Report from Vancouver City Planning Commission

REPORT TO COUNCIL

VANCOUVER CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

April 9, 2002

RTS No: 2652
CC File No.: 3107-1
Council: April 30, 2002

INFORMATION

1. Vancouver City Planning Commission 2001 Annual Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes the activities of the Vancouver City Planning Commission in 2001, including:

· 17 specific issues addressed
· two reports to Council; one in the form of a letter and one by a verbal presentation
· two public events
· further research and participation in planning processes

INTRODUCTION

The VCPC is pleased to submit the following report to Council which outlines the work undertaken by the VCPC in 2001.

The VCPC had an active year researching and responding to issues, in all cases attempting to place them in the context of the City's long range interest. Although often called upon to respond to immediate and pressing issues the Commission is aware that it has the most value to Council and the City if it can bring attention to longer-range developments. To this end the VCPC has been researching and attempting to develop a position in areas where it perceives the possibility of long range problems or potential future benefits for the City.

This report describes:

· The substantive areas addressed by the Commission.
· The output that has been produced during the year.

The VCPC relies on the assistance of the Planning Department and other departments in the City and is grateful for this assistance. Because of this the VCPC periodically meets with senior staff, specifically senior Planning staff, to understand their concerns and the future activities of their departments.

COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF COMMISSION IN 2001

The VCPC is composed of 10 members appointed by Council, two appointed by the VCPC, two City Councillors, and individual representatives from the Park Board and the School Board.

In 2001 the Commission established four major subcommittees to deal with issues involving Public Realm, Regional Governance, Transportation, and Emerging Issues. Additional responsibilities involved members participating on the Urban Design Panel and the South East False Creek Stewardship Committee.

OUTPUT FOR 2001

The VCPC made the following reports to Council in 2001:

False Creek Flats - the Chair spoke to Council at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment about the concerns the Planning Commission has on some aspects of the planning process and design for this area.

False Creek Crossing - a letter in support of the Under the Burrard St. Bridge proposal was sent to Council.

The VCPC hosted two public events in 2001:

Greater Vancouver: Can We Make It Even Greater?

A public discussion with experts on the strengths and weaknesses of regional governance including the global perspective and the local vision was held on Tuesday May 29 at SFU Harbour Centre. This event was co-sponsored with the GVRD.

Speakers included Andy Sancton, Western University, Greg Halsey-Brandt, (past Mayor of Richmond) and MLA Richmond Centre; Glenn R. Miller, Director of Applied Research, Canadian Urban Institute; and George Puil, Councillor, City of Vancouver, and Chair of the GVRD and Translink. Ken Cameron wrapped up the discussion.

The goal of this event was to encourage debate around the most suitable form of regional governance for Vancouver. By examining the Toronto experience and attempting to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current "voluntary devolution" as practiced within the GVRD, the Commission encouraged a discussion on the effect of the current government structure.

Vancouver's Public Spaces: Are They People Places?

The Commission's second public event was held at SFU Harbour Centre on November 15. This program addressed the design and use of public streets, comparing examples of Vancouver streets with other Canadian and European cities. The speaker was Dr. Elizabeth Macdonald, Assistant Professor in Urban Design, UBC School of Community and Regional Planning

A video of the presentation is available for viewing.

The Commission was encouraged by the high turnout of both staff and Councillors, and thought-provoking questions and discussion ensued following the speaker's presentation.

The Commission established a presence on the City's web site:

The Executive Coordinator worked with the graphics department at the City to design a webpage for the Planning Commission. A list of Planning Commission members, a history of the Commission and current information on public events are posted on the site. The site is kept up-to-date with the help of city staff.

ISSUES EXAMINED IN 2001

In 2001 the Commission considered the following issues and received presentations for background information from the speakers noted.

Transportation

A major ongoing concern of the Commission is the essential need for improvements to the city's transportation systems. This includes all travel modes (private cars, goods truck traffic, rail, land-based public transit, ferries, bicycles and pedestrians). To this end the Commission had several presentations and discussions on transportation issues in 2001 including:

a) Sustainable Transportation Workshop

Commission members Simon Bancroft and Robert Buller gave a presentation outlining the history of fossil fuels, their environmental impacts, effects on the transportation industry and future projections along with possible solutions to resolving concerns.

The Commission received for information as part of their broader concerns about the need to minimize negative impacts of transportation while maintaining a workable efficient city.

b) Proposed Redesigns to Stanley Park Causeway S Curve and West Georgia Street

Dave Rudberg, General Manager Engineering Services, Forrest Klotzbach, Engineer, and Richard Johnson, Planner came back to the VCPC to provide an update of two proposed redesigns for the S Curve and discussed the pros and cons of each. Partly in response to earlier concerns of the VCPC, scale models were commissioned to illustrate the proposals, and used in the discussion. The Executive Coordinator attended a workshop with Council to review the proposed designs for Georgia Street and the entrance to Stanley Park.

While the Commission maintains some concerns about specifics of the design, theCommission's larger issue involves advocating for the more active cooperation of the Engineering department, the Planning department and the Parks Board in the design of major public works such as this. While this appears to have progressed somewhat, further to this larger concern, a specific discussion on better integrated cooperation in the public realm was held later in the year.

c) Major Commercial Transportation System

Commission member Robert Buller provided a summary of the presentation held at the Vancouver Board of Trade on the Proposed Creation of a Major Commercial Transportation System.

Highlights of the presentation included major economic losses due to current congestion, restrictions on regional growth and a worsening condition of commuter movements. It appears evident that transportation planning must be one of the major concerns of the City and could easily become a crisis if not adequately addressed.

d) Downtown Transportation Plan Update

Jeff Patterson, Planner, and Doug Louie, Engineer, gave a presentation on draft proposals for components of the Downtown Transportation Plan including pedestrian, cycling and transit routes as well as rapid transit options and road network changes following a series of open houses and workshops that were attended by members of the VCPC.

The plan as presented to the VCPC is very specific in some of the problems it addresses. The Commission is concerned however that some of the longer term transportation issues may not be addressed in this study. For example, the best integration of various different modes of transportation. These issues have been conveyed to staff working on the plan and it is anticipated that consideration will be given in the course of further work.

e) False Creek Pedestrian and Cycling Crossings Study

Karis Hiebert, Planning, and Dale Bracewell, Engineering, presented five schemes being considered for a crossing of False Creek for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Commission felt that this crossing, if properly designed, could enhance both commuting and the recreational potential of the False Creek seawall bicycle/pedestrian route. It was the Commission's opinion that an imaginatively designed low level crossing would best achieve this end and communicated this conclusion to staff and Council.

f) Building Lines

Brian Riera, Senior Planner and Scott Edwards, Engineer, made a presentation on building lines which included the history, and an overview of the program and how it relates to Vancouver's transportation plan.

Planning and Engineering wanted the Commission to be aware of their concern that current building lines might not be maintained. The Commission noted their concern with interest and with some specific exceptions is in favour of their retention to create the greatest flexibility for future traffic needs.

Public Realm

a) Park Planning in Vancouver

Susan Mundick, General Manager, and Peter Rutgers, Director of Planning and Operations, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (VBPR), gave a brief history of the VBPR and talked about the capital plan of the Park Board, the preparation of community centres for use in emergencies, and the ongoing purchasing, development and programming of park land.

The Commission noted with interest the dilemmas of growth and increasing, sometimes conflicting, demands on the City's parks. Since these are so central to the quality of life in Vancouver it is the intention of the Commission to continue the dialogue. The Commission also views the Parks Board mandate for managing public open spaces as an essential component of stewardship of the city's Public Realm, and encourages better integration of Public Realm investment and design decisions between the Parks Board and other City departments involved in this stewardship, particularly the Engineering and Planning Departments. (see item below)

b) Design Co-operation in the Public Realm

Following up on a discussion held in July 2000 with senior staff, Dave Rudberg, General Manager Engineering Services and Richard Johnson, Planner, discussed ways the two departments are collaborating on projects that cross departmental boundaries.

This discussion followed the question of cooperation in the design of the Stanley Park Entrance modifications and the previous year's VCPC'-hosted panel discussion between the Directors of Engineering, Planning and Parks Board. In the Commission's view, the city's public realm can only reach its fullest potential through such cooperation, and such cooperation needs to be strengthened further.

c) Street Amenities and Furniture Program

Rob Jenkins, Assistant Director of Current Planning, and Reno Viswasam, Engineering Department, provided an update on the Street Amenity Program including the Streetscape Design Standards for bus shelters, garbage receptacles, benches, etc.

Because street furniture is an important component of the public realm, and has a significant impact on the level of amenity for the public, the Commission has been very interested in this program, supports its implementation, and intends to follow its outcome. It also supports increased investment in the public realm from any proceeds which flow to the City from the Street Amenity and Furniture Program contract.

d) From Block Parties to Block Busters - A look at fun in Vancouver

As part of its ongoing concern for improving Vancouver's public realm the Commission hosted a panel discussion on civic festivals, public order and the commercialization of urban leisure. Panelists included: Robert Kerr, Executive Director and Producer of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival; Muriel Honey, Manager, Film and Special Events, City of Vancouver; and Jackie Crossland, Executive Director, Public Dreams Society.

This very informative discussion familiarized the Commission with the full calendar of public events that exist at present and with the great importance, and sometime difficulties, of programming these events imaginatively. It is the concern of the Commission that the City doesn't impede and, in fact, facilitates the broadest range of large and small scale, and even spontaneous, public events. It is the opinion of the Commission that our public realm must be designed to provide venues which will better accommodate these kinds of events, which contribute significantly to the quality of public life in our city and its attractiveness to both visitors and residents..

Regional Governance

a) The Challenges and Opportunities of Regional Governance for the City of Vancouver

Dr. Andrew Sancton, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Western Ontario and Glenn R. Miller, Director of Applied Research, Canadian Urban Institute presented an overview of local government amalgamation as well as the pros and cons for the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

This session followed a public lecture and debate at Simon Fraser University and gave the Commission and invited members of Council and senior staff the opportunity for discussion with the out-of-town speakers. It was interesting that the general discussion was very supportive of the existing GVRD model.

b) Metropolitan and Municipal Reforms in the Vancouver City Region - Can They Fly?

Dr. Paddy Smith, Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University, presented an overview on accountability issues in the Greater Vancouver Regional District and proposed changes to the Community Charter.

In contrast to the previous speakers, Dr. Smith felt that there was an accountability deficit which needed to be addressed, perhaps by returning to a regional election system. The issue of accountability is one that has arisen in every discussion on the topic of regional governance.

OTHER ISSUES

Financing Growth Review

Planners Ronda Howard and Randy Pecarski made a presentation on revenue projections and economic analysis of growth in the City over the next 20 years.

The VCPC shares the concerns of the City as we move from a period of rapid large project development to an era where it is anticipated that growth will be more even and small scale. The presentation satisfied the Commission that the potential problems were being anticipated. The VCPC expects that there will be further reports as the studies are developed and policies are determined.

Emerging Development Plans for False Creek Flats

Two presentations were received on this topic in 2001. Senior Planner Ian Smith gave a presentation on the development of the I-3 rezoned 300 acre site. Subsequently, in a second presentation by Director of Current Planning, Larry Beasley and Ian Smith, an overview on the evolving urban structure of False Creek Flats including existing, mid-range and long-range opportunities was given.

The VCPC's initial concern had to do with the late timing of information coming to the Commission to enable meaningful input. The Commission was also concerned with the apparent lack of a broader vision for this very important area of Vancouver. It is felt that issues of connectivity to the City at large, a broader mix of uses, layout of open space and configuration of roadways all need further development. It is hoped and expected that the Commission will be involved in a meaningful dialogue as work progresses.

The Economic Impact of Co-ops in Northern Italy

Bob Williams, Chair, VanCity Capital Corp., provided an overview on the history of economic development in a region of Northern Italy. He explained how collaborative and reciprocal agreements between government, industrial and social sectors resulted in development of community-based co-operatives to improve delivery of services.

The Commission is very interested in the potential that this form of economic activity has to increase the economic well-being of Vancouver. Considerable differences of history, culture and government systems mean that further study is necessary and comparisons may be difficult. The Commission intends to follow this topic further.

Zoning Capacity Review

Ann McAfee, Director, City Plans, with Ted Sebastian and Trish French, planners, presented an overview of the City's projected housing capacity and its commitments to the GVRD growth strategy.

The Commission was interested in how the commitments made to the Livable Region Strategy were going to be met and explored the issue at length. The presentation was followed up with questions to staff such as How are the population targets revised over time? and Who is considering the "big picture" questions - namely how much of the increasing population should Vancouver be absorbing?

Vancouver's Economic Competitiveness

Linda E. Thorstad, Executive Director of the Vancouver Economic Development Commission gave a presentation on the VEDC's structure and mandate.

The Commission is very interested in the work of its fellow Commission and was given a thorough presentation. Because physical development of the City is so closely tied to its economic growth, the Commission continues to foster dialogue with the VEDC.

ADDITION INCIDENTAL ACTIVITIES

· A tour of the new EComm facility and a briefing on the state of emergency preparedness of the City
· A reception to thank retiring VCPC members
· A tugboat ride in the Fraser River Annual Work Boat parade
· Establishment of a permanent VCPC office at City Hall in Central Area Planning
· Contact with the School of Community and Regional Planning UBC to establish whether it may be possible to have intern students do research for the Commission

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT SUMMARIES

a) Transportation

This subcommittee is interested in the movement of people, but just as importantly is interested in the movement of goods. As part of their mandate to look at all issues regarding transportation including public transportation, greenways, TransLink, the Port and the regional road network, in 2001 the transportation subcommittee hosted presentations on the Downtown Transportation Plan, the proposed pedestrian and cyclist crossings of False Creek and the redesign of the entrance to Stanley Park. Members of the subcommittee gave presentations on sustainable transportation and the major commercial transportation system. This subcommittee will continue to monitor several staff reports in 2002 including the False Creek Crossings study, the redesign of Pacific Boulevard and the transit strategy for Vancouver.

b) Public Realm

As part of their mandate to explore how Vancouverites use streets, parks, and other public spaces, this subcommittee hosted two events. The first was a panel discussion on how festivals, both large and small, use public spaces, what obstacles are they faced with and how does the city facilitate use of public spaces by members of the public and organizations The second was a public lecture on Vancouver's Public Spaces: Are They People Places? As it continues to explore the ways citizens and tourists use the public realm this subcommittee has planned two more public lectures for 2002 and 2003. One lecture will look at programming the public realm and the other will look at ways to finance a healthy, vibrant public realm as public funds become scarcer.

c) Governance

With several major municipalities in Canada going through amalgamation with neighbouring jurisdictions, the Commission was interested in exploring what this could mean for Vancouver. A public event to discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation featured Dr. Andrew Sancton, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Western Ontario and Glenn R. Miller, Director of Applied Research, Canadian Urban Institute. Dr. Patrick Smith spoke to the commission about proposed changes to the Community Charter and what this will mean for Vancouver as well as an overview of local government and the pros and cons of amalgamation for the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

d) Emerging Issues

The objective of this committee was to identify long-range issues which may become areas of interest and possible future agenda items for the VCPC. Their activities included meeting with the following urban thinkers - Warren Gill, Mike Harcourt, David Baxter, Tony Dorsey and Charles Dobson.

2.Vancouver City Planning Commission 2002 Workplan

VCPC 1993 Mandate approved by Council

VCPC 2002 Workplan Summary
to Fulfill Mandate

To submit annually to Council a suggested workplan and budget.

This is the workplan summary for 2002. It is anticipated that elements of this programme will carry over to 2003. The Commission's 2002 budget request will be forwarded to Council by the Finance Department in Summer or Fall 2002 based on a more detailed work plan.

To represent ideas and opinions about the future of the city, as citizens of the City of Vancouver.

The Commission believes it can be of most value to Council by focusing on broad issues that affect the City's long-term development and Vancouver's global competitiveness. The Commission is a forum for discussion and debate of ideas influencing the City's social, physical and economic development. The Commission will focus particular attention on Vancouver's role as the metropolitan centre of the region. When framing its work, the Commission hopes to attract a range of opinion.

The Commission held a workshop to review its operating structure in 2002. It will continue with two subcommittees - Civic Realm and Transportation, and create a new subcommittee - Sustainable Vancouver, to respond to several key themes that have been identified as being important to the City over the long term.

Sustainable Vancouver Noting that the GVRD is undertaking the Livable Region Strategic Plan review this year, and recognizing the City's obligations and interests to develop in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable way, the Commission will discuss, help articulate and advocate the City of Vancouver's priorities with respect to civic and regional sustainability goals. Within the framework of sustainable and healthy development, the Commission will evaluate: 1) housing, density and affordability; 2) economic development; and 3) open space and cultural facilities.
Civic Realm The Commission will continue to advocate for investing in Vancouver's public realm and fostering the City's critical role in improving public life and the cultural and economic well being of the city. The Commission will promote a new vision for Vancouver's civic realm that includes both downtown and the many neighbourhoods where most of us live, work, study, and play. In addition to the physical planning and design of the civic realm, we will consider the social, cultural and economic issues that define and influence a strong and healthy vision for Vancouver and the region.
Transportation The Commission continues to be interested in all modes of transportation within the city and how systems connect to the region.

A new Chair's Standing Committee has been created. Made up of the current and recent past VCPC Chairs, it will explore emerging long term issues which can be expected to affect the City. This standing committee will become an ongoing resource to future VCPC members.

To consider and report to Council on any proposal likely to have a significant effect on the future of the City.

Other site specific topics/proposals will be monitored such as:

The Livable Region Strategic Plan Review
False Creek Flats
The 2010 Winter Olympics Bid Legacy (including South East False Creek)
The East Portlands Planning Process
Fraser River Industrial Lands (eg Eburne site)

In discharging its mandate to Council, the Commission will also optimize communication with Council and staff several ways:

The executive will invite speakers to the Commission and this input will be incorporated into reports to Council. The schedule of speakers will be distributed as early as possible to Council and staff so that they may be able to attend meetings of interest to them.
The subcommittees will prepare reports to Council and these will also be posted on the City of Vancouver website.
The Commission will share its views and recommendations with Council on a regular basis, through reports, delegations to Council and Committee meetings, and regular communications with members of Council.

(signed) "Lance Berelowitz" (signed) "Reena Lazar"
Chair Vice-Chair

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

VCPC has put forward a comprehensive work program for 2002. The emphasis on sustainability - particularly on the economy - may be useful in Council's deliberations.

* * * * *

Comments or questions? You can send us email.

*VCPC 1993 Mandate approved by Council*		VCPC 2002 Workplan Summary to Fulfill Mandate
To submit annually to Council a suggested workplan and budget.		This is the workplan summary for 2002. It is anticipated that elements of this programme will carry over to 2003. The Commission's 2002 budget request will be forwarded to Council by the Finance Department in Summer or Fall 2002 based on a more detailed work plan.
To represent ideas and opinions about the future of the city, as citizens of the City of Vancouver.		The Commission believes it can be of most value to Council by focusing on broad issues that affect the City's long-term development and Vancouver's global competitiveness. The Commission is a forum for discussion and debate of ideas influencing the City's social, physical and economic development. The Commission will focus particular attention on Vancouver's role as the metropolitan centre of the region. When framing its work, the Commission hopes to attract a range of opinion. The Commission held a workshop to review its operating structure in 2002. It will continue with two subcommittees - Civic Realm and Transportation, and create a new subcommittee - Sustainable Vancouver, to respond to several key themes that have been identified as being important to the City over the long term. Sustainable Vancouver Noting that the GVRD is undertaking the Livable Region Strategic Plan review this year, and recognizing the City's obligations and interests to develop in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable way, the Commission will discuss, help articulate and advocate the City of Vancouver's priorities with respect to civic and regional sustainability goals. Within the framework of sustainable and healthy development, the Commission will evaluate: 1) housing, density and affordability; 2) economic development; and 3) open space and cultural facilities. Civic Realm The Commission will continue to advocate for investing in Vancouver's public realm and fostering the City's critical role in improving public life and the cultural and economic well being of the city. The Commission will promote a new vision for Vancouver's civic realm that includes both downtown and the many neighbourhoods where most of us live, work, study, and play. In addition to the physical planning and design of the civic realm, we will consider the social, cultural and economic issues that define and influence a strong and healthy vision for Vancouver and the region. Transportation The Commission continues to be interested in all modes of transportation within the city and how systems connect to the region. A new Chair's Standing Committee has been created. Made up of the current and recent past VCPC Chairs, it will explore emerging long term issues which can be expected to affect the City. This standing committee will become an ongoing resource to future VCPC members.
To consider and report to Council on any proposal likely to have a significant effect on the future of the City.		Other site specific topics/proposals will be monitored such as: The Livable Region Strategic Plan Review False Creek Flats The 2010 Winter Olympics Bid Legacy (including South East False Creek) The East Portlands Planning Process Fraser River Industrial Lands (eg Eburne site) In discharging its mandate to Council, the Commission will also optimize communication with Council and staff several ways: The executive will invite speakers to the Commission and this input will be incorporated into reports to Council. The schedule of speakers will be distributed as early as possible to Council and staff so that they may be able to attend meetings of interest to them. The subcommittees will prepare reports to Council and these will also be posted on the City of Vancouver website. The Commission will share its views and recommendations with Council on a regular basis, through reports, delegations to Council and Committee meetings, and regular communications with members of Council.