CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

, 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  


 


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

 


As circulated or as amended (urgent/time sensitive matters only)

A bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan land use designation for the subject site from Queensborough Commercial to Queensborough Mixed Employment. This bylaw is on the agenda for THIRD READING.

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

 


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.

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval to enter into the 2024-2034 Community Works Fund Agreement with the UBCM.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT Council approve the 2024-2034 Community Works Fund Agreement between the City of New Westminster and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities as presented in Attachment 1; and
    2. THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the Agreement.

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 2024 Capital Budget Adjustment and Revised 2024 Multi-Year Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $18.7M and (2) Approve the Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital Budget of $199.1M.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council approve the $18.7M 2024 quarterly capital budget adjustments and $199.1M Proposed Revised Multi-Year Capital budget.

The purpose of this report is to inform Council that there will be a 4.06% increase to Council remuneration for 2024 retroactive to January 1, 2024. In addition, this report proposes conducting a formal review of Council remuneration in the months prior to the next general local elections in 2026.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT Council receive this report for information.
    2. THAT Council direct staff to conduct a formal review of the Council Remuneration Policy in the months prior to the next general local elections in 2026.

To provide Council with an overview of the Bus Speed and Reliability Study, as provided in Attachment #1, and to seek Council’s endorsement to implement the proposed transit priority measures.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council endorse the implementation of the proposed transit priority measures within the Bus Speed and Reliability Study, as outlined in this report.

UBCM is receiving applications for the 2024 Community Excellence in Service Delivery Awards for projects or programs that provide effective services in a proactive manner and demonstrate a benefit to the community.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council endorse the submission of the Emergency Monitoring Centre Program to the UBCM 2024 Community Excellence in Service Delivery Award.

The purpose of this report is to request an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063,1992 to Metro Vancouver’s contractor AquaCoustic Remote Technologies Inc. to perform preventative maintenance of the sewer lines at 220 Salter Street.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063,1992 to Metro Vancouver‘s contractor AquaCoustic Remote Technologies Inc. for two weeknights between Wednesday, July 17, 2024 to Wednesday July 31, 2024 from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM excluding Saturdays and Sundays to perform overnight video and sonar inspections of the sewer lines at 220 Salter Street.

The purpose of this report is to request Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink to enable maintenance, modifications, and reinstallation of extended walkways in preparation for the activation of longer trains to accommodate increased ridership on SkyTrains.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council grant an exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to TransLink for the period of Monday July 15, 2024 to Saturday August 31, 2025 from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM, weekdays and including weekends for a maximum of five days per week, including some Sundays and excluding all Statutory Holidays, to install new maintenance walkways, demolish and restore original maintenance walkways and make operational equipment modifications to the Sapperton SkyTrain Station at 252 Brunette Avenue.

To report back to Council on the road safety review for the E Columbia St/Brunette Ave intersection, and to request Council direction to proceed with recommended short-term measures and undertake a comprehensive intersection redesign process.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT Council direct staff to proceed with short-term road safety initiatives outlined in this report.
    2. THAT Council direct staff to incorporate a $250,000 Capital request into the 2025 budget process for short-term safety improvements to be funded from the Growing Communities Fund.
    3. THAT Council direct staff to initiate a comprehensive intersection redesign process aligned with previous transportation planning concepts and with the current road safety review recommendations, assessing potential property and utility impacts, implementation costs, external funding opportunities, and implementation timeline.

To provide recommendations from the Grant Program review, that has been undertaken following Council’s endorsement February 26.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council direct staff to include budget enhancements for the 2025 operating budget to continue a phased approach to refining the grant program.

To propose an amendment to the existing Mobile Food Vending Licensing Bylaw that would allow the addition of locations for a temporary time period.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council consider Mobile Food Vending Licence Bylaw Amendment (Temporary Locations) Bylaw No. 8471, 2024 for first, second, and third readings.

To recognize the New West Pride, produced by the New West Pride Society, as having municipal significance in relation to LCRB licensing and standard pricing purposes.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council support the declaration of New West Pride, produced by New West Pride Society to be of municipal significance and forward this resolution to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with details on the 2025 Parks and Recreation proposed fee adjustments and to recommend related bylaw amendments.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council consider first, second, and third readings of Parks and Recreation Fees Amendment Bylaw, No. 8465, 2024, a bylaw to amend the Parks and Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001.

This report provides information regarding an application from The Royal Canadian Legion No.2 to change their liquor primary club licence to a standard liquor primary licence.

  • Recommendation:
    1. WHEREAS New Westminster City Council considered a staff report regarding an application from The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 2 located at 631 Sixth Street to change their liquor primary club licence to a standard liquor primary licence;
    2. WHEREAS the overall occupancy of the establishment remains at 145 people and permitted operating hours will remain 12:00PM to 12:00AM Sunday to Saturday;
    3. WHEREAS the location is in the Uptown commercial and mixed-use district of the city;
    4. WHEREAS the establishment has operated at this location since November 2004 without negative impact to the neighbourhood;
    5. WHEREAS the business has not generated noise complaints or negative community impacts and the proposed licence change is not expected to result in noise or negative impacts to the community based on the establishment’s compliance history, size, hours of operation and location;
    6. WHEREAS if the application is approved, the community impact is expected to be positive in that it will support a long-standing non-profit organization within the community;
    7. WHEREAS the New Westminster Police Department does not oppose the application;
    8. WHEREAS a sign was placed in front of the business for 30 days, two notices circulated in the City’s e-newsletter (Citypage Online), to 1200+ subscribers, and invitations sent to the Moody Park Residents’ Association, Glenbrooke North Resident’s Association, and the Uptown Business Association, providing details regarding the application and inviting the public to submit comments to the City; and
    9. WHEREAS the City has received two pieces of correspondence, one in support of the application and one in opposition;
    10. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Westminster City Council recommends the approval of the application by The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.2 located at 631 Sixth Street to change their liquor primary club licence to a standard liquor primary licence.

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on work staff has undertaken to help the public meet their cooling needs during extreme heat events, and to seek Council direction regarding the motion to develop a cooling policy for rental units.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT Council direct staff to advance the Vulnerable Building Stock Assessment, and bring forward to Council recommendations that arise from that work, related to cooling existing residential buildings; and
    2. THAT Council direct staff to write a letter to the Ministry overseeing the Existing Building Renewal Strategy advocating that this work be prioritized, and that senior government funding sources be identified to support rapid implementation of new cooling requirements, in light of the related impacts of heat waves and wildfire smoke on vulnerable residents.

To seek Council’s endorsement on the approach to implement the motion of June 10, 2024 with regards to providing a financial summary of all fees, charges, levies, deposits and other ancillary related costs imposed by the City, School District 40, or regional government as related to a rezoning application.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council direct staff to develop the digital tools necessary to provide a simple and automated summary of fees as a part of the implementation of the next phase of the E-apply Digital Permitting project.

To request that Council give three readings to the following bylaws: Riparian Areas Protection Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8468, 2024 as presented in Attachment #1. Bylaw Notice Enforcement Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8469, 2024 as presented in Attachment #2. Municipal Ticket Information Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No.8470, 2024 as presented in Attachment #3.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT Council give three readings of the Riparian Areas Protection Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8468, 2024 as presented in Attachment #1 of this report.

    2. THAT Council give three readings of the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8469, 2024 as presented in Attachment #2 of this report.

    3. THAT Council give three readings of the Municipal Ticket Information Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8470, 2024 as presented in Attachment #3 of this report.

This report seeks authority to execute the City’s notice of intent to renew the license agreement between the Greater Vancouver Water District and the City for the recreational use of a portion of the Westburnco Water Reservoir lands. The report also seeks subsequent authority to execute the resulting new license agreement.

  • Recommendation:
    1. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the Intent to Renew letter for the License Agreement between the Greater Vancouver Water District and the City for the recreational use of the Westburnco Water Reservoir lands as included in Attachment A, and
    2. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the subsequent License Agreement for the recreational use of the Westburnco Water Reservoir lands subject to terms and conditions consistent with the current 2014 License Agreement included as Attachment B.

To provide Council with information on the proposed rezoning for 1923 and 1927 Marine Way, a proposed affordable housing project, and request that Council consider the Zoning Amendment Bylaw for First, Second, and Third Readings.

  • Recommendation:

    THAT Council consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw (1923 & 1927 Marine Way) No. 8466, 2024 for First, Second, and Third Readings.

7.

 

To rezone 1923 & 1927 Marine Way to enable development of an affordable housing building containing approximately 90 residential rental units. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.


A Public Hearing is prohibited for this bylaw. Notice published on June 28 and July 4, 2024.

A bylaw to amend the Parks and Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001 to set the fees for 2025. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

A bylaw to correct an oversight in Riparian Areas Protection Bylaw No. 7033, 2005. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

A bylaw to simplify Part 33 of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS. 

A bylaw to simplify Part 33 of Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

A bylaw to permit the Chief Licence Inspector to identify temporary locations for food trucks. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

A bylaw to make inflationary adjustments to the City’s Development Cost Charges, which has been approved by the Inspector of Municipalities prior to adoption. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

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 ADOPTION.

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

To rezone 310 Blackley Street from M-1 (Light Industrial Districts) to RT-3A (Queensborough Townhouse Districts) so that the property can be developed at a later date in accordance with the Queensborough Eastern Neighbourhood Node Master Plan. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Submitted by Councillor Campbell and Councillor Nakagawa


WHEREAS The City’s Retail Strategy identifies current and emerging trends in the retail ecosystem, namely Micro Retailing and Combination Stores, and the Retail Strategy further underscores that both retail concepts have direct positive implications on the evolution of commercial areas and corridors in New Westminster; and


WHEREAS  Micro-Retailing includes multiple vendors ‘co-locating’ in a shared space, utilizing shared resources or may encompass individual retail units that are much smaller than the average, with the intention to provide entry-level ‘gateway’ for small businesses to establish a bricks-and mortar location, without the financial requirements and risks typically expected in a standard retail lease; and


THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED The City of New Westminster identify potential location(s), operating considerations, necessary resources and local partners to activate Combination Stores and Micro-Retailing commercial areas using shipping containers or similar concept to create a retail ecosystem that provides small businesses, artists, artisans, crafters and other vendors with affordable storefront locations and, at the same time, enhances commercial areas and corridors in New Westminster, with a report back to council on implementation feasibility.

Submitted by Councillor Minhas


Whereas it is important for New West families and businesses to be charged fees for licenses, programs and services that are in line with other Metro Vancouver cities; and


Whereas there is no readily available and up-to-data analysis regarding how much our fees compare to other neighbouring municipalities; and


Whereas we strive to make New Westminster as affordable and competitive as possible;


BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to conduct a review of business license fees to determine how we compare to other Metro Vancouver cities; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to conduct a review of the charges and fees imposed by the Parks and Recreation Department for similar programs and services that are also delivered in other Metro Vancouver cities. The review should encompass core services such as:

  1. Annual gym pass
  2. Swimming passes
  3. Exercise classes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this information be incorporated and provided to the public as part of the 2025/26 budgeting process.

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine


Whereas the Walking School Bus program reduces vehicle congestion around schools, greenhouse gas emissions as well as improves air quality in communities; and


Whereas the Walking School Bus program improves a student’s physical and mental health; creates an opportunity to make new friends through shared experiences; provides an inherent sense of belonging in being a part of a group; and


Whereas the City of New Westminster has a long-standing commitment to tackle climate change; and


Whereas the City’s Climate Action Reserve Fund has approximately $42 million as of Dec. 31, 2023;


BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to work with the New Westminster District Parent Advisory Council to seek out opportunities to expand the Walking School Bus program to other neighourhoods throughout New Westminster; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff incorporate into the 2025 budget consultation process the opportunity for Council to consider significantly increasing our support of the Walking School Bus program including the possibility of establishing 3-year long-term funding; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT to reduce the impact to residential taxpayers regarding the expansion of this program that the City’s Climate Action Reserve Fund be first considered as a primary source of potential funding.

 


 


*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.

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