Climate Change and Environment Committee

Committee Minutes

Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Conestoga Room

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407

Present:

• K. Charlesworth, Co-Chair
• Councillor S. Davey, Member
• Councillor S. Stretch, Member
• A. Di Battista, Member
• A. Hohenadel, Member
• B. Wallis, Member
• J. Phan, Member
• S. Baer, Member
• P. Nojo, Member

Staff:

• A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer
• C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
• F. Wade, Sustainability Advisor
• N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
• E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator
• J. Oosterveld, Manager, Customer Experience and Project Management
• M. Balch, Planner (Policy)

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1.

Commencement

The meeting began at 4:01 p.m. with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None.

3.

Delegations

3.1

Item 4.1 - K. Chisholm, Plan Manager, Climate Action Waterloo Region

4.

Discussion Items

4.1

Presentation - TransformWR

K. Chisholm, Plan Manager with the Climate Action Waterloo Region, delivered a presentation on TransformWR, focusing on the collaborative regional reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Waterloo Region. She provided a brief overview of the TransformWR Community Action Plan and outlined the approach to community climate reporting, noting that reports are produced at a minimum every five years. The next report, scheduled for 2026, will cover data from 2023-2024, aiming to address and close existing data gaps. K. Chisholm introduced the TransformWR dashboard and described its role in providing detailed updates on actions and their status. She further explained the requirements and processes involved in updating actions on the dashboard.

During the Q&A session, K. Charlesworth inquired about the decision-making process for action updates. K. Chisholm clarified that the responsibility lies with the lead organization assigned to the action. Kim noted that some actions have evolved since 2021, with role adjustments made to better support progress. K. Charlesworth also asked about the origins of the GHG data and the feasibility of annual data reporting. K. Chisholm responded that the Region leads data collection and analysis, with reports compiled by the team. Annual reporting is currently limited due to inconsistent transportation data and the complexity of integrating multiple sources, largely due to capacity constraints.

K. Charlesworth further questioned how the upcoming progress report would differ from the existing dashboard. K. Chisholm explained that the progress report would provide a summary of dashboard content, highlight trends, issue calls to action, and support broader advocacy efforts. While key performance indicators (KPIs) might be included, there is recognition that indicators beyond GHG emissions are necessary, and there is a gap that needs to be addressed. K. Charlesworth suggested that a subcommittee could assist in enhancing the reporting process.

P. Nojo asked about the tracking of action progress. K. Chisholm noted that updates are reliant on contributions from partner organizations and are collectively reflected on the dashboard. K. Charlesworth raised concern about the disconnect between ongoing climate work and the lack of significant reductions in emissions. K. Chisholm stated that a key objective of the upcoming progress report is to better illustrate the link between actions taken and emissions outcomes.

A. Di Battista asked whether the executive summary of the report would be integrated into the dashboard, including various data types. K. Chisholm confirmed this and elaborated on the intent to ensure that key summary information is publicly accessible through the dashboard.

4.2

Kitchener 2051 Technical Study, DSD-2025-280

M. Balch, Policy Planner with the City of Kitchener, presented an overview of the Kitchener 2051 Official Plan with a focus on the Climate and Energy Study’s Big Moves, explaining how the Official Plan (OP) guides city growth and development. Metrics to track progress are still in development, with multiple categories being considered.

A. Di Battista raised concern about the focus on human populations in the natural infrastructure Big Move. M. Balch responded that vulnerable human populations are currently prioritized, and C. Musselman added that adaptation is a key focus. Discussion followed around how adaptation and mitigation are addressed throughout the Official Plan, with emphasis on the need for more integrated and holistic approaches. It was acknowledged that while themes may seem siloed, staff are working across these to weave broader issues, like natural infrastructure and energy, into the whole plan.

P. Nojo asked about how the work benefits the community long-term. J. Oosterveld clarified that modeling work is underway, with three growth scenarios analyzed for GHG impacts. The preferred scenario will inform future policies aimed at mitigating emissions, with further analysis in progress.

K. Charlesworth noted a disconnect between the robust findings of the Climate and Energy Study and how those findings were reflected in previous public engagement exercises, particularly concerning land use. She emphasized the urgency of climate action and asked how to bring the findings to Council effectively. J. Oosterveld acknowledged the urgency and confirmed that the team is working to integrate the findings into decision-making as quickly as possible. B. Wallis suggested delegating to Council and reaching out to Councillors, with Cllr. Davey adding that Council is informed.

J. Phan raised a concern about the minimal representation of resilience and vulnerable populations in the plan, particularly with respect to economic insecurity and homelessness. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that climate resilience supports marginalized communities equitably. M. Balch agreed and explained that resilience and affordability are being integrated across the Official Plan rather than isolated in one section, recognizing the complexity and breadth of these issues.

• For Information.

5.

Information Items

5.1

Sub-Committee Updates

5.1.1

Environmental Rodent Control Impacts

A. Hohenadel joined the sub-committee following J. Clary-Lemon’s leave. Cllr. Stretch also stepped away, and as a result, C. Corcoran and A. Hohenadel formally disbanded the sub-committee.

5.1.2

Sustainable Food Systems

A. Di Battista shared information about an asset map related to sustainable food systems. C. Musselman noted that this work is already included in the committee’s work plan for the current term.

A. Di Battista will follow up with City staff to explore the topic further.

5.1.3

Committee/Council Report Template Change(s)

K. Charlesworth provided an update, noting a recent meeting with staff. A key outcome was the recommendation to invite K. Chisholm to present to the full committee to provide further clarity on how the TransformWR plan is being integrated into City operations and what future steps are planned. A follow-up meeting is expected to take place over the summer to continue this discussion.

5.1.4

High Performance Development Standards

B. Wallis reported on a recent meeting with City staff that focused on specific components of the High Performance Development Standards. The discussion addressed how the language of the document is being shaped and how different pathways are being created to target various priority areas. Additional updates were provided by K. Charlesworth, with J. Phan also offering comments.

6.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:29 p.m.

Eda Islemecioglu
Committee Administrator