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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAC 2018-05-09 agenda.pdfCity of Maple Ridge ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA May 9, 2018, 7:00 pm Blaney Room, Maple Ridge City Hall 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES – January 10, 2018 4.DELEGATIONS 5.ELECTIONS – 2018 Chair and Vice Chair 6.NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. Review of 2018 Business Plan Items 7.SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES 7.1. Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Inventory and Evaluation 7.2. OCP Aquifer Mapping & Natural Features Development Permit Review 7.3. Communications and Outreach 7.4. Watercourse Protection Bylaw Review 8.STAFF LIAISON UPDATES 8.1. Provincial Groundwater Authorization Referrals 8.2. Federal Fisheries Act update 8.3. Forest License Applications 9.CORRESPONDENCE 9.1. District of Sicamous - Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels Letter dated November 29, 2017 from Terry Rysz, Mayor, District of Sicamous (Referred from January 23, 2018 Council Workshop meeting) 10.ROUNDTABLE 11.QUESTION PERIOD 12.ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: July 11, 2018 Agenda Submission Deadline: June 27, 2018 QUESTION PERIOD Question Period provides the public with the opportunity to ask questions or make comments on subjects that are of concern to them. Each person will be given 2 minutes to speak. Up to ten minutes in total is allotted for Question Period. /aa City of Maple Ridge ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room at Maple Ridge City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 7:04 pm COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Robert Masse Council Liaison Leanne Koehn, Chair Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Ross Davies Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) Gerry Pinel Community Education on Environment and Development (CEED) Centre Ken Stewart Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) Betty von Hardenberg Thornhill Aquifer Protection Study (TAPS) Klaus von Hardenberg Thornhill Aquifer Protection Study (TAPS) – Alternate GUESTS Janice Jarvis Environmental Professional Mike Pym Environmental Planner 1, City of Maple Ridge Christian Cowley CEED Centre Teesha Sharma CEED Centre STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Rodney Stott Staff Liaison / Environmental Planner Amanda Allen Committee Clerk ABSENT Dennis Kinsey, Vice-Chair Member at Large David Neufeld Environmental Professional NON-VOTING MEMBERS Dan Ruimy Member of Parliament Lisa Beare MLA – Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Bob D’Eith MLA – Maple Ridge-Mission Katzie First Nation Kwantlen First Nation BC Conservation Officer Service Metro Vancouver 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA R/2018-001 It was moved and seconded That the agenda for the January 10, 2018 Environmental Advisory Committee be amended to revise the agenda with consecutive numbering and that the agenda as amended be approved. CARRIED 3.0 Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes January 10, 2018 Page 2 of 5 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES R/2018-002 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Environmental Advisory Committee meeting dated November 22, 2017 be amended to revise the resolution for Item 5.5 Subcommittee to replace the text “That the Environmental Advisory Committee create two subcommittees called Water Course Protection and Bylaw Review” with the text “That the Environmental Advisory Committee create a subcommittee called Watercourse Protection Bylaw Review”; and that the minutes as amended be adopted. CARRIED 4. PRESENTATION CEED Centre Overview • Gerry Pinel, Vice President • Christian Cowley, Executive Director Gerry Pinel and Christian Cowley gave a presentation on the CEED Centre. Highlights included the CEED Centre history, mission, environmental activities, compost education, community gardens, and weekly youth and seniors programs. Mr. Cowley informed the EAC of the Velorganix e-trike. Work is underway at the CEED Centre to a create a youth employment program that will use the cargo e-trike to pick up organic waste at participating local restaurants for pre-composting and processing in the Neighbourhood House worm bed. 5. NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1 Elections for 2018 EAC Executive Positions – Chair and Vice Chair The Chair advised that elections will take place at the next EAC meeting as member eligibility will increase once expired terms are re-appointed by Council. 