Planning & Environment Ctte Minutes

CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
OCTOBER 30, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, October 30, 1997, at 4:10 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning & Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor George Puil
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning & Environment
October 30, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1: Business Improvement Area Program
Cl.2: Development of Atlantic Neighbourhood Greenway, and
Upgrade of Prior/Princess Traffic Signal
Cl.3: Selection of Consultant - Southeast False Creek
Sustainable Development Study
Clauses 1, 2 and 3
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMUNICATIONS
1. FCM Resolution - Creation of an
Ongoing Infrastructure Program File: 3253
MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT the resolution on the Creation of Ongoing Infrastructure, quoted below, be approved and submitted to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) National Board of Directors for consideration:
Creation of an Ongoing Infrastructure Program
WHEREAS roads, transit facilities and other transportation facilities within municipalities play a vital role in the national economy by providing access for commerce, inter-provincial links, and international links; and
WHEREAS these same facilities also provide a vital role in addressing national environmental issues such as air pollution and urban sprawl; and
cont'd
COMMUNICATIONS (cont'd)
1. FCM Resolution - Creation of an
Ongoing Infrastructure Program (cont'd)
WHEREAS increases in municipal population and funding cutbacks for transportation infrastructure from provincial governments have made it impossible for municipalities to keep up with demand for transportation improvements through their limited powers to adequately fund transportation improvements; and
WHEREAS other developed countries recognize the importance of municipal transportation infrastructure to the national interest and provide ongoing financial assistance programs for municipalities;
BE IT RESOLVED that the FCM urge the federal government to develop an ongoing infrastructure program for transportation improvements in municipalities, in consultation with municipal governments, the FCM, municipal associations in the provinces, and the provincial government; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as part of its role in assisting with the development of a national program for funding municipal transportation infrastructure, the FCM facilitate a study of how other developed countries provide such national funding assistance for their municipalities.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Leave of Absence - Mayor Owen File: 1254
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT Mayor Owen be given Leave of Absence for November 6, 1997.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Park Board Minutes File: 3102/3105
Councillor Chiavario read out a portion of the Park Board Minutes of September 15, 1997, dealing with park selection for Cultural Harmony Award trees, in which a Park Commissioner "stated that Council developed this committee and should be responsible for the costs". Councillor Chiavario clarified that while the Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities was created by City Council, the Park Board had previously advised it would pay the costs for the Cultural Harmony Award trees.
The appropriate staff were asked to so advise the Park Board.

The Council adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
October 30, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning & Environment was held on Thursday, October 30, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor George Puil
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning & Environment meeting of October 9, 1997, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Business Improvement Area Program File: 8000
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 14, 1997 (on file), in which the Director of City Plans, in consultation with the Directors of Legal Services and Finance, recommended simplifying the Business Improvement Area (BIA) process such that creation or expansion of a BIA proceed by way of a Council Initiative that does not require
Clause No. 1 cont'd
a petition. A request from the Downtown Vancouver BIA to expand its boundaries was proposed as the first application to be considered under the new process. The specific recommendations of the General Manager of Community Services and Director of City Plans are reflected in the recommendations of this report.
Ann McAfee, Director of City Plans, reviewed the report and rationale for recommending a simplified process. There are a number of groups in the city which would like to set up BIAs, but have found the current petition process onerous and time consuming to carry out on a volunteer basis. Dr. McAfee noted BIAs confer benefits upon merchants and citizens alike, citing improvements in public safety, beautification and promotion. It is also recommended that the existing half-time BIA Coordinator position be returned to a full-time position if the new process is approved. Should Council be concerned that the new process would make it too easy to impose a BIA, Dr. McAfee pointed out several mitigating factors:
·400·groups seeking a BIA would still need to satisfy Council that adequate consultation was carried out prior to a Council Initiative being approved;·400
·400·those opposed to the BIA would have the opportunity to address Council at Court of Revision;·400
·400·under the Societies Act, the quorum for society meetings is quite low, and it would not require great effort for opposed members of BIAs to overturn initiatives of their associations.·400
It was noted that Courts of Revision are held to hear those opposed to an improvement proceeding. In response to a query, Dr. McAfee noted those in favour of a BIA proceeding would have an opportunity to so indicate at the Council meeting which would refer a BIA creation or expansion to Court of Revision.
The following speakers supported the staff recommendations:
David Cadman and Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver BIA
Vince Connors, Davie Street potential BIA
Martha Welsh, Mount Pleasant BIA
Michael Claffey and Keith Harfield, South Granville potential BIA
Philip Boname, Urbanics Consultants Ltd.
Clause No. 1 cont'd
Following is a summary of points raised by the foregoing:
·400·The delegations confirmed that the current process to create or expand a BIA is onerous, time-consuming, and expensive, and so difficult for volunteer groups to carry out that many grow discouraged before its completion. Many are also unable to obtain the signatures required due to the increase in numbers of out-of-town property owners. The simplified process proposed by staff would be welcome, and probably lead to more successful BIAs.·400
·400·BIA provide many benefits to the community, including safety improvements, street beautification, and enhanced community pride. Through better promotion of their areas, they also offer a neighbourhood-based alternative to mega stores and increased reliance on the automobile. This fits well with the neighbourhood centres espoused by CityPlan.·400
·400·It was felt a full-time BIA Coordinator position would be helpful, especially to new BIAs trying to get started.·400
·400·BIAs should be able to carry over surplus funding or otherwise enter into long-term funding commitments. Smaller BIAs, in particular, do not have the resources to carry out larger projects in a single year.·400
Representatives of the Downtown Vancouver BIA also reviewed their expansion plans, including proposed boundaries, and described the process followed to inform both owners and tenants within the prospective expansion area. The Mt. Pleasant BIA representative also reviewed boundaries of a proposed expansion.
The Committee acknowledged the many contributions made by BIAs and felt the proposed simplified process was warranted. It was noted those opposing a BIA will have opportunities to make their views known.
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT Council approve a simplified process, based on a Council Initiative without a petition (as outlined in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated October 14, 1997), to create or expand a Business Improvement Area.
Clause No. 1 cont'd
B.THAT, should Council approve Recommendation A, Council approve the reinstatement of the BIA Coordinator as a full-time position, Planner 1, Pay Grade 28, subject to confirmation of the classification by the Director of Human Resources, that reinstatement commence January 1, 1998, and that the additional annual cost of $10,432.33 be provided in the 1998 Operating Budget without offsets.
C.THAT, should Council approve Recommendation A, Council forward, as a Council Initiative, the application of the Downtown Vancouver BIA for an expansion of its boundaries to the west, east, and south (including Granville South and Theatre Row), as noted in Appendix C of the Policy Report dated October 14, 1997, to a hearing of the Court of Revision and that the City notify the property owners and tenants in the area of the proposed BIA expansion and levy.
D.THAT Council assist BIAs wishing to fund larger projects by permitting BIAs to carry over funds from one year to the next as part of an agreed multi-year funding proposal.

E.THAT Council request an amendment to the Vancouver Charter to provide the City with the funding flexibility and renewal provisions for BIAs recently approved in Section 233 of the Municipal Act.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Development of the Atlantic Neighbourhood Greenway, and
Upgrade of Prior/Princess Traffic Signal File: 5767
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated September 24, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Community Planning sought Council approval for the funding and construction of the Atlantic Neighbourhood Greenway. Approval was also sought to upgrade the existing traffic signal at Prior Street and Princess Avenue to a fully actuated signal. The recommendations of the General Manager and Director are reflected in the recommendations of this report.
Clause No. 2 cont'd
Peter Bremner, Greenways Engineer, reviewed the conceptual plan for the proposed greenway, as well as the rationale for the traffic signal upgrade. Mr. Bremner also reviewed the public process, including public meetings and surveys. Overall, there was 79% support for the proposed greenway, and 75% support from residents of Atlantic Street. Concerns expressed by area residents were also enumerated.
Sang Lee, a resident of Atlantic Street, opposed the greenway on grounds that making it more comfortable would attract transients, drug users and other undesirable elements to the area. Reference was made to newspaper articles alluding to similar difficulties near Chinatown. Mr. Lee believed that the majority of residents on Atlantic Street are opposed to the greenway. At a meeting held with neighbours on October 24th, a motion of opposition was unanimously passed.
At the Committee's request, Mr. Bremner provided clarification regarding the numbers in support of the greenway.
David Norman, Atlantic Street resident, supported the proposed greenway. Area residents wish to have this unmaintained strip of City land, which currently does attract transients, beautified and properly maintained, in the belief that this will discourage transients. The greenway will also greatly improve pedestrian links to the rest of Strathcona. There is strong neighbourhood support for the proposal. Mr. Norman also commented that the Chinatown problem is probably attributable to the benches' proximity to hostels and detox centres, which will not be the case here.
Nora Kelly, Strathcona Residents Association, also cited strong neighbourhood support for the greenway. Green space and pedestrian links are needed, and a well-kept and attractive area will be less likely to attract dumping and other undesirable activities. Ms. Kelly also maintained it would be helpful to the entire community to protect the edges of Strathcona. The neighbourhood has worked hard on this process and should be rewarded for it.
The Committee acknowledged some residents may fear the effect of change, but were confident the greenway would prove an asset to Strathcona. It was noted fears expressed prior to construction of other greenways have not been borne out by subsequent complaints.
Clause No. 2 cont'd
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT Council approve the development of a neighbourhood greenway along Atlantic Street, extending between Strathcona Park and the intersection of Malkin Avenue and Atlantic Street, and that funding of $57,000 be allocated from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 12/31/6907/999 (Neighbourhood Greenways) for this project.
B.THAT Council approve the upgrade of the pedestrian-actuated signal at Prior Street and Princess Avenue to a fully-actuated signal, and that funding be allocated from the 1998 Signal Program for this work.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Selection of Consultant - Southeast False Creek
Sustainable Development Study File: 8206
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 14, 1997 (on file), in which the Director of Central Area Planning, in consultation with the Manager of Real Estate, recommended approval of Sheltair Scientific Ltd. as consultant for the Southeast False Creek Sustainable Development Study. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Ian Smith, Planner, described a two-stage selection process based on the terms of reference previously approved by Council. Mr. Smith indicated the choice of consultant was a difficult one, but the selected consultant is recommended unanimously by all participating departments. It is believed Sheltair Scientific will do the best job of educating everyone concerned.
Franklin W. Poley, another applicant for the consultancy, hoped the False Creek project will do something very special for the 10-20% of Vancouver citizens who live below the poverty line. Dr. Poley extolled the virtues of the Internet as a means of communication, and described the qualifications of his consultant team assembly made possible by this technology. Despite its excellent qualifications, this team was not even short-listed. Dr. Poley felt that the selection process should have been more democratic, and made several recommendations pertaining to binding referenda and other areas of political process.
Clause No. 3 cont'd
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Sheltair Scientific Ltd. be contracted to undertake the Southeast False Creek Sustainable Development Study at a maximum budget of $79,850 plus applicable GST; the source of funding to be the Property Endowment Fund.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Committee adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
* * * * *

Comments or questions? You can send us email.