CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 23, 1999

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, March 23, 1999, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw and adoption of the Regional Context Statement Plan as an Official Development Plan.

PRESENT:	Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Don Bellamy Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario Councillor Alan Herbert Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT:	Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence) Councillor Gordon Price (Leave of Absence) Councillor George Puil
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:	Tarja Tuominen

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair, to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw and adoption of the Regional Context Statement Development Plan as an Official Development Plan.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. Text Amendment: 1530 East 22nd Avenue

An application by the Reverend Margaaret Marquardt, on behalf of St. Margaret’s Cedar Cottage Anglican Church was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment to CD-1 By-law No. 7092 would add Child Day Care Facility as a permitted use.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval of the application.

Staff Comments

Marco D’Agostini, Planner, reviewed the application. Approval will allow the Church to provide a pre-school. Social Planning is in support of the childcare use at the location. The applicant is proposing measures to mitigate potential parking demands in the neighbourhood. The application complies with the Kensington Cedar Cottage vision.

Applicant Comments

Reverend Margaret Marquardt, representing St. Margaret’s Cedar Cottage Anglican Church, advised the Church is looking forward to providing a childcare facility.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

The following spoke expressing concerns with having another Montessori preschool located in the area. There are already two Montessori facilities and neither have waiting lists. There needs to be a limit on the number of Montessori schools located in a particular area. However, statistics show there is a need for more good quality daycare or childcare in the community.

· Margaret Geddes, Community Association of Montessori Parents
· Jennifer Jordan, Community Association of Montessori

Applicant Closing Comments

Reverend Marquardt reiterated the Church is requesting approval of the zoning for childcare in general, which may or may not be a Montessori facility.

Staff Closing Comments

Penny Coates, Childcare Coordinator, advised at the time of the zoning application, staff are looking at the type of use. The Church is an appropriate site for a childcare facility. At the time of the development application, staff will have to assess what type of childcare facility will be located at the site. The area demographics clearly show a need for more childcare facilities.

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT the application be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Text Amendment: 2855 Sophia Street & 296 East 12th Avenue

An application by Hywell Jones Architect was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed text amendment to CD-1 By-law No. 7655 would add Special Needs Residential Facility - Congregate Housing as a permitted use.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval, subject to the following conditions as proposed for adoption by resolution of Council:

(a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Hywel Jones Architect and stamped “Received City Planning Department, November 3, 1998", provided that the Director of Planning may allow minor alterations to this form of development when approving the detailed scheme of development as outlined in (b) below.

(b) THAT, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning, who shall have particular regard to the following:

(i) design development to improve safety aspects of proposed open spaces as well as resident and pedestrian routes to ensure clear separation from lane vehicular activity and to generally meet CPTED principles for clear surveillance;

Note to applicant: Lower fence height for greater visual permeability and clear identification of public, semi-public and private open space is required. Revisions to entry locations to facilitate better awareness of lane traffic is also required.

(ii) design development to proposed landscaping to clarify the more localized characteristics and features of the intended Wellness Walkways and how theproposal will enhance the Walkways’ intent through integrated site specific design;

Note to applicant: Opportunities for Wellness Walkways’ references on 13th Avenue should be considered.

Note to applicant: Landscape design should provide for street trees on Sophia. Mini-bus lay-by locations along Sophia should be minimized to increase landscape opportunities for both public and private property.

(iii) design development to the at grade parking exit stair to better integrate the stair into the building or landscape;

Note to applicant: The exit stair should be better integrated and disguised in the landscape and should be secured at grade.

(iv) provision of a trellis over the parking ramp to reduce visual impact for adjacent development;

(v) design development to the lane elevations and the 12th Avenue elevation of the north building to improve visual appearance;

Note to applicant: Additional glazing for both elevations should be considered.

(vi) design development to achieve a more distinguished 4-storey expression for the south building;

Note to applicant: Refinement of materials and the introduction of a setback for the entire perimeter of the south building should be considered.

(vii) clarification of all proposed exterior materials;

(viii) consideration should be given to reducing points of entry to ensure better control of on-site activities and simplify circulation patterns;

(ix) design development, in consultation with the City Engineer, to minimize the width of the portion of the development which bridges the lane to provide a pedestrian connection only;

(x) clarification of the need or intent to regrade the City lane below the proposed bridge;

(xi) design development to take into consideration the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), having particular regardto reducing opportunities for:

· theft in the underground parking area. This can be achieved by gating the entrance to the underground parking. Further design development is needed to the stairs from the underground which should not be exposed to the street or the lane.

· fear in the underground by improving visibility and security in the underground in accordance with section 4.12 of the Parking By-law and consideration to painting the walls and ceiling white.

· break and enters. Ground level units are most susceptible to break and enter. Opportunities can be reduced by deleting areas of concealment outside of windows and patios.

· mischief in the lane and alcoves. Exits on the lane should be designed so an alcove is not created. This can be achieved by opening the roof over alcoves, or moving the exit doors flush with the building.

· graffiti. Graffiti is prevalent in Vancouver. Opportunities can be mitigated by reducing areas of exposed wall, by covering these walls with vines, hedges or lattice or by using a protective coating material. Contact Helen Chomolok, Graffiti Coordinator at 873-7927 for further information and resource.

Note to applicant:

Landscape plans have not been provided.
Clarification is needed regarding the function of the room beside parking stall 8.
Clarification is needed regarding the stairs on the ground floor of the north development, where do the down stairs go?
Clarification is required regarding resolution of the space east of the parking ramp.

(xii) provision of an Arborist report by a certified Arborist assessing all the trees over 8 inches in diameter, indicating their health, location, size and species, and including recommendations for retention, relocation and removal;

(xiii) provision of a landscape plan which:

(A) reflects all trees over 8 inches in diameter to be retained, relocated or removed, and

(B) includes additional street trees, where possible, to the satisfaction of theGeneral Manager of Engineering Services and the General Manager of the Park Board.

(c) THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, and at no cost to the City, the registered owner shall:

(i) make arrangements to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services for encroachment of the proposed bridge (at a reduced width) over the lane;

(ii) make arrangements to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services for improvements to Sophia Street between 13th and 12th Avenues in general conformance with the greenways (Wellness Walkways)/traffic calming plan for the area;

(iii) make suitable arrangements to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services for clarification of charges shown on title (a charge summary should be provided);

(iv) make arrangements for all electrical and telephone services to be undergrounded within and adjacent the site from the closest existing suitable point;

(v) make arrangements to the satisfaction of the Manager of the Housing Centre and the Director of Legal Services by way of a Housing Agreement, to secure affordable residential units (five of the occupants be in receipt of SAFER assistance), for the life of the building;

(vi) register a Section 219 Covenant, to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services, providing that the owner of the rental congregate housing development shall not strata-title any of the units.

Staff Comments

Lynda Challis, Planner, explained the application which would allow Special Needs Residential - Congregate Housing on the site. The application responds to a trend to offer moderately priced units to seniors. The applicant has offered to rent five units for seniors on SAFER assistance. Staff support the application, subject to conditions.

Applicant Comments

Gillian Watson-Donald, representing the applicant, briefly described the application. The project is an attempt to bring affordable rental housing for seniors into the area. The development will offer two meals a day and a continental breakfast; weekly laundry and cleaning; an acitivity coordinator; and a van to take seniors shopping. The rents will becomparable to those for subsided housing in the area. The applicant has received no negative feedback from the community.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

Andrew Chapman, representing Mt. Pleasant Business Improvement Association, spoke in support of the application. The proposed facility would be a benefit to the community and an asset to the seniors currently living in the area .

Staff Closing Comments

John Jessup, Senior Housing Planner, noted the condition for rental of five units to seniors receiving SAFER assistance will be included in a Housing Agreement.

MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,

THAT the application be approved, subject to the conditions as set out in this minute of the Public Hearing.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Rezoning: 1316-1336 West 11th Avenue

An application by Scott Baldwin, Polygon Development 100 Limited, was considered as follows:

Summary: The proposed rezoning from RM-3 to CD-1 would permit the retention of Rose Court and the construction of a 12 storey residential building.

The Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of Land Use and Development, recommended approval subject to the following conditions as proposed for adoption by resolution of Council:

(a) THAT the proposed form of development be approved by Council in principle, generally as prepared by Polygon Development 100 Limited, and stamped "Received City Planning Department, May 6, 1998”, provided that the Director of Planning may allow minor alterations to this form of development when approving the detailed scheme of development as outlined in (b) below.

Clause No. 3 Continued

(b) THAT, prior to approval by Council of the form of development, the applicant shall obtain approval of a development application by the Director of Planning, who shall have particular regard to the following:

(i) design development to treat surface parking area with pavers or other higher quality material and provide adjacent landscaping.

(c) AND THAT, prior to enactment of the CD-1 By-law, the registered owner shall:

(i) make arrangements to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and Director of Legal Services for provision of street trees, where space permits;

(ii) make arrangements for all new electrical and telephone services to be undergrounded within and adjacent the site from the closest existing suitable service point.

Staff Comments

Dave Thomsett, Planner, reviewed the application, noting the density increase in the construction of the 12-storey building is off-set by the public benefit of retaining Rose Court as rental housing. There has been no response to the public notification.

In response to a question, Mr. Thomsett advised there has been no reference to heritage designation of Rose Court.

Applicant Comments

Scott Baldwin, applicant, believed retaining Rose Court was in everyone’s interest. Both a development and building permit have been issued and the intent is to begin construction early in 2000. If the rezoning application is not successful, Rose Court will be demolished.

Summary of Correspondence

Council was advised one letter opposed to the application was received.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

The following spoke in support of preserving Rose Court. Approval of the applicationwill preserve affordable rental housing in the area.

· Mark Wozniak
· Isla Steele
· Monica Douglas
· Renee Rosko
· Rosalie Starzomski

Paul Molund opposed the proposed change in zoning. The area will become full of highrises and like another West End. The area already has traffic congestion; the proposed development will add even more.

MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,

A. THAT the application be approved, subject to the conditions as set out in this minute of the Public Hearing.

B. THAT staff report back on a review of Rose Court for placement on the heritage registry and heritage designation.

- CARRIED

(Councillors Bellamy, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed to B)

4. Official Development Plan: Regional Context Statement

An application by the Director of City Plans was considered as follows:

Summary: On January 26, 1999, Council adopted a Regional Context Statement Development Plan. This Regional Context Statement illustrates how existing City plans and policies contribute to implementing the Livable Region Strategic Plan.

The Regional Context Statement presented as Schedule A for adoption at Public Hearing contains several minor amendments made to the January 26, 1999 version. These are listed in the memorandum dated March 9, 1999.

The Director of City Plans recommends approval, subject to the following conditions as proposed for adoption by resolution of Council:

THAT if following the Public Hearing, Council chooses to adopt the Regional Context Statement Development Plan as an Official Development Plan, that before final reading of the ODP, Council refer the Regional Context Statement to the Board of Directors of the GVRD for approval.

Staff Comments

Brian Riera, Planner, explained the draft bylaw to adopt the Regional Context Statement Development Plan as an Official Development Plan. Mr. Riera also reviewed the memorandum dated March 9, 1999, submitting for approval amendments to the text of the Regional Context Statement approved by Council at its meeting of January 26, 1999. The Regional Context Statement has been subject to extensive public consultation. No new policies are before Council at this time.

Summary of Correspondence

There was no correspondence received on this application.

Speakers

The Mayor called for speakers for and against the application.

George Reilly, Co-Chair, Save South Granville Neighbourhood Committee (brief filed) , expressed concern the Bylaw would override the CityPlan without the broad public consultation required for any change. The City should not pas a bylaw which yields jurisdiction until the extent ofthat is understood by Council and the public. Mr. Reilly requested neighbourhoods work with City staff to ensure principles already adopted are brought forward and restated.

Staff Closing Comments

Dr. Ann McAfee, Director of City Plans, advised that as part of the process involved in adoption of the Official Development Plan, staff have been looking for inconsistencies. In addition, the Greater Vancouver Regional District will be looking at the City’s plan for any inconsistencies.

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the Regional Context Statement Development Plan be approved as an Official Development Plan, subject to the conditions as set out in this minute of the Public Hearing.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED BY Cllr. Daniel Lee,

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted, and the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare and bring forward the necessary by-law amendments.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Special Council adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver