Environmental Master Plan - Final Draft April 2011 by The City of Red Deer

Environmental Master Plan Our Environment, Our Future

April 18, 2011

Environmental master plan

To the Citizens of Red Deer: Clean air, fresh water, more natural areas, cleaner transportation options, more renewable energy, less waste. These are life-enhancing qualities that most people want and the residents of Red Deer are no exception. Red Deer’s Environmental Master Plan looks at the current state of the health of the city’s environment, sets up a benchmark for indicators that will give an overall picture of the environment in Red Deer, and establishes measurable targets to track environmental progress. The Environmental Master Plan will act as the pillar for The City of Red Deer’s Municipal Sustainability Framework as directed in The City’s Strategic Plan. It outlines a vision for our shared environmental future, as well as targets and tools we can use to achieve that vision. The environmental vision statement and the entire Plan have been created from input by: citizens at community and youth workshops; stakeholder meetings with local businesses and industries; community groups and developers; and online forums. Our thanks go to the hundreds of Red Deerians who shared their ideas and opinions. This Plan is important to us; we all share the same environment. We also recognize that there are limited natural resources available to us, and that we share responsibility for taking care of the community we call home. The Environmental Master Plan can help The City, businesses and industry, community groups and residents move in the same direction towards a more resilient and sustainable community. The Environmental Advisory Committee was given the responsibility by The City to guide the creation of the Environmental Master Plan. This committee is a group of citizens and two city councillors tasked with enhancing citizen engagement and decision making on environmental issues for The City of Red Deer. As such we have been actively involved in the development of the Plan since its inception. The Environmental Advisory Committee will continue to be involved in the implementation of the Plan and to helping Red Deer achieve its environmental goals. Sincerely, Evan Bedford, Chair Wayne Pander, Past Chair Danielle Nederlof, Vice Chair

Other past and present members of the Environmental Advisory Committee: Linda Cassidy, Grant Johnson, Wayne Morrow, Councillor Larry Pimm, Rod Schumacher, Kyla Therrien, Ross Towers, Councillor Tara Veer, Don Wales, Councillor Frank Wong and Councillor Dianne Wyntjes Support staff and Steering Committee: Sara Alaric, Ligong Gan, Paul Goranson, Nancy Hackett, Julia Harvie-Shemko, Jerry Hedlund, Haley Horvath, Lynn Iviney, Ken Lehman, Amber Mack, Jennifer Margach, Lauren Maris, Sanja Milinovic, Pam Vust and Tom Warder from The City of Red Deer

Table of Contents Executive Summary

section 1

Why an Environmental Master Plan

section 2

The Structure of the EMP

section 3

How to Measure Progress

section 4

Getting There

section 5

Corporate Strategies

section 6

Actions and Partnerships

Appendices

appendix A: Methodology appendix B: Community Consultation Summary appendix C: Environmental Impact Category Descriptors appendix D: Criteria for Selecting Metrics appendix E: Benchmarking Tool appendix F: Example of Impact Assessment Tool appendix G: Prioritization List appendix H: Glossary* *Italicized words throughout the document can be found in the Glossary

Executive Summary

As part of The City of Red Deer’s ongoing commitment to understanding, protecting and improving its environmental performance and public services, The City has developed this Environmental Master Plan (EMP). Reflecting the environmental goals of The City’s Strategic Plan, the Environmental Master Plan is a key tool in the implementation of The City’s Municipal Sustainability Framework. The EMP is the environmental pillar of The City’s five pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social, cultural and governance. The intent of the Environmental Master Plan is to provide The City and the people of Red Deer with a road map to improved environmental performance. To achieve this, the Plan includes clear goals and measureable environmental targets, as well as recommendations for actions for both The City of Red Deer as a corporation and for the greater community.

Environmental master plan

Red Deer's Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions

Focus Areas and Actions

The Environmental Master Plan is built around a 25

The Environmental Master Plan is designed to be a

year vision for Red Deer’s Environmental future that was developed in collaboration with the people of Red Deer:

living document that The City of Red Deer can use to track its environmental progress. To benchmark the city’s impact on the environment, and measure how it

Red Deer actively enhances its rich natural environment and minimizes its ecological footprint through City leadership, community collaboration and active stewardship. Red Deer is a leading example of a resilient and sustainable community in which urban and natural systems are effectively integrated to the benefit of both.

changes in the future, the Environmental Master Plan includes quantifiable environmental metrics grouped into seven focus areas: water, ecology, transportation, built environment, air, energy and waste. Each focus area includes an overarching goal, and between two and four metrics related to that goal. Each metric is described within the body of the EMP, including a discussion of the related target.

To focus The City’s implementation efforts, specific actions have been identified to help achieve the goals. Actions are identified that impact The City’s own operations or policies, as well as actions that are focused on programs or policies that affect the community. A detailed table of the priority actions

To realize this vision a set of six core directions was

is provided in Section 6, identifying a responsible

developed. These core directions provide guidance to the

department within The City of Red Deer and potential

overall development of the EMP and have shaped the specific

partners in both City departments and the community.

actions and strategies that appear in the Plan. The core

The priority actions were selected from a longer list

directions are as follows:

compiled through precedent research, with feedback

1. Encourage, Educate, Engage, Enable, Expect 2. Learn by Doing; Lead by Example

from City staff and the community. The following pages provide a snapshot of the recommended priority actions.

3. Make Decisions Using True Cost Accounting 4. Prioritize Active and Public Transportation 5. Manage Growth to Create Vital, Well-integrated, Compact Communities 6. Protect and Enhance Green Space

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Goals and priority actions for each Focus Area are:

Water Goal: To improve the quality of our water resources

develop conservation tools to preserve green space such as a land conservation trust, land purchase, land swaps, tax incentives and reserve dedications.

Increase the urban tree canopy City & Community: Prepare and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan.

and increase water conservation Advance Storm Water Management Strategies City: Prepare an Integrated Storm Water Management Plan.

Transportation

Community: Review water and wastewater rate structures,

Goal: To prioritize active and public transportation

which will draw attention to the value of water. Develop active and public transportation infrastructure Encourage Water Conservation

City: Incorporate high level core directions of the Environmental Master Plan into the Integrated

City: Develop environmental standards for City buildings

Transportation/Movement Study as appropriate;

including water conservation measures (in accordance

Integrate sustainability principles such as active

with policy 9.13 of the Municipal Development Plan).

transportation, increased modal split and complete streets

Community: Replace water meters with Advanced

into all aspects of transportation planning including traffic

Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology in conjunction

demand management and the Transit Master Plan.

with replacement for electrical meters.

Community: Partner with Red Deer County, surrounding municipalities and local employers to establish regional commuting resources such as transit services, carpooling, shuttle and emergency ride programs.

Ecology Goal: To protect and enhance the terrestrial and

Increase the walkability of neighbourhoods

aquatic health of the natural heritage system

City: Engage the community to participate in walkability audits in their neighbourhoods.

Increase the amount of land used for green space

Community: Partner with school boards to implement a

in the City

walking school bus program to encourage students to walk

City: Enhance the existing set-back policy to include water

to school in 3 or more schools.

body and ecological protection related to Environmental Reserve setbacks under the Municipal Government Act. Community: Partner with community and development stakeholders to share ideas, explore opportunities and

Environmental master plan

Built Environment Goal: To create vital, well-integrated compact communities

Community: Work with industries that have the most opportunity to reduce air pollution by identifying large

that minimize negative environmental impacts

emitters and potential strategies to mitigate their effects.

Promote more compact development patterns

Energy

City: Develop city-wide infill guidelines and standards

Goal: To reduce energy use and move towards using

that emphasize minimum densities, compact form and

renewable energy sources.

environmental design standards (in accordance with policies 10.9 and 10.10 of the MDP). Include consideration

Increase energy conservation of buildings

of parking practices/policies that encourage rather than

City: Replace electrical meters with Advanced Metering

undermine transit and alternative forms of transportation.

Infrastructure (AMI) technology for both residential and

City: Undertake studies of both residential and

Industrial/Commercial/Institutional (ICI) customers.

commercial/industrial density in Red Deer to establish

City: Expand energy efficient street light program and work

informed baselines and goals for future density targets.

towards reducing the effects of light pollution.

Community: Partner with a developer to identify an infill

Community: Explore District Energy potential in high-

pilot project on City land to demonstrate environmental

density neighbourhoods.

design standards. Increase and promote use of renewable energy sources Increase opportunities for local food production

Community: Partner with renewable energy providers and

Community: Work with the community and developers

community stakeholders to provide information about

to create a community garden stewardship initiative to facilitate the establishment and stewardship of additional community garden plots. Aim to introduce a new community garden each year for ten years.

private renewable energy options.

Waste Goal: To decrease the amount of waste going to landfill and increase waste diversion opportunities

Air

Increase waste diversion from the City landfill

Goal: To improve the air quality and reduce emissions

City: Update the Waste Management Master Plan.

Create a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

opportunities to encourage (incent) diversion.

City: Conduct a GHG inventory analysis, and develop a corporate GHG emissions reduction plan. Community: Develop a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan. Reduce Air Pollution City: Identify large emitters of air pollution within The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

City: Review differential tipping fee structure to identify Community: Create an education campaign, toolkits and pilot projects around household and community composting. Community: Partner with developers and builders to advance recycling and diversion of construction waste on development sites.

corporate operations. Identify strategies to mitigate the effects.

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Getting Started

Partnerships

Implementation and making progress towards the targets

The development of an Environmental Master Plan is a

described in this Plan will be a major undertaking and

strong step forward by The City of Red Deer to demonstrate

will not happen overnight. Success requires that the

its leadership and commitment to improved environmental

commitment to implement the EMP is in place. The

performance. With support from The City’s many existing

following are highlighted recommendations for getting

and emerging partners, the Environmental Master Plan

started with implementation. These recommendations are

can act as a catalyst to engage, involve and support others

detailed in Section 4: Getting There.

in improving Red Deer’s environment. The following is a

• Endorse the EMP as an opportunity for The City to

preliminary list of existing and potential partners:

declare and demonstrate the environment as a priority • Recognize that the EMP will take time to implement, but start now • Identify key short-term corporate actions needed to get the ball rolling • Dedicate appropriate resources to environmental initiatives • Incorporate the EMP into City decision making. • Keep people aware and in the loop • Collaborate and build partnerships

Corporate Strategies The Environmental Master Plan identifies many actions for The City to undertake as a corporation. There are many

•W askasoo Environmental Education Society • Red Deer River Naturalists • Red Deer Public Library • Parkland Airshed Management Zone • Red Deer County • ReThink Red Deer •R ed Deer College • Chamber of Commerce • Red Deer school boards • Red Deer River Watershed Alliance • Canadian Home Builders' Association - Central Alberta • Red Deer Construction Association • Urban Development Institute

ways The City can affect its environmental performance through changes to its own operations, policy development and how it makes decisions. Section 5 of the EMP details recommendations for how The City can change the way it approaches environmental initiatives. Recommendations are made in the following sections:

community associations, schools, families, professional organizations, students and all parts of the community have a role to play in helping to achieve Red Deer’s

• Corporate structure

environmental goals. The body of the Plan describes the

• Education and awareness

importance of partnerships and collaboration to success

• City-wide policy • Corporate operations •B udget and decision making framework • Performance benchmarking

directions and cor 5

Businesses, industries, seniors, environmental groups,

Environmental master plan

and provides examples and ideas of how to involve all of Red Deer in the implementation of the Plan.

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section 1

Why an Environmental Master Plan Like many cities across Canada, Red Deer’s establishment and success as a settlement began with its environment. From the Red Deer River that provided fresh water and habitats rich with wildlife that supported the area’s earliest settlers, to the expansive and fertile land that drew early farmers and ranchers, Red Deer’s history and its success as a municipality have been closely tied to its environment. Today, Red Deer’s environment still defines the city’s

development as a city is balanced and sustainable? How

identity. The former agricultural areas at the fringes of the

can we maintain the high quality of life that the people of

city have continued to transform into new communities

Red Deer have come to expect in their city for generations

supporting Red Deer’s growing population; the natural

to come? How can we embed environmental principles

resources that have long supported the city’s economy

within The City’s decision making process, to help focus

continue to provide jobs to many community members;

and direct policy and programs to best protect the health of

and the Waskasoo Parks system, trails and open spaces

the environment?

provide year-round recreation and a sense of civic pride for the people of Red Deer.

To answer these questions, The City of Red Deer has developed Our Environment, Our Future: Red Deer’s

The city and its citizens have benefited from the

Environmental Master Plan. The development of this

environment, but have also taken advantage of its

Plan included extensive research and public engagement

resources. For instance, much of the existing built form,

to identify the core environmental issues in Red Deer

including the new low density residentially-focused

and determine what can be done to ensure Red Deer’s

greenfield communities on the periphery of the city and

environmental future is a bright one.

commercial areas along Gaetz Avenue, reinforces auto-

To this end, the intent of the Environmental Master

dominated development patterns with high environmental impacts. While sustainability has become a strategic City priority, focused environmental principles have not yet been deeply embedded into the decision making frameworks or operations of The City, impacting the ability of The City of Red Deer to comprehensively address environmental issues or goals. So what about Red Deer’s environmental future? How can we preserve, manage or enhance aspects of the environment to ensure that Red Deer’s future growth and

Environmental master plan

Plan is to: • Establish measurable targets to track environmental progress • Identify actions that will help us achieve our environmental vision • Establish a decision making framework for The City to align its day-to-day operations, policy making and programs with environmental goals

About the Plan

Framework that addresses the five pillars of sustainabilty: cultural, social, environmental, economic and governance. The City has

The Environmental Master Plan is connected to The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strategic Plan, a high level document that provides guidance for what The City of Red Deer does as an organization and provides as programs and services to its citizens (described in the diagram below). The Strategic Plan directs The City to develop a Municipal Sustainability

implemented the culture pillar through the development of its Community Culture Vision Plan. The Environmental Master Plan will be a key tool in the implementation of the environmental pillar of the Municipal Sustainability Framework and the sustainability objectives of the Strategic Plan.

Corporate Strategic Plan Describes the vision, mission, goals, objectives and strategies for The City. It provides the framework and direction for all other City plans.

Growth Management Plans These plans relate to land and how it is used in Red Deer in support of growth and redevelopment. Examples include the Inter-municipal Development Plan, Municipal Development Plan, Major Area Structure Plans, and annexation studies.

Development Master Plans These plans support infrastructure development and maintenance. Examples include transportation, environment, parks, and transit.

Community Character Plans

Special Initiative Master Plans

These plans identify the feel of the community. Examples include culture, recreation, and social plans.

These plans support new directions for The City. An example is the Greater Downtown Action Plan.

Corporate Planning These plans ensure the organization has the systems needed to provide services to the community. Examples include Enterprise Asset Management, Human Resources Master Plan, financial forecasting and planning.

Departmental Service Plans These plans detail departmental and corporate actions arising from the Strategic Plan. These plans put the Strategic Plan into action by identifying operational activities and the use of resources.

Individual Work Plans

Yearly planning of an employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work in support of their departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service plan.

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About the Plan

The following describes the sections of the Plan:

The Plan is a long term planning document that will administration's actions are always subject to direction

Section 2: The Structure of The EMP

from Council, available budget, and current priorities and

Outlines the elements that give the Plan its grounding framework

opportunities.

including the environmental vision statement, core directions, focus

guide The City's administration in its work. However,

The Environmental Master Plan establishes a 25-year vision for Red Deer’s environmental future, core directions and focus areas. These three components provide the

areas, environmental impact categories, metrics, benchmarking tool, and actions and partnerships.

foundation for the Environmental Master Plan and were

Section 3: How to Measure Progress

crafted through consultation with the community, youth

Includes identification of and rationale behind the metrics and

and stakeholders groups. Achieving the environmental

targets that will be used to measure Red Deer’s environmental

future envisioned by The City and the community through

progress. Identifies priority actions and describes the individual

this process will require action - action from The City, the

metrics for each focus area .

people of Red Deer, and its various business, educational

A range of additional actions are also provided for each metric.

and industrial communities.

The monitoring and measurement of progress towards targets and

This Environmental Master Plan frames the actions needed

reporting is also discussed in this section.

to work towards The City’s environmental vision. For each focus area, measurable targets along with specific City

Section 4: Getting There

and community actions are set out to ensure that Red

Describes a set of recommendations to set the basis for the Plan’s

Deer as a whole is working together to achieve the vision. Actions referred to as "City" are those that impact The City’s own operations or policies, while those referred to as "Community" are focused on programs or policies that affect the greater community and involve action by both The City and community members.

implementation.

Section 5: Corporate Strategies Includes recommendations for how The City of Red Deer can modify its own internal approach to environmental initiatives and suggests areas for corporate changes to advance Red Deer’s environmental goals.

Section 6: Actions and Partnerships Provides detailed information about the priority actions identified in each focus area including The City of Red Deer's department responsible for implementation and potential partners within The City and the community.

Environmental master plan

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section 2

The Structure of the EMP

The Environmental Master Plan is built on an understanding of Red Deer's environmental needs and priorities as summarized in the background review entitled the Situation Assessment. Through discussion with City Councillors, City staff, civic leaders and the wider community the environmental vision statement and core directions were developed, creating the foundation of the Plan. All targets and recommendations contained within this Plan respond to the environmental vision statement and core directions.

Environmental master plan

The environmental vision statement defines what is important to the community; the core directions provide the guiding principles that will be followed to achieve their vision. The environmental impact categories classify the environmental issues facing Red Deer and work in conjunction with the core directions, guiding the decision making process. The focus areas provide a way to organize the environmental issues into compelling categories that resonate with the community. Within these focus areas, metrics have been selected and defined to measure and monitor the environmental issues identified; target values for each metric have been established and compiled in a benchmarking tool; and, lastly, actions and partnerships are suggested as the beginning of the road map for progress.

EMP Environmental Vision Statement

Core Directions

Environmental Impact Categories

Focus Areas

Metrics

Benchmarking Tool

Actions & Partnerships

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EMP Environmental Vision Statement

Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental vision statement is: Environmental Impact Categories

Red Deer actively enhances its rich Metrics natural environment and minimizes its ecological footprint through City leadership, community collaboration and active stewardship. Red Deer is aBenchmarking leading example of a resilient and Tool sustainable community in which urban and natural systems are effectively integrated to the benefit of both. Actions & Partnerships

Environmental master plan

EMP Environmental Vision Statement

Core Directions

Environmental Impact Categories

Prioritize Active and Public Transportation The following core directions are the guiding principles

The City of Red Deer will create a walkable, bike-friendly

that will be used to pursue The City’s environmental vision:

and transit first community, allowing its citizens a full

Focus Encourage, Areas Educate, Engage, Enable, Expect

range of mobility options for neighbourhood and city-wide

With support from community organizations and champions, The City of Red Deer can deliver an effective engagement, awareness and constituent building process. This process will highlight the importance of environmental stewardship, and foster ongoing dialogue, information and resources

Benchmarking that both enable and empower The City and individuals to Tool improve their ecological footprints. Learn by Doing; Lead by Example

destinations.

Metrics

Manage Growth to Create Vital, Well-integrated, Compact Communities The City of Red Deer will ensure sensitive intensification that respects the existing community and built form. The intent of this intensification is the creation of complete, age friendly and pedestrian friendly communities in all areas of the city. Future growth will focus on the integration of land use with transit planning, and the creation of meaningful connections to green or open spaces, and daily amenities.

The City of Red Deer will lead with innovation, including

Revitalization and sensitive intensification in the downtown

creating low-impact developments, and implementing

core would serve to connect residents with their community

operational approaches that reduce The City’s environmental

and its history, strengthening the economic and social

Actions impact. Through these initiatives, the knowledge, skills &

and expertise of local citizens, businesses Partnerships and City staff will be advanced. The City’s energy use, waste processing, transportation, and operational decisions will emphasize renewable and healthy concepts that minimize adverse environmental impacts. Make Decisions Using True Cost Accounting

heart of the city. Protect and Enhance Green Space The City of Red Deer’s green spaces include the network of natural areas, watersheds, parks and trails, and in some cases, street landscapes. These areas serve a variety of functions including preservation of ecosystems, water quality protection, wildlife habitat, carbon capture,

When evaluating decisions (fiscal, policy, and procurement),

alternative transportation, health and recreation, natural

The City of Red Deer will consider the impacts respecting

heritage and pollution filtration. The City of Red Deer will

the Municipal Sustainability Framework’s five pillars of

grow the Waskasoo and neighbourhood parks system by

environment, society, culture, economy, and governance.

creating green links between existing and new park spaces,

New initiatives selected will optimize all five. This will

and enhancing habitat for valuable and endangered

maximize the long-term health of Red Deer’s community,

species. The main spine and new branches of the park

environment and economy.

network will connect residents with places of work, schools, commercial areas and essential services, and will be well used for transportation, recreation, and surface storm water management. Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Core Directions

Environme Impact Categories

Focus Areas

Metrics

Air

Waste Benchmarking

Goal: To improve the air quality

Goal: To decrease the amount of

Tool

and reduce emissions

waste going to landfill and increase waste diversion opportunities

Water

Energy

ActionsGoal: & To reduce energy use and Partnerships move towards using renewable

Goal: To improve the quality of our water resources and decrease water consumption

energy sources

Ecology

Built Environment

Goal: To protect and enhance

Goal: To create vital compact

the terrestrial and aquatic health

communities that minimize

of the natural heritage system

negative environmental impacts

Transportation Goal: To prioritize active and public transportation

Environmental master plan

al ment

Environmental Impact Categories Cities and communities are facing a broad range of known environmental issues, impacts and trends, many of which

Metrics are well beyond their direct control but nonetheless are

impacting their environmental health. Understanding and categorizing the range of these issues is important because it provides some structure for understanding the ways in which cities contribute to environmental impacts and what kinds of measurements can track those impacts. The environmental impact categories listed below are drawn from research done by Environment Canada, the US EPA and other environmental agencies.

Climate Change Land Pollution Air Pollution Water Pollution Water Consumption Persistent Bioaccumulative Pollution Biodiversity Health Productive Land Area Loss This categorization has been adapted and used to develop environmental metrics, quantifiable measurements to track environmental progress. Further detail on environmental impact categories can be found in Appendix C.

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Areas

ent

Environmental Impact Categories EMP Environmental Vision Statement

Benchmarking Tool

Metrics

Actions & Partnerships

Environmental Impact Metrics track environmental progress and are identified Categories within each focus area. These metrics define how the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

environmental performance will be measured and reported. Each focus area includes between two and four metrics. Each metric has a corresponding target that was developed

Metrics for Red Deer based on precedent information from other

communities and Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place-specific characteristics. They leverage, where possible, data already being collected or that can be collected by The City.

Benchmarking Tool

The benchmarking tool is a comprehensive list of all the focus areas, metrics and corresponding targets.

Actions & The tool also includes a rationale for why metrics were Partnerships chosen as well as detailed precedent information on

each of the metrics describing other community targets. The benchmarking tool is presented in a table format in Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool. Furthermore, Section 3: How to Measure Progress takes key information from the benchmarking tool and provides details for each focus area.

Environmental master plan

Actions and partnerships are ways to implement the Environmental Master Plan. In Section 3, priority actions are identified for each focus area, correlating to a goal. A longer list of additional actions have been identified to relate to each metric. Priority actions have been identified at both The City and community levels.

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section 3

How to Measure Progress

This section defines and describes how the metrics and their targets were developed to support the environmental vision statement and core directions. It provides a list of priority actions for each focus area, and additional actions that can be implemented to help Red Deer achieve its environmental targets. This section also provides guidelines for monitoring and measuring the progress towards these targets.

Establishing Metrics The metrics selected for the EMP shape how The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental progress will be measured and reported. Metrics provide a quantifiable measurement of progress towards a target. The metrics included in the EMP were selected to be effective, clear, relevant and appropriate in scale. They have also been selected with consideration for what The City of Red Deer is already measuring. Metrics reflect a measurement of the overall quality or condition of one aspect of the environment or they measure the success of a City initiative to improve the environment. Within each focus area two to four metrics have been identified.

Setting Targets Targets and timelines are presented for each of the metrics. The targets are based on a City of Red Deer baseline (i.e. where you are now), if known. They have been carefully selected based on: research of industry standards and other municipality experiences; expert advice from many City departments and the province of Alberta; and, most importantly, on the wants and needs indicated by The City and community members. Targets are defined for the years 2015, 2020, and 2035 where possible (5, 10, and 25 year timeline). Where a baseline is unknown, targets will be set once the baseline is known. More challenging targets are those associated with many metrics, or that are of significant importance to Red Deer or to greater environmental issues.

Environmental master plan

Implementing Actions and Strategies

Starting the Measurement Process

Action is required to achieve the core directions and vision

still a new process for many municipalities. Often there is

of the Environmental Master Plan. Priority actions are provided for each focus area that correspond to a goal. In each focus area priority actions related to The City’s own operations and polices are identified, along with actions and policies that affect the greater community. The goals and corresponding actions were chosen because they are: •a reas where performance most needs to be improved; • an action that would achieve significant impact; •e asy to implement in terms of effort and time;

Setting environmental targets and measuring progress is not enough data to definitively say that a specific strategy aimed at achieving a target will be successful. Monitoring and measuring performance provides feedback on the progress made towards achieving the targets. It gives an indication of the effectiveness of the actions implemented to date and what future actions should be planned for. In some cases, more detailed analysis and measuring may be required to answer these questions. It is important to maintain perspective with respect to the targets and timelines. Some metrics will be affected by

• c ost effective; or

events out of The City’s control. For example, forest fires

•b uild on existing strengths or current environmental

occurring many kilometres from Red Deer can affect the air

initiatives. These priority actions have been selected from a longer list compiled through precedent research, City staff and community input. A longer list of actions for The City to implement over time is provided according to each metric. Corporate strategies, which are recommended changes to the way The City internally approaches environmental initiatives, are also detailed in Section 5: Corporate Strategies. In some cases actions will overlap; some will serve as a platform for others, or contribute to more than one target. The effectiveness and progress for each of the actions should be evaluated on a regular, potentially annual basis. In selecting actions to implement, The City must balance financial and non-financial measures, consider the five pillars of sustainability, and look at community and operational objectives. To assist in this challenging

quality. Reporting should include feedback on actions or conditions within The City’s control, conditions over which The City has influence but no control, and conditions over which The City has no control. Reporting on what is measured and monitored creates a dialogue between Council, municipal departments, and the public. Providing information that the community can easily access increases engagement, generates new ideas and instills ownership for Red Deer’s environmental future. Reports should be made on an annual basis externally and perhaps as frequently as once a quarter internally. The Environmental Master Plan itself will require periodic updating (about every 5 years) to reflect how the community is changing and update the information learned from the measuring and monitoring process. The following pages detail the metrics, targets, desired outcomes and actions for each focus area.

decision making process, an example Impact Assessment Tool is provided in Appendix F which illustrates how various actions, or projects, could be compared to reach a decision that makes sense for Red Deer. This tool will also help to evaluate ideas as they emerge. For example, the question of the value of action on light and noise pollution arose towards the end of this process.

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Water Goal: To improve the quality of our water resources and increase water conservation

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Prepare an Integrated Storm Water Management Plan • Develop environmental standards for City buildings including water conservation measures (in accordance with policy 9.13 of the Municipal Development Plan) Community • Review water, wastewater and storm water rate structures, which will draw attention to the value of water • Replace water meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology in conjunction with replacement for electrical meters

Why should we do this? The Red Deer River is an important resource for the city.

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

It provides a natural heritage system, drinking water

•S torm water wetland detention facilities in all new

for residents, water for commercial and industrial use, and supports a rich ecosystem. New integrated water management approaches that encompass the economic, social and environmental benefits of water conservation are the cornerstone to ensuring adequate quantities of high quality water for the future. The community needs to shift its perspectives in water consumption from supply to conservation.

developments •W ater Conservation Strategy •N aturescaping Contest •R ain Barrel sales • T oilet Rebate Program •R ed Deer River Watershed Alliance State of the Watershed Report

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Water Water Consumption Potable water consumption provided through municipal water supply, per capita (L/cap/day)

To monitor the amount of potable water

What are additional actions for consideration?

being consumed.

1. Create a program to educate and assist ICI customers on

Why use this Metric?

Given that potable water in Red Deer is provided

how to do water audits and reduce their consumption.

by the municipality, this metric provides a readily

2. Create a rain water capture program to promote the use

available measurement of the amount of water

of rain water for irrigation, building on the success of the

consumed by the Red Deer community.

existing rain barrel sales program. 3. Work with public sector partners to encourage on-site rain water collection for irrigation and other uses. 4. Continue to provide incentives for low flow fixtures and

Where is the data from?

appliances. 5. Promote the Naturescaping contest as a means to

The formula used is: quantity of water (in cubic metres)/population (from census) x 1000 (to convert

educate and encourage water conservation measures

to litres)/365 days. Quantity for Residential is the

for residential irrigation; aim to increase participation by

total use from Residential and Multi-family; quantity

100% in 2011 and by 50% each of the following years

for ICI is the total of Commercial and Municipal

for three years.

users.

6. Explore using waste water effluent for irrigation at Riverbend Golf Course.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: Residential: 242 L/cap/day ICI: 135 L/cap/day

For all categories reduce from baseline by: 2015 TARGET

2020 TARGET

2035 TARGET

Environmental master plan

8% 15% 25%

Water Water Quality of Receiving Waterbodies Measurement will be defined by results from the Urban Impact Risk Assessment for Alberta Environment

To monitor the key elements that affect water

What are additional actions for consideration?

quality in order to assess and reduce urban

1. Measure and monitor quality, peak flow, and quantity

Why use this Metric? development impact on the environment,

of storm water (entering creeks) and use this information

particularly rivers and creeks.

to inform strategies related to this metric.

Utilizing the provincial and federal standards, this

2. Establish a water quality monitoring program at key

metric introduces a level of assessment in upstream

points along the Red Deer River and creek tributaries

and downstream locations to better understand

to determine the city's impact, analyse the river's

the range of impacts of the city on Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

capacity to handle pollutants, and develop methods

rivers, creeks and waterbodies. A risk assessment

to mitigate impacts.

evaluation, undertaken by The City for Alberta

3. Partner overland storm drainage and constructed

Environment, will evaluate the urban impact on

wetlands with linear parks/green spaces/open spaces/

Red Deer's rivers, creeks, and waterbodies.

pedestrian connections through use of bioswales or reconstructed waterways.

Where is the data from?

4. Review the salt management plan for road maintenance with a focus on minimizing salt used.

An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown*

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

TBD* 2015 TARGET

TBD**

* River monitoring will start in 2011 and targets will be established in 2015 in conjunction with the Urban Impact Risk Assessment for Alberta Environment **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Environmental master plan

Ecology Goal: To protect and enhance the terrestrial and aquatic health of the natural heritage system

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Enhance the existing set-back policy to include water body and ecological protection related to Environmental Reserve setbacks under the Municipal Government Act • Prepare and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan Community • Prepare and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan • Partner with community and development stakeholders to share ideas, explore opportunities and develop conservation tools to preserve green space such as a land conservation trust, land purchase, land swaps, tax incentives and reserve dedications

Why should we do this? Natural heritage lands and urban forest coverage provide a

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

range of ecological functions that sustain our quality of life,

•E cological Profile System

and the broader health of the natural environment. Ensuring biodiversity health in Red Deer means addressing three related imperatives: (1) protect, restore and enhance the health and connections in and between natural areas;

•R ed Deer River Naturalists leaders in habitat stewardship •R iver and Tributaries Concept Master Plan (Adopted July 26, 2010) •D evelopment plans circulated to Red Deer River

(2) reduce the encroachment on natural heritage lands

Naturalists and Waskasoo Environmental

and other greenfield areas by adopting best-practice

Education Society

approaches to higher density development; and 3) reduce

•A nnual creek inventories

the amount of contaminants being introduced into the natural heritage and ecological systems in Red Deer. Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Ecology Natural Areas Land within the city's developed area devoted to native natural features (native tree stands, wetlands, seasonal streams, grasslands and associated biodiversity)

To assess and monitor the proportion of the land

What are additional actions for consideration?

base on which native natural features exist.

1. Re-evaluate storm water management policy relating

Why use this Metric?

Red Deer's natural ecosystem is a point of pride for

to use of facilities as part of the municipal reserve

the community. The preservation and dedication of

requirement as outlined in the Neighbourhood Planning

native natural features will help improve the health

Guidelines.

and the longevity of native natural systems.

2. Use ecological profiles in conjunction with a GIS to identify and preserve natural areas, and quantify natural features and biodiversity prior to development

Where is the data from?

application.

Parks determined natural areas within the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developed area using the PARKS GIS inventory system partnered with spacial information that Parks manages for areas outside of the City

3. Prioritize the protection of natural areas in conjunction with recreation open space as a key element of new neighbourhood design.

Growth Boundary. PARKS GIS inventory is based on ecosystem information specific to habitat areas: protected (City owned or easement), Regional Ecospace, Neighbourhood Ecospace, Wetland Ecospace, and MacConnal Park.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: 863 ha

Increase from baseline by: 2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

Environmental master plan

5% 10% 20%

Ecology Man-Made Green Areas Land devoted to man-made natural features (city parks, turf areas, shrub beds and naturalization areas)

To measure and expand the amount of land

What are additional actions for consideration?

enhanced for landscaping naturalization.

1. Introduce naturalization programs for boulevards, right

Why use this Metric?

Measuring land dedicated to man-made parks and open spaces will provide an indication of the balance between built environment and open space. Public open space provides opportunities to increase the

of ways or park areas. 2. Encourage roof top gardens and living roofs; consider incorporation of living roofs into all new City buildings.

amount of permeable surfaces, re-naturalization and native species within the city. Open spaces can also be utilized to prevent urban encroachment on natural systems and create areas rich with biodiversity. Naturalization will encourage growth of native plant species and native wildlife.

Where is the data from? The total land base maintained by The City of Red Deer's Parks section less natural areas described in that metric.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: 809 ha

Increase from baseline by: 2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

5% 10% 20%

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Ecology Integrated Pest Management Volume of toxic pest control product used per acre of municipal owned land (ml/per acre)

To measure and decrease the use of toxic pest control

What are additional actions for consideration?

products on municipally owned land since they

1. Review and develop a turf and tree

Why use this Metric? contribute to air, water and ground contamination. Pest control chemicals can pollute several ecological

management policy (i.e. around use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc.).

systems, including air, water and soil. Reducing or eliminating our reliance on toxic pest control will contribute to a healthier Red Deer. An integrated approach to pest management is required to ensure the most ecologically sensitive means of control are used. The ultimate result is benefit to the community members and restoration of natural ecosystem functions.

Where is the data from? The total amount of pesticide used divided by the total parks land mass, as provided by Parks.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: 210 ml/acre

Reduce from baseline by: Corporate: 2015 TARGET

2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

Environmental master plan

2% 5% 10%

Ecology Urban Forestry Urban forest coverage (percentage of area within the city's developed area covered by tree canopy)

To measure and increase the amount of the city's

What are additional actions for consideration?

developed area that has an urban forest canopy

1. Partner with residents to consider a private tree

Why use this Metric? coverage. Increasing the number of trees in Red Deer, and thus the canopy area, reduces storm water runoff, increases air and water quality and carbon storage, and has a natural cooling effect through shade. This reduces the need and expense of building infrastructure to manage air and water resources. Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in tree canopy area also helps the parks and trails systems link to one another, which increases biodiversity health.

protection system considering City approval for removal of trees on public and private lands over a certain calliper, age or uniqueness. 2. Enhance or expand forestry programs to provide native plants to community members or community groups to encourage growth of the tree canopy on private or public property. 3. Continue to enforce tree planting and native species requirements for new developments through the Land Use Bylaw. 4. Partner with third party funders to expand community

Where is the data from?

based restorative tree planting events.

An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown*

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2014: TBD*

Increase canopy baseline to: Community:

TBD**

2020 TARGET

TBD**

2030 TARGET

* Red Deer Parks Section is completing an inventory of the urban forest coverage and expects to have a baseline established by 2014. **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in the Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Transportation Goal: To prioritize active and public transportation

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Incorporate high level core directions of the Environmental Master Plan into the Integrated Transportation/Movement Study as appropriate; Integrate sustainability principles such as active transportation, increased modal split and complete streets into all aspects of transportation planning including traffic demand management and the Transit Master Plan. •Engage the community to participate in walkability audits in their neighbourhoods Community: •P artner with Red Deer County, surrounding municipalities and local employers to establish regional commuting resources such as transit services, carpooling, shuttle and emergency ride programs • Partner with school boards to implement a walking school bus program to encourage students to walk to school in 3 or more schools Transportation/Movement Study,

Why should we do this? Vehicles contribute to air and water pollution through

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

vehicle exhaust. In addition, the infrastructure such

•C lean diesel buses

as roads and parking contribute to storm water runoff and heat island effect, and occupy land that could be set aside as green or living space. Reducing automobile use and encouraging alternatives such as cycling, walking or public transit will promote healthy lifestyles, reduce GHG emissions, mitigate negative impacts on water,

•B ike & Ride Program •B etter Bicycle Commuting encourages commuting by Bicycle • T rails Master Plan (2005) •W askasoo Park-system multi-use trails

and preserve land area and money for other uses besides road infrastructure.

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Transportation VKT Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) per capita/ per day by car

To measure the amount of personal automobile use

What are additional actions for consideration?

and kilometres traveled by the Red Deer community.

1. Evaluate trails and pathways mapping and technology

Why use this Metric?

Vehicles contribute to air and water pollution

resources to better connect people to the parks,

through vehicle exhaust. The infrastructure needed

pathways and trails system.

to support vehicles (roads and parking) contribute to storm water runoff, heat island effect and occupy land that could be used for parks or living space instead. Reducing personal automobile use will contribute to cleaner air and water, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce GHG emissions and

2. Improve frequency of transit service on select high volume routes as a pilot project. 3. Continue to explore high speed rail service or regional transit models that link Red Deer to other centres. 4. Investigate options to facilitate future development of high capacity transit- such as light rail transit- within City

preserve land area and money for uses other than

limits, including potential routes and land acquisition.

road infrastructure.

This could be part of the Integrated Transportation/ Movement Study.

Where is the data from? An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown.*

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2012: TBD*

Reduce from baseline by: Community: 2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET

TBD** TBD**

2035 TARGET

TBD**

* Data collection protocol to be established and undertaken by 2012 **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Environmental master plan

Transportation Modal Split Percentage of different modes of transportation used to travel to work.

To measure on a percentage basis transportation

What are additional actions for consideration?

modes utilized by Red Deer’s labour force including

1. Establish a grant/incentive program to assist schools,

Why use this Metric? car, transit, pedestrian/bicycle and other.

businesses and institutions to introduce or increase bicycle parking, storage and shower facilities on site.

Providing alternatives to personal automobiles such as cycling, walking or public transit, will encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce negative

2. Encourage businesses and schools to develop sustainable commuting strategies including carpooling

effects from vehicle use such as air and water pollution. Alternative modes of transportation also provide a means for social interaction, encouraging

for employees/students. 3. Partner with Red Deer College to investigate the UPass program to provide students with universally

vibrant communities. The modal split provides an

accessible and affordable access to public transit

understanding as to how this shift is occurring.

during school terms. 4. Investigate options to increase the frequency and coverage of transit service.

Where is the data from?

5. Implement a “next bus” system providing real time bus

Baseline data has been provided by

arrival information. Engage the private sector to develop

Statistics Canada.

applications to link this information to transit users’ smart phones.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2006:

Car: 88% Transit: 4% Pedestrian/Bicycle: 7% Other: 1%

Reduce from baseline to: 2016 TARGET

2021 TARGET

2016:

Car: 86% Transit: 5% Pedestrian/Bicycle: 8% Other: 1%

2021:

Car: 84% Transit: 6% Pedestrian/Bicycle: 9% Other: 1%

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Transportation Dwelling units (DU’s) within 400 metres From: 1. Public trails, parks or other green space; 2. At least 5 basic amenities 3. Transit stops with 20 minute service

This metric measures the amenities available

What are additional actions for consideration?

within a five-minute walk (400 m) from homes.

1. Incorporate a ‘Complete Streets’ pilot initiative in the

Why use this Metric? It assesses the degree to which neighbourhoods have opportunities for recreation, basic amenities and transit access.

rebuild/redesign of city centre street, neighbourhood street and Riverlands community design 2. Refine the Neighbourhood Planning Guideline to require all homes in a new community to be 400 metres from a transit stop (supports MDP policy 7.4).

Where is the data from? An overall baseline for Red Deer is unknown.*

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2011: TBD*

Increase to: 2020 TARGET

TBD**

2035 TARGET

TBD**

*Data collection protocol to be established and undertaken by 2012 **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Environmental master plan

Transportation Length of all bicycle/pedestrian routes (kilometre/per capita) for bike lanes, mixed use trails and pedestrian-only trails

Why use this Metric? To assess the amount of cycling and active

What are additional actions for consideration?

transportation infrastructure in terms of linear trail systems. This metric provides an indication of the amount of active transportation infrastructure available for community use. It supports the core direction of prioritizing active transportation and creates a quantitative assessment of related infrastructure per capita. As the community grows, this metric should be proportionally enhanced.

1. Work with adjacent municipalities and conservation authorities to establish connections and linkages to region-wide trails. 2. Perform an audit to assess missing sidewalks and trails, determine areas of priority for new pedestrian connections. 3. Introduce a Discovery Walks program to celebrate local culture, heritage and key amenities of Red Deer.

Where is the data from? Trails are in GIS, designated by use. The formula was population per that year's census divided by the total of bike trails plus mixed use trails plus pedestrian only trails.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2010:

Increase from baseline by: 2015 TARGET

1km/672pop 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

5% 10% 20%

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Built Environment Goal: To create vital, well-integrated, compact communities that minimize negative environmental impacts.

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Develop city-wide infill guidelines and standards that emphasize minimum densities, compact form and environmental design standards (in accordance with policies 10.9 and 10.10 of the MDP). Include consideration of parking practices and policies that encourage public transit use and alternative forms of transportation • Undertake studies of both residential and commercial/industrial density in Red Deer to establish informed baselines and goals for future density targets Community • Partner with a developer to identify an infill pilot project on City land to demonstrate environmental design standards. • Work with the community and developers to create a community garden stewardship initiative to facilitate the establishment and stewardship of additional community garden plots. Aim to introduce a new community garden each year for ten years

Why should we do this? The wise use of land is important today and will be

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

more so as the city continues to grow. The existing built

•S mart Growth principles in Garden Heights NASP

form reinforces auto-dominated development patterns with high environmental impacts. This form has also created communities that lack strong links to everyday

•N eighbourhood Planning Guidelines and Standards include reference to Smart Growth principles

needs and services. Intensification of existing and new neighbourhoods can reduce the need to expand services outwards, preserving existing ecosystems from development. Compact neighbourhoods are better able to support mixed use, complete communities where people can work and access daily needs close to home, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through reduced vehicle use. Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Built Environment Development density Total development density by type: 1. Residential (dwelling units per hectare) 2. Industrial/Commercial/Institutional (Floor Space Index)

To measure the built form density of a range of

What are additional actions for consideration?

uses to understand the degree to which Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

1. Update the Neighbourhood and Industrial Planning

Why use this Metric? development pattern is compact. Development

Guidelines and Standards to emphasize compact,

density is a simple way to understand how much

pedestrian oriented development patterns, including

land is used for urban development. Moving toward

increasing the minimum density for new development.

more compact neighbourhoods will allow for better

2. Hold a round table with The City, Chamber of Commerce,

transit service, sufficient market to provide a range

Land & Economic Development and the private sector to

of services and the wise use of land as a resource.

explore tax and other incentives to facilitate downtown

The benefits also include reducing greenhouse gas

reinvestment complimentary to the Greater Downtown

emissions through reduced vehicle use, preserving

Action Plan.

existing ecosystems from expansion development,

3. Encourage redevelopment of Brownfield sites (in

and creating rich and diverse urban environments.

accordance with Greater Downtown Action Plan). 4. Explore LEED and other programs or development options

Where is the data from?

for incorporating greener building choices and to encourage construction of energy efficient buildings.

An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown*.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009

Residential: 14.8 DU/ha ICI: Unknown

2014

ICI: TBD*

Increase from Residential baseline to: 2015 TARGET

TBD

Increase Other baseline to: 2015 TARGET

TBD

*Data collection protocol to be established and undertaken by 2012

Environmental master plan

Built Environment Community gardens and local food supply The land devoted to community gardens and urban agriculture in area(m2) per capita

Why use this Metric? To measure the amount of space dedicated to

What are additional actions for consideration?

community gardens, indicating the opportunities for community gardening within the city's

1. Create a year-round Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, in accordance with

developed area. Access to local food in our communities supports local agriculture, contributes to better human health, and reduces the negative environmental effects associated with food transport. Land designated for growing can also increase the ability of the urban environment to filter storm water, support local fauna, and contribute positively to the culture of a city.

recommendations made in the Greater Downtown Action Plan and Community Culture Vision Plan. 2. Partner with the school boards and a third party such as Evergreen to develop school-ground greening programs, create outdoor classrooms and incorporate naturebased learning. 3. Encourage developers to set aside a small amount of land beyond that required through planning bylaws for community garden purposes.

Where is the data from? Parks calculates this using the area of community garden plots and divided by the population.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Increase from baseline to:

Baseline

2012: 0.4m

2 /cap

Community: 2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET

0.5 m2/cap

0.75 m2/cap

2035 TARGET

1.5

m2/cap

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Air Goal: To improve the air quality and reduce emissions

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City: • Conduct a GHG inventory analysis, and develop a corporate GHG emissions reduction plan • Identify large emitters of air pollution within The City’s corporate operations. Identify strategies to mitigate the effects Community • Develop a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan • Work with industries that have the most opportunity to reduce air pollution by identifying large emitters and potential strategies to mitigate their effects

Why should we do this? Clean air is fundamental to life. Air pollution damages

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

ecosystems and negatively affects human health, in

•R ethink Red Deer’s Put Your Car Away week/month

particular contributing to respiratory disease. Environment Canada reports that emissions associated with transportation are the largest source of nitrogen oxides, and the third largest source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As the city and its surrounding municipalities grow, levels of contaminants are expected to rise and health risks

•B ike to Work Breakfast • I dle Free Zone signs •C lean diesel buses • I dle Free Schools campaign • I dle Free policy for City operations

will increase. Maintaining Red Deer’s current air quality level will be a challenge.

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Air Greenhouse Gas emissions per capita in tonnes (C02 equivalent)

To monitor the reduction in greenhouse

What are additional actions for consideration?

gas emissions.

1. Green the municipal fleet: consider electric and hybrid

Why use this Metric?

vehicles, and bio fuel sources.

The measurement of greenhouse gas emissions includes carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide,

2. Partner with industries to facilitate the purchase of

and is a measurement of the key contributors to

carbon credits or participate in cap and trade program.

climate change. It is one of the best and most widely

3. Limit the use of products such as paints and rugs

used environmental impact measurements.

containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in City buildings and City operations. 4. Develop a carbon capture education campaign. 5. Further investigate the opportunity for capturing methane from landfill to control emissions.

Where is the data from? An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown.*

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2012: TBD*

Reduce from baseline by: Community: 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

TBD** TBD**

Corporate: 2020 TARGET

TBD**

2035 TARGET

* Data collection protocol to be established and undertaken by 2012 **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in the Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Environmental master plan

TBD**

Air Air Quality Maintain and lower ambient concentrations of airborne pollutants, not exceeding maximums defined by the Canada Wide Standard and Alberta Environment

To monitor local air quality and identify trends

What are additional actions for Consideration?

in air quality issues.

1. Establish stewardship programs that promote improved

Why use this Metric?

Parkland Air Management Zone (PAMZ) has been monitoring the various compounds that contribute to air pollution. This metric builds on the PAMZ resource to identify and reduce exceedences of contaminants. Identifying sources of air pollution

air quality (in accordance with policy 9.14 of the MDP). 2. Establish a community idle free program. 3. Engage the Province and advocate for emissions testing of older vehicles prior to licensing.

and reducing their impact will help maintain the city’s high air quality.

Where is the data from? Parkland Airshed Management Zone and Alberta Environment publish these numbers annually.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: PM2.5: 15.9 μg/m3 (2007-2009), Canada Wide Standard metric Ozone: 57.5 ppb (2007-2009), Canada Wide Standard metric Sulphur Dioxide: 0.44 ppb, (2005-2009) 5 year annual average Nitrogen Dioxide: 12.1 ppb, (2005-2009) 5 year annual average Carbon Monoxide: 0.25 ppm, (2005-2009) 5 year annual average

Air quality levels will not exceed the following maximums: 2015 TARGET

PM2.5: 20 μg/m3 Ozone: 58 ppb Sulphur Dioxide: 0.42 ppb Nitrogen Dioxide: 11.5 ppb Carbon Monoxide: 0.24 ppm

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Energy Goal: To reduce energy use and move towards using renewable energy sources.

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Replace electrical meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology for both residential and Industrial/ Commercial/Institutional (ICI) customers to allow them to better track, understand and modify consumption •E xpand energy efficient street light program and work towards reducing the effects of light pollution Community • Explore District Energy potential in high-density neighbourhoods • Partner with renewable energy providers and community stakeholders to provide information about private renewable energy options

Why should we do this? Cities require substantial amounts of energy for their

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

operations. Not only is energy use one of the most

•L ED traffic light replacement program forecast to reduce

significant areas of environmental impact, but also has the potential for the greatest change through conservation and options for alternative, renewable energy sources. According to the Government of Alberta, approximately 85% of the power in the province is generated through burning coal or natural gas, which has negative health effects for humans and contributes to air, water and thermal pollution.

energy consumption by 70% • I mplementing smart meter usage •L EED certification of upgrades at the Recreation Centre and construction of Civic Yards •W astewater Treatment Plant use of methane off-gas as an energy source since 1972 •P urchase of 15% of The City of Red Deer's corporate power from green power sources, plans to increase to 25% by 2015 Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Energy Building energy Average building energy intensity (Equivalent kWh/m2)

To measure the energy intensity of buildings,

What are additional actions for consideration?

including energy utilized for heating, cooling, lighting

1. Promote existing home energy audits and tools kits to

Why use this Metric? and appliance/machinery use.

help citizens make their homes more energy efficient.

Buildings account for approximately 50% of GHG emissions through energy consumption. The City of Red Deer can impact its GHG emissions by reducing how much energy its buildings use. This can translate into cost savings for the municipality and community members, while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy resources.

2. Identify three new City building or renovation projects and use them to pilot higher energy efficiency standards. 3. Create a program to encourage retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency (directed by policy 9.12 of the MDP). 4. Celebrate high performance buildings with a Build Green Red Deer award program. 5. Integrate energy saving initiatives such as server and desktop virtualization, energy efficient hardware, telecommuting, power management for IT equipment,

Where is the data from? An overall Red Deer baseline is unknown.*

work from home options, into city operations. 6. Develop environmental standards for City buildings and facilities that include guidelines for increased energy conservation of buildings (directed by policy 9.13 of the MDP).

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Reduce from baseline by:

Baseline

Corporate and Community:

2012: TBD*

2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET

TBD** TBD**

2035 TARGET

TBD**

* Data collection protocol to be established and undertaken by 2012 **Recommended targets based on comparative situations can be found in the Appendix E: Benchmarking Tool

Environmental master plan

Energy Renewable energy sources Percentage of energy utilized by The City of Red Deer that is produced through green sources (such as renewable resources and energy captured from waste)

To measure the proportionate amount of energy

What are additional actions for consideration?

utilized by The City in its corporate operations that is

1. Investigate the case for capturing methane from the

Why use this Metric? provided by green power sources.

landfill for heat or electricity generation.

Green power sources provide energy with fewer negative implications than those associated with non-renewable sources. Green power sources include systems such as: solar, wind, methane gas capture, and geo-thermal.

2. Explore the potential of increasing the amount of energy captured from the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wastewater facilities. 3. Incorporate renewable energy infrastructure in all new city facilities. 4. Reduce barriers and facilitate microgeneration for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional clients. 5. Continue to investigate and increase procurement of green power.

Where is the data from? Data is from Electric Light & Power's contract with ENMAX for purchase of renewable energy. Future years should include generation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Civic Yards and any other City energy sources.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

Increase total municipal green energy use to: Corporate:

2009: 15%

2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

30%

40% 60%

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Waste Goal: To decrease the amount of waste going to landfill and increase waste diversion opportunities

What are priority City and community actions to achieve the goal? City • Update the Waste Management Master Plan • Review differential tipping fee structure to identify opportunities to encourage (incent) diversion Community • Create an education campaign, toolkits and pilot projects around household and community composting • Partner with developers and builders to advance recycling and diversion of construction waste on development sites

Why should we do this? Ideally, sending waste to the landfill should be a last

What initiatives have been undertaken in Red Deer?

resort after reduction, reuse and recycling options have

• Blue Box Recycling Program

been exhausted. In order to move towards this ideal, and in order to conserve landfill disposal capacity, increased emphasis needs to be placed on waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Solid waste disposal in landfills take up significant amounts of land and contribute to GHG emissions. As the population of Red Deer grows, diversion efforts will be increasingly important.

• Collection and Composting of Yard Waste •R ecycling at landfill: e-waste, tires, toilets, scrap metal, pallets, white goods, propane cylinders, furniture • Diversion of Household Hazardous Waste • Fluorescent Light Bulb Recycling • Battery Drive • Landfill Interpretive Centre •B io-solids reuse from Wastewater Treatment Plant • Rethink Red Deer’s Garbage-Free February Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Waste Residential Solid waste Total weight of solid waste generation by single-family residences (in kilograms/ per capita/ per year)

To decrease the amount of waste being generated by

What are additional actions for consideration?

households in Red Deer.

1. Decrease the weekly limit of 5 garbage bags for

Why use this Metric?

As Red Deer grows, more waste will be generated by the community and more GHG emissions will be released. Taking action to reduce the amount of waste generated, reuse and recycle materials will reduce GHG emissions and the need for additional landfill space, preserving land area for other uses.

residential households. 2. Investigate options for curbside organics collection and composting. 3. Introduce organic waste composting at community garden plots, where residents could drop off their organic waste to be composted.

Where is the data from? Waste Management provided the total amount of residential waste collected by the garbage contractor (from scale software, tonnage hauled by contractor in resi-packer trucks) multiplied by 1000 to convert to kilograms and divided by population (from census).

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Reduce from baseline by:

Baseline

2009: 183

kg/per capita/year

2015 TARGET 2020 TARGET 2035 TARGET

Environmental master plan

10% 20% 40%

Waste Waste Diverted Percentage of waste diverted per year per tonne of waste landfilled

To measure and increase the amount of waste being

What are additional actions for consideration?

diverted from the landfill.

1. Investigate establishing a requirement for on-site

Why use this Metric?

construction waste management.

Waste diversion such as recycling and composting reduce the amount of materials being put into the

2. Expand opportunities for diversion of construction

landfill. Further, recycling reduces the amount of

and demolition waste at The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waste

virgin material needed to produce goods.

Management Facility. 3. Investigate partnering with surrounding municipalities on diversion programs

Where is the data from?

4. Lobby the provincial government to develop and

Total weight of materials diverted divided by

implement waste diversion programs.

the total weight of materials landfilled. Tonnes diverted includes: materials diverted at the Waste Management Facility (from scale software, materials shipped offsite), yard waste diversion (from scale software, inbound compostable materials) and residential recycling program (reported by recycling collection contractor). Tonnes landfilled per year is calculated using data from scale software.

Where is Red Deer now? Where is Red Deer going? Baseline

2009: 10%

Increase Diversion rate to: Residential: 2015 TARGET

2020 TARGET

2035 TARGET

20% 30% 50% Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

section 4

Getting There

Achieving the targets of the Environmental Master Plan is a long term commitment and will require collaboration and partnership with the community as well as new thinking, approaches, policies and programs from The City of Red Deer. This section describes the actions needed to set the basis for implementation.

Setting the Basis for Implementation Implementation and making progress towards the targets described in this Plan will be a major undertaking and will not happen overnight. Success requires that the commitment and culture to implement the EMP is in place. The following are key directions for how to set the context for EMP implementation:

Endorse the EMP as an opportunity for The City to declare and demonstrate the environment as a priority The EMP is an opportunity to reposition The City as a leader in sustainable environmental practices. The EMP can be used to galvanize support and momentum around environmental conservation and sustainability and can be used as a platform for The City to advance a more environmentally-focused municipal agenda.

Recognize that the EMP will take time to implement, but start now! Many of the recommendations, strategies and targets presented in the EMP will take time to implement but there are many quick wins that The City can start with immediately. The top actions described in the previous section were selected because they can start immediately and they will create awareness and momentum. Departmental leads and community partners are identified for these top action in Section 6: Actions and Partnerships.

Environmental master plan

Identify key short-term corporate actions needed

Keep people aware and in the loop

to get the ball rolling

Building awareness, engagement and education needs

Implementing the EMP will require more than technical

to be a core strategy of implementing the EMP. Internal

and monitoring changes aimed at achieving the targets.

communication at The City of Red Deer as well as external

The structure of The City itself will also have an impact

communication to the Red Deer community at large will

on successful implementation of the EMP. Corporate

be necessary to build a strong constituency of support for

strategies and detailed recommendations for The City

EMP implementation. A commitment to regular annual

to take are provided in Section 5, Corporate Strategies.

reporting on environmental progress, such as a State of the Environment report for The City and the community

Dedicate appropriate resources to environmental initiatives The implementation of the EMP will require a commitment in resources including staff, financial and institutional resources. In addition to internal resources, the EMP can open up new avenues for access to external resources such as funding sources, staff internships, and partnerships. Providing such support to the EMP will ensure its long term success.

Incorporate the EMP into City decision making To entrench the targets of the Environmental Master Plan into The City’s day-to-day business, the EMP directions and targets should be integrated into The City’s decision making process. This approach will help to make the EMP a living, dynamic document that has a true impact on City business.

of Red Deer, is recommended to monitor and respond to progress but also to celebrate success and key milestones along the way. Delivered to Council through the Environmental Advisory Committee, this report would be publicly accessible on The City’s website. A review and revision of the EMP itself should be undertaken every five years to ensure it is performing as desired and adequately informing City decision making.

Collaborate and build partnerships The City cannot and should not be alone in implementing the EMP. There are many organizations that can play a role in helping to advance the vision and goals of the EMP. The City should nurture existing partnerships with groups such as Red Deer College and the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, and explore new opportunities for partnership development.

These overarching directions set the groundwork for the implementation of the Environmental Master Plan. Within each there are many options and possibilities available to The City for how to proceed. Additional approaches to EMP implementation, including recommendations for corporate strategies, first steps to implement the top actions per focus area, and partnerships are detailed in the following Sections 5 and 6.

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

section 5

Corporate Strategies

The City can significantly affect its environmental performance through changes to its own operations, policy development and how it makes decisions. This section describes directions and corporate strategy recommendations for how The City of Red Deer can implement the EMP.

The following pages describe corporate strategies in six key areas of: • Corporate structure • Education and awareness • City-wide policy • Corporate operations • Budget and decision making framework • Performance benchmarking

Environmental master plan

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Corporate Structure

Description: Corporate structure refers to the organizational configuration and composition of city departments and their associated divisions. Each city department is typically responsible for specific tasks, goals and decisions, relevant to their departmental focus and/or function. Today, in The City of Red Deer, environmental programming is spearheaded by the Environmental Initiatives Section, housed within the Environmental Services Department in the Development Services Division. Rationale: The way in which environmental initiatives are positioned within The City structure can have a large impact on how collaboration between departments takes place, the corporate awareness of environmental initiatives, and the public messaging about the priority of environmental initiatives within The City. Recommendations Identify an internal champion. Identify a section, division

execution of municipal projects, programs and initiatives.

or department within The City who is given the authority

Work together to design, pilot and promote environmental

and the mandate to act as a quarterback for implementing

performance in initiatives that will require cross-

actions and initiatives related to the EMP and to ensure

departmental collaboration.

adequate resources are allocated.

Build on Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing models for integrated

Establish an inter-departmental commitment to

implementation that are seen in policy making examples

collaboration where departments share the responsibility

such as the Greater Downtown Action Plan, The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

for establishing data collection protocols and monitoring as

internal safety procedure model and within corporate

well as initiative delivery and reporting. Ensure adequate

operations such as the Green Team and the management-

resources are allocated to facilitate collaboration.

focused Operational Leadership Team.

Facilitate interdepartmental approaches to ensure

Utilize technology and establish smart approaches to

integrated approaches related to environmental

accessing and sharing environmental data, information

performance. Extend the collaboration between

and successes between departments.

departments beyond data sharing and monitoring to

Environmental master plan

Edmonton

Red Deer

Corporate Restructuring to Integrate

Greater Downtown Action Plan Quick Start Work Plan

Sustainability into City Culture

The City Of Red Deer’s Greater Downtown Action Plan

At the City of Edmonton, environmental initiatives

is a document that outlines elements of the vision for

are housed in the Office of the Environment under

Red Deer’s Greater Downtown Core and includes a

the Deputy City Manager in the Project Management

discussion of six core themes that will define this area in

Branch. Recognizing the cross-departmental nature

the future including Great Streets, Great Places, Great

of environmental policies and initiatives, situating the

Connections, Vitality, Authenticity and Sustainability.

Office of the Environment within the City Manager’s

Of the 46 recommendations outlined to implement

office provides clear and direct connection to all City

the Plan, 11 were identified in the Quick Start Work

departments. The office of the Deputy City Manager

Plan. These 11 items were clearly called out, first

was established in 2008 to enhance the City’s strategic

steps towards their completion were identified and a

performance, including accelerating and integrating

departmental lead was named. This clear and concise

city-wide programs with unified action. The Office of

approach helped to distil key pieces of a large, long-term

the Environment is one of five units (Environment,

plan into immediate action.

Aboriginal Relations Office, Diversity and Inclusion, Public Involvement and Regional Initiatives) that are operated out of the Project Management branch of the Deputy City Manager’s office.

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Education and Awareness

Description: The ability to communicate environmental strategies, policies and practices both within and beyond the corporation (to residents, stakeholders and other levels of government) will be important to the Environmental Master Plan’s success. The EMP needs to be supported by a large base of stewards from a range of Red Deer’s communities. Building this stewardship base will require education and awareness efforts, including marketing environmental initiatives, reporting on current performance and future targets, creating awareness campaigns, providing opportunities for localized monitoring and maintenance, and mentoring. Rationale: The City of Red Deer already recognizes the importance of environmental education and awareness within and outside of the corporation. The corporate Green Team plays an important role internally, while externally The City is engaged in public campaigns such as the toilet rebate program. Lessons learned from other communities emphasize that one of the keys to effecting change is to seek ways to change people’s awareness of their own impact and their habits.

Recommendations Implement the Core Direction of Encourage,

Advance partnerships with existing partners and seek

Educate, Engage, Enable and Expect within the

to establish partnerships with new groups. Expanding

community using a variety of techniques including

the constituency of EMP implementers beyond the usual

media campaigns, events and partnerships with

groups will create broad based understanding and support

community groups, industries and schools.

for the principles of the EMP.

Find ways to report progress and updates to the

Continue to engage the Environmental Advisory

community at large as well as internally. Use existing

Committee (EAC) as a Council committee focused on The

communication tools such as The City’s website and

City’s environmental initiatives and as an advisory group in

internal employee newsletter to communicate to a

the implementation phases over the long-term. The EAC’s

variety of audiences.

ongoing input into the implementation of the EMP will formalize the importance and role of this community/ City partnership and be a valuable connection with City Council.

Environmental master plan

The City of Calgary

The City of Red Deer

Mayor’s Environment Expo

Naturescaping Contest

An annual event running for 21 years, the Mayor’s

The City of Red Deer’s Naturescaping contest is an

Environment Expo in The City of Calgary is a venue to

interesting outreach method aimed at educating

showcase The City’s environmental initiatives, and also

residents about the possibilities of landscaping to reduce

features exhibits by environmental organizations and

environmental impacts. Entries are judged on water

businesses. The expo has attracted about 40,000 school

conservation, landscape design and biodiversity. Gift

children throughout its history and plays an important

certificates to local garden centres have been awarded

role in educating and engaging young people about the

as prizes for the top three entrants. Growing every year,

environment and what The City of Calgary is doing for

this program has the potential to help advance The City’s

the environment. In 2009, The Mayor’s Expo received an

existing water conservation goals.

Emerald Award from the Alberta Emerald Foundation for environmental excellence in the category of non-formal education.

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City-Wide Policy

Description: City-wide policy refers to the rules and guidelines that are mandated by a city to achieve positive environmental outcomes. Policies can range from anti-idling bylaws to sustainable community design guidelines. These are policies that affect non-internal operations, directing matters within the municipal jurisdiction of Red Deer. Rationale: The development of city-wide policies connected to the implementation of the Environmental Master Plan will reinforce the targets and goals of the EMP and will establish The City’s commitment to the importance of environmental performance.

Recommendations Create, refine and align policies and plans tied to

Provide incentives for change among the public and

environmental targets outlined in the EMP. The

Red Deer’s private sector. Programs like the toilet rebate

development of new policies should be tied in a clear

program encourage change through reward. Such programs

and succinct way to the targets of the EMP. Studies of

can help foster a sense of participation and ownership of

areas in the city, such as the forthcoming studies of Gaetz

the Environmental Master Plan among the public.

Avenue and the Integrated Transportation/Movement

Work with regional partners such as Red Deer County

Study, should incorporate recommendations that are tied to the environmental targets set out in the EMP. The Environmental Master Plan should be considered as one of The City’s core documents similar to the Municipal Development Plan or Strategic Plan that guides policy development and decision making. Improve existing development guidelines to reinforce environmental targets. Documents that are updated on a regular basis, such as the Municipal Development Plan and the Neighbourhood and Industrial Area Planning Guidelines and Standards, should reflect the environmental targets of the EMP.

Environmental master plan

to develop city-wide policies that address environmental impacts on a systems basis. Working with the County would help The City address environmental issues that may originate outside of its own boundaries but have impacts within municipal boundaries.

City of St Albert

The City of Red Deer

City-wide Idle Free By-law

Toilet Rebate Program

St. Albert City Council passed the Idle-Free Bylaw in

The City of Red Deer has offered rebates for homeowners

March 2008. The bylaw prohibits the idling of a vehicle

who replace high flow toilets with low flow dual flush

for more than three minutes in a 30-minute period

toilets. The City estimates that replacing just one 20 litre

between the temperatures of 0ºC and 30ºC. The Idle Free

toilet with an efficient six litre low flow toilet will save

Bylaw is cited as an ongoing initiative in St Albert to help

approximately 25,550 litres of water per person every

the city reduce its impact on air quality.

year. This program has been a critical piece of The City’s water conservation efforts to date.

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Corporate Operations

Description: Corporate operations refer to the manner in which The City functions at the individual staff level, the departmental level, as well as through well defined protocols and actions. Managing corporate operations to reflect environmental priorities has become a way for cities to entrench and implement environmental practices in their day-to-day operations. Rationale: Strong corporate protocols related to environmental performance will set standards and allow The City to lead by example. This will allow Red Deer to actively improve environmental performance and, being under full City control, these protocols or programs can be tracked over time.

Recommendations Align corporate procedures with environmental goals.

Demonstrate the most progressive sustainability

Managing corporate operations to reflect environmental

standards for development on city-owned land.

priorities can be a way for The City of Red Deer to entrench

The City can lead by example through holding itself to

and implement environmental practices in its day-to-day

high environmental standards. It can demonstrate to

operations. In particular The City should consider the

the public and to the private sector the benefits of more

potential of:

environmentally sensitive development practices, from

â&#x20AC;˘Establishing green procurement protocols

landscaping to new building construction. The City can use

â&#x20AC;˘ Creation of a green corporate fleet or sustainable fleet standards â&#x20AC;˘ Development of green building standards for City-owned buildings

Environmental master plan

its own assets to pilot new environmental development methods or initiatives.

Town of Oakville

The City of Red Deer

Corporate Sustainability Policies

Corporate Idle Free Policy

The Town of Oakville has a number of corporate

Introduced in January of 2009. The City of Red Deer has

policies that speak to their commitment as a Town

implemented a corporate idle free policy. Applying to

to the environment. Included in those policies are: a

The City of Red Deer fleet, the policy requires vehicles

sustainable purchasing procedure that guides Town staff

to be turned off when the driver is not in the vehicle and

in their purchasing to improve waste diversion rates and

they are not permitted to idle for more than three to five

reduce reliance on natural resources, and a Sustainable

minutes at a time when the temperature is above zero.

Green Fleet procedure intended to assist with the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

This policy helps improve air quality, reduce greenhouse

greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals, reduce

gas emissions, as well as saving operating costs.

the use of non-renewable resources, and improve fuel efficiency.

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Budgeting and Decision Making Framework

Description: Red Deer’s planning and budget process provides a framework for the allocation of funds. The budget reflects the overall direction, vision, goals and objectives conveyed by The City and its residents. How The City budgets for and makes decisions about environmental initiatives and programs will be a key element to the Environmental Master Plan’s implementation. Rationale: The City’s commitment to environmental performance and the implementation of Environmental Master Plan directions should be clear in The City’s budgeting priorities and process. Enough resources need to be budgeted to allow for EMP implementation and clear channels should be established for reporting back to The City and community about how resources are allocated to the environment.

Recommendations Embed the consideration of environmental principles into City decision making. The way in which City decisions reinforce the Strategic Plan’s Environmental Pillar, as well as the goals and targets of the EMP, should be clearly apparent and provide a basis for decision making. Develop methods to track spending on environmental initiatives. Creating a comprehensive monitoring system allows for the creation of objective benchmarks and can help determine the financial commitment needed in order to prioritize environmental sustainability. Explore external funding opportunities to help supplement budget for environmental initiatives. For example, Federal Gas Tax, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, NRCAN, Canada Green Communities, and the Alberta Ecotrust are all potential funding resources for The City.

Environmental master plan

City of Calgary

The City of Red Deer

Triple Bottom Line

Corporate Decision Making Matrix

As part of the budgeting process, departments at The

Linked to The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governance pillar, The City of Red

City of Calgary are requested to demonstrate how their

Deer is in the process of creating a corporate decision

respective work programs help The City achieve its

making matrix. When this decision making matrix is

Triple Bottom Line (TBL) objectives. Departments are

formally brought forward, the targets and actions in

encouraged to ask themselves the following questions

the Environmental Master Plan can be reflected as a

when evaluating their work programs: 1. How are The City

decision making model for the Environmental Pillar

of Calgaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate and strategic social, economic and

and others.

environmental objectives being addressed by this project or decision? 2. Which TBL trends are being considered in the business planning process? 3. What are the impacts of this program or project on Calgaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social, economic and environmental well being? 4. Has the program or project been designed to add value across the three bottom lines of TBL, and mitigate potentially negative impacts that have been identified?

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Performance Benchmarking

Description: Performance Benchmarking is a key element of Red Deer’s EMP. Performance Benchmarking involves choosing metrics that matter (that are indicative of attributes that are important to the city), then establishing performance targets for each (based on a knowledge of current performance and precedents), and finally, monitoring actual performance over time. Rationale: What isn’t measured can’t be managed. Performance Benchmarking is a measurement tool that provides clarity regarding the City’s objectives, and as such, supports good planning. Performance Benchmarking delivers feedback; it provides confirmation as to the effectiveness (or not) of initiatives implemented and directs the steps for moving forward. Recommendations Embrace the Performance Benchmarking system

Commit to regular reporting back to the community,

Developed as part of the EMP as an environmental

partners and stakeholder. The benchmarking data

accounting system, the Performance Benchmarking

collected can play a large role in communicating with the

system defines the process of determining baseline

public and educating citizens about the positive impacts

data, researching precedents, establishing targets,

of policies and programs on environmental change. The

and measuring and reporting on performance.

commitment to an annual State of Red Deer’s Environment

The Benchmarking Tool included in this EMP was

Report would allow The City and the Environmental

developed as a way to organize and evaluate the metric

Advisory Committee to report on progress in meeting the

data and can grow and evolve with The City and can

environmental targets and undertaking initiatives. It would

be used to communicate how The City is achieving its

also create a venue for The City to celebrate success in

environmental targets.

progress made, and encourage input and partnerships on

Identify the responsibility for data maintenance and

areas where further improvement or momentum is needed.

monitoring. Clear direction among departments for who is responsible for data collection and how that data should be organized will assist in making the benchmarking tool a well-used and long lasting resource.

Environmental master plan

Resort Municipality of Whistler

The City of Red Deer

Monitoring Program

Electric Light and Power

The Whistler 2020 Monitoring Program is a segment

Electric Light and Power at The City of Red Deer has

of Whistler’s Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.

already begun to implement the use of renewable

The monitoring program is an important part of the

energy in The City’s corporate operations. A contract

Sustainability Plan’s implementation and uses core

with ENMAX ensures that 15 per cent of The City’s own

indicators to monitor progress towards achieving the

electricity requirement will be supplied from green power

community vision and priorities. Data is accessible and

in 2009 escalating to 25 percent in 2015.

fun to interact with through an on-line tool that allows the public to see measurements and progress in a range of categories.

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

section 6

Actions & Partnerships Actions and Partnerships are a central part to the Environmental Master Plan’s success. The following section elaborates on priority actions to implement the EMP, describes potential pilot projects and includes a discussion of City-community partnerships to help build and broaden the opportunities to effect change and improve environmental performance across the city and within Red Deer’s community.

Priority Actions The How to Measure Progress section of this document included priority actions for each of the environmental focus areas. The following list elaborates on how to implement the priority actions, identifying a City of Red Deer department or section recommended to take the lead on implementation and identifies potential partnerships that may be pursued to support that action. The goals and corresponding actions were chosen because they are: • areas where performance most

needs to be improved;

• an action that would achieve

significant impact;

• easy to implement in terms of

effort and time;

• cost effective; or • build on existing strengths or

current environmental initiatives.

Environmental master plan

These priority actions have been selected from a longer list compiled through precedent research, and input from City staff and the community.

Focus Area

Broad Action

Priority

Responsible

Actions

City

Partners

Department Water

Advance

City: Prepare an Integrated Storm Water

Engineering

Alberta Low Impact

Storm Water

Management Plan including storm water

Services

Development

Management

management policies.

Partnership; Environmental

Strategies

Services Community: Review water and wastewater rate

Environmental

Financial Services;

structures, which will draw attention to the value

Services

Communications;

of water.

Strategic Planning

Encourage Water City: Develop environmental standards for City Conservation

Building Owners:

buildings including water conservation measures Public Works, (in accordance with policy 9.13 of the MDP).

Inspections & Licensing

Environmental Services, RPC (including landscaping )

Community: Replace water meters with

Environmental

Electric Light & Power;

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

Services

ITS; Revenue and

technology in conjunction with replacement for

Assessment

electrical meters. Ecology

Increase the

City: Enhance the existing set-back policy to

amount of land

include water body and ecological protection

Land & Economic

used for green

related to Environmental Reserve setbacks

Development; UDI

space in the City

under the Municipal Government Act. Community: Partner with community and

RPC

Engineering; Planning;

Planning; Land

development stakeholders to share ideas,

& Economic

explore opportunities and develop conservation

Development;

tools to preserve green space such as a land

Revenue and

conservation trust, land purchase, land swaps,

Assessment; UDI;

tax incentives and reserve dedications.

RDRN; RDRWA; Ducks Unlimited; Trout Unlimited

Increase urban

City & Community: Prepare and implement an

tree canopy

Urban Forest Management Plan.

RPC

Engineering; Planning; UDI; community associations; youth groups

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Focus Area

Broad Action

Priority

Responsible

Actions

City

Partners

Department Transportation

Prioritize active

City: Incorporate high level core directions

Development

Planning; RPC;

and public

of the Environmental Master Plan into the

Services

Engineering; Transit

transportation

Integrated Transportation/Movement Study as

infrastructure

appropriate; Integrate sustainability principles

Community: Partner with Red Deer County,

Engineering;

Red Deer County;

surrounding municipalities and local employers

Transit

surrounding

such as active transportation, increased modal split and complete streets into all aspects of transportation planning including traffic demand management and the Transit Master Plan.

to establish regional commuting resources

municipalities;

such as transit services, carpooling, shuttle and

local employers;

emergency ride programs.

Communications; Chamber of Commerce; Province of AB

Increase the

City: Engage the community to participate in

Development

Planning; Engineering;

walkability of

walkability audits in their neighbourhood.

Services

RPC; Communications & Strategic

neighbourhoods

Planning; community associations; Central Alberta Self Advocates Community: Partner with school boards to

Environmental master plan

School boards;

implement a walking school bus program to

Transit; SHAPE

encourage students to walk to school in 3 or

Alberta

more schools.

Engineering

Focus Area

Broad Action

Priority

Responsible

Actions

City

Partners

Department Built

Promote more

City: Develop city-wide infill guidelines and

Environment

compact

standards that emphasize minimum densities,

Development;

development

compact form and environmental design

Engineering; Transit;

patterns

standards (in accordance with policies 10.9 and

Inspections and

10.10 of the MDP). Include consideration of

Licensing

Planning

Land & Economic

parking practices/policies that encourage rather than undermine transit and alternative forms of transportation. City: Undertake studies of both residential and

Planning

commercial/industrial density in Red Deer to establish informed baselines and goals for future density targets.

Air

Community: Partner with a developer to identify

Planning/Land

Home Builders

an infill pilot project on City land to demonstrate

& Economic

Association.

environmental design standards.

Development;

Urban Development

Communications

Institute

RPC

Communications &

Increase

Community: Work with the community and

opportunities

developers to create a community garden

Strategic Planning;

for local food

stewardship initiative to facilitate the

Rethink Red

production

establishment and stewardship of additional

Deer; faith-based

community garden plots. Aim to introduce a new

organizations;

community garden each year for ten years.

community groups

Create a strategy City: Conduct a GHG inventory analysis, and

Environmental

PAMZ; All City

Services

departments

Community: Develop a Climate Change

Environmental

ICLEI; Canadian

Adaptation and Mitigation Plan.

Services

Institute of Planners;

to reduce

develop a corporate GHG emissions reduction

greenhouse gas

plan.

emissions

all City departments

Reduce Air

City: Identify large emitters of air pollution

Environmental

PAMZ; Transit, Public

Pollution

within The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate operations. Identify

Services

Works

Community: Work with industries that have

Environmental

Land & Economic

the most opportunity to reduce air pollution by

Services

Development;

strategies to mitigate the effects.

identifying large emitters and potential strategies

PAMZ; Chamber of

to mitigate their effects.

Commerce Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Focus Area

Desired

Priority

Responsible

Outcome

Actions

City

Partners

Department Energy

Increase energy

City: Replace electrical meters with Advanced

Electric Light &

ITS; Revenue and

conservation of

Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology for

Power

Assessment

buildings

both residential and Industrial/Commercial/ Institutional (ICI) customers to allow them to better track, understand and modify consumption. City: Expand energy efficient street light program Electric Light & and work towards reducing the effects of light Power pollution.

Engineering

Community: Explore District Energy potential in

Electric Light &

Planning; Inspections

high-density neighbourhoods.

Power

& Licensing; Land & Economic Development

Waste

Increased use

Community: Partner with renewable energy

Electric Light &

Environmental

of renewable

providers and community stakeholders to

Power

Services;

energy sources

provide information about private renewable

Communications &

energy options.

Strategic Planning

Increase waste

City: Update the Waste Management Master

Environmental

diversion from

Plan.

Services

the City landfill

City: Review differential tipping fee structure to

Environmental

identify opportunities to encourage diversion.

Services

Community: Partner with developers and

Environmental

Inspections &

builders to advance recycling and diversion of

Services

Licensing; Land

construction waste on development sites.

& Economic Development; Province of Alberta; Home Builders' Association; Chamber of Commerce

Community: Create an education campaign,

Environmental

Communications &

toolkits and pilot projects around household and

Services

Strategic Planning

community composting.

Environmental master plan

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

Partnerships

The implementation of the EMP will require more than just City action. It will be most effectively implemented as a collaborative effort between partners who are members of the Red Deer community and The City. The City’s role with these partners will be as a facilitator, providing access to environmental resources and, through environmental leadership, demonstrating progressive sustainability standards in areas within their jurisdiction and control. The City currently has strong relationships with

In addition, partnerships with other levels of government

traditional environmental groups such as the Waskasoo

including Red Deer County and other neighbouring counties

Environmental Education Society and the Red Deer River

and towns could help Red Deer see a greater geographic

Naturalists. This partnership base should be broadened

impact of its EMP. These partnerships would help address

to include industries which may be interested in the

environmental impacts on a systems basis, recognizing

Environmental Master Plan goals for other reasons such as

that the “environment” stretches far beyond municipal

operational savings through on-site energy production, and

boundaries.

college or university programs that may be interested in

Ultimately, the success of the EMP is about changing

research related to the targets of the EMP. The following is a preliminary list of existing

The broader the base of people who can relate to The

and potential partners:

City’s environmental targets and personally identify with

•W askasoo Environmental Education Society

the Plan, the greater the possibilities of success. Wide

• Red Deer River Naturalists • Red Deer Public Library • Parkland Airshed Management Zone • Red Deer County • ReThink Red Deer •R ed Deer College • Chamber of Commerce • Red Deer school boards • Red Deer River Watershed Alliance

people’s behaviours to affect environmental change.

Environmental master plan

spread acceptance of the Plan and an understanding of the benefits of change will be critical to long term implementation and will help inspire people to achieve The City of Red Deer’s environmental targets.

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Appendices appendix A: Methodology appendix B: Community Consultation Summary appendix C: Environmental Impact Categories Descriptors appendix D: Criteria for Selecting Metrics appendix E: Benchmarking Tool appendix F: Example Impact Assessment Tool appendix G: Prioritization List appendix H: Glossary

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Appendix A: Methodology

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The following describes the methodology used to achieve that objective and highlights the key elements of the phases of work in preparation of Red Deer’s Environmental Master Plan.

Phase 1 Initiation and Discovery February – March 2010

Phase 2 Exploring and Understanding March – May 2010

Phase 1 of the project, completed in February and early March of 2010, focused on getting the Environmental Master Plan process started and included preliminary meetings with The City and exploration of Red Deer. A site tour and meetings with City staff groups were highlights. In addition, preliminary information about current environmental initiatives and examples of sustainable development underway in Red Deer was gathered, forming the start of a baseline analysis of the state of the environment in Red Deer.

The second phase of work focused on developing an in depth understanding of the key environmental issues facing Red Deer right now and in the future. Based on research, focus groups with key stakeholders and working sessions with City staff, this phase involved the collection and analysis of data, such as: reports and studies completed by and for various departments of The City and County; best practice approaches to sustainability that have been successfully implemented elsewhere; and, the breadth of programs and activities that are currently within the City’s responsibility. In order to establish meaningful, measureable goals for future environmental achievement, it is important to understand where The City of Red Deer is today. Identifying sources of current environmental data was an important part of this phase. This list of metrics captures existing environmental reporting and targets already set by Red Deer. It also provides a better understanding of Red Deer’s long term indicators of environmental quality, identifying potential environmental threats, opportunities, and information gaps. The Situation Assessment is the end result of this phase, reporting on all of the background research and information gathered during the phase.

Environmental master plan

Phase 3 Confirming Goals, Directions and Benchmarks

Phase 4 Policies, Strategies and Actions

May – August 2010

August – October 2010

The third phase of work shifted from understanding the

During the fourth phase of work, the project team focussed

environment today towards the creation of a shared vision

on translating the Environmental Vision Statement and

and potential solutions. The establishment of measureable

Core Directions into a series of policies and strategies that

goals, metrics and timelines to evaluate program

will help Red Deer achieve its environmental goals. One of

success provides an opportunity to evaluate projects and

the most important strategies to be developed in this phase

recommendations on a regular basis.

was the creation of an environmental indicator database.

An integral component of the Red Deer Environmental Master Plan process involves the continual acquisition of knowledge through public consultation and community outreach. These ideas have helped draft the direction and priorities for the Environmental Master Plan. This phase of work featured two workshops: a youth-focused

This database will contain the necessary metricss to analyze the effectiveness of current and future environmental plans and programs, and to form the basis for regular reporting on the state of the environment in Red Deer. The database will allow The City to demonstrate its progress toward greater environmental sustainability over time.

one and a general community event intended to develop

The recommended policies that were developed during

a shared understanding of environmental sustainability

this phase reveal which issues should receive emphasis

through a community conversation about Red Deer’s vision

and establish a direction for change but they do not,

for the Environmental Master Plan. We also discussed a

by themselves, provide a sufficient structure for the

draft Vision and Core Directions for Red Deer’s natural

implementation and measurement of goals and objectives.

environment, proposed approaches to achieve goals, and

This phase has uncovered the strategies and actions that

potential benchmarks to measure success.

will establish quantifiable and achievable targets. The policies, strategies and actions have been summarized in a recommendations report that addresses the areas of priorities, targets, corporate structure, and resources needed.

