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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-19 - Climate Change and Environment Committee Minutes Climate Change and Environment Committee Committee Minutes March 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Conestoga Room City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 Present: Councillor S. Stretch, Member A. Di Battista, Co-Chair S. Baer, Member J. Clary-Lemon, Member J. Phan, Member P. Boot, Member P. Nojo, Member Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator G. Khandelwal, Senior Planner _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The meeting began at 4:05 pm with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 3. Delegations None. 4. Discussion Items 4.1 Cold Water Arena Ice Video Business Case, DSD-2026-088 1 F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor with the City of Kitchener, provided a presentation on the Cold Water Arena Ice Video Business Case. The project aims to improve energy efficiency in arena operations in response to changing climate conditions by utilizing cold water for ice-making. The Committee was advised that the initiative has resulted in reduced energy consumption, and that earlier concerns regarding maintenance and programming have been addressed. Although ice quality had been identified as a potential issue, feedback from staff, industry experts, and residents has been positive. Significant cost savings have also been realized. F. Wade invited questions from the Committee; however, none were posed. 4.2 Fleet Electrification Business Case, DSD-2026-089 F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor with the City of Kitchener, delivered a presentation on the Fleet Electrification Business Case. The objectives of the case study included assessing operational and maintenance costs, evaluating the benefits of fleet electrification, and identifying opportunities for long-term efficiency improvements. The Committee was advised that the analysis demonstrates significant cost savings, and that staff feedback on the initiative has been very positive. A noted challenge relates to reduced battery performance during colder months, and staff highlighted that electric vehicles remain comparatively new, with longevity and lifecycle considerations continuing to be assessed. Overall, the case indicates that electrification supports both cost reductions and emissions reductions. P. Boot inquired about payback periods and whether a payback matrix is used to evaluate such projects. Staff advised that this type of financial metric is not commonly applied within municipal processes, though follow-up with Anna Marie was suggested. It was also noted that electric vehicle initiatives are increasingly common across municipalities. A. Di Battista asked about the vehicle replacement strategy. Staff reported that work is underway and that the strategy, including body-work requirements, is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. A. Di Battista additionally asked about opportunities for electrifying larger vehicles. F. Wade advised that the forthcoming strategy will address this in greater detail. S. Bear raised questions about information sharing between municipalities. Staff confirmed that they remain in contact with counterparts in other jurisdictions, and that certain organizations take a lead role in coordinating municipal energy 2 initiatives. Municipal energy managers have been informed of the project and ongoing progress. F. Wade advised that the presentation was for information purposes only and no Committee support was required at this time. Amanda requested that the Committee receive updates and further information as it becomes available. 4.3 Dundee Secondary Plan - Preferred Land Use/Draft OP Policies, DSD-2026- 107 C. Musselman, Senior Environment Planner, and G. Khandelwal, Senior Planner with the City of Kitchener, provided a presentation on the Dundee Secondary Plan, outlining the planning process and the development of the preferred land use plan. C. Musselman presented the technical information supporting the Secondary Plan and provided a high-level overview of the impact assessments. Committee members were advised that, as part of the City’s energy transition work, Kitchener Council has adopted a resolution to pursue net-zero carbon standards to the greatest extent feasible while also supporting the provision of affordable housing, as included in the meeting agenda. Next steps in the planning process were also identified. Heritage considerations were discussed following a question from A. Di Battista regarding how heritage features would appear within the project area. C. Musselman referred members to Map B: Cultural Heritage Resources within the Dundee Secondary Plan and outlined key elements. Staff also noted that consultations with the Six Nations have occurred, and that the Six Nations expressed support for the protection of natural heritage features along Blair Creek. Stormwater management was addressed in response to a question from P. Nojo regarding cumulative flood risk. C. Musselman explained that stormwater modelling has been completed as part of the Secondary Plan and that site-specific stormwater reports will be required as development applications proceed. Cllr. Stretch inquired whether the community had been consulted regarding stormwater solutions. C. Musselman noted that technical requirements dictate appropriate stormwater solutions for the area, and therefore consultation is not typically part of that specific process. Water infrastructure was raised by A. Di Battista. C. Musselman clarified that the Region holds primary responsibility for water infrastructure and that relevant considerations will be integrated into the Secondary Plan. N. Goss added that the 3 Region is currently developing a water supply strategy, and emphasized the importance of ensuring water supply capacity before development proceeds. It was also noted that there is ongoing coordination with Regional staff and continuous monitoring of water supply infrastructure. A. Di Battista asked whether the Committee could offer support at this stage, and C. Musselman invited members to identify any concerns. In response to a question from P. Nojo about whether current water supply levels are sufficient to meet growth targets, staff advised that this matter falls within the scope of the Region’s water supply strategy. A. Di Battista also asked whether development could be halted if an adequate water supply cannot be confirmed. N. Goss noted that while the City cannot speak on behalf of the Region’s strategy, municipal growth will continue, and alternative options could be explored as necessary. Moved by J. Clary-Lemon - It was resolved: "That the Climate Change and Environment Committee’s comments be considered as part of the preparation of the Dundee Secondary Plan and Environmental Assessment." Carried 4.4 High Performance Development Standards Sub-Committee Mid-Term Report, DSD-2026-073 J. Phan provided an update on Sub-Committee's noting that the sub-committee last met in June of the previous year, at which time the High Performance Development Standards (HPDS) had become a less clearly defined area within the municipal context. The sub-committee had agreed in principle to disband, following discussions with the Waterloo Region Community Energy group; however, no further action or formal decision was taken at that time. Cllr. Stretch inquired whether any work had progressed through the sub-committee and how the HPDS work would advance moving forward. N. Goss responded that a presentation is scheduled for next month, and noted that sustainability standards and statements will form part of the upcoming Official Plan review. Staff further noted that while the City continues to request sustainability-related information from developers, its authority to mandate such information remains limited. Collaboration with developers will continue. 4 A question was raised by Cllr. Stretch regarding whether a tool or mechanism from the CCEC could support further discussion on this topic. N. Goss advised that this question can be revisited next month in conjunction with M. Day’s presentation from Waterloo Region Community Energy group. J. Clary-Lemon suggested that the Committee may wish to defer any decision on dissolving the sub-committee, as there may be future tasks or inquiries better suited to a sub-committee structure. J. Phan asked whether, should the sub-committee remain active, additional Committee members would be interested in participating. The Committee deferred the matter to the next meeting. 5. Information Items 5.1 Sub-Committee Updates 5.1.1 Sustainable Food Systems Sub-Committee An update was provided indicating that no significant changes had occurred since the previous meeting. An invitation to the Sustainable Food Systems workshop was circulated by the Committee Administrator, and members were encouraged to attend. 5.1.2 Committee/Council Report Template Change(s) The Committee/Council Report Template Change(s) Sub-Committee has not met since the previous meeting, following the departure of former sub-committee member K. Charlesworth. The remaining members will continue to advance the work and prioritize outstanding commitments. A. Di Battista asked whether any support was required from the Committee or its members. P. Boot advised that there was nothing needed at this time and confirmed that the work will be prioritized. A. Di Battista also raised a procedural question regarding motions. E. Islemecioglu advised that any item requiring a motion must be listed under Discussion Items on the agenda, rather than under Information Items, and that such items must be submitted by the agenda deadline in order to be included. 5.2 Agenda Forecast to April 2026 The Committee reviewed the agenda forecast for April 2026. Staff advised that volunteers are being sought for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Selection Committee. P. Nojo shared his experience as a volunteer on 5 the Selection Committee in the previous year and noted that the experience had been positive. 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m. Eda Islemecioglu Committee Administrator 6