REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Meeting held electronically and open to public attendance

Council Chamber, City Hall

We recognize and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

 

LIVE WEBCAST: Please note City Council Meetings, Public Hearings, Council Workshops and some Special City Council Meetings are streamed online and are accessible through the City’s website at http://www.newwestcity.ca/council  

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Mayor will open the meeting and provide a land acknowledgement.

2.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

As circulated or as amended (urgent/time sensitive matters only)

3.

CONSENT AGENDA

If Council decides, all the recommendations in the reports on the Consent Agenda can be approved in one motion, without discussion. If Council wishes to discuss a report, that report is removed from the Consent Agenda. A report may be removed in order to discuss it, because someone wants to vote against the report’s recommendation, or because someone has a conflict of interest with the report. Any reports not removed from the Consent Agenda are passed without discussion.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the recommendations for items # on consent.

3.1

Application for Extension of Liquor Service Hours: #200-55 Eighth Street, Hyack Sushi

This report provides information regarding an application from Hyack Sushi to change their food primary licence to allow for extended liquor service hours past midnight.

• Recommendation:
  1. WHEREAS New Westminster City Council consider a staff report regarding an application from Hyack Sushi located at #200-55 Eighth Street to change their food primary licence to allow extended liquor service hours.

  2. WHEREAS the proposed extended hours are Sunday to Thursday 9:00AM to 1:00AM and Friday to Saturday 9:00AM to 2:00AM.

  3. WHEREAS the establishment has operated at this location since June 2017 and the business has not generated noise complaints and the proposed licence change is not expected to result in noise or negative impacts to the community based on the establishment’s compliance history, size, hours of operation and location;

  4. WHEREAS the location is in the Downtown commercial district of the city;

  5. WHEREAS the New Westminster Police Department does not oppose the application;

  6. WHEREAS a sign was placed in front of the business for 25 days, two notices circulated in the City’s e-newsletter (Citypage Online), to 1200+ subscribers, and invitations sent to the Downtown Residents’ Association and the Downtown Business Improvement Association, providing details regarding the application and inviting the public to submit comments to the City; and

  7. WHEREAS the City did not receive any correspondence.

  8. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Westminster City Council recommends the approval of the application by Hyack Sushi located at #200-55 Eighth Street to change their food primary licence to allow extended liquor service hours.

3.2

Application for Grant Funding to the 2024 UBCM Asset Management Planning Program

The purpose of this report is to seek Council support for staff to apply for grant funding for the ‘Implementation and Resource Strategy for further CMMS Integration‘ study under the UBCM 2024 Asset Management Planning Program.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the submission of a grant application for the Implementation and Resource Strategy for further CMMS Integration study to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2024 Asset Management Planning Program.

3.3

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: 32 Eighth Street (New Westminster SkyTrain Station) - TransLink

The purpose of this report is to request Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink to enable the demolition, modification, and installation of maintenance walkways at the New Westminster SkyTrain Station in preparation for the activation of longer trains to accommodate more ridership.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink for the period of Tuesday, August 27, 2024 to Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM, weekdays and including some Sundays and excluding all statutory holidays, to demolish original maintenance walkways, install new maintenance walkways, and make operational equipment modifications to the New Westminster SkyTrain Station located at 32 Eighth Street.

3.4

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: Metro Vancouver Queensborough Pump Station - 304 Wood Street, New Westminster

The purpose of this report is to request an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063,1992 to Metro Vancouver from Monday September 16, 2024 to Monday October 7, 2024. This exemption would enable bypass pumps to run from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM for two consecutive nights to ensure that the inflow of sewage continues to transfer to the discharge mainline during the maintenance, modifications, installation and upgrading of sewer pipes and valve chamber at the Metro Vancouver Queensborough Pump Station.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Metro Vancouver between the hours of 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM for any two consecutive nights between Monday September 16, 2024 and Monday October 7, 2024 excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays to permit work related to the maintenance, modification, installation and upgrade of sewer pipes and valve chamber at the Metro Vancouver Queensborough Pump Station.

3.5

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: 330 East Columbia Street (Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment Project)

The purpose of this report is to request Council grant an exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw to EllisDon Design Build and subcontractor, Houle Electric to enable them to complete the electrical wiring work as part of the Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment Project at 330 East Columbia Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant a noise exemption to EllisDon Design Build and sub-contractor Houle Electric from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM for one night between Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and Tuesday, September 17, 2024 excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays to enable the installation of conduit wires at the Royal Columbian Hospital at 330 East Columbia Street.

3.6

Official Community Plan Amendment and Rezoning Application for 1084 Tanaka Court: Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to process the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment and Rezoning applications for 1084 Tanaka Court as outlined within this report.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council direct staff to review the application as outlined in the “Application Review Process” section of this report.

      

  2. THAT Council direct staff give consideration to the requirements of Section 475 and 476 as well as other relevant sections of the Local Government Act;

      

  3. THAT Council direct staff to advise, consult, and seek input by written comments with:
     1. the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,
     2. School District 40, and
     3. the following First Nations:
        1. Cowichan Tribes;
        2. Halalt First Nation;
        3. Katzie First Nation;
        4. Kwantlen First Nation;
        5. Kwikwetlem First Nation;
        6. Lyackson First Nation;
        7. Lake Cowichan First Nation (Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation);
        8. Musqueam Nation;
        9. Penelakut Tribe;
        10. Qayqayt First Nation;
        11. Seabird Island Band;
        12. Semiahmoo First Nation;
        13. Shxw'ōwhámél First Nation;
        14. Skawahlook First Nation;
        15. Soowahlie First Nation;
        16. Squamish Nation;
        17. Sto:lo Nation;
        18. Sto:lo Tribal Council;
        19. Stz’uminus First Nation;
        20. Tsawwassen First Nation; and
        21. Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

  4. THAT Council not require staff to consult with: 

  1. 1. the Board of the regional district in which the area covered by a plan is located (Metro Vancouver);
     2. any greater boards or improvement districts;
     3. the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board; and
     4. the Councils of immediately adjacent municipalities;

       as none are considered to be affected by this application.

3.7

Provincial Housing Target Order for New Westminster

To provide Council with the Province’s Housing Target Order for New Westminster, outlining total net new units to be completed, guidelines on unit distribution, and progress reporting details.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

3.8

Proclamation: Literacy Month, September 2024

3.9

Minutes for Adoption

a.

June 17, 2024 Council Workshop

b.

June 24, 2024 City Council meeting

c.

July 8, 2024 Council Workshop

d.

July 8, 2024 Public Hearing

e.

July 8, 2024 City Council meeting

f.

July 15, 2024 Council Workshop

4.

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL – 7:00 PM

4.1

YMCA BC Presentation on the Child Care Resource and Referral Program, Raegan Stewart, CCRR Program Manager and Tazeen Bharucha, CCRR Program Supervisor

4.2

Open Delegations

5.

BYLAWS

5.1

Bylaws for Adoption

a.

Council Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8467, 2024

To amend the Council Procedure bylaw to reflect the Province of BC’s regulation that prohibit public hearing for certain residential land use bylaws. 

b.

Heritage Revitalization Agreement (203 Pembina Street) Bylaw No. 8425, 2024

To enable construction of six townhouse units at 203 Pembina Street, with relaxations for townhouse use, density, height, and siting. 

c.

Heritage Designation Bylaw (203 Pembina Street) No. 8435, 2024

To designate the northern red oak tree at 203 Pembina Street as a protected heritage asset. 

d.

Parks and Recreation Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 8465, 2024

To amend the Parks and Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001 to set the fees for 2025. 

e.

Riparian Areas Protection Bylaw Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8468, 2024

To correct an oversight in Riparian Areas Protection Bylaw No. 7033, 2005. 

f.

Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8469, 2024

To simplify Part 33 of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009. 

g.

Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8470, 2024

To simplify Part 33 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019. 

h.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (1005 Ewen Avenue) No. 8452, 2024

To enable the development of 23 townhouse and duplex units and a commercial building at 1005 Ewen Avenue. 

i.

Zoning amendment Bylaw (1923 and 1927 Marine Way) No. 8466, 2024

To rezone 1923 & 1927 Marine Way to enable development of an affordable housing building containing approximately 90 residential rental units. 

6.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

6.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Enhancing Commercial Areas and Corridors in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Campbell and Councillor Nakagawa

1. WHEREAS The City’s Retail Strategy identifies current and emerging trends in the retail ecosystem, namely Micro Retailing and Combination Stores, and the Retail Strategy further underscores that both retail concepts have direct positive implications on the evolution of commercial areas and corridors in New Westminster; and
2. WHEREAS  Micro-Retailing includes multiple vendors ‘co-locating’ in a shared space, utilizing shared resources or may encompass individual retail units that are much smaller than the average, with the intention to provide entry-level ‘gateway’ for small businesses to establish a bricks-and mortar location, without the financial requirements and risks typically expected in a standard retail lease; and
3. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED The City of New Westminster identify potential location(s), operating considerations, necessary resources and local partners to activate Combination Stores and Micro-Retailing commercial areas using shipping containers or similar concept to create a retail ecosystem that provides small businesses, artists, artisans, crafters and other vendors with affordable storefront locations and, at the same time, enhances commercial areas and corridors in New Westminster, with a report back to council on implementation feasibility.

b.

Determine fee structure of New West business licenses and park and recreation programs compared to other Metro Vancouver cities

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

1. WHEREAS it is important for New West families and businesses to be charged fees for licenses, programs and services that are in line with other Metro Vancouver cities; and
2. WHEREAS there is no readily available and up-to-data analysis regarding how much our fees compare to other neighbouring municipalities; and
3. WHEREAS we strive to make New Westminster as affordable and competitive as possible;
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to conduct a review of business license fees to determine how we compare to other Metro Vancouver cities; and
5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to conduct a review of the charges and fees imposed by the Parks and Recreation Department for similar programs and services that are also delivered in other Metro Vancouver cities. The review should encompass core services such as:
   1. Annual gym pass
   2. Swimming passes
   3. Exercise classes; and
6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this information be incorporated and provided to the public as part of the 2025/26 budgeting process.

c.

Provide long-term funding to support the Walking School Bus Program to support the City's stated goal of tackling climate change

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

1. WHEREAS the Walking School Bus program reduces vehicle congestion around schools, greenhouse gas emissions as well as improves air quality in communities; and
2. WHEREAS the Walking School Bus program improves a student’s physical and mental health; creates an opportunity to make new friends through shared experiences; provides an inherent sense of belonging in being a part of a group; and
3. WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has a long-standing commitment to tackle climate change; and
4. WHEREAS the City’s Climate Action Reserve Fund has approximately $42 million as of Dec. 31, 2023;
5. BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to work with the New Westminster District Parent Advisory Council to seek out opportunities to expand the Walking School Bus program to other neighourhoods throughout New Westminster; and
6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff incorporate into the 2025 budget consultation process the opportunity for Council to consider significantly increasing our support of the Walking School Bus program including the possibility of establishing 3-year long-term funding; and
7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT to reduce the impact to residential taxpayers regarding the expansion of this program that the City’s Climate Action Reserve Fund be first considered as a primary source of potential funding.

6.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Regulate the unsolicited distribution of graphic images depicting a fetus

Submitted by Councillor Campbell and Councillor Henderson

1. WHEREAS New Westminster residents have expressed concerns that unsolicited flyers showing graphic images of aborted fetuses are being delivered to homes and causing harm; and
2. WHEREAS a number of Canadian municipalities in Alberta and Ontario have established bylaws that; and
3. WHEREAS in accordance with British Columbia’s Community Charter, Section 8 (3) (i) A council may, by bylaw, regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to public health; and
4. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT that staff provide council with proposed bylaw amendments to require all print collateral delivered to any premises or distributed to the public that shows, or appear to show, a graphic image of a fetus be delivered in a sealed opaque envelope with a graphic content warning, identify the name and address of the sender, and include measures to ensure individuals are not inadvertently exposed to graphic content on a leaflet, pamphlet, paper, booklet, postcard, or any other printed collateral.

b.

Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) tracking and reporting of votes on motions and resolutions

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

1. WHEREAS Local Government Associations, the Union of BC Municipalities, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities advocate for issues that impact their member municipalities; and
2. WHEREAS municipal Mayors and Councillors are financially supported to attend these conferences in order to advocate on behalf of their local constituents, yet there is no way for constituents to know how their elected representatives vote on motions and resolutions,
3. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster submit the following resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association:
4. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Lower Mainland Local Government Association begins tracking and reporting how attendees vote on motions and resolutions and that they submit a motion to UBCM and FCM advocating for those organizations to do the same.

c.

Selecting an inclusive and accessible site for the 2025 Canada Day celebration and festivities

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

1. WHEREAS Canada Day offers the City of New Westminster an opportunity to celebrate and bring residents together in celebration and reflection; and
2. WHEREAS the Pier Park location for Canada Day festivities currently offers little opportunity for shade on hot days which often occur in early July; and
3. WHEREAS Queen’s Park has played host to previous Canada Day celebrations and offers more opportunities to keep participants cool on hot summer days
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff seek feedback from the public through our Be Heard system regarding their preference for the 2025 Canada Day festivities and celebrations; and
5. BE IT RESOLVED THAT several locations across the City be offered to the public as a potential site for the 2025 Canada Day festivities including at least one site in Queensborough

d.

Increasing openness and transparency at city hall by registering lobbyist activities

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

1. WHEREAS lobbyist registries are intended to provide a public record that is accessible to residents of interactions between public servants, elected officials and lobbyists and to allow for rules regarding lobbyists to be enforced; and
2. WHEREAS British Columbia does not currently allow municipalities to use the provincial lobbyist registry nor does it extend the legal authorities municipalities would need to enforce lobbyist rules with a local registry; and
3. WHEREAS it is important for a functional local democracy that any lobbying efforts by entities such as corporations, labour unions, foreign governments or other similar foreign-based organizations be recorded and publicly reported in a timely manner
4. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City request the Province immediately take one of the following two actions:
   1. The Province amend the Lobbyist Registration Act to cover the City of New Westminster and other similar mid-to-large-sized cities and administer the regulation of lobbying in the city; OR,
   2. The Province amend the Community Charter to allow the City to establish a lobbyist registry and give the City the legal authority to register lobbyists, create rules for lobbyists’ conduct in their interactions with elected officials and public servants, as well as the power to enforce those rules. In addition, the Province further empower the Provincial Registrar of Lobbyists to work with the City to share information so as to reduce duplication and costs for both orders of government.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

*Some personal information is collected and archived by the City of New Westminster under Section 26(g)(ii) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and for the purpose of the City’s ongoing commitment to open and transparent government. If you have any questions about the collection of personal information please contact Legislative Services, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, V3L 1H9, 604-527-4523.