CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, February 29, 1996, at 5:00 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: Judy Rogers, Assistant City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
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 the Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
February 29, 1996
The Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1 Hastings Park Planning
Cl.2 Emergency Operations and Communications Centre -
Site Rezoning
Hastings Park Planning
(Clause 1)
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 1
of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed to recommendation C)
Emergency Operation and Communications
Centre - Site Rezoning
(Clause 2)
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as set out in Clause 2
of the attached report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed to recommendations A, B and C.
Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Puil and the
Mayor opposed to recommendation D.)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
Council adjourned at approximately 5:05 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
FEBRUARY 29, 1996
A meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and
Environment was held on Thursday, February 29, 1996, 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
Councillor Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Assistant City Manager
CLERK: Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
meeting of February 8, 1996, were adopted as circulated.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Hastings Park Planning File: 8015-5
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
13, 1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Parks and Recreation
recommended that the Hastings Park Program set out in Appendix 1 of the
Administrative Report be approved as the basis for the development of a
conceptual design plan. The General Manager also recommended funding to
commission an adaptive re-use study for three buildings.
Also before the Committee was a letter from the Board of Parks and
Recreation dated February 27, 1996 (on file), conveying its resolution
of approval of the foregoing recommendations as follows:
Clause No. 1 Continued
A. THAT the attached Hastings Park Program (appendix 1) be
approved as the basis for the development of a conceptual
design plan.
B. THAT $35,000 be approved for commissioning an adaptive re-use
study for three buildings: the Forum, the Garden Auditorium
and Rollerland; source of funding to be the Hastings Park
Reserve.
Mr. Pieter Rutgers, Park Planning Manager, reviewed the report and
recommendations, with particular emphasis on the public process, the
"greening" of the site, the status of buildings on the site, and the
issue of parking. Mr. Rutgers noted future steps will include selection
of a multi-disciplinary landscape design team, a review of parking, and
further community consultation for report back in the fall. Mr. Rutgers
also responded to queries regarding the Challenger Map and the
Rollercoaster.
Commissioner David Chessman, Chair, Board of Parks and Recreation,
expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and for this unique historic
opportunity for the greening of Hastings Park.
The following representatives of the Hastings Park Working
Committee supported the General Manager's recommendations:
- Mr. Tim Welsh, Hastings Resident;
- Mr. Bryant McAfee, Pacific Racing Association;
- Mr. Alan Scales, Arts and Culture Representative; and
- Mr. Doug Paterson, Vancouver Resident.
Following are some of the comments made by the foregoing speakers:
- the proposed plan was achieved by consensus, and represents
worthwhile values drawn from a broad prospective as well as
considerable volunteer time;
- initially there was some strain between various forums, but over
the past nine months a well-balanced accord has been reached
through cooperative effort;
- as well as passive and restful green space, the concept provides
for active areas allowing not only sports, but opportunities to
participate in the arts or cultural experiences;
Clause No. 1 Continued
- there is some need for ice space and community facilities which
may be obtainable through some existing buildings, therefore,
the recommendation for an adaptive use study;
- the park reflects the needs of the community which is eager to
stay involved in this process;
- the relationship of the park to communities located around it
has become unsafe and non-integrated, and work is still needed
on linkages, traffic calming, and noise mitigation;
- it is important that some form of development begin as soon as
possible to demonstrate the City's commitment.
Mrs. Betty Greenwell, area resident, spoke to the need for safe
links to the park through the surrounding traffic. She also referenced
community needs which may be met through the park including the need for
an ice facility and crafts facilities. Parking, linkages to New
Brighton Park, and the fate of the Challenger Map are all issues needing
to be addressed.
Mr. Steven Varty, CUPE Local 1004, encouraged the City to consider
operating the Coliseum with City staff rather than putting it out to
tender, and suggested possible uses. Mr. Varty also supported an
adaptive re-use study for some of the buildings noting their
relationship to keeping jobs in the community.
The Committee was pleased with the proposed Hastings Park Program,
but felt it should be approved in principle at this time on the basis
that funding will be subject to Council approval of the staged or final
overall park development. Thanks were expressed to the Hastings Park
Working Committee for its work on this project.
The Committee also noted Item 2 of today's agenda, dealing with a
proposed Emergency Operations and Communication Centre at Rupert and
Hastings. If a related rezoning were to be approved, this would effect
parking measures outlined in the Hastings Park Program which may require
amendment.
Clause No. 1 Continued
The following motions were put by Councillor Hemer:
A. THAT the Hastings Park Program set out in Appendix 1 of the
Administrative Report dated February 13, 1996, be approved in
principle as the basis for the development of a conceptual
design plan and that funding will be subject to Council
approval of the staged or final overall park development.
B. THAT $35,000 be approved for commissioning an adaptive re-use
study for three buildings: the Forum, the Garden Auditorium
and Rollerland; source of funding to be the Hastings Park
Reserve.
- carried
C. THAT Council delete the parking element under consideration,
from Hastings to Pender east of Rupert, to provide for the
proposed Emergency Operations and Communications Centre site,
if the related rezoning is approved.
- deferred
The following motion by Councillor Kwan was put and carried.
THAT the foregoing motion C be deferred until Council has dealt
with Item 2 dealing with the proposed Emergency Operations and
Communications Centre site.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Hemer's motions A and B were then put and CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, and were therefore RECOMMENDED by the Committee.
* * * * *
Recommendation C was voted upon following the conclusion of Item 2
of this agenda. However, it is minuted here for ease of reference.
* * * * *
Councillor Hemer's motion C was put and CARRIED with Councillor
Kwan opposed, and was therefore RECOMMENDED by the Committee.
2. Emergency Operations and Communications
Centre - Site Rezoning File: 8015-5
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 20, 1996
(on file), in which the Manager of Facilities Development and the
Manager of Real Estate Services, on behalf of the Emergency Management
Committee, provided information on the current status of the Emergency
Operations and Communications Centre (EOCC) site selection process, and
requested authorization to proceed with a rezoning application for the
site at Rupert and Hastings. The City Manager recommended approval as
set out in recommendations A, B and C of this report.
The Committee also had before it a letter from the Hastings
Community Association dated February 26, 1996 (on file), requesting
Council place a moratorium on all rezoning and development applications
on City-owned lands immediately adjacent to the Park until the plan for
Hastings Park restoration is complete and approved by Council. The
Committee felt the Hastings community has not been properly informed,
that the planning process is at a critical juncture, and that the EOCC
will have a significant impact on the Park design.
On February 20, 1996, the Board of Parks and Recreation supported
the foregoing motion of the Hastings Community Association. The Board
further requested that should City Council not agree to a moratorium and
pursue the EOCC option, it do so only if safe pedestrian access to and
from Hastings Park is ensured and loss of parking on the EOCC site is
not made up by loss of park land from Hastings Park. The Board's letter
of February 27, 1996, is on file.
Mr. Clyde Hosein, Manager of Facilities Development, reviewed the
report and described the site selection process, community consultation,
and what would be housed in the EOCC. Mr. Hosein noted that in order to
meet the City's commitments under the agreement for an infrastructure
grant, it will be necessary to assign a priority status for processing a
rezoning application. There were some constraints upon the public
consultation process because of the necessity to negotiate for some
privately held lands which will also be required for the EOCC. In
conclusion, Mr. Hosein noted a correction required to recommendation C
of the Policy Report, which is reflected in recommendation C of this
report.
Clause No. 2 Continued
Mr. Rick Scobie, Director of Land Use and Development, responded to
queries regarding the rezoning process. Priority processing will not be
a problem if the rezoning is carried out without a detailed site scheme,
and confirmed form of development would come back to City Council for
approval. Mr. Scobie also confirmed there will be opportunities for
comment from the public to both the Development Permit Board and City
Council.
Mr. Chuck Brook, consultant, responded to queries regarding lines
of sight, traffic impacts, and other details. Mr. Brook felt it should
be possible to resolve issues in consultation with the community during
the remainder of the process.
Mr. Bruce Maitland, Manager of Real Estate, responded to a query
why no backup site is being processed concurrently. Sites meeting the
City's criteria are not readily available, and the City is fortunate to
have a site which it already owns which does meet the criteria. It was
also noted time limits have been imposed by the Federal Grant process.
The following speakers supported the previously referenced position
of the Hastings Community Association:
- Betty Greenwell, area resident;
- Gerry Underhill, Hastings Park Working Committee (Hastings
Resident), Hastings Community Association; and
- Doug Paterson, Hastings Park Working Committee (Vancouver
Resident).
The following are some of the comments put forward by the speakers:
- the consultation process for Hastings Park was inadequate.
For example, flyers sent to neighbourhood residents did not
specify the proposed Hastings/Rupert location;
- the proposed EOCC building will be intrusive, and should not
even be on the agenda at the same time as the park is being
planned;
- the proposed EOCC also conflicts with the neighbourhood's
objectives regarding greenways;
Clause No. 2 Continued
- there have been no opportunities to address potential impact
on the park during the planning process;
- there are access, aesthetics, and neighbourhood compatibility
uses;
- concerns were expressed with respect to the selection process
and the lack of a fall back location;
- the EOCC will present another fragmented development in the
City isolated from the surrounding community;
- a conceptual design should be available at this time for
discussion with the community;
- Council will find it very difficult to turn down a rezoning
for this site, even if it is contrary to the neighbourhood's
wishes and best interests, because of the availability of the
infrastructure funding.
During and after the delegations' presentations, the Committee
queried staff regarding neighbourhood notification, future opportunities
for consultation, parking, access, and other issues raised. The
Committee also noted the urgent need for such a facility in the event of
any future major disaster.
The following motion by Councillor Kwan was put and lost:
THAT this rezoning application be deferred for a three-month period
and staff be instructed to request an extension from the
Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Program to permit community
consultation to take place;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be instructed to examine alternative sites
to facilitate development of an Emergency Operations and
Communications Centre.
- LOST
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer, Ip,
Kennedy, Price, Puil, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)
Clause No. 2 Continued
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and carried.
Therefore the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council authorize staff to proceed with the rezoning
application for the site selected for the Emergency Operations
and Communications Centre - Lots 1 to 15 and 26 to 32
inclusive of Block 60, Town of Hastings Suburban Lands, Plan
330, bounded by Pender, Rupert, Hastings and Cassiar Streets
as indicated in Appendix "B" of the Policy Report dated
February 20, 1996.
AND FURTHER THAT Council instruct the General Manager of
Community Services to assign a priority status for processing
the rezoning application so as to meet the City s commitments
under the agreement for the Infrastructure Grant.
B. THAT Council authorize staff to commence negotiations for the
purchase of the three privately-owned lots (Lots 27, 28 and
29) forming part of the site in A, the source of funding to be
the Land Purchase Fund.
C. THAT Council instruct the General Manager of Engineering
Services to finalize an agreement for acquiring those portions
of Lots 25 and 26 not required for the Cassiar connector from
the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed)
Clause No. 2 Continued
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried.
Therefore, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
D. THAT if the Emergency Operations and Communications Centre
proceeds on the Rupert/Hastings site, safe pedestrian access
to and from Hastings Park be ensured as a consequence of the
planning of this site, and that the loss of parking at the
site not be made up in any way by a loss of parkland from
Hastings Park.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
* * * * *
The Committee adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
* * * * *