SUSTAINABLE CITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

An Open meeting of the Sustainable City Advisory Committee was held in the Council Chamber, main floor, City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Tuesday, 2018 February 06 at 6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the Open meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the Sustainable City Advisory Committee Open meeting held on 2017 November 01                                                 

MOVED BY trustee narang

SECONDED BY MS. LUMBY

THAT the minutes of the Sustainable City Advisory Committee Open meeting held on 2017 November 01 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DELEGATION

MOVED BY trustee narang

SECONDED BY mr. cech

THAT the delegation be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

*Councillor Wang arrived at the meeting at 6:10 p.m.*

a)

The Heights Merchants Association

Re: Policies for eCharging Stations

Speakers: Heidi Dueck, President, Board of Directors

                  Isabel Kolic, Executive Director

Ms. Heidi Dueck, President, Board of Directors, and Ms. Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, the Heights Merchants Association (HMA), appeared before the Committee regarding policies for electric vehicle charging (eCharging) stations.

Ms. Kolic advised that the HMA has 330 diverse businesses with more than 2,000 employees, which generate approximately $127 million dollars per annum excluding the Safeway, Honda and McDonalds.

The speaker noted that 30,000 to 35,000 vehicles travel through the Heights District on a daily basis. According to the International Monetary Fund, 90% of private vehicles in developed countries could be electric by 2040. Purchases of electric vehicles in British Columbia have increased by 74% from the second quarter of 2016 to the second quarter of 2017. Although the City’s policies require that 10% of parking stalls in new developments accommodate electric vehicles, there is no such requirement in the Heights. The speaker noted this may discourage residents from spending time or moving to the neighbourhood.

Ms. Kolic encouraged the City to implement the following policies:

·         mandate that all future developments require eCharging stations in residential and commercial buildings;

·         install solar-powered eCharging stations in future and/or current City parking lots; and,

·         install three to six revenue-generating paid eCharging stations along Hastings Street as a pilot project.

The suggested policies are compatible with the goals of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy. In conclusion, Ms. Kolic advised that the HMA wants to be a part of the City’s social and economic vitality, a leader in green initiatives, and for current and future citizens to see the Heights as their community.

The Committee inquired regarding the implementation of eCharging stations in the City’s parking lots.

Staff advised they are developing the Electric Vehicle Policy and have conducted an initial investigation regarding the eCharging stations in the parking lots; however, the cost and operations need to be considered.

The Committee noted that staff will present more information regarding the Electric Vehicle Policy and Clean Building Policy in the future.

Arising from discussion, the following motion was introduced:

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CALENDINO

SECONDED BY MR. BRASSINGTON JR.

THAT the delegation’s presentation be REFERRED to staff for review.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

            4.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY councillor calendino

SECONDED BY mr. zhao

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from the Heights Merchants Association

Re: Policies for eCharging Stations                                         

Correspondence was received from Ms. Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, the Heights Merchants Association, encouraging the City to consider the policies regarding the eCharging stations.

b)

Correspondence from Vicki Rasmussen

Re: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations  

Correspondence was received from Ms. Vicki Rasmussen inquiring if the City is considering installation of eCharging stations.

Staff advised they will respond to Ms. Rasmussen and inform the writer of the City’s initiatives on the matter, and opportunities to participate.

c)

Correspondence from Environment and Climate Change Canada

Re: Schedule 1 Amendments of the Species at Risk Act            

Correspondence was received from the Conservation Planning Unit, Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, regarding the proposed changes to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act for 13 terrestrial species. The public was given an opportunity to provide comments on proposed changes during a 30-day period that ended on 2018 January 18.

d)

Correspondence from Environment and Climate Change Canada

Re: Terrestrial Species at Risk Recovery Documents                

Correspondence was received from the Conservation Planning Unit, Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, regarding two proposed and 17 final recovery documents for terrestrial species at risk in BC. The documents are available on the Species at Risk Public Registry, and the consultation period for the two proposed documents is 2018 February 20.

e)

Correspondence from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Re: Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Milestones           

Correspondence was received from Ms. Jenny Gerbasi, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, congratulating the City for achieving Milestones 2-4 of the Partners for Climate Protection Program for community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The City has set GHG reduction targets, developed a local action plan and implemented actions to reduce community-wide emissions.

f)

Correspondence from District of Sicamous

Re: Prevention of Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Correspondence was received from Ms. Julia Payne, Deputy Corporate Officer, District of Sicamous, regarding the threat of Quagga and Zebra mussels in BC lakes. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities endorsed the District’s resolution requesting more funding from the Provincial Government to increase awareness and education on the matter. The District has sent a letter to Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and is seeking the City’s support in this action.

Staff undertook to review the matter.

g)

Correspondence from Burnaby Board of Trade

Re: A Pledge for a Sustainable Community        

Correspondence was received from Ms. Tessa Vanderkop, Manager – Marketing, Programs and Sustainability, Burnaby Board of Trade, advising that the Board has developed “A Pledge for a Sustainable Community”, an online resource for assisting small and large businesses in reducing their environmental footprint. Over 150 businesses have already taken the Pledge. More information on the Pledge can be found at http://bbotpledge.ca.        

h)

Correspondence from Canterbury Coffee

Re: Compostable Coffee Pods                   

Correspondence was received from Ms. Shelaine Chu, Canterbury Coffee, regarding limited acceptance of compostable coffee pods, bags and cutlery by local composting facilities. Ms. Chu advised a bill requiring sale of only compostable coffee pods has been introduced in Ontario’s legislature, and requested suggestions for how to encourage greater acceptance of compostable coffee pods in BC.

Staff advised that this issue and potential actions to reduce waste from single use items will be discussed at the upcoming Regional Engineers Advisory Committee (REAC) Solid Waste Sub-Committee, and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District meetings.

The Committee requested staff investigate actions taken by other local governments on this matter.

Staff undertook to follow-up with the writer.

i)

Correspondence from Eddy Lang

Re: Request to Ban Plastic Bags 

Correspondence was received from Mr. Eddy Lang requesting the City to ban the use of plastic bags. Mr. Lang advised that the City of Victoria has recently implemented the ban.

Staff undertook to discuss potential action on this matter at the REAC Solid Waste Sub-Committee meeting.

j)

Memorandum from Administrative Officer

Re: Update on the Activities of the Burnaby-New Westminster Taskforce on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth                   

A memorandum was received from Administrative Officer advising that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2018 January 29, received and adopted the above noted report providing an overview of recent and planned activities of the Burnaby-New Westminster Taskforce on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth. Council authorized the allocation of $3,500 from the 2018 Boards, Committees and Commissions budget and the allocation of $2,000 from the 2019 Boards, Committee and Commissions budget to the Taskforce in support of its two-year workplan.

k)

Memorandum from Administrative Officer

Re: Burnaby Access Advisory Committee - Capital Bylaw Funding Request and Overview of Activities                                 

A memorandum was received from Administrative Officer advising that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2018 January 22, received and adopted the above noted report requesting the Capital Reserve Fund Bylaw financing of $82,000 for the 2018 Access Improvements Program, and providing a summary of recent Burnaby Access Advisory Committee activities.

The funding will be used to enhance accessibility of City’s facilities (e.g. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Tommy Douglas Library, Bonsor Recreation Complex, Swangard Stadium, Bill Copeland Arena, Kensington Complex Arena, Burnaby Lake Sports Centre West, and Edmonds Community Centre) and inclusion in services for all Burnaby residents. 

l)

Memorandum from Administrative Officer

Re: Grant Application #18.05. SFU Sustainable Development Club - Sustainable Communities Conference                                

A memorandum was received from Administrative Officer advising that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2018 January 22, received the above noted report and awarded a grant in the amount of $550 to SFU Sustainable Development Club in support of the Sustainable Communities Conference. The conference was held on 2018 January 27 at the Diamond Family Auditorium, and connected youth with BC’s sustainable development community to share knowledge and develop tools among seasoned and emerging leaders.

5.

REPORTS

MOVED BY councillor calendino

SECONDED BY MR. ZHAO

THAT the reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Bear Resistant Green Bin Receptacle Pilot Project

The Director Engineering submitted a report providing the findings of the Bear Resistant Green Bin Receptacle Pilot Project for select multi-family properties serviced by the City.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1.    THAT the Committee and Council receive the findings of the bear resistant green bin receptacle pilot project for select multi-family properties serviced by the City.

2.    THAT the Committee and Council authorize staff to implement bear resistant green bin receptacles to multi-family complexes that are serviced by the City within bear areas.

3.    THAT the Committee and Council authorize staff to investigate the provision of bear resistant receptacles for a limited number of single family residences within bear areas that are constrained in securing their receptacles indoors.

MOVED BY councillor calendino

SECONDED BY mr. brassington jr.

THAT the recommendations of the Director Engineering be adopted.

        CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee inquired regarding the target area for implementation of green bin receptacles and logistics regarding the pick-up service.

Staff advised that the initial focus will be on the Forest Grove area and evaluations will be conducted annually to determine if other areas may require the receptacles. Further, staff noted that they will continue to use educational materials to ensure that residents correctly prepare receptacles for servicing.

b)

Report from the Director Planning and Building

Re: Child Care Resources Group Update for 2018

The Director Planning and Building submitted a report providing a summary of activities of the Child Care Resources Group during 2017 and to propose a Workplan for 2018.

The Director Planning and Building recommended:

1.    THAT the Committee request Council to endorse the proposed 2018 Child Care Resources Group Workplan.

2.    THAT the Committee request Council to approve an expenditure of up to $800 from the 2018 Boards, Committees and Commissions budget to support community engagement, resource material costs and professional development initiatives of the Child Care Resources Group.

MOVED BY TRUSTEE NARANG

SECONDED BY mr. brassington jr.

THAT the recommendations of the Director Planning and Building be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

c)

Report from the Director Planning and Building

Re: Development of Green Building Policy for Burnaby

The Director Planning and Building submitted a report outlining a process for development of Green Building Policy in support of the approved Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) and Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP).

The Director Planning and Building recommended:

1. THAT Council approve the process for development of Green Building Policy in support of Burnaby’s approved ESS and CEEP, as outlined in this report.

Staff provided a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the report.

MOVED BY councillor calendino

SECONDED BY mr. cech

THAT the recommendation of the Director Planning and Building be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee inquired if staff will conduct stakeholder consultations during the Environment Week and when the developers will be required to comply with regulations.

Staff undertook to reach out to stakeholders during the Environment Week, and advised that compliance will be required once the policy and relevant bylaws are adopted with flexibility granted to approved developments and those going through a rezoning process.

d)

Report from the Director Planning and Building

Re: 2018 Environment Week Program                 

The Director Planning and Building submitted a report seeking approval for the proposed approach for 2018 Environment Week.

The Director Planning and Building recommended:   

1. THAT Council approve the proposed approach for 2018 Environment Week.

2.  THAT Council approve an expenditure of up to $5,500 from the Boards, Committees and Commissions’ operating budget for promoting and advertising Environment Week.

MOVED BY mr. brassington jr.

SECONDED BY trustee narang

THAT the recommendations of the Director Planning and Building be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee encouraged staff to consider pop-up installations at the Kensington Fair or events at Swangard Stadium, and inquired if staff will be present at the Hats Off Day.

Staff undertook to create a pop-up for the Enviornment Week that could be installed at other venues, and to consider attendance of the Hats Off Day taking place on Saturday, June 2, 2018.

6.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business brought before the Committee at this time.

7.

INQUIRIES

Peter Cech

Mr. Cech inquired regarding the public access to showers and requested an update on this matter. The Committee advised this issue has been referred to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission.

Staff undertook to provide an update.

8.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY MR. BRASSINGTON JR.

SECONDED BY TRUSTEE NARANG

THAT the Open meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Lauren Cichon

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal

CHAIR