CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, October 24, 1996, at 2:00 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, Puil and
Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kwan (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Price
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Hemer,
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 24, 1996
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1: Vancouver International Airport
- New Runway
Cl.2: Significant Development and Rezoning
Applications
Cl. 3: Revisions to the Fee By-law for
One-Family Dwelling Zones
Cl. 4: Development of the Prince Albert
Neighbourhood Greenway
Cl. 5: Club KENO in Liquor Licensed Premises
Cl. 6: 1996 Sister City Grants
Clauses 1-5, inclusive
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clauses 1
through 5, inclusive, of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1996 Sister City Grants
(Clause 6)
Moved by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 6
of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
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. Bellamy,
That the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to Amend By-law No. 4450,
being the License By-law (Video
Lottery Terminals - Club KENO)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the by-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The by-law was introduced and read a first time, and the Mayor
declared the by-law open for discussion and amendment. There being no
amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the by-law be given second and third readings, and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorised to sign and seal the by-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
Council adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
October 24, 1996
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and
Environment was held on Thursday, October 24, 1996, at 2:00 p.m. in
Committee Room No.1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Kennedy, Deputy Chair
Mayor Owen
Councillor Bellamy
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Puil
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kwan (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Price, Chair
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
RECOMMENDATION
1. Vancouver International Airport
- New Runway
Jane Fleming, City representative on the Vancouver Airport
Authority Board, gave a brief introduction, noting that the new third
runway will open November 4th. Ms. Fleming then introduced the Airport
Authority CEO.
David Emerson, CEO, Vancouver International Airport Authority, gave
a slide show presentation on the new runway, and discussed its potential
impacts on Vancouver in a number of areas. Mr. Emerson reviewed the
airport's history and rationale for the development of the new runway,
including critical mass gateway statistics and impacts of the Open Skies
Agreement. Changes in the flight paths and how these will affect the
community, including noise impacts, were also reviewed. The Airport
Authority has essentially met all conditions laid down in the
environmental review of the third runway and will honour its commitment
to noise minimization guidelines. A 24-hour community information line
has been established to take calls, including noise complaints.
Mr. Emerson and City and Airport Authority staff responded to
questions regarding Stage 2 and Stage 3 Aircraft noise levels, hush kits
and standards; traffic and transportation planning, possible provision
for a rapid transit link, and the airport bus; flight paths; the Urban
Noise Task Force; the third runway's 10:00 p.m. "curfew"; the extent to
which City concerns with the Draft Airport Master Plan have been met;
and the airport improvement fee.
Alex Tunner and Meg Brown, City representatives on the Airport
Noise Committee, congratulated the Airport Authority on its mitigation
efforts and community consultation to date, and hoped the level of
awareness re noise impacts will be kept high. It was also pointed out
that the Airport Authority must balance its noise mitigation efforts
between Vancouver and north Richmond, since alterating noise footprints
to Vancouver's benefit may increase negative impacts on the other
community.
The Committee thanked Mr. Emerson for his presentation. The
following motion by Councillor Puil was then put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the presentation by the Vancouver Airport Authority be
received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Significant Development and
Rezoning Applications
The Committee had before it a list of significant development and
rezoning applications, prepared by the Planning Department (on file).
Jonathan Barrett, Planner, reviewed two applications within the
area of the Arbutus Plan at 2790 and 2698 Vine Street, and a proposal
for an 11th Avenue Greenway within the same area. Mr. Barrett
referenced features of the area plan, noted greenway issues, and
responded to queries concerning timelines.
Mr. Barrett also briefly reviewed an application to develop 440
dwelling units at 1198 Pacific Street. No significant issues have been
identified at this time.
Phil Mondor, Planner, reviewed an application to rezone 2720 East
48th Avenue in order to replace two of three existing buildings on site
by a 92-bed, 2-storey Multi-Level Care Facility. The proposal has been
well-received by the Seniors' Committee, the open house generated no
opposition, and the Urban Design Panel supports it.
Rob Whitlock, Planner, briefly reviewed an application to rezone
599 Carrall Street for phased development of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level
Care Facility, market housing and minor retail.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Planning Department presentation on significant
development and rezoning applications be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Revisions to the Fee By-law
for One-Family Dwelling Zones
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October
3, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Land Use and Development, in
consultation with the Directors of Community Planning, Legal Services,
Finance and Permits and Licenses, recommended Fee By-law revisions. The
proposed revisions would increase fees for new houses and larger
additions in the one-family zones to cover the staff costs of processing
Development Applications. The General Manager of Community Services
recommended approval, generally as reflected in the recommendations of
this report.
Rick Scobie, Director of Land Use and Development, reviewed the
proposed increases and their rationale, noting they respond to Council's
instruction to achieve cost recovery.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Director of Legal Services bring forward a by-law to
revise the Zoning and Development Fee By-law No. 5585 to increase
the RS-5 zone conditional Development Application fee by $80.00,
increase the RS-3/Rs-3A zone conditional Development Application
fee by $405.00, and to increase all other RS zone development
application fees by $50.00 as described in Appendix A of the
Administrative Report dated October 3, 1996.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Development of the Prince
Albert Neighbourhood Greenway
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
September 24, 1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of
Engineering Services and Associate Director of Community Planning sought
Council approval for the funding and construction of the Prince Albert
Neighbourhood Greenway on Prince Albert Street between 14th Avenue and
the lane south of 14th Avenue. Approval was also sought to convert 14th
Avenue from a two-way street to a one-way westbound street between
Prince Albert and Fraser Streets.
Emil Barth, Engineer, Greenways Program, reviewed the proposed
Greenway and one-way street conversion, and credited the community with
successful development of this project. A public survey indicated 80%
in favour of the greenway, and 76% in favour of the one-way street. Mr.
Barth also clarified costs.
Uli Rasehorn, Prince Albert Greenway Committee, confirmed the
greenway has been very much a neighbours' initiative and a good
experience for neighbourhood bonding. Mr. Rasehoen felt it would be
difficult to find a better place for a greenway, in particular, the fine
views and a safe place for the area's children to play.
Cricket Fox and Matthew Hartman were also present to support the
greenway.
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve the development of a Neighbourhood Greenway on
Prince Albert Street between 14th Avenue and the lane south of 14th
Avenue and that funding of $50,000 be allocated from the Streets
Basic Capital Unallocated Account No. 12/31/6801/999 for this
proposal.
THAT Council approve the conversion of 14th Avenue from a two-way
street to a one-way westbound street between Prince Albert and
Fraser Streets, and that funding of $14,000 be allocated from the
Streets Basic Capital Unallocated Account No. 12/31/6801/999 for
this. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Club KENO in Liquor Licensed Premises
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October
16, 1996 (on file), in which the City Manager, in consultation with the
Social Planning, Permits and Licenses, Law and Police Departments,
recommended the License By-law be amended to prohibit the operation of
electronic gaming devices, including Club KENO, in liquor licensed
establishments. The City Manager further recommended that Council
express its concern over lack of consultation on the announced gaming
expansion to the Provine, and seek a meeting with the Minister
responsible for Gaming to communicate the City's position. This report
was withdrawn from the City Council agenda of October 22, 1996 to permit
delegations to be heard at this meeting.
Also before the Committee was a letter from Clark, Wilson,
Barristers and Solicitors acting on behalf of the B.C. Lottery
Corporation, dated October 22, 1996. The solicitors took the position
that enactment by the City of any by-law attempting to regulate gaming
is beyond the City's jurisdiction and accordingly would be invalid. The
solicitors further maintained that if a by-law is enacted, the B.C.
Lottery Corporation intends to take whatever steps are necessary to have
the by-law quashed, and to seek recovery for any losses suffered by the
corporation and its retailers.
Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager, Jeff Brooks and Mario Lee, Social
Planners, Randy Petersen, Coordinated Law Enforcement Unit gambling
specialist, and Paul Teichroeb, Deputy Chief License Inspector,
responded to queries raised at the October 22nd Council meeting. Among
other issues, staff advised they have been unable to obtain information
concerning proposed gambling locations, and have had to initiate their
request under the Freedom of Information Act. Regarding an article in
the Las Vegas Review Journal, staff have not yet been able to obtain
sufficient information to confirm or deny that a casino corporation
intends to enter the Lower Mainland, but have ascertained that the
corporation has no holdings at this time. Information was also provided
regarding First Nations gaming applications.
The Committee then heard from six speakers in favour of the
proposed by-law amendment:
* Mel Lehan, COPE
* Connie Fogal, Citizens Against Gambling Expansion (CAGE)
* Beatrice Parton
* Isabel Minty, CAGE
* Art Towgood, CAGE
* Eleanor Hadley, CAGE
The foregoing speakers made one or more of the following points:
* gambling causes grave social problems, and will have even more
impact if permitted where liquor is available since Club KENO is
particularly conducive to impulse gambling;
* people who line up to gamble at Club KENO are often the
working poor who can ill afford to be caught up in it;
* the very aggressive gambling industry has no respect for
community values;
* government's inappropriate reliance on gambling revenue is
increasing, placing the government in the contradictory position of
exploiter where it should be the regulator;
* the community is strongly opposed to gambling expansion, which
the Province is foisting onto the citizens without consultation;
* concerns were expressed that satellite bingo will put
charitable gaming out of business, or that a First Nations Casino will
be established, possibly on Sea Island;
* some speakers favoured a total ban on Club Keno anywhere in
Vancouver, or a ban on gambling by anyone under 19, but all urged that
the by-law presently before Council be adopted today;
* UBCM should be asked to support the City's position;
* the Province should be encouraged to pass an act regulating
gambling to ensure that the ground rules are clear, and that the
government is unable to change the rules without at least bringing
proposed changes before the Legislative Assembly.
Three speakers opposed the proposed amendment to the License
By-law:
* Brenda Locke, Neighbourhood Pub Owners' Association
* Dave Crown, Avanti Neighbourhood Pub
* Max Mitschele, BC & Yukon Hotels Association
The foregoing speakers made one or more of the following points:
* surprise was expressed that Council is only now becoming
interested, when Club KENO was introduced into convenience stores and
lottery outlets a year ago;
* Council should not favour one venue over another;
* children have access to gambling permitted in convenience
stores, but not in liquor licensed establishments;
* Club KENO is a simple game which goes well in a social
atmosphere such as a neighbourhood pub, but it will be just one more
amusement available to adult patrons who are capable of making their own
decisions about gambling;
* it is difficult for small businesses to operate in the current
economic climate, and it would be a shame to deprive owners of potential
revenue because of objections by special interest groups;
* everyone should not be denied access to a pleasurable form of
entertainment to protect a few compulsive gamblers.
The Committee was concerned that the Provincial government has
expanded gaming, despite the will documented social ills associated with
it, without consulting the community which must bear the impact. Dismay
was expressed that civic staff have had to file for relevant information
under the Freedom of Information Act, rather than being provided with it
in a cooperative spirit by staff of the Province or the Lottery
Commission.
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Director of Legal Services bring forward an amendment to
the business license by-law to prohibit the operation of electronic
gaming devices, including CLUB KENO, as defined in the previous
amendment dealing with Video Lottery Terminals in liquor licensed
establishments.
THAT Council express concern to the Province over the lack of
consultation on the announced gaming expansion related to the
introduction of CLUB KENO lottery game.
THAT Council authorize a delegation of the Mayor and Council to
meet with the Minister responsible for Gaming to communicated the
foregoing position as soon as possible.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. 1996 Sister City Grants
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October
8, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Finance, in consultation
with the City Clerk, submitted for consideration Sister City Grant
requests by the Guangzhou Friendship Society and the Los Angeles Sister
City Society. The report was scheduled for consideration at this
morning's Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting, but
there were not enough members present to approve a grant.
The following motions by Councillor Puil were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT a grant of $5,000 be approved to the Vancouver - Guangzhou
Friendship Society, with the source of funds to be the 1996 Sister
City Grants budget.
THAT a grant of 48,750 be approved to the Vancouver - Los Angeles
Sister City Society, as requested by the Society, with the source
of funds to be the 1996 Sister City Grants budget.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The Committee adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
* * * * *