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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-02ENVY1999-12-02 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 27 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor Jake Smola, Ms. S. Hultquist and Messrs. H. Alsafouti, R. Dal Bello, J. Kay, B. Krafchek and H. Linseman. Councillor J. Haalboom and Ms. B. Luckhardt entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley and D. Daly. Mayor C. Zehr welcomed those attending the meeting and requested that Committee and staff introduce themselves. During the introductions Ms. B. Luckhardt entered the meeting. Following the introductions, Mayor Zehr called for nominations for the positions of Committee Chair and Committee Vice-Chair. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this time. 1. APPOINTMENTS - ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That Councillor Jake Smola be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 2000." On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That Councillor Tom Galloway be appointed Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 2000." Councillor Jake Smola expressed his appreciation for his appointment as Chair of the Committee and, for information purposes, noted that the City of Kitchener is undergoing a Healthy Community Planning process known as Compass Kitchener. In this regard, he pointed out that environmental issues have been identified as a high priority topic for discussion. Mayor C. Zehr commented that Compass Kitchener had its kick-off meeting the previous evening on December 1, 1999 and noted that the response had been very positive with over 200 hundred participants. Mayor C. Zehr then vacated the Chair and left the meeting. Councillor Jake Smola assumed the Chair and conducted the remainder of the meeting. NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES TO PROTECT MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 22, 1999, prepared by staff of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo dealing with non-residential development policies for the protection of municipal water supplies. The report states that since 1994, the Region has been implementing a Water Resources Protection Strategy to minimize the impact of historic, existing and future land uses on municipal water supplies. The purpose of the report was to provide details of proposed policies to direct new non-residential development to areas of the Region with limited potential to impact municipal water supplies with these policies applying only to new non-residential development and not to existing urban or agricultural business operations. In developing the policies, time of travel for ground water to reach Regional wells and the sensitivity of the wells to potential impact from contamination sources were taken into consideration. In general, the policies embrace the principal that more stringent controls are needed close to the wells where the risk of impact to ground water is the greatest. Mr. Kevin Eby and Mr. Eric Hodgins, Regional staff, appeared before the Committee with respect to this report. Mr. Eby made a detailed presentation providing an overview of technical considerations, related issues, water sources and impacts that were addressed in developing the proposed policies. In concluding his presentation, Mr. Eby advised that implementation issues would involve a proposal to amend the Regional Official Policies Plan, followed by local ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1999 -43- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES TO PROTECT MUNICIPAL WATER ~HPPLIE~ t'CONT'D~ Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law amendments. Mr. Eby pointed out that while flexibility with respect to implementation measures would be taken into consideration, Regional staff will be looking at developing a Development Permit System. He advised that the next step in the process was to undertake public and stakeholder consultations, presently underway, to obtain further feedback prior to commencement of the R. R.O.P. amendment process. Mr. K. Eby responded to questions relating to introduction of new business to existing land uses and location of wells in the Highway 7 area, noting that the policies proposed can only be applied to land uses and that, while no wells are located along Highway 7, wells are present to the west and south of the highway. Ms. B. Luckhardt acknowledged that the report does not include residential and agricultural uses; however, questioned if policies relating to these matters and, in particular, run-off from agricultural uses, were to be developed. Mr. E. Hodgins advised that residential/agricultural uses were being dealt with under different processes. In respect to the agricultural uses, he pointed out that the Region is working together with the Grand River Conservation Authority and the farming community to implement a Rural Water Quality Program. He noted that participation in this program is voluntary. Mr. Eby further commented that the approach taken has been well received by the farming community who are eager to assist in development of regulatory policies. Ms. S. Hultquist questioned if any consideration was given to residential use of herbicides and/or pesticides and Mr. Hodgins responded that investigations have determined residential impacts to be minimal and, accordingly, the more immediate focus has been on existing and future commercial/industrial uses. He noted that municipalities have been progressive in monitoring urban uses through stormwater management and site plan processes, which have helped to minimize residential impacts. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if a further presentation would be made when a final draft of the proposed policies was completed and Mr. Eby concurred. Councillor Jake Smola thanked Mr. K. Eby and Mr. E. Hodgins for their presentation. 3. COMMITTEE MEETING DATE SCHEDULE The Committee considered a proposed schedule of meeting dates outlined in the agenda and Councillor Jake Smola inquired if their were any concerns with the proposed dates and times of the 2000 meeting schedule. On motion by Ms. B. Luckhardt - it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee approve holding its 2000 meetings at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings on the dates listed below: January 20 May 11 September 7 February 10 June 8 October 5 March 9 July NoneNovember 2 April 6 August None December 14." 4. PROPOSED NEW HIGHWAY #7 ALIGNMENT - UPDATE Councillor Jake Smola advised that several delegations were in attendance to speak to this issue and, prior to their presentation, he requested Mr. B. Stanley to review issues relating to the Ministry of Transportation's proposal for a new Highway 7. 4. PROPOSED NEW HIGHWAY #7 ALIGNMENT - UPDATE (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1999 -44 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. B. Stanley advised that a detailed alignment study and standard environmental assessment process had been undertaken by the Ministry and it's consultant, McCormick, Rankin. During the consultation process a number of concerns were raised by various interests groups. Presentations were made to the Environmental Committee and Council, resulting in a resolution of support for the new highway together with a request that additional modes of transportation, such as car pooling facilities, be considered to reduce congestion and improve movement between Kitchener and Guelph. Following consideration of this issue by Regional Council the matter was referred to the Ministry of the Environment and, as a result of further review, a new proposed alignment is now being proposed by the Ministry of Transportation to address concerns raised. Mr. Stanley advised that the Ministry wishes to undertake further public consultation that will include special interest groups prior to undertaking new presentations to area municipalities. He stated that it is staff's preference to firstly make Council aware of the new proposal. In this regard, he suggested that the Committee hear the delegations and ask any questions they may have; however, he recommended that decisions be held pending presentation of the new proposal by the Ministry of Transportation. He advised that the Committee would then have all proposals before it with which to make an informed decision which could then be forwarded by recommendation to City Council. Mr. M. Parkinson of the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG) appeared before the Committee and presented a letter from WPIRG dated December 2, 1999, outlining updates on issues related to the proposed new expressway. Mr. Parkinson then made presentation to the Committee outlining concerns relating to the need for a new highway; the expense involved; impacts on the environment such as air quality; and safety issues. Mr. Parkinson stated that WPIRG would like to work towards reducing the demand on the roadway through promotion of alternative transit modes, such as car pooling, and feels that a less expensive approach through widening of the existing highway would be more appropriate and have less impact on the environment. He advised that he had previously appeared before the Environmental Committee to request a letter of support in opposition of the new highway and that the Committee had passed a recommendation that did not support the new highway alternative. He noted that the Committee's recommendation went to City Council and was defeated, resulting in a resolution in support of the new highway. He further commented that WPIRG did not believe the environmental issues within the City of Kitchener had been settled and would like to see further review on this issue. Mr. Parkinson referred to surveys undertaken by WPIRG which indicate the public at large are not in favour of a new highway and, in addition, he provided the Committee with a copy of a survey undertaken by the K-W Field Naturalists which indicates a significant number of breeding birds that could be impacted by this proposal. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to remarks by Mr. Parkinson with respect to Council voting in favour of the new highway alignment and asked that, when speaking in public on this matter, Mr. Parkinson clarify that she in fact voted against the recommendation adopted by Council. Councillor Haalboom stated that she was in favour of widening the existing highway, together with promotion of alternative modes of transportation, but did not support the proposal for a new highway alignment. Councillor J. Haalboom left the meeting at this time. Councillor Jake Smola requested Mr. Parkinson to clarify environmental issues within the City limits that he had referred to as being outstanding. Mr. Parkinson responded that the environmental concerns relate to air quality; crossing of the Grand River which is a heritage waterway and the potential impact on fish; and, cumulative effects on eco-systems that cross over boundaries which have not been assessed, citing an example of a woodland being cut down which, in turn, creates run-off for lands further down the road. Mr. L. Danillo of the Highway 7 Alternative Transportation Group (Halt 7) appeared before the Committee and provided documentation dated December 2, 1999 outlining Halt 7's alternative proposal for Highway 7. Mr. Danillo stated that the group he represents is concerned with the Ministry's proposal for a new highway alignment and is interested in a better solution. In this regard, he advised that Halt 7 is promoting its own new alternative for a controlled access route 4. PROPOSED NEW HIGHWAY #7 ALIGNMENT - UPDATE (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1999 -45- CITY OF KITCHENER from the Wellington Street interchange to the Breslau by-pass. Mr. Danillo then introduced Mr. Bouteiller, who undertook a detailed presentation of the Halt 7 proposal. Mr. Bouteiller advised that Halt 7's proposal to upgrade the existing Highway 7 will significantly lower costs and be less damaging to the environment. He advised that the proposal will not require crossing of the Grand River but will require construction of a bridge in the Riverbend Drive area. It is also proposed to close the access from Victoria Street into Bingeman Park with new access to be from Lackner Boulevard. Mr. Bouteiller referred to issues of concern relating to increased vehicle emissions having an impact on air quality and accident data that does not support safety as a valid reason for a new highway. He stated that the Ministry's proposal provides for more traffic which will produce more pollution whereas Halt 7 wishes to reduce the growth of traffic. Ms. S. Hultquist questioned how Halt 7's proposal differs from that of the Ministry with respect to increasing traffic. Mr. Bouteiller responded that the Ministry is proposing a new four lane highway to the north of the existing Highway 7 which will result in collection of traffic on both roadways and, in addition, could attract new land uses which bring with them increased traffic. He stated that the proposal of Halt 7 limits the capacity of the road and consists of a total of 4 lanes through widening of the existing Highway 7. Mr. R. Dal Bello questioned how it was intended to curb growth and Mr. Bouteiller responded that one way would be not to provide a new highway. Mr. Dal Bello suggested that the Halt 7 proposal would create a bottleneck and thereby increase traffic congestion at a faster rate than that of the Ministry's proposal. Mr. Bouteiller responded that other modes of transportation need to be promoted and suggested that the Ministry's proposal would also eventually create a bottleneck at greater quantity. Mr. J. Kay referred to the issue of air quality and stated that, while cars do contribute to pollution, a more immediate problem in Kitchener relates to the ground level ozones which are actually improved by increased traffic; ie. the more cars driven the lesser the ground level ozones. Mr. J. Kay inquired of the delegation as to what their objective in appearing before the Committee was and Mr. Danillo responded that they were seeking the Committee's endorsement of the Halt 7's proposal. In terms of proper procedure, Mr. J. Kay inquired of staff if it would be appropriate to pass a motion supporting Halt 7's alternative. Mr. B. Stanley responded that, in view that the Ministry is reviewing the whole process and intends to make further presentation to Council, such presentation to Council should be undertaken first, followed by a similar presentation to the Environmental Committee for review and recommendation to Council. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the recommendation previously adopted by Council supporting the Ministry's proposal and stated that he had supported the recommendation as he believed the environmental issues within the municipality to be minimal and did not agree that safety issues were insignificant, citing an example of numerous accidents at Regional Road 17 and Highway 7. He stated that he was in support of Mr. Stanley's comments to delay decision- making pending presentation by the Ministry of its newest proposal. At such time, he indicated that he would ask to have the matter referred to the Environmental Committee and the delegations would be invited back to the Committee when the presentation was undertaken. In this regard, the Secretary to the Committee was instructed to notify the delegations when the matter would be heard. Councillor Jake Smola thanked the delegations for their presentation this date. 5. EARTH DAY 2000 Mr. B. Stanley provided the Committee with an overview of the 1999 Earth Day Event, noting that the first celebration of Earth Day had been very successful. He stated that it was intended this be an annual event to occur in April of each year. He advised that an organizing team has already been established for the year 2000 consisting of Councillor Jake Smola, himself, Terry Boutilier, Paul Sinnott and Jennifer Zunic. Mr. Stanley stated that two members of the Environmental Committee had participated on the Organizing Committee for 1999 and staff are EARTH DAY 2000 (CONT'D) again requesting volunteers from the Committee to help organize the 2000 event. In addition, he ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1999 -46 - CITY OF KITCHENER noted that Earth Day is traditionally held on April 22 in each year which falls on a Saturday in the year 2000. Initially this was felt to be a good day to hold the event; however, in view of the fact that this date falls in the middle of Easter weekend, staff are now suggesting that Earth Day 2000 events be held on Saturday, April 15, 2000 to avoid added expense for staff over a holiday weekend and potential decrease in public participation because of the holiday. He noted that Earth Day is normally the culmination of a week long celebration but it may be more appropriate this coming year to launch the festivities with Earth Day events. Councillor Jake Smola inquired how often the Organizing Committee would meet and Mr. Stanley advised that they would meet approximately every 3 to 4 weeks; however, he stated that it was not essential for the Committee representatives to attend each meeting. Councillor Jake Smola then inquired if any members were interested in volunteering and Ms. B. Luckhardt and Mr. B. Krafchek agreed to participate. Mr. B. Krafchek inquired as to who would Chair the Organizing Committee and Mr. Stanley responded that the Chair of the Committee had not yet been decided; however, Mr. T. Boutilier was a potential candidate in this regard. On motion by Mr. H. Linseman - it was resolved: "That events to celebrate Earth Day 2000 be held on Saturday, April 15, 2000; and further, That Ms. B. Luckhardt and Mr. B. Krafchek be appointed as representatives of the Environmental Committee to the Organizing Committee dealing with Earth Day events." Mr. B. Stanley then advised that the 1999 celebrations had been organized with virtually no budget, drawing on goodwill funds from various department budgets. In this regard, he inquired if the Committee felt it appropriate to seek funding for this event. He noted that costs for the 1999 event had been approximately $5,000.00 and suggested that a similar amount be considered for the 2000 event. A brief discussion was undertaken during which it was agreed that funding for this event should be requested and various amounts were considered. On motion by Mr. H. Linseman - it was resolved: "That City Council consider an expenditure of up to $6,000.00 to be allocated to the operating budget of the Environmental Committee for the purpose of covering costs related to events to be undertaken in celebration of Earth Day 2000; and further, That City Council consider adding an annual expenditure to the operating budget of the Environmental Committee for the purpose of hosting Earth Day events." 6. CITY OF KITCHENER'S STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT A copy of the City of Kitchener's Strategic Plan for the Environment was distributed for information purposes to Committee members only. Ms. B. Steiner provided an overview of the Plan advising that it had been adopted in 1992 after 1 1/2 years of internal and public meetings. She pointed out that the Plan is a living document to track environmental issues, with the last major revision having been undertaken in 1995. She stated that particularly in light of the Compass Kitchener initiative, it may be appropriate for the CITY OF KITCHENER'S STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CONT'D) Committee to consider a full revision of the Plan in 2000. She advised that the document contains a Mission Statement, together with Guiding Principles, which assist the Committee in its approach ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1999 -47- CITY OF KITCHENER to environmental issues. Ms. Steiner pointed out that the plan is an important document that provides a means of tracking the City's progress and allows an opportunity for other departments to coordinate new initiatives. 7. APPOINTMENTS - CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY Councillor Jake Smola advised that Council is seeking a representative of the Environmental Committee and one additional Council representative to be appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality. He advised that this is an independent Regional body that meets once a month at various locations on a rotation basis to deal with all aspects of atmospheric concerns. Following further discussion, it was agreed to defer this matter to the next meeting of the Environmental Committee and Councillor Jake Smola asked that Committee members give some thought to their willingness to participate on this Committee. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator