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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-19ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Mr. C. Schneider - Co-Chair Ms. A. Jucknies, Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders and Messrs. B. McColl, R. Dingman, D. Lippert and J. Wilson. Staff: J. Witmer, Director of Planning M. Petricevic, Manager of Project/Energy Management B. Steiner, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-05-208 - 2006 COST SHARING REQUEST AND 2005 MARKETING CAMPAIGN UPDATE - REGION OF WATERLOO NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDE REDUCTION SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-208, dated November 30, 2005 regarding the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Non- Essential Pesticide Reduction Social Marketing Campaign 2005 results and 2006 funding request. Ms. B. Steiner advised that this is the 3rd year the Region has requested funding for this initiative, with Kitchener being asked to contribute $28,800. She stated that this amount is based on the Region funding 50% of the total costs, with the remaining 50% of funding to be provided by the local area municipalities proportional to population. Staff are recommending that any contribution the City considers be contingent upon cost sharing by all area municipalities. Messrs. Tom Bird and Henry Garcia, Region of Waterloo Public Health Department, presented the results of the 2005 Social Marketing Campaign, asking for endorsement of the Region's request for Kitchener's continued support. Mr. Bird advised that a third party evaluation showed that the techniques and approaches used to implement the Social Marketing Campaign were successful, noting that the evaluation indicated a significant increase in the use of the lawn care methods being promoted. He stated that the Region is developing a management committee composed of representatives from local area municipalities, stakeholders and Regional staff, which will provide a more hands-on approach to the campaign's management; and, allow for greater input from area municipalities. In response to questions, Mr. T. Bird advised that the techniques and approaches applied in 2006 will be similar to those of previous years, particularly with regard to promotion and 3rd party evaluation. Mr. H. Garcia stated that this program was originally scheduled to run for only 3 years, noting that Regional Council has yet to determine if it will continue beyond that timeframe. On motion by B. McColl - itwas resolved: "That the City of Kitchener recognizes the public's growing concern regarding the use of pesticides, involuntary exposure and the potential effect on the health of humans and other non-target species; and, That continuing public education must remain a key initiative in efforts to encourage the reduction of the non-essential use of pesticides in our community; and, That the City continue to participate in cost-sharing with 50% by area municipalities and 50% by the Region, and approve the request of the Region for a financial contribution in the amount of $28,800 for 2006, Year 3 of the cost-shared community-based social marketing (CBSM) campaign; and further, That Kitchener's contribution is contingent upon cost-sharing by all area municipalities." ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2006 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DELEGATION PRESENTATION -LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, dated December 2004, regarding the implementation of LEED certification for new building construction and major renovation projects. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Headquarters and Fleet Centre brochure, which outlines the factors involved in that building obtaining a LEED Gold certification. Mr. D. Lippert advised that there is a growing trend toward the adoption of Green Building techniques, the most recognized of which is LEED certification. He noted that to ensure the continued growth of this type of building practice, municipalities need to be encouraged to pursue LEED certification. He proposed that the City develop a policy requiring LEED certification for all City initiated new building construction and major renovation projects. Mr. Greg Leskien, Enermodal Engineering, advised that LEED is a Green Building rating system originally developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a recognized standard to enable the construction industry to assess the environmental sustainability of building designs. The CaGBC has since adapted the USGBC LEED rating system to address the specific concerns and requirements of buildings in Canada. He stated that LEED is a point- based rating system, with points earned for building attributes considered environmentally beneficial. He added that there is a total of 70 points to be earned, which cover six topic areas with each topic area having a statement of associated goals, being: Site Development: minimize storm water run-off, encourage car pooling and bicycling, increase urban density and green space; Water Efficiency: eliminate site irrigation, reduce water consumption, minimize or treat wastewater; Energy Efficiency: reduce building energy consumption, use renewable energy, eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals, commission building systems; Material Selection: minimize construction waste, re-use existing building fagade, use recycled and salvaged materials, use renewable construction materials and design and build more durable buildings; Indoor Environmental Quality: incorporate day lighting, use low off-emitting materials, provide operable windows and occupant control of work space, improve delivery of ventilation air; and, Innovation in Design: use a LEED Accredited Professional, greatly exceed the requirements of a credit, incorporate innovative environmental features not covered in other areas. Mr. Leskien stated that designers choose the credits most appropriate to their project to achieve a rating, and outlined the following as four LEED performance rating certifications: 26 to 32 points: Certified; 33 to 38 points: Silver; 39 to 51 points: Gold; 52 or more: Platinum. In addition to the required design build attributes, to obtain LEED certification a 3rd party audit is required and documentation must be provided to validate each LEED credit claimed. He reviewed the following as the reasons why LEED certification should be pursued: It is a useful tool to guide a design team; LEED rating can be used in promotion and press releases to show environmental commitment; LEED rating can be used to set community precedents and define what constitutes a "Green-Building"; and, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2006 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DELEGATION PRESENTATION -LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CONT'D) LEED certification can provide national recognition from Natural Resources Canada's Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP), from whom a building may qualify for financial incentives up to $60,000. In response to questions, Mr. G. Leskien advised that typically a return on investment can be realized approximately 3 to 10 years after construction is completed, noting that the timing is based upon the level of certification achieved. He added that the benefits of LEED certification cannot always be quantified as LEED can have numerous positive health effects on a building's environment. Mr. Leskien stated that retrofitting an existing building to LEED standards is very difficult, pointing out that while a LEED retrofit program has been developed in the United States, it will be some time before a similar program is established in Canada. Mr. M. Petricevic advised that he is currently working on a report to Council, recommending that the City move toward implementing a LEED certification policy. He stated that prior to presenting the report he needs to determine what the additional costs might be to construction projects if LEED certification is pursued. Mr. Kari Feldmann, Region of Waterloo Facilities Management, advised that the 18,800 sq. ft. Regional EMS Facility cost approximately $3.6M to construct using the LEED Green Design methods. He stated that implementing these techniques have translated into an annual savings of more than $21,000. in natural gas and electricity fees, adding that the EMS project qualified fora $48,404. CBIP grant. Mr. Feldmann stated that as a result of the success of the EMS project, the Region has adopted a LEED Silver standard for all future construction projects above 5,000 sq. ft. of occupied space. He noted that rather than relying on CaGBC, the Region will undertake their own future assessments to ensure compliance with LEED standards. He added that the Region is also exploring the use of LEED standards to apply to all of their major renovation projects. In response to questions, Mr. K. Feldmann advised that the Region did not employ a LEED contractor for the EMS project, rather the general contractor was responsible for ensuring that the LEED designs were implemented. He added that the general contractor was also responsible for providing all receipts and documentation to establish compliance with LEED standards. Several members expressed support for the Region's initiative in committing to undertaking Green Building designs and suggested that the Region inform the public of their dedication to the continued pursuit of LEED standards. On motion by Mr. D. Lippert, it was agreed to direct staff to advise the City's Facilities Management Division of the Environmental Committee's support for the development of a Council Policy requiring LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for all City initiated new building construction and major renovation projects. 3. DTS-05-209 -NATURAL LANDS ACQUISITION FUND At the request of staff this item was withdrawn and not considered this date. 4. SOUTH KITCHENER TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of the South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study information package, dated October 4, 2005 regarding a Regional Municipality of Waterloo initiative into developing alternative means of addressing transportation challenges in the South Kitchener area. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of excerpts from the January 9, 2006 Development and Technical Services Committee (DTS) meeting where representatives of the Region of Waterloo gave a presentation reviewing the various options outlined in the South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Region's original plan, adopted in 1981 and reaffirmed in 1994, was to extend River Road from King Street West to Goodrich Drive along the north edge of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2006 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. SOUTH KITCHENER TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (CONT'D) the Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA) #27, in the vicinity of Hidden Valley area. She stated that the Region has been developing a replacement plan since April 2004, with routing solutions sensitive to the natural conditions, approved development opportunities and future transportation needs. She noted that Committee members were invited to attend the Region's presentation of the study at the January 9, 2006 DTS meeting. Ms. D. Nicholls, Friends of Hidden Valley, advised that in her opinion the Hidden Valley area is environmentally significant and she expressed concern regarding the possible effects that proposed logging of that area may have on air quality. She requested that the Environmental Committee recommend to Council that the Region delay any proposed logging of the Hidden Valley area and encourage a land swap as a means of preserving this important ecosystem. She noted that her preferred alternative to address transportation needs would be Alternative 1; The Baseline, which is essentially a `do nothing' approach. Mr. Chris Bunt advised that he lived in a tent in the Hidden Valley area from 1994 to 1998 (except during winter months) and studied the geological features of that location. He stated that the Hidden Valley area acts as a natural filter for this regions water supply and should be protected from development. In response to questions, Ms. B. Steiner advised that the land proposed for development is privately owned and approval was previously granted for use of that land as an industrial area. Mr. J. Willmer added that a Provincial Policy Statement concerning employment lands prohibits the re-designation of industrial lands to residential use. Ms. Steiner pointed out that the Committee is being requested to comment on the preferred alternatives to address transportation needs as presented at the January 9, 2006 DTS meeting and included in the information package circulated with the agenda. She added that the Grand River Conservation Authority supports Alternative 4, whereas the public identified Alternative 5 as their preferred option. She pointed out that Regional staff have put forward a hybrid of Alternative 4 (entitled Alternative 4C), which they believe is the best compromise between Alternatives 4 and 5. Some members expressed confusion with the information before them and advised that they were not prepared to provide comments at this time. Staff noted that the Region has requested comments from Kitchener City Council by the end of February 2006, adding that the next Environmental Committee meeting is February 23, 2006. Given that timeframe, the Committee was advised that this may be the only opportunity they have to provide comments. Members expressed concerns that although they recognize the prevalence of transportation challenges in South Kitchener, it is their preference that this area remains undeveloped. The Committee agreed that at this time `Alternative 1: The Baseline' is their preferred option. Mr. R. Dingman expressed a desire to see the Region develop a more creative alternative for the proposed road expansion that does not negatively affect the Hidden Valley area. Mr. B. McColl left the meeting at this time. On motion by Mr. J. Wilson, an expression of support for the expansion of the ESPA and the selection of Alternative 1; The Baseline as the preferred option was brought forward for consideration. At the request of Mr. R. Dingman, it was agreed to amend the motion to include a provision encouraging the Region to develop a more creative alternative that does not negatively impact the Hidden Valley area. On motion by Mr. J. Wilson - itwas resolved: "That the Environmental Committee requests City Council to consider endorsement of the following with regard to the Regional South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2006 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. SOUTH KITCHENER TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (CONT'D) • expansion of the Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA) 27 located within the study area as recommended by the Region of Waterloo Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee; and, • Alternative 1: The Baseline, as the preferred alternative; and, • encourage the Region of Waterloo to develop a more creative alternative for the proposed road expansion that does not negatively impact the Hidden Valley area. 5. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP -UPDATE Due to the absence of some members, no update was provided. 6. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT -UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that the results of the Strategic Plan for the Environment surveys are currently being analyzed, and noted that staff is in the process of developing a schedule for an upcoming series of public workshops. 7. COMMITTEE RESIGNATION - R. NANDAKUMAR Mr. R. Nandakumar tendered his resignation from the Environmental Committee by email dated January 16, 2006, which was accepted with regret by the Committee. Accordingly, the Healthy Communities Plan update, listed as Item 7 on the Committee's agenda was not considered this date. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator