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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-03ENVY1999-02-03 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. B. Luckhardt and Messrs. J. Kay, H. Linseman and F. Wende. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials present: Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. J. Moore, T. Clancy, R. Wyatt and L.W. Neil. 1. THE H2 PLAN: DESIGN SYMPOSIUM Mr. James Moore appeared before the Committee to comment on a report that was distributed with the Committees' January 13th agenda on plans to adopt a hydrogen-based economy in the City of Kitchener. The Committee was advised that Council has already endorsed the Design Symposium and appointed the organizing committee as recommended by the Environmental Committee at its January 13th meeting. Mr. Moore commented on endorsation by Council of the Committees' recommendation with regard to the H2 Plan and advised that the first meeting of the organizing committee had taken place and it is anticipated that the Design Symposium would be held in May of the year 2000. He indicated that he did not intend to make a direct presentation in respect to the H2 Plan but that he would make comments in relation to it. In this regard he stated that he saw the plan as affecting change and development over the next 50 years and by providing a solution to global climate change, the H2 Plan represents a plan to adopt a hydrogen-based economy in the City of Kitchener. The goal of the Symposium would be to formulate a solution to technological, economic, social and political constraints inherent to the global climate change problem and in particular come up with a technical solution to the problem by adopting a hydrogen economy. Mr. Moore pointed out that the H2 Plan as proposed was a leading edge approach to the problem of global climate change and stressed that it had never been done before and commitment to it represented work that would extend over a very long term. With regard to the May 2000 Design Symposium, it is proposed that selection of the participants take place over the next four to five months. It was emphasized that the selection of participants was absolutely critical in that they must be individuals who believe that the H2 Plan can succeed. Mr. Moore also commented that in terms of process, it should be expected that the year 2000 Symposium would be only the first of annual symposiums as the H2 Plan processes and solutions evolve with respect to a hydrogen- based economy. He stated that the end goal was to create an H2 Plan that would be a model that could be implemented around the world. No questions were forthcoming from the Committee on Mr. Moore's presentation. The issue of making a further appointment to the organizing committee as provided for in the Council endorsed resolution was raised and it was agreed that the membership, as constituted, would suffice at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this point. ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE Mr. Jack Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance appeared as a delegation in support of the documentation listed below which was circulated with the Committee Agenda: Letter dated December 4, 1998 from J. Gibbons. Document - Emissions Reduction Study for the Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA). Document - Electricity Competition and Clean Air. Globe and Mail Article (Nov 16/98) - Coal burning power plants called critical polluters. Financial Post Article (Nov 16/98) - Cleaner air can be had for the price of a cup of coffee al Letter dated January 15, 1999 from J. Gibbons with attached draft 'New Ontario Clean Air A ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE (CONT'D) Mr. Gibbons advised that the goal of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) was to ensure that ele~ of 48 organizations whose members represent a diverse group of over 3 million Ontario res and also endorse recommendations contained in the correspondence that would lead t~ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1999 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER represented a public health crisis in Ontario that was responsible for increased mortality ar pollutants, referred to the health and environmental impacts of this pollution and displayed ~ Ontario Hydro's operations comprise out of the total emissions in the province. He also poi capped and expressed concern that the competitive future of the electricity market could i power from the United States. Aisc, current air pollution limits set out in legislation are inad that since the government is committed publicly to environmental improvement measures, ti utilization of other methods to generate electricity rather than coal fired generators would electrical generators that would be replaced by natural gas and other methods by the year typical residential customer. At this time, Mr. Gibbons requested endorsation of the two rec( Councillor T. Galloway questioned the $1.86 monthly cost and Mr. Gibbons advised that it was am questioned if American companies would be eligible to buy green credits and Mr. Gibbons be had. Councillor J. Hallboom referred to the list of financial sponsors of the emissions reduction study Association. Mr. Gibbons advised that the study cost $36,000.00 and that $6,000.00 wa,, ranging from Ontario Hydro, Environment Canada and various power entities. In response pursue the government to establish regulations that will reduce emissions and lead to cleal and Mr. Gibbons advised that the association's purpose was not to promote any one powe apply to any kind of energy source. In response to Mr. H. Linseman, Mr. Gibbons stated t power that was produced within "dirty" facilities. Further discussion took place on power so power generating facilities. Mr. J. Kay pointed out that several years ago 65% of the provin quality problem will only become worse as other production facilities are utilized in place of t Councillor Jake Smola provided the Committee with a brief update on the state of Kitchener-Wilm, accordance with de-regulated provincial legislation. In response to further questions of the that the association was not taking a position on how emission reductions should be done b~ ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola suggested that consideration be given to having the Environmental Commitl is part of a lobbying strategy. On motion by Ms. B. Luckhardt- It was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee recommend the City of Kitchener join the Ontari~ That the following recommendations of the O.C.A.A. be endorsed: 1) That the Government of Ontario should establish emission caps which will ensure following levels: Sulphur Dioxide 7.5 Nitrogen Oxides 25 Greenhouse Gases 15,000 kilotonnes kilotonnes kilotonnes Arsenic 19 kilogrammes Beryllium 9 kilogrammes Cadmium 7 kilogrammes Chromium 180 kilogrammes Lead 24 kilogrammes Mercury 45 kilogrammes Nickel 228 kilogrammes 2) That the Government of Ontario should issue a discussion paper and consult the P emissions after the year 2002 in the context of a multi-stakeholder strategy to And further, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of the Environment, Ministel It was requested that a copy of this resolution also be sent to the 3 local hydro utilities in Waterloo I ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1999 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER INFORMATION ITEMS Heritage Day Workshop - February 15, 1999 Councillor Jake Smola advised that a Heritage Day Workshop was being sponsored by the City of Brantford and the Grand River Conservation Authority on Monday, February 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sanderson Centre, Brantford. Proposed Region of Waterloo Road Improvements - Westmount Road / Glasgow Street Councillor Jake Smola advised that the Region of Waterloo has proposed intersection improvements and road widenings at and extending from the intersection of Westmount Road and Glasgow Street. He noted that numerous trees would be required to be removed to accommodate the project and asked that this matter be placed on the Committees next agenda and arrangements made to invite Regional Staff to make a presentation. NEXT MEETING - MARCH 3, 1999 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. L. W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk