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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAC 2018-09-12 agenda.pdfCity of Maple Ridge ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA September 12, 7:00 pm Blaney Room, Maple Ridge City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES – July 16, 2018 4. DELEGATIONS 5. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. 2019 Business Plan Update and 2019 Incremental Package 6. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES 7. STAFF LIAISON UPDATES 8. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1. Upcoming Events September 15, 2018 10:00 am -2:00 pm GETI Fest 2018 Memorial Peace Park (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Golden Ears Transition Initiative September 15, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Repair Café at GETI Fest Memorial Peace Park (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Ridge Meadows Recycling Society September 16, 2018 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bear Necessities Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre Organizer: KEEPS September 23, 2018 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 25th Annual Ridge Meadows Rivers Day Allco Fish Hatchery 24959 Alouette Road Organizer: ARMS October 13, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Repair Café Maple Ridge Senior’s Activity Centre 12150 224 Street Organizer: Ridge Meadows Recycling Society October 20, 2018 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Local Government Election Multiple Voting Locations Organizer: City of Maple Ridge November 8 & 9, 2018 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 2018 Zero Waste Conference Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Organizer: Metro Vancouver Environmental Advisory Committee Agenda September 12, 2018 Page 2 of 2 9. ROUNDTABLE 10. QUESTION PERIOD 11. ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: November 14, 2018 Agenda Submission Deadline: October 31, 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 July 16, 2018 at 7:02 pm COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Robert Masse Council Liaison Leanne Koehn, Chair Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Betty von Hardenberg Thornhill Aquifer Protection Study (TAPS) Cheryl Ashlie Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) David Neufeld Environmental Professional Dennis Kinsey Member at Large Gerry Pinel Community Education on Environment and Development (CEED) Centre Janice Jarvis Environmental Professional Jessie Lees, Vice Chair Member at Large – Youth Representative Ross Davies Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) GUESTS Cheryl Power Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) - Alternate Ken Williams KEEPS - Alternate Kim Day Ridge Meadows Recycling Society - Alternate Klaus von Hardenberg Thornhill Aquifer Protection Study (TAPS) – Alternate Martin Dmitrieff CEED Centre – Alternate Taylor Robinson Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Summer Student Jamie Robinson Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Summer Student STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Rodney Stott Staff Liaison / Environmental Planner Amanda Allen Committee Clerk ABSENT 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 Representative Kwantlen First Nation Representative BC Conservation Officer Service Representative Metro Vancouver Representative 1. CALL TO ORDER There was a roundtable introduction of members. Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes July 16, 2018 Page 2 of 5 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA R/2018-013 It was moved and seconded That the July 16, 2018 Environmental Advisory Committee agenda be approved as circulated. CARRIED Note: Janice Jarvis joined the meeting at 7:09 pm. 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES R/2018-014 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Environmental Advisory Committee meeting dated May 9, 2018 be adopted. CARRIED 4. DELEGATIONS 4.1. Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw Update; Zone Amending Bylaw to Secure Waste Management Area in New Developments  Dan Mikolay, Wildsafe BC Coordinator for Maple Ridge Mr. Mikolay gave a PowerPoint presentation on the 2017 Plan to Achieve Bear Smart Community Status for Maple Ridge. Mr. Mikolay advised that the Wildsafe BC program is now a year round education program and that the City of Maple Ridge has taken steps to reduce human-bear conflict by reducing wildlife attractants in public areas. He reviewed the intent of the Wildlife and Vector Bylaw and the education and enforcement behind the bylaw. Mr. Mikolay advised that the City of Maple Ridge is reviewing an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw to include wildlife resistant storage in new developments. He reported that the establishment of a Glean Team which gleans fruit from local spots that act as a wildlife attractant. Mr. Mikolay answered questions from the Committee. 5. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Ridge Meadows Recycling Society – Position Statement on the Reduction of Single Use Plastic Item Kim Day reviewed the position statement on the reduction of single use plastic items and the goal of the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society education campaign to reduce all single use disposable items. The Chair advised of the recent City of Vancouver single-use reduction strategy and shared a guide on steps that restaurants and eateries can take to reduce plastic. Links to these and other resources can be found www.rmrecycling.org . Ridge Meadows Recycling Summer students, Taylor Robinson and Jamie Robinson advised of their participation in the ‘Plastic Free July’ challenge and their experiences to date. There Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes July 16, 2018 Page 3 of 5 was discussion on the world wide use of plastic and how recycling can remain a priority in a garbage plebiscite. R/2018-015 It was moved and seconded That the members of the EAC support the position paper of the RMRS and look forward to supporting where possible any of the outcomes of the paper directed from Council in the 2019 EAC Business Plan. CARRIED 6. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1. Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Inventory and Evaluation The Staff liaison reported on the recent presentation by subcommittee Chair, Bill Hardy, on the Green City philosophy and advised that Jessie Lees has been elected subcommittee Vice Chair. The Staff liaison noted an intent of the subcommittee is to bring in a series of local experts to speak to global and local ecosystem services to engage and inform discussion on options appropriate for Maple Ridge; the subcommittee looks to formulate ideas on how to move forward in the short, medium and long term. 6.2. OCP Aquifer Mapping and Natural Features Development Permit Review The Staff liaison reported that a bylaw amendment paper, which comprises housekeeping items moved forward by the Province including updates to the status of aquifers and raising sensitivity of the community to aquifers, has been drafted for subcommittee review. The amending bylaw is tentatively planned to proceed to Council in the Fall. Klaus von Hardenberg reported on subcommittee discussion around how increased knowledge will help to decrease conflict in the community and how including aquifers on the Natural Features Development Permit guidelines will raise awareness on the effect of development on an aquifer. Councillor Masse noted the possibilities of how proper natural asset management can reduce costs and the Staff liaison discussed the efforts made to date on an outreach program to raise awareness on how groundwater is important to the community. 6.3. Communications and Outreach - Nil 6.4. Watercourse Protection Bylaw Review The Staff liaison provided an update from the June subcommittee meeting. The Staff liaison is preparing a report with information gathered from City staff and field consultants to improve efficiency and clarification of the Watercourse Protection bylaw. 7. STAFF LIAISON UPDATES 7.1. UBC/BCIT Project Work – Urban Forestry and Ecosystem Evaluation/iTree Work The Staff liaison advised that UBC are students currently conducting a gradient study from the UBC Research Forest to downtown Maple Ridge. The research study consists of Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes July 16, 2018 Page 4 of 5 analyzing land use in the area with respect to green infrastructure, particularly urban forestry, and the service it provides and the costs if it is not established. The research will provide local data of potential impacts on both a quantitative and qualitative level. BCIT is working in locally with LiDAR technology and other forest inventory mapping techniques. Their research is focused on how to best inventory and manage urban forests. 8. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1. Upcoming Events August 18, 2018 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Repair Café Memorial Peace Park (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Ridge Meadows Recycling Society September 15, 2018 10:00 am -2:00 pm GETI Fest 2018 Memorial Peace Park (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Golden Ears Transition Initiative September 15, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Repair Café at GETI Fest Memorial Peace Park (11900 224 Street) Organizer: Ridge Meadows Recycling Society 9. ROUNDTABLE Ross Davies reported on the July 15, 2018 open house at KEEPS and advised of the Daytime Astronomers open house on August 26, 2018. KEEPS will be hosting a Bear Awareness open house in September with Dan Mikolay. Ken Williams spoke to the three land acquisitions along Kanaka Creek by Metro Vancouver. David Neufeld shared his recent involvement on a green infrastructure project in a nearby community. Gerry Pinel reported that ‘The Great Canoe Race’ CEED Centre fundraiser held July 7, 2018, went very well. GETI Fest is scheduled September 15, 2018 at Memorial Peace Park and the theme this year is ‘Live More with Less’. Mr. Pinel noted the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance paddle from Harrison Bay to Chilliwack on August 12, 2018 is a ‘last stand for wild salmon’ fundraiser and they are seeking financial support and paddling participants. Leanne Koehn reported that the Recycling Depot is hosting their third year of summer depot tours conducted by their Summer students and that another tour date, August 12, 2018, has been added as the previous two have sold out. Ms. Koehn advised that flexible plastic packaging that is not stretchy is a new item now accepted at the Recycling Depot. Dennis Kinsey shared his observation with regards to the clear spring time air and queried whether the air is less smokey due to the chipping program. Betty von Hardenberg reported on recent issues TAPS has been fielding, including calls about Japanese Knotweed, the smell of marijuana in the area, and a well that has run dry for the first time in 45 years. Mrs. Von Hardenberg advised of the regatta TAPS will be hosting in August at Whonnock Lake and that the Thornhill pumpkin growing contest is now growing to include more families in the community. Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes July 16, 2018 Page 5 of 5 Jessie Lees reported that she has joined the Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Inventory and Evaluation subcommittee and is pleased with the adoption of the Wildlife and Vector Control bylaw. Councillor Masse reported Council will be reviewing an electric vehicle charging report and auto wrecking discussion at the July 17, 2018 Council Workshop meeting. Cheryl Ashlie advised that ARMS will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary at River’s Day on September 30, 2018 and preparations for the event are underway. Work is progressing on securing a long term strategy for water licences and completing a fish passage. Summer programs are underway at ARMS. Janice Jarvis noted how a flow agreement, established in the 1990’s, helped the fish in the Alouette River and turned the area into a popular tubing attraction. Rod Stott advised of his recent work with a Metro Vancouver regional planning subcommittee on wildlife connectivity and suggested they be considered as a Delegation at a future meeting. Mr. Stott enquired about Committee interest in participating in a field trip to learn, grow and interact with the environment and it was agreed to add as a discussion item on the following agenda. 10. QUESTION PERIOD - Nil 11. ADJOURNMENT – 8:40 pm L. Koehn, Chair /aa Business Plan 2018-2020 1 | P a g e Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee City of Maple Ridge Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee Business Plan 2019 – 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 is comprised of eleven voting members, seven non-voting members, and includes a Council liaison. Five of these members are appointed by Council. 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 Business Plan 2018-2020 2 | P a g e Public Works & Development Services – Environmental Advisory Committee Found Milestones  Review and support for new municipal Vector Bylaw to help improve waste management and disposal requirements to help minimize wildlife interface issues  Review and support for Single Use Plastic Awareness Campaign  Creation of new Subcommittees for EAC including Green Infrastructure and Natural Asset Committee, Sensitive Aquifer Mapping Update Committee, and Watercourse Protection Bylaw Update Committee;  Commencement of BCIT Urban Forest Inventory Research and Development Project  Commencement of UBC Urban Forestry Transect and Land Use Study  Meetings with Public Arts Committee, Heritage Committee, and Agricultural Committee  Review and endorsement of Soils Bylaw revisions and consultation updates going to Council  Update membership for members at large and environmental consultants for EAC Prior Years’ Deliverables Action Item Status or Outcome % Complete (and ETA if not 100%) Develop a Committee Business Workplan and Incremental Report Resulting action items for 2019 are listed in new deliverables table. 100 Scoping Report for Soils Bylaw Endorsement by Council to move soils bylaw ahead with consultation program 100 Tree Protection Bylaw 1 Year Review Successful adoption and review of Bylaw after first full year of implementation 100 New Deliverables for 2019 Action Item Lead ETA Review and update the Watercourse Protection Bylaw Scoping Report for consultation and regulatory updates EAC staff liaison 3Q – 4Q 2018 Update the OCP Vulnerable Aquifer Mapping and Natural Features Development Permit Guidelines EAC staff liaison 4Q 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 1Q – 4Q 2019 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 1Q – 4Q 2019