CITY OF KINGSTON ARTS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY POLICIES COMMITTEE MEETING NO MINUTES

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CITY OF KINGSTON ARTS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY POLICIES COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 06-2013 MINUTES Thursday, June 27, 2013 6:00 p.m.

1 CITY OF KINGSTON ARTS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY POLICIES COMMITTEE MEETING NO MINUTES Thursday, June 27, :00 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Rob Hutchison (Chair) Councillor Liz Schell (Vice Chair) Councillor Bill Glover Councillor Jim Neill MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Jeff Scott Councillor Brian Reitzel STAFF PRESENT Ms. Lanie Hurdle, Commissioner, Community Services Ms. Kim Leonard, Manager, Licensing & Enforcement Mr. Greg McLean, Policy & Program Coordinator Ms. Megan Michie, Committee Clerk OTHERS PRESENT Councillor Lisa Osanic Ms. Jessica Hellard, Kingston Animal Rescue Ms. Kareen Lush, Kingston Animal Rescue Ms. Alison Migneault, Kingston Animal Rescue Ms. Janice Saunders, Kingston Humane Society 8 members of the public THIS IS NOT A VERBATIM REPORT MEETING TO ORDER Councillor Rob Hutchison, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Moved by Councillor Glover Seconded by Councillor Neill

2 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 2 THAT the agenda be amended to include an additional delegation to be presented by Mr. Gareth Savage and Ms. Catherine Wright, Queen s University Alma Mater Society, regarding the TriColour Run; and THAT the agenda be amended to include the addendum, and as amended be approved. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor Schell Seconded by Councillor Glover CARRIED AS AMENDED THAT the minutes of the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee Meeting No held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 be amended as follows: Page 4, third paragraph under Commemorative Bench Policy, all instances of suburban parks be changed to read suburban and rural parks. Page 4, the addition of a paragraph under Commemorative Bench Policy that reads, Councillor Scott inquired about the possibility of commemorative benches along rural trails. Mr. Wells advised that there is concern that isolated benches may become vandalized however staff will consider placing them at entry points to the trails. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were none. CARRIED AS AMEDNED DELEGATIONS a) Ms. Janice Saunders from the Kingston Humane Society will speak to the Committee with respect to the Sale of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits in Pet Stores. Ms. Janice Saunders, Kingston Humane Society, spoke in favour of the proposed amending by-law to By-law being a License Regulate and Govern Certain Business to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pets stores. Ms. Saunders provided the Committee with an information sheet detailing the possible impacts of delaying the ban of the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits. A copy of the information sheet has been attached to the original set of minutes located in the City Clerk s Department. Ms. Saunders clarified that there is no cost to the city when animals are surrendered to the Humane Society by their owners. Ms. Saunders referenced the letter from Mr. Cliff Perry, owner of The Pet Store, which is included as Exhibit B to the report and advised that the Kingston Humane Society can support an influx of animal, especially knowing that there will be a decrease in the future.

3 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 3 Ms. Saunders spoke to her experience working on the Responsible Pet Ownership Program Working Group, which provided input into the development of a municipal strategy. Councillor Schell inquired if the Kingston Humane Society is prepared to take care of the extra 700 animals cited in the letter from Mr. Cliff Perry, or if they may have to be euthanized. Ms. Saunders advised that many of the animals they will receive will be puppies and kittens, which are easy to re-home and will typically only be euthanized because they are very ill. Ms. Saunders also advised that she believes there will be an eventual decrease in surrendered animals once the ban is in place. Ms. Saunders advised that she is aware of breeders who specifically breed for sale to pet stores and feels the number will be less once those breeders do not have anywhere in Kingston to sell their animals. Ms. Saunders also explained that most of the extra animals will be puppies and kittens and they are easy to re-home and rarely need to be euthanized. Councillor Osanic advised that kittens are sold for approximately $100 in pet stores and asked how this compares to the cost of a kitten from the Humane Society, and what is included in the cost. Ms. Saunders advised that the Kingston Humane Society charges $135 for a regular cat or kitten and more if it is a purebred. She explained that cats are sold with a microchip, vaccinations, a health check, and are provided with 6 weeks free insurance. Ms. Saunders advised that all kittens are spayed and neutered when they are sold and all potential buyers are screened to ensure they are suitable, which is not done by pet stores. Councillor Hutchison enquired the age a dog can be spayed or neutered. The question was answered by a local vet present at the meeting, Dr. Paula Kirkwood. Dr. Kirkwood advised that it is typically around four or five months old depending on the size of the dog. She cautioned that there can be anaesthetic deaths if a puppy is spayed or neutered too young. b) Ms. Jessica Hellard, Ms. Kareen Lush, and Ms. Alison Migneault from Kingston Animal Rescue, will speak to the Committee with respect to the Sale of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits in Pet Stores. Ms. Kareen Lush, on behalf of the Kingston Animal Rescue, spoke in favour of the proposed amending by-law to By-law being a License Regulate and Govern Certain Business to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pets stores. Ms. Lush spoke to the timelines of the proposed amendments, and advised that pet stores owners have had enough time to revamp their businesses and therefore there should be no delays in approving the amending by-law. Ms. Lush advised that there is typically an influx of pet sales around the Christmas period however a quick approval will prevent this for 2013.

4 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 4 C) Ms. Catherine Wright and Mr. Gareth Savage from Queen s University Alma Mater Society, will speak to the Committee with respect to the TriColour Run. Ms. Catherine Wright and Mr. Gareth Savage spoke to the Committee about the possibility of hosting a TriColour Run during Queen s Homecoming on October 5, Ms. Wright and Mr. Savage handed out information packages with details about the run. A copy of the material is attached to the original set of minutes located in the City Clerk s Department. Mr. Savage advised that the run will be an official event of Queen s homecoming that is open to the public. He said that they expect 3,000 to 5,000 runners to participate. Mr. Savage advised that the run will take place along a 3 km route starting in City Park. At each kilometre the runners can decorate themselves with bio-degradable ecofriendly, corn-starch-based dye. Mr. Savage explained that the dye can get into a person s eyes or lungs without causing harm, unless a person is asthmatic. Mr. Savage advised that the Alma Mater Society has partnered with an external company, Run of Dye, to organize the event. Run or dye is responsible for the clean-up of the streets using their own street cleaners and washers. Mr. Savage advised that there are different clean-up initiatives based on the weather and any storms drains in proximity to the event are covered with sandbags. Councillor Neill inquired if the event has been presented to City staff yet and if they have any initial thoughts or concerns. Mr. Savage advised that staff expressed concerns regarding the clean-up, use of the park, environmental and health concerns regarding the dye and if the event is supported by Queen s University. Mr. Savage advised that the information package addresses many of those concerns and he re-iterated that there would be no cost to the city for the clean-up after the event. Councillor Neill advised that for other events on City property the event organizers will hire the City to clean the streets after the event. Councillor Neill asked if part of the contract with Run or Dye could include a section that states that they will pay for the City to clean the streets if it is not done to their satisfaction. Mr. Savage said he could bring this suggestion to Run or Dye and thought it would not be a problem to include in the contract. Councillor Schell inquired if there is a cost to the participants for the run. Mr. Savage advised that there is an early bird registration fee of $20 and then $40 for those who register later. Mr. Savage advised that part of the proceeds go towards a charity of choice, and that they are open to suggestions. Councillor Schell advised that an event on City property requires $5 million liability insurance and asked if Run or Dye provides this insurance. Mr. Savage said that he had not had a conversation regarding insurance with the company yet. Councillor Schell asked how long Run or Dye has been operating. Mr. Savage advised that it has been in Canada for approximately one year and in the United States for a few years. Mr. Savage explained that the dye runs are fad events that have recently

5 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 5 become popular however the two main coordinators have over 50 years of combined event planning experience. Councillor Schell asked if the dye colours are the three Queen s colours. Mr. Savage advised that they are, and that is why it is being called the TriColour Run. Councillor Glover expressed concern that this event appears to be a commercial organization using City parks and streets to generate a profit, including some proceeds going to charity. Ms. Wright advised that the Run or Dye Company is currently in high demand and the Alma Mater Society approached them to hold the event because of their expertise. Ms. Wright advised that the Queen s Homecoming is an official event again this year, and the Alma Mater Society wants to engage students in an activity that is not geared towards partying. Mr. Savage added that the Alma Mater Society was going to coordinate the run on their own, however realized that the partnership will allow the run to be held at a higher professional level. Councillor Glover posed the question to staff if an external company can use City property to generate a profit. Mr. Savage advised that a similar run was recently held in Toronto through a different company and was successful. Councillor Schell suggested that it would be helpful to have specific details from the Toronto run. In response to a question from Councillor Glover, Mr. Savage advised that the run will be held in the morning. Councillor Glover inquired how much of the profits will be go towards a charitable organization. Mr. Savage advised that he does not have the answer because his priority has been to determine the appropriate approvals with City staff first. Councillor Glover inquired if the event organizers provide people to marshal the event to ensure public safety and also if the Kingston Police have been contacted for possible assistance. Mr. Savage advised that the event organizers recruit volunteers for the event and provide them with training. Mr. Savage advised that he has not contacted the Kingston Police however is working to have a medical unit on site. Councillor Glover asked about the route for the run. Mr. Savage advised that it has not been finalized but he would like it to start in City Park and then he will work with City staff to choose a route that will avoid bus routes and major routes to the Kingston General Hospital. Councillor Neill suggested that the Alma Mater Society garner information from district health to ensure that there are no health concerns with the dye. Councillor Osanic mentioned that when talking to staff it would be helpful for them to know which Canadian cities have held a similar run because Canada has different standards then the United States. BRIEFINGS There were none.

6 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 6 BUSINESS A. Sale of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits in Pet Stores Ms. Leonard introduced the report, advising that it received support from the Responsible Pet Ownership Program Working Group. Ms. Leonard clarified that the Humane Society is willing and able to take in the extra surrendered animals, however not all cats and dogs coming into the pound are surrendered and this may have a financial impact on the City. Councillor Hutchinson inquired if staff have information about the extent of influx of unwanted pets and its impact. Ms. Leonard advised that it is difficult to say how many extra pets will be surrendered or what the impact will be. Ms. Leonard stated that the Responsible Pet Ownership Program report should be coming to the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee in August and the report has significant impacts on breeding which will hopefully reduce the amount of animals that end up in the Kingston Humane Society. Councillor Hutchison asked about the timelines for the amending by-law to By-law Ms. Leonard advised that if it is passed at Committee today it will go to Council for July 16, 2013 and then back to Council in August for its third reading. This will put the By-law as amended into effect in November, which is before the Christmas season. Councillor Hutchison asked staff if they feel that three months is enough time for pet stores to adapt. Ms. Leonard advised that pet stores have had eleven months to adapt because the original concept was approved at Council in February 2013 and therefore there has been sufficient time for pet stores to change their business practices. Ms. Leonard advised that the day the By-law as amended comes into effect an inventory will be taken of all current dogs, cats and rabbits in pets store and then they will ensure that no more animals are brought in. Councillor Neill sought clarification that most kittens sold by pet stores are not spayed or neutered. Ms. Leonard agreed that this is correct. In response to a question from Councillor Hutchison, Ms. Leonard explained that the next phase will have an impact on the Animal Control By-law, including permits for breeding licenses. In response to a question from Councillor Osanic, Ms. Leonard advised that at the August 2013 Committee meeting all 14 recommendations from the Responsible Pet Ownership Program Working Group should be coming to the Committee for approval. B. Community Poverty Reduction Plan Update Commissioner Hurdle introduced the report and advised that in 2012 the City of Kingston partnered with the United Way to develop the Community Poverty Reduction Plan. Ms. Hurdle advised that it is a community effort with various members of the community, including four working groups, contributing to the document and its implementation.

7 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 7 Ms. Hurdle introduced Ms. Bhavana Varma, President and CEO for the United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&&A). Ms. Varma thanked the City for their continued partnership. Councillor Neill spoke to his positive experience at the Poverty Reduction Forum held on June 3, Councillor Schell asked about their plan for information sharing. Ms. Varma advised that the United Way is strongly promoting services, which connects to a live person that can provide information on over 56,000 social and health organizations. Ms. Varma advised that they are utilizing transit ads, spreading information through social workers and encouraging peer sharing networks. Councillor Glover spoke to the $34,000 income required to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Kingston and commented that even at the defined living wage a person cannot comfortably afford a one bedroom apartment. Councillor Glover discussed using the living wage as a threshold. Councillor Hutchison inquired if there will be metrics created to measure improvements. Ms. Varma advised that they have finalized the action items and the next step is to create matrices for each action item. Councillor Hutchison expressed concern regarding the shift of middle class citizens into a lower income bracket and the rising debt in society and strongly advised that it should be further investigated as a reason for an increase in poverty levels. MOTIONS There were none. NOTICES OF MOTION Moved by Councillor Neill Seconded by Councillor Schell WHEREAS Kingston is working towards being a more sustainable City, including food sustainability; and WHEREAS many cities have adopted an edible forest policy, planting fruit bearing trees and shrubs in public places, including parks and community gardens; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be requested to explore such programmes and report back to the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee in the first quarter of 2014 with a report including recommendations.

8 Meeting No held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 Page 8 OTHER BUSINESS Councillor Hutchison asked staff for the next steps regarding the Alma Mater Society s Tricolour Run. Commissioner Hurdle advised that an application should be sent to Mr. Chris Sleeth, Traffic Supervisor regarding the street closure and use of the park. Ms. Hurdle reminded the Committee of the Special Events Policy which gives delegated authority to staff regarding the approval of park events. The application for the road closure and park use will be brought before Council through a report from Mr. Sleeth. Councillor Hutchison advised that he received s that states that staff have denied the initial event request. Councillor Hutchison read through staff s concerns which include dye clean up procedures, backing from Queen s University, possible liability of dye getting on passing cars or pedestrians, the running route and insurance. Councillor Hutchison advised that many of the concerns were brought forward today by the Committee and either answered by the delegates or provided them with further questions to research. The Committee discussed bringing forward a motion which would ask staff to look into the details of the event. Upon further discussion, it was determined that Ms. Hurdle will work further with the Alma Mater Society regarding the event to see if it can move forward. Councillor Glover suggested that the priorities for the delegates are the establishment of a running route and a discussion with Chris Sleeth regarding road closure and park use approvals. Councillor Hutchison added that insurance and the clean-up plan is important information for staff to make a decision. CORRESPONDENCE There was none. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Arts, Recreation & Community Policies Committee is scheduled to be held on July 18, ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Glover Seconded by Councillor Schell THAT the meeting of the Arts, Recreation & Community Policies Committee adjourn at 8:05 p.m. CARRIED

City of Kingston Report to Council Report Number

To: From: Resource Staff: Date of Meeting: Subject: Executive Summary: City of Kingston Report to Council Report Number 16-267 Mayor and Members of Council Lanie Hurdle, Commissioner, Community Services