ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services in consultation with the Director of Social Planning

SUBJECT:

`Spare Change' Meters

 

RECOMMENDATION

A) THAT Council approve the continuation of the `Spare Change' meter program as originally proposed by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Arbutus.

B) THAT the $3,557 collected in 2000 from the Spare Change meters be granted to the United Way of the Lower Mainland, as recommended by the coalition partner, Rotary Club of Vancouver, Arbutus, and targeted to United Way's `Community Care Fund'. This requires eight affirmative votes.

C) THAT the United Way of the Lower Mainland be approved as an additional partner with the program for a two year period, and the revenues raised over this period be granted to the United Way `Community Care Fund' and that the meters be labelled to show this support. This requires eight affirmative votes.

D) THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services make adjustments to the meter locations after discussion with appropriate affected parties, and THAT annual operating costs estimated to be $900 be included in the 2001 operating budget.

POLICY

Grant recommendations require eight affirmative votes for approval.

On October 19, 1999, Council approved a proposal by the Rotary Club of Vancouver, Arbutus for a trial `Spare Change' Meter Program. The report noted "that all the money collected be donated to a charity selected by the Rotary Club" and that staff report back on the continuation of the program and distribution of collected revenues.

PURPOSE

This report reviews the Spare Change Meter Program coordinated by the City and the Rotary Club of Vancouver, Arbutus.

BACKGROUND

Council has taken a number of initiatives to reduce the impact of panhandling in the City of Vancouver. This program involved the installation of recycled parking meters that are specially identified and strategically placed for the public to donate spare change to the meter rather than giving it to individuals.

Businesses in the downtown supported the initiative and were involved in determining the placement of four "Spare Change" meters. Five meters were installed outside the Downtown area with the support of the adjacent owners in areas where panhandling was a concern. These locations included Robson St., Broadway near London Drugs , South Granville Street near Shopper's Drug Mart, and 4th Avenue near Capers.

FUNDING

The meters were donated by MacKay meters, a Canadian parking meter manufacturer, and were sponsored by the Rotary Club, Arbutus. The first year cost of this program was estimated to be $1200, and was funded by the City. The actual installation and repair costs to date have been $1150. This does not include the costs to collect the money from the meters. This work was undertaken by the meter collection branch, and did not result in an increase in their budget.

GRANT OF REVENUE

A total of $3,557 was collected in 2000. In the October 1999 report approved by Council it was noted: "That all the money collected be donated to a charity selected by the RotaryClub". Staff have discussed the allocation of the revenues collected from these `Spare Change' meters with the Rotary Club of Vancouver, Arbutus. From these discussions it was felt that the United Way and particularly their Community Care Fund would be an appropriate charity to grant the money raised. This supports six community solutions to build a stronger healthier community including: stronger families, lifelong independence, safer communities, caring and welcoming communities, health and wellness, and nurturing children and youth. The Rotary Club is recommending the United Way of the Lower Mainland be the recipient, and staff concur with the recommendation.

ONGOING PROGRAM AND SPONSORSHIP

Although no specific monitoring has been undertaken, the program has provided an alternative way to address the panhandling issue in Vancouver, and has succeeded in raising revenue for charity. Staff feel the collaboration with the Rotary Club of Vancouver, Arbutus in providing the `Spare Change' meter program should be continued and recommend that the United Way of the Lower Mainland be named as the benefitting sponsor of the program over the next 2 years. This will fulfill the agreement to allow the Rotary Club to select a charity to receive the `Spare Change' meter revenues, and direct monies to an agency that funds a number of services for disadvantaged people. Staff will change the labels on the meters to advise the public that their donations will go to the United Way of the Lower Mainland.

Staff will continue to work with the various community interest groups to ensure the `Spare Change' meters are in optimal locations. Staff also feel that more Spare Change meters could be supported and have requested that the Rotary Club consider acquiring an additional five meters for placement on the street.

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