CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 11, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, December 11, 2001, at 2:10 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Fred Bass Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Don Lee Councillor Tim Louis Councillor Sandy McCormick *Councillor Gordon Price Councillor George Puil Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT:	Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Leave of Absence) Councillor Daniel Lee (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:	Syd Baxter, City Clerk Tarja Tuominen, Meeting Coordinator

*Denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.

PRAYER

The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT Council will go into a meeting later this day which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 165.2 of the Vancouver Charter, to discuss matters related to paragraph:

(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the city or another position appointed by the city;

(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the Council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the city.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ITEMS ARISING FROM THE "IN CAMERA" MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2001

· Council made appointments to the following Boards and Committees. Names of those appointed can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office:

YVR Noise Management Committee
Vancouver Athletic Commission
Vancouver Civic Theatres Board
Vancouver Economic Development Commission
Vancouver Heritage Commission
Vancouver Heritage Foundation Board
Vancouver Public Library Board

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - November 22, 2001

MOVED by Councillor Puil
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Price absent for the vote)

2. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - November 22, 2001

Council agreed to amend the minutes of the Report to Council of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment by inserting the following line to Page 5, under the speakers' comments of those who spoke in favour:

· long-term cruisers require 30 days anchoring in one year;

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved, as amended.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Regular Council - December 4, 2001

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Clarke

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. Vancouver City Hall Lights Program

November 30, 2001 (File: 1304/4201)

Lorna McCreath, Director - Equal Employment Opportunity Program, and Tom Hammel, Electrical and Design Branch Engineer, provided a Report Reference on the Vancouver City Hall Lights Program. The Lights Program will support the celebration of religious and cultural dates by illuminating the trees at the entrance of City Hall for the period of the celebration or event at the request of the community.

The Mayor formally launched the program by turning on a symbolic switch.

2. 2002 Operating Budget - Preliminary Report

December 3, 2001 (File: 1605)

Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning & Treasury, provided a Report Reference on the 2002 Operating Budget. With the aid of a power-point presentation and a hand-out, Mr. Bayne advised Council of factors influencing growth in the 2002 Operating Budget and sought Council input on the budget development process.

MOVED by Councillor Puil

A. THAT Council receive the preliminary report on the 2002 Operating Budget for information and instruct the Director of Finance to meet with departments and boards to review the underlying estimates with a view to ensuring that:

· the budget includes funding only for service and program levels approved by Council; and
· all requests for additional or new services are removed from the estimates and referred to Council for approval.

B. THAT the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Corporate Management Team, report the interim estimates to Council in March, 2002 along with options to achieve a property tax increase that reflects inflationary levels.

C. THAT Council reiterate its policy that all requests from departments and boards for service level or program funding increases be accompanied by related offsetting revenue increases or expenditure reductions, such that there be no net increase in Operating Budget funding requirements, and

THAT all requests requiring additional funding in the 2002 or 2003 Operating Budget be deferred for consideration as part of the interim budget report.

D. THAT Council instruct the City Manager to implement a public consultation initiative related to the service level and taxation choices required to balance the 2002 Operating Budget.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

- - - - -

CIVIC RECOGNITION - 3:45 P.M. - Retirees

At this point in the proceedings, the Mayor and Council recognized 16 employees who recently retired from the City with varying lengths of service.

The Mayor presented each employee with a Certificate on behalf of the City, and thanked them for their long and faithful service.

The Council recessed at 4:15 p.m. and following a reception in honour of the retirees, reconvened at 4:40 p.m. with all members present.

- - - - -

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. 2001 `Other' Grants Requests

November 19, 2001 (File: 2201)

At the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on December 6, 2001, Vancouver City Council considered an Administrative Report, dated November 19, 2001, entitled "2001 `Other' Grants Requests". Council made a decision on four of the five grant requests and referred consideration of the grant request from the SPCA - Vancouver Regional Branch to the Regular Council meeting of December 11, pending receipt of additional information.

Before Council this date was a memorandum, dated December 10, 2001, from Annette Klein, Manager of Budgets suggesting conditions for the grant to the SPCA.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT a grant of $27,887 be approved to the SPCA - Vancouver Regional Branch; source of funds to be 2001 `OTHER' Grants budget, subject to the following conditions:
· That the SPCA Strategic Plan, to be rolled out in 2002, include an action plan to address animal issues in the Vancouver area;
· That an action plan be developed in partnership with the City's Animal ControlBranch and approved by the Director of Licenses and Inspections;
· That the grant be used to take greater enforcement action in instances involving cruelty to animals in Vancouver;
· That financial statements be provided to the City confirming the use of the grant;
· That the SPCA be advised given the City's 2002 budget situation, the grant may not continue next year.

LOST, NOT HAVING RECEIVED
THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillors Bass, Puil and the Mayor opposed)

CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Coal Harbour: 1000 Block West Cordova Street - Streetscape Design

November 23, 2001 (File: 8103)

MOVED by Councillor Louis

A. THAT Council approve the streetscape design for the 1000 Block of West Cordova Street as outlined in the Administrative Report, dated November 23, 2001, entitled "Coal Harbour: 1000 Block West Cordova Street - Streetscape Design".

B. THAT Council approve a $4,000.00 increase to the Street Maintenance Operating Budget without offset, to cover the operating costs incurred by the construction of the viaduct structure, beginning in 2003.

C. THAT Council approve a $13,400.00 increase to the Street Basic Operating Budget for Horticulture Maintenance without offset, to cover the operating costs incurred by the construction of the landscaping, beginning in 2003.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. 337 West Pender Street - Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub

870 Granville Street - Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub
3124 West Broadway - Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub
November 29, 2001 (Files: 2615-29/30/31)

MOVED by Councillor Louis

A. THAT Council having considered that the majority of area residents and business operators of the community are in favour of this application endorse the request by Mark James for a 65-seat Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub with adjoining Restaurant Class-1 at 337 West Pender Street. Council also considered the proximity of other social facilities, public buildings, traffic impacts, and the availability of parking, possible noise impacts on existing and future residential, the appearance and overall design of the building and subject to the following:

i) A Time-Limited Development Permit;
ii) The signing of a Good Neighbour Agreement with the City before the issuance of a business license;
iii) No exotic entertainment;
iv) A legal agreement providing for the permanent closure of the 100-seat cabaret doing business as Ms. T's to the satisfaction of the Chief License Inspector and the Director of Legal Services;
v) Hours of operation limited to 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight, 7 days a week;
vi) A commitment to Vancouver's clean air initiatives.

B. THAT Council having considered that the majority of area residents and business operators of the community are in favour of this application endorse the request by 530077 BC Ltd. for a 65-seat Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub at 870 Granville Street. Council also considered the proximity of other social facilities, public buildings, traffic impacts, and the availability of parking, possible noise impacts on existing and future residential, the appearance and overall design of the building and subject to the following:

i) A Time-Limited Development Permit and/or Legal Agreement;
ii) The signing of a Good Neighbour Agreement prior to issuance of the Business License;
iii) A Legal Agreement limiting the Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub seating to 65-seats despite any future changes to the Provincial Liquor Regulations;
iv) The hours of operation to be limited to 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight on Sunday;
v) No exotic entertainment;
vi) A commitment to Vancouver's clean air initiatives.

C. THAT Council having considered that the majority of area residents and business operators of the community are in favour of this application endorse the request by Fringe Café Ltd. for a 46-seat Class `D' Neighbourhood Pub with 4 -seat patio at 3124 West Broadway. Council also considered the proximity of other social facilities and public buildings, traffic impacts, and the availability of parking,possible noise impacts on existing and future residential, the appearance and overall design of the building and subject to the following:

i) A Time-Limited Development Permit, including a condition that the neighbourhood pub not be used in conjunction with another liquor license use;
ii) A signed Legal Agreement for a new establishment prior to the first renewal of the development permit which will include a provision to hold the seating capacity to current numbers, regardless of any changes to the seating capacity regulations as a result of the Provincial Liquor License Regulations review;
iii) The signing of a Good Neighbour Agreement prior to the issue of a Business License;
iv) The hours of operation be limited to 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 am to 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday;
v) The patio closing at 11:00 pm;
vi) No live amplified musical instruments permitted and all live entertainment will be limited to a maximum of two performers at any given time;
vii) A commitment to Vancouver's clean air initiatives.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Vancouver's Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment - A Coalition Building Plan for the Year 2002

December 4, 2001 (File: 3701)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke

THAT Council approves the request for funding of $150,000 to support Vancouver's Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment activities for the year 2002. These funds will be provided within the 2002 Operating Budget without offset.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

4. 2001 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation

November 28, 2001 (File: 2051)

MOVED by Councillor Louis

A. THAT Council approve an Arts Partners in Organizational Development (Arts POD) grant of $15,000 to the Vancouver Arts Stabilization Team (VAST) for subsequent distribution to eight cultural organizations in the amounts indicated in Table 1 of the Administrative Report, dated November 28, 2001, entitled "2001 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation", source of funds to be the Organizational Development component of the 2001 Cultural Grants budget.

B. THAT Council approve a grant of $ 6,000 to the Vancouver Playhouse Society for a collaborative organizational development initiative with six other performing arts organizations, source of funds to be the Organizational Development component of the 2001 Cultural Grants budget.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

5. Vancouver Art Gallery - Amendment to Constitution and By-laws

November 20, 2001 (File: 4006)

MOVED by Councillor Louis

THAT Council approve amendments to the Constitution and By-laws of the Vancouver Art Gallery Association as outlined in the Administrative Report dated November 20, 2001, entitled "Vancouver Art Gallery - Amendment to Constitution and By-laws".

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Annual Financial Authorities - 2002

December 1, 2001 (File: 1612)

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

A. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2002, in accordance with Section 215 and 216 of the Vancouver Charter, to draw warrants for payment and to report same in writing to the City Clerk for the information of Council within 15 days after the end of each month in which the warrant is drawn.

B. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to temporarily use, during theperiod January 1, to July 15, 2002 such capital funds as are available, for other expenditures of the City, pending collections of taxes, as provided by Section 259 (b) of the Vancouver Charter.

C. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized, for the year 2002, to invest the funds of the following accounts as same become available, and to vary the investments from time to time as may be expedient, in accordance with Section 201, 259 and 260 of the Charter.

i) For Sinking Fund Account, Property Endowment Fund, Cemetery Perpetual Maintenance Fund, Captain Vancouver's Grave Maintenance Trust Fund, and Capital Financing Fund:

- Securities of or guaranteed by the Government of Canada;
- Securities of or guaranteed by a Province of Canada;
- Securities of the City of Vancouver;
- Securities of the Greater Vancouver Water District;
- Securities of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District;
- Securities of the Greater Vancouver Regional District;

- Securities of the Municipal Finance Authority;

- Securities of or guaranteed by any chartered bank in Canada;
- Securities or deposits in, or share or other evidence of indebtedness of, a Credit Union incorporated under the Credit Unions Act.

ii) For General and Capital Accounts

- Securities of or guaranteed by the Government of Canada;
- Securities of or guaranteed by a Province of Canada;
- Securities of or guaranteed by any chartered bank in Canada;
- Securities of the GVRD, GVWD, MFA, or City of Vancouver which mature within one year from the date of acquisition;
- Securities or deposits in, or shares or other evidences of indebtedness of, a Credit Union incorporated under the Credit Unions Act.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7. 2002 Assessment Averaging Program

December 4, 2001 (File: 1552)

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

A. THAT, pursuant to legislative requirements in the Assessment Act, the City Clerk be instructed to notify the Assessment Commissioner before January 1, 2002 that the City is considering three-year land averaging and/or land phasing as property tax calculation option for 2002.

It should be noted that this notice of intent is revocable should Council, at a later date, decide not to proceed with either of these taxation options.

B. THAT the Director of Finance be instructed to report back in the new year on the projected taxation impacts of three-year land averaging, based on the assessment values provided by the BC Assessment Authority in the 2002 Consolidated Roll.

C. THAT the Area Assessor for Vancouver be invited to address Council in the new year on the assessment trends reflected in the 2002 Consolidated Roll.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)

CITY MANAGER'S POLICY REPORTS

1. Minor Amendments to Sign By-law

November 15, 2001 (File: 113)

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend Section 10.4 of the Sign By-law with respect to Canopy Signs, generally in accordance with Appendix A of the Policy Report dated November 15, 2001 entitled "Minor Amendments to Sign By-law", and that the application be referred to a Public Hearing, and

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary amending by-law for consideration at Public Hearing.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Proposed Consultancy - Urban Design and Streetscape Concept for Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street (Burrard Street to Cambie Bridge)

November 27, 2001 (File: 5752-1/5762)

MOVED by Councillor Price

A. THAT, pursuant to the Council's instructions of July 26^th, 2001, the Terms of Reference, attached as Appendix `A' to the Policy Report dated November 27, 2001 entitled "Proposed Consultancy - Urban Design and Streetscape Concept for Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street (Burrard Street to Cambie Bridge)" be adopted for the preparation of a an urban design and streetscape concept for Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street (Burrard Bridge and Cambie Bridge).

B. THAT, pursuant to the Council's instructions of July 26^th, 2001, a budget of $58,900 be approved for the preparation of a design concept for Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street (Burrard Street to Cambie Bridge), with the source of funding being from the 2001 Community Services operating budget, and further that funding for this study be from savings in the 2001 operating budget.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

OTHER REPORTS

I. Report of Family Court/Youth Justice Committee

December 3, 2001 (File: 3118-1)

Cl. 1: Family Court/Youth Justice Committee Annual Report, 2000-2001

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the Family Court/Youth Justice Committee Annual Report, 2000-2001 be received for information.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

1. A By-law to exempt from taxation certain lands and improvements pursuant to section 396 of the Vancouver Charter (Seniors Housing) (By-law No. 8411)

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Clarke

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Clarke

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. A By-law to authorize the borrowing of certain sums of money from January 8, 2002 to January 7, 2003 pending the collection of real property taxes

(By-law No. 8412)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. A By-law to amend Impounding By-law No. 3519 (Towing Service Contract)

(By-law No. 8413)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. A By-law to amend Noise Control By-law No. 6555 (Noise emanating from commercial premises) (By-law No. 8414)

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. A By-law to authorize Council entering into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the Owner of Heritage Property (2439 Eton Street) (By-law No. 8415)

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Puil and the Mayor were excused from voting)

6. A By-law to amend Downtown Official Development Plan By-law No. 4912

(By-law No. 8416)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Presiding Officer and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Puil and the Mayor excused from voting)

MOTIONS

A. Administrative Motions

None.

B. Motions on Notice

1. City Coordination of Respite for Shelterless Youth and Adults over the Holiday Season (File: 4659)

At the Council meeting on December 11, 2001, immediately following the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic, Councillor Louis submitted the following Notice of Motion which was recognized by the Chair:

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has undertaken several initiatives to prevent homelessness, including development of new social housing and provision of community services;

AND WHEREAS, on January 5, 1999, City Council joined other Canadian municipalities in declaring homelessness a national disaster;

AND WHEREAS, so far in 2001, Covenant House Crisis Shelter for youth has provided services for more than 1,300 youth who find themselves homeless and in crisis on the streets of Downtown Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, Covenant House street workers note that this year has seen an increase over the previous five years when from 500 to 1,000 youth were in need of services;

AND WHEREAS, with the provincial government reducing services to youth over the age of 17 years old, even more youth could be forced on the streets of Downtown Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, since the provincial government lowered the minimum wage to $6 per hour on November 15, 2001 disenfranchised and homeless youth are more likely to engage in street-squeegee, panhandling and other activities;

AND WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver does limited coordination of placement and referral of shelterless youth and adults;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that over the holiday season, the City of Vancouver ensure that shelterless youth and adults have access to respite, warmth, safety, comfort and goodwill by:

(a) making more city-run buildings accessible for use as shelter space; and
(b) coordinating with local shelters and drop-in centres to secure additional shelter space at community centres and neighbourhood houses.

Amended

Also before Council was a memorandum, dated December 11, 2001 from the City Manager outlining current activities undertaken by the City of Vancouver to provide shelter and respite for shelterless youth and adults.

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Puil

THAT the Motion be amended as follows:

· the Preamble be amended by striking out all the "Whereases" following the first two;
· the Resolution be amended as follows (italics denote amendment):

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Vancouver continue its work to ensure that shelterless youth and adults have access to respite, warmth, safety, comfort and goodwill through the provision of shelter and other services in partnership with the Cold-Wet Weather Strategy Coalition.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)

MOTION AS AMENDED

WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has undertaken several initiatives to prevent homelessness, including development of new social housing and provision of community services;

AND WHEREAS, on January 5, 1999, City Council joined other Canadian municipalities in declaring homelessness a national disaster;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Vancouver continue its work to ensure that shelterless youth and adults have access to respite, warmth, safety, comfort and goodwill through the provision of shelter and other services in partnership with the Cold-Wet Weather Strategy Coalition.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

NOTICE OF MOTION

1. Provincial government provide adequate financial support to the City of Vancouver in 2002 (File: 1263)

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Bass and recognized by the Chair:

WHEREAS, our prosperity depends on our cities' strength, as noted editorially in the Vancouver Sun;

AND WHEREAS, the federal and provincial contribution to municipal revenue is 15% (a one third drop since 1995) in comparison to the 30% share found in Europe and the United States;

AND WHEREAS, in the past five years in Canada, federal and provincial revenue increased by 33% and 26% respectively, while municipal revenue rose by 8%;

AND WHEREAS, US cities get 21% of their revenue from property tax compared to 55% from property tax in Canada;

AND WHEREAS, Mayor Owen has noted repeatedly that provincial contributions to Vancouver fell by $17 million during the previous provincial government;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council ask the Provincial Government to show, in the words of the Vancouver Sun, "leadership and vision, not selfishness and expedience" with their commitment to municipal finance;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council ask the Provincial Government to restore the provincial $17 million contribution to the City of Vancouver in the year 2002.

Notice

The Council recessed at 6:20 p.m., and
reconvened "In Camera" in the Mayor's Office.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver