Regular Council

Monday, February 10, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chamber, Second Floor & Zoom

New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue

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

2.

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

• Recommendation

  THAT the Agenda for the February 10, 2025 Regular Council meeting be approved.

3.

PRESENTATIONS & DELEGATIONS

3.1

New West Hospice Society

Presented by Wendy Johnson, Co-President, and Brock Nicholson, Co-President, New West Hospice Society.

3.2

Crises Response Pilot Project: Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan and Supportive Housing and Wrap-Around Services Plan

Presented by Lisa Spitale, Chief Administrative Officer, John Stark, Manager, Community Planning, Lynn Roxburgh, Manager, Housing and Land Use Planning, City of New Westminster, and Brad Davie, Deputy Chief, New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services

3.3

Open Delegations

4.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Recommendation

  THAT Items No. 4.1 through 4.9 be adopted by general consent.

4.1

Regular Council Minutes - January 27, 2025

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on January 27, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

4.2

Public Hearing Minutes - January 27, 2025

• Recommendation

  THAT the Minutes of the Public Hearing held on January 27, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

4.3

Community Advisory Assembly Pilot Evaluation and Next Steps

This report outlines the process to evaluate the Community Advisory Assembly pilot project and the next steps planned to complete the evaluation, compile the evaluation results, develop recommendations from staff, and return to Council for decision-making about the future of the Assembly initiative.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff be directed to consider feedback from the Community Advisory Assembly on its Terms of Reference, included as Attachment 2 to the report titled “Community Advisory Assembly Pilot Evaluation and Next Steps,” in developing recommendations for the future of the Assembly model; and
  2. THAT the next steps of Assembly evaluation activities, development of staff recommendations, and Council decision-making on the future of the Assembly initiative be endorsed.

4.4

Dine Kanadiyan, 525 Seventh Street - Application for Patron Participation

To provide information regarding an application from Dine Kanadiyan for a Patron Participation Entertainment Endorsement to be added to the establishment’s existing Food Primary Liquor License. This type of liquor license endorsement is required for restaurants operating with a dine and dance, live music and dancing, or karaoke format.

• Recommendation

  THAT the following resolution be approved:

  WHEREAS New Westminster City Council considered a staff report regarding an application from Dine Kanadiyan located at 525 Seventh Street to amend its Food Primary Liquor License by including a Patron Participation Endorsement, with proposed entertainment hours 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday;

  WHEREAS a sign has been placed in front of the business for 30 days, two notices circulated in the City’s e-newsletter (Citypage Online), and invitations sent to the Uptown Business Association and the Brow Of The Hill Residents‘ Association, providing details regarding the application and inviting the public to submit comments to the City;

  WHEREAS the establishment is not anticipated to negatively affect traffic patterns or parking, and any noise is expected to be properly mitigated by the applicant;

  WHEREAS the requested amendment is consistent with the establishment’s primary purpose as a restaurant;

  WHEREAS the City did not receive any correspondence related to the application;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Westminster City Council recommends the approval of Dine Kanadiyan‘s application for a Patron Participation Endorsement to allow patron participation entertainment from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday.

4.5

Extend Licence to Occupy BC Hydro Lands for Pollinator Meadow

To seek authority to execute the Amendment of the License Agreement between the City and BC Hydro and Power Authority for the temporary use of a portion of the BC Hydro property located at 2144, 2150 London Street; 2137, 2139 Dublin Street.

• Recommendation

  THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the Amendment to extend the License to Occupy Agreement for the temporary use of a portion of BC Hydro property, substantially in the form included as Attachment “A“ to the staff report titled “Extend License to Occupy BC Hydro Lands for Pollinator Meadow” dated February 10, 2025.

4.6

Mobile Food Vending Licence Bylaw Amendment

To propose an amendment to the existing Mobile Food Vending Licensing Bylaw No. 7850, 2016, that would remove the ability of the Chief Licence Inspector to identify temporary locations for food trucks and update the Bylaw’s list of approved vending locations.

• Recommendation

  THAT Mobile Food Vending Licence Bylaw No. 7850, 2016, Amendment Bylaw No. 8498, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

4.7

Shark Fin Regulation Bylaw No. 7564, 2012, Repeal Bylaw No. 8511, 2025

To seek Council’s approval to repeal the Shark Fin Regulation Bylaw No. 7564, 2012, as its provisions have been incorporated into the newly adopted Business Licence Bylaw No. 8473, 2024.

• Recommendation

  THAT Shark Fin Regulation Bylaw No. 7564, 2012, Repeal Bylaw No. 8511, 2025 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

4.8

Crises Response Pilot Project: the Five-Year Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan and the Ten-Year Supportive Housing and Wrap-Around Services Plan

The purpose of this report is threefold: 1. To inform the community of two City plans – the Five-Year Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan and the Ten-Year Supportive Housing and Wrap-Around Services Plan – developed to help address the three concurrent and inter-related crises of homelessness, mental health and substance use. 2. To inform the community of a priority set of recommendations from the two plans which form the 2025 Crises Response Roadmap. 3. To seek Council endorsement for staff to inform the community regarding the recommendations from the two plans and the advocacy actions in the 2025 Crises Response Roadmap.

• Recommendation
  1. THAT staff be directed to inform resident, business and community groups regarding the best practice principles that guide the Five-Year Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan and the Ten-Year Supportive Housing and Wrap-Around Services Plan.
     
     
  2. THAT staff be directed to work with resident, business and community groups to advocate for the actions as recommended in the 2025 Crises Response Roadmap.

4.9

Procurement Strategy for Canadian Made Products

To provide Council with information on the City’s procurement practices as it relates to country of origin.

• Recommendation

  THAT the report titled “Procurement Strategy for Canadian Made Products” dated February 10, 2025 from the Director, Finance and Information Technology, be received for information.

5.

CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

6.

MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

6.1

Installation of Two Remembrance Day Themed Pedestrian Crosswalks in 2025

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS it is important for the City of New Westminster to recognize and celebrate the contributions our heroes in the military who fought to protect our freedoms.

WHEREAS other cities have chosen to reflect their appreciation of our veterans by designating select 'remembrance themed' pedestrian crosswalks.

WHEREAS New Westminster has several pedestrian crosswalks that have links directly to our veterans and the Canadian military.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to provide Council with a budget, potential sources of funding and operating impacts pertaining to the installation of two 'Remembrance Day' themed crosswalks with the goal of having them installed in time for the November 11, 2025 Remembrance Day commemoration ceremonies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the two Remembrance Day themed crosswalk locations be chosen in consultation with the local Legion and representatives from the Canadian Military.

6.2

Commemorating Royal Canadian Legion 100 Year Anniversary in 2026

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League (later renamed to Royal Canadian Legion) was incorporated in 1926 and originally formed after the first World War to address challenges Canadian veterans faced such as unemployment, inadequate pensions, and limited support for physical and mental health issues.

WHEREAS the Royal Canadian Legion #2, established in 1926, is one of the oldest branches and today members continue to advocate for veterans' rights and contribute to broader community initiatives including, scholarships, youth programs, food insecurity programs and seniors care.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff liaise with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #2 to explore and recommend meaningful opportunities to commemorate the centennial milestone in 2026 to honour the Legion's tradition of helping veterans, supporting seniors, empowering youth and contributing to the broader community.

6.3

Conducting Market Value Assessment of New West Electrical Utility Assets

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has not recently conducted an independent assessment related to the market value of the New Westminster Electrical Utility (NWEU).

WHEREAS City taxpayers and ratepayers will be required to undertake significant capital expenses and debt over the next 5 years and beyond to upgrade and maintain the equipment operated by the New Westminster Electrical Utility.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council request the New West Electrical Utility conduct an independent assessment of its current market value prior to January 2026 and the results be shared with Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New West Electrical Utility Commission be requested to concurrently seek public feedback regarding potential alternate governance and operating models that can provide better value for ratepayers.

7.

NOTICES OF MOTION

7.1

Supporting Advocacy Efforts of BC Urban Mayors' Caucus

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

WHEREAS the ongoing challenges of mental health, substance use, homelessness, public safety, and community well-being have become urgent priorities for communities across British Columbia, and;

WHEREAS local governments have a critical role in addressing these challenges and ensuring the well-being of residents, particularly in the areas of substance use treatment, recovery supports, sheltering, and community safety;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster hereby directs the following actions to be communicated to the provincial government for immediate consideration:

1. Engagement with Local Governments: Direct the Minister of Health to engage directly with local governments to assess the need for substance use treatment and supports in each community, and to improve local-government involvement in the creation of community-specific mental health supports.
2. Expansion of Detox and Recovery Services: Direct the Minister of Health to immediately expand access to detox beds, sobering beds, and stabilizing beds across communities in British Columbia, ensuring that people in need of urgent care have timely access to appropriate facilities.
3. Provincial Recovery Communities: Direct the Minister of Health to explore options for the creation of provincially-funded recovery communities, and to invest in a comprehensive range of recovery programs that support individuals seeking long-term solutions to addiction and substance use disorders.
4. Shelter and Housing Standards: Direct the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in collaboration with relevant colleagues, to establish shelter unit minimums for each community in British Columbia, and to set minimum care and operational standards for sheltering and supportive housing facilities, considering the impact on neighbourhoods and local communities.
5. Reforming BC Housing: Direct the Minister of Housing to implement reforms to BC Housing, including providing BC Housing with a new mandate to work urgently and proactively with municipalities, and establishing BC Housing as the leading agency responsible for sheltering and supportive housing solutions in the province.
6. Support for Community Safety Plans: Direct the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in collaboration with the Minister of State for Community Safety, to create funding and support for local governments developing or implementing community safety and well-being plans.
7. Provincial Urban Safety Improvement: Direct the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the Minister of State for Community Safety to create a provincial urban downtown safety improvement plan, addressing the unique challenges faced by urban centers.
8. Bail Reform and Court Efficiency: Direct the Attorney General to act on bail reform, and to immediately increase funding for provincial court services to enhance the speed and efficiency in which violent and repeat offenders are processed through the court system.
9. Municipal Infrastructure Funding: Direct the Minister of Infrastructure to collaborate with the Minister of Housing, Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities to establish a municipal infrastructure funding program that supports the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure in communities across BC.
10. Collaboration on Social Issues: Direct the Ministers of Health, Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Solicitor General to work collaboratively on the complex issues of poverty, encampments, community well-being, food security, mental health and addictions crises, and street disorder by establishing a roundtable, working group, or committee to address these challenges holistically and effectively.
11. Expansion of Mental Health Response Programs: Direct the Minister of Health to expand the PACT/CLCR programs and advance civilian-led mental health response initiatives across British Columbia to ensure timely, effective, and compassionate responses to mental health crises.
12. Cannabis Revenue Sharing: Direct the Minister of Finance to explore cannabis revenue sharing programs with local governments, ensuring that municipalities benefit from the revenue generated by cannabis sales to reinvest in local services and programs.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster send this motion to the provincial government, including relevant ministers, with the request for prompt action on these critical issues affecting communities across British Columbia.

7.2

Consolidation of Public Compensation for Council Members

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS it has been reported that select Mayors in the Metro Vancouver area can earn as much as the Prime Minister of Canada and significantly more than the Premier of British Columbia on an annual basis;
 
WHEREAS a large portion of income for a select group of Metro Vancouver elected officials includes work that is performed for other agencies, organizations and governing bodies funded by municipal taxpayers;
 
WHEREAS a significant portion of the additional income and payments made to Metro Vancouver elected officials is for work performed during regular business hours

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster prepare a comprehensive annual financial report (starting in the 2024 calendar year) that details the total compensation received by Council members who serve on regional or provincial/national organizations, including but not limited to EComm911, Municipal Finance Authority, TransLink, and Metro Vancouver, Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and that this report be made accessible to the public; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the annual financial report provides a complete itemization of each Council member’s base salary and benefits, as well as per diems, stipends, allowances, retainers, expense reimbursements, and any other compensation associated with their roles.

8.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

• Recommendation

  THAT the following bylaws be adopted:

8.1

Five-Year Financial Plan (2025-2029) Bylaw No. 8501, 2025

To approve the City's consolidated Financial Plan for 2025 through 2029.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd/3^rd Readings - Cllrs. Fontaine and Minhas

8.2

Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001, Amendment Bylaw (Non-Profit Housing Development) No. 8502, 2025

To update zoning regulations to allow below- and/ or non-market rental housing projects of up to six stories to forego rezoning if they meet specific criteria.

Opposition at 1^st/2^nd/3^rd Readings – None.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

10.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

11.

ADJOURNMENT

• Recommendation

  THAT the meeting adjourn.

   

   

   

   

   

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