CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, May 29, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 8:00 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.

OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD

3.1

Inter-municipal TNS (Ride-Hailing) Business Licence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023

A bylaw outlining an Inter-municipal Transportation Network Services (i.e. Ride-Hailing) Business Licence program.

a.

Copy of Notice

b.

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer's report dated May 8, 2023

c.

Inter-municipal TNS Business LIcence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023

d.

Statement concerning the number of written submissions received, including On Table submissions (Corporate Officer)

a.

Index of written submissions

b.

Written submissions

e.

Invitation to address the bylaw

f.

Council Decision

THAT Inter-municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023 be ADOPTED.

4.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND ACTION

4.1

Rezoning Application for Conversion to Supportive Housing: 422 Sixth Street

a.

Presentation (On Table)

b.

Rezoning Application for Conversion to Supportive Housing: 422 Sixth Street - Comprehensive Report (Circulated Separately)

To request that: 1) Council consider the application to rezone 422 Sixth Street and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act; and, 2) notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider “Zoning Amendment Bylaw (422 Sixth Street) No. 8398, 2023” and no Public Hearing be held, in accordance with the Local Government Act; and,

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

c.

ON TABLE 422 Sixth Street - Summary of Public Feedback

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

Extension of Committee Member Terms

The purpose of this report is to address the pending expiry of current committee member terms and recommends interim action by Council.

• Recommendation:

  That Council:

  1. extends the term of existing Advisory Committee members to September 29, 2023;
  2. extend the terms of the Grants Advisory Committees until December 31, 2023 and
  3. directs staff to publish the Committee meeting dates to the end of September, 2023.

5.2

Liquor Primary Patio Application (Thirsty Duck Pub) for 606 Twelfth Street

This report provides information regarding an application from the Thirsty Duck Pub to create a patio in front of the existing business. Details regarding the application are outlined in this report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the following resolution be approved:

  WHEREAS New Westminster City Council considered a staff report regarding an application from the Thirsty Duck Pub to operate a 40 seat patio located at 606 Twelfth Street with liquor service hours from 12:00pm -10pm Sunday to Saturday;

  WHEREAS the overall occupancy of the establishment remains at 107 people;

  WHEREAS the location is in a Commercial zone (C-2A) along the upper Twelfth Street commercial corridor in the West End area;

  WHEREAS the establishment is not expected to negatively affect traffic patterns or parking given proximity to transit, and noise is not expected to be an issue;

  WHEREAS the establishment has operated a TESA patio during COVID-19 pandemic without any negative impact to the neighbourhood since May 2021;

  WHEREAS the business has not generated noise complaints or negative community impacts and the proposed patio is not expected to result in noise or negative impacts to the community based on the establishment’s size, hours of operation and location;

  WHEREAS the New Westminster Police Department does not oppose the application;

  WHEREAS a sign has been placed in front of the business for 27 days, two newspaper notices were published as well as circulated in the City’s e-newsletter (Citypage Online), to 1200+ subscribers, and to the West End Residents’ Association, Moody Park Residents’ Association, Brow of the Hill Residents’ Association, and the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, providing details regarding the application and inviting the public to submit comments to the City; and

  WHEREAS the City has received one piece of correspondence in support of the application;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

  THAT New Westminster City Council recommends the approval of the application by Thirsty Duck Pub to operate a 40 person patio, located at 606 Twelfth Street with liquor service hours 12:00pm -10pm Sunday to Saturday.

5.3

New Westminster Rent Bank Funding Request

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the New Westminster Rent Bank, to document the City’s funding to date and to recommend continued City funding towards the administrative costs of this program between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2026.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the City continue to fund the administrative costs of the New Westminster Rent Bank, in the amount of $35,000 per year, for a three-year period between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2026.

5.4

Rezoning and Special Development Permit: 808 Royal Avenue (Douglas College) – Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to process the rezoning application for an academic and student housing building at 808 Royal Avenue as outlined within this report.

• 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.

5.5

Rezoning Application: 805 Boyd Street (Queensborough Landing) – Preliminary Report

To request Council support for proceeding with processing the proposed rezoning of the subject property to expand the permitted uses in the Large Format Commercial Districts (C-10) zone, as outlined in this report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with processing the proposed rezoning of the subject property 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.

5.6

Rezoning Application for Duplex: 902 First St – Preliminary Report

To seek Council’s approval to process the rezoning application for a duplex at 902 First Street as outlined within this report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to work with the applicant to prepare 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.

5.7

Street and Traffic Bylaw Amendments for Three Readings – Bylaw 8397, 2023

To request that Council consider recommendations to amend the Street and Traffic Bylaw No. 7664, 2015 (the “Bylaw”).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider Street and Traffic Amending Bylaw No. 8397, 2023 for Three Readings.

5.8

Sustainable Transportation Zoning Bylaw Amendments –Transportation Demand Management and Right-Sizing Parking

To request that Council 1) Affirm that no Public Hearing be held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Off-Street Vehicle Parking – Multiple Dwellings) No. 8396, 2023, and 2) Direct that public notification be circulated in accordance with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Off-Street Vehicle Parking – Multiple Dwellings) No. 8396, 2023 and no Public Hearing be held in accordance with the Local Government Act; and

  THAT Council direct staff to circulate public notification in accordance with the Local Government Act.

5.9

Welcome Centre Update and Funding Request

The purpose of this report is twofold: (1) to provide an update to Council regarding the Welcome Centre; and, (2) to recommend continued City funding for the Community Navigator position for the Welcome Centre for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to renew the contract for the Community Navigator position at the Welcome Centre for 2024, 2025 and 2026. The contract would be for three years and would comply with the following conditions:

  • be for a maximum of $75,000 for each of 2024, 2025 and 2026
  • have to abide by the City’s Living Wage Policy;
  • have to provide a minimum of 35 hours of coverage per week; and,
  • have to be able to cover some non-school hours.

  THAT the City’s contribution to the Welcome Centre for 2024, 2025 and 2026 be brought forward with the 2024-2028 Five-Year Financial Plan and considered with all other future service enhancements and City-wide priorities.

  THAT the City continue to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and other federal and provincial agencies to offset all or some of the costs related to this position.

5.10

Correspondence: Metro Vancouver letter dated May 16, 2023 regarding Land Use Designation Amendment to Metro 2050 Township of Langley - Gloucester Industrial Park

5.11

Proclamation - Seniors Week, June 5-11, 2023

5.12

Minutes for Adoption

a.

April 17, 2023 Special City Council Meeting

b.

April 24, 2023 City Council Meeting (9:00 a.m.)

c.

April 24, 2023 Public Hearing

d.

April 24, 2023 City Council Meeting (following Public Hearing)

e.

May 8, 2023 City Council Meeting (9:00 a.m.)

f.

May 8, 2023 Council Workshop

g.

May 8, 2023 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

6.

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

7.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

7.1

Break (15 minutes)

8.

BYLAWS

8.1

Public Hearings not held

a.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (810 Agnes Street and 815-821 Victoria Street) No. 8390, 2023

To facilitate the development of a 33 storey high-rise tower with 352 secured market rental housing units and a publically accessible indoor community space and adjacent community park at 824 Agnes Street.

Application considered by Council on April 24, 2023, notice published on May 18 and 25, 2023

No public hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8390, 2023

This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

8.2

Bylaws for readings

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 THREE READINGS.

8.3

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Inter-municipal TNS Business Licence Agreement Bylaw No. 8393, 2023

A bylaw to enter into an agreement among participating municipalities regarding an Inter-municipal Transportation Network Services (i.e. Ride-Hailing) Business Licence program. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

9.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

2024 Police Budget

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

Whereas The New Westminster Police constitutes the largest percentage of the municipal budget by department, and is traditionally submitted by the Police Board to City Council for approval; and 

Whereas under provincial regulation, City Council does not have the ability to modify this portion of the City Budget; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Westminster City Council writes to the Police Board requesting to engage in collaborative dialogue about the 2024 Police Budget on an ongoing basis beginning in spring 2023.

b.

Establishing a new Planning Policies, Procedures and Processes Working Group

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas it is important for the City to regularly review the effectiveness of and efficiency of our planning processes and procedures; and

Whereas one of the goals of the City is to construct more affordable, accessible and diverse housing types that will help to address our housing crisis; and

Whereas there has been concern expressed within our community that some of the processes, procedures and policies related to the development of new housing are outdated and in need of reform;

BE IT RESOLVED that Council establish a Planning Policies, Procedures and Processes Working Group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that once established and members of the Working Group are appointed, it be provided with up to 120 days to prepare a report to Council which includes recommendations regarding possible revisions, updates or the elimination of any unnecessary, outdated, costly or ineffective planning by-laws, policies, procedures and processes;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council appoint two city councillors to co-chair the Working Group and that they develop the terms of reference, and prepare a budget (if required) for approval by Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the co-chairs will recommend to Council the overall composition of the Working Group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all efforts should be made by the Working Group to utilize external resources as a means of limiting staff time required to support this initiative; and

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED the representatives of the Working Group will represent the diversity of our community and that the consultation they undertake will be done so in an equitable manner

c.

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 the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Federal Minister of Justice, the Premier of British Columbia and the BC’s Solicitor General requesting that every effort be made to reform our ‘catch and release’ justice system which is facilitating repeat and prolific offenders being allowed to roam New Westminster’s streets; and

BE IT FURTHER 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; and

BE IT FURTHER 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.

d.

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.

9.2

Notices of Motion

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

10.

NEW BUSINESS 

10.1

ON TABLE Appointment of Acting Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer

This report recommends that Council appoint Jacqueline Dairon as Acting Director of Finance, effective June 3, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council appoint Jacqueline Dairon to be the Acting Director of Finance, with the responsibility of financial administration set out in Section 149 of the Community Charter, and the responsibilities set out in section 2(c) of the Officers Establishment and Indemnity Bylaw No. 7175, 2007, effective June 3, 2023, until the hiring process for and appointment of the Director of Finance position is complete.

11.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

12.

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.

13.

INFORMATION REPORTS - May 29, 2023

13.1

Canada Community Revitalization Funding Approval Tipperary Park / City Hall Upgrade

The Government of Canada, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, approved $243,750 in project funding to upgrade the amenities in Tipperary Park and City Hall in New Westminster. This report, prepared for information, outlines the project and the federal funding program.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council accept the following report for information.

13.2

Queensborough Transportation Plan - Round 2 Engagement

This report informs Council of the resolution of the Sustainable Transportation Task Force at its meeting of May 1, 2023 to endorse the Round 2 Engagement plans for development of the new Queensborough Transportation Plan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.