CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 5:20 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1,
Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and
Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Owen, Chair
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer,
Ip, Kwan, Price, and Puil.
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
October 26, 1995
The Council considered the recommendations of the Committee as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1 Significant Rezoning Application
Cl.2 Vancouver International Airport Draft Master Plan
Cl.3 Planning Process - Southeast Shore of False Creek
COMMITTEE REPORT (CONT'D)
Report of the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
October 26, 1995
Significant Rezoning Application
(Clauses 1 and 2)
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clauses 1
and 2 of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Planning Process - Southeast Shore of False Creek
(Clause 3)
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan,
THAT consideration of the planning process be deferred while staff
produce a discussion paper outlining different models of development for
the Southeast Shore of False Creek incorporating the 5 points raised by
Moura Quayle.
- LOST
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke,
Hemer, Ip, Price, Puil and the Mayor opposed).
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan
THAT recommendation A be amended to insert the following 5
points between the words "process and" in the second line:
1. Request staff to prepare a preliminary public realm plan and
ecological management plan;
2. Request an audit of City standards and By-Laws as they assist
or block sustainability;
3. Bring design upfront as an analysis tool;
4. Take the opportunity to study alternate models of planning and
implementation;
5. Respond to the above 4 points with the necessary staff,
consultant and community teams.
- LOST
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer,
Ip, Price, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
COMMITTEE REPORT (CONT'D)
Report of the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
October 26, 1995
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 3
of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Legal Services Relocation to VanCity building. File: 5125
In dealing with Item 4 concerning relocation of Legal Services to
the VanCity building at this morning's City Services and Budgets
Committee meeting, Councillor Clarke asked about a possible duplication
of funding for telephone and communication links to VanCity. Council
now had before it a memorandum from the Comptroller of Budgets and
Research responding to that question and recommending approval of the
following recommendation:
C. THAT Council approve a one time expenditure of $160,000 to provide
data and telephone cabling from City Hall to the VanCity building
to service the office of Legal Services and future City offices;
source of funds to be the Property Endowment Fund and recovery from
monthly rents.
Mr. Ken Dobell, City Manager, explained the rationale for the
foregoing.
MOVED by Cllr Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr Bellamy,
THAT Council approve the foregoing Recommendation C of the
Comptroller of Budgets and Research.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * * *
The Council adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
* * * * * * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
OCTOBER 26, 1995
A meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and
Environment was held on Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 2:00 p.m., in
Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Price, Chair
Mayor Owen
Councillor Bellamy
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kwan
Councillor Puil
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Ken Dobell, City Manager
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
meetings of September 14 and September 28, 1995, were adopted as
circulated.
1. Significant Rezoning Application File: 5302-1
The Committee had before it information on a significant rezoning
application (on file), prepared by the Planning Department.
Ms. Joanne Baxter, Planner, reviewed the application to rezone
5104-56 Joyce Street from C-2C to CD-1 to accommodate a 16 storey
development including ground-oriented retail use, office use, housing
units, and space for a Community Crime Prevention Office. Ms. Baxter
noted issues include density, on-site open space, bonusing, and form of
development.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and CARRIED.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the presentation on 5104-56 Joyce Street be received for
information
2. Vancouver International Airport File: 8035-2
Draft Master Plan
The Vancouver International Airport authority has prepared a draft
master plan which accommodates the substantial air-passenger and freight
growth expected to occur over the next 20 years. The Committee had
before it a Policy Report dated October 10, 1995 (on file), in which the
Director of CityPlans, General Manager of Engineering Services and
Director of Environmental Health, in consultation with the Director of
Economic Development, recommended a response to those aspects of the
draft plan which would have an impact on the City of Vancouver and its
residents. Issues raised for Council's consideration were noise and
other environmental concerns, land use to the north of the parallel
runway, and transportation issues.
The General Managers of Community Services and Engineering Services
recommended Council support the draft plan subject to conditions
generally as reflected in the recommendations of this report and
summarized as follows:
- A clear Airport Authority commitment to operating procedures
which minimize airport noise in Southwest Vancouver;
Clause No. 2 Continued
- Additional public review of design guidelines for the buffer
area between the parallel runway and the conservation area;
- Increased commitment to traffic demand management measures;
- Support for various proposals to increase public transit use
to and on Sea Island.
Mr. Ted Sebastian, Planner, noted the City has supported airport
growth and the Open Skies agreement in the past, conditional upon the
airport acting like a good corporate citizen. Mr. Sebastian reviewed
the issues of noise impacts, the area north of the runway, and
transportation and discussed the rationale for staff recommendations.
The following speakers supported the recommendations of the General
Managers of Community Services and Engineering Services, with some
additions:
- Mr. Alex Tunner, Vancouver representative, Airport Noise
Management Committee
- Ms. Meg Brown, Vancouver representative, Airport Noise
Management Committee
- Ms. Wendy Turner, Community Forum on Airport Development
- Mr. Mike McCarthy, West Southlands Ratepayers Association
- Ms. June Binkert, Save Our Parkland
- Ms. Jennifer Maynard, Southlands Ratepayers Association.
Following are some of the comments made by the foregoing speakers:
- Noise was a significant concern expressed by the speakers, who
referenced both an increase in the number of flights and the
configuration of the third runway as leading to potential
increases in noise. The Airport Authority should be held to
earlier commitments with respect to noise mitigation, in
particular, operational restrictions on the use of the
parallel runway;
- Great care must be taken with development north of the runway
to ensure there is no undue environmental impact on the
preserve or the Lower Fraser Estuary, or on recreational
opportunities for the area. The environmental preserve should
be kept as large as possible;
Clause No. 2 Continued
- Visual impacts arising from the development of the buffer zone
and the proposed Industrial park to the east of the airport
will also have to be addressed;
- It was pointed out that transportation issues also have an
impact on the surrounding residential neighbourhoods. In
particular, concern was expressed about possible ferry links;
- The speakers urged that public consultation continue and that
residents be involved in discussion of implementation before
anything is finalized;
- Mr. Tunner and Ms. Brown indicated they would be filing briefs
for the information of City Council, the Airport Authority and
the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Joe Sulmona and Mr. Edward Aboly, Vancouver Airport Authority,
advised there will be further opportunities for public input prior to
adoption of the MasterPlan. They also confirmed that operational
restrictions intended to mitigate noise will be adhered to. Terms of
reference for the commercial zone will come after the MasterPlan is
adopted, and there will be public input on design guidelines. It is the
Airport Authority's philosophy to ensure access for airport users and
the intention is to work with the Cities of Vancouver and Richmond and
the Province to ensure this. The airport already generates the largest
volume of transit users than any area except Downtown Vancouver.
The representatives responded to queries with respect to the buffer
zone, commercial development, timing of the public process, the airport
bus, and options for use of the parallel runway. Queried further with
respect to commitment, Mr. Sulmona noted that by 2015, increasing
traffic will recessitate use of the runway for both take-offs and
landings. Peak hours are also expanding.
The Committee felt the Airport Authority should not regard its
commitment to noise mitigation as time-limited, and felt that statements
in the MasterPlan should be amended to reflect the original intention as
closely as possible.
The following motions by Councillor Hemer were put and CARRIED.
Therefore, the Committee
Clause No. 2 Continued
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council recognize the economic importance of the airport and
support expansion of airport facilities as described in the draft
Master Plan subject to the final plan incorporating the following
changes:
a) the Aeronautical Noise Management section should clearly state
the Airport Authority's commitment to strictly enforce
operational restrictions on the use of the parallel runway to
minimize noise impacts in Vancouver (primarily used for
landings, no Stage 2 take-offs, no use 22:00 to 07:00,
quietest configuration), and further that Master Plan
statements indicating that after 2015, the north runway will
be used for equal numbers of take-offs and landings, be
amended to reflect this original intent as closely as
possible;
b) commercial land use north of the parallel runway should be
limited to the minimum required for a safety buffer;
c) the Airport Authority should develop design guidelines for the
Airport North area in consultation with nearby residents, park
users, and wildlife area managers with a view to minimizing
impacts on these uses and maximizing visual screening;
d) the design guidelines the Airport Authority proposes to
develop for all airport buildings should include provisions to
maximize the opportunity for workers and customers to walk,
bike, and use public transportation for access; and
e) Transportation Demand Management programs for all users of the
airport should be strongly supported.
B. THAT Council request that:
a) the Airport Authority encourage B.C. Transit to introduce a
direct downtown-airport bus route;
b) B.C. Transit examine a direct peak period express bus route
from Richmond to downtown Vancouver using the Number Two Road
Bridge to accommodate commuters crossing Sea Island and the
Arthur Laing Bridge;
c) B.C. Transit examine means of providing improved service for
airport employees; and
d) the requirements, implications, and possible cost sharing for
a high priority vehicle lane between the airport and the port
be considered in the context of transit improvements in the
Granville corridor.
3. Planning Process - Southeast Shore File: 8010-14
of False Creek
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 11, 1995
(on file), in which the Director of Central Area Planning et al
recommended that work begin on a comprehensive planning process for the
development of a residential community on the southeast shore of False
Creek. Included were boundaries, a management structure, a planning
process, schedule, and resources for the preparation of a policy
framework, an official development plan and zoning for the Southeast
Shore of False Creek. The General Manager of Community Services
recommended approval generally as reflected in recommendations A, B, and
C of this report.
Mr. Larry Beasley, Director of Central Area Planning, reviewed the
proposed planning process and recommendations. The southeast shore of
False Creek has been identified as a "let go" area for industry. It is
suitable for housing, including housing for families with small children
which will contribute much to the diversity of the Downtown area. It
also presents an opportunity to create a model environmentally
sustainable development. The planning process is similar to that which
has been used for other large projects, and will involve considerable
consultation with the public. Mr. Beasley also provided information on
consultant selection, the public process to be followed, different
planning models, and funding. Mr. Beasley acknowledged development of
an environmentally sustainable community may prove to be costly to the
City, which is a major landholder in the area, but noted that potential
costs will be tracked as realistically as possible and reported to
Council periodically in the event some change in emphasis is required.
Mr. Joe Winkler, area property owner, felt it would be a shame not
to use this beautiful area as residential and supported the
recommendations. There is a need to resolve uncertainty on the part of
property owners and rezone as soon as possible.
Ms. Catherine Muncaster and Mr. Brent Cameron, Village Quest,
described their vision of a sustainable village community; a pamphlet
describing the Village Quest vision was filed. Related ecological
concepts were explored. The representatives requested a portion of City
owned land be set aside for this purpose.
Ms. Moura Quayle applauded the development of a model community
within an ecological framework, but felt the City needs to review its
own standards and how they can support sustainability. Specifically,
Ms. Quayle suggested Council take
Clause No. 3 Continued
the following five steps:
1. Request staff to prepare a preliminary public realm plan and
ecological management plan;
2. Request an audit of City standards and By-Laws as they assist
or block sustainability;
3. Bring design up front as an analysis tool;
4. Take the opportunity to study alternate models of planning and
implementation;
5. Respond to the above 4 points with the necessary staff,
consultant and community teams.
Mr. Christopher Sumpton, South False Creek Access Committee (brief
filed), felt the environmental reality of 100 years desecration of these
lands will have to be addressed. The quality of the land and forms of
access to it are very important; rather than large scale housing, the
land should be used for innovative design which brings back green space
and indigenous wildlife. Possibly artist livework accommodations would
be more affordable on City-owned land.
Mr. Sean McEwan, Lower Mainland Network for Affordable Housing,
noted economic analysis cannot be carried out without deciding how much
of the site will be affordable housing and how much will be market
housing. He hoped a good percentage of the lands will go to affordable
housing similar to the first phase of False Creek.
Mr. Jack MacNamara, area property owner, urged Council to separate
privately owned land from City-owned land for planning purposes. Mr.
MacNamara felt private owners have been kept in suspense for too long
concerning their lands in the area, and should be permitted to proceed
at a faster pace or to develop in accordance with the existingM2 zoning.
Mr. Beasley responded to further queries with respect to the Vision
Quest Concept, the five points suggested by Ms. Quayle, the viability of
affordable housing in cases of less government funding available, the
City's position as a land holder, and the existing zoning.
Mr. Bruce Maitland, Manager of Real Estate, commented that Council
is somewhat ahead of the anticipated timeframe which projected that
planning for the Southeast Shore of False Creek would take place after
2006.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Some concern was expressed that the City is moving to plan a
different type of community in the same way it has planned other major
projects in the past. However, the majority were prepared to support
the proposed planning process and were confident that Central Area
Planning would retain the necessary flexibility in dealing with the
southeast shore of False Creek. Some concern was also expressed that
the recommendations set out in the Policy Report referenced funding in
future years, which it was felt that Council should approve on a year by
year basis as the economic picture becomes more clear.
Recommendations A, B and C of this report were moved by Mayor Owen,
amended to delete some references to future costs.
The following motion by Councillor Kwan was put and LOST.
THAT consideration of the planning process be deferred while staff
produce a discussion paper outlining different models of
development for the Southeast Shore of False Creek incorporating
the 5 points raised by Moura Quayle.
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Ip, Price,
Puil and the Mayor opposed. Councillor Hemer was not
present for the vote on the deferral motion.)
The following motion by Councillor Kwan was put and LOST.
THAT recommendation A be amended to insert the following 5 points
between the words "process and" in the second line:
1. Request staff to prepare a preliminary public realm plan and
ecological management plan;
2. Request an audit of City standards and By-Laws as they assist
or block sustainability;
3. Bring design upfront as an analysis tool;
4. Take the opportunity to study alternate models of planning and
implementation;
5. Respond to the above 4 points with the necessary staff,
consultant and community teams.
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer,
Ip, Price, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
Clause No. 3 Continued
Mr. Beasley assured the Committee he would ensure that everything
raised in the course of this discussion is considered in phase I of the
planning process.
The following motions by Mayor Owen were then put and CARRIED.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the boundaries, management structure, planning process
and timing, beginning in January 1996, for the preparation of
an Overall Policy Statement, an Official Development Plan and
zoning for the Southeast Shore of False Creek, as described in
this report, be approved.
B. THAT funding for the first step of the project (January 1996
to March 1997) be provided by the Property Endowment Fund at a
cost of $374,700 and that this amount be credited against any
rezoning fees incurred by the Property Endowment Fund for the
site in future years.
C. THAT Council approve the following staff resources for the
planning project, subject to job evaluation by the General
Manager of Human Resource Services:
Planning
- professional and technical staff $116,600
- clerical staff $ 28,800
Social Planning
- professional staff $29,500
Parks
- professional staff $10,000
Engineering
- technical staff $ 35,000
Public Consultation Costs $ 24,000
Computers and Furniture $ 10,000
Consultants $ 60,000
$313,900
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
* * * * * * * *
The Committee adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
* * * * * * * *