Climate Change and Environment Committee

Committee Minutes

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Conestoga Room

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407

Present:

• B. Wallis, Chair
• Councillor S. Davey, Member
• Councillor S. Stretch, Member
• K. Bockasten, Member
• J. Clary-Lemon, Member
• G. Johannesson, Member
• B. Unrau, Member

Staff:

• C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
• N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
• E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator

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1.

Commencement

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., but quorum was not achieved until 4:38 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., in the absence of both the Chair and quorum, the Committee Administrator called the meeting to order. The Committee Chair arrived at 4:38 p.m., at which point quorum was established, and the meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair. Items 4.1 and 4.2 were discussed prior to the official call to order, and with quorum now established and the Chair present, the official meeting proceeded.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None.

3.

Delegations

B. Williams

P. Gilbride, R. Robinson & L. Truong, Reep Green Solutions

4.

Discussion Items

4.1

Bird Friendly City and World Migratory Bird Day, DSD-2024-453

C. Musselman announced that the City of Kitchener had been named a Bird Friendly City.

• That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support Kitchener becoming certified as a Bird Friendly through Nature Canada; and

  That the Climate Change and Environment Committee support Kitchener proclaiming World Migratory Bird Day on an annual basis on the second Saturday of May.

4.2

The Environmental Impacts of Chemical Rodent Control

B. Williams provided a presentation on the environmental impacts of chemical rodent control, addressing the topics of acutely toxic compounds and the challenges of secondary exposure and ingestion, noting that treatment is difficult. It was highlighted that secondary poisoning is not limited to birds but affects other species and animals as well. The presentation also covered integrated pest management strategies, including reducing attractants, shelter exclusion, and removal, as well as restrictive efforts across North America. B. Williams emphasized the role of committees in determining the appropriate course of action.

A Q&A session followed, during which K. Bockasten, G. Johanneson, and B. Unrau posed questions, and Williams provided responses. The discussion also included considerations of modeling after municipalities and reducing the amount of chemical rodent control entering the private sector.

4.3

2023-2024 Reep Green Solutions Impact Report

P. Gilbride and R. Robinson led the committee through a presentation on the Reep Green Solutions Impact Report for 2023-2024, highlighting actions aimed at strengthening the community and enhancing eco-friendliness. The presentation covered several key initiatives, including energy cost reductions, English conversation circles, water conservation and protection, healthy yards and neighborhoods, the Community Canopy Project, TreeTrust projects, ClimateActionWR, and the Zero Waste Challenge. The presentation concluded with a brief summary of Reep Green Solutions' revenues and expenses.

It was noted that this marks the third year of tracking the community’s goal to achieve 10,000 actions, with 4,813 meaningful actions completed to date. R. Robinson shared sustainability journey stories, particularly those related to energy reduction. Water conservation and protection efforts were also discussed, including initiatives to reduce salt use for winter maintenance and safeguard drinking water. Reep Green Solutions’ tradition of using data to map communities and their aim to increase canopy and shade coverage was presented as part of their ongoing efforts.

The discussion also included ClimateActionWR, with a focus on the climate targets set for the future. The goal of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 was emphasized, although it was noted that this target is currently at risk due to factors such as travel and emissions from residential buildings. The Zero Waste Challenge was highlighted as another significant initiative aimed at reducing waste.

Following the presentation, G. Johannesson inquired about the outlook for energy improvements in homes, while further discussions were held with J. Clary-Lemon and K. Bockasten.

5.

Information Items

5.1

Kitchener 2051 - Official Plan Project Update, DSD-2024-424

N. Goss provided an update on the Kitchener 2051 Official Plan Project, covering the changes in the strategic plan and the new official plan. The update highlighted the community collaborator components, including events and pop-ups throughout the city aimed at understanding diverse perspectives. Technical studies were discussed, focusing on population growth and the associated needs for affordability and housing. Furthermore, land use planning was emphasized, particularly how growth will align with climate goals, with further work on the transportation plan scheduled for early next year.

• For information.

6.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m.

Natalie Goss
Committee Administrator