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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-18ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1$, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. J. Young, Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. B. McColl, R. Dingman and C. Scheider. Staff: D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events T. Boutilier, Senior Planner B. Steiner, Environmental Planner J. Hutchinson, Facilitator of Volunteer Resources C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) -CANCELLATION OF ENERGUIDE FOR HOUSES PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Manager, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), dated May 15, 2006 regarding the Federal government's cancellation of funding for the EnerGuide for Houses program. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a draft resolution authored by Councillors G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic, for the Committee's consideration regarding a possible course of action in response to the cancellation of the EnerGuide for Houses program. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that this matter was referred to this Committee for consideration at the May 15, 2006 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting. Ms. Mary Jane Patterson advised that on May 13, 2006, REEP was notified that effective that date they were not to perform any further EnerGuide for Houses initial evaluations, as the Federal government had ceased funding for that program. She stated that follow-up evaluations for those customers who already had an initial evaluation are permitted until March 2007. She noted that at present, REEP could continue to provide home evaluations, but it would be at a fee of $200. and without any Federal incentive grants the homeowner would have previously qualified for, this is not as viable an option. She added that REEP has begun preliminary discussions with the Province of Ontario, who have indicated that they may be willing to introduce a Provincial version of the EnerGuide program as a number of hydro utilities across the Province used the EnerGuide program as part of their conservation efforts. She pointed out that the Federal government based their funding cut on a misconception that over 50% of EnerGuide funding went to administrative costs, noting that in actuality only 12% went towards administrative costs. She stated that REEP is requesting the City respond to the Federal government and outline how valuable this program is to the residents of Kitchener and the negative impact that this funding cut will have on the local environment. In response to questions, Ms. M. J. Patterson advised that within the next few days she has meetings scheduled with local Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament to discuss the possibility of future funding for the EnerGuide program. Ms. Patterson expressed support for the motion circulated by Councillor B. Vrbanovic. Mr. R. Dingman suggested that Ms. Patterson raise the following concern at her meetings with the aforementioned governmental representatives: that escalating energy costs particularly impact older homes, which may act as a deterrent for people to purchase properties in urban cores; consequently, the discontinuation of the EnerGuide for Houses program indirectly promotes urban sprawl. On motion by Mr. B. McColl, the resolution circulated this date by Councillor B. Vrbanovic was brought forward for consideration. At the request of Mr. McColl, it was agreed to amend the resolution by adding as a 6th paragraph that the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of the Environment be encouraged to consider providing support to assist in the continuation of this valuable program. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the last paragraph of the motion was developed as a result of a meeting with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro who indicated that they may be capable of providing transitional funding to REEP for the remainder of 2006. He also noted that any resolution arising from the Committee this date would be forwarded directly to Council for consideration at their May 29, 2006 meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1$, 2006 -1$ - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) -CANCELLATION OF ENERGUIDE FOR HOUSES PROGRAM tCONT'D) On motion by Mr. B. McColl - it was resolved: "WHEREAS Canadians from coast to coast to coast are becoming increasingly concerned about the impacts of global warming and climate change and are calling on governments at all levels to put a high priority on environmental issues and to invest in strategies which would positively address these issues for future generations of Canadians; and, WHEREAS in the recent Environics Survey of values of Kitchener residents, protecting the environment was supported by 78 percent of residents surveyed; and, WHEREAS recently the Federal government announced that it was cancelling funding for the "EnerGuide for Houses" program, which locally was administered as part of Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) - a successful program which in Waterloo Region has brought about 2,400 tonnes of CO2 reductions annually; an estimated $700,000. in energy savings every year for participating homeowners; $3-5 million in local spending on building materials and labour; over $535,000. in federal grants received by our customers; and has provided valuable information for homeowners about home health, safety and comfort; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener urge the Federal government to immediately restore funding for this highly successful program so that additional gains can be made in the CO2 reductions already achieved; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this motion be circulated to the Prime Minster, the Minister of the Environment, local Members of Parliament and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for consideration as an emergency resolution at their upcoming conference; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Premier of Ontario and Ontario Minister of the Environment be encouraged to consider Provincial support to assist in continuation of this valuable program; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that as an interim measure the City approach Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to look at the possibility of providing some transitional funding to REEP to continue the program for the balance of 2006 while the Federal government is encouraged to once again fund the program and while REEP looks at alternate funding mechanisms to continue this valuable climate protection program locally if the government maintains their decision to abandon the program." 2. EARTH DAY 2006 -REVIEW Ms. J. Hutchinson gave a power point presentation outlining the various 2006 Earth Day activities that were undertaken throughout the City of Kitchener. She then outlined that in 2007 Earth Day falls on a Sunday; as such staff will be seeking the involvement of faith based organizations for next year's events. She noted that she is in the process of preparing a further information report, which will be forwarded to staff for distribution to the Committee. In response to questions, Ms. J. Hutchinson advised that to encourage participation, a large mail out is conducted in association with media releases. She added that staff is always exploring new activities to incorporate into Earth Day, in addition to the traditional litter pick-up, and encouraged members to forward ideas to her that they may have to expand the program. 3. DTS-06-0$0 -COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (CEIGP) - ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 06-080, dated May 6, 2006 regarding additional eligibility criteria for Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP) applications. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1$, 2006 -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-06-0$0 -COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (CEIGP) - ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA tCONT'D) Mr. T. Boutilier advised that in the fall of 2005, the Environmental Committee resolved to develop and implement additional criteria for 2006 to assist in the evaluation of CEIGP applications. He stated that asub-committee was struck and has proposed 3 new eligibility criteria as outlined in the staff report. In response to questions, Mr. T. Boutilier advised that marketing of CEIGP is typically done by word of mouth; posting of information to the City's Website; and the distribution of information to the various neighbourhood associations throughout the City. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that perhaps Communications staff could be approached to develop a pamphlet, which could be displayed at community centres across the City. Ms. Y. Fernandes also suggested that other groups such as the Air Cadets, Boy Scouts and church youth groups be informed of this program as they might also be interested in participating. Mr. Boutilier agreed to pursue the suggestions to broaden the variety of CEIGP applications the Committee may receive in 2006. On motion by Mr. C. Schneider - it was resolved: "That the grant eligibility criteria for the Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP), be amended to include the following additional criteria: 10. Applications should relate to one or more of the seven functional areas of Kitchener's Strategic Plan for the Environment, namely Water Resources, Pollution & Environmental Interference, Waste Management, Land Resources & Growth Management, Energy Systems, Natural & Recreational Amenity Areas, and Resource Consumption. 11. Applications which bring additional external financial, material, or human resources to a project, through partnerships, are favoured over projects which are only sponsored by the City of Kitchener. 12. Community projects should build a level of capacity, that is, knowledge and ability, within the community to promote further stewardship initiatives." 4. WATERLOO REGION CAR-FREE WEEK 2006 -REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT AND IN- KINDSERVICES The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. Helene Beaulieu, Waterloo Region Car-Free Week Committee, and an attached power point presentation, dated April 26, 2006 regarding a request to support the 2006 Waterloo Region Car-Free Week event. Ms. Helene Beaulieu reviewed the success of Car-Free Week 2005 and requested the City's support, and participation in the 2006 event. She stated that over 650 people participated in the 2005 event, which included a street festival in Victoria Park, a tour of sustainable energy and other environmental projects at work in Waterloo Region, a bike auction, and information tables at the University of Waterloo. She advised that the goal of Car-Free Week is to raise awareness about the health, equity, and environmental problems associated with an over-reliance on cars in Waterloo Region. She noted that this is accomplished by highlighting the benefits of walking, cycling, and public transit use. Ms. Beaulieu requested that the City consider providing a stage, sound system, skate board park, and display promoting all the City's environmental initiatives for the 2006 Victoria Park event. Additionally, she requested a letter of support from the Committee and/or the Mayor and that new post-and-ring bike stands be installed in the downtown core prior to the festival. In response to questions, Ms. H. Beaulieu advised that recently people have become more willing to use alternative modes of transportation as a result of rising energy costs and a greater awareness of environmental issues. She added that by improving public transit and by making it more accessible she could foresee an even greater increase in the number of people willing to give up their cars. She noted that Car-Free Week also includes a cycling tour of the Region's green spaces. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1$, 2006 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. WATERLOO REGION CAR-FREE WEEK 2006 -REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT AND IN- KINDSERVICES tCONT'D) Mr. D. Chapman advised that he will work with Ms. Beaulieu and facilitate her group's use of a stage and sound system for Car-Free Week 2006, noting that he will also speak with Operations staff regarding the use of the skate board park. He added that this initiative and any others that this Committee is working on could be promoted during the City's KidSpark Event, which could increase public awareness of these events as KidSpark attracts over 20,000 people. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would ask the Mayor to provide a letter of support on behalf of the City for Car-Free Week 2006. He added that perhaps an abridged version of the Air Quality Plan could be provided as a pamphlet to be displayed during the Car-Free Week events. He pointed out that the City is currently conducting the Downtown Design Study, which is investigating the installation of bike stands throughout the downtown. The Committee expressed its support for the Car-Free Week initiative and the assistance being proposed by Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Mr. D. Chapman. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT -UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that increased resources have been allocated to assist in the completion of the Strategic Plan for the Environment. She stated that this includes an additional staff person to be hired on a one year secondment. 6. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PLAN -UPDATE Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Healthy Communities Plan is scheduled to be tabled at the May 29, 2006 Council meeting. He stated that `Who Are You Kitchener' will be tabled at the following Council meeting in June, with the intent that both documents will be consolidated and presented to Council for final approval in September 2006. 7. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP -AIR QUALITY PLAN REVIEW OF FINAL VERSION The Committee was in receipt of the draft Air Quality in Kitchener 2006 Plan, which was developed by the Air Quality Working Group. Ms. B. Steiner led the Committee in an initial review of the Air Quality Plan, and it was agreed, that the first 7 pages of the plan would be used as the basis for the Air Quality Working Group's presentation to Council on May 29, 2006. Councillor B. Vrbanovic volunteered to develop the PowerPoint presentation, noting that it would be circulated to the members within the next few days for comments and input. Ms. Steiner offered the services of one of the Planning Department's student planners to assist with the development of the PowerPoint presentation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the anticipated schedule for the future of the Air Quality Plan is that it will be tabled at the May 29, 2006 Council meeting, with possible public consultations on the document to be held over the summer and then receipt of final approval from Council in October 2006. The Committee then thanked staff, in particular Ms. Steiner for her contributions to the plans development. The meeting then adjourned to allow the Air Quality Working Group to undertake a comprehensive finalization of the plan in preparation of its tabling at the May 29, 2006 Council meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator