CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, August 29, 2022 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.

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

Urgent/time sensitive matters only

3.

PRESENTATION

3.1

2022 Planning Institute of BC Excellence in Policy Planning Award: Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action

Presentation to Project Partners:

• Babies for Climate Action
• The Walker’s Caucus

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

Amendments to the 2022 Schedule of Council Meetings

To seek Council’s approval to align the council meeting schedule with Council commitments in September and November.

• Recommendation:

  That the 2022 schedule of council meetings be amended to: remove the meetings scheduled for September 12, 2022; remove the council workshop scheduled for September 19, 2022; and add a Council Workshop to November 14, 2022.

4.2

Appointment of City Officers

To provide for the efficient operation of the City by designating Manager of Communications and Economic Development, Blair Fryer as the Chief Licence Inspector, and Eva Yip as Acting Director of Human Resources and Information Technology with the power, duty and responsibility to carry out the functions prescribed to these positions.

• Recommendation:

  That Council designate the Manager of Communications and Economic Development, Blair Fryer as the Chief Licence Inspector; and

  That Council appoint Eva Yip as Acting Director of Human Resources and Information Technology.

4.3

Budget 2023: Fees and Rates Review

To seek Council’s approval in principle for the proposed changes to the fees and rates bylaws to accommodate the changes recommended by staff in their review of user fees and rates; and provide direction to staff on changes to the related bylaws.

• Recommendation:

  That Council approves in principle the proposed changes in fees and rates; and

  That Council direct staff to prepare the necessary amendment bylaws.

4.4

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request – New Westminster Interceptor – Columbia Sewer Rehabilitation

To request that Council grant an exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw for ORCC to continue construction of utility holes and related works on Columbia Street in the downtown core from September 12, 2022 through December 23, 2022.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant an exemption to Metro Vancouver’s contractor, Oscar Renda Contracting of Canada (ORCC), from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992, for an average of two nights per week (between Monday to Thursday) excluding Friday and Saturday nights, Sundays or Statutory Holidays, re-commencing September 12, 2022 and ceasing December 23, 2022, to construct utility holes and conduct related works in the 600 - 800 block of Columbia Street.

4.5

Delegation Bylaw Update to facilitate Acting Director Roles

To request Council amend the Delegation Bylaw 7176, 2015, and so respond to changed department structures to allow for effective delegation of the Director position.

• Recommendation:

  That Delegation Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 8365, 2022 (attachment 1) be given three readings.

4.6

Electronic Message Centre for Ryall Park / Queensborough Community Centre

This report responds to Council direction to report back regarding the feasibility for a third party to provide and operate an electronic sign at the Queensborough Community Centre in Ryall Park.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information, and

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with the design and installation of the Electronic Message Centre in Ryall Park.

4.7

Fall 2022 Outdoor Pools Operating Schedule Update

To inform Council of changes to the proposed September 6 – October 10 Outdoor Pool operations.

• Recommendation:

  THAT this report be recieved for information.

4.8

Massey Theatre Renovation Update

The purpose of this report is to provide an update of the Massey Theatre Renovation project. The report provides an overview of project milestones completed to date, and outlines the work plan of future works, including removal of the large gymnasium and supporting spaces as per the 2015 approved plan for the project.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

4.9

Master Transportation Plan Amendment and Monitoring Report

This report provides a progress update regarding implementation of the City’s Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and presents amendments addressing new mobility and curbside management.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the Master Transportation Plan amendments provided in Attachment 1 of this report;

  THAT the Master Transportation Plan monitoring report be received;

  THAT Council direct Staff to report back on future MTP amendments that would bring a Vision Zero model to transportation safety in New Westminster.

4.10

Official Community Plan Amendment and Rezoning Applications for Infill Townhouse: 102/104 Eighth Avenue and 728 First Street – Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to proceed with processing the proposed Official Community Plan amendment and rezoning at 102/104 Eighth Avenue and 728 First Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with processing the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment and rezoning at 102/104 Eighth Avenue and 728 First Street, as outlined in the “Consultation and Review Process” section of this report.

  THAT Council, with regard to the proposed OCP amendment:

  1. Give consideration to the requirements of Section 475 and 476 as well as other relevant sections of the Local Government Act;
  2. Direct staff to advise and consult with the following:

  The Board of Education of New Westminster Schools; and

  The following First Nations:

  Cowichan Tribes;

  Halalt First Nation;

  Katzie First Nation;

  Kwantlen First Nation;

  Kwikwetlem First Nation;

  Lyackson First Nation;

  Lake Cowichan First Nation;

  Musqueam Indian Band;

  Penelakut Tribe;

  Qayqayt First Nation;

  Seabird Island Band;

  Semiahmoo First Nation;

  Shxw'ōwhámél First Nation;

  Soowahlie First Nation;

  Squamish Nation;

  Sto:lo Nation;

  Sto:lo Tribal Council;

  Stz’uminus First Nation;

  Tsawwassen First Nation; and

  Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

  1. Direct staff to seek input from interested parties in the following manner:

  Send a request for written comments to the parties listed above;

  As part of the notification requirements for a Public Hearing, place a notice on the City Page to advise the public of this application; and

  As part of the notification requirements for a Public Hearing, require the applicant to include notice of the proposed OCP amendment on the site signage required for the subject application.

  1. Not require consultation with:

  Board of the regional district in which the area covered by a plan is located (Metro Vancouver);

  Any greater boards or improvement districts;

  Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board;

  Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; and

  Councils of immediately adjacent municipalities;

  as none are considered to be affected by this application.

4.11

Recruitment 2022: Appointment to the Social and Cultural Vibrancy Grant Committee

The purpose of this report is to release appointments to the City’s Grant Committees to the public.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the report titled, “Recruitment 2022: Appointment to the Social and Cultural Vibrancy Grant Committee“ for information.

4.12

Temporary Use Permit: 97 Braid Street (Royal Columbian Hospital Parking) Phase 2 – Consideration of Notice of Issuance

To seek Council’s approval to proceed with a Temporary Use Permit to allow a temporary parking lot on a portion of 97 Braid Street for hospital staff and construction workers during the Phase 2 of Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue a Temporary Use Permit to allow a temporary parking lot on a portion of 97 Braid Street for hospital staff and construction workers during the Phase 2 of Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment, following a Request for Public Comment period ending on September 19, 2022

4.13

Temporary Use Permit for Group Living Facility: 311 Louellen Street – Consideration of Notice of Issuance

To seek Council’s approval to proceed with processing the Temporary Use Permit, to enable temporary operation of a recovery program for men at 311 Louellen Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue a Temporary Use Permit to allow Maintain Recovery to operate a residential recovery program for up to 10 men at 311 Louellen Street, following completion of public consultation and following a Request for Public Comment period ending on September 19, 2022.

4.14

Proclamation: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Day, August 15, 2022

4.15

Proclamation: Literacy Month, September 2022

4.16

Minutes for Adoption

a.

June 30, 2022 Public Hearing

b.

June 30, 2022 City Council Meeting

c.

July 11, 2022 City Council Meeting (9:00 a.m.)

d.

July 11, 2022 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

e.

July 25, 2022 Special City Council Meeting

5.

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

6.

BYLAWS

6.1

Public Hearings Not Held

a.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (337 and 339 Keary Street) No. 8324, 2022

To enable construction of a 9 unit infill townhouse project at 337 and 339 Keary Street.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on July 11, 2022, notice published on August 18 and 25, 2022.

No Public Hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8324, 2022

b.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (616 and 640 Sixth Street) No. 8348, 2022

To enable construction of a mixed-use, 100% secured market rental project at 616 and 640 Sixth Street. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on July 11, 2022; notice published on August 18 and 25, 2022

No Public Hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8348, 2022

c.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (122 Eighth Avenue) No. 8356, 2022

To enable construction of a duplex at 122 Eighth Avenue.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on July 11, 2022; notice published on August 18 and 25, 2022

No Public Hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8356, 2022

d.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (817 St. Andrews Street) No. 8354, 2022

To enable construction of a triplex at 817 St. Andrews Street.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on July 11, 2022; notice published on August 18 and 25, 2022

No Public Hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8354, 2022

e.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Parking Reductions for Patios) No. 8357, 2022

To allow businesses to convert parking or loading spaces on private property into patio space.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on July 11, 2022; notice published on August 18 and 25, 2022

No Public Hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8357 2022

6.2

Bylaws for readings

a.

Delegation Amendment Bylaw No. 8365, 2022

To respond to changed department structures and allow for effective delegation of the Director position.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

6.3

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Zoning Amendment Bylaws Repeal Bylaw No. 8353, 2022

To repeal Bylaw No.8317, 2022 (Parking Reduction for Patios); Bylaw No.8325, 2022 (122 Eighth Ave); and, Bylaw No. 8323, 2022 (817 St. Andrews St) in order to correct an administrative error. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

b.

Zoning Amendment (1321 Cariboo Street) Bylaw No. 8345, 2022

To facilitate a 15 unit secured market rental housing development. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

c.

Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8327, 2022

To establish new Development Cost Charge rates for subdivisions and building projects in New Westminster.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

7.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

7.1

Advocacy for Inclusion of Sexualized Violence Prevention as part of the Serving It Right program, Councillor Trentadue

Background:

To provide support and advocacy to the City of Victoria in their work to prevent and respond to sexualized violence in the hospitality sector. The CoV been working with a number of other partners (including Ending Violence Association of BC, Good Night Out Vancouver, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association and BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees) in advocating and requesting that the Province enhance BC's "Serving It Right" training to incorporate sexualized violence prevention and response education.

Recommendation:

That Council request the mayor write to Minister Farnworth and Parliamentary Secretary Lore advocating for the inclusion of ‘sexualized violence prevention training’ within the Serving It Right curriculum to provide foundational education to people with the front-line opportunity to take action to prevent sexualized violence and respond appropriately and with care when incidents occur.

7.2

Low Carbon Energy Systems, Councillor Nakagawa

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster declared a climate emergency in 2019 with a plan to meet the IPCC targets; and

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2021; and

WHEREAS it is important to distinguish carefully between various possible ‘low carbon’ gasses that might be employed as pipeline gasses, including renewable natural gas (RNG), biomass, green hydrogen and blue hydrogen, since the carbon emissions from these sources vary significantly;

WHEREAS sources for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in BC are very limited, and are at most expected to produce an amount equivalent to 5% of BC’s current gas use (according to a 2022 report prepared for the BC Government and FortisBC);

WHEREAS In order to meet province-wide emissions reduction targets of at least 80% below 2007 levels in the next 30 years, flexible but limited resources such as RNG will likely need to be prioritized for more difficult to decarbonize industries such as steel, concrete, pulp and paper and meeting peak electric loads; and

WHEREAS a typical electric heat pump operates at 300-400% thermal efficiency, more than 3-4 times more efficient than a gas appliance burning RNG or any other fuel (which operates below 100% efficiency);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster recognize both the  significant difference in the lifecycle emissions associated with different gaseous fuels including RNG, blue and green hydrogen and biomass, and the limited supply of truly low-carbon RNG; and

THAT the City of New Westminster direct staff to prioritize electrification over gas when proceeding with work on acceleration of the Energy Step Code, and in particular explore ways to exclude RNG from future Low Carbon Energy Systems; and

THAT the City of New Westminster consider electric heat pumps systems the preferred option for space and water heating in buildings and intend to encourage the use of limited RNG resources for their highest and best use and not for residential or commercial heating; and

THAT the City of New Westminster include the above in our Community Energy and Emission Plan (CEEP) and our Corporate Energy and Emissions Reduction Strategy (CEERS); and

THAT the City of New Westminster write a letter to the BC Minister of Environment encouraging that this definition be adopted provincially, and encouraging the Province to evaluate the highest and best use of RNG considering its limited availability.

8.

NEW BUSINESS 

8.1

ON TABLE Recruitment 2022: Appointments to the Community Heritage Commission (CHC) and the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)

To release Closed Council appointments to two City Advisory Committees.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council recieve the report titled,“ Recruitment 2022: Appointments to the Community Heritage Commission (CHC) and the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC),“ for information.

9.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

10.

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.