Agenda Index City of Vancouver

CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

July 25, 2002

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, July 25, 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 Zoning and Development Bylaw, False Creek North Official Development Plan, Sign By-law and Heritage By-law, and Heritage Revitalization Agreements.

* denotes presence for a portion of the meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. Text Amendment: 7250 Oak Street 1401-47/5306

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

Summary: The proposed text amendment would exclude a porte cochère from floor space calculations and correct a parking space reference.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Senior Planner, briefly introduced the application and offered to answer any questions.

Summary of Correspondence

No correspondence was received since this item was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for any speakers and none came forward.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Rezoning: 600 Granville Street 1401-47/5304

An application by Malcolm Elliott, Architectura, was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed rezoning would allow a mixed-use residential commercial development with rapid transit access and heritage building restoration. The Sign By-law will also be amended.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions set out in the agenda of the Public Hearing, which were adopted this day by resolution of Council.

Also before Council were the following three memoranda from the Senior Rezoning Planner:

* Amendments set out in Appendix A were adopted by resolution of Council

Staff Opening Comments

Dave Thomsett, Senior Rezoning Planner, reviewed the application with reference to residential use, heritage issues, and improved public access to the Granville SkyTrain Station, and referenced the foregoing memoranda re the Noise Control By-law and parking requirements. A rezoning application was needed for this project because residential use is not permitted in Area A of the Central Business District where the site is located. However, the Central Area Plan allows for consideration of this rezoning application because it proposes significant heritage retention initiatives.

Mr. Thomsett noted that area businesses are generally supportive, although the Hudson's Bay Company has concerns regarding increased congestion in the lanes. A copy of a July 25, 2002 letter from Hudson's Bay Company Real Estate Limited (on file in the City Clerk's Office), outlining its concerns, was referenced. Mr. Thomsett explained how staff will be working with The Bay to ameliorate its concerns.

Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, Paul Pinsker, Parking and Development Engineer, Gerry McGeough, Heritage Planner, and Mr. Thomsett responded to questions about noise abatement and ensuring prospective residents' awareness of noise potential, parking standards, and heritage preservation and restoration.

Applicant Comments

Malcolm Elliott, applicant, cited benefits which the application will bring to this negelcted portion of Granville Street: life and activity in the streets; handicapped access to the Granville SkyTrain Station; designation of four heritage buildings, protecting 86% of the block; and the addition of much-needed residential accommodation to this part of town.

Summary of Correspondence

No correspondence was received since this item was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The following three speakers supported the application because it will provide access to the Granville SkyTrain Station for people with all kinds of disabilities, including visitors:

Dave Chard, Hudson's Bay Company Real Estate Limited, expressed concerns about possible congestion in the lane blocking access to the loading bay and requested that this receive further study.

Mr. Beasley pointed out that condition C (xii) covers the Hudson's Bay Company's concerns and instructs staff to work with the company and the applicant to solve the problem.

The Mayor called for any further speakers and none came forward.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Price

prepared by Darrell J. Epp, Architect Ltd, and stamped "Received Planning Department" April 25, 2002, provided that the Director of Planning or the Development Permit Board, as the case may be, may allow minor alterations to this form of development when approving any future detailed scheme of development.

(c) That for Site A, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning or the Development Permit Board, as the case may be, who shall have particular regard to the following:

(d) That, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, the registered owners of Sites A and B shall, at no cost to the City:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Text Amendment: I-3 District Schedule 1401-47/5302

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

Summary: The proposed amendment would make Information Technology uses over a floor space ratio of 1.00 conditional. The amended I-3 District Guidelines False Creek Flats would also be adopted at time of enactment.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Opening Comments

Ian Smith, Senior Planner, briefly introduced the application and offered to answer any questions.

Summary of Correspondence

No correspondence was received since this item was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for any speakers and none came forward.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Bass

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

- - - - -

Mayor Owen declared Conflict of Interest on item 4 because he has commercial and residential property interests in the area, and left the Council Chamber at 8:15 p.m. The Mayor did not return to the meeting. Councillor Don Lee assumed the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

- - - - -

4. 651 Expo Boulevard and 630-696 Beatty Street 1401-47/5304

An application by Pacific Place Developments Corporation to rezone the sites at 651 Expo Boulevard from BCPED to CD-1 was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed rezoning and associated amendments to the False Creek North Official Development Plan (ODP) would allow for future development of four high-rise residential towers, a mid-rise non-market housing development, and a Costco store.

An application by the Director of Current Planning to rezone the site at 696 Beatty Street to allow a residential floor area of 6747 m², and to amend the False Creek North Official Development Plan, By-law No. 6650 to include this site and floor area within Sub-Area 7B of False Creek North, was also considered.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions set out in the agenda of the Public Hearing, which were adopted this day by resolution of Council.

Council also had before it the following memorandum from the Director of Current Planning:

Staff Opening Comments

Phil Mondor, Planner, reviewed the application with reference to the extensive public process, changes in land use and density, residential use, transfer of density, non-market housing conditions, and parking requirements. The proposed development of a Costco store

and provision of a pedestrian connection between the Stadium SkyTrain Station and BC Place Stadium were reviewed in some detail.

Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, noted significant differences between this urban Costco proposal and the suburban Wal-Mart proposal. The proposed Costco does more wholesale than retail business, would provide better access for both small businesses and residents in the area, and generate less traffic overall than is caused by area motorists going to existing Costco locations.

Applicant Opening Comments

Matt Meehan, Pacific Place Development Corporation, advised that the applicant is prepared to accept all conditions except the requirement to provide pedestrian access to BC Place Stadium at its cost. BC Place Stadium, not the applicant, is the owner of the land the connection is to be made to, and it should not be the applicant's responsibility to pay for the connection. It should be covered by the $1.8 Million payment-in-lieu.

Walter Kizinsky, Costco, stated that the company has wanted a downtown location for some years. Costco wishes to be respectful of the City and its visions, and this store will be radically different in its design and architecture from other Costcos. Mr. Kizinsky responded to questions about design details, transportation alternatives and delivery services, which will be worked out at the development permit stage.

Mr. Beasley commented that the ODP is very clear that there was a requirement for an eventual pedestrian connection across the site to the stadium, one of the least pedestrian-accessible areas in the downtown, and that it would be paid for by Concord Pacific (now Pacific Place Development Corporation). Payment-in-lieu is a separate requirement. Should the condition prove difficult to work out, it can be brought back to Council for further consideration.

Summary of Correspondence

Eight letters of support were received since the application was referred to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The following speakers opposed the application:

Following are some of the comments made in opposition to the application:

· big-box retail is not ecologically sustainable;
· big-box retail is not transit or pedestrian-friendly and traffic will increase;
· small retailers, e.g. in the West End and Chinatown, will be forced out of business, especially at this time while margins are tight and the vacancy rate rising;
· local resident-serving businesses such as groceries, meat markets and bakeries will be lost and their places taken by high-end retail;
· jobs created by Costco would be low-paying and part-time, not suitable replacement for jobs lost, and there will be little opportunity for employees to get to know customers;
· a Wal-Mart could be developed at International Village;
· the notification process did not include the West End.

The following speakers supported the application:

Following are some of the comments made in support of the application:

· the proposed Costco location will be more convenient for area residents and businesses alike;
· many Costco members will now drive less distance, use less fuel and generate less air pollution than when they had to go to Grandview or Richmond;
· the idea of a delivery service was supported;
· there is the opportunity for positive economic benefits to the Downtown Eastside through the creation of entry-level jobs and laddering opportunities for area residents;
· Council was asked to put a local employment condition on the development;
· retailers like to be where the traffic is - Costco will bring new traffic and business opportunities;
· business in the Downtown Eastside and Strathcona will be revitalized by the new shoppers and traffic brought to the area;
· Costco members also patronize their local merchants;
· the project will increase the City's tax base.

Graham Ramsay, BC Place Stadium, generally supported the application but expressed concerns about access around the stadium.

Mariel Roch, representing National Defence, advised that concerns regarding parking for the Beatty Street Drill Hall have now been resolved to the satisfaction of National Defence by the amended condition (c) (4) (xii) recommended by the Director of Current Planning.

In response to questions raised, Blake Hudema, retail consultant to the applicant, and Trevor Ward, transportation consultant, reviewed their findings with regard to Costco's wholesale/retail mix, numbers of customers and their points of origin, trip peak times, and fuel and time savings.

The Mayor called for any further speakers and none came forward.

Mr. Meehan responded to questions about the pedestrian connection and estimated costs for the work, and reiterated the applicant's objection to paying for a project on another owner's property. He also noted indications of support from groups such as the Downtown Eastside Residents' Association and the Chinatown and Strathcona Merchants' Associations.

Mr. Beasley, Mr. Mondor, and Paul Pinsker, Parking and Development Engineer, answered questions about notification, residential towers, low-cost rental, Costco's wholesale/retail mix, traffic loads, estimated travel time and fuel savings, and local employment strategy. Local employment is not a requirement in the ODP; however; staff can certainly work with the applicant, Costco and advocacy groups to encourage it.

Potential costs of the pedestrian connection to BC Place were also provided, with varying estimates. Mr. Beasley read out the section of the ODP relevant to the pedestrian connection, and explained its background and intent. Should Council desire further information, it should approve the condition but ask staff to report back on this issue. It is always within Council's power to relieve the applicant of a condition should it so desire.

Applicant Final Comments

Mr. Meehan commented that the applicant is prepared to discuss concerns regarding the pedestrian connector further with staff, and also to look into the question of local employment.

Staff Final Summation

Mr. Beasley and Mr. Mondor assured Council that all legal requirements regarding notification were met, and in addition, events such as public open houses were advertised in community newspapers. Costco has expressed interest in the question of local employment, and this issue will be discussed further. It was reiterated that should Council desire further information on the requirement for a pedestrian connection to BC Place stadium, it should approve the condition at this time and instruct staff to report back on the issue.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy

(b) THAT, prior to final approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Development Permit Board who shall have particular regard to the following:

AGREEMENTS

(c) THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law and False Creek North Official Development Plan amending by-law, at no cost to the City, the registered owner shall make arrangements for the following:

The facilities to be provided including the Services, and site remediation, may, in the discretion of the General Manager of Engineering Services and Director of Legal Services, be constructed in phases, in accordance with phasing plans satisfactory to the aforesaid officials, and the respective Agreements will provide for security and occupancy restrictions appropriate to such phasing.

The preceding agreements are to be registered in the appropriate Land Title Office, with priority over such other liens, charges and encumbrances effecting the subject site as is considered advisable by the Director of Legal Services, and otherwise to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services prior to enactment of the by-law; provided however the Director of Legal Services may, in her sole discretion and on terms she considers advisable, accept tendering of the preceding agreements for registration in the appropriate Land Title Office, to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services, prior to enactment of the by-law.

The preceding agreements shall provide security to the City includingindemnities, warranties, equitable charges, letters of credit and withholding of permits, as deemed necessary by and in a form satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.

The timing of all required payments shall be determined by the appropriate City official having responsibility for each particular agreement, who may consult other City officials and City Council.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Price

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Price
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 8547 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 by rezoning an area to CD-1 (7250 Oak Street) (By-law No. 8522)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Kennedy

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Kennedy

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

2. A By-law to authorize Council entering into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the Owner of Heritage Property (600 Granville Street and 648 Granville Street) (By-law No. 8523)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

3. A By-law to authorize Council entering into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the Owner of Heritage Property (600 Granville Street and 648 Granville Street) (By-law No. 8524)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

4. A By-law to authorize Council entering into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the Owner of Heritage Property (602 Dunsmuir Street & 615 Seymour Street Street) (By-law No. 8525)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

5. A By-law to authorize Council entering into a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the Owner of Heritage Property (600 Granville Street and 648 Granville Street) (By-law No. 8526)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

The Special Council adjourned at 10:05 p.m

* * * * *


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