CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, January 30, 2023, Immediately following the Public Hearing that begins at 6:00 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  

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1.

CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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

2.

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

Urgent/time sensitive matters only

3.

BYLAWS CONSIDERED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING

3.1

Heritage Designation (109 Third Avenue) Bylaw No. 8381, 2023

A bylaw to designate 109 Third Avenue as protected heritage property.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THIRD READING.

4.

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.

4.1

Changes to the Terms of Reference of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Community Heritage Commission Bylaw No. 6423, 1997

To bring to Council proposed changes to the Terms of Reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Community Heritage Commission Bylaw No. 6423, 1997.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the changes to the Terms of Reference of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as outlined in the report titled, “Changes to the Terms of Reference of the Accessibility Advisory Committee; and,

  THAT Council consider Community Heritage Commission Amendment Bylaw No. 8384, 2023, for three readings.

4.2

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

To request that Council grant an exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw to EllisDon Design Build from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to enable the specialized concrete slab surface finishing to meet operational specifications in the facility within the ongoing constructon of the Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment Project at 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant a noise exemption to EllisDon Design Build from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 from 8 PM to 11 PM an average of 3 times per month between Monday to Friday starting February 1st, 2023, to October 31st, 2023 and 7 AM to 9 AM on Saturdays starting May 6th, 2023 to May 4th, 2024 (excluding Sundays, Statutory Holidays) to pour and surface concrete slabs on the Royal Columbian Hospital site at 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster.

4.3

DCC Expenditure Bylaw No. 8371, 2023

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council’s approval of Development Cost Charge Reserve Funds Expenditure Bylaw No. 8371, 2023 authorizing expenditures from the City’s Development Cost Charge Reserves for Queensborough drainage, sanitary sewer and parkland development, and Mainland transportation and parkland development.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Development Cost Charge Reserve Funds Expenditure Bylaw No. 8371, 2023 (Attachment 1) to authorize a total expenditure of $1,138,654 from the Development Cost Charge Reserves be given three readings.

4.4

Recruitment 2023: Appointments to Advisory Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Panels

To release Closed Council appointments to two City Commissions, one City Advisory Committee, and one City Panel.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the report titled, “Recruitment 2023: Appointments to Advisory Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Panels,“ for information.

4.5

Renewed Child Care Protocol between the City of New Westminster and New Westminster School District No.40

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s direction for staff to forward a letter to New Westminster School District No.40 formally inviting them to jointly develop a renewed Child Care Protocol, which would set a framework for closer collaboration with regard to the development of new and the retention of existing child care spaces.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to forward a letter to New Westminster School District No.40 formally inviting them to jointly develop a renewed Child Care Protocol between the City of New Westminster and the School District.

4.6

Rezoning Application for Detached Accessory Building: 228 Seventh Street – Comprehensive Report

To request that: 1) Council consider the application to rezone 228 Seventh Street and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act; and, 2) notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider “Zoning Amendment Bylaw (228 Seventh Street) No. 8373, 2023” and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act; and,

  THAT notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act.

4.7

Rozzini’s Restaurant, 211 Ewen Avenue - Application for Patron Participation Endorsement

To provide information regarding an application from Rozzini’s Restaurant for a Patron Participation Entertainment Endorsement to be added to the establishment’s existing Food Primary Liquor License. This type of liquor license endorsement is required for restaurants operating with a dine and dance, live music and dancing, or karaoke format.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the following resolution be approved:

  WHEREAS New Westminster City Council considered a staff report regarding an application from Rozzini‘s Restaurant located at 211 Ewen Avenue to amend its Food Primary Liquor License by including a Patron Participation Endorsement with proposed entertainment hours 6pm – 9pm on Friday and Saturdays;

  WHEREAS a sign has been placed in front of the business for 30 days, two newspaper notices were published as well as circulated in the City’s e-newsletter (Citypage Online), to 1200+ subscribers and providing details regarding the application and inviting the public to submit comments to the City; and

  WHEREAS the City has received four emails expressing concern and 8 in support of the application;

  WHEREAS the applicant is taking measures to address community concerns relating to noise and has amendend their proposed hours in response to community input received;

  WHEREAS the overall occupancy of the establishment remains at 110 people;

  WHEREAS the establishment is not anticipated to negatively affect traffic patterns or parking, and any noise is expected to be properly mitigated by the applicant;

  WHEREAS the requested amendment is consistent with the establishment’s primary purpose as a restaurant;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

  THAT New Westminster City Council approves Rozzini’s Restaurant’s application for a Patron Participation Endorsement subject to the patron participation entertainment only being provided on Fridays and Saturdays and not taking place after 9:00 pm.

