|
REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
JUNE 26, 2003 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, June 26, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
|
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
INFORMATION
1. Significant New Rezoning Application - 2001 Cassiar Street (Beulah Gardens) (File 5304)
The Committee had before it a description of a Significant New Rezoning Application for 2001 Cassiar Street (Beulah Gardens).
Lynda Challis, Rezoning Planner, provided an overview of the application submitted by Doug Purdy, L.P.A. Development. A report detailing the issues of this proposal will be brought to Council at a future meeting.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the Significant New Rezoning Application for 2001 Cassiar Street (Beulah Gardens) be received for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
RECOMMENDATION
2. Demolition of Dangerous/Nuisance Building at 900 Woodland Drive (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 9, 2003, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council declare the building and site at 900 Woodland Drive a nuisance and dangerous to public safety, that it be demolished and a chain-link fence provided around the site. It was also recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property to warn prospective purchasers of the Building By-law violation and Council's resolution. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendations.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, and Ed Neufeld, District Building Inspector, reviewed the report and responded to questions. Mr. Sweeney noted the property owner advised they have requested quotations to have the building demolished; however, to date nothing has been done.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council declare that the building and site at 900 Woodland Drive, Lots 1 & 2,Block 24, District Lot 264A,Plans 378 and 1771, PID 013-843-591 & 013-843-613 are a nuisance and dangerous to public safety pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.
B. THAT Council approve the Resolution attached to Administrative Report Demolition of Dangerous/Nuisance Building at 900 Woodland Drive, dated June 9, 2003, and order the Registered owner of the property to demolish the building and remove the resulting demolition debris and discarded materials from the site and provide a chain-link fence around the perimeter of the site, within 14 days of a copy of the resolution being served pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.
C. THAT in the event of the failure of the owner to comply with the order of Council, Council further orders and hereby authorizes the City Building Inspector to have the work noted in Recommendation B above, carried out at the expense of the owner.
D. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the Certificate of Title to the property at 900 Woodland Drive in order to warn prospective purchasers that there is an order of Council against the property.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
3. Amenity Bonus Proposal - 550 Bute Street 7(File 2604)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 25, 2003, in which the Director of Social Planning and Development Permit Board in consultation with the Directors of Real Estate Services and Facilities Design and Development sought Council approval for an amenity bonus facility proposed within a mixed-used development at 550 Bute Street and to approve a sublease of the facility to The Volunteer Vancouver Centre for the purpose of a volunteer resource centre. The General Manger of Community Services supported the recommendations.
Sue Harvey, Senior Social & Cultural Planner, reviewed the report and responded to questions.
The following spoke in favour of the recommendations:
Colleen Kelly, Executive Director, Volunteer Vancouver
Ian Pike, Chair of Board, Volunteer Vancouver
David Holtzman, Executive Director, Leadership Vancouver (brochure submitted - on file).
Speakers' comments included:
· Volunteer Vancouver (VV) has assisted numerous organizations and promotes volunteerism through many avenues, including an extensive on-line database;
· VV members include approximately 500 organizations and 100 individuals;
· VV has had a lengthy and positive relationship with the City;
· it is essential to recognize the contribution of volunteers;
· downtown real estate is expensive; therefore, this proposal will be very beneficial to many groups.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the applicant's request for a cultural amenity bonus at 550 Bute Street (DE407110), as outlined in Administrative Report Amenity Bonus Proposal - 550 Bute Street, dated April 25, 2003, be approved in principle, subject to the signing and registration in the Land Title Office of an Option to Lease (with form of lease attached) and a Section 219 Covenant providing for:
1) the design and construction by the Owner of 6,000 square feet of amenity space in the development to be constructed pursuant to DE407110 ; and
2) the registration of the lease of the amenity space to the City for nominal rent for the life of the Development, on the terms contained in the Administrative Report Amenity Bonus Proposal - 550 Bute Street, dated April 25, 2003.
The Option to Lease and Section 219 Covenant shall be registered prior to issuance of the development permit for the Development; and
B. THAT the Council approve a sublease of the amenity space to The Vancouver Volunteer Centre (Volunteer Vancouver) for nominal rent on the terms set out in Administrative Report Amenity Bonus Proposal - 550 Bute Street, dated April 25, 2003.
The agreements herein approved shall be on the terms discussed in Administrative Report Amenity Bonus Proposal - 550 Bute Street, dated April 25, 2003, and such other terms as deemed advisable by the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Directors of the Office of Cultural Affairs, Real Estate and Facilities Design & Development, it being understood that no legal rights or obligations shall arise except upon the signing and registration of the Option to Lease and Section 219 Covenant and issuance of development permit DE407110.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Green not present for the vote)
4. Environmental Grants (File 2001)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated May 27, 2003, in which the Special Office for the Environment, in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering, Community and Corporate Services, and Medical Health Officer sought approval of Environmental Grants to Evergreen and Environmental Youth Alliance for specific projects. Council was also asked to consider approving grants for specific projects to Windsor Way Committee and Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST).
Doug Roberts, Manager of Environmental Protection, and Rik Bernard, Senior Environmental Health Officer, reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to grant criteria.
The following spoke in favour of the projects being considered:
Richard Campbell, Director of Active Transportation, BEST
John Buckberrough, Chair, Kensington Cedar Cottage Planning Committee & Dickens Organizing Committee.
Speakers' comments included:
· encouraged Council to support both projects under consideration;
· Bike Month is critical to increase number of cyclists vs drivers;
· no other source of funding for the Bike month project;
· "Blooming Boulevards" promotes neighbourliness and beautifies the area;
· both projects being considered are worthwhile as they are "low cost - high impact"
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve a grant of $15,000 to Evergreen for their "Urban Oasis Vancouver" project; source of funds to be the Environmental Grants Fund in the Solid Waste Capital Reserve.
B. THAT Council approve a grant of $25,000 to Environmental Youth Alliance for their Phase II Inner City Community Nursery Program" project, source of funds to be the Environmental Grants Fund in the Solid Waste Capital Reserve.
C. That Council approve a grant of $5,000 to Windsor Way Committee for their "Windsor Way Blooming Boulevards" project; source of funds to be the Environmental Grants Fund in the Solid Waste Capital Reserve.
D. THAT Council approve a grant of $5,000 to Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) for their Bike Month promotion project, source of funds to be the Environmental Grants Fund in the Solid Waste Capital Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Approval of Additional 2003 Special Events (File 4201)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 6, 2003 in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council approval for a number of significant event applications that have been received since the Annual Special Events report was presented to Council on March 22, 2003. They also recommended Council not approve the Burrard Bridge Festival for August 31, 2003, but consider it for 2004, subject to conditions.
Muriel Honey, Manager, Film & Special Events Office, reviewed the report and responded to questions. She advised that "Italian Day on Commercial Drive" withdrew its application for 2003. Alternatively, Council approval in principle is sought for this event in 2004.
With reference to the Burrard Bridge Festival 2003, it was noted this application came in very late and there is insufficient time to prepare for a successful event. Staff answered questions relating to timing of closures on the bridge; how far in advance signage is installed to forewarn the public; and if alternatives were considered.
The following spoke in opposition to the recommendations relating to the Sun Run:
David McCann (petition submitted - on file)
Hilary Morris, Granville Island Business & Community Association.
Speakers' comments included:
· Granville Island incurs substantial revenue loss due to decreased access;
· Council urged to return to original route (Stanley Park);
· a route that will not affect any neighbourhood should be considered;
· Vancouver Sun's extra effort in the past to reduce impact on Granville Island did not work;
· public perception is that access to Granville Island is difficult and this does not help;
· early morning start would ensure runners are past Granville Island by 8:30-9:00 a.m. - (e.g. Vancouver Marathon).
The following spoke in favour of the recommendation relating to the Sun Run:
Jamie Pitblado, Director of Marketing, Vancouver Sun
Tim Gayde, Race Director.
Speakers' comments included:
· acknowledged impact on Granville Island;
· the Vancouver Sun has worked with various groups, including Fire and Police Departments, to evaluate the best and safest route;
· due to the newly-configured "s" curve, Stanley Park is no longer the best route;
· the Run has become an important facet of Vancouver's community;
· overall, the Run has a positive economic impact on the City;
· reviewed benefits of the Run on individuals, organizations and the Vancouver Sun;
· when the numbers of participants becomes too great, the event will be capped to ensure safety is not jeopardized;
· an earlier start would significantly impact the number of registrants; however, the organizers would be willing to work with City to investigate this possibility.
The following spoke in opposition to the recommendation to not approve the 2003 Burrard Bridge Festival:
Guy Wera, Coordinator, Love Co-op/Burrard Bridge Festival 2003 (brief submitted - on file)
Kika Joy, Love Co-op/Burrard Bridge Festival 2003.
Speakers' comments included:
· reviewed process of trying to establish this event since 1992;
· City approvals must be obtained before sponsors will commit;
· organizers have 'credit' available to pay event costs;
· this is not a bicycle event, but a festival of human energy to promote health, locomotion, art and culture;
· 2003 would be grassroots effort with expansion for 2004;
· event will provide an opportunity for the general public to contribute to and participate in something positive for the environment;
· event will provide employment opportunities.
In response to questions, Ms. Honey and Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, noted the following:
· costs would be significantly higher than the organizers' projections;
· no other bicycle groups are on board with the event;
· a concrete proposal was not submitted;
· Burrard Bridge would be disrupted significantly;
· to ensure the event's success through better organization and increased fundraising, the event should be proposed for 2004.
The following spoke in favour of the recommendation regarding Steamworks Concourse d'Elegance:
Leanore Sali, Executive Director, Gastown Business Improvement Society
Eli Gershkovitz, organizer/sponsor of Steamworks Concourse d'Elegance.
Speakers' comments included:
· the event would be economically beneficial to the City;
· the area has had successful events without incident;
· urged Council to approve the event.
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve the Davie Village Street Fair on Sunday, August 3rd, 2003 subject to FEST and the organizers working out acceptable arrangements.
B. THAT Council approve, in principle, `Italian Day on Commercial Drive' in August 2004 subject to FEST and the organizers working out acceptable arrangements.
C. THAT Council approve the Steamworks Concourse d'Elegance on Saturday and Sunday, August 30th & 31st, 2003; subject to FEST and the organizers working out acceptable arrangements.
D. THAT Council approve the Chinese Freemasons' 140th Year Celebration Parade on Sunday, August 31st, 2003; subject to FEST and the organizers working out acceptable arrangements.
E. THAT Council approve the Sun Run route changes, instituted in 2002, as the route for the Run for the foreseeable future.
F. THAT Council not approve the Burrard Bridge Festival on Sunday, August 31st, 2003.
G. THAT Council approve, in principle, a 2004 Burrard Bridge Festival, subject to the organizers showing capability for payment of City costs and demonstrating broad-based community support for the event; with the Festival included in the Annual Special Events Report to Council early next year.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Campbell not present for the vote)
6. 7755 Champlain Crescent - Private Liquor Store (File 2611)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 10,2003 in which the Director of Current Planning sought Council advice on a development application to change the use of a portion of an existing building at 7755 Champlain Crescent from Retail to Liquor Store (Beer only). The General Manager of Community Services provided options for consideration.
Bill Boons, Manager, Processing Centre - Development Services, reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to the private liquor store policy and the geographic location of those submitting letters opposing the application. Mr. Boons noted the level of response to the City's notification was unusually high.
The following spoke in favour of the application:
Bert Hick, Rising Tide Consultants (letter and petition submitted - on file)
Bill Dempsey, applicant/owner of Krazy Kangaroo
John Um, mall owner.
Speakers' comments included:
· reviewed changes to application;
· the Krazy Kangaroo is a community-oriented pub supporting many community events;
· applicant would not be seeking more seats in the pub.
The following spoke in opposition to the application:
Bradley MacDonald, area resident
Julie MacDonald, area resident
Gery Wentworth, area resident.
Speakers' comments included:
· Council was urged to oppose the application;
· concern of area residents is location, not the fact that it is a liquor store;
· the neighbourhood is family-oriented and special needs pre-school, school yard, retirement home, community centre are all in close proximity to the proposed location;
· the outlet would dramatically change the character of the neighbourhood;
· this additional use and the proposed hours of operation increase concerns relating to parking, traffic, speeding, vandalism, hours of operation and the negative impact on children who already gather at the mall;
· Vancouver School Board designates that a school starts at its site boundary, not at the start of the school building itself;
· application does not meet guidelines which state that this type of operation must be more than 50 feet from a school.
Mr. Boon advised the proposed changes to the application do not fundamentally change the application. Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, advised the Vancouver Police Department did not express any specific concerns with the application.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
That the Director of Planning be advised that Council would not favour approval of Development Application Number DE407224 for a Private Liquor Store (Beer only) at 7755 Champlain Crescent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Campbell not present for the vote)
The Committee adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
* * * * *
