CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Tuesday, September 26, 1995, in the Council Chamber, commencing at
approximately 2:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Owen
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke,
Hemer, Kennedy, Kwan, Puil and
Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Ip (Sick Leave)
Councillor Price (Sick Leave)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL: M. Kinsella
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with prayer read
by the City Clerk.
PRESENTATION
The Hon. Glen Clark, Minister of Employment & Investment, Province
of British Columbia, presented the Mayor with a Power Smart cheque for
$153,000 for the energy conservation measures incorporated into the new
Vancouver Public Library.
* * * * * *
Council recessed at 2:00 p.m, for a Public Hearing,
and reconvened at 2:10 p.m.
* * * * *
"IN CAMERA" MEETING
Council was advised there were items to be considered "In Camera"
later this day including a labour matter.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting (with the exception
of the 'In Camera' portion) of September 12, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting (Public Hearing) of
September 12, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the Minutes of the Vancouver Traffic Commission meeting of
September 14, 1995, be adopted following an amendment on page 3 of the
minutes to amend the reference in item 4 (a) from Queen Elizabeth School
to Queen Alexandra Elementary School.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kwan,
THAT the Minutes of the Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
meeting of September 14, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Kobe Earthquake File: 3603-2
Mr. John Robertson, Permits & Licenses Department, introduced Mr.
John Sherstobitoff, a Senior Seismic Engineer with Sandwell Inc., who
was a member of the Canadian Reconnaissance team that visited Kobe,
Japan in January 1995. The purpose of Mr. Sherstobitoff's visit to Kobe
was to observe the damage to buildings and city infrastructure caused by
the earthquake, as well as the emergency response which was mounted by
that City to deal with the disaster.
Mr. Robertson advised that the experience in Kobe is particularly
relevant to Vancouver, noting that both cities share the following
similarities:
- located in areas of high seismicity;
- approximately the same size, and both are port cities;
- located next to a mountain range with very restricted
transportation corridors;
- contain large numbers of older buildings constructed before
implementation of modern design seismic building codes.
The lessons learned from Kobe are also relevant to some of the
initiatives currently underway within the Permits & Licenses group in
Vancouver. It is intended to submit a report to Council shortly on a
seismic survey of 1,100 city buildings in Vancouver, assessing the
vulnerability of older building stock to earthquakes. The Permits &
Licenses Department is also working extensively with the Office of
Emergency Management to upgrade Vancouver's response capability in the
event of an earthquake.
cont'd....
REPORT REFERENCE (CONT'D)
Kobe Earthquake (cont'd)
Mr. Sherstobitoff, with the aid of a slide presentation, provided
Council with a description of the damage caused by the earthquake in
January 1995, which was observed during his six day visit to that City.
There are two man-made islands in Kobe that were built in the 1960s,
before much was known about soil liquification. The port facilities in
Kobe are very large and suffered extensive damage from the earthquake.
Buildings constructed on piles performed better than expected, although
services to the facilities were severed by the earthquake. The loss of
the transportation system was very vital, although the City had the
resources to respond quickly. Bridges constructed of concrete failed,
while those constructed of steel survived better. Bridges constructed
since 1981 also performed better due to more modern design features.
The loss of the water supply was a major problem, as approximately one
million people were left without water. Two weeks after the earthquake,
there were still approximately 400,000 people left without water
service. This also affected the firefighting capability, as well as
hospital facilities. Unreinforced masonry buildings were the most
vulnerable to earthquake damage and also the most hazardous. These
buildings suffered catastrophic damage. Buildings incorporating a steel
structure survived best. The modern office buildings in the downtown
area survived reasonably well, although one out of five buildings in the
downtown area did incur damage. The earthquake caused tremendous
disruption for all buildings even those which did not collapse.
Approximately 100,000 buildings collapsed in Kobe as a result of the
earthquake, and firefighting capability was very limited. The City
lacked the resources to map out the damage to the buildings and provide
any kind of security to prevent people from entering damaged buildings.
Mr. Sherstobitoff emphasized the major part which water services
play in the event of such a disaster. Vancouver's streets are wider
which would facilitate better movement of traffic in the event of such a
disaster. As well, Vancouver's firefighting capability is enhanced by
the saltwater pumping stations. Modern buildings in Vancouver built to
code should survive reasonably well.
Mr. Sherstobitoff responded to questions from Council and advised
that Japan is now designing new buildings to meet seismic requirements.
cont'd....
REPORT REFERENCE (CONT'D)
Kobe Earthquake (cont'd)
The Mayor thanked Mr. Sherstobitoff for his presentation.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing presentation be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS
1. 1996 Council Meetings Schedule File: 1253-3
In a memorandum dated September 19, 1995, the City Clerk submitted
for approval a proposed schedule of meetings for 1996, as follows:
2:00 p.m. Regular Council
9:30 a.m. Standing Committee on City Services & Budgets
2:00 p.m. Standing Committee on Planning & Environment
7:30 p.m. Vancouver Traffic & Liquor Licensing Commissions
7:30 p.m. Public Hearing & Court of Revision
SKIP
January 2
9 Regular Council
11 Standing Committees/Commissions
16 Regular Council
18 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
23
30 Regular Council
February 1 Standing Committees
6 Regular Council
8 Standing Committees/Commissions
13
20 Regular Council
22 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
27 Regular Council
29 Standing Committees/Court of Revision
cont'd....
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS (CONT'D)
1996 Council Meetings Schedule (cont'd)
SKIP
March 5
12 Regular Council
14 Standing Committees/Commissions
19 (Spring Break: March 18-22)
26 Regular Council
28 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
April 2 Regular Council
4 Standing Committees
9 (Easter: April 5-8)
16 Regular Council
18 Standing Committees/Commissions
23 Regular Council
25 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
30
May 7 Regular Council
9 Standing Committees
14 Regular Council
16 Standing Committees/Commissions
21 (Victoria Day: May 20)
28 Regular Council/Public Hearing
30 Standing Committees (no evening mtg)
June 4 (FCM: May 31-June 4 in Calgary)
11 Regular Council/Court of Revision
13 Standing Committees/Commissions
18
25 Regular Council
27 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
July 2 (Canada Day: July 1)
9 Regular Council
11 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
16
23 Regular Council
25 Standing Committees/Commissions
30 Regular Council
cont'd...
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS (CONT'D)
1996 Council Meetings Schedule (cont'd)
SKIP
August 1 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
(August 5-30 - Council Recess)
September 3 (Labour Day: September 2)
10 Regular Council/Public Hearing
12 Standing Committees/Commissions
17 UBCM: September 16-20 in Penticton)
24 Regular Council
26 Standing Committees
October 1
8 Regular Council/Public Hearing
10 Standing Committees/Commissions
15 (Thanksgiving Day: October 14)
22 Regular Council
24 Standing Committees
29
November 5 Regular Council
7 Standing Committees/Commissions
12 (Remembrance Day: November 11)
19
26 Regular Council
28 Standing Committees/Public Hearing
December 2 Inaugural Council
10 Regular Council
12 Standing Committees/Commissions.
17
24
31.
Council was advised the schedule is to be amended to include
Standing Committee meetings on April 25th and August 1st, which were
inadvertently omitted from the proposed schedule.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the schedule of meetings for 1996, as recommended by the City
Clerk and amended this day, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS (CONT'D)
2. "Implications of Impending File: 3253-4/4101-4
Social Policy changes for
Large Urban Centres" Project
In a memorandum dated September 13, 1995, Mayor Owen advised
Council of an initiative by the FCM's Big City Mayors Caucus endorsing a
self-financed research project to examine the potential impact of the
changes to the system of Federal transfers to the Province, and the
impact of these changes on municipal governments. Each of the 21
participating municipalities is being asked to contribute $4,500 to the
project.
Therefore, the Mayor recommended Council approve $4,500 from the
Contingency Reserve Fund for Vancouver's contribution to the FCM's Big
City Mayors Caucus project entitled "Implications of Impending Social
Policy Changes for large Urban Centres".
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the foregoing recommendation of the Mayor be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Poster Campaign File: 3504
Mayor Owen, in a memorandum dated September 19, 1995, provided
information concerning a poster campaign launched by the Provincial
Government on September 16, 1995 aimed at raising awareness of child
prostitution in Vancouver.
The series of six posters, developed by a committee of youth,
community residents, service providers and parents in partnership with
the Provincial Government, were on display in the Chamber. The posters
will be made available to businesses, schools and community facilities
throughout the Lower Mainland, as well as being placed in transit
shelters and SkyTrain stations. Ads will be run in daily and community
newspapers.
The poster campaign is one component of the Vancouver Action Plan
which was established in November 1994, to develop strategies to help
get youth off the streets. City staff have been instrumental in working
with Provincial care providers on outreach
and safe housing for children victimized by the sex trade, housing
network and registry, detox centres, resource centres and educational
materials for parents and youth.
cont'd....
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS (CONT'D)
Poster Campaign (cont'd)
The Mayor thanked City staff for their involvement in this work.
Mayor Owen undertook to send a letter of congratulations to the
organizers of the poster campaign.
MANAGER'S REPORTS
1. Administrative Report File: 5312
(August 31, 1995)
Strata Title Conversion:
2961 and 2967 West 42nd Avenue
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Administrative Report File: 5753-2
(August 31, 1995)
The Closure and Lease of Portion of
the Lane East of Denman Street,
North of Robson Street
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Engineering
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
3. Administrative Report File: 5753-2
(August 29, 1995)
3005 East 51st Avenue
Proposed Closure of a Portion of the
Lane North of East 51st Avenue
East of Lancaster Street
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Engineering
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Administrative Report File: 113
(September 12, 1995)
Amendments to and Transfer of the
Administration of the Blasting By-law
from Engineering Services
to Fire & Rescue Services
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Fire & Rescue
Services and General Manager of Engineering Services, as contained in
this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Administrative Report File: 5701
(September 12, 1995)
Special Pedestrian Treatment
on Nelson Street
(Concord Pacific Lands)
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Engineering
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
6. Administrative Report File: 5117
(September 11, 1995)
Lease of 2215 Commissioner Street:
Rivtow Marine Ltd.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Corporate
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Administrative Report File: 5301-2
(August 31, 1995)
Green Streets Canada Application
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
8. Administrative Report File: 5557-2
(September 13, 1995)
Bus Stop Modifications
for the West Coast Express
In an Administrative Report dated September 13, 1995, the General
Manager of Engineering Services recommended changes to bus stops in the
Downtown core to accommodate new lay-over provisions related to the West
Coast Express. The West Coast Express commuter rail service, between
Mission and Vancouver, is scheduled to start in early November.
The General Manager of Engineering Services submitted the following
recommendations:
cont'd....
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
Administrative Report
(September 13, 1995) (cont'd)
Bus Stop Modifications for the
West Coast Express (cont'd)
A. THAT a bus stop be established on the east side of Hornby
Street, north of Georgia Street.
B. THAT the bus stops on the east side of Hornby Street, north of
Helmcken be cancelled.
Mr. Wayne Pledger, Transit and Special Events Engineer, explained
the proposed changes in the bus stops.
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT Council take no action with respect to the recommendation of
the General Manager of Engineering Services.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
9. Administrative Report File: 5762-4
(September 18, 1995)
South West Marine Drive Safety Issues
In an Administrative Report dated September 18, 1995, the General
Manager of Engineering Services noted that a report on South West Marine
Drive safety issues had been deferred by the Vancouver Traffic
Commission, at its meeting on September 14, 1995, in order to allow for
a wider notification along Marine Drive.
Rather than proceeding in this manner, the General Manager of
Engineering Services recommended an alternative strategy for addressing
the traffic flows to UBC.
The General Manager of Engineering Services submitted the following
recommendations:
A. THAT a Task Force be formed in order to undertake a broad
consultation process, which would address transportation
access to UBC and the University Endowment Lands.
cont'd....
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
Administrative Report
(September 18, 1995) (cont'd)
South West Marine Drive Safety Issues (cont'd)
B. THAT the Task Force include representatives from impacted
neighbourhoods, UBC, BC Transit, Ministry of Transportation
and Highways, Bicycle Advisory Committee and others, as
required, to address the issues.
C. THAT any consideration of roadway improvements along South
West Marine Drive, including the addition of express bus
service, be deferred until the report of the Task Force has
been tabled with Council.
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Engineering
Services, as contained in this report and noted herein, be approved;
FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to the Chair of the
Advisory Planning Committee for the UBC Planning Process and to the GVRD
Strategic Planning Process, for their information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan,
THAT the proposed Task Force also include a representative of the
UBC student body.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
10. Administrative Report File: 8007-5
(September 14, 1995)
BIA Renewal for Robson Street
and Kerrisdale
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Corporate
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
1. Policy Report File: 5302-4
(September 1, 1995)
Food Service Establishments -
Amendment re Restaurant Seating
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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. Hemer,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 3575,
being the Zoning & Development By-law
(Rezoning IC-1 to CD-1
1600-36 West 1st Avenue)
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
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. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
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
(Cllr. Chiavario was excused from voting on By-law 1)
2. A By-law to Provide for the Imposition
of Interest on Delinquent Real
Property Taxes for the year 1996
(Real Property Tax Interest on Arrears)
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
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. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
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
BY-LAWS (CONT'D)
3. A By-law to designate Heritage
Property, and to Amend By-law No.
4837, being the Heritage By-law
(Designation of 2836-2838 Birch Street)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
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. Kennedy,
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
MOTIONS
A. Closing Portion of the Lane
North of East 51st Avenue,
East of Lancaster Street
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver is the owner of all the streets
and lanes lying within the limits of the City of
Vancouver;
2. There is a proposal to redevelop Lot 1, Block 3, South
East 1/4 of District Lot 337, Plan 3069;
3. The proposed development requires the closure of a
portion of the south side of the lane, north of East
51st Avenue, east of Lancaster Street;
cont'd....
MOTIONS (CONT'D)
Closing Portion of the Lane
North of East 51st Avenue,
East of Lancaster Street (cont'd)
4. The North 10 feet of Lot 32 Centre 10 Acres of the East
1/2 of the South East 1/4 of District Lot 337, Plan
3228, have been established for lane purposes under
Filing 39000;
5. The said North 10 feet of Lot 32 are no longer required
by the City for lane purposes;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North 10 feet of Lot 32,
Centre 10 Acres of the East 1/2 of the South East 1/4 of District
Lot 337, Plan 3228, now lane, be closed, stopped-up and conveyed
to the abutting owner;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the said portions of lane so
closed be consolidated with the abutting Lot 1, Block 3, South
East 1/4 of District Lot 337, Plan 9069.
- C A R R I E D
UNANIMOUSLY
B. Closing Portion of the Lane
North of 7th Avenue,
East of Larch Street
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver is the owner of all the streets
and lanes lying within the limits of the City of
Vancouver;
2. The owner of Lot 20, except the North 10 feet, now
lane, Block 281, District Lot 526, Plan 1058 has made
application to acquire a portion of the lane north of
7th Avenue, east of Larch Street;
3. The proposal requires the closure of the said portion
of lane north of 7th Avenue, east of Larch Street;
4. The North 10 feet of Lot 20, Block 281, District Lot
526, Plan 1058, have been established for lane purposes
under filing R96890;
cont'd....
MOTIONS (CONT'D)
Closing Portion of the Lane
North of 7th Avenue,
East of Larch Street
5. The said North 10 feet of Lot 20, Block 281, District
Lot 526, Plan 1058, are no longer required by the City
for lane purposes.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North 10 feet of Lot 20,
Block 281, District Lot 526, Plan 1058, now lane, be closed,
stopped-up and conveyed to the abutting owner;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the said portions of lane so
closed be consolidated with the abutting Lot 20, except the North
10 feet, now lane, Block 281, District Lot 526, Plan 1058.
- C A R R I E D
UNANIMOUSLY
C. Approval of Form of Development:
CD-1 - 1600-1636 West 1st Avenue
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the approved form of development for the CD-1 zoned
site known as 1600-1636 West 1st Avenue be amended generally as
illustrated in DA #217626, prepared by Burrows Huggins,
Architects, and stamped "Received, City of Vancouver Planning
Department, May 19 and August 24, 1995", provided that the
Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not
adversely affect either the development character and livability
of this site or adjacent properties.
- C A R R I E D
UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The Council recessed an 3:35 p.m. for an "In Camera"
meeting in the Mayor's Office.