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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-14 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders, Ms. A. Jucknies, Ms. J. Young, Ms. C. Sahula and Messrs. B. McColl, R. Nandakumar, J. Wilson and C. Schneider. Staff: G. Hastings, Manager of Golf Courses L. Eckel-Braun, Manager of Cemeteries T. Ernst, Supervisor of Parks, Sportsfields and Equipment T. Boutilier, Senior Planner B. Steiner, Environmental Planner J. Hutchison, Facilitator, Volunteer Resources and Community Engagement K. Green, Student Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES (MAY 19,2005) - BRIGADOON AND WARDS PONDS MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Mr. B. McColl raised concerns regarding the following excerpt from the May 19, 2005 Committee minutes relative to discussion regarding the Brigadoon and Wards Ponds Municipal Class Environmental Assessment: "Mr. B. McColl stated that it was his preference to rehabilitate Wards Pond as it would be less costly. Mr. T. Mahood advised that during the detailed design phase it will likely be recommended to have most of the system remediate on its own so that a more natural system develops. He did not agree with the $3 M cost estimate suggested by Mr. McCol!''' Mr. B. McColl stated that in his opinion the passage did not truly represent the discussion that took place between he and Mr. Mahood, advising that to his recollection he had questioned what the real cost for the proposed project would be and as the answer was not clear had asked "that instead of the project costing $660,000. could it cost $1 M?" The reply was again unclear but he believed it to be 'yes'. Mr. McColl had continued by asking if the cost could be more than $1 M referencing figures of $2 M, $3 M, or $5 M to which Mr. Mahood replied that it would definitely not be $5 M but could possibly be $3 M. Mr. McColl had then commented that if the total rehabilitation cost, suggested by staff, was $3 M that it would make more sense to rehabilitate the Brigadoon Pond with off-line ponds (for $1.5 M) and rebuild the Wards Pond dam for $1.5 M. Mr. B. McColl requested that the May 19, 2005 meeting minutes be changed to more closely reflect the discussion as it took place. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the meeting minutes of this date would serve to document for the record Mr. McColl's clarification of the May 19, 2005 discussion; however, he agreed to consult with the City Clerk and advise at the next meeting as to an appropriate course of action relative to the May 19, 2005 meeting minutes. 2. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of the Environmental Committee's Air Quality Plan - First Draft, dated June 11, 2005, developed in response to a November 2004 Council resolution requesting the Environmental Committee to draft a comprehensive Air Quality Plan. Ms. N. Sonders briefly reviewed the draft Plan, advising that the objectives are: · reduce emissions from major regional sources; · develop and implement local air quality management programs; and, · enhance air quality information and public awareness. Ms. N. Sonders advised that the draft Plan provides recommendations and actions the City can take to meet the proposed objectives. Ms. Sonders asked that the Committee review the draft Plan on their own and provide their input for review by the Working Group. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP - UPDATE (CONT'D) It was agreed that the Working Group would meet on July 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. and Ms. B. Steiner would contact the members as to the location of the meeting. 3. DTS-05-092 - COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 092, dated May 16, 2005 providing an update to the 2004 Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP). Ms. K. Green advised that in 2004 under the CEIGP Program, $10,000. was awarded to 9 different groups seeking to undertake improvements to their local environments. She reviewed the summaries of the various groups' environmental achievements, as outlined in the staff report. Ms. Leslee Urquhart, Staff Advisor, Grand River Collegiate Institute's Envirothon Group, advised that the Group, consisting of 5 students, each responsible for a specific study area, worked to rehabilitate the Kolb Creek Waterway. In doing so, they won the Provincial Envirothon Competition and will now go on to compete internationally. Mr. Greg Rickwood, Staff Advisor, Grand River Collegiate Institute, advised that the Environment and Resource Management class used the CEIGP funds to purchase materials to improve and beautify their school yard and they will be requesting additional funding next year to continue this project. Ms. Elsie Rogan, MacKenzie King Public School, advised that her school's environmental program, averaging 20 students annually, used their grant funding to improve the front school yard by planting Oregon Grape bushes. Ms. Karen Winters, St. John's Catholic School, advised that St. John's has undertaken a school improvement program to coincide with its 75th anniversary. She stated the initiative began with playground revitalization and parking lot reconstruction and that the next step in this project is to provide natural recreation areas for the use of the school children and the local community. Mr. Dennis Wendland, Waterloo Region District School Board and Evergreen Associates, advised that Evergreen Associates is a not-for-profit organization partnered with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), which assists interested committees in greening their schools. He stated the CEIGP funds were allocated to help conduct environmental workshops and networking sessions, which provide attendees with sound advice ranging from property environmental design to fundraising suggestions, resulting in 20 local greening projects. Ms. Cynthia Fischer, Laurentian Public School, advised that the CEIGP funds helped institute environmental improvements at her school, consisting of tree / bush plantings and landscaping rock installations to provide shaded seating areas. Ms. Natasha Voll, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, advised that her school also received assistance from Evergreen Associates and has begun its plan to green its school yards by purchasing 14 trees. She stated the planting, which will be done with the help of a nursery, is expected to be completed by the end of the 2004/2005 school year. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that the next step for the CEIGP grants is to start marketing the program in hopes of soliciting applications for next year. He stated that $10,000. has once again been set aside by Council for this program and he will return in the fall to present the applications for next years grants. In response to questions, Mr. T. Boutilier advised that in the fall of this year the Committee could make a request to Council to have the funding for this program increased. He noted that this program is not limited to schools and applications are open to all those groups interested in community environmental improvements, provided they meet the grant criteria. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 - 22- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-05-092 - COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE (CONT'D) Ms. N. VolI requested that this grant program be tied into the City's program to supply free mulch. She stated that mulch is expensive and that the City has the capability to deliver it to the locations that will be planting trees. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that Mr. Boutilier address this issue in his report to the Committee this fall. 4. CSD-05-076 - EARTH WEEK 2005 - EVALUATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2006 - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-076, dated June 2, 2005 regarding an evaluation of Earth Week 2005 and recommendations for Earth Week 2006. Ms. J. Hutchison advised that the goal for next year is to expand the representatives on the Earth Day Planning Committee to include staff, residents and representatives from interested agencies and organizations. She added that a further goal will be to have a member of the Environmental Committee serve on the Earth Day Planning Committee. She stated that she would like to return to the Committee at a future date to solicit Committee representation in time for the Earth Day Planning Committee meetings in October 2005. Ms. Hutchison then reviewed the 10 recommendations for Earth Day 2006, as outlined in the staff report. In response to questions, Ms. Hutchison advised that Earth Day provides an excellent opportunity for intergenerational activities and local area students have been requested to put forward ideas for next year's Earth Day. She stated that her Committee would like to expand Earth Day beyond just litter pick-up activities into areas of other environmental issues. Ms. B. Steiner advised that due to all of the activities that take place on or around Earth Day it is difficult to solicit media coverage and suggested that more planning should take place with the media to ensure coverage at a specific event. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That Community Services Department report CSD-05-076, dated June 2, 2005 regarding an evaluation of Earth Week 2005 and recommendations for Earth Week 2006, be received. " 5. GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY: GUIDELINES FOR WETLANDS The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Tony Zammit, Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), dated May 30, 2005 and attached Environmental Impact Study: Guidelines for Wetlands, dated April 2005. The Committee's comments on the Guidelines are requested by June 30,2005. Ms. B. Steiner advised that this matter was last considered in October 2002 at which time Council passed a resolution advising that endorsement of the GRCA Wetlands Policy is premature until accompanying implementation guidelines are detailed and confirmed. She advised that she is not seeking a recommendation from the Committee this date, and will forward any comments through correspondence to the GRCA. She noted that overall this is a very good document with only some minor technical clarifications needed regarding roles of responsibility. She added that in order to avoid duplication there is a need to clarify which agency is responsible for specific roles. In response to questions, Ms. B. Steiner advised that through this document potential developments near wetlands will be examined to see what conditions need to be applied in specific situations. She added that the conditions would be added to the Site Plan, Plan of Subdivision and registered on title of the subject properties. She noted that the GRCA is working with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure that no Provincially significant wetlands have been overlooked. In addition, the GRCA will have a permit process for filling in of any wetland areas, as outlined in the guidelines. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 - 23- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that there was nothing to update the Committee on regarding this matter at this time. The Committee recessed at 6:10p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. 7. REGION OF WATERLOO DRAFT PESTICIDE BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-075, dated June 3, 2005 concerning the position of Community Services staff regarding the Region of Waterloo's Draft Proposed Pesticide By-law. Copies of the Region's 'Draft Proposed Pesticide By-law' were previously circulated to the Committee at its May 19, 2005 meeting. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Region has been concerned for many years about the unnecessary use of pesticides. She stated that the various levels of government have examined this polarized issue without being able to reach a consensus. She noted that 2 years ago the Region of Waterloo's Public Health Department formed a Working Group consisting of local area municipalities, environmental and lawn care industry representatives to develop an education piece and a framework for a Draft Pesticide By-law. She added that she and Councillor B. Vrbanovic represented the City of Kitchener. She stated that in April 2005 the Region launched the public education piece as a means of informing the community about the draft proposed pesticide by-law. The Working Group set up the by-law framework based on 10 existing pesticide by-laws from other municipalities and due to the contentious nature of this issue, the Working Group voted on each clause separately. She added that this is not the final version of the by-law and that based on input received during the public consultation process, the by-law could still be amended. Ms. Steiner advised that the Region is requesting that all public comments be submitted to the Regional Clerk by June 30, 2005, so that the by-law can be revised and re- circulated for further public comment in September 2005. She noted that Regional Council will consider a final report in October 2005. Mr. T. Ernst advised that staff from the Community Services Department is requesting an exemption from the proposed by-law, as City's use of pesticides is not cosmetic in nature, but rather serves a functional purpose in their turf/grass maintenance program. He noted that the proposed by-law provides golf courses with an exemption and advised that premier sportsfields undergo similar technical turf/grass maintenance. Mr. Ernst stated that of the approximate 3,000 acres of maintained City-owned parks and open spaces, only 1.5 acres (or less than 10/0) of the total inventory has been sprayed with pesticides in the past 5 years. This spraying has occurred on premier sportsfields where maintenance standards are higher than those of other fields. Mr. Ernst commented that in his opinion, the purpose of the by-law is to prevent the misuse of pesticides, such as large blanket spraying that occurs in residential applications, as opposed to the spot sprayi ng conducted by the City. Mr. G. Hastings advised that golf courses are already exempt; however, he expressed concerns with an excerpt that requires golf courses to submit annual reports to the Region regarding their use of pesticides. Mr. Hastings requested that given the technical nature of this report that it be reviewed by an expert in turf/grass maintenance at the Region or if the Region does not have qualified personnel, then the report be submitted to the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, at the University of Guelph. He noted that the report will contain components that should be reviewed by someone qualified in the field of turf/grass maintenance. In response to questions, Ms. B. Steiner reiterated that this by-law is preliminary in nature and may change as a result of the public consultation process. Mr. G. Hastings advised that the use of pesticides on golf courses is already regulated through the Provincial Pesticides Act and the application of pesticides is dependent upon weather conditions and is always done sparingly at times when it is least likely to affect anyone. Mr. T. Ernst added that climactic factors are always taken into account when using pesticides and when applied, sportsfields are closed for a few days to ensure that the pesticides are absorbed into the plants and will not be harmful to the users of those fields. He added that the premier sportsfields have higher standards for weed thresholds and he has not sprayed a general sportsfield with pesticides in the 5 years that he has supervised these areas. Mr. Ernst reiterated that less than 1 % of lands in the City's parkland inventory have been sprayed with pesticides in the past 5 years. He added that the ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 - 24- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. REGION OF WATERLOO DRAFT PESTICIDE BY-LAW (CONT'D) amount of pesticide use is dependent on the climate of the particular year and in some years more spraying may be required. He noted that the chemicals used are the same as those used by the public, except that they are in a more concentrated form and are diluted to a level similar to household pesticides. Ms. L. Eckel-Braun advised that the City's Cemeteries are in a similar position as the sportsfields, in that they have qualified persons applying pesticides in spot usage. She stated that over the past 15 years the application of pesticides in cemeteries has dramatically declined in favour of alternative measures. She stated that cemeteries are also requesting an exemption to this by-law because the customers have paid for the right to use this space with a high expectation regarding the level of services that will be provided. Their expectations are intensified because they are visiting the grave of a loved one, so ground maintenance becomes an issue of dignity and respect for the deceased. In response to questions, Ms. L. Eckel-Braun advised that the City has approximately 165 acres of cemetery lands, which is typically spot-sprayed in the fall, with limited applications of 'Roundup' throughout the year. She noted that cemeteries are fenced-in and that pets are not admitted and children must be under adult supervision. Several members of the Committee were of the opinion that with proper weeding, aeration and turfgrass maintenance, pesticides should not be needed. Support was expressed for premier sportsfields to receive an exemption because they are revenue-generating entities that increase tourism; however, an exemption for cemeteries was not as accepted because their use of pesticides appears to be more cosmetic. It was suggested that cemetery staff do a comparative analysis of their pesticide use to that of typical residential use. Ms. Eckel-Braun advised that there is certain expectation that gravesites will be well-managed and maintained to a high standard. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that the concerns raised regarding pesticide use in cemeteries speaks to the issue of whether or not regulation is an appropriate measure as opposed to increased education to encourage widespread pesticide reduction. Mr. G. Hastings advised that spot spraying is one component of the City's Integrated Pest Management Strategy. Spot spraying is done to a particular area as needed, whereas a residential lawn care company would spray 1000/0 of a person's lawn. He added that staff carefully examine each scenario and only spray as a last resort to prevent the spread of disease and damage to the City's turfgrass. Mr. T. Ernst added that with respect to sportsfields, theystrictly spot spray to control specific areas. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the annual report required by the by-law prescribes that golf courses must include what their usage was for that year and the steps taken to reduce pesticide use and improve reduction practises over the previous year. Mr. Hastings added that this type of reporting is already being done. Ms. Steiner suggested that staff present this information annually to the City's Community Services Committee. Mr. T. Ernst advised that the acceptable level of weeds at a secondary sportsfield is so much higher than the level at a premier sportsfield, that spraying would only be necessary if there has been extreme damage to the secondary field's turfgrass. He added that in that case, staff would meet with user groups and close the field for a period of time while it underwent spraying. He added that spraying of secondary fields would take place at a time when usage is minimal to decrease the likelihood of someone being exposed. In response to questions, Mr. T. Ernst advised that he would be willing to only request an exemption for premier sportsfields because that would still allow staff the opportunity to manage those fields at their current standard. Ms. L. Eckel-Braun advised that she is not aware of any cemeteries in North America that use anything other than grass as a form of ground cover. The Committee then entered into a lengthy discussion regarding the foreseeable difficulties that this by-law presents with regard to implementation and enforcement. Members agreed that the public will need to receive a considerable amount of education on this topic before regulations can be effective. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that information regarding the City's use of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14. 2005 - 25- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. REGION OF WATERLOO DRAFT PESTICIDE BY-LAW (CONT'D) pesticides be advertised to the public to show that the City is leading by example. Mr. Hastings advised that as a part of receiving an Audubon Certification the golf courses are required to communicate their environmental practices to the public. Mr. T. Ernst agreed that an education piece should be developed to show that the City is leading by example and suggested that it include an outline of how the City's turfgrass maintenance differs from residential lawn care. Mr. Hastings suggested that the City should strive to have all its lands Audubon certified. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that at a future Environmental Committee meeting, Mr. Hastings present detailed information regarding Audubon Certification and how residents may qualify. Ms. B. Steiner provided examples of different processes that have been used to implement this type of by-law in other cities, such as: a registry of those who want to be notified of pesticide use; requiring signage on all commercial applications; and, hand delivered notices to residents informing them of pesticide usage. She added that the City of Toronto's pesticide by-law recently withstood a Court challenge. Mr. G. Hastings stated that without being provided an exemption, sportsfields and cemeteries will have to apply to the Region to get a permit. The Region would then send out an inspector to determine if spraying is required. He stated that the City's staff is just as qualified to determine if spraying is required and not being granted an exemption would only duplicate efforts. Mr. T. Ernst added that a delay to obtain a permit could intensify the risk of damage to a premier sportsfield. Following further discussion, the Committee agreed that while they support the reduction and/or elimination of pesticides, they are hesitant to support a by-law at this time. On motion by Mr. B. McColl - it was resolved: "That in regard to the Region of Waterloo's Draft Proposed Pesticide By-law, as presented to the Environmental Committee on May 19 and June 14, 2005, the Environmental Committee supports the reduction and/or elimination of all non-essential pesticide use where possible but is uncertain at this time if a by-law is the appropriate course of action." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator