CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, August 28, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 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.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

3.1

Report Back on School Zone Enforcement Hours (Information Report brought forward from June 26, 2023)

To provide Council with an update on its motion of February 27, 2023 to consider extended school speed zone enforcement hours.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

3.2

Train Whistle Cessation – Q2 Update (Information Report brought forward from June 26, 2023)

To provide Council with an update on the progress of train whistle cessation in the City of New Westminster.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

3.3

422 Sixth Street: Good Neighbour Agreement and Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference - Information Report (brought forward from July 10, 2023)

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the signed Good Neighbour Agreement and the Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference which incorporate changes requested by Council at the June 26th, 2023 meeting.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the signed Good Neighbour Agreement and Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference for information.

3.4

Response to Council Motion Re: Parks and Recreation registration process (Information Report brought forward from July 10, 2023)

The purpose of this report is to provide a response to, and outline the implications of, Council’s March 27, 2023 motion regarding exploration of opportunities to improve the equity and accessibility of the Parks and Recreation registration process.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

3.5

Budget 2024 Engagement Results and Next Steps

a.

Presentation (On Table)

b.

Report: Budget 2024 Engagement Results and Next Steps

This report provides an overview of the Budget 2024 public engagement process and a summary of the input received from participants.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the Budget 2024 public engagement input for information and consideration during budget deliberations, and

  THAT Council direct staff to consider and incorporate, as much as possible, the community input as they develop the draft Capital and Operating budgets for 2024.

3.6

12 K de K Court Boulevard Trees

This report provides background information on an ongoing boulevard tree management issue on the Quayside esplanade adjacent to the Strata at 12 K de K Court, and recommends a course of action going forward.

• Recommendation:

  THAT staff be directed to revert the current three-year esplanade boulevard tree maintenance cycle to the seven-year cycle standard and objectives as applied to street and boulevard trees in other areas of the City.

4.

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.

4.1

2023 Stream 1 Accelerated Heat Plan Update

This report is to inform Council of staff’s progress on the Stream 1 Accelerated Heat Plan approved by Council on July 10, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to develop regulations for cooling centres and continue advocacy to support our vulnerable population living in multifamily residences.

4.2

Accelerating Climate Action: Four Year Workplan to Meet Targets and Address Extreme Heat

To seek Council endorsement, in principle, on the proposed accelerated climate action workplan to meet climate emergency targets and address extreme heat, and to seek Council direction for Staff to report back on resource requirements to support the accelerated climate action workplan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse in principle, the outlined accelerated climate action workplan to meet climate emergency targets and address extreme heat, subject to approval of required resources.

  THAT Council direct staff to report back on resource requirements to support the proposed workplan to meet climate emergency targets and address extreme heat for consideration.

4.3

Changes Announced to the Current Government of Canada Cabinet July 23, 2023 Update and Meeting Requests

This report outlines the changes to the current Government of Canada’s Cabinet on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, recommends letters of congratulations and meeting requests with several federal ministries for follow up.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the information on the Federal Cabinet shuffle for information;

  That Council authorize letters of congratulations be forwarded requesting follow up meetings to the following Ministers:

  • Sean Fraser Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
  • Jonathan Wilkinson (BC) Minister Energy and Natural Resources
  • Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • Harji Sajjan (BC) President of the King's Privy Council, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
  • Dominic Leblanc Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; and

  That Council approve copies of the above letters be sent to the local Member of Parliament for New Westminster.

4.4

City of New Westminster and New Westminster School District No. 40 Draft Child Care Guiding Principles

To provide Council with the City of New Westminster and School District No. 40 draft Child Care Guiding Principles for feedback. Council’s feedback, along with that from the School District Board of Education, would then be used to further refine and create a final draft for future consideration of endorsement.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse the City of New Westminster and School District No. 40 draft Child Care Guiding Principles.

4.5

City of Surrey Fraser Heights Metro 2050 Amendment Application

To provide Council with detail regarding the City of Surrey’s proposed amendments to the Regional Growth Strategy, Metro 2050, in the Fraser Heights area.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to send a letter to Metro Vancouver commenting on the City of Surrey’s application to change the regional land use designation of lands in the Fraser Heights area from Industrial to General Urban designation, specifically encouraging consideration of opportunities for housing choice by the City of Surrey.

4.6

Community Advisory Assembly Draft Terms of Reference and Next Steps

This report and attachment provide the draft Terms of Reference for the new Community Advisory Assembly group that the City is currently working to establish, as well as next steps and associated timelines to establish the Assembly.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse the draft Terms of Reference for the Community Advisory Assembly, and refer the draft to the Assembly for discussion, feedback and revisions once the group is established; and

  THAT Council endorse the next steps as outlined in this report.

4.7

Consideration of a Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023 to Provide for Alternative Methods of Publication

The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement of Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023, (the proposed Bylaw) in order to provide the public with two alternative means of notice, in response to the withdrawal of traditional print media in the City of New Westminster.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider giving Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023, first, second and third readings; and

  THAT Council direct that any statutory notices required pursuant to section 94 of the Community Charter to be given between August 28, 2023 and adoption of Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023 on or before September 11, 2023, be given in accordance with the means set out in the proposed Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023, pursuant to section 94.1(3) of the Community Charter.

4.8

Council Strategic Plan Workshop Model

The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement of the Strategic Plan Workshop Model as outlined in this report, as a means to ensure that Council and staff have the opportunities necessary to review, discuss and give/receive direction on matters related to Council’s Strategic Plan Priorities.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse the expanded Strategic Plan Workshop Model as outlined in this report; and

  THAT Council endorse the next steps as outlined in this report.

4.9

Interim Relocation of the Downtown Dog Off Leash Area (824 Agnes Street)

The purpose of this report is to recommend that the downtown dog off-leash area (located at 824 Agnes Street) be relocated to 68 Sixth Street on a temporary basis, for approximately 9 months.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve, in principle, the relocation of the Downtown Dog Off Leash Area (OLA) from 824 Agnes Street to 68 Sixth Street on a temporary basis, and

  THAT staff proceed with next steps as outlined in this report to:

  1. provide a draft licensing agreement for Council consideration at the September 11, 2023 meeting,
  2. begin preparing the site to meet City standards as a dog OLA, and
  3. continue working on planning for permanent off-leash space(s) in the Downtown neighbourhood given the time and space constraints, including an opportunity to explore the potential for a shared use area or enclosed dog OLA as part of the discussion with the community to develop a Master Plan for Albert Crescent Park towards the end of this year.

4.10

Repealing Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement of 2000

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Council with respect to our ongoing participation in the new Regional Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement of 2022 (Agreement) and termination requirements of the now redundant but still active GVRD Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement of 2000 (previous Agreement).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to terminate the City of New Westminster’s rights and responsibilities under Clause 5 of the Greater Vancouver Regional District Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement of 2000.

4.11

Rezoning, Development Permit, and Development Variance Permit Application: 317-319 Howes St – Preliminary Report

To provide preliminary information on a 26-unit townhouse development proposal on the subject sites; to seek Council direction to work with the applicant towards a suitable plan of development; and to seek Council direction to review the rezoning application as outlined within this report.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to work with the applicant to prepare a plan of development for the subject properties suitable for consideration of First and Second Readings, as outlined in the “Application Review Process” section of this report.

4.12

Rezoning Application for Duplex: 376 Keary Street – Comprehensive Report

This report provides Council with information on the development proposal for 376 Keary Street, and requests that the rezoning application be considered, and that no Public Hearing be held following circulation of notice in accordance with the Local Government Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the application to rezone 376 Keary Street be considered and no Public Hearing held, in accordance with the Local Government Act.

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

4.13

Subdivision and Development Control Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8412, 2023

To request that Council consider the recommendations for Subdivision and Development Control Amendment Bylaw No. 8412, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council give three readings to Bylaw No. 8412, 2023 - Subdivision and Development Control Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw as presented in Attachment 1 of this report.

4.14

Township of Langley Metro 2050 Amendment Application

To provide Council with details regarding the Township of Langley’s proposed amendments to the Regional Growth Strategy, Metro 2050.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to send a letter to Metro Vancouver commenting on the Township of Langley’s application to change the regional land use designation of 23699 and 23737 Fraser Highway, specifically encouraging measures that would address environmental and agricultural impacts and the ongoing need for cautious consideration of expanding Industrial use outside of the Urban Containment Boundary.

