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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-07ENVY1996-02-07 FEBRUARY 7, 1996 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under Councillor T. Galloway, Chair, with the following members present: Councillors C. Weylie and Jake Smola and Messrs. R. Anjaria, M. Barker, D. Hilker and R. Porter. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Ms. J. Dean, Ms. P. MacPherson and Messrs. B. Stanley, T. Clancy, W. Sleeth, M. Mahaffey, D. Schmidt, D. Daly and L.W. Neil. Others Present: Dr. J. Kay 1. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - REVISED MARCH 1995 The Committee was circulated with a portion of the Woodland Management Program document that was prepared in March 1995 as background to the presentation that was to be made this date. Mr. T. Clancy advised that in 1995, a presentation had been made to the Environmental Committee that briefly overviewed the Woodland Management Program following which the document was circulated among Environmental Committee members. As an illustration of change in thinking over time, he noted that the Parks and Recreation Department used to sell wood cleared from woodlots but then became aware of wood recycling processes that have now been adopted. He stated that forest management was now undertaken in a comprehensive way. Messrs. Mike Mahaffey, Supervisor of Forestry and David Schmidt, Parks Forester, attended the meeting to present the Woodland Management Program document. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this point. Mr. Mahaffey advised in the 1980's a small staff forestry section with various skills had responsibility to look after wooded areas; whereas at present, 1000 wooded acres are under their care. He noted that their goal was to protect and manage public woodlands providing sustainable environmental, social and economic benefits to the residents of Kitchener. Mr. Mahaffey then reviewed the objectives and recommendations of the report. Specifically, he asked that the Committee note Schedule "D" of the report summarizing existing and proposed woodlands which contain ESPA's. He then presented slides depicting the following forestry issues: - hazardous conditions that could be perilous to pedestrians - erosion within forests - die back adjacent to roadways - dumping, fires, garbage, vandalism - encroachment by residential owners - liability factors arising from tree houses - trampling of large areas leaving no undergrowth for forest rejuvenation - healthy woodlots contain all sizes of tree life - promoting stewardship of woodlots Mr. David Schmidt advised that the Woodland Management Program document was being adjusted on an on-going basis. He noted that woodland areas were really just remnants of previously large woodland tracts. To undertake the program, he advised that the first step was to identify woodland areas, clarify ownership and then commence identification of characteristics and problems. He pointed out that in reality, a large percentage of the City's woodlands are actually remnant wetlands as compared to those that are considered upland forest. Staff are now monitoring the effects of the program in relation to the Woodland Management objectives listed on Page 16 of the document. Mr. Schmidt commented on the effect on the woodlands that people living nearby have and on the summary chapter itemizing operations standards and on the summaries of various woodlands contained in the list of tables within the document. He stressed that these summaries were subject to continuous change. 1. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - REVISED MARCH 1995 (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 1996 COMMITFEE -7- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Schmidt provided comment on data gathering and monitoring procedures relative to species breakdown and species diversity. He stated that in general, rare species appear to be declining and it is unknown if they can be maintained. Slides were then shown illustrating problems and limitations that staff are faced with in terms of managing woodland areas including: - fragmentation of forests and the effects on species in the forest - natural damage - various forms of damage by humans - plant removal - use of logs to block off and close trails as a protective measure - closure of old roads and lanes in forests - damage by squirrel over population In summarizing, Mr. Mahaffey stressed that the Woodland Management Program was a working document that is being revised constantly as a result of various input. It is intended that the document be considered by the Community Services Committee in the near future. Finally, he estimated that about one half of the woodlands are thought to be in good shape but cautioned that staff still do not have a comfortable handle on the subject just yet. Mr. D. Hilker questioned how encroachments involving buildings and fences were dealt with. Mr. Mahaffey advised that they were ultimately handled by the City's Property Standards Officer and removed. He noted that encroachments do generate disputes in which the City must follow through and prevail. Aisc in response to Mr. Hilker, he advised that the City's forestry mandate generally stops at the municipal property line. Further, he clarified that forestry staff do have input into the planning process regarding recommendations for linkages and corridors between forests. Mr. T. Clancy commented that in some areas, linkages are not positive but staff generally promote linkages as part of planning evolution to present day standards. Dr. J. Kay questioned how the bike problems in forests were being addressed. Mr. Mahaffey advised that staff endeavour to control mountain bikes but not discourage them and that all races conducted within the forests, except for one have been stopped. Mr. R. Porter stated that in the case of mountain bikes, a small percentage of people were responsible for the vast majority of damage. He noted that in the City of Vancouver, efforts have been made to control mountain bikes by discouraging their use on certain trails and through heavy public education. Mr. T. Clancy commented on the approaches that staff take to deal with the mountain bike issue and the willingness of staff to work with responsible mountain bike groups. Councillor T. Galloway questioned if the Woodland Management Program report would dovetail with woodlands outside the Settlement Area and Mr. Mahaffey replied that it was not related. Mr. T. Clancy commented that the report relates to lands under the City's care. In summing up the report, Mr. T. Clancy stated that he was impressed with the staff team efforts