Environmental Advisory Committee

Comité consultatif sur l’environnement

Minutes 14 / ProcÈs-verbal 14

Thursday, 12 September 2002, 6:00 p.m.

le jeudi 12 septembre 2002, 18h

Colonel By Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West

Salle colonel by, 110, avenue Laurier ouest

Present / Présents : Paul Koch (Chair / Président), Mary Hegan (Vice-Chair / Vice-présidente), David Biggs, Lynne Bricker, Ronald Denault, Caroline Ladanowski, Tim Marta, Brenda Morehouse, Sophie Sommerer, Susan Springthorpe, Gerald VanderLinden

Absent / Absents : Elizabeth Komsta, Terry McIntyre, Councillor / Conseillère W. Stewart (non-voting / sans droit de vote)

Regrets / Excuses : Ann Coffey, Kelly Mowbray, Councillor / Conseiller P. McNeely (non-voting / sans droit de vote)

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT

No declarations of interest were filed.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

RATIFICATION DES PROCÈS-VERBAUX

Ms. L. Sheard, Committee Coordinator, advised that Ms. K. Mowbray, Member had provided written amendments to the Minutes. She advised that on page 12 Ms. Mowbray’s name should be deleted from item (3) 1100 Old Carp Road as she was not in attendance during distribution of the documents and that Ms. Mowbray believes she may be conflicted by her involvement with any review of the documents as a result of her employment with Delcan.

Minutes 13 of 14 August 2002 were confirmed as amended.

CONFIRMED as amended

1. WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS

MOT DE BIENVENUE ET PRÉSENTATIONS

Chair Koch acknowledged the presence of Ms. Jodie Chardon, community volunteer and Mr. Ted Cooke of the Ottawa Stewardship Centre. He explained Mr. Ronald Denault’s absence and possible late arrival, as well as the potential resignation of Member Ann Coffey.

Ms. C. Levesque, Program Manager, Environmental Management, explained that Mr. John Crupi of the Mayor’s Office would like to take a photograph of the EAC for a City Newsletter for distribution in early October. It is to announce consultations on pesticide reduction strategy and the October 26^th event for consulting on a green, environmentally sensitive City. It will include stories based on themes, water, waste and air and internal City initiatives by Green Team representatives.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

ADOPTION DE L’ORDRE DU JOUR ET EXAMEN DE LA CORRESPONDANCE

(a) People Services Facilities Needs Study

Chair Koch noted that members of the advisory committees had been extended an invitation to attend a workshop on the Facility Needs Study, to be held on Saturday, September 28, 1-5 p.m. but that no one had expressed an interest in attending.

(b) Press Release – Northwest Goulbourn Community Association

Chair Koch quoted from a press release regarding the work of the Northwest Goulbourn Community Association related to groundwater. He was pleased to see that a $5,000 grant had been given by the City of Ottawa through its community grants program.

Ms. S. Springthorpe, Member, commented that the Province is doing a lot of groundwater studies right now and suggested that the Community Group should convey their information to the Province. Chair Koch agreed that he would let them know.

(c) Lebreton Flats Open House

Chair Koch confirmed that he had sent advice to Member David Biggs respecting the open house that is to be held on Wednesday, September 25, 7-9 p.m. in the Tom Brown Hall at the Tom Brown Arena. He referred Mr. Biggs to the Greenspace Alliance website for further information.

3. PRESENTATION - OTTAWA COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP PORTAL

PRÉSENTATION - PORTAIL DE L’OTTAWA COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP

Chair Koch introduced the guest presenter, Mr. Ted Cooke, of the Ottawa Stewardship Centre noting the EAC’s earlier motion to support the objective of the Stewardship Portal in principle.

Mr. Cooke distributed a Draft Discussion Paper entitled “An Invitation to Participate in the establishment, operation and growing of the Web-Based Ottawa Community Stewardship Centre”.

Mr. Cooke explained that the proposed Ottawa Stewardship Portal is a member of the Ontario hub. The national network is still a “work in progress” and represents a $1 million dollar investment by a number of governments across Canada and other organizations. He confirmed that the funds were spent on developing the prototype network and to implement some visionary thinking through a business process which KPMG was engaged to lead. As a result, to date there is a three-tier system – a national portal and provincial hubs established in B.C., Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, as well as the community stewardship centres.

Mr. Cooke explained that the stimulus for the portal network was work being done in British Columbia over the past 5 years in which 12 stewardship products were created for developers such as a technical siting guide in housing development. This led to getting into the website business. The work was taken to the first Millennium Conference at the University of Guelph. With the tremendous investment from the community and government participants, and the many recommendations and conclusions taken at the Conference, it was concluded that Canada needed a national network.

Following the Conference and perceived need for a national network, Mr. Cooke reported that there was a call by the Federal and Provincial Ministries responsible for wildlife, to broaden their scope to include stewardship. Staff were instructed to develop an action plan for stewardship in Canada. Mr. Cooke advised that the plan is expected to be announced at a Joint meeting of volunteers and the wildlife Ministries which calls for special initiatives in the development of a stewardship portal for Canada (a partnership between government, industry, and non-governmental organizations). He noted that Ottawa Greenprint have recommended that it be an Ottawa site.

Mr. Cooke advised the main problem is how to get access without having to install a whole staff and infrastructure to support the web information. He reported that the approach taken was to address the problem through Smart Applications and that to date applications provide access to a Funders Guide, Organizations Directory, Case Studies Library, Demonstration Projects Library, and a Web Links Library, among others. Mr. Cooke indicated that the Funders Guide includes 300 volunteers and organizations and criteria information, and that it is searchable.

Mr. Cooke acknowledged that the City of Ottawa is developing a volunteers directory, noting that the Canada Stewardship portal is self-contained and is more sophisticated than the City’s.

In response to a request for clarification by Chair Koch, Mr. Cooke advised that at this point the Ottawa Stewardship Council and Greenprint are leading the charge in Ottawa, and that the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), will work with them. He indicated that the Ottawa prototype is at www.stewardshipcentre.on.ca/ottawa and that this fall the partnership expects to launch the site. He indicated that the City of Ottawa could benefit as one of the partners and by its inclusion in Funders Guide for example or any of the other components of the site. Mr. Cooke noted that the task for the Ottawa Stewardship Centre and Greenprint is to now communicate this opportunity to all who may benefit by it.

In response to a query by Ms. C. Ladanowski, Member as to the source of funding in British Columbia, Mr. Cooke advised that the B.C. site was established by the stewardship technical committee comprised of federal, provincial and representatives of NGOs, as well as other partners.

4. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT

RAPPORT DU SOUS-COMITÉ DE LA PARTICIPATION COMMUNAUTAIRE

a) Community Workshop Update

Ms. S. Sommerer, Chair, Community Involvement Sub-committee, advised that she had shared with the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee (OFAC) the initial lists compiled by Ms. E. Gibson, Coordinator, Keen to be Green Program, with respect to organizations.

Ms. L. Sheard, Committee Coordinator reported on a meeting with Ms. S. Roy, Program Manager, Policy and Projects, regarding the status of the City-wide database. She indicated that information for the database regarding environmental community volunteer groups had been provided by Ms. Gibson and that a staff report on the participation policy would be going forward to Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee on October 1^st. One aspect of this report deals with communications with external groups and the creation of a City-wide database. Resourcing for the management and maintenance of the database, if approved, would not be in place until early in 2003. Ms. Sheard also advised that she had discussed access to the database and the implications of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and suggested that access may be limited to the Committee Coordinator.

Committee discussed its needs, the cataloguing of different interests, and access by the members for searching for environmental expertise in the community, as well as the need to begin drawing on the database contacts to supplement the work of the Sub-committees.

b) Participant Information Form

Ms. S. Sommerer, Chair, Community Involvement Sub-committee, agreed to work on this form.

c) Newsletter

Ms. S. Sommerer, Chair, Community Involvement Sub-committee, indicated that with the assistance of Ms. J. Chardon, volunteer, the draft newsletter had been completed and reviewed by the Sub-committee. She confirmed that she had circulated it to all of the members now and they have until Monday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. to point out any errors or omissions, after which it will be distributed to the database contacts.

Ms. L. Sheard, Committee Coordinator suggested that an ideal place for the newsletter would be to post it on the City’s “What’s New” page once it has been translated.

Committee discussed distribution of the newsletter to Members of Council, Coordinators for advisory committees for distribution to the Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and senior staff. Chair Koch suggested that Ms. Sheard distribute the newsletter internally with an accompanying note explaining that it is a first edition communication effort with the community and has received the support and approval of City staff. Ms. Sommerer will send the draft newsletter to Ms. L. Donnelly, Program Manager (Corporate Services), Communications, for her review and request a list of community newspapers in which the newsletter could also be circulated.

Moved by C. Ladanowski

That the Environmental Advisory Committee approve the Fall 2002, Volume 1 edition of its newsletter and the distribution plan as discussed.

CARRIED

Chair Koch indicated that former member, Mr. Peter Berry, wants to remain involved with the Community Involvement activity and would assist with select activities in the future.

5. FOLLOW-UP ON PREVIOUS COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

SUIVI DES PRÉSENTATIONS COMMUNAUTAIRES ANTÉRIEURES

(a) Barrhaven Sewer Action Coalition

Chair Koch confirmed the position of the EAC as it was submitted to the Environmental Services Committee. He indicated 1) that the EAC supported the City somewhat reluctantly in proceeding with the pipeline project provided that, 2) there is assurance that the pipeline construction/routing will not affect, disturb or modify any adjacent environmentally sensitive areas and that any disrupted sources of groundwater be subject to regular testing including monitoring of soil and groundwater to see if any leaks are occurring, and 3) a task force be immediately struck to review, assess and identify next steps resulting from the pretreatment research studies before any further decisions are made regarding the disposition of this important work. He reported that at its August 27^th meeting, the ESC postponed its final decision until the Sewer Use By-law is amended and completed this fall.

Ms. C. Levesque, Program Manager, Environmental Management, provided an update on the status of the Sewer Use By-law and the limits established by the former Region in 1993 and the proposed revisions by the new Industrial Waste Group. Public consultation will take place and it is intended that the revised by-law will go on the City’s website in October. Debbie MacLennan, Sewer Use Program Coordinator, can be contacted at extension 22840.

Mr. D. Biggs indicated that he would request a copy of the Sewer Use By-law from the Industrial Waste Group.

Chair Koch agreed to call Mr. T. McIntyre, Member, with the update and ensure that he follows up.

Moved by S. Springthorpe

That the Environmental Advisory Committee approve its submission dated 26 August 2002 to the Environmental Services Committee respecting the Trail Road Landfill Leachate and Contaminated Groundwater Management Project.

CARRIED

(b) Leitrim Wetlands

Chair Koch reported that Transport Canada has approved those aspects relevant to the old landfill site, as they believe it presents a very minimal risk. He indicated that the City is still waiting for Department of Fisheries and Ocean approval, and referred to Dr. E. Dreesen’s comment that there is nothing more that can be done by the EAC.

Chair Koch also reported his meeting with Councillor Hunter, and the benefit of pursuing the EAC’s follow-up recommendations that were submitted to the Planning and Development Committee on June 27^th.

1) Inventory of all remaining wetlands

Ms. C. Levesque, Program Manager, Environmental Management, advised that as part of the Official Plan process, a complete inventory of all remaining wetlands in the City would be done, and that currently an inventory is taking place within the urban area.

2) Establish and EA process

Ms. Levesque advised that City staff is proposing a process that will be similar to what is in place for public undertakings, but improve on the municipal environmental process that the former City of Ottawa had in place (MEER).

3) Developers not be allowed to actively market until all EAs and other approval complete

Chair Koch reported that Councillor Hunter saw no reason not to pursue this, but in going forward, some good rationale must be advanced.

