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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-09 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date Chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, commencing at 4:05 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. R. dal Bello, F. Wende, and B. Lemieux. Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. J. Kos, D. Murphy and P. O'Toole were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. G. Stewart, T. Boutilier and G. Meincke. This meeting of the Environmental Committee commenced without a quorum present. 1. 2002 EARTH DAY FESTIVAL FOLLOW-UP Mr. T. Boutilier was in attendance to provide an overview of the 2002 Earth Day Festival held on April 20 to 22, 2002. Mr. Boutilier advised that he anticipates the 3 day festival will be under budget and a formal report will be provided to the Committee at a later date. He pointed out that the Opening Ceremonies held at the Southwest Optimist Park was well attended by both government representatives and the public, with approximately 700 to 800 participating in opening day events. Mr. Boutilier briefly summarized events including planting of approximately 1,000 tree seedlings/shrubs; a Clean Air Fair and introduction of a new Regional Idling Control Policy; Arbour Day; Community Clean-up Campaign involving 42 local schools and community groups; and, a waste audit. Overall he advised that the event was very successful and all partners to the event were pleased with the outcome. During the presentation Mr. P. O'Toole and Ms. Y. Fernandes entered the meeting and a quorum was now present. Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed appreciation to Mr. Boutilier and the Earth Day Festival Committee for organizing a successful event. 2. REGION OF WATERLOO JOINT PRESENTATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE AND DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE RE: LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRTS) PROPOSAL AND REFERRAL OF DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT DTS-02-087 Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that City Council at its meeting held on April 22, 2002 deferred and referred consideration of Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 087, dated April 22, 2002 respecting the Region's Light Rail Transit System proposal (LRTS), pending presentations to, and receipt of comments from, the Environmental Committee as well as two other Advisory Committees. Councillor Vrbanovic welcomed Councillor J. Smola, Co-Chair of the Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC) and members of DAC who were in attendance to hear the presentation and participate in discussion. Mr. J. Kos entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Vrbanovic introduced Mr. Graham Vincent, Regional Director of Transportation Planning, who was in attendance to provide an overview of the Region's application for Canada Strategic Infrastructure Funding for a Light Rail Transit System. Mr. Vincent emphasized that the LRTS proposal is also a land use proposal anticipated to act as a catalyst in managing urban sprawl. He noted that development of a Growth Management Strategy is essential for the Region to address growth pressures on urban boundaries and part of the strategy will involve encouraging inward growth in urban centre, together with provision for improved transit to manage population growth. He advised that the LRTS proposal is an application for Federal funding under Bill C-49 and is a proven technology that is attractive to riders, safe/fast, environmentally beneficial and can be located on either separated rights-of-way or on streets. Mr. Vincent then reviewed the LRTS proposal which is to construct 10 km of light rail transit from the St. Jacobs Market to Benton Street in Kitchener using the Waterloo Spur and King/Charles Streets. When all phases are complete the line will service the Region from the City of Cambridge to the Village of Elmira along the Highway 8/King Street corridor. Further highlights of the presentation included the Victoria Street Station which will provide a multi-modal ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 2. REGION OF WATERLOO JOINT PRESENTATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE AND DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE RE: LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRTS) PROPOSAL AND REFERRAL OF DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT DTS-02-087 ICONT'DI - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER transportation facility integrating municipal buses, LRT, intercity buses, GO Transit, VIA Rail, an exhibition/convention centre and a parking garage; benefits of the LRTS; financing of the project; additional phases and proposed steps for implementation. During the presentation Mr. D. Murphy entered the meeting and Mr. F. Wende left the meeting. Mr. Vincent then responded to questions from members of both Committees concerning issues relating to how the system would be accommodated on King Street; opportunities to include other centres such as Conestoga College or the Conestoga Mall; fee structure for ridership and parking; impact to the downtown core; opportunity to bring GO Transit to the City; impact if Federal funding is not approved; opportunity to accommodate bicycles on board; timing of construction and its impact on streets and roadways. During discussion it was noted that government funding is critical to the project, opportunity exists during the route selection study to incorporate other nodes, fees will be competitive to encourage motorists out of their vehicles and construction could commence in 3 to 5 years. Mr. Eric Hagedorn was in attendance to oppose the LRTS proposal and to present an alternative Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). He explained that the BRTS would use a system of express buses between small terminals where passengers could be shuttled to and from bus stops by small fuel efficient vans. He further advised that local buses could be modified to service both able and disabled riders, eliminating the need for a separate Mobility Plus system. Mr. Hagedorn reviewed various express routes that could be used, as well as a proposal for incorporating a "bike to work" concept, and pointed out that the BRTS could be implemented in under a years time at substantially less cost, requiring only the purchase of local buses at $50,000. each. He then raised concerns respecting the LRT's impact to King Street, the downtown core, emergency services and parade routes; lack of service to suburban areas; issues relating to urban sprawl and environmental concerns regarding noxious air emissions. Mr. Hagedorn encouraged the Committee to consider all options for improving transit in addition to the LRTS proposal. Mr. Hagedorn responded to questions, agreeing that the two systems proposed could complement one another and suggested the BRTS would be a good compromise if Federal funding was not forthcoming for the LRTS proposal. Mr. Vincent responded to further questions respecting design issues related to dedicated tracks versus on-street lanes, concrete barriers, movement of emergency vehicles, fare structure and servicing to link suburbs to the core area. At the conclusion of discussion, Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked members of the Downtown Advisory Committee for their participation and members of DAC then left the meeting. Mr. Patrick O'Toole then moved the recommendation contained in staff report DTS-02-087 which provides support, in principle, of the LRTS proposal and requests extension of the first phase to include the new Kitchener Market. Several members of the Committee requested that the following matters be taken into consideration during the design phase of the project: inclusion of a Northfield Drive Station, transporting of bicycles and bicycle lanes, and an integrated bus system. Mr. Vincent agreed to take these matters under consideration, noting that the project is only in a conceptual stage at this time and further opportunity for public input will present itself as the project proceeds. On motion by Mr. P. O'Toole- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports, in principle, the application by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for Canada Strategic Infrastructure Funding for a Light Rail 2. REGION OF WATERLOO JOINT PRESENTATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 COMMITTEE AND DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE RE: LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRTS) PROPOSAL AND REFERRAL OF DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT DTS-02-087 ICONT'DI - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER Transit System proposal; and further, That the City of Kitchener request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to extend the Phase I route easterly to the Kitchener Market in the Market District." 3. DTS-02-103-BPS - GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DRAFT WETLANDS POLICY The Committee was in receipt of Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 103-BPS, dated April 29, 2002, outlining staff comments and suggested revisions with respect to the GRCA's draft Wetlands Policy. The Committee was also in receipt of a discussion paper entitled "Draft GRCA Wetlands Policy" and a companion Appendix, both dated March 19, 2002. The draft policy was previously introduced at the Committee's April 4th meeting, at which time staff were directed to prepare a report commenting on any corporate concerns and including issues raised by the Committee. Ms. Barb Steiner introduced the staff report, noting that the GRCA is soliciting comments from municipalities and various interest groups prior to preparation of a final document. She advised that when completed, the final document would be submitted for further consideration of the Committee. Ms. Steiner suggested that the Committee review the draft policy section by section and provide any comments or suggested revisions they would like taken into consideration. The Committee then entered into a general discussion respecting the policy during which concerns were raised with respect to the role, or lack thereof, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has in this process. It was suggested that the MNR, with its expertise, should be the governing body to avoid overlapping of authority and to ensure consistent policy is applied Province-wide. It was pointed out that the MNR is responsible for determining potentially Provincially significant wetlands; however, delegated authority for non-Provincially significant wetlands has been given to respective Conservation Authorities due to lack of MNR staff resources and funding constraints. The Committee then reviewed Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the draft policy and Ms. Steiner explained the methodology behind proposed revisions in each of these sections. During discussions the following issues were raised: the need for clarity with respect to the setback for a buffer zone; the apparent redundancy of Clauses 4.2.6 and 4.2.7; the need for tightening of controls so that criteria is scientifically defensible and avoids litigation (ie. credibility of the policy); the importance of monitoring; and, the need to ensure an appropriate notification process. Members of the Committee then expressed varying opinions with respect to the proposed 30 m setback buffer, including: . the setback should be derived scientifically and the MNR is best suited to make this determination; . inadequacy of the proposed buffer if potentially significant wetlands are found; . adequacy of the setback given the MNR would step in if potentially significant wetlands were found and the 120 m setback would then apply; . any wetlands should be considered potentially significant with the 120 m setback applying until such time as a study to determine an appropriate buffer is completed. Mr. Rino dal Bello put forward a motion to advise the GRCA that the City's Environmental Committee agrees that the proposed 30 m setback buffer zone is adequate. This motion was lost on a tie vote. 3. DTS-02-103-BPS - GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DRAFT WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 POLICY ICONT'DI - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Y. Fernandes put forward a motion to request that the GRCA consider revising the proposed 30 m setback buffer zone by increasing the setback to 45 m. This motion was also lost on a tie vote. At the conclusion of discussion, the Committee was generally in agreement with the comments and revisions contained in the staff report; however, remained divided on the issue of an appropriate setback for the buffer. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That Environmental Committee comments to the Grand River Conservation Authority 'Draft' Wetlands Policy, dated March 19, 2002 be incorporated into a staff report to the Development and Technical Services Committee for its consideration respecting the GRCA draft Policy; and further, That Planning staff continue to participate in discussions in respect of the draft Policy with GRCA staff." On motion by Mr. B. Lemieux- it was resolved: "That the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) be advised the Kitchener Environmental Committee response to the GRCA draft Wetlands Policy is recommended for referral to the June 10, 2002 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting for consideration and recommendation to City Council on June 17, 2002." 4. REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT NO. CH-02-026 / E-02-040 / CR-RS-02-018 -IDLING CONTROL POLICY FOR WATERLOO REGION AS PROPOSED BY THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY The Committee was in receipt of Region of Waterloo Report No. CH-02-026 / E-02-040 / CR- RS-02-018, dated April 2, 2002 respecting an Idling Control Policy for Waterloo Region, as proposed by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality. The Committee was also in receipt of Regional Council's resolution of April 1 0, 2002 adopting the Idling Control Policy. Ms. Barb Steiner advised that subsequent to adoption of the Region's policy, staff met with the City's Corporate Management Team and were directed to prepare a report for Council's consideration outlining housekeeping revisions that will align the City's Fleet Idling Policy with the new Regional Policy. She noted that revisions will include replacing the 3 minute timeline for turning off an idling vehicle with a 10 second timeline and the City's policy will apply to all staff as opposed to just Fleet. The Committee briefly discussed the practicality of the 10 second idling timeline and the proposed educational campaign. It was noted that the 10 second timeframe was scientifically determined by the Ministry of Natural Resources and while the educational campaign will take 2 to 3 years to implement, the City has had a policy in place for some time which will assist in fast- tracking implementation of the policy within the municipal corporation. Ms. Steiner advised that subsequent to Council's consideration, the City's revised policy will be presented as an information item to the Environmental Committee. 5. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) MODEL RESOLUTION - RATIFICATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL City Council at its meeting held on April 22, 2002 referred to the Environmental Committee consideration of a request from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for municipal endorsement of a model resolution respecting ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The Committee 5. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) MODEL RESOLUTION - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 RATIFICATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL ICONT'DI - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER was in receipt of a copy of the model resolution, together with background information. Ms. Barb Steiner advised that the Kyoto Protocol is an existing international agreement that sets legally binding emission reduction targets for greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. She pointed out that Canada is a signatory to the agreement and has committed to a 6% reduction by 2012. She advised that the purpose of the resolution is to request that the Federal Government proceed with its commitment under the Protocol. The Committee then entered into a brief discussion during which it was further clarified that FCM is attempting to generate country-wide support to urge the Federal Government to take a stronger stand in implementing the Kyoto Protocol so that Canada can proceed with fulfilling its commitments. Concerns were raised with respect to the use of ethanol as a renewable energy resource; however, it was pointed out that ethanol is only used as one example from among numerous sources listed that could be developed as a renewable energy resource. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "WHEREAS climate change causes drought, permafrost melting, sea-level rise and floods that damage municipal infrastructure, displace citizens and create a financial burden for municipal governments; and, WHEREAS economic activity in rural and northern communities relying on fisheries, tourism, forestry and agriculture is disrupted by climate change; and, WHEREAS investments in building retrofits, community energy systems, water conservation, renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, landfill gas capture, fleet management and public transit reduce municipal operating costs, help maintain community services and protect public health while cutting greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change; and, WHEREAS forestry and agriculture sectors can expand business opportunities by increasing the capacity of trees and soils to absorb carbon dioxide by developing renewable fuels like ethanol; and, WHEREAS fossil fuel producers are increasing investments in renewable energy and alternative fossil fuel technologies that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide going into the air; and, WHEREAS 78% of Canadians (according to poll results from Decima Research Inc., March 2002) want the Kyoto Protocol ratified; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener endorses ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be communicated to our member of parliament, Provincial Environment and Energy Ministers, Federal and Provincial Opposition Leaders, community media and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities." This resolution was carried unanimously. 6. STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION Due to time constraints this item was deferred to the Committee's next meeting to be held on Thursday, June 6, 2002 and will be listed as the first item for consideration. 7. BROWNFIELDS COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN WORKING GROUP UPDATES ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 2002 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER Due to time constraints this item was also deferred to the June 6th Environmental Committee meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator