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REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS

AUGUST 1, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, August 1, 2002, at 8:00 a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	*Councillor George Puil, Chair Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Vice Chair Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Fred Bass Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee *Councillor Don Lee Councillor Tim Louis Councillor Sandy McCormick Councillor Gordon Price *Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:	Tina Hildebrandt, Meeting Coordinator

* Denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting of July 11, 2002, were adopted.

RECOMMENDATION

1. 2002 Capital Budget: City-owned Childcare, Social Service and Cultural Facilities (File 1602)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 7, 2002, in which the Directors of Social Planning and the Office of Cultural Affairs, in consultation with the Director of Facility Design & Management, sought Council's approval for the allocation of $90,000 for capital improvements to a City-owned childcare facility as well as three cultural facilities. The General Managers of Community and Corporate Services recommended approval.

Karen Hasselfelt, Cultural Planner, Office of Cultural Affairs, and Carol Ann Young, Childcare Coordinator, Social Planning, were present to respond to questions.

In response to a question regarding the prospects of expanding the existing playground in David Lam Park or constructing a new one, Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, advised that staff will look in to the matter.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve capital funds in the amount of $70,000 to complete the Dorothy Lam Childcare Centre as outlined in the Administrative Report dated July 7, 2002, entitled "2002 Capital Budget: City-owned Childcare, Social Service and Cultural Facilities"; source of funds to be the 2002 City-owned Social Services and Cultural Facilities Capital Budget; and

B THAT Council approve capital funds of up to $20,000 to fund capital improvements and repairs to three City-owned cultural/exhibiting facilities as outlined in the Administrative Report dated July 7, 2002, entitled "2002 Capital Budget: City-owned Childcare, Social Service and Cultural Facilities"; source of funds to be the 2002 Capital budget.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

2. General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law (File 113)

At its meeting on July 30, 2002, Vancouver City Council referred this item to a Standing Committee meeting on August 1, 2002, to hear delegations.

Accordingly, the Committee had before it a Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, in which the Chief Building Official sought Council's approval in principle of proposed amendments to the Building By-law as summarized in Appendices A and B of the report. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.

The Committee also had before it a memo from John Robertson, Chief Building Official, Office of the City Building Inspector, dated July 30, 2002, containing a revision to the proposed amendments in Appendix B of the above report.

Mr. Robertson explained the rationale for the recommendations contained in the Policy Report and the memo. Mr. Robertson, together with Ron Ritchie, Fire Chief, Fire and Rescue Services, responded to questions regarding exterior balcony fires, impacts related to the installation of sprinklers on exterior residential balconies, and requirements in other jurisdictions.

Renate Bublick, Associate Executive Director, Urban Development Institute, spoke in general favour of staff's recommendations but expressed concern regarding the need for mandatory sprinklers on exterior residential balconies. She felt the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of this type of sprinkler system will be passed on to the homeowner or renter. Ms. Bublick urged Council not to add this requirement to the Vancouver Building By-law.

Mr. Robertson responded to a question regarding the square footage required for sprinkler heads.

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve in principle the proposed amendments to the Building By-law as summarized in Appendices A and B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law";

B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring forward the By-law amendments substantially as shown in Appendices A and B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law"; and

C. THAT Council also approve the following further amendments:

1. DELETE proposed amendment to Sentence 3.2.5.4.(1) as noted in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law".

2. DELETE Sentence 9.10.19.3.(2) as noted in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law", and REPLACE with the following:

2) Except for one and two family dwellings and where acceptable to the Chief Building Official in consultation with the Fire Chief, access for fire department vehicles shall be provided to each principle entrance of a building in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(2).

amended

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Kennedy

THAT Resolution C of the Motion be amended to include the following further amendment:

DELETE the section entitled "Automatic Sprinkler Protection for Residential Balconies" contained in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law".

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Louis, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

The amendment having carried, Mayor Owen's Motion was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY with Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote.

MOTION AS AMENDED
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve in principle the proposed amendments to the Building By-law as summarized in Appendix A and B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law";

B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring forward the By-law amendments substantially as shown in Appendix A and B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law"; and

C. THAT Council also approve the following further amendments:

1. DELETE proposed amendment to Sentence 3.2.5.4.(1) as noted in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law".

2. DELETE Sentence 9.10.19.3.(2) as noted in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law", and REPLACE with the following:

2) Except for one and two family dwellings and where acceptable to the Chief Building Official in consultation with the Fire Chief, access for fire department vehicles shall be provided to each principle entrance of a building in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(2).

3. DELETE the section entitled "Automatic Sprinkler Protection for Residential Balconies" contained in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 18, 2002, entitled "General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law".

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Use of Closed Circuit Television for Emergency Management (File 3601)

At its meeting on July 30, 2002, Vancouver City Council referred this item to a Standing Committee meeting on August 1, 2002, to hear delegations.

Accordingly, the Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 8, 2002, in which the Director of Risk and Emergency Management sought Council's approval for the expansion of use of portable closed circuit televisions for event/incident management. The General Manager of Corporate Services recommended approval.

Trish Doge, Director of Risk and Emergency Management, provided a brief overview of the report and responded to questions regarding the clearance process for use of these devices, estimated number of days a year these devices are deployed and other options for monitoring.

Dale Beyerstein, Director, B.C. Civic Liberties Association, was opposed to staff's recommendation and expressed concern regarding the impacts on privacy. He felt people could monitor in crowds as effectively as these surveillance cameras and pointed out that the stabbing incident at last year's Celebration of Lights would have been avoided had a Police Officer been at this location. Mr. Beyerstein also felt that the proposed surveillance cameras are being sneaked in under the guise of Risk Management but will actually be used for law enforcement.

Ms. Doge responded to questions regarding the existing closed circuit television camera currently in use.

MOVED by Councillor Kennedy
THAT the Committee Recommend to Council

THAT Council approve the expansion of the existing portable closed circuit television system for emergency management purposes in the City of Vancouver at a cost of approximately $100,000; source of funding to be achieved through asset disposal and reallocation of resources.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louise opposed)

4. Gastown Heritage Management Plan (File 8107)

At its meeting on July 30, 2002, Vancouver City Council referred this item to the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on August 1, 2002, to hear delegations.

Accordingly, the Committee had before it a Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, in which the Director of Current Planning, in consultation with the Director of Finance, sought Council's approval in principle for a five-year administrative and financial incentive program to help kick-start economic activity through the rehabilitation and enhancement of Gastown's heritage buildings and public realm. The General Manager of Community Services supported the foregoing, noting that this comprehensive approach including financial and other incentives is necessary to address the difficulties that Gastown has faced for several years.

Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning and Treasury Services, Nathan Edelson, and Marco D'Agostini, Planners, Downtown Neighbourhoods Group, were present to respond to questions.

Mr. D'Agostini introduced a memo from Ken Bayne, dated July 30, 2002, which provided details of an arithmetic error in the calculation of property tax impacts contained in the above report and the correction to this error (distributed - on file).

The following spoke in general favour of staff's recommendations and offered additional suggestions and comments:

Ian MacRae, Downtown Eastside Residents' Association
Jon Stovell, Gastown Business Improvement Society (Resolutions distributed - on file)

- - - - -

At this point in the proceedings the Committee recessed in order to attend a Civic Event. The Committee reconvened at 11:30 a.m. As Councillor Puil, Chair, was absent on Civic Business, Councillor Clarke, Vice Chair, assumed the Chair.

- - - - -

Tom Laviolette, Carnegie Community Action Project
Christoph Runne
Jonathan Howells
Bob Potegal
Margaret Prevost, Carnegie Community Centre
Muggs Siguirgeirson, Carnegie Community Centre
Jim Lehto, Koksilan Holdings (brief distributed - on file)
J.P. Shason, Gastown Printers Ltd.

- - - - -

At this point in the proceedings Councillor Puil returned and assumed the Chair.

- - - - -

Peter Plett
Terry Pejan
Niels Bendsten
Nancy Emery, Bruce Allen Talent
Robert Fung, Salient Developments

Following is a summary of speakers' comments:

· the report should include financial incentives for smaller businesses;
· the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) supports staff's recommendations but asks Council to provide more effective economic initiatives for property owners by approving the additional resolutions put forward by the GBIS and reverse the trend of urban decay;
· Council should recommend a strategy that deals with any negative consequences rezoning may have and direct staff to provide specific measures to retain low-income housing stock and artist space that could disappear;
· Council should direct staff to include an anti-conversion by-law in the recommendations which would protect Single Room Occupancy stock and prevent an increase in homelessness; in addition, extend this anti-conversion by-law to Hastings Street;
· the revitalization of Gastown can only take place through economically feasible new construction and building additions; Gastown is not Barkerville or Sinclair Centre;
· Gastown currently has unfavourably high vacancy rates, and the proposed 4.5 FSR which is an inadequate incentive should be increased to atleast 5.5 FSR;
· Council should expand this plan and offer incentives or programs for owners who have already spent money on upgrades and as a result are now paying higher taxes.

The following spoke in favour of staff's recommendations:

Sue Bennet
Robert Leshgold, Chair, Gastown Historic Area Planning
Anthony Norfolk, Gastown Historic Area Planning
Janet Leduc, Heritage Vancouver

Following is a summary of speakers' comments:

· Council is urged to approve staff's recommendations in order to spur economic development in Gastown;
· the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee approves of staff's recommendations which are sound and will provide the incentive stream needed for property owners;
· this plan has been long awaited in the heritage community and will provide the financial and development incentives needed to make Gastown a profitable area.

Staff, together with Jill Davidson, Senior Housing Planner, Housing Centre, responded to questions regarding the speakers' suggestions and concerns.

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT the policies and guidelines as described in the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan", be approved as the Gastown Heritage Management Plan, to be used as the basis for the management of heritage resources in Gastown including the adoption of:

i) a vision for heritage management in Gastown;
ii) design guidelines for HA-2 (Appendix A of the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan");
iii) amendments to the Transfer of Density Policy and Procedure (Appendix B of the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan"); and
iv) the BC Heritage Trust Conservation Standards and Rehabilitation Guidelines for sites seeking heritage incentives until the national Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada are finalized at which time the national standards be used.

B. THAT Council approve in principle a five-year incentive program for the redevelopment of heritage buildings in Gastown as a component of the Gastown Heritage Management Plan (and Chinatown for the facade program) as follows:

i) Capital Grant Program for Facade Restoration at a cost estimated at $2.5 million; source of funding of $1.5 million for the first three years to be added to the 2003 - 2005 Capital Plan as outlined in the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan", and $1.0 million to be included in the 2006 - 2008 Capital Plan;
ii) Property Tax Exemption Program with financial incentives estimated at $18 million to be provided through property tax exemptions (up to a maximum 10 years) for upgraded buildings, and;
iii) Bonus Density for Transfer Off-Site;

AND THAT the Director of Current Planning report back to Council with the following:

i) details of the incentive program including application procedures, eligible work, and evaluation criteria, and;
ii) staffing and budget required to implement and administer the new program.

AND FURTHER THAT the Director of Current Planning prepare an annual report to Council on the activities of the Gastown Heritage Management Plan including the effectiveness of incentives on revitalizing the area and, in conjunction with the Director of the Housing Centre, report on changes in the low-income housing stock and any mitigation measures.

C. THAT subject to the approval of Recommendation B of the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan", the Gastown Business Improvement Society be given a grant of $5,000 to prepare and deliver an information campaign, including a promotional brochure outlining the opportunities available through the proposed incentive program to be facilitated with all property owners, businesses and residents in Gastown; source of funds to be Contingency Reserve.

D. THAT the transfer of heritage designations for Gastown and Chinatown from the Province to the City be supported on the condition the City is not liable for any compensation;

AND THAT the Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services be advised that the City supports completion now of procedures required to effect the transfer.

E. THAT the Director of Current Planning report back to Council on refining the terms of reference for the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee (GHAPC) to formally integrate a peer advisory design review process.

F. THAT the Director of Current Planning initiate the nomination process for consideration of Gastown as a National Historic Site by submitting an application to the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board.

G. THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Canadian Heritage supporting continued efforts under the Historic Places Initiative and strongly encouraging the implementation of a national incentive program for heritage conservation as soon as possible.

AND THAT staff pursue the implementation of national incentives for heritage conservation through the Vancouver Agreement.

H. THAT the Director of Current Planning report back to Council on the implications of extending the property tax exemption program and other heritage incentives, as may be applicable, to Chinatown.

I. THAT the Director of Current Planning, in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering Services, report back to Council on developing an updated public realm plan for Gastown.

J. THAT the Chief Building Official be instructed to report back to Council on the review of requirements for upgrading existing buildings in the Vancouver Building By-law before December 31, 2002.

K. THAT the consultant reports "Gastown Heritage Management Plan" by Ray Spaxman, Robert Lemon, Don Luxton and "Revitalizing Gastown: A Discussion Paper About Priorities and Incentives" by Coriolis Consulting be received for information.

L. THAT Council confirm the existing rights and allowances as contained in the HA-2 Zoning District Schedule, and the discretionary principles which have prevailed in the past, will not change;

FURTHER THAT staff be instructed not to apply section 4.1 of the draft Gastown HA-2 Design Guidelines, in regard to height and massing parameters, for projects proceeding without tax or bonus density incentives under the existing HA-2 Zoning District Schedule;

AND FURTHER THAT each project proceeding under the existing zoning without tax or bonus density incentives be reviewed on its individual architectural, contextual and urban design considerations, as is the case now.

M. THAT the amount of residual density available for transfer from shorter buildings which in the staff recommendation is proposed to be calculated from a maximum 4.5 FSR be increased to a maximum 5.5 FSR in order to provide additional motivation for rehabilitation for building owners, when they are pursuing tax or bonus density incentives;

FURTHER THAT as part of the annual report to Council, staff monitor the amount of density available for transfer from Gastown and its effect on the density bank market.

N. THAT Council approve the following as contained in the Report of the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee (GHAPC) dated July 24, 2002:

· more specific wording is provided that will clarify the basis of discretionary approval of the rights currently available under the existing HA-2 zoning for the non-incentive stream; for example, that 75' height will be granted provided that the intent of the zoning is met;

· the final paragraph of Recommendation B of the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan", be modified so as to delete the words, "...in conjunction with" and substitute the words, "...and that";

· GHAPC would not oppose an increase in the residual density to a total above 4.5 to be applied in the incentive stream if it is necessary in order to achieve the plan's heritage conservation objectives; and

· GHAPC does not support the proposition in the report that under the incentive stream additions need to be invisible, only that they be set back adequately so as to differentiate themselves from the existing building so as to meet the intent of the schedule. This is consistent with heritage principals stated in the BC Heritage Trust.

O. THAT staff report back on the implications of the following as contained in the Report of the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee (GHAPC) dated July 24, 2002:

· there be modifications to the proposed design guidelines (Appendix A of the Policy Report dated July 19, 2002, entitled "Gastown Heritage Management Plan") specific to their use for the non-incentive HA-2 stream; for example, deletion of Section 4.1 - Height, and that the modified guidelines be reviewed and approved by GHAPC before being implemented; and

· GHAPC does not support any change that would reduce the scope of GHAPC's mandate, such as limiting it to the review of design issues, as heritage retention is effected by a broader rage of issues.

P. THAT staff provide a status report after one year of the implementation of the Gastown Heritage Management Plan, i.e., how it is working and whether any adjustments are needed.

carried

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Price

THAT Recommendation M be amended by changing "5.5 FSR" to "5 FSR".

LOST (Tie Vote)
(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, McCormick and Puil opposed)
(Councillor Don Lee absent for the vote)

The amendment having LOST, Councillor Clarke's motion was put and CARRIED with Councillors Bass and Louis opposed to Recommendation M and Councillor Don Lee absent for the vote.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

Q. THAT as part of the report back on an updated public realm plan for Gastown, the Director of Current Planning and the General Manager of Engineering Services consider opportunities for access to the waterfront consistent with the Central Waterfront Port Lands Policy Statement.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Don Lee absent for the vote)

- - - - -

The Committee recessed at 1:45 p.m. and reconvened at 1:55 p.m. with Councillors Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Louis, McCormick, Price, Puil and Sullivan present.

- - - - -

INFORMATION

5. Arrangements for the Pacific National Exhibition Through 2003 (File: 3112)

Due to time constraints, this item was referred to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting to be held later this day.

6. Growbusters Project (File: 2701)

Due to time constraints, this item was referred to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting to be held later this day.

7. Urban Design Review of Pacific Boulevard - Phase 1 - Beach Neighbourhood and Implementation of Bike Lanes on Pacific and Expo Boulevards (File: 5501/5553)

Due to time constraints, this item was referred to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting to be held later this day.

The Committee adjourned at 1:57 p.m.

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CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS

AUGUST 1, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2002, at 3:20 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets 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 George Puil Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:	Laura Kazakoff, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
August 1, 2002

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

Cl.1: 2002 Capital Budget: City-owned Childcare, Social Service and Cultural Facilities
Cl.2: General Amendments to the Vancouver Building By-law
Cl.3: Use of Closed Circuit Television for Emergency Management
Cl.4: Gastown Heritage Management Plan
Cl.5: Arrangements for the Pacific National Exhibition Through 2003
Cl.6: Growbusters Project
Cl.7: Urban Design Review of Pacific Boulevard - Phase 1 - Beach Neighbourhood and Implementation of Bike Lanes on Pacific and Expo Boulevards

Clauses 1 and 2

MOVED by Councillor Puil

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1 and 2 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Clause 3

MOVED by Councillor Puil

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

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)

Clause 4

MOVED by Councillor Puil

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed to Recommendation M)

Clauses 5 - 7

Due to time constraints, Clauses 5 - 7 were dealt with at the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting held later this day.

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 Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Price

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

NOTICE OF MOTION

1. Social sustainability of the Woodward's redevelopment (File Nos. 8104/2606)

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

WHEREAS Woodward's is a major factor in the redevelopment of the Downtown Eastside and of Downtown Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS social sustainability is a central strategy of the City of Vancouver's bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council recommend to the Provincial and Federal Governments that:

a. No development shall go forward that does not include a substantial amount of social housing targeted specifically to assist the present residents of the neighbouring community; and

b. No development shall be approved which does not include significant retail at grade, and that, to the fullest extent possible, these retail stores should employ and/or be owned by local low-income residents; and

c. Construction jobs associated with the Woodward's redevelopment involve local youth and unemployed persons in employment training programs; and

d. the City of Vancouver should take the leadership role in encouraging the Federal and Provincial Governments, especially through CMHC and BCHMC, to contribute to the provision of financing for the Woodward's project.

Notice

The Council adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

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