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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-20ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 20, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. R. Dingman, B. McColl, M. Peterson, C. Schneider, O. Ludin and F. G. Zador. Staff: G. Murphy, Director of Engineering Services A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning B. Korah, Manager of Development Engineering B. Steiner, Environmental Planner D. Schmitt, Environmental & Urban Forest Project Manager C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION -SOUTH STRASBURG CREEK SANITARY TRUNK SEWER CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee considered the South Strasburg Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Executive Summary, dated February, 2008. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of the Stantec Consulting Ltd. presentation regarding the South Strasburg Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer EA. Messrs. George MacDuff and Chris Powell, Stantec Consulting Ltd. and B. Korah reviewed the inventory of existing conditions within the South Strasburg Creek study area, completed to facilitate an evaluation of relative impacts of sanitary servicing alternatives on the existing natural and social environments. Mr. MacDuff advised that the Official Plans of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener include provisions for development within and adjacent to the general study area boundary. He added that the provision of a sanitary sewage system is a pre-requisite for development; accordingly, the `do nothing' alternative is not a viable option. The following servicing alternatives were then presented by the Project Team: Alternative `A' -deep gravity sewer extending from the trunk sewers current terminus at Strasburg Road along the middle branch of Strasburg Creek, and extending westerly within the existing Huron Road Right-of-Way (ROW); Alternative `B' -deep gravity sewer extending southerly from the trunk sewers current terminus point within the future Strasburg Road ROW through to the limit of Draft Plan 30T- 95018, then westerly along the south branch of Strasburg Creek to the north woodlot, extending through to Fischer-Hallman Road; includes an alternative alignment in close proximity to a cleared forest edge, combined with a potential community trail; and, Alternative `C' -deep gravity sewer extending southerly from the trunk sewers current terminus point within the future Strasburg Road ROW through to the limit of Draft Plan 30T- 95018, then westerly along the south branch of Strasburg Creek, to the south of the woodlot, extending through to Fischer-Hallman Road. Mr. G. MacDuff stated that as there is sufficient topographical relief to drain the majority of this sewershed via gravity to the existing sanitary sewage collection system, a sewage pumping facility was deemed unsupportable as a design alternative. He advised that the Project Team ranked each servicing alternative based on the following criteria: serviceable areas, natural environment, social environment and financial requirements. He noted that the result of the evaluations identified Alternative `C' as the preliminary preferred alternative. Mr. B. Korah stated that the next steps to be followed in the EA process for the project are to present the preliminary preferred alternative at a second Public Information Centre and receive comments from the public and review agencies. He noted that the Committee's comments and questions would be taken into consideration as the EA process moves towards completion. Several members expressed concerns regarding the potential impact that the trunk sanitary sewer could have on the wildlife and natural environment in and around the study area boundaries. Further, members noted that it would be difficult for them to provide comprehensive comments on the EA without examining the raw data collected as part of the detailed field investigations to identify and characterize the natural features and associated ecological functions. Mr. B. McColl stated that at the February 21, 2008 Environmental Committee meeting, members requested that Appendices `A' and `B' of the EA, which contain the field investigation data, be distributed prior to this meeting; adding that those documents have yet to be circulated. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 20.200$ - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION -SOUTH STRASBURG CREEK SANITARY TRUNK SEWER CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT tCONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. G. MacDuff advised that one of his company's senior staff were conducting a peer review of the requested Appendices, which is why they have not been distributed to the Committee. Mr. C. Powell stated that with the exception of one limited area, the alignment of the Alternative `C' sewer pipe would consistently be located above the groundwater. He noted that in that one area a clay collar would be constructed around the pipe to minimize its impact. Mr. B. Korah stated that the Region of Waterloo, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE), and the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) have all provided comments as to the sanitary sewers impact on the area's natural environment. He added that staff from the GRCA are members of the Project Team and have provided detailed information /comments relative to environmental screening criteria, which will be addressed prior to the finalization of the Environmental Study Report (ESR). Mr. M. Peterson expressed support for Alternative `C', indicating that it is preferable over the other 2 Alternatives, as those would require approximately 12 meters of excavation. Ms. Y Fernandes expressed concerns regarding the impact that the alignment of Alternative `C' and the future Strasburg Road ROW would have on the adjacent woodlot and was advised that the sanitary sewer would constitute only a minor disturbance. Mr. C. Powell stated that the future alignment of Strasburg Road would encroach on the woodlot, noting that he is unable to confirm the degree of its impact at this time. Mr. G. MacDuff noted that the sanitary trunk sewer is being pursued in direct response to draft development plans already committed to for this area, adding that the future alignment of Strasburg Road was established through the 1994 Brigadoon Community Plan. At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. G. MacDuff agreed to circulate Appendices `A' and `B'. Mr. MacDuff stated that the Project Team anticipate holding another Public Information Centre in mid-April 2008 and requested that the members forward any additional comments to him prior to that time. 2. PRESENTATION - KITCHENER NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM AND STREET TREE INVENTORY PROGRAM Mr. D. Schmitt advised that the Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP) is a collaborative project aimed at engaging the community in environmental stewardship; educating people about Kitchener's natural areas; and, creating opportunities to experience nature in the City. He then reviewed the various initiatives planned for the coming year, noting that more information regarding this project can be found at www.kitchener.ca/knap.htm. Mr. D. Schmitt advised that staff are currently involved in a new Street Tree Inventory program to count and examine every City-owned tree in Kitchener. He stated that trees remove air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter, adding that these benefits are directly related to tree size, particularly the total leaf area, which varies by tree species. He indicated that staff will use a model called Stratum (i-tree) to inventory and calculate the value of each street tree, characterizing each one by its structure, function and value. The project involves collecting data in the field using computerized tablets within the City's Geographic Information System (GIS), which will allow staff to download the data into corporate databases. He added that staff will be able to map and analyze the data with the GIS to identify changes that occur over time and estimate future needs and trends. He stated that the data collected would be used to develop an Urban Forest Strategic Plan, management plans, plus policies and standards. He estimated that the field work would be completed by the end of 2008. In response to questions, Mr. D. Schmitt advised that the City owns approximately 45,000 street trees and estimated that 10,000 trees have been inventoried in 2008. He stated that once a municipality has information establishing the quantified value of trees, a much stronger case could be made for tree preservation. He added that this project would also focus on maintenance requirements for the City's overall tree infrastructure and identify areas where new trees can be planted. He commented that this is the first step in resource management, noting that these valuable resources must be managed now if the City is to derive future benefits from them. Several members expressed support for the KNAP and the Street Tree Inventory Program. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 20.200$ -10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. KITCHENER NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM - APPOINTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE Councillor B. Vrbanovic opened the floor to nominations for the Committee's representative to the Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP). Ms. Y. Fernandes and Mr. M. Peterson volunteered to stand for nomination. Mr. D. Schmitt advised that the Committee could have more than one representative to the Program and it was agreed that both Ms. Fernandes and Mr. Peterson would be appointed as the Environmental Committee's representatives to the KNAP. 4. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - DRAFT POLICY REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of the draft updated Strategic Plan for the Environment, dated March 18, 2008. Ms. B. Steiner gave a presentation on the results of the December 2007 public consultation, and how this has resulted in the updates reflected in the text of the draft Plan. She stated that comments /feedback is still being obtained from key members of staff on the draft updated Plan prior to finalization and requested that all members provide her with their comments by March 26, 2008. In response to questions, Ms. B. Steiner advised that the update to the current Strategic Plan for the Environment seeks to move it from a document that primarily guides the environmental activities of the City, into a document that refocuses environmental awareness and commitment to include the entire community, as well as municipal administration. In addition, an updated Plan would allow the City to successfully integrate a number of policy initiatives, and amended legislation from all levels of government, that have changed the context in which Kitchener's environment is managed. She stated that under each of the Plan's functional areas there are primary objectives and overall program priorities that would be used to guide staff in implementing the Plan. She added that an objective of the Plan is to ensure the integrity and long-term sustainability of the City's natural watercourses and municipal water supply through the protection and enhancement of essential hydrological and hydrogeological functions using ecologically sound management practices, conservation strategies and public education. She stated that fostering environmental awareness is critical to establishing high levels of environmental literacy, which is why environmental education and public awareness is its own separate functional area. She commented that the Air Quality in Kitchener Plan would be an implementation piece under the Air Quality functional area. She noted that no one formula exists to calculate net gain improvements to the City's environment and accordingly, the environmental benefits of an initiative would be considered on a case by case basis. 5. DTS-0$-037 - PARK DEDICATION POLICY The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 08-037, dated March 18, 2008 concerning amendments to Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 273 (Park Dedication Policy). Mr. A. Pinard advised that the Planning Act establishes park dedication limits of 2% of the land or land value for commercial or industrial development and 5% of the land or land value, or alternatively 1 hectare per 300 dwelling units proposed, for residential development. He stated that the City is entitled to require the maximum park dedication as a condition for development or redevelopment, noting that the proposed amendments are intended to give guidance for a fair, reasonable and consistent approach given the different circumstances of various development proposals. He then reviewed the implementation strategy for the proposed new policy, as outlined in Report DTS-08-037. He noted that staff anticipate presenting the new Park Dedication Policy at the April 21, 2008 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. In response to questions, Mr. A. Pinard advised that for institutional lands the City would pursue the full 5% conveyance. He stated that in cases of phased development involving large holdings, it may be mutually agreeable for the owner and the City to enter into a parkland deferral agreement for later phases. He noted that if land is partially developed and the remaining part is to be developed or redeveloped, the parkland dedication would be based on the total area of the site, less that area in which existing development is to remain. He added that the City would reserve the right to collect park dedication on future redevelopment or intensification on that portion of land on which park dedication was not assessed. He requested that the members provide him with any additional comments regarding the proposed amendments by no later than April 4, 2008. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 20.200$ -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. PRESENTATION -GROWTH MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP UPDATE Mr. B. McColl advised that the Growth Management Working Group has yet to meet. He stated that in preparation of the Working Group's meetings he would be circulating a report to solicit the members' feedback to the following question: "is there a model for economic sustainability in our society that is not dependant on growth?" 7. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN Mr. B. McColl requested that an update be provided at a future Environmental Committee meeting regarding the Doon South Community Plan. Mr. A. Pinard agreed to follow-up on this request and noted that he may be limited in the information he is able to provide due to the current litigation involving that matter. 8. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER REPORT - 200$ BEST BETS The Committee was in receipt this date of the Air Quality Working Group's Candidate Best Bets for 2008, dated March 18, 2008. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that at the February 21, 2008 meeting it was determined that the selection of the 2008 Best Bets would take place at the April 24, 2008 meeting, or if more time and information is needed, at the May meeting; which would facilitate their release prior to Clean Air Day. He noted that in terms of the selection process, the Working Group was asked to bring forward 8 to 10 Candidate Best Bets and the members would narrow that list down to the 5 Best Bets for 2008. Several members expressed concern with Candidate Best Bet #4 (Public Education) in that it has 3 Air Quality in Kitchener Report Recommended Actions listed as sub-points. Mr. C. Schneider commented that for some of the Candidate Best Bests there appeared to be additional action items not listed in the original Air Quality in Kitchener Report. Mr. G. Zador commented on the impact of grouping 3 Recommended Actions under one Best Bet would have on staff's workload and inquired into what would happen if he only wanted to select one of the 3 Recommended Actions. Ms. Y. Fernandes stated that as the topic of public education is very broad the Working Group determined that it would be preferable to include several items under the umbrella of that single Best Bet. It was noted that previous Best Bets also contained several sub-points. Mr. Q. Ludin expressed concern with the potential confusion that this could present when the members try to rank the Best Bets, particularly with regard to numbering. He then inquired if it would be possible to have one contact person to whom the members could forward their selected Candidate Best Bets. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that typically the annual Best Bets are re-worked to facilitate their consideration by this Committee and Council. He then requested that staff reformat the Candidate Best Bets and distribute them to the members along with a ranking chart. He stated that the members would return their completed ranking charts to staff, who would then compile the selected Candidate Best Bets into a prioritized list in preparation for the April 24, 2008 Environmental Committee meeting. 9. ALDER STRASBURG CREEK WATERSHED STUDY AND UPPER STRASBURG CREEK WATERSHED PLAN UPDATE Ms. Y. Fernandes stated that the Alder Strasburg Creek Watershed Study and Upper Strasburg Creek Watershed Plan are listed on the Committee's Unfinished Business List and are scheduled to be considered by the Development and Technical Services Committee on March 31, 2008. She requested that an update be provided on this matter at the April 24, 2008 Environmental Committee meeting. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator