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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-21 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Co-Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders, Ms. A. Jucknies, Ms. C. Sahula and Messrs. B. McColl, D. Lippert, J. Wilson, A. Boterman and C. Schneider. Staff: R. Shamess, Director of Engineering D. Miller, Director of Fleet Services B. Steiner, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION - SMART CARS The Committee was in receipt this date of sales brochures from Victoria Star Motors regarding the Smart Car and a Fleet Division update, dated April 21, 2005 regarding their environmental practices. Mr. Rick Zmich, Sales Representative, Victoria Star Motors, outlined the various environmental and safety features of the Smart Car. He advised that Smart Car production began in Europe in 1998 as a joint effort between Swatch and Mercedes Benz and launched in Canada in March of 2004. Mr. Zmich stated the Smart Car has a diesel engine, not a fuel cell, which is recognized as being extremely fuel efficient, with emissions just slightly higher than a hybrid car. He added that diesels have been included as a part of the Federal Government's Fuel Efficiency Program. Mr. Zmich advised that the Smart Car meets all Canadian safety standards with an insurance rating similar to the Echo Coupe. He added that the Smart Car goes through the same safety testing as all Mercedes Benz vehicles, with the ones for sale in Canada meeting all of the requirements for Canadian winter driving conditions. In response to questions, Mr. R. Zmich advised that those who have bought Smart Cars range in age from 18 to 85, which he explained is a result of low economics, low insurance rates, high safety standards and because it is environmentally friendly. He advised that many professionals who are looking to downsize use the Smart Car as a second vehicle. He added that at present there are no Smart Car recycling facilities in Canada; however, he expects a Canadian recycling facility will be built in the near future. He stated that the Smart Car handles very well in the wind and at high speeds because its rear wheels are wider than its front wheels, which provides for better traction and is bio-diesel compatible. He also noted that the Smart Car services the disabled and people of larger carriage efficiently because it has a great deal of space in the interior. Mr. D. Miller reviewed the Fleet Division's environmental practices, advising that Fleet has an anti-idling policy with 'SmartDriver' units that monitor operator's habits. He stated that when purchasing, Fleet always looks for the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are capable of meeting their needs. He advised that they encourage car-pooling among their staff and the gasoline they use has a 5% ethanol content, for which they receive a tax incentive. Mr. Miller stated that Fleet uses the lowest sulfur-content diesel available in Ontario and are investigating the use of bio- diesel. He noted that at present, bio-diesel has significant costs and operations issues, such as, freezing in the winter. Mr. Miller advised that limited infrastructure and support has made it difficult to continue using natural gas vehicles. Further, there is a lack of fueling outlets for those vehicles which makes their use prohibitive. In response to questions, Mr. D. Miller advised that Smart Cars could be used as replacement vehicles provided they meet the needs of a specific job function at Fleet. He stated that natural gas vehicles are being phased out because there is no support from their manufacturers and City staff have not received training to service these vehicles. He noted that Fleet is considering switching their natural gas vehicles to propane. Mr. Miller advised that the cost of other environmentally friendly cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are too high to justify their use. He noted that the Smart Car is a more economical option. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21 2005 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. BRIGADOON AND WARDS PONDS MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of the draft Brigadoon and Wards Ponds Environmental Assessment - Executive Summary, dated April 14, 2005 regarding the development of a Permanent Rehabilitation Plan for the main branch of Strasburg Creek, which incorporates Brigadoon and Wards Ponds in the southwest quadrant of Kitchener. Mr. Tom Mahood, Consultant, CH2M Hill, advised that in August 2003, the Brigadoon Pond earthen embankment was washed out following a significant rainfall. The identification of seepage in the earthen embankment near the dam structure at Wards Pond creates a potential for another embankment failure. Subsequently, a permanent Rehabilitation Plan is now required for Strasburg Creek and both ponds. He stated that the Project Team is composed of representatives from the City of Kitchener, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), consultants from CH2M Hill, and various public stakeholders. Mr. Mahood advised that the purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual solution for the retention or removal of one or both of the Brigadoon and Wards Ponds. He stated that the Project Team identified the final list of alternative solutions based on several factors: background studies undertaken as part of this project, information collected from the public during the first public information centre, and an extensive consultation with the City of Kitchener. Mr. Mahood advised that the following alternative solutions are being proposed: 1. maintain status quo - update to current standards (the do nothing approach); 2. re-establish Brigadoon Pond and maintain Wards Pond; 3. re-establish Brigadoon Pond and eliminate Wards Pond; 4. rehabilitate the creek at former Brigadoon Pond and maintain Wards Pond; 5. rehabilitate entire reach of Strasburg Creek and eliminate Wards Pond; and, 6. rehabilitate entire reach of Strasburg Creek and create offline pond(s). Mr. Mahood informed that a thorough evaluation of all alternatives was carried out through the assignment of a weighted score to the anticipated impacts of each alternative on a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria developed by a Steering Committee review and public consultation. Mr. Mahood advised that based on this impact rating exercise, Alternative 5 was identified as the preferred solution. He stated Alternative 5 should accomplish the following: · generate the highest benefit to the natural environment; · provide for increased fish habitat and eliminate barriers to fish passage; · eliminate the risk of structural failure and risk to public safety; and, · provide a high degree of aesthetic and recreational quality. Mr. Mahood advised that the outcome of the preferred alternative would mean that the areas where the ponds are currently located would look more like wetlands than ponds. Further, the creek between the two ponds will flow freely, creating more fish habitats in the area. He added that it is expected the number of cold water fish species will increase. He noted that the preferred alternative, with the addition of offline ponds and wetland areas, would provide for many of the recreational activities associated with the current ponds. Mr. R. Shamess advised that the Environmental Assessment will be presented to a public information centre on May 12, 2005 and then to the Development & Technical Services Committee on May 16, 2005. Ms. Y. Fernandes expressed concerns with the elimination of Wards Pond and questioned whether the use of dredging would be effective to maintain Wards Pond. Mr. 1. Mahood advised that the use of selective dredging was examined as part of the 'maintaining Wards Ponds' alternative solution and based on the rating system was not found to be an appropriate ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21 2005 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. BRIGADOON AND WARDS PONDS MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT lCONT'D) alternative. Ms. Fernandes submitted a letter to the Committee from a concerned resident who is willing to volunteer his time to build a concrete fish-way at no cost so the fish can get up and down stream without the need to eliminate Wards Ponds. Mr. Mahood advised that online ponds, such as Wards Pond, over time can make a creek warmer, starve the water system of sediment and contribute to bank erosion, which is harmful to the overall system. He added that offline ponds, such as the ones being proposed, provide ecological diversity and contribute to a viable creek habitat. Ms. B. Steiner advised that this type of project has been successfully implemented in the City of Kitchener in the past and across North America. Mr. Bill Fernandes, resident, expressed concerns that during a dry hot summer the Ponds could evaporate completely if this plan is implemented. Mr. T. Mahood advised that if designed properly the Ponds would not be capable of drying out. In response to concerns regarding the cost of this project, Mr. R. Shamess advised that if left in its current condition the water system poses a public safety hazard. He added that alternatives, such as rehabilitating and rebuilding the dam at Wards Pond, would cost more than what is being proposed. He noted that to stabilize Brigadoon Pond after it's dam collapsed cost approximately $300,000., whereas Wards Pond is larger so the cost to stabilize it if it is left in its current condition would be much greater. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that this item be deferred to a later date to allow for a more thorough evaluation and to hear the feedback from the May 12, 2005 public information centre. The Committee agreed to defer this item to the May 19, 2005 Environmental Committee meeting with any recommendation arising therefrom to be forwarded to the Developmental & Technical Services Committee meeting on June 13, 2005. 3. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP - UPDATE Ms. N. Sonders and Ms. Y. Fernandes advised that the Working Group held a brainstorming session to determine factors affecting air quality and how they might be able to affect change. Mr. B. McColl stated that the goal of the meeting was to put their ideas to paper and at subsequent meetings use those ideas to draft an air quality plan. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he will send an e-mail to all the members with the results of the brainstorming session. 4. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that she is currently drafting an environmental survey that will be placed on the City's website. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he has spoken with the City's CAO and requested an allocation of more staff resources to aid in the updating of the Strategic Plan. He added that he will provide the results of that request at the May 19, 2005 Committee meeting. 5. CSD-05-049 - EARTH DAY 2005 The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-049, dated March 24, 2005 regarding the City's schedule of activities for Earth Day 2005. Councillor B. Vrbanovic reviewed the schedule of activities and advised that the City is expecting a larger turn- out for this year's events due to greater incentives being offered. He stated that in the April 22, 2005 edition of The Record he will have an article published which will speak to climate change and the City's Earth Day activities. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator