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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-20 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Minutes 1 Climate Change and Environment Committee Committee Minutes February 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Conestoga Room City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 Present: V. Nhio-son, Co-Chair K. Charlesworth, Co-Chair Councillor S. Davey, Member Councillor S. Stretch, Member A. Di Battista, Member A. Hohenadel, Member C. Corcoran, Member J. Clary-Lemon, Member P. Boot, Member P. Nojo, Member S. Baer, Member Staff: A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The meeting began at 4:02 with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 3. Delegations 3.1 Item 4.1 - B. Williams 2 4. Discussion Items 4.1 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. The presentation also covered alternative pest management strategies, including reducing attractants, shelter exclusion, and removal, as well as restrictive efforts across North America. V. Nhio-son raised a question about the comparison between the upfront costs and long-term costs, to which B. Williams provided a response. A subsequent question was raised regarding the cost-profit perspective, which was addressed during the discussion. Regarding the draft by-law, a question was raised about its basis. It was clarified that the draft by-law is based on the Kitchener Fire by-law, with no other by-laws available for comparison, as none currently exist for this matter. In response to the discussions about the different steps to be taken, it was suggested that the City of Kitchener (CoK) discontinue the use of the current method, as this would be a prudent first step. The discussion further explored the potential for expanding this approach to all municipalities, as well as the importance of addressing the facility and policy aspects. It was noted that the by- law, as an enforcement tool, would serve as an initiator. Councillor S. Davey and N. Goss suggested forming a sub-committee as the preferred option for the City of Kitchener to proceed with, recommending a deep dive into examples and supporting the most feasible option. Moved by J. Clary-Lemon Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch It was resolved: "That the Climate Change and Environment Committee establish a sub- committee to look at the environmental rodent control impacts in Kitchener, specifically focusing on the proper tools utilized by municipalities, and report back to the CCEC with recommendations." Carried J. Clary-Lemon, C. Corcoran, and Councillor S. Stretch have been appointed to the Environmental Rodent Control Impacts sub-committee. 3 4.2 2024-2026 Work Plan, DSD-2025-069 C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner and A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer with the City of Kitchener presented the 2024-2026 Climate Change and Environment Committee (CCEC) Work Plan to the committee. A. Cipriani provided an update on the Corporate Climate Action Plan, outlining progress towards the Net-Zero pivot, which will also be presented at the next meeting. P. Boot noted that the Transform Strategy is community-focused, while the corporate strategy is more corporate-centric, and raised the issue of avoiding duplication of efforts. In response, J. Clary-Lemon suggested focusing on bringing forward topics that are important to the committee to avoid overlap. In follow up to the work plan discussion, committee members proposed creating sub-committees to focus on the topics discussed. P. Nojo suggested continuing the work with the previous sub-committees to maintain momentum, and C. Musselman offered to create a draft work plan chart for the next meeting. It was also noted that the quorum is 7 members, and the sub-committee cannot exceed this number. Moved by K. Charlesworth Seconded by P. Nojo "That the Climate Change and Environment Committee create a sub-committee for reviewing the standard corporate template and be updated to include how the actions contribute to climate objectives – City’s Strategic Plan, Corporate Climate Action Plan (CorCAP), and TransformWR." Carried Moved by A. Di Battista Seconded by K. Charlesworth "That the Climate Change and Environment Committee create another sub- committee on sustainable food systems to explore potential actions related to sustainable food systems within the context of the CCEC." Carried N. Goss suggested that staff attend the next meeting to provide an update on the work the sub-committee has been doing. 4 That report DSD-2025-069, regarding the 2024-2026 Climate Change and Environment Committee (CCEC) Work Plan be received for information. 5. Information Items The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) initiative was discussed by the committee, and a call for volunteers for the YCAF selection committee was made. P. Nojo offered to serve on the committee. 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Eda Islemecioglu Committee Administrator