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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-23 Climate Change and Environment Committee - Minutes CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES March 23, 2023 - 1 - CITY OF KITCHENER 200 King Street W. th 5 Floor, Adams-Seymour Rm. A & B Kitchener ON N2G 4G7 Present: J. Clary-Lemon, M. Shafii, M. Garner, G. Johannesson, F. Tohidi, B. Unrau, B. Wallis, K. Loveless, S. Wyness Regrets: K. Bockasten, B. Kurczak, V. Nhio-son, Cllr. A. Clancy, Cllr. S. Davey Staff: A. Buitendyk, Forestry Project Manager A. M. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner G. Khandelwal, Planner (Policy) N. Goss, Manager Policy & Research S. Lodenquai, Committee Administrator COMMENCEMENT The Climate Change and Environment Committee began this date at 4:05 p.m. with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS None. DELEGATIONS P. Boot, Resident 1. TREE CONSERVATION REVIEW UPDATE The committee was in receipt of staff presentation by A. Buitendyk, G. Khandelwal, and C. Musselman which was an update to the Tree Conservation Review that was brought to the committee in February 2023. On motion by B. Wallis – It was resolved: “That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support staff taking a report to the April 24th Committee of Council outlining existing tree conservation processes that conserve, manage and/or regulate public and private trees in Kitchener as well as in other relevant municipalities; and, That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support initiating the second phase of the Tree Conservation Processes Review that includes consideration of specific enhancement opportunities to existing tools and processes.” Carried, Unanimously 2. DTK VISION N. Goss lead the committee through a discussion on Downtown Kitchener Vision and Principles. Referencing the ‘DIY: Facilitation Guide’ developed by the Downtown Kitchener Working Group, committee members were asked the following discussion question under Theme Five: Climate Change and Environment Leadership: 1. How can DTK be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and better prepare for climate changes (adaptation)? Committee members provided their comments and ideas on what the future of Downtown Kitchener could be from an environmentally conscious perspective. P. Boot, resident, was permitted through the Chair to contribute to the discussion. 3. CORCAP 2.0 A.M. Cipriani gave a presentation on the Corporate Climate Action Plan (CorCAP 2.0) which covered the topics of: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES March 23, 2022 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER Who and what is the Corporate Sustainability Office Climate Change 101 Corporate Climate Change Action Plan The Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) A.M. Cipriani concluded the presentation with the following questions: 1. If CorCAP 2.0 were to be successful what outcomes would this next generation plan support and/or achieve? 2. Do you recommend priorities in the 5 focus areas (Facilities, Fleet and Equipment, Streetlighting, Waste, Staff Travel)? 3. Is there a role for carbon offsets in our corporate fight against climate change? 4. What support do you as a member of this committee wish to offer in the development of this plan? NEW BUSINESS Through the Chair it was requested the Climate Change and Environment Committee meeting format rotate between an in-person and virtual format. The item will be brought to the committee for consideration at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Shannon Lodenquai Committee Administrator