REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE
EXAMEN DE LA CORRESPONDANCE
The Chair noted an invitation for the members to the
Health Dangers of the Urban Use of Pesticides Committee inaugural meeting, and
Reserve member Costa volunteered to co-host its February 24 workshop.
ACTION ITEMS
POINTS D’ÉXÉCUTION
1. 2007 City Approaches to environmental
themes and issues
APPROCHES DE 2007 DE LA VILLE
CONCERNANT LES QUESTIONS ET LES THÈMES ENVIRONNEMENTAUX
Following
a brief introduction of her background, Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager,
Planning, Transit and the Environment, noted the complement of the EAC’s work
to that of staff, and suggested the EAC focus on a few key priorities, so as to
enhance staff’s work and maximize resources. Other topics discussed were her
department’s budget (currently 9.5 million supported through debt), the white
paper approach, etc.
Questions
and comments pertained to staff support, the Mayor’s Task Force on Rapid T Transit, the City Manager’s Working
Group on the Environment, the role of the EAC, lifecycle assessment, etc.
2. idling by-law staff update
Mise à jour concernant le
règlement contre la marche au ralenti
Linda Anderson of By-Law Services noted that
staff endorse Option Two’s pilot project for a proposed 3-minute maximum
allowable idling time, of the three recommendations on the proposed Idling
By-Law being put forward to Council next month. Ms. Anderson stated this
selection was in part based on best practice findings from other Canadian
cities. She reviewed the proposed rules and regulations, including what
exceptions there were to this allowable maximum (such as garbage trucks - a
‘mobile work environment’), fine amounts, and all supporting definitions, (such as idling, etc).
Questions pertained to whether or not people
could be fined on private property (yes), taxis, etc. After the questions were
answered, the following motion was put forward:
Moved by B. Pugsley
Whereas toxic gas and particulate matter emissions
from motor vehicles damage human health, resulting in over 300 premature deaths
and $ 80 million of health costs per year in the City of Ottawa alone,
according to a 2005 study of the Ontario Medical Association;
And whereas emissions from vehicles may be reduced
through measures to stop unnecessary idling;
And whereas idling of motor vehicles adds to the
emission of greenhouse gases and greater impacts from climate change;
And whereas staff has prepared a draft idling bylaw,
which could significantly reduce these emissions if the public were made aware
of the need to reduce idling and if staff proactively enforces the bylaw’s
provisions;
Therefore be it resolved that the Environmental
Advisory Committee supports the proposed pilot project for the idling bylaw and
recommends that Council direct staff to put the bylaw into effect as soon as
possible;
And be it further recommended that Council direct
staff to prepare a communications plan in consultation with EAC for educating
the community and city employees on the need to reduce idling;
And be it further resolved that
the EAC staff coordinator be requested to make members of Council aware of this motion before approval of the bylaw is discussed.
CARRIED
3. OTTAWA BIRD DIVERSITY
AND HUMAN HABITAT
LA DIVERSITÉ AVIAIRE ET L’HABITAT HUMAIN
D’OTTAWA
Adam Smith, biologist with the Carleton University, introduced himself
and his work, discussing the Ottawa Breeding Bird Count, a volunteer based,
rigorous scientific survey of birds in an expanding City. The lab in which he works is a
multi-disciplinary, geometrical and landscaping ecology research lab; recent
studies of this facility include Habitat Change and Ontario Birds, etc. Birds
are studied because the ecological impact of urban development is relatively
underestimated, and cities tend to exist in areas that are already rich in
biodiversity.
Questions pertained to possible contacts, financing, etc.
RECEIVED
4. ELECTION OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR
FOR 2007
ÉLECTION DU PRÉSIDENT ET DU VICE-PRÉSIDENT pour l'année 2007
The
Coordinator opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair.
Moved by S. Morin
That Mary Hegan be nominated for the year
2007 to the position of Chair of the EAC.
Member
Hegan accepted the nomination.
There
were no other nominations for the position of Chair.
Moved
by P. Koch
That the nominations for Chair be closed.
The
Coordinator opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair.
Moved
by R. Dagenais
That Serge Morin be elected to the position
of Vice-Chair.
Member
Morin accepted the nomination. No other nominations were received.
The
Coordinator announced that Mary Hegan and Serge Morin would resume their
positions of Chair and Vice Chair respectively, again for the year 2007.
5. EAC
ADVICE on 2007 city budget and priorities
CONSEIL DU
CCE CONCERNANT LE BUDGET ET LES PRIORITÉS DE 2007 DE LA VILLE
Member Dagenais suggested
that once the budget was officially tabled February 7th at Council,
that members are welcome to review it and make comments. It was suggested that
at the Feb 15 meeting, they could finalize any EAC budget recommendations.
Councillor Cullen advised
of a public consultation on the budget for his ward, scheduled for February 15th
at the Ron Kolbus Centre. Each ward will have its own consultation session. He
pursued several budget-related topics with the members.
RECEIVED
Action : The
Coordinator to determine status of advisory committee budget consultations and
advise members.
6. FUTURE PLANNING FOR ‘LIGHT RAIL
TRANSIT’ AND EAC ROLE
PLANIFICATION
FUTURE CONCERNANT LE « TRAIN LÉGER SUR RAIL » ET RÔLE DU CCE
The Chair discussed several noteworthy events in
the last month, including the new Transit Committee, the Mayor’s Transit Task
Force, and the report on the status of the East-West LRT EA being on the first
Transit Committee agenda. In response to questions, Councillor Cullen said he
could not provide much information on the Task Force yet, but noted it was
expected to report back to the Transit Committee and Council by the end of
June.
The Chair
deduced from the response of the members that they would monitor the situation
for now and opt to mobilize later in the Spring (May timeframe).
RECEIVED
7. EAC 2007 WORKPLAN FOR CONFIRMATION
PLAN DE TRAVAIL DE
2007 DU CCE À CONFIRMER
Moved by
S. Morin
That
the EAC approve its proposed workplan for 2007.
CARRIED
8. 2006 BEACH CLOSURES AND
WATER QUALITY FOR RECREATION
FERMETURES ET
QUALITÉ DE L’EAU DES PLAGES EN 2006 POUR LES ACTIVITÉS RÉCRÉATIVES
Member Caccia articulated
his meeting with Jean-Guy Albert, Program Manager (Inspection) and discussed
various water contamination testing documents, reviewing the City’s beaches.
Action: Member Caccia noted that this item should be added to the
February agenda so that a motion can be passed, based on findings of the
consultant’s report.
CARRIED
9. DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS
Moved by B.
Pugsley
CARRIED
10 Warner Colpitts Lane
A brief discussion on this item occurred,
including whether the land for the proposed cell tower is leased/owned (and by
whom), the tower’s affect on bird mortality, park inventory and decreasing
greenspace, etc. A motion to oppose the amendment to the existing by-law zoning
was put forward by Member Parker; then, in an amendment by Member Collier, an exception
case was added for rural broadband, and member Parker concurred:
Moved by H. Parker
Whereas the applicant Bell
Mobility is proposing to construct a 36.6 metre high communications tower with
an associated utility shed at the rear of the existing Stittsville Arena
(located at 10 Warner Colpitts Lane in the community of Stittsville, the former
Township of Goulbourn);
And whereas the site is
currently zoned Parks and Recreation (PR) in the Township of Goulbourn Zoning
By-law (40-99);
And whereas the Parks and
Recreation Zoning currently only permits parks and conservation uses;
And whereas the applicant is making a request
for a zoning amendment to permit the proposed communications tower and
associated utility building, owned and operated by a commercial company, within
the PR zone;
Be it
resolved that the Environmental Advisory Committee strongly opposes this
amendment to the existing By-law noting that the land has been designated as
Parks and Recreation, is an important part of healthy and vibrant communities
and has been designated and reserved for the use and enjoyment of all community
members; and
be it resolved that land
that has been designated as Parks and Recreation lands should not be taken away
or detracted from for a commercial use, and
Be it also resolved that
should this tower be used for rural broadband, the EAC recommends that the
tower be considered after an appropriate environmental assessment, and only if
the land is leased, with the money returning to Parks and Recreation for other
programs.
CARRIED
255 City Centre Avenue
A short discussion ensued on this brownfield
located in the Lebreton area, and the following motion was approved:
Moved by B. Sales
Whereas the applicant Lloyd
Phillips is proposing to convert an existing warehouse into a two level storage
locker facility at 255 City Centre Avenue (formerly known as 221 Champagne Ave
N.);
And whereas the site is
currently zoned General Industrial (IG2);
And whereas the site is
adjacent to residential buildings;
And whereas the site is
considered to be a brownfield;
And whereas a Phase Two
Environmental Site Assessment was conducted by a consulting engineering firm
and exceedences to the Ministry of Environments: Soil, Ground Water and
Sediment Standards for Use under part XV.1 of the Environmental Protection Act
have been found;
And whereas the existence of
an Underground Storage Tank (UST) is strongly suspected but has yet to be
confirmed and located;
Be it resolved that the
Environmental Advisory Committee strongly urges the City of Ottawa to adopt
specifications in the Building Permit requiring the applicant to remediate the
site per the recommendations of the consulting engineers report, which includes
meeting the conditions required by the MOE and most importantly to determine
the location of the UST and proceed with its removal and undertake any
additionally required soil and groundwater testing and remediation.
Be it further resolved that
any Building Permit should also include specifications for site control
measures that take into account the adjacent residential buildings during the
remediation and construction phase.
CARRIED
4798 Bank Street and Leitrim Monitoring Reports
Member Koch stated he had no comment on either
of these items.
10. MOTION
RE: A More Progressive
Response to Beavers, Groundhogs and Other Wildlife
motion concernant les MEsures plus progressives concernant les castors,
les marmottes et autres animaux sauvages
member d’Andrea opened the item by stating
how many beavers and groundhogs are killed annually, when there are other more
humane and less costly options to deal with these unwanted animals. She
reviewed the options with the members (beaver deceivers, beaver bafflers, etc).
She then proposed the following motion:
Whereas the City of Ottawa
was once recognized for enlightened and progressive practices with respect to
wildlife and habitat protection;
Whereas criticism by of the
City by Ottawa residents has increased over the City’s approach to
human–wildlife conflict, including the killing of dozens groundhogs in parks
and other public places annually and the killing of approximately 50 beavers in
flood plain and wetland areas annually.
The City’s practice of trapping and killing beavers and groundhogs is
inhumane, ineffective as an animal control measure, and expensive; it is a
practice that has been abandoned by most jurisdictions.
Whereas some wildlife issues
are the result of misinformation and are easily rectified through public
education. For example, park users fed groundhogs, and the groundhogs learned
to approach people in Andrew Haydon Park. Groundhogs were killed, based on the
misinformed view that they are dangerous.
Whereas many wildlife issues
result from the creation of habitat that attracts animals like groundhogs and
the lack of planning to prevent conflict.
For example, the berms created at the Robert O. Pickard Centre continue
to attract groundhogs, because they make an ideal denning site, but the walkways
were not animal-proofed when installed. An initial, one-time cost of animal
proofing is more cost-effective than continually repairing the damage and
having to kill animals, leaving dozens of orphans in the process, each year.
Whereas remediation efforts
are not taken to accommodate the former aquatic residents of wetland areas that
remain to take advantage of storm-water ponds. Ottawa has the most storm-water
ponds of all areas in Ontario, because the City inappropriately allows homes to
be built on flood plains and wetlands.
Therefore be it resolved
that the Environmental Advisory Committee request that the Community Services
Committee recommend that City Council request that staff:
Disclose the amount being
spent on trapping and killing beavers and groundhogs and on repairs to walkways
and other areas as a result of wildlife activities.
Adopt measures that
emphasize coexistence with nature, recognizing that Ottawa residents place a
high value on green space and wildlife.
For example, put fences around walkways, and install signs instructing
park users not to feed the groundhogs and (in areas with groundhog holes) to
watch for holes. Also, install wildlife
prevention aids such as beaver deceivers, which have worked elsewhere and have
proven to be cost-effective.
Learn about human–wildlife
conflict prevention and provide wildlife education to councillors to help them
make planning and policy decisions that include appropriate wildlife conflict
resolution measures.
Paul Mussell, past president of the Ottawa
Federation of Agriculture, and Ottawa Trappers Council, said it is
essential to the livelihood of the region’s farmers to continue trapping these
vermin. He illustrated that there are hundreds of miles of ditches framing
farmland throughout the area where pests such as beavers are capable of
flooding several croplands with one dam. Mr. Mussell further stated that
professional trappers must pass a 20-hour course to be licensed.
Carol Christensen, Environmental Sustainability, noted
that not only does the City spend approximately $1,300 annually trapping
beavers, it also has a legal responsibility to keep municipal drains open and
to prevent its properties from becoming flooded.
Since the issue was not time sensitive, the Committee agreed to postpone
consideration, as further information was needed, (i.e., the differences between rural and urban areas, what
are the City’s trapping practices, and the practices of private landowners).
Action: At
the suggestion of staff, the Real Property Asset Management (RPAM) group should
be invited to any subsequent discussions of this issue.
11. WORKING GROUP UPDATES
MISES À
JOUR DES GROUPES DE TRAVAIL
a) SPECIES AT RISK : SUPPORT REQUEST FOR ALTERNATE
TRANSITWAY route
ESPÈCES EN
PÉRIL : DEMANDE DE SOUTIEN EN VUE D’UN AUTRE ITINÉRAIRE POUR L’itinéraire
du transitway
There
was a brief discussion on the matter of the possible transitway development
through a wetland habitat of the endangered species Blanding’s Turtle. It was
decided to revise a December 2006 EAC motion to include any development, not
just exclusively to Light Rail:
Moved
by E. D’Andrea
Whereas the City of Ottawa Environmental Advisory Committee supports
environmentally sound public transportation proposals, and
Whereas the present City of Ottawa Transitway Extension Proposal near
the airport between Hunt Club and Lester Roads will destroy the wetland habitat
of the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea
blandingii), a species identified as “threatened” by both the federal
government under the Species at Risk Act,
and The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, and
Whereas this Threatened species has been positively identified in a
region proposed for transitway by Dr. Fred Schueler, the Ministry of Natural
Resources, Dr. Raymond Saumure and others, and
Whereas the Offence of endangering Species at Risk under the Act has
the penalty of $300,000 for a Summary Conviction and $1,000,000 for each
offence, and
Whereas the Federal Government may also protect this species under
other Acts, including the Canada Wildlife
Act and National Parks Act, and
Whereas the Provincial Policy Statement section 2.1.3 specifically
states that: “Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in: a)
significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species…,” and
Therefore be it resolved that the
Environmental Advisory Committee request that the Planning and Environment
Committee recommend that City Council request that staff:
1.
Remove options for any transit or other development that interferes with the habitat of a Species at Risk, and
2.
Inform councillors and the
Mayor of the presence of a habitat of a Species at Risk, and
3.
Communicate the consequences
of contravening the Government of Canada Species
at Risk Act and the Province of Ontario Provincial Policy Statement of not considering
the protection of species at risk to councillors and the Mayor, and
4.
Communicate with the
Ministry of Natural Resources on this issue, and
5.
Update the Environmental
Advisory Committee on this issue, and
Be it also resolved that the Environmental Advisory Committee cannot
support the planning of any transit or development project that passes through
and would destroy the habitat of a Species at Risk.
CARRIED
(Member Pugsley dissenting)
12. LIAISION UP-DATES BY EAC
MEMBERS
MISE À JOUR SUR LES ACTIVITÉS DE LIAISON DES MEMBRES DU ccE
Reserve member Costa explained the background to
his interest in ICI Waste sector, and briefly discussed his comments on the ICI
3 R’s Management Strategy Scoping document.
Moved by M. Lascelles
Whereas
one of the primary reasons for the growing demand to increase landfill capacity
at the Carp and Navan dumps – despite wholesale public opposition in nearby
communities - is that less than 20% of Ottawa’s ICI (Industrial, Commercial and
Institutional) waste – which accounts
for 70% of the total waste in Ottawa – is diverted from landfills;
And
whereas landfills are a major source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) – the primary
cause of climate change - according to Environment Canada emissions reports;
And
whereas the Province of Ontario has indicated that 60% is the target diversion
rate, by the end of 2008, for all waste within the province (domestic and ICI);
And
whereas the City has little control over the management of ICI waste;
And
whereas the Province is not likely to achieve its target;
And
whereas the City of Ottawa is currently scoping a modest ICI study in an
attempt to develop a strategy to divert this waste, but may well lack the time
and resources to conduct a more comprehensive study;
And
whereas the City of Ottawa’s integrated waste management master plan is
incomplete and requires updating, particularly as it relates to the need for a
comprehensive action plan for ICI and to capitalize on new technologies to help
solve the City’s waste management crisis;
And
whereas there is an acute need for additional provincial support and funding
for the City’s efforts to study, reduce and then divert its ICI waste and
identify which new technologies can reduce landfilling considerably in an
efficient and sustainable manner;
And
whereas there is a need to conduct a rigorous, comprehensive, fact-based
analysis of the ICI waste streams and diversion options;
And
whereas although Waste Reduction should be the first step in a comprehensive
waste management strategy, it is not given sufficient attention in both the
Province’s target and in the City’s current study;
Therefore
be it resolved that the Planning and Environment Committee pass a motion
requesting that full Council instruct staff to:
1.
Amend the terms of reference, and properly
fund, the ICI study in accordance with the attached detailed comments prepared
by the EAC Waste Working Group to ensure that:
a)
There are consultations with the appropriate
stakeholders, during the study, in a manner consistent with environmental
assessment thinking;
b)
The study results in a comprehensive plan,
not later than the Fall of 2007, to
i.)
reduce waste and
ii.)help achieve the Provincial target of 60% diversion of ICI waste in Ottawa by the end of 2008;
c)
The study is broadened to include a full
analysis of new waste management technologies;
d)
The legislation at both the Municipal and
Provincial levels is adequate to achieve the Provincial target.
2.
Approach the Province to secure its
financial support in 2007 to cover 50% of the increased cost of a comprehensive
ICI study as described above.
CARRIED
ADDITIONAL
ITEMS
POINTS SUPPLÉMENTAIRES
Moved by P. Koch
That the EAC approve the addition of the following item for
consideration by the Committee at tonight’s meeting, pursuant to Section 20(3) of the Procedure By-law
(being By-Law No. 2006-64).
CARRIED
EAC Motion of Commendation and
Congratulations
WHEREAS, the employees of the City's Public Works and Services Department have
achieved excellence by:
·
Proactively implementing
cogeneration at ROPEC to generate electricity and heat by reusing methane gas
created by the wastewater treatment process.
·
Estimated $1 million annual
electricity net cost savings since 1997.
·
Additional $400,000 annual
savings by using generated methane gas to operate and heat the facility instead
of purchasing natural gas.
·
Using the natural elevation
and drop of the Ottawa River at the Fleet Street Pumping Station to pump
treated water from the Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant into the distribution
system, saving $1.2 million in annual energy costs
·
Installing a clean burning
natural gas generator at the Britannia Water Purification Plant and used when
electricity prices rise or to provide electricity when electrical demands are
high, saving $180,000 annually while
avoiding power shortages.
And whereas, this has resulted in the City of
Ottawa being recognized as best in Ontario by the Ontario Municipal
Benchmarking Initiative (OMBI) Water and Wastewater Expert Panel for their
innovative energy management using alternative sources of energy through the
above actions resulting in savings to the City of $2.78 million annually in
energy costs and reductions to the impact on our environment.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee wishes to
extend our commendations and congratulations to all members of the Public
Services Department who contributed to this achievement; and
at
the same time, the EAC wishes to draw attention to this achievement, as an
example for all employees of the City, to make every effort in their day-to-day
work to find ways of contributing to the improvement of Ottawa's environment,
and the long-term sustainability of our City.
CARRIED
OTHER BUSINESS
AUTRES AFFAIRES
Member Quealey
provided two short updates, including the exploratory study of a ‘car-free
Byward Market’. No other updates were received.
ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 a.m.
Originals
Signed By
Committee Coordinator Chair