5.2 Discussion of 2018 Meeting Schedule There was discussion and review of the proposed 2018 EAC meeting schedule. The Staff Liaison confirmed that subcommittee meetings should be taking place throughout the year. Subcommittee updates are to be reported at each EAC meeting. R/2018-003 It was moved and seconded That the 2018 Environmental Advisory Committee meeting schedule, as attached to the January 10, 2018 EAC agenda, be adopted. CARRIED 5.3 Soils Bylaw Update • Mike Pym, Environmental Planner 1, City of Maple Ridge The Environmental Planner gave a presentation on updates to the Soil Deposit Regulation bylaw. The public consultation process included two public open house events and two questionnaires. The feedback from the public was incorporated into the bylaw, specifically around topics of public notification, the permitting structure, protection for properties, permit fees, enforcement and municipal oversight. The Environmental Planner provided a Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes January 10, 2018 Page 3 of 5 review of the bylaw amendments. The draft bylaw was presented to Council on November 28, 2017 and first reading was approved http://www.mapleridge.ca/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11282017-2979 The Environmental Planner responded to question from the EAC regarding logbooks, notification signs, timeline management, the repairs and costs associated with volume fees, access roads on farmland sites, soil hauler fines, and City staffing to enforce and maintain permitting practices regulated in the bylaw. The Environmental Planner advised that the bylaw will be brought back to Council for review two years after its adoption. The Environmental Planner requested EAC members review the draft bylaw and provide any additional comments to mpym@mapleridge.ca . 5.4 Tree Protection and Management Bylaw Update The Staff Liaison provided an update from the one year monitoring component of the Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 7133-2015. Collecting, monitoring and evaluating information regarding the new regulations in the bylaw allowed staff to identify and report on issues, gaps and successes. The premise of the bylaw focused on replacement value of trees and the retention of significant trees and the Staff Liaison provided statistics on these values. Challenges around tree retention in urban/densified spaces have been identified and moving forward an important aspect will be to evaluate options for tree canopy retention within the urban centre. The Staff Liaison responded to questions from the Committee regarding diseased trees, trees and vegetation in the urban centre, and the bylaw’s ‘green fund’ whereby revenue collected from trees unable to be replaced on the site could be utilized for planting in sparsely forested parks and conservation areas. 5.5 Watercourse Protection Bylaw and Watercourse Protection DP Review Subcommittee – Next Steps The Staff Liaison requested a scoping report from the subcommittee to present to Council. The Staff Liaison will send subcommittee members, David Neufeld, Janice Jarvis and Ken Stewart, possible dates in January to gather for a subcommittee meeting. 5.6 Subcommittee Discussion There was discussion on the formation of additional subcommittees. The Staff Liaison advised that any interested parties, not only EAC members, are invited to join a subcommittee. There was discussion on involving the City’s Communication Department to spread the word on the subcommittees. R/2018-004 It was moved and seconded That a subcommittee be formed consisting of Ross Davies, Ken Stewart, Leanne Koehn and Rod Stott to develop a strategy for Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Inventory and Evaluation. CARRIED R/2018-005 It was moved and seconded That a subcommittee be formed consisting of Betty von Hardenberg and Rod Stott to review and update OCP Aquifer Mapping and the Natural Features Development Permit. CARRIED Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes January 10, 2018 Page 4 of 5 6. CORRESPONDENCE 6.1 Organization Updates/ Upcoming Events Ross Davies proposed upcoming events be circulated to members in advance of the EAC meetings. Committee discussed adding events to EAC agenda. R/2018-006 It was moved and seconded That the Environmental Advisory Committee agendas include upcoming events and that the deadline dates to include event submission on the EAC agenda be created and distributed by the Committee Clerk. CARRIED 6.2 Green Teams of Canada The Chair and Staff Liaison reported on the correspondence received from Lyda Salatian, Founder and Executive Director of Green Teams Canada. Green Teams Canada expressed an interest in presenting their works to the Committee. R/2018-007 It was moved and seconded That the correspondence provided by Green Teams Canada be received for information and that the Staff Liaison inform Green Teams Canada a presentation to the Environmental Advisory Committee is not required. CARRIED 7. ROUNDTABLE Gerry Pinel reported the CEED Centre is moving forward with several initiatives. GETI has formed a new society Affordable Community Environmental Society “ACES”. ACES is an organization looking to build an inclusive community around micro and tiny homes utilizing green principles. Ross Davies invited members to the KEEPS Open House on February 18, 2018 at the Stewardship Centre. Additional Open Houses scheduled in March, April, May and June. The Katzie First Nation is opening a new Children’s Learning Centre on January 24, 2018 and KEEPS will be raising salmon in the Centre. Janice Jarvis reported that Metro Vancouver has purchased property in Kanaka Regional Park and a pond restoration project is planned on the site. Betty von Hardenberg reported that the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources is drilling a monitoring well in Thornhill park and all the information collected will be online and available for use. Celebration planning is underway as TAPS is entering into its 13th year of monitoring aquifers. Mrs. Von Hardenberg commended the Community and the City’s Environmental Department on the work to date on the Soil Deposit Regulation bylaw. Ken Stewart reported that planning for an ARMS fundraiser is underway and details will follow in the next few months. Leanne Koehn reported that the Repair Cafes will be launching March 24, 2018 and details can be found on the Ridge Meadows Recycling Facebook page or at www.mrrepaircafe.ca . Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes January 10, 2018 Page 5 of 5 Additional Repair cafés are scheduled on Earth Day, April 21, 2018 and during Seniors Week on June 9, 2018. A call has gone out for volunteer “fixers”, materials and tools. Ms. Koehn advised that the Earth Day Photo and Poetry contest is open for submissions until March 9, 2018. Earth Day 2018 has a theme of DIY: Make it, Grow it, Fix it, Share it. The website www.mrearthday.ca has further information on the eco-inspired event. Lead up events include those hosted by ARMS on March 3, 2018, Hammond Forever House on March 10, 2018 and Maple Ridge Library on March 13, 2018. 8. QUESTION PERIOD Bill Hardy shared his well versed background in green infrastructure and his interest in joining the Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Inventory and Evaluation subcommittee. Subcommittee members welcomed him to join. 9. ADJOURNMENT It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 9:19 pm. L. Koehn, Chair /aa Business Plan 2018-2020 1 | Page Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee City of Maple Ridge Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee Business Plan 2018 – 2020 Committee Purpose The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), established in Sept 2017, has been set up to advise Council on relevant issues along with opportunities to help continue to invest in the protection, management, and enhancement of the natural environment. The EAC was set up to help prioritize and implement Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) recommendations. It was also set up to support environmental awareness and to promote the community’s strong values associated with environmental conservationism, stewardship, and sustainability. Committee Structure and Members The Environmental Advisory Committee consists of between 13 and 16 members. Eleven of these members are appointed by Council. Councillor Robert Masse is the Council Liaison for this Committee. Councillor Kiersten Duncan is the alternate. The remaining representatives are nominated and appointed by their respective agencies, organizations and governments. Ongoing Deliverables Provide advice to Council on a wide range of existing and emerging environmental issues, trends, and opportunities including strategic planning initiatives, bylaws, and policy development including: o Environmental policies and bylaws as well as management strategies or action items; o Support any special project requests coming from Mayor and Council; o Review & recommend High Priority, Short Term Environmental Management Strategy and Action Items for Council’s consideration o Support for environmental awareness and outreach opportunities at public events including development of educational displays, web based information, and speakers; Continue to support and build important relationships in the following ways: Support ongoing communications and awareness about municipal environmental initiatives, provide greater clarity around environmental regulations and best practices, raise awareness about local environmental successes & stakeholders Support BCIT and UBC ecological design research and educational initiatives through Grant Application process Support community stewardship ethic & build connections by attending public events to such as Earth Day & River’s Day to help raise local awareness Support mutually beneficial environmental initiatives with other municipal advisory committees, educational institutions, senior environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and local volunteers Committee development through conferences, tours, and other events 6.1 Business Plan 2018-2020 2 | Page Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee Found Milestones  Update report to Council with findings and recommendations from EAC regarding new federal Fisheries Act legislative revisions  Preparation of BC Hydro Water Use Plan Fish Passage and Infrastructure Impact Upgrade resolution to UBCM  Provide relevant background information on EAC guiding documents such as the OCP environmental framework along with the Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) report  Creation of new Communications Sub-Committee for EAC  Review of Soils Bylaw updates and Tree Bylaw updates going to Council Prior Years’ Deliverables Action Item Status or Outcome % Complete (and ETA if not 100%) Develop a Committee Workplan Resulting action items for 2018 are listed in new deliverables table. 100% New Deliverables for 2018 Action Item Lead ETA Review and update the Watercourse Protection Bylaw EAC staff liaison Q3 2018 Update the OCP Vulnerable Aquifer Mapping and Natural Features Development Permit Guidelines EAC staff liaison Q4 2018 Develop a public events & social media outreach strategy including a creek naming, signage, and public art program with assistance of community stakeholders EAC members AAC members Heritage Committee Q4 2018 Review ongoing Natural Asset inventory & Urban Forest evaluation program with UBC and BCIT. Leverage successful grant approval for $45,000 for ongoing pilot studies from BCIT. EAC staff liaison UBC & BCIT staff Q4 2018 November 29, 2017 Honourable George Heyman Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Via E-mail: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca PO Box 9047 Stn Prov Govt Rm 112, Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8W9E2 Re: Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels Dear Honourable Heyman, On behalf of the District of Sicamous we write to express our concern about the threat of Quagga and Zebra mussels. Sicamous submitted a resolution at UBCM that was endorsed requesting more funding from the Provincial Government to increase awareness and Education for the threat of Quagga and Zebra mussels into BC Lakes. The effects to ALL BC Lakes would be devastating: •Zebra and quagga mussels filter water to the point where food sources such as plankton are removed, altering food webs. This also causes clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper, increasing growth of aquatic vegetation. One mussel can produce one million mussels per year. •Impact fish and wildlife by increasing toxic algal blooms. •Large colonies affect spawning areas, impacting the survival of fish eggs. •Affects recreational activities by cutting swimmers feet as a result of their sharp shell •Non-reversible once infested with mussels, all BC Lakes will be contaminated and there is currently no solution to destroy them. •Cost to British Columbia will be Billions, to government, taxpayers and businesses if mussels manage to get into our eco-system •Eco-system compromised, water intakes plugged, fish destroyed, beaches destroyed •No long-term research provided on drinking water quality •Negative tourism impact Solutions: •Guard the boarders - cost British Columbia Millions to guard the boarders 24/7 365 days per year to prevent infestation or Boat border crossing hours, that work. •Train border patrols – this is a serious issue, they must collect the correct information from boaters (of all kinds such as zodiacs, blow up paddle boards) District of Sicamous 446 Main Street PO Box 219 Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0 T: 250 836 2477 F: 250 836 4314 E: info@sicamous.ca sicamous.ca 9.1 LIVE MORE • More conservation officers, with more authority • This is no longer a campaign, it should now be a department of the government with funding to continue prevention • This is no longer a provincial problem, it is a federal problem, lakes that are contaminated in Canada should not be allowed to let boats leave without inspection to prevent contaminating other lakes. • Transport Canada should now prevent float planes from hoping provinces and states • Education – Major Media campaign announcing BC’s commitment to keep our waters pristine. TV, Billboards, News paper, social media • All Municipalities and Regional Districts should run a banner on their website home pages – “British Columbia is Committed to keeping their lakes Quagga and Zebra Mussel free. Please respect our Lakes and boarder crossing patrols, STOP at the boat inspection stations”. This should have a link to a website explaining the seriousness of this issue, and explain fines for breaking the law by transporting invasive species. • All British Columbia tourism sites should also announce and run the banner on their sites. Tourism will stay healthy if BC lakes stays healthy. • Boaters registration, should include education • Immediate allocations of funds dedicated to research, to enable BC biologists to work on a solution with Manitoba & US studies research groups. Let’s work on removing them, together. • Collaborate with infested US bordering Lakes on research and prevention of cross contamination. • Collaborate with Alberta and Saskatchewan to stay mussel free Funding: BC government will find the funds (billions) if we lose the battle against mussels, as we’ll need to manage the problem. This is how can we help fund the prevention now (millions): • Out of province user pay at all BC boat ramps • Lake passes for BC boaters • All fines are allocated back to the program • Boat registration increase some funding back to project Thank you for your consideration of this issue. Regards, Terry Rysz, Mayor DISTRICT OF SICAMOUS Cc: Mark Zarcharias, Deputy Minister (via email: DM.ENV@gov.bc.ca) Wendy Booth, UBCM President (via email: wndbooth@gmail.com) UBCM Members (via emails)