REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
JULY 24 AND 29, 2003
Vancouver City Council |
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REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
JULY 24 AND 29, 2003 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., and was reconvened on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT:
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Jim Green, Vice-Chair
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
*Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Anne Roberts
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
*Councillor Ellen WoodsworthCITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
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6. Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack (File 2633-0/8009)
MOVED BY Mayor Campbell
THAT the Committee recommend to CouncilTHAT the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment reconvene on Tuesday July 29, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chamber to hear the balance of speakers regarding the Administrative Report Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack dated July 8, 2003.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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At 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2003, Councillor Woodsworth left the meeting and did not return. Note: Mayor Campbell indicated that Councillor Woodsworth was in Conflict of Interest relating to matters arising out of the report Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack, dated July 8, 2003 (Item 6).
At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2003, Councillor Woodsworth declared Conflict of Interest because of the possibility of an indirect pecuniary interest, or the perception of such an interest, as a result of work she is doing for an organization that could be affected by the decision made by Council on matters arising out of the report Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack, dated July 8, 2003. Councillor Woodsworth left the meeting and did not return.-----
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting of June, 26, 2003, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 469, 477, 483 and 491 East 10th Avenue
(File 2701)The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 26, 2003, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct the City Clerk file 336D Notices against the titles to the properties at 469, 477, 483 and 491 East 10th Avenue to warn prospective purchasers of contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to these buildings. Council approval was also sought to authorize the Director of Legal Services to commence legal action if deemed appropriate. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendations.
Peter Sweeney, Manager, Building Inspection, reviewed the report and responded to questions.
John Wayne Helfrich, Owner, disagreed with the staff report stating that permits were obtained for additions, that staff inappropriately entered the buildings to conduct inspections and that he had not received direction from staff regarding procedures. He noted it would be difficult to obtain financing to complete renovations on the properties with 336D Notices on the titles to the properties and that he had no intention of selling.
Mr. Sweeney advised that inspections were conducted appropriately and that standard procedures had been followed.
MOVED by Mayor Campbell
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file 336D Notices against the titles to the properties at 469, 477, 483 and 491 East 10th Avenue (Lots 13, 12, 11 and 10, Block 124, District Lot 264A, Plans 1355 and 1771) in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to these buildings.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services is hereby authorized, in her discretion, to commence a legal action or proceeding in relation to the premises located at 469, 477, 483 and 491 East 10th Avenue and may, in her discretion, seek injunctive relief in that action or proceeding, in order to bring the buildings into compliance with City By-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 4714 Knight Street (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 11, 2003, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct the City Clerk file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 4714 Knight Street to warn prospective purchasers of contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendation.
Carlene Robbins, Manager, By-law Administration, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 4714 Knight Street, Lot 2 AMD Block 8 District Lot 705 Plan 3665 PID 012-399-167 in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis not present for the vote)3. Yaletown Parking and Park Proposal at 901 Mainland Street (File 5651/4151)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 13, 2003, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, General Manager of Parks and Recreation, and Director of Current Planning, in consultation with the Director of Financial Planning and Treasury sought Council approval of the parking and park proposal at 901 Mainland Street in Yaletown and authorization of funding for the project.
Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, and Piet Rutgers, Director of Planning & Operations, Parks & Recreation, reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to air space parcels of land and ownership.
Jane Durante, landscape architect for the development, reviewed the park design and advised that the design incorporated the wishes of the Yaletown BIA and other community groups and was a simple programmable design, useable by the community and very relevant to the area.
The following spoke in favour of the recommendations:
Svetlana Fouks, President, Yaletown Business Improvement Association
Dave Currel, Opus Hotel
Carol Susani & Richard Krajchir, Pacific Orient TradersSpeakers' comments included:
· parking in Yaletown is a never-ending problem that negatively affects business;
· full Yaletown BIA membership supports the proposal;
· the project will beautify the area and be financially beneficial;
· the project will attract international tourism;
· Council should seize this opportunity to provide necessary and additional parking which will also preserve the heritage district.Piet Rutgers noted the current parking policy is being refined and Council will be advised.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to CouncilA. THAT Council endorse the proposal for Yaletown public parking as part of a development proposal for 901 Mainland Street, and that a legal arrangement for ownership be negotiated to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services, City Manager, and General Manager of Engineering Services, for the provision of approximately 150 parking spaces at a cost not to exceed $4,200,000. Funds for this would be provided from the Parking Site Reserve. The terms and conditions of the agreement are to be drawn to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the Director of Legal Services be authorized to execute the agreement and any plans, it being noted that no legal right or obligation will arise or be created until the execution of the agreement;
B. THAT Council accept the conveyance of an Air Space Parcel for a public park of 18,000 sq.ft. as part of a development proposal for 901 Mainland Street, subject to legal arrangements for ownership to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the General Manager of Parks and Recreation. The terms and conditions of the agreement are to be drawn to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the Director of Legal Services be authorized to execute the agreement and any plans, it being noted that no legal right or obligation will arise or be created until the execution of the agreement ;
C. THAT Council authorize the expenditure of $460,000 from the Downtown South Development Cost Levy Reserve for park construction, with the design of the park to be consistent with the proposal described in the report and illustrated in Appendix A of the Administrative Report Yaletown Parking and Park Proposal at 901 Mainland Street, dated June 13, 2003;
D. THAT the Parking Sites Reserve interest in the Downtown South park site (Davie and Richards) be transferred to the Capital Fund at a cost of $2.6 million; source of funds to be the Downtown South DCLs for park purposes with interim financing as necessary from the Emerging Neighbourhoods Fund.CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis not present for the vote)4. Planning the False Creek Flats (File 8203)
This item was withdrawn and will be rescheduled in the Fall of 2003.
5. False Creek Flats - Rail Transportation Study (File 8203/5558)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 9, 2003 in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council approval and funding to participate in a regional rail transportation study, including analysis of the False Creek Flats.
Graham Lamson spoke in support of the recommendation and the continuation of a passenger rail system in False Creek Flats, specifically VIA Rail (map submitted - on file).
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to CouncilTHAT Council approve the City's participation in the proposed regional passenger and freight rail transportation study, including analysis of the False Creek Flats, as described in the Administrative Report False Creek Flats - Rail Transportation Study dated July 9, 2003, at a cost of $50,000; source of funding to be 2003 Contingency Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis not present for the vote)6. Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack (File 2633-0/8009)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated July 8, 2003, in which the City Manager, in consultation with the Director of Social Planning provided options to Council for consideration on whether or not to take further action regarding slots machines at Hastings Park Racetrack and in Vancouver.
Jeff Brooks, Director of Social Planning and Mario Lee, Social Planner, with the aid of a powerpoint presentation (copy on file), reviewed the report. It was noted that various submissions received have been incorporated in the report .
Staff responded to questions relating to the following:
· potential increases to municipal revenues;
· revenue allocations if the proposal is approved;
· number of machines being proposed;
· potential negative impact on charities/bingo operators;
· impact on employment;
· social costs and impact of gambling on various segments of the population.The following spoke in favour of taking no further action:
Louise Seto
Isabel Minty, Citizens Against Gambling Expansion (CAGE)
Bill Chiu, Multicultural Coalition Against Gambling Expansion
Fraser Rawlinson, Principal Partner, Opti-Max Systems Research (powerpoint presentation submitted - on file)
Leung Seto (brief submitted - on file)
John ShaylerSpeakers' comments included:
· gambling siphons money from legitimate businesses and other vital areas of the economy;
· studies indicate social costs will rise as gaming attracts most vulnerable citizens;
· gambling transfers source of revenue to least advantaged; slots don't require language or social skills and gambling is more prevalent within certain ethnic communities;
· Province must be pressured for social programming funds, but not through gambling;
· there are a higher percentage of people at risk for gambling addiction in BC;
· slots machines are utilized by criminal element for illegal activities;
· disposable dollars will not be spent on small businesses, other than pawnshops;
· slot machines in other provinces have had negative impact;
· legally, it is extremely difficult and potentially costly to reverse decision;
· Vancouver should invest in fields it is known for and good at, e.g. cultural events;
· slots are "back door" to video lottery terminals and electronic gambling;
· it is detrimental to have people rely on proceeds of gambling for their livelihood;
· slots have little to do with racetrack, it is a different type of gambling;
· Vancouver is a world-class city because it is different and it should remain so.The following spoke in favour of considering the introduction of slot machines into Vancouver:
Vic Poleschuk, President, and Gail White, Director of Corporate Responsibility, British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)
Phil Heard, Hastings Entertainment
Jerri New, President, Office & Professional Employees' International Union - Local 378
Dixie Jacobson, President, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society - BC Division
Bryant McAfee - Winners Foundation of British Columbia
Mel Snow, President, Canadian Horsemen's Benevolent & Protection Association
Clive Lytle
Debbie Peebles, Director of Racing, Hastings Entertainment Inc.
Alison Goulding, The Vancouver Backstretch Workers' Society
Kathy Bremner, racehorse trainer
Ian Mackenzie
Jane Holmes, Hastings Racetrack/Woodbine Entertainment
Stanley Sim
Jim Major, Mutuel Supervisor, Hastings Entertainment
Margaret Sykes, Mutuel Teller, Hastings Entertainment
Jeannie Spence, The Learning Centre
Kim Hart, Leading Horse Owner at Hastings Park
Kelly Quinn, Union Representative, Office & Professional Employees' International Union Local 378
Judy Kelly
John Kom-Tong
David Milburn, Past President, Horsemen's Benevolent & Protection Association of British ColumbiaSpeakers' comments included:
· all forms of gambling including slot machines must be conducted in socially responsible manner and be consistent with BCLC commitment to high standards for gaming in BC;
· people have right to choose how to use disposable income and make informed choices;
· Canadians have accepted gaming as form of adult entertainment;
· slot machines are already a viable reality in Alberta and Ontario;
· BCLC has worked with bingos/charities to mitigate the negative impact of slot machines;
· there is a Provincial guarantee to charities throughout BC;
· BCLC will work with City to ensure high quality, integrity gaming;
· slot machine revenues depend on market where slot machine is introduced;
· there are 9 casinos in the Lower Mainland, 4 with slot machines which generate $156 million revenue; there are 10 casinos outside Vancouver, all with slot machines;
· BCLC works with Province to provide comprehensive, responsible gaming framework along with awareness, education, treatment and research programs;
· introduction of gaming has enhanced racing industry in other jurisdictions; racing adds $250 million to British Columbia economy;
· gaming revenues would increase purses, attract better horses; and revitalize industry;
· if no slots, racing will move along with jobs in Lower Mainland and rural BC to other jurisdictions, mainly East or South;
· slots will increase employment and investment opportunities;
· neighbourhood concerns must be heard and resolved;
· 114 year tradition at Hastings Park is worth saving;
· other concerns not related to slot machines would not cause the demise of the racetrack;
· will bring industry to world class status;
· Hastings Park draws participants from jurisdictions other than Vancouver;
· level of scrutiny and regulation is so high that there is no room for criminal activity; other jurisdictions with slots have experienced little increase in crime;
· loss of jobs would create retraining problems and many unemployed as many track employees are society's most vulnerable and marginalized;
· Hastings Park has made efforts to benefit industry, including owners/trainers taking wage cuts, eliminating admission fees and introducing Park & Pay; but business is declining;
· through slots revenues, city coffers will grow without increasing taxes;
· longer hours of operation in other jurisdictions are beneficial to revenues;
· employment opportunities are being eroded;
· it is encouraging to see an Eastern company investing in the West;
· the racetrack supports peripheral and neighbourhood businesses;
· employees are suffering stress due to job uncertainty;
· various social programs geared towards racing industry are funded from a portion of the money wagered at Hastings Park.The following spoke in favour of considering the introduction of slot machines, but with reservations. Most supported the newly-proposed casinos in Downtown Vancouver and Hastings Park:
Margaret Coates, Planet Bingo
Barbara Bell, Executive Director and David Black, Chair of Board of Directors Reach Centre Association
Kathryn Shoemaker, Mount Pleasant Community Charitable Association (Planet Bingo)
Bob Grant, Chair, Bingo Committee, Kiwanis Club of Vancouver
Keith Jacobson, Cordial Bingo
Gary Jackson, Royal Diamond Casino
Margo Campbell, Soroptimists International
Ken Jang, Royal Diamond Casino
Eric Harms, Hastings Community Association
Len Libin, President & Owner, Grand Casino
Marilyn Graham
Kevin Hancock, National Representative, Canadian Auto Workers (Royal Diamond Casino)
Brian McCormack, Royal Diamond Casino
Dan Mijailovic, Royal Diamond Casino
David Carr, Grand Casino
Bonnie Bard, Royal Diamond CasinoSpeakers' comments included:
· concerns have been mitigated by the promise of electronic bingo games in bingo facilities;
· increased revenues should go to social programs and new opportunities for charities;
· it is unfortunate that funding must come from gambling revenues, but programs would be in jeopardy without it;
· gaming groups should work together to bring about best possible solution;
· gaming is inevitable; therefore, the only issue is availability and ensuring commercial bingo halls are on a level playing field without other gaming activities;
· government top-up for charity programs is not guaranteed;
· bingo is social activity and not addictive;
· Council is urged to not consider slots at Hastings Park in isolation from other venues;
· newly-proposed combined facilities in Downtown Vancouver and Hastings Park would:
i) keep casinos out of residential neighbourhoods;
ii) prevent industry from leaving Vancouver;
iii) provide charity bingos with modern facilities;
iv) keep annual revenues of $12-15 million in Vancouver
v) reinstate jobs;
vi) bring Vancouver up to world standard;
· major concern with casinos is parking, not crime;
· decision must respect the 1996 Council decision regarding the greening of Hastings Park;
· influx of vehicles will have effect on the Park;
· community must be consulted;
· tourists revenues will go to other jurisdictions;
· collective agreement with Canadian Auto Workers is dependent upon establishment of casinos in downtown Vancouver and Hastings Park;
· Hastings Park is a good, equal opportunity employer.The following spoke taking no specific position at this time:
Shane Simpson, Hastings Community Forum
Stephanie Williamson, Hastings North Business Improvement Association
Rolf Tevely, Director, Hastings Park Conservancy
James Fletcher, Hastings Townsite Neighbourhood AssociationSpeakers' comments included:
· community concerns must be identified, assessed, addressed and mitigated and community groups must be involved in a thorough, genuine decision-making process;
· potential jobs should go to people within the community;
· cannot be win/lose situation where community loses;
· if mitigation measures resolved, speakers will then advise if slots will work;
· City should reaffirm current policy and commitment to Hastings Park, ensuring the activities fit into the Park, not the reverse;
· impact on Hastings Park area would include entry, exit, traffic, garbage, crime, noise;
· the Park design will not be affected if the footprint remains as is;
· slots could be source of revenue for Park greening;Henry Ropertz opposed slot machines at Hastings Park, but not slots in general. His comments included:
· much of blame for current difficulties falls on racetrack industry itself;
· Hastings has a monopoly on racing revenue; now wants monopoly on slots;
· Hastings should promote its own advantages to increase revenues and not rely on slots;
· there is no correlation between increased purse structure and amount of money wagered;
· horseracing at Hastings Park can survive without introduction of slot machines.Bernie Malach supported the introduction of slots along with the specific concept of a 'waterfront' casino.
Jeffrey Smith expressed concerns that the introduction of slot machines will contravene the terms of the 1889 Hastings Park Trust. Expansion of gambling with permission of Vancouver City Council may still put the proponent at legal peril (brief submitted - on file).
All registered speakers having been heard, Council agreed that the decision on Item 6, Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park Racetrack, would be referred to the Council meeting immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on July 31, 2003.
The Committee recessed at 6:15 pm. on July 24 and adjourned July 29, 2003 at 10:40 p.m.
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CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTJULY 24, 2003
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 6:15 p.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT:
Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Anne Roberts
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam SullivanABSENT:
Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Ellen WoodsworthCITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Green
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
July 24, 2003Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the foregoing report:
C1.1 Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 469, 477, 483 and 491 East 10th Avenue
C1.2 Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 4714 Knight Street
C1.3 Yaletown Parking and Park Proposal at 901 Mainland Street
C1.4 Planning the False Creek Flats - WITHDRAWN
C1.5 False Creek Flats - Rail Transportation Study
C1.6 Introduction of Slot Machines at Hastings Park RacetrackClauses 1-3 and 5
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1-3 and 5 of this report, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Clause 6
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT Clause 6 will reconvene to hear the balance of speakers at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in Council Chamber.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Green
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINESS
1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Louis (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor RobertsTHAT Councillor Louis be granted Leave of Absence for the Public Hearing on July 24, 2003.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Leave of Absence - Councillor Green (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor StevensonTHAT Councillor Green be granted Leave of Absence for Civic Business for the Public Hearing on July 24, 2003.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
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