CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, June 12, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 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.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS

3.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Supporting the victims of random and violent crimes in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

Whereas the streets of New Westminster have been the scene of an increasing number of violent crime incidents including shootings in broad daylight and stabbings; and

Whereas an increasing number of residents, business owners and tourists are concerned about their safety; and

Whereas the City of New Westminster should play an important role in helping to ensure that residents, business owners and tourists remains safe

BE IT RESOLVED that Council endorse a request made in February 2023 by the Business Improvement Areas of BC to establish a new provincially funded program which supports initiatives aimed at curtailing the impacts of vandalism and property crime.

BE IT RESOLVED that Council request an urgent meeting with the New Westminster Police Board to develop a joint strategy and determine what additional initiatives can be immediately implemented to ensure our streets remain safe from further violent crime.

b.

Implementing initiatives to reduce catalytic converter thefts in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas the theft and resale of stolen catalytic converters is considered an issue within the City of New Westminster; and

Whereas the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) says converter theft claims have climbed from 89 in 2017 to 1,953 last year, totalling more than $4 million in claim costs for 2021; and

Whereas the theft of catalytic converters is costly and impactful to the victims of this crime

BE IT RESOLVED that staff work with ICBC and the New Westminster Police Department to determine the feasibility of replicating Surrey’s “Etch It, We Catch It” campaign in our city; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report back regarding the feasibility of implementing a by-law that would place a temporary ban on the resale of catalytic converters and impose serious fines to those individuals and/or businesses who knowingly sell stolen catalytic converters in our city.

4.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

4.1

Massey Theatre Renovation - Scope, Schedule and Budget

a.

Presentation (On Table)

b.

Report: Massey Theatre Renovation - Scope, Schedule and Budget

To present the findings of the Massey Theatre Renovation (MTR) project pre-design phase and seek Council’s endorsement of the recommended project scope, schedule and estimated costs to completion, as described in this report and its attachment, noting that a project funding shortfall of approximately six million dollars ($6M) is identified and will need to be reconciled in order to deliver the full recommended scope.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the recommended scope of work, schedule and estimated costs to completion for the renovation of the Massey Theatre described herein; and

  THAT Council direct staff to bring back, as a Quarterly adjustment, a $6.0M increase to the MTS Capital Plan, funded from the Provincial Growing Communities Fund.

4.2

2023 Capital and Operating Quarterly Performance Report

a.

Presentation (On Table)

b.

Report: 2023 Capital and Operating Quarterly Performance Report

To provide quarterly updates to Council on the Operating and Capital Budget and Major Project/Program Spending performance and to seek Council’s approval of the proposed 2023 Capital Budget Adjustment and Revised 2023 Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $6.0M; and (3) Approve the proposed revised 2023 Multi-Year Capital budget of $179.2M.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information; and

  THAT Council approve the 2023 quarterly capital budget adjustments as outlined in Table 1-1 of this 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 Council Remuneration

To inform Council that there will be a 6.8% increase to Council remuneration for 2023 retroactive to January 1, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

5.2

22nd Street Station Area Bold Vision Relaunch

To seek Council direction on the relaunch of 22nd Street Station Area visioning.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with the proposed 22^nd Street Station Area Bold Vision process as outlined in this report, with a dual focus on First Nations collaboration and building climate resilience.

5.3

327 Louellen Street: Sale of Abutting City Property

To obtain Council’s approval for the sale of the City-owned property located at the rear of 327 Louellen Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council authorize the sale of the City Property described in this report to Lisa Marie Harry, subject to satisfying the conditions in the subject Agreement of Purchase and Sale between the Corporation of the City of New Westminster and Lisa Marie Harry (the “Agreement”) and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the Agreement.

5.4

Feedback from Committee Members on Potential Advisory Committee Changes (Circulated Separately)

This report provides Council with a summary of input heard from Advisory Committee members about their committee experiences and their feedback on a proposal for an “Advisory Assembly” – a potential new model for the City’s advisory groups.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the summary of feedback received from advisory committee members; and

  That Council direct staff to prepare a workshop with Council on the future of committees on June 26, 2023.

5.5

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: 660 Quayside Drive (Bosa Development)

To request that Council grant a noise exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw to permit Bosa Development to deliver and offload crane sections, subject to wind conditions, on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 or June 24th, 2023 prior to morning traffic.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant a noise exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Bosa Development for construction-related activity occurring on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 and June 24^th, 2023 between 7 AM to 9 AM

5.6

Housing Need Report Update: 2021 & 2022

To provide Council with an update on housing development in 2021 and 2022, and outline progress towards meeting the targets in the Housing Needs Report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse the updated housing unit targets (2021-2031) outlined in this report, and direct staff to report annually on progress towards achieving these goals.

5.7

New Westminster Pesticide Use Amendment Bylaw No. 8403, 2023

To request that Council gives three readings to the New Westminster Pesticide Use Amendment Bylaw No. 8403, 2023 as presented in Attachment 1 of this report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council gives three readings to New Westminster Pesticide Use Amendment Bylaw No. 8403, 2023, as presented in Attachment 1 of this report.

5.8

Parks and Recreation 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Process

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the background, existing practice and emerging themes to consider in the preparation of amendments to the 2024 Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw. This report recommends to Council the proposed process the Parks and Recreation Department will initiate in the development of the amendments and provide an opportunity to make recommendations of emerging Council priorities.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider, provide comment and endorse the proposed process, as outlined in this report, for the preparation of amendments to Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw (Attachment “A”).

5.9

Potential process for updating the City’s corporate logo

This report outlines a potential process and preliminary budget estimate for considering a new corporate brand (i.e. logo) for the City of New Westminster. A proposed approach for community engagement to help inform the development of a new logo is also outlined for Council’s consideration.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse, in principle, the steps outlined in this report as a process to consider a new logo for the organization;

  THAT Council direct staff to incorporate the logo project into their workplans, pending prioritization of projects that directly address Council’s strategic plan, and report back to Council on a proposed timeline for project launch.

5.10

Rezoning and Development Permit (145 to 209 East Columbia Street) – Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to process the rezoning application for a six-storey mixed use development at 145 to 209 East Columbia Street as outlined within this report, and Council’s endorsement in principle that no Public Hearing be held for the application.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to work with the applicant to prepare a plan of development for the subject property suitable for consideration of First and Second Readings, as outlined in the “Application Review Process” section of this report.

  THAT Council endorse in principle that no Public Hearing be held for this application in accordance with the Local Government Act.

5.11

Rezoning Application for Duplex: 926 First St – Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to process the rezoning application for a duplex at 926 First Street as outlined within this report, and seek endorsement in principle for no Public Hearing to be held.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to work with the applicant to prepare a plan of development for the subject property suitable for consideration of First and Second Readings, as outlined in the “Application Review Process” section of this report.

  THAT Council endorse in principle that no Public Hearing be held for this application in accordance with the Local Government Act.

5.12

Rezoning Application for Infill Townhouse: 1032 and 1036 St. Andrews Street – Comprehensive Report

This report provides Council with information on the development proposal for 1032 and 1036 St. Andrews Street, and requests that the rezoning application be considered, and that no Public Hearing be held following circulation of notice in accordance with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the application to rezone 1032 and 1036 St. Andrews Street be considered and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act.

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

5.13

Rezoning, Development Variance Permit and Development Permit: 114 and 118 Sprice Street – Comprehensive Report

To request that: 1) Council consider the application to rezone 114 and 118 Sprice Street and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act; 2) notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act; and 3) Council issue notice that it will consider issuance of Development Variance Permit (DVP00697) to reduce the minimum frontage requirements from 10% of the site perimeter to 9.1% for Type A lots and 8.7% for Type B lots; and increase the permitted height of the detached garages for Type B lots from 4.57 m (15 ft.) to 5.18 m (17 ft.).

• Recommendation:

  THAT the application to rezone 114 and 118 Sprice Street be considered and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act;

  THAT notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act; and

  THAT Council provide notice that it will consider issuance of a Development Variance Permit (DVP00697) to vary the minimum permitted lot frontage for all ten proposed lots and vary the permitted height of the detached garages for Type B lots.

5.14

Subdivision and Development Control Amendment Bylaw No. 8369, 2023

To request that Council consider the recommendations for Subdivision and Development Control Amendment Bylaw No. 8369, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council give three readings to Bylaw No. 8369, 2023 - Subdivision and Development Control Amendment Bylaw as presented in Attachment 1 of this report.

5.15

Proclamation - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, 2023

5.16

Proclamation - Deafblind Awareness Month, June 2023

5.17

Proclamation - Filipino Heritage Month and Philippine Independence Day, June 2023 and June 12, 2023

5.18

Proclamation - Recreation and Parks Month, June 2023

6.

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

7.

BYLAWS

7.1

Public Hearings not held

a.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Off-Street Vehicle Parking - Multiple Dwellings) No. 8396, 2023

An amendment to reduce off-street parking rates for multiple dwellings and require end-of-trip bicycle maintenance facilities for new non-residential buildings, and bicycle maintenance facilities for new apartment buildings.

Application considered by Council on May 29, 2023, notice published on June 1 and 8, 2023.

No public hearing held

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8396, 2023

This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

7.2

Bylaws for readings

a.

New Westminster Pesticide use Amendment Bylaw No. 8403, 2023

An amendment to reflect current requirements of the Provincial Integrated Pest Management Regulation.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

b.

Subdivision and Development Control Amendment Bylaw No. 8369, 2023

An amendment to improve the City’s development projects processes by providing clarity to applicants regarding the City’s Offsite Works and Services standards and design requirements. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

7.3

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Street and Traffic Miscellaneous Amendments Bylaw No. 8397, 2023

To update definitions and clauses related to Cycle Network, Parking Regulations, Street Occupancy Permits and Use of Streets in the Street and Traffic Bylaw.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

8.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

8.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Enhancing Livability in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

Whereas the City of New Westminster is focusing on enhancing livability in the downtown and throughout the entire city; and     

Whereas the City of New Westminster prioritizes compassion and proven solutions; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT Council directs staff to report back on opportunities to bring a program similar to the Chinatown Stewards model to New Westminster.

b.

The Right Person, the Right Time, the Right Place Report

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

Whereas June 5 to 11 is Seniors Week providing an opportunity to honour and celebrate seniors contributions and acknowledge the integral part seniors play in communities across British Columbia.

And whereas, The City, working with seniors, has been a leader in policy to assure seniors in our community have the supports they need to thrive , such as the Age-Friendly Community Strategy, Dementia-Friendly Community Action Plan, the development of a Seniors Engagement Toolkit and other resources to optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security. 

And whereas our recently adopted Strategic Plan includes a focus on New Westminster Community Belonging and Connecting as well as Homes and Housing Options

And whereas the Century House Association produced a report entitled The Right Person, the Right Time, the Right Place, which addresses critical issues presented in a webinar titled Long Term Care-Time for Change, organized with the BC Healthy Coalition, which featured The Provincial Seniors Advocate, Simon Fraser University Department of Gerontology Professor Emerita, and Fraser Health Authority Board Chair, with recommendations to local and senior levels of governments that prioritized supports for seniors to age in place. 
 
Therefore be it resolved
 
That Staff provide a report back to Council on opportunities to action the local government recommendations presented in the Century House Association report The Right Person, the Right Time, the Right Place; and
 
That City Staff work with Century House Association, Senior Services Society and other New Westminster senior support agencies to develop a senior government advocacy strategy to support the additional recommendations in the report.

c.

New Westminster: a 15-minute City

Submitted jointly by Councillors Nakagawa and Henderson

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster declared a climate emergency with an accompanying plan of 7 Bold Steps, and is committed to a just energy transition to greener infrastructure; and 
 
WHEREAS walking and biking stimulate and improve health, both mental and physical, and the City of New Westminster has seen a recent uprise of mental health issues; and 
 
WHEREAS the City of New Westminster is already committed to creating a safe and comprehensive network of bike paths in order to give people more options in addition to personal vehicles and transit and is committed to a more connected way of life, as demonstrated by their environmentally friendly plans and recently introduced Strategic Plan 2023-2026; 
 
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster endorse the concept of becoming a 15-minute city and create a plan to implement the plan by 2030. 

a.

Backgrounder

d.

Implementation of a temporary Low-Income Energy Assistance Program in 2023

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas New Westminster had the highest per capita death rate during the 2021 “Heat Dome” which according to the BC Coroner’s office killed 28 residents, many of whom were renters living in tree-canopy deficient neighbourhoods;

Whereas according to the BC Coroner’s Office most decedents were in homes without adequate cooling systems such as air conditioners or fans; and
Whereas the ‘Heat Dome’ event had significant financial and operational impacts on New Westminster’s first responders including our fire and police departments; and

Whereas in 2023 the City of New Westminster injected $26 million dollars into our Climate Action Reserve for which no funds have been allocated and this in addition to the $1.9M we anticipate collecting this year by way of a Climate Action Levy charged to all New Westminster electrical utility ratepayers; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that effective June 1st, 2023 the New West Electrical Utility be directed to provide a one-time reimbursement of up to $500 to low income residents to install a new or replace an older non-functioning air conditioning unit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New West Electrical Utility establish a low-income energy assistance program effective June 1st to provide up to $500 in credits for eligible residents who are facing markedly higher energy bills due to increased consumption during the summer season (June through September); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the definition of low-income mirror that of the Province of BC which is defined as individuals with an income of $39,115 or less, and families with a household income of $50,170 or less in 2022; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that up to $500,000 be sourced from the Climate Action Reserve Fund to cover the cost of this temporary program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on urgent basis the CAO be authorized, in consultation with the Mayor, to establish the streamlined program eligibility and temporarily reallocate the necessary internal resources to support the operations of this program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor write a letter to the Premier of BC requesting the 14 recommendations contained in a June 7, 2022 BC Coroner’s Office report titled “Extreme Heat and Human Mortality: A Review of Heat-Related Deaths in B.C. in Summer 2021” be fully implemented in an expedited manner

9.

NEW BUSINESS 

10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

11.

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.