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Phase 5 Synthesis and Completion October â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2011

The fifth and final stage of work will include a synthesis of the information collected in previous phases. Prior to finalization of the Plan, community members will be invited to review and comment on work to date at an interactive Community Meeting and Stakeholder Meetings. Incorporating all the findings from the project research, community feedback and guidance from the City, the final Environmental Master Plan will reflect the priority environmental sustainability issues in Red Deer. The Plan will articulate a 25-year Vision for Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental future and outline clear policy directions, benchmarks, strategies and actions, supported by the 25year Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions. The Environmental Master Plan will be compiled into an easy to understand and highly graphic document and a summarizing Companion Document that will be made widely available to members of the public. The Environmental Master Plan will establish clear priorities, direction and ambitious goals for environmental performance while at the same time be grounded in measureable targets and metrics. Defined through consultation with the community, the Plan will reflect the priorities and input of the people of Red Deer and assist The City by providing a decision making framework for managing environmental impacts of future growth, development and community sustainability.

Environmental master plan

Appendix B: Community Consultation Summary

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

The Environmental Master Plan has been developed in consultation with the Red Deer public, community stakeholders, businesses, staff and council. The following table summarizes the consultation activities undertaken to develop this Plan. Event

Date

Council Workshop

March 15th, 2010

City Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meeting

March 29th, 2010

Stakeholder Meetings

March 29th & 30th, 2010

Community & Student Workshops

June 14th & 15th, 2010

Community, Student Workshops & Stakeholder Meetings

October 12th - 14th , 2010

Council Orientation

December 10, 2010

Community Consultation

February 1-5, 2011

Online Consultation & Community Outreach

Throughout project process

A description of each of these consultation events is provided in the text below.

Environmental master plan

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Council Workshop March 15th 2010

List of Attendees Craig Curtis

City Manager

Elaine Vincent

Legislative Services Manager

Paul Goranson

Director of Development Services

Russ Pye

Manager of Inspections & Licensing

Coleen Jensen

Director of Community Services

Loraine Poth

Director of Corporate Services

Tom Warder

Environmental Services Manager

Pam Vust

Environmental Initiatives Coordinator

Lauren Maris

Environmental Researcher/EMP Project Manager

Charity Dyke

Communications Coordinator

City Councillors Mayor Morris Flewwelling Cindy Jefferies Frank Wong Gail Parks Larry Pimm Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer Lynne Mulder Tara Veer Consultation Team Ian Theaker Maeri Machado Graham Halsall

Environmental master plan

On March 15th 2010, the consultant team had the

The presentations were followed by a lively discussion; then

opportunity to engage with City of Red Deer Councillors and

by breakout groups prompted by specific questions posed

Senior Managers in a workshop with two goals:

by the consulting team. The workshop culminated in a brainstorming session to draw out key issues participants

To develop a shared understanding of the scope of and

felt were important to the Environmental Master Plan

development process of the Environmental Master Plan

vision statement, and the Environmental Master Plan

(EMP); and To gain early input from Council and senior staff

development process.

to guide EMP development. Following the consultants’ presentation, a general The overall purpose of the Environmental Master Plan, as

discussion surfaced participant responses and key

set out in the City’s Request for Proposals, was presented

concerns. The following points were broadly agreed upon

to participants to guide the Environmental Pillar of The

in terms of their importance for the Environmental Master

City of Red Deer’s Municipal Sustainability Framework and

Plan’s vision and development:

provide recommendations with emphasis on immediate,

•p rotection and enhancement of Red Deer’s natural

short (5 year), medium (10 year) and long-term (25 year)

areas, particularly its riverside parks which are highly

goals.

valued by the City and its residents;

To start, City staff presented an overview of the EMP procurement and consultant selection process. This was followed by a presentation by the consulting team on its plans for the project, and a summary of a number of key environmental topics that will influence the development of the Environmental Master Plan. This included an overview of broadly-used environmental stressor categories and their priorities, as developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US and Canada Green Building

•e ducation and public engagement on environmental issues and their relative priorities are likely to be needed for successful Environmental Master Plan implementation; •d enser, pedestrian-oriented urban form that protects Red Deer’s community amenity and feel, will be needed to accommodate projected future growth , and • t he desire for innovation and leadership by the City in future environmental initiatives.

Councils, among others. After a break, participants rotated between three breakout sessions, each focused on questions posed by the consultant team. All participants considered and voiced their thoughts on each question; highlights are summarized below, broken out by discussion question.

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Breakout Discussion Topic 1: What are the most important environmental qualities that attract and keep people in Red Deer? Natural Urban Environment: Red Deer is seen as having unique natural urban environment amenities in its park system, that reflects and responds to its rural setting. Waskasoo Park System: The parks, trails and green space provide recreational and intrinsic values, but also provide connectivity between different Red Deer neighbourhoods . The affordability and universal accessibility of the park system also contribute to its popularity with citizens. Biodiversity: The wildlife and biodiversity in the region is unique, and needs to be protected and if possible, enhanced. Clean Air: The air quality in Red Deer is generally seen by citizens as excellent, but may be threatened by continued and future growth in oil and gas operations, and by automobile use. Clean Water: The Red Deer River and surrounding watershed are important for drinking water, contributions to natural habitat, and recreation and agricultural uses. The quality of water is valued by the Red Deer community. Agriculture: Agricultural land availability and rich soils support a farm industry whose close proximity to Red Deer is a cultural and economic asset to the City. Supporting local farms, their products and owners is seen as a way to protect soil and economic values, in the absence of a green belt or land protection mechanism.

Environmental master plan

Breakout Discussion Topic 2: What do you think are Red Deer’s key challenges or issues related to environmental sustainability? Culture: In general, environmental issues are not an urgent issue for Red Deer citizens. Many residents are satisfied with the status quo and are generally disconnected and unaware of the environmental impacts of lifestyle choices. There is a general feeling that the environmental issues are “big city” concerns, and that many residents value property rights more highly than environmental stewardship responsibilities. Community Engagement: There is little public desire to change current lifestyles due to a broad perception that land and resources are abundant, and that environmental issues do not present large risks that require City action. Education and engagement of the public on large risks presented by climate change and other environmental issues is likely to be needed to inspire and encourage a culture of stewardship amongst the community. Vehicle Dependence: Dependence on single-occupant cars and trucks in Red Deer is substantial due partly to the style of neighbourhood development, and other modes of transportation have not been a high priority to date. This largely reflects residents’ preference for motorized vehicles use over other modes of transportation. Urban Sprawl: The location, density and development standards of new and existing neighbourhoods needs to be planned and controlled better to address anticipated population and industry growth, while protecting environmental, health and cultural values of residents. Existing Industry: Oil and gas services and plastics manufacturing are major industries in Red Deer, which have negative environmental effects, but employ significant proportion of Red Deer residents. This may result in a lack of support for environmental initiatives that could be perceived as a potential threat to these industries, such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Engagement with Provincial and Regional Governments: There is little engagement with or support from the Province of Alberta on environmental or growth issues. Local governments are left to manage regional environmental issues on their own, and to negotiate coordinated responses while being handicapped with few resources. This is particularly an issue for joint management by The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County for protection of the Red Deer River and its tributaries, preservation of farmland and habitat, and providing utility services to address population and industry growth.

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Breakout Discussion Topic 3: In 25 years time, what results do you want to see from Red Deer’s Environmental Master Plan? Densification and Housing Choices: Focus on densification of downtown core and local density/ commercial nodes within walking distance. Provide a variety of housing options including apartments, townhouses and higher density developments, as well as single family houses. Healthy Ecosystems: Maintain a healthy river and a “green spine” of parkland through the City. “The Waskasoo Park System should be twice the size as it is now.” Green Economy: The green sector is the fastest growing in Canada’s economy. There is an opportunity to bring green businesses and jobs to Red Deer. Flexibility: The EMP should set out ‘timeless’ principles in the long term that allow a flexible response to changes in the future to better guide priorities while maintaining and enhancing environmental and health values . Greener Developments: A desire for development that protects environmental assets, including reduced dependence on fossil fuels and cars, and greater City density. Transformed Culture: Red Deer citizens see sustainability as a way of life, while maintaining the small town feel in a bigger city. Local Food: Support local agriculture by providing more opportunities to purchase local foods.

Environmental master plan

Environmental Vision Statement Brainstorming Discussions During the course of the workshop, participants were asked to write brief statements of issues that should be reflected in the EMP Vision statement and EMP development. The statements were posted on the wall for all to see. Near the end of the workshop, each participant was provided with five sticky dots and invited to use these to indicate their preference for posted statements, which were grouped by the consultants into related themes. A general discussion on the grouped themes and issue statements concluded the workshop. Their comments and statements are documented below.

Education and Motivation

City and Community Planning

•E ducate, Encourage, Engage and Enable.

•P lanning is linked to green space and animals rather

•E ducated public, motivated and empowered to protect the environment.

than vehicular transportation. •P lanning an environment for green growth.

•A cultural shift regarding our environmental practices.

•A clear policy framework on key environmental fronts.

• T he environment will rise to the top of the agenda.

•N eighbourhoods through trails, not sidewalks.

•B egin with education rather than legislation. Legislation

•G rowing while preserving.

can be motivation, but enforcement is always difficult.

•S tronger environmental lens for our built environment.

• T he community values and practices green principles (even if it costs more). •R ed Deer’s green kids are leading the way.

Innovation •E nvironment can be our competitive advantage by creating a green industry.

Green Space

•E very home a generator.

• Wildlife corridors are conserved and promoted.

•F ind innovative ways to secure natural areas beyond the

•P ockets of green are throughout the community are connected to the river valley and its trail system. Neighbourhoods are also linked to corridor and spine of park system.

minimum 10% municipal reserve. •P rices of goods and services need to reflect ecological worth.

• T he Red Deer River is healthy and abundant providing sufficient drinking water and recreation for the community. •B eautiful green spaces are preserved and accessible to all. • T he land and ecology defines where green spaces are required, then planning is focused around this.

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City Managers Meeting March 29th 2010 On March 29, 2010 eighteen representatives from various departments of The City of Red Deer participated in a Managers Meeting, a half-day interactive session lead by the consultant team and City staff from Environmental Services. The following is a list of City departments represented at the meeting:

Departmental Representatives

Consultant Team

Emergency Services

Melanie Hare

Urban Strategies

Information and Technology Services

Mark Reid

Urban Strategies

Transit

Leigh McGrath

Urban Strategies

Land and Economic Development

Maeri Machado

Halsall Associates

Parkland Community Planning

Melanie Ross

Halsall Associates

Social Planning Financial Services

The purpose of the session was to provide an

Assessment & Taxation Services

opportunity for the consultant team to hear first-hand

Inspections & Licensing

what environmental-related initiatives or projects each

Environmental Services

department had underway, environmental impacts related

Waste Management

to each department’s services, and broad comments about

Wastewater Utility

departmental contributions to achieving environmental

Water Utility

sustainability in the city. To guide the discussion, the

Public Works, Roads

participants were asked to review and prepare a response

Electric Light & Power

to the following questions prior to the meeting:

Recreation, Parks & Culture

• Please tell us about your department’s current

Parks

environmental policies, programs or projects, and those

Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery

planned for future implementation.

RCMP *A representative from the Engineering Department was unable to attend this meeting. To obtain their input, a follow up interview was held on April 29th the summary of which is included within this document. Environmental Services Staff Pam Vust, Environmental Initiatives Coordinator & City’s EMP Project Manager Lauren Maris, Environmental Program Specialist

• What are the largest environmental impacts of your operations and projects? What do you measure to track these? • In your environmental initiatives how do you connect, coordinate or collaborate with other city departments? With the Environmental Advisory Committee? With community groups (e.g. citizens, NGOs, churches)? • What do you see as the biggest environmental impact of your department? How can your department help the City become a national leader in environmental sustainability?

Environmental master plan

The meeting began with introductory presentations by Pam Vust, the City’s Environmental Initiatives Coordinator, who described the purpose and intent of the Environmental Master Plan and Lauren Maris, Red Deer’s Environmental Program Specialist, who elaborated on the internal review process of the EMP work plan and deliverables. Following the presentations from Environmental Services, Maeri Machado of Halsall Associates and Melanie Hare of Urban Strategies gave a short presentation focused on the consultant team’s approach to the creation of the EMP and the process of setting shared priorities and defining metrics to track environmental progress. After establishing a common understanding of the purpose and process behind the EMP, representatives from each attending City Department were given an opportunity to respond to the circulated questions. The following is a summary of the comments shared by City Staff during the meeting.

Emergency Services

Information Technology Services

• T hree main areas of impact:

• Power use is the biggest impact in terms of IT Services,

- Water usage;

who are responsible for the computers on everyone’s

- Energy usage (five stations that operate 24 hours a day,

desks and the server room

7 days a week in the City); and - Fuel consumption. • I mplemented anti-idling policy but have not measured it specifically • T rying a “conscientiousness approach” on electricity usage within buildings and water usage •S ome improved environmental features in fire stations: Station Number 5, new station in 2006 and modeled construction on the LEED standards but not formally certified •W orking with Environmental Services to contain runoff; working on water capture in some locations •M ajority of vehicles are diesel; looked into bio diesel& have purchased some general-use hybrid vehicles

• Currently considering hardware products’ footprint by consciously questioning if new equipment is needed all the time, pursuing targeted updates instead of wholesale replacement • Old computers are either sold or donated and scrap gets sent to the landfill for E-waste program • In terms of tracking, bought power metres to record unofficial statistics on what the hardware's electricity draw is per hour • Manages the print strategy, tracks paper usage; paper usage has dipped slightly 2008 to 2009 • Paper tracking is based on issues from stores • For new civic buildings, interested in the smart buildings concept, energy consumption on the building scale, wiring choices, combining technologies to minimize energy usage

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Transit

Parkland Community Planning Services

• L argest impact: use of diesel fuel, use of water to clean

• I nvolved with land development, land use, and urban

vehicles •U ses the LEED certified car washing facility at the Civic Yards •O il change reduction program, using synthetic oil •S mart driver training to reduce fuel usage and environmental impact •H ybrids or other alternative fuel sources were found to be too costly to implement (analysis revealed 1.5 times cost

design policy development •S ome measures are known such as: how many units per hectare; percent of land in preservation; and wildlife land preserved •W orks with other departments to approve developments • L argest environment challenge is in terms of growth demand, balancing social environmental and economic factors with demand for land development

of regular bus for hybrid, long term cost benefits not as great as hoped) • L ack of Provincial Green Trip funds impacted ability to purchase hybrid vehicles •R evamped the system in accordance with recommendations from a 2004 transportation study to a cross grid plan, increased transit trips by 3 fold • T akes 3.7 mill passenger trips off the city streets per year •B ike rack included on every bus •R egionalization is coming; working on service within Red Deer County •D on’t track modal splits very well, tracks service per capita Land and Economic Development •P romoting new concepts in development such as ecoindustrial park and Garden Heights residential subdivision • I n Garden Heights limiting the impact on ravines by using Storm Water Management •1 .8 km new trails within plan boundaries •R oundabouts included in the plan to reduce idling •A rea plan includes potential community garden lots • T ransit actively involved in the process and working with the development to ensure service

Environmental master plan

Social Planning • I nvolved with social side of environmental initiatives. •H ousing RFPs for affordable housing have clauses around environmental considerations into new development within the RFPs •H ave the ability to apply some leverage so housing is affordable. Objective in green building is that in reducing operations cost, rental costs are reduced • T here are social enterprise opportunities for creating meaningful employment opportunities that would fit into the Triple Bottom Line philosophy Financial Services •M ajor impact is with paper consumption •C ity of Red Deer Green Team member in the finance department •C hanged paper that is currently ordered, using more recycled paper •W ith regards to purchase agreements, developing policy to address that City is looking for more environmentallyfriendly services •C riteria of sustainability comes into play as to how decisions are made within department

Assessment & Taxation Services • T wo main impacts: Vehicle impacts because assessors are out in the field Paper—department depends on paper records •E fforts are being made to move to electronic methods of information gathering

• T he biggest impact is impact of department is on the Red Deer River, water coming in and out of the City •P ower and chemical used to treat water and wastewater are other environmental impacts • T rying to do a number of rehabilitation methods to improve service including relining water and sewer mains

• T rying to reduce paper and use different avenues to communicate with the community, for example, electronic plans from developers instead of paper copies are being investigated •C urrently there is no tax strategy aimed at environmental initiatives Inspections & Licensing • I nvolved with By-law enforcement and construction waste enforcement including environmental issues and building codes; • L ook after a few buildings and City Hall is 1962 and 1980 vintage, so not very efficient, with regard to environmental impacts, by current standards for new buildings • L ooking for more efficient solutions to lights and heating in buildings •S uccess stories include clean up on construction sites,

Waste Management • T his department is responsible for: - residential garbage pickup, yard waste and blue bins (contracted to a commercial garbage franchise); - the landfills and a closed landfill, including extensive ground water and surface water testing • T his department is the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions due to methane released from the landfill. •W ill have to pay for certain programs that the Province is not funding any longer, the Province has not been helping as much as they could be, suggests the need for advocacy to the Province • T racks information on diversion rates and aims to encourage waste diversion • I nvestigated possibility of collection of gas from landfill site in 2004 at the time deemed not economic possibility

resulting from several positive site clean-up efforts through By-law enforcement

Wastewater Utility •E ffluent is discharged into river

Environmental Services •E nvironmental Services relationship to environment includes treating drinking water; treat waste water, solid waste •M aintain storm water system within the City, storm water impacts on creeks and river are mitigated by retention ponds • T his department supplies water to other communities and accept wastewater form two communities outside of the City, a revenue generating activity for the City

• T here are large Waste heat and large energy usage through the wastewater utility •C ollect data and metrics every year, although not a great usage of the data yet, has great potential •M easuring impact on water quality both upstream and downstream •U pgrades to handle more capacity are in the works •F ocus on helping other communities by bringing their waste water to Red Deer to treat it

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•H as cut down on number of wells and cut down on the negative impacts smaller communities have on their water, impact is improved water quality •C ommunities that are serviced are about 35 miles north and south of Red Deer •R iver is important but the tributaries are important too,

•H ard to put numbers on snow clearing budget because so dependent on the weather •B ridge maintenance is done with respect to environment regulations •W ould like to explore new methods in paving technology that would allow for reuse of asphalt

need to manage them as well. •C urrently several agencies are responsible for storm water management but no storm water utility - a big gap;

Engineering

consider the potential of a storm water utility (tanks and

•N o specific environmental policies, though follow

ponds) as a strategy/mechanism • L arge amount of hard surface parking and roads in Red Deer has a negative impact on storm water

provincial guidelines and some best management practices •O bserve that agreement within the municipality can be hard to achieve at times, not positive about getting

Water Utility •M onitoring of water is a health issue linked to environmental performance •W orking with other groups within the City and community at large to inform and develop approaches •C onstructing a residuals pond in the next few years Public Works •R esponsible for City’s roads, bridges vehicle fleet and facilities. • I nitiatives related to the City’s vehicle fleet include purchasing several hybrid vehicles, trying to reduce chemical use in the shops and products, and recycling vehicle batteries. •F acilities management will be a larger part of the City’s concerns in future •P rimarily cost concerns—for example, trying to put in solar power and civic yard building obtaining LEED Certification •P rocedures to reduce the impact of roads include: snow removal stored at snow storage sites, snow and ice control , using sand salt and salt brine to reduce salt consumption and reusing street sweeping materials at the landfill as a cover material

initiatives implemented or completed •W ork with Park Services for ecological profiles and wildlife corridor studies. Parks data influences roads, residential development, and other projects •R esponsible for planning for storm water management and Environmental Services look after the operations and would like to be amongst the leaders in storm water management in 5-10 years •P lans to manage limited roads and get people out of their cars, hoping the annexation for growth will create a spine network for transit. They look after traffic operations for efficiency, management, and so on •A t this point they are not using porous pavements, road diets, etc. • T ries to engage community groups and use the ecological profile to inform areas for protection – all goes into the design of a new development •P articipating in the development of the eco-industrial park in Queen’s business park is one of their projects – it is a direct control, city owned parcel, and they are looking at infrastructure for opportunities for better management for the area •W ould like to see topsoil from new developments used more ecologically, reference the City of Portland for their use of bioswales.

Environmental master plan

Electric Light & Power Manager

Parks

• T his department acts as an energy service provider and

•P arks are the public’s first view of environmental issues

is not typically responsible for energy generation •R emarks that department would benefit from a long

•H ave parks planning areas, use GIS to track parkland, involved with landscape approvals, water management

term vision in terms of the environment but noted that

plans and rely on the land use bylaw for enforcement of

environmental issues are embedded in every project they

parks-related policies

do •P rojects include: - Advanced metreing project: will include the conversion all electric and water meters into EMI to collect individual usage from every single site to communicate real-time energy consumption - LED lighting pilot project: LED light bulbs being installed in street and traffic lights in residential neighbourhood and will provide lessons to guide future decision-making - PCB Clean Up: PCB clean up, in response to federal legislation - Green Power: Increased green power purchasing to provide 15% of the City’s facilities’ energy needs from renewable sources in 2010 and plan to increase to 25% for 2013 •H ave been interested in exploring district energy, but not implemented because don’t have sufficient funds • Plan to continue burying lines underground in future, to address aesthetic and environmental concerns (particularly Electromagnetic fields) concerns from customers

•1 0 years ago, Parks was largely involved with simple operations, now, 90% of time is focused on operations and 10% of effort is spent on environmental initiatives and natural area protection. •A River and Tributaries Concept Master Plan is completed and in draft form, includes future thinking about parks expansion and management •M otors that are used within Parks are all fuel efficient where possible •U sing recycled aggregate material for trail development •C hallenge is with overall policy statements but experience is that policy statements alone are not very effective in motivating private-sector action and are most effective on city parkland. •A nnexation now a big issue, agricultural issues, private land management are a challenge. Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery •M useum includes art and history, mostly regional but also national •M useum has recently been retrofitted (1998)

Recreation, Parks & Culture • Environmental considerations include recreation facility development, planning and operation • In last three years, staff have been focused on applying sustainability to operations • In terms of facility development, there is a lack of clear

•W ith the humidity needs for holdings protection uses a lot of energy, though new lighting will help reduce this •F eel they can play a big role in education like the Kerry Wood Centre •W ill be planning a series of exhibits looking into agriculture - local food, environmental issues etc

corporate direction related to LEED, but they have adopted an informal LEED shadow approach • Some new sustainable technologies have been tested in renovation projects but mitigating the risks of innovation is a major concern Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

RCMP • L argest impact is vehicle use and gas consumption •P aper use is high •H ave implemented use if bicycles and officers on foot to reduce the environmental impact New police building downtown is LEED •P lastics are recycled •C ooperate with the Parks Department to reduce ATVs use in sensitive environmental areas for the policing of parks Closing Discussions As a culminating activity, the meeting participants were asked to describe what they saw as the major issues around creating and implementing an Environmental Master Plan. The following were the main issues raised and suggestions offered: •W ould benefit from defined priorities related to environmental performance within the City corporation •F inancial capacity is a challenge •S taff capacity is a challenge •N eed a culture change: shifting thinking needed for city growing up not out • J urisdictional leadership & coordination at province and regional scales & governments •H elping the community move along with us •R isk of inaction is great

Environmental master plan

Stakeholder Meetings March 29th and 30th On March 29th and 30th eleven Key Stakeholder group meetings were held with selected City of Red Deer departments, community and environmental organizations, business communities and industries. The purpose of these Key Stakeholder meetings was to gain a better understanding of the state of the environment in Red Deer from a variety of community perspectives. These interviews also helped the consultant team to begin process of connecting with important Red Deer community leaders, to gain their input and suggestions for the Environmental Master Plan. These meetings provided an early opportunity to gather feedback to inform the environmental vision and core directions of the study and to set the stage for future consultations.

Each 45-minute long meeting was lead by two or more members of the consultant team and featured a guided discussion based on the following initial questions: •P lease tell us about your organization/company/personal environmental passion. Are there any environmental strategies, programs, projects or initiatives that are ongoing or planned for future implementation? •W hat are the 3 most effective environmental initiatives currently taking place in Red Deer that enhance or encourage the environmental performance of your organization / company / community? • I n your opinion, what are Red Deer’s key priorities and issues related to the environment (natural and built)? • I n 5, 10 and 25 years time, what does Red Deer’s environment look like? How will we get there? •W hat does the City need to do in order to be a national leader in environmental sustainability? Over the course of these two days meetings were held with the following groups:

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100

Key Stakeholder Meeting Groups March 29th and 30th 2010

Environmental Groups

Major Industries

Waskasoo Environmental Education Society

Lonkar Services Ltd.

Red Deer River Naturalists

ATCO Gas

Parkland Airshed Management Zone

Saputo

Red Deer River Watershed Alliance

Permolex Ltd. Finning (Canada)

Active Community Influence Group 1

Olymel

Red Deer Public Library Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Regional Economic Development

Red Deer Public Schools

Red Deer College

Red Deer Advocate

Red Deer Chamber of Commerce

Waskasoo Environmental Education Society Active City Influence Group 2 Culture and Tourism Group 1

Alberta Environment

Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society

Rethink Red Deer Sustainable Red Deer

Business Community

Red Deer & District Community Foundation

Advantage Commercial Realty

Alberta Health Services Red Deer sites

Red Deer Advocate Parkland Mall

City of Red Deer Parks

Bruinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plumbing Parkland Community Planning Services Culture and Tourism Group 2 Tourism Red Deer City of Red Deer Culture Development Industry Group2 Architects Melcor Development Avalon Homes

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City of Red Deer Green Team

The following are key highlights from each of the above-listed meeting:

Environmental Groups The discussion with environmental groups focused on challenges and issues with environmental protection in Red Deer today, and on identifying environmentally-related resources and data sets. Some of the most important challenges identified included concern about watershed integrity, ecological integrity and encroachment into and lack of setbacks from sensitive river-side lands. Lack of a strong policy basis to control development in environmentally sensitive areas including setbacks from watersheds was noted as a distinct challenge. The impacts of Red Deer’s rapid growth were also discussed during this session including concerns with the loss of high quality agricultural land surrounding the City and air quality issues accompanying rising numbers of cars in the City. The need for wildlife crossings, park stewardship and promoting the use of native species for planting in the City were also discussed. Active Community Influence Group 1 While this group featured individuals from different organizations the common threads among them was education and information sharing. Each of the interviewees described their organization’s role and involvement with environmental initiatives including the ongoing environmental programs at Waskasoo Park, the recent Rediscover Green project and website at the library and school-based programs within the public and Catholic school boards. In terms of schools, the representatives present were facilities managers and spoke more to building efficiencies; but agreed that education and connections with youth could provide a great deal of energy to inspire change in how people interact with the environment in Red Deer. The members of this group also discussed the negative perceptions people hold about the environment as it relates to crime, agreeing that there is a widespread perception of danger in using natural park spaces or allowing children to walk to school was also discussed. City of Red Deer Parks A special focus group was held with the City Parks department considering this department’s key involvement with the environment in Red Deer. During this session the participants described the different technologies and tools that Parks uses including GIS-based data collection and mapping to track the natural environment in the City. In addition, key issues raised during this meeting included a need for stronger setback polices to restrict development adjacent to ravines and the restricted ability for Parks to negotiate for more park land dedication from developers in light of the removal of the maximum density cap. Successes such as the city gardening plots and the City’s new ability to require a 3:1 ratio for replacement of wetlands were also discussed.

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Culture and Tourism Group 1 This meeting with the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society focused on the operations of the Cultural Heritage Society itself, including annual Canada Day festivities, and environmental issues identified by the Society. Issues with the social relationship to the environment, particularly a lack of public community meeting spaces and a dwindling sense of safety were identified. In addition, a disconnect was noted with the creation of a transit hub downtown with a major parkade, such a move does not promote a transit-oriented philosophy. Business Community This discussion provided some insight into how pervasive “green” concepts are within the business community. One participant, a member of the Rotary Club, noted that “being green” was not a hot topic amongst that community. A number of comments were focused on incentives that could be put into place to encourage more green development and business practices, including rebates on permits to encourage greener homes and buildings or a reduction in property taxes for a green building that achieved a certain rating. Amongst this group, there was an overall perception that the City did not have high priority for environmental issues. Parkland Community Planning Services Considering this department’s potential influence and impact on how the City grows and develops a special focus group was organized to discuss planning issues in Red Deer. Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS) acts as The City of Red Deer’s planning department. Its primary responsibilities include review of development applications as well as creation and implementation of policies that shape the City’s growth and development. The focus of this session was on planning and development control tools available to PCPS and their effectiveness in shaping development in more environmentally friendly ways. The Neighbourhood Design Standards and Guidelines were discussed, as was the role of the Engineering department in planning decisions. PCPS participants shared the view that it will be difficult to achieve a more compact, sustainable building form in the City because there is little incentive when land is readily available and relatively cheap. A similar view was held towards achieving wider use of public transit, with the ease and convenience of driving and the reluctance for people to forgo their private vehicles. The participants noted the introduction of more environmentally sensitive development concepts and policy frameworks in the downtown, Riverlands and Garden Heights areas of the City, but were generally skeptical about their implementation and success in the short term. Culture and Tourism Group 2 Including attendees from Tourism Red Deer and The City of Red Deer’s Culture department, this group discussed the approaches taken toward the environment within their own organizations, and shared personal thoughts about challenges in making Red Deer a more environmentally friendly place. In terms of tourism, there is a sense among member businesses that being environmentally responsible is good for business, noting that many people come to Red Deer to enjoy the parks system, and that Gasoline Alley is seen as detrimental to Red Deer’s image with travellers. Regarding culture, events are organized to include re-use of materials . Both participants shared their thoughts on the challenges to improving Red Deer’s relationship with the environment, noting resident’s attachment to personal vehicles, with little incentive or desire to pursue other modes of transportation; and missed opportunities with City budgeting and spending on environmental- initiatives. 103

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Development Industry The discussions held with development industry representatives focused on issues, concerns and challenges developers face with creation of new neighbourhoods in Red Deer, the potential market for green buildings and environmentally-friendly building practices they are already doing . The group shared a feeling that some City departments were reluctant to embrace innovative sustainable initiatives and that higher density development was not welcomed by the City. According to one home builder that participated, the market for green buildings is growing and proactive builders are incorporating more environment features in homes, but there are no mandated City polices to require all builders to follow suit. One of the main themes from this discussion was the need for more certainty in the development process, particularly related to City approvals of new green approaches and technologies. The participants were positive they could work within development constraints aimed at environmental concerns, including natural heritage protection, as long as they knew up front, not at the end of the process, what those constraints and requirements were. Major Industries The Major Industries group provided their perspectives about environmental impacts and initiatives of some of the large industrial employers in the City. One of the participants from Permolex noted that their plant uses co-generation and created excess power, but lacked a way to sell it to the City. ATCO also is actively implementing environmental initiatives such as an anti-idling policy, geothermal conditioning of its facilities, and use of hybrid vehicles in their corporate fleet. This session also featured a discussion how to encourage industries to become more environmentally-friendly in their practices. Setting standards or requiring audits of corporate practices was mentioned as a way to help businesses run more efficiently. A main concern among this group was how to ensure the Environmental Master Plan is a benefit to business, and not an additional cost. Regional Economic Development This interview featured discussion of the Eco Innovation Park at Red Deer College, environmental initiatives by the Chamber of Commerce, a commentary on challenges to environmental innovation and a need for cohesive environmental direction within the City. The Red Deer College representative described the concept and workings of the Eco Innovation Park noting that it is actively promoting environmental sustainability and innovation through offering space and resources to develop new technologies. The Chamber of Commerce is currently promoting a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign emphasizing the importance of local purchasing. During the general discussion, both participants noted that the City tends to have a siloed approach to the environment and identified an opportunity for the City to take a proactive leadership role with pilot projects, partnerships and stronger environmental policies.

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Active City Influence Group 2 This second Active City Influence interview included representatives from Red Deer and District Community Foundation, Re Think Red Deer and Sustainable Red Deer, Alberta Environment and Alberta Health Services. This interview focused on the relationship of each of these groups to the environment including: • t he Vital Signs project lead by the Red Deer & District Community Foundation, a document that tracks and rates a range of targets including environmentally-related items; • t he advocacy role of ReThink and Sustainable Red Deer, who focus on the pedestrian environment and improving a democratic process and engagement with the public regarding environmental issues; • t he role of Alberta Environment, who are moving towards a cumulative effects management programming, considering wider, water-shed wide impacts of land use decisions; and •p rogress Alberta Health Services has made in improving energy efficiency in current buildings and higher environmental performance of new buildings. Overall the participants noted the important role the City can play in setting a strong policy context, with the Environmental Master Plan as a core guiding document. City of Red Deer Green Team The Green Team is an internal committee, designed to encourage, empower and support staff to “green” City departments and activities. The purpose of the Green Team is to foster a conservation ethic throughout the organization, and to raise awareness and enhance employee engagement in corporate environmental issues caused and/or impacted by The City’s day to day operations. The Team will be made up of representatives from a number of City departments with the goal of providing a balanced cross section of all City operations. (City of Red Deer Website) To date, the Green Team has investigated and begun to implement a few initiatives, including: •D ouble-sided printing and default to black and white printing; •M ade a switch to 100% post-consumer recycled paper for all internal documents; •E nergy reduction in: motion sensors for lights and encouraging the shutting off of monitors; •B etter recycling within offices; •O pportunities for recycling from businesses – there is none at present; and •M aintain a status update of their activities on the internal ‘Bridge’ portal. The Green Team faces a few challenges: the program is new and still developing – where their efforts will lead them is unknown; better communication for department specific initiatives, though they have been successful in sharing open initiatives that include all departments; their budgeted time commitment is 4 hours per month, including a meeting, and this is proving to be inadequate for the number of initiatives that need researched and implemented; and the Team collectively suggests that the City promote, to the community and beyond, what they are doing internally. 105

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Consultation Summary June 14th and 15th 2010 Over June 14th and 15th 2010, the Environmental Master Plan project team hosted two student workshops and one community workshop to gather public input on the development of The City of Red Deer Environmental Master Plan. The workshops focused on understanding the community’s view on the Vision for Red Deer’s environmental future and the Core Directions that will frame the creation of the Environmental Master Plan. The following document includes a description of the engagement events, main themes that emerged and how those comments have impacted the development of the Environmental Master Plan. The draft Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions that were the focus of these discussions are in included in for reference.

Student Workshops Two student workshops were held at this stage of the Environmental Master Plan Process. The first workshop was held Monday June 14th at Notre Dame High School and the second workshop was held Tuesday June 15th at Hunting Hills High School. Each high school workshop had more than 20 students participate in a 30 minute session. The student workshops began with a short presentation from Melanie Hare that described the purpose of an Environmental Master Plan and the importance of understanding young peoples’ perspectives on the environment. This was followed by an interactive activity closely linked to the Environmental Master Plan focus areas. The interactive element of the workshop included making posters highlighting youth values and beliefs about Red Deer’s environmental future. Using images representing transportation, air, water, waste, built environment and energy, participants created posters which reflected their visions and priorities for their city’s environmental future. Each student group worked together to describe their environmental vision and then shared the outcomes of their exercise with the entire group at the end of the session.

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What We Heard From the Students In total seven posters were created between the two workshops. The following outlines the most common themes that emerged during the workshops.

Waste

network and a system of connected sidewalks that

Ideas about litter, waste reduction and recycling were

encourage walking. More visionary comments around

among the most common themes communicated by

transportation included encouraging high speed rail to

participants. Many group posters emphasize a future that

connect Red Deer to Edmonton and Calgary to improve job

is clean, green and free of litter on the streets. Strategies

opportunities and reduce traffic congestion.

to achieve these goals include introducing more garbage cans in the public realm and providing more opportunities

Built form

for recycling a greater range of products. Implementing

In place of the current pattern of subdivision development

incentives to encourage recycling, banning plastic

which consumes prime agricultural land and forests,

water bottles and plastic bags were also mentioned as

students envisioned a future for Red Deer where the

motivators.

city grows up - not out. Townhomes were noted by some groups as being a preferable housing form as they take up

Open Space

less space than traditional developments. The desire for

A discussion of the importance of green space, parks and

connected communities and urban villages were also noted

outdoor recreation occurred in every group. The students’

as part of the vision for Red Deer’s future built form.

comments reflected a priority on improving the green spaces that currently exist in the city and supplementing

Water

that asset with more parks and outdoor recreational

The student visions placed an emphasis on ensuring the

opportunities. The youth vision of green space in the city

future of Red Deer included clean and safe water in the

included planting more trees, connecting parks and adding

region’s rivers, ponds and tributaries. Water conservation

more places to hike or walk in nature.

was highlighted as a priority and potential strategies to achieve this vision include low-flow toilet rebates and

Energy

incentives.

The students’ visions emphasized a need to embrace new low-impact energy technologies and use renewable energy

Education and Community

sources. More fuel efficient cars, the use of solar power

Two of the student posters identify increased education

and wind power were identified as ways help reduce air

about the environment as an important part of ensuring

pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

a strong environmental future for Red Deer. The presence of green community groups and programs such as yoga

Walking, Cycling and Public Transportation

in the park were mentioned as ways to connect Red Deer

Many students reported walking, cycling, skateboarding

residents to their environment.

or using public transit as a primary transportation mode in their day-to-day lives. The majority of students noted a future Red Deer with an improved public transportation system, an enhanced on and off street bicycling trail

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Community Workshop On Tuesday, June 15th a community workshop was held at the Golden Circle in downtown Red Deer, from 6:309pm. Attracting over 40 participants, the purpose of the community workshop was to gather public input on the Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions for the Environmental Master Plan. The workshop was structured around two short presentations by Melanie Hare. The first presentation introduced the imperative

What we heard from the Community Strengths and Weaknesses The first workshop activity focused on understanding the community’s sense of what Red Deer’s environmental strengths and weaknesses were. The following describes the main themes that emerged from this exercise.

around creating an Environmental Master Plan, provided a snapshot of Red Deer’s current environmental programs and performance. Workshop attendees then gathered around roundtables of 8-10 participants to discuss and list Red Deer’s environmental strengths and weaknesses by identifying specific examples on a city map. Following this activity Melanie presented the Draft Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions, providing examples from other cities to show how such a direction has been implemented. Participants were then asked to discuss this draft material and to work together to revise and augment the Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions. The outcomes of this session are described below.

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Strengths

Weaknesses

Open Spaces

Built Form

Many of the participants highlighted Red Deer’s natural

Many participants noted weaknesses in Red Deer’s built

heritage as a major strength. The parks and trails

form that had negative impacts on the environment.

network, Gaetz Lake, Red Deer River, O’Brien Constructed

These weaknesses include “cookie cutter” sprawl, water

Wetlands, Waskasoo and Piper Creeks, Kerry Wood Nature

detention ponds that were not ecologically friendly, a lack

Centre, the presence of wildlife in the city and the growing

of connectivity and walkability between neighbourhoods, a

number of public garden plots were among the strengths

need for more mixed use development, a lack of residential

commonly highlighted.

density and activity in the downtown core, the destruction of farm land for suburban development and low residential

Waste Management

density contributing to automobile dependence.

Participants were aware of and recognized elements of Red Deer’s waste management programs as a strength.

Transportation

The landfill was noted as strength, as was the City’s

Participants noted a number of weaknesses related to

curbside recycling program and the waste water treatment

transportation. Missing sidewalks and a lack of on-street

plant.

cycling lanes and trails connecting to newer residential areas were noted as deterrents to active transportation.

Transportation

Inconvenient scheduling and bus routes were noted as

The presence of The City of Red Deer’s public transit

weaknesses in Red Deer’s public transit system. Also

system was noted as a strength. Two groups noted the

noted was the inexpensive cost of parking downtown,

planned ring road as strength as it will divert heavy truck

which does not encourage drivers to seek other modes of

traffic away from the centre of the city. Others were

transportation to that area.

concerned with the environmental impact of this road extension through sensitive natural heritage areas.

Waste Management While participants noted the landfill and curbside recycling

Use of New Technologies

as strengths, they also noted a number of area for

Participants saw the use of new green technologies in

improvement related to waste management. Participants

the city as strength. Examples of this included the solar

saw the narrow range of accepted recyclable materials as a

panels at Kerry Wood Nature Centre, the net zero homes

weakness as well as the high threshold of bags of garbage

built in the city and the installation of LED traffic signals by

per household. Opportunities for improvement include the

Electric Light and Power.

introduction of a household composting program and multiunit residential curbside recycling collection.

City Leadership The City’s leadership in environmental initiatives was

Water

noted. Examples include the creation of LEED buildings

Participants noted that untreated storm water entering the

at the new Civic Yards, the LEED RCMP building, Electric

Red Deer River and its tributaries as a concern. Residential

Light and Power’s use of renewable power sources,

water usage was also mentioned and capturing water in

The City’s willingness to pilot new technologies and the

rain barrels for individual use should be more promoted

opportunities presented by The City for public input into

and adopted.

the Environmental Master Plan process. Air

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Built Form

Participants noted the lack of idling restrictions. There was

One participant group noted the new town centre proposal

also concern that there were a lack of air quality initiatives

in east Red Deer, Timberlands, as an innovative model for

and a pressing need to improve air quality in Red Deer as

creating urban mixed use villages.

industry continues to grow in the city.

Environmental master plan

Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions The second interactive session focused on obtaining input around the draft Environmental Vision and Core Directions. A draft Environmental Vision Statement was presented to the participants as well as six Core Directions intended to guide the development of the Environmental Master Plan. Participants were asked to edit and modify the statements. The following summarizes their comments. Environmental Vision Statement

The draft Environmental Vision Statement was presented

Core Directions

as follows: “Red Deer will conserve its rich natural

The comments and input gathered about the Core

environment and minimize its ecological footprint through

Directions are summarized below under each draft Core

community collaboration and active stewardship. Red Deer

Direction:

will become a leading example of a vibrant, ecologically

connected and sustainable community.”

Encourage, Educate, Enable, Engage

Many of the participants generally agreed with the

Participants noted that accessible environmental

Environmental Vision Statement but offered different

education for the public is important. Some participants

ideas about wording and phrases within the statement. In

believed that enforcement through environmental bylaws

particular:

and policies will help drive change across the community.

• T he word “conserve” was seen to be outdated and not

Incentives were also brought up as something that may be

expressive or action oriented • T he word “vibrant” was seen as not descriptive enough, preferring liveable, resilient or proactive •A clear desire was expressed for a time frame added to the statement such as “By 2030” to make the Environmental Vision more of a concrete direction for future action • T he tense of the environmental vision statement was debated; many participants desired the statement to be written in the present tense showing that in the future Red Deer will be or will have achieved all of the qualities written in the vision •A greater emphasis on community collaboration and partnerships was desired in the statement • I nclusion of language regarding a leadership role for The City of Red Deer in implementing the vision was desired in the statement • T he phrase “ecologically connected” was seen as unclear; participants suggested the statement needed different language to express the notion of connected ecosystems

required to help educate the public. Protect and Promote Green Space As seen in the comments received on the environmental vision statement, the word “promote” was seen to be too passive and a more active word such as “enhance” was suggested by some participants. Other groups wanted to ensure that Green Space was properly defined and described to include natural areas, open space as well as city parks. Conservation of open space as well as open space connectivity was also noted as an important part of this direction. Transit and Pedestrian-Oriented Planning Groups suggested strategies to reduce dependency on cars and emphasize pedestrian mobility, cycling and using public transit. Many of the groups noted the importance of defining this direction to support multi-modal active transportation such as rollerblading, running and cycling. Sustainable Growth Patterns Many participants agreed this was an important direction, but felt as though this Core Direction needed to include mention of how to control growth. Other comments included defining this direction to include mention of village centres with green areas connecting neighbourhoods. Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

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Lead by Example, Learn by Doing Participants pointed out they would like to reverse the title of this direction, to learn first and then lead by example. Participants were very supportive of City leadership in environmental initiatives and saw it is a key part of making the Environmental Master Plan a success. Other groups also wanted to ensure that personal responsibility was highlighted in this direction, encouraging individuals to recognize the impact of their own actions. Sustainable Economics Many of the participants suggested the title of this direction should be modified to make a clearer statement about its intent. Impact on Environmental Master Plan Process The input gathered through these public consultation sessions, as well as comments and opinions received from the Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk Red Deer public engagement website was considered in the July 19th refinement of the Situation Assessment and its Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions. The input and ideas gathered at these sessions and from the on-line participants will continue to inform the Environmental Master Plan process as the project team moves to defining environmental strategies and actions for Red Deer.

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Draft Environmental Vision Statement and Core Directions Presented at the Community Meeting June 15th 2010 Draft Environmental Vision Statement

residential neighbourhoods, would encourage healthy

“Red Deer will conserve its rich natural environment

access to local retail, services and workplaces. Future

and minimize its ecological footprint through community

development plans would encourage commuter and visitor

collaboration and active stewardship. Red Deer will become

travel by public transit, walking, bicycling, in -ine skating,

a leading example of a vibrant, ecologically connected and

and other low-carbon means.

sustainable community.” Sustainable Growth Patterns Draft Core Directions

Red Deer will ensure long term environmentally sustainable

Encourage, Educate, Engage, Enable

growth through investment in existing communities and

With support from community organizations and

consideration of the development of compact new urban

champions, The City of Red Deer can deliver an effective

communities. Sustainable growth patterns in Red Deer

engagement, awareness and constituent building

will be supported by the integration of growth with transit

campaign highlighting the importance of environmental

planning and meaningful connections with green and

stewardship, and foster ongoing dialogue, information and

open spaces. Creation of complete, age-friendly and

resources that enable The City and individuals improve

pedestrian friendly communities where design excellence

their ecological footprints.

and innovation toward sustainable community building are common expectations will be key considerations for the

Protect and Promote Green Space

sustainable development of Red Deer in the future.

The Waskasoo and neighbourhood parks system will grow, both by creating green links with existing and new

Lead by Example; Learn by Doing

park spaces, and enhancing habitat for valuable and

Following The City of Red Deer’s Strategic Plan 2009-

endangered species. The main spine and new branches of

2011, Red Deer will implement innovative, low-impact

the park network would connect residents with places of

development and operations approaches demonstrated

work, schools, commercial areas and essential services,

to be effective by other municipal leaders. New City

and will be well used for transportation, recreation, and

initiatives will aim at high triple bottom line performance,

surface storm water management. Ecosystems throughout

and developing the knowledge, skills and expertise

Red Deer will thrive, protected with policies that preserve

of local citizens, businesses and City staff. The City’s

and enhance regional waterways, fauna, and flora.

energy generation, waste processing, transportation, and operational decisions will emphasize renewable and

Transit and Pedestrian- Oriented Planning

healthy approaches that minimize adverse environmental

Red Deer as a walkable, cycle friendly and transit first

impacts. New initiatives will be prioritized considering their

community, would allow its citizens a full range of mobility

environmental benefits and life-cycle accounting.

options for neighbourhood and city-wide destinations. Public transit and pedestrian routes as well as recreation

Sustainable Economics

paths would be a priority in all community design and

The City will consider life-cycle fiscal costs and

would connect residential areas with commercial and

environmental impacts in its fiscal decisions, to maximize

industrial zones. Revitalization and sensitive intensification

the long-term economic health of taxpayers, regional

of the downtown core would serve to connect residents

businesses, and its own budgets. The City will consider the

with their community and its history, strengthening

impacts of its taxes and fees on decisions made by local

the economic and social heart of the city. Key transit

businesses and citizens that affect their environmental

supportive corridors and nodes designed for pedestrians

impacts.

and transit, within convenient walking distance of

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Public Consultation Summary

Air

October 12th 13th

• T argets were seen as adequate, but questions were

Over October 12th and 13th 2010, the Environmental Master Plan project team hosted a community workshop event, a student workshop at Red Deer College and three stakeholder meetings to gather public input on the development of The City of Red Deer Environmental Master Plan. The consultation focused on gathering feedback and ideas on specific actions and strategies that could be undertaken to implement the goals and core directions of the EMP. The following provides a description of the consultation events and the main themes and ideas that emerged.

raised about how to achieve higher targets. • I nterest was shown in how the recommended targets compared with other communities •P resented actions were commented on as follows: - Capture methane from the landfill received one prioritization star - Emphasis was made on Ongoing education campaign, a comment which received one star - Encourage use of low impact transportation received one prioritization star - Encourage residents to save energy at home by conducting energy audits and implementing changes

Community Workshop On October 12th a community workshop was held at the Balmoral Bible Chapel. Attracting approximately 50 participants, the workshop was opened with a presentation by Melanie Hare on the EMP process to date and the current area of focus: metrics, targets and actions. Following the presentation participants were led through roundtable discussions to obtain feedback on the proposed metrics, targets and actions in each focus area. Participants were asked to comment and edit the actions and prioritize actions using green stars. This exercise was followed by a second roundtable discussion to address challenges to success, solutions to those challenges and partnerships to pursue to support EMP implementation. The following is a summary of public comment received at that event.

received one prioritization star - Facilitate opportunities for residents and corporate Red Deer to buy green power or install on-site green power received three prioritization star - Implement and enforce anti-idling bylaws received one prioritization star - Educational awareness campaigns on air quality received two prioritization stars • I dentify and quantify large emitters, and confirm which The City has control, influence, or no control received one prioritization star - Map point sources for air pollution sources received one prioritization star - Additional actions of: Bike lanes; Online carpool registry; Make it harder to emit GHG’s (more costly and easier not to) were added by participants - Participants noted the following gaps: Monitor carcinogens; Localized pollution sources (e.g. Wood burning stoves); Correlating air quality with health issues; Not identifying source of pollutants (monitoring is too basic)

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Water

Ecology

•P resented actions were commented on as follows:

• T argets appear too high and would have to be in line with

- Develop educational awareness on water reduction strategies received one prioritization star - Encourage grey water re-use systems for toilet flushing, irrigation and clothes washing received three prioritization stars - Encourage use of xeriscaping and native plantings to reduce irrigation needs received one prioritization star - Provide restrictions to limit water use for irrigation/ water rationing for lawns received two prioritization stars. - Expand water monitoring program to include creeks as well received one prioritization star - Measure and monitor quality, peak flow, and quantity quality of storm water and use this information to inform strategies related to this metric received one prioritization star - Encourage front load laundry and other efficient appliances (rebate program). received two prioritization stars - Additional actions of: Reverse how we charge for water (lower fixed rate/higher consumption rate) (received one star); Discourage bottled water; Provide incentives to those who use less water; Connect water usage + costs more clearly i.e. for instance, if they conserve water it should be evident on their bills. (received three prioritization stars); Recover costs from those who use the resource the greatest were added by participants

the Alberta Planning Act. •P resented actions were commented on as follows: - Increase the amount of land dedicated to wetland and wilderness areas – work and count on this / be specific to features or systems received three prioritization stars - Provide incentives for developers to protect additional land when communities are developed / no roadways through natural areas - Work with developers and land owners to explore new means of land acquisition – consider the form of growth received one prioritization star - Implement tree protection measures received one prioritization star - Implement tree planting requirements for new developments received two prioritization stars - Develop community education and awareness campaigns to inform residential pest control users received one prioritization star - Education for the public with respect to all strategies/ actions received two prioritization stars - Additional actions of: Prime agriculture land to prairie; Dark skies policy; Work with County ; Connected systems i.e. habitat corridors (habitat and species) living roofs incentives ; more garden plots and community gardens; - Sensitive community designs ; Allow greater density to compensate for environmental land; Identify areas of biodiversity (Bower Woods) and Link to water conservation were added by participants.

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Transportation

Built Environment

Presented actions were commented on as follows:

- Further develop alternative transportation infrastructure

- Identify potential properties for infill development

(sidewalks, bike paths/racks) throughout the City priority order: pedestrians, biker, buses/trains, multivehicle, single person vehicle (long boards, etc) received five prioritization stars - Develop education and awareness campaigns related to reducing automobile use received one prioritization star - Provide incentives to businesses and schools to encourage public transit (received one prioritization star - “Planned” congested (accepted) received one prioritization star - Make transit/buses the preferred mode – (luxury) wifi/ hot chocolate, TV, etc received one prioritization star - Require bike baths and safe pedestrian routes on all

received one prioritization star - Look at innovative ways to provide smaller units received one prioritization star - Create community gardens in higher-density communities received one prioritization star - Encourage ‘garden sharing’ received one prioritization star - Balcony planters received one prioritization star - Increase minimum density received three prioritization stars - Smart density – not just big houses on small lots received four prioritization stars - Additional actions identified by participants included:

new roadways and community developments – including

Need to look at density differently; Look at other

across Hwy 2 received one prioritization star

communities which do density well; Establish

- Mandate design of new communities to include walkability to transit, community facilities and small scale commercial businesses received one prioritization star - Establish a ‘build up, not out’ policy received one prioritization star

minimum density to provide economical services; Focus on public realm + amenities - high density can still have open space/natural areas; Providing quality public space can encourage density; More mixed use development; Urban Harvest – share produce; Garden as interim use on lands to be developed; Find way to connect people who want produce with those who have extra; Establish community gardens in each neighbourhood; Look at providing for “Granny Flats” above garage or secondary structure

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Energy

Waste

Presented actions were commented on as follows:

•P resented actions were commented on as follows:

•E xplore financial incentives for energy reductions

•R educe residential weekly garbage bag limit and charge

received one prioritization star • I mplement renewable technology programs received one prioritization star •R elate to power costs (bills) received one prioritization star • I mplement educational awareness campaigns on green energy and waste energy to encourage on-site green power generation for buildings received two prioritization stars •A dditional actions identified by participants included: provide a break for citizens living lighter on the earth

for the quantity of residential waste disposal beyond this allowance received one prioritization star and was noted as being discouraging to large families • L imit the amount of construction waste permitted received two prioritization stars •R eview solid waste generation by type (residential, industrial, construction etc) on at least an annual basis and set strategies to target high waste producers received one prioritization star •D evelop green procurement policies for City operations (i.e. food services suppliers) received one prioritization star •E xpand the yard waste pick-up program to include condos and apartments buildings received one prioritization star •E ducate people on what they are producing and what the impact is and how to recycle, compost more received one prioritization star •P rovide kitchen waste compost collection for residential homes and businesses received three prioritization stars • I ncrease what is allowable in recyclables received one prioritization star •A dditional comments made by participants includes: Bottled water is an issue; “kick it to the curb” not effective title for give away garbage days; Increase in recyclable receptacles in the Park system; Add Edmonton comparison for target benchmark for waste management

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Discussion of Challenges, Strengths and Partnerships

Challenges

Solutions

In general the major challenges identified by participants

The discussion of how to address challenges evoked

focuses around engagement and participation of the

inspired and passionate responses from participants. Key

community at large in environmental initiatives, particularly

to environmental progress included The City leading by

around transportation and housing options. Financial

example and demonstrating environmental excellence,

balance of implementing changes and fear of adopting new

using incentives to encourage not punish people to change

technology without a full understanding of the long term

their behaviors and providing ongoing education and

success of that technology were also noted as challenges.

awareness.

The following is a selection of comments about challenges

The following is a selection of comments about solutions

recorded during the community workshop:

• T rying to keep up with the tech. and trends. What is best?

•M ake the environment EVERYONE’S responsibility

•P ublic not aware/interested

•E mpower the public with information about energy

•C hange of mindset around use of resources •E conomics – costs of programs & initiatives • T ransportation issue- people aren’t using the public transit system

reduction what they can do to help reach environmental goals • “ Fact Reporting” and regular updates linked to environmental goal achievements on utility bills, City’s web site, on back of buses • I ntroduce time of use rates for water/electricity •M ake taking transit a more user-focused experience

Partners There was a strong recognition that The City could not undertake the Environmental Master Plan alone. A number of potential partners were identified by the participants including developers, youth and sports clubs, schools and teachers, Red Deer County, Provincial and Federal governments, Red Deer College, business communities and large regional employers.

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Environmental master plan

Stakeholder Meetings

Red Deer College

The second group of students selected ecology, air/energy

A stakeholder session was held with a group of

and built environment as their top focus area. The top

approximately 15 Red Deer College students on the

actions identified by this group included:

afternoon of October 13th. After a brief presentation from

•C reate policy that require natural areas to be

Leigh McGrath about the Environmental Master Plan and

interspersed with residential development

its component parts the students were asked to contribute their thoughts to defining specific actions to implement the EMP. Students were asked to split into groups, choose their top three environmental focus areas and prepare a list

•C ollect storm water to be used in other ways (water reclaiming) •C ity-wide ban on bottled water

of at least ten actions related to achieving environmental

• I mprove walkability by improving mixed use of land

progress in their chosen focus areas.

•P rovide programming to increase bus use among

The first group chose waste, energy and transportation

students

noting that these categories were chosen because the group believed in their life time there would be major advances in technology related to these categories and therefore a greater opportunity to create positive change. The following provides a selection of the actions presented by the students: • I ncrease recycling in public areas •M andatory composting in residential areas •G reenhouse gas capture from landfills • I nvest in wind energies • T imer on lights in public buildings •P aint roofs white •U se bio diesel in busses •E ncourage use of bicycles

The final college group selected ecology, energy and waste as their priority focus areas. Their top actions included: •C reate awareness through education •P rotect “green areas” from human impact i.e. stricter laws on littering • I ncentive program for residential solar energy production. •P romote wind power • I ncrease The City’s use of green energy •M ore recycling options • T ax over the limit of bags of garbage •C ity composting program •E ncourage composting

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Business Group

in setting guidelines for development if they expect

On October 13th a group of 17 representatives from Red

change. The nature of the residential housing market

Deer’s business and industrial community participated in

and its relationship to planning policy was also noted as a

a stakeholder session. This group included representatives

challenge; the policy guidelines and what the marketplace

from the major local mall, Parkland Mall, industrial

are dictating are often at odds with each other.

employers such as Permolex and Olymel, dairy processer Saputo and the Red Deer College Centre for Innovation and

Community Leaders Group

Advanced Technology.

A group of community leaders was invited to attend

Strong themes emerging from this session included the

a stakeholder session the morning of October 14th.

need for quick wins to come out of the Environmental

Approximately 17 people attended the discussion

Master Plan including actions that businesses could

representing a range of community groups including

undertake within a 5-year horizon. Additionally the group

environmental groups, senior’s groups, the school boards

was interested in finding ways to encourage and publicly

and social service agencies. This group was provided

showcase businesses that were making environmental

an overview of the Environmental Master Plan and its

progress. Consistent messaging from The City regarding

component parts. Subsequently an extended question,

expectations for environmental performance as well

answer and discussion was held among the group and

as consistency in any new by-laws or policies was also

the consultant team. Topics addressed included the

highlighted by this stakeholder group.

importance of ongoing education and engagement of the public and the role that they and other community groups can play in connecting to the public; the need to engage

Developers Group

residents across cultural lines; proving clear example of

Approximately ten representatives from different elements

what a mother, a child, a father, a student, all segments of

of the development industry participated an October

Red Deer’s community could do to implement the goals of

13th stakeholder session. The comments gathered from

the EMP; the importance of a regular reporting mechanism

this group touched on the need for leadership from The

to tell Red Deer’s stories of environmental success and

City to set environmental development guidelines and

what it has been undertaking to achieve its goals.

noted that the industry is making strides in what they are

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producing. Densities in the residential markets are coming

The participants noted the strong volunteer culture in Red

down, and it was noted that there is a growing trend for

Deer and suggested that with the right cooperative attitude

lots and family homes to become smaller. The group also

and support from The City that many community groups

noted the need for flexibility in the development process,

would be interested in partnering with The City of Red Deer

but also mentioned the city should be more aggressive

to achieve its environmental goals.

Environmental master plan

Council Orientation

Community Consultation

December 10, 2011

February 1-5 2011

During this event the project team met with the

The goal of this final round of public consultation was to determine

new Council to provide an orientation to what is the

whether the citizens of Red Deer thought the targets set out in the

Environmental Master Plan, what had been achieved and

draft Environmental Master Plan (EMP) were achievable, and if the

what were the next steps.

corresponding actions would take Red Deer in the right direction.

Council members also had the opportunity to review the

From February 1st through 5th, 2011 The City’s Environmental

actions recommended for each focus area of the Plan, and

Initiatives team visited five separate locations at seven different

provide feedback on which actions resonated the most and

times, including: Red Deer College, Collicutt Centre, City Roast

the least for them.

Coffee, Red Deer Public Library, and Parkland Mall. Participants were asked to complete a survey about their choice of one of

Finally, Council brainstormed on what they thought would

the seven focus areas: Water, Ecology, Transportation, Built

be the biggest challenges and barriers to implementation

Environment, Air, Energy or Waste. 198 surveys were completed.

of the Plan, and what would be the biggest wins or opportunities.

The City’s Environmental Initiatives team also conducted a workshop with 24 students in a Leadership class at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School. The students completed 12 surveys, for a final total of 210. Overall Red Deerians agreed with the steps being taken to achieve The City’s Environmental goals. They felt positive about the direction the community is headed and offered comments on a variety of topics. The following are key messages from the community in regards to overall City leadership:

•

It is important to develop long term planning in all focus areas of air, water, built environment, energy, ecology,

•

transportation and waste Create a balance between: The City setting an example of environmental leadership and the Community taking

•

responsibility for their actions towards the environment The City is moving in the right direction, the areas identified and targets set will help The City achieve its environmental goals

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• •

Education is the key to achieving goals, especially for children learning good environmental principles Concerned over raised taxes and/or fees to accomplish goals

In addition to these comments, Red Deerians also commented on focus areas of their choosing. The following

• • • • •

Re-use of rain and waste water Reporting by industry on what they put into the water stream Concern over how wild life are affected Construction near water and use of watercraft contribute to water pollution – limit/monitor them Control how land is altered (large parking lots, buildings, etc.) to ensure storm water run-off water is

comments outline the most talked about topics:

handled properly AIR

• • • • • • •

Vehicle idling Industry outputs Too many vehicles on road Allergens/pollutants in air (wood smoke, cigarettes, particles, pollution, etc.) Need a GHG reduction plan Turning a blind eye to GHG issues – many are not informed Smell, smog issues

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

• • • • •

Community gardens, etc. – promote healthier lifestyle. Consider greenhouses for year round food crops. Brownfield cleanup should be responsibility of owner not taxpayers Safety of downtown (many boarded up sites, not enough people/businesses) More economical use of land and facilities Higher density/lower density debate – more respondents support high density, a few support low

WATER

• • • • • • • • •

Taking clean water availability for granted Involve community more Set higher targets than proposed – we can decrease more Storm water management plan – why aren’t we doing this better? Concerned about future water supply Concerned about agricultural run-off, industry run-off,

• • • • •

golf course and ski hill run-off

density Higher density in downtown to stimulate neighbourhood life Preserve heritage buildings Poor planning of sub-divisions and overall city – many living in the south and working in the north Save farm land Buildings built too fast, not made to last. Like to see more eco friendly buildings. Make better use of public spaces (i.e.: outdoor concerts, activities, etc.)

How clean is the water? What chemicals are being used to treat it? Fluoride is a big concern. Too much lawn watering Implement extra taxes on things that run-off that we can control (washer fluid, car washing supplies, lawn

•

chemicals, etc.) Monitor river levels and water quality better

WASTE

• • • •

More garbage and recycling cans downtown and in public areas Incineration of waste More items included in residential recycling Allow public access to construction and/or demolition waste for reuse

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Environmental master plan

• • •

Set bag limits but be flexible for times like Christmas,

• • •

Organics – likely to get more response if there was locations Set higher targets than proposed Concerned we will fill up the landfill too quickly Increasing the fee for dumping may cause people to dump where they shouldn’t Implement incentives to reduce waste Landfill should accept larger pieces of yard waste (trees, etc.) Implement fines for not recycling or composting and for exceeding the bag limits (many other cities doing

• •

this effectively)

• • • •

• • • • • • • •

Pollution to creeks and forests by residential/ commercial/industrial areas Too many forested areas being developed Need more treed areas Protect existing land and set aside land for new green areas Safety of path system a concern Make more room for animals, help increase their populations Trails are hard to find at times. The use of maps, mobile applications, etc. would be helpful. Conservation of threatened/endangered species

leftover waste More recycling options for apartment buildings and

ENERGY

• • • • •

ECOLOGY

Undue care by collection staff – damage to containers,

condominiums

•

Too many things like billboards and buildings are lit all night – it is a waste of energy

Construction sites need regulation residential curb-side pickup rather than drop off

• • •

•

5 bag limit is too high

Alternative energy from waste and other renewable energy sources Planning infrastructure for the future Reduce energy to save money Become more self reliant as a city

TRANSPORTATION

• • • • • • •

Too many traffic lights Traffic lights need to be better timed Not enough pedestrian and cyclist friendly/safe areas More convenient transit service means likely more ridership (longer hours, more frequent) Keep fees down More subsidized programs in businesses to encourage transit Accessibility and safety of alternative transportation

Use LED bulbs for lighting

types are not addressed enough, not enough busses

Encourage industrial (and other) high energy users to

are accessible

be more efficient Too much development close to the river Capture energy from City facilities and share cost savings with community Reduce impact of oil and gas development on the

• • • •

environment More information on energy consumption and environmental outcomes needed

Smaller buses running outside of peak hours Fix sidewalks and pathways – reduces jaywalking and encourages pedestrians Encourage carpooling Some transit operators treat teenagers unfairly, others talk and text on their cell phones, some drive

•

recklessly Major road infrastructure is already in place and

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• • • • •

changes to this infrastructure would be expensive and

review project documents and comment on ways in which

time consuming. Focussing on individual car drivers

the people of Red Deer could contribute to the city's overall

would be more effective to accomplishing transit goals.

environmental performance. 289 unique users visited the

Implement better systems to serve students –

page during this time.

ridership will increase Mobile applications for next bus and other scheduling

Finally, from January 17- February 7 of 2011, the site

items

hosted a final opportunity for public input. Attracting 450

More bicycle parking and bike lanes

unique users the site, questions focused on ensuring the

Buses often run late or early – causing many to miss

emerging recommendations and actions were on the right

them

track.

Improve bus shelters for cold weather Representatives from Environmental Services also attended a number of community events to ask questions

Online Consultation & Community Outreach Events Public consultation was also held throughout the project process through an on-line forum as well as through information booths at various community events. The online consultation was live during four periods during the project process in order to collect targeted feedback from the public. From June 17-28, 2010 the website shared general information about the Environmental Master Plan, described the purpose and intent of the Plan and asked general opinion questions about Red Deer's environmental priorities. 231 unique users visited during this period. From September 27-October 21, the website was updated with new information, questions and materials for the public to review including the draft Situation Assessment and FAQs about the project. 323 unique visitors came to the page during this period. From October 22-November 1st, the website was refreshed with the environmental vision and core directions and the public was given an additional opportunity to download and

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Environmental master plan

of the public, engage them about the topics addressed in the EMP, and encourage them to participate further at open houses and online. Information about the EMP, its principles and objectives, were shared at the following community events: Great Neighbourhoods BBQ May 16, 2010 & Dance Party Alberta Environment’s

June 1, 2010

EnviroFair AquaVan event at Kerry

June 5, 2010

Wood Nature Centre Red Deer River Cleanup

June 6, 2010

Farmers’ Market

June 12, 2010

Farmers’ Market

June 19, 2010

Mayor’s Garden Party

June 23, 2010

Alexander Way Art Festival

September 18, 2010

GH Dawe grand opening

September 25, 2010

Farmers’ Market

October 2, 2010

Farmers’ Market

October 9, 2010

Going Green at Parkland

October 23, 2010

Mall

Appendix C: Environmental Impact Categories Descriptors

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Environmental Impact Categories

The Environmental Impact Categories provide a way to organize and categorize many environmental issues. The proposed Categories allow priorities to be assigned to them that respond to their space and time scales, threats to human and ecosystem health, the momentum behind their underlying drivers, and the influence a local government has to address them. Indicators are proposed for each Impact Category described below; the proposed priorities are drawn from research done by the US EPA and other environmental agencies. Climate change Land Pollution Air Pollution Water Pollution Water Consumption Persistent Bioaccumulative Pollution Biodiversity Health Productive Land Area Loss Each of these Environmental Impact Categories will have a set of indicators which allow The City to measure, monitor and manage its Environmental Performance Indicators.

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Environmental master plan

Climate Change An average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Climate change is influenced by both natural and human induced drivers, such as increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. Land Pollution The contamination of land by excessive concentrations of materials that can damage ecosystems or humans, beyond the capacity of natural systems to render them harmless. Such materials include toxic or hazardous wastes that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment, including hormone-mimicking pollutants, heavy metals, petroleum by-products, etc. However, natural materials that are not in themselves toxic can also be pollutants, if they accumulate in concentrations that damage habitat or people. One example is mine â&#x20AC;&#x153;overburden,â&#x20AC;? which may not be toxic, but if improperly handled can severely damage local ecosystems. Air Pollution The contamination of air by excessive concentrations of materials that can damage ecosystems or humans, beyond the capacity of natural systems to render them harmless. Air pollutants include sulfur compounds (S0x, H2S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (dust), and nitrogen compounds (NOx). Water Pollution The contamination of water including lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, estuaries, other coastal waters, and ground water by excessive concentrations of materials that can damage ecosystems or humans, beyond the capacity of natural systems to render them harmless. Water pollutants include nitrogen compounds, silts, oils, etc. from direct or nonpoint sources. Water Consumption Water used by humans and returned to the ecosystem in a degraded form. This includes water use for drinking, cleaning, toilet flushing, irrigation and agriculture, food production, manufacturing, industrial uses, etc. Persistent Bioaccumulative Pollution Refers to the release of materials that are toxic, persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in food chains and, thus, pose risks to human health and ecosystems. The biggest concerns about Persistent Bioaccumulative Pollutants are that they transfer rather easily among air, water, and land, and span boundaries of programs, geography, and generations. They include aldrin/dieldrin, benzo(a)pyrene, chlordane, DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, alkyl-lead, mercury and its compounds, mirex, octachlorostyrene, PCBs, dioxins and furans, and toxaphene.

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Biodiversity Health Biodiversity includes: the number of different native species and individuals in a habitat or geographical area; the variety of different habitats within an area; the variety of interactions that occur between different species in a habitat; and the range of genetic variation among individuals within a species. In general, healthy ecosystems exhibit greater biodiversity. Productive Land Area Loss Loss of land that provides habitat for non-human species (including wetlands), or loss of land devoted to food production.

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Environmental master plan

Appendix D: Criteria for Selecting Metrics

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Criteria for Good Indicators

One of the biggest difficulties in managing environmental issues is that their breadth tends to spawn large indicator sets which make it difficult or expensive to gather reliable data, and/or that tie directly to desired outcomes and agents that could make them happen. Donella Meadows, in her seminal “Indicators and Information Systems for Sustainable Development”, outlined characteristics of ideal indicators - and pointed out that good indicators are hard to develop and maintain. Her characteristics are: Clear in Value: no uncertainty about which is good and which is bad. Clear in Content: easily understandable, with units that make sense, expressed in imaginable, not eye-glazing numbers. Compelling: interesting, exciting, suggestive of effective action Policy relevant: for all stakeholders in the system, including the least powerful. Feasible: measurable at reasonable cost. Sufficient: not too much information to comprehend, not too little to give an adequate picture of the situation. Timely: compile information without long delays. Appropriate in Scale: not over- or under-aggregated. Democratic: people should have input to indicator choice and have access to results. Supplementary: should include what people can’t measure for themselves (such as radioactive emissions, or satellite imagery) Participatory: should make use of what people can measure for themselves (such as river water quality or local biodiversity) and compile it to provide geographic or time overviews. Hierarchical: a user can delve down to details if desired, but can also get the general message quickly. Physical: money and prices are noisy, inflatable, slippery, and unstably exchangeable. Since sustainable development is to a large extent concerned with physical things – food, water, pollutants, forests, houses, health – it’s best whenever possible to measure it in physical units. (Tons of oil, not dollars’ worth of oil; years of healthy life, not expenditures in health care) Leading: they can provide information in time to act on it. Flexible: up for discussion, learning, and change. (We should have replaced the GNP index years ago, for example, but it became too institutionalized to do so.)” Information Resources “Indicators and Information Systems for Sustainable Development”. Donella Meadows, The Sustainability Institute, 1998

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Appendix E: Benchmarking tool

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Water What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Water Consumption

Overall

For all categories

This indicator serves to decrease

Community and Corporate

By 2015 reduce by 8%

the amount of potable water being

424 L/per capita/per day

from 2009 levels

consumed.

By 2020 reduce by 15%

Water is vital to the community

Potable water consumption provided through municipal

Community Consumption

from 2009 levels

water supply, per

Residential:

By 2035 reduce by 25%

capita (L/cap/day)

242 L/per capita/per day

from 2009 levels

and there has been direction by The City of Red Deer to further monitor and measure this metric. The Water Conservation Plan

Industrial, Commercial,

targets a 20% reduction in treated

Institutional (ICI):

water consumption by 2012.

130 L/per capita/per day

Targets have been set based

Unmetered Water Use:

on best practices, achievable

47 L/per capita/per day

targets and considered estimates.

Corporate Consumption Municipal: 5 L/per capita/per day

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

St. Albert, AB8: Reduce residential water consumption to 200 litres per

10%

20%

60%

person per day by 2020.

by 2015

LEED ND - GIBc432: Reduce water consumption for outdoor landscape irrigation by 50% from a calculated mid-summer baseline case. LEED H - SSc233: Design the landscape and irrigation system to reduce overall irrigation water usage by 20 to 60%. LEED NC - WEc139: 10-20% potable water use reduction LEED EB-OM - WEc340: Water efficient landscaping of 50-100% Red Deer: reduce 20% of treated water by September 2012

Water What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deer’s Rationale target

Water Quality of Receiving Waterbodies

To be determined

Number of times Red Deer’s rivers, creeks and waterbodies exceeds provincial/ federal thresholds for: phosphorus or nitrogen concentrations, metals, bacteria, and water clarity (upstream and downstream of city boundaries)

Unknown

Reduce the impact of The City on the health of Red Deer’s

River monitoring will start in

Recommended to reduce number

2011 and targets established

of water quality exceedences to

in 2015 in conjunction with

zero at the monitoring station

Alberta Environment

downstream of the City

waterways. Understand the impact of other municipalities on The City’s water resources. The target has been set at zero based on not exceeding the provinical and federal thresholds for water quality. As the region around The City of Red Deer grows, the number of water quality exceedences in the Red Deer River will rise. Maintaining a zero exceedence level will be a challenge.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

There is limited precedent information available for this target.

There is

limited

precedent

information

available for

this target.

Ecology What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Natural Areas

By 2015 increase by 5%

This is an indicator for biodiversity.

from 2009 levels

How much of the city supports

By 2020 increase by 10%

the original flora and fauna of the

863 hectares

Land within the urban boundary devoted

from 2009 levels

region.

to native natural

By 2035 increase by 20%

The Parks section and current City

features (native tree

from 2009 levels

of Red Deer practices have largely

By 2015 increase by 5%

To provide land dedicated for

from 2009 levels

community recreation and

By 2020 increase by 10%

encourage planting of native

stands, wetlands,

informed the metric and targets

seasonal streams, grasslands and associated biodiversity)

Man-Made Green Areas Land devoted to

809 hectares

man-made natural

from 2009 levels

species.

features (city parks,

By 2035 increase by 20%

The Parks section and current City

turf areas, shrub beds

from 2009 levels

and re-naturalization areas)

of Red Deer practices have largely informed the metric and targets.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

There is limited precedent information available for this target.

There is limited

There is

precedent

limited

information

precedent

available for this

available for

information

target.

this target.

available for this target.

There is limited precedent information available for this target.

Oakville, ON12: target 664 ha based on 166,000 population Ottawa, ON9: target 2,340 ha, based on 1,064,000 population Red Deer: Parks or Open Space should be clarified as being an area of 2.5 ha or greater

2ha/1,000

4 ha/1,000

9 ha/1,000

population

Ecology What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Pest Control

Corporate

To reduce air, water and

Volume of toxic pest

By 2015 decrease by 2%

ground contamination, and

control product used

from 2009 levels

per acre of municipal

By 2020 decrease by 5%

210 ml/per acre

owned land (ml/per

from 2009 levels

acre)

By 2035 decrease by 10% from 2009 levels

species health risks due to toxins from pest control application. The Parks section and current City of Red Deer practices have largely informed the metric and targets.

Urban Forestry

A Red Deer baseline is

By 2014, determine percentage

To connect habitat corridors

unknown

of canopy area within City

and green space throughout

boundaries and refine targets.

Red Deer while providing

(percentage of area

By 2020, increase canopy to 20%

a cooling effect to prevent

within City Boundaries

By 2030, increase canopy to 30%

Urban forest coverage

covered by tree canopy)

urban heat islands. The Parks section and current City of Red Deer practices have largely informed the metric and targets.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

There is limited precedent information available for this target.

There is limited

There is

precedent

limited

information

precedent

available for this

available for

information

target.

this target.

available for

LEED EB+OM40: implement an integrated pest management plan

this target. Red Deer: implementing an Integrated Pest Management Plan

Hamilton, ON1: Target 30% of municipal area Lloyd Crossing, Oregon6: Implement 2 acres of mixed conifer forest â&#x20AC;&#x153;patchesâ&#x20AC;? with 1-2 acres of habitat corridor connecting the patches.Increase tree coverage from 14.5% to 25-30% by 2050. Portland, Oregon6: 2030 target: increase urban forestry canopy to cover 33% of city; Oakville, ON12: Target 40% canopy coverage by 2057 Ottawa, ON11: Target 40% tree cover American Forests: Recommends 25 to 40% canopy cover

25%

30%

40%

Transportation What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

VKT

A Red Deer baseline is

By 2012, determine VKT/per

Given the significant impact

unknown.

capita/per day and refine targets.

that automobile use has on

Vehicle Kilometers

GHG emissions, air quality,

Travelled (VKT) per capita/ per day by car

Community

storm water requirements,

green space, and walkability, By 2015, 5% reduction from 2012 VKT is a critical metric. levels Awareness of travel patterns By 2020, 10% reduction from

is the first step in developing

2012 levels

reduction strategies.

BY 2035, 20% reduction from 2012 levels

Given that there is no baseline data, targets have been set low as a starting point and would be refined once baseline data is known.

Modal Split Percentage of different modes of transportation used to travel to work.

Based on data from Statistics

2016 modal split of labour force

The objective of any

Canada (23) for 2006, the

to be:

transportation policy is not

modal split of Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

86% Car

to limit travel, but to increase

labour force is: 88% Car 4% Transit 7% Pedestrian/Bicycle 1% Other

5% Transit 8% Pedestrian/Bicycle 1% Other

options and to make it simpler to travel by means other than a single occupant car. The modal split provides an understanding as to how this

2021 modal split of labour force to be: 84% Car 6% Transit 9% Pedestrian/Bicycle 1% Other

shift is occuring.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

Hamilton, ON13:

10%

20%

There is limited precedent information to inform targets. However, the

There is

following data of existing modal split baseline levels in comparable

limited

communities is provided for reference:

precedent

Lethbridge, AB :

information

available for

this target.

low target: 10% reduction: 4.3 million KM high target: 20% reduction:: 3.8 million KM Portland, Oregon6: 2030 target: 28% reduction, 13.4 mi (21.6 km) 2050 target: 63% reduction, 6.8 mi (10.9 km)

Modal Split of labour force: 90% Car, 2% Transit, 7% Pedestrian/Bicycle, 1% Other Waterloo, ON23: Modal Split of labour force: 84% Car, 5% Transit, 11% Pedestrian/Bicycle, <1% Other Kamloops, BC23: Modal Split of labour force: 88% Car, 4% Transit, 7% Pedestrian/Bicycle, 1% Other

Transportation What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Dwelling units (DUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

An overall Red Deer baseline

By 2012, determine the

The metrics and targets are

is unknown, however we have

percentage of dwelling units

based on other municipalities'

the following information:

within 400m of all categories

successful neighbourhood

1. 100%

and refine targets.

development guidelines as

within 400 metres from: 1. Public trails, parks or other green space; 2. At least 5 basic amenities 3. Transit stops with 20 minute service

2. Unknown (however, 92% are

well as on the urban shift

within commercial or public

By 2020, 50% of residents

to accessible, complete

areas, but not always 10

within 400m of amenities

communities, which provide

basic amenities)

By 2035, 75% of residents

residents with the required

within 400m of amenities

amenities and opportunities to

3. Unknown (however, 98% are within transit stops, though

live, work and play locally.

0% are within stops with 15

Given the fast growth rate

minute service intervals)"

of The City of Red Deer and the opportunity to develop complete communities we have set targets in the mid to high range.

Length of all bicycle/ pedestrian routes (kilometer/ per

Overall: 1km/672 pop

By 2015 increase routes by 5%

The metric will further

1. Bike Lanes (part of roadway)

from 2009 levels

develop and celebrate Red

By 2020 increase routes by 10%

Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network of active

from 2009 levels

transportation routes.

By 2035 increase routes by 20%

Current City of Red Deer

from 2009 levels

practices and City feedback

10km 2. Mixed Use Trails 124km 3. Pedestrian-only Trails 0km

capita) for bike lanes,

have informed the metric and

mixed use trails and

targets. Though The City has

pedestrian-only trails.

exceeded other municipalities for number of bicycle/ pedestrian routes, there is a need to continue to set targets here that will also help achieve alternative transportation targets.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

Pickering, ON15:

25%

50%

90%

1km:

5,227 pop

1,941 pop

1,000 pop

Target: residential development is located within 800m (10 min. walking distance) of existing jobs equal to or greater than 50% of the proposed number of DUs. OR A commercial or employment related development is located within 800m or 10 min. walking distance of existing dwelling units. The number of jobs provided in the new development must equal at least 50% of the number of existing dwelling units. Portland, Oregon 6: by 2030 achieve 90% easy access to meet all basic daily, non-work needs LEED ND - NPDc932: Locate and/or design project so that a civic or passive use space such as a square, park, paseo, or plaza at least 1/6 acre in area, lies within a Âź mile (400m) walk distance of 90% of planned and existing dwelling units and non-residential building entrances. LEED ND - NPDc332: 50% of DUs are within a 1/4-mile (400m) walk distance of a number of diverse uses. There is limited precedent information available.

Hamilton, ON : 1km:1,941people: 120km new bike paths; 13

140km multi-use paths Brampton, ON36: 1km:5,227people: 83km of trailsr

Built Environment What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Development density

By 2012, determine Floor Space

Total development

An overall Red Deer baseline is following information:

density by type: 1.

for each of the categories.

developments and infill

By 2015, increase to:

properties. Parkland Community Planning

Residential (dwelling

Residential: 14.8 DU/ha

Residential: 17DU/ha

units per gross

(overall)

Other: TBD

hectare) 2. Other (Floor Space Index)

To promote community

unknown, however we have the Index for ii. Other and refine target densification with new

Services and current City of Red Deer practices have provided information for the

Other:

metric and residential target.

Commercial Mixed Use/ Downtown: unknown Commercial Mixed Use/ Town Centre: unknown Major Urban Corridor: unknown Industrial: unknown Municipal: unknown

Community gardens The land devoted to community gardens and urban agriculture in area(m ) per capita 2

An overall Red Deer baseline

By 2012, determine the area

To promote local food growth

is unknown; however, there

of land devoted to community

and purchase, including

are 160 plots (9 acres) of

gardens and urban agriculture

community gardens and

community gardens or 0.4m2/

and refine targets.

farmers markets.

per capita.

By 2015, 0.5 m2/per capita

This indicator is just beginning

By 2020, 0.75 m /per capita

to be explored by other

By 2035, 1.5 m2/per capita

municipalities. The targets are set within easy reach as The City develops the indicator.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

St. Albert, AB8:

Residential:

Residen-

Achieve a minimum density of 12 DU/ ha residential hectare for new

12DU’s/ha

17DU’s/ha

tial:

neighbourhoods.

46 DU’s/ha

Achieve a minimum of 30% for medium and/or high-density residential units for new neighbourhoods. LEED ND - NPDp232: Build any residential components of the project at a density of seven or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses. (17DU’s/ha) LEED H - SSc633: Density between 17 to 46 DU’s/ Ha.

Although there is limited percent information that directly applies to

There is limited

There is

this target, many cities are promoting local food growth and purchase,

precedent

limited

including community gardens and farmers markets.

information

precedent

San Francisco, Calofornia :

available for this

available for this information

target.

Turned City Hall lawn into an organic garden Multnomah County, Oregon : 6

Supports agricultural food growth for the Municipality of Portland, and others. LEED ND - NPDc1332: Dedicate permanent and viable growing space and/or related facilities Canada34: 1.83 hectares/person of cropland, has the biocapacity for 4.89 hectares/person

available for this target.

Air What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Greenhouse gas emissions

An overall Red Deer baseline is

By 2012, determine GHG

To reduce the negative

unknown.

emissions baseline and refine

impacts of climate change

In 2009, the annual CO2e

targets for each of the categories.

by reducing greenhouse gas

emissions for the Waste

Community

emissions.

Management Facility were

By 2020 reduce by 8%

As regulations increase both

calculated as 29,200 tonnes

from 2010 levels

federally and provincially, it

CO2e. For the closed landfill

By 2035 reduce by 15%

will likely be a requirement

the annual emissions were

from 2010 levels

to monitor and report on

per capita in tonnes (C02 equivalent)

calculated as 43,395 CO2e

this indicator. Understand

tonnes. These values include

Corporate

how to measure and how to

methane and nitrous oxides,

By 2020 reduce by 20%

decrease GHG emissions will

but exclude carbon dioxide

from 2010 levels

be an asset when confronting

since it is biogenic (absorbed

By 2035 reduce by 30%

related regulations.

by the soil).

from 2010 levels

Targets have been set in the mid to high range of the precedent targets to reflect the importance of the indicator.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

Ottawa9:

corporate

Corporate: reduce 20% by 2012 (1990 levels)

6% by 2012

12% by 2012

20% by 2012

community

6% by 2020

15% by 2020

30% by 2020

Calgary2: Corporate: reduce 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 (2005 levels) Hamilton1: target reductions by 2020 (compared to 2005) Community: 6 %; Corporate: 20% Yellowknife3: target reductions by 2014 (compared to 2004) Community: reduce by 6%; Corporate: 20% Saskatoon4: target reductions by 2013 (compared to 1990) Community: 6% (1.4 million tonnes of GHGs) Corporate: 10% (27,600 tonnes of GHGs) Vancouver37: 6% decrease by 2012, 33% decrease by 2020 (compared to 2007), 80% by 2050 Portland/Multnomah County6: 2030 target: Reduce by 40% from 1990 levels, 2050 target: reduce by 80% from 1990 levels Toronto5: Compared to 22 million tonnes emitted in 1990, reduce by 6% by 2012, 30% by 2020, 80% by 2050 Ontario7: corporate reduce 19% by 2014 and 27% by 2020 (compared to 2006 levels) St. Albert8: Achieve 20% reduction of total corporate greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020. Achieve 6% reduction of total community greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020.

Air What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deer’s Rationale target

Air Quality

PM2.5:

By 2015

To monitor local air quality and

15.9 μg/m3 (2007-2009),

PM2.5:

identify trends in air quality issues.

20 μg/m3 (CASA management

Air quality data and targets

plan trigger)

were provided by PAMZ and

Maintain and lower ambient concentrations of

Canada Wide Standard metric Ozone:

not exceeding

57.5 ppb (2007-2009), Canada Ozone: Wide Standard metric 58 ppb, (CASA management plan

maximums defined

Sulphur Dioxide:

trigger)

by the Canada Wide

0.44 ppb, (2005-2009) 5 year

Standard and Alberta

annual average

Sulphur Dioxide:

Environment

0.42 ppb (reduce by 5% of 2005-

Nitrogen Dioxide:

2009 5 year annual average)

12.1 ppb, (2005-2009) 5 year

Nitrogen Dioxide:

airborne pollutants,

annual average

11.5 ppb (reduce by 5% of 2005-

Carbon Monoxide:

2009 5 year annual average)

0.25 ppm, (2005-2009) 5 year

Carbon Monoxide:

annual average

0.24 ppm, (reduce by 5% of 20052009 5 year annual average)

By 2020 PM2.5: 20 μg/m3 (CASA management plan trigger) Ozone: 58 ppb (CASA management plan trigger) Sulphur Dioxide: 0.40 ppb (reduce by 10% of 2005-2009 5 year annual average) Nitrogen Dioxide: 10.9 ppb (reduce by 10% of 2005-2009 5 year annual average) Carbon Monoxide: 0.23 ppm, (reduce by 10% of 2005-2009 5 year annual average)

Alberta Environment. As The City of Red Deer grows, ambient concentrations of airborne pollutants are expected to rise and maintaining The City’s current baseline will be a challenge. Targets are set with this in mind.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

Canada Wide Standard35:

PM2.5:

Ozone: 65ppb, 8 hour average

35 μg/m3

30 μg/m3

20 μg/m3

PM2.5: 30 μg/m3, 24 hour average

Clean Air Strategic Alliance36: Management Plan Triggers Ozone: 58ppb, 8 hour average PM2.5: 20 μg/m3, 24 hour average

Ozone:

75 ppb

65ppb

58 ppb

Sulphur

Dioxide:

14 ppb

11 ppb

3 ppb

Carbon Monoxide: 5 ppm Nitrogen

Nitrogen

Alberta Environment24:

Dioxide:

Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines:

32 ppb

16 ppb

Ozone: Objective 82 ppb (160 μg/m3) 1-hour daily maximum

Carbon

Sulphur Dioxide: SO2 Annual Objective 11 ppb

Monoxide:

5 ppm

PM2.5: Guideline 80 μg/m3 as a 1-hour average concentration

Nitrogen Dioxide: NO2 Annual Objective 32 ppb Hydrogen Sulphide: H2S 24 hour Objective 3 ppb

US EPA29: EPA Air Quality Index and National Ambient Air Quality Standards PM2.5: 35ug/m3 (24 hour) Carbon Monoxide: 9ppm Sulphur Dioxide: 0.14ppm Ozone: 0.075ppm Nitrogen Dioxide: 100ppb (1 hour)

Energy What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Building energy

A Red Deer baseline is

By 2012, determine the average

There is a lot of work being

unknown

building energy intensity and

done in the industry to

refine target for each of the

establish energy intensity

categories.

data to better understand

Community

when and how much energy is

Average building energy intensity

Community

(Equivalent kWh/m2)

Residential: unknown Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI): unknown

Corporate Municipal: unknown

By 2015, 5% reduction from 2012 levels By 2020, 20% reduction from 2012 levels By 2035, 50% reduction

being consumed by the largest energy consumers - buildings. Electric Light and Power and the precedents have helped inform the metric and targets.

from 2012 levels Coporate By 2015, 5% reduction from 2012 levels By 2020, 20% reduction from 2012 levels By 2035, 50% reduction from 2012 levels

Renewable energy sources Percentage of energy utilized by The City

Corporate

To increase use of green

15% energy purchased

By 2015, 30% of total corporate

power sources and decrease

from green sources

energy supply from green sources

<1% generated from

By 2020, 40% of total corporate

methane capture

energy supply from green sources

Red Deer that is

By 2035, 60% of total corporate

produced through

energy supply from green sources

green sources (such as renewable resources and energy captured from waste)

reliance on non-renewable resources by The Corporation of The City of Red Deer. Electric Light and Power and current City of Red Deer practices have informed the metric and targets. The target has been set according to The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to purchase green power and initiatives like the wastewater treatment plant energy generated from methane.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

Hamilton, ON17:

corporate

new

20% by 2020

buildings

corporate energy intensity reduction target: 7.5% by 2012, 20% by 2020 12% by 2020

70% by

(compared to 2005)

2015

Guelph, ON18: target 175 ekWh/m2

existing

(through energy efficiency improvements of 1.5%/yr from 2012-2031)

buildings

Sudbury, ON :

25% by

By 2015, achieve 70% energy reductions in all major new buildings.

2030"

Achieve 50% energy reductions in buildings under renovation. Portland, Oregon6: achieve 25% reduction by 2030 in all buildings built before 2010 LEED ND - GIBp232: New buildings constructed as part of the project must, on average, demonstrate a 10% improvement over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007. GIBc2: Buildings need to meet 18% or 26% improvement.

Toronto, ON22: commitment to purchase 25% of corporate energy needs with green power; Calgary, AB2: 100% corporate green energy by 2012 Portland, Oregon6: 9% of community energy purchase is green power; 100% corporate green power purchase by 2010

25%

40%

100%

Waste What are we Where is Red measuring Deer today

What is Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rationale target

Residential Solid waste

Residential

This metric will help decrease

By 2015, 10% reduction

the amount of waste being

from 2009 levels

generated.

183 kg/ per capita/ year

Total weight of solid

By 2020, 20% reduction

waste generation by single-family

from 2009 levels

Waste Management and

residences (in

By 2035, 40% reduction

current City of Red Deer

kilograms/ per

from 2009 levels

practices have largely informed the metric and

capita/ per year)

targets.

Waste Diverted Percentage of waste

10% per year per tonne of

By 2015,

This metric will increase

waste landfilled

20% diversion rate

the amount of waste being

By 2020,

diverted from the landfill and

diverted per year

30% diversion rate

per tonne of waste

By 2035,

landfilled

50% diversion rate

reduce the impact of virgin material use.

Waste Management and current City of Red Deer practices have largely informed the metric and targets.

What are the precedents?

Low Range

Mid Range

High Range

St. Albert, AB8:

25%

20%

35%

Residential target: reduce from 195kg to 125kg/cap/yr (35%) by 2020

by 2030

by 2020

50%

65%

All City

Sudbury, ON19: Reduced annual amount by community; No future need for additional landfill space; Portland, Oregon6: By 2030: reduce total solid waste generated by 25% Alberta8: Residential waste disposal average of 288 kg per capita Alberta8: 25% of waste in Alberta is generated by Construction and Demolition Statistics Canada23: 971 kg per person - of total waste landfilled Markham, ON25: Target: 100% (Zero waste) in all City buildings Hamilton, ON26: Target 65% by 2010 Edmonton, AB27: Target 90% by 2012 (Currently 60%)

buildings 100%

St. Albert, AB8: Target: 65% by 2020

Community

Pickering, ON : Divert from landfill a minimum of 50% of all waste

90% by 2012

generated on site. Portland, Oregon6: 2030 target: recover 90% of all waste generated (64% in 2008) Sudbury, ON19: Target 65% diversion of residential solid waste Oakville, ON12: Target 60% diversion rate for residential waste Toronto, ON28: 70% for City facilities Guelph, ON18: 55% by 2011; 65% by 2016; 70% by 2021; LEED ND - GIBc1632: Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of nonhazardous construction and demolition debris. LEED ND - GIBc1632: Include litter receptacles on mixed use and nonresidential streets, with recycle containers adjacent to other receptacles or recycled containers integrated into the design of the receptacle, on every block or at least every 800 feet, whichever is shorter.

Footnotes

1 City of Hamilton, Corporate Air Quality & Climate Change Strategic Plan - Phase II

20 Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants in the City of Toronto, 2007

2 Calgary Climate Change Accord, 2009

21 Mississauga Action Plan

3 Yellowknife Community Energy Plan, 2007

22 A Plan for an Environmentally Sustainable Toronto,

4 Case Study: City of Saskatoon Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada, 2009 5 Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from Framework to Action Phase 1, City of Toronto, 2007 6 City of Portland and County of Multnomah Climate Action Plan, 2009 7 Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants in the City of Toronto, 2007

2000 23 Statistics Canada, Environment Accounts and Statistics Division. 24 Alberta Environment 25 “Getting to 50% and Beyond: Waste Diversion Success Stories from Canadian Municipalities. FCM, 2009” 26 City of Hamilton Solid Waste Management Master Plan, 2001 27 City of Edmonton’s Environmental Strategic Plan, 2006

8 City of St. Albert, Environmental Master Plan, 2009

28 City of Toronto Waste Diversion Team website

9 City of Ottawa, Directory of Environmental Initiatives

29 EPA: National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2010

10 Hamilton Vision2020

30 Surface Water Quality Guidelines for Use in

11 Green Municipal Fund Case Study - Software helps Ottawa tally benefits of tree cover 12 Town of Oakville, State of the Environment Report, 2009 13 Development of Policy Papers for Phase Two of the Transportation Master Plan for the City of Hamilton: Summary of Proposed Recommended Policies, 2005 14 Green Fleet Program Report, April 9 2010 15 Pickering Sustainable Neighbourhood Guidelines 16 Commercial and Institutional Consumption of Energy Survey– Summary Report June 2007. Natural Resources Canada.

Alberta, 1999 31 Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality Summary Table, 2008 32 LEED US: Neighbourhood Development 33 LEED Canada: Homes 34 WWF: Living Planet Report 35 Canada Wide Air Quality Standards 36 Clean Air Strategic Alliance 37 C ity of Vancouver 38 City of San Francisco

17 City of Hamilton Corporate Energy Policy, 2007

39 LEED Canada: New Construction

18 City of Guelph Community Energy Plan, 2007

40 LEED Canada: EB+OM

19 2010 Earth Care Sudbury Action Plan

Appendix F: Example of impact assessment tool

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Impact Assessment Tool

In selecting actions to implement, The City must balance financial and non-financial measures, consider the five pillars of sustainability, and look at community and operational objectives.

To assist in this challenging decision making process, the Impact Assessment Tool can be used to compare various actions or projects to reach a decision that makes sense for Red Deer. This tool will help to evaluate ideas as they emerge and to see if they rate highly based on order of magnitude costs, impact to the environment, and how well the actions fulfill The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental Vision and Core Directions. For example, towards the end of this process the question arose how action on light and noise pollution fits into this Plan. This tool could be used to evaluate potential actions to see if they rated highly based on cost and impact.

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RED DEER ENVIRONMENTAL MASTER PLAN: Impact Assessment Tool

Summary of Analysis

Impacts

Prioritization Criteria 1: What is the overall impact of the proposed Strategy or Project?

COST IMPACTS

Order of Magnitude for comparison

SOFT IMPACTS

Soft Core Directions (Leadership, Education, Builds on Strengths)

HARD IMPACTS

Measurable Core Directions (Metrics)

Strategy or Project #1

Strategy or Project #2

Strategy or Project #3

Instructions: Please fill out a score and comments for each corresponding proposed strategy. Scores are based on a scale from 1-10, where: 1 = has a definite negative impact 5 = has no impact, neither negative nor positive 10 = has a definite positive impact

COMMENTS

The scoring is relative for these options. It may not be appropriate based on analysis of other strategies or projects. Data to Support the Analysis

Overall Recommendations

Fill in data here.

Fill in recommendations here.

HARD IMPACTS: Measurable Core Directions (Metrics) Prioritization Criteria 2: Does the proposed Strategy or Project contribute to the environmental areas that need the most improvement (based on latest reporting on metrics)?

Operational Metrics and Environmental Indicators

Targets

Overall: By 2015 reduce by 8% from 2009 levels By 2020 reduce by 15% from 2009 levels By 2035 reduce by 25% from 2009 levels

Indicator: Water Quality of Receiving Water bodies

River monitoring will start in 2011 and targets established in 2015 in conjunction with Alberta Environment.

WATER

Indicator: Potable water consumption provided through municipal water supply, per capita (L/cap/day)

Indicator: Percentage of land devoted to native natural features (native By 2015 increase by 5% from 2009 levels tree stands, wetlands, seasonal streams, grasslands and associated By 2020 increase by 10% from 2009 levels biodiversity) By 2035 increase by 20% from 2009 levels

ECOLOGY

Indicator: Percentage of land devoted to man-made natural features (city parks, turf areas, shrub beds and re-naturalization areas)

By 2015 increase by 5% from 2009 levels By 2020 increase by 10% from 2009 levels By 2035 increase by 20% from 2009 levels

Corporate: Metric: Volume of toxic pest control product used per acre of municipal By 2015 decrease by 2% from 2009 levels owned land (ml/per acre) By 2020 decrease by 5% from 2009 levels By 2035 decrease by 10% from 2009 levels

Metric: Urban forest coverage (percentage of area within City Boundaries covered by tree canopy)

By 2014, determine percentage of canopy area within City boundaries and refine targets. By 2020, increase canopy to 20% By 2030, increase canopy to 30% By 2012, determine VKT/day/capita and refine target.

TRANSPORTATION

Metric: Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) per capita/per day/by car

Metric: Percentage of different modes of transportation used to travel to work

i. Public trails, Parks or other green space

Community: By 2015, 5% reduction from 2012 levels By 2020, 10% reduction from 2012 levels BY 2035, 20% reduction from 2012 levels 2016 modal split of labour force to be: 86% Car 5% Transit 8% Pedestrian/Bicycle 1% Other By 2012, determine the percentage of dwelling units within 400m of categories and refine target for each of the categories.

Metric: Percentage of dwelling units ii. At least 10 Basic Amenities (DU's) within 400m (or a 5 minute walk) from:

By 2020, 50% of residents within 400m of amenities By 2035, 75% of residents within 400m of iii. Transit Stops (with 15 minute amenities service)

By 2015 increase routes by 5% Metric: Length of all bicycle/pedestrian routes (in kilometres per capita) By 2020 increase routes by 10% for bike lanes, mixed used trails and pedestrian-only trails. By 2035 increase routes by 20%

Estimated Total Values for Reference

Metrics/Indicators the proposed Strategy or Project relates to:

Strategy or Project #1 Comments

Estimated Total Values for Reference

Metrics/Indicators the proposed Strategy or Project relates to:

Strategy or Project #2 Comments

Estimated Total Values for Reference

Metrics/Indicators the proposed Strategy or Project relates to:

Strategy or Project #3 Comments

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Metric: Total development density by type:

i. Residential (DU per hectare)

By 2013, determine Floor Space Index for ii. ICI and refine target for each of the categories.

ii. Industrial - Commercial Institutional (ICI) (Floor Space Index - FSI)

By 2015, increase to: I. Residential: TBD DU/ha ii. Other: TBD FSI

Indicator: m /cap of land devoted to community gardens and urban agriculture

By 2012, determine the area of land devoted to community gardens and urban agriculture and refine targets. By 2015, 0.5 m2/per capita By 2020, 0.75 m2/per capita By 2035, 1.5 m2/per capita By 2012, determine GHG emissions (the baseline) and refine targets for each of the categories.

AIR

Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in tonnes (C02 equivalent)

Indicator: Maintain and lower ambient concentrations of airborne pollutants, not exceeding maximums (defined by the Canada Wide Standard and Alberta Environment)

Community: By 2020 reduce by 8% from 2012 levels By 2035 reduce by 15% from 2012 levels Corporate: By 2020 reduce by 20% from 2012 levels By 2035 reduce by 30% from 2012 levels By 2015, do not exceed the following air quality maximums: PM2.5: 20 Îźg/m3 Ozone: 58 ppb Sulphur Dioxide: 0.42 ppb Nitrogen Dioxide: 11.5 ppb Carbon Monoxide: 0.24 ppm By 2012, determine the average building energy intensity and refine target for each of the categories.

Metric: Average building energy intensity (equivalent kWh/m2) ENERGY

By 2015, 5% reduction from 2012 levels By 2020, 20% reduction from 2012 levels By 2035, 50% reduction from 2012 levels Corporate By 2015, 30% of total corporate energy supply from green sources By 2020, 40% of total corporate energy supply from green sources By 2035, 60% of total corporate energy supply from green sources

Metric: Total weight Metric eight of solid waste aste generation b by single-family single famil residences (in tonnes/per capita/per year)

Overall: B 2015 By 2015, 10% reduction d ti By 2020, 20% reduction By 2035, 40% reduction

Metric: Percentage of waste diverted per year per tonne of waste landfilled

Residential: By 2015, 20% diversion rate By 2020, 30% diversion rate By 2035, 50% diversion rate

WASTE

Metric: Percentage of energy utilized by The City of Red Deer that is produced through green sources (renewable resources and energy captured from waste)

Score: Impact of Strategy or Project on achieving Targets

0.0

SOFT IMPACTS: Soft Core Directions (Leadership, Education, Builds on Strengths) Prioritization Criteria 3: How does the proposed Strategy or Project build on existing strengths or current initiatives?

Strategy or Project #1

Strategy or Project #2

Strategy or Project #3

How well do these Strategies or Projects align with the following "Soft" EMP Core Directions? Score

Comments

Score

Comments

Score

Comments

3.1 Encourage, Educate, Engage, Enable, Expect

3.2 Learn by Doing; Lead by Example

3.3 Does The City have the background and knowledge to implement this Strategy or Project?

Total Average Score

0.0

COST IMPACTS: Order of Magnitude Costs, Ease of Implementation

Prioritization Criteria 4: What is the cost effectiveness and/or funding availability to implement the proposed Strategy or Project? Prioritization Criteria 5: What is the level of ease of implementation for the proposed Strategy or Project?

Strategy or Project #1

How well do these Strategies or Projects align with the following questions?

Score

Comments

Strategy or Project #2 Score

Comments

Strategy or Project #3 Score

4.1 What is the expected cost of this strategy or project?

4 2 How likely would it be to secure funding for this Strategy or Project? 4.2

5.1 How will implementing this Strategy or Project affect staff capacity at The City?

5.2 Are City partners committed to supporting the proposed Strategy or Project?

5.3 What is the expected timeline to implement the proposed Strategy or Project?

Total Average Score

0.0

Comments

Appendix G: Prioritization List

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Prioritization List There are many actions, projects, strategies, and partnerships to choose from to achieve The City of Red Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental goals. It is important to evaluate these areas in a format that can express the priority of some actions over others and assign a team that will be responsible for the success of each one. Impacts are identified based on the action's importance and potential ability to achieve The City's environmental goals and targets. High impact indicates that the action will significantly move The City towards achieving its goals and targets; medium impact indicates that the action will reasonably help to achieve goals and targets; and low impact indicates an action that would assist but is not critical to achieving goals and targets. Responsible departments, as well as City and community partners, are identified for each action and indicate which groups in the community can best serve to support the implementation of the projects.

Level of investment is measured on a scale of magnitude where all costs are accounted for, including soft costs such as the level of staff effort and time to complete the action, and hard costs such as equipment purchase, use of consultants, etc. A high level of investment indicates combined costs expected to be more than $250,000; medium indicates combined costs expected to be $75,000 to $250,000; and low indicates combined costs are less than $75,000. Impact, partnerships, and level of investment all contribute to the prioritization of actions. The Prioritization List highlights top priorities for each focus area as first steps to implementing the Environmental Master Plan. Subsequent actions are further prioritized in the short, medium and long term. Priorities are subject to change based on direction from Council, available budget, and current priorities and opportunities

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Red Deer Environmental Master Plan: Prioritization List

Potential Strategies

First Steps to Achieve Strategy

Level of Investment

Priority

CLT

Low

Short Term

Medium

EMP Champion

Medium

Short Term

Medium

EMP Champion

Environmental Services

High

Long Term

Impact

Responsible Department

Medium

• Create an interdepartmental memorandum of understanding that outlines the levels Establish an inter-departmental commitment to collaboration. of commitment, scope and roles of internal stakeholders for collaborating on EMP implementation. • Assess current programs or initiatives within individual departments and identify areas Facilitate interdepartmental approaches to ensure integrated where efforts can be consolidated and strengthened. approaches related to environmental performance. • Identify 2-3 pilot initiatives/current projects that departments can work on collaboratively.

Partners

Corporate Strategy

Identify an internal champion.

• Work with an interdepartmental management-level group to confirm/determine the internal champion of the EMP.

Build on Red Deer’s existing models for integrated implementation.

• Review lessons learned/successful elements from the collaborative approach taken in the Greater Downtown Action Plan and the City Safety program. • Integrate those lessons learned and implement in relation to the environment.

Medium

EMP Champion

Environmental Services; CLT

Medium

Long Term

Utilize technology and establish smart approaches to accessing and sharing environmental data and information.

• Create a protocol around environmental data management and communication of data that all departments can use. • Identify 2-3 new pilot initiatives that these could apply.

Medium

Environmental Services

ITS; Communications & Strategic Planning; Records Management

High

Long Term

Implement the Core Direction of Encourage, Educate, Engage, Enable and Expect.

• Create an educational campaign focussed on the EMP as a document. • Develop a traveling roadshow to EMP stakeholders (ie community groups, businesses, the school boards) that will kick off this process and begin to build connections to potential new partners. • Create a booklet to educate citizens as to what the EMP is and how they can contribute; communicate activities, solutions, and the goals set in the EMP in a fun and easy to understand way.

High

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning; Green Team; EAC

Medium

Short Term

Find ways to report progress and updates.

• Use the City's intraweb to circulate a monthly update on the EMP and related programs, projects or successes. • Build on the existing / environmental master plan website to become a place where the community can access reports and updates. • Ensure the Green Team is fully briefed on the EMP and can be internal ambassadors.

High

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning; Green Team; EAC

Low

Short Term

Advance partnerships.

• Through a traveling roadshow about the EMP, engage with industries, businesses and other community groups to build the constituency for implementation. • Identify 6-8 key partners from various sectors. Work with EAC to do same in broader community. For each of these, help them identify ways they can impact the targets. • Continue advocating to all levels of government regarding environmental sustainability issues, e.g. Sustainable transit, Land-use Framework, waste-to-energy facilities

Medium

Environmental Services/EAC; City Advocacy Team

All departments

Medium

Short Term

High

Council/Environmental Services/EAC

All departments

Low

Short Term

Corporate Strategies Memo)

Education and Awareness

Continue to engage the Environmental Advisory Committee.

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

Medium

Corporate Services

Relevant Departments

High

Medium Term

Medium

Corporate Services

EAC; potential for all Departments

Medium

Medium Term

Improve existing development guidelines to reinforce environmental targets.

• Introduce sustainable community development considerations to ensure the Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines and the Industrial Area Guidelines are in line with the EMP. • Review Engineering design guidelines, construction specifications and development standards to ensure alignment with the EMP (e.g. reasonable guidelines around sediment and erosion control)

High

Planning/Engineering

Inspections & Licensing

High

Short Term

Work with regional partners such as Red Deer County.

• Meet with Red Deer County staff to review the EMP directions and identify common goals. • Define ways to cross promote/implement events/ programs and policies.

Medium

City Manager's Office/EMP Champion

Environmental Services; Communications & Strategic Planning; regional partners

Low

Medium Term

Align corporate procedures with environmental goals.

• Develop policy around sustainable building practices and operations. • At both the OLT and Green Team level identify changes to corporate procedures that could most impact environmental change.

High

Corporate Services/All Departments

Green Team

High

Short Term

Demonstrate the most progressive sustainability standards for development on city-owned land.

•This initiative will include establishing progressive sustainable development guidelines for the Eco-Industrial park, Garden Heights as a new quarter section development, and Riverlands redevelopment (e.g. LEED or other sustainability actions).

Medium

Medium Term

Corporate Strate egy Recommendations (drawn from the C

Potential Strategies

First Steps to Achieve Strategy

City Wide Policy Create, refine and align policies and plans tied to environmental targets outlined in the EMP.

Provide incentives for change among the private and Red Deer's public sector.

• Prioritize policy documents in terms of environmental impact and identify how to update them to align with EMP.

• Building on project stakeholders, host a round table/taskforce to help identify a long list of potential programs, prioritize programs for quick action and largest impact.

Corporate Operations

Medium

Planning, Downtown Coordinator, Land & Economic Development Engineering (best practises, scoping study), CLT

Budgeting and Decision Making Framework • Integrate EMP goals and targets into the corporate decision making matrix as a mean Embed the consideration of environmental principles into City to deliver Strategic Plan sustainability directions. decision making. • Utilize the EMP decisions making toolkit as a guide to the decision making process.

High

Corporate Services

City Manager's Office; Communications & Strategic Planning

Medium

Short Term

Develop methods to track spending on environmental initiatives.

• Establish a set of criteria to determine what counts as an "environmental initiative" initiative". • Estimate percentage of corporate budget which complements/contributes to EMP.

Medium

Financial Services

All departments

Low

Medium Term

Explore external funding opportunities to help supplement budget for environmental initiatives.

• Explore funding opportunities identified through the EMP process. • Establish a for-credit internship with Red Deer College to bring on a student each semester to research and collect information about external funding opportunities.

Medium

Financial Services

All departments

Medium

Medium Term

Performance Benchmarking Embrace the Performance Benchmarking system.

• Have all Departments agree to the metrics and indicators and establish the baseline and targets each year.

High

EMP Champion

Environmental Services; All Departments; CLT

Medium

Short Term

Identify the responsibility for data maintenance and monitoring

• Assign departmental responsibility for measuring and monitoring each of the indicators and metrics; • Identify those indicators and metrics that will require external support to measure; • Agree on a frequency of measuring and monitoring; • Develop a guideline to complete the monitoring/measuring and implement the program.

