HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-15ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 15, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:12 p.m.
Present: Mr. C. Schneider - Co-Chair
Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. G. Zador, R. Dingman, Q. Ludin and B.
McColl.
Staff: B. Steiner, Environmental Planner
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
1. WATERLOO REGION GREEN SOLUTIONS - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PROJECT CREEP) UPDATE
The Committee was in receipt of an information booklet developed by Waterloo Region Green
Solutions' Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), regarding the REEP House for
Sustainable Living. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a proposed site plan for
the REEP House for Sustainable Living and REEP `Green Office'.
Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, REEP, advised that REEP will be leasing 2 houses
from the Region of Waterloo for 4 consecutive 5-year terms, which will be renovated into the
REEP House for Sustainable Living and the REEP `Green Office'. She stated that the purpose of
this project is to create a public demonstration centre that inspires and enables sustainable living
and building practices, and a `Green Office' from which to operate REEP's expanding programs
and services. She added that community engagement at both the neighbourhood and greater
Waterloo Region levels will be a priority during the transformation of the REEP houses. She
noted that citizens will be invited to provide their input during the renovation process, and to learn
about the energy issues identified in the 2 homes.
In response to questions, Ms. M. J. Patterson advised that houses built before 1940 tend to be
the least efficient (average potential energy savings of 36%), and represent a significant portion
(14%) of Waterloo Region's housing stock. Further, homes built before 1915 (7% of the Region's
housing stock), were constructed in ways that present unique challenges to implementing energy
efficiency. Accordingly as century homes, the REEP houses will model solutions to these
challenges, while also demonstrating efficiency measures that will be suitable for houses of any
era. Ms. Patterson stated that their goal is to occupy the `Green Office' by early next year and
open the REEP House for Sustainable Living by the summer of 2009. She noted that this
timeline is contingent upon the success of their fundraising campaign. She commented that
REEP is a member of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) Green Building
Committee and offered to circulate their meeting schedule so that members could attend and
learn more about green building techniques.
2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -SELECTION OF 200$ BEST BETS
The Committee was in receipt of the Members' Aggregated Ranking Chart for the 2008
Candidate Best Bets, dated April 21, 2008. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of
the Air Quality Working Group's Candidate Best Bets Options `B' and `C'.
Mr. R. Dingman advised that Options `B' and `C' were derived from the members' aggregated
ranking of the 2008 Candidate Best Bets. He stated that Option `B' is a reflection of the point
ranking system, while Option `C' is a version of Option `B' modified slightly to better capture
member's first choice picks. He added that in light of the outcome of the aggregated ranking,
Option `A', which was originally submitted by the Working Group, has been withdrawn from
consideration. Regarding Candidate Best Bet 5(b) of Option `C', Mr. Dingman advised that this
Committee needs to identify the timeframe with which the proposed Corporate target for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 20% is to be achieved. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed
that the target be instituted based on the findings of an investigation conducted by staff into the
established best practices implemented in other jurisdictions. In addition the Committee agreed
to amend Candidate Best Bet 1(e), of both Options `B' and `C', to read: "that staff provide citizens
with information on Green Energy; the option and endorsement of purchasing Green Energy;
and, encourage all local energy providers to offer Green Energy choices within their product
portfolios."
It was noted that to permit the public announcement of the Five Best Bets for 2008 by Clean Air
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 15, 200$ -17 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -SELECTION OF 200$ BEST BETS tCONT'D)
Day (June 4, 2008), any recommendation from this Committee will be considered at the May 26,
2008 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting, with any subsequent
recommendations arising from that Committee to be considered at the Special Council meeting
scheduled for later that date.
The Committee members then evaluated the merits of each of the draft Five Best Bets for 2008
and associated sub-action items, as outlined in Options `B' and `C'; and, came to the following
decision:
"That the in accordance with the Air Quality in Kitchener (2006) report the following be
approved as the Five Best Bets for 2008:
Best Bet #1 -Continue to support and implement energy efficiency initiatives
In accordance with the proposed 2008 Best Bet #1 [Recommended Action 2.1 from the Air
Quality in Kitchener report (2006)], the Environmental Committee recommends:
1(a) That Leaislafed Services staff continue to provide support to the Waterloo Region
Green Solutions' (WRGS') Residential Energy Efficiency Project CREEP); and,
1(b) That Utilities and Communications staff publish on the City's website the EnerGuide
ratings and evaluations:
i) providing links to Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) ecoEnergy website
(ratings); and,
1(c) That Environmental Planning staff investigate opportunities to support Hydro Smart
Meters:
i) reporting to the Environmental Committee with results of Smart Meter pilot
project; (i.e. how receptive have staff and consumers been? Was there time-
of-day pricing /incentives offered? If not can this be offered?); and,
1(d) That Facilities Management and Purchasing staff consider purchasing Green Energy:
i) purchase Green Energy in the amount consumed by City Hall; and further,
1(e) That Environmental Planning staff provide citizens with information on Green Energy;
the option and endorsement of purchasing Green Energy; and, encourage all local
energy providers to offer Green Energy choices within their product portfolios.
Best Bet #2 - Reduce reliance on automobiles and enhance non-vehicular
accessibility
In accordance with the proposed 2008 Best Bet #2 [Recommended Action 2.9 from the Air
Quality in Kitchener report (2006)], the Environmental Committee recommends:
2(a) That Transportation Planning and Planning staff investigate the potential to provide
incentives and education regarding the reasons why citizens should live close to
work; and,
2(b) That Transportation Planning and Planning staff investigate enhancing non-vehicular
accessibility to subdivisions /community centres to allow for small business to be
located within walking distance of residential areas; and,
2(c) That Transportation Planninq and Plannin~f investigate the possibility of
preventing further designs that allow drive-throughs; and further,
2(d) That Human Resources staff investigate the feasibility of providing City staff with a
Grand River Transit Corporate Bus pass, as a means of reducing traffic in the
downtown.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 15, 200$ -1$ - CITY OF KITCHENER
2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -SELECTION OF 200$ BEST BETS tCONT'D)
Best Bet #3 -Develop, promote and implement best management practices for non-
manufacturing businesses
In accordance with the proposed 2008 Best Bet #3 [Recommended Action 1.19 from the
Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)], the Environmental Committee recommends:
3(a) That Environmental Plannin~f develop and implement best management
practices that will reduce emissions from non-manufacturing businesses by using a
mix of regulatory tools, economic instruments and voluntary approaches as
appropriate. The following is a link to better define `best management practices':
www.env.gov.bc.calwldlBMPlbmpintro.html; and further,
3(b) That Environmental Planning staff act to end drive-through designs within this
framework.
Best Bet #4 -Mobilize public opinion
In accordance with the proposed 2008 Best Bet #4 [Recommended Action 1.30 from the
Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)], the Environmental Committee recommends:
4(a)That staff pursue working with the community to shape land use and transportation to
encourage `clean-air' lifestyles. The objective will be to create a more livable City and
sustain the better quality of life. The City could encourage clean air lifestyles via:
i) Transportation Planning, Planning and Communications staff encouraging
clean air lifestyles by publishing and advertising a series of tips (e.g. billboards
or signs visible to those sitting in drive-through line-ups); and further,
ii) Operations staff encouraging people to enjoy and respect woods and trail
system.
Best Bet #5 - Establish a greenhouse gas emission reduction target and track
implementation progress
In accordance with the proposed 2008 Best Bet #5 [Recommended Action 1.33 from the
Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)], the Environmental Committee recommends:
5(a) That Environmental Planning staff pursue the development of a regional greenhouse
gas emission reduction target and inform the public about progress toward meeting
this target; and,
5(b) That a Corporate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% be instituted
based on the findings of an investigation conducted by Environmental Planning staff
into the established best practices implemented in other jurisdictions; and further,
That staff through the Environmental Study Group be directed to investigate the feasibility
and, if appropriate, pursue the implementation of the Air Quality in Kitchener Five Best
Bets for 2008 and associated sub-action items."
PH-07-056 - REGION OF WATERLOO PUBLIC HEALTH
- 2007 NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDE REDUCTION SOCIAL MARKETING
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
The Committee was in receipt of Region of Waterloo Public Health Department report PH-07-
056, dated November 6, 2007 regarding the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's Non-Essential
Pesticide Reduction Social Marketing Campaign.
Ms. B. Steiner advised that the registered delegation, Mr. Tom Bird, Public Health Planner,
Region of Waterloo, recently notified staff that he would not be able to attend today's meeting.
She stated that the Region of Waterloo is planning to continue the Social Marketing Campaign
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 15, 200$ -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. PH-07-056 - REGION OF WATERLOO PUBLIC HEALTH
- 2007 NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDE REDUCTION SOCIAL MARKETING
CAMPAIGN UPDATE tCONT'D)
through to 2010, based on the funding formula of 50% Region of Waterloo funding and 50%
funding from local area municipalities on a per capita basis. She added that as in previous years,
the Campaign will focus on decreasing pesticide use while improving the uptake of effective lawn
care practices; with strategies that include: displays at community events, staffed booths at
garden centres, neighbourhood visits, and community workshops. Ms. Steiner advised that the
Social Marketing Campaign is now well established and the public has begun to take up the
challenge of using good cultural practices to create a healthy lawn using fewer pesticides.
Accordingly, the City of Kitchener is being requested to provide funding to the Campaign through
to 2010; contingent upon the continued cost-sharing by all local area municipalities.
In response to questions, Ms. B. Steiner advised that on April 22, 2008, the Ontario Minister of
the Environment introduced Bill 64, which if approved, would amend the Pesticides Act to prohibit
the use and sale of pesticides that may be used for cosmetic (non-essential) purposes. She
stated that the timing of when the province's ban would take effect depends on the passing of Bill
64 by the Ontario Legislature. Accordingly, the Regional Pesticide Reduction Task Force will
need to meet to assess the impact of the provincial ban on the Social Marketing Campaign. She
noted that the City's funding commitment for the Social Marketing Campaign would be subject to
Council's annual budget deliberation process and could be amended or discontinued in response
to the province's ban. She pointed out that notwithstanding the provincial ban, a need would
remain to continue to educate the public on alternative approaches to lawn care maintenance.
On motion by Ms. N. Sonder -
it was resolved:
"That the City of Kitchener recognizes the public's 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 continues to participate in cost-sharing with 50% by area municipalities and
50% by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and approve the request of the Region for a
financial contribution in the amount of $15,507.87 for 2008, $15,972.70 for 2009, and
$10,597.48 for 2010, which represents years Year 5-7 of the cost-shared community-
based social marketing (CBSM) campaign; and further,
That Kitchener's contribution be contingent upon cost-sharing by all area municipalities."
4. GREYHOUND BUS SERVICES RELOCATION
The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Mr. M. Peterson outlining his
concerns regarding the proposed closure of the Greyhound Bus Depot at the downtown bus
transfer station. The Committee agreed to consider this matter at its June 19, 2008 meeting.
5. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator