Mr. Scheckenberger, Ms. Stokke and Mr. Ahmad presented and provided an overview on the Stormwater Master Plan. They discussed the project scope, work plan, vision development, legislation, current conditions, stormwater in other cities, establishing actions and next steps. They highlighted the work plan's six tasks and the feedback provided by the public consultations. They also discussed the two types of actions, four themed areas and six service deliveries. The next steps consist of providing a draft in May 2021 to EAC for feedback before getting final approval from Council in June 2021.
Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns;
- Tree Canopy and tree planting on the stormwater facilities;
- Strategic communications, such as digital boards and signs on the railway corridor;
- Suggested ecological co-benefits and partnering with organizations for outreach opportunities;
- Youth outreach;
- Inquired about the connection to the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP);
- Expressed concern that there was no mention of the stormwater charge, research and the role of recovery of nutrients; and
- Inquired about if the feedback being received in March at the Public Information Center will be incorporated into the plan prior to returning to EAC in May.
Mr. Scheckenberger, Ms. Stokke, Mr. Ahmad and Dianne Zimmerman, Manager of Environment responded to the questions from the Members of the Committee;
- Noted the green space located on the facilities could be utilized for tree canopy.
- Noted the communication messaging will be leverage across a board range of channels, that consist of social media and public meetings as well as further explore incorporating the signage suggestion.
- Noted there is youth summit.
- One of the actions stated in the CCAP is to create a Stormwater Master Plan and this is a direct deliverable. The other CCAP connections are associated with urban agriculture, public engagement and green infrastructure.
- The element of research is based on the best practice review and industry scan. The economic interests are actions bound to the stormwater charge.
- The Stormwater Master Plan is an aspirational plan that outlines future actions to complement the stormwater program, thus the feedback received would be incorporated into the actions.
DIRECTION to staff to provide fact sheet to Members of Council to add to their Councillor newsletter.