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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-17ENV~1993-02-17-SPE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 1993 The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Weylie with the following members present: Alderman G.L. Leadston, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. S. Cooke, Mr. D. Hilker, Mr. M. Barker and Mr. J. Maine. Officials Present: Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. C. Ford, Mr. J. Wallace and Mr. L.W. Neil. CONFERENCE REPORT - MUNICIPAL LEADERS SUMMIT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT - JANUARY 25126, 1993. Alderman C. Weylie provided the Committee with an overview of the above referenced Conference. She noted that many World City Mayors had attended and that through contacts that she made, various documents were still being received from conference participants. Mr. Jeb Brugmann, Secretary General, ICLEI, and his Deputy had attended and given a presentation on the "Greenhouse Effect" in which it was pointed that countries in northern latitudes would be seriously affected. It was stressed that while cities generate noxious pollutants, there was an opportunity to improve the environment through municipal investment programs. She commented on topics that senior representatives of major cities presented. In summary, she indicated that the major concern was rising temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide. ADOPT-A-PROGRAM. Alderman M. Wagner advised that a small Committee has been meeting weekly and that it was expected that following one more meeting, he would be able to document the recommended approach to this program. It was agreed that Alderman M. Wagner would report at the Committees next meeting. KITCHENER DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION -WINDOW DISPLAY. Mrs. Nancy Brawley, Executive Director of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association invited the Environmental Committee to decorate their King Street window with an Environmental theme during the week of May 3-10, 1993. The Committee supported the request and it was referred to Mr. S. Klapman for consideration and report at the next meeting. ENCOURAGEMENT OF OFF-PEAK REDUCED TRANSIT RATES The topic of charging reduced rates on Kitchener Transit during certain off-peak hours was raised in respect to special events being promoted by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. It was agreed that Mrs. N. Brawley could discuss such promotion with Mr. J. Webster. It was also suggested that more general use off-peak rates should be explored further. Alderman M. Wagner commented that the topic was somewhat similar to his suggestion made some time ago that the City as an employer develop some incentive programs for city staff to leave their vehicles at home and use transit or car pooling, the benefits being additional utilization of transit services and savings from having to provide less municipal parking/facilities. Alderman G.L. Leadston commented that a number of years ago, the City had a Transportation Committee that had considered a proposal by former Alderman Les Rudrum that would involve local industries participating in encouraging more transit use through certain financial initiatives. The Committee requested that the Transportation Committee minutes be researched in this regard. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -11 - FEBRUARY 17, 1993 4. ENCOURAGEMENT OF OFF-PEAK REDUCED TRANSIT RATES. (CONT'D) With regard to parking facilities at the new City Hall, Mr. T. Clancy advised that Staff who are required to use their vehicles to perform their duties are provided with parking. Mr. John Maine referred to the City's marketing of its transit system and questioned if a coupon system had ever been considered with regard to cross promotion with businesses. The Committee requested that Mr. J. Webster, Commissioner of Transportation Services, be invited to the next meeting to discuss possible initiatives with respect to Kitchener Transit operations. 5. PRESERVATION OF SCENIC ROADS AND INCORPORATION INTO THE OFFICIAL PLAN. Mr. B. Stanley distributed a copy of a resolution approved by City Council on December 14, 1992 which reads as follows: "That we express concern over the potential impact of development on various scenic roads in Kitchener and support preservation of the natural and heritage characteristics of these scenic roads. Further, that staff be directed to address this concern within the "Doon South Transportation Network and Alignment Study" and the "Doon South Creek Sub Watershed Study". And further, that upon completion of the above noted studies, staff be directed to consider incorporating these scenic roads within the City's Official Plan." Mr. Stanley then reviewed what these 2 Studies have to due with scenic roads. The Watershed Study will consider all environmental aspects and the Transportation Study deals with the South West section of the City involving a route to a new interchange with Highway 401 and the ultimate effects on existing and proposed scenic roads. He reviewed the problems associated with transportation flow patterns and their relationship to the goals of both trying to save the environment and save scenic roads since the proposed road paths affect both. Mr. Stanley noted that 33% of vehicles of working residents were utilizing Homer Watson Boulevard to reach Highway 401. He then displayed transportation alternatives B, C & D and reviewed the merits of each. Mr. Stanley stressed that these transportation models were still under study. Alderman M. Wagner commented that the transportation needs of the automobile should not dictate planning. Mr. Stanley stated that all implications of alternative routes should be tabled for discussion before choices were made. Mr. T. Clancy questioned provincial policy respecting prime farmland with regard to development of these lands and new transportation routes and Mr. Stanley advised that prime farmland was situate west of Westmount Road and beyond the Study and any decision respecting development of those lands was 30 years into the future. Mr. Stanley stated that the decision to undertake urban development in the South West section was taken in the early 1970's. He indicated that one of the major constraints in the planning now taking place was that Stauffer Drive has Collector Road status which could not be altered to a scenic road status without having a development plan that would make an alternative available to accommodate the needs of developers. Mr. S. Klapman referred to the 3 conflicting issues that affect planning for the area and suggested that a priority must be chosen. He commented that currently Toronto bound traffic was scattered throughout the area and its impact on any one route was minimized. He suggested that the Transportation Corridor Study Team may wish to consider recommending that priorities be evaluated in favour of the municipality rather than the 33% of working residents needing access to Highway 401. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that comments received at open houses are presently being evaluated. Alderman M. Wagner questioned if the Environmental Committee could request the Study Team to give Ecology & Scenic Roads priority consideration. Alderman T. Galloway commented that Alternative "D" was the result of concerns expressed and he noted that the consultants appear to be very concerned with impact on scenic roads. He also suggested that direction be given to the Study Team to ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 12 - FEBRUARY 17, 1993 MINUTES PRESERVATION OF SCENIC ROADS AND INCORPORATION INTO THE OFFICIAL PLAN. (CONT'D) choose as a focal point, either an automobile orientation or an Environmental/Scenic Roads orientation. On motion by Alderman T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee recommends that McCormick, Rankin, Consultants, Planning and Development staff and other Study Team Staff be given direction to prioritize Environmental issues and Scenic Roads issues over Transportation issues within the Doon South Transportation Network and Alignment Study." In response to comments of Mr. D. Hilker respecting possible arterial routes, Mr. Stanley advised that the Transportation Study Committee has developed criteria and a weighting index relative to route alternatives. Following further discussion, Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor, advised that when these matters were considered at a future O.M.B. Hearing, the question will arise as to what the definition of a scenic road was. He commented that the Committee must know what scenic road means. For example, is it the physical characteristics of the road, just the road allowance, or are ditches and the full right of way included or is it the vista the road provides. Mr. B. Stanley stated that the definition should be put into the Official Plan. He noted that the definition was going to be considered at the next LACAC meeting and would be brought forward at the March 3rd Environmental Committee meeting. Mr. B. Stanley advised that a further development alternative might be to provide only large lot residential resulting in a lesser number of people in the South West area and consequent lessening of the requirement for new roads. CITY PLANTING PROGRAM IN HYDRO CORRIDORS. Mr. G. Nixon displayed a map outlining planting areas within hydro corridors. He commented that staff of the City and hydro have discussed acceptable species of trees that could be planted that do not interfere with hydro lands or hydro operation. Mr. Klapman questioned if it would be possible to get neighbourhoods involved in the tree planting program and Mr. Nixon suggested that the Adopt-a-Program might be utilized. A video was then shown outlining planting areas within hydro corridors in the Conway Area and in the Westmount Road/Christian Elementary School Area. He commented on the method and approach that staff are taking to the program and specifically acknowledged the financial contribution that Kitchener Wilmot Hydro is dedicating annually for planting within the corridors. Mr. Nixon advised that he had presented the video to Kitchener Wilmot Hydro at a Board meeting. Alderman T. Galloway questioned if there was any way of extending budget funds for planting through the use of voluntary labour. Mr. Nixon reviewed funding sources for the numerous tree planting programs that are going on. Again the Adopt-a-Program may be of further benefit respecting tree planting programs. PROHIBITION OF COLLECTION OF LAWN CLIPPINGS. It was noted that the Public Works and Transportation Committee had approved a report from B. Musselman in which it was recommended that collection of grass clippings be prohibited commencing in mid 1993. Mr. G. Nixon advised that they were soliciting for sponsorship of a brochure outlining the benefits of lawn clipping recycling. Alderman T. Galloway referred to a City of Waterloo survey in which it was found that only 10% of residents put lawn clippings out for collection. Mr. Nixon advised that it has been estimated that Kitchener will save $65,000 per year in landfill tipping fees by prohibiting collection of clippings. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -13- FEBRUARY 17, 1993 7. PROHIBITION OF COLLECTION OF LAWN CLIPPINGS. (CONT'D) Mr. J. Maine questioned if local Garden Nursery's could be approached to determine if they would be interested in sponsoring a pamphlet promoting landscaping alternatives to grass. Mr. G. Nixon advised that a ministry brochure dealing with this subject was no longer being produced and suggested that this initiative be referred to the Co-ordinator of the Adopt-a-Program for further consideration and development. 8. VISION PRINCIPLES FOR A NEW REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN Mr. B. Stanley reviewed with the Committee, that Kitchener in response to the Region of Waterloo's Vision Statement exercise had responded with the City's comments known as "Vision K". He advised that the Region rather than continuing with the exercise in the original format chose to translate the data into "Vision Principles". Mr. Stanley advised that the matter was put before the Planning and Economic Development Committee for consideration. Staff have the following major concerns with the new approach of the Region: 1) In the translation from the Vision Statements to the Vision Principles, many of the key elements of the statements were lost. 2) The Vision Principle approach does not consider financial constraints. 3) In the original Vision Statements, urban/rural boundaries would be defined by a hard edge and communities that could expand were identified, whereas with Vision Principles no one knows what communities may expand. Mr. D. Hilker commented that the Vision Principles appeared to be very broad and need to zero in on specific areas. Following further discussion, it was agreed that this matter would be listed at the beginning of the Committee's next meeting agenda. 9. NETWORKING - CITY OF CAMBRIDGE A copy of a letter addressed to Mr. S. Klapman from the City of Cambridge on behalf of their Environmental Advisory Committee was distributed. This letter follows up on an enquiry made by Mr. J. Maine and advises that the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee is also interested in establishing a communication network between Municipal Environmental Committees. The Committee agreed to such information sharing and requested that the Cambridge Committee be added to the mailing list for Environmental Committee minutes and a copy of Kitchener's Strategic Plan for the Environment and Committee Terms of Reference also be sent to Cambridge. 10. GRAND RIVER CORRIDOR CONSERVATION PLAN "DISCUSSION PAPER" Alderman T. Galloway advised that a formal presentation with respect to the Grand River Corridor Conservation Plan was being held at 4:00 p.m. on February 25, 1993 in the Regional Council Chambers. 11. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE POLICY AREAS (E.S.P.A.) Alderman T. Galloway referred to the recent controversy regarding the boundary of E.S.P.A. #35. In reference to other ES.P.A.'s, he questioned if there was anything that could be done to put a hard edge on them and what the process would be to accomplish this. Mr. B. Stanley advised that as a result of experiences with E.S.P.A. #35, City Staff will be working with Regional Staff to put a hard edge on E.S.P.A.'s in the Doon Area. All the remaining E.S.P.A.'s have a hard edge except Natchez Hill and Lackner Woods. He noted that unless ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 14 - FEBRUARY 17, 1993 MINUTES 11. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE POLICY AREAS (ESPA). (CONT'D) something else was worked out, it would have to be done as part of the subdivision process. He stated that to date candidate E.S.P.A.'s were done by recommendation of Kitchener Council to Regional Council. Alderman T. Galloway stated that as a result of review of the Laurentian West Planning Area, some features of significance had been identified and he questioned the E.S.P.A. process in regards to these features. Mr. B. Stanley advised that when the staff reports are considered by the Planning and Economic Development Committee, the Environmental Committee may wish to make a recommendation. He stated that the information respecting Laurentian West could also be presented to the Environmental Committee. Alderman C. Weylie asked that Mr. B. Stanley consider making a presentation to the K-W Field Naturalists Group. Mr. S. Cooke questioned what the highest level of protection was? Mr. B. Stanley advised that lands designated as an ecologically significant area represented the highest level of protection found in reliance on Provincial and Regional policies dealing with wetlands. 12. NEW CITY HALL - "STORE FRONT" ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS In response to Mr. M. Barker, Mr. C. Ford advised that the new City Hall will have an area for utilities promotion. Mr. Barker stated that he was thinking of a commercial enterprise dealing with environmental products. Mr. Ford stated that there were some environmental stores presently located in the City and if there was interest in relocation, a submission would have to be made. It was suggested to Mr. S. Klapman that this item could be discussed further at a future meeting. 13. REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO ERECT A SCENIC ROADS DISPLAY Alderman M. Wagner advised that he had received a request from Mrs. Jean Haalboom asking for permission to erect a scenic roads display in the second floor foyer outside the Mayor's Office. The Committee had no objection and advised that the City could not accept any liability should any of the personal display material be lost or stolen. 14. NEXT MEETING - MARCH 3, 1993 It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday, March 3, 1993 commencing at 4:00 p.m. 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk