HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-21 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Minutes
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Climate Change and Environment Committee
Committee Minutes
November 21, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Conestoga Room
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407
Present: B. Wallis, Chair
Councillor S. Davey, Member
Councillor S. Stretch, Member
K. Bockasten, Member
J. Clary-Lemon, Member
G. Johannesson, Member
B. Unrau, Member
Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator
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1. Commencement
The meeting was scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., but quorum was not achieved
until 4:38 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., in the absence of both the Chair and quorum, the
Committee Administrator called the meeting to order. The Committee Chair
arrived at 4:38 p.m., at which point quorum was established, and the meeting
began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. Items 4.1 and 4.2 were
discussed prior to the official call to order, and with quorum now established and
the Chair present, the official meeting proceeded.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
3. Delegations
B. Williams
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P. Gilbride, R. Robinson & L. Truong, Reep Green Solutions
4. Discussion Items
4.1 Bird Friendly City and World Migratory Bird Day, DSD-2024-453
C. Musselman announced that the City of Kitchener had been named a Bird
Friendly City.
That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support Kitchener
becoming certified as a Bird Friendly through Nature Canada; and
That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support Kitchener
proclaiming World Migratory Bird Day on an annual basis on the second
Saturday of May.
4.2 The Environmental Impacts of Chemical Rodent Control
B. Williams provided a presentation on the environmental impacts of chemical
rodent control, addressing the topics of acutely toxic compounds and the
challenges of secondary exposure and ingestion, noting that treatment is difficult.
It was highlighted that secondary poisoning is not limited to birds but affects other
species and animals as well. The presentation also covered integrated pest
management strategies, including reducing attractants, shelter exclusion, and
removal, as well as restrictive efforts across North America. B. Williams
emphasized the role of committees in determining the appropriate course of
action.
A Q&A session followed, during which K. Bockasten, G. Johanneson, and B.
Unrau posed questions, and Williams provided responses. The discussion also
included considerations of modeling after municipalities and reducing the amount
of chemical rodent control entering the private sector.
4.3 2023-2024 Reep Green Solutions Impact Report
P. Gilbride and R. Robinson led the committee through a presentation on the
Reep Green Solutions Impact Report for 2023-2024, highlighting actions aimed
at strengthening the community and enhancing eco-friendliness. The
presentation covered several key initiatives, including energy cost reductions,
English conversation circles, water conservation and protection, healthy yards
and neighborhoods, the Community Canopy Project, TreeTrust projects,
ClimateActionWR, and the Zero Waste Challenge. The presentation concluded
with a brief summary of Reep Green Solutions' revenues and expenses.
It was noted that this marks the third year of tracking the community’s goal to
achieve 10,000 actions, with 4,813 meaningful actions completed to date. R.
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Robinson shared sustainability journey stories, particularly those related to
energy reduction. Water conservation and protection efforts were also discussed,
including initiatives to reduce salt use for winter maintenance and safeguard
drinking water. Reep Green Solutions’ tradition of using data to map communities
and their aim to increase canopy and shade coverage was presented as part of
their ongoing efforts.
The discussion also included ClimateActionWR, with a focus on the climate
targets set for the future. The goal of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by
2030 was emphasized, although it was noted that this target is currently at risk
due to factors such as travel and emissions from residential buildings. The Zero
Waste Challenge was highlighted as another significant initiative aimed at
reducing waste.
Following the presentation, G. Johannesson inquired about the outlook for
energy improvements in homes, while further discussions were held with J.
Clary-Lemon and K. Bockasten.
5. Information Items
5.1 Kitchener 2051 - Official Plan Project Update, DSD-2024-424
N. Goss provided an update on the Kitchener 2051 Official Plan Project, covering
the changes in the strategic plan and the new official plan. The update
highlighted the community collaborator components, including events and pop-
ups throughout the city aimed at understanding diverse perspectives. Technical
studies were discussed, focusing on population growth and the associated needs
for affordability and housing. Furthermore, land use planning was emphasized,
particularly how growth will align with climate goals, with further work on the
transportation plan scheduled for early next year.
For information.
6. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m.
Natalie Goss
Committee Administrator