HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-27ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10 p.m.
Present: C. Schneider -Chair
Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. B. McColl, D. Lippert, J. Wilson,
R. Dingman and Councillor B. Vrbanovic.
Staff: B. Steiner, Environmental Planner
S. Ritchie, Student Planner
N. DeRuyter, Student Planner
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
1. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT -UPDATE
Ms. B. Steiner advised that the process for updating the Strategic Plan for the Environment
continues to move forward, adding that additional resources have been allocated toward its
completion.
2. REGION OF WATERLOO RAPID TRANSIT INITIATIVE -UPDATE
Ms. B. Steiner provided an update of the development of the Region of Waterloo's Rapid Transit
initiative. She advised that the Region has embarked upon the formal environmental
assessment process, the goal of which being the evaluation and selection of a preferred transit
strategy. She stated that the next steps in this process will be to evaluate preferred technologies
and develop route designs, after which a preferred transit route design will be presented to
Regional Council Ms. Steiner noted that at this time the Region has not identified the specific
mode of rapid transit they will be pursuing through this initiative.
3. DTS-06-0$7 -COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (CEIGP)
- 2005 CEIGP RECIPIENTS UPDATE
The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services report DTS-06-087,
dated June 7, 2006 regarding the initiatives undertaken by the 2005 Community Environmental
Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP) recipients.
Messrs. S. Ritchie and N. DeRuyter gave a presentation outlining that in 2005 under the CEIGP,
$10,000. was awarded to 4 groups seeking to undertake improvements to their local
environments. Mr. Ritchie reviewed the summaries of the various groups' environmental
achievements, as outlined in the staff report.
Ms. Cindy Martin, Franklin Public School Greening Project Committee, thanked the Committee
for its contribution of $2,400. which helped fund the installation of shaded areas, natural seating,
and an outdoor learning area for the students of Franklin Public School She advised that in
October 2006, the school will proceed with Phase 2 of their program, the installation of further
landscaping throughout the school's green spaces.
Mr. Pat Rittinger, Horticulture and Landscaping Teacher, Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate &
Vocational School (KCI), thanked the Committee for the $2,000. CEIGP grant which was used to
contribute to KCI's ongoing school ground greening and beautification project. He stated that
the project's design features included a sensory garden, woodland garden, hedgerow, food
garden and seating areas, all composed of native tree and shrub species, perennials and
heritage fruit trees and berry bushes. He added that students enrolled in the Horticulture,
Landscaping, Science, Hospitality, and Geography programs have all benefited from working in
and studying those areas.
Mr. Dennis Wendeland, Evergreen Learning Grounds School Ground Greening Program of
Waterloo Region, thanked the Committee for its grant of $2,600. which contributed to an evening
reception and celebration of past and future school ground greening projects. He stated that the
event was attended by approximately 150 members of the community, including representatives
from the school boards, teachers, school principals, students and members from the private
sector. Mr. Wendeland noted that this event was held to build awareness and appreciation for
the efforts of local schools and community members which have made schools more
educationally, socially, environmentally, and aesthetically sound for local children. He stated that
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2006 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. DTS-06-0$7 -COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (CEIGP)
- 2005 CEIGP RECIPIENTS UPDATE
the subsequent increased knowledge and understanding of the concepts and the benefits of
school ground greening projects will hopefully motivate more people throughout the community
to undertake and/or support future greening projects.
Mr. Dave Steffler, Project Services Manager, People's Car Co-operative, thanked the Committee
for its contribution of $3,000. which contributed to the development of a bike-share network
which will operate in conjunction with the People's Car Co-op existing car-share network. He
stated that this project provides a greater range of transportation choices for the community
through amulti-module system that integrates cycling, car-sharing and public transit in an
attempt to facilitate and encourage transportation practices that are practical, sustainable, and
equitable. He noted that since this initiative was undertaken, he has received requests from
local businesses inquiring into the installation of bike racks at their businesses. Mr. Steffler
requested that the City install more bike racks throughout the downtown core as a means of
promoting bike use.
In response to questions, Mr. D. Steffler advised that thus far there has only been one incident of
vandalism to the bikes used for this initiative. He noted that all members of the People's Car Co-
op have access to all the bikes within the bike-share network and any members of the public
may become an associate non-driving member for aone-time $20. fully refundable deposit
which would allow them to take advantage of the bike-share network.
4. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -NEXT STEPS
The Committee was in receipt of excerpts from the May 29, 2006 Council meeting at which
Council resolved that the Environmental Committee's Air Quality Working Group (AQWG) be
directed to review the proposed timeline for it's `Air Quality in Kitchener - 2006' report and
develop a course of action for implementation.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that in an effort to begin to move forward with aspects of the `Air
Quality in Kitchener - 2006' report during this term of Council he has met with Dr. Liana Nolan,
Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health, and City staff and based on those meetings he
proposed that the following actions be pursued:
a) staff plan a community forum on air quality in early Fall 2006, such forum to be
conducted as part of the outreach for this report and the consultations for the Kitchener's
Strategic Plan for the Environment, and that consideration be given to partnering with the
Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air for this purpose;
b) staff engage the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air in discussions about partnering
with the AQWG in an outreach strategy in Fall 2006 to inform stakeholders of their work,
and other air quality initiatives within this area;
c) the AQWG meet with appropriate staff and other knowledgeable experts to investigate
the implementation of ISO 14001 designation for the City's fleet;
d) Best Bet #3 (Increased Green Space) be referred to appropriate staff and report back to
the September Environment Committee meeting with implementation strategies
pertaining to the recommendations associated with this item;
e) appropriate City staff meet with representatives from the two School Boards to discuss
Best Bet #4 (Reach Out to School Boards) and report back to the Environmental
Committee about implementation possibilities and potential role for the AQWG with this
recommendation going forward; and,
f) members of the AQWG work with Kitchener Utilities, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and Union
Gas, as well as the City's Communications staff to find ways to increase awareness and
promote residential energy conservation; and,
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JUNE 27, 2006 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER
4. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -NEXT STEPS tCONT'D)
g) that following the community forum and Fall outreach campaign, staff, in conjunction with
the AQWG, bring back a report to Council summarizing the results, an update on 2006
Best Bets, identification of 2007 Best Bets and a recommended implementation strategy
for the balance of the report; and further,
That the following recommendations contained in Development and Technical Services
Department report DTS-04-145, dated October 1, 2004 pertaining to the installation of `no idling'
advisory signage be approved:
`That Council approve an over-expenditure of $21,500. to cover the one-time cost of
manufacturing and installing `Stop Idling' advisory signs at approximately 60 City facilities and
50 school zones.
That the City of Kitchener continue to support the existing formal education campaign, in
partnership with the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality (CACAO), to increase
awareness of the negative impacts of idling vehicles.
That the City of Kitchener not establish a `No Idling' by-law at this time.'
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that any resolution arising from the Committee this date would
be forwarded directly to Council for consideration at their July 4, 2006 meeting, as a means of
expediting the implementation of the aforementioned actions.
Ms. B. Steiner advised that the `Air Quality in Kitchener - 2006' report is consistent with the
Region of Waterloo's `Clean Air Plan', adding that the Region has considerable resources that
may be available to facilitate the implementation of measures outlined in the `Air Quality in
Kitchener - 2006' report. She suggested that the Environmental Committee may wish to
consider dedicating one of its Fall meetings solely to the issue of air quality. Ms. Steiner
expressed support for Clause (d), noting that staff should be encouraged to pursue the
maximum allocation of green space permitted under the Ontario Planning Act.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That in an effort to begin to move forward with aspects of the recently released `Air
Quality in Kitchener - 2006' report during this term of Council (Summer and Fall 2006),
and in particular the five Best Bets for 2006, the following actions be endorsed:
a) staff plan a community forum on air quality in early Fall 2006, such forum to be
conducted as part of the outreach for this report and the consultations for the
Kitchener's Strategic Plan for the Environment, and that consideration be given to
partnering with the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air for this purpose;
b) staff engage the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air in discussions about
partnering with the Kitchener Environmental Committee's Air Quality Working
Group (AQWG) in an outreach strategy in Fall 2006 to inform stakeholders of their
work, and other air quality initiatives within this area;
c) the AOWG meet with appropriate staff and other knowledgeable experts to
investigate the implementation of ISO 14001 designation for the City's fleet;
d) Best Bet #3 (Increased Green Space) be referred to appropriate staff and report
back to the September Environment Committee meeting with implementation
strategies pertaining to the recommendations associated with this item;
e) appropriate City staff meet with representatives from the two School Boards to
discuss Best Bet #4 (Reach Out to School Boards) and report back to the
Environmental Committee about implementation possibilities and potential role for
the AOWG with this recommendation going forward; and,
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2006 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER
4. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -NEXT STEPS tCONT'D)
f) members of the AOWG work with Kitchener Utilities, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and
Union Gas, as well as the City's Communications staff to find ways to increase
awareness and promote residential energy conservation; and,
g) that following the community forum and Fall outreach campaign, staff, in
conjunction with the AQWG, bring back a report to Council summarizing the
results, an update on 2006 Best Bets, identification of 2007 Best Bets and a
recommended implementation strategy for the balance of the report; and further,
That the following recommendations contained in Development and Technical Services
Department report DTS-04-145, dated October 1, 2004 pertaining to the installation of `no
idling' advisory signage be approved:
`That Council approve an over-expenditure of $21,500. to cover the one-time cost of
manufacturing and installing `Stop Idling' advisory signs at approximately 60 City
facilities and 50 school zones.
That the City of Kitchener continue to support the existing formal education campaign,
in partnership with the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality (CACAO), to
increase awareness of the negative impacts of idling vehicles.
That the City of Kitchener not establish a `No Idling' by-law at this time."
5. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PLAN -UPDATE
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that staff are currently working to combine the Healthy
Communities Plan and the `Who are You Kitchener' initiative into one consolidated document,
which will be presented to each of the City's Advisory Committees in the Fall of 2006. He noted
that the Healthy Communities Plan can be viewed on the City's website.
6. BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN REVIEW
The Committee was in receipt of Department of Parks and Recreation staff report PD 98/72,
dated May 6, 1998 regarding the adoption and implementation of the City of Kitchener Bikeways
Study. Additionally, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Ms. Cheryl
Lousley, who urged the Committee to undertake a comprehensive approach to the development
of a new Bikeway Master Plan.
Ms. B. Steiner advised that this item arose at the staff level, adding that after certain staff
reviewed the `Air Quality in Kitchener - 2006' report they felt that it may also be an opportune
time to remind the Committee of the City's Bikeways Study. She stated that staff from the City's
Transportation Planning Division have informed her that in the Fall of 2006 they will be pursuing
the development of a City-wide Master Transportation Plan, which will include updating the
Bikeways Study.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that this item be added to the Committee's Unfinished
Business list.
7. TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT - HIGHWAY 401 PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY
DESIGN STUDY
The Committee was in receipt this date of a draft resolution circulated by Ms. N. Sonder
requesting that the City forward comments to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation regarding its
Preliminary Design Study to examine possible improvements required to address the short,
medium and long-term needs of Highway 401 from 0.5 km west of Regional Road 8 to 0.5 km
east of Regional Road 24/Hespeler Road.
On motion by Ms. N. Sonder, the draft resolution was brought forward for consideration. She
noted that the goal of the proposed resolution is to promote alternative forms of transportation as
a means of combating traffic congestion; rather than the development of additional roads.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 27, 2006 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER
7. TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT - HIGHWAY 401 PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY
DESIGN STUDY tCONT'D)
The Committee expressed support for the proposed recommendation and made several minor
wording and format changes to the draft resolution.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that any resolution arising from the Committee this date would
be forwarded directly to Council for consideration at their July 4, 2006 meeting. He then
requested that if approved by Council, the resolution be circulated to the municipal councils and
MPP's of all communities covered by the North Mainline Rail Alliance.
On motion by Ms. N. Souders -
it was resolved:
"WHEREAS the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has proposed to undertake a
Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study to examine possible
improvements required to address the short, medium and long-term needs of Highway
401 from 0.5 km west of Regional Road 8 to 0.5 km east of Regional Road 24/Hespeler
Road, as a means of identifying improvement needs related to traffic operation, capacity
and safety issues; and,
WHEREAS serious road congestion is prevalent on all roads leading both to and from the
Greater Toronto Area; and,
WHEREAS the Province has proposed to expand highways as a means of resolving
congestion issues; and,
WHEREAS research has demonstrated that road expansion leads to an increase of
motor vehicle uses on said roads, thus indicating that road expansion is not the only
viable means of solving future congestion issues; and,
WHEREAS cars and trucks are responsible for approximately one third of Canada's
greenhouse emissions; and,
WHEREAS in Cities worldwide public transit and rail transportation has been shown to be
amore environmentally-friendly and effective mode of transportation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that in conjunction with any proposed expansion, the
Province of Ontario implement the recommendations of the North Mainlines Rail Alliance
and an expansion of the GO commuter rail network; and,
BE IT RESOLVED that High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) and/or bus lanes be created and
reserved during peak hours on any new highway expansions; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the
Minister of Transportation, and to the municipal councils and MPP's of all communities
covered by the North Mainline Rail Alliance. "
8. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator