Agenda Index City of Vancouver

2

REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

MARCH 28, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, March 28, 2002, 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 Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee, Vice-Chair
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor George Puil, Sick Leave

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Laura Kazakoff, Meeting Coordinator

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meetings of February 21, March 7 and March 14, 2002, were adopted.

RECOMMENDATION

1. 695 Smithe Street - Non-Alcohol Cabaret (Dance Hall)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 11, 2002, in which the Chief License Inspector reviewed an application by Afterhours Entertainment Inc. for a non-alcohol cabaret (dance hall) at 695 Smithe Street and submitted for Council consideration the choice of either supporting the application, subject to several conditions, or not supporting the application. The General Manager of Community Services submitted the choice of either supporting or not supporting the application.

Guy Gusdal, Licensing Coordinator, reviewed the report and responded to questions concerning Police access to the establishment, fire safety regulations and hours of operation. In response to a question concerning underage access, Mr. Gusdal noted that current regulations prohibit minors from non-licensed cabarets except for special events for which specific permits are required.

Sam Campbell, area resident, spoke in opposition to the application. He noted that current occupants of an adjacent residential hotel would be negatively impacted, as would the future occupants of nearby residential units being developed. Mr. Campbell suggested this matter be deferred until after new Provincial liquor regulations are in place, in order to better assess how those regulations would affect the operation of a non-alcohol establishment such as this one.

Jasper Morgan, Afterhours Entertainment Inc., requested Council support this application for a non-alcohol cabaret. Mr. Morgan reviewed the aspects of the building which make it appropriate for the proposed use, and noted the applicants intend to do whatever is necessary to comply with all requirements such as soundproofing, non-smoking regulations, and accessibility issues.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Burrard 5th Cinemas - Removal of Parking Covenant and Signal at Burrard and 5th Avenue (File 5651/5702)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February 14, 2002, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the Director of Current Planning, recommended the parking covenant in place for the building at 2124-2130 Burrard Street be modified in order to allow the property owner to charge reasonable parking fees after 6:00 p.m., subject to the owner contributing 50% of the cost of a pedestrian signal at Burrard and 5th Avenue.

Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, provided an overview of the report and, along with Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer - Transportation, responded to questions concerning the original rezoning conditions, the estimated revenues the owner will realize from the proposed pay parking, the timeframe for the installation of the pedestrian signal, and whether the signal will be synchronized with existing signals.

Brian Bell, property owner, spoke in support of the recommendation to allow him to charge parking fees. He noted that security has recently become a concern in the parking lot, and as a result he has had to provide full-time security. Parking fees were charged for a period last year, with the agreement of the previous cinema operator, and the revenues were sufficient to cover his security costs. Mr. Bell noted he agreed to contribute to the cost of the pedestrian signal, however, there is no obligation for him to do so, as that part of the agreement expired in June of last year.

Keith Mitchell, Davis & Co., representing the cinema operators, Alliance Atlantis, spoke in opposition to the recommendation to allow parking charges in the evening. He expressed support for the pedestrian signal, but not at the expense of the free parking. Mr. Mitchell noted that nothing substantial has changed with regard to residential parking since the original agreement was made between the property owner and the City. He also pointed out that the owner had implemented parking fees for a period last year, which was against the original agreement he had with the City.

Mr. Macdonald and Tom Timm, Deputy City Engineer, responded to questions regarding points raised by the foregoing speakers, and the recommended location of the pedestrian signal.

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

B. THAT Council approve the installation of a pedestrian signal at Burrard and 5th Avenue, in advance of the annual signal program, with the City's share funded in advance of the 2002 Capital Budget.

amended

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass

THAT the foregoing motion be amended by removing each instance of the words "at Burrard and 5th Avenue".

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Price

THAT Recommendation A of the foregoing motion be amended to add the following after the words "Burrard and 5th Avenue;":

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOTION AS AMENDED
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

B. THAT Council approve the installation of a pedestrian signal at Burrard and 5th Avenue, in advance of the annual signal program, with the City's share funded in advance of the 2002 Capital Budget.

CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed to Recommendation A)

MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT staff be directed to consider both Burrard at 6th Avenue and Burrard at 5th Avenue as the location for the pedestrian signal.

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)

3. 8982 Hudson Street - Development Application DE406323 (File 2606)

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated March 12, 2002, in which the Director of Current Planning sought Council's advice on a development application requesting permission to construct a building at 8982 Hudson Street which would have a height of 16.8 metres, which exceeds the outright allowable height of 12.2 metres. The report also considers the requested height relaxation in light of the proposed demolition of the heritage building on site. The Council was asked to consider whether it would favour approval of the building as submitted under DE406323, subject to design refinements (Consideration A), or alternatively, whether it would favour the retention of the heritage building on site as part of the development plan (Consideration B). The General Manager of Community Services submitted the choice of A or B for Council's consideration.

Ralph Segal, Senior Development Planner, with the aid of a model and display boards, provided an overview of the site and reviewed the application for the development of this site. Jeannette Hlavach, Heritage Planner, provided information on the heritage issues in relation to the "B" listed heritage building currently on the site.

Nigel Baldwin, Architect, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of Consideration A, and provided a rationale for the requested height relaxation. He noted that the proposed five storey building could achieve the same density as a four storey building, while retaining a 20 foot setback and a large stand of trees. The taller building, as it would be concrete, would also be more sustainable and provide better sound proofing and allow for more livable orientation of the suites. In regard to the heritage building on site, the applicant has undertaken intensive study and has concluded that retention is not feasible.

The following spoke in support of retaining the heritage building on site (Consideration B):

Comments provided by the foregoing speakers are noted below:

· this is the last historical site in the area; everything else has been taken down and replaced with 3-4 storey boxes;
· the heritage building provides a little oasis amongst the cement jungle;
· the developer should be required to give something back in return for what he is asking for;
· there is a general feeling in the community that the City is not protective enough of "B" listed heritage sites;
· the subject building is a significant heritage resource and all avenues, such as incentives, should be pursued for its retention;
· zoning relaxations should be tied to the retention of the heritage resource.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the Director of Planning be advised that Council would favour approval of a 5-storey residential building up to 16.8 m [55 ft.] in height at 8982 Hudson Street, as submitted under DE406323, subject to refinements to the development application to address the issues as detailed in the Policy Report dated March 12, 2002, entitled "8982 Hudson Street - Development Application DE406323".

CARRIED
(Councillor Kennedy opposed)

4. 5733 Vine Street - Development Application DE406329 (File 2609)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 12, 2002, in which the Director of Current Planning sought Council's advice as to whether it would favour approval of a development application requesting permission to construct a four-storey building containing retail and residential uses, where the proposed building exceeds the maximum height permitted under the C-2 District Schedule. The General Manager of Community Services submitted this matter for Council's consideration.

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the Director of Planning be advised that Council would favour the approval for the construction of a four-storey retail/residential building at 5733 Vine Street, as submitted under DE406329, subject to revisions to the development application that address issues as discussed in the Administrative Report dated March 12, 2002, entitled "5733 Vine Street - Development Application DE406329".

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. 690 Burrard Street - Christ Church Cathedral

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 12, 2002, in which the Director of Current Planning recommended that Council endorse, in principle, the use of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement to assist in the proposed interior designation and restoration of the "A" listed Christ Church Cathedral. It was recommended the Director of Current Planning provide a future report back on the Agreement and Designation By-law. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval of the foregoing.

Yardley McNeill, Heritage Planner, provided an overview of the report, noting the interior of the building is not heritage protected, but is recognized as having significant heritage value. She noted a meeting has been set up with Heritage Vancouver, staff, the Vancouver Heritage Commission and the applicant to discuss issues in relation to the Heritage Revitalization Agreement, prior to the report back to Council.

The following speakers expressed concern with regard to the proposed changes to the interior of the church:

Comments provided by the foregoing speakers included the following:

· street noises do not detract from the mood of the interior; soundproofing measures are not necessary;
· suggestion that money be spent instead on building a satellite Christ Church, and hold the secular activities there;
· concern expressed over several specific aspects of the proposed renovations, such as the removal of the balcony, lowering of the chancel floor, moving of the vespry door, moving of the organ;
· the need for double glazing the stained glass panels was questioned;
· upper dormer windows should not be sealed; need to keep them operable to provide access to fresh air;
· lanterns are working fine and do not need to be refitted;
· Heritage Vancouver is supportive in principle of a density bonus in exchange for proper restoration and is generally satisfied with the proposed restoration work; however, concerns were expressed with the proposed design of major new interior features which will compromise the historic character of the church. Bonusing and incentives must be conditional on the requirement for a design review of new interventions.

The following spoke in support of the recommendations:

Comments provided by the foregoing speakers included the following:

· the proposal is to rehabilitate the interior, while paying keen attention to its heritage;
· the majority of the church's members are supportive of the program, as is the Vancouver Heritage Commission (VHC);

· the bonusing provisions of the agreement will cover the incremental costs of doing this work in a sensitive manner.

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council endorse, in principle, the use of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement to assist in the restoration and designation of the interior of the "A" listed Municipally Designated Christ Church Cathedral at 690 Burrard Street, with the following terms:

B. THAT the Director of Current Planning, in consultation with the Director of Legal Services, be instructed to report back with a Heritage Revitalization Agreement and Designation Bylaw for the interior of Christ Church Cathedral.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

- - - - -

CITY OF VANCOUVER

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

MARCH 28, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, March 28, 2002, at 5:15 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 Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor George Puil, Sick Leave

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Laura Kazakoff, Meeting Coordinator

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

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
March 28, 2002

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

Clauses 1, 4 and 5

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1, 4 and 5 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Clause 2

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed to Recommendation A)

MOVED by Councillor Bass

THAT staff be directed to consider both Burrard at 6th Avenue and Burrard at 5th Avenue as the location for the pedestrian signal.

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)

Clause 3

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Kennedy opposed)

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

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 McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council recessed at 5:20 p.m. and reconvened "in camera"

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