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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 1, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Janice MacKenzie, Deputy City Clerk
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PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the Deputy City Clerk.
PROCLAMATION - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (File 1051)
Council proclaimed March 8, 2005 International Women's Day.
PRESENTATIONS:
· BY CRYSTAL COTE (File 1051)
Council welcomed Crystal Cote who performed "Surface of Water".
· BY UNITED WAY (File 1051)
Ken Hague, Vice-President of Resource Development, United Way, thanked Council, City employees and unions for their contribution to this year's United Way campaign and described how the City's donations have been used.
"IN CAMERA" MEETING
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT Council will go into a meeting later this day which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 165.2(1) of the Vancouver Charter, to discuss matters related to paragraph(s):
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the Council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the city.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Special Council (Public Hearing) - February 1/14, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - February 3, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - February 3, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Special Council (Court of Revision) - February 8, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Business License Hearing - February 9, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Business License Hearing - February 10, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Regular Council - February 15, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT Council adopt Communications 1 and 2, Administrative Reports A1, A3 and A4 and Policy Report P1, on consent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. 2006-2008 Capital Plan (File 1611)
A Report Reference on the background and planning process for the 2006-2008 Capital Plan was presented by Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager, and Estelle Lo, General Manager of Corporate Services.
Councillor Green rose on a point of order and requested the Chair to rule on a Councillor's line of questioning. The Chair ruled the questions out of order at this time as they related to the Unfinished Business item on South East False Creek.
Councillor Sullivan challenged the decision of the Chair.
The Chair then put the question:
Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?
(Councillors Bass, Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
A two-thirds majority of those present is required to overrule the decision of the Chair. Therefore, the decision of the Chair was SUSTAINED.
Council thanked staff for the presentation on the 2006-2008 Capital Plan.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Official Development Plan: South East False Creek (File 1401-77)
On February 14, 2005, Council concluded the Public Hearing on the Official Development Plan for South East False Creek. However, Council referred summaries, discussion and decision on the application to its Regular Council Meeting on March 1, 2005.
Before Council were the following:
· Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005;
· Policy Report Sustainability Indicators, Targets, Stewardship and Monitoring for South East False Creek, dated January 17, 2005;
· Policy Report Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan, dated December 3, 2004.
Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, summarized the highlights of the proposed Official Development Plan and responded to comments raised by speakers at the Public Hearing.
(1) Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005;
MOVED by Councillor Louie
A. THAT Council approve the Southeast False Creek Project Financial Strategy as follows:
· THAT the public infrastructure and amenity package set out in the Southeast False Creek ODP and the Financial Plan described in the Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005, be adopted as an overall framework for the neighbourhood;
· THAT the achievement of the infrastructure and amenity package be reviewed and implemented incrementally, as the sub-areas of the neighbourhood are zoned and developed over the development period;
· THAT the priority for the first sub-area rezoning (the Olympic Village) be to achieve the public amenity standards for public open space, community facilities, housing and childcare identified in the ODP and that staff report back at the sub-area rezoning stage with recommendations on achieving those priorities;
· THAT the contribution from the Property Endowment Fund be as outlined in the Financial Plan described in the Policy Report and that any further net income provide a return to the Fund on its investment in SEFC;
· THAT the private lands within the ODP area provide a contribution to the cost of the public infrastructure and amenity package through the payment of City-wide DCLs and CACs, with the combined levy to reflect the benefit that they will realize, AND THAT the amount be determined as part of the CD-1 rezoning process for the private lands sub-areas;
· THAT the development levies (City-wide DCLs and CACs) received by the City from the development of the PEF lands and the private lands be re-invested in full in the public infrastructure and amenity package identified in the SEFC ODP;
· THAT the City actively pursue funding from senior governments, community partners and the private sector to achieve the financial, accessibility, environmental and sustainability objectives of the SEFC ODP;
· THAT as the community develops, the City be prepared to provide interim financing as necessary to ensure the public infrastructure and amenity package are delivered in a timely fashion.
B. THAT Council approve a policy endorsing the "risk management" approach to dealing with problem soils on PEF lands within SEFC as outlined in the Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005.
C. THAT Council approve a policy adopting the recommended A100 Seismic Standard for foreshore stabilization in SEFC, as outlined in the Policy report.
