CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, August 1, 1996, at 4:10 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
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke,
Hemer, Ip, Kennedy, Price and Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kwan (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Puil
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL: 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 Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: 932 Granville Street: The Roxy Cabaret Ltd.
and Siesta Hotel Housing Agreement
Cl. 2: Welcome to Kitsilano Sign
Cl. 3: Neighbourhood Integrated Service Teams
Cl. 4: Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment Application
for 1998 All-Star Weekend at Hastings Park
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONT'D)
Report of Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 (cont'd)
Clauses 1-4, inclusive
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clauses 1
to 4, inclusive, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Rezoning: 7400 Oak Street (Oakherst) File: PH 323
On July 23, 1996, City Council concluded the Public Hearing for the
rezoning and heritage designation of 7400 Oak Street (Oakherst), and
deferred its decision to the Council meeting of July 30th. At its
meeting on July 30th, Council again deferred a decision until this
meeting, pending receipt of additional information subsequently provided
verbally by City staff.
Council had before it items 4(a) and 4(b) of the agenda of Public
Hearing dated July 21, 1996, reconvened from June 27, 1996 (on file).
Following a brief discussion of the issues of density access to public
open space, and economic evaluation of park space and heritage house
preservation, the following decisions were reached.
(a) Rezoning
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the application be approved, subject to the conditions as set
out in the minute of the Public Hearing dated June 27/July 23, 1996,
with the following amendments:
* Condition B (xviii) be revised to read:
design development to provide public accessibility to and
through the semi-private open space to the south of the
heritage building, from both West 58th and West 59th
Avenues, while not compromising security for the adjacent
private dwellings; *
Cont'd
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 3
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONT'D)
Rezoning: 7400 Oak Street (Oakherst) (cont'd)
* Condition D be revised by replacing the figure of $150,000
with the figure $247,000;
* Clause 5: "Height" in the draft CD-1 By-law be amended by
adding the following phrase to section 5.2:
For multiple dwellings on the portion of the site not
described in section 5.1 the maximum building height
above the base surface is 9.2m except that portion of the
site south of a hypothetical line drawn 23.5m north of
and parallel to 59th Avenue and east of and parallel to a
hypothetical line drawn 24.9m west of Laurel Street the
maximum building height measured above the base surface
is 10.7m. *
*Underlining denotes amendment
- CARRIED
(Councillor Chiavario opposed)
(b) Heritage Designation
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT an amendment be brought forward to schedule A of the Heritage
By-law to designate the 'A'-listed Parklane heritage house (950 West
58th Avenue) as protected heritage property, subject to the following
condition proposed for adoption by resolution of Council:
THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law for the site, and the
enactment of the Heritage by-law, a letter waiving claims for
future compensation be signed by the owner, to the satisfaction of
the Director of Legal Services.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Clarke and Kwan were excused
from discussion and voting)
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 4
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONT'D)
2. Form of Development - 1003 Burnaby Street
D.E. 401274 - CD-1 By-law Number 7006 File: 5001-6
Owner of Development - Cressey Development Corp.
On July 30, 1996, City Council deferred consideration of an
Administrative Report (A2) dated July 16, 1996, pending an opportunity
to view the model.
Ralph Segal, Planner, reviewed the proposed form of development
with reference to the model and responded to questions concerning design
detail. During the discussion, Council members expressed concern about
form of development along Burrard Street generally, and questioned some
aspects of the design of this development based on that concern.
Rick Scobie, Director of Land Use and Development, cautioned that
specific comments regarding the details of this development should have
been addressed at an earlier stage. However, it would be quite
appropriate for Council to ask staff to report back on the form of
development along Burrard Street generally, should it so desire.
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in the Administrative Report dated July 14, 1996,
and quoted below, be approved:
THAT the approved form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known
as 1255 Burrard Street (1003 Burnaby being the development
application address) be generally approved as illustrated in
Development Application Number 401274, prepared by Paul Merrick
Architects and stamped "Received, City Planning Department May 13,
1996", provided that the Director of Planning may approve design
changes which would not adversely affect either the development
character of this site or adjacent properties.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT staff be instructed to report back on form of development on
Burrard Street.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 5
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to amend By-law No.7347, being
the Private Property Tree By-law and to
repeal By-law No. 7594, being the
Interim Tree Removal Prohibition By-law
MOVED by Cllr. Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Bylaw was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the Bylaw open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr Hemer,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 6
BY-LAWS (CONT'D)
2. A By-law to amend By-law No. 5585,
being the Zoning and Development Fee By-law
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Emergency Grant - KidSafe Summer Program File: 2204
Councillors Kennedy and Chiavario advised they have resigned from
the KidSafe Project Society Board of Directors. The Councillors were
previously disqualified from voting on grants to the Society based on
this conflict of interest (Standing Committee on City Services and
Budgets, June 27, 1996, item 3 refers).
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Council approve a one-time emergency grant of $6,280 for the
1996 KidSafe Summer Program, source of funds to be Contingency Reserve.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Regular Council, August 1, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 7
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT'D)
2. Impact of RS Zoning on Tree Preservation File: 5301-3
Following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
meeting earlier this day, Councillor Clarke requested staff to clarify
the possible impact of RS-1, RS-5 and RS-6 zoning on tree preservation.
Ken Dobell, City Manager, provided clarification as requested, and
also conveyed comments from the Corporation Counsel. Council agreed it
would like to discuss this matter further with the relevant officials at
a future date.
The Mayor so directed.
3. Plaza 500 - Bus Bays File: 5554-3
Further to Council's action of July 30, 1996, Councillor Kennedy
noted receipt of a letter from the Plaza 500 hotel citing financial
difficulties, and expressed concern over requiring one hotel to
construct a bus bay at its own cost while the matter is under review.
The City Manager suggested Council may wish to instruct staff to
withhold enforcement against tour buses violating the No Stopping
regulations on 12th Avenue pending receipt of the report back previously
requested.
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Engineering Services report back on this matter as soon as
possible, and that the City Manager be instructed to ensure that
aggressive enforcement does not take place until a strategy for dealing
with all hotels in similar situations is completed;
FURTHER THAT the Plaza 500 hotel be advised it will not be required
to proceed with construction of a bus loading bay pending completion of
the strategy.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The Council adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
August 1, 1996
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning
and Environment was held on Thursday, August 1, 1996, 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 Kennedy
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kwan (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Puil
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of July 11, 1996 were adopted as
circulated.
1. 932 Granville Street: The Roxy Cabaret
Ltd. and Siesta Hotel Housing Agreement Files: 2613/10/
5101-3
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 16,
1996 (on file), in which the Manager of the Housing Centre sought
Council approval in principle of a housing agreement covering 64 of 75
single rooms in the Siesta Hotel above the Roxy Cabaret street level
operation. Terms of the proposed agreement and its limitations were set
out in the report. In exchange for this agreement and subject to other
conditions, the City would endorse the Roxy Cabaret's application for an
increase in seating capacity from 195 to 275 seats.
Cont'd
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 2
Clause No. 1 cont'd
The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
However, the Director of Legal Services cautioned that the housing
agreement does not have priority over the mortgages on the property, and
there is a risk that the housing agreement would be extinguished if
foreclosure occurs.
The Committee also had before it a July 19, 1996 memorandum from
the City Manager (on file), recommending that Council defer approval
subject to the owner and the mortgage holders agreeing to priority for
the housing agreement, and that staff report back if the subject
condition cannot be met.
Jill Davidson, Senior Housing Planner, reviewed the proposed
housing agreement, and briefly discussed its benefits as well as
potential risks to the City.
Blaine Culling, Granville Entertainment Corp., explained the
ownership structure of the two businesses, and referenced a July 26,
1996 letter from the Laurentian Bank of Canada (on file), declining to
allow the City's housing agreement to be registered in priority to the
mortgage on the properties. Mr. Culling felt nothing would come of the
proposed deferral except more delay. Stressing that the housing
agreement would benefit the City by securing low-rent housing, and also
by setting a precedent as the first such agreement on SROs, Mr. Culling
urged approval. He also suggested Council look closely at its liquor
licensing moratorium in Downtown South since it discourages the area's
economy.
Responding to queries, Ken Dobell, City Manager, explained it is
possible the cabaret would continue, with the additional seats, if the
housing agreement were lost through foreclosure. Because the housing
agreement includes endorsement of a seating increase for the cabaret, it
would increase the property value and is, therefore, in the interest of
the mortgage holder. Mr. Dobell thought the possibility should be
explored before Council makes a decision.
The Committee felt the City Manager's recommendation was
reasonable. The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put
accordingly and carried. Therefore the Committee
Cont'd
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 3
Clause No. 1 cont'd
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council defer approval of the Housing Agreement for 932
Granville Street recommended in the Administrative Report dated
July 16, 1996, subject to the owner and the mortgage holders
agreeing to priority of the Housing Agreement, and that staff
report back if the subject condition cannot be met.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Welcome to Kitsilano Sign File: 2851
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 23,
1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
reported on the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce's request to design and
install an unlit "Welcome to Kitsilano" sign on City Property at the
median dividing Cornwall Street west of Burrard Street, at no cost to
the City. The General Manager supported this request, but did not
support a further request that the sign be illuminated, with the City
paying the added capital and operating costs for the lighting.
Sheri Plewes, Community Liaison Engineer, reviewed the request and
showed the proposed design. There appears to be community support for
the sign, which meets the City policy for such requests. However,
illumination is not the standard for such signs; Ms. Plewes explained
the rationale with reference to City cost, traffic safety and
tastefulness.
Bill Stott, Eric de Ridder, and Mel Lehan appeared on behalf of the
Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce and requested approval of an illuminated
sign which they felt would enhance both safety and ambience, and deter
vandalism. The sign is expected to benefit the community and contribute
to its identity, and considerable volunteer time has gone into the
project. If Council were not inclined to approve City costs at this
time, the representatives requested that the issue of costs be deferred
to permit them to clarify costs with the Engineering Department, and
explore possible funding sources for report back. Evidence of public
support for the sign was also discussed.
The Committee was amenable to installation of a sign. The majority
were also prepared to defer the question of illumination and costs
pending further discussion and report back.
Cont'd
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 4
Clause No. 2 cont'd
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was amended:
THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized
to permit the installation of an unlit "Welcome to Kitsilano"
sign on the west median at Burrard and Cornwall Streets, at no
cost to the City, with the location and design of the sign to
the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering
Services.
The following amending motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and
carried.
THAT the foregoing motion be amended by deleting the word
"unlit" ;
FURTHER THAT Engineering staff be instructed to report back
following consultation with the community.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bellamy, Hemer, Sullivan
and the Mayor opposed)
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy, as amended, was then
put and carried. Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to
permit the installation of a "Welcome to Kitsilano" sign on the
west median at Burrard and Cornwall Streets, at no cost to the
City, with the location and design of the sign to the satisfaction
of the General Manager of Engineering Services;
FURTHER THAT Engineering staff be instructed to report back
following further consultation with the community.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 5
3. Neighbourhood Integrated Services Teams File: 1010
On July 23, 1996, City Council approved the recommendation of the
City Manager, as contained in an Administrative Report dated
July 12, 1996 (on file), dealing with Neighbourhood Integrated Services
Teams. Noting a delegation request from C.U.P.E. Local 1004, Council
also invited any delegations wishing to appear on this subject to do so
at Standing Committee On August 1, 1996.
Bob Mooney, C.U.P.E. Local 1004, had no difficulty with staff doing
cross-jurisdictional problem-solving. However, the union objects to
enlisting volunteers to do work which should be carried out by City
workers. Mr. Mooney referenced several case studies appended to the
report which illustrated such use of volunteers.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the verbal report by C.U.P.E. Local 1004 be received for
information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment Application
for 1998 All-Star Weekend at Hastings Park File: 8015-6
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 24,
1996 (on file), which was withdrawn from the July 30, 1996 City Council
agenda to permit delegations to be heard. In response to a request from
Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment to use Hastings Park for NHL All-Star
events in January of 1988, the General Manager of Community Services
submitted the following options for Council's consideration:
- approve the request generally in accordance with Orca Bay's
letter of July 24, 1996 (appended to the Administrative
Report), except for item 6 (which would commit the City to
meet a variety of NHL bid specifications); or
- approve the request generally in accordance with the Park
Board's resolution of July 22, 1996 set out in the
Administrative Report; or
- refuse the request.
Cont'd
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 6
Clause No. 4 cont'd
The General Manager supported the first of the foregoing options
for reasons outlined in his report. The General Manager did not support
conditions set out in the Park Board resolution, including demolition of
several buildings on the site and turning control over to the Park Board
on October 1, 1997.
Ted Droettboom, General Manager of Community Services, responded to
queries concerning the rationale for his recommendations. Mr.
Droettboom felt it was not inappropriate for the City to continue to
earn some revenues from the site until a final plan for park restoration
is approved. As for demolitions, it would be premature to demolish
before construction is ready to proceed on building sites. Queried
regarding Orca Bay's request to operate parking for the event and retain
the revenues (Orca Bay's item 5), Mr. Droettboom acknowledged this is
also a concern and suggested Council may also wish to delete it as well
as item 6.
David Youngson, Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, described
activities proposed for the event, and indicated that the NHL's long
association with the site makes it an especially attractive venue.
Doug McAulder, C.U.P.E. Local 1004, supported the recommendations
of the General Manager with the exception of the point about parking
revenues. The amount is relatively small compared to the sum Orca Bay
will be contributing to the restoration of Hastings Park. Mr. McAulder
also agreed the Committee should continue to obtain revenues from the
site and that no buildings should be demolished until absolutely
necessary.
Greg Antonson and Steve Varty, site employees, expressed views
similar to Mr. McAulder's. They also requested that displaced site
employees be utilized for any work in connection with this and any other
events approved for the site. Mr. Varty suggested park construction
commence at the east end of the site to enable demolitions to be
postponed as long as possible.
Mariken von Nimwegan and Earl Peach, Hastings Park Working
Committee, supported the proposed event but expressed concern over the
precedent. They favoured approval of the event in accordance with the
aforementioned Park Board resolution. Citing Council's recent decision
to permit the PNE to be held on the site in 1997, concern was expressed
over the community's perception that Council has lost its enthusiasm for
park restoration. The planning process is on track and demolitions
should begin as soon as possible as a gesture of good faith, and to
encourage corporate donations toward park restoration.
Cont'd
Report to Council
Standing Committee of Council
on Planning and Environment
August 1, 1996 Page 7
Clause No. 4 cont'd
Tom Anselmi, Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment, explained the
economic rationale for requesting the parking revenues, which will defer
what is expected to be a loss on the event. The All-Star event has not
taken place in Canada for five years, and some incentives are needed.
Mr. Anselmi pointed out Orca Bay will be contributing $225,000 to park
restoration, whereas competitive market rental would be about $125,000.
The Committee took exception to the suggestion that Council has
lost enthusiasm for the restoration of Hastings Park, noting the lengthy
history of Council's involvement, substantial fiscal contribution, and
other evidences of commitment.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council agree to Orca Bay's request to use Hastings Park for
NHL All-Star events in January of 1998, generally in accordance
with terms outlined in Orca Bay's letter of July 24, 1996, with the
exceptions of items 5 and 6, subject to a final agreement to the
satisfaction of the General Manager of Community Services and the
Director of Legal Services;
FURTHER THAT the General Manager of Community Services be empowered
to discuss the parking revenues with Orca Bay and negotiate a
mutually satisfactory agreement regarding item 5, for report back
to Council only if necessary.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The Committee adjourned at 4:10 p.m.