4.15

Proclamation: Literacy Month, September 2023

4.16

Minutes for Adoption

a.

October 23, 2019 Special City Council Meeting

b.

June 26, 2023 Special Council Workshop

c.

June 26, 2023 City Council Meeting (2:30 p.m.)

d.

June 26, 2023 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

e.

July 10, 2023 City Council Meeting (1:00 p.m.)

f.

July 10, 2023 Council Workshop

g.

July 10, 2023 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

5.

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

5.1

Presentation regarding the trees at 12 K de K Court

5.2

Open Delegations

6.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY - 8:00 P.M.

6.1

Break (15 minutes)

7.

BYLAWS

7.1

Bylaws for readings

a.

Public Notice Bylaw No. 8417, 2023

The New West Record is no longer publishing a print edition.  Because of this change, Council is being requested to approve, via bylaw, alternate methods of issuing public notices.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

b.

Subdivision and Development Control Miscellaneous Amendment Bylaw No. 8412, 2023

Amendments to improve the interpretation of Section 7 of Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw No. 7142, 2007 and provide a better document flow.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

7.2

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 8405, 2023

A bylaw to set the 2024 Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION. 

b.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Off-Street Vehicle Parking - Multiple Dwellings) No. 8396, 2023

An amendment to reduce off-street parking rates for multiple dwellings and require end-of-trip bicycle maintenance facilities for new non-residential buildings, and bicycle maintenance facilities for new apartment buildings. This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

8.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

8.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Cooling Equipment in Rental Units

Submitted by Councillor Henderson and Councillor Nakagawa

WHEREAS the majority of the 28 deaths in New Westminster during the 2021 heat dome extreme weather event occurred in rental multi-unit residential buildings in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood; and 

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster’s BUSINESS REGULATIONS AND LICENSING (RENTAL UNITS) BYLAW NO. 6926, 2004 requires that heating equipment in all rental units be capable of maintaining every room at a temperature of 22 C (72 F) measured at a point 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the floor and in the centre of the room, but does not list requirements for cooling equipment or measures; and 

WHEREAS extreme weather events are more frequent and increasing vulnerabilities in the built environment, particularly for lower-income households;

BE IT RESOLVED that City Council direct staff to explore the tools available for the City to adopt a bylaw that requires rental units to have cooling equipment, or passive means, that prevents at least one room of the unit from exceeding the standard recommendation of 26 C (79 F); 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City write a letter to the Minister of Housing to request clarification and confirmation that these upgrades would not trigger legal renovictions or the Above Guideline Rent Increase permissible by the Province.

b.

Hydro Rates

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has included equity as a core context in the 2023-2026 strategic plan; and
 
WHEREAS affordability is a challenge for many residents of New Westminster; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of New Westminster requests that the Electrical Commission explores piloting a program to provide rates geared to income for low income community members and engage with City Council to discuss implementation and targeting.

8.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Fair Wage and Living Wage Policies

Submitted by Mayor Johnstone

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster was a leader in adopting a Living Wage Policy in 2011 to assure all employees of the City and service providers to the City earn a living wage as a minimum; and

WHEREAS cohort municipalities such as the City of North Vancouver and Burnaby have adopted Fair Wage Policies to ensure that no contractor or sub-contractor working for the City gets an unfair advantage by paying lower than fair market wages for skilled workers; and

WHEREAS New Westminster is committed to affordability for working people, and ensuring fair and household-supporting wages are paid for all work performed by or on behalf of the City; and  

WHEREAS Metro Vancouver is a major builder of capital works that are funded by utility ratepayers through municipal governments, and has significant procurement power that impacts the regional labour market;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff bring a report to Council outlining a process to adoption of a Fair Wage Policy similar to that of Burnaby or the City of North Vancouver to complement New Westminster’s successful Living Wage Policy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Mayor Johnstone take a motion to the Board of Metro Vancouver on behalf of New Westminster Council requesting that Fair Wage and Living Wage policies be developed and adopted by the Regional Government.

b.

Conducting a Review Regarding the Cause and Cost Pertaining to the City of New Westminster Oil Spill in the Fraser River

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

Whereas on July 20th an oil spill occurred in the Fraser River with the source being identified as the Samson V Museum which is owned and operated by the City of New Westminster; and

Whereas oil contamination in the Fraser River can have significant impact on the environment, protected fish species, habitat and shoreline; and 

Whereas the public deserves a full explanation regarding the circumstances which led to the oil spill as well as the costs related to the cleanup.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to produce a public report regarding the July 2023 oil spill which emanated from the Samson V Museum; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this oil spill public report include the following core components: 

• An overview of the negative environmental impacts caused by the Samson V oil spill to the Fraser River and surrounding communities;
• The full list of government agencies, regulators, community partners, environmental non-governmental organization involved in responding to the Samson V oil spill;
• Full costing of the environmental cleanup including an estimate of staff time; 
• An estimate of any fines that may be levied by regulators and senior orders of government; 
• Analysis as to circumstances which triggered the Samson V oil spill released into the Fraser River;
• Cost analysis of moving the Samson V into drydock for a period of up to 12 months for necessary repairs, safety and cosmetic upgrades/refurbishment

c.

Increasing access to fresh drinking water for local residents and their pets

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

Whereas it is important for New Westminster citizens and their pets to have access to fresh drinking water in outdoor spaces during the warm summer months; and 

Whereas the technology currently exists and has been proven to work in other cities throughout Metro Vancouver to install temporary water fountains using existing fire hydrants; and 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council regarding the cost and operational requirements of installing temporary water fountains connected to a fire hydrant in time for summer 2024; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff reach out to the City of Vancouver who have successfully implemented fire hydrant water fountains to determine if there are learnings that can be applied in New Westminster.

d.

Supporting our seniors by increasing hours of operation for Century House during the summer

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas other Metro Vancouver cities have ensured their seniors centers are more accessible throughout the year by keeping them open in the evening during summer; and 

Whereas Century House is a critical gathering place for our seniors in New Westminster and it currently closes at 4:00 pm during the summer; and 

Whereas Century House can serve as a cooling center during the hot summer months.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed as part of Budget 2024 to provide Council with the costs and operational requirements to extend the hours of operation at Century House to 9:00 pm on weekdays during the summer; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the membership of Century House be surveyed regarding their level of interest in expanding the service hours during the summer and that the results of this survey be provided to Council for further consultation and evaluation.

e.

Supporting our local business community by implementing a pilot project to reduce parking fees

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas it is vital for the City of New Westminster to support our local businesses by retaining regular customers and attracting new patrons to our commercial and business districts; and
 
Whereas the high and ever-increasing cost of parking for short visits to our businesses located in our commercial and business districts can be a deterrent and decrease economic activity in our city; and 
 
Whereas it is city policy to provide free public parking at City Hall, Queen’s Park, Century House and a number of other city-owned facilities; 
 
BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back on the budget implications and operational requirements associated with establishing a pilot project to reduce parking fees in 2024 which will include the following core components:

• First hour of on-street parking (where paid on-street metered parking currently exists) will be complimentary. This would apply to the Downtown, Uptown, Sapperton and 12th Street commercial and business districts. 
• Expand free on-street parking to after 7 pm during the business week from the current 8 pm setting in all commercial and business districts. 
• Parking will be free on Sunday and all statutory provincial holidays in all areas of the city.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

9.1

ON TABLE 2023 Mann Cup Media Day Hosting Opportunity

The purpose of this report is to inform Council that, subject to the New Westminster Salmonbellies qualifying for the 2023 Mann Cup Senior “A” National Lacrosse Championships, the City has accepted an invitation from the New Westminster Senior Salmonbellies to host the 2023 Mann Cup Media Day event.

• Recommendation:

  THAT this report dated August 28, 2023 and titled “2023 Mann Cup Media Day Hosting Opportunity” be received by Council for information and comment.

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 - August 28, 2023

12.1

Master Transportation Plan Monitoring Report

This report provides an update on the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to monitor the implementation progress of the Master Transportation Plan (MTP).

12.2

Nominations for the Province of British Columbia’s Medal of Good Citizenship for 2023

Nominations are now open for the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship and due by Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, to be considered for 2023. This report summarizes the opportunity for nominations from New Westminster to be forwarded to the Province for consideration.