CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 12, 2005

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development, Sign, and Heritage By-laws and Official Development Plans.

PRESENT:

Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Anne Roberts
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth

ABSENT:

Councillor David Cadman (Leave of Absence - Civic Business)

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. HERITAGE DESIGNATION: 844 Dunlevy Avenue

An application by Director of Current Planning on behalf of the owners, Kathleen Stormont and Graham Elridge, was considered as follows:

Summary:

Heritage designation for Restore It grant.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Hugh McLean, Planning Analyst, Heritage Group, was present to respond to questions.

Applicant Comments

Kathleen Stormont and Graham Elridge were present to respond to questions.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received no correspondence on this item.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none were present.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Green

A. THAT Council approve the designation of 844 Dunlevy Avenue, listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register in the "B" category, as Protected Heritage Property.

B. THAT Council commend the building owners for designating their property on a voluntary basis and for participating in the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's Restore It Program.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. TEXT AMENDMENT: Small-scale Pharmacies

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

Summary:

The proposed amendment to the Zoning & Development By-law would define small-scale pharmacy and permit them as a conditional use in certain zoning districts. At the time of enactment, the by-law would be accompanied with Guidelines to be adopted by resolution of Council. A consequential amendment to the Parking By-law is also required.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Christine Tapp, Central Area Planning Branch, provided Council with an overview of the application.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

Cathy Kwan, Executive Director, Strathcona BIA, on behalf of the Board, applauded the efforts of staff and noted this text amendment is an essential means to balance the needs of users, while minimizing impacts on adjacent neighbourhoods. Ms. Kwan urged Council to support the application.

Brenda Osmond, College of Pharmacists, spoke in support of the application, explained the role of the methadone treatment program, and advised a revised set of guidelines for pharmacies that dispense methadone is being released. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Osmond noted these guidelines will apply to both new and existing pharmacies and provided details of the College's licensing powers in relation to pharmacies.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Green

A. THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning to amend the Zoning & Development By-law No. 3575 be approved as follows:

B. THAT if approved at Public Hearing, the by-laws be accompanied at time of enactment with consequential amendments to the Parking By-law No. 6059 as outlined in Appendix A of the March 1, 2005, Policy Report entitled "Proposed Amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law to define "Small-scale Pharmacy" and make it a conditional approval use".

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. TEXT AMENDMENT: 1630 West 15th Avenue (Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club)

An application by Kori Chan, Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc. was considered as follows:

Summary:

The proposed amendment to the CD-1 would permit a second seasonal air-supported tennis bubble.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions.

Staff Opening Comments

Dave Thomsett, Senior Planner, Rezoning Centre, provided Council with an overview of the application.

Applicant Comments

Kori Chan, Proscenium Architecture, and Andrew Bibby, President, Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, on behalf of the Board and members, noted demand for court space is increasing, due to both the City's densification, and the fact that older people now exercise more. Mr. Bibby advised the club currently has eight courts playable in the winter; approval of the second seasonable tennis bubble would assist with the Club's demand, as well as free up publicly owned courts. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Bibby advised priorities of the club members vary, and members will not support the expenditure of building underground courts at this time.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

George Reilly (material filed) spoke in opposition to approval of the application. With the aid of photographs, Mr. Reilly demonstrated the bubbles impact on this view and also noted the need to address noise issues created by early morning snow removal procedures and also called for regulation to noisy late-night club events. If approved by Council, Mr. Reilly requested the height of the bubble be limited to 8 metres, and the use of same to 183 days per year.

Ryan Clark, Executive Director, Tennis BC and Charles Underhill, a member of the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, spoke in support of the application. Mr. Clark noted this will be the only indoor clay court in western Canada, which will assist with competition training. The club also allows for children and juniors to enjoy a year round healthy active lifestyle. Mr. Clark noted the addition of the second bubble would help address the needs of both junior and senior players, and take the pressure off current demand.

Staff Closing Comments

In response to questions from Council, Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, advised noise issues, as raised by Mr. Reilly, could be addressed through the development permit application process, with the use of conditions.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Ladner

Landscape:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY


4. TEXT AMENDMENT: 101 West Hastings Street (Woodward's)

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

Summary:

The proposed amendment to the Downtown Official Development Plan would create a sub-area for the Woodward's project. At the time of enactment, the by-law would be accompanied by amendments to the Victory Square Policy and other Policy documents.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval.

Staff Comments

Phil Mondor, Senior Planner, Rezoning Centre, was present to respond to questions.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received no correspondence on this item since referral to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application and none were present.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Green

THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning to amend the Downtown Official development Plan to create a new density sub-area for the Woodward's site generally as outlined in Appendix A to Policy Report "Text Amendment - Downtown Official Development Plan (101 West Hastings-Woodward's)" dated March 2, 2005 be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. REZONING: 1211 Melville Street

An application by Hancock Brückner Eng + Wright Architects was considered as follows:

Summary:

To rezone the site from Downtown District (DD) to Comprehensive Development (CD-1) for mixed-use building. Consequential amendments to the Sign By-law and Noise Control By-law are also required. The Downtown District base maps will also be altered to delete this site.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions.


Staff Opening Comments

Phil Mondor, Senior Planner, Rezoning Centre, provided Council with an overview of the application, and advised the applicant seeks to increase the height from 34-37 storeys. Mr. Mondor explained the rationale for the increased height and noted this could be accommodated without significant impact.

Paul Pinsker, Parking and Development Engineer, responded to questions from Council regarding the required parking ratio for the development, and the impact co-operative autos would have on that ratio. Staff noted co-op autos would be available to all members, not just those living in the building. Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, noted related policy issues could be addressed in a separate report back.

Applicant Comments

Martin Bruckner, Hancock Bruckner Eng & Wright Architects, advised of his general agreement with Mr. Mondor's presentation, and noted tower placement and shape will maintain views to the maximum extent possible.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received one letter in opposition to the applications since referral to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

Angus Carten advised that while his view would be impacted, he was in favour of developing this block, but not with the current 'big box' building. He suggested the need for a design to more reflect the well-designed adjacent building, and noted the two separate applications on this very small block will comprise a total of 61 storeys, which is a much higher density compared to adjacent blocks. Mr. Carten requested Council ensure an appropriate building is built on this site.

Staff Closing Comments

In response to a query from Council regarding the Urban Design Panels' caution to the applicant against a 'big box' appearance, Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, advised of the need for a commercial high street in this area. Mr. Beasley suggested the Development Permit Board may put forward conditions to refine the design of the building when this application comes before them.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth

A. THAT the application by Hancock Brückner Eng + Wright Architects to rezone the site at 1211 Melville Street (Lots A and 4, Block 30, DL 185, Plan 92) from Downtown District to CD-1 to permit additional commercial density generally as outlined in Appendix A to Policy Report "CD-1 Rezoning of 1211 Melville Street "dated March 7, 2005 be approved, subject to the following conditions:

FORM OF DEVELOPMENT

(a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Hancock Brückner Eng + Wright Architects, and stamped "Received Planning Department, October 14, 2004", provided that the Director of Planning or the Development Permit Board, as the case may be, may allow minor alterations to this form of development when approving the detailed scheme of development as outlined in (b) below.

(b) THAT, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning, or Development Permit Board, as the case may be, who shall have particular regard to, among other things, the following:

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

AGREEMENTS

(c) THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, the registered owner shall, at no cost to the City make arrangements for the following to the satisfaction of the Director of Current Planning and General Manager of Engineering Services, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services, unless otherwise specified:

B. THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning to amend Downtown Official Development Plan (By-law No. 4912), as a consequential amendment to the rezoning of the above noted site from DD to CD-1, to remove the sites from the maps in the D ODP, be approved.

C. THAT the application by Hancock Brückner Eng + Wright Architects to amend the Sign By-law No. 6510 to establish regulations for this CD-1 in accordance with Schedule B(DD) be approved.

D. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward for enactment the following amendment to the Noise Control By-law at the time of enactment of the CD-1 By-law.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. HRA DESIGNATION & REZONING: 955-969 Burrard & 1017-1045 Nelson Streets (YMCA & First Baptist Church)

An application by Stantec Architecture and James KM Cheng Architects was considered as follows:

Summary:

To rezone the site from Downtown District (DD) and RM-5B to Comprehensive Development (CD-1) for mixed-use buildings. In addition, Heritage Revitalization Agreements are required for First Baptist Church and portions of the YMCA building. Consequential amendments to the Sign By-law and Noise Control By-law are also required. The Downtown District base maps will also be altered to delete the DD zoned sites.

The Director of Current Planning recommended approval, subject to conditions.

Staff Opening Comments

Phil Mondor, Senior Planner, Rezoning Centre, provided an overview of the report, and drew Council's attention to two specific items:

Mr. Mondor further advised that, in lieu of an earlier requested 'yellow memo' to address several questions raised by Council, Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, would speak to this matter. Mr. Beasley provided details, and responded to questions from Council, on Development Cost Levies (DCLs), childcare access fees, parking spaces tied to child care, and the nature of the lease for child care, and read into the record an amendment which defines the conclusions reached in discussions with the applicant team. He advised if Council agrees with the conclusions, that the amendment to condition C(v) in staff's recommendations (distributed at the meeting and on file), be approved. Paul Pinsker, Parking and Development Engineer, provided information on parking requirements and bicycle standards.

Applicant Comments

Dr. Greg Anderson, Executive Minister, First Baptist Church, noted approval of the application would create development potential for facilities of both historic and ongoing programs that focus on community well being. He expressed hope that the development will enhance and beautify the neighborhood and make it a pleasant place to live.

Summary of Correspondence

Council received one letter in support, with reservations regarding parking and height, and one letter in opposition, since referral to Public Hearing.

Speakers

The Mayor, referred to the amendment put forward by staff, and asked if any of the sixteen registered speakers, or others in attendance, still wished to address Council.

Graham Peat, resident, and Mardel Greenough, West End Residents Association, while not against development by the YMCA, spoke in opposition to aspects of the application, including increased traffic and noise, wind tunnel effect, parking, general lack of light due to shadowing from the tower, and specifically, the shadow impact of the 42 storey tower on a portion of Nelson Park during the morning hours. They also noted the lack of any guarantee that parking, community benefits and affordable housing will be incorporated into the development once the rezoning is approved.

Elyn Dobbs, Strata Council treasurer, complimented the YMCA on their collaborated approach to this development and response to suggestions from the community and expressed the hope the First Baptist Church would follow a similar path. Ms. Dobbs also complimented staff for their attention to noise mitigation details early in the process.

Staff Closing Comments

In response to requests from Council, Mr. Beasley advised the Planning Department will work with the West End Residents Association to ensure they are connected with the process. Cameron Gray, Director, Housing Centre, provided comments on potential future development by the First Baptist Church in regard to market rental spaces.

Council Decision

MOVED by Councillor Louie

A. THAT the application by Stantec Architecture and James KM Cheng Architects to rezone the sites at 955-969 Burrard Street from Downtown District to CD-1 and the sites at 1017-1045 Nelson Street from RM-5B to CD-1 to increase maximum floor area and building height generally as outlined in Appendix A to Policy Report "Rezoning of 955 Burrard Street (Downtown YMCA) and 969 Burrard Street & 1017-1045 Nelson Street (First Baptist Church): DD (G) and RM-5B to CD-1 and Heritage Revitalization Agreement at 955 Burrard Street" dated March 3, 2005 be approved, subject to the following conditions:

B. THAT the application by the Director of Current Planning to amend Downtown Official Development Plan (By-law No. 4912), as a consequential amendment to the rezoning of the above noted sites from DD to CD-1, to remove the sites from the maps in the D ODP, be approved.

C. THAT the application by Stantec Architecture and James KM Cheng Architects to amend the Sign By-law No. 6510 to establish regulations for this CD-1 in accordance with Schedule B(DD) be approved.

D. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward for enactment the following amendment to the Noise Control By-law at the time of enactment of the CD-1 By-law.

Amend Schedule A (activity zone) by adding the following:
"[CD-1 # ] [By-law # ] 955-969 Burrard Street

E. THAT Council designate as municipally-protected heritage property the Burrard and Barclay masonry facades and the building itself to a depth of 9.14 m measured from Burrard Street for the "B" Heritage Register building at 955 Burrard Street.
F. THAT Council designate as municipally-protected heritage property under Schedule "B" of the Heritage By-law the Sanctuary and Narthex of the interior of the municipally-designated "A" Heritage Register building at 969 Burrard Street.

G. THAT Council authorize the Heritage Revitalization Agreement and accompanying by-laws for 955 Burrard Street to:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAW

MOVED by Councillor Ladner
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. A By-law to amend Downtown District Official Development Plan By-law No. 4912 (By-law No. 9027)

The Special Council adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

* * * * *


ag980623.htm