CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, July 27, 1995, at 4:20 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 Owen Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer, Ip, Kennedy, Kwan, Price, Puil and Sullivan CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager CLERK: Nancy Largent COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, SECONDED by Cllr. Ip, THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COMMITTEE REPORTS Report of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment July 27, 1995 The Council considered the recommendations of the Committee as contained in the following clauses of the attached report: Cl.1 Hamilton Dock and Street Improvements Cl.2 Rezoning Inquiry - Grandview Highway and Boundary Road Cl.3 UBC Fire Protection Engineering Program Funding Cl.4 Approval of Form of Development: 800 Cassiar Street (a.k.a 3400 Adanac Street) DA 216428 CD1 By-law Number 4940 Cl.5 Name of two new public roads in Coal Harbour Neighbourhood and naming of a new public road north of 2400 Block of 49th Avenue Cl.6 Bill C76 Budget Implementation Act COMMITTEE REPORT (CONT'D) Report of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment July 27, 1995 Continued Clause 1, 4 and 6 MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clauses 1, 4 and 6 of the attached report, be approved. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Rezoning Inquiry - Grandview Highway and Boundary Road (Clause 2) MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, THAT Clause 2 of the attached report be received for information. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY UBC Fire Protection Engineering Program Funding (Clause 3) MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in the attached report, be approved. - CARRIED (Councillors Hemer and Puil opposed to Recommendation A) COMMITTEE REPORT CONT'D Report of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment July 27, 1995 Continued Name of two new public roads in Coal Harbour Neighbourhood and naming of a new public road north of 2400 Block of 49th Avenue (Clause 5) MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in the attached report, be approved. - CARRIED (Councillors Chiavario, Hemer, Ip, Kwan and Puil opposed to recommendation A) RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy, SECONDED by Cllr. Ip, THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY MOTIONS A. Establishment of Yaletown Docks as Road MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy, SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke, THAT WHEREAS the City of Vancouver is the registered owner of Parcel Identifier: 004-808-444 Lot K, except (A) Part in Plan 4544 (B) Portions coloured yellow on Plan 4959 (C) Part in explanatory Plan 17265, Block 76, District Lot 541, Plan 3469 AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to establish the above described land for road purposes; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Parcel identifier: 004-808-444 Lot K, except (A) Part in plan 4544 (B) Portions coloured yellow on plan 4959 (C) Part in explanatory plan 17265, Block 76, District Lot 541, Plan 3469 is hereby established for road purposes and declared to form and constitute a portion of road. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS Leave of Absence - Councillors Bellamy and Sullivan File: 1251-2 MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy THAT Councillors Bellamy and Sullivan be afforded leave of absence for tonight' Public Hearing. - CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Mural - Former Main LibraryFile: 4004-2 Councillor Kennedy requested the Senior Heritage Planner to brief Council regarding the status of the Mosaic Mural at the former Main Library building on Burrard Street. Mr. Robert Lemon, Senior Heritage Planner, advised it has been learned that the mural cannot be salvaged from the old library, but will be destroyed and removed as rubble from the building. Color photographs have been taken to record this heritage feature. Asked whether there is any likelihood the new owners will reconsider, Mr. Lemon responded one option would be to request the mural be left in place, but this would be purely voluntary on the owner's part since it is not designated. The Mayor undertook to convey this request on behalf of City Council. * * * * * * * * * The Council adjourned at 4:30 p.m. * * * * * * * * * REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT JULY 27, 1995 A meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, July 27, 1995, at 2:00 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall. PRESENT: Councillor Price, Chair Mayor Owen Councillor Bellamy Councillor Chiavario Councillor Clarke Councillor Hemer Councillor Ip Councillor Kennedy Councillor Kwan Councillor Puil (Clauses 3 to 6) Councillor Sullivan CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager CLERK: Nancy Largent Recorded Vote Unless otherwise indicated, votes of the Committee on all items are unanimous. Adoption of Minutes The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meetings of June 29 and July 13, 1995, were adopted as circulated. RECOMMENDATION 1. Hamilton Dock and Street Improvements File: 5762-4 The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 19, 1995 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the Director of Planning and Manager of Real Estate Services, recommended extension of improvements and modifications approved for the Mainland Street area to the Hamilton Street docks. Pedestrian activity on the Hamilton Street docks has increased, and parking resources now in place at the City's 1180 Mainland Parkade allow for the removal of parking on the docks. Therefore, staff requested Council's instruction to proceed with the following: - To establish the Hamilton Street dock as road; - To prohibit vehicles from using the Hamilton Street docks; - To re-organize the street area adjacent to the docks for traffic, loading and parking activities on Hamilton Street; - The City to install wheelchair access ramps. Also, before the Committee was a memorandum from the Acting Associate Director of Planning - Land Use and Development dated July 26, 1995 (on file), referencing the HA-4 district schedule. It was noted that the loading docks are presently zoned HA-4, and if they become street, are deemed not to be zoned unless Council determines otherwise by resolution. Should the loading docks be established as road, there would therefore be no land remaining in the City zoned HA-4, and it would be necessary to repeal the HA-4 district schedule from the Zoning and Development By-law. The Acting Associate Director recommended accordingly, as reflected in recommendation 'D' of this report. Mr. Don Brynildsen, Assistant City Engineer - Streets, reviewed the report, recommendations, and status of other docks in Yaletown. Mr. Robert Lemon, Senior Heritage Planner, responded to queries regarding the area's industrial heritage. The work which has been carried out and further work proposed is consistent with the character of the area. Mr. Lemon was not aware of any similar raised docks in North America.Clause No. 1 Continued Mr. Pat Hill, Heritage Office Furnishings Ltd, representing 1200 block area businesses, reviewed dock use and access to docks in the 1200 block Hamilton, describing loading and off-loading operations from the basement warehouses located there. Any barriers installed would create serious difficulties for business in that block. Unlike the 1000 and 1100 blocks, there is little pedestrian activity in the 1200 block, and it is not encouraged because of the level of industrial activity. Mr. Hill requested that the 1200 block be deleted at this stage for further discussion. Mr. Hill also read a July 27, 1995 letter (on file) from Mr. Gordon Lindsay, O'Connor Estates Ltd, expressing concerns specific to use of the 1200 block Hamilton loading dock for the unloading of unattached containers, noise complaints related to normal hours of business, and potential danger to pedestrians. Mr. Lindsay recommended that the 1200 block Hamilton be "Grandfathered" to protect current property rights and permit legal operation of the duly licensed business. Mr. Bill MacDonald, Coast Mailing Services, described his operation as a basement-located business backing on the Hamilton Street dock. It is very important to his business that he be able to load and off-load, and his main concern was that his access not be blocked. Mr. Dan Morin, Variety Club of B.C., also expressed concern about possible negative impacts on businesses in the 1200 block Hamilton. The placement of barriers would make it difficult for the Variety Club to attract tenants. The Variety Club would be pleased to be a part of any discussions on future actions. Queried by Committee members, Mr. Brynildsen indicated it has always been the intent to allow warehousing operations in the 1200 block Hamilton to continue unfettered. There is little pedestrian activity in the area, and there will be no change operationally. If the Hamilton Docks are dedicated as road, the city will be entering into encroachment agreements with the owners. Should Council wish to re-assure affected businesses in the 1200 block Hamilton, Mr. Brynildsen suggested the General Manager of Engineering Services recommendation 'A' regarding the installation of bollards and signage be specified to apply to the 1000 and 1100 blocks Hamilton. The Committee agreed this would be appropriate.Clause No. 1 Continued Mr. Brynildsen also responded to queries regarding wheelchair access noting it will be difficult to install wheelchair ramps in all locations. However, Engineering Services is endeavouring to ensure provision of wheelchair access to the docks. The following motions by Councillor Kennedy were put and CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee RECOMMENDED A. THAT Council establish Lot K, except (A) part in Plan 4544 (B) portions coloured yellow on Plan 4959 (C) part in Explanatory Plan 17265, Block 76 District Lot 541 Plan 3469, comprising three blocks of Hamilton Street loading docks, (1000 - 1200 blocks Hamilton), presently a portion of the HA-4 District, as Road; FURTHER, THAT Council instruct the General Manager of Engineering Services to prohibit street vehicles from using the 1000 and 1100 blocks Hamilton Street docks, and approve an expenditure of $10,000 for the installation of bollards and signage, funds to be provided from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 13/32/9801/999. FURTHER, THAT Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering Services to enter into encroachment agreements with the adjacent owners whereafter the Manager of Real Estate Services shall cancel the existing leases of the Hamilton Street docks. B. THAT Council approve an expenditure of $25,000 (1995 $) to permit the organization of the street area through revised parking and loading adjacent to the docks using paint lines, signage, and parking meters; funds to be provided from increased parking meter revenue. C. THAT Council approve an expenditure of $10,000 for the installation of wheelchair ramps to provide barrier-free access to the docks; funds to be provided from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 13/32/9801/999. Clause No. 1 Continued D. THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to prepare the necessary by-law to repeal the HA-4 District Schedule from the Zoning and Development By-Law. The requisite formal resolution establishing Hamilton Docks as Road was also adopted by City Council INFORMATION 2. Rezoning Inquiry - Grandview Highway and Boundary Road File : 5303-2 The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated July 12, 1995, dealing with a Rezoning Inquiry for Grandview Highway and Boundary Road (on file). The Committee was advised this item had been deferred at the request of the applicant. RECOMMENDATION 3. UBC Fire Protection Engineering Program Funding File: 3651-4 The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 19, 1995 (on file), in which the City Building Inspector recommended continued funding the U.B.C. Fire Protection Engineering Program for a further five years, starting from 1995, subject to free City staff attendance to at least ten course sessions per year from the program. In April, 1991, Council passed a resolution effectively providing 2.25% of all trade permit fees to fund the program ($75,000 per year), on condition UBCM provide equal funding for the course on behalf of the remaining B.C. Municipalities, for a total of $150,000. Although UBCM has not, as yet, provided funding, the availability of the program at a local institution is a significant advantage. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval, generally as reflected in recommendation A of this report with the exception of the term. Clause No. 3 Continued Mr. Bob Maki, City Building Inspector, described the origin of the course and expressed strong support for its continuation. The ready availability of a course in the basics of fire protection is a considerable benefit. There is a gradual increase in performance based codes in the building codes, and administration of performance based codes requires a very knowledgeable staff. The UBC course would be able to provide the requisite knowledge base for City Inspection staff, architects, and others working in the industry. Dean Axel Meisen and Associate Professor Jim Mehaffey, U.B.C., gave a status report on the program referencing enrolment in the Master's Engineering program and International Workshops. Although other B.C. Municipalities have not yet provided funding, more than half the requisite funding for the program has been attained from donors other than the City of Vancouver, including the Fire Commissioners office, Canadian Wood Council, Forintek Canada and other large organizations including UBC itself. In addition, UBC is continuing to work with the UBCM to encourage contributions from member municipalities. As interest and enrolment in the program increases, it is expected to become more self-sufficient. Dean Meisen, Dr. Mehaffey and Adjunct Professor John Ivison responded to a variety of queries regarding enrolment, course content and funding. Mr. Ken Dobell, City Manager, responded to questions regarding the source of funds. Although permit fees were increased specifically for this purpose, because UBCM did not meet the matching funding conditions established by Council, the funds were allocated to other purposes. Therefore, this years funding would have to come from Contingency Reserve. Concern was expressed over the lack of matching funding from other B.C. Municipalities, as well as the currently low level of funds available in Contingency Reserve. Concern was also expressed about the current level of enrolment. However, the majority of the Committee were prepared to support continued funding, although it was felt staff should report back in two rather than five years. The Committee was unanimous in thinking the matter of funding for this program should be referred to UBCM once more. Clause No. 3 Continued The following motion was put by Councillor Kennedy and subsequently AMENDED. THAT City Council approve continuation of the $75,000 funding presently in place for five years, starting from 1995, subject to free City staff attendance to at least ten course sessions per year from the program. The source of funds for 1995 is to be contingency reserve. The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and CARRIED. THAT this matter be reviewed in two years, not five. (Councillors Chiavario, Hemer, Ip, Kennedy and Kwan opposed) The motion by Councillor Kennedy, as amended by Councillor Clarke, was put and CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee RECOMMENDED A. THAT City Council approve continuation of the $75,000 funding presently in place for 2 years, starting from 1995, subject to free City staff attendance to at least 10 course sessions per year from the program. The source of funds for 1995 is to be Contingency Reserve. (Councillors Hemer and Puil opposed) In response to a query, the City Manager clarified staff will report back to Council on this matter at the end of 1996. The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee RECOMMENDED B. THAT Council's previous resolution concerning funding for the UBC Fire Protection Engineering Program again be conveyed to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, with a request that this matter be considered through the late resolution process at the 1995 Annual Convention in October. 4. Approval of Form of Development: 800 Cassiar Street (a.k.a. 3400 Adanac Street) DA 216428 - CD1 By-law Number 4940 File: 5761-2 The Committee had before it a July 24, 1995 memorandum (on file) from the Senior Heritage Planner, recommending approval of the proposed form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 800 Cassiar Street, as reflected in the recommendation of this report. At a Public Hearing on July 18, 1995, Council supported a number of relaxations to the CD-1 By-law for this site; designated the existing building as a protected heritage site; and approved alterations and rehabilitation to the heritage building. Due to an oversight, Council was not asked to approve the form of development at that time. However, the Vancouver Charter requires form of development for CD-1 zoned sites to be approved by Council. Mr. Robert Lemon, Senior Heritage Planner, re-iterated the form of development requires specific approval by City Council. The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee RECOMMENDED THAT the approved form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 800 Cassiar Street (a.k.a. 3400 Adanac) be generally approved as illustrated in Development Application Number 216428, prepared by H. R. Hatch Architect Ltd. and stamped "Received, City Planning Department July 14 1995", 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. 5. Naming of two new public roads in Coal Harbour Neighbourhood and naming of a new public road north of 2400 Block of 49th Avenue File: 5001-4 On July 13, 1995, Council approved the Planning and Environment Committee's recommendation that the Street Naming Committee reconsider proposed street names for two new public roads in the Coal Harbour Neighbourhood. Accordingly, the Committee had Clause No. 5 Continued before it an Administrative Report dated July 21, 1995 (on file), in which the City Clerk presented two new names for Council's consideration. A name for a new public road that will extend one block north of the 2400 block of 49th Avenue, adjacent to Balsam Street, was also recommended. Ms. Maria Kinsella, City Clerk, advised that following further discussion, the Street Naming Committee is submitting a choice between the names "Coal Harbour Drive" or "Bayshore Drive" for the new public road connecting Denman Street and Cardero Street. Staff are still concerned about naming streets after commercial enterprises, and concerned that a precedent may be set. However, in this instance it may be considered that the name "Bayshore" has transcended its commercial use, as it is generally used in reference to the neighbourhood. The Street Naming Committee is recommending the new public road connecting Cardero Street to the Nicola Street end be named "Coal Harbour Drive", even if Council chooses this name for the public road connecting Denman Street and Cardero Street. There are already a number of streets in the city which are discontinuous, and staff see no problem here. Ms. Kinsella also noted that a name is required for the new public road extending as a cul-de-sac one block north of 49th Avenue adjacent to Balsam Street. Staff are recommending this be named "Balsam Place". Ms. Kinsella and Mr. Steve Kautz, Clerk - Street Naming Committee, responded to queries regarding emergency dispatch. Mr. Michael Geller, Michael Geller and Associates, felt it will be important to be able to distinguish the Bayshore neighbourhood from the Marathon neighbourhood, and the name "Bayshore" is already associated with the area. Mr. Geller also felt that this name need not be attributed to commercial interests, since the developer is not asking it to be named Westin Bayshore Drive. Mr. Norm Couttie, ASPAC, had no objection to the proposed name Bayshore Drive. For the Cardero and Nicola Street ends connection, Coal Harbour Quay was preferred to Drive. Some members did not support Bayshore Drive because of its commercial associations and concern for setting a possible precedent. It was also suggested Coal Harbour Drive flows quite naturally from the location on Coal Harbour. However, the majority supported the proposed name Bayshore Drive because of the public recognition of the name for that area and clarity. It was not viewed as particularly commercial in nature. Clause No. 5 Continued The following motions by Mayor Owen were put and CARRIED: A. THAT the new public road, connecting Denman Street and Cardero Street, north of Georgia Street, be named "Bayshore Drive"; B. THAT the new public road, connecting the Cardero Street end to the Nicola Street end, north of Georgia Street, be named "Coal Harbour Quay"; C. THAT the new public road, extending as a cul-de-sac one block north of 49th Avenue, adjacent to Balsam Street, be named "Balsam Place" and D. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward the appropriate amendments to the Street Name By-law. (Councillors Chiavario, Hemer, Ip, Kwan and Puil opposed to A) 6. Bill C76 Budget Implementation Act File: 111-2 On May 16, 1995, Council requested the Social Planning Department to report on the impact of Bill C76 on the City of Vancouver and the issues which will be raised. Accordingly, the Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 18, 1995 (on file), providing a preliminary response to Council's request. The Administrative Report was withdrawn from the July 25th City Council Agenda in response to a delegation request. At this time, it is uncertain how the Province will respond to reduced federal support for medicare, post- secondary education, and welfare and social programs. The only positive action that appears open to the City is to ask to be part of the process. Therefore, the Director of Social Planning and General Manager of Community Services recommended the City submit a resolution via the UBCM, requesting that the Province involve municipal representatives in discussing and planning changes to existing welfare and social service programs. Clause No. 6 Continued Mr. Jeff Brooks, Downtown Social Planner, advised specific information on Federal funding changes arising from Bill C76 is still scarce. However, there will be very substantial reduction in funding from the Federal government to the Provincial government. The legislation also removes national standards under the Canada Action Plan (CAP). The transfer will go into the Provincial government's general revenue rather than be earmarked for specific programs, and it is not clear how the Province will proceed to allocate the funds. Ms. Michelle Des Lauriers, End Legislated Poverty, felt impacts of Bill C76 will affect the City considerably. Many Vancouver neighbourhoods have 23 - 25% of their population below the poverty line. Ms. Des Lauriers introduced three low income volunteers whose lives may be affected by the legislation. Mr. Ralph Auer requested that City Council hear delegations on Bill C76 in September, to allow interested parties in the community time to prepare briefs. Mr. Dave Ross requested that Council ask for community representatives also to have meaningful participation in the Provincial process. Mr. Lionel Brown encouraged Council to take a leadership role in urging the Province to enshrine the CAP rights into the legislation. Mr. Brown noted the rights in question are set out in the Administrative Report. The Committee enquired whether it would be possible for public delegations to be heard at the UBCM on this issue. In his capacity as City Council's appointee to the UBCM Executive, Councillor Bellamy advised it is not the UBCM's usual practise to hear delegations, but he suggested a written brief could be submitted to the City to forward to UBCM. The enquiry was also raised whether Council could hear delegations and forward its minutes to UBCM as background information. Mr. Brooks advised that there may be some difficulty because at this point there is no clarity as to what the impact will be or where there will be cuts. Whatever process the Provincial government comes up with, there will be community input. But it is not clear what the process will be at this time. Mr. Brooks acknowledge there is tremendous anxiety in the community. Clause No. 6 Continued Ms. Des Lauriers requested that End Legislated Poverty be advised of any future reports of this issue. The Chair so directed. The Committee supported the recommendations of the General Manager of Community Services generally as requested in Recommendations A and B of this report. However, it was agreed to add to the proposed UBCM resolution a clause requesting the Provincial government to consult with community groups in reviewing this matter. It was also considered appropriate to forward a brief from End Legislated Poverty to UBCM for consideration at the upcoming convention. The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and CARRIED. Therefore, the Committee RECOMMENDED A. THAT Council submit a resolution for Category A at the October 1995 UBCM Annual Convention requesting that the Province consult municipal representatives and appropriate individuals and community organizations in planning for changes in welfare and social programs resulting from the passage of Bill C76 and the reduction in federal funding for these programs. B. THAT the proposed resolution read as follows: WHEREAS municipalities in British Columbia have a direct interest in the welfare of their residents; WHEREAS social and economic changes affect many systems, services and communities within each municipality; WHEREAS the passage of Bill C76 may affect both programs providing direct assistance to persons in need, and community-based social services including childcare, supports to families with children, and other programs; Clause No. 6 Continued BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the Province to include municipal representatives in the discussion of and planning for changes to existing welfare and social services in British Columbia; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the Province to consult with appropriate individuals and community organizations in planning for changes in welfare and social programs resulting from the passage of Bill C76. C. THAT the brief from End Legislated Poverty be forwarded by the City of Vancouver for consideration at the 1995 UBCM Annual Convention. * * * * * * * * * * The Committee adjourned at 4:20 p.m. * * * * * * * * * *