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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-04ENVY1999-11-04 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 47 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. K. Cenerelli, J. Kay, and B. Krafchek. Councillor M. Yantzi was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Bacon, Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley and D. Daly. 1. EARTHKEEPERS PROGRAM - YMCA OUTDOOR CENTRE, PARADISE LAKE Mr. Callum McKee, Camp Director of Camp Ki-Wa-Y, YMCA Outdoor Centre, Paradise Lake, appeared as a delegation to provide an overview of the Centre's Earthkeepers Program. Mr. McKee advised that the Centre has been operating since 1993 and, as part of its operation, the Earthkeepers Program was developed as a method of teaching school children at an early age how to live in harmony with the natural world. He advised that the program is geared towards children in the 3rd and 4th grades and is designed to invoke their curiosity and sense of adventure through hands-on participation in the outdoors. Mr. McKee advised that this is a 3 day program that outlines 4 basic ecological concepts being the flow of energy, the cycling of materials, the inter-relating of life and changing of forms; all of which teach participants how to adapt their lifestyles to minimize their impact on nature. Children are provided training manuals which guide them through the four phases of the program and at the end of each phase are awarded a key which unlocks one of the secret meanings that leads to the identity of the central character of the program, known only as "E.M.". The four keys are identified by the letters "K","E","Y" and "S". The first two keys, Knowledge and Experience, are earned during the 3 day camp session. At this time children learn about energy flow through the natural food chain of animals and plants. Each are encouraged to document their experience and what they have learned in journals, which are later evaluated by their teachers. The final two keys, Yourself and Sharing, are earned at home by committing to changes in lifestyles such as turning off the water when brushing their teeth and by sharing their knowledge with others. At the conclusion of the four phases, they learned the identity of "E.M." and have gained an appreciation for the natural world they are all a part of. Mr. McKee then provided an overview of the site, pointing out that the Centre utilizes many ecological technologies, such as solar panels to power its buildings. He advised that the Centre also uses a "living machine" which is a natural sewage treatment plant capable of cleaning waste water and returning it to lake water quality which, in turn, is reused in composting toilets. He further pointed out that the Centre is adding a "lake restorer" which is a natural plant raft which will provide the catalyst for introduction of good bacteria to clean and filter out silt from Paradise Lake. He noted that this may also be of interest to the City with respect to its man- made lake in Victoria Park. In conclusion, Mr. McKee thanked the Committee for an opportunity to present an overview of the Centre and its programs and invited members to consider touring the facility. Ms. B. Luckhardt questioned if the Centre would be considering expansion of the Earthkeepers Program to include higher grade levels, such as Grade 7 or 8. Mr. McKee responded that the program is targeted for lower grade levels and matched with their particular curriculums. He stated that it is more difficult to include higher grade levels because of the size of classes. Councillor T. Galloway questioned how many participants could be accommodated and the cost of the program. Mr. McKee responded that approximately 2,000 students go through the program each year with a maximum of 90 participants on site at any one time. The cost of the three day program is currently $85.00 per student which includes accommodation, meals and all materials required to complete the program. He further advised that parents and teachers are encouraged to volunteer and their participation is at no cost. Mr. D. Daly questioned if Mr. McKee could provide additional information with respect to the "lake restorer" and Mr. McKee responded that he would provide the name of a contact person through which Mr. Daly could obtain additional information. Councillor Jake Smola thanked Mr. McKee for his presentation and indicated that the Committee may consider taking advantage of his invitation to tour the facility in future. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 1999 -39- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. VEHICLE IDLING POLICY The Committee was in receipt of copies of three different by-laws which implement vehicle idling policies for the Cities of London, Niagara Falls and Toronto. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley advised that he has also approached the Cities of Cambridge, Waterloo and Guelph, and it has become apparent that there is interest across the Region in implementing such a policy. He further advised that the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality will be holding a meeting on November 30, 1999, with representatives from each municipality, together with the Regional Health Unit, to review the information and discuss drafting a workable model that could be implemented Region-wide. Mr. B. Stanley noted that, in the documentation provided, the municipalities vary in time restrictions for vehicle idling from 3 minutes up to 5 minutes and do not specifically address drive-thru facilities. He further pointed out that, while enforcement is charged to certain persons such as Police Officers or Medical Officers of Health, it is not clear as to how enforcement will be carried out. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the issue of drive-thru facilities and Mr. B. Stanley clarified that the by-laws do not provide exemption for vehicles utilizing drive-thrus and the definition of idling would suggest that a vehicle going through a drive-thru would not be idling unless it was in place for more than 3 minutes. Ms. B. Luckhardt requested clarification that tractor trailers would be included in such a policy as it did not appear that they were actually identified within the documentation presented. Mr. B. Stanley responded that vehicles are defined as being in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and, accordingly, this would include tractor trailers. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the issue of enforcement and pointed out that many by-laws are not proactively enforced; however, it is expected that law abiding citizens will comply. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if it would be appropriate for the Committee to endorse development of a Vehicle Idling Policy in principle and request Council to direct staff to prepare a report; or, alternatively, if it would be more appropriate to wait pending the outcome of discussions being undertaken by others. Mr. B. Stanley stated that he felt it would be worthwhile to have someone take an active role and participate in the meeting to be undertaken by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality. He pointed out that this would provide a means of keeping informed of their discussions on this issue and a report could be brought back to the Committee at a later date. The Committee then entered into a general discussion during which a consensus was reached that the development of a Vehicle Idling Policy would be better undertaken at the Regional level to allow uniformity and the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality would be an excellent forum in which to develop a draft proposal. On motion by Mr. T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Environmental Committee encourages the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality to pursue the enforcement of vehicle idling with a view to having a Regional by-law enacted pertaining to the public at large." 3. DRIVE-THRU FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of Business & Planning Services Department staff report, BPS 99/156, dated October 13, 1999, which outlines a request to extend the consultation process for issues related to drive-thru facilities. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley advised that Council has ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 1999 -40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DRIVE-THRU FACILITIES(Cont'd) supported the request to extend the consultation process and pointed out that because the process is progressing at a slower rate than originally anticipated the additional information requested by the Environmental Committee is not available at this time. Ms. P. Bacon advised that staff will be meeting with representatives of the industry at which time it is hoped that the issue of establishing drive-thru facilities as a use rather than as an accessory to a use will be resolved so that discussions may move forward with respect to design standards. Ms. P. Bacon provided several examples of statistics from varying types of drive-thrus relating to idling time, ranging from 4 to 6 minutes. She pointed out that the industry statistics are not geared towards idling time but rather towards the time it takes to service a vehicle through the facility and that these statistics will vary depending on the type of drive-thru being utilized. Councillor T. Galloway questioned if the industry has given any indication that it would be agreeable to design standards that would restrict the number of vehicles in a line. Ms. Bacon responded that certain standards are in place now which are being implemented through the site plan process and the consultation process being undertaken at this time is providing the industry with an opportunity to make known any concerns they may have with regard to the current standards. Councillor T. Galloway questioned if any municipalities have prohibited drive-thru facilities and Ms. Bacon responded that to her knowledge there were no municipalities within Canada that have banned this type of facility; however, there are examples of bans within the United States, particularly within California. Councillor T. Galloway referred to new types of drive-thrus being developed, citing banking operations as an example, and questioned if it would be possible to limit drive-thrus to fast food facilities only. Ms. P. Bacon responded that the proposed by-law is flexible with respect to the type of drive-thru facility; however, does include prohibiting drive-thru facilities within the downtown and some commercial-residential zones. She stated that staff could consider prohibiting certain types of drive-thrus; however, she pointed out that other types of drive-thru facilities, such as dry- cleaning, already exist. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that it is evident that the industry is very concerned about the proposed regulating of drive-thru facilities as they have become a very important component of the business. Following further discussion, it was agreed to compile a draft list of concerns which will be formalized at a future meeting, pending further consultation with the industry and a report back from staff to the Committee. It was also suggested that representatives of the industry be invited to hear the Committee's concerns. In response to questioning, Mr. B. Stanley advised that it is anticipated that staff will report back some time in February or March 2000 and in the interim will keep the Committee informed as to the progress of the consultation process. 4. WATERLOO REGION ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated October 12, 1999, from Mr. B. Stanley, General Manager, Department of Business & Planning Services, outlining nomination criteria for the Environmental Sustainability Awards Program. Mr. B. Stanley reviewed certain aspects of the proposed criteria noting that provision for industries that meet current ISO standards is provided for under the category of Business; however, as ISO standards are becoming more of a requirement the criteria calls for nominations of businesses that have gone beyond the current standards. He further pointed out that, under the category of Education, the criteria places emphasis on demonstrated impact to the community. 4. WATERLOO REGION ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS (Cont'd) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 1999 -41 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. K. Cenerelli questioned if the category of Education pertained only to schools or if it would involve other projects that serve to educate the public. Mr. B. Stanley responded that the criteria encompasses a full range. By general consent, it was agreed that Mr. B. Stanley and Councillor J. Haalboom would relay the Environmental Committee's support of the proposed nomination criteria for the Waterloo Region Environmental Sustainability Awards Program to the Awards Committee. 5. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated October 1999, from Waterloo Region R. E. E.P. (Residential Energy Efficiency Project). 6. NEW BUSINESS a) Mr. J. Kay advised that a colleague who specializes in Green Cities will be in Canada during the months of January to April 2000 and questioned if the Committee would be interested in a presentation on the subject. In this regard, Mr. Kay was asked to make arrangements through the Secretary to the Committee to arrange a date and time for such presentation. b) Ms. B. Luckhardt requested an update with respect to the meeting that was recently held on the preferred alternative for the Glasgow Street/Westmount Road improvements. Councillor T. Galloway advised that this matter had been discussed by the Regional Engineering Committee at its meeting held Wednesday, November 3, 1999 and an interim Alternative "D" was endorsed. He advised that this alternative includes opposing left turn lanes at the intersection of Glasgow Street and Westmount Road, together with southbound lanes on Westmount Road being reduced to one through lane to accommodate the second lane as a left turn only. He further pointed out that this alternative will not require widening of Westmount Road and will have no immediate impact on tree removal. He stated that the objectives of this alternative will be achieved through restriping of the roadway. He further advised that this alternative is being implemented on a six month trial basis, during which time it will be evaluated and, if proven successful, will require some remedial work to Westmount Road and the removal of one tree to be formally implemented. c) Councillor Jake Smola advised that the Environmental Assessment Study for the Fairway Road extension from Lackner Boulevard to Zeller Drive and from Zeller Drive across the Grand River has now been completed and questioned if the Committee would be interested in hearing a presentation by Regional staff. In this regard, it was agreed that Regional staff would be invited to make a presentation to the Committee. d) Councillor Jake Smola advised that Mr. K. Cenerelli would not be seeking re-appointment for another term on the Environmental Committee and thanked Mr. Cenerelli for his participation and, in particular, his volunteer efforts in organizing a successful Earth Day event. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator