REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, September 23, 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.

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

2024 Capital and Operating Quarterly Performance Report

To provide quarterly updates to Council on the Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Major Project/Program Spending performance, and to seek Council’s approval of the proposed 2024 Capital Budget Adjustment and Revised 2024 Multi-Year Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $0.7M; and (2) Approve the Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital Budget of $199.8M.

• Recommendation:

  THAT $0.7M 2024 quarterly capital budget adjustments and $199.8M Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital budget be approved.

3.2

Budget 2025: Fees and Rates Review, Amendment Bylaw for First, Second and Third Readings

The purpose of this report is to update the bylaws associated with the Budget 2025: Fees and Rates Review as approved in principle by Council on September 9, 2024.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the following bylaws, as included as Attachments 1 through 7 of the staff report titled “Budget 2025: Fees and Rates Review, Amendment Bylaws for First, Second and Third Readings” dated September 23, 2024 from the Director of Finance, be given first, second and third readings:

  1. Attachment 1 - Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Amendment Bylaw No. 8472, 2024;
  2. Attachment 2 - Climate Action, Planning & Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 8478, 2024;
  3. Attachment 3 - Cultural Services Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7875, 2016, Amendment Bylaw No. 8477, 2024;
  4. Attachment 4 - Anvil Theatre Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 8209, 2020, Amendment Bylaw No. 8482, 2024;
  5. Attachment 5 - Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8481, 2024;
  6. Attachment 6 - Electrical Utility Bylaw No. 6502, 1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 8476, 2024; and
  7. Attachment 7 - Fees Bylaw No. 6186, 1994, Amendment Bylaw No. 8479, 2024.

3.3

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: New Westminster Interceptor - Columbia Street Sewer Maintenance Project

The purpose of this report is to request an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063,1992 to Metro Vancouver contractor Ram Consulting to perform a preventative inspection of the sewer lines along 100 Block to 800 Block of Columbia Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT an exemption to Metro Vancouver contractor Ram Consulting from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM for three consecutive nights between and including Tuesday, October 1, 2024 to Thursday, October 10, 2024 excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, to conduct CCTV inspection of New Westminster Interceptor sewer along the 100 Block to 800 Block of Columbia Street be granted.

3.4

Council Strategic Priorities Plan Quarterly Status Update

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the Strategic Priorities Plan quarterly status update and to seek direction from Council to reduce the frequency of these status reports to semi-annually.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT the staff report titled “Council Strategic Priorities Plan Quarterly Status Update” from the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, dated September 23, 2024, be received for information; and
  2. THAT subsequent Strategic Priorities Plan status updates be provided to Council on a semi-annual basis.

3.5

Interim Density Bonus Policy and Revised Interim Development Review Framework

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement of the proposed Interim Density Bonus Policy as well as minor changes to the existing Interim Development Review Framework.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT the proposed Interim Density Bonus Policy, included as Attachment 1 to the staff report titled “Interim Density Bonus Policy and Revised Interim Development Review Framework” from the Director, Planning and Development dated September 23, 2024, be approved.

  2. THAT the revised Interim Development Review Framework, included as Attachment 2 to the staff report titled “Interim Density Bonus Policy and Revised Interim Development Review Framework” from the Director, Planning and Development dated September 23, 2024, be endorsed.

3.6

Metro 2050 Type 3 Amendment Application: City of Surrey (7880 128 Street)

To provide Council with staff’s analysis on the City of Surrey’s proposed amendments to the Regional Growth Strategy, Metro 2050, in the Newton Industrial area.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Metro Vancouver be advised of the City of New Westminster’s non-support for the City of Surrey’s application to change the regional land use designation of 7880 128 Street, from industrial to employment, as outlined in the staff report titled “Metro 2050 Type 3 Amendment Application: City of Surrey (7880 128 Street)” dated September 23, 2024 from the Director, Planning and Development.

  2. THAT staff be directed to send a letter to Metro Vancouver providing:
     1. Council’s resolution on Surrey’s amendment application;
     2. an extract of the Minutes of the September 23, 2024 Regular Council meeting; and
     3. a copy of the staff report titled Metro 2050 Type 3 Amendment Application: City of Surrey (7880 128 Street)” dated September 23, 2024 from the Director, Planning and Development.

3.7

Report Back on Council Resolution to Develop a City-Wide Public Toilet Strategy

The purpose of this report is threefold: (1) to provide an update on the Council resolution regarding a City-Wide Public Toilet Strategy and increased signage to facilitate wayfinding to existing publicly-funded toilets; (2) to propose next steps for undertaking the work in question; and (3) to outline possible financial and work program implications.

• Recommendation:

  THAT staff be directed to develop a City-wide Public Toilet Strategy as outlined in the staff report titled “Report Back on Council Resolution to Develop a City-Wide Public Toilet Strategy” (dated September 23, 2024 from the Directors, Planning and Development and Engineering).

3.8

Proclamation: Rail Safety Week, September 23-29, 2024

3.9

Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024

3.10

Minutes for Adoption

a.

September 5, 2024 Special Council Meeting

b.

September 9, 2024 Council Workshop

c.

September 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting

4.

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

5.

BYLAWS

5.1

Bylaws for Readings

a.

Anvil Theatre Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 8209, 2020, Amendment Bylaw No. 8482, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 fees and charges for Anvil Theatre. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

b.

Climate Action, Planning & Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 8478, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 fees and rates for Planning & Development. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

c.

Cultural Services Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7875, 2016, Amendment Bylaw No. 8477, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 fees and charges for Cultural Services. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

d.

Electrical Utility Bylaw No. 6502, 1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 8476, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 charges for the Electric Utility. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

e.

Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Amendment Bylaw No. 8472, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 fees and rates for Engineering Services. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

f.

Fees Bylaw No. 6186, 1994, Amendment Bylaw No. 8479, 2024

A bylaw to update the Finance Fees Bylaw. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

g.

Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8481, 2024

A bylaw to set the 2025 fees for Fire and Rescue Services. This bylaw is on the agenda for first, second and third reading.

5.2

Bylaws for Adoption

a.

2025 Permissive Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 8474, 2024

Certain properties within New Westminster such as places of worship, hospitals, and those with charitable/philanthropic uses are eligible for an exemption from property taxes. This bylaw lists the properties proposed to be exempted in 2025. This bylaw is on the agenda for adoption.

6.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

6.1

Notices of Motion

a.

Requesting an Inquiry Under Section 765 of the Local Government Act regarding Metro Vancouver

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

1. WHEREAS the governance model at Metro Vancouver is over 50 years old and an independent review should be undertaken by the Province of BC; and
2. WHEREAS the Inspector of Municipalities of British Columbia has significant statutory powers including the ability to investigate any bylaw, order, decision, or action of the Greater Vancouver Regional District Board; and
3. WHEREAS to date the Province of BC has not agreed to undertake a governance review of Metro Vancouver;
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor write a letter on behalf of Council to the Premier and request the Province of BC to immediately initiate an independent review of Metro Vancouver's governance structure.

b.

Supporting Increased Tourism in New Westminster through the Introduction of a New "Photographable" Sign on Pier West Park

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

1. WHEREAS Pier Park West is now reconnected to the eastern part of the Quayside boardwalk and provides a pleasurable place for locals and tourists to enjoy views of the Fraser River; and
2. WHEREAS a number of cities around the world have used enlarged signage in highly visible and photographable areas to attract visitor and help market their cities; and
3. WHEREAS we have the opportunity to install a large “New Westminster” sign on our waterfront with the backdrop including several bridges and the Fraser River;
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff reach out to Tourism New Westminster and advise that Council would be supportive of installing of a large “New Westminster” sign on our waterfront as one additional method of attracting tourists to our city and downtown district.

c.

Supporting increasing Cycling, Tourism and Economic Activity through a Pilot "Cycling Sundays on Front Street"

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

1. WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has already closed Front Street for extended periods of time and redirected traffic to other routes throughout the City; and
2. WHEREAS there is currently no ability for cyclists to easily and safely ride their bikes from Pier Park West to the Brunette Fraser Regional Greenway in Sapperton; and
3. WHEREAS other cities across North America have successfully closed roadways on weekends to permit alternate modes of transportation such as cycling and pedestrians.
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back on the feasibility and operational issues pertaining to the development of a pilot project that would:
   1. during daylight hours, close Front Street on Sundays from May to September 2025 to vehicular traffic; and
   2. during the period noted above, open up Front Street to cyclists, pedestrians and other forms active transportation while it is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic;
   3. seek interest from food trucks and other micro businesses who may want to set up on Front Street during the ‘Cycling Sunday’ closures.

d.

Seek Support from the BC Ministry of Transportation to Undertake a Feasibility Study to Expand the Crossing Capacity between Queensborough and Connaught Heights

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

1. WHEREAS the City of New Westminster is currently undertaking a community consultation around the 22nd Street SkyTrain station which could result in up to 30,000 new residents moving into the neighbourhood; and
2. WHEREAS the residents of Queensborough can often suffer quality of life issues pertaining to delays crossing the four-lane Queensborough bridge during peak periods and beyond; and
3. WHEREAS it will take a significant amount of time, planning and inter-governmental discussions to undertake a future replacement or expansion of the Queensborough Bridge
4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to develop a consultation plan to determine the level of interest from our residents/businesses regarding prioritizing the future expansion or replacement of the Queensborough bridge; and
5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any expansion or replacement proposal should prioritize the movement of TransLink operated buses, cyclists, taxis, ride-share and pedestrians across the bridge; and
6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor write to the BC Ministry of Transportation to invite them to partner with the City during our Queensborough Bridge community consultation process.

e.

Sue Big Oil Class Action Lawsuit

Submitted by Councillor Henderson

1. WHEREAS the City of New Westminster manages, maintains and prepares municipal infrastructure to protect our residents from future heat waves, wildfires, flooding, and other climate impacts, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of our residents and their property and as a result faces massive costs due to climate change, which are expected to increase; and
2. WHEREAS fossil fuel companies were warned by their own scientists decades ago that the ongoing burning of fossil fuels would cause massive suffering and climate costs, and chose to lobby against action on climate change so that the industry could continue to earn on average over a trillion dollars in profit each year in recent years; and
3. WHEREAS it is unacceptable and creates a perverse incentive for irresponsible fossil fuel development that local governments and taxpayers bear the full extent of these climate costs whilst multinational fossil fuel companies take no financial responsibility for the harm caused by their products; and
4. WHEREAS over 20 local governments in the United States and around the world, including nine local governments in BC, have filed lawsuits to recover a share of their climate costs (e.g. for loss and damage, adaptation, and climate preparedness) from fossil fuel companies, and Canadian legal experts recommend that Canadian local governments do the same;
5. BE IT RESOLVED that staff report back on opportunity and cost for New Westminster to join the Sue Big Oil Class Action Lawsuit and present potential cost and staff resource needs as part of the draft 2025 Operating Budget; and
6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cost of joining the Sue Big Oil class action lawsuit be first assessed via the Climate Action Decision-Making Framework to determine the appropriate funding source.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

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