HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-19 - Climate Change and Environment Committee AgendaClimate Change and Environment Committee
Agenda
October 19, 2023, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Electronic Meeting
People interested in participating in this meeting can email Committee Administrator, Shannon
Lodenquai at shannon.lodenquai(a)kitchener.ca. Please refer to the delegation section on the agenda
below for the registration deadline. Written comments received will be circulated to the Committee
prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record.
*Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you require
assistance to take part in a city meeting or event, please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994.*
Chair: Brooklin Wallis
Vice -Chair: Morgan Garner
Pages
1. Commencement
The meeting will begin with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair.
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Neutral,
Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples.
We recognize our responsibility to serve as stewards for the land and
honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is
enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the
diverse First Nations, Metis and Inuit in Kitchener today.
1.1 Electronic Meeting Access
This meeting can be viewed electronically using Zoom link:
https://kitchener-
ca.zoom. us/j/87635147606?pwd=ZW1 Wej FWN3FKZk5ySGdlaDBJamJ 1
Zz09
Passcode:964529
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General
Nature Thereof
Members of Council and members of the City's local boards/committees are
required to file a written statement when they have a conflict of interest. If a
conflict is declared, please visit www. kitchener. ca/conflict to submit your written
form.
3. Delegations
Pursuant to Council's Procedural By-law, delegations are permitted to address
the Committee for a maximum of five (5) minutes. All Delegations must register
by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday October 19,2023, in order to participate in the meeting
electronically.
4. Discussion Items
4.1 Q23-045 Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction 25 m 1
Environmental Assessment, DSD -2023-453
Monica Mazur, Project Manager, Development Engineering, City of
Kitchener
4.2 Presentation of Impact Report to the Climate 15 m 9
Change & Environment Committee - Reep
Green Solutions
Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director
Patrick Gilbride, Associate Director/Manager of Green Infrastructure
Programs
4.3 CLEC Sub -Committee Assignments and 25 m
Updates
5. Information Items
NIL
6. Adjournment
Shannon Lodenquai
Committee Administrator
Staff Report
Development Services Department www.kitchener.co
REPORT TO: Climate Change and Environment Committee
DATE OF MEETING: October 19, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager Policy and Research 519-741-2200 ext. 7648
PREPARED BY: Monica Mazur, Project Manager, 519-741-2200 ext. 7135
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 3
DATE OF REPORT: October 5, 2023
REPORT NO.: DSD -2023-453
SUBJECT: Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Climate Change and Environment Committee supports the preferred
alternative solution for flood risk reduction in the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to present the preliminary alternatives considered for flood
risk reduction in the Hidden Valley creek subwatershed.
• The key finding of this report is that implementing conveyance improvements
downstream of the wetland is the preferred solution.
• The recommendation has no impact on the Capital or Operating Budget. Funds are
currently available from Development Charges.
• Community engagement included is First Nations consultation, a Public Information
Center on October 12, an Engage Page, and a page for Hidden Valley on the City of
Kitchener website.
• This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path
to a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment
while transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to
make climate -positive choices.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener (the City) retained Matrix Solutions Inc. (Matrix) to provide a Municipal
Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for flood risk reduction in the Hidden Valley Creek
subwatershed. There are several flood vulnerable areas and erosion vulnerable reaches in
the downstream portion of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed close to Hidden Valley
Road. This EA is being undertaken to define a flood risk reduction solution to reduce existing
flood risks and support future development in the Hidden Valley community. The project is
being carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act
and it is being planned under Schedule B. The intent of this project is to identify solutions
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
and design alternatives to reduce the flood hazard in the vulnerable downstream reaches of
the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed.
The Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed is approximately 200 ha located in southeast
Kitchener (see Figure 1). The Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed contains a large
wetland/woodland environmental complex, which holds classifications of a Provincially
Significant Wetland (PSW), Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA), and Core
Environmental Feature (CEF). Within the study area there are Regionally Significant
Woodland and Significant Valley, species at risk habitat, and a warmwater fishery. In
addition to being an environmentally sensitive area, the Hidden Valley ESPA/PSW is the
hydrologically dominant landscape feature in the subwatershed. The area downstream of
the Hidden Valley ESPA/PSW has experienced past flood and erosion impacts related to
both specific rainfall -runoff events and/or the release of natural debris -blockages (e.g.,
beaver dams or natural debris jams) within the wetland feature.
Figure 1
REPORT:
Four preliminary alternatives are considered to reduce the flood hazard in the vulnerable
downstream reaches of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed.
Alternative 1: Do Nothing
Alternative 1 proposes a "Do Nothing" scenario in which no changes are made, as per
requirements of the Municipal Class EA process. Based on available hydrologic modeling
(flows) and hydraulic modeling (elevations), a property downstream of the wetland is flooded
during the 1:25 year event and Hidden Valley Road is overtopped during the 1:10 year event
under existing conditions. Prior occurrences of flooding at the subject locations are thought
K
to have been, at least in part, the result of beaver dam failure within the wetland. Beaver
dams and other partial debris jams within the wetland are still at potential risk for failure
under existing conditions.
Alternative 2: Reduce Flows Upstream of Wetland
Alternative 2 includes the potential implementation of flow attenuation measures upstream
of the Hidden Valley wetland, such as stormwater controls to temporarily detain some runoff
volume and release it at a reduced rate. Much of the existing development in the headwaters
of the subwatershed occurred prior to the large-scale adoption of stormwater management
practices; there may be some potential to retroactively implement flow reduction measures
for these areas as either standalone facilities (i.e., new facilities to service existing
development) or in conjunction with future development.
Several new developments are currently proposed upstream of the Hidden Valley wetland
that will include stormwater management mitigation measures (e.g., control of post -
development flows back to existing rates). These facilities could potentially be modified to
"over -control" runoff from newly developing areas (e.g., control of post -development flows
to below existing rates) to help reduce flood potential downstream.
Alternative 3: Flow Control Structure in Wetland
Alternative 3 includes constructing a flow control structure, such as a dam, within the Hidden
Valley wetland to create / utilize storage volume above the normal wetland water levels to
provide peak flow attenuation for surface water flows to / through the feature. Under existing
conditions, it is speculated that naturally occurring beaver dams and/or vegetative debris
jams (i.e., deadfall) have built up and subsequently, either partially or completely, at various
times over the past decade, resulting in or exacerbating downstream flooding. Engineered
flow control measures would replicate the naturally occurring conditions within the wetland
while increasing the reliability of the structure. Attenuation within the wetland would reduce
the peak flow rate downstream and mitigate future flooding.
Alternative 4: Conveyance Improvements Downstream of the Wetland (preferred
alternative)
Alternative 4 would entail improving conveyance systems through the Hidden Valley Creek
corridor downstream of the wetland to safely pass elevated flows across private property
and Hidden Valley Road, reducing flooding. There are two intact engineered crossings
constricting flow downstream of the Hidden Valley wetland, a driveway crossing on private
property and the municipal road crossing under Hidden Valley Road.
Hidden Valley Road does not meet MTO drainage design standards for local roadway
crossings under existing conditions, and frequent overtopping of the roadway increases the
potential for channel erosion downstream of the crossing. This is of particular interest as the
channel runs through or adjacent to other private properties downstream of Hidden Valley
Road, and long-term erosion could impact these properties. Improving conveyance at
Hidden Valley Road would also improve erosion and long-term slope stability around and
immediately downstream of the crossing.
Evaluation Criteria
Based on positive collaborative experiences of recent City of Kitchener projects, this Study
proposes to adopt the "Framework for incorporating First Nations rights holder priorities and
K3
knowledge into an Environmental Assessment" (City of Kitchener and Stantec, 2023). The
intent of using this framework is to incorporate rights holder priorities and knowledge into
the EA process and achieve a balance of alternative evaluation criteria weighting between
ecological, technical, socio-economic and cultural considerations. The integration of
indigenous knowledge, lands, land claims, and treaty rights are not specifically identified as
a stand-alone category, but rather woven into and throughout all of the considerations
identified below. City staff met with the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississauga's
of the Credit First Nation in September 2023 to present the alternative solutions and receive
their input on their preferred solution. The preferred solution at the time of writing this report
is Alternative 4. Input from the public at the Public Information Center on October 12th 2023
will also be incorporated in the decision-making process when confirming the preferred
solution. A preliminary evaluation of alternative solutions is presented in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Preliminary Evaluation of Alternative Solutions
Natuurail Environment
Socio-economi%c and
Cultural Environment
Technical Environment
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to
a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while
transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make
climate -positive choices.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget. Funds are
currently available from Development Charges.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM —
A Notice of Study Commencement and Notice of Public Information Center have been
shared with the public, stakeholders, and rights holders. Project information can be found
on www.kitchener.ca/hiddenvallev and www.engagewr.ca/hidden-valley-aood-ea.
CONSULT —
CI
First Nations Consultation: City staff met with the Six Nations of the Grand River and the
Mississauga's of the Credit First Nation in September 2023 to present the alternative
solutions, receive input on their preferred solution, and incorporate rights holder priorities
and knowledge into the EA process.
Public Information Centre: A key component of the EA process is consultation with
interested stakeholders (public, landowners, and agencies). As part of this study,
consultation is being undertaken. A Public Information Centre (PIC) is planned on October
12 to share the study background; explain the Environmental Assessment process; outline
existing conditions; evaluation criteria; and the alternative solutions.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
• Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan
• Ongoing Hidden Valley Secondary Plan
• Staff Report (No. DSD -19-133) to Planning & Strategic Initiative Committee on
June 10, 2019 for the Neighbourhood Planning Review: Hidden Valley Land Use
Master Plan.
REVIEWED BY: Carlos Reyes, Manager Development Engineering
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Notice of Study Commencement
Attachment B — Notice of Public Information Centre
61
Matrix Solutions Inc.
��. [�d V I R C4�1 \4 I ` �'. 1\I _... ( ,ll C; I IAV t I'll I V G
NOTICE OF STUDY COMMENCEMENT
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction
The Study
The City of Kitchener (the City) retained Matrix Solutions Inc. (Matrix) to provide a Municipal
Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for flood risk reduction in the Hidden Valley Creek
subwatershed. There are several flood vulnerable areas and erosion vulnerable reaches in the
downstream portion of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed close to Hidden Valley Road.
This EA is being undertaken to define a flood risk reduction solution to reduce existing flood
risks and support future development in the Hidden Valley community.
The Process
The project is being carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental
Assessment Act and it is being planned under Schedule B. The intent of this project is to
identify solutions and design alternatives to reduce the flood hazard in the vulnerable
downstream reaches of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed. A key component of the EA
process will be consultation with interested stakeholders (public, landowners, and agencies).
Matrix will conduct a detailed background review and hydrologic/hydraulic analysis of the study
area and identify potential solutions to reduce flood hazard. Upon completion of the analysis,
Matrix will prepare a Project Report for the City and for submission to the Ministry of the
Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), which will be available for public review for a
period of 30 calendar days. All interested parties will have an opportunity to attend a Public
Information Centre (PIC) meeting hosted prior to the final decisions on the proposed solutions.
Notification of the PIC will be provided through email and postings on the City's website.
Study Area
The Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed is approximately 200 ha located in southeast
Kitchener (see Figure 1). The Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed contains a large
wetland/woodland environmental complex, which holds classifications of a Provincially
Significant Wetland (PSW), Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA), and Core
Environmental Feature (CEF). Within the study area there are Regionally Significant Woodland
and Significant Valley, species at risk habitat, and a warmwater fishery. In addition to being an
environmentally sensitive area, the Hidden Valley ESPA/PSW is the hydrologically dominant
landscape feature in the subwatershed.
The area downstream of the Hidden Valley ESPA/PSW has experienced past flood and
erosion impacts related to both specific rainfall -runoff events and/or the release of natural
debris -blockages (e.g., beaver dams or natural debris jams) within the wetland feature.
Figure 1
Public Feedback
Public, Indigenous, and agency consultation is a key component of the Class EA process, and
Matrix is interested in hearing any comments or concerns that you may have about this study.
Your input is important!
To submit a comment or question via email, or if you have accessibility requirements to
comment on the study, please contact one of the representatives below:
Monica Mazur, M.Sc., P.Eng. Karen Hofbauer, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Water Resources Analyst Principal Water Resources Engineer
Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities Division Matrix Solutions Inc.
City of Kitchener Phone: 226-314-1932
Phone- 519-741-2600 Email: .hof ,u ,rc matrix-sollutionsecom
Email: ,hiic c v ,ll,ll , c(" kiitchenereca
Please note that comments will be maintained for reference throughout the project and will
become part of the public record. Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection
of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, any personal information such as
name, address, and telephone number included in a submission will become part of the public
record unless the comments specifically request that such personal details not be included in
the public record.
Project information will be made available on the City's website
www.kiitchener.ca/hiiddenvalllley
...............................................................................................................................................................
This notice was first issued on June 13, 2023.
1
KiTcHNER
Matrix, Solutions Inc..N tai 1 Y�JI' N NI R)7NG
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction
The Study: The City of Kitchener (the City) retained Matrix Solutions Inc.
(Matrix) to provide a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA)
for flood risk reduction in the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed. There
are several flood vulnerable areas and erosion vulnerable reaches in
the downstream portion of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed close
to Hidden Valley Road. This EA is being undertaken to define a flood
risk reduction solution to reduce existing flood risks and support future
development in the Hidden Valley community. The project is being carried
out in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment
Act and is planned under Schedule B. The intent of this project is to
identify alternative solutions to reduce the flood hazard in the vulnerable
downstream reaches of the Hidden Valley Creek subwatershed.
Public Information Centre: A key component of the EA process is
consultation with interested stakeholders (public, landowners, and
agencies). As part of this study, consultation is being undertaken, and
your participation is encouraged. A Public Information Centre (PIC)
is planned to share the study background; explain the Environmental
Assessment process; outline existing conditions; evaluation criteria; and
the alternative solutions.
Public Information Centre
October 12, 2023
Drop-in format from 5 — 8 p.m.
Centreville Chicopee Community Center
141 Morgan Avenue, Kitchener
Ikiitclheneir.ca/lhiiddenvalllle
ena ewir.ca/lhiidden-valllle ®flood -ea
We'd like to hear from you: Your input is important to us and can
shape the project decision. We invite you to join our upcoming PIC to
learn more about the alternative solutions, ask our team questions, and
provide feedback. Listening to, and learning from, Indigenous Nations,
residents and stakeholders is part of the process. If you are unable to
attend the PIC, the presentation boards will be made available on the
project website. To submit a comment or question via email, or if you
have accessibility requirements to comment on the study, please contact
one of the representatives below:
Monica Mazur, M.Sc., P.Eng. Karen Hofbauer, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Project Manager Principal Water Resources Engineer
Development Engineering Matrix Solutions Inc.
City of Kitchener Phone: 226-314-1932
Phone: 519-741-2600 ext. 7135 Iklhotbauerrd)irnatiriix-sollutiions.corm
Ihiiddenvalllle 51kitchenenca
Please note that comments will be maintained for reference throughout the project
and will become part of the public record. Under the Municipal Freedom of Information
and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, any personal
information such as name, address, and telephone number included in a submission
will become part of the public record unles the comments specifically request that
such personal details not be included in the public record.
This notice was first issued on September 29, 2023.
From:
Sarah Smouter
To:
Shannon Lodenauai
Subject:
Presentation of Impact Report to the Environmental Advisory Committee
Date:
Monday, October 2, 2023 12:18:04 PM
Attachments:
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imaae007.r)na
You don't often get email from ssmouter@reepgreen.ca. Learn why this is important
Hi Shannon,
Mary Jane and Patrick are looking to present to committee. We were wondering if October 19th
would be a good date? Mary Jane prefers to be near the beginning of the agenda.
Here are some details if needed.
Date of meeting: October ::I.9th 20723 @ 4:00prri
Participation: In pers(Dn to C;l..rmate. C:In.a.n .e and [: nvirOnmental /advisory Committee.
Names of Delegates: Mary Jane. Patterson, ::::xecutive. Director & Patrick Gilbride, AsSOCiate.
Director/IV!lanager of Green Infrastructure Programs
Mary .bane Patterson, II ecutive Director
Email: ta.iUpatter.sonC ree..;reen.ca
Phone: 51.9 74.4. 6583 x229
Mailing address: 207 IMill Street, Kitchener, 01'x, 1' 2G 2Y3
Patrick Gilbridep Associate Director/Manager of Green Infrastructure Programs
Email:..�ilbride ree ..,reen.ca
Phone: (5.1.9) 574 3025
Mailing address: 207 IMill Street, Kitchener, 01'x, 1' 2G 2Y3
Representing a Group/Organization: Beep Green S(DILItiOns
Financial Implications: InformatiOn Item
Reasons for Delegation Request: Our Impact f�eport tells the story of Beep's work over the fast
fiscal year. Our programs and services sUpported ::I.,::I.0.1. meaningful acti(Dns On climate. charge.
People W(Dk tangible steps like planting a tree, switching to a high efficiency showerhead, or adding
attic insulation, to help make Our community more sustainable. I hese acti(Dns add up. I hey will help
Our community meet the ambiti(DUS goal of an 80% redUCti(Dn in emissiOns by 2050, as set OLA in
I ranSformWf�.
Thanks Shannon!
Sarah Smouter (she/her)
Admin & HR Coordinator
Direct: 519-744-6583 x234
Mailing address: 20 Mill Street, Kitchener, ON, N2G 2Y3
10 9) (9 0 0
1 am grateful to live and work in Waterloo Region and the Grand River watershed, which are located
on the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples, including the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and
Neutral Peoples. We recognize the enduring presence of the Indigenous peoples who we share this
land with today, and their contributions to our community..c d..g cLu11 territorial
.1. n .
iN
I-m,pact,Re,port
2022-2023
We believe that by acting today, we can leave our children a
community that is more resilient, vibrant, caring and sustainable.
Elanor Waslander, Board Chair
Meaningful actions: it's something we talk a lot about at Reep.
Recognizing the global challenge of dramatically reducing carbon
emissions, we have a goal of supporting 10,000 meaningful actions by
2030.
What do we mean by that? A meaningful action is one that yields
results or change: a tree planted, a rain garden installed, a home
made more energy or water efficient.
Supportive actions such as workshops or energy evaluations are also
important, because they give people in the region, and beyond, the
tools and knowledge they need to take meaningful action.
We look back on this year with awe and appreciation for our
community's response to the climate crisis. So many residents come to
us with genuine concern and a strong desire to be part of the solution.
11
Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director
In particular we've seen a surge of participation in home energy
upgrades. Homeowners smartly took advantage of federal and utility
incentives to make homes more comfortable and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions at the same time.
Adapting to our changing climate is also important, through increased
tree canopy, native species and flood prevention. We saw strong
sustained interest in healthy beautiful yards that perform all of those
functions: rain gardens in Kitchener and Guelph, Bloom {in} Box
pollinator plants throughout the Region (we've heard of some going as
far as Chatham!, and backyard trees planted in Cambridge,
Waterloo, Guelph and Kitchener. Reep participants are digging in and
painting our town green.
We look forward to next year with a sense of gratitude and excitement
for the changes ahead, as longtime board member and Reep co-
founder Paul Parker retires, Elanor yields the board chair role to
Michelle Watson, and Executive Director Mary Jane plans her
retirement in December 2023. We've been preparing for these
transitions for several years, and with a strong staff, volunteer and
board team in place, we are ready for what lies ahead.
Waterloo Region and the Grand River watershed are located on the traditional territory of Indigenous
Peoples, including the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral Peoples. We recognize the enduring
presence of the Indigenous peoples we share this land with today, and their contributions to our community.
.......
Road .........our ..:..full ........t 2^,ffi,t, pfi2......2......2...........2.....
2..........ont'.
How Close Are We To Our 2030 Target?
By 2030, people impacted by Reep Green Solutions have taken 10,000 meaningfu
actions to collectively shift our community to a resilient, low -carbon future.
Here iS OUrt: tal so fair:
3,184
Meanin ffu$ Actions (2020-2023),
12
Program Updates
All reported numbers are from the most recent fiscal year (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023).
..
Supportive Actions
In 2020, we set a target to empower 10,000 meaningful actions by the year 2030. We also
committed to tracking our results to make sure we're achieving that goal, and having an
impact in the community.
This year, participants in our programs accomplished 1,130 meaningful actions. They installed
heat pumps, planted native species, insulated basements and dug into rain gardens, making
our community more sustainable with each action.
These actions contribute directly to meeting our community targets for adapting to climate
change, and reducing greenhouse gases.
Participants also took 5,112 supportive actions to learn how to live sustainably through
personalized home consultations, webinars, and on -the -ground workshops.
Home Energy Efficiency
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EnerGuide, IEvat uationls
Invested in the Local Economy
8
Retrofits Installed
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i a' nlruatiiori. tl W&e ai , dl ll, -ars flhM May In ;atv (niin'nn IcIrlify and inualla, s will save an estimated S2,85,000
i ,e;„i year, ,mar,, gal tiled 6,09 hoa mes W irui'iurui
vv,fl s aqu w , n'ru'nd 259, homes, I,,)I u?a ir)illrwrmt.alai
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13
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�,f I rgrr�Wo�rk,s fl�05I[YUSti¢,M,('ao 'Yea)u.
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Reflecting on Water
Efficiency Efforts with WET
Home Reviews
After working with the Region of Waterloo for five years on WET
Home Reviews, Reep is no longer delivering this program.
During that time, we're proud to have helped residents in 1,964
homes save water. We not only provided advice on ways to
conserve water; we also installed 1,498 measures on the spot
that helped people to lower their water bills and save water
immediately. It was a great experience for us and we're
thankful for the chance to be a part of this important program,
which is still available through the Region of Waterloo.
Our partnership with the Region is still strong. With their help,
our team of water advisors has become experts in working with
property owners to check how much salt they use in winter. This
check is an important first step in making a plan to protect the
water we all need. We have also partnered with the City of
Guelph to research and provide recommendations on saving
water in multi -residential buildings
Understanding:.Energy Povertyin the Waterloo
.
Our Senior Energy Programs Manager, Lisa Truong, presenting at Clear Air Partnership's workshop about Applying an Equity Lens to
Climate Actions in Toronto City Hall.
Embedding equity into the design was a goal from the very beginning of our explorations into an energy
efficiency loan program for Waterloo Region. Last year we shared our learning on equity in municipal finance
programs across the country. Over the course of 4 different workshops and conferences, 300 attendees heard
our equity recommendations, including municipalities, utilities, energy partners, and non-profit organizations.
14
Continuing this work, we developed a data dashboard to analyze and better understand energy poverty in
Waterloo Region. We learned that 32,000 people in Waterloo Region pay more than twice the average
Canadian for their energy bills, as a percentage of their income. Some demographics are more highly
represented. For example, 26% of senior households experience energy poverty, compared with 19% among the
general population.
Energy costs can be a real financial burden for some households in our community. At 70 years old, Joyce
(Kitchener, ON) talks about the challenges: "I always pay my bills. I have learned to live frugally. However that
has meant if I'm going to keep warm in my house, for instance, then I don't have the cash to buy gas to go visit
my grandchildren as often as I'd like." Read the full blog ,IIS„,iir,.
Reep continues to increase our understanding of energy poverty, and look for ways to develop local solutions. It
is one small piece of the larger and urgent issue of affordable housing in our community. Read our
"Considerations of Equity in an Efficiency Financing Program” report ,ll[igiir ,to learn more.
Lisa's Decarbonizat''lon Journey
Lisa originally had an energy evaluation with us back in
2015 at her home in Kitchener, Ontario. "I was curious
about my house, so I had it evaluated;' she said. "When I
sold the house, those evaluation documents came in
handy."
Lisa moved to Cambridge and decided to have an
energy evaluation in 2022 after the launch of the
Canada Greener Homes Grant. Her main motivation for
having an evaluation was to access the rebate program
for window replacements.
Although she was only initially considering replacing her
windows, Lisa's Registered Energy Advisor, Colin,
planted the idea of upgrading her heating system with
a heat pump. "The best part of his visit was at the end
when he turned to me and said would you consider
upgrading your furnace. At that time, we had an oil
furnace. I hadn't really thought of it and that led us
79/0, down the road to looking at heat exchangers," she said.
0.
Tonnes of GHG Emissions ReducedAnnually
"Colin did a great job on the evaluation. I was amazed
that he managed to work around our two cats, and they
didn't escape! He was very thorough, and I learned a
lou,
In the end, she decided on a cold climate air source
heat pump, which turned out to be a great success! The
heat pump was eligible for the maximum 55,600 rebate
incentive through the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
1�e also replaced four windows.
M
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Property Consultations
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Leah's Rain Smart yr ard
"�It was Fwri ��to educate
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Leah Bowman started working on her rain garden
project two years ago after discovering Reep through
social media and learning that she was part of a "Rain
Smart Neighbourhood".
Becca, Reep's Healthy Yards Advisor and Manager of
Stormwater and Healthy Landscapes Programs, helped
Leah brainstorm ideas and construction techniques. In
addition to her rain garden, Leah also built an infiltration
trench between her house and her neighbour's house. This
feature directed runoff further from their houses and
towards the strip of land between their driveways, where
it can safely soak into the soil.
Leah shares, "We're planning to make the above -ground
part of the infiltration trench very natural, with plenty of
plants and flowers, like a pollinator garden.” While Leah
collaborated with her neighbour on the infiltration
trench, she took charge of the rain garden, with help
from her kids.
16
Looking back, Leah recalls, "A few neighbours would stop and ask what was happening.
Sometimes I'd see them outside, chatting and pointing towards my yard. It was fun to educate
them about rain gardens and their positive impact."
60 1,
WelbinarAttendees
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Zero Waste Challengers Yo' uth CuttingCarbon Workshops
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and a.uthn. I , in c;+u.vl r rarvlumInffy.
We were honoured to welcome Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau to the Reep House on a beautiful Friday morning
in October 2022.
The Reep team (and media) were stationed throughout
the house and grounds, and the Prime Minister made
stops along the way, asking questions and trying out our
displays. His visit focused on the CaiiiadaGiireeiiiieiir,
i 1oiuh1e IIII„pl „pit.iij, ,t,pimef which helps people make their homes
more energy-efficient in ways the Reep House
demonstrates. Prime Minister Trudeau also got down in
the soil and planted a native pollinator species in our
Habitat Garden.
17
Afterwards we were delighted to have Prime Minister
Trudeau stay for pizza, along with Members of
Parliament Bardish Chagger, Bryan May, Tim Louis and
Valerie Bradford.
From the RCMP advance team to the pre -visit inspection
(featuring an excellent explosives sniffer dog) to relaxing
over pizza and heat pumps with the Prime Minister, this
was a visit to remember!
ClimateActionWR
a collaboration between local
municipalities, organizations and community members
focused on climate change. It is co -led by Reep Green
Solutions and our colleagues at , „uutt,u, lLip,m„u, .IIID„IIL,p,t..............atiiiuip.�.Ill.,o,o
ClimateActionWR transitioned to implementing
TransformWR last year, with a main focus on building a
strong foundation, engaging more organizations, and
accelerating a transition towards an equitable,
prosperous, resilient, and low -carbon community.
The ClimateActionWR Sector Committees created a
visual guide for building owners to reduce emissions,
organized home energy retrofit webinars, and
conducted research on equity in active transportation
and parking incentives for electric vehicles.
This year, ClimateActionWR made significant changes to
how we engage with the community. We participated in
7 community events, like festivals, gatherings, and
farmer's markets, in the Waterloo Region. We had more
than 250 conversations with community members about
the TransformWR plan and ways people can take action
on climate change.
Donors Drive Climaten
hihimVIIpctat hili Ili Dl Illli Ilii hili° .."
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen has known about Reep for as
long as she can remember. It all began in the mid-90s
when she had an energy audit done for her house,
although it was through another organization
connected to Reep. Since then, she has been a devoted
supporter and donor, truly believing in our mission.
When it comes to working with Reep on projects
alongside the Lakeside Neighborhood and the Friends
of Lakeside Park, Mary Ann speaks highly of the
experience. "Working with Reep has been really great.
Together, we've accomplished some amazing things. In
2017-2018, Reep partnered with the Lakeside
Neighborhood to pilot the Rain Smart Neighborhood
program, resulting in 40 different installations of rain
smart features..."
Mary Ann proudly emphasizes her appreciation for
Reep's work, stating, "What Reep does is super
important. I love how you take a grassroots approach,
educating and taking action to make a real impact in
our community. I've been supporting Reep for around
three to four years now, and it's an organization I really
believe in. If anyone is looking to start their
sustainability journey, I would encourage them to check
out Reep."
Donating is a Meaningful.
Donat
liimportant w y, for people
....p...e......t....o..........c......r...e......a.......t...e.......a
positive impact. By i,fimafI..ur ein Iutioini,
donors support programs that lead directly to
Total Donations meaningful actions that help fight climate change.
Donations are vital to the sustainability of Reep. We
extend our deepest gratitude to the donors who
decided to support us this year.
4=
19
lit
'14)
Financial Summary
The financial information in
this section is derived from
Revenue
the financial statements for
XT - =0 -I
April 1, 2022 to March 31,
Core Funding Et Graints
$208,219,
$55�3,607
2023 which were audited by
Clarke Starke & Diegel LLP.
Contracts
$423,689
$410,853
Client fees
$411,537
$254,634
Given our strong results in
Donations
$28,1210
$25148
2021 and the growing
urgency for climate action,
Other income
$33,692
$29,,233
in 2022 we invested heavily
TaW revenUe,
$'1,105,2'57
$1,273,,475
in the future. We increased
capacity to meet our
Expenses
community's environmental
Salaries andl benefits
$901,635
$803,014
goals—enhancing Reep's
energy programs and data
Program delivery — contracted services and supplies
$100,:,3,91
$290,,158
management to support all
Outreach and community engagernent
$12,801
$17,,060
of our programs.
Reint and occupaincy
$11,610
$11,47'0
Concurrently, one of our
contracts was not renewed,
Professional fees,
$35,292
$24,770
and a grant -funded project
Staff and organi zationall development
$13,588
$17,733
was completed, leading to
Office and adinninistration
$14,847
$11,307
less revenue than the prior
Insurance
$14,539
$9,346
year. As all hands come on
deck to address our
Amortization
$5,485
$5,96
communities' challenges,
Interest and bank charges
$16,112
$10,746
Reep is prepared and
Tota,l expenses,
$1,126,3010
511,1 6„2.00
eager to play an increasing
role.
Tbtais
Canada Emergency Rent and Wage Subsidies
-
$33,515
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses
($21,043)
$110,790
20
Grants rLocal Federal Pr r— )
Other Income
3%
Donations
3%
Tree Stewards
21%
Stormwater Managerne
22%
Fee ror service
37%
Revenue
ExIIII),emses
Climiate Action WR
3%
Project NeutraWater ConservationConservaon
8%
21
Contracts
38%
Home Energy Efficiency
45%
Thank You to Our Funders!
II ff M,WN
We coulrjrv'td(,) 4 withoutyov!
C ANA B E
C A ",J A D A
FIL"OF, I' El �a PLACF - PROSPIEM I Y
Partners in, Sustainability
Eniova
Region of Waterloo
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