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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-20 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Agenda Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Climate Change and Environment Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 20, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy & Research, 519-741-2200 ext. 7648 PREPARED BY: Janine Oosterveld, Manager Customer Experience & Project Management, 519-741-2200 ext. 7076 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards DATE OF REPORT: June 3, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-267 SUBJECT: Waterloo Region High-Performance Development Standards Engagement Launch RECOMMENDATION: For discussion. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is twofold. First, the report informs the Climate Change and Environment Committee (CCEC) with an update on the project to establish a harmonized green development standard across municipalities in Waterloo Region, in particular, the launch of the community engagement. Second, it seeks initial feedback from the Committee regarding areas of focus for the standard to inform the first draft. The key finding of this report is that community engagement has been initiated and will continue at various stages until a decision in 2025. The project team will provide updates to the Climate Change and Environment Committee at key milestones for their input. There are no financial implications to this report. 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: In 2021, WR Community Energy formed a Land Use and Energy Working Group with the purpose to integrate energy considerations into the planning process. The City of Kitchener was a founding member. In 2022, the group established a subcommittee to study the impacts of establishing a green development standard for cities in Waterloo Region. The subcommittee currently includes representatives from the Region of Waterloo, all three Cities, Enova Power Corp., GrandBridge, and Kitchener Utilities. In the spring of 2023, the three Cities and the Region of Waterloo reported back to their respective Councils to launch Phase 2. Kitchener City Council unanimously endorsed proceeding with a harmonized *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. approach advancing a standard (refer to DSD-2023-109). Concurrently, WR Community All four rural municipalities have now joined the subcommittee creating a unique opportunity in Waterloo Region to establish a harmonized standard seven urban and rural municipalities. Since that time, WR Community Energy in collaboration with the subcommittee received a grant from Natural Resources Canada to fund this work. Additionally, a Community Energy Planner staff position was established, and recruitment undertaken to act as the project lead to coordinate the overall work plan, consultant work, community and industry engagement and preparation of the draft standards, as well as support the future training and implementation roll-out. REPORT: This report provides a summary of program this spring and seeks feedback from the Climate Change and Environment Committee on areas of priority for a harmonized standard. Project Status and Timeline. Key project timelines established through the work plan include the following: Spring 2024: Engagement launch to garner initial feedback (On-track); Fall 2024: Engagement on the first draft of the standards and supporting policies; Spring 2025: Engagement on a revised draft of the standards and supporting policies to prepare for decisions among each municipality later in 2025; and, Spring 2026: Anticipated implementation including staff and industry training. Project Identity. The harmonized green development standard has now been titled Waterloo Region High-Performance Development Standards, which, coupled with the logo will identify the project throughout the program development and implementation stages. Spring 2024 Community and Industry Engagement Launch. The community engagement strategy launched at the end of May and includes the following for the initial phase of engagement: Initial community engagement includes: May 30: engageWR webpage which was launched which will include an online survey June 1: A booth at tri-Pride June 11: A booth at SDGtalks & Shop from 3 to 8pm at the SDG Idea Factory and Goudies Lane, Kitchener June 22 and 23: A booth at the KW Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park, Kitchener June 26: Community Education and Design Workshops from 3:00 to 4:30pm and 7:00 to 8:30pm. Locations of the two workshops will be confirmed and information provided on engageWR. The project team has partnered with Climate Action WR to host the community engagement booths throughout the spring and summer. Additional locations in other parts of the region will be added once confirmed. All engagement dates will be posted on the engageWR and shared through social media. Members of the community and development industry are encouraged to subscribe to the page to receive updates on upcoming engagement opportunities and project milestones. Initial industry engagement includes: June (various dates): Discussions at municipal Waterloo Region Home Builders Association (WRHBA) Liaison Committees in Waterloo, Cambridge and Waterloo WRHBA and as well as commercial/high rise developer representatives. June 25: Tentative industry engagement session The project team will gauge industry interest in establishing a working team for more in- depth discussions on the draft standards in the next phase of engagement. Purpose of the Initial Engagement. The purpose of the initial round of engagement includes: Informing on the purpose and intent of the standards and their application; and, Seeking feedback on priorities among potential focus areas that will inform the first draft this fall. The overall approach to the High-Performance Development Standards is to make it harmonized, simple, effective: Harmonized: consistency across local area municipalities in the region to support its integration into development review. Simple: Make it easy for developers and municipal staff. Effective: objectives. The project team has grouped potential areas of priority into the following categories for engagement purposes (Table 1). The project team does not anticipate that all categories listed below will be included in the first version of the standard. Table 1. Potential categories for high-performance standards Built Environment Energy Efficiency Environment and Green Infrastructure Electric vehicle parking Energy efficiency Trees and plants and charging infrastructure District energy Waste Active and public Embodied carbon Water efficiency transportation Renewable energy Stormwater Exterior lighting Local food Building resilience Bird friendly design Education Additional categories may be incorporated in future versions consistent with other municipalities with established standards (e.g., Toronto Green Standard is currently version 4).Attachment A provides examples of existing policies, guidelines or standards locally along with other Ontario municipalities that have high-performance development standards for background information. Questions for CCEC: Considering the overall approach to the High-Performance Development Standards, which categories should be prioritized in version 1? Which categories should be considered for future implementation? Are there any other metrics/areas of focus that should be considered? from CCEC throughout this project. Staff anticipate the next update to this committee will occur later in 2024 with the release of the first draft of the High-Performance Development Standards. 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. Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM the council / committee meeting. CONSULT This report outlines initial engagement opportunities for the community and development industry. COLLABORATE Community Education and Design Workshops and development industry engagement encourages collaboration. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: DSD-2023-109 Harmonized Green Development Standards Phase 2 Project Launch DSD-2024-067 Harmonized Green Development Standards Project Update Municipal Act, 2001 Planning Act ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A Examples of high-performance development standards and related policies have various for TORONTO TORONTOTORONTO ghting, potable , and, and, and ts for pedestrian proofing, and backup - CALEDON CALEDONCALEDON requires that at least one outlines strategies to support ,,, ALEDON Existing Policies within Other Ontario MunicipalitiesOTTAWA rates for parking and charging land uses. OTTAWA outline requiremenamenities and cycling amenities (parking, storage, and shower and change facilities) to make alternative modes of transport more convenient and easily accessible. OTTAWA require exterior lighting in pedestrian spaces to prioritize visibility and safety and minimize light pollution. OTTAWA extreme wind and snow loading. C feature be introduced to improve building resilience (with a focus on wind resilience, floodenergy), a backup generator for three or more building systems, and a refuge area (with heating, cooling, liwater, and power). - pertaining walking development, and rage encourages the oriented or guidelinesencourages appropriate - highlights the KITCHENER, further requires a minimum number encourage resiliency through , requires electric vehicle have existing policies relating Region, municipalities, and WILMOT the REGIONCAMBRIDGEREGION (have policies transportation Existing Policies within Waterloo Region KITCHENER charging stations and shared parking.WATERLOO of EV parking spaces.ALL townships) to transportation demand management, onsite amenities (benches, trash bins, etc.), pedestrian level infrastructure (bike racks), and overall, encouand cycling as a mode of transport. ALL to lighting to prioritize pedestrian safety and to minimize light pollution. The WATERLOO design. identification of efficiency opportunitiesandstormwater management to minimize flood risks. The commitment to adaptation through water supply and efficiency, air quality improvement, energy conservation, waste reduction and management, and ecological restoration. e and for mechanical and/or internal occupancy vehicles - Prioritize more Rationale for the community the necessary infrastructuresustainable modes of transportsinglesense of securitypedestriansfor residents and buildings by addressing a future with more severclimate related weather impacts (extreme heat, flooding) such as increased shade structures, coolingroom temperature monitoring and controls, etc.) Area of Focus/Metric EV Parking and Charging InfrastructureActive and Public TransportationExterior LightingResilience #B1B2B3B4 Proposed Category Built Environment Promotes safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces that address the inequities that serve as barriers to inclusive communities eady. r - tier 2 and TORONTO mission emissions for the , which encourages acking through a (optional) 10, carbon e in accordance with - requires alignment to the annual and requires that the building specified that buildings should regulations encourages a commitment to through itsindicates that buildings shall be requires that district energy to minimize building's annual 10. - ects to an existing district energy OTTAWA construction waste trdownloadable Excel template. encourages low embodied materials3 standardsmanagement of construction and demolition wasteprovincial the reduction of waste produced. OTTAWA designed to meet or exceed one of the following: Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI), Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GHGI) targets or the Ontario Building Code, SBefficiency improvements. TORONTO demonstrateGHGI limits or with the TEUI and TEDI targets or go above the Ontario Building Code, SB OTTAWA connsystem, demonstrates less GHG emissions than the district referenced case, or that a system is not feasible. In a previous version of the TGS, TORONTO be designed to be district energyRenewable energy is encouraged by OTTAWA energy consumption. , and - studies - NORTH carbon carbon -requires an - WILMOT . Energy . , and appropriate he submission of an in policies KITCHENER WATERLOO KITCHENER . introduces the idea of a aims to be an energy aim to be an energy KITCHENER , by encourage encourage district energy to ies ICH Performance Development Standard - REGIONREGION REGION highlight heritage conservation promote the use of renewable ALL efforts and disposal of construction related waste. The WOOLW efficient, resilient, and lowcommunitEnergy Study which includes various energy conservation measures. The Highthat will require tEnergy Modelling Report. may be required for a complete application The efficient, resilient, and lowcommunity. DUMFRIES address energy consumption. ALL energy systems life - renewable - rt the shift away of existing buildings reuse and consider wholecycle carbon impacts of building materials loss and prioritize more efficient buildings and assessment (e.g. modelling and reporting)energy from nonresourcesfrom fossil fuels Embodied CarbonEnergy EfficiencyDistrict EnergyRenewable Energy 4 E1E2E3E buildings. Energy Efficiency Encourages energy conscience, resilient, and efficient developments and has a potable - rom new encourage the demonstrate a outline specific through effects. CALEDON - TORONTO TORONTO TORONTO encourages the installation ofhas green infrastructure prioritizes education towards andandand r approach and uses a Green Factor N/A OTTAWA introduction of tree planting and native plant species to provide canopy cover and vegetated buffers. similaTool. OTTAWA commitment to appropriate waste storage through designated waste streams and containers. TORONTO water fixtures of the use of nonwater sources. OTTAWA protection measures (e.g. window glazing) to minimize fly CALEDON homeowners and tenants through signage or informational materials. TORONTO standards that pertain to the capture and control of stormwater runoff fstreets. They also encourage site design that achieves water balance, water , aims to in the urban supports WATERLOO WATERLOO , and , lan that outlines p KITCHENER WATERLOO tormwater s KITCHENER and a aster . NORTH DUMFRIES KITCHENER has a Water Efficiency CAMBRIDGE promote local food systems. , encourages the consideration has , ce of waste and encourage and , REGION REGIONREGION encourage native species for ALL conservation, shade, and to support clean air. The discourage the removal of topsoil or extraction of peat. prevent soil compaction. The WILMOT encourage appropriate management and maintenanreductions. The Master Plan and water efficiency measures. requires a Sustainable Development Report for certain applications and noted energy efficiency as a potential initiative. KITCHENERWATERLOO KITCHENER to bird friendly development design manualN/A KITCHENER management mhow stormwater will be managed over the next 15 years. ing/compaction term - heat island effect and risk of soil stackthrough canopies ecosystem diversity, and air qualitystorage and sorting of waste disposal of items consumption and support more efficient use island effect systems birds and buildings and support education to ensure appropriate use and planning of buildings longisland effectretention and drainage Trees and Plants (Biodiversity)WasteWater EfficiencyLocal Food Bird Friendly Design EducationStormwater N1N2N3N4N5N6N7 Natural Environment Recognizes the importance of the natural environment, encourages mindful consumption and resource use to minimize the contributions to GHG emissions quality, and water quantity control targets. , and outline recommendations WATERLOO , KITCHENERCAMBRIDGE for landscaping around parking and laneways, and pedestrian walkways to reduce visual impact and the urban heat island effect. Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Climate Change and Environment Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 20, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager Policy and Research, 519-741-2200 ext. 7648 PREPARED BY: Hilary Irving, Sustainability Advisor, 519-741-2200 ext. 7137 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward(s) All DATE OF REPORT: May 30, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-278 SUBJECT: 2022 Waterloo Region Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory RECOMMENDATION: For Discussion. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on TransformWR (our community climate action plan) progress, focussing on the 2022 community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory Progress updates on actions outlined in TransformWR are posted to the TransformWR Progress Dashboard; launched in October 2023. The key finding of this re-inventory is that in 2022 there is a 12% community GHG reduction from our 2010 baseline 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: Working together for more than a decade, all seven area municipalities, the Region of Waterloo, and two local organizations (Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region) developed TransformWR (our community climate action plan) and prepared this 2022 progress report. The ClimateActionWR Collaborative is committed to tracking community GHG emissions on an annual basis, with full GHG inventories completed no less than every 5 years; and to publicly sharing progress on actions via a public dashboard. REPORT: Working together for more than a decade all seven area municipalities, the Region of Waterloo, and two local organizations (Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region) form Climate Action Waterloo Region. TransformWR (DSD-2021-094) is a community climate action plan endorsed by all eight municipal councils. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. TransformWR Progress Dashboard TransformWR identifies 6 Transformative Changes, twenty related strategies and seventy- eight actions. Progress on these actions is captured in the TransformWR Progress Dashboard; launched in October 2023. 2022 TransformWR GHG Inventory Report The ClimateActionWR Collaborative is committed to tracking community GHG emissions on an annual basis, with full GHG inventories completed no less than every 5 years. The 2022 report indicates: A 12% community GHG emissions reduction from 2010 baseline Overall, to reach our community 2030 target (50% reduction from baseline - an additional 38% GHG emissions reduction is needed between now and 2030. Transportation (47.2%) followed by Buildings (45.4%) contribute the most community GHGs. Passenger vehicles account for 31% of total community emissions. An overall trend towards more light passenger trucks and SUVs on the road is working against GHG reductions from improved vehicle fuel efficiencies and reduced travel times. Industrial, commercial, and institutional sector (ICI) emissions account for 60% of total building emissions in our community, followed by the residential sector at 40%. Two energy sources contribute the most to community GHGs - natural gas (39%) followed by gasoline (37%). Energy demand coupled with natural gas supply for space and water heating accounts for 85%-90% of all building GHG emissions. Livestock product demand coupled with cattle supply account for 85% of emissions within agriculture (5.8%). Waste (2%) emissions have grown approximately 19.2% since baseline. Calls to Action Transportation Drive less, rely on public transportation and active transportation more Electrify passenger vehicles Buildings Use energy less and use it more efficiently Improve building envelopes Optimize heating and cooling systems Fuel switch for water and space heating (and cooling) Discussion Questions: Of the information shared, was there anything that surprised you? 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. Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: CSD-13-108 Community Climate Action Plan and Corporate GHG Reduction Initiatives- complete CSD-14-028 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation CAO-15-024 City of Kitchener Climate Action Plan Terms of Reference CSD-17-046 Community Climate Action Plan Progress Report INS-18-024 80x2050 Long Term Community GHG Reduction Target DSD-2021-094 Community Climate Action Plan TransformWR Strategy Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Climate Change and Environment Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 20, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy & Research, 519-741-2200 ext. 7648 PREPARED BY: Eric Riek, Project Manager, 519-741-2200 ext. 7330 WARD(S) INVOLVED: 4 DATE OF REPORT: May 15, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-253 SUBJECT: Biehn Drive and Sanitary Trunk Sewer Environmental Assessment Update (Env) RECOMMENDATION: That report DSD-2024-253 - Biehn Drive and Sanitary Trunk Sewer Environmental Assessment Update be received for information. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to provide the Climate Change and Environment Committee with a status update on the Biehn Drive and Sanitary Trunk Sewer Environmental Assessment project. The key finding of this report is that additional studies are completed and updates to the Environmental Study Report are currently being completed. The financial implications are no impact to Capital or Operating budgets. Community engagement included with one additional PIC scheduled for June 20, 2024. This report supports the delivery of core services. BACKGROUND: Since the mid- Brigadoon areas of the City of Kitchener have planned for area development and evolving transportation needs. Several planning documents including the Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) have identified the need to extend Biehn Drive westerly to the future Robert Ferrie Drive extension and ultimately to Strasburg Road. The Biehn Drive Extension would be a major collector road, as identified in Schedule B of Brigadoon community and would help mitigate cut-through traffic on local streets within the community. A collector road collects traffic from local roads within the community and provides connectivity to high tier arterial roads including Strasburg Road. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Future development within the Doon South and Brigadoon communities requires a defined alignment for the extension of Biehn Drive to Robert Ferrie Drive as part of the area road network and to accommodate municipal services. The sanitary sewer network must connect to Biehn Drive. To determine the preferred alternative, this Study has considered the natural, social environments and the future land use in the Study Area. The extension of Biehn Drive and the associated municipal servicing has been a longstanding part of the integrated plan for the Brigadoon neighbourhood. The EA Study provides the opportunity to: improve accessibility to the local community by providing additional network links; define a multi-modal transportation plan to support travel within the local neighbourhoods; accommodate the required and previously planned sanitary sewer extension; and allow development to proceed on lands that currently require the roadway ROW plan to be defined prior to developing the land use plan. On March 20th, 2023, Council passed the following resolution: "That Council directs staff to complete further studies to update the Biehn Drive and Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Class Environmental Assessment - Environmental Study Report, prepared by BT Engineering, dated January 18, 2023; and, That Council directs staff to complete one additional consultation to be scheduled once the additional studies have been completed; and, That Council directs staff to use the remaining balance of the budget approved in 2020 for this EA to complete the additional work; and further, That staff reports back to Council with an updated Biehn Drive and Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Environmental Study Report in late 2023 or early 2024." Additional transportation and geotechnical studies have now been completed and are being integrated into the evaluation considerations. REPORT: After receiving direction from Council, Engineering Staff have completed the following activities: Geotechnical Investigation Proposed Trunk Sewer, Biehn Drive South Extension, Cambium Inc., March 14, 2024: o Six Boreholes installed August/September 2023. Three Boreholes converted to monitoring wells to measure groundwater level fluctuation; o Preliminary findings: Soils appear suitable for trenchless installation of sanitary sewer and watermain; Dewatering Assessment, Biehn Drive Extension, Cambium Inc., March 14, 2024; o Confirmed EASR registration for installation of entry/receiving pits (trenchless installation) would be required based on dewatering rates; Doon South Community Area Transportation Study, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd., Feb. 28, 2024: o Under existing conditions, most intersections are operating at acceptable levels; o Approximately 2,841 units remain to be built in Doon South and Brigadoon areas; o Within the existing road network, Caryndale Drive continues to function as a major collector and will continue to do so if Biehn Drive is not extended to Robert Ferrie Drive extension; o Future extension of Robert Ferrie Drive to Strasburg Road and Strasburg Road to New Dundee Road will help redistribute traffic volumes on Caryndale Drive; o Extension of Biehn Drive to Robert Ferrie Drive is justified to provide a diversion route around Caryndale drive corridor for residents living on and adjacent to Biehn Drive and to ensure Caryndale Drive better serves its function as a minor collector based on existing design details (traffic calming and presence of schools in the corridor); Internal review of evaluation criteria including the recommendation to change the scoring of alternatives from the MATS (Multi Attribute Trade-off System) to a qualitative assessment; Refinement of Alternative 4 to remove maintenance access path through the wetland and include improvements such as traffic calming and multi-use trails along Caryndale Drive corridor. In addition to these activities, on January 25, 2024 after a two year suspension, formal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for Black Ash (tree) commenced with new rules for protection of the species. There were approximately 21 confirmed candidate Black Ash trees within the proposed future road allowance. Due to these legislative changes, additional updates are being incorporated into the evaluation considerations. One additional public consultation (PIC) will take place to present findings of updated studies. This PIC is scheduled to take place June 20, 2024 at Brigadoon Public School. Staff will present final updated Biehn Drive and Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Class Environmental Assessment-Environmental Study Report and preferred alternative to Council on September 16, 2024. Sufficient budget remains to complete the outstanding tasks mentioned above. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports the delivery of core services. 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 Capital Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM the CCEC meeting. CONSULT Community engagement included two virtual public information centres with the first meeting taking place April 20th, 2021. The second virtual public information centre took place on November 17th, 2021. In addition, the project was presented to the Kitchener Environmental Committee on June 17th, 2021 and October 21, 2021. The project was presented to the Regional Environmental Committee on November 29, 2021. Lastly, the project was presented to Community and Infrastructure Services Committee on February th 13, 2023. th One additional Public Information Centre is scheduled for June 20, 2024, to present the updated studies and changes to report. REVIEWED BY: Chris Spere, Director of Engineering Click or tap here to enter text. Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Climate Change and Environment Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 20, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager Policy & Research (ext. 7648) PREPARED BY: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner (ext. 7068) Matt Rodrigues, Senior Planner (ext. 7433) WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 3 DATE OF REPORT: June 5, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-268 SUBJECT: Hidden Valley Land Use Implementation Project Natural Heritage System RECOMMENDATION: That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support an updated natural heritage system shown as Natural Heritage Conservation on Hidden Valley Land Use Option 2 (subject to further refinement) appended as Attachment A to DSD-2024-268. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: Technical information has recently been compiled that supports an updated natural heritage system. The outcomes of the Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan will guide future development applications within Hidden Valley, and will address important environmental, social, health, transportation, infrastructure, and cultural heritage impacts. BACKGROUND: In June 2019, City Council approved the Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan to update the Hidden Valley planning framework in response to emerging issues and opportunities. The Master Plan proposed a variety of land use typologies and set out a series of implementation recommendations for further study and policy changes. Key directions outlined in the Land Use Master Plan to guide the next steps noted: 1) Ensure that the form and function of the significant environmental features is conserved (protected and enhanced). Update the land use designations and zoning accordingly. 2) Undertake a formal Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the land use plan. Utilize water management background work and modelling as an input to that assessment. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. a. Determine appropriate development limits, setbacks (i.e., buffers), zoning and assess potential trail network/crossing implications. 3) Any future development should prepare an Environmental Impact Report. REPORT: An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is one of the technical studies prepared to inform the proposed policies and land uses, specifically Natural Heritage Conservation for the Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan. Natural Heritage System local and regional biological, hydrological, ecological, and geological diversity and functions, support viable populations of indigenous species, and sustain local ecosystems. These resources provide a wide range of public health, recreational, environmental, and economic benefits to the city and its citizens. Natural Heritage System, Policies Using the policies outlined in the Region of Waterloo Official Plan (Greenlands Network) and Kitchener Official Plan (Natural Heritage System) a natural heritage system was updated in Hidden Valley. The Natural Heritage System Policies (Kitchener Official Plan, Section 7.C.2 Natural Heritage System) aim to strike a balance between protection of the Natural Heritage System while providing for growth and development in accordance with the policies of this Plan. Each feature in the System contains policies that provide appropriate protection based on ignificance and sensitivity. Features categorized as Core Natural Heritage Features are afforded the greatest level of protection and are designated Natural Heritage Conservation, which generally prohibits development. The features identified as Significant Wildlife Habitat, Significant Landforms and Ecological Restoration Areas also place limitations on development; requiring further studies to determine whether development within the feature is appropriate and how it should occur. Accordingly, the features identified as Significant Wildlife Habitat, Significant Landforms and Ecological Restoration Areas will be treated as an overlay to land use designations. Features identified as Supporting Natural Heritage Features, such as Natural Linkages and Corridors, help contribute to the overall ecological integrity and connectivity of the Natural Heritage System. It is intended that these features and their functions will be conserved and enhanced. Natural Heritage System, Identification The mapping and criteria for identifying individual natural heritage features that comprise the natural heritage system are included in the Kitchener Natural Heritage System Technical Background Report. Option 2 Updated 2024 Land Use Concept, reflects an updated Natural Heritage Conservation designation based on recently compiled technical information. The boundary of the System is approximate, and the exact delineation will be determined more precisely through the development review process and, in consultation with the appropriate public agencies. Owners/applicants may be required to undertake the necessary studies to facilitate this process. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: DSD-19-133 Neighbourhood Planning Review: Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan DSD-2022-258 Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Upper Hidden Valley Pumping Station and Forcemain DSD-2024-119 Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Environmental Assessment DSD-2024-215 Hidden Valley Land Use Implementation Project Technical Studies (Climate Change and Environment Committee) ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A Hidden Valley Land Use Option 2 - Updated 2024 Land Use Concept C ANCASTE L BLVD TRC S ODNAHC DRR RDIK LP AIRADNAH C