Questions and Answers
1. Does the City/Region need more regulations for new and future businesses to protect groundwater?
Bob McColl: The City of Kitchener recently passed a By-Law that came into effect Oct. 1/03 that controls new private wells and demands closure of abandoned wells in accordance to MOE regulation 903. I think that Planning Staff are now becoming more aware of the impact that new and future business may have on groundwater. That having been said we really need to focus on the legacy of problems we have with toxic sites. We need a higher level of action on "Brownfield" development and remediation.
Len Carter: It is obvious that there has in the past been a multitude of problems surrounding ground water in the region. At this point in time there is very little negative publicity on the issue but that does not mean that we have no problems.. Vigilance and policing of the present by-laws are essential and a gradual strengthening of those by-laws will keep our living space healthy for our children and our children's children. A system of full disclosure for all manufacturing materials used and all chemicals used in other industries similar to WHIMS should be put in place. For the region or at least for the Kitchener. The expansion of the By-law Enforcement staff and expertise may be required and a regular evaluation of their ability to do their jobs should take place. In short, more professionals to police the Laws.
2. Do you support a bylaw restricting the non-essential, cosmetic use of pesticides (for lawn and garden care)?
Bob McColl: This depends on how you define "nonessential". Without question the use of pesticides is altogether too prevalent. I personally believe we could reduce the use of pesticides (and herbicides) but up to 80% with out any significant adverse impacts.
Len Carter: Yes! Industry is not the only bad guy. We all have to participate and pull up our socks equally. There is a company here in Waterloo region that supplies Non-polluting products for home and industry and I believe that given the opportunity, and the ability to earn profit, more environmentally friendly organizations would centre here. The same type of incentives that are used to draw manufacturing, research, and other facilities and industries to Kitchener should be used to enhance this area to ecology type of businesses.
3. The issue of a new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph is still simmering. What is your preferred solution? (ie leave existing road as is? widen existing highway? put in commuter train between K/W and Guelph? build new highway, etc.)
Bob McColl: As in all things in life, we need an intelligent balance between the forces of growth and the preservation of the environment. At this point, growth is a fact of life. The existing Highway 7 is dangerous. A few years ago a co-worker of my wife was killed on this road. Improvements to this road is mandatory.
Len Carter: The present Highway is not adequate for the needs of the two municipal areas. The expansion of the current existing roadway to four lanes would do less environmental damage than any other alternative.
4. What are your recommendations for alternate transportation (ie bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train)
Bob McColl: All of the above. I have been watching and attending public meetings concerning the Walter Bean Trail - but we need to do more. Expansion of alternate forms of transportation is crucial. The LRT is a good idea but there are some difficult issues as to it's preferred location. As always, there will be some opposition to wherever it is located. A GO train connection would be fantastic. Many commuters from Mississauga, Milton and Burlington have extolled the virtues of this type of transportation.
Len Carter: All of the above with the proviso that the buses be SOL vehicles or have other nonpolluting power sources. This could be enormously expensive and should be phased in as replacements become a requirement.
5. What are your solutions for gridlock?
Bob McColl: Bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train etc.
Len Carter: Less cars are one alternative….but realistically we must be aware and admit that this is not going to happen. At his time our only alternative is for by-laws that encourage and reward car pooling.. Penalties for the operation of motor vehicles that pollute excessively. And encouragement with a reward for success for those that are developing affordable, comfortable, easily operated, ecology vehicles. By the way never forget that Rewards and penalties are the very best encouragement of all.
6. Do you support defining an urban border that puts an end to urban sprawl to protect farmland and natural areas?
Bob McColl: The Region has spent a lot of time and energy in the development of their "Regional Growth Management Strategy". I have read the documentation and attended many public meetings regarding this issue. It is not perfect but it does strike an intelligent balance between sprawl and farmland.
Len Carter: This is an industrial area with industrial needs and I wish to make it absolutely clear that we must work within that parameter. People have to have a place to live and a place to do business and I am not in favour of restricting growth unless a threat to the environment is irreversible and eminent. With out growth this area would be as it was when I was educated here thirty-five years ago. Kitchener/Waterloo Region are much better off ecologically now than then.
7. Do you believe that our size should be limited to our carrying capacity (ie groundwater resources, geographical barriers, impact on natural environment)
Bob McColl: There is no question that our growth will ultimately be limited by "our carrying capacity". What is important here is how manage this growth to minimize the adverse impact on the environment and quality of life.
Len Carter: To the extent noted above.
8. What measurable initiatives can you take to improve air quality locally?
Bob McColl: The tough part of this question is "measurable". Our family has taken many steps in attempting to do what we can. We have planted over 100 trees, we "car-pool" as much as possible (daily), we have reduced our usage of air-conditioning (and only turn it on during "off-peak" hours) and we are now budgeting of the installation of solar panels and a small wind turbine.
Len Carter: I would advocate creation of car pooling centres. I would advocate forestation. I would advocate Green products over chemicals. I would advocate for fines for Polluting and the inspectors to police such Fines. I would advocate that vehicles that pollute are removed from the roads.
9. How do you envision reaching zero waste?
Bob McColl: I am not sure that "zero waste" is attainable. We have to recognize the law of diminishing returns. The Region's efforts to reduce/reuse/recycle have been very successful. I believe that we are the envy of many municipalities in Ontario. Having said that, I believe we must still do more... the job is not yet finished.
Len Carter: I envision a much better recycling program than we have. Having multiple recycling bins instead of only the "Blue Box" I think that recycling where requested by small business should be accommodated. Encouragement for such initiatives should be put in place. Now small business must pay, big business must pay for recycling. That's stupid when they can save money by merely throwing material in the garbage. Business by design makes money not spend it.
10. How do you see the City/Region 20 years from now?
Bob McColl: 600,000 people striving to deal with issues of growth, housing, transportation, ageing population, education, pollution, crime etc.
Len Carter: Greener, Healthier, and still the dynamic, industrial, research and Educational centre of Ontario.
11. Should Cambridge fit into the Region's future? If yes, how?
Bob McColl: Absolutely! Cambridge is an important partner and contributor to our Region. I believe that it is necessary for the other two cities, and the townships, to find ways to make Cambridge aware of how important they really are.
Len Carter: Cambridge is part of the Waterloo Region and I see Cambridge as one of our multiple cultures. Each of the three major cities is unique and has it's own culture. I think that the variety is one of the reasons that we have such an attractive place to live and grow. The integration of services, however should be increased and advanced to eliminate duplication of services and double - triple administration expenses (taxes). Efficiencies would be increased and all citizens would benefit from equal, and better servicing. Such a system would eliminate the cross-polluting of our different but adjacent communities.
12. How do you propose to obtain the maximum level of forest coverage for this area?
Bob McColl: In addition to a habitat for wildlife, forests are a natural resource, We need to implement proper forest management practices e.g.: selective harvesting versus clear cutting .We need to develop policies, incentives and laws to encourage developers to retain every tree possible, as well as penalties for those who refuse to comply.
Len Carter: Multiple efforts must be made including but not limited to partnerships between governments of all different levels, business and constituencies for forestation. A similar set of partnerships should embark on a major education program for the different sectors of our society. The value of trees and bushes (virtually anything with green leaves) is not recognized by the citizenry in general. Those with an interest are aware but others take the subject in school and like calculus, forget it the next semester. Trees bushes are more than just beautiful "things" and there value should be advertised.
13. How can you best work with community groups and concerned citizens to achieve environmental sustainability?
Bob McColl: Attend public meetings, encourage public participation and lobby all levels of government.
Len Carter: Talk to interested community groups and concerned citizens. Listen to interested community groups and concerned citizens. Consult with interested community groups and concerned citizens. Consider interested community groups and concerned citizens thoughts opinions and suggestions. Use interested community groups and concerned citizens as a resource. Many hands make work light and many minds make good proposals and decisions easy. I hold no right to all good thoughts and I believe firmly in the principle of brainstorming and cumulative theory. Advocate with interested community groups and concerned citizens and not be a lone voice in the wilderness. This is a method of operation that I believe firmly in and have used extensively for the last thirty years in most of the different elements of my work and public life. This method of operation has never failed me.
14. How would you support and develop lifelong environmental education in the City/Region?