HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-01ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m., Chaired by Councillor B.
Vrbanovic with the following members present: Councillor Jake Smola and Messrs. R. Dal Bello, F.
Wende, B, Krafcheck and H. Alsafouti.
Officials Present:Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. L. Marshall, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley, D. Daly, T.
Boutilier and M. Tout.
1.PESTICIDE USE FOR COSMETIC PURPOSES
The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated October 12, 2001 from Ms. E. Orth, Regional Clerk,
outlining a resolution of Regional Council in which local municipalities are to be approached to
determine their interest in participating in a working group to discuss development of a co-
ordinated process to reduce and possibly regulate cosmetic pesticide use. The Committee was
also in receipt of a copy of previous Council resolutions, Council Policy I-309 and several
examples of other municipal pesticide by-laws.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Region of Waterloo has determined the authority to pass
by-laws to regulate use of pesticides rest with local municipalities. In this regard, he advised that
the Region is approaching local municipalities to determine their interest in participating on a
Regional working group to develop a co-ordinated process. Councillor Vrbanovic pointed out that
the purpose of discussion this date is to determine whether or not the City will participate and, if
so, subsequent discussion could then follow at a future meeting of the Committee to determine
what the City’s position will be with regard to the issue of pesticide use.
Ms. B. Steiner advised that a by-law to regulate use of pesticides is proposed rather than a ban.
The purpose of the Regional working group would be to formulate a model by-law for use Region-
wide and Ms. Steiner stated that should the working group be formally established the Region will
be asking for municipal representation.
Councillor J. Smola referred to development and implementation of the Clean Air Plan undertaken
by a working group consisting of citizen, political and municipal staff representatives. In this
regard, he expressed the opinion that the approach proposed by the Region of Waterloo would be
similar with regard to the issue of pesticides. He pointed out that consideration would involve the
use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes only and would not involve agricultural use. He noted that
the Province is developing a Nutrient Management Program to address issues of pesticide use
within the farming community. He further pointed out that individual use of lawn care companies
will still be possible; however, adjustments will have to be made in the methods used to manage
lawn care. Councillor Smola stated that Kitchener has led by example in reducing pesticide use
on public lands and should be proud of its accomplishments.
In response to a question by Mr. R. Dal Bello, Councillor Vrbanovic advised that the structure of
the working group has yet to be determined; however, he anticipated that representation would
consist of politicians, municipal staff and other interested parties, such as a representative from
the City’s Environmental Committee. He further advised that representatives would act as liaison
for the purpose of communicating and dialoguing between the working group and the
municipalities.
Ms. L. Marshall pointed out that the municipality does have the authority to pass its own by-law. In
this regard, Ms. Steiner advised that the City of Cambridge has indicated they will undertake to
formulate their own by-law should the Regional working group not be successful.
In response to a question from Mr. F. Wende, Councillor Vrbanovic advised that the Committee
would be making a recommendation to Council in support of the City participating in the Regional
process at this time, and subsequent to the Region providing information as to the structure of the
working group, Council could then decide on appropriate representation.
On motion by Mr. F. Wende –
it was resolved:
“That the Environmental Committee supports the approach by the Council of the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo to form a working group to discuss the development of a co-
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2001- 27 -CITY OF KITCHENER
1.PESTICIDE USE FOR COSMETIC PURPOSES (CONT’D)
ordinated process to reduce and possibly regulate cosmetic use of pesticides, and that the
Region of Waterloo be advised of the City of Kitchener’s willingness to participate in this
process.”
2.ONTARIO ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION - MANAGING CONTAMINATED LAND
AND BROWNFIELD REVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM - NOVEMBER 14 AND 15, 2001
The Committee was in receipt of a brochure, as presented by the Environmental Management
Resource Centre for Business and the Ontario Environmental Industry Association, outlining
details of the Managing Contaminated Land and Brownfield Development Symposium to be held
at the Waterloo Inn, Waterloo, on November 14 and 15, 2001.
Mr. T. Boutilier advised that this symposium has been a major initiative of Economic Development
staff and pointed out that the focus of the symposium is to highlight the importance of brownfield
redevelopment to the environment and the economy. He noted that the symposium is timely in
that Royal Assent for Bill 56 is anticipated in the near future, which by its passing will significantly
streamline the process that regulates remediation of brownfield redevelopment and clean-up of
contaminated sites. Mr. Boutilier advised that the symposium is a two day event and provided a
brief outline of the itinerary and noted speakers. Mr. Boutilier then extended an invitation to
members of the Committee who may have an interest in attending.
Mr. F. Wende and Mr. R. Dal Bello expressed an interest in attending the symposium and were
asked to contact Ms. J. Billett, Committee Administrator, to finalize arrangements for their
attendance.
3.PRESENTATION – USE OF ROAD SALT ON CITY STREETS
Mr. M. Tout, Manager of Operations, provided an overhead presentation with regard to the use of
road salt during the 2000-2001 winter season. Highlights of the presentation included:
· plowing/salting of Regional and municipal roads totalling approximately 1,000 km of two-lane
streets;
· systems used to track all aspects of winter storms;
· comparison of salt usage during heavy snowfalls versus continuous light dusting of snow;
· total of 20,406.06 MT of salt used during unusual heavy snowfall of 2000 – 2001 winter
season, equating to approximately $1 million in cost for road salt;
· statistics showing gradual reduction in use of salt from 1990 to present;
· increased use of pickled sand at 20%, to address salt shortage;
· evaluation and purchase of new equipment and opening of new facility in the area of Homer
Watson Boulevard.
Mr. Tout then responded to questions with respect to the following issues:
· investigation of alternative products and equipment; use of global positioning satellites;
· opportunities to reduce cost of salt by purchasing in off-season (monopolies);
· options to purchase overseas to address shortages of salt (cost prohibitive);
· trucking of contaminated snow to snow dumps; liquid salt run-off;
· regulation and location of private snow dumps - concerns of contamination respecting future
development of private lands;
· use of pickled salt; acceptable ratios within industry.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked Mr. Tout for his presentation and requested that an update with
respect to the use of global positioning satellites be provided to the Committee at a future date.
4.CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY - IDLING REDUCTION TASK FORCE -
FLEET IDLING POLICY FOR MUNICIPALITIES
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NOVEMBER 1, 2001- 28 -CITY OF KITCHENER
Ms. B. Steiner presented a document this date entitled “Waterloo Region Idling Control Protocol”
drafted by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality. She noted that the protocol is intended
to encourage anti-idling throughout the year as opposed to just on smog alert days. She further
stated that the objective is to promote broad participation and emphasized that it will be important
for municipalities to lead by example in setting high standards for its own vehicles. Ms. Steiner
then reviewed the policy statement, definitions and exemptions outlined in the draft protocol.
In response to questions from Mr. H. Alsafouti, Ms. Steiner and Mr. Stanley responded that the
issue of drive-through facilities has been examined from a planning and development perspective
relative to the issues of traffic and site management. It was further pointed out that the reason the
Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality have elected not to pursue an anti-idling by-law at this
time relates to the issue of enforcement and the number of exemptions that would impede the
desired effect of such a by-law. Mr. Stanley pointed out that the protocol attempts to create an
ethic rather than regulate by by-law.
Ms. Steiner advised that the draft policy is also being distributed to the City of Waterloo and it is
hoped that an educational program can be in place by next spring with municipalities co-operating
in promotion of the protocol. For example, she stated that City vehicles could display a
promotional decal.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to vehicles idling at a stop light or stop sign and questioned if the
10 second time allotment would apply in this instance. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that in this
situation the 10 second time allotment is not intended to apply and referred to the definition of
idling. Mr. Stanley stated that vehicles delayed at intersections by traffic controls are considered
to still be in motion.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested members of the Committee to review the draft protocol in
preparation for discussion at a future meeting.
5.FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) - STANDING COMMITTEE ON
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Councillor B. Vrbanovic provided an information update on issues under consideration by the
Standing Committee on Environmental Issues of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities,
including:
· Science Assessment Panel Report regarding declaration of road salt as toxic
· funding program for brownfield redevelopment
· update on U.S. negotiations relative to the Kyoto Protocol; greenhouse gas reduction targets to
improve air quality
· 5 year review of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
· development of model resolution regarding a definition for cosmetic use of pesticides
· inclusion of environment and social factors relative to Quality of Life issues
· Sustainable Community Conference to be held in Ottawa - February 7 to 9, 2002
· Federal budget - funding for brownfield redevelopment; water infrastructures; public transit;
and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
6.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councillor B. Vrbanovic encouraged members of the Committee to formulate ideas that could be
brought forward for consideration at future meetings of the Environmental Committee. In addition,
he reminded members of the Committee that the annual appointments to Special Committees and
Boards will be undertaken by City Council in early December and encouraged those who are
interested in continuing to serve this Committee to re-apply. In this regard, he advised that the
deadline to submit applications for appointment is Friday, November 9, 2001.
6.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (CONT’D)
In response to Councillor J. Smola, Mr. T. Boutilier advised that a process for dealing with
abandoned gas station sites developed in Nova Scotia will be a topic of discussion at the
Brownfield Redevelopment Symposium. He stated that Nova Scotia has developed a simpler,
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NOVEMBER 1, 2001- 29 -CITY OF KITCHENER
more effective system to expedite this type of redevelopment; however, it has not been
implemented in Ontario as the Ministry of Environment is seeking a “made in Ontario” solution. Mr.
Boutilier further advised that the Department of Development and Technical Services will be
exploring implementation of a Community Improvement Plan specific to brownfield sites and this
could be a significant item for consideration by this Committee at a future meeting.
7.FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS (EMS)
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had received documentation via an e-mail transmission
from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities advising that the Federation is currently assisting
Industry Canada to identify municipalities that may have an interest in participating in a pilot
project to encourage adoption of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Councillor
Vrbanovic pointed out that an EMS is a tool to identify, prevent and solve environmental effects
related to operations and municipal participation could lead to an ISO 14001 designation.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic proposed, and it was agreed, that the documentation be forwarded to City
staff for further review and consideration of the City’s participation in this pilot project.
8.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
J. Billett, AMCT
Committee Administrator