Agenda Index City of Vancouver

REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

NOVEMBER 1, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, November 1, 2001, at 2:00 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

Councillor Lynne Kennedy, Chair
Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price

*Councillor George Puil (Civic Business)

Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Diane M. Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator

* Denotes presence during part of the meeting.

pe011101.htm

RECOMMENDATION

1. 620 West Pender Street, 477633 B. C. Ltd. (Piccadilly Hotel)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 16, 2001, in which the Chief License Inspector requested Council consider the request by 477633 BC Ltd. to change the operating hours in the Class `A' Pub at the Piccadilly Hotel, 620 West Pender Street. The General Manager of Community Services submitted the choice of Recommendation A or B.

Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, reviewed the report and responded to questions.

Inspectors Bob Meanley and Dave Jones, VPD, stated that while they are not opposing this application, additional licensed seats in the Downtown area does cause them concern at closing times. They stated it is improper to imply that enforcement at this establishment causes any more problems than at other entertainment facilities.

The Applicant/Owner stated he has corrected problem issues with both staff and police. The concern relating to the number of people on the streets at exit times has been rectified.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Amendments to Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-law No. 2807:

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 5, 2001, in which the Chief License Inspector in consultation with the Director of Legal Services and the Chief Constable sought approval of amendments to the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-law No. 2807 relating to reporting procedures, property holding period and miscellaneous revisions to improve clarity and readability. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendations.

Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, reviewed the report and responded to questions. Sergeant Doug Fisher, VPD, Property Crime Investigation and Anti-Fencing Unit, reviewed the current paper-based system from a police perspective and how this system would be improved by introducing the "X-Tract" system which is supported by several police jurisdictions world-wide. They responded to questions relating to funding and administrative impacts for the users.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve amendments to the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-Law No. 2807, generally as outlined or referred to in Appendix A of Policy Report Amendments to Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-law No. 2807: Reporting and Holding Period Requirements and Miscellaneous Amendments, dated October 5, 2001; which specify means of delivering daily transaction reports to the Police, extend the required property holding period and generally revise the wording, format and numbering to improve the By-law's clarity and readability.

B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring forward the appropriate by-law amendments.

C. THAT Council send a letter to the Solicitor General, copy to Attorney General and letter to UBCM Anti-Fencing Task Force, requesting that the use of the "X-Tract" internet report tracking system be mandated for all Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers throughout the province.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Staff was requested to provide an update by memo in six months outlining responses received from the Province and UBCM.

3. Enhanced Accessibility for Residential (Apartment) Buildings (File: 4657)

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 16, 2001, in which the Chief Building Official and the Director of CityPlans, in consultation with the Director of the Housing Centre, the Director of Facilities Development, the Director of Social Planning, the Director of Current Planning and the Director of Legal Services, sought Council approval of proposed amendments to the current accessibility requirements in the Vancouver Building By-law and the distribution of an accessibility enhancement checklist. Council approval was also sought to authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring the by-law amendments forward for enactment and to direct staff to report back on costs and terms of reference for a consultation study on applicability of the proposed amendments to townhouse forms of development, used for residential and live/work purposes. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendations.

John Robertson, Chief Building Official, reviewed the report, the history of the Building Code in local and international jurisdictions relating to this issue and responded to questions. He noted the proposed changes do not apply to one or two-family dwellings, rowhousing, boarding or lodging houses. Amendments would apply to all projects for which building permit applications were made after enactment of the by-law amendments and bulletins advising the changes would be issued to the industry.

Ralph Segal, Senior Development Planner, and Ann McAfee, Co-Director of Planning, responded to questions relating to densification, access as it relates to streetscapes and why
issues surrounding townhouses and one/two family dwellings are different enough to warrant separate consideration.

The following spoke in support of the recommendations:

Speakers' comments included:

· kudoes to staff, contractors and citizens for working towards pro-active outcomes;
· recommendations will have positive effects on aging baby boomer population;
· wheelchair accessible washrooms will be great benefit;
· approval of recommendations will keep Vancouver as most accessible city in Canada;
· approval will derive financial benefits as there would be a decrease of funding necessary from social programs which currently pay for modifications;
· these issues should be addressed for all forms of housing;

·changes are essential as it is rare for anyone to live entire life without becoming disabled.

The following speakers, while supporting by-law amendments in principle, expressed concerns relating to the recommendations:

Speakers' comments included:

· concern was expressed as to why the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association and other industry groups were not consulted; GVHBA does represent multi-unit buildings as well as single family dwellings;
· requested decision be postponed until all stakeholders have opportunity for input;
· costs cited in report are not realistic;
· inclusion of townhouses is a concern;
· UDI does believe in principal of universal design rather than quota system, balance must be achieved relating to community safety and affordability; concern is with method, not philosophy;
· industry could work with staff to develop better, affordable solutions.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

amended

B. THAT Council direct staff to report back on the costs and terms of reference for a consultant study on the applicability of the proposed amendments to townhouse forms of development, used for residential and live/work purposes.

lost

AMENDMENT MOVED to Recommendation B by Councillor Louis

THAT a date of April 1, 2002 be assigned for report back, that "consultant study" be revised to read "consultant studies" and that the word "townhouse" be replaced by "all other" to read:

LOST
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Price and Puil opposed)

AMENDMENT MOVED to Recommendation A by Councillor Bass

THAT the word "enhancement" be inserted before the word "provisions" in the first paragraph to read as follows:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

POSTPONEMENT MOVED by Councillor Puil

THAT decision on the Policy Report Enhanced Accessibility for Residential (Apartment) Buildings, dated October 16, 2001, be postponed to April 1, 2002 when a report back is provided to Council.

LOST
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Bass, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Kennedy, Louis, McCormick and Price opposed)

AMENDMENT MOVED to Recommendation B by Councillor Louis

THAT the date of March 1, 2002 be assigned for report back on the costs and terms of reference for a consultant study as referenced in Policy Report Enhanced Accessibility for Residential (Apartment) Buildings, dated October 16, 2001.

LOST
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Kennedy, McCormick, Price and Puil opposed)

The motion to postpone having LOST, and the amendment to Recommendation A having carried, the following motion was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Council approve in principle the proposed amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law, generally as outlined in Appendix A of Policy Report Enhanced Accessibility for Residential (Apartment) Buildings, dated October 16, 2001, and the distribution of an accessibility enhancement checklist, included as Appendix B of Policy Report Enhanced Accessibility for Residential (Apartment) Buildings, dated October 16, 2001 to increase accessibility enhancement provisions in multiple unit residential (apartment) buildings; and

FURTHER THAT Staff work with UDI and the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association to develop more detailed and comprehensive wording to the proposed amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law and report back to Council by February 1, 2002.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The amendments to Recommendation B having lost, the following motion was put and LOST.

THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Council direct staff to report back on the costs and terms of reference for a consultant study on the applicability of the proposed amendments to townhouse forms of development, used for residential and live/work purposes.

LOST (Tie Vote)
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Price and Puil opposed)
 

4. The Dugout - Proposed Initiatives for Community Conflict Resolution (File: 8104)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 22, 2001, in which the Director of Current Planning in consultation with the Director of Social Planning, Chief Constable, Director of Non-Market Operations, Director of Facilities Development and Director of Finance sought Council endorsement for an agreement between various Gastown organizations to improve conditions for patrons of The Dugout and address concerns raised by its neighbours. Council endorsement was also sought to approve funding for improvement of facilities/programs at both Alexander Residence, 59 Powell Street and the Haven, 128 East Cordova. Council was also asked to instruct staff to work with the community to implement the Initiatives and report back by December 2002.

Nathan Edelson, Planner, reviewed the report and along with Ray Stensrud, Director, Non-Market Operations, responded to questions.

The following spoke in support of the recommendations:

Speakers' comments included:

· thank you to staff and community members both business and residential for facilitating the process;
· collaboration approach is good way to resolve issues as they occur;
· inside seating will alleviate behaviour problems on the street;
· the process is a positive evolution for Gastown;
· concerns were expressed regarding inappropriate behaviour around the facility; however, it is acknowledged that the Dugout is addressing these issue;
· process should be expedited and report back date be moved up to April 2002;
· much of problem behaviour is a result of clients from outside Gastown; therefore, programs should be set up outside Gastown area to accommodate clients from outside Gastown (Evelyn Saller Centre at 320 Alexander Street could be a site);
· a working group should be set up to develop evaluation and measurement criteria;

Mr. Edelson and Mr. Stensrud noted that once the process is in place, monitoring procedures will be developed, the number of incidents will be noted and ways to resolve them will evolve.

The Dugout Manager, Jackie Smith, is currently monitoring soup lines and not serving disruptive clients. Volunteers are cleaning up in a 6-block radius from the Dugout.

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve in principle the agreement on Initiatives to Improve Conditions for Clients of the Dugout and to Address Concerns Raised by Neighbouring Residents and Businesses (the Initiatives) as shown in Appendix A of Administrative Report The Dugout - Proposed Initiatives for Community Conflict Resolution, dated October 22, 2001;

B. THAT Council approve a budget not to exceed $62,000 (including GST) from Downtown Eastside capital funds approved in the 2001 Basic Capital Budget, to refurbish the interior of the Alexander Residence at 59 Powell Street to enable patrons of the Dugout to eat in comfort indoors.

C. THAT Council approve a grant to the Salvation Army not to exceed $15,000, (including GST) from Downtown Eastside capital funds approved in the 2001 Basic Capital Budget, to equip the Haven, at 128 East Cordova, to enable patrons referred by the Dugout's breakfast program to eat in comfort indoors.

D. THAT favourable consideration be given to amending the Development Permit and Good Neighbour Agreement for the Haven at 128 East Cordova to permit a breakfast food program for a period of time limited to one year.

E. THAT Council instruct staff to work with the community to help implement the Initiatives and that staff report back on the progress of the Initiatives by April 2002.

F. THAT Council thank the Dugout, Gastown Business Improvement Society, Gastown Community Safety Society, Main & Hastings Community Development Society and the Salvation Army for their efforts to strengthen community relationships and resolve conflict.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Puil not present for the vote)

The Committee adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

- - - - -

CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

NOVEMBER 1, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, November 1, 2001, at 6:05 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.

PRESENT:

Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price

Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence)
Councillor George Puil (Civic Business)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Diane M. Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the chair.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
November 1, 2001

Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the foregoing report:

Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(CLAUSE 4 BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

MOVED by Councillor Price
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Kennedy (File 1254)

THAT Councillor Kennedy be granted Leave of Absence for December 11 and December 13, 2001.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

* * * * *

pe011101.htm

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