REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, December 02, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Meeting held in Council Chamber

Second Floor, 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.

 

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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

2025 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw 8480, 2024

To request Council give three readings to the 2025 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment bylaw which is required under Section 177 of the Community Charter to authorize temporary borrowing.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw No. 8480, 2024 be considered for first, second and third readings.

3.2

Age-Friendly Community Strategy Update Work Plan

To seek Council’s endorsement of the proposed work plan to update the City’s Age-Friendly Community Strategy, which will address present and future needs associated with an aging population and support an accessible and inclusive community where seniors can age in place while leading involved and meaningful lives.

• Recommendation:

  THAT staff be directed to proceed with the proposed work plan to update the City’s Age-Friendly Community Strategy, as outlined in Table 1 of this report.

3.3

Budget 2025: Engineering and Electrical Utility Amendment Bylaws Report

To request Council give three readings to the attached Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Amendment Bylaw No. 8496, 2024 and the attached Electrical Utility Bylaw No. 6502, 1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 8497, 2024.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Amendment Bylaw No. 8496, 2024 be considered for first, second, and third readings; and

      

  2. THAT Electrical Utility Bylaw No. 6502, 1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 8497, 2024 be considered for first, second, and third readings.

      

3.4

Official Community Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Development Variance Permit: 1135 Salter Street - Bylaws for First and Second Readings

To request that Council consider the proposed bylaws and Development Variance Permit, which would facilitate a 45-unit townhouse development at 1135 Salter Street.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7925, 2017, Amendment Bylaw No. 8454, 2024 for First Reading.
  2. THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7925, 2017, Amendment Bylaw No. 8454, 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, Liquid Waste Management Plan, and Drinking Water 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 Bylaw No. 7925, 2017, Amendment Bylaw No. 8454, 2024 for Second Reading, and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.
  4. THAT Council consider Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Amendment Bylaw No. 8455, 2024 for First and Second Readings, and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.
  5. THAT Council provide notice that following adoption of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7925, 2017, Amendment Bylaw No. 8454, 2024 and Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Amendment Bylaw No. 8455, 2024, it will consider issuance of a Development Variance Permit (DVP00677) to:

  1. 1. vary the onsite driveway access provisions of the Zoning Bylaw to facilitate tandem parking spaces; and
     2. vary certain building separation distances and the west side yard setback to accommodate electrical room access stair projections.

3.5

Response to Council Motion Re: Improving the public's access to trees during the City's bi-annual tree sale

The purpose of this report is to provide options in response to Council’s April 22, 2024 motion regarding improving the public’s access to trees during the City’s bi-annual tree sale and to follow-up to the report to Council on October 7, 2024.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT 150 trees continue to be available per bi-annual tree sale to meet the current target of planting 3,300 trees on private lands by 2030; and
  2. THAT staff continue to monitor and evaluate options to improve the biannual tree sale, which may include incremental increase in the number of trees available per sale utilizing funds from the Climate Action Reserve Fund.

4.

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

5.

BYLAWS

5.1

Bylaws for Readings

a.

Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7925, 2017, Amendment Bylaw (1135 Salter Street) No. 8454, 2024

To amend the land use designation and to put the site in a Development Permit Area to facilitate townhouses and parkspace. This bylaw is on the agenda for First and Second Readings.

b.

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Amendment Bylaw (1135 Salter Street) No. 8455, 2024

To rezone the subject site to facilitate a 45-unit townhouse development and a dedicated parkspace. This bylaw is on the agenda for First and Second Readings.

c.

Electrical Utility Bylaw No. 6502, 1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 8497, 2024

To set the 2025 rates for the Electrical Utility. This bylaw is on the agenda for First, Second and Third Readings.

d.

Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Amendment Bylaw No. 8496, 2024

To set the 2025 rates for the Sewer, Solid Waste and Water Utilities. This bylaw is on the agenda for First, Second and Third Readings.

e.

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw No. 8480, 2024

To provide the authority to temporarily borrow as required up to $3 million in 2025. This bylaw is on the agenda for First, Second and Third Readings.

5.2

Bylaws for Adoption

a.

Council Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 8493, 2024

To re-sequence the order of proceedings for Regular Council meetings and make other miscellaneous updates. This bylaw is on the agenda for adoption.

6.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

6.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Vision Zero

Submitted by Mayor Johnstone

Whereas many jurisdictions have adopted a Vision Zero strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all; and

Whereas a true Vision Zero strategy requires cooperation and coordination between agencies of the municipal and provincial governments, of the likes not yet achieved in British Columbia; and

Whereas Council’s 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Plan includes a focus on “Safe Movement of People” which identified the need for collaborative relationships across agencies to advance a Vision Zero mindset; and

Whereas traffic calming and management was identified in a recent survey of New Westminster residents as one area the City needs to demonstrate more progress;

Therefore be it resolved that Council strike a Vision Zero Task Force including but not limited to representatives from engineering staff, NWFR, NWPD, ICBC, Fraser Health, TransLink, the Walkers Caucus and the disability community to make recommendations to Council to achieve Vision Zero.

b.

Vape Shops

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas there has been a significant increase in the number of vape shops that have been opening in the City of New Westminster; and

Whereas a proliferation of vape shops throughout our city does not support the City's efforts at creating a balanced and community-based retail market; and

Whereas dramatically increasing easier access to vape shops could result in more youth regularly consuming a product that has known and serious health risks

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back regarding what options are within Council's jurisdiction to limit the overall number and locations of business licenses issued for new vape shops

6.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS On November 29, 2000 the Guinness Book of World Records World’s Largest Tin Soldier was placed outside the Royal Westminster Regiment then, on February 14, 2002, was relocated to its present location at the Quay, at which a time a dedication event was held and a time capsule, including items from children in the community, was placed in the Soldier’s heart and intended to be opened on February 14, 2025.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That Staff report back with a plan and budget to host a Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening on Friday, February 14th(Valentine’s Day) that it is open to the public, invites individuals and associations who helped design and construct the Tin Soldier, and works with community partners, including Tourism New Westminster, River Market and the Downtown Business Improvement Association in order to promote the Time Capsule Opening and includes opportunities for local restaurants and services to attract event attendees to their establishments before or after the Time Capsule Opening.

b.

School Streets Pilot Program

Submitted by Councillor Henderson

WHEREAS one of Council’s Strategic Priorities is the Safe Movement of People, outlining a commitment to prioritize the movement of people on foot, cycle, and transit on streets that are safer for all; and

WHEREAS Bold Step #2: Car Light Community in the City’s 7 Bold Steps for Climate Action plan references school area improvements that support walking, transit, and cycling to school as potential capital projects; and

WHEREAS Bold Step #7: Quality People-Centred Public Realm states that a minimum of 10% of today’s street space that currently only serve motor vehicles, excluding transit, will be reallocated for sustainable transportation or public gathering by 2030; and

WHEREAS the streets around local schools experience marked increases in motor vehicle traffic at drop-off and pick-up times when there is a high concentration of children on and near roadways; and

WHEREAS there are both provincial and national initiatives that fund the creation of car-free spaces on streets in front of schools at the start and/or end of the school day;

BE IT RESOLVED that staff report back to Council on the opportunity for the City of New Westminster to partner with the Society of Children and Youth BC as one of the communities participating in the National Active School Streets Initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff work with School District 40 to identify which schools would be appropriate to launch a School Streets Pilot Program that would reflect the principles of the National and/or BC Active School Streets Initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report back on the capital and operating costs associated with the implementation of a School Streets Pilot Program.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

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