CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 18, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Tuesday, February 18, 1997, commencing at approximately 2:00 p.m. in
the Council Chamber, third floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER S
OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK: Maria Kinsella
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer
read by the City Clerk.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Mayor acknowledged the presence of a group of Grade 10 students
from Point Grey Secondary School, under the guidance of Sheila Lencoe
and Sue Bailey.
IN CAMERA MEETING
Council was advised there were legal and property matters to be
considered In Camera later this day.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of Regular Council
(City Services and Budgets)
January 30, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
(Planning and Environment)
January 30, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
February 4, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * *
Councillor Chiavario arrived at this point in the proceedings.
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Tourism Vancouver - APEC Funding File: 4201-1
At its meeting on February 6, 1997, when considering an
Administrative Report dated December 5, 1996, on Tourism Vancouver, City
Council deferred consideration of the following motion pending a
briefing by the Deputy City Manager on anticipated costs associated with
APEC:
THAT Council direct Tourism Vancouver to fund at least 50% of the
additional costs associated with APEC, taken from the Hotel Tax
portion of Tourism Vancouver s 1997 business plan.
Ms. Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager, advised that in September,
1995, Council endorsed a bid for Vancouver to host the APEC Conference
in 1997. At that time Council agreed to allocate a total of $700,000
towards costs for the Conference, which included a capped contribution
from Tourism Vancouver in the amount of $350,000.
Ms. Rogers advised there is little doubt that the City and
Province will experience long-term benefits from hosting APEC. However,
in the short term there will be an increase in the costs necessary to
secure the City. With so many outstanding variables, it is not possible
to provide a firm costing at this time.
In anticipation of this increase in costs, discussions are ongoing
with the Province to secure some of the donated funds to offset City
costs. Also, discussions are ongoing with the RCMP to ensure there is
understanding about areas of responsibility, and to determine areas
where costs can be reduced.
Mr. Robert Vanderloo, Executive Director, Canadian Coordinating
Office, provided an overview of the Conference, and advised it is
expected to attract over 5000 delegates, including 18 world leaders and
36 senior ministers, as well as 3500 media. As
well, a CEO summit will also be held involving senior CEO s from each of
the 18 countries involved.
The Federal Government was delighted to receive a strong proposal
from the City of Vancouver and the Provincial Government to situate the
Conference in Vancouver. Vancouver was chosen because of this strong
proposal, and because of its track record in hosting large events.
The Conference is scheduled for seven days beginning on November
19. The program is busy and the staff are finalizing the details. The
exact size of the delegations and number of visitors is still not known,
and the anticipated costs of security will not be known until these
details are finalized. This will be known by late Spring.
Mr. Vanderloo concluded his office is aware of the current climate
of fiscal restraint and is looking for ways to save money, and for ways
to generate sponsorship from the private sector.
Responding to a question from a member of Council, Mr. Vanderloo
gave assurances no trees will be removed at the Museum of Anthropology
as a result of this Conference.
Ms. Elaine Kozak, General Manager, B.C. APEC Coordination Office,
advised the economic impact of 8-10,000 visitors will bring considerable
benefits to the City and Province, at a time when tourism is low. This
event is an extraordinary opportunity to highlight the special role
that B.C. plays as Canada s Pacific Gateway, and as a major entry point
for trade and transportation to North America.
Mr. Peter Barnett, Chair, Tourism Vancouver, advised Tourism
Vancouver is currently involved in discussions with City staff
concerning APEC funding. Council was advised that Tourism Vancouver has
already agreed to participate in funding in the amount of $350,000, and
that its grant from the City has been reduced by one million dollars
over the next three years.
Moved by Cllr. Puil,
THAT Council cap the total contribution from the City of Vancouver
and Tourism Vancouver at $700,000;
FURTHER THAT any costs in excess of the $700,000 amount be borne by
the Federal and Provincial Governments.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Low-Income Housing in the Downtown, 1996 Survey
1996 Non-Market Housing Inventory File: 4656-1/4651-1
Before Council was an Administrative Report from the Manager of the
Housing Centre dated February 4, 1997 entitled Low-Income Housing in the
Downtown, 1996 Survey, which submitted to Council the results of a 1996
survey. Also before Council was a second Administrative Report from the
Manager of the Housing Centre dated January 30, 1997, entitled 1996
Non-Market Housing Inventory, which submitted an inventory of non-market
housing from 1953-1995.
Mr. Cameron Gray, Manager, Housing Centre advised non-market
housing, often called social housing or non-profit housing, is housing
funded and controlled through public programs to meet housing needs not
met through the market. It serves households that can live on their own
and it does not include Special Needs Residential Facilities where 24
hour services are provided on site.
At the end of 1995, there were 325 non-market projects in the City
with a total of 18,363 units which comprise over 8% of the City s
housing stock and over 14% of its rental stock.
At the end of 1995, the last year covered by the inventory, there
were 23 non-market projects with over 1000 units under development.
Today there are 19 projects and again over 1000 units under development.
Prominent projects include 90 units at Homer and Nelson and the 99 unit
Coal Harbour Co-operative both currently under construction, and the 137
unit Roundhouse Co-op which will start construction this fall. Smaller
projects underway will serve street youth, the physically and mentally
disabled, and native families. When they are completed over the next
couple of years there will be 19,575 units in the City when the 275
units, including Woodwards, that were funded in 1996 are added. In the
1990s two-thirds of the non-market units funded have been on City land.
Mr. Gray advised there is always more to be done. Over a quarter
of Vancouver s households and 42% of Vancouver s renters are in
core-need. With fewer financial resources available, the City, the
Province and others concerned with the need for affordable housing will
have to explore new options. Allocations to the City have dropped from
a high of 1000 non-market units per year in the early 80s to an average
of 400 in the 1990s and will probably drop again for the near future.
The City has already begun to use bonusing and patnerships to address
housing needs. The projects developed through such initiatives will be
included in future inventories.
Ms. Jill Davidson, Senior Housing Planner, advised the 1996 survey
of low-income housing in the Downtown Core covers information on three
types of housing: non-market or social housing; Single Room Occupancy
(SRO), Hotels; and Special Needs Residential Facilities (SNRFs).
There are a total of 13,200 low-income units in the Downtown Core.
Of this number, 7500 are SROs, 4700 are non-market housing and 1000 are
SNRFs.
Since 1991 the stock has increased almost 2 percent representing
250 units. While the overall trend is an increase in stock, this is
made up of a decrease in SRO hotel units, compensated by a larger
increase in non-market housing apartments.
The past two years is different from the general trend in that we
have seen an overall stock decrease of 1.6 percent. The reason for this
is there was a decline in the number of non-market housing units being
completed whereas previously we have seen an increase. The lower number
of non-market housing units is due to the federal government withdrawal
from funding and the lag time before the provincial program resulted in
projects being completed.
Staff believe the trend of increases in the low-income stock will
return for the next reporting period as there are 10 projects under
construction or being planned, which will increase the stock by 15
percent or 728 units.
Ms. Davidson described the stock changes for each of the three
categories of low-income housing and reviewed policy issues arising from
the survey results. Council was advised that overall, the City is
making slow but positive progress in maintaining low-income housing in
the downtown core.
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the staff presentations be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * *
The Council recessed at 4:05 p.m and following an In Camera meeting in
the Mayor s Office, reconvened in open session at 5:35 p.m.
* * * * *
RELEASE OF IN CAMERA ITEMS
Mayor Owen advised of the following matters arising from the In
Camera meeting which could be made public:
Appointments were made to the Chinatown Historic Area planning
Committee;
Staff will be reporting back to Council on February 27, 1997,
concerning an alternate route for the Molson Indy race.
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
THAT Council not make a decision on reconfiguration of the Molson
Indy Course on February 27, 1997.
- carried
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the foregoing motion be deferred.
- LOST
Councillors Chiavario, Clarke, Herbert, Kennedy, Daniel Lee,
Don Lee, Price and Sullivan opposed
The motion to defer having lost, Councillor Price s motion was put
and CARRIED with Councillors Bellamy, Kennedy, Puil and Mayor Owen
opposed.
* * * * *
CITY MANAGER S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Form of Development - 1198 Pacific Boulevard
D.E. 401730 - CD-1 By-law Number 7248 (amending By-law Number 7606)
Owner of Development - Concord Pacific Development Ltd
January 31, 1997 File: 2608-1
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the approved form of development for this portion (Sub-Area 4,
Site 4AG) of the CD-1 zoned site known as 800-1100 Pacific Boulevard
(1198 Pacific Boulevard being the application address) be generally
approved as illustrated in Development Application Number DE401730,
prepared by James Cheng, Architect, and stamped "Received, City Planning
Department September 24, 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
2. Payment-In-Lieu Parking Application File: 5651
700 Davie Street
January 22, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
A. THAT Council approve in principle the offer of payment-in-lieu
in the amount of $26,600 by E.D.I. & G. Investments Inc. for
DE 401402, for the waiver of 2 parking spaces required by
Section 4.1.2 of the Parking By-law; and
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services be requested to bring
forward a by-law to amend Schedule A of the Parking By-law
pursuant to Section 4.11.5 to effect this waiver.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Low-Income Housing in the Downtown, 1996 Survey
February 4, 1997 File: 4656-1
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
THAT this report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. 1996 Non-Market Housing Inventory
January 30, 1997 File: 4651-1
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT this report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Lease Terms for 20 West Hastings Street
February 4, 1997 File: 5104-1
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Council approve a lease for the New Portland Hotel project
(Lot K, BLK. 29 DL 541 Group 1, Plan LMP22692) at 20 West Hastings
Street to the Portland Hotel Society on the following terms and
conditions:
1. a term of 60 years;
2. at a prepaid lease rent of $356,250, due and payable on or
before 90 days from issuance of occupancy permit;
3. commencement date being the earlier of the date of signing of
the lease by all parties or 120 days from the date of Council
approval of the lease terms;
4. the City may cancel the lease if construction has not
commenced within 12 months of the date of commencement of the
lease;
5. permitted uses in this non-market project include sleeping
rooms with bathrooms, administration offices, communal
kitchens, lounges, residential amenities, and a cafeteria
which may be available to the public as well as the residents;
6. occupancy shall be restricted to core need, hard-to-house
singles and couples, with priority to persons or couples where
at least one person has a serious mental, health, substance
abuse problem, or other similar problem; and
7. Such further and other terms as are acceptable to the Manager
of the Housing Centre and the Director of Legal Services, it
being noted that no legal obligation shall arise until
execution of the lease.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Strata Title Conversion: 1614 Grant Street
February 4, 1997 File: 5311-1
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the application to convert the previously-occupied building at
1614 Grant Street (Lot E, Block 54, D.L. 264A, Plan LMP30167) to strata
title ownership be approved in principle, but that pursuant to Section
9(1) of the Condominium Act, the Certificate of Approval (Form 10) shall
not be issued unless the following condition has been met within one
year of the date of this approval:
Completion of all work required by the City Building
Inspector, under the required permits, at no cost to the City,
and issuance of an Occupancy Permit, in order that this
previously-occupied building substantially complies with all
relevant by-laws.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Co-operative Purchasing of Gasoline and Diesel Fuels
January 24, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
A. THAT, as a member of the negotiating team for the 1997
Co-operative Fuels RFP, the Manager of Purchasing Services be
authorized to
(1) accept on behalf of the City of Vancouver the proposal
(excluding those with futures-based formulae ) that will
provide the City with the lowest overall cost, and
(2) execute the contract subject to the approval of the
contract documents by the Director of Legal Services.
B. THAT the Manager of Purchasing Services report back to Council
following the award of the contract
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Puil absent for the vote)
8. Proposed Closure of a Portion of the Lane
South of York Avenue, between Arbutus Street
and Maple Street - 2036 York Avenue
January 29, 1997 File: 5753-1
This report was withdrawn at the request of the General Manager of
Engineering Services.
9. Sale of Residential Lot: 6226 Arlington Street
February 4, 1997 File: 5102
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT Council accept the Offer to Purchase City-owned Lot 3 NE 1/4
of District Lot 339, Plan LMP 27811 (PID 023-387-742) from Man Sun Wong
and Man Wah Koo in the amount of $290,118 under the terms and conditions
contained in the City's "Offer to Purchase" tender form.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Puil absent for the vote)
* * * *
Councillor Clarke left the meeting
at this point in the proceedings.
* * * *
10. Evaluation of Vancouver s
Commercial Fire Insurance Classification
January 8, 1997 File: 3651-1
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the foregoing report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Clarke absent for the vote)
11. Asbestos Abatement - Queen Elizabeth Theatre/
Vancouver Playhouse complex.
January 28, 1997 File: 4253/4254
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT Council approve capital funds not to exceed $580,000, in
advance of approval of the 1997 Capital Plan Budget, for removal of
asbestos impregnated materials in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and
Vancouver Playhouse Lobbies. Source of funds to be the 1997-1999
Capital Plan.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Clarke absent for the vote)
12. Terminal City Club Development - Lease of Civic Plaza
February 6, 1997 File: 5104-1
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Council authorize staff to enter into a lease agreement
satisfactory to the General Manager of Engineering Services and the
Director of Legal Services, to allow the Terminal City Club development
to use a portion of the civic plaza, located at 901 West Hastings, as
shown on Appendix A, for construction and loading activities, at a rate
of $1,620 per month.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Clarke absent for the vote)
CITY MANAGER S POLICY REPORTS
1. CD-1 Text Amendment (Maximum Building Height)
for 572 Beatty Street - International Village
January 29, 1997 File: 5303-1
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Director of Land Use and Development be instructed to
amend the application to amend CD-1 By-law No. 6747 for International
Village to include an increase to the maximum permitted tower height on
Sub-area 4 as set out in Appendix A, and that this be included in the
application referred to Public Hearing on January 7, 1997.
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to
include the necessary by-law provisions for consideration at Public
Hearing.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Cllr. Clarke absent for the vote)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 6059,
being the Parking By-law (Relaxation
and Payment-in-Lieu, 1118 Homer Street)
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
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. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
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
2. A By-law to amend By-law No. 4548,
being the Untidy Premises By-law
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
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. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
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
MOTIONS
A. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (West 2 Feet of Lot 35,
Block 13, District Lot 352, Plan 1515) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 014-585-804
The West 2 feet of
Lot 35
Block 13
District Lot 352
Plan 1515
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Approval of Form of Development
(CD-1: 5299 Arbutus Street) File: 2604-1
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the approved form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known
as 5299 Arbutus Street be amended generally as illustrated in
Development Permit No. DP86031, prepared by Hugh Shirley, Architect, and
stamped Planning Department, Received, October 2, 1980", provided that
the Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not
adversely affect either the development character and livability of this
site or adjacent properties.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. CD-1 Guidelines (5299 Arbutus Street) File: 5301-1
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the document entitled 5299 Arbutus Street CD-1 Guidelines be
adopted by Council for use by applicants and staff for development
applications at 5299 Arbutus Street.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (West 2 feet of Lot 10,
Block 13, District Lot 352, Plan 1515) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 014-585-430
The West 2 feet of
Lot 10
Block 13
District Lot 352
Plan 1515
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (All that portion of Lot 14,
Blocks 37 and 38, District Lot 51, Plan 1735,
Group One, New Westminster District) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 014-319-586
All that portion of Lot 14, Blocks 37 and 38, District Lot 51, Plan
1735, Group One, New Westminster District, lying northeasterly from
a line drawn parallel to and 1.067 metres perpendicularly distant
southwesterly from the northeasterly limit of said Lot 14, and
extending from the southeasterly limit of said Lot 14 to the
northwesterly limit of said Lot 14, the same as shown heavy
outlined on plan prepared by J.W. Larson, B.C.L.S., dated December
12, 1996, and marginally numbered LE16556.
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (Lot 26 of Lot 60, THSL, Plan 330) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner has conveyed to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 012-625-523
Lot 26 of Lot 60
Town of Hastings Suburban Lands
Plan 330;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands are hereby accepted
and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and to constitute a
portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. IMPROVED BC TRANSIT SERVICE File: 5551-1
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,
AND WHEREAS the City of Vancouver has committed itself to develop
transit-oriented and friendly communities, as called for in both
CityPlan and the GVRD Strategic Plan;
AND WHEREAS the Central Area of Vancouver has already achieved the
densities needed to support cost-effective transit service. Indeed,
there is significant excess demand over what is being currently
provided, as reflected in saturated peak-period use and significant
increases in off-peak patronage;
AND WHEREAS City Council has repeatedly called for BC Transit to
provide a Downtown loop and for a new transit route along Pacific
Boulevard;
AND WHEREAS BC Transit has announced its commitment to a Downtown
Loop and Pacific Boulevard service, including an extension of the
trolley lines to provide for loop service;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council express its strong
support for the new Downtown services, and that we send a letter of
appreciation to BC Transit;
AND THAT City Council notes the necessity to maintain and expand
the electric-trolley system - a quiet, environmentally sound mode of
transport that comprises an important part of this City s heritage;
AND THAT the City work with BC Transit to improve the reliability
and efficiency of this service.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * *
The Council adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
* * * *