmental events within the
community, yet members do not seem to have clear direction on whether that means planning
an environmental event or participating in an event. Further concerns were addressed that if
members attended an event, would they be promoting the Committee or the actual event that
they are participating in.
Mr. J. Jackson stated one initiative he appreciated in the 2017/2018 Committee term was the
site visit to Brigadoon Ponds, noting it was very informative.
Several members noted with the current term of the Committee commencing in November 2018,
this discussion may be better to have with the new members for the 2019/2020 Committee term.
b. Other Sub-Committees
Ms. T. Driver requested Committee members take an opportunity to review the Draft Urban
Design Guidelines Manual. She stated Planning staff have intentions of attending a future
Committee meeting to receive feedback from the Committee on the sustainability guidelines
outlined within the Urban Design Manual.
Several members expressed interest in reviewing the guidelines to ensure the sustainability
initiatives are bold and will continue to push development to be more sustainable.
A discussion ensued regarding some of the draft guidelines specifically related to waste
management and multi-residential developments. Several members noted there needs to be
greater incentives on developments of this type to encourage composting and recycling.
5. REEP GREEN SOLUTIONS HOME ENERGY RETRO-FIT INCENTIVES
A motion was brought forward by Mr. J. Jackson regarding the City of Kitchener endorsing
greenhouse gas reduction target of 80% below 2010 levels by 2050, and home energy retro-fit
programs achieve greater savings and greater greenhouse gas reductions and increasing jobs
within the community; that the Mayor on behalf of City Council be directed to forward this
resolution to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and the
Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, to establish a federal residential retro-
fit incentive program in the Province of Ontario.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER
5. REEP GREEN SOLUTIONS HOME ENERGY RETRO-FIT INCENTIVES
On motion by Mr. J. Jackson -
it was resolved:
to promote energy conservation, emissions reductions and cleaner air through its many
plans, policies, programs and practices supported by the Kitchener Strategic Plan and
and,
WHEREAS the City has unanimously endorsed a community greenhouse gas reduction
target of 80% below 2010 levels by 2050; and,
WHEREAS home energy retrofit programs achieve greater savings and greater
greenhouse gas reductions; and,
WHEREAS home energy retrofits generate jobs in the green sector; and,
WHEREAS home energy retrofit incentives and rebates leverage additional private
investment; and further,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor on behalf of City Council be directed to
forward this resolution to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
and the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, to establish a federal
residential retrofit incentive program in the Province of Ontario.
6. ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS
Ms. B. Steiner reminded members that the current application process is open and to re-apply
for the 2019/2020 Advisory Committee term, and any members still interested in being on the
Committee needed to apply prior to the September 23, 2018 deadline.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATES FROM COUNCIL
Councillor Y. Fernandes advised she had no updates from Council at this time. She indicated
she has completed a tour of the Strasburg Road extension and she remarked on the amount of
mitigation they have done for this construction.
8. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson Cody Boomer
Committee Administrator Committee Administrator