D. THAT staff continue to work with the Southeast False Creek private land owners on the appropriate community amenity contribution to be concluded as part of sub-area zoning, with the intent to reconcile the cost of amenities with what land owners can afford to pay, recognizing those who have been working with the City over the last several years and intend to develop in the short run.
Carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the Motion be amended as follows:
· THAT the following be inserted as the first bullet in A:
o THAT the longstanding Council policy, which made this project possible, and which considers the Property Endowment Fund a long-term asset of the citizens to be used by Councils and then reimbursed with a market rate of return for the use and benefit of future generations be affirmed.
· THAT the previous first bullet be amended by adding the following words to the end of the sentence, following the words "overall framework for the neighbourhood...":
o and that it be revised to conform with longstanding Property Endowment Fund and Development Cost Levy policy.
· THAT the following be inserted to replace the sixth bullet:
o THAT the Citywide Development Cost Levies (DCL's) from this project be treated the same way as all other Citywide DCL's from developments in the city and be allocated to the neighbourhoods that most need them.
Lost
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT Council receive the motion to amend for information and take no action.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Green, Ladner, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson, Sullivan, and Woodsworth opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
The motion to receive for information having lost, the motion to amend was put and LOST, with Councillors Bass, Cadman, Green, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed, and Councillor Louis excused from voting.
Council requested to separate the components in the Motion for the vote.
A. THAT Council approve the Southeast False Creek Project Financial Strategy as follows:
· THAT the public infrastructure and amenity package set out in the Southeast False Creek ODP and the Financial Plan described in the Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005, be adopted as an overall framework for the neighbourhood;
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the achievement of the infrastructure and amenity package be reviewed and implemented incrementally, as the sub-areas of the neighbourhood are zoned and developed over the development period;
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the priority for the first sub-area rezoning (the Olympic Village) be to achieve the public amenity standards for public open space, community facilities, housing and childcare identified in the ODP and that staff report back at the sub-area rezoning stage with recommendations on achieving those priorities;
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the contribution from the Property Endowment Fund be as outlined in the Financial Plan described in the Policy Report and that any further net income provide a return to the Fund on its investment in SEFC;
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the private lands within the ODP area provide a contribution to the cost of the public infrastructure and amenity package through the payment of City-wide DCLs and CACs, with the combined levy to reflect the benefit that they will realize, AND THAT the amount be determined as part of the CD-1 rezoning process for the private lands sub-areas;
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the development levies (City-wide DCLs and CACs) received by the City from the development of the PEF lands and the private lands be re-invested in full in the public infrastructure and amenity package identified in the SEFC ODP;
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT the City actively pursue funding from senior governments, community partners and the private sector to achieve the financial, accessibility, environmental and sustainability objectives of the SEFC ODP;
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
· THAT as the community develops, the City be prepared to provide interim financing as necessary to ensure the public infrastructure and amenity package are delivered in a timely fashion.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
B. THAT Council approve a policy endorsing the "risk management" approach to dealing with problem soils on PEF lands within SEFC as outlined in the Policy Report, Southeast False Creek Redevelopment: Financial Plan and Strategy, dated January 17, 2005.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
C. THAT Council approve a policy adopting the recommended A100 Seismic Standard for foreshore stabilization in SEFC, as outlined in the Policy report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
D. THAT staff continue to work with the Southeast False Creek private land owners on the appropriate community amenity contribution to be concluded as part of sub-area zoning, with the intent to reconcile the cost of amenities with what land owners can afford to pay, recognizing those who have been working with the City over the last several years and intend to develop in the short run.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
(2) Policy Report Sustainability Indicators, Targets, Stewardship and Monitoring for South East False Creek, dated January 17, 2005;
MOVED by Councillor Louie
A. THAT Council adopt the indicators and targets for SEFC included as Appendix A of the Policy Report Sustainability Indicators, Targets, Stewardship and Monitoring for South East False Creek, dated January 17, 2005 , as a preliminary framework for on-going monitoring of environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals for the SEFC community.
B. THAT staff report back during the sub-area rezoning stage of SEFC development with updates to the indicators and targets and a detailed monitoring strategy.
C. THAT the SEFC Stewardship Group continue its role of watching over the SEFC process through the Olympic Village and initial Private Lands sub-area rezonings.
D. THAT staff continue to strive for higher levels of performance on environmental sustainability of development in Southeast False Creek by applying advanced technologies, processes, pilot projects or programs that push the boundaries, with a progress report at the time of each sub-area zoning.
AND THAT Council reaffirm the importance of high performance green buildings throughout Southeast False Creek and that all buildings created in the 2010 Athlete's Village be developed to the highest standard possible with an objective of LEED Gold, and with at least one facility being designed with an attempt to achieve LEED Platinum as a demonstration of green building technology and as a facility for learning and education.
E. THAT a neighbourhood energy system be developed for Southeast False Creek, starting with the 2010 Athlete's Village sub-area, that advances district energy production through sustainable technologies and measures, with the goal of creating a GHG neutral energy system that has the capacity to grow incrementally over time, both throughout South East False Creek and to neighbourhoods adjacent to South East False Creek.
F. THAT full cost accounting of the South East False Creek development be undertaken on an ongoing basis according to the financial model required by Clause 3.3.1 of the Official Development Plan, using emerging best practices.
AND THAT, because full cost and revenue accounting is to be used as a tool to assist in decision making, the results be reported to Council at appropriate intervals, including an annual monitoring report that includes sustainability indicators and targets, and including at the time of each sub-area rezoning, and be used when and if policy choices for financial reasons are made from time to time.
Carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Ladner
THAT F be amended by inserting the following words after the words "THAT full cost accounting of the South East False Creek development":
"viability and financial/risk impact to the City"
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Cadman, Green, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
The motion to amend having lost, the motion was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY with Councillor Louis excused from voting.
(3) Policy Report Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan, dated December 3, 2004.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the application by the Director of Real Estate and the Director of Current Planning to establish an Official Development Plan for South East False Creek in accordance with the posted by-law be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louis excused from voting)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Deputy Mayor Roster Adjustment (File 1251)
THAT Councillor Stevenson be named the Deputy Mayor for March 2005 and that Councillor Woodsworth be named the Deputy Mayor for October 2005.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Acting Mayor - Appointment of (File 1251)
THAT the Councillor named as Deputy Mayor, under s.207(2) of the Vancouver Charter, also be appointed as Acting Mayor. Therefore, for the months of March to November 2005, the Acting Mayor roster will be as follows:
March |
Councillor Tim Stevenson |
April |
Councillor Peter Ladner |
May |
Councillor Sam Sullivan |
June |
Councillor Fred Bass |
July |
Councillor Jim Green |
August |
Councillor David Cadman |
September |
Councillor Tim Louis |
October |
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth |
November |
Councillor Anne Roberts |
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. 390 Main Street Phase Two Renovation - Award of Construction Contract
February 8, 2005 (File 1805)
THAT the contract for 390 Main Street Phase Two Renovation be awarded to Parkwood Construction Ltd. to a maximum amount of $382,019 plus GST; with funding provided from the Downtown Eastside Economic Revitalisation capital and cost sharing contribution from the Province and West Economic Diversification of Federal Government.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Additional Dual Taxicab Licenses
January 31, 2005 (File 2801)
The Chair advised a request to speak has been received on Administrative Report A2. Council agreed to refer consideration of the report to a future Standing Committee meeting.
Note from Clerk: The report will be considered at the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 3, 2005.
3. Revenue Services System Replacement Project - Staffing Implications
February 16, 2005 (File 1371)
THAT two Regular Full Time Clerk II positions be deleted effective March 31, 2005 and two Regular Full Time Clerk II and one Regular Full Time Clerk Typist III positions be deleted effective April 29, 2005 from Corporate Services Group, Financial Services Department.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
4. Appointment of Architects for Higher Building Review Panel: 1133 West Georgia Street
February 15, 2005 (File 3104)
Also before Council this day was a memorandum from the Director of Current Planning advising that Mr. Arthur Erickson was unable to participate in the panel due to scheduling conflicts and recommending Mr. Jim Hancock be appointed in his place.
THAT pursuant to the General Policy for Higher Buildings, requiring enhanced review of buildings significantly exceeding existing height limits, Mr. Peter Ellis, Mr. Matthias Sauerbruch, Mr.Jim Hancock, and Mr. Bing Thom be appointed to the Urban Design Panel as special appointees for the purpose of reviewing a proposed tall building at 1133 West Georgia Street.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
POLICY REPORTS
1. Extensions for Non-Market Housing Leases
February 16, 2005 (File 4664)
A. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services, on request from the Directors of the Housing Centre and Real Estate Services, to extend the leases for non-market housing projects with 40 or 41 year terms by 20 years, subject to the leases being in good standing and payment of additional rent (either prepaid or annualized) on the 45th anniversary of the lease as set out in the Policy Report Extensions for Non-Market Housing Leases dated February 16, 2005; and
B. THAT no legal rights or obligations shall arise or be created until all legal documentation is fully executed on terms and conditions to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Single Room Accommodation By-law: 18 Month Report Back
February 15, 2005 (File 4657)
The Chair advised a request to speak on Policy Report P2 has been received. Council agreed to refer consideration of the report to a future Standing Committee meeting.
Note from Clerk: The report will be considered at the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 31, 2005.
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT Council, except for those members excused as noted in the agenda, enact the by-laws listed on the agenda for this meeting as numbers 1 to 12 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. A By-law to amend Subdivision By-law No. 5208 (2832, 2848, 2862 and 2876 West 33rd Avenue) (By-law No. 8996)
2. A By-law to amend Noise Control By-law No. 6555 (33 West Pender Street) (By-law No. 8997)
3. A By-law to amend Street Name By-law No. 4054 regarding Cornett Road and Natal Street (By-law No. 8998)
4. A By-law to amend Mayor and Council Members' Expenses By-law No. 8904 regarding per diem expenses (By-law No. 8999)
5. A By-law to Designate a Business Improvement Area in that area of the City known as Chinatown (By-law No. 9000)
6. A By-law to Designate a Business Improvement Area in that area of the City known as Commercial Drive (By-law No. 9001)
7. A By-law to Designate a Business Improvement Area in that area of the City known as Marpole (By-law No. 9002)
8. A By-law to Designate a Business Improvement Area in that area of the City known as Strathcona (By-law No. 9003)
9. A By-law to Grant Money for a Business Promotion Scheme in the Chinatown Business Improvement Area (By-law No. 9004)
10. A By-law to Grant Money for a Business Promotion Scheme in the Commercial Drive Business Improvement Area (By-law No. 9005)
11. A By-law to Grant Money for a Business Promotion Scheme in the Marpole Business Improvement Area (By-law No. 9006)
12. A By-law to Grant Money for a Business Promotion Scheme in the Strathcona Business Improvement Area (By-law No. 9007)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
None.
B. Motions on Notice
1. Security at Canada's Ports (File 8109)
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
WHEREAS
1. Transport Canada is proposing amendments to the regulations governing security at Canada's ports through amendments to Maritime Transport Security Regulations, and
2. Vancouver City Council supports port worker's concerns about port security and acknowledges the pro-active efforts of the waterfront unions to develop practical and cost-effective measures to achieve greater security, and
3. the new regulations would establish a dangerous precedent for arbitrary access to personal information through highly invasive background checks on the workers and their families, exposing them to loss of employment; and
4. the process for appeal under the proposed regulation is too narrow; and
5. the proper policing of Canada's ports has been eroded by the massive de-regulation of port security, shipping regulation, cargo checks and container loading and unloading over the last 20 years;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. Vancouver City Council endorse the call of Vancouver waterfront employers and workers on Transport Canada to abandon the implementation of the gathering of invasive and arbitrary personal information on port workers and their families and address real port security risks by reinstituting the proper policing of Canada's ports; and
2. that this motion be forwarded to the UBCM and the FCM.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Gateway Questions (File 5551)
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
WHEREAS
- The B.C. Ministry of Transportation Gateway initiative has identified urgent transportation needs in the Lower Mainland, including:
· economic costs in the range of $1.5 billion/yr. from road congestion
· growing and intolerable congestion on the Port Mann Bridge
· constraints to goods movement by road in the Lower Mainland
- Various initiatives are being proposed as a solution, including twinning the Port Mann Bridge and adding two lanes to the #1 Trans-Canada Highway between McGill St. in Vancouver and Langley.
- The cost estimate of all the initiatives is between $3-5 billion, or approximately $2,000 per person in the Lower Mainland.
- Evidence in other cities shows that adding road capacity does not solve congestion except in the short term.
- The highway widening will have a direct impact on traffic volumes along the east-west arterials in the City of Vancouver.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
- The City of Vancouver requests answers to the following questions from the Ministry of Transportation Gateway team, before committing to accommodating the proposed increase in road supply:
· Based on what evidence will twinning the Port Mann Bridge and widening the #1 freeway solve the congestion problem?
· How does this project fit with the priorities in TransLink's Strategic Transportation Plan, the GVRD Livable Region Strategic Plan, the GVRD Sustainable Region Initiative, the Vancouver City Transportation Plan and the Vancouver Climate Change Action Plan?
· Will the additional traffic on an expanded freeway add to air quality problems and greenhouse gas emissions? If air quality is reduced, have the resulting health costs been factored into the cost of the project?
· What will be the impact of added freeway capacity on financial returns from bridge and transit infrastructure improvements already committed or under construction?
· What transportation demand and other alternative options, costs and benefits have been assessed and compared with the proposals to increase road supply?
· Is there an expectation of widened arterial streets in adjacent municipalities to access the expanded freeway? If so, are the costs of these widenings included in the proposed budget?
· How does this project meet the commitment to sustainability in the Vancouver 2010 transportation plan? ("We will reduce energy use, minimize local air pollution and congestion, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and showcase new technologies while ensuring safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods during the Games.")
Amended
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the motion be amended by striking the words "before committing to accommodating the proposed increase in road supply" in the resolve.
Carried
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT instead of striking the words, the wording be changed to read as follows:
"before considering a commitment to accommodate the proposed increase in road supply"
LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Green, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson and the Mayor opposed)
The amendment to the amendment having lost, the amendment was put and CARRIED with Councillors Bass, Ladner and Sullivan opposed.
The amendment having carried, the motion as amended was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FINAL MOTION AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED
WHEREAS
- The B.C. Ministry of Transportation Gateway initiative has identified urgent transportation needs in the Lower Mainland, including:
· economic costs in the range of $1.5 billion/yr. from road congestion
· growing and intolerable congestion on the Port Mann Bridge
· constraints to goods movement by road in the Lower Mainland
- Various initiatives are being proposed as a solution, including twinning the Port Mann Bridge and adding two lanes to the #1 Trans-Canada Highway between McGill St. in Vancouver and Langley.
- The cost estimate of all the initiatives is between $3-5 billion, or approximately $2,000 per person in the Lower Mainland.
- Evidence in other cities shows that adding road capacity does not solve congestion except in the short term.
- The highway widening will have a direct impact on traffic volumes along the east-west arterials in the City of Vancouver.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
- The City of Vancouver requests answers to the following questions from the Ministry of Transportation Gateway team:
· Based on what evidence will twinning the Port Mann Bridge and widening the #1 freeway solve the congestion problem?
· How does this project fit with the priorities in TransLink's Strategic Transportation Plan, the GVRD Livable Region Strategic Plan, the GVRD Sustainable Region Initiative, the Vancouver City Transportation Plan and the Vancouver Climate Change Action Plan?
· Will the additional traffic on an expanded freeway add to air quality problems and greenhouse gas emissions? If air quality is reduced, have the resulting health costs been factored into the cost of the project?
· What will be the impact of added freeway capacity on financial returns from bridge and transit infrastructure improvements already committed or under construction?
· What transportation demand and other alternative options, costs and benefits have been assessed and compared with the proposals to increase road supply?
· Is there an expectation of widened arterial streets in adjacent municipalities to access the expanded freeway? If so, are the costs of these widenings included in the proposed budget?
· How does this project meet the commitment to sustainability in the Vancouver 2010 transportation plan? ("We will reduce energy use, minimize local air pollution and congestion, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and showcase new technologies while ensuring safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods during the Games.")
NEW BUSINESS
1. Mole Hill Lane, Vancouver (File 8111)
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
WHEREAS
1. The Mole Hill residents have been lobbying for some time for a complete closure of the Mole Hill Lane at the midblock pedestrian crossing area;
2. The City Engineer has advised that a complete closure cannot be supported because of significant safety concerns relating to trucks backing out of the lane;
3. The City Engineer has also advised that it is feasible to install the devices described in this motion, and that although this is a diversionary traffic calming measure, the volumes of vehicles affected are very small, and there is unlikely to be significant concern from, or impact on the surrounding community;
4. This alternative has been reviewed with representatives of the residents who agree that it addresses their concerns.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
1. That the Engineering Services Department install as soon as possible, a temporary barrier and signage at the intersection of Thurlow Street and the lane south of Comox Street, (the Mole Hill lane), which will prevent and prohibit vehicle entry to this easterly end of the lane, while still allowing vehicles to exit the lane,
2. That this installation be monitored for six months to determine effectiveness in reducing through traffic in the Mole Hill lane, and that it does not cause any significant negative traffic impacts or complaints in the surrounding community.
3. And further that if this trial period is successful, the measures be made permanent, (subject to approval of a funding source).
CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
2. RAV Cut and Cover (File 5559)
The following Motion was submitted by Councillor Louis. Councillor Louie called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held March 3, 2005 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
WHEREAS
1. The proposed cut and cover for the RAV line along Cambie Street will cause undue hardship and great financial loss to Cambie Street merchants.
2. Neither Translink nor RAVCO ever advised Council of the plan to use cut and cover to build the RAV line along Cambie Street.
3. When Council agreed to grant RAVCO a right of way on Cambie Street for the construction of RAV, Council was not advised of the plan to use cut and cover.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. Council be provided with a copy of any confidentiality agreements entered into by the City of Vancouver with TransLink and RAVCO regarding the proposed RAV line on Cambie Street.
2. Council instruct the Law Department to review the legality of the open ocean dumping that will result from the cut and cover construction of the RAV line on Cambie Street.
3. Council instruct the Law Department to advise Council in camera no later than Tuesday March 15th, 2005 on any and all legal options available to Council to prohibit the cut and cover construction of the RAV line on Cambie Street.
Notice
3. Permissive Exemptions For Veterans (File 1551)
The following Motion was submitted by Councillor Louis. Councillor Louie called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. Councillor Louis advised he had received a request to speak on this matter. Council agreed to refer the Motion to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 3, 2003.
WHEREAS
1. The Vancouver Charter does not give the City of Vancouver the legal authority to grant permissive exemptions lowering or eliminating property taxes on properties owned by charities.
2. The Community Charter permits all municipalities governed by it to grant permissive exemptions lowering or eliminating property taxes on properties owned by charities.
3. The BCYukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Army, Navy, and Airforce Veterans units of Vancouver are seeking a lowering of their property taxes.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The City of Vancouver request the BC Provincial Government to amend the Vancouver Charter to make it consistent with the appropriate sections of the Community Charter (BC) which allow municipal councils to give "permissive exemptions" to lower or eliminate property taxes on veteran's clubhouses.
Notice
4. Support for Women's Hockey Cup (File 4201)
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Mayor Campbell
WHEREAS
1. Canadians in general and Vancouverites in particular have a great love for hockey;
2. women's hockey has made great advances in the last few years;
3. women's hockey showcased the game at its highest level in the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics;
4. the Canadian Women's National Hockey team won the gold medal and were the outstanding amateur team in that Olympic Games; and
5. Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. Vancouver call upon the Governor General to create the Clarkson Cup to be awarded to the best Canadian women's hockey team; and
2. the City of Vancouver seeks to host the inaugural contest.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. RAV Line (File 5559)
Councillor Bass submitted the following Motion. Councillor Louie called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held March 3, 2005 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
THAT Council request the Environmental Assessment Office of the Government of British Columbia to extend the period of public input on the Richmond/Airport/Vancouver project another 40 days to allow full public response to the cut and cover method of tunnelling now proposed.
Notice
6. Leave of Absence - Councillor Green (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT Councillor Green be granted Leave of Absence due to Civic Business for the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 3, 2005.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Regulation of Private Security Dogs (File 3507)
Councillor Green requested the City Manager to ask staff to meet with the appropriate people in the Police Department to seek their in-put into the requested report back on the regulation of private security dogs.
The City Manager agreed.
The Council adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
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