Chair Koch suggested working with City staff on the first two recommendations and that he would develop a rationale and plan of action for recommendation 3.

Vice-Chair Hegan suggested recommendations 1 and 2 should be part of the Official Plan work.

6. STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR SITE PLANS AND SUBDIVISIONS

PLANS D’IMPLANTATION ET DE LOTISSEMENT – CONDITIONS NORMALISÉES

Ms. C. Levesque, Program Manager, Environmental Management, provided an oral report on the initiative to create standard conditions for site plans and subdivisions led by the Development Approvals Branch. She indicated that the list started with approximately 120 site plan conditions and was reduced to about 20, with 6 conditions pertaining to the environment such as tree conservation and preservation plans, noise study requirements, storm water management and sedimentation control plans, requirements to meet the conditions in the Official Plan for contamination on the site, and a requirement to prepare and implement a waste audit.

Ms. Levesque indicated that when the new Official Plan is passed, there will be additional standards applicable, and the Inspections group will then look for these conditions to have been fulfilled.

In response to a query by Vice-chair Hegan as to whether this is going to Council as an interim measure to the passing of the Official Plan and whether the EAC should review the list, Ms. Levesque agreed to e-mail a copy of the report to the members for their comment.

In response to a comment by Ms. S. Springthorpe, Member, regarding the planting of native versus non-native species of plants by developers, Ms. Levesque advised that the City wants to set up guidelines “design with nature” so that they would accommodate biodiversity, native plants, and give consideration to the site so that there is a chance of survival.

Committee discussed Dr. G. Lewis’, effort to develop environmental evaluation criteria for development proposals and the rationale for the manner in which the EAC processes them. Chair Koch explained that the first step was to actually get staff to get the right development applications to the EAC, develop a reporting template and that the third step is to make an annual report on the influence that the EAC has had on the process.

In response to Dr. Lewis’ query as to why the EAC was doing environmental assessment as opposed to looking at the assessments provided by the proponent, Ms. Levesque explained the difficulties with amalgamation and the lack of an integrated environmental process for the whole City. The process needs to be set out in the Official Plan in order to make it apply to the whole City, as it only currently applies to the former City of Ottawa under the MEER program.

In response to Dr. Lewis’ question as to whether this was a good use of EAC time, Ms. C. Ladanowski, Member, explained that applications are screened and it is decided by the EAC as to whether it has an interest and it takes on a review based on the availability of expertise.

Ms. Springthorpe advised that a lot of discussion took place prior to the establishment of advisory committees and there were some who would have preferred that these reviews were dealt with at a much more local level. In her view, local environmental groups that exist within the City wards should deal with development applications.

7. OFFICIAL PLAN PROGRESS AND OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

ÉTAT D’AVANCEMENT DU PLAN OFFICIEL ET APERÇU DE LA STRATÉGIE DE GESTION ENVIRONNEMENTALE

Ms. C. Levesque, Program Manager, Environmental Management, provided the EAC with an overview of the consultation process and various breakout sessions on the five growth management plans (Official Plan, Human Services Plan, Arts and Heritage Plan, Economic Strategy, and Corporate Strategic Plan). She indicated that the Ward Councillors will host many of the sessions, and that staff will be in attendance to respond to questions, and attendees will be asked to comment on the strategies proposed.

Ms. S. Springthorpe, Member, remarked that she would like to see more of a focus on community involvement and consultations with respect to attitudinal issues towards the environment rather than strategies. In response, Ms. Levesque stated that she believes the City is moving in this direction by having real community involvement and that the Official Plan will be about developing community design plans and involvement of the public in terms of what their neighbourhoods will look like.

Ms. Levesque referred to a Backgrounder entitled “What’s on your Mind” which she advised she would circulate via e-mail. She reported on the content of the different breakout sessions and the session on October 26^th organized with Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee “Environment 2020 Workshop” which will be a forum to talk about forests and greenspaces.

Vice-Chair Hegan expressed the view that perhaps the EAC should be part of the OFAC Workshop afternoon session on October 26^th since the focus is going to be on the environment. She pointed out that there may be some key questions on which the EAC has already reported. Ms. S. Sommerer, Member, agreed to contact Sheila Barter of OFAC to confirm the content of the agenda.

Ms. Levesque requested feedback from the EAC in trying to set the tone in the writing of a Backgrounder on the City of Ottawa Environmental Management Strategy. She explained that her draft attempts to categorize some of the issues for Ottawa and that she has taken some excerpts from the North American State of the Environment released this year that she believes are relevant to Ottawa, as well as provide a brief overview of what is occurring from the viewpoint of sustainability and factors in creating a sustainable environment. She indicated that the timing of the first draft is January and the final draft would proceed to Committee and Council in March 2003.

Chair Koch suggested Ms. Levesque e-mail a copy to all of the members, including Peter Berry, set out specific expectations, and provide a timeframe for feedback.

It was also agreed that Members should advise the Committee Coordinator of their attendance at Official Plan Workshops so that these Members could be called upon to disclose what they have learned.

Ms. Levesque also reported that Mr. Ed Aquilina, Special Advisor in the Mayor’s Office, is a member of the Task Force on Urban Communications on the National Roundtable, and that Ottawa has been approached for testing. She indicated that there is the possibility that David McGuinty or Mike Harcourt could speak on sustainability development indicators and how to set up a sustainable community. Ms. Levesque indicated that the timeframe is the present through January. She asked for the EAC’s response to this proposal.

Chair Koch agreed to provide some dates which he will be available as he is interested in attending.

8. STATUS REPORTS / RAPPORTS DE SITUATION

A. Annual Review – City of Ottawa Advisory Committees and EAC

Ms. L. Sheard, Committee Coordinator, referred the members to the revised Appointment Policy and Participation Expense Policy. Any questions should be directed to her. It was noted that reserve members would be reimbursed for their expenses if they are required to attend meetings.

B. Richmond Road and Byron Avenue Intersection Modifications

Chair Koch agreed to speak with Member Ann Coffey further to get further information on the status of the modifications.

Ms. J. Chardon, Volunteer, indicated that a halt has been put on construction of the new Loblaws store. The City did not approve the application because the developer insisted on maintaining the big box storefront design versus the proposed City bricked storefront design. She noted that the trees on the property are already cut.

C. Perez Crescent – Greenspace

Ms. Sommerer reported that it appears that the OFAC report will influence the Planner and she expects that she will go back to the developer and ask for a new tree preservation plan.

Mr. T. Marta reported that OFAC has done a very thorough job of describing the issue and the problems, and this is an example of a neighbourhood that development is slowly chipping away at the remaining greenspace. He remarked that the City should be taking a better look at the impact of this relatively small application in the context of City-wide greenspaces.

Despite OFAC taking the lead on this, Vice-Chair Hegan recommended that the EAC should also speak out on this issue. The matter was scheduled for Planning and Development Committee for October 10^th, but the Planner, Miriam Lynch, thought the timing of the staff report would be later.

Chair Koch suggested that Mr. Marta and Ms. Sommerer keep in touch on the issue so that EAC can respond at the appropriate time.

D. FERNBANK WETLAND, STITTSVILLE

TERRES HUMIDES - FERNBANK, STITTSVILLE - MISE À JOUR

Ms. Levesque will follow up with Ms. Sally Switzer, the Planner, to get the documents.

Ms. S. Springthorpe agreed to review the documents in order to determine whether there was anything the EAC should do. She reported that a community group is very involved and are doing a lot of work.

9. NEW REPORT REVIEWS / EXAMEN DE NOUVEAUX

A. 200 Corkery Road, West Carleton – Zoning By-law Amendment

Ms. S. Springthorpe advised that she had contacted the Planner. She noted that this is the same property as that which the EAC had provided comments on concerning the Official Plan Amendment. A copy of the EAC commentary is on file with the Committee Coordinator.

Moved by S. Springthorpe

That the Environmental Advisory Committee concurs with the recommendations contained in its review of the West Carleton Subdivision Application reported at its July 11, 2002 meeting and the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment.

CARRIED

B. North of Walkley and west of Albion Road – Zoning By-law Amendment

A copy of the EAC commentary is on file with the Committee Coordinator.

Moved by P. Koch

That the Environmental Advisory Committee concurs with the recommendations contained in its review of Development Services File OZP2002-0013.

CARRIED

C. 1000 Vista Barrett – Albion Sun Vista Development – Greely – Site Plan

Mr. D. Biggs, Member, indicated that he preferred to see what the applicant submitted on Phase I before completing review of this application. He is to call the Planner and send in the first submission in the meantime. A copy of the EAC commentary is on file with the Committee Coordinator.

D. 90 Booth Street (Lebreton Flats) – Plan of Subdivision Proposal

Chair Koch agreed to speak with Mr. T. McIntyre and Ms. A. Coffey and report to the Committee Coordinator and to Councillor Arnold, who is interested in knowing the disposition of the EAC.

E. 1100 Old Carp Road – Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment

Ms. S. Sommerer, Member, advised that she communicated with the Planner because there was little documentation for review. She also contacted the community association. A copy of the EAC commentary is on file with the Committee Coordinator.

Moved by S. Sommerer

That the Environmental Advisory Committee concurs in the recommendations contained in the review of Development Services Files OLV2001-0007 and OZPP2001-0012 respecting a Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment proposal for 1100 Old Carp Road.

CARRIED

F. 2554 Bank Street (South of Albion Road) – Site Plan Control

A copy of the EAC commentary is on file with the Committee Coordinator.

Moved by B. Morehouse

That the Environmental Advisory Committee concurs in the recommendations contained in the review of Development Services File OSP2002-0206 respecting an application for Site Plan Control at 2554 Bank Street.

CARRIED

G. 2700 Scott Street – Site Plan Control Proposal

Vice-Chair Hegan reported that the environmental issue for this site was groundwater and a potential for oil contamination.

Moved by G. VanderLinden

That the Environmental Advisory Committee concurs in the recommendations contained in the review of Development Services File OSP2002-0225 respecting an application for Site Plan Control at 2700 Scott Street.

CARRIED

Ms. Levesque distributed the following additional applications for review.

A. Road Opening and Zoning By-law Amendment - 1845 Johnston Road (north side and west of Conroy Road)

Chair Koch and Ms. L. Warren, Member, agreed to review the application.

10. 2002 ANNUAL REPORT / 2003 WORKPLAN – PROGRESS REVIEW AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2002 / PLAN DE TRAVAIL DE 2003 – EXAMEN DE L’ETAT D’AVANCEMENT DES TRAVAUX ET CADRE STRATEGIQUE

Committee discussed its revised strategic framework, the correct number of Sub-committees and horizontal or cross-cutting themes. Discussion revolved around Ms. B. Morehouse’s suggestion to collapse the number of Sub-Committees from 8 to 3 in order to provide a critical mass of Members to do the work versus having a 6 Sub-Committee structure that assists in the organization and coordination of the work based on areas of expertise and interest. It was noted that the latter approach to structure assists the Committee Coordinator in determining where to direct development applications for review.

Ms. L. Sheard, Committee Coordinator advised that at this point in time, the timeframe for submission of the report to the Environmental Services Committee is October 8^th, for consideration by Council on October 23^rd. It should be noted that the date for submission of the Annual Report and Workplan of for the EAC has changed to October 22^nd and November 13 respectively.

The EAC agreed to approve the 2002 Annual Report and 2003 Workplan, pending a final restructuring of its working framework. Chair Koch agreed to complete this task and circulate the final chart to the Members.

Moved by R. Denault

That the Environmental Advisory Committee approve the 2002 Annual Report and 2003 Workplan.

CARRIED

NEXT MEETING

AUTRES RÉUNION

Chair Koch advised that Vice-Chair Hegan would chair the next two meetings and that the next meeting would be held on October 17^th rather than October 10^th.

ADJOURNMENT

LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE

Committee adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

Committee Coordinator Chair