4.8

Minutes for Adoption

a.

December 12, 2022 City Council Meeting (9:00 a.m.)

b.

December 12, 2022 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

c.

December 14, 2022 Special City Council Meeting

5.

BYLAWS

5.1

Bylaws for readings

a.

Community Heritage Commission Amendment Bylaw No. 8384, 2023

To increase the number of members of the Community Heritage Commission from nine to ten by increasing the number of members from the community at large from six to seven.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

b.

Development Cost Charge Reserve Funds Expenditure Bylaw No. 8371 2022

To authorize an expenditure of $1,138,654 from the City’s Development Cost Charge Reserves for Queensborough drainage, sanitary sewer and parkland development, and Mainland transportation and parkland development.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

6.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

6.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Mitigating traffic and transportation issues and improving pedestrian safety on Ewen Avenue in Queensborough

Submitted by Councillor Minhas and Councillor Fontaine

Whereas it has been reported that citizens are concerned changes to the Ewen Avenue and Howes Street intersection are no longer providing for a free flow of non rush-hour traffic; and

Whereas there is a significant traffic and pedestrian issue identified at Ewen Avenue and Wood Street by the local community; and

Whereas it is important to encourage people to get out of their vehicles and support them safely using alternate modes of transportation that have less impact on the environment; and

Whereas vehicles that have to unnecessarily wait at a ‘no turn on red light’ after rush hour are unnecessarily burning fossil fuels; and

Whereas the City is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and achieving our goals as they pertain to climate change; and

Whereas the City is committed to listening to local community concerns when it comes to traffic and transportation issues

BE IT RESOLVED that staff provide a memo to Council regarding the opportunity to modify the current "no right turn on red" policy at Ewen Avenue and Howes Street so it only applies during peak rush hour traffic; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as part of the Queensborough Transportation Plan, staff seek feedback from local residents and business regarding their interest in the installation of a new pedestrian-activated crossing at the corner of Wood Street and Ewen Avenue

b.

Increasing year-round usage of city park spaces through the installation of additional all-weather tracks as part of the capital plan

Submitted by Councillor Minhas and Councillor Fontaine

Whereas the citizens of Queensborough have indicated they believe they are underserved by the City of New Westminster when it comes to sports and recreation facilities; and

Whereas Queensborough is in a flood plain and a significant portion of the land is water saturated in the winter period thus rendering public spaces like Ryall Park as unusable due to the poor soil conditions; and

Whereas a significant number of seniors and elders living in the Queensborough community have indicated that the introduction of a well lit, all-weather track at Ryall Park would help to increase year-round physical activity and community building; and

Whereas the City of New Westminster is eligible to apply for matching grants to offset costs related to major infrastructure projects; and

Whereas the Queensborough neighbourhood is home to a casino which provides significant funds to our City's annual operating budget

BE IT RESOLVED that staff prioritize the sourcing of funds required to install an increased number of all-weather fields in New Westminster over the next five years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as part of the 2023 Budget process staff identify the funds necessary to undertake a planning and community consultation process to determine the feasibility of prioritizing an all-weather field at Ryall Park in Queensborough.

c.

Requesting an update from local MLAs regarding a 2020 election commitment to provide a free bus service to Queensborough students

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas Richmond-Queensborough MLA Aman Singh issued a press release in 2020 announcing that a re-elected NDP government would provide free, dedicated TransLink buses to take Queensborough students to and from New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS); and

Whereas a significant number of residents in Queensborough have expressed concerns over the impact to the quality of life for students who face lengthy commutes to and from the NWSS; and

Whereas the City of New Westminster continues to approve new developments in the Queensborough neighbourhood which places further pressure on an already burdened transit system; and

Whereas the current estimated surplus of the Provincial Government in this fiscal year is estimated at $5.7 billion; and

Whereas the parents of NWSS students are concerned this campaign commitment will not be fulfilled prior to the 2024 provincial election

BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor Patrick Johnstone write to MLAs Aman Singh and Jennifer Whiteside to request a meeting be established with Councillors Tasha Henderson, Nadine Nakagawa and Daniel Fontaine (School Board Liaisons) regarding the status of the provincial government's 2020 campaign commitment to the parents and students of Queensborough for a free bus service to New West Secondary School

d.

Halting the City's rebranding exercise as previously approved by Council in July 2022

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas the City of New Westminster is facing many challenges in attracting and retaining staff;

Whereas utilizing limited staff resources on an unnecessary rebranding exercise is not an efficient use of staff time; and

Whereas the City of New Westminster is facing significant budgetary challenges that could result in significant property and business tax increases this year; and

Whereas corporate rebranding exercises can be extremely costly and have the potential of returning little net benefit to taxpayers

BE IT RESOLVED that staff reduce the potential burden to residential and commercial taxpayers by ceasing work on any corporate-wide rebranding projects through to December 31st, 2024

e.

Clarifying Matters Related to Notice of Motion in the Council Procedure Bylaw

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS Section 124 (1) of the Community Charter states that “A council must, by bylaw, establish the general procedures to be followed by council and council committees in conducting their business.”; and

WHEREAS Section 124 (2) of the Community Charter – under subsection (a) – states that a council must, by bylaw, “establish rules of procedure for council meetings, including the manner by which resolutions may be passed and the manner by which bylaws may be adopted in accordance with Division 3 [Bylaw Procedures] of this Part.”; and

WHEREAS The City of New Westminster has a Procedure Bylaw (i.e., COUNCIL PROCEDURE BYLAW NO. 6910, 2004) which was duly enacted in accordance with the requirements of the Community Charter; and

WHEREAS Section 21 of the Council Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004, under the heading “Notices of motion”, states that “Any member has the right to give notice to Council of a motion which that member intends to make at the next meeting of the Council. The City Clerk shall make note of the motion and place it on the next agenda. The City Clerk may request that the member provide the motion that is subject of the notice in writing.”; and

WHEREAS It is evident that the practice of the previous City Council, with respect to Member Motions, was for motions to appear on the Agenda for any given Council meeting which would then be routinely Moved and Seconded at the meeting, discussed/debated by Council, and then voted on at the same Council meeting. This practice would appear, on the surface, to be consistent with the wording and plain meaning of section 21 of the Council Procedure Bylaw despite the somewhat ambiguous wording of section 21 of the Bylaw;

WHEREAS The Agenda for the November 28, 2022, New Westminster Council Meeting included a number of Member Motions listed under Item “6. MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL” and “6.1 Notice of Motion.” In apparent contradiction to the observed practice of the previous City Council with respect to Notice of Motion and the previous Council’s apparent interpretation of the Council Procedure Bylaw, an additional note was appended to the Agenda text indicating that “The motions in this section will be introduced at this meeting. The motions will be placed on the December 12, 2022, Council agenda for discussion and decision.”; and

WHEREAS There is an apparent disconnect between the interpretation and application of section 21 of the Council Procedure Bylaw by the previous Council and the interpretation and application that is now being applied to the new Council elected in October 2022, even though there has not been any changes or amendments to the text or wording of section 21 of the Bylaw;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT Council direct staff to report back on the apparent discrepancy between how the Council Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004 was and is being interpreted and applied in the present, notably at the November 28, 2022 Council meeting with respect to Notice of Motion, and how the Bylaw was interpreted and applied by previous Councils in order to clarify the situation and determine what the correct procedure is, and

FURTHER THAT staff report back at the February 13th Council meeting with recommendations to improve Section 21 of the Council Procedures Bylaw 6910 to ensure it no longer lacks clarity and is less subject to interpretation;

f.

Investments in new pedestrian infrastructure to support the City's active transportation network in Queensborough and reduce our carbon footprint

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas Queensborough residents have consistently indicated that a lack of sidewalk infrastructure is an issue for their community; and

Whereas joint 50/50 infrastructure programs are excellent way to help expand the opportunity and budget allocated for community infrastructure investments; and

Whereas a two-year pilot project program to install critical sidewalk infrastructure supports our active transportation goals and helps to support our elders; and

Whereas the City is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the expansion of our network of sidewalks should be core to a robust and active transportation plan; and

Whereas a 2021 Government of Canada Active Transportation Fund will provide $400 million over five years to support the expansion and enhancement of active transportation infrastructure and a modal shift away from cars and toward active transportation; and

Whereas according to the Federal Government capital projects refer to new infrastructure construction, enhancement of existing infrastructure, and fixed design and safety features that encourage increased active transportation; and

Whereas eligible capital projects (according to the Federal Government) include building or enhancing infrastructure for active transportation, such as sidewalks

BE IT RESOLVED that staff incorporate into the 2023 Operating Budget a new two-year 50/50 matching grant Pedestrian Improvement Pilot Program that will support Queensborough residents who wish to accelerate the covering up of unsafe ditches with paved sidewalks that support non-fossil fuel based active transportation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $300,000 from the Climate Action Reserve Fund be used to fund this pilot project over two years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff seek out funds from the senior orders of government to offset or match the City's contribution to the pilot program

6.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar Emergency Management Partnership Opportunities

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar brings the community together and values strong community partnerships.

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar was instrumental in supporting the Queensborough community in October 2017 when a transformer fire forced the closure of the Queensborough Bridge and cut electricity to surrounding neighbourhoods and, more recently, was invaluable on November 30, 2022 by supporting individuals stranded in their vehicles.

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster Fire Department is working to identify gaps and potential partnerships in their Emergency Management program.

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar has been proven their willingness and capacity to assist in times when emergency issues arise.

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has Emergency Management professional expertise and when possible, works with community partners to strengthen programs and services. 

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has opportunity to apply for funding to provincial and federal funding for additional resources when working with community partners.

BE IT RESOLVED that the City of New Westminster Fire Department explore Emergency Management partnership opportunities with The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar to support the emergent needs in Queensborough

b.

Increasing safe access to the Fraser River for residents and tourists

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas the City of New Westminster has a rich history and connectivity with the Fraser River; and

Whereas providing better access to the Fraser River for our residents, businesses and tourists will help generate increased economic activity; and

Whereas other cities have supported their tourism strategies by developing walkways and user-pay public moorage in their rivers to allow pleasure craft to better access local merchants; and

Whereas the Fraser River has generated economic activity for the City of New Westminster since we were established in 1860; and

Whereas the Fraser River has a deep and spiritual connection with Indigenous peoples throughout British Columbia; and

Whereas residents and tourists can only view the Fraser River and have very few options to access it in a safe manner

Whereas it has been the City’s position that “the Riverfront is the City’s most significant cultural, economic and natural asset. It is home to vibrant and diverse public spaces, high quality recreation, business and housing, and significant natural features. It is an integral component of the local economy, providing employment, services and tourism opportunities while providing a living link to the city’s past; and

Whereas it was further stated “our Riverfront Vision is to seamlessly connect our riverfront - while respecting existing industry - through a continuous system of greenways and parks that run the length of the city and provide improved connections from our neighbourhoods to the river for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Along with enhanced access and facilities, the Riverfront’s recreation and tourism potential will be realized through public spaces and activities that generate widespread interest and are welcoming for all ages and abilities at all times during the year.”

Whereas in 2017 Council endorsed a conceptual design to construct an accessible floating greenway in the Fraser River connecting Sapperton and our Pier Park downtown by 2024 which was done in partnership with Translink

BE IT RESOLVED that staff report back to Council regarding opportunities to provide increased direct access and connectivity to the Fraser River for our citizens and tourists; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we identify opportunities and possible funding sources to plan and develop additional user-pay pleasure craft moorage on our City’s waterfront; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff be asked to identify possible new access points for a user-pay pleasure craft launch facility; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff identify the costs, challenges and opportunities of establishing a walkable link along the waterfront between Sapperton and Pier Park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff prepare a key stakeholder consultation strategy to be presented to Council as part of this review; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report to Council regarding the necessary budget, possible sources of funding and resources required to undertake the work as noted above

c.

Improving Our Economy By Better Connecting Douglas College Students, Faculty and Staff with our Business Districts

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas New Westminster is home to Douglas College; and

Whereas students play an important role in helping to support a local economy; and

Whereas each year, close to 17,000 students (including 4,210 international students from over 92 countries) take for-credit courses at Douglas College; and

Whereas a targeted marketing campaign aimed at Douglas College students, faculty and staff could encourage them to more frequently visit our business districts: and

Whereas our  business districts have faced significant impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Metro Vancouver sewer construction on Columbia Street

BE IT RESOLVED that Council refer to the Economic Development Advisory Committee for discussion and action as appropriate, a collaborative “Study and Stay” campaign aimed at encouraging students, faculty and staff at Douglas College to more regularly frequent our city's various business districts

7.

NEW BUSINESS 

7.1

ON TABLE Nomination of Councillor Ruby Campbell to the Election to the FCM Board of Directors

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.

END OF THE MEETING

 

*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.

10.

INFORMATION REPORTS - January  30, 2023

10.1

Proposed Homelessness Action Plan for 2023

To inform Council of the proposed Homelessness Action Plan for 2023, which includes 24 actions for addressing homelessness and related issues.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the proposed Homelessness Action Plan for 2023 for information.

10.2

Status Report on Public Engagement Strategy

To update Council on progress in implementing the City’s Public Engagement Strategy, which was adopted in 2016.

• Recommendation:

  That Council received this report for information.