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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-15 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Minutes 1 Climate Change and Environment Committee Committee Minutes January 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Conestoga Room City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 Present: Councillor S. Davey, Member Councillor S. Stretch, Member A. Di Battista, Member B. Wallis, Member S. Baer, Member P. Boot, Member P. Nojo, Member J. Phan, Member Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The Climate Change and Environment Advisory Committee held a meeting at this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 3. Delegations 4. Discussion Items 4.1 CCEC Roles & Responsibilities 2 A.M. Cipriani provided an overview of the Advisory Committee training, including policies and procedures. It was emphasized that the primary role of Advisory Committees is to provide advice and recommendations to Council. Members were advised that they work collaboratively with their assigned Staff Liaison to develop and implement a work plan. The work plan is intended to outline key initiatives to be pursued by the Committee, along with timelines for completion. It was noted that Council may refer items to Advisory Committees for feedback and input as part of its decision‑making process. Members were reminded that the Committee’s Terms of Reference establish the following:  The Committee’s purpose and scope;  Composition and reporting structure;  Quorum requirements; and  Responsibilities of Advisory Committee members. It was further noted that Advisory Committees do not have authority to make appointments to the Committee or to amend any aspect of their Terms of Reference without Council approval. Members were reminded of the importance of understanding and operating within the mandate established by Council, which cannot be altered without Council authorization. The reporting structure for Advisory Committees was reviewed. It was noted that all Advisory Committee recommendations are forwarded to a Standing Committee, comprised of all members of City Council, for consideration. The roles of Council representatives, Staff Liaisons, and the Committee Administrator were outlined. Members were also reminded that City staff cannot provide advice on whether a member has a direct or indirect conflict of interest. Members were advised to seek independent legal advice should they have concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest related to a specific matter. 4.2 Election of Chair & Vice-Chair The Committee put forward nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice‑Chair. 3 A. Di Battista and B. Wallis were nominated and each agreed to stand for appointment. With the support of the committee members, A. Di Battista and Brooklin Wallis were appointed Co‑Chairs of the Climate Change and Environment Committee for a term expiring December 17, 2026. 4.3 Mid-Term Reflections Staff provided an overview of the exercise and reminded Committee members that the purpose is to foster a supportive environment for the Committee. Staff emphasized that the exercise is intended to provide a safe space for open sharing, is not a debate, and should be conducted in a constructive and positive manner. Start A. Di Battista expressed interest in strengthening connections with other advisory committees. C. Musselman mentioned that Compass Kitchener, which brings together all advisory committee meetings, could provide an opportunity to build connections across committees. Stop B. Wallis expressed concern that limited progress has been observed within some sub‑committees and asked about their overall effectiveness. A. Di Battista noted that the Food Sub‑Committee has been doing strong work, acknowledging that progress may be slower due to capacity and procedural requirements, but emphasized that meaningful progress is being made. J. Phan commented on development standards work, noting that it has largely focused on information gathering. It was indicated that certain constraints exist due to recent legislation and suggested that sub‑committees would benefit from establishing SMART goals and more clearly defined purposes. It was also noted that tangible outputs may be needed depending on the topic. A. Di Battista acknowledged that while a change in corporate report templates is complex, progress has been achieved. P. Nojo referenced a roadmap shared by V. Nhio-son at a previous meeting, noting that members have not yet had sufficient opportunity to review it in detail. B. Wallis clarified that the suggestion was not to disband of sub‑committees, but rather an evaluation of whether current structures are effective. 4 A. Di Battista emphasized the importance of clearly defining scope and suggested that training, case studies, or examples of successful sub‑committee models could support improved outcomes and goal setting. S. Bear noted that overly broad scopes may limit progress during a short Committee term and encouraged consideration of both strengths and challenges when addressing climate change and environmental issues, including potential roadblocks. P. Boot highlighted the need to better understand what additional value the Committee can bring to delegations or topics that may already have received approval or “green‑light” status. S. Bear further suggested identifying and researching climate change topics that have not yet been addressed and determining how the Committee could help advance those issues into relevant policy or community spaces. Continue A. Di Battista highlighted that the current process allows for meaningful staff engagement and member feedback, and identified ongoing opportunities for discussion and improved feedback mechanisms. B. Wallis noted that discussions among engaged Committee members have been valuable. P. Boot commented that delegations and discussions have helped broaden awareness of different aspects of climate change. B. Wallis stated their appreciation for the volume of information provided to the Committee, noting that while the term of the Committee limits the ability to address large‑scale changes, the information is beneficial from a citizen perspective. The Committee meetings were also described as a space for community‑minded citizens to come together and engage with the broader community. Cllr. Stretch observed that the information and projects presented are relevant to many aspects of daily life, which helps members engage with residents and inform them effectively. Following the exercise, the Committee proceeded with questions and suggestions. B. Wallis asked whether delegations or discussion items could be directed to specific Council members or Council as a whole. Staff confirmed that delegations and discussion outcomes may be directed to the appropriate Council members. 5 A. Di Battista requested an overview or list of the City of Kitchener’s climate change–related activities and projects, noting that a summary of staff work, along with key non‑profit partners, would be helpful for the Committee. 4.4 Rodenticide Sub-Committee Final Report, DSD-2026-023 N. Goss presented the report on behalf of the Sub‑Committee. The report was informed by information received from Facilities Management (FM) and staff regarding current pest management practices within City facilities. FM advised that feedback has been received from the new pest management contractor, indicating that substantial rodent activity remains present in certain City facilities. FM further noted that the contractor is prepared to pilot a non‑toxic rodenticide approach at a smaller City facility. Results of this pilot project will be reported back to Committee. FM confirmed that an update will be provided once the pilot work is complete. Staff noted that the City’s approach is to start on a small scale and expand the initiative if successful, consistent with the approach taken by other City departments. Moved by Cllr. S. Stretch - It was resolved: "That the CCEC rodenticide sub-committee be disbanded; and, that the CCEC continue to monitor the progress of the city’s potential pilot project of alternative pest management." Carried Cllr. Stretch confirmed that progress was made and an opportunity was identified for continued momentum, indicating that staff will proceed with the next steps and report back to the Committee, at which time further direction can be considered. 4.5 2026 CCEC Calendar and Timelines E. Islemecioglu presented the CCEC calendar for 2026 and reviewed the Committee’s term timelines and associated deadlines for the year. It was noted that the calendar document would be circulated to Committee members following the meeting, once confirmed with all members. It was outlined that, as reflected in the timeline, two meetings are scheduled prior to each regular Committee meeting for the purposes of agenda review and agenda‑setting. Committee members were reminded that the Co‑Chairs are 6 expected to attend these meetings each month in order to plan and approve the Committee agenda. The first meeting is held on the third Tuesday of each month and is dedicated to the review of proposed agenda items. The following Tuesday, which is the fourth Tuesday of the month, serves as the deadline for new agenda item submissions. All supporting documentation and materials must be submitted by this deadline. The third column of the calendar identifies the agenda‑setting meetings, during which the agenda is finalized and approved by the Co‑Chairs. It was further noted that there will be no Committee meetings held in July or August due to the summer break, and no meeting will be held in October due to the municipal election. The September meeting will be the final meeting of the Committee’s current term. New term appointments are anticipated to be made in November. Lastly, members were reminded that the CCEC has opportunities throughout the term to present or share updates with the Committee on work in progress, ongoing projects, and other relevant initiatives. 5. Information Items 5.1 Sub-Committee Updates 5.1.1 Sustainable Food Systems Sub-Committee members provided an update on the current progress. It was noted that the next sub‑committee meeting is anticipated to review, group, and discuss notes from prior meetings held with City staff. These discussions relate to the City’s ongoing work on food systems and alignment with the sub‑committee’s purpose. The sub‑committee’s work plan was described as consisting of two phases: 1. Engagement with City staff; and 2. Outreach to local businesses and City partners. Members identified waste, including its regional considerations, as a potential topic of interest moving forward. 5.1.2 Committee/Council Report Template Change(s) An update was provided indicating that no significant changes had occurred since the previous meeting. Sub-Committee members noted that the work continues to be administratively challenging due to legislative requirements. 7 It was further noted that, due to K. Charlesworth’s leave, consideration may be given to disbanding the sub‑committee. As an alternative, members discussed the possibility of developing a working prototype to be presented at the next meeting. It was noted that a decision regarding next steps for the sub‑committee may be made at the next meeting. 5.1.3 High Performance Development Standards Members noted that a further update on the High Performance Development Standards Sub‑Committee would be provided at a later date. It was suggested that consideration may be given to disbanding the sub‑committee. It was acknowledged that substantial information was shared through sub‑committee and staff meetings in the previous year, and that feedback was provided accordingly. N. Goss commented that within the draft Official Plan, references to High Performance Development Standards were included to identify potential pathways and options for continued consideration. Staff are currently exploring how this work may proceed in alignment with provincial legislation. Members further noted that a final report would be required prior to disbanding the sub‑committee. 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m. Eda Islemecioglu Committee Administrator