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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-04ENVY1996-12-04 DECEMBER 4, 1996 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy and Councillors T. Galloway and J. Ziegler, Ms. A Coffey, J. Haalboom and D. Hartman and Messrs. B. Harper, J. Kay, and P. Kay. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Messrs. B. Stanley, S. Gyorffy, T. Clancy, L. Masseo, L. Gordon and L.W. Neil. Mayor R. Christy welcomed those attending the meeting and requested that committee and staff members introduce themselves. Following the introductions Mayor Christy called for nominations for the position of Committee Chair and Committee Vice-Chair. 1. APPOINTMENTS - ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Councillor T. Galloway be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1997." On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Councillor Jake Smola be appointed Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1997." Mayor R. Christy then vacated the Chair which was assumed by Councillor T. Galloway who conducted the remainder of the meeting. Councillor T. Galloway welcomed Committee members' particularly the six new lay appointees, to this first meeting of the newly appointed Committee. 2. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) - 20 PERCENT CLUB Mayor R. Christy advised the Committee that he was in receipt of information from the Federation Municipalities regarding the initiative known as the 20 Percent Club which began in 1991 to encourage municipalities to reduce emissions. He pointed out that FCM uses its influence with respect to this issue in its dealings with the Federal Government. Mayor R. Christy provided the information to Councillor Galloway for his review. Councillor Galloway commented that the initiative ties into the information item listed in the Agenda respecting the International Workshop on Local Initiatives for Sustainable Cities that is being held in Japan in January 1997. He indicated that the initiative would be brought forward to the Committee as a future Agenda item. 3. REGION OF WATERLOO RE: KITCHENER DOWNTOWN RECYCLING PILOT Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that correspondence was attached to the Committee's Agenda from Mr. S. Gyorffy and Ms. Joy Rayner discussing the results of the Recycling Pilot Project undertaken on King Street. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that one of the recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force on Downtown Revitalization was that receptacles be made available on King Street to collect recyclables. He noted that the Region and the City had co-operated on this initiative and the City had modified its existing litter containers so as to accept recyclables. The Region has monitored the cost / benefit of the program and would now like to receive direction from Kitchener in respect to continuance of the program. He pointed out that the program was good environmentally but that the cost per tonne to collect was very expensive. Ms. Joy Rayner, Superintendent, Residential Waste Reduction, Regional Engineering Department commented that Mr. Gyorffy had provided the Committee with a complete summary of the results. It was noted in her correspondence that the Collection Pilot Program ended ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 COMMITFEE CITY OF KITCHENER 3. REGION OF WATERLOO RE: KITCHENER DOWNTOWN RECYCLING PILOT (CONT'D) November 25th and that her purpose was to request Kitchener to review the findings of the pilot and advise Regional Council of its future wishes. She suggested that notwithstanding the high collection cost the City might wish to consider continuing the program on seasonal basis only. Councillor T. Galloway requested that Ms. Rayner explain the Region/City jurisdictional issue in regards to recycling. Ms. Rayner advised that in the City of Cambridge the Region offers collection of cardboard and blue box material to businesses. However in Kitchener the Kitchener Downtown Business Association expressed concerns that blue boxes would be left out on King Street creating a potential litter problem and generally untidy appearance and that a decision was made not to undertake a full recycling collection program because of this concern. In an attempt to undertake some recycling, BFI installed some recycling depots last year but the initiative was unsuccessful and was discontinued. She stressed that the City of Kitchener could obtain collection of recyclables via the Region's regular program. She further commented that the City of Waterloo had provided a similar pick-up service of recyclable material until earlier this year and believed that the City has discontinued the program because of the amount of contamination in the recyclable material. Mr. Gyorffy explained that the City in an effort to support the pilot program at minimal cost utilized old concrete litter bins and converted the tops to identify that the bin was for specific recyclable material. He pointed out that a regular garbage bin was located next to each of the recycling bins. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that the monthly cost averaging $2,500.00 to $2,900.00 per tonne was ridiculous in comparison to the costs of residential curbside collection of recyclables in Kitchener which is $91.00 per tonne. Further he pointed out that very little recyclable material was being collected and stated that the program was not worth the cost and should be discontinued. Councillor T. Galloway acknowledged that the pilot program was one of the 48 recommendations in the Mayor's Task Force report but that the Region at the beginning had expressed the view that the program would not be worthwhile. However the Region agreed to try a pilot but the results show excessive costs and a gross amount of contamination within the recyclable material. In response to Ms. J. Haalboom, Ms. J. Rayner explained the contractual arrangements and operations which the Region entered into in order to provide this pilot project. She expressed a willingness to discuss provision of recyclable collection service to businesses and residential tenants within the Downtown but indicated that a proper vehicle would be acquired for such service. Mr. S. Gyorffy again pointed out that BFI did provide bins at specific depots in the Downtown for collection of recyclables but that there were very Iow levels of participation and very little value in the amount of material collected. He again pointed out that the KDBA did not want blue boxes littering the Downtown and commented that overall the City has not had a good experience with this initiative within the Downtown. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this point. Mayor R. Christy questioned if provision of a service between May and October would reduce average costs and Ms. Rayner advised that such alternative would allow the Region to negotiate a better contractual arrangement using a proper recycling truck. Mayor Christy questioned if such information could be brought back to the next Committee Meeting before a final decision was made. Ms. Rayner replied that if there was to be a seasonal collection program in place she would like a different recycling container utilized with its purpose more clearly identified. Mayor R. Christy left the meeting at this point. Further discussion took place as to the collection and separation process and the costs in that regard. Dr. J. Kay commented that it was very clear the process was not working and the pilot was unsuccessful. He questioned if there were any other ways of combining all recycling for REGION OF WATERLOO RE: KITCHENER DOWNTOWN RECYCLING PILOT (CONT'D) the Downtown utilizing a different method. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that Ms. Rayner had expressed a desire to consider a comprehensive approach to residential tenants and businesses ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 -31 - CITY OF KITCHENER on the basis that if the Region extended service to these users it would be more cost efficient to provide for pick-up of recyclables left by pedestrians in concert with residential/business recyclables pick-up. Ms. Rayner indicated a willingness to undertake investigation in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Downtown Recycling Pilot Project for the collection of recyclables on a trial basis along King Street be discontinued based on the very high collection cost per tonne and the substantial levels of contamination, and further, That since recycling is a responsibility of the Region of Waterloo, any future consideration of a recyclable collection program along King Street be subject to the Region undertaking a comprehensive review of the non-availability of recycling collection to residents and businesses in the downtown and if a decision is made to provide such program, cost effective collection of recyclables along King Street be considered as an option of the program." GREEN TRIANGLE (formerly Guelph 2000 and Waterloo Region Environmental Actions for Community Health - WREACH) Messrs. Graham Leith and Jay Morgan appeared as a delegation to present a brief overview of the Green Triangle which is the organization that has resulted from a successful merger between Guelph 2000 and Waterloo Region Environmental Actions for Community Health. He pointed out that before being affected by government funding cuts Guelph 2000 was operating and WREACH was about to commence operations. Subsequently the organizations have merged to carry on their work as Green Triangle, a community based organization which educates homedwellers about the importance of managing their impact on the local environment and reducing costs. It was indicated that the official launch date of Green Triangle is February 15, 1997. Green Triangle will provide Green Home Visits which is a free and informative environmental auditing service focusing on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, indoor air quality, pollution control and green space issues with the objective being to improve the environment and save on the costs of home occupancy. Mr. Leith advised that the Green Triangle deals with suppliers of products, banks and local industries to realize its objectives. Mr. Jay Morgan advised that the nature of the home assessment being provided by Green Triangle has changed from what previously existed under Guelph 2000. He noted that previously two home assessors spent two hours in each home and analysis has indicated that the amount of information tabulated was overwhelming for homedwellers and consequently the program has been redesigned to address specific situations through a module approach. In this regard key areas of environmental improvement and cost reduction will be delivered seasonally. He pointed out that the Green Triangle mandate was to provide community education and make an impact on the environment. In this regard they were proposing a clearing house of information as part of their education thrust and wished to obtain a resource centre having sufficient space to provide for both display area and seminar seating as it was their intent to undertake displays, regular presentations and free seminars. It was indicated that their preference was to locate such a resource centre in a Downtown area. Mr. Morgan stressed that a component of their operations would be to educate local contractors and renovators to facilitate renovators conveying their knowledge to homedwellers. In summary he indicated that their challenge was to communicate benefits of the program to the community and in support of this ask that committee members speak with all of their associates regarding the program. GREEN TRIANGLE (formerly Guelph 2000 and Waterloo Region Environmental Actions for Community Health - WREACH) (CONT'D) Councillor T. Galloway questioned what the governance of Green Triangle was? He was advised that Green Triangle is a non-profit organization managed by a Management Committee of an elected Board of Directors representing public utilities and the community at large. Dr. J. Kay commented that he had been an Environmental Committee Representative on WREACH suggested it was beneficial to have representation on the Board of Green Triangle. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. J. Haalboom commented that she had seen many publications at the library on the subjects the delegation has referred to and questioned what Green Triangle was doing to incorporate articles in such publications. Mr. Leith advised what approach Guelph 2000 had taken on education on many fronts. He stated it was their intent to work closely with R-2000 as well as to work on educational programs through involved contractors. Mr. Morgan stressed that Green Triangle recognizes the need to educate both homeowners and renovators. He also explained to Ms. Haalboom the approach they would take when dealing with and making recommendations involving energy assessment of heritage type properties. Further Mr. Leith commented that Green Triangle will be working with the Region of Waterloo and reviewing waste disposition issues in respect to the use of dumpsters and educating contractors on the best disposal method or alternatively re-use and recycling of material. He indicated that they would like to provide the Committee with additional information as well as regular updates of Green Triangle operations. Mr. L. Masseo posed questions regarding education which Mr. Leith explained. Mr. Masseo pointed out that the municipality wants to develop a comprehensive program that deals with such things as the preservation of woodlots; however, Mr. Morgan advised that the Green Triangle Green Space Program addresses homeowners lot space and that limitations on funding dictate the extent of their programs. In any event he asked that Kitchener convey any specific recommendations or requests for their consideration. Councillor T. Galloway thanked Messrs. Leith and Morgan for their presentation. 5. COMMITTEE MEETING DATE SCHEDULE The Committee considered a proposed schedule of meeting dates outlined in the Agenda. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee approve holding its 1997 meetings at 4:00 p.m. on the dates listed below: Wednesday, January 15 Wednesday, June 4 " February 5 " July 2 " March 5 " September 3 " April 2 " October 1 " May 7 " December 10" ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (ELS) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) - HURON NATURAL AREA WESTERN BOUNDARY Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Huron Natural Area encompassed approximately 300 acres bounded by Bleams, Westmount, Huron and Strasburg Roads. He pointed out that the need for an ElS dates back to 1983 when anticipated industrial development resulted in designation and zoning of the area for Business Park purposes. About 1989 an appreciation began to develop for a unique environmental area within the larger area and in 1994 the City redesignated the area abutting the environmental area from Industrial to Residential. At the time the boundary used was the one established by Geomatics. It is now wished to rezone the outer lands from Industrial to Residential but an ElS must be undertaken to detail the boundary between the newly zoned residential lands and the natural area. Mr. Stanley pointed out that to serve the adjacent developing area it is necessary to install a trunk sewer which requires an EA before recommending an alignment of the trunk sewer. In this regard he pointed out that both the ElS and the EA are linked and noted that at this time the issue was at the public input stage with staff presenting an overview to the Environmental Committee for input which will be ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (ELS) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) - HURON NATURAL AREA WESTERN BOUNDARY incorporated into the EA document which when completed would be forwarded to the Planning and Economic Development Committee and City Council. Mr. L. Masseo advised that a study team of key City staff and consultants have been working to identify important components in the natural area and he provided a detailed presentation of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER technical aspects in this regard. Mr. Masseo stressed that the study team has not come up with a recommended option in regards to the trunk sewer alignment but was leaning toward a gravity type sewer alternative. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he was opposed to running a trunk sewer through the natural area and questioned the use of trenchless technology. Mr. Masseo advised that trenchless technology was new to this area. Councillor T. Galloway commented that on behalf of the Huron Natural Area Board he was very pleased with the progress to date and pointed out that it was proposed that the trunk sewer stay out of the natural area entirely except for a small section that would involve micro tunnelling. In response to Ms. J. Haalboom, Mr. Masseo commented that the area outside of the natural area possessed development rights and it would be prohibitive to change the zoning of lands beyond the boundary of the natural area itself. In response to Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Masseo advised that it was their intention that the trunk sewer operate by gravity flow and that it was oversized to accommodate future development within the drainage shed. In reply to Ms. D. Hartman, Mr. B. Stanley stated that the study team was still in the process of evaluating the impacts of all alternatives respecting the route of the trunk sewer. Mr. Stanley advised that the study team would not meet until the New Year and that staff would like to obtain comments from members of the Environmental Committee either individually or at the January 15th committee meeting. In response to an issue raised by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. Masseo noted that the City has a video outlining the use and value of trenchless technology. Mr. Stanley advised that the development time frame for the area to be serviced by the trunk sewer ranged from 15 to 20 years. In response to Mr. P. Kay, Mr. Masseo advised that the buffer zone was encompassed predominately by the slope and six metre standard and Councillor T. Galloway commented that this buffer zone varies but its general effect was to expand the total area. Dr. J. Kay suggested that in establishing the actual boundary line of the natural area there should be other criteria considered in addition to the hydro geological criteria. Councillor T. Galloway stated that the boundary line was a determination from a hydro geological point of view as to developable and non-developable land and establishment of this line is critical from a valuation point of view. He stressed that there was no relationship to the line of the Park boundary and the line established for purposes of determining developable and non-developable land. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the line that is being established under the ElS process will for the most part be the actual boundary of the Park area. Following further discussion Councillor T. Galloway requested that the issue be listed on the Committee's January 15, 1997 Agenda and that it might be worthwhile to view the video on trenchless technology. Dr. J. Kay pointed out that the Parks and Recreation Department also has a promotional video respecting the Huron Natural Area. 7. BILL 163 - TREE DESTRUCTION / SITE ALTERATIONS BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/96 dated December 3, 1996 which deals with provisions of Bill 163 as they relate to authority for municipalities to adopt a tree cutting by-law and/or a site alterations by-law. Attached to the staff report was an appendices section providing additional information on legislation contained in the Municipal Act, the by-laws of other municipalities, charts relating to a grading by-law and tree cutting by-law as well as a copy of section 7.5 of the Kitchener Municipal Plan dealing with Forest Resources. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the staff report was being tabled for information this date but that he wished to provide a brief outline of Bill 163 wherein the province provided municipalities with the ability to pass legislation respecting the alteration of any site and tree destruction. He pointed out that City Council referred this matter to the Environmental Committee which would BILL 163 - TREE DESTRUCTION / SITE ALTERATIONS BY-LAW (CONT'D) act as the vehicle for public input in regards to this matter and following this process would make a recommendation to the City's Management Committee for its consideration of cost aspects relating to the environmental components. The matter would then be placed before the Planning and Economic Development Committee for consideration and subsequently City Council. Mr. Stanley proposed that at the Committee's January 15th meeting, the document itself not receive detailed consideration by the Committee but that staff provide a brief overview of the issues and then ask the Committee to make a determination as to the extent of public input that it ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER wishes to receive in respect to this matter. Following a decision on the level of public input desired, the issue could be scheduled for detailed presentation to the Committee in February, March or April. In response to Dr. J. Kay, Mr. B. Stanley advised that he had not heard any indication from the Province of Ontario that it might be considering repeal of the Bill 163 Legislation. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the key element was to receive input from the Committee on the form and extent of public input that it wishes to obtain on this issue. Mr. B. Stanley noted that it would be desirable to conclude this matter before July 1997. Mr. P. Kay questioned if a tree inventory existed and Mr. T. Clancy advised that the City has an inventory of the condition of 36,000 street trees. In addition, it was indicated lists of trees on private property exist and it would be desirable to have more information on trees located on private lands adjacent to boulevard areas. Councillor J. Ziegler stressed that any consideration of regulations within a tree cutting by-law should reflect only significant trees, that is trees that were either very old or a part of the streetscape. Dr. J. Kay supported a balanced perspective when considering by-law regulations given that the measured forest ground cover in the City ranged from 60 to 70 percent of its area. Mr. T. Clancy advised that page 11 of the report refers to the fact that the Parks and Recreation Department has identified the 100 most significant trees in the municipality and it was his view that consideration be limited to definition of heritage trees and significant trees. Ms. J. Haalboom advised that she would propose to defend older trees located on scenic roads and their value in terms of streetscape. It was agreed that this matter would be listed on the Committee's January 15, 1997 Agenda for further discussion and direction. 8. INTERNET UPDATE Mr. B. Stanley advised that an environmental page was now included on the City's HomePage and indicated that it would be expanded as well as links undertaken to other environmental pages. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that part of the Strategic Plan for the Environment as well as make-up of the Environmental Committee was itemized in the City's HomePage. 9. INFORMATION ITEMS The following informational items were distributed with the Agenda: a) City of Kitchener Environmental Strategic Plan (distributed only to new members) b) Grand Actions - Grand River Conservation Authority Newsletter, Issue #4, September/October 1996 c) International Workshop on Local Initiatives for Sustainable Cities in Kanagawa Japan, January 27 - 29, 1997 d) International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) 33rd World Congress in Mauritius, April 6 - 10, 1997 - Main theme of the Congress is "Local Governance for the Third Millennium: Decentralisation, Diversity and Partnership in the Global Village". 10. GREEN ON THE GRAND - TOUR & MEETING Councillor T. Galloway indicated that the Committee would again attempt to have a tour and hold a meeting at the Green on the Grand. Following some discussion it was agreed that it would be desirable that a meeting be held in the Spring to witness both internal and external environmental features of the building. Staff will attempt to schedule the May 7th meeting at the Green on the Grand. 11. NEXT MEETING- January 15, 1997 12. ADJOURNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 COMMITFEE CITY OF KITCHENER On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Assistant City Clerk