CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 12, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2002, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	*Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Fred Bass Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Daniel Lee *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 -Civic Business)
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 Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Clarke

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 paragraphs:

(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agentof 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

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Special Council (Public Hearing) - February 19, 2002

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel lee

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - February 21, 2002

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - February 21, 2002

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Business License Hearing - February 21, 2002

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Regular Council - March 5, 2002

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. 2010 Olympic Winter Games Bid: Current Status

March 7, 2010 (File: 4209)

Judy Rogers, City Manager, gave a brief overview of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Bid. She then introduced the following members of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games Bid Corporation, who were present to provide a report reference on the current status of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Bid:

· Terry Wright, Vice-President
· Ken Baker, Executive Director of Environment and Sustainability
· Lizette Parsons, Manager of Communications
· Doug Kelsey, Team Leader - Transportation
· David Carmichael, Manager of Villages and Accommodation.

Mr. Wright provided an update on the progress and timeline of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation's development and reviewed the City involvement for the Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Bid.

Before Council was the following Motion which was submitted by Councillor Louis and recognized by the Chair at the Council meeting of February 5, 2002. Consideration of the Motion was referred to the Council meeting at which staff will be presenting a Report Reference to update Council on the 2010 Winter Olympic Bid.

· Independent Community Impact Study of 2010 Olympic Games

WHEREAS, hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics may result in many positive economic and social spin-offs for the citizens of Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, City Council encourages opportunities for civic participation,

AND WHEREAS, Article 40 of the Olympic Charter requires host cities take full financial responsibility for the Games;

AND WHEREAS, the hosting of Expo `86 by Vancouver and the Olympic Winter Games by Salt Lake City have resulted in mass evictions of residents from low-income housing;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of Vancouver urge theVancouver/Whistler 2010 Bid Corporation work with community members to conduct an arms-length, independent community impact study with recommendations to minimize the negative effects and to maximize the opportunities of hosting the 2010 Olympic Games.

Also before Council was correspondence, dated March 11, 2002, requesting to speak.
MOVED by Councillor Puil

THAT consideration of the Administrative Report dated March 7, 2002, entitled "2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Bid: Current Status" and the Motion entitled " Independent Community Impact Study of 2010 Olympic Games", be referred to a future Standing Committee meeting in order to hear from delegations.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Rezoning: 1402-1420 Kingsway and 4050 Knight Street (File: 1401-41)

At its Public Hearing on February 19, 2002, Council concluded hearing from the public, and referred its decision on the rezoning application for 1402-1420 Kingsway and 4050 Knight Street to a future meeting of Council.

Also before Council were the following:

· Memorandum, dated March 11, 2002, from Trish French, Senior Planner, providing further information on a restrictive covenant as an alternative to the recommended CD-1 rezoning in response to Council's request at the end of the Public Hearing;

· Memorandum, dated March 11, 2002, from Trish French, Senior Planner, providing information on alternative routes to a future rezoning, if the current rezoning is approved or a restrictive covenant is placed on title.

MOVED by Councillor Louis

THAT the application by the Director of City Plans to rezone the properties at 1402-1420 Kingsway and 4050 Knight Street from C-2 to CD-1 to permit most uses included in the C-2 District Schedule and establish the form of development as approved by DE 29811 and to amend the Sign By-law to assign Schedule B(C-2) to the site, be approved.

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Daniel Lee, McCormick, Price and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillors Don Lee, Puil and Sullivan excused from voting)

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the rezoning be approved but that staff be instructed to pursue a No Development Covenant, satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services and, if the Covenant is not registered by May 15, 2002, that staff bring the rezoning back to Council for enactment.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Don Lee, Puil and Sullivan excused from voting)

CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response capability

February 27, 2002 (File: 3602)

MOVED by Councillor Louis

THAT Council approve the purchase of specialized equipment for the Fire Departments two Hazardous Material Response Teams to provide a response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear incidents at a cost of $326,400 on the condition that the net City cost be reduced to a maximum $81,600 by provision of Federal and Provincial financial support. Funding for the City's portion to be provided from the 2002 Fire & Rescue Services Operating Budget and NNR's.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Don Lee absent for the vote)

2. Festival to Celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Orpheum

March 6, 2002 (File: 4252/4201)

MOVED by Councillor Puil

A. THAT Council approve in principle the organization of a festival at the Orpheum from October 31 to November 11, 2002, in celebration of its 75thanniversary with a budget of $500,000 to be funded from ticket sales, grants and sponsorships.

B. THAT Council approve a contribution to the celebration equal to the operating cost of the theatre, not to exceed $65,000, to be repaid from ticket sales with any shortfall to be funded from the 2002 Operating Budget without offset.

C. THAT the event is not to proceed until confirmation is received of approval of a grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Bill 6-2002 - Gaming Control Act

March 11, 2002 (File: 2633)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke

A. THAT Council inform the Minister Responsible for Gaming in B.C. that it has serious concerns with Bill 6-2002, the Gaming Control Act, and submit the Administrative Report, dated March 11, 2002 entitled "Bill 6-2002 - Gaming Control Act" to the Provincial Government and to the UBCM, as the City of Vancouver's response to the Gaming Control Act.

B. THAT Council ask the Minister Responsible for Gaming to request his government to postpone enactment of Bill 6-2002 until the Government has consulted in a meaningful way with municipalities as provided for under the Memorandum of Agreement with the UBCM.

C. THAT Council request the Provincial Government to amend Bill 6-2002 to provide statutory recognition for the existing revenue sharing arrangement with municipalities and to clearly provide for the right of municipalities to control the nature and extent of gaming within their boundaries.

D. THAT the Mayor request a meeting with the Solicitor General/Minister Responsible for Gaming to discuss the matter.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

CITY MANAGER'S POLICY REPORTS

1. CD-1 Rezoning of 1220 East Pender Street - Noise Warning Condition

February 21, 2002 (File: 5307)

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the rezoning condition for 1220 East Pender Street to register on title of all strata units a warning that the building is located in an industrial district where noisy businesses will be operating be deleted;

FURTHER THAT as an alternative to the condition, the draft CD-1 By-law be amended to add a similar noise warning to the Use section, generally as outlined in Appendix A of the Policy Report, dated February 21, 2002 entitled "CD-1 Rezoning of 1220 East Pender Street - Noise Warning Condition".

CARRIED BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)

2. CD-1 Text Amendment - 7250 Oak Street (Sunrise Assisted Living)

February 25, 2002 (File: 5306)

MOVED by Councillor Puil

THAT, once the CD-1 By-law for 7250 Oak Street has been enacted, the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend the By-law to decrease the minimum southerly building setback from 7.62 m (25 ft.) to 6.55 m (21.5 ft.), generally in accordance with Appendix A of the Policy Report, dated February 25, 2002 entitled "CD-1 Text Amendment - 7250 Oak Street (Sunrise Assisted Living)", and that the application be referred to a public hearing;

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines

February 26, 2002 (File: 5301)

MOVED by Councillor Puil

A. THAT the Director of City Plans be instructed to make application to amend the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules of the Zoning and Development Bylaw to make housekeeping amendments, generally in accordance with Appendix A of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines", and that the application be referred to a public hearing;

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

B. THAT the RT-7 and RT-8 guideline amendments be approved in principle, generally as outlined in Appendix B of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines".

C. THAT if A is approved, the application include amendments to permit an increase in maximum floor space to accommodate excavated crawl spaces, generally in accordance with Appendix C of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines".

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed to C)

Following unanimous consent of Council to reconsider the Policy Report, it was

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan

THAT the foregoing motion be rescinded.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

MOVED by Councillor Puil

A. THAT the Director of City Plans be instructed to make application to amend the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules of the Zoning and Development Bylaw to make housekeeping amendments, generally in accordance with Appendix A of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines", and that the application be referred to a public hearing;

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

B. THAT the RT-7 and RT-8 guideline amendments be approved in principle, generally as outlined in Appendix B of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines".

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Councillor Clarke

C. THAT if A is approved, the application include amendments to permit an increase in maximum floor space to accommodate excavated crawl spaces, generally in accordance with Appendix C of the Policy Report, dated February 26, 2002 entitled "Amendments to the RT-7 and RT-8 District Schedules and to the Kitsilano RT-7 and RT-8 Guidelines".

LOST (Tie Vote)
(Councillors Bass, Louis, Don Lee, Puil and Sullivan opposed)

4. City Initiated Rezoning - Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC) Site - 100 Thurlow Street

March 6, 2002 (File: 5308/6007)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke

A. THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to:

undertake analysis and public consultation as described in the Policy Report dated March 6, 2002 entitled "City Initiated Rezoning - Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC) Site - 100 Thurlow Street", to determine zoning requirements resulting in a Director of Planning initiated application to rezone and referral to Public Hearing to accommodate Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion at Burrard Landing including necessary amendments to:

(i) the Coal Harbour Official Development Plan By-law No. 6754; and
(ii) Comprehensive Development District (CD-1) By-law No.7679 (#363) to permit construction of the Canada Place viaduct (Burrard to Thurlow Streets) and fundamental zoning parameters, with conditions addressing form, urban design and related technical requirements to be met prior to Council approval of a form of development.

B. THAT staff proceed with addressing servicing, infrastructure and legal agreement work related to completion of Canada Place viaduct including reports back to Council as necessary.

C. THAT program staffing contained in Appendix A of the Policy Report dated March 6, 2002 entitled "City Initiated Rezoning - Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC) Site - 100 Thurlow Street" and associated direct City outlay of $198,000 presented in Appendix B of the Policy Report be approved to complete the above rezoning funding to be provided from the Contingency Reserve - these costs will be recovered upon full payment of required rezoning fees when the convention and exhibition centre expansion proceeds; and that site, streets and legal work be undertaken with funding of $150,000 from Marathon for that purpose.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

OTHER REPORTS

I. Report of Special Advisory Committee on Seniors (File 3057-2/1263)

February 1, 2002

Cl. 1: Funding Cuts to the Provincial Audio Book Program

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the Report of the Special Advisory Committee on Seniors on the Funding Cuts to the Provincial Audio Book Program be considered simultaneously with the staff report back regarding the full impact of Provincial cuts and implications on the City's budget process.

LOST
(Councillors Bass, Clarke, Don Lee, Louis, Price, Puil and Sullivan opposed)

MOVED by Councillor Puil

A. THAT Vancouver City Council write a letter to the Provincial Government expressing its concern and requesting that the proposed cutback to the Provincial Audio Book Program be reconsidered.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

B. THAT the Vancouver Public Library be asked to explore other avenues of providing the service.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)

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 Louis

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

The Mayor left the meeting and Deputy Mayor Puil assumed the Chair during discussion of By-law 1.

1. A By-law to amend Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 (601 West 10^th Avenue) (By-law No. 8437)

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
(Councillors Kennedy, Louis, McCormick, Puil and the Mayor excused from voting)

The Mayor returned to the Council Chamber and resumed the Chair.

2. A By-law amending the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-law No. 2807

(By-law No. 8438)

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

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 Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

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

MOTIONS

A. Administrative Motions

1. Approval of Form of Development: 601 West 10^th Avenue (File: 2609)

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Price

THAT the form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 601 West 10th Avenue be approved generally as illustrated in Development Application No. 406273 prepared by Henriquez·Partners, and stamped "Received, City of Vancouver Planning Department, February 7, 2002", provided that the Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character and livability of this site or adjacent properties.

CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed)

B. Motions on Notice

1. Provincial Downloading to Municipalities (File: 1263)

At the Council meeting of March 5, 2002, Councillor Louis submitted the following Notice of Motion which was recognized by the Chair:

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

WHEREAS, on February 7, 2002 the provincial government announced it was raising Medical Service Plan (MSP) premiums by 50 per cent effective May 1, 2002;

AND WHEREAS, according to a March 1, 2002 Vancouver Sun article, the provincial government's decision to increase MSP premiums will cost the City of Vancouver atleast $1.3 million;

AND WHEREAS, the BC Liberals campaigned in the last provincial election on providing local governments with the tools and resources to better plan and manage local services;

AND WHEREAS, the BC Liberals' downloading of provincial healthcare system costs will force the City of Vancouver to adopt some combination of either raising taxes or cutting services to offset these dramatic and unforeseen expenditures;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Council write to the Honourable Colin Hansen, Health Services Minister, objecting to the dramatic increase in the Medical Service Plan premiums, and urging the province to reverse this harmful decision.

Referred

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Puil

THAT the Motion be considered simultaneously with the staff report back regarding the full impact of Provincial cuts and implications on the City's budget process.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)

NOTICES OF MOTION

1. Road Races (File: 5762)

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

THAT WHEREAS irresponsible driving such as road races is taking a horrific toll on the young people of Vancouver; and

WHEREAS the Vancouver Police Department is responsible for enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Act; and

WHEREAS long-term solutions for issues involving youth include education as wellas enforcement; and

WHEREAS a youth-led process to address this issue can be implemented through Vancouver School Board Student Councils and Vancouver Park Board Community Centre Youth Councils;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City approach the Vancouver School Board, Vancouver Park Board, and I.C.B.C. to work cooperatively to develop a youth-led process to improve education and responsible driving for youth.

Notice

2. Increasing Public Input and Involvement in City Budgets (File: 1605)

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

WHEREAS, budget projections indicate that City Council will be faced with the choices of approving a significant tax increase to maintain current civic service levels, drawing down reserve funds, or finding ways of extensively cutting city services and programs;

AND WHEREAS, the city faces these difficult choices in developing the 2002 Operating Budget due to the BC government's

(a) cutting the provincial funding of programs and services essential to the City of Vancouver; and
(b) increasing provincial taxes and user fees paid to the province by the City of Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, the total projected impact of these and other budgetary pressures will result in a funding shortfall of up to $20 million in the 2002 Operating Budget;

AND WHEREAS, on December 11, 2001, City Council instructed the City Manager to implement a public consultation initiative related to the service level and taxation choices required to balance the 2002 Operating Budget.

AND WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has published City Choices 2002, an information flyer on the 2002 Operating Budget, and is undertaking an information poll to survey the public on some of the budgetary choices facing city council;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of Vancouver create additional public involvement opportunities during this budget-preparation process by:

(a) creating a speakers bureau comprised of senior staff and council members who will address community groups and interested individuals about budget issues; and
(b) holding several special city council sessions throughout the city to hear representations from the public on the budget prior to the April 30 deadline for approving the 2002 Operating Budget.

Notice

3. Reduce Lethal Auto Speeding by Reintroducing Photo Radar in Vancouver (Files: 3702/5762)

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

WHEREAS, in recent weeks, Vancouver residents have suffered a number of automobile crashes on city streets due to racing drivers, causing deaths, injuries and property damage;

AND WHEREAS, Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Detective Scott Driemel stated on March 8, 2002, that photo radar deters speeding drivers and reduces the incidence of speed-related crashes;

AND WHEREAS on June 28, 2001, the BC Attorney General ended photo radar enforcement in Vancouver and across the province;

AND WHEREAS, during the period photo radar was in use, the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) observed a four-fold reduction in the frequency of excessive speeding at photo radar sites;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council initiate steps that would permit the Vancouver Police Department to re-implement photo radar on the streets of Vancouver, to save lives, prevent injury and safeguard property.

Notice

4. Provincial Downloading to Municipalities: Sales Tax Increase (File: 1263)

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

WHEREAS, on February 19, 2002 the provincial government announced it was raising the provincial sales tax by 0.5 per cent effective February 20, 2002;

AND WHEREAS, according to city staff, the provincial government's decision to increase provincial sales tax will cost the City of Vancouver up to $600,000 in regards to the operating budget alone;

AND WHEREAS, the BC Liberals campaigned in the last provincial election on providing local governments with the tools and resources to better plan and manage local services;

AND WHEREAS, the BC Liberals' tax increase will force the city to adopt some combination of either raising taxes or cutting services to offset dramatic and unforeseen expenditures;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Council write to the Honourable George Abbott, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, asking that the City of Vancouver be given an exemption from paying the additional 0.5 per cent sales tax.

Notice

5. Vancouver City Council Support for National Harm Reduction Pilot Project

(File: 4113)

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

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2001, City Council:

(a) adopted the revised Framework for Action: A Four Pillar Approach to Drug Problems in Vancouver as the basis for the City's continuing effort to work with the provincial and federal governments and the community to address the issue of substance misuse in Vancouver.

(b) asked that an implementation plan be drafted with defined goals aimed at specific outcomes, including reduced drug-induced deaths, reduced drug-induced morbidity and reduced drug-related crime (that includes: lowering drug-related deaths, reducing the occurrence of HIV in IV-drug-users, and lowering the frequency of drug-related robberies);

AND WHEREAS, according to the revised Framework for Action, the number of illicit drug deaths in Vancouver averaged 147 per year from 1994 to 2000;

AND WHEREAS, the third goal of the revised Framework for Action states that the City should work towards addressing the drug-related health crisis in Vancouver by reducing harm to communities and individuals;

AND WHEREAS, the revised Framework for Action notes that harm reduction is a pragmatic approach that focuses on decreasing the negative consequences of drug use for communities and individuals. Moreover, it recognizes that abstinence-based approaches are limited in dealing with a street-entrenched open drug scene;

AND WHEREAS, according to a December 2000 McIntyre and Mustel poll commissioned by the City of Vancouver, over 70 per cent of Vancouver residents surveyed supported establishing a task force to consider the feasibility of a scientific medical project to develop safe drug consumption facilities in Vancouver and in other appropriate areas in the country in order to reduce health risks and minimize open drug scenes, such as we have in the Downtown Eastside;

AND WHEREAS, according to the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities, drug abuse is a major problem in many Canadian municipalities, and in some communities, more than 70 per cent of all local crime can be traced to substance misuse;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, City Council support Mayor Philip Owen and other Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayor Caucus members' efforts to initiate a multi-city pilot program in partnership with Health Canada to carry out scientific trials of supervised safe drug consumption facilities.

Notice

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Panhandling By-law (File: 113)

Councillor McCormick noted a recent Supreme Court decision upholding the City's Panhandling Bylaw. The Councillor requested information on the City's response in enforcement of the by-law.

The City Manager agreed to provide a report back.

2. Wett Bar Nightclub (File: 2611)

Councillor Puil requested a report back on problems associated with the Wett Bar nightclub, particularly danger and noise concerns.

The City Manager agreed.

3. BIA Enforcement of Security (File: 8300)

Councillor Sullivan requested the City Manager to comment on a letter which he has received expressing concern about the enforcement of security by agents of a BIA.

The City Manager agreed.

The Council recessed at 6:00 p.m., and
reconvened "In Camera" in the Mayor's Office.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver