HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-01ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MNUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., under Councillor B. Vrbanovic,
with the following members present: Councillor M. Galloway and Messrs. R. Dal Bello, B. Krafcheck, F.
Wende and J. Smola.
Officials Present:Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley, D. Daly and T. Boutilier.
1.
WPIRG - KITCHENER-GUELPH TRAFFIC REDUCTION INITIATIVE
Ms. J. Niece appeared as a delegation to present the above referenced proposal as sponsored by
the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) through local chapters OPIRG - Guelph and
Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG) of which she is a member. The Kitchener-
Guelph Traffic Reduction initiative seeks to establish a workplace based consultation process
between highway 7 commuters and employers to determine travel needs, with an overall objective
to facilitate voluntary reduction of automobile use through this corridor. Ms. Niece advised that
WPIRG has a strong partnership with the Region who has recently embarked on a similar project
involving the Grand River Hospital and Clarica; however, co-sponsors of the Kitchener-Guelph
proposal are attempting to go further afield. She noted that through consultation the co-sponsors
are aiming to bring awareness to environmental issues and determine a willingness to participate
in this project; compile travel data to determine specific needs and develop transit options; and
encourage and facilitate participation in such initiatives as carpooling, telecommuting, public
transit and flexible work hours. Ms. Niece advised that the projected budget for the proposal is
$90,000. and funds in the amount of $20,000. have already been raised. In conclusion, Ms. Niece
advised that she is requesting the Environmental Committee and Council's endorsement of the
proposal, together with a financial contribution and suggested an amount of $3,000. equal to the
contribution made by the City of Guelph.
The Committee then entered into discussion during which Ms. Niece advised that it was intended
to make a similar presentation to the City of Waterloo and various foundations have already
contributed including the Guelph chapter of the Canada Trust Friends of the Environment. In
response to questioning, Ms. Niece further advised that she would be filling one of the two staff
positions with the other to be filled by University of Waterloo students on a rotating basis.
Mr. J. Smola expressed support for the proposal and advised that he was prepared to put forward
a recommendation to endorse the proposal and provide a cash grant in the amount of $3,000.
In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. B. Stanley advised that under the Capital program
there are two sources of funding which could be considered to provide the cash grant. Firstly, the
Community Development Infrastructure Grant relates to building community capacity and
awareness of environmental issues. Secondly, the Community Environment Stewardship Fund
relates to internal staff initiatives; however, a donation was made last year to an external group.
Mr. Stanley stated that in his opinion it would be more appropriate to consider this proposal under
the Stewardship Fund; however, suggested that the Terms of Reference for the fund would need
to be revised to develop criteria relative to funding external initiatives. In this regard, Mr. Stanley
suggested that the Committee approve the cash grant in principle subject to such criteria being
developed.
Mr. J. Smola further requested that WPIRG be required to provide a progress report within 1 year
of commencement of the project and that they make a similar presentation to Regional Council.
On motion by Mr. J. Smola -
it was resolved:
"That the Environmental Committee and Council endorse the Kitchener-Guelph Traffic
Reduction Initiative sponsored by the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)
through local chapters Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG) and OPIRG -
Guelph; and,
1.
WPIRG - KITCHENER-GUELPH TRAFFIC REDUCTION INITIATIVE (CONT'D)
That subject to development of criteria on which to base funding of external environmental
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2001- 6 -CITY OF KITCHENER
initiatives under the Terms of Reference of the Community Environment Stewardship Fund,
Council approve 'in principle' a cash grant in the amount of $3,000., funded from the
Stewardship Fund; and,
That WPIRG provide a progress report to the Environmental Committee within one year of
commencement of the Kitchener-Guelph Traffic Reduction Initiative; and further,
That WPIRG provide a presentation of this Initiative to Waterloo Regional Council."
2.
GROUP - ECOACTION LAWN CONVERSION PROJECT
Ms. S. Koswan, representing the GROUP, appeared as a delegation to introduce the EcoAction
Lawn Conversion Project. Ms. Koswan advised that this project is currently being undertaken by
the GROUP in partnership with the Community Health Department, Waterloo Citizens
Environmental Advisory Committee and the Master Gardeners. This project will receive
government funding in the amount of $50,000. on a matching fund basis. The objective of the
project is to select 24 homes from the Kitchener-Waterloo area and convert each to pesticide free
lawn care through methods of organic lawn care, native landscaping and encouraging backyard
vegetable gardens. The project will be undertaken over a period of 2 years with 12 homes
completed in each year. In addition, a calendar/daytimer will be produced for sale containing
pictures of the homes and gardens; tours of the homes will be conducted; and 400 pesticide free
lawn care starter kits will be produced for sale in retail outlets. Ms. Koswan advised that the Home
Depot has already agreed to sell 100 of the starter kits. A press release is planned to introduce
the project to residents and it is also hoped to include notice within the City's water billings.
Selection of homes will be decided by the project organizers. In conclusion, Ms. Koswan advised
that she was seeking a donation in the amount of $1,500. from the Environmental Committee to
help meet the matching fund requirement.
In response to questioning, Ms. Koswan advised that this project is on a larger scale than the
previous Workshop Program for which the GROUP received similar funding and actual work will
be provided by the Master Gardeners, under agreement with the homeowner, to physically convert
the properties to pesticide free lawn care.
Mr. B. Stanley suggested that this request be deferred to the next meeting to provide an
opportunity for him to work with Ms. Koswan to determine if this project would meet the criteria of
either the Community Development Infrastructure Grant Program or the Community Environment
Stewardship Fund.
By general consent, it was agreed to defer this matter to the Committee's next meeting to be held
on March 1, 2001.
3.
APPOINTMENT - EARTH DAY ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Earth Day Organizing Committee is requesting an
additional Environmental Committee representative to be appointed. In this regard, he advised
that Mr. B. Krafchek has expressed an interest.
Mr. T. Boutilier requested that Mr. J. Smola also be appointed to provide a liaison with Regional
Council.
On motion by Mr. F. Wende -
it was resolved:
"That Mr. B. Krafchek and Mr. J. Smola be appointed as representatives of the
Environmental Committee to the Organizing Committee dealing with Earth Day events."
4.
EARTH DAY 2001 - UPDATE
Mr. T. Boutilier advised that several meetings of the Earth Day Organizing Committee have been
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2001- 7 -CITY OF KITCHENER
held and work projects in each of the City's 6 Wards have now been assigned. These will involve
7 area parks including Kiwanis Park, Kolb Park, Southwest Optimist Park, Huron Business Park
and an old mill in Upper Doon, Trailview Park and Monarch Woods near Stoke Drive. In this
regard, Mr. Boutilier pointed out that Sunoco will be a significant financial partner. The second
component of events involve a Community Wide Clean-up Campaign including participation by
local School Boards, private schools, apartment owners, the KDBA, community and sports groups,
the Canoe Club (Grand River) and the Region/City Adopt Programs. A goods exchange day is
also proposed as part of the Clean-up Campaign. The third component will involve tours of
various locations and trails such as the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant, the Huron Natural Area
and Topper Woods. Mr. Boutilier pointed out that Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd; however,
activities planned will commence during the week preceding, leading up to and including the
afternoon of Earth Day.
Mr. Boutilier further advised that the Organizing Committee would like to include a project for the
Environmental Committee and it has been proposed that the Committee, together with Council and
Senior Management staff, provide a community barbeque on the afternoon of Earth Day for all
project co-ordinators and participants. In conclusion, Mr. Boutilier advised that the Organizing
Committee is continuing to seek sources of funding, which may include sponsorship, and a full
schedule of events is anticipated to be brought forward to the Committee's next meeting in March.
The Committee then entered into a brief discussion during which it was suggested that the
Organizing Committee work with media contacts to ensure media coverage. The issue of
sponsors relative to City policy was raised and it was pointed out that staff are looking for
partnerships as opposed to soliciting gifts.
Mr. Boutilier then requested that Mr. F. Wende serve as the Organizing Committee's official liaison
with Environmental Committee and members of the Committee concurred.
5.
APPOINTMENT - CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY
Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality has developed a draft
Terms of Reference which is still under review. He pointed out that the next meeting of the Air
Quality Committee would be held on Thursday, February 8th commencing at 5:00 p.m. until
approximately 7:00 p.m. at Regional Headquarters. He noted that it is intended that this
Committee meet bi-monthly on the second Thursday. Councillor B. Vrbanovic enquired if any
member of the Committee was interested in being appointed as a representative to the Citizens
Advisory Committee on Air Quality and no volunteers were forthcoming.
By general consent, it was agreed that Councillor B. Vrbanovic would attend the February 8th
meeting and formal appointment of an Environmental Committee representative would be deferred
until the issue of new membership relative to the Committee's Terms of Reference is finalized.
6.
TERMS OF REFERENCE - REVISION/COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Ms. B. Steiner distributed a copy of the draft Terms of Reference outlining revised wording under
Clause 3 a) and introducing new clauses 3 b) and c). Revised clause 3 a) provides for
membership consisting of the Mayor ex-officio, 2 members of Council rather than 4 and a minimum
of 4 up to a maximum of 10 members of the public to be appointed. New clause 3 b) provides
criteria on which to base public member appointments which includes preference to links with
community environmental organizations, educational & environmental consulting sectors,
environmental concerns of business & industry and demonstrated scientific/technical expertise in
an environmental discipline. New clause 3 c) provides for membership to be exempt from Council
Policy I-61 (residency requirements).
6.
TERMS OF REFERENCE - REVISION/COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (CONT'D)
The Committee then entered into discussion during which concern was again raised that the
proposed criteria would exclude the average citizen having environmental concerns from
participating. It was suggested that the wording be revised to include a minimum of 2 residents
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2001- 8 -CITY OF KITCHENER
and a minimum of 2 representatives from the disciplines listed under new clause 3 b), with the
remaining 6 to be appointed either as residents or from the proposed disciplines. Members of the
Committee felt it was important to maintain resident participation. It was also suggested that in
view of the lack of applications, a recruitment team be established to seek out potential
appointees.
Concern with the wording of new clause 3 c) was also expressed, noting that it could result in the
members of the Committee being entirely non-resident. The issue of waiving residency was
initially intended to prevent exclusion of potential University applicants. A suggestion was put
forward that not more than 50% of the membership comprise non-residents and the Committee
agreed that this would assist in achieving what was originally intended.
Following further discussion and by general consent, it was agreed that the draft Terms of
Reference be further revised relative to discussions this date and brought back to the March 1st
meeting for further consideration.
7.
RESOLUTION - CITY OF TORONTO/BOARD OF HEALTH & ONTARIO CLEAN AIR
ALLIANCE "COUNTDOWN COAL REPORT"
This matter was previously considered by the Committee at its meeting held on January 4, 2001 at
which time the resolution from the Toronto Board of Health was deferred to provide an opportunity
for staff to contact the Ontario Clean Air Alliance to obtain their input with respect to the Toronto
resolution.
The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated October 18, 2000 from the City of Toronto's Board
of Health requesting endorsation of a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario and the
Ministry of Environment to establish regulations to ensure conversion of coal fired power plants to
natural gas; together with a report entitled "Countdown Coal Report" prepared by the Ontario
Clean Air Alliance.
Mr. B. Stanley advised that he had contacted Mr. J. Gibbons of the Clean Air Alliance who advised
that the position of the Toronto Board of Health is consistent with the position of the Alliance;
however, the Alliance goes further with its recommendations contained in the Countdown Coal
Report. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Alliance recommendations provide for a timeframe to
phase out coal fired power plants by the year 2012 and it is anticipated that this can be achieved
without raising electricity rates.
On motion by Mr. J. Smola -
it was resolved:
"WHEREAS it has been established that coal fired power plants are major contributors of
air pollutants that harm human health and the environment;
AND WHEREAS the Ontario Power Generation proposal to reduce emissions of nitrogen
oxides from its coal fired power plants is not sufficient to meet reduced nitrogen oxide
emission rates to the levels targeted by the United States and could result in undermining
negotiations for an international agreement between Canada and the United States to
reduce transboundary ozone air pollution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Kitchener's Environmental Committee and City
Council endorse Clause No. 5 as contained in Report No. 7 of the Toronto Board of Health
adopted by Toronto City Council, which reads as follows:
7.
RESOLUTION - CITY OF TORONTO/BOARD OF HEALTH & ONTARIO CLEAN AIR
ALLIANCE "COUNTDOWN COAL REPORT"(CONT'D)
'That Council urge the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of the
Environment to move immediately to establish regulations that will ensure the
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2001- 9 -CITY OF KITCHENER
conversion of coal fired power plants to natural gas; and,
That Council encourage all other municipalities with populations greater than 25,000
to do the same by forwarding a copy of this clause.';
FURTHER that Kitchener's Environmental Committee and City Council endorse the
recommendations of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance as contained in their report entitled
'Countdown Coal Report', dated October 2000, requesting the Provincial Government to
establish regulations which will lead to the complete phase-out of coal fired power plants by
the year 2012;
AND FURTHER that this resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of
Environment, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)."
8.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - PREFERRED ALIGNMENT FOR HWY. 7 PROJECT
The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Ms. J. Billett dated February 1, 2001, inviting
members of the Environmental Committee to attend a meeting of the Public Works and
Transportation Committee scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2001. The purpose of attending
this meeting is to hear a presentation by the Ministry of Transportation with respect to new
alternatives for the alignment of Highway 7.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Ministry's timelines are constringent and encouraged
members of the Committee to attend the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting to
hear this presentation. Councillor Vrbanovic then enquired if the Committee had any interest in
holding a special meeting to consider the Ministry's proposal provided timelines permit. The
Committee agreed that a special meeting would be held if time permitted and special interest
groups who had previously appeared before the Environmental Committee with regard to this
issue would also be invited to attend.
9.
WATERLOO REGION ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
Mr. B. Stanley provided a copy of the nomination form for the Environmental Sustainability Awards
and advised that nominations will close on March 16, 2001. Mr. Stanley encouraged members of
the Committee to solicit nominations and advised that additional forms could be obtained from the
Department of Business & Planning Services.
Mr. Stanley advised that it is intended to bring the nomination applications to the Committee for
consideration at its meeting to be held on April 5, 2001.
10.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
J. Billett
Committee Administrator
