Kyra Chisholm, Plan Manager, Climate Action Waterloo Region spoke from a presentation providing Council with an update on the work of the organization in 2023 and plans moving forward.

Councillor Hergott asked how population increase is factored in when setting goals for reduction in emissions?

Ms. Chisholm responded that when each Council adopted the target it was for the goal of absolute emissions targets so despite population increase.

Mayor Nowak asked for statistics on the electric vehicle sales within the Region of Waterloo.

Ms. Chisholm responded that she could gather that information from the clean air partnership and provide it to Council.

Inga Rinne, Chair, Trees for Woolwich provided information on the project currently underway in the Township of Woolwich to plant 22,000 trees in three years to increase the canopy cover. Ms. Rinne presented a video on the roadside tree project showcasing the benefits of increasing roadside trees. 

Mayor Nowak asked if the group is entirely volunteer based.

Ms. Rinne responded that Trees for Woolwich is a subset of the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee of Council which allows for some assistance from the Township including a small amount of staff time and insurance coverage.

Councillor Brick asked what the primary species being planted is?

Ms. Rinne responded that they are all native species including maple, oak, sycamore, red maple, and sugar maple. Ms. Rinne noted that where trees are located under hydro lines short stature trees are planted.

Cate Frid, Artistic Director, Watercourse Theatre provided Council with details of the new play performing locally about living and belonging in the Township of Wellesley. Ms. Frid noted that work began in February and presentations begin in June in each settlement area.

Mayor Nowak stated that the show is sold out in Wellesley.

Ms. Frid noted that shows include June 19 in Linwood, June 20 in Hawkesville and June 21 in St. Clements.

Alex Latta, on behalf of the Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative, a network of organizations and citizens promoting collaboration to achieve the regional climate goals. Mr. Latta spoke to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and their reports prepared to provide guidance to policy makers.

Mayor Nowak asked would the Clerk advise at to the method of advertising.

Deputy Clerk, Amy Harron responded that notice was posted on the Township website, sign posted on property and mailed to neighbours within 120m of subject lands.

Director of Planning, Tim Van Hinte spoke from a presentation detailing the application.

Mayor Nowak asked if there are any questions from Council members.

Councillor Wagner asked what type of truck will transport the goods from this property?

Mayor Nowak noted that the applicant will respond to that at the appropriate time of the public meeting.

Mayor Nowak asked are there any persons who wish to make oral or written submissions in opposition to the proposed by-law. If so, would they please give their names, addresses and postal codes to clerk.

No one came forward.

Mayor Nowak asked are there any persons who wish to make oral or written submissions in support of the proposed by-law other than the applicant. Give names, addresses and postal codes to clerk.

Melvin Bowman, 3347 Ament Line, Wallenstein, stated that the lane from 3363 Ament Line has better visibility than the lane from his property.

Mayor Nowak asked does the Applicant wish to make comments.

Oliver Bowman stated that 53' trucks would be in and out of the driveway noting that there is better visibility from this lane than neighbours. Mr. Bowman added that there are 2 driveways with the plan to only use the driveway with visibility for transporting good from the shop.

Mayor Nowak stated that Council cannot take a position on the proposed by-law during the course of the public meeting.

Mayor Nowak asked Neal Morris, Engineer, K. Smart Associates to bring forward his report.

Neal Morris, Engineer with K. Smart Associates Limited spoke from a presentation detailing the Engineer's Report and work to be completed based on the petition.

Mayor Nowak asked if there are any questions from Council on the report?

Councillor Hergott asked what the reason for closing in the drain is?

Mr. Morris responded that the landowner would have full access of the property if the drain were enclosed.

Mayor Nowak asked are there any ratepayers that wish to question the engineer’s report? Mayor Nowak added that questions are on the report only not on the cost as the cost will be covered in the Court of Revision meeting.

No one came forward.

CAO, Rik Louwagie provided an update on the daily activities of his role since the previous update.

Councillor Wagner asked what the expectation of Council is on the day of the facility grand opening.

CAO Louwagie noted that staff will send an email to Council with details of the event.