ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 30, 1999
Author/Local: M.Cho/6496
RTS No. 01152
CC File No. 2606

Council: December 14, 1999

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:	PNE Playland “Turbo Shot” Ride Form of Development: 2901 East Hastings Street

CONSIDERATION

The Director of Current Planning submits the following for consideration:

THAT the Director of Planning be advised that Council supports approval of the form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 2901 East Hastings Street generally as illustrated in the Development Application Number DE404628, prepared by Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) and stamped “Received, City Planning Department November 10, 1999”, for a temporary period of time of three years, expiring December 31, 2002 and provided that the Director of Planning may impose conditions and approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character of this site.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services submits the foregoing for CONSIDERATION.

COUNCIL POLICY

On October 1, 1957, Council approved a rezoning of this site known as Exhibition Park and Callister Park (at Cambridge and Renfrew Streets) from RS-1 One-Family Dwelling and C-1 Commercial Districts to CD-1 Comprehensive Development District.

On November 19, 1985, in reviewing the policy and practice for development permit requirements at Exhibition Park and Playland amusement park, Council approved the requirement for development permits for any amusement ride at Exhibition Park which is located within 45.7 m (150.0 ft.) of any bounding street, exceeds a height of 10.7 m (35 ft.), or is on a permanent foundation.

On May 13, 1986, Council approved an updated form of development for the PNE site which supercedes any previous approval of the form of development by Council. The Director of Planning was also instructed to report any development permit application to Council that involves any significant development on the site.

On January 16, 1990, Council approved that Hastings Park be restored to predominantly park use with abundant green space and trees, instead of asphalt and buildings. On March 27, 1997, after a two-year community consultation process, both Council and Park Board approved the Hastings Park Restoration Plan.

On February 3, 1994, Council approved that it had no objection to the location of a “spectacular” ride (Corkscrew Roller Coaster) in the northeast corner of Playland, provided that the lease period for this ride is coterminous with the City and PNE agreement for the operation of Playland and subject to development permit approval.

On June 15, 1999, Council approved the terms for an Operating Agreement for continued presence and operation of the PNE on Hastings Park (except the Racetrack area) for the 2000 - 2002 time period.

PURPOSE

This report seeks Council’s advice on the proposal for a new ride at the PNE within the above-noted CD-1 zoned site. This report also seeks Council’s approval for the revised form of development. This matter is put forward for CONSIDERATION at this time in recognition that the public input is still forthcoming and may affect the City's ultimate attitude about the proposal.

SITE DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION

The site is bounded by Renfrew Street to the west, McGill Street/Wall Street to the north, Trans-Canada Highway to the east, and East Hastings Street to the south. The site and surrounding zoning are shown on the attached Appendix ‘A’.

The proposal involves the temporary construction, for a three-year period, of a new ride called the “Turbo Shot” to be located at the west portion of Playland on this existing PNE site at Hastings Park. A written submission describing the ride is attached as Appendix ‘B’.

The timing of this report is intended to accommodate the PNE who have indicated that in order to put this ride in place for the upcoming Playland season, approval must be given before the end of the year.

The “Turbo Shot” ride consists of a tower and an area for waiting guests to queue, and two temporary buildings to operate the ride. The tower is a 2.3 m (7.5 ft.) square steel structure which stands 57.0 m (187.0 ft.) in height and is located approximately 137.2 m (450.0 ft.) from East Hastings Street. It is bolted to a concrete foundation and the foundation is the only “permanent” part of the tower. The entire ride can easily be relocated or removed.

The two temporary buildings required to operate the ride are the compressor and operator/ticketing booth. The one-storey compressor building is 6.1 m x 6.1 m (20.0 ft. x 20.0 ft.) and the two-storey operator/ticketing booth is 3.0 m x 6.1 m (10.0 ft. x 20.0 ft.).

In the review of this proposal, staff have dealt with the following potential concerns: views; shadowing; visual intrusion; noise; and lighting.

Staff conclude that although the tower will be quite visible, its narrow width will not cause any appreciable view blockage nor any shadowing. The Director of Planning is inclined to approve the proposal subject to: the approval is for a temporary period of time of three years, expiring December 31, 2002; no signage on any portion of the tower; no lighting of the tower; the tower structure to be a neutral colour; a legal agreement to secure a bond sufficient for the City to remove the ride, if necessary. However, before doing so, staff seek Council’s advice on the proposal, as per Council instructions in 1985 and 1986.

Simplified plans, including a site plan and elevations of the proposal, have been included in Appendix ‘B’.

NOTIFICATION

As part of the review of this development application, a neighbourhood notification was carried out which included 109 neighbouring property owners. Recipients have been asked to respond by December 6, 1999. The notification area is included on the attached Appendix ‘A’ map.

The PNE will also hold a public open house on December 7, 1999 to provide information to the surrounding residents and to receive any input the residents may have.

Results of the written notification and comments from the PNE’s public open house will be reported to Council prior to consideration by Council of this report.

PARK BOARD COMMENTS

The proposed “Turbo Shot” ride will have limited impacts on the park restoration, program over the next three years. The rejuvenation of Playland is however inconsistent with the Council and Board approved Hastings Restoration Plan. Park Board staff are concerned that the effect of cumulative investments in “temporary” arrangements may ultimately hinder the restoration of an area to be known as Windermere Hill, which is to replace Playland. Windermere Hill will be a large open meadow lined with treed edges. Park users will be in this area on a year round basis. Informal play, strolling, picnicking, tai chi, and enjoying spectacular views of the mountains, harbour, racetrack and sanctuary will be some of the opportunities served by this area of the restored park.

Park Board staff are dismayed that the PNE is presenting this project to the neighbourhood with the statement “that a vibrant and successful Playland will fund the greening of Hastings Park”. This is not contemplated in either the current Operating Agreement, or the long term funding strategy for the park.

If the “Turbo Shot” ride were to be approved, the temporary nature of this arrangement cannot be emphasized enough in the development permit conditions.

CONCLUSION

Planning staff generally support approval of this development application, subject to various conditions to be met prior to the issuance of the development permit. However, before making a decision on this application, staff is seeking any advice which Council may wish to provide. Should Council support approval of this application, staff recommend that Council indicates, at this time, its approval of the form of development which is required under the CD-1 zoning applicable for this site.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver