HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-21ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 21, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:09 p.m.
Present: Mr. B. McColl -Chair
Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. J. Young, Ms. S. Smith and Messrs. M. Peterson, G. Lehman
and G. Zador.
Staff: S. Adams, Director of Community & Corporate Planning
A. Pinard, Interim Director of Planning
L. Bensason, Interim Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning
T. Boutilier, Senior Business Development Officer
C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
G. Stevenson, Planning Technician
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF
Mr. L. Bensason advised that he has been appointed Interim Manager of Long Range and Policy
Planning, effective May 19, 2009 until January 30, 2010. He stated that the duration of
this appointment coincides with Mr. Pinard's appointment as Interim Director of Planning. On
behalf of the Committee, Mr. B. McColl welcomed Mr. Bensason.
2. PRESENTATION -COMPASS KITCHENER'S DRAFT DIVERSITY STRATEGY TO ADVISORY
COMMITTEES
The Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled 'Access, Equity and Inclusion: a
Diversity Strategy for the City of Kitchener', dated May 2009 regarding an overview of the draft
Diversity Strategy prepared by Compass Kitchener. Ms. S. Adams reviewed the presentation.
In response to questions, Ms. S. Adams advised that the purpose of the Diversity Strategy is to
foster a community where all residents have equal access to, and meaningful inclusion in the
social, economic and cultural fabric of civic life. She added that this is about building programs and
processes to ensure that everyone is treated equitably. She stated that a group within the Human
Resources Division is currently working on creating policies which align with the Strategy, noting
that in the past the City has used the Human Rights Code as its guiding document when dealing
with these issues.
Several members spoke in support of the draft Diversity Strategy, noting the importance of having
organizations that represent the entire community; particularly at its senior levels. Mr. G. Zador
suggested that the City could establish an independent body, such as an ombudsman, which could
mediate any issues that may arise when implementing the Strategy.
3. PRESENTATION -CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE FACILITY SOLAR ROOF
The Committee was in receipt this date of the Executive Summary for the Consolidated
Maintenance Facility (CMF) Solar Roof Business Case, dated May 7, 2009 regarding the proposed
installation of a rooftop solar power generation system at the CMF.
Mr. T. Boutilier advised that the City is currently renovating a portion of the former Michelin Tire
Plant on Goodrich Drive for the CMF, which is intended to be a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certified building. He stated that recognizing the space
required for new air handling units, the remaining space on the building's roof could accommodate
a 500 kilowatt solar array made up of 2,500 panels, each producing 200 watts. The total cost to
install a photovoltaic solar energy system on the roof of the CMF would be $4,103,000; however,
under the 2009 Federal Budget Infrastructure Funding program, the City's portion would only be
$1,366,667. He added that all electricity generated by this system would be sold to the Ontario
Power Authority (OPA) under a 20-year contract; in accordance with the OPA's Feed in Tariffs
(FIT) of $0.635 per kilowatt hour (KWhr). This would allow for a payback period of 5 years, after
which the roof could generate an additional $3,515,507. in net revenue over the balance of the
OPA contract. He noted that as this project meets the criteria for the Local Environmental Action
Fund (LEAF), it is proposed that the required funds be borrowed through LEAF at the prevailing
borrowing rate, currently 3%, over a 5-year term.
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MAY 21.2009 -16 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. PRESENTATION -CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE FACILITY SOLAR ROOF (CONT'D)
In response to questions, Mr. T. Boutilier advised that the proposed FIT prices for solar
photovoltaic (PV) projects are designed to kick-start the solar PV industry in Ontario. He noted that
to date, there are just over 100 rooftop installations in operation in Ontario with a total output of
only 0.5 megawatts. He stated that the electricity needed for the operation of the CMF would be
purchased from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro at prevailing rates; current cost being $0.0864 per KWhr.
He stated that following completion of the OPA contract, in the event that the OPA does not wish to
renew it, the City could use the generated electricity for the CMF. He noted that this could result in
an annual cost savings of approximately $52,311. He stated that if funding is not secured through
LEAF, it would need to be borrowed through the private sector.
Several members spoke in support of the proposed installation of a rooftop solar power generation
system at the CMF. Mr. G. Zador expressed concern with the Committee endorsing this proposal
without seeing the Business Case in its entirety. At the request of the Committee, Mr. T. Boutilier
agreed to circulate copies of the full Business Case.
On motion by Mr. G. Zador-
itwas resolved:
"That the Consolidated Maintenance Facility (CMF) Solar Roof Business Case, be endorsed
in principle."
STRATEGIC DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED LANDS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
The Committee considered the Strategic Disposition of City-Owned Lands Sub-Committee report,
dated May 4, 2009 regarding the five properties identified for potential declaration as being surplus
to the City's needs. Mr. M. Peterson reviewed the report.
Ms. Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, Friends of Lakeside Park, addressed the Committee in opposition to
the potential declaration of the Stirling Avenue /Homer Watson Boulevard lands as being surplus
to the City's needs. In response to questions, she expressed support for the recommendation put
forward by the Sub-Committee calling on the City to retain those lands.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic commended the members of the Strategic Disposition of City-Owned
Lands Sub-Committee on the quality of their report, noting its balanced view points and the high
level of research that went into its development.
Several members spoke to the irreplaceable nature of parkland and natural areas, stating that
once those lands are sold they are extremely difficult to reacquire. The Committee noted the
important role that parkland and natural areas have in the community and resolved to make a
general statement identifying that only on a case-by-case basis should consideration be given to
the sale of lands identified as 'parkland'. It was suggested that this recommendation should go
forward separately from the recommendation concerning the five subject properties.
It was noted that any recommendation from the Committee concerning this matter would be
considered at the June 22, 2009 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting.
On motion by Mr. M. Peterson -
itwas resolved:
"WHEREAS Council Policy I-477 (Parkland -Not Disposed of) states that as a general
principle City-owned parkland be retained and not disposed of; and,
WHEREAS established parkland and/or natural areas should not be sold or used for
development;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that only on a case-by-case basis following a public
review of its characteristics /features should any City-owned lands identified as 'parkland',
whether it is active or passive parkland or a natural area, be sold or used for development."
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
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4. STRATEGIC DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED LANDS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT (CONT'Dl
The Committee then considered the recommendations of the Strategic Disposition of City-Owned
Lands Sub-Committee pertaining to the five properties identified for potential declaration as being
surplus to the City's needs.
On motion by Mr. G. Zador-
itwas resolved:
"That the following parcels of City-owned lands be declared as surplus to the City's needs:
1. West side of McLennan Park gate;
2. East side of McLennan Park gate;
3. Kehl Street; and,
That the following parcels of City-owned lands be retained as open space parkland:
4. Stirling Avenue /Homer Watson Boulevard;
5. Kiwanis Park Table Lands; and further,
That the funds generated from the sale of those properties declared surplus to the City's
needs, be allocated to the Parkland Trust Fund, Local Environmental Action Fund, or
another similar program."
5. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENERSOB-COMMITTEE -PROPOSED BEST BETS FOR 2009
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. C. Musselman, dated May 4, 2009
concerning the proposed Five Best Bets for 2009, as recommended by the Air Quality in Kitchener
Best Bets Sub-Committee.
It was noted that any recommendation from the Committee concerning this matter would be
considered at the June 1, 2009 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting, to
permit the public announcement of the 2009 Best Bets by Clean Air Day on June 3, 2009.
On motion by Ms. S. Smith -
itwas resolved:
"That in accordance with the Air Quality in Kitchener (2006) Report the following be
approved as the Five Best Bets for 2009:
Best Bet #1 -the City of Kitchener in cooperation with the Region of Waterloo's Public
Health Department, develop and implement education strategies to make residents
aware how their personal actions and choices affect air quality [Recommended Action
3.4 from the Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)]; and,
Best Bet #2 -expand the existing Kitchener Clean Air Plan to include a smog alert
advisory /strategy and management program targeted at the general public, not just
City operations [Recommended Action 2.4 from the Air Quality in Kitchener report
(2006)]; and,
Best Bet #3 -make available through the City of Kitchener educational material and
assessment tools to demonstrate the benefits of and encourage energy retrofit initiatives
in residential, commercial and industrial applications. [Recommended Action 1.26 from
the Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)]; and,
Best Bet #4 -assist transport centres (i.e. train and bus terminals) and City facilities (i.e.
arenas, libraries and pools) to introduce anti-idling measures. [Recommended Action 1.7
from the Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)]; and,
Best Bet #5 -the City of Kitchener carry on emission inspections and maintenance
programs as part of ISO 14001 that effectively reduce emissions from fleet vehicles
[Recommended Action 1.1 from the Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)]; and further,
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5. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER SUB-COMMITTEE -PROPOSED BEST BETS FOR 2009
(CONT'D)
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 2009."
6. DTS-09-064 - 2008 AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER BEST BET UPDATE
The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-
064, dated April 23, 2009 regarding the implementation of the 2008 Air Quality in Kitchener Best
Bets.
Ms. C. Musselman reviewed the report and advised that staff are examining the possibility of
having a regular column published in Your Kitchener highlighting the City's various environmental
initiatives. She stated that included in the Committee's Work Plan, is an action item related to
updating the Air Quality in Kitchener report in 2010. It was suggested that members could start to
make notes on the various items that they would like to see included in the revised Air Quality in
Kitchener report; such as those related to solar power.
PESTICIDE ACT OF ONTARIO -BAN ON THE COSMETIC USE OF PESTICIDES
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. C. Musselman, dated April 27, 2009
regarding the provincial ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides.
In response to questions, Ms. C. Musselman advised that on April 22, 2009 the Region of Waterloo
Pesticide By-law was repealed and replaced by the Pesticide Act of Ontario. She stated that
pesticides with both cosmetic and non-cosmetic uses will only be allowed for non-cosmetic
purposes, adding that retailers must notify the public of this prior to purchase. For example, a
pesticide to control poison ivy cannot be used on patios or driveways to control weeds. She noted
that while the provincial ban supersedes local municipal pesticides by-laws, the Regional Public
Health Department's website www.letscurbpesticides.ca continues to have value information on
various ways to control weeds and infestations without the use of pesticides.
8. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator