Community and Infrastructure Services

Committee Minutes

Monday, March 25, 2024 at 1:30 P.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Council Chambers - Hybrid

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Present:

• Mayor B. Vrbanovic
• Councillor S. Davey
• Councillor D. Schnider
• Councillor J. Deneault
• Councillor C. Michaud
• Councillor A. Owodunni (virtually)
• Councillor P. Singh
• Councillor M. Johnston
• Councillor D. Chapman
• Councillor S. Stretch

Absent:

• Councillor B. Ioannidis

Staff:

• D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
• M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator
• V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
• J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
• J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
• D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
• L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
• B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
• B. Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services
• B. Lam, Director, Sanitary & Stormwater Utilities
• C. Spere, Director of Engineering
• D. Becks, Director, Facilities Management
• A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
• A. McCrimmon-Jones, Manager, Transportation Safety & Policy
• M. Mazur, Project Manager
• N. Melanson, Project Manager
• D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
• M. Blake, Committee Administrator

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1.

Commencement

The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee held a meeting this date commencing at 1:32 p.m.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None.

3.

Consent Items

Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought forward by Councillor D. Chapman to discuss Consent item 3.4 listed on the agenda, which was voted on and was Carried.

It was also noted item 3.3 was removed from consent, due to delegation registrations. 

3.1

2024 Community Grants Tier 2, CSD-2024-108

The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-2024-108, dated March 1, 2024 regarding approval of the 2024 community grants (Tier 2).

• On motion by Councillor D. Schnider

  it was resolved:

  "That 2024 community grants (Tier 2) in the amount of $209,415 be approved, as outlined in Attachment 'A' to Community Services Department report CSD-2024-108."

  Carried

3.2

Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) Management Review Summary for 2023, INS-2024-050

The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-050, dated February 26, 2024 regarding receipt of the City of Kitchener Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS): Management Review Summary for 2023 Report.

• On motion by Councillor D. Schnider

  it was resolved:

  "That the City of Kitchener Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS): Management Review Summary for 2023 Report be received for information, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-050."

  Carried

3.3

Parkvale Drive Parking Prohibitions, DSD-2024-101

The Committee considered Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-101, dated February 21, 2024 regarding the Uniform Traffic By-law amendment for the prohibition of on-street parking on both sides of Parkvale Drive from Huron Road to a point 65 metres west thereof.

• On motion by Councillor J. Deneault

  it was resolved:

  "That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended for the prohibition of on-street parking on both sides of Parkvale Drive from Huron Road to a point 65 metres west thereof, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2024-101."

  Carried

3.4

Creative Hub Rent Schedule, Skills Trades and Signing Authority, DSD-2024-065

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-065, dated February 23, 2024 regarding the tenant rate schedule and skills trade protocols developed to fit within the Creative Hub’s post-pilot operations and budget.

• On motion by Councillor D. Schnider

  It was resolved:

  "That Council endorse the tenant rate schedule and skills trade protocols developed to fit within the Creative Hub’s post-pilot operations and budget as outlined within Development Services Department report DSD-2024-065; and further,

  That the Director of Culture & Entertainment, or delegate, be authorized to execute licence agreements for a term of two years or less with tenants of the Creative Hub, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor."

  Carried

3.5

Summary Water Report - 2023, INS-2024-051

The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-051, dated January 16, 2024 regarding receipt of the 2023 City of Kitchener Summary Drinking Water Report.

• On motion by Councillor D. Schnider

  it was resolved:

  "That the 2023 City of Kitchener Summary Drinking Water Report be received for information as required by O.Reg. 170/03 Schedule 22 of the Safe Drinking water Act, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-051; and further,

  that the City of Kitchener provide a copy of the Summary Drinking Water Report to the Township of Woolwich and the City of Waterloo as required by Schedule 22 of O.Reg. 170/03."

  Carried

3.6

Glen Road Permit Only Parking Bylaw Revision, DSD-2024-078

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-078, dated February 5, 2024 recommending that the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended for the removal of an on-street permit-only parking prohibition on Glen Road from South Drive to Pleasant Avenue.

A. McCrimmon-Jones, Manager of Transportation, Safety and Policy, provided a brief overview of the report. 

T. Driver was in attendance in opposition to the staff recommendation, requesting staff conduct additional research and community consultation prior to the removal of permit-only parking on Glen Road.

J. Hollinger was in attendance in opposition to the staff report, noting concerns all residents were engaged throughout the petition process. 

In response to questions from the Committee, A. McCrimmon-Jones noted the nearby hospital was not engaged in conversations regarding the proposed change to the on-street parking. A. McCrimmon-Jones also noted the proposed change to the parking on Glen Road, posed no safety concerns regarding emergency service access, as the width of the road meets the standards required to permit parking on both sides of the street. 

In response to questions from the Committee, B. Cronkite, Director of Transportation Services, noted permit only parking began on Glen Road in 2004.

Councillor D. Chapman brought forward a motion to defer consideration of this matter to the June 24, 2024 Council Meeting to allow staff to continue conversations and collect additional information from residents regarding the Uniform Traffic By-law amendment for the removal of an on-street permit-only parking prohibition on Glen Road from South Drive to Pleasant Avenue, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2024-078.

Councillor D. Chapman's deferral motion was then voted on and was LOST.

Councillor A. Owodunni moved the staff recommendation as per Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-078.

• On motion by Councillor A. Owodunni

  it was resolved:

  That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended for the removal of an on-street permit-only parking prohibition on Glen Road from South Drive to Pleasant Avenue, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2024-078."

  LOST

3.7

Neighbourhood Association Affiliation 2024, CSD-2024-102

The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-2024-102, dated March 15, 2024 recommending the list of proposed Neighbourhood Associations.

Council noted the Community Services Department report, CSD-2024-102, indicates that Old Berlin is included as a part of Ward 9, and should be corrected to display as Ward 10.

Councillor P. Singh left the meeting at this time.

• On motion by Councillor J. Deneault

  it was resolved:

  That the list of proposed Neighbourhood Associations, as attached to the Community Services Department report CSD-2024-102, be approved for affiliation for the year 2024 and added to the City’s third-party liability insurance program.

  Carried

4.

Discussion Items

4.1

Class Environmental Assessment for Blair Creek Drive Extension, DSD-2024-104

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-104, dated February 20, 2024 regarding the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study to evaluate an alignment for the extension of Blair Creek Drive from the future Strasburg Road to the intersection of Reidel Drive and Blair Creek Drive.

N. Melanson, Project Manager and L. McKay, MTE Consultants Inc., provided a brief overview of the Blair Creek Drive Extension Report (PFR), noting the preferred solution recommended by staff is alternative 2. Chris Spere, Director of Engineering was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

Councillor M. Johnston left the meeting at this time. Dave Schneider assumed the Chair. 

Councillor M. Johnston returned to the meeting at this time, and resumed Chair. 

In response to questions form Committee, L. McKay clarified the difference between a cycle track and cycle lane, noting separated cycle tracks are the safest option and cater to all ages and abilities of cyclists.

• On motion by Councillor A. Owodunni

  it was resolved:

  "That the Blair Creek Drive Extension Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment Project File Report (PFR) prepared by MTE Consultants Inc., dated February 2024, which recommends Alternative 2 as the preferred solution, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2024-104, be received; and further,

  That Blair Creek Drive Extension Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment Project File Report (PFR) be filed with the Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory thirty (30) days review period as required by the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act."

  Carried

4.2

Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Project File Report, DSD-2024-119

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-119, dated March 7, 2024 regarding the Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Municipal Class Environmental Assessment – Project File Report, prepared by Matrix Solutions Inc., dated March 7, 2024, which recommends Alternative 4 as the preferred solution.

Councillor Singh returned to the meeting at this time. 

M. Mazur, Project Manager, presented the staff report. C. Spere, Director of Engineering, S. Robertson, Senior Water Resources Engineer and Karen Hofbauer were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

• On motion by Councillor J. Deneault

  it was resolved:

  "That the Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Municipal Class Environmental Assessment – Project File Report, prepared by Matrix Solutions Inc., dated March 7, 2024, which recommends Alternative 4 as the preferred solution, be received as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-119; and further,

  That the Hidden Valley Flood Risk Reduction Municipal Class Environmental Assessment – Project File Report, be filed with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period as required by the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act."

  Carried

4.3

Schneider and Shoemaker Creek Naturalization - Municipal Class 'C' Environmental Assessment (EA), INS-2024-129

The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-129, dated March 8, 2024 regarding the Environmental Study Report: Schneider and Shoemaker Creeks Naturalization Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. and dated March 8, 2024 together with the recommended approaches.

B. Lam, Director of Sanitary & Stormwater Utilities and S. Brown, Stantec provided a brief overview of the report. 

• On motion by Councillor D. Chapman

  it was resolved:

  "That Council approve the Environmental Study Report: Schneider and Shoemaker Creeks Naturalization Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. and dated March 8, 2024 together with the recommended approaches, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-129; and,

  That staff be directed to file the report for the 30-day public review period as required by the Environmental Assessment Act; and further,

  That upon formal completion of the Environmental Assessment, staff be directed to proceed with the detailed design and implementation of Stage 1 of the recommendations."

  Carried

4.4

Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex - Target Cost and Design Update, INS-2024-126

The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2024-126, dated March 14, 2024 regarding the design of the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KIRC) proposed design.

M. May provided a brief overview of the report, noting the recreation centre's design and amenities ability to meet the needs of the community, through inclusion of: a larger FIFA-sized indoor turf facility, a larger leisure/program pool, an elevated walking track, a second floor which includes viewing galleries for both pools, an indoor cricket batting cage, and increased landscaping surrounding the facility.

T. Davidson, Sustainable Waterloo Region, provided a brief presentations commending staff for their dedication to sustainability through the building's intended operation as the first net-zero carbon facility, using geothermal heating and cooling, and through the addition of solar panels to the facility's roof. 

D. Becks, Director of Facilities Management, provided additional details regarding the City's use of an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method in the design and construction of the KIRC, by which key parties responsible for the design, fabrication, and construction components of the project are unified through a single legal agreement. 

A recorded vote was requested at this time. 

• On motion by Mayor B. Vrbanovic

  "That, in order to better meet the current, future and diverse recreation needs of the community, the design of the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KIRC) be improved by making changes and adding amenities outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report, INS-2024-126, including but not limited to:

  • • • A larger FIFA-sized indoor turf facility
      • A larger leisure/program pool
      • An elevated walking track
      • A second floor which includes viewing galleries for both pools
      • An indoor cricket batting cage
      • Increased landscaping surrounding the facility; and,

  That, the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex be built and operated as the City’s first net-zero carbon facility, and as one of the most sustainable recreation facilities in Canada by, amongst other things:

  • • • Targeting a very high level of energy efficiency and building performance through the use of geothermal heating and cooling
      • Adding solar panels to the roof of the facility
      • Pursuing certification under the Canda Green Building Council Zero Carbon Building Standard v3 – Design without the use of carbon offsets or renewable energy certificates; and,

  That the total budget for the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex be approved at $143,820,000 (including non-refundable HST), and that additional debenture financing in the amount of $47,915,000 be authorized for a term not to exceed 25 years (to be repaid from future development charge revenue); and further,

  That staff be directed to execute the supplementary agreement with the IPD team signatories for the construction phase of the project."

   

  Carried, unanimously on a recorded vote

5.

Information Items

5.1

Blue Communities Project, INS-2024-137

6.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Mariah Blake
Committee Coordinator