CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
APRIL 10, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, April 10, 1997, at approximately 3:45 p.m. in Committee
Room Number 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of
the Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Sick Leave)
CITY MANAGER S
OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Bellamy.
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
1. Development Permit Board Appointment
March 26, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Council approve the appointment of Ms. Jacquie Forbes-Roberts,
Director of Community Planning, as an alternate to the Director of
Planning position on the Development Permit Board.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
April 10, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee as
contained in the following clause of the attached report:
Cl. 1: Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 - Site
Reclassification at 3791 West 26th Avenue
Cl. 2: The Downtown Vancouver Bridgeheads Study - Conclusions
Cl. 3: Dance Foundation (Vancouver Dance Centre) - Site
Clarification
Cl. 4: Impound Lot Relocation
Cl. 5: A.S.T.C. Science World Society
Clauses 1, 2 and 4
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clauses 1,
2 and 4 of the report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Dance Foundation (Vancouver Dance Centre) - Site Clarification
(Clause 3)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 3
of the report, be approved.
- CARRIED BY THE
REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillors Clarke and Price opposed)
A.S.T.C. Science World Society
(Clause 5)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 5
of the report, be approved.
- CARRIED BY THE
REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillor Puil 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 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
Council adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
* * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
APRIL 10, 1997
A regular meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and
Environment was held on Thursday, April 10, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. in
Committee Room Number 1, Third Floor City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Chair
Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy (items 2-4)
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Sick Leave)
CITY MANAGER S
OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLARK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Nancy Largent
RECOMMENDATION
1. Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 -
Site Reclassification at 3791 West 26th Avenue File: 113
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
26, 1997 (on file), in which the Director of Land Use and Development
recommended approval of an application to reclassify the property at
3791 West 26th Avenue from Category C to Category A of Schedule A,
Table 1 of the Subdivision By-law. The lot is the largest remaining
parcel in the block face, and there are no opportunities to combine with
an adjacent parcel and resubdivide in accordance with the requirements
of the existing category C . The existing lot is currently almost 30%
larger than the block average. If the application were approved and the
property subdivided, the two resultant parcels would be approximately 29
% smaller than the block average.
Allison Higginson, Subdivision Coordinator, explained the
application and rationale for recommending approval.
The Committee noted the applicant was present to answer any
questions, but that no speakers had registered to speak in opposition to
the application.
The following motion by Councillor Price was put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve the application to reclassify the
property at 3791 West 26th Avenue from Category 'C' to
Category 'A' of Schedule A, Table 1, of Subdivision By-law No.
5208.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. The Downtown Bridgeheads Study - Conclusions
File: 5751-1/8007-1
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated March 21, 1997
(on file), in which the Director of Central Area Planning reported on
the conclusions of the Downtown Vancouver Bridgeheads Study. Based on
the results of the study, the General Manager of Community Services and
Director of Central Area Planning recommended the adoption of objectives
and policies regarding the siting and form of buildings adjacent to five
bridgeheads: the north and south Burrard bridgeheads, the north
Granville bridgehead, the south Cambie bridgehead (east side), and the
east end of the Georgia viaduct.
Larry Beasley, Director of Central Area Planning, described the
genesis and parameters of the study. Mr. Beasley noted the study
focused on those locations where there is the potential for significant
development.
Michael Gordon, Planner, reviewed objectives, including respecting
and enhancing the experience of crossing the bridges, protecting
existing views, retaining and improving pedestrian connections, and
balancing between public objectives and owners expectations. Mr.
Gordon noted it is important to protect the specific characters of the
different bridgeheads. The public consultation process indicated wide
support for retaining views and general support for the proposed
setbacks. Mr. Gordon also drew the Committee s attention to an error in
Appendix A of the Policy Report.
The following motions by Councillor Price were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the heading South Burrard Bridgehead - West Side on page
1 of Appendix 'A' of the Policy Report dated March 21, 1997 be
amended to read South Burrard Bridgehead - West Side and East
Side; *
AND THAT the objectives and policies for development adjacent
to the north and south Burrard Bridgeheads, the north
Granville Bridgehead, the south Cambie Bridgehead (east side)
and the east end of the Georgia Viaduct, as detailed in
Appendix 'A', be adopted to guide the massing and siting of
development adjacent to downtown bridges and the viaduct to
achieve the following:
- protecting key public views from the bridges;
- respecting and enhancing the experience of crossing the
bridges;
- encouraging, where possible, improved pedestrian
connections; and
- reconciling public objectives with adjacent private
development rights and expectations.
B. THAT staff report back with design guidelines reflecting the
approved objectives and policies.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* underlining denotes amendment
3. Dance Foundation (Vancouver Dance Centre) -
Site Clarification File: 5304-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 4,
1997 (on file), in which the Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs,
in consultation with the Directors of Finance and Central Area Planning
and the Manager of Real Estate, submitted two options for Council
consideration to clarify the boundaries of the proposed site for a dance
centre facility to be built by the Dance Foundation::
(1) that Lots 1, 2 and 3 of the City-owned site at the corner of
Pacific and Granville Streets be withheld from disposal or
alternate development for a period of up to two years, to be
leased to the Dance Foundation for 60 years at a nominal fee
subject to fulfilment of conditions outlined; or
(2) same as option 1, plus the addition of Lot 4 of the subject
site, as approved by City Council in March of 1996.
The first option was recommended by the General Manager of
Community Services. Although Council originally agreed to all withhold
four lots, the design submitted by the Dance Foundation requires only
Lots 1, 2 and 3. In the context of competing needs and limited
resources, staff were unable to recommend the inclusion of Lot 4 for
future expansion without demonstrated need, source of funds, or
resolution of adjacent site issues.
Moh Faris, Dance Foundation, requested that Lot 4 continue to be
included in the property set aside for the Dance Foundation's use. When
the four City-owned lots were originally set aside, there were a number
of conditions, but none implied that the site was divisible. It would
be unfair to take it back now. The design uses the fourth lot as a
garden area to provide needed light, air and recreation for dancers.
Also, the beautiful front facade is only visible from Lot 4. Further,
fund-raising was done on the basis of a design which included this
garden area, and if it were lost, the Foundation would have to
reapproach the donors. The centre is currently a 25,000 square foot
design, which is likely to be inadequate for future needs but is all the
Foundation can afford now. Therefore, Lot 4 may be required for future
expansion, also.
Burke Taylor, Director of Cultural Affairs, Bruce Maitland, Manager
of Real Estate, and Jonathan Barrett, Planner, responded to questions
about the staff recommendation to delete Lot 4. Staff had always
interpreted the decision to withhold the four lots as potential, until
such time as a specific proposal was received and evaluated. In view of
funding constraints, it would be more pragmatic to save the unused
resources for future consideration. From the point of view of urban
design, Lot 4 is not required for public open space, but would be
suitable for public housing.
Ken Dobell, City Manager, provided clarification of the funding
implications to the Property Endowment Fund.
Some members were interested in the site's potential for public
housing. However, the majority felt it was not clear, when Council
originally agreed to withhold the four lots, that staff considered the
site divisible. Therefore, it would not be fair to change the parameters
at this time, especially considering fund-raising already carried out on
the basis of a four lot design. Also, it was felt the fourth lot would
eventually be needed to expand the Dance Centre.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council withhold a City-owned site, Lots 1, 2, and 3 and Lot
4, Block 123, DL 541, at the corner of Pacific and Granville
Streets from disposal or alternate use for a period of up to two
years, and subject to the Dance Foundation (Vancouver Dance Centre)
fulfilling the conditions outlined in the report approved by
Council on March 28, 1996 to the satisfaction of the City Manager,
and that Council approve in principle a lease of the subject site
to the Dance Foundation and recommend to the Council of the day
that this lease be provided for a term of 60 years at a nominal
rate ($1).
- CARRIED BY THE
REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillors Clarke and Price opposed)
4. Impound Lot Relocation File: 5653-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March
13, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
examined possible City-owned sites for the relocation of the existing
impound lot located on the southeast corner of Granville Street and
Pacific Street. Based on this examination, the General Manager
recommended he be instructed to apply to rezone 1407 Granville Street to
allow for its development as a parking structure to accommodate the
relocated impound lot facility. It was also recommended that staff
negotiate to lease portions of adjacent lands for an interim facility,
and report back on funding. The recommendations of the General Manager
are reflected in the recommendations of this report.
Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Engineer, reviewed the report and
rationale for the recommendations.
The following motions by Councillor Puil were put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services make
application to rezone Lot H, Block 122, District Lot 541, Plan
20641 (1407 Granville Street) from BCPED to CD-1 Comprehensive
Development District, to allow for the development of a
parking structure to accommodate the relocation of the vehicle
impound facility presently on the southeast corner of
Granville and Pacific Streets.
B. THAT City staff be authorized to retain a consultant to
prepare preliminary design and estimates for parking
structures at a total cost of $150,000 to be funded from
Parking Sites Reserve; and
FURTHER THAT staff report back for approval of the preliminary
design, project budget, source of funds, and on a financing
plan to pay for the relocation of the impound facility onto
this lot.
C. THAT Council direct staff to negotiate arrangements to lease
portions of the adjacent lands (Cominco and Concord lands ,
Appendix D1 of the Administrative Report dated March 13,
1997)) and Lot 4, Block 123, District Lot 541 for use as an
interim impound facility until completion of the parking
structure on Lot H; and
FURTHER THAT staff will report back on the cost for this
interim use and the source of funds.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * *
Item 5 was referred by the Standing Committee on City
Services and Budgets earlier this day, due to time constraints.
* * *
5. A.S.T.C. Science World Society File: 2001-1
When reviewing the 1997 grants ceiling report which recommended
moving Science World to the Other Grants category, Council directed
staff to report back on Science World's operations, financial situation
and civic grant level. Accordingly, the Committee now had before it an
Administrative Report dated March 14, 1997 (on file), in which the
Director of Cultural Affairs and Director of Finance provided the
requested background review. Four grant options were submitted for
Council's consideration:
(A) to discontinue funding to Science World effective January 1,
1997 with no transitional funding;
(B) to approve a 1997 operating grant of $40,000 to provide
transitional funding to June 30, 1997, and advise Science
World the City will discontinue support effective July 1,
1997;
(C) to approve a grant of $77,400 ($80,000 less a proportional
decrease), a full year's funding at the adjusted level, and
advise financial support will be discontinued effective
January 1, 1998;
(D) to approve a grant of $77,400 and consider future grant
applications in the context of the 'Other Grants' budget.
Barbara Brink, A.S.T.C. Science World, requested Council to approve
option D. Science World is in a transitional state, and requires time
to work things out. Ms. Brink also reviewed the organization's efforts.
For example, the Vancouver Science World has the highest percentage of
earned revenue to total revenue of any such centre in North America, and
has been making good use of sponsorship opportunities.
The Committee was prepared to approve a full year's funding at the
adjusted level, and to consider providing a grant in 1998. However, the
Science World representatives were cautioned that this approval is not
an assurance that any grant will be awarded in 1998.
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. Therefore,
the Committee
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve a 1997 operating grant of $77,400 to the
A.S.T.C. Science World and consider future grant applications in
the context of the "Other Grants" budget.
- CARRIED BY THE
REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillor Puil opposed)
The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
* * *