Environment & Sustainability Experts Panel Minutes

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Virtual
Present:
  • Krista Langthorne, BA, SEBT - Resilience & Natural Resources
  • Pablo Navarro - Socio-cultural & Quality of Life
Regrets:
  • Kieran Hanley, MBA - Sustainable Economic Growth, Chair
  • Councillor Ian Froude, Council Representative
  • Joel Finnis, PhD - Climate Science & Resilience
  • Dennis Knight, MSc, MCIP - Sustainable Urban Planning & Economic Growth
  • Joseph Daraio, PhD, PEng - Sustainable Urban Planning & Resilience
  • Michel Wawrzkow, PEng, PGeo - Natural Environment & Resilience
Staff:
  • Brian Head, Manager - Parks & Open Spaces
  • Edmundo Fausto, Sustainability Coordinator
  • Shanna Fitzgerald, Legislative Assistant

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As there was no quorum, the regular business of the Committee could not be conducted. It was agreed by consensus that those present would continue the meeting to discuss the Stormwater Management Policy and the members not in attendance could provide their comments by email. The matter will be discussed further at a future meeting of the Panel.

The Sustainability Coordinator provided a brief overview of the Stormwater Management Policy. This item was referred to the Panel at the Committee of the Whole meeting of July 20, 2020. This policy provides a comprehensive Stormwater management approach for all development within the City of St. John’s. Once the policy is approved, the current 08-04-19 Stormwater Detention Policy will be rescinded.

Discussion took place with the following points from members summarized:

  • There should be a better integration of climate change as a supporting intention across the document rather than in only one section.
  • This policy sets the intention for a more coordinated approach and the guideline will reflect the policy. This is similar to other jurisdictions who have implemented this type of policy.

The Panel was tasked to review and provide feedback for inclusion in the recommendation to Council. 

Healthy Cities was invited to extend the conversation from the last meeting of the Experts Panel. They are currently working on implementing feedback and may refer back to the Panel for further discussion.

Members were invited to submit future presentations or delegations of interest. The following ideas were proposed: 

  • Infrastructure design and requirements of the City
  • City efforts for reuse of energy
  • Mysa pilot project (currently in early development) 
  • BC Healthy Built Environment Linkages Toolkit
  • Transportation discussion - municipalities perspective/greater St. John's metropolitan area
  • Newfoundland Power - potential plan for electrification
  • Urban space food production

This list will be shared with the Panel at the next meeting for additional comments. 

The Sustainability Coordinator provided a brief operational update. The Committee of the Whole agenda for August 19 contains two items of interest to the Panel. The first is a decision note informing Council about the status of the planning process of the Resilient St. John’s Climate Plan, the membership of the Multi-stakeholder Sustainability Team, and the plan to launch stakeholder and public engagement activities. The second is a decision note regarding the FCM Community Energy Financing Program design application which outlines the collaborative approach to be the lead municipality applying for funds to FCM's to develop a study that will Design a Community Efficiency Financing program.

Panel members were invited to review those agenda items when the agenda is posted on Friday. 

The date of the next meeting is to be determined.

Purpose of next meeting:

1. Drive Thru Referral

2. Stormwater Management Policy

3. Future Presentations/Delegations of Interest

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:36 pm.