REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO WATER EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Transcription

1 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO WATER EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, January 9, :05 p.m. Room 218, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario Present were: Vice-Chair L. Armstrong, T. Galloway, J. Jackson, P. Leonard, C. Millar, J. Robinson, K. Seiling, and K. Waybrant Members absent: L. Lima, C. Toal, and J. Wideman DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT None declared. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 18, 2012 MOVED by C, Millar SECONDED by J. Jackson THAT the minutes of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee meeting held on October 18, 2012 be approved. CARRIED COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALLING POLICY/PROCEDURE a) Revision to Terms of Reference to Include Attendance by Teleconference Erin Flewwelling, Council/Committee Support Specialist highlighted that some Committee members have asked to participate in meetings via teleconferencing if they are out of the Country. It was noted that currently there is nothing in the Terms of Reference that allows this and it was asked for this topic be discussed at the meeting for further input. Committee members discussed that topic and felt it was a reasonable request as long as it doesn t become a frequent habit. Committee members also discussed allowing members to vote during teleconferencing and it was agreed to allow this. E. Flewwelling indicated that there will be a report regarding changing the Terms of Reference coming to the next meeting for approval. REPORTS a) E , Rainwater Harvesting Promotion 2013 Steve Gombos, Manager, Water Efficiency introduced the report and provided a presentation. He gave background information on the Rain Barrel Program and the program phasing out. He highlighted the three options with respect to the promotion of Rainwater Harvesting and the preferred option. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

2 WEAC /01/09 Committee members inquired about contacting larger companies to help promote rainwater harvesting during earth week and consider supplying rain barrels as prizes. Suggestions were made to encourage retailers to have a sale on larger units as well as smaller units and provide statistics on how much water you could save with buying certain units. Discussion occurred around cisterns and suggested that the Committee should investigate further. MOVED by C. Millar SECONDED by J. Robinson THAT the Region of Waterloo implement a rainwater harvesting promotion campaign in 2013 as detailed in Report E CARRIED VERBAL UPDATES a) Water Efficiency Master Plan Update S. Gombos provided an update on the Water Efficiency Master Plan. He highlighted the consultant selection process and the next steps. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. b) Green Plumber Project S. Gombos provided a presentation on the Green Plumber project. He gave background information on the program and the current status of the project. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. NEXT MEETING S. Gombos noted that he will be providing a meeting schedule for the year with all the WEAC meetings as well as the WEMP Stakeholder meetings and Steering Committee meetings. ADJOURN MOVED by J. Jackson SECONDED by K. Waybrant The meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m. CARRIED COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR, L. Armstrong COMMITTEE CLERK, E. Flewwelling

3 Rainwater Harvesting Promotion 2013 Water Efficiency Advisory Committee Report E January 9, 2013 DOCs #

4 Popular 12-year program

5 Water Efficiency Master Plan Goal 1 is to save 1.8 MGD on baseline demands Goal 2 is to keep peak demands down through outdoor conservation measures: Water Conservation By-Law Landscaping seminars Rain barrels/rainwater harvesting General promotion

6 Distribution Totals 46,000 since 2001 Parking lot sales First $20 ea. Next $30 ea. Last $40 ea. 54,000 m 3 savings/year Equivalent 212 homes

7 Water Savings Calculation 1200 litres/summer for 200 L barrels (based on survey); drained 6X per season On its own, 200-L rain barrels not considered a big water saver

8 Rain Barrel Program Benefits Builds awareness about conservation Supports Water Conservation By-Law Stimulates water saving behaviours Strengthens Region of Waterloo brand Feel good community event Reducing storm water runoff to sewer

9 WEAC Endorsed Phasing Out Program maturity (1/3 HH have at least 1 barrel) One-day distributions attract many of the same participants 200-litre barrels less effective than larger systems Retailers offer greater variety & size

10 Circular Barrel with Flat Back 200L Range in Price from $89.99 to $ Canadian Tire -Home Depot - Home Hardware - TSC Stores - Belgian Nursery - Grand Valley Garden Village

11 Circular Barrel without Flat Back 95L 330L Range in Price from $69.99 to $ Canadian Tire - Home Hardware - TSC Stores - Artistic Landscaping Inc. - Meadow Acres Garden Centre Inc. - John's Nursery

12 Sand-Stone-Look Pot Belly Rain Barrel 200L 285L Range in Price from $89.99 to $ Home Depot - Home Hardware - Grand Valley Garden Village

13 All Green Agua Rain Barrel with Planter 190L Range in Price from $80 to $190 -Home Hardware -RONA -Garden Supermart

14 Loblaws Inc. Presidents Choice G.R.E.E.N. Rain Barrel 150L Range in Price from $79.99 to $ Zehrs - $99.99 (Only $49.99 in Aug) -Belfiore's Valumart - $79.99

15 RTS Plastics, Wtloo., 810 litres Submersible pump included $750

16 Bushman 1150 L System ¾ hp pump $2,300

17 Alternative #1 Enhanced Program Offer rebates for larger RWH systems Better potential to encourage larger scale harvesting and potable water use reduction DEFER review as part of WEMP Update

18 Alternative #2 Offer Coupons Distribute coupons for retailer discounts on 200-litre barrels Potentially costly, difficult administration, balancing sale amongst retailers difficult RULED OUT

19 #3 Prefer Promotion Campaign Interim measure during WEMP Update Encourage retailer sales of variety Strategic advertising/promotion campaign during Earth Week 2013 Maintain public awareness and interest while WEMP Update competed

20 Key Messages Harvest rainwater for outdoor use and conserve drinking water Look for sales on rain barrels/tanks during Earth Week Reduce stormwater runoff Look for other ways to conserve drinking water

21 Target Audience Homeowners in Region of Waterloo are prime General ROW population

22 Key Communication Tools (Development with Corp. Communications) Web site, twitter, possibly Facebook Region News/Environews Special events & networking Media relations Newspaper and print advertising Radio advertising (retailers encouraged to buy own)

23 Preliminary Support/Interest Kitchener & Waterloo stormwater credit program REEP Green Solutions "Greening Sacred Spaces" : local churches & non-profit groups planning to sell about 1,000 reconditioned drums

24 Engaging Retailers Send letter directly Region staff calls & meetings Media sales people canvass to encourage rain barrel sales and to purchase advertising

25 Measures of Success Calls, web hits, surveyed awareness & interest in RWH Broad retailer and non-profit participation Reported retailer RB sales Attendance at events Staff report/recommend for 2014

26 2013 Budget Implications Max campaign cost of $30,000 (3 weeks) Funding from Outdoor Water Use Capital budget -- $180,000 Conservation By-Law Enforcement By-Law Advertising & Promotion Public Landscaping Seminars Financed through development charges

27 Questions & Discussion

28 Water Efficiency Master Plan Water Efficiency Advisory Committee Verbal January 9, 2013 Steve Gombos Manager, Water Efficiency DOCs #

29 Request for Consultant Quotation Call for proposals Dec. 3/12 close 3 proposals received: LURA Group Gauley and Associates Watermark Solutions

30 WEMP Update Goals 1. Measure/confirm program achievements to date 2. Update WE goals and targets 3. Develop plan/program Achieve legislative requirements

31 Main Elements 1. Background Report 2. CII survey & Report 3. Residential Survey & Report 4. Sewer I&I Gap Analysis 5. Best Practices Report 6. Stakeholder Plenary 7. Draft Plan

32 Main Elements 8. Public Input; 3 PICs 9. Final WEMP Report

33 Evaluation Criteria and Weight Criterion Weight Understanding/Approach 25% Project Manager 20% Support Staff 20% Similar Projects 15% Current Work Load 3% Local Office 2% Price (Separate Envelope) 15%

34 Consultant Selection, Dec. 13/12 Watermark disqualified due to incomplete submission Evaluation of qualitative factors Subsequent opening of separate price quotation for quantitative scoring LURA clear $126,119 CAO approval January 4

35 Consultant Team Land Use Research Associates Inc. (LURA); Toronto, Hamilton, Lakeside NS Econnics, Victoria BC Metroline Research Group, Kitchener

36 LURA Project lead/president Dave Dilks Sustainable/Environmental planning Communications; Social Marketing Community Engagement

37 Econnics Kirk Stinchcomb, founding director, co-project lead Demand management, social marketing, drought response planning Strong on conservation-economicsdata analysis Experienced in water conservation projects & programs

38 Metroline Research Group Dave Kains, co-founder Extensive survey and market research experience Kitchener based knowledge and experience Conducted several local Water surveys & focus groups, including last WEMP Update

39 Next Steps Finalize signed agreement/contract drafted by Legal; signing this week Stakeholder Committee Invitations Hold kickoff meeting to clarify scope, meeting schedule and timeline for deliverables

40 Questions?

41 Green Plumber Project Water Efficiency Advisory Committee Verbal January 9, 2013 Steve Gombos Manager, Water Efficiency DOCs #

42 o Launched 2000 in Australia, 10,000+ accredited o Launched U.S.A. in 2007, 8,800+ trained in 40 States o Potential for Ontario/Canada

43 4 Goals of Green Plumbers 1. Restore the image of Plumbers 2. Build a pathway to employment 3. Become Champions of Conservation 4. Increase business opportunities through: Green Plumber Brand recognition Becoming an Advisor to clients Water and energy related audits

44 5 Courses, 32 Hours Caring For Our Water Climate Care Water Efficient Technology Solar hot water Inspection report service (auditing)

45 Certified Plumbers Certified GPs Once courses completed successfully, accredited as "Green Plumbers" Only certified plumbers can be accredited as GPs GPs can purchase rights to display GP logo and promote themselves (nominal fee)

46 Training is Non-Profit U.S. GP operated under education division of International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

47 Region Green Plumber Event, 2011 Sept. 23 in Council Chambers 64 paid attendees Plumbers, educators, retailers, municipal (local & other Ontario) Survey revealed strong support for bringing to Ontario/Canada

48 Several Questions Raised Is GP profit or non-profit? How would brand licensing work? What are the real benefits? Are there similar programs in existence in Canada or elsewhere? How much work to convert curriculum is it relevant? How deliver who manage?

49 Funding Research Study Canadian National Water Efficiency Network (CNWEN) sub-committee Canada Mortgage & Housing, $10,000 phase 1, $20,000 for later phases Halton Region, Guelph, Peel and Waterloo Region, $2,500 each Toronto, Abbotsford BC also support

50 Possibly 3-Phase Project 1. Program Research, Stakeholder Survey & Recommendations 2. Program Development 3. Pilot Project

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52 Phase 1 Project Status Literature Review completed Stakeholder survey and technical review now under way Phase 1 report expected by March

53 Questions?