over the past seven to eight years and stressed that the key is how to monitor woodland areas and analyze trends of what was really happening within the woodlands. MEMO - ENVIRONMENTAL RAMIFICATIONS OF BILL 20, 26 & REGULATION 482~95 and PD 96/6 - Review of Bill 20 - Proposed New Land Use Planning and Protection Act - Proposed New Provincial Policies Statements The Committee was in receipt of a report dated January 24, 1996 from Mr. B. Stanley discussing Environmental Ramifications of Bill 20, Bill 26 and Regulation 482/95. Attached to his report was a copy of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/6 which deals with a review of Bill 20 - Proposed New Land Use Planning and Protection Act and Proposed New Provincial Policies Statements that was prepared for consideration by the Planning and Economic Development Committee at its January 22nd meeting. Mr. Stanley's report summarizes a host of concerns with the Provincial impacts on planning and the environment perceived to arise from Provincial cost cutting measures, Bill 20 and Bill 26. Accordingly, the report separates out the impacts of Provincial cost cutting, Bill 20 and 26 and comments on Regulation 482/95 that suspends part of the Provincial Environmental Bill of Rights. 2. MEMO - ENVIRONMENTAL RAMIFICATIONS OF BILL 20, 26 & REGULATION 482~95 and ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 1996 COMMITFEE -~- CITY OF KITCHENER PD 96~6 - Review of Bill 20 - Proposed New Land Use Planning and Protection Act - Proposed New Provincial Policies Statements (CONT'D) Councillor T. Galloway advised that a review of the above legislation was developed as a response to address the concerns expressed by Mr. D. Hilker at the last Committee meeting. Mr. B. Stanley commented that the various proposed legislation was not an easy topic and pointed out that the Provincial Bills interplay with previous Provincial Policy Statements and proposed Provincial Policy Statements. He referred to the Grey County submission which Mr. Hilker had questioned and noted that it appears that their submission focused on the effects of all the legislative changes on conservation authorities. It was Mr. Stanley's view that we will be able to maintain the core responsibilities of conservation authorities, but it may be necessary to consider funding issues and develop a broader base of funding sponsorships. It was also Mr. Stanley's view that Bill 26 problems could be overcome. Bill 20, which amends previous Bill 163 has the biggest impact on changing approach with respect to Provincial Policy Statements and endeavours to revert to approaches contained in the 1983 Planning Act on the basis that existing legislation is too precise and too strict. However, the fear is that the new legislation is too relaxed. Mr. Stanley commented on concerns within the Region of Waterloo Official Plan and proposed transition policy statements (draft copy distributed) and further noted that it is not possible to know what the implications are since revised policy guidelines and regulations have not been provided yet. Currently, an attempt is being made to understand the differences between policy statements. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what the worst impact of the legislative change could be. Mr. Stanley replied that there could be unfavourable effects on the Huron Natural Area and on the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing relative to issues involving the Huron Natural Park. For example, buffer areas were to be an integral part of the park area and were to be dedicated at no cost to the municipality. Dr. J. Kay commented that since the Provincial legislation lacks definitions, this will have an overall negative effect. Mr. Stanley stated that his basic concern was the wetland issue and that Bill 26 does not seem to really affect Waterloo Region environmentally, particularly with five large urban centres dependent for water on one river system. Also, downloading responsibilities from the GRCA will actually bring approvals on smaller issues under local control. BLUE BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM At the Committee's January 10th meeting, a suggestion was made that we recommend the Region adopt a larger blue box for residential use and it was agreed that City staff would approach Regional staff relative to this issue. The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated January 31, 1996 from Mr. S. Gyorffy who indicated that he had raised the issue of the Region's supplying larger blue boxes because of the addition of new materials for recycling and Regional staff have advised they have no plans to enlarge or replace the current blue box. It was noted that if a residence has a large volume of recyclables, the Region has no objection to supplying additional boxes to those requiring them. The boxes are available at the Re-Struction Store, 72 Victoria Street South and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, 350 Shirley Avenue. PUBLICATIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI) The following publications from ICLEI were provided with the agenda: - Case Study 31 Sustainable Development Indicators Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth PUBLICATIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL INITIATIVES (ICLEI) (CONT'D) - Case Study 30 Participatory Regional Development Planning FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 1996 COMMITFEE -9- CITY OF KITCHENER The Provincial Municipality of Cajamarca, Peru WATER AWARENESS MONTH - MAY 1996 Councillor C. Weylie advised that the month of May is Water Awareness Month and questioned if there was anything that could go in the Regional Enviro-News in this regard. It was agreed that Mr. E. Kovacs be contacted in regards to this matter. INTERNET - HOMEPAGE (CITY OF KITCHENER) Mr. B. Stanley advised that he would be holding a meeting of the Staff Environmental Study Group and Mr. David Milne to discuss environmental issues with respect to the City's Homepage. LONG TERM WATERSHED MONITORING SYSTEM Dr. James Kay requested a clarification in respect to the long term watershed monitoring system. Mr. B. Stanley advised that there was a Committee within the Region of Waterloo called the Master Watershed Committee and that it was setting up a series of guidelines aimed at obtaining a consistent approach to monitoring across the Region. Currently, a sub-committee was working on various issues and when further information is available, he would ensure these issues are brought to the attention of the Environmental Committee. NEXT MEETING - MARCH 6, 1996 ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Assistant City Clerk