CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, June 24, 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  

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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.

ISSUANCE OF PERMITS

3.1

Development Variance Permit No. DVP00730 for 602 Agnes Street (68 Sixth Street)

a.

Copy of Notice

b.

Director of Engineering Services report dated June 10, 2024

c.

Statement concerning the number of written submissions received, including On Table submissions (Corporate Officer)

d.

Written submissions

e.

Council Decision

THAT Council approve issuance of DVP00730.

4.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

4.1

Presentation of the 2023 Annual Report

a.

Presentation

b.

2023 City of New Westminster Annual Report

c.

Statement concerning the number of written submissions received, including On Table submissions (Corporate Officer)

d.

Council consideration of the 2023 Annual Report

THAT Council receive the 2023 Annual Report as presented.

4.2

Permanent Free-Standing Toilet (Verbal Report)

5.

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.

5.1

2023 Statement of Financial Information

To seek Council’s approval of the 2023 Statement of Financial Information.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive and approve the attached 2023 Statement of Financial Information.

5.2

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: Metro Vancouver Utility Construction – 1900 Block Stewardson Way

To request that Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Metro Vancouver and its contractor, Argo Safety Services Ltd. from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM for one night between Wednesday June 26, 2024 to Wednesday July 17, 2024 to permit a utility hole hatch upgrade on Stewardson Way.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Metro Vancouver and its contractor, Argo Safety Services Ltd. from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM for one night between Wednesday, June 26, 2024 and Wednesday, July 17, 2024 excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays to conduct a utility hole hatch upgrade on 1900 block Stewardson Way.

5.3

Council Authorization of the Province’s Short Term Rental Information Sharing Agreement

To seek Council’s authorization for signing an Information Sharing Agreement with the Province that supports the monitoring and enforcement of Short Term Rentals within New Westminster.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council authorize the signing of the Province’s Short Term Rental Information Sharing Agreement.

5.4

Fair Wage Policy at the City of New Westminster

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with background information and a recommendation on the implementation of a Fair Wage Policy as per Council’s motion dated September 11, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with developing a draft Fair Wage Policy and implementation plan.

5.5

New Westminster School District’s 2024-2025 Eligible School Sites Proposal

To seek Council’s acceptance of the School District’s Eligible School Sites Proposal for 2024-2025.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council accept the School District 40’s 2024-2025 Eligible School Sites Proposal; and
  2. THAT Council direct staff to send a letter to the School District which:

  1. 1. includes the resolution regarding the Eligible School Sites Proposal;
     2. shares that the City will update its Official Community Plan projections consistent with the new provincial legislation; and
     3. expresses interest in continued collaboration and joint advocacy on school planning.

5.6

Official Community Plan Amendment and Rezoning: 801 Boyd Street – Bylaws for First and Second Readings

To request that Council consider the proposed bylaws to facilitate a four-storey self-storage building at 805 Boyd Street.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8448, 2024 for First reading.
  2. THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8448, 2024 in conjunction with the City’s Capital Expenditure Program as contained in the Five Year Financial Plan and the Region’s Solid Waste Management Plan and Liquid Waste Management Plan, and which is deemed to be consistent with said program and plans in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.
  3. THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8448, 2024 for Second reading, and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.
  4. THAT Council consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8449, 2024 for First and Second readings, and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.

5.7

Public Hearing Prohibited for Residential Development Applications

To seek Council approval to amend the Council Procedure bylaw to mitigate the potential risk of being inconsistent with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8467, 2024, which prohibits delegations on land use applications for which a public hearing is prohibited, be given First, Second and Third readings.

5.8

Response to Council Motion: 2026 FIFA World Cup

To provide Council with a summary of a draft workplan to assess feasibility of a FIFA 2026 community celebration.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to include enhancements in the 2025 budgeting process to operationalize a city-wide 2026 FIFA World Cup celebration.

5.9

Street and Traffic Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw No. 8459, 2024) and Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw No. 8458, 2024) for Three Readings

To request that Council gives three readings to the following bylaws: Street and Traffic Amendment Bylaw No. 8459, 2024, as presented in Attachment #1 of this report; and Engineering User Fees and Rates Amendment Bylaw No.8458, 2024, as presented in Attachment #2 of this report.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council give Street and Traffic Amendment Bylaw No. 8459, 2024 First, Second, and Third readings as presented in Attachment #1 of this report; and
  2. THAT Council give Engineering User Fees and Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 8458, 2024 First, Second, and Third readings as presented in Attachment #2 of this report.

5.10

Uptown Live Municipally Significant LCRB Resolution

To recognize the Uptown Live Festival, produced by the Uptown Business Association, as having municipal significance in relation to LCRB licensing and standard pricing purposes.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council support the declaration of the Uptown Live Festival, produced by the Uptown Business Association to be of municipal significance and forward this resolution to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
  2. THAT Council direct staff to develop a policy and decision-making matrix staff may use to evaluate future municipally significant event designation requests and bring a draft to Council for review in Q3.

5.11

Proclamation: Indigenous Survivors Day, June 30, 2024

5.12

Proclamation: Pride Week, August 9-18, 2024

5.13

Minutes for Adoption

a.

May 27, 2024 Council Workshop

b.

May 27, 2024 Regular Council Meeting

c.

Memo: Correction to the May 6, 2024 Regular Council Minutes

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council’s resolution on May 27, 2024 to adopt the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on May 6, 2024 be rescinded; and
  2. THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on May 6, 2024 be adopted as amended and circulated.

6.

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

6.1

New Westminster Chamber of Commerce: 2024 Strategic Plan & Future Structure

a.

Presentation

b.

Annual Report

6.2

Open Delegations

7.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

7.1

Break (15 minutes)

8.

BYLAWS

8.1

Bylaws for Readings

a.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8448, 2024

A bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan land use designation for the subject site from Queensborough Commercial to Queensborough Mixed Employments. This bylaw is on the agenda for TWO READINGS.

A Public Hearing will be held for this bylaw.

b.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (801 Boyd Street) No. 8449, 2024

A bylaw to rezone the subject site from Large Formal Commercial Districts (C-10) to Comprehensive Development District (801 Boyd Street) (CD-108). This bylaw is on the agenda for TWO READINGS.

A Public Hearing will be held for this bylaw.

c.

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. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

d.

Street and Traffic Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8459, 2024

To amend the Street and Traffic Bylaw to facilitate the launch of a Shared Micromobility Service, and place a 20 km/h speed limit on lanes throughout New Westminster. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

e.

Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8458, 2024

To add a regulation to permit the collection of fees for users of the Shared Micromobility Service. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

8.2

Bylaws for Adoption

a.

Transit Oriented Area Designation Bylaw No. 8460, 2024

To designate the Transit Oriented Areas located in New Westminster, defined as land within 800 metres of a SkyTrain station, as required by Provincial Bill 47 (Transit Oriented Areas). This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

b.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Transit Oriented Area and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Amendments) No. 8453, 2024

To amend the Zoning Bylaw to implement the requirements of Provincial Bill 44 (Small Scale Multi-unit Housing) and Bill 47 (Transit Oriented Areas). This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

9.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.1

Notices of Motion

a.

Improving Public Safety through a Community Ambassador Pilot Program

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas the City of Vancouver previously partnered with Business Improvement Areas to implement and expand an Ambassador Program whereby Community Ambassadors provide assistance to business owners, customers, residents, and visitors in the BIA area by providing hospitality services and addressing community safety; and

Whereas Community Ambassadors’ primary functions include connecting those in need to resources, conducting community patrols, contributing to increased safety and order on the streets, and contributing to social responsibility; and

Whereas Community Ambassadors can work closely and collaborate directly with the City’s bylaw officers as well as the New Westminster Police Department and can become an integral part of a proactive recruitment strategy;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster prepare a business case to determine the feasibility of piloting a made-in-New Westminster Community Ambassador program by 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the local Business Improvement Areas be consulted regarding their potential role in supporting or operating a fully funded Community Ambassador pilot program on behalf of the City of New Westminster.

b.

International Travel by Members of Council

Submitted by Mayor Johnstone

BE IT RESOLVED:  That international travel by members of Council to attend conferences, events, and meetings on behalf of the City of New Westminster be subject to Council approval which includes a summary of request to Council in an open meeting including:

• projected travel and other expenses related to attendance to be charged to the City;
• name of the attendee(s) and relevance to Council or Committee roles; and
• a statement of expected value to be derived as a result of attending the function from the attendee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That any participation by members of Council at conferences, events, and meetings (aside from LMLGA, UBCM, and FCM) which require overnight accommodations or travel outside of the province but otherwise fall within allowable Council expense limits shall require a written summary to Council by the attendee(s) in an open meeting within 3 months of the completion of travel which includes:

• a summary of actual expenses incurred; and
• a description of participation, learnings, and value derived from participation at the event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That staff be directed to bring back to Council for consideration revised travel policies for Council members that is consistent with the above resolutions, including any recommended changes to existing policies, expense limits, or reporting requirements that recognizes the benefit of Council participation in exchange and learning.

c.

Increasing Accountability and Transparency regarding Travel for Municipal Elected Officials

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS Mayor and Council have an interest in the information and outcomes of member-attended conferences, events, study tours, and meetings; and

WHEREAS transparent and equitable policies should be created for use of all City resources applied to Mayor and Council representation at such functions; and

WHEREAS the above is in service of good governance, transparency, and strong relationships between Mayor and Council, our community, and the public they serve in the disposition of limited resources;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT international travel to attend conferences, events, study tours, and meetings on behalf of the City of New Westminster by the Mayor or Councillors be subject to prior approval by Council which includes a summary of the request to Council in an open meeting including:

• Name of the attendee and relevant Council or Committee role(s);
• A statement of expected value to be derived because of attending the function from the attendee and staff;
• Projected travel expenses;
• Projected remuneration expenses; and
• Projected amount of other expenses expected to be incurred; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any participation by the Mayor or Councillors at conferences, events, study tours and meetings that would incur overnight accommodation outside of British Columbia shall require a written report of the function by the attendee(s) in May or October of each calendar year. This report shall be provided at an open meeting of Council, and include:

• A summary of the event and key activities;
• The value to the City of New Westminster because of the attendee’s participation in the event; and
• A summary of actual expenses incurred; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this new policy would apply to all city-paid travel or travel incurred as part of a ‘sponsorship’ intended to be paid for by a 3rd party; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT in the case of any sponsored travel, the attendee would be obliged in an open meeting to seek prior approval from Council to receive these funds and this would include full details regarding the source of funds and financials related to the entire sponsorship package being offered.

d.

Increasing Council Oversight and Involvement in the Issuance of Official Public Statements

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS excluding any statutory powers provided to the Mayor through the BC Community Charter Act, all other authority is delegated to the Mayor by Council; and

WHEREAS the Mayor is designated by Council as the chief spokesperson who will speak on behalf of the entire Council on matters relating to City business; and

WHEREAS not all members of Council are routinely notified in advance nor consulted regarding non-emergency communications issued by the Mayor through the City of New Westminster Communications Department;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the effective immediately the Mayor and the Department of Communications conduct timely, adequate and thorough consultation with all members of Council in advance of the issuance of any public statements, media advisories or media releases that are non-emergency related.

e.

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS between 2016 and 2021, the number of seniors living in New Westminster increased by 17.2%. By comparison, the overall population increased by 11.2%; and

WHEREAS In 2021, 24.1% of New Westminster’s seniors lived in unaffordable housing (30%+ of income spent on housing costs) including 42.8% of senior renters and 16.9% of senior owners; and

WHEREAS the Office of the Seniors Advocate Report Ageing Matters: What We Heard From BC Seniors released in June 2024 states the Provincial Government’s Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters subsidy program does not address the financial pressures experienced by seniors who rent;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council write a letter to the Premier of BC, Minister of Housing and Minister of Health asking for immediate financial relief for low-income senior renters by redesigning the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program so that seniors’ rents are 30% of their income and rent ceilings are adjusted to reflect the current reality of the rental market.

10.

NEW BUSINESS

11.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

12.

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.