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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-18ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Co-Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders and Messrs. R. Dingman, D. Lippert, C. Schneider and P. O'Toole Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Director of Planning K. Carmichael, Supervisor, Traffic and Parking B. Steiner, Environmental Planner J. Billett, Committee Administrator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator DTS-04-158 - CORPORATE SHARED AGENDA INITIATIVE UPDATE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 04-158, dated October 14, 2004 regarding the development of a process to update the City of Kitchener's Strategic Plan for the Environment. Ms. B. Steiner advised that updating the Strategic Plan is a priority item arising from the Council Shared Agenda and is being revised to include community initiatives in conjunction with development of a Healthy Community Plan. She requested direction from the Committee as to how public input could be obtained. The Committee put forward the following suggestions: · bringing together representatives from differing sectors for brainstorming sessions; these could include business people; environmentalists; K-W Field Naturalists; primary, secondary and university students, etc.; · work initially with smaller groups, each having its own common interest, and then bring all groups together collectively; · include a short survey (3 to 4 questions) in tax bills or do a survey on-line; incorporate a method for non-internet users to complete the survey and consider a means to offer prizes (eg. corporate sponsorships). DELEGATION PRESENTATION - SMART CARS This item was not considered as the delegation was unable to attend the meeting this date. This presentation will be re-scheduled for a future meeting of the Environmental Committee. PRESENTATION - DEVELOPING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY PLAN FOR KITCHENER PROPOSED PROJECT FRAMEWORK NOVEMBER, 2005 Ms. Carla Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer, introduced an initiative arising from the Council Shared Agenda to develop a Healthy Community Plan and distributed a document outlining a proposed framework. The framework will allow the City to organize and understand the essence and impact of the many initiatives falling under its wide umbrella as well as highlighting environmental, economic and social indices of community well-being in their broadest sense. This approach enables the City to engage the community in the identification of issues and actions which will allow for the development of a healthy public policy. Updating of the Strategic Plan for the Environment will tie in as a component of the proposed Healthy Community Plan. A working group will be formed, consisting of one member from each of the City's 6 Advisory Committees and 6 representatives from the community at large, to work with staff in development of the plan. Members of Advisory Committees will be requested to submit a written expression of interest and community at large members will be recruited through various approaches from among community groups, seniors, individuals and youth. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION (OCTOBER 14, 2004)- 'NO IDLING' ZONES Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that at the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting of October 18, 2004 the recommendation of the Environmental Committee of October ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2004 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION (OCTOBER 14, 2004)- 'NO IDLING' ZONES (CONT'D) 14, 2004 regarding 'No Idling' Zones was lost on a tie vote. He advised that the issue was sent back to the Environmental Committee for more discussion and it was suggested that the Committee consider a more aggressive stance on the issue of air quality through development of a comprehensive policy. It was further suggested that such a policy could include examination of the impact of drive-thrus. Mr. J. Willmer advised that in 1999 the City undertook a study of drive-thrus relative to specific sites, during which the City received input from both the public and private sector regarding idling, noise and traffic issues. As a result, the City's Zoning By-law was amended to require any new drive-thru facilities to have a 60 metre setback from residential areas. Further, it was recommended that drive-thru facilities be banned from downtown Kitchener; however, this recommendation was deferred and remains deferred to this day. Mr. Willmer suggested that interest waned because attention focused on a by-law enacted by the City of Toronto prohibiting drive-thrus in residential areas and mixed commercial-residential areas. The Toronto by-law did permit their use in commercial and industrial zones provided a 30 metre setback was maintained from abutting residential zones. This by-law was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and while the decision upheld the prohibition of drive-thrus in residential zones, it allowed drive-thru in mixed use areas subject to site specific evaluation. Mr. Mark Burog, Tim Hortons, distributed a letter this date from the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) dated November 18, 2004. Mr. Burog emphasized that the Board decision relative to the Toronto by-law is based on regulating the industry as opposed to a ban. He stated that Kitchener already has a comprehensive urban design guideline to regulate drive- thrus, with a 60 m setback from residential zones. He noted that emissions released from idling vehicles dissipates within the perimeter of the setback; never having reached residential areas. He also noted that over 1,000 people are employed by Tim Hortons in the City and a ban could have an adverse effect on a business of that size. He pointed out that the industry meets all Ministry of Environment guidelines and if a ban is imposed, Tim Hortons could potentially loose 30% of its business. Mr. Victor Labreche, PEIL Limited, representing ORHMA, advised that overall in Kitchener there are 3,000 people currently employed in the drive-thru industry. He informed that he was involved in 2000 when the City first proposed a ban on drive-thrus and since then Kitchener's 60 metre residential setback standard has become a benchmark for other municipalities. He advised that 80% of drive-thru customers are pass-by traffic, in which the vehicles are already on the road. Further, 60% of drive-thrus are located on major arterial roads, which carry 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles a day. He pointed out that he attended the OMB hearings regarding Toronto's by-law and at the hearing, RWDI Group Consulting Engineers provided expert testimony concerning the environmental impact of drive-thrus. The information they presented was not called into question. Mr. Labreche advised that RWDI's testimony was based on a study they conducted which revealed that a majority of vehicles are designed with California Emission Standards, which limits vehicle emission impact on air quality. Furthermore, vehicle exhaust emissions at drive-thrus are lower than those released at the time of vehicle ignition or shut-off, and that 5 minutes after a car is shut-off it continues to pollute. Mr. Labreche noted that the RWDI study determined that the amount of pollution found at the street level is greater than the amount measured at a drive-thru and accordingly, vehicle emissions at drive-thrus have less impact on local air quality. Mr. Labreche suggested that a ban on drive-thrus is a reactionary approach and asked that the Committee pursue air quality issues in broader terms to encompass larger, well- known polluters. The delegations responded to a number of questions, and provided the following comments: · the RWDI study, conducted in Guelph at Highway 6 and Speedvale Road, used a representative sampling of vehicles on the roadways; · the Toronto by-law regulates within the road right-of-way only and does not extend onto private property; · several industry benchmarks have established: the average service time per drive-thru customer from the speaker box to exiting is 100 seconds (this does not account for time NOVEMBER 18, 2004 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION (OCTOBER 14, 2004)- 'NO IDLING' ZONES (CONT'D) spent in line prior to reaching the speaker box); pass-by traffic statistics are derived from 'point of destination' studies; the ambient pollution level of an area is unaffected by drive- thrus (vehicle emissions at street intersections have proven greater). Mr. J. Willmer advised that a ban would only be effective for new construction as the City has no legal mechanism to ban existing drive-thrus; existing facilities would become legal non- conforming under any new legislation. In response to Ms. N. Sonder, Mr. Willmer advised that the City has no legal authority to impose a user surcharge. He indicated that the City's only recourse to impose a fee would be through licensing; however, Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that legislation governing implementation of licensing fees must be based on cost recovery and therefore, surcharges would not be permissible. Mr. D. Lippert stated that drive-thrus represents only one area of concern impacting air quality and suggested that the City should obtain its own evidence by conducting a research study to examine the impact of drive-thrus on air quality prior to a ban being imposed. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that as a good faith gesture, the industry could voluntarily convert drive-thrus to beverages only. Ms. N. Sonder suggested that a ban would be a strong measure in promoting a healthy community and have a more far reaching impact than on air quality alone. She stated that it is imperative that the City continue to undertake an air quality education campaign and proceed with installation of the requested 'No Idling' advisory signs as a starting measure. Mr. P. O'Toole raised concerns that the original intent of the Committee was being distorted by the issue of banning drive-thrus. He stated that, in his opinion, the Committee should not be involved in regulating private property and should continue with its original plan to pursue a public education program. Mr. C. Schneider commented that there is not enough information to support a ban and agreed that the Committee should focus its efforts on a public education program. Councillor B. Vrbanovic pointed out that the Committee has 3 issues to consider, being: whether or not to resend the original recommendation regarding signage back to Council; what, if any, action it will take concerning the drive-thru issue; and if they wish to pursue development of a long term strategy on air quality. Mr. D. Lippert proposed a motion to request the City to undertake a study to determine the impact of drive-thrus on air quality. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be asked to participate in the study. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that all local municipalities should be approached to participate and agreed that it would be beneficial to have the information available to assist with development of a comprehensive plan on air quality. On motion by Mr. D. Lippert - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener undertake a study to determine the impact of drive-thru facilities on air quality; and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and area municipalities be approached to participate in the study." On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That as a first step toward a comprehensive educational campaign, an over-expenditure of $21,500 to cover the one-time costs of manufacturing and installing 'Stop Idling' advisory signs at approximately 60 City facilities and 50 school zones be approved; and further, NOVEMBER 18, 2004 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RESOLUTION (OCTOBER 14, 2004)- 'NO IDLING' ZONES (CONT'D) That the Environmental Committee pursue development of a long term strategy on air quality in the City of Kitchener, to include examination of partnering with other area municipalities, and that staff report to a future meeting of the Environmental Committee as to an appropriate process to proceed with this initiative." REGIONAL GREENLANDS STRATEGY DISCUSSION PAPER ENVIRONMENTAL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE The Committee was in receipt this date of a memorandum, dated November 18, 2004, outlining sub-committee comments on the Region of Waterloo's discussion paper, entitled 'Fostering a Culture of Stewardship: A Greenlands Strategy for the Region of Waterloo'. Ms. Steiner advised that the sub-committee, established at the October 14 Environmental Committee meeting, met on November 8, 2004 to review the Region's Greenlands Strategy and were in agreement that the overall concept and approach to creating a vision for greenlands throughout our region is a worthwhile endeavour; identifying and conserving, as well as restoring and maintaining elements in and connection among, our greenlands is important; and further, balancing environmental, social and economic concerns is important in developing a greenlands strategy. The focus of discussion revolved around the importance of an implementation strategy to include public education, profile building and initiatives to "get the word out". In addition, financial support from all levels of government will be important to the success of the strategy. The Committee directed staff to include the sub-committee's comments in the report to City Council regarding the City's response to the Region of Waterloo on the Regional Greenlands Strategy Discussion Paper. REGIONAL NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDES REDUCTION WORKING GROUP - UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Region of Waterloo Pesticide Working Group has finished their mandate and accordingly, has disbanded. She advised that the Working Group was formed to develop a pesticide public education program and a framework for a by-law to regulate the cosmetic use of pesticides. The framework will undergo a public consultation process over the next year, which will include consultation with area municipalities, with a final report to Regional Council anticipated by October 2005. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Colin Goodeve Corn mittee Ad mi nistrator