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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-11ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 11 ~ 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:20 p.m. Present: R. Atabakhsh, S. Bassanese, R. Dingman, Y. Fernandes, D. Lippert, C. Schneider and N. Sonder Regrets: P. O'Toole, Co-Chair Staff: B. Steiner, Environmental Planner G. Hummel, Manager of Park Planning, Development & Operations P. Wetherup, Parks Planner G. Meincke, Engineering Technologist J. Billett, Supervisor of Council / Committee Services Ms. J. Billett, Committee Administrator, informed the Committee that Mr. Patrick O'Toole, Co-Chair, had advised that he would be unable to attend the meeting this date. As Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Council Co-Chair, had not yet arrived, Ms. Billett called the meeting to order and requested that an Acting Chair be appointed. An Acting Chair was not appointed as there were no volunteers among the members present. An informal discussion was conducted regarding Item 1 of the agenda dealing with the 2004 Earth Week Celebrations, as celebrations begin in April at a date prior to the Committee's next meeting. 1. PRESENTATION - 2004 EARTH WEEK CELEBRATIONS Mr. G. Hummel advised that Earth Day will be officially celebrated on April 22, 2004 and presented highlights of City initiated and corporate sponsored events that will commence April 12 and continue to the end of May 2004. Events include: Westmount Public School - activities directed toward education of students and include guest speakers and a tree planting; Community Clean-up Campaigns - April 12 to end of May, 2004: · 45 local schools are targeted to undertake clean-up of school sites and / or natural areas within the City; in return the City provides each participating school with $100. toward plant material; · Tim Horton's is sponsoring a community clean-up around their franchise facilities, in partnership with the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo; a raffle is planned (2 bicycles in each of the 2 municipalities); · Neighbourhood Associations interested in participating in clean-up campaigns are being tied into the Tim Horton's event; and, · staff are co-ordinating clean-ups along the Walter Biehn Grand River Community Trail and in local parks (eg. Kiwanis Park) by associated groups. The Committee then entered into during which staff advised that the Region of Waterloo is commencing an educational Litter Campaign in the coming week aimed at the public at large which will extend beyond Earth Week festivities. Members of the Committee suggested that in addition to Tim Horton's, tobacco companies and soft drink / water bottlers be targeted to become involved in clean-up campaigns. Ms. Y. Fernandes referred to City events such as sports tournaments, noting that garbage bins are often over-filled and no recycling bins are provided. Mr. G. Hummel advised that staff are in the process of addressing these issues to ensure bins are emptied and steps taken to include recycling bins. He advised that any concerns with respect to upcoming events should be directed to him or Mr. Tim Ernst, Supervisor of Sportsfield Operations. Ms. N. Sonder questioned the feasibility of involving Neighbourhood Associations in anti-idling campaigns and requested an update on posting of idling related signage at local schools. Mr. Hummel commented that the issue of idling is focused internally at this time to ensure City staff are complying with the City's Idling Policy. Ms. Barbara Steiner agreed to provide an update at the April meeting with respect to posting of signage. At this time, Ms. Billett informed the Committee that a staff member of the Office of the Mayor and Council had contacted Councillor B. Vrbanovic and was advised that he was unable to attend the meeting this date. It was pointed out that if no member of the Committee was prepared to act as Chair the meeting would be adjourned and the remainder of the agenda would stand referred to the April meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 11 ~ 2004 -8- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Mr. C. Schneider - it was resolved: "That Ms. Yvonne Fernandes be appointed as Acting Chair for the purpose of conducting the March 11,2004 Environmental Committee meeting." REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PLANNING STUDY - PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST CROSSING - HIGHWAY 401 (NEAR HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD INTER-CHANGE) The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence dated February 25, 2004 from Mr. Chris Thompson, Project Manager, Region of Waterloo, inviting comment on a proposed planning study to consider a separate pedestrian / cyclist crossing over Highway 401 near the Homer Watson Boulevard interchange. Mr. Peter Wetherup advised that the bridge would be constructed in the vicinity of Doon Valley Drive and Morningside Drive (east of Homer Watson / Highway 401 interchange, near Conestoga College), and includes a crossing of Highway 401. He stated that the bridge would provide opportunity to connect the Trans Canada Trail between Kitchener and Cambridge, as well as other inter-connecting community trails (ie. Walter Biehn Grand River Community Trail), in providing access across the Grand River. Mr. Wetherup advised that if the bridge proceeds, the City would undertake the work to coincide with Ministry of Transportation (MTO) improvements planned for the Homer Watson Boulevard interchange to Highway 401. He pointed out that the interchange improvements include bicycle lanes on the by-pass and MTO agrees that a separate pedestrian / cyclist crossing with no motor vehicle access would be a safer alternative. In response to questions, Mr. Wetherup advised that, where possible, off-road access is provided to the Trans Canada Trail. He noted, however, that in the subject area streets are narrow and there is no room to accommodate off-road access. Ms. Barbara Steiner added that an attempt to provide off-road trail access along the Grand River has also been explored; however, the Ministry of Natural Resources has identified concerns with open trail access during winter months because of Bald Eagles wintering in the vicinity. Mr. Robert Dingman questioned feasibility of providing a concrete barrier on the Homer Watson Boulevard interchange to separate pedestrians / cyclists from vehicular traffic and Mr. Wetherup responded that from an engineering and safety perspective it would not be feasible. Comments made by the Committee this date will be relayed by Mr. Wetherup to Regional staff. MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - BRIGADOON & WARDS PONDS - STRASBURG CREEK - TERMS OF REFERENCE The Committee was in receipt of Terms of Reference for a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) relative to the Brigadoon and Wards Ponds located on a reach of the Main (Middle) branch of Strasburg Creek. Ms. Barbara Steiner advised that the purpose of the EA is to develop alternative solutions and rehabilitation plans for retention or removal of one or both ponds and the Terms of Reference outlines the scope of the study to be undertaken by consultant services. The Committee entered into discussion during which staff advised that as part of the monitoring program under the City's Storm Water Management Policy an environmental assessment study was to be undertaken regarding Wards Pond. However, subsequent to a natural disaster in the summer of 2003 resulting in loss of Brigadoon Pond, the study was expanded to encompass both pond areas and the lands in between. In response to concerns raised, staff advised that the environmental assessment will look at all aspects associated with rehabilitation / removal of the ponds relative to any impact on existing wildlife or potential health risks associated with still water and provide alternative solutions for evaluation. Ms. Steiner advised that once the study is underway it is intended that a sub-committee of staff and members of the Environmental Committee be formed to review study documents as they become available. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 11 ~ 2004 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. INFORMATION EXCHANGE - BOSNIA This item was not discussed as Councillor B. Vrbanovic was not present this date. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE 2002-2003 STRATEGIC WORK PLAN The Committee was re-circulated this date with Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-03-036 (B. Steiner) dated April 9, 2003 outlining several approaches that could be undertaken to initiate specific priority activities as identified in Table 1 attached to the staff report. Ms. Barbara Steiner referred the Committee to Items 1 to 3 under the category "Conserving Natural Areas & Managing Green Space" on Table 1. She pointed out that Item 2 concerning recycling and garbage disposal in parks was dealt with earlier during the Earth Week discussion. Ms. Steiner then addressed Items 1 and 3 dealing with improving green infrastructure, local environmental awareness and partnering with a variety of groups to monitor greenspaces. She advised that Community Services staff are currently seeking grant funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist with development of a Public Education / Stewardship Program, that may include restoration projects of natural areas. She stated that the program would be a good opportunity for the Committee to partner with Community Services staff and a presentation by Mr. Dave Schmitt, Urban Forest Technologist, is planned for the Committee's April meeting. Ms. Steiner also advised that consideration of activities under the heading "Public Education and Communication" on Table 1 will require further review before a recommended approach is presented to the Committee. 6. ALDER CREEK UPPER STRASBURG WATERSHED STUDY-UPDATE Ms. Barbara Steiner advised that a draft "Comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement" for the Alder Creek / Upper Strasburg Watershed Study is now available. In this regard, she pointed out that the Committee had established a sub-committee in September 2003 to review the study documents. Sub-committee members consisted of Yvonne Fernandes, Patrick O'Toole and Manfred Aulich. As Mr. Aulich is no longer a member of the Environment Committee, Ms. Steiner canvassed the members present to determine their interest in filling the vacancy and Mr. Sandro Bassanese volunteered his services. It was agreed that Mr. Bassanese fill the vacancy. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator