CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, September 11, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Queensborough Community Centre - Poplar Island Room

920 Ewen 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.

 

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.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS

3.1

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.

4.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

4.1

TACC Project Update

a.

Presentation (On Table)

b.

Report: Project Update - təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (TACC)

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the current project schedule status and current proposed opening dates for the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (TACC), along with the programming impacts resulting from the impending closure of the Centennial Community Centre (CCC).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to provide on-going updates on the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre project as the project nears completion.

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

2023 Capital and Operating Quarterly Performance Report

To provide quarterly updates to Council on the Operating and Capital Budget and Major Project/Program Spending performance and to seek Council’s approval of the proposed 2023 Capital Budget Adjustment and Revised 2023 Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $0.3M; and (3) Approve the Proposed Revised 2023 Multi-Year Capital budget of $179.5M.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the 2023 quarterly capital budget adjustments as outlined in Table 1-1 of this report.

5.2

Accelerating Climate Action to Meet Targets and Address Extreme Heat: Staffing and Financial Considerations

To seek Council direction to forward service enhancement requests required to deliver an accelerated climate action workplan, for the 2024 and 2025 Operating budget deliberation. The cost of the service enhancements will be offset by revenue collected through the Climate Action Levy.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to forward the service enhancement requests, as outlined in Attachment 1 of this report, for the 2024 and 2025 Operating budget deliberation. These service enhancements would be offset by Climate Action revenues.

  THAT Council direct staff to pursue steps required to use Climate Action Levy to offset Climate Action Team operating costs.

5.3

22nd Street Station Area Visioning Update

To update Council on First Nations collaboration and plans for community engagement on the relaunch of 22nd Street Station Area visioning.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with the next steps for the 22^nd Street Station Area Visioning process identified in this report.

5.4

Heritage Revitalization Agreements in Queen's Park Heritage Conservation Area

To seek Council direction on the potential to lift the temporary suspension of new Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) applications in the Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area, in place since June 21, 2021.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to remove the suspension of new Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) applications in the Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area.

5.5

Housing Agreement Bylaw and Development Variance Permit to Vary Parking Requirements: 311 Ash Street

To provide Council with a staff response to two motions that were adopted by Council on February 27, 2023 regarding the Development Variance Permit and Housing Agreement application for 311 Ash Street, to request that Council provide notice that it will consider issuance of the Development Variance Permit (DVP00701), and to request that Council consider the Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8382, 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT third reading of Housing Agreement Bylaw (311 Ash Street) Bylaw No. 8382, 2023 be rescinded.

  THAT Bylaw No. 8382, 2023 be re-considered and re-read a 3^rd time as amended.

  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 reconsider 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 units.

  THAT Council endorce 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.

5.6

Rezoning and Special Development Permit - 808 Royal Avenue: Application Consideration

This report provides Council with information on the development proposal for 808 Royal Avenue, 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 808 Royal Avenue 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.

a.

ON TABLE 808 Royal Additional correspondence

5.7

Official Community Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Road Closure, and Land Sale: 909-915 Twelfth Street – Bylaws for First and Second Readings

To request that Council consider the proposed bylaws and land sale, which would facilitate a five-storey, 40-unit residential development at 909-915 Twelfth Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 8399, 2023 for First Reading.

  THAT Council consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 8399, 2023 in conjunction with the City’s Capital Expenditure Program as contained in the Five Year Financial Plan and the Region’s Solid Waste Management Plan and Liquid Waste Management Plan, and which is deemed to be consistent with said program and plans in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.

  THAT Council consider Official Community Amendment Bylaw No. 8399, 2023 for Second Reading, and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.

  THAT Council consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 8400, 2023 and Road Closure, Dedication Removal, and Disposition Bylaw No. 8401, 2023 for First and Second Readings, and forward the bylaws to a Public Hearing.

  THAT Council authorize the City to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement, which includes the sale of a portion of lane right-of-way at the rear of 909 and 911/913 Twelfth Street should Council adopt Road Closure, Dedication Removal, and Disposition Bylaw No. 8401, 2023.

5.8

Application for Grant Funding to the 2023 UBCM Asset Management Planning Program

The purpose of this report is to seek Council support for staff to apply for grant funding for the ‘Pavement Condition Assessment & Condition Framework’ under the UBCM 2023 Asset Management Planning Program.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approves the submission of a grant application for the Pavement Condition Assessment & Condition Framework to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2023 Asset Management Planning Program.

5.9

Authorization to Enter Into License Agreements for 68 Sixth Street and 824 Agnes Street (Circulated Separately)

The purpose of this report is to seek authority to execute two License Agreements, firstly, between the City and Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (referred to as “PRHC”) included as Attachment “A”; and secondly, between the City and 1111262 B.C. Ltd. included as Attachment “B”, to facilitate the relocation of the Downtown Dog Off-Leash Area.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the License Agreements for 68 Sixth Street and 824 Agnes Street in substantially the form attached to this report dated August 28, 2023 (the “License Agreements”) between:

  1. The Corporation of the City of New Westminster (the “City”) and the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (“PRHC”); and
  2. The City and 1111262 BC Ltd.

  AND THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the License Agreements.

5.10

Proclamation: Ethiopian New Year, September 11, 2023

5.11

Proclamation: Terry Fox Week, September 10-17, 2023

5.12

Proclamation: Rail Safety Week, September 18-24, 2023

6.

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

7.

BYLAWS

7.1

Bylaws for readings

a.

Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 8382, 2023

A bylaw to enter into a housing agreement under Section 483 of the Local Government Act. This bylaw is on the agenda to:

1. RESCIND THIRD READING;
2. Amend and reconsider; and
3. REREAD A THIRD TIME, AS AMENDED.

b.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (909-915 Twelfth Street) No. 8399, 2023

A bylaw to amend Official Community Plan Bylaw. This bylaw is on the agenda for TWO READINGS.

c.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (909-915 Twelfth Street) No. 8400, 2023

A bylaw to rezone lands from “Community Commercial Districts (Medium Rise) (C-2A)” to “Comprehensive Development District (909-915 Twelfth Street) (CD-107)”, and amending the Zoning Map to reflect this rezoning. This bylaw is on the agenda for TWO READINGS.

d.

Road Closure, Dedication Removal and Disposition Bylaw (909-915 Twelfth Street) No. 8401, 2023

A bylaw to consider road closure, dedication removal, and disposition at 909-915 Twelfth Street. This bylaw is on the agenda for TWO READINGS.

7.2

Bylaws for adoption

a.

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 ADOPTION.

b.

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 ADOPTION.

8.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

8.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

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 CostPertaining 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 forlocal 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 ofoperation 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 implementinga 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.

8.2

Notices of Motion

a.

Implementing speed limits for motorized vehicles operating on sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety

Submitted by Councillor Daniel Fontaine
 
WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has been lowering speed limits on roadways to help increase public safety and reduce injuries; and
 
WHEREAS these speed limits do not apply on sidewalks and pedestrian safety is a top priority for the City of New Westminster; and
 
WHEREAS non-insured electric motorized scooters and other similar modes of transportation using our sidewalks can reach high speeds; and
 
WHEREAS an impact between a pedestrian and high speed motorized mode of transportation can cause severe injuries; and
 
BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council regarding the operational and budget considerations pertaining to the implementation of a by-law that would impose speed limits on our sidewalks to help reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries.

b.

Increasing trust and accountability for civic officials in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Paul Minhas

WHEREAS public trust in elected civic officials is a fundamental consideration in our local government system and is reflected by the key principles of integrity, accountability, leadership, respect, and openness found in City Council's Code of Conduct; and

WHEREAS improper use of social media has the potential to erode public trust in elected civic officials; and

WHEREAS these considerations are reflected in Council's Code of Conduct through the key principles and their applicability to the use of social media by Council Officials in relation to City of New Westminster related matters;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council call upon all elected officials to engender public trust by abiding to such key principles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City's Chief Electoral Officer report back to Council on the City's state of readiness for and budget impacts pertaining to a possible school trustee byelection.

9.

NEW BUSINESS

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 - September 11, 2023

12.1

2023 New Westminster Intersection Safety Study

An information report to provide Council with the Intersection Network Screening Road Safety Review, completed in August 2023.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

12.2

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Report for 2022

To update Council on the City’s compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

12.3

Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project - Upcoming Traffic Impacts (On Table)

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update of upcoming traffic impacts due to the ongoing work on the Pattullo Bridge Replacement project.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.