CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver
was held on Thursday, May 18, 1995, at 5:10 p.m., in the Council
Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the
recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Owen
Councillors Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer, Ip, Kennedy,
Kwan, Puil and Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Bellamy
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of Whole,
Mayor Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
May 18, 1995
The Council considered the recommendations of the Committee,
as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1 Significant Development Applications
Cl.2 Regulations for Adult Retail and Entertainment Stores
Cl.3 Marpole - Transit, Parking and HOV Proposal
Cl.4 Amendments to Vancouver Heritage Register
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONT'D)
Clauses 1 and 4
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in
clauses 1 and 4 in the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Regulations for Adult Retail and Entertainment Stores
(Clause 2)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in
clause 2 of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
Marpole - Transit, Parking and HOV Proposal
(Clause 3)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in
clause 3 of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Puil opposed)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Pacific Point
Councillor Price requested information on the proposed
night club at Pacific Point, noting it
has been under consideration for a year
and involves substantive issues.
The City Manager undertook to provide a
briefing for Council.
* * * * *
Council adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
MAY 18, 1995
A meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planing
and Environment was held on Thursday, May 18, 1995, at 2:00 p.m.,
in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Price, Chair
Mayor Owen
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kennedy
Councillor Kwan
Councillor Puil
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Bellamy (Illness)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell
CLERK: Nancy Largent
Recorded Vote
Unless otherwise indicated, votes of the Committee on all
items are unanimous.
Adoption of Minutes
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and
Environment meeting of April 27, 1995, were adopted as
circulated.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Significant Development Applications File: 5302-2
The Committee had before it a list of significant
development applications, prepared by Planning Department. Mr.
Jonathan Barrett, Planner, reviewed the following development
proposals and related issues:
Clause No. 1 Continued
an application by W. R. Ussner, Architects to develop a
seven-storey non-market multiple dwelling and social
services centre at 100 East Cordova Street;
an application by Gerald Longson to develop a mixed-use
development including retail and market seniors dwelling
at 168-170 Powell Street;
an application by Brook Development Planning to re-use,
rehabilitate and designate the former Woodwards building
at 101 West Hastings Street for retail/commercial and
residential use.
Mr. Barrett responded to queries regarding building design
and use for the Woodwards proposal.
The following motion by Councillor Kennedy by was put and
CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the list of significant development applications,
prepared by the Planning Department, be received for
information.
2. Regulations for Adult Retail and
Adult Entertainment Stores File: 2501-1
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 4,
1995 (on file), dealing with regulations limiting the location,
age of admission and hours of operation of adult retail and adult
entertainment stores. On October 20, 1994, Council referred to
Public Hearing recommendation A of the Policy Report, dealing
with a text amendment on location of adult retail and
entertainment stores, and deferred the remaining recommendations
pending adoption of any by-law resulting from the Public Hearing.
The Public Hearing has concluded and the resulting by-law has
been adopted. Therefore, the remaining recommendations
(reflected in recommendations A through E of this report) were
resubmitted for the Committee's consideration.
Clause No. 2 Continued
Mr. Nathan Edelson, Planner, reviewed the rationale for the
proposed amendments to the License and Shops Closing By-laws.
The proposals would define the age of admission as 18, consistent
with movie theatres and arcades, and reduce the hours of
operation of adult entertainment stores from 24 hours per day to
the same hours required for arcades, which must close from 1 a.m.
to 6 a.m., seven days per week.
The Committee then heard from the following delegations:
Mr. David Green reminded Council of concerns expressed by
citizens attending the Public Hearing, and encouraged the
Committee to set the strictest possible regulations restricting
their operation.
Ms. Deianna Armitage supported restricted hours of operation
in the interest of public safety.
The Committee felt the proposed restrictions, in addition to
the restrictions on location approved at the previous public
hearing, were the maximum which could be legally applied to these
establishments.
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and
CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT following the outcome of a pending legal action
before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Director of
Legal Services and Director of Planning, in
consultation with the Chief Constable and the Directors
of Permits and Licenses and Social Planning, be
instructed to report back on regulations to restrict
adult film viewers (viewing booths) from occupying the
same premises as any other uses, except adult retail
store.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to
prepare an amendment to the License By-law to make the
age of admission requirements for adult entertainment
stores and adult film viewers the same as required in
the Motion Picture Act, 18 years of age.
C. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to
prepare an amendment to the License By-law to regulate
the hours of operation for adult entertainment stores
and adult film viewers by requiring their closure
between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m..
Clause No. 2 Continued
D. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to
prepare an amendment to the Shops Closing By-law to
allow for exceptions to the provisions of the by-law,
so that the hours of operation indicated in the License
By-law can take precedence.
E. THAT the Director of Planning, in consultation with the
Directors of Legal Services, Permits and Licenses and
Social Planning, the Chief Constable, the owners of
adult entertainment stores and the public, report back
within three years if any changes approved to the
regulation of adult entertainment result in
unanticipated impacts.
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
3. Marpole - Transit, Parking and HOV Proposal File: 5762-3
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
May 4, 1995 (on file), in which the General Manager of
Engineering Services identified a congestion problem on Granville
Street, in the Marpole area, which has resulted in delays to
buses and short-cutting on local streets. To address these
problems, the General Manager of Engineering Services recommended
approval of a proposal including the following:
major improvements to B.C. Transit service to Marpole;
a southbound curb-lane high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane
on Granville Street, 3 - 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, from
63rd Avenue to Southwest Marine Drive;
improvements to parking conditions (businesses will be
balloted regarding time limits, parking meters, signage
directing shoppers to parking behind stores, and possible
development of a collective parking lot); and
improvements to pedestrian crossing conditions.
The recommendations of the General Manager of Engineering
Services are reflected in recommendations A through E of this
report.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Ms. Elizabeth Ballard, Traffic Management Engineer, reviewed
traffic conditions on Granville Street and the resulting problems
including delays, short-cutting, slow bus service for Marpole
residents, and fuel consumption and air pollution. In view of
merchant opposition to a southbound curb-side HOV lane, a number
of other alternatives were also reviewed by the Engineering
Department, including rapid transit (feasible only as a long-term
option), rerouting of buses to Oak Street, or an HOV lane with
parking maintained. Ms. Ballard explained the rationale for not
recommending these options. Ms. Ballard also reviewed the
recommended options including conditions pertaining to the
proposed HOV lane. The community consultation process indicated
the majority support the recommended proposal.
Mr. Glen Leceister, B.C. Transit, reviewed the existing
traffic situation and the effects of congestion on transit
including travel delays, decreased reliability, and increased
cost. Granville Street has been identified for conversion to
rapid bus service by 1998/99, and Transit expects to work closely
with the Cities of Vancouver and Richmond to implement this
concept. Mr. Leceister explained B.C. Transit's preference for
the Granville Street rather than an Oak Street route and
confirmed B.C. Transit will contribute fifty percent of the cost
to install HOV signing and improved traffic signal visibility, as
well as one hundred percent of the cost of a pedestrian/transit
signal at 63rd and Granville. Mr. Leceister also responded to
queries with respect to proposed staging, the need for additional
buses to increase service in Marpole, bicycle safety in HOV
lanes, the likelihood of rail on Granville, and atmospheric and
noise pollution implications.
Also responding to queries, Ms. Ballard explained the
Provincial Government is contemplating legislation to allow
bicycles, taxis and motorcycles in HOV lanes uniformly.
Motorcycles and taxis have not been included in this proposal at
this time in order to keep signage simple. Based on experience
in other areas of the City, staff are confident bicycles will
experience no undue problems travelling in an HOV lane.
The following speakers expressed a variety of concerns in
regard to City staff proposals:
Renate Mueller, Marpole Business Association (photos
filed);
Dave Thomas, Marpole Business Association;
Deianna Armitage, Marpole Museum and Historical Society
(petition filed);
Clause No. 3 Continued
Nancy Coates, area resident;
Patricia Fullman, area resident;
Robert Spence, area resident; and
Don Bell, Canada Safeway.
The foregoing speakers expressed one or more of the
following points:
the B.C. Transit and City Engineering Department reports
were biased in favour of B.C. Transit views;
the proposed rapid bus system will not be serving the
Marpole community for some time, and it seems the
proposed improvements are actually targeted at commuters
rather than at area residents;
Engineering Department claims that there is sufficient
parking on side streets and behind buildings to replace
this loss of parking were disputed;
concerns were expressed for the safety of bicyclists
attempting to travel in HOV lanes;
concerns were expressed for the safety of pedestrians
when high speed vehicles are travelling in HOV lanes;
Oak Street would be a preferable route to Granville
Street and less disruptive;
during HOV lane hours, the largest available parking lot
will be the Safeway parking lot, which will undoubtably
be used by transient parkers not patronizing the Safeway
store and entail costs to Safeway to patrol its lot;
this proposal will favour commuter shopping in Richmond,
rather than Marpole;
the loss of convenient on-street parking during a peak
shopping period will be financially devastating to area
merchants;
loss of parking and consequent economic losses will force
business out of the area, to the detriment of the
community;
an HOV lane will make it very difficult to access
Granville Street during the peak period;
Clause No. 3 Continued
rather than offering a band-aid solution, the City should
concentrate on a permanent solution to Marpole's traffic
problems in the context of regional traffic planning;
congestion is a serious problem for the area, and must be
addressed without further delay;
the City must adequately address the area's most serious
problems, short-cutting and speeding in the lane west of
Granville Street (support was expressed for the
installation of speed bumps in that lane);
Marpole is a viable community which should not be
bisected by a major traffic artery; and
there is little in this proposal which will actually
benefit the Marpole community.
Mr. Peter Jack and Mr. Craig Heale, B.C. Coalition of
Motorcyclists, supported HOV lanes generally and requested
Council approve their use by motorcycles. HOV lanes are safer
for motorcyclists and more efficient for their air cooled
engines. The City should encourage motorcycle use as it burns
less fuel, produces less emissions and creates less congestion.
Mr. Jack also responded to a variety of queries concerning
motorcyclists.
Mr. Dale Laird, Independent Canadian Transit Union, advised
B.C. Transit has ordered 75 buses which will arrive over this
winter for use in 1996. Regarding references to speeding buses,
he noted B.C. Transit's safety record is one of the best in the
world. Good access to the airport is an absolute necessity to
promote tourism. Based on his experiences as a driver, Mr. Laird
believed parking is not as heavily utilized during the 3 - 6 p.m.
period as indicated by the merchant representatives, and noted
the availability of several private parking lots in the area. He
also noted other commercial areas of the City have greater
restrictions on parking and are still successful. Mr. Laird
responded to queries with regard to natural gas and diesel buses.
Responding to queries, Mr. Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer
-Transportation Division, was aware that shoppers do want
convenient parking spaces. However, much space in the Marpole
area is taken up by long term parkers and the Engineering
Department will be looking into possible measures to alleviate
this. An area survey indicated a total of 98 lane spaces
available in the area, although these were not evenly
distributed. There is no intention to continue the HOV lane
north of 63rd Avenue; this has been requested by B.C. Transit,
but staff do not feel it is justified.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Queried whether a reference in the recommendations to deferring
implementation of the HOV lane until September, 1995, Mr. Adam
indicated there are some matters which will require discussion
with the community prior to implementation. Mr. Adam also
confirmed Engineering staff will be discussing the possibility of
speed bumps or other traffic calming measures in the lane west of
Granville Street with the area residents.
Councillor Clarke moved approval of the recommendations of
the General Manager of Engineering Services. The following
motion by Councillor Kwan, in amendment, was put and CARRIED.
THAT Condition A(1) be amended by deleting the words "made
available" and substituting "committed".
Councillor Kwan's amendment having been approved, the
following motions by Councillor Clarke, with condition A(1) as
amended by Councillor Kwan, were put and CARRIED. Therefore, the
Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane be approved on
southbound Granville Street from 63rd Avenue to
Southwest Marine Drive, from 3 to 6 pm, Monday to
Friday, subject to the following:
(1) express bus service being committed to Marpole
residents and shoppers at one-zone fare level;
(2) buses, carpools with three or more people, and
bicycles to be included in the HOV lane;
(3) a commercial parking plan being implemented as
follows:
i) parking time limits, parking meters, and
information signing, as approved by affected
businesses
ii) angle parking on 64th Avenue, at a cost of
$30,000, subject to a survey of affected
businesses and residents
iii) signing to direct visitors to available
parking on side streets and accessed from
lanes;
Clause No. 3 Continued
(4) improvements to traffic signal timing and
visibility described in this report being
implemented;
(5) the pedestrian signal at 64th and Granville being
upgraded to a vehicle signal, if supported by a
survey of affected residents and businesses;
(6) staff meeting with residents to develop traffic
calming measures on Adera Street and the lane west
of Granville (possible measures include speed
bumps in the lane and additional stop signs on
Adera Street);
(7) implementation of the HOV lane being deferred to
September, 1995, to permit discussions as noted
above;
(8) BC Transit funding 100% of the cost of a
pedestrian/transit signal at 63rd and Granville.
(9) BC Transit contributing 50% of the costs to
install HOV signing and improve traffic signal
visibility. (BC Transit's share is estimated to
be $10,000).
B. THAT $70,000 be allocated from Streets Basic Capital
Unappropriated Account Number 12/31/9805/999 - Transit
and Arterial Streets to provide 50% funding for HOV
signing and traffic signal visibility, and 100% funding
for parking improvements, the signal upgrade at
Granville and 64th Avenue, and traffic calming
measures.
C. THAT staff be directed to investigate opportunities to
install a collective parking lot(s) in Marpole.
D. THAT pedestrian signals across Granville Street at
71st, 65th, 66th Avenues and across Southwest Marine
at 71st Avenue be referred to the 1996 Traffic Signal
Program for consideration.
E. THAT a pedestrian/transit signal be approved for
Granville Street and 63rd Avenue.
F. THAT staff report back one year after implementation on
the impacts of these measures and what difficulties
area merchants and residents have encountered.
(Councillor Puil opposed)
4. Amendments to Vancouver Heritage Register File: 5052-2
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
May 2, 1995 (on file), in which the Associate Director of
Planning, Land Use and Development, recommended Council adopt
amendments to the Vancouver Heritage Register, including:
the deletion of demolished buildings;
address changes for consistency of by-law administration;
and
addition to the Heritage Register of publicly nominated
buildings at 243 East 5th Avenue, 138 West 10th Avenue,
and 285-287 West 17th Avenue.
Also before the Committee was a memorandum (on file) from
the Senior Heritage Planner dated May 11, 1994 (sic.),
recommending the addition of 2196 West 6th Avenue to the
Vancouver Heritage Register. The owners of the building have
requested its addition, which is supported by the Vancouver
Heritage Commission for listing in the 'B' evaluation category.
Mr. Marco D'Agostini, Heritage Planning Assistant, reviewed
the report and recommendations. It was noted the heritage
register will also be updated to note buildings which have been
municipally designated since the register's last update.
All property owners had been advised of this meeting by the
Heritage Planning Division. However, no delegations were present
to speak.
The following motions by Councillor Kennedy were put and
CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register, dated August
1986, be amended by deleting the addresses listed in
Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated May 2,
1995;
B. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register, dated August
1986, be amended to change the addresses listed in
Appendix B; and
Clause No. 4 Continued
C. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register, dated August
1986, be amended to add the addresses listed in
Appendix C.
D. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register, dated August
1986, be amended to add 2196 West 6th Avenue, listed in
evaluation category "B".
* * * * *
The Committee adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
* * * * *