CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
MAY 29, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, May 29, 1997, at approximately 5:05 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 Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Civic Business)
Councillor George Puil (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Tarja Tuominen
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
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
May 29, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee as
contained in the following clauses of the attached reports:
Cl. 1: Significant Development and Rezoning Applications
Cl. 2: Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3683 West 49th
Avenue - Lot B, Block 4, DL 314 Group 1 New Westminster,
District Plan LMP 17867
Cl. 3: Arbutus Neighbourhood - Greenway and Streetscape
Cl. 4: Heritage Revitalization Agreement - Bowmac Sign
Cl. 5: City's Response to the UBC Official Community Plan
Cl. 6: Additional Vending Locations -
Gastown Business Improvement Society Proposal
Clauses 1 to 3
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1
to 3 of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Heritage Revitalization Agreement - Bowmac Sign
(Clause 4)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4
of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bellamy, Daniel Lee and Sullivan opposed)
Clauses 5 and 6
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 5
and 6 of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Canada - B.C. Infrastructure Works Programs File: 5750-1/1601-1
Phase II - Soft Infrastructure Projects
May 21, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
A. THAT Council endorse the following City-initiated projects
for submission to Phase II of the Canada - B.C. Infrastructure
Works Program, and authorize staff to submit applications to
the Provincial government:
A project to improve Civic Theatres totalling either
$5,125,000 (Option 1.) or $3,500,000 (Option 2.); and
Park Board projects to improve the Kitsilano Community
Centre - $2,585,000, the Killarney Community Centre -
$8,600,000 and the Kerrisdale Community Centre -
$1,500,000.
Facilities Development projects to provide a Wide Area
Radio System including Radio Systems - $13,000,000, Radio
User Equipment - $10,000,000 and CAD/RMS Systems -
$5,000,000.
B. THAT Council endorse the following community-initiated
projects on behalf of cultural and community service
organizations that will be making their own submissions to the
Phase II of the Canada - B.C. Infrastructure Works Program,
noting that such endorsement does not commit the City to
funding the local share of capital costs or any increased
operating costs, beyond those already approved by Council:
Vancouver Museum Revitalization Program, Phase 3 -
$4,400,000; and
Children s Arts Umbrella, Facility Expansion -
$5,032,000.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
POLICY REPORTS
1. Sprinkling Regulations File: 5809-1
May 15, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
A. THAT the cost of sprinkling permits for new lawns as laid out
in section 6.2 of By-Law 7109 be increased from $30.00 to
$33.00.
B. THAT other minor amendments to By-law 7109 referred to in this
report be approved by Council.
C. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring
forward the approval amendments to this By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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. 7109
being the Water Rationing By-law
MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
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. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
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. Executive Director - File: 3105-2
Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation
Councillor Price announced the Board of the Vancouver Heritage
Conservation Foundation, at an "In-Camera" meeting held this date,
extended the contract of Lauren Prentice, the present Executive Director
of the Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation, for an 18-month
period to December 31, 1998.
Council adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
MAY 29, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and
Environment was held on Thursday, May 29, 1997 at approximately 2:00
p.m. in Committee Room No. 1 , Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Chair
Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Items 1 to 4)
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario (Leave of Absence)
Councillor George Puil (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Tarja Tuominen
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of May 8 and 15, 1997 were adopted as
circulated.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Significant Development and Rezoning Applications
File: 5301-1
The Committee had before it a list of significant new development
and rezoning applications, prepared by the Planning Department (on
file).
Ralph Segal, Planner, reviewed a development application for 2198 &
2298 Granville Street, the former Pacific Press site. Issues
include: how to achieve open space and height.
Jonathon Barret, Planner, reviewed a rezoning application for 750
Pacific Boulevard. Issues include: appropriateness of form of
development, configuration, location of pedestrian and bicycle
routes along the water's edge. Mr. Barret also responded to
questions on the location of a new ferry terminal and tram access
and right-of-way.
Tom Phipps, Planner, reviewed a rezoning application for 976 West
54th Avenue (former Orion Private Hospital site). The application
is at the preliminary stages. Issues include: a request for a
density bonus without specific public benefit.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Planning Department presentations on significant
development and rezoning applications be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3683 West 49th Avenue
Lot B, Block 4, DL 314 Group 1 New Westminster,
District Plan LMP 17867 File: 2701-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated April
21, 1997 (on file), in which the City Building Inspector recommends the
City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the Certificate of
Title to the property at 3683 West 49th Avenue to warn prospective
purchasers there is a contravention of the Zoning and Development and
Vancouver building By-laws related to the building.
Peter Sweeney, Manager, Building Inspection, reviewed the report.
The Board of Variance has refused an appeal on the matter. Currently, a
review of the Zoning in the area is in process which may change the
Zoning from RS-1 to RS-5 or RS-6. The rezoning would allow the property
owner to appeal the original decision of the Board. Therefore, the
Planning Department is recommending enforcement be withheld at this
time, but that a 336D Notice be filed on the title to warn any
prospective purchaser of the contravention of the by-laws.
Douglas Wark, property owner, requested that the 336D Notice not be
placed on the title to his property. It is premature to file the Notice
prior to any decision on possible changes to the rezoning. The
additional area was built to provide access to the third floor storage
area.
The Committee noted the Public Hearing is being held that evening,
however the rezoning application may not be resolved at that time. The
City has no option but to proceed in filing the 336D Notice.
The following motion by the Mayor was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the
Certificate of Title to the property at 3683 West 49th Avenue in
order to warn prospective purchasers that there is a contravention
of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws
related to this building.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Arbutus Neighbourhood - Greenway and Streetscape
File: 8001
The Committee had before it a Policy Report, dated May 7, 1997 (on
file), in which the Director of Community Planning, in consultation with
the General Managers of Engineering Services and Parks and Recreation
sought approval in principle of the Arbutus Neighbourhood Greenway and
Streetscape Concept Plan, and authorization to use the Community Amenity
Contributions collected from the rezoning of the area for the
development of the Greenway.
The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Jacquie Forbes-Roberts, Director of Community Planning; Jonathan
Barrett, Planner; Barbara Pringle, Planner; and Sheri Plewes, Projects
Engineer; reviewed the report and responded to questions. The detailed
concept plan represents a shared vision of the major site developers,
the community and staff. The detailed design development will provide
further opportunity for future community work on the Greenway.
Moura Quayle hoped the concept plan will be a catalyst for more
connections. The plan should act as a framework for inviting
community interaction. She had one request: that the process not be
forgotten, and the City keep in place a group that monitors, guides, and
provides advise on greenways, and that the process becomes a pilot for a
continuing program and support. Monitoring of the Greenway could become
an outreach project for the community centre. There needs to be a
strategy for communicating to the public about the Ridgeway Greenway.
Sean McEwen, Kitsilano Arbutus Residents Association, thanked
Council for their support of the Greenways and staff for all their hard
work. The neighbourhood is looking forward to seeing Greenways
implementation on the block. He stressed the importance of taking the
Greenways east. Mr. McEwen noted some suggested changes to the design
of the plan, including: the addition of a ponding feature, with
collected streamwater, in the Brewmaster's Garden; an increase to the
pedestrian character; a more active use in the park, such as a
basketball half court.
Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, advised the
Park Board was concerned there would not be sufficient streamwater all
year round to maintain water plants in a ponding feature.
The following motion by Councillor Price was put and carried. The
Committee therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Arbutus Neighbourhood Greenway and Streetscape
Concept Plan, as illustrated in the Policy Report dated May 7,
1997, be approved in principle; and
B. THAT the Arbutus Neighbourhood Greenway be funded through the
Community Amenity Contributions collected from the rezonings
of the area.
-CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Heritage Revitalization Agreement - Bowmac Sign
File: 5051-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated May 21,
1997 (on file), in which the Director of Land Use & Development sought
approval to enter into a heritage Revitalization Agreement with Toys 'R'
Us at 1154-1176 West Broadway . The Agreement will vary the Sign
by-law to permit the repair and adaptive re-use of the landmark Bowmac
Sign and will give the City the ability to restrict the sign's
illumination at night.
The General Manager of Community Services recommends approval.
Gerry McGeough, Heritage Planner, reviewed the report and
recommendations. The proposal is an adaptive reuse of the sign and
will give new life for the sign. Some components of the base of the
Bowmac sign will not be retained; they may be salvaged and given to the
Vancouver Museum.
Jeffrey Devins, Urbanex, representing the applicant, advised
seismic and lighting concerns have been addressed. The process to save
the sign can work in other areas. The applicant would be pleased to
enter into discussions on placement of a heritage plaque on the site.
The following speakers supported the retention and re-use of the
Bowmac sign:
Jeff Clegg, Neon Products
Norman Shearing, Vancouver Heritage Commission
Jo Scott-B, Heritage Vancouver
Joan Seidle, Curator of History, Vancouver Museum
Harry Kellas
The foregoing speakers supported the application on one or more of
the following grounds:
the application is a great example of blending the old with the new
methods of marketing;
the new fluorescent technology does not consume much energy, the
light output is less, and emits little noise.
the application is an adaptive reuse of the Bowmac sign, which is
an important part of the city's fabric; it is an extravagant symbol
of Vancouver's past;
the compromise application reflects present day realities;
the application retains the original sign and will increase
community awareness to preserve neon signs;
it is better to have neon signs on the street where people can see
them every day, rather than stored in the museum; because of its
large size, the Museum would not be able to take the Bowmac sign;
it is an innovative solution, keeps the original artifact and
anchors the neighbourhood;
the Bowmac sign is an example of the past when Vancouverites cared
about their signs.
The following speakers opposed the application:
Catherine Chick
Terry Lord (petition filed)
Perry Gorgounis
Michael Brown
Jerry Malcolm
The foregoing speakers opposed the application on one or more of
the following grounds:
the Bowmac sign no longer fits in the neighbourhood;
the sign will exceed permitted limits;
the sign is not heritage; it is boasting, not subtle;
the arguments to preserve the sign are based more on issues of
nostalgia, not heritage;
a concern with illumination control and having lights shine into
the living room; and a concern with property values;
approval of the application will be a coup for Toys 'R' Us.
The following motion by Councillor Herbert was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council acknowledge that the Bowmac sign at 1154 - 1176
West Broadway has sufficient heritage value to justify its
conservation, and
B. THAT Council authorize the City to enter into a Heritage
Revitalization Agreement with the owner of the site at 1154 -
1176 West Broadway to vary the Sign By-law to permit the
continued use and addition of new sign text to the existing
non-conforming Bowmac sign and to secure its rehabilitation
and maintenance for the duration of the Toys R Us tenancy
lease, and
C. THAT the Agreement include a provision permitting the City to
restrict the level of illumination or the times that the sign
is illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
or both, in order to lessen the impact on the neighbours, and
D. FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be directed to
bring forward the by-law authorizing the Heritage
Revitalization Agreement.
- CARRIED
(Cllrs. Bellamy, Daniel Lee and Sullivan opposed)
5. City's Response to the UBC Official Community Plan
File: 8026/1101
The Committee had before it a Policy Report, dated May 23, 1997 (on
file), in which the Director of City Plans, in consultation with the
General Manager of Engineering Services, Manager of the Housing Centre,
and the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, provided comments on
the City's interests in the Draft Official Community Plan for the
University of British Columbia's portion of Electoral Area "A" and
recommended Council support approval of the revised Official Community
Plan. In addition, the Director recommended Council seek assurance from
UBC that further work to implement the housing, transportation, and
service targets will be undertaken.
The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
* * * * *
At this point in the proceedings, Councillor Clarke relinquished the
Chair, and Councillor Sullivan assumed the Chair.
* * * * *
Ann McAfee, Director of City Plans, presented an overview of the
report and commented on outstanding issues of concern, including traffic
impacts, transportation management, housing objectives, and provision
of community services. The City still has some concerns with the issue
of governance, however UBC and the GVRD have signed agreements to do a
governance study.
Hugh Kellas, Administrator, Strategic Planning, GVRD, advised GVRD
is holding a public meeting on June 19 and final consideration of the
OCP will be made by the GVRD Board in July.
Ian Fisher stated a combination of reduced fares and improved
transit is needed for UBC. The transit ridership to the University is
already at capacity. UBC has not followed-up on a consultative process
to discuss transportation issues.
During discussion of the outstanding concerns, it was pointed out
the governance study and local area planning must take place. In
addition, the Area Plan will come back to the GVRD.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The
Committee therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Vancouver City Council support fourth and final reading
of the Bylaw 840-1996, Official Community Plan for UBC
(November 1996 draft), subject to agreements being signed by
UBC to commit to preparation and implementation of:
(i) an effective U-Pass-type system;
(ii) a comprehensive transportation management strategy;
(iii) a program to implement the goal that in addition to
student housing, not less than 50% of market and
non-market housing serve university-related
households; and
(iv) programs to provide for the service needs of new
residents.
B. THAT Vancouver City Council advise the GVRD that the City
rescinds the motion of September 26, 1996, whereby the City
recommended that enactment of the OCP be withheld until a new
governance system is in place.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Additional Vending Locations - File: 8107/2630
Gastown Business Improvement Society Proposal
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated May 9, 1997 (on
file) in which the General Manager of Engineering Services recommended
approval of two additional street vending locations in Gastown to be
administered through the Gastown Business Improvement Society as part of
a street activity program.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and carried. The
Committee therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) proposal
to administer two additional street vending locations (for a
total of 6) be approved.
B. THAT the program be reviewed after one year with a report back
if changes are appropriate.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Committee adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
* * * * *