HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-09-065 - Environmental Committee Recomendation - Air Quality in Kitchener - Five Best Bets for 2009J
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CorporQte Services
REPORT T0: Councillor C. Weylie, Chair and Members of the Development
and Technical Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: June 1, 2009
SUBMITTED BY: Environmental Committee
PREPARED BY: Colin Goodeve, Committee Administrator - ext 2278
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: May 21, 2009
REPORT NO.: CRPS-09-065
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: AIR
QUALITY IN KITCHENER -FIVE BEST BETS FOR 2009
RECOMMENDATION:
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 1 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
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emissions from fleet vehicles [Recommended Action 1.1 from the
Air Quality in Kitchener report (2006)]; 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 2009.
BACKGROUND:
In May 2006, the Environmental Committee presented a report to Council entitled Air Quality in
Kitchener (2006). The report was the culmination of a year of deliberations by members of the
Environmental Committee responding to direction from Council in November of 2004 to develop
a long-term, "comprehensive plan" on the air quality in the City of Kitchener. The report
included a series of (50+) Recommended Actions and, in 2006, five (5} of these actions (Five
Best Bets) were put forward by the Environmental Committee for investigation by staff. On July
4, 2006, Council, at the request of the Environmental Committee, directed staff to commence an
examination into the feasibility and potential of implementing the Five Best Bets for 2006.
Similarly, in May of 2007 and 2008 Council directed staff to investigate the feasibility of
implementing the Five Best Bets put forward by the Environmental Committee in those years.
The timing for the annual Five Bests Bets (i.e. five (5) of the 50+ Recommended Actions)
selection was set to permit their public announcement on Clean Air Day, a day proclaimed by
the Government of Canada, and occurring on the first or second Wednesday of June each year
as part of Canadian Environment Week. In 2009, Clean Air Day is June 3rd
REPORT:
At the May 21, 2009 Environmental Committee meeting, the Committee reviewed the remaining
50+ Recommended Actions outlined in the Air Quality in Kitchener (2006) report. Based on that
review, the Committee has selected the following 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;
Best Bet #2 -expand the existing Kitchener Clean Air Plan to include a smog alert
advisory l strategy and management program targeted at the general
public, not just City operations;
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;
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); 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.
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Subject to Council's approval of the annual Five Best Bets, all affected Departments, Divisions,
and / or staff will be notified and requested to commence their study on each Recommended
Action's feasibility for implementation. Following this, the affected staff should consider the
advisability and necessary steps, including budget requirements, in implementing the
Recommended Actions throughout the summer months. Accordingly, budget requests should
be made in the early autumn (leading to the administrative review process of the budget). In
September, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Environmental Committee, staff are
requested to provide an update on their investigation into each of the Five Best Bets. This does
not have to be as formal as a staff report, but may be accomplished through internal
memoranda / emails to Environmental Committee support staff (Environmental Planner and / or
Committee Administrator) who will attach the information to the agenda and l or personal
presentation(s) at the Committee meeting. Subsequent to Council finalizing its coming year's
budget, staff are to provide apost-budget progress report regarding the investigation and / or
implementation of the Five Bests Bets usually in January. Finally, staff are to report back
formally at the April meeting of the Environmental Committee on each of the Five Best Bets
from the previous year.
Attached for reference is a copy of Development and Technical Services Department report
DTS-09-064, which was presented at the May 21, 2009 Environmental Committee meeting; and
provides a consolidated final report on the Air Quality in Kitchener Five Best Bets for 2008.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Troy Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services
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J
KITC~i ~R ' •
De~elopment&
Technical5ervrces
REPORT T0: Environmental Committee
DATE OF MEETING: May 21, 2009
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Interim Director of Planning (519) 741-2319
PREPARED BY: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner (519) 741-
3400 x 3148
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: April 23, 2009
REPORT NO.: DTS-09-064
SUBJECT: 2008 BEST BETS FOR AIR QUALITY :FINAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
That Report DTS-09-064 (2008 Best Bets for Air Quality: Final Report) be received for
information.
BACKGROUND:
In May 2006 the Environmental Committee presented a report entitled Air Quality in Kitchener to
Kitchener Council. The report was the culmination of a year of deliberations by members of the
Committee responding to direction from Council in November of 2004 to develop a long term
comprehensive plan on the air quality in the city of Kitchener. The report included a series of 50
Recommended Actions
In 2006 five of these actions entitled `Five Best Bets' were put forward by the Committee for
investigation by staff as to their feasibility. Kitchener Council ratified this committee
recommendation on July 4, 2006 and in so doing staff was directed to commence a
consideration of the feasibility and ways and means of implementing the Five Best Bets.
Each year since 2006 five Best Bets have been put forward by the Environmental Committee
and approved by Kitchener Council. The Council approved process for selecting and reporting
on the five annual Best Bets includes a final report on the previous year Best Bets at the April or
May meeting of each year. This report constitutes the final report for the 2008 Best Bets for Air
Quality.
REPORT:
On June 9, 2008 Kitchener Council approved the five Best Bets for 2008 that were
recommended by the Environmental Committee. Interim updates from City staff were provided
to the Environmental Committee at the October 2008 and February 2009 meetings.
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In accordance with the Council approved process relevant staff were asked to provide final
reports on the five Best Bets for 2008. The five Best Bets for 2008 and the responses received
are provided below under each subsection.
Best Bet #1 - Continue to suaaort and imalement enerav efficiency initiatives
1(a) That legislated services staff continue to provide support to the 'Waterloo Region
Green Solutions' (WRGS) Residential Energy Efficiency Project CREEP);
Council supported a financial contribution of $25,000 to the Waterloo Region Green Solutions,
Residential Energy Efficiency Project CREEP), as part of the Environmental Committee's 2009
operating budget. Additionally, Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener Wilmot Hydro have provided
information on their website about the Residential Energy Efficiency Project CREEP).
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
1(b) That utilities staff and communications staff publish on the City's website the
EnerGuide ratings and evaluations;
Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener Wilmot Hydro have provided information on their websites on
what to consider when shopping for new appliances such as EnerGuide labels.
Reported by: Wally Malcolm, Director of Utilities
Jana Miller, Manager Corporate Communications
1(c) That environmental planning staff investigates opportunities to support Hydro
Smart Meters;
As part of building a culture of conservation across this province every home and small
business in Ontario will have a Smart Meter by 2010. Kitchener Wilmot Hydro has estimated
that approximately 82,000 Smart Meters will be installed in our area. To date Kitchener Wilmot
Hydro has installed 3,000 - 4,000 Smart Meters and this summer they will install approximately
18,000. The remaining Smart Meters will be installed this summer by a contractor. Customers
will not begin to be billed until full installation of all Smart Meters has occurred. The Ontario
Government has created the "Getting Smart about Smart Meters" website to provide consumers
with information about its Smart Meter initiative. The website is located at
www.smartmetersontario.ca
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
1(d) That facilities management staff and purchasing staff consider purchasing Green
Energy;
Kitchener is on the leading edge of municipalities in the province for environmental due
diligence, reducing its carbon footprint through retrofits and innovative projects. The primary
document guiding the development of environmental initiatives is the Strategic Plan for the
Environment (2008), which identifies, prioritizes and budgets for environmental initiatives within
all city departments. The current plan aims to achieve continual reductions in energy
consumption and to promote a sustainable energy-use lifestyle through public education and
increased use of renewable energy sources. In 2009, funding will be sought to purchase `green'
power for City community centres, pools, and arenas.
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Reported by: Mario Petricevic, Manager- Project, Energy Management
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;
Both Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener Wilmot Hydro are committed to the efficient delivery of
electricity, natural gas and water to Kitchener residents as well as ongoing public
education. Kitchener vvilmot Hydro has provided a 'links' page on their
website including websites that provide independent comparisons of natural gas and electricity
rates like www.enerayshop.com.
The supply of electricity available to Kitchener Wilmot Hydro is a mix from various sources,
including nuclear, natural gas and renewable such as wind and solar power. In 2007 the Ontario
Energy Mix as determined by the Ministry of Energy consisted of 52% nuclear, 18% coal, 21
hydro, 8% natural gas and 1 % wind.
Progress to date on renewable energy in Ontario includes:
• Since 2003, contracts have been signed representing more than 2,300 megawatts of
new renewable capacity. Ontario Power Generation is also adding the equivalent of 200
new megawatts at Niagara
• Through the renewable RFP processes, there are contracts in place for 18 projects
representing more than 1,300 MW of renewable capacity. Ten of these projects are up
and running
• Ontario now has 501 Mvv of wind power online, among the top three provinces in wind
capacity. There are signed contracts for another 1,300 MW
• 164 signed contracts with potential solar photovoltaic projects since November 2006,
under the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. These include micro-generation
systems (10 kilowatts or less) up to large-scale (10 Mv1~ farms
• In August 2007, the OPA was directed to procure another 2,000 MW of new renewable
supply for Ontario over the next four years.
Reported by: Wally Malcolm, Director of Utilities
Rhonda Moreau, Kitchener Wilmot Hydro
Best Bet#2 -Reduce reliance on automobiles and enhance non-vehicular accessibilit
2(a) That transportation planning staff and planning staff investigate the potential to
provide incentives and education regarding the reasons why citizens should live
close to work;
Reducing energy use and changing the patterns of where people live, work, and shop is a very
complex challenge, requiring an assortment of regulations, policies and public education from
various levels of government over a broad period of time.
The Kitchener Growth Management Strategy, Mixed Use Corridors and the 2007 Council
approved Neighbourhood Design Guidelines all encourage efficient use of land, walkable
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neighbourhoods, mixed land uses (residential, retail, workplace and institutional all within one
neighbourhood), and proximity to transit. As development occurs using the 2007
Neighbourhood Design Guidelines, walkable communities will become more evident.
The City of Kitchener as part of the existing Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
Study will investigate the potential for community based strategies to educate citizens of a live
work balance and reduce the use of personal automobiles. Any further work related to the TDM
would be contingent on Council approving the final TDM plan and a TDM Coordinator position.
Additionally, the Region of Waterloo employs TDM coordinators that work on community
awareness projects for decreasing the reliance on automobiles. Also, the Region of Waterloo
Public Health Department is coordinating a three year project called the `New Path Project' on
walkabilty which includes a public survey of Region of Waterloo residents and various
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functions. The `New Path Project' is partially funding
through the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Region of Waterloo, and partners with various
Universities. Once complete the research will be available to the public.
Reported by: John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
2(b) That transportation planning staff and planning staff investigate enhancing non-
vehicular accessibility to subdivisionslcommunity centers to allow for small
business to be located within walking distance of residential areas;
Walkable neighborhoods facilitate the creation of more urban, walkable communities through
improved pedestrian connections and improved access to transit. In addition, through greater
street connectivity, Walkable Subdivisions can improve the function of the arterial road system
by keeping local trips on local streets.
Through the Growth Management Strategy and with continued support for meeting our
intensification objectives development can be accommodated in target areas. Those target
areas allow different types of uses to locate within the same area, provided these uses are
reasonably related and compatible. For example, a typical mixed use area might allow
residential and commercial uses (corner drug stores, small shopping centers) to locate within
the same area, thereby assuring these compatible uses are within easy walking distance of one
another.
Additionally, through the Neighbourhood Design Guidelines staff are incorporating into
developments the seven principles of good neighbourhood design creating "complete
communities". Complete communities ensure mixtures of transportation types within
subdivisions and commercial nodes.
The newly formed Cycling Advisory Committee will assist the City in developing cycling policies
and strategies and act as an advocate for cycling in the City, promoting and increasing public
awareness of cycling as a sustainable and healthy form of transportation.
Reported by: John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
2(c) That transportation planning staff and planning staff investigate the possibility of
preventing further designs that allow drive-through;
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On January 28, 2008 Council deliberated the issue of drive-throughs and passed a policy that
new drive-through facilities are to be designed to allow pedestrian movement from the street to
the building and from the parking lot to the building without crossing the drive-through aisle;
thus, upholding the use ofdrive-through facilities.
Furthermore, scientific and technical information surrounding air quality science covering drive-
through emissions is relatively new and there is not a large body of research or data. It would
also appear that the scientific community has not yet reached a consensus on this matter. It is
premature to reach conclusions with confidence on the air quality impacts of drive through
facilities. Interest in this topic may fuel additional research and that would be helpful. Staff will
continue to monitor relevant literature so that it is aware if a general consensus is ever reached.
Reported by: John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
Michael Palmer, Urban Designer
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;
The Transportation Demand Management program has been delayed slightly due to other
corporate initiatives but we anticipate completing the study and starting the implementation of
initiatives later this year. A number of potential programs are being considered that will
encourage the shift of single occupant vehicle use to other more sustainable modes. This could
include programs such as ride sharing, cycling, telework and of course transit. The level of
subsidy for corporate GRT bus passes will be part of the business case but may be subject to
budgetary constraints. Various funding sources as well as phasing of a subsidy program may
also be considered.
Reported by: John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
Best Bet #3 -Develop, promotes and implement best management practices for non-
manufacturing businesses
3(a) that environmental planning staff 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;
It is understood that it is necessary to work in collaboration with both public and private interests
within the community in order to achieve broad participation in best management practices and,
thus, the maximum benefit to reduce emissions in the environment.
Council supported financial contributions to an organization (Sustainable Waterloo) who
propose to assist corporations in Waterloo Region especially those in the high-technology
sector become more environmentally sustainable through reducing their carbon footprint.
Council contributed $2,000 from Kitchener's Energy Management Fund and recently approved
another contribution of $35,000 from the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) to
Sustainable Waterloo. [Sustainable Waterloo is snot-for-profit organization proposing to guide
corporations in Waterloo Region towards a more environmentally sustainable future by
facilitating collaboration between industry, local government, educational institutions, and non-
governmental organizations. They have a focus to develop a corporate commitment to a
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measureable and realistic regional carbon dioxide emission reduction target to which companies
will voluntarily abide. Their website is located at www.sustainablewaterloo.orgl
Environment Canada has developed a pilot program to reduce criteria air pollutants generated
by small-to-medium sized enterprise (SME) industrial manufacturing operations in Southwest
Ontario. The goal of the Business Air Quality Program (BAQP) pilot is to use best practices to
identify opportunities for SMEs to reduce emissions of key criteria air pollutants and to improve
their environmental performance and economic competitiveness.
Environment Canada also has created the Climate Change Plan for Canada (www.ec.gc.ca/cc)
which outlines the role the key sector of Industry and Business can play to reduce emissions,
while continuing to grow and prosper.
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
3(b) That environmental planning staff act to end drive through designs within this
framework;
The response to 2 (c) also responds to this best bet.
Best Bet#4 -Mobilize public opinion
4(a) Transportation planning staff, planning staff and communications staff
encouraging clean air lifestyles by publishing and advertising a series of tips;
The City of Kitchener works cooperatively with the public, neighbouring municipalities, local
utilities, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the
provincial and federal government to implement policies and projects that improve air quality in
Kitchener and beyond. Below are a few examples of communications that encourage clean air
lifestyles in Kitchener:
^ `Environews' is published every year in the spring and fall by the Region of Waterloo.
Copies are distributed to each household in the Region and posted online at
www.region.waterloo.on.ca (living here>water>education and resource
materials>environews)
^ To help Kitchener residents looking for some quick and basic facts on a variety of
important municipal programs, services, initiatives and accomplishments, the city has
created a series of short fact sheets. The list of fact sheets is an ongoing work in
progress. New fact sheets will be added all the time and can be found on the City's
website at http:l/www.kitchener.ca/factsl.
^ `Grand Actions' is published every two months, this eight-page newsletter contains
information about efforts by the Grand River Conservation Authority, community groups,
municipalities and individuals to improve and protect the environment, heritage features
and recreational opportunities of the Grand River Watershed. It is distributed in hard
copy, by a-mail to about 4,500 subscribers and is available online at www.grandriver.ca.
The City produces `Your Kitchener' a newsletter providing up to date information that
affects citizens including articles encouraging environmental stewardship. The
publication is generated six times a year and distributed to 65,000 homes as well as
made available at all municipally owned facilities and on the City's website at
www.kitchener.ca/yourkitchener newsletter/your kitchener.html
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Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro have joined together to produce `Natural
Comforts' a newsletter witch informs utility customers about adopting greener practices
and energy efficient choices that can help individuals save money and help the
environment. The spring issue of Natural Comforts will be is distributed through the
Kitchener Record, City Hall, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and it can also be viewed on
Kitchener Utilities website at www.kitchenerutilities.calnews updates/index.asp
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
Jana Miller, Manager Corporate Communications
4(b) Operations staff encouraging people to enjoy and respect woods and trail
systems;
Kitchener has more than 850 hectares of natural area, ranging in size from 1 hectare to areas
greater than 50 hectares. There are more than 75 natural areas in the city that make up 65% of
the City's park system and there is approximately 125 km of constructed community trails city-
wide.
The recently created Natural Area StewardshiplConservation Capital Account is an important
step in the City dedicating long term funding to its natural areas. It will provide the necessary
funding required for Kitchener Natural Areas Program and provide the funding for a full time
Natural Area Coordinator position. The hiring of a full time Natural Area Coordinator is directly
related to the success of building on Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP) and conserving
Kitchener natural areas.
KNAP was created in 2006 by Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, Waterloo Stewardship
Network, and the City of Kitchener. The goal of this collaborative program is to engage the
community in environmental stewardship, educate people about Kitchener's natural areas and
create opportunities for people to experience nature in the city.
In its first two years (2006 and 2007) Kitchener Natural Areas Program KNAP made contact with
more than 2500 people and created more than 7000 stewardship and educational hours.
Activities included stewardship work days, tree planting, invasive species control, ecological
restoration and nature walks. Participants included individuals, families, community groups and
schools Educational material developed include KNAP Factsheets, Newsletter, Natural Area
Park Series and website htta:/lwww.kitchener.calknaal
Reported by: Greg Hummel, Manager of Park Planning, Development, Operations
Best Bet #5 - Establish a greenhouse gas emission reduction target and track
implementation progress
5(a) That environmental planning staff pursues the development of a regional
greenhouse gas emission reduction target and inform the public about progress
toward meeting this target;
The Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air was originally established in 2005, and includes
representation from local government (including Kitchener), school boards, college and
university, hospitals and a utility. At this time membership is limited to twenty. It continues to
build on the Clean Air Plan originally developed by Region of Waterloo in 1999. The partnership
is intended to help raise the collective, as well as the individual, capacity of each participating
organization to achieve reductions in air emissions and further develop the Clean Air Plan.
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Staff will discuss with the Waterloo Partners for Clean Air the possibility of developing a regional
greenhouse gas emission reduction target that would be harmonized with local governments.
Additionally staff will discuss with the Region ways to inform the public about any progress
made.
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
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;
Along with many other municipalities throughout Canada, Kitchener is a member of the Partners
for Climate Protection program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By following a 5-milestone
framework, Kitchener's emissions can be reduced through a number of initiatives. These
milestones are 1) creating a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast; 2) setting an
emissions reduction plan; 3) developing a local action plan; 4) implementing a local action plan
or a set of activities, and; 5) monitoring progress and reporting results.
It is anticipated that though the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) Kitchenerwill complete
a Green House Gas (GHG) inventory over the next year using the methods and milestones laid
out by Partners for Climate Protection. Though this methodology the City will establish an
achievable GHG emission reduction target within the next year.
Reported by: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS:
No external communications were required in order to prepare this report Information on the
Air Quality in Kitchener report and the five Best Bets are available on the City website
CONCLUSION:
This report outlines numerous municipal initiatives that implement the 2008 Best Bets for Air
Quality.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Interim General Manager
Development and Technical Services Department
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