HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-08-103 - Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program - Progress Report1
K KR
Development&
Technical Services
REPORT
Report To: Environmental Committee
Date of Meeting : June 19, 2008
Submitted By: Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning
Prepared By: Heather Wright, Student Planner (Ext. 3270)
Ward(s) Involved: All Wards
Date of Report: June 4, 2008
Report No.: DTS-08-103
Subject: COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT
PROGRAM: PROGRESS REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
BACKGROUND:
The Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP) was created to foster a
sense of environmental stewardship throughout the city.
In January 2008, a total of $7,500 was awarded by council to three different projects seeking to
take environmental initiative in the community. This report outlines the progress of the projects.
REPORT:
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo -Power Saving Network
The Power Saving Network, asub-group of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) -
Power Saving Network, received an Environmental Improvement Grant of $3,000.
This grant was used to educate residents on electricity conservation and to purchase electricity
measuring toolkits. The toolkits contain astep-by-step instruction manual, electricity meters,
demonstration items, and informational fact sheets. These toolkits will assist in hosting
educational events for residents. The expectation of these educational events is to help
participants identify and reduce electricity consumption in their homes through one-on-one
training. A senior high school student from Kitchener has been enlisted to coordinate this
program. The power saving network will provide a simple, low-cost way for residents to
conserve energy and reduce their overall ecological footprint.
It is the intent of this environmental initiative to bring awareness and change to the community's
energy consumption habits. Project details and results will be reported on the Community
Renewable Energy Waterloo website (www.crewzone.ca/power). CREW's treasurer, Glen
Woolner, will be presenting on the success of the program.
Additional contributions were provided by the City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, Region of
Waterloo and Canadian Tire.
Conservation l Renewable Energy Website Development
The Conservation / Renewable Energy Website (CREW) Development received an
Environmental Improvement Grant of $3,000.
This grant was used to develop aconservation /renewable energy website for the group
Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW). The website (www.crewzone.ca) provides
information on energy conservation and renewable energy technologies to region of Waterloo
residents, particularly focusing on energy alternatives such as solar, wind, green buildings, and
earth energy. The purpose of the website is to inform, direct, and encourage energy conscious
action in the community with the purpose of positive environmental change. CREW's Treasurer,
Glen Woolner, will be making a presentation on the development of this website.
Other funding was provided by the City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, Region of Waterloo and
Heffner Toyota.
St. Teresa Catholic School
St. Teresa Catholic School received an Environmental Improvement Grant of $1,500.
This funding was originally proposed to be used to create an "outdoor classroom" in the school
yard. This project was delayed because board permission was not granted. Instead, 14 energy
conservation trees were planted close to the buildings, providing the classrooms with shade.
This will eliminate the need for window air conditioning units in the classrooms. This project will
keep with the intent of this grant through improving air quality and demonstrating sustainable
energy conservation techniques. Photographs will be distributed at the meeting.
Other contributors to this project included TD Friends of the Environment, Toyota Evergreen,
School Parent Council, The Record, CIPA, and the Waterloo Region School Board.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
A total of $7,500 was awarded to 3 projects through the Community Environmental
Improvement Grant Program. At the January 14, 2008 Council meeting, City Council passed a
resolution that of the remaining $2,500: $1,500 of the 2007 CEIGP fund is provided to fund
advertising for the 2008 grant program; and $1,000 be prorated for distribution as part of the
2008 g rant program .
CONCLUSION:
The Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program has been a significant factor in
increasing environmental awareness, creating a sense of environmental stewardship and
supporting environmental research in the City of Kitchener. Through the cooperation of CEIGP
and efforts of the grant recipients, the City has fostered a sense of environmental leadership in
the community.
2
Heather Wright,
Student Planner
Alain Pinard, MCIP, RPP
Manager,
Long Range and Policy Planning
Jeff Willmer, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning