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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-24 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:06 p.m. Present: Co-Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders and Messrs. B. McColl, D. Lippert, J. Wilson, R. Dingman and C. Schneider. Staff: H. Gross, Director of Project Administration B. Sloan, Senior Planner B. Steiner, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION - CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY (CACAQ) - WATERLOO REGION PEDESTRIAN CHARTER The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the Pedestrian Charter Working Group, dated March 10, 2005 requesting the adoption of a proposed Pedestrian Charter for the Urban Municipalities of Waterloo Region. Ms. Cheryl Lousley, Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Ouality (CACAO), on behalf of the Pedestrian Charter Working Group, reviewed the proposed Pedestrian Charter and requested its adoption by the City of Kitchener. Ms. Lousley advised that CACAO and the Together 4 Health Coalition formed a Working Group to draft Pedestrian Charters for the Urban Municipalities of Waterloo Region. She stated their Pedestrian Charter initiative has been endorsed by a wide range of local organizations who are concerned about: health and well-being, community safety, air quality, environmental sustainability, social justice, and the interests of children, youths, seniors, women, and people with mental and physical disabilities or medical conditions. These groups include: the Waterloo Region District School Board, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Safe Communities on the Grand, Worldwide Opportunities for Women, People's Car Co-op, Canadian Cancer Society, Mental Health & Wellness Network, Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG), and the Local One Ton Challenge. Ms. Lousley noted Kitchener is already pursuing initiatives to improve the safety and viability of walking as a method of travel, such as, the pedestrian walkway to the new Market and the redesign of Gaukel Street. Further, she advised that in 2002 the City of Toronto adopted a Pedestrian Charter to formally recognize the value of walking and this proposed Charter is based on the one adopted by Toronto. She added the proposed Charter has no legal status (i.e. it is not like a by-law); it serves as a mutual agreement to foster awareness of, and support for, pedestrian activity. She advised that it is to be referred to during developmental stages of various actions undertaken by local policy-makers. She stated further, that a pedestrian is defined as a person moving from place to place either by foot or by using an assistance mobility device (e.g. wheelchairs or children on tricycles). She noted the Charter would be influential in guiding citizens, Municipal Councils, and staff in considering how decisions could encourage pedestrian activity. In response to questions, Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka, Pedestrian Charter Working Group, advised that with regards to the success of the Toronto Pedestrian Charter, it is difficult to gage its qualitative impact. However, what can be identified is a raised awareness of pedestrian rights in the City of Toronto. Ms. C. Lousley reiterated the proposed Charter does not have the binding characteristics of a by-law or a statute, and the Charter is merely a statement of principles a Municipality agrees to implement where possible. Ms. Lousely advised the Charter aims at making walking safe, convenient, direct and comfortable, which aids in the development of safe walking routes to schools and around the community. She added the Charter encourages walkable developments and it lays out guidelines to be followed during the planning process. She stated that one of the strengths of Kitchener is the walkability of its downtown core. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that in accordance with the proposed Charter perhaps the City should close King Street to traffic for two months every summer to create a pedestrian mall similar to those in Ottawa and Montreal. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that historically every time the City has closed King Street there has been negative feedback from merchants. A discussion ensued regarding the merits of the proposed Charter, with the Committee members voicing their enthusiastic support. Mr. D. Lippert stated this initiative directly relates to other issues the Committee is involved in, such as, air quality. Further, when the United Nations ranks ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 1. PRESENTATION - CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY (CACAQ) - WATERLOO REGION PEDESTRIAN CHARTER (CONT'D) - 8- CITY OF KITCHENER cities for livability, a key criterion is the walkability of the urban landscape. He added this initiative represents a paradigm shift for peoples' perspective of pedestrians, and although the Charter is not legally enforceable, its strength is that it raises awareness of environmental issues. Mr. C. Schneider inquired if this Charter has been presented to representatives of the construction industry and was advised this document is focused on the public sector and private industries have not been consulted. Mr. B. Sloan advised staff supports the principles within the proposed Pedestrian Charter, as they relate directly to Council's policy for sidewalks, and correspond with urban design guidelines which stress accessibility. The principles are also compatible with other projects such as: recent streetscape improvements, Regional planning and public health projects, and the City's Healthy Communities Plan initiatives. He stated that one of the main principles of the Residential Neighbourhood Design initiative is walkable communities, and pedestrians are always considered when planning a new subdivision / development. He added improving walkability and accessibility will require focus on new development, as well as retro-fitting existing developments where possible, and collaboration with the development industry. The challenge of the Charter will be to put forward a balanced approach between automotive and pedestrian needs, and will be dependent on a paradigm shift for many individuals. Mr. Sloan noted planning staff is prepared to meet with the Working Group on this and other pedestrian related initiatives. In response to questions from staff, Ms. C. Lousley advised the Region of Waterloo and the Cities of Cambridge and Waterloo have referred consideration of their proposed Pedestrian Charters to staff, asking them to report to their respective Committees. Councillor B. Vbanovic commented that he is pleased to see the support this issue has received from staff and the Committee members, and advised the City has progressive policies in place for sidewalks in the City generally, and the design of new residential areas. He added that Kitchener has one of the better sidewalk policies in the Region. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That the following Pedestrian Charter, as drafted by the Pedestrian Charter Working Group (Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality [CACAQ] and the Together 4 Heath Coalition), be adopted as a guiding principle for the City of Kitchener: 'PEDESTRIAN CHARTER For the City of Kitchener Walking is the most ancient and universal form of travel. It is also an important form of exercise and recreation. Every personal trip involves walking, alone or in combination with taking public transit, driving or cycling. A pedestrian is a person moving from place to place, either by foot or by using an assistive mobility device. Pedestrians include residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. In order to travel safely, conveniently, directly and comfortably, they require an urban environment and infrastructure designed to meet their travel needs. To ensure walking is a safe, comfortable and convenient mode of urban travel, the City of Kitchener respects the following principles: Accessibility Walking is a free and direct means of accessing local goods, services, community amenities and public transit. Environmental Sustai nabi I ity Walking relies on human power and has negligible environmental impact. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 1. PRESENTATION - CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY (CACAQ) - WATERLOO REGION PEDESTRIAN CHARTER (CONT'D) - 9- CITY OF KITCHENER Equity Walking is the only mode of travel that is universally affordable, and allows children and youth, and people with specific medical conditions to travel independently. Personal and Community Safety An environment in which people feel safe and comfortable walking, increases community safety for all. Health and Well-Being Walking is a proven method of promoting personal health and well- being. Community Cohesion and Vital ity A pedestrian-friendly environment Encourages and facilitates social interaction and local economic vitality. To create an urban environment in all parts of the city that encourages and supports walking, the City of Kitchener will: · uphold the right of pedestrians of all ages and abilities to safe, convenient, direct and comfortable walking conditions; · provide a walking environment within the public right-of-way and in public parks that encourages people to walk for travel, exercise and recreation; · support and encourage the planning, design and development of a walking environment in public and private spaces (both exterior and interior) that meets the travel needs of pedestrians; · provide and maintain infrastructure that gives pedestrians safe and convenient passage while walking along and crossing streets; · ensure that residents' access to basic community amenities and services does not depend on car ownership or public transit use; · set policies that reduce conflict between pedestrians and other users of the public right-of-way; · create walkable communities by giving high planning priority to compact, human-scale and mixed land use; · encourage research and education on the social, economic, environmental and health benefits of walking as a form of travel, exercise and recreation; · promote laws and regulations that respect pedestrians' particular needs; · advocate for improving the provincial and federal regulatory and funding frameworks that affect the City's ability to improve the pedestrian environment; and · work with individual citizens, community groups and agencies, businesses and other levels of government to achieve these goals. An urban environment that encourages and facilitates walking supports community health, vitality and safety. It increases use of public transit; decreases car dependence; reduces conflict between vehicles and pedestrians; leads to cleaner air; green public space; and supports green tourism. Such an environment creates opportunities for the informal social interaction that is one of the main attributes of a vibrant, livable urban community.'; and further, That all other local area municipalities be encouraged to adopt a Pedestrian Charter." 2. REGION OF WATERLOO - DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT / TERMS OF REFERENCE - RAPID TRANSIT INITIATIVE The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the Region of Waterloo's Draft Environmental Assessment / Terms of Reference Rapid-Transit Initiative, dated February 28, 2005 and summary notes of the Rapid Transit Initiative, dated March 22, 2005 all of which concerns the ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 2. REGION OF WATERLOO - DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT / TERMS OF REFERENCE - RAPID TRANSIT INITIATIVE (CONT'D) -10- CITY OF KITCHENER Region of Waterloo's development of a new rapid transit system within the primary urbanization area identified in its Regional Growth Management Strategy. Mr. H. Gross advised he is a member of the Steering Committee for the Rapid Transit Initiative. He advised any comments the Environmental Committee wishes to make will be forwarded to the Steering Committee along with any comments from City Staff. Mr. Gross reviewed the circulated material and advised the Regional Growth Management Strategy, developed in 2003, affirmed the need for a rapid transit service. Rapid transit is intended to act as one of the key catalysts to influence urban forum, support downtown core development, control urban sprawl, and serve future travel needs. He stated the purpose of the Terms of Reference (TOR) is to provide their project proponent, the Region, with binding approval on what must be addressed in its Environmental Assessment Study. He added the Environmental Assessment Act requires the Region to prepare a TOR, provide an opportunity for public review and Ministry of Environment approval of the document before proceeding with the study. Mr. Gross advised the initial part of the study will consider various forms of road and rail transit systems and will evaluate the location of associated infrastructure and services, such as rapid transit stations and parking lots. He stated public consultation will be carried out during each of the 3 main phases of the study. He added, that at the conclusion of each of the 3 phases of the Environmental Assessment process, the Region will prepare a draft Environmental Assessment report. Mr. Gross outlined City staff's comments / concerns of the TOR. In response to questions, Mr. H. Gross advised that when the TOR uses the term "technologies" it is referring to light rail, overhead light rail systems, rapid bus routes, expanding roads and things of that nature. He added, depending on the technology either electric power or fossil fuels may be used. He advised that the term "rapid transit" is defined as the ability to move people within a reasonable time-frame, and the preferable form of rapid transit needs to be a balance between time saved and money spent. Some members voiced concerns that integrating light transit on City roads will cause further congestion and proposed the designation of certain roads solely for light transit purposes. Mr. H. Gross advised that the proposed integration is needed to accommodate transit route stops. Members voiced further concerns over the difficulty in determining the location of infrastructure and the subsequent acquisition of useable lands. Mr. Gross advised that at present, the Steering Committee is working on the selection and identification of technologies and whether routes should be dedicated to on-road, off-road or mixed uses, and that the acquiring of useable lands will be dealt with as the study progresses. Mr. Gross noted that if any Committee members have any additional concerns, they're welcome to e-mail him at h an s. g ross@city. kitch e n e r . 0 n . ca. 3. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) - UPDATE Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised the Committee the most significant matter discussed at the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference was the $300,000,000. allocated in the recent Federal Budget for green funds. He explained the primary purpose of these funds is for brownfield remediation. Further, applications for funding of projects from these green funds can be submitted in the fall of 2005. Councillor Vrbanovic commented the Federal Auditor General advised the government is very supportive of this type of expenditure. 4. EARTH DAY 2005 Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that some of the planned events for the City's 2005 Earth Day celebrations on Friday, April 22, 2005 are an interactive Earth Day assembly from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. with students from Cameron Heights High School, and a community litter pick-up from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Victoria Park. He noted he will circulate additional information regarding the City's Earth Day events at a later date. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that it the City's intent to begin planning the 2006 Earth Day events immediately after the conclusion of this year's activities. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 5. COMPREHENSIVE AIR QUALITY PLAN - CLARIFICATION OF MANDATE - SCHEDULE - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt this date of Council Policy 1-185 (Clean Air Plan - City of Kitchener), dated July 2, 2002 distributed as background material to aid in the development of a comprehensive air quality plan. Ms. B. Steiner suggested the dates of April 2, 9, 16, 23, of 2005 for the initial meeting of the Air Quality Working Group and advised she'll be putting together a package for that meeting, which will be composed of other municipalities air quality strategies. She stated that a review of other municipalities strategies should provide direction for the development of the Working Group's Plan. She advised members can e-mail her with additional information they want included in the packages. Ms. Steiner stated she'll be sending out invitations to all Committee members to participate on the Working Group. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed meeting dates and it was agreed that the Working Group would meet on Saturday, April 9, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Council Caucus Room. Mr. R. Dingman voiced concern with the continued use of the word "comprehensive" and advised he was of the opinion that the Committee's Air Quality Plan should not include that term. Mr. C. Schneider stated at the previous Committee meeting there was some ambiguity regarding the definition of "comprehensive" and the Committee was unsure of what the Development and Technical Services Committee was asking for when they requested the Plan to be "comprehensive" in nature. Ms. Steiner advised the Working Group may determine the extent to which the Plan is "comprehensive". Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised the Development and Technical Services Committee did not want the Environmental Committee to focus solely on advisory signs or idling, and they wanted an air quality plan to be developed which is broad in scope. Further, at the meeting on April 9, 2005, the Working Group can identify the direction of the Plan by examining where concerns exist and what resources are needed to address those concerns. 6. UPDATE AND REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS - ALDER AND UPPER STRASBURG CREEK (SUB) WATERSHED PLAN(S) AND CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of the Upper Strasburg Creek Class Environmental Assessment draft report, dated November 2004 and the Alder Creek Watershed Study draft report, dated January 2005 containing information and analysis of (sub) watershed plans for these areas. These studies will ultimately be used as reference documents for both the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the area Municipalities where they review and comment on applications for land developments. Ms. B. Steiner displayed maps of those areas being studied and advised the main issue of the studies is the effect of development on Regional recharge wells. She stated these studies have been underway for some time and a few years ago a sub-committee was formed to examine them, with Ms. Y. Fernandes being the only member from the sub-committee still on the Environmental Committee. Ms. Steiner stated due to time commitments, she was unsure if the formation of another sub-committee is the proper course of action in this instance, and proposed the Committee await the public meeting scheduled for May 2005 where consultants will present abridged versions of these studies. Ms. Steiner requested this matter be deferred until the June 16, 2005 Environmental Committee meeting. The Committee agreed to defer this issue and subject to scheduling conflicts, Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. B. McColl, C. Schneider and J. Wilson volunteered to attend the public meeting in May and report the outcome of that meeting at the June Environmental Committee meeting. 7. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of a draft Strategic Plan for the Environment, which outlines all of the City's current environmental objectives. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2005 7. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - UPDATE (CONT'D) -12- CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. B. Steiner advised she has compiled a list of all environmental activities the City has underway. She stated that the draft updates for the Strategic Plan consist of 7 areas that were previously a part of the Strategic Plan for the Environment, and 2 new initiatives being air quality and pesticide reduction. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that yesterday the City held its first Healthy Communities Plan meeting where staff gave a broad overview of all the City's environmental initiatives. He added the Healthy Communities Plan environmental initiative relates directly to the updates being proposed to the Strategic Plan. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator