CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 22, 2002

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Heritage, Zoning and Development and Sign By-laws and to enter into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement.

PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen

Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor McCormick
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence) Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Leave of Absence)

Councillor Gordon Price (Sick Leave)

CITY CLERK'S Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator
OFFICE:

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair, to consider proposed amendments to the Heritage, Zoning and Development and Sign By-laws and to enter into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. Heritage Designation: 626 West Pender Street (London Building)

An application by Rob Grant, Stuart Howard Architects, was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed HRA By-law and Designation will secure the conservation and protection of the existing building (including certain interior features of merit), listed in the "B" evaluation category of the Vancouver Heritage Register, and permit a heritage density bonus for transfer off the site.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Terry Brunette, Heritage Planner, drew Council's attention to posted drawings and photo boards and advised he was present to answer questions. Gerry McGeough, Heritage Planner, provided information on the current status of the transferrable density bonus bank.

Applicant Comments

Stuart Howard, applicant, responded to questions related to intended uses of the transferrable density bonus and provided details on the London Building's construction and information on adjacent structures of architectural or historic significance.

Summary of Correspondence

Council was advised no correspondence was received on this application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none were present.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

A. THAT Council authorize the City to enter into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement to secure the rehabilitation and conservation of the London Building at 626 West Pender Street and vary Section 3 of the Downtown Official Development Plan By-law to permit a density bonus of 7 400 m2 (80,000 sq. ft.) to be transferred off-site;

AND THAT Council require an agreement providing that the density bonus not be available for transfer until the rehabilitation is complete, unless the owner(s) secure completion of the rehabilitation by a separate agreement;

AND THAT Council require a covenant to safeguard the building until it isrehabilitated;

AND THAT the agreements shall be prepared, registered and given priority to the satisfaction of the Directors of Planning and Legal Services.

B. THAT Council amend Schedule A of the Heritage By-law to designate the exterior of the building, and portions of the interiors of the main lobby, main double-height chamber or hall, and main staircase, as described in detail in the body of the report for the London Building at 626 West Pender Street as protected Heritage Property.

C. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to prepare the Heritage Revitalization Agreement By-law and Heritage By-law amendment in accordance with the previous Recommendations in this report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Text Amendments: Miscellaneous

An application by the Director of Current Planning was considered as follows:

Summary: The text amendments would correct or clarify various sections of the Zoning and Development By-law, CD-1 By-laws, and the Sign By-law.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Senior Planner, was present to respond to questions from Council and provided a brief overview of the application.

Summary of Correspondence

Council was advised no correspondence was received on this application since the date it was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none were present.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Bass

THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning for amendments to correct or clarify various sections of the Zoning and Development By-law, CD-1 By-laws, and the Sign By-law, be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Sign By-law Text Amendment: Canopy Signs

An application by the Director of Current Planning was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed amendments would alter regulations with respect to canopy signs.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Senior Planner, was present to respond to questions.

Summary of Correspondence

Council was advised no correspondence was received on this application since the date it was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none came forward.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning for text amendments to the Sign By-law to alter regulations with respect to canopy signs, be approved.

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, and the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare and bring forward the necessary by-law amendments.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Special Council adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver