HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2009-12-07 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 5:25 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor C. Zehr and with
all members present.
Notice of this special meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk
pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code, Councillor B. Vrbanovic gave
notice that he would introduce a motion for consideration dealing with supporting the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities' resolution on climate change. Councillor Vrbanovic explained that in
preparation for the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit being held over the next two weeks in
Denmark; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has adopted a resolution supporting the efforts
of the Federal government in this regard and urging the government to recognize the role
municipalities play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor J. Smola
"WHEREAS a global reduction in the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its significant
contribution to the creation of greenhouse gases (GHG) is necessary to slow climate change
and reduce the risks to our economy, human health, the physical environment and quality of
life;
WHEREAS human activities have caused a dramatic increase in the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) in the earth"s atmosphere. Since the mid 1700s, the concentration of CO2 has risen
from about 280 parts per million (ppm) to reach 387 ppm in 2009. This amount is likely the
highest concentration in the atmosphere in the past 20 million years;
WHEREAS evidence presented in the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC)
November 2007 report indicates that "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now
evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures,
widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level" and "Most of the
observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due
to the observed increase in anthropogenic GHG concentrations. It is likely that there has been
significant anthropogenic warming over the past 50 years averaged over each continent
(except Antarctica).";
WHEREAS reducing greenhouse gases makes economic sense. New and improved
infrastructure, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, energy conservation, waste
reduction, building retrofits, transit, walking, cycling, water conservation, better fleet
management, more effective wastewater treatment and distribution, etc., can reduce short-
term and/or long-term municipal operating costs and help maintain community services, while
having a positive impact on the environment;
WHEREAS the impacts of climate change as well as the responsibility for mitigation will fall
primarily on municipalities;
WHEREAS municipalities are leaders among governments in Canada when it comes to
making climate change a priority;
WHEREAS in December, national governments from around the world will meet in
Copenhagen, Denmark to negotiate terms and conditions of a new global climate agreement;
WHEREAS local community based emission reductions can be lower cost compared to many
other approaches, while also providing important social, economic, and environmental benefits
to citizens and businesses;
WHEREAS mayors and municipal leaders responsible for the well-being of communities
across Canada have urged federal and provincial/territorial governments to make climate
protection a priority;
WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) continues to support the 2005
World Mayors and Municipal Leaders Declaration on Climate Change committing municipal
governments, each according to their individual circumstances and abilities, to reduce
SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 2009 - 336 - CITY OF KITCHENER
greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by
2050;
WHEREAS the FCM has climate change as a strategic priority and has numerous programs
and committees such as the Green Municipal Funds and the Partners for Climate Protection
Program, that support municipal leadership on climate change action;
WHEREAS Minister Baird re-affirmed the Government of Canada's position in the House of
Commons on November 18, 2009 when he said, "We need to have real and meaningful action.
We need to have all the big players on board. Canada is committed to doing our part to make
a deal happen in Copenhagen."
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federation of Canadian Municipalities support the Government of
Canada"s commitment to achieve a deal with real and meaningful action in Copenhagen.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge the federal
government to recognize the important role that municipalities play in providing practical local
solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge the federal
government to partner with and support municipalities in undertaking emission reduction
projects.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge the
Government of Canada to seek the re-inclusion of references to the role of and support for
local government climate change action in the latest negotiating text of the Conference of the
Parties, leading up to the Copenhagen meetings in December 2009."
Carried Unanimously.
Mayor C. Zehr advised of an additional item for in-camera discussion arising from the Finance and
Corporate Services Committee meeting this date regarding a labour relations matter.
Moved by Councillor C. Weylie
Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz
"That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held this date to consider a personal matter, a
labour relations matter and alitigation /potential litigation matter."
Carried.
Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz
Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie
"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce a by-law to confirm all actions and
proceedings of the Council and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, be
finally passed and numbered 2009-166 by the Clerk."
Carried.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:27 p. m.
MAYOR CLERK