High

Environmental Services

All departments

High

Short Term

High

EMP Champion

Environmental Services; Communications & Strategic Planning

Medium

Short Term

• Determine the format and frequency for reporting internally and externally (ie State of Commit to regular reporting back to the community, partners the Environment Report). and stakeholders. • Include this as a commitment in the recommendations of the EMP. • Deliver first reporting.

Red Deer Environmental Master Plan: Prioritization List

Potential Actions

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

High

Engineering Services

Environmental Services; ALIDP

Medium

Top Priority

Medium

Environmental Services

Financial Services; Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Top Priority

CITY: Develop environmental standards for City buildings including water conservation measures (in accordance with policy 9.13 of the MDP)

High

Building Owners: Public Works, Environmental Services, RPC (including landscaping)

Inspections & Licensing

Low

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Replace water meters with Advanced Metered Infrastructure (AMI) technology in conjunction with replacement for electrical meters.

High

Environmental Services

Electric Light & Power, ITS, Revenue and Assessment; Financial Services

High

Top Priority

Promote the Naturescaping contest as a means to educate and encourage water conservation measures for residential irrigation; aim to increase participation by 100% in 2011 and by 50% each of the following years for three years.

Low

Environmental Services

RPC; Communications & Strategic Planning; garden centres & clubs

Low

Short Term

Continue to provide incentives for low flow fixtures and appliances.

Medium

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning; appliance & fixture retailers

High

Medium Term

Create a rain water capture program to promote the use of rain water for irrigation, building on the success of the existing rain barrel sales program.

Medium

Environmental Services

WEES; Alberta Environment; RDRWA

Low

Short Term

Create a program to educate and assist ICI customers on how to do water audits and reduce their consumption.

High

Environmental Services

Inspections & Licensing (e.g. developer meetings, development team meetings); UDI

Medium

Medium Term

Explore using waste water effluent for irrigation at Riverbend Golf Course.

Low

Environmental Services

Riverbend Golf Course

Low

Short Term

Work with public sector partners to encourage on-site rain water collection for irrigation and other uses.

High

Environmental Services (e.g comment in dept circulations)

RPC; Planning; Inspections & Licensing (e.g. Joint Use Planning Committee, developer meetings, development team meetings); Communications

Low

Medium Term

Establish a water quality monitoring program at key points along the Red Deer River and creek tributaries to determine the city's impact, analyse the river's capacity to handle pollutants, and develop methods to mitigate impacts

High

Environmental Services

RPC; Alberta Environment, Engineering, RDRWA; RDRN; ALIDP

High

Short Term

Review the salt management plan for road maintenance with a focus on minimizing salt used

Medium

Public Works

Environmental Services

Low

Short Term

High

Environmental Services

Engineering

Medium

Medium Term

Medium

Engineering

Environmental Services; RPC; Planning; Land & Economic Development; UDI

Low

Medium Term

First Steps to Achieve Action

Water: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions

Advance Storm Water Management Strategies

CITY: Prepare an Integrated Rain Water Management Plan including storm water management policies COMMUNITY: Review water and wastewater rate structures, which will draw attention to the value of water.

Encourage Water Conservation

WATER

Tier 2 Actions: Water consumption

Tier 2 Actions: Water quality of receiving waterbodies

Measure and monitor quality, peak flow, and quantity of storm water (entering creeks) and use this information to inform strategies related to this metric Partner overland storm drainage and constructed wetlands with linear parks/green spaces/open spaces/pedestrian connections through use of bioswales or reconstructed waterways

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

High

RPC

Engineering; Planning; Land & Economic Development; UDI

Low

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Partner with community and development stakeholders to share ideas, explore opportunities and develop conservation tools to preserve green space such as a land conservation trust, land purchase, land swaps, tax incentives and reserve dedications.

High

RPR

Planning; Land & Economic Development; Revenue and Assessment; UDI; RDRN; RDRWA; Ducks Unlimited; Trout Unlimited

Low

Top Priority

CITY & COMMUNITY: Prepare and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan

High

RPC

Engineering (re: blvd plantings); Planning; UDI; community associations; youth groups

Medium

Top Priority

Re-evaluate storm water management policy relating to use of facilities as part of the municipal reserve requirement as outlined in the Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines

Medium

Planning

RPC/Engineering

Low

Short Term

Use ecological profiles in conjunction with a GIS to identify and preserve natural areas, and quantify natural features and biodiversity prior to development application

Medium

RPC

ITS; Planning; UDI

Low

Medium Term

Prioritize the protection of natural areas in conjunction with recreation open space as a key element of new neighbourhood design

Medium

Planning/RPC

Engineering (development agreements)

Low

Medium Term

High

RPC

Engineering; Transit; Public Works; EL&P; Evergreen

High

Medium Term

Medium

Planning

RPC; Inspections & Licensing, Public Works

Low

Medium Term

Review and develop a turf and tree management policy (i.e. around use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)

High

RPC

Riverbend Golf Course; WEES; Red Deer County; Heritage Ranch

Low

Medium Term

Partner with residents to consider a private tree protection system considering City approval for removal of trees on public and private lands over a certain calliper calliper, age or uniqueness

Low

RPC

Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Long Term

Enhance or expand forestry programs to provide native plants to community members or community groups to encourage growth of the tree canopy on private or public property

Low

RPC

Communications; community associations

Low

Medium Term

Medium

RPC

Inspections & Licensing; Planning; Engineering (e.g. landscape plan checks)

Low

Short Term

Low

RPC

Communications & Strategic Planning; Tree Canada; RDCF; community groups

Low

Medium Term

Potential Actions

First Steps to Achieve Action

Ecology: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions CITY: Enhance the existing City of Red Deer set-back policy to include water body Increase the amount of land used for green space in the and ecological protection related to Environmental Reserve setbacks under the City Municipal Government Act

Increase the urban tree canopy

ECOLOGY

Tier 2 Actions: Percentage of land devoted to native natural features

Tier 2 Actions: Percentage of land devoted to man-made natural features Introduce naturalization programs for boulevards, right of ways or park areas

Encourage roof top gardens and living roofs; consider incorporation of living roofs into all new City buildings Tier 2 Actions: Volume of toxic pest control product used per acre of municipal owned land

Tier 2 Actions: Urban Forest Coverage

Continue to enforce tree planting and native species requirements for new developments through the Land Use Bylaw

Partner with third party funders to expand community based restorative tree planting events

First Steps to Achieve Action

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

CITY: Incorporate high level core directions of the Environmental Master Plan into the Integrated Transportation/Movement Study as appropriate; Integrate sustainability principles such as active transportation, increased modal split and complete streets into all aspects of transportation planning including traffic demand management and the Transit Master Plan.

High

Development Services

Planning; RPC; Engineering; Transit

Low to Medium

Top Priority

Medium

Engineering, Transit

Red Deer County; surrounding municipalities; local employers; Communications; Chamber of Commerce; Province of Alberta

Low

Top Priority

CITY: Partner with school boards to implement a walking school bus program to encourage students to walk to school in 3 or more schools.

High

Engineering

school boards, Transit, SHAPE Alberta

Low

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Engage the community to participate in walkability audits in their neighbourhoods.

High

Development Services

Planning; Engineering; RPC; Communications & Strategic Planning; Central Alberta Self Advocates; community associations

Low

Top Priority

Evaluate trails and pathways mapping and technology resources to better connect people to the parks, pathways and trails system.

Medium

Engineering; RPC

ITS; Communications & Strategic Planning; Transit

Medium

Short Term

Improve frequency of transit service on select high volume routes as a pilot project

High

Transit (by 2014)

Engineering, Communications & Strategic Planning

High

Medium Term

Continue to explore high speed rail service or regional transit models that link Red Deer to other centres

Medium

City Manager's Office

Engineering; Planning, Transit

Low

Long Term

Investigate options to facilitate future development of high capacity transit- such as light rail transit- within City limits, including potential routes and land acquisition. This could be part of the Integrated Transportation/Movement Study.

Medium

Transit

Engineering; Planning, Transit

Low

Long Term

Establish a grant/incentive program to assist schools, businesses and institutions to introduce or increase bicycle parking, storage and shower facilities on site.

Medium

Engineering

Transit; RPC; Environmental Services, school boards; Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Business Association

Medium to High

Medium Term

Encourage businesses and schools to develop sustainable commuting strategies including carpooling for employees/students.

Medium

Engineering

Environmental Services; Transit; school boards; Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Business Association

Low

Medium Term

High

Transit

Red Deer College

Low

Medium Term

Investigate options to increase the frequency and coverage of transit service

Medium

Transit (by 2014)

Low

Medium Term

Implement a “next bus” system providing real time bus arrival information. Engage the private sector to develop applications to link this information to transit users’ smart phones.

Medium

Transit

ITS; Communications & Strategic Planning

High

Long Term

Incorporate a ‘Complete Streets’ pilot initiative in the rebuild/redesign of city centre street, neighbourhood street and Riverlands community design

High

Engineering

Planning; Transit

Medium

Medium Term

Refine the Neighbourhood Planning Guideline to require all homes in a new community to be 400 meters from a transit stop.

Medium

Planning

Transit

Low

Medium Term

Work with adjacent municipalities and conservation authorities to establish connections and linkages to region-wide trails.

Low

RPC

Engineering; CARTS; Red Deer County; hiking & walking groups

Low

Long Term

Medium

Engineering

RPC, Public Works; ITS; Transit

High

Medium Term

Low

RPC

Corporate Services; Communications & Strategic Planning; Centennial Committee, Engineering (if construction of infrastructure is required)

Low

Medium Term

Potential Actions Transportation: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions

Develop active transportation infrastructure

COMMUNITY: Partner with Red Deer County, surrounding municipalities and local employers to establish regional commuting resources such as transit services, carpooling, shuttle and emergency ride programs.

Increase the walkability of neighbourhoods

TRANSPORTATION

Tier 2 Actions: Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) per capita/per day by car

Tier 2 Actions: Modal Split

Partner with Red Deer College to investigate the UPass program to provide students with universal, accessible and affordable access to public transit during school terms.

Tier 2 Actions: Dwelling units within 400m

Tier 2 Actions: Length of all bicycle/pedestrian routes

Perform an audit to assess missing sidewalks and trails, determine areas of priority for new pedestrian connections

ons

Introduce a Discovery Walks program to celebrate local culture, heritage and key amenities of Red Deer

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

High

Planning

Land & Economic Development; Engineering; Transit; Inspections and Licensing

Low to Medium

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Partner with a developer to identify an infill pilot project on City land to demonstrate environmental design standards.

Medium

Planning/Land & Economic Development; Communications

Home Builders' Association

Low

Top Priority

CITY: Undertake studies of both residential and commercial/industrial density in Red Deer to establish informed baselines and goals for future density targets.

High

RPC

Medium

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Work with the community and developers to create a community garden stewardship initiative to facilitate the establishment and stewardship of additional community garden plots. Aim to introduce a new community garden each year for ten years.

High

RPC

Communications & Strategic Planning; ReThink Red Deer; faith-based organizations; community groups

Medium

Top Priority

Update the Neighbourhood and Industrial Planning Guidelines and Standards to emphasize compact, pedestrian oriented development patterns, including increasing the minimum density for new development.

High

Planning

Transit

Low

Short Term

Hold a round table with The City, Chamber of Commerce, Land & Economic Development and the private sector to explore tax and other incentives to facilitate downtown reinvestment complimentary to the Greater Downtown Action Plan

Medium

Planning Services Division

Revenue and Assessment Services; Transit; Land & Economic Development; Downtown Business Association

Low

Medium Term

Encourage redevelopment of Brownfield sites in accordance with Greater Downtown Action Plan.

High

Planning Services Division

Inspections & Licensing; Engineering, Revenue and Assessment Services; Transit; Land & Economic Development

Low

Short Term

Explore LEED and other programs or development options for incorporating greener building choices and to encourage construction of energy efficient buildings.

Medium

Development Services; RPC; Planning

UDI, Land & Economic Development; Public Works Building Maintenance

Low

Medium Term

Medium

RPC

Communications & Strategic Planning; Financial Services; Revenue and Assessment

Low

Short Term

Provide urban gardening and local food production programming and/or tools to help novice gardeners grow fresh produce.

Low

RPC

Communications & Strategic Planning

Low to Medium

Long Term

Partner with the school boards and a third party such as Evergreen to develop schoolground greening programs, create outdoor classrooms and incorporate nature based learning.

Low

Environmental Services/RPC

Low

Medium Term

Focus Area Actio

Potential Actions

First Steps to Achieve Action

Built Environment: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions

Promote more compact development patterns

Increase opportunities for local food production: reworded

CITY: Develop city-wide infill guidelines and standards that emphasize minimum densities, compact form and environmental design standards (in accordance with policies 10.9 and 10.10 of the MDP). Include consideration of parking practises/policies that encourage rather than undermine transit and alternative forms of transportation.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Tier 2 Actions: Total development density by type

Tier 2 Actions: Area of land devoted to community gardens and urban agriculture Increase accessibility to locally produced food by creating a year-round Market in accordance with recommendations made in the Greater Downtown Action Plan and Community Culture Vision Plan. Plan

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

CITY: Conduct a GHG inventory analysis, and develop a corporate GHG emissions reduction plan

High

Environmental Services

PAMZ; all City departments

Medium

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Develop a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan

High

Environmental Services

ICLEI; Canadian Institute of Planners; all departments

Medium

Top Priority

CITY: Identify large emitters of air pollution within The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate operations. Identify strategies to mitigate the effects.

Medium

Environmental Services

PAMZ; Transit, Public Works

Low

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Work with industries that have the most opportunity to reduce air pollution by identifying large emitters and potential strategies to mitigate their effects.

Medium

Environmental Services

Land & Economic Development; PAMZ; Chamber of Commerce

Low

Top Priority

Medium

Public Works

All departments

High

Medium Term

Partner with industries to facilitate the purchase of carbon credits or participate in cap and trade program

LLow

El t i Light Li ht & P Electric Power

E i Environmental t l Services S i

Low L

LLong TTerm

Limit the use of products such as paints and rugs containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in City buildings and City operations

Low

Facilities Managers in all departments

Low

Medium Term

Develop an ecology carbon capture education campaign

Low

RPC

Environmental Services; Communications

Low

Medium Term

Medium

Environmental Services

Electric Light & Power

Low

Medium Term

Medium

Environmental Services

Low

Medium Term

Establish a community idle free program

High

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Short Term

Engage the Province and advocate for emissions testing of older vehicles prior to licensing.

Low

City Advocacy Team

Environmental Services

Low

Medium Term

Potential Actions

First Steps to Achieve Action

Air: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions

Create a strategy to reduce green house gas emissions

Reduce Air Pollution

Tier 2 Actions: Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in tonnes

AIR

Green the municipal fleet: consider electric and hybrid vehicles, and bio fuel sources.

Further investigate the opportunity for capturing methane from landfill to control emissions Tier 2 Actions: Maintain and lower ambient concentrations of air pollutants Establish stewardship programs that promote improved air quality (in accordance with policy 9.14 of the MDP)

Impact

Responsible Department

Partners

Level of Investment

Priority

CITY: Replace electrical meters with Advanced Metered Infrastructure (AMI) technology for both residential and Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) customers to allow them to better track, understand and modify consumption.

High

Electric Light & Power

ITS; Revenue and Assessment; Financial Services

High

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Explore District Energy potentials in high-density neighbourhoods.

Medium

Electric Light & Power

Planning; Inspections & Licensing; Land & Economic Development

High

Top Priority

CITY: Expand energy efficient street light program and work towards reducing the effects of light pollution.

High

Electric Light & Power

Medium

Top Priority

COMMUNITY: Partner with renewable energy providers and community stakeholders to provide information about private renewable energy options.

Medium

Electric Light & Power

Environmental Services; Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Top Priority

Promote existing home energy audits and tools kits to help citizens make their homes more energy efficient.

Low

Electric Light & Power/Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Medium Term

Identify three new City building or renovation projects and use them to pilot higher energy efficiency standards.

Medium

CLT

Facilities Managers in all departments

High

Medium Term

Create a program to encourage retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency (directed by policy 9.12 of the MDP).

Medium

Inspections & Licensing

Low

Long Term

High

Environmental Services

Planning; Communications & Strategic Planning; Home Builders' Association

Medium

Medium Term

Medium

Electric Light & Power

Engineering

High

Medium Term

Develop environmental standards for City buildings and facilities that include guidelines for increased energy conservation of buildings (directed by policy 9.13 of the MDP).

High

Building Owners: Public Works, Environmental Services, RPC

All departments

Low

Short Term

Integrate energy saving initiatives such as server and desktop virtualization, energy efficient hardware, telecommuting, power management for IT equipment, work from home options, into city operations.

Low

ITS

All departments

Low

Long Term

Investigate the case for capturing methane from the landfill for heat or electricity generation

Medium

Environmental Services

Electric Light & Power

Low

Medium Term

Explore the potential of increasing the amount of energy captured from the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wastewater facilities

High

Environmental Services

Electric Light & Power

Low

Short Term

Incorporate renewable energy infrastructure in all new city facilities

High

Development Services/RPC

Facilities Managers in all departments; Electric Light & Power

High

Medium Term

Explore rate structure to promote conservation.

Medium

Electric Light & Power

Low

Short Term

Reduce barriers and facilitate microgeneration for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional clients

Medium

Electric Light & Power

Low

Medium Term

High

Electric Light & Power

High

Medium Term

Potential Actions

First Steps to Achieve Action

Energy: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions

Increase energy conservation of buildings

Increase and promote use of renewable energy sources

ENERGY

Tier 2 Actions: Average building energy intensity

Celebrate high performance buildings with a Build Green Red Deer award program.

Explore increased energy efficiency potential by the use of smart grid technology.

Tier 2 Actions: Percentage of energy produced through green sources

Continue to investigate and increase procurement of green power.

Environmental Services

Potential Actions

Level of Investment

Priority

High

Top Priority

Financial Services

Low

Top Priority

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning

Medium

Top Priority

High

Environmental Services

Inspections & Licensing; Land & Economic Development; Province of Alberta; Home Builders' Association; Chamber of Commerce

Low

Top Priority

High

Environmental Services

Communications & Strategic Planning

Low

Medium Term

Investigate options for curbside organics collection and composting

Medium

Environmental Services

High

Medium Term

Introduce organic waste composting at community garden plots, where residents could drop off their organic waste to be composted

Medium

RPC

Environmental Services; Communications & Strategic Planning; gardening groups

Low

Medium Term

High

Inspections & Licensing

Home Builders' Association

Low

Medium Term

Expand opportunities for diversion of construction and demolition waste at The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waste Management Facility

Medium

Environmental Services

Medium to High

Medium Term

Investigate partnering with surrounding municipalities on diversion programs

Medium

Environmental Services

Low

Long Term

First Steps to Achieve Action

Impact

Responsible Department

CITY: Update the Waste Management Master Plan

High

Environmental Services

CITY: Review tipping fee structure to identify opportunities to encourage (incent) diversion

High

Environmental Services

COMMUNITY: Create an education campaign, toolkits and pilot projects around household and community composting

Medium

COMMUNITY: Partner with developers and builders to advance recycling and diversion of construction waste on development sites

Decrease the weekly limit of 5 garbage bags for residential households

Partners

Waste: Desired Outcomes and Priority Actions Increase waste diversion from the City landfill

WASTE

Tier 2 Actions: Total weight of solid waste generation

Tier 2 Actions: Percentage of waste diverted per year Investigate establishing a requirement for on-site construction waste management

CAEP; other regional municipalities

Appendix H: Glossary

Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

140

The following defines key words and phrases that appear in the Environmental Master Plan

Active Transportation - refers to any form of human-

Complete Communities- are communities that meet

powered transportation – walking, cycling, using a

people’s needs for day to day life including access to a

wheelchair, in-line skating or skateboarding.

range of job opportunities, services, housing, schools and recreational and open space.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) - a term used to describe all of the hardware, software and connectivity

Complete Streets -- allows for simultaneous consideration

required for a fully functioning smart metering system (see

of, and balancing of, needs for vehicle movement,

Smart Meter).

pedestrians, cyclists, retail uses, and public gathering spaces.

Biodiversity – the variability of living things on earth: within species (genetic diversity), between species (species

Constructed Wetland - is an artificial wetland, marsh or

diversity) and of ecosystems (ecosystem diversity).

swamp created as a new or restored habitat for native and migratory wildlife, and also used for wastewater, stormwater

Bioswale – a landscape element designed to remove silt

runoff, or sewage treatment.

and pollution from surface runoff water. Differential Tipping Fees - are fees associated with waste Cap and Trade - is a market-based approach used to

disposal designed to encourage sorting and separation of

control pollution by providing economic incentives for

divertible (reusable/recyclable) materials and to discourage

achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.

the disposal of mixed loads.

Carbon Capture/Carbon Storage – is a means of

District energy - is a system for distributing energy

mitigating the contribution of fossil fuel emissions to global

generated in a centralized location for residential and

warming, based on capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and

commercial energy requirements.

storing it away from atmosphere. Ecological Footprint - is a measure of human demand on Carbon Credits – is a generic term for any tradable

the Earth's ecosystems. It compares human demand with

certificate or permit representing the right to emit one

planet Earth's ecological capacity to regenerate.

tonne of carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent. Ecology - the study of relationships between living things Community Culture Vision Plan- a 10 year planning

and their environments.

document based on a broad vision of culture in our community and the role it plays in all aspects of our lives. It

Ecosystem - a biological community and its physical

identifies values and themes that will act as the foundation

environment.

for future service delivery and facility development, and will help us be culturally sustainable.

Emergency Ride Program - a service typically provided by a transit agency, municipality or employer that guarantees a ride home to people who regularly vanpool, carpool, bike, walk or take transit under emergency circumstances. Halsall Associates Ltd. & Urban Strategies Inc.

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EMP – Environmental Master Plan

ICI - Industrial, Commercial & Institutional

Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) –Environmental

Industrial Area Planning Guidelines and Standards-

Advisory Committee, serve to champion the EMP and report

provide guidelines and standards for the planning

to and advise City Council on Environmental Initiatives.

and design of industrial areas in Red Deer, and the requirements for preparation of Industrial Area Structure

Geo-thermal - Relating to the internal heat of the Earth.

Plans (IASP). IASPs provide detailed planning information such as: land uses, road and lane locations, community

GIS - Geographic Information System, a computer system

trail and park development, utility infrastructure, and

for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating,

storm water management facilities; which informs

analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the

subsequent zoning and subdivision decisions.

Earth's surface. Typically, a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as

Infill- the use of underdeveloped land within an existing

several different layers where each layer holds data about

built up area for new construction.

a particular kind of feature (e.g. roads, wetlands). Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image of

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - the use of all

a map.

suitable pest control methods to keep pest population below the economic injury level. Methods include cultural

Greater Downtown Action Plan - reflects our city’s vision

practices, use of biological, physical, and genetic control

for the future of our city centre. It is a long-range concept

agents, and selective use of pesticides.

plan that recognizes our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with our riverfront. Three key districts will

Integrated Transportation/Movement Study - A review

become focal points in Greater Downtown Red Deer: the

and assessment of The City’s policies and practices, our

Historic Downtown, Railyards and Riverlands districts will

community’s attitudes and choices, and best practices

exhibit a sustainable, high density urban design.

from around the world regarding the movement of people and goods in an urban environment. This study will: define

Greenfield - previously undeveloped land including

our transportation principles and outline the impacts

restored land, agricultural areas, forests, parks, and natural

of various options; inform future plans and improve

areas.

integration of our planning efforts; and ensure well informed, coordinated decision making.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) - any of the gases whose absorption of solar radiation is responsible for the

LED - light-emitting diode

greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and the fluorocarbons.

LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a green building rating system administered by the Canadian

Heat Island Effect - refers to the fact that man-made

Green Building Council.

structures tend to attract and retain heat at a higher rate

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than is normal in nature. For example: concrete and steel

Living Document- a document that is reviewed, updated

buildings, asphalt rooftops and roads.

and amended over time to remain current and useful.

Environmental master plan

Living Roof - a roof of a building that is partially or

Native – plant and animal life that is endemic (indigenous) to a

completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium.

given region and climate.

Low-Impact Development (LID) - describes a land

Natural Heritage– natural features or sites consisting of physical

planning and engineering design approach to managing

and biological formations or groups of such formations which are

stormwater runoff through the use of on-site natural

value from the aesthetic or scientific point of view.

features to protect water quality. Naturalization - the establishment of native vegetation in an area Municipal Development Plan (MDP) - The City's main

where previously it had not existed.

planning document that outlines how land will be used and guides future growth and change within the community.

Naturescaping – is a term that refers to a method of landscape

It provides broad direction on the types of land uses, how

design and landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist.

development is expected to occur, and how decisions on

By incorporating certain plants, especially native ones, into ones

development are made.

yard, one can attract beneficial insects, birds, and other creatures, and help keep our rivers and streams healthy.

Methane gas capture – a system for capturing methane that off-gases from landfill sites. Off-gassing occurs when

Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines - provides guidelines

waste breaks down and chemicals and gases escape into

and standards for the planning and design of neighbourhoods

the air. Captured methane gas can be converted into

including parks and public facilities/amenities in the city of Red

energy for use.

Deer. These neighbourhood planning guidelines and standards provide the requirements for preparation of Neighbourhood Area

Microgeneration - the small-scale generation of electrical

Structure Plans.

power, through means such as solar or wind power. Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) – a branch within Modal Split – the percentages of trips taken to work,

Alberta Environment that monitors and reports on air quality within

determined by surveying modes of transportation in a

this specific zone.

municipality. Modes include: car, public transit, cycling, and walking.

Persistent Bioaccumulative Pollution - the release of materials that are toxic, persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in

NASP - Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan, a required land

food chains and thus pose risks to human health and ecosystems.

use concept plan that must be prepared by a developer for any large undeveloped parcel of land. It provides a detailed

Pest - any injurious, noxious or troublesome insect, mammal,

level of planning information (land uses, all road and

pathogen or weed whose population adversely interferes with the

lane locations, types of residential/commercial/industrial

aesthetic, health, environment, functional, or economic goals of

development, number of dwelling units, community trail

any affected party.

and park development, utility infrastructure and storm water management facilities, density, etc.) to facilitate

Quick Start Work Plan- A feature of the Greater Downtown Action

subsequent zoning and subdivision decisions.

Plan that identified first steps and key City department leaders for recommendations within the Plan.

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River and Tributaries Concept Master Plan - a planning

Urban Forest - the trees and plants within a city.

tool developed to identify lands best suited for potential trails and parks within The City of Red Deer City Growth

Virgin Material – Resources extracted from nature in their

Area.

raw form, such as timber or metal ore.

Smart Growth - a collection of land use and development

VKT – Vehicle Kilometers Travelled, is a measure of the

principles that aim to enhance our quality of life, preserve

distance travelled by vehicles on roads.

the natural environment, and save money over time. VOC’s - Volatile Organic Compounds refers to man-made Smart Meter - is an electrical meter that records

and naturally occurring organic chemical compounds which

consumption in intervals of an hour or less and

have significant vapor pressures and which can affect the

communicates that information at least daily back to the

environment and human health when inhaled.

utility for monitoring and billing purposes. Walkability - capable of being traveled, crossed, or covered Sustainability - is the capacity to endure. In ecology, the

by walking.

word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and

Walking School Bus Program- a group of children walking

forests are examples of sustainable biological systems.

to school with one or more adults.

For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental,

Waste Management Master Plan - a framework for waste

economic, and social dimensions.

management activities for the next 25 to 30 years, focused on providing the strategic direction of waste management

TBL - Triple Bottom Line, a measure of value that considers

programs for the first five years.

economic, environmental and social aspects. Wetland detention facilities – comprise of a permanent Thermal pollution - is the degradation of water quality by

pond to provide for greater treatment of storm water

any process that changes ambient water temperature.

pollution through controlled filtration. They provide natural water quality treatment.

Traffic/Transportation Demand Management - is the application of strategies and policies to reduce travel

Wildlife corridors - is an area of habitat connecting wildlife

demand (specifically that of single-occupancy private

populations separated by human activities (such as roads,

vehicles), or to redistribute this demand in space or in time.

development, or logging).

Universally Accessible – providing access to buildings, sidewalks, parks, etc, by all persons and abilities, be they disabled, elderly, expectant mothers, and so on.

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Environmental master plan

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