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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-06ENVY2000-04-06 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MNUTES APRIL 67 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m., under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Hultquist, Ms. B. Luckhardt and Messrs. R. Dal Bello, J. Kay, B. Krafchek, H. Linseman and F. Wende. Councillor J. Haalboom was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. P. Bacon, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley, D. Daly, T. Boutilier and J. Willmer. 1. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY - KITCHENER TO GUELPH At a special meeting of the Environmental Committee held on March 20, 2000, presentations by the Ministry of Transportation and its consultant, McCormick Rankin, were made with respect to the Ministry's review of the Highway 7 Planning Study between Kitchener & Guelph. The Committee also heard presentations by special interest groups and individual members of the public having expressed an interest in this matter. Following the presentations, it was agreed to defer this matter to the meeting this date to allow members of the Committee to review the material presented prior to making a decision. Mr. L. D'Agnillo appeared as a representative of the HALT 7 Group and provided preliminary results of a Highway 7 commuter survey conducted on April 4, 2000. In summary of the results, he advised that only approximately 15.6 % of those surveyed support the new expressway. Ms. C. Jyoti, together with Mr. C. Kothari and several other members representing the Brahmarishi Mission of Canada, appeared before the Committee and expressed concern that their Mission located at 525 Bridge Street East could potentially be impacted by the proposed new alignment for Highway 7. Ms. Jyoti pointed out that the Mission is the site of their National Headquarters and is attended by large numbers of members of their faith. She further explained that since acquiring this site a number of religious life size Dieties have been installed which, by their tradition and culture, are sacred and cannot be removed, relocated or destroyed. Since learning approximately 1 1/2 years ago that the Mission may be impacted by the proposed new highway alignment, Ms. Jyoti advised that the Mission has corresponded with the Ministry of Transportation and invited them to visit the Mission. She advised that no response has been received from the Ministry of Transportation. Ms. Jyoti further advised that they also have environmental concerns regarding air quality as yoga is practiced on the site involving various breathing exercises. In conclusion, Ms. Jyoti urged the Committee to consider the spiritual, devotional and emotional impact to members of the Mission and provide assistance in saving this site. Mr. B. Stanley provided a brief history of the subject property, noting that in the mid 70-80's when the Bridgeport subdivision was being planned this particular site was owned by Victoria Wheelchair. He pointed out that at that time, the proposed alignment did not impact this subdivision. Realignment of the proposed highway was undertaken while Victoria Wheelchair still owned the property; however, in 1996 the property was sold and converted to a temple. Mr. Stanley stated that while he was uncertain if the Mission would have been advised of the alignment at the time of purchase by either the previous owner or their own solicitors, both the old alignment and the new alignment were on record at the time of sale. In response to questioning, the Committee was advised that members of the Mission have attended several open houses and corresponded with the Ministry; however, the Ministry has not responded. Mr. R. Attwooll appeared before the Committee and expressed concern with the proposed alignment for the new highway and suggested that the alignment be even further north connecting directly with University Avenue. In his opinion, this would alleviate the traffic congestion experienced in the area of Bridge Street and eliminate environmental impacts to wetlands. Councillor Jake Smola requested staff to provide their comments with respect to the proposed highway. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley advised that he wished to address the section of the proposed highway running through the municipality, crossing over the Grand River and connecting to Bridge Street. In this area, he advised that staff support the new highway as it will MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY - KITCHENER TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 2000 -20- CITY OF KITCHENER GUELPH (CONT'D) provide a second access to Bridgeport East which will serve to off-load traffic from Victoria Street. He further pointed out that this portion of the proposed highway has the least of all impacts associated in relationship to the entire corridor. Mr. Stanley referred to the concerns of the Mission and agreed that these should be documented and provided to the Ministry of Transportation. Mr. Stanley then referred to the "Vogel" route and advised that staff have concern with the impact on the City's ability to use industrial lands in the area and this route would require a second crossing of the Grand River. He stated that this route would have significant impact on both sides of the bridge and eliminate a new park facility in the area of Victoria Street. With regard to the remainder of the proposed alignment, Mr. Stanley pointed out that from a land use planning perspective construction of the proposed new highway will result in two Provincial highways running parallel to each other which will significantly increase the potential for urban growth between the two highways. This in effect will have greater environmental impact than making improvements to widen the existing highway. Ms. B. Steiner stated that from an environmental point of view the Committee may wish to consider the broader perspective of capacity expansion in relationship to air quality and the impact to natural areas. She pointed out that most natural areas along the proposed alignment are outside of the municipal boundary. Councillor Jake Smola then referred members of the Committee to the Environmental Strategic Plan and reviewed the Committee's Mission Statement and Underlying Philosophy, Assumptions and Guiding Principals. Councillor Jake Smola also referred the Committee to previous resolutions passed by City Council and the Environmental Committee with respect to this issue and these recommendations were reviewed. Mr. J. Kay referred to a resolution adopted by the City of Waterloo, as recommended by its Environmental Committee, that while they appreciate the changes made and recognize they are an improvement, if the new alignment is to be followed there are outstanding concerns that it is still not a desirable route environmentally and they still support the less damaging option of widening the existing road with a connection to Wellington Street, if necessary. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Kay stated that he had concern with the cost estimate of $100,000,000.00 and provided several examples of smaller projects which would suggest the cost to build the new Highway 7 will much be greater than estimated. He pointed out that a number of alternatives proposed would be less costly and agreed that building the new highway will encourage urban infilling. He stated that he was opposed to encouraging any increase in car usage and that alternative modes of transportation should be given further consideration. Mr. J. Kay put forward the following motion for consideration: "That City Council be advised that the Environmental Committee does not support the alignment of the new Highway No. 7 project from Kitchener to Guelph; and, That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to consider alternative transportation modes and demand side transportation management as a means to reduce congestion and improve movement between Kitchener and Guelph, rather than proceeding with the new Highway No. 7; and, That the Environmental Committee requests the City of Kitchener to investigate ways in which it can promote and facilitate demand side transportation management along the Highway No. 7 corridor; and further, That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to advise on the direct, operating and indirect (i.e. health, etc.) costs of the proposed highway." Discussion was then undertaken during which concerns were expressed with regard to the environmental impact to wetlands and agricultural lands; potential downloading of future MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY - KITCHENER TO GUELPH (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 2000 -21- CITY OF KITCHENER maintenance costs for the new highway; and, lack of choice with respect to alternative transportation modes. Councillor T. Galloway requested clarification of the first part of the motion and questioned if the intent was not to support the north alignment. Mr. Kay advised that was correct and agreed to include the word "north" in the motion. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he would support the motion with the exception of the first paragraph. He advised that he was in favour of proceeding with the new alignment within the municipal boundary as he felt the additional bridge crossing was necessary to alleviate concerns in the Bridgeport East area. He stated that beyond the municipal boundary he could see the alignment connecting to the existing highway and continuing from there without need to construct a new highway. He further expressed concern with regard to the potential impact to the Brahmarishi Mission and suggested that this concern also be relayed to the Ministry. Ms. B. Luckhardt suggested that the Ministry be requested to invest funds to study alternative forms of transportation rather than building the new highway and it was agreed to include this suggestion as part of the motion. Councillor J. Haalboom enquired why it was felt necessary to proceed with the bridge crossing in the Bridgeport East area and Councillor T. Galloway advised that traffic congestion is already at peak demand in this area with further plans of development on the east side. He pointed out that traffic experts have advised that improvements to the expressway, including the Wellington Street interchange, are necessary to alleviate traffic congestion. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern that the City of Kitchener has to bear the consequences of development in the City of Waterloo and suggested that Waterloo should play a role in resolving this issue. Mr. J. Kay stated that while he did not wish to preclude dealing with this issue, he felt it was really a separate issue. Mr. R. Dal Bello expressed concern that should an on/off ramp be constructed on Bridge Street with no proposal to widen the street, traffic concerns will not be alleviated as motorists will continue to use the shortest route. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he was in support of the motion, noting environmental impacts to natural and agricultural areas and the potential for urban sprawl. He further stated that he was not convinced that the new highway would be used in view of existing businesses along Victoria Street and felt that there was opportunity to consider alternative modes of transportation. Councillor T. Galloway requested that the first paragraph of the motion be dealt with separately. On motion by Mr. J. Kay - it was resolved: "That City Council be advised that the Environmental Committee does not support the north alignment of the new Highway No. 7 Project from Kitchener to Guelph." On motion by Mr. J. Kay - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to consider alternative transportation modes and demand side transportation management as a means to reduce congestion and improve movement between Kitchener and Guelph, rather than proceeding with the new Highway No. 7, including investing funding in promoting such alternatives; and, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY - KITCHENER TO GUELPH (CONT'D) That the Environmental Committee requests the City of Kitchener to investigate ways in ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 2000 -22- CITY OF KITCHENER which it can promote and facilitate demand side transportation management along the Highway No. 7 corridor; and further, That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to advise on the direct, operating and indirect (i.e. health, etc.) costs of the proposed highway." On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, in the event the new highway is constructed, be requested to make every effort to choose an alignment that will avoid any impact to the property known municipally as 525 Bridge Street East, Kitchener." As previously arranged, the Committee's decision respecting the above recommendations will be referred to the Special Council meeting to be held on Monday, April 10, 2000 and members of the public in attendance this date were so advised. 2. EARTH DAY 2000 - PRESENTATION OF PROGRAM Mr. T. Boutilier appeared before the Committee and distributed a brief outline of the events proposed for the Earth Day Festival to be held on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29th. Mr. Boutilier pointed out that family exhibits are proposed which will include the University of Waterloo Midnight Sun Solar Car, "Falcons" from the Peregrine Falcon Foundation, Sciensational Snakes, the Junk Monster, the Dirty Sock Contest and the Student Science Fair Projects. In addition, he noted that the University of Waterloo plans an environmental forum to debate "Downtown Kitchener - An Environment in Conflict" and the key note speaker for the festival will be Mr. Brian Tokar whose specialty is the Economics and Ethics of Food Bio-Engineering. In addition to the key note speaker, Mr. Boutilier advised that a reception will be hosted to honour and hear an address from the newly appointed Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Mr. Gord Miller. Councillor Jake Smola thanked Mr. Boutilier for his presentation and his work, together with other volunteers, in organizing the Earth Day 2000 Festival. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. 3. DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES Mr. J. Willmer appeared before the Committee and provided an overview of the process of study undertaken to date with respect to drive-through facilities. He pointed out that the study centered around regulatory measures that can be implemented under the City's Zoning By-law and within the Urban Design Manual. In this regard, he advised that noise studies will be a requirement for facilities located less than 60 m from residential or institutional uses and, in an effort to promote a pedestrian environment, drive-throughs will be prohibited in the downtown core. Design standards are also proposed to be implemented for drive-throughs where they are permitted. Mr. Willmer suggested that from an environmental standpoint, the Committee may wish to consider aspects of air quality and noise. With respect to air quality, Mr. Willmer advised that design standards may include tree screening along the drive-through lane which will assist in dispersal of exhaust fumes and also provide some noise mitigation. = Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern with possible proliferation of drive-through facilities in the Gateway area and questioned if any measures were to be put in place for control. Mr. Willmer advised that discussions have taken place with area residents, who have not indicated a desire for prohibition. The focus has been to address specific areas of conflict and implement appropriate solutions. He pointed out that the Gateway area is located adjacent to a Provincial highway access and is not pedestrian oriented. He further advised that transit has been provided; however, the public at large is not responding. DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES (CONT'D) Mr. J. Kay expressed concerns relative to vehicle stacking and provision of a second window to assist in alleviating line-ups; air quality measures that would require drive-throughs to close on smog alert days; and, conflicts between cyclists and motorists in the area of the Iron Horse Trail. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 2000 -23- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Willmer agreed that all were valid concerns Councillor Jake Smola questioned if it may be appropriate to consider permitting drive-throughs only in specific areas around the outer boundaries of the municipality, such as in the area of Victoria Street North, in view of the market pressure to establish such facilities. He pointed out that drive-through facilities conflict with the desire to promote a pedestrian and cycling environment and restricting facilities to specific areas may be an appropriate solution. Councillor Jake Smola further pointed out that drive-throughs help to create a disposable society making garbage a concern. Following further discussion, it was agreed that further consideration of drive-through facilities would be deferred to the Committee's meeting of May 11, 2000, with any recommendation to be forwarded to the May 15th meeting of the Planning & Economic Development Committee for consideration. Councillor Jake Smola and Councillor J. Haalboom left the meeting at this time and the remainder of the meeting was conducted by Mr. B. Stanley. Further comments were expressed by members of the Committee regarding the issue of drive- throughs relative to existing facilities adhering to new design standards; potential licencing of facilities; per capita ceilings; and garbage issues. All will be further considered at the May 11th meeting. = COMPASS KITCHENER - VISION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ROUND II WORKSHOP BOOKLETS = As part of the agenda package, members of the Committee were in receipt of a Round II Workshop Booklet and were requested to complete the questionnaire contained therein. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley urged members of the Committee to complete the questionnaire and submit their responses by no later than April 20, 2000. WATERLOO REGION ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM - REVIEW OF NOMINATIONS = A brief discussion was undertaken with respect to the process for reviewing and selecting the Committee's preferred nominees for the Environmental Awards and it was agreed that Mr. B. Stanley and Councillor J. Haalboom would undertake to follow through on this process and provide members of the Committee with information on all nominees and those selected. Due to time constraints, the remainder of the Committee's agenda was deferred to its meeting to be held on May 11,2000. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information items: · excerpt from Council Minutes of March 20, 2000 - recommendation(s) of March 9th Environmental Committee meeting adopted by Council · Compass Kitchener - Environmental Committee's response to Round I Workshop Booklet Questionnaire · Greengrid Electric Limited Letter dated February 24, 2000 - The Power To Clean Ontario's Air is Now Here · Ontario Clean Air Alliance - Pollution Loopholes Report - February 2000 = ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 6:05 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 2000 -24- CITY OF KITCHENER J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator