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Home My WebLink About2025-09-18 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Minutes 1 Climate Change and Environment Committee Committee Minutes September 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Conestoga Room City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 Present: K. Charlesworth, Co-Chair V. Nhio-son, Co-Chair Councillor S. Davey, Member Councillor S. Stretch, Member A. Di Battista, Member A. Hohenadel, Member C. Corcoran, Member J. Clary-Lemon, Member J. Phan, Member P. Boot, Member P. Nojo, Member S. Baer, Member Staff: A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The meeting began at 4:02 pm with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 3. Delegations 3.1 Item 4.1 - P. Gilbride, Executive Director, Reep Green Solutions 2 4. Discussion Items 4.1 Presentation - Reep Green Solutions P. Gilbride delivered a presentation marking the organization's 25-year anniversary. The presentation detailed significant projects from the past year, their impacts on the community, a financial overview, and tree planting initiatives across the region. Following the presentation, K. Charlesworth inquired about measuring GHG emissions reductions in relation to climate mitigation and adaptation. P. Gilbride clarified that while precise measurement of GHG reductions remains challenging, adaptation initiatives are well-documented and are progressing effectively. Nhio-son raised a question about maintenance practices within the Community Canopy Project. P. Gilbride explained that educational components are integral, with a maintenance guide provided to ensure participant engagement. This approach significantly boosts survival rates, currently at 95%, compared to those managed by contractors or in private sector. P. Gilbride elaborated on the ambitious plan to plant 9,000 trees by 2027, primarily along township and regional roads. The process includes an initial maintenance period managed by Reep Green Solutions, with later transitions to regional or township authorities as these trees become community assets. A comprehensive three-year plan includes regular check-ups and replacement of non-survivors, ensuring long-term viability. J. Clary-Lemon questioned the variety of trees planted and the process of transferring responsibility. P. Gilbride assured thorough maintenance and checks before transitioning the assets to municipalities and regions, with a focus on long- term sustainability. Addressing resource constraints, P. Gilbride reiterated the importance of empowering individuals to integrate sustainability into everyday life, making it the norm. J. Phan raised a question about measuring canopy coverage in low tree areas, while A. Di Battista inquired about involving schools in the initiative to which P. Gilbride responded. 4.2 Update on the Cold Water Ice Pilot Project, DSD-2025-368 F. Wade presented an update on the Cold Water Ice Pilot Project, an action item listed in the corporate climate action plan Pivot at Zero. This initiative aims to improve energy efficiency by transitioning from traditional hot water ice-making methods to using cold water, facilitated by a mechanical de-aerator system. 3 Ice for arenas is typically made with hot water because this prevents air bubbles, resulting in a clear, smooth skating surface. This process, however, is energy- intensive and reliant on natural gas. To address this, the pilot employs a mechanical de-aerator that allows cold water to be used for ice making, eliminating the need for water heating. After a year of monitoring, notable outcomes include:  A 60% decrease in water temperature used for arena ice making and resurfacing, which has led to an estimated 5% reduction in natural gas consumption at the facility.  Estimated reduction of 14 tonnes of CO2 equivalents in the first year of the project.  An increase in ice surface temperature by 2°C, which has led to an estimated 5% reduction in electricity usage due to less load on the ice pads refrigeration system and arenas dehumidification system.  Feedback on ice quality has been positive from skaters and operators. During the discussion, J. Clary-Lemon suggested ensuring reports specifically mention "arena ice" to clarify objectives. S. Bear questioned the number of ice- making facilities in Kitchener, estimated around eight, including two rinks at Sportsworld. V. Nhio-son inquired about the project's scope, which remains focused on Kitchener Sportsworld and several community arenas. A. Di Battista asked about longevity and potential challenges. While specific lifespan data is not available, the expected duration exceeds 3-5 years with no significant issues noted to date. C. Corcoran questioned the initial installation costs, which amounted to approximately $35,000, with $15,000 covered by a grant, though subsequent cost increases were noted. P. Boot discussed the potential rollout scope, citing relevant metrics and targets, with A.M. Cipriani providing additional context on strategic alignment and expected benefits. Task(s): Provide overview of this pilot project and the components of the business case. Assigned to Anna Marie Cipriani 4.3 Council Report Template Discussion 4 The sub-committee reviewed their progress on efforts to identify mechanisms to further integrate climate change considerations into decision-making. There is a clear desire to apply a stronger climate lens to both corporate and community policymaking, with an emphasis on understanding the long-term impacts of decisions related to climate change. During the discussion, it was noted that the Council report template is reviewed periodically by Clerks, and this process could potentially allow for the consideration of climate-related factors. Current lenses in the template include engagement, strategic alignment, and financial implications. The committee expressed interest in exploring examples from other municipalities and discussed the importance of refining the language to be more specific about what would be considered under a climate lens. Rather than moving a motion at this meeting, the sub-committee opted to refine the wording to ensure a broader and more precise approach. They will also work to determine specific questions for inclusion in the template. A motion will be brought forward to the committee once this work is complete. 4.4 CCEC Terms of Reference Clarification During the spring advisory committee agenda-setting meetings with staff and co- chairs, the potential role of the CCEC in commenting on Provincial legislation or providing input to Council for consideration was discussed. Currently, the City of Kitchener has a government relations team responsible for monitoring and coordinating responses to proposed legislation, policies, and plans from other governmental bodies. This team gathers input from technical experts throughout the corporation and collaborates with staff in the Mayor's and Councillors’ offices, as well as the CAO, to determine the City's official response to such proposals - especially where they intersect with municipal jurisdiction. The work undertaken by the government relations team, including the review and assessment of proposed legislation, is critical and falls within its core functions, not within the mandate of the CCEC. Members of the CCEC are expected to adhere to a code of conduct mentioned at the commencement of their volunteer term. This code specifies that volunteer committees, such as the CCEC, are not authorized to make submissions on behalf of the City of Kitchener. It is understood that CCEC members are aware of these guidelines. As individuals, committee members may provide personal feedback to other governmental bodies. K. Charlesworth asked how to position the CCEC to provide a recommendation to Council, mentioning the lack of a formal delegation route for committee 5 members, and it was advised that any input from the CCEC would need to be routed through Standing Committees to reach the Council. 5. Information Items 5.1 Sub-Committee Updates 5.1.1 Sustainable Food Systems P. Nojo, A. Di Battista, and A. Hohenadel have joined the Sustainable Food Systems sub-committee. 5.1.2 Committee/Council Report Template Change(s) An update was provided earlier during discussion item 4.3. 5.1.3 High Performance Development Standards The sub-committee has not met over the summer break. An update will be requested from staff for the next meeting. 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m. Eda Islemecioglu Committee Administrator