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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-02ENVY1997-07-02 J U LY 2, 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:15 p.m. under Councillor T. Galloway, Chair, with the following members present: Mrs. J. Haalboom, Ms. A. Coffey and Mr. P. Kay. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs. B. Stanley, R. Arnot, D. Daly, M. Mahaffey, D. Schmidt, W. Sleeth and L.W. Neil. 1. OVERHEAD PRESENTATION ON WOODLAND ENCROACHMENTS Messrs. D. Daly, M. Mahaffey and D. Schmidt attended the meeting in respect to the matter of woodland encroachments. Mr. M. Mahaffey advised that the presentation this date was intended as a preamble introduction to the encroachment report that the Parks and Recreation Department has been working on. An overhead presentation entitled "Managing Our Urban Forests - Today and Tomorrow" was then given with commentary provided by Mr. D. Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt noted that the presentation relates to Kitchener's woodlands and encroachment issues and in this regard, a definition of encroachment was provided. Also, encroachment policy is contained in the City Council Policy Manual as Item 1-272. It was noted that encroachments are a problem for all municipalities and other organizations such as the Grand River Conservation Authority and that the results of an encroachment survey conducted in 1996 revealed that 88% of residents that adjoin woodlands were encroaching into the woodlands. Numerous illustrations of the types of encroachments that had been found were exhibited to the Committee and these relate to simple extensions of private land into public land and the construction of structures within public land. In addition, it has been found that a very large percentage of residents dump debris within woodlands with many believing that the dumping of organic material was beneficial to the woodland whereas in reality it is not. Effects on the woodland were noted and in particular, it was stressed that all of the activity is making changes in the forest structure and function. A summary of recommendations was presented in this regard. Mr. D. Daly commented that staff were very surprised by the percentages that had been found throughout the study. As to actions to address the problem, several were proposed. Firstly, public education is proposed and in this regard, he distributed a copy of a booklet entitled "Help Kitchener Protect Its Woodlands". He indicated that this would be distributed to property owners abutting woodlands. Secondly, public participation in the protection of woodlands is required and in this regard, a flyer entitled "Our Woodlands: Keeping Them Vibrant" was distributed and among other things suggests how residents can help in preserving woodlands. Thirdly, through enforcement and monitoring it is hoped to protect woodlands and he advised that staff have tightened up procedures in this regard with the goal to bring about cleanup where required. Finally, various methods to protect the woodland edge were being considered and developed and in this regard, he circulated an example sign that would discourage dumping. Mrs. J. Haalboom acknowledged that the dumping problem was a continuing one and how people are of the view that the dumping of organic debris was not a problem nor having an effect on woodlands. She suggested that an effort be made to develop posters that address certain activities that negatively effect woodland areas. Mr. B. Stanley commented that one solution to the encroachment problem might be to develop conservation easements as this was permitted in the Conservation Act. Councillor T. Galloway questioned if there was anything that could be done by the City to prohibit encroachments from taking place and Ms. L. MacDonald advised that the matter was really one of ownership of land and that it was incumbent on the City to protect its own land. Ms. A. Coffey questioned if Zoning could be utilized to address the encroachment problem by requiring a homeowner to undertake remedial correction. Mr. D. Schmidt indicated that staff could easily flag lots that were a problem and link this information to Zoning. On the matter of the City actually entering into encroachment agreements to resolve certain problems, Mr. D. Daly advised that he was opposed to entering into any encroachment agreements where woodlots were concerned. UPDATE ON RESPONSES RE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (ELS) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) - HURON NATURAL AREA WESTERN BOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES J U LY 2, 1997 COMMITFEE CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. B. Stanley advised that a second draft of a document with regards to these matters was being undertaken along with a review process and that it was anticipated to bring the matter back to the Committee for consideration at its September meeting. FCM 20% CLUB GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION RE: KITCHENER PROGRAM Mr. P. Kay advised that students were working diligently in regards to the above matter and that the focus was at the point of narrowing down. He indicated that he did not have any numbers that he could provide the Committee with at this time. CITY OF KITCHENER ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE ON STATUS OF INITIATIVES COMPLETED IN 1996 Due to the number of Committee members not in attendance, it was agreed that discussion of the document distributed at the June 4, 1997 meeting would be deferred and referred to the September meeting for further consideration. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI) The Committee was in receipt of a letter of request dated June 3, 1997 attached to the agenda. On motion, it was agreed that the Secretary arrange to advise the ICLEI that the City was in agreement to extend the term of the 1995-1997 Executive Committee from October 26, 1997 to February 28, 1998 or the first Executive Committee meeting in 1998, whichever comes first and to submit the necessary correspondence in this regard. PESTICIDE USE Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was being continually contacted by Ms. Susan Koswan with regards to the matter of pesticide spraying within the municipality. He indicated that he advised her City Council recently passed a resolution that was being conveyed to the Minister of the Environment with copies to all lawncare companies operating in Kitchener. As well, he had informed her the matter of legality of municipal regulation of pesticide use was listed as an item for consideration on the Committee's September agenda. NEXT MEETING FOR CONSIDERATION The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 1997. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. L. W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk