CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, February 13, 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.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - HERITAGE WEEK 2023

3.1

Adoption of Heritage Designation (109 Third Avenue) Bylaw No. 8381, 2023

A bylaw to designate 109 Third Avenue as protected heritage property.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

3.2

Proclamation:  Heritage Week, February 20-26, 2023

3.3

Presentation of Heritage Plaques (On Table)

4.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

4.1

Proposed Airspace Modernization Changes at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

a.

Presentation, Nav Canada (On Table)

b.

Report (Circulated Separately)

NAV CANADA has completed a public consultation for the proposed Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project, in collaboration with Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The purpose of this report is to provide Council an opportunity for feedback on the proposed changes. This report will be supplemented by a presentation to Council from NAV Canada staff.

• Recommendation:

  That Council provide feedback on the NAV Canada proposed Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project, in collaboration with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) including the proposed changes to the Flight Path.

4.2

Air Quality Permit Application from Cedar Island Forest Products Ltd (CIFP)

To provide Council with information regarding an air quality permit application under consideration by the Metro Vancouver, and to seek Council’s feedback to support staff in responding to Metro Vancouver’s invitation for comment.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to share feedback received from Council to Metro Vancouver as part of the Environmental Protection Notice.

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

A Year of Truth

This report outlines a staff initiative called A Year of Truth.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to prepare a Proclamation naming March 2023 to March 2024 “A Year of Truth” and to bring a presentation to launch this initiative at a future regular Council meeting.

5.2

Building Safer Communities Program from Public Safety Canada (Circulated Separately)

Staff are recommending the implementation of the following four year implementation plan for the Building Safer Communities Program (BSCP) funded by Public Safety Canada to deliver programs to target and serve at-risk youth in New Westminster. The intention is to decrease gun and gang violence and provide comprehensive support and positive alternatives for at-risk youth. A City Wide strategy to address the needs of youth at-risk being recruited into gangs or gang entrenched will be developed

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the four year implementation plan for the Building Safer Communities Program for At-Risk Youth valued at $1,736,800.23 and funded by Public Safety Canada; and

  THAT Council direct staff to amend the 2023 budget and 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan to include the additional funding from Public Safety Canada for the Building Safer Communities Program.

5.3

Housing Agreement Bylaw and Development Variance Permit to Vary Residential and Visitor Parking Requirements: 311 Ash Street – Bylaw for Three Readings

This report is to request that Council: 1) consider Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8382, 2023 for First, Second and Third Readings; 2) issue notice that Council will consider Development Variance Permit (DVP00701) for a 11 space reduction (34%) to the required off-street parking provisions; and 3) request endorsement of requiring bicycle parking spaces as part of the Development Permit.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8382, 2023 to authorize the City to enter into a Housing Agreement with the property owner to require that all residential units at 311 Ash Street be secured as market rental housing for First, Second and Third Readings.

  THAT Council, should the Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8382, 2023 be adopted, direct the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the Housing Agreement.

  THAT Council provide notice that it will consider issuance of a Development Variance Permit (DVP00701) to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces by 34% from the Zoning Bylaw requirements for secured market rental.

  THAT Council endorse that fifty-one long-term bicycle parking spaces and six short-term bicycle parking spaces be included as part of the Development Permit application for 311 Ash Street, should the Development Variance Permit (DVP00701) be approved by Council.

5.4

Notice of Motion Process

To respond to Council’s motion on January 30th and provide Council with a defined mechanism to handle Notice of Motions being placed on the agenda.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the Notice of Motion Process Policy in attachment 1 and give first, second and third reading to Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8385, 2023 in attachment 2.

5.5

Request for Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption: 660 Quayside Drive (Bosa Development)

To request that Council grant a noise exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw to permit Bosa Development to deliver crane sections on Saturday, March 04th, 2023 and March 11th, 2023 between 7 AM to 9 AM.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant a noise exemption from Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Bosa Development for construction activity occurring on Saturday, March 04^th, 2023 and March 11^th, 2023 between 7 AM to 9 AM

5.6

Temporary Working Space Agreement (GVSD590) for 590 Blackberry Drive

To seek Council’s authorization to enter into a Temporary Working Space Agreement with Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (“Metro Vancouver”) and Onni Development (Victoria Hill) Corp. (the “Onni”).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the Temporary Working Space Agreement at 590 Blackberry Drive for execution by the Mayor and City Clerk as outlined in this report.

5.7

Minutes for Adoption

a.

January 30, 2023 Public Hearing

6.

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

7.

BYLAWS

7.1

Public Hearings not held

a.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (228 seventh Street) No. 8373, 2023

To change the property’s zoning to make it consistent with the current use, and enable construction of a detached accessory support building.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

Application considered by Council on January 30, 2023, notice published on February 2 and 9, 2023

No public hearing held.

a.

Notification

b.

Bylaw No. 8373, 2023

7.2

Bylaws for readings

a.

Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 8385, 2023

To define a mechanism to handle Notice of Motions being placed on the agenda.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

b.

Housing Agreement (311 Ash Street) Bylaw No. 8382, 2023

To secure 29 existing and five new rental units as market rental units for 60 years or the life of the building, whichever is longer. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

7.3

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Community Heritage Commission Amendment Bylaw No. 8384, 2023

To increase the number of members of the Community Heritage Commission from nine to ten by increasing the number of members from the community at large from six to seven.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

b.

Development Cost Charge Reserve Funds Expenditure Bylaw No. 8371 2022

To authorize an expenditure of $1,138,654 from the City’s Development Cost Charge Reserves for Queensborough drainage, sanitary sewer and parkland development, and Mainland transportation and parkland development.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

8.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

8.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar Emergency Management Partnership Opportunities

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar brings the community together and values strong community partnerships.

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar was instrumental in supporting the Queensborough community in October 2017 when a transformer fire forced the closure of the Queensborough Bridge and cut electricity to surrounding neighbourhoods and, more recently, was invaluable on November 30, 2022 by supporting individuals stranded in their vehicles.

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster Fire Department is working to identify gaps and potential partnerships in their Emergency Management program.

WHEREAS The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar has been proven their willingness and capacity to assist in times when emergency issues arise.

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has Emergency Management professional expertise and when possible, works with community partners to strengthen programs and services. 

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has opportunity to apply for funding to provincial and federal funding for additional resources when working with community partners.

BE IT RESOLVED that the City of New Westminster Fire Department explore Emergency Management partnership opportunities with The Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar to support the emergent needs in Queensborough

b.

Increasing safe access to the Fraser River for residents and tourists

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas the City of New Westminster has a rich history and connectivity with the Fraser River; and

Whereas providing better access to the Fraser River for our residents, businesses and tourists will help generate increased economic activity; and

Whereas other cities have supported their tourism strategies by developing walkways and user-pay public moorage in their rivers to allow pleasure craft to better access local merchants; and

Whereas the Fraser River has generated economic activity for the City of New Westminster since we were established in 1860; and

Whereas the Fraser River has a deep and spiritual connection with Indigenous peoples throughout British Columbia; and

Whereas residents and tourists can only view the Fraser River and have very few options to access it in a safe manner

Whereas it has been the City’s position that “the Riverfront is the City’s most significant cultural, economic and natural asset. It is home to vibrant and diverse public spaces, high quality recreation, business and housing, and significant natural features. It is an integral component of the local economy, providing employment, services and tourism opportunities while providing a living link to the city’s past; and

Whereas it was further stated “our Riverfront Vision is to seamlessly connect our riverfront - while respecting existing industry - through a continuous system of greenways and parks that run the length of the city and provide improved connections from our neighbourhoods to the river for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Along with enhanced access and facilities, the Riverfront’s recreation and tourism potential will be realized through public spaces and activities that generate widespread interest and are welcoming for all ages and abilities at all times during the year.”

Whereas in 2017 Council endorsed a conceptual design to construct an accessible floating greenway in the Fraser River connecting Sapperton and our Pier Park downtown by 2024 which was done in partnership with Translink

BE IT RESOLVED that staff report back to Council regarding opportunities to provide increased direct access and connectivity to the Fraser River for our citizens and tourists; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we identify opportunities and possible funding sources to plan and develop additional user-pay pleasure craft moorage on our City’s waterfront; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff be asked to identify possible new access points for a user-pay pleasure craft launch facility; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff identify the costs, challenges and opportunities of establishing a walkable link along the waterfront between Sapperton and Pier Park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff prepare a key stakeholder consultation strategy to be presented to Council as part of this review; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report to Council regarding the necessary budget, possible sources of funding and resources required to undertake the work as noted above

c.

Improving Our Economy by Better Connecting Douglas College Students, Faculty and Staff with our Business Districts

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas New Westminster is home to Douglas College; and

Whereas students play an important role in helping to support a local economy; and

Whereas each year, close to 17,000 students (including 4,210 international students from over 92 countries) take for-credit courses at Douglas College; and

Whereas a targeted marketing campaign aimed at Douglas College students, faculty and staff could encourage them to more frequently visit our business districts: and

Whereas our business districts have faced significant impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Metro Vancouver sewer construction on Columbia Street

BE IT RESOLVED that Council refer to the Economic Development Advisory Committee for discussion and action as appropriate, a collaborative “Study and Stay” campaign aimed at encouraging students, faculty and staff at Douglas College to more regularly frequent our city's various business districts

8.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Extension of Speed Zone Enforcement Hours

Submitted by Councillor Henderson

WHEREAS it is important to prioritize pedestrian, cyclist, and mobility users’ safety on our roads; and

WHEREAS school facilities are increasingly being used in the mornings and evenings for before- and after-school care and other community-based activities; and

WHEREAS other municipalities have extended the school zone speed limit beyond the current standard of 8am - 5pm in an effort to prioritize safety around schools;

BE IT RESOLVED

THAT Council direct that speed zone enforcement hours be extended and direct staff to bring a report back to Council for approval on how to implement this change including a discussion on:

• The length of the extension i.e. 24 hours, or 7am – 10pm;
• Potential impacts to:
  • Neighbourhoods;
  • Transit; and
  • Traffic Management;
• Any budget Implications; and
• Other concerns arising.

b.

Call to Action on Creating more Equitable Municipalities

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

Whereas the City of New Westminster has an equity policy as well as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism framework,  

Therefore be it resolved THAT

The City of New Westminster submit the following motion to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association for consideration for submission to UBCM:

Whereas systemic inequities are present in all municipalities and prevent all citizens from fully participating in civic life; 

Whereas numerous municipalities across British Columbia and Canada have made progress towards becoming more equitable by committing to embed equity in all government action through the use of analytical processes for the assessment of systemic inequities (e.g., Gender-Based Analysis Plus); 

Therefore be it resolved that the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) calls upon the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to provide resources and policy direction to enable municipalities to implement said processes across municipal capital investments, operations and strategic initiatives and once created urge municipalities to use the resources to make measurable progress towards dismantling systemic inequality in our communities.

c.

Providing openness and transparency regarding the personal carbon footprint of elected officials

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas it is widely accepted and understood that we are facing critical challenges to our infrastructure and humanity as it pertains to climate change; and

Whereas it is important for all orders of government and their elected officials to demonstrate leadership and accountability when it comes to fighting climate change; and

Whereas members of New Westminster City Council are required by law to declare on an annual basis their financial holdings to the public; and

Whereas a similar disclosure form does not exist to help disclose the estimated carbon footprint of our elected officials on an annual basis; and

Whereas there would be very little administrative cost but significant public good in reporting each year the estimated carbon footprint of our elected officials; and

Whereas New Westminster City Council stands to be a leader in openness and transparency regarding public disclosure of the estimated carbon footprint of our elected officials; and

Whereas a new Carbon Emissions Declaration Form could serve as a template for elected officials in other orders of government; and

Whereas the previous Council approved a set of 'bold' action steps to protect the environment but did not include anything regarding personal disclosure or commitments

BE IT RESOLVED that Council request our Environment and Climate Advisory Committee (ECAC) be tasked with developing a new Carbon Emission Declaration and Pledge Form for consideration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that once it is finalized, the Carbon Emission Declaration and Pledge Form be considered as a voluntary public annual disclosure for all members of Council and that it be completed at the same time as the financial disclosure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carbon Emission Declaration and Pledge Form capture the estimated carbon emissions pertaining a number of key items such as:

• Personal trips (planes, trains, automobiles, motorcycles)
• Business/Work trips (where no other low-carbon alternative option existed i.e. attendance via Zoom)
• Personal vehicle ownership and usage (electric, hybrid, fossil-fuel based)
• Home ownership types (single family home, townhome, condominium)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carbon Emission Declaration and Pledge Form allow for members of Council to make a pledge for the coming year to personally undertake up to three new environmental activities that will help to lower their own carbon emissions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the declaration portion of the Carbon Emission Declaration and Pledge Form be retroactive to the November 7, 2022 swearing-in of this current Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council forward a copy of this motion to the leaders of the recognized political parties in the BC Legislature and our Federal Parliament asking they immediately undertake the development of a similar declaration form to capture the personal carbon footprints of our Members of the Legislative Assembly and Member of Parliament

d.

Improving and strengthening open communication and dialogue between all elected officials in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas it is important for City Council to keep an open dialogue and direct contact with all elected officials representing New Westminster; and

Whereas the City of Vancouver previously used the "Vancouver City Caucus" model with great success to help champion key issues such as the Four Pillars Drug Strategy; and

Whereas there is currently no organized forum for our MP, MLAs, Mayor and Council and School Board elected officials to gather, share ideas and coordinate efforts to build a better city; and

Whereas it is in the best interests of our city if all elected officials work collaboratively on issues of mutual interest  

BE IT RESOLVED that Council send an invitation to our local Member of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the School Board to participate in a New West Caucus to take place in 2023; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that our staff work in partnership with the staff representing our MP, MLAs and School Board Trustees to develop a draft terms of reference for the New West Caucus; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a joint secretariat be established through the Office of the Mayor to assist with the coordination of establishing agendas and selecting dates for the New West Caucus

e.

Temporarily eliminating block party street occupancy permit fees to encourage increased neighbourhood connectivity

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

Whereas residents are being charged $39 to obtain a block party street occupancy permit; and

Whereas the total fees collected by the City for the block party street occupancy permit is estimated to be only $1500 to $2000 per year; and

Whereas there is an unquantified administrative and operational cost associated with the collection and processing of the $39 fees; and

Whereas the COVID pandemic has proven challenging for many of our region’s mid to larger festivals which may be in jeopardy of halting their operations; and

Whereas Council has an interest in supporting an increased number of safe, healthy and active local community activities; and

Whereas the temporary removal of the street occupancy fee for block parties sends a positive message to our community that Council is encouraging more neighbourhoods to consider setting one up on their block; and

Whereas Council should also be encouraging and finding opportunities for more block parties in our high density neighbourhoods; and

Whereas the financial impact to the City of temporarily eliminating the block party street occupancy permit fee is negligible; and

Whereas on January 25, 2023 Council unanimously supported a motion requesting staff provide information regarding the financial and operational issues relating to eliminating the block party street occupancy permit fees

BE IT RESOLVED that to encourage more community engagement as we emerge from out of the COVID pandemic, Council amend the Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw, 7553, 2013 to provide to eligible residents a no-charge street occupancy permit to host a 'block party' in their neighbourhood; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that applicants are able to host up to one no-fee block party per calendar year in 2023 and 2024 and that standard fees will apply for any additional permits; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff provide an update to Council regarding how the no-fee permits have impacted the number of community and street events after the first 12 months of implementation

f.

Bringing Equity to Traffic Enforcement

Submitted by Mayor Johnstone

Be it resolved that The City of New Westminster submit the following resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association for consideration for submission to UBCM:

Whereas the primary deterrent from exceeding speed limits or violating other road safety regulations on municipal roads in British Columbia are fines administered under the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation; and

Whereas fixed rate fines are inequitable, disproportionately impacting people with lower incomes while applying lower deterrent value to people with higher incomes, creating a structural inequity in the application of justice;

Therefore be it resolved that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities calls upon the Provincial Government to implement a means-tested traffic fine system, similar to Finland, Switzerland, Sweden or the UK, where fines may be calculated on the basis of the offender’s income.

g.

Vacant Property Tax on Commercial Properties

Submitted by Councillor Campbell

Be it resolved that Council support the following resolution go to the Lower Mainland LGA conference for consideration at the UBCM meeting:

Whereas the Province has adopted vacancy taxes on vacant residential properties as one tool to assure land speculation does not result in property standing fallow to the detriment of community livability and other goals; and

Whereas commercial property values are inflating province-wide, and increasingly face investment speculation resulting in similar underutilization of commercial property in many municipalities across British Columbia; 

Therefore be it resolved that the Province of BC provide local governments with an option to introduce a vacant property tax applicable to commercial properties

9.

NEW BUSINESS 

9.1

Recruitment 2023: Appointments to the Community Heritage Commission (CHC) and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AaAC)

9.2

Rezoning Application for Detached Accessory Building: 228 Seventh Street - Clarification of Permitted Uses

10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

11.

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.

12.

INFORMATION REPORTS - FEBRUARY 13, 2023

12.1

Mitigation Measures to Address Motorists Jumping the Curb between the two Sides of Front Street

To report back to Council on mitigation measures to address motorists driving over the curb between the two sides of Front Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.