June 12, 2017 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves

Corporate Officer – David Weber

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R17/11-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on May 23, 2017, be adopted as circulated; and

(2)

the Metro Vancouver ‘Board in Brief’ dated May 26, 2017, be received for information.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

R17/11-2

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Item No. 17 be revised to include Part (1) (e) as part of Part 1 as follows:

Provided that the City of Richmond be given a copy of the final comprehensive YVR 2037 Master Plan document for comment, before it is submitted to the Minister of Transport for approval, the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) be advised that the City of Richmond supports YVR’s 2037 Master Plan Highlights document outlining YVR’s plans to grow to an estimated 35 million passengers by 2037 and that YVR:

(2)

a staff presentation on Item No. 11 – Economic Impact Assessment of Richmond Olympic Oval be added to the Agenda; and

(3)

a staff presentation on Item No. 22 –  New Sign Regulation Bylaw be added to the Agenda.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R17/11-3

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:02 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Richard Watson, Richmond resident, was pleased to see the matter of language on signs being discussed and was of the opinion that Council should take action in addressing the disharmony that currently exists in the city.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Tung Chan, Richmond resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw as it relates to the provision that all future signage include a minimum 50% of one of Canada’s official languages.  Mr. Chan read from the staff report, noting that staff’s recommendation did not include a language provision.  Mr. Chan then urged Council to reconsider the inclusion of a language provision to the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Vinnie Yuen, Richmond resident, expressed grave concern regarding the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw as it relates to the provision that all future signage include a minimum 50% of one of Canada’s official languages.  Ms. Yuen stated that new immigrants are no less Canadian than other citizens.  She noted that Canadians speak a number of different languages and the public consultation comments are unsettling.  Ms. Yuen stated that she does not support the proposed bylaw as-is and remarked that should it be approved, she would like to see all languages regulated. 

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Randolf Richardson, Richmond resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw, stating that it unjustly restricts and violates Canadians’ fundamental rights, which are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Mr. Richardson read from his submission, attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Minghui Yu, Richmond resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw.  He noted that most signs are currently multilingual and only a few are solely in one language; thus, Mr. Yu was of the opinion that the proposed language provision was an overreaction.  He queried how other print materials such as brochures would be regulated and spoke of the difference in sign sizing as a result of the use of letters versus characters.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Kerry Starchuk and Ann Merdinyan, Richmond residents, provided background information regarding her campaign on the use of non-official Canadian languages throughout the city.  She spoke of the City’s bus shelter advertisement requirements, noting that she was pleased to see that ads must be 50% in English.  Ms. Starchuk stated that other materials like magazines, private advertisements, cars with promotional messages and so forth remain unregulated and queried whether a City policy would address them.  Ms. Starchuk then requested that a language bylaw or policy be implemented to ensure that all residents feel welcome.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Kathryn McCreary, 7560 Glacier Crescent, requested that Council look at the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw from a practical perspective, noting that a vote in favour of the proposed bylaw would be a vote for change and may alleviate frustration in the community.

Item No. 22 – New Sign Regulation Bylaw

Robert Ingves, Richmond resident, queried whether the City was aware that other cities in Canada currently have regulations whereby signage must include 50% of one of Canada’s official languages and whether these cities’ bylaws have been challenged in the courts.

R17/11-4

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:56 p.m.).

CARRIED

PRESENTATION

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Neonila Lilova, Manager, Economic Development, reviewed the economic impact assessment of the Richmond Olympic Oval and the following information was highlighted:

§   

KPMG utilized the BC Input-Output Model and the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model to conduct the study;

§   

one-time benefits include $234 million in GDP and 3,076 jobs; and

§   

annual ongoing benefits include $19 million in GDP and 400 jobs.

CONSENT AGENDA

R17/11-5

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 21 be adopted by general consent.

The question on the motion was not called as materials regarding the Proposed Steveston Area Plan Village Conservation and Long-Term Streetscape Visions for Bayview, Moncton and Chatham Streets was distributed by Councillor Steves (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2).  Councillor Steves requested that the information be considered along with the Steveston Area Plan report.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting held on May 24, 2017;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on June 5, 2017;

(3)

the Finance Committee meeting held on June 5, 2017; and

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on June 6, 2017;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

Steveston Community Park Playground Renewal Preferred Concept Plan
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-STEV2) (REDMS No. 5379983 v. 7, 5388632)

That the Steveston Community Park Playground Renewal Preferred Concept Plan as detailed in the staff report titled “Steveston Community Park Playground Renewal Preferred Concept Plan,” dated May 9, 2017, from the Senior Manager, Parks, be coordinated with the planning for the Steveston Community Facility Replacement Project and at the conclusion of that planning process, staff bring forward a report outlining the next steps for renewal of the playground.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

Protection of Atagi and Yamanaka Boatworks Buildings
(File Ref. No. 08-4200-01) (REDMS No. 5387150)

(1)

That the report titled, “Protection of Atagi and Yamanaka Boatworks Buildings,” dated May 8, 2017, from the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That copies of the Historical Research Analysis for Paramount Cannery Complex Buildings 33 and 34 be sent to Richmond Members of Parliament, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Heritage Canada.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Canada 150 Public Art Modular Seating Concept Proposal
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-234) (REDMS No. 5372654, 5278823)

That the concept proposal and fabrication for the Canada 150 Artist Designed Modular Seating public artwork by artists and designers Becki Chan and Milos Bergovic, as presented in the staff report titled “Canada 150 Public Art Modular Seating Concept Proposal,” dated May 10, 2017, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw No. 9722
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009722, 12-8275-02) (REDMS No. 5389421, 5389467)

(1)

That Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw No. 9722, which increases the maximum number of Class A Taxicabs to 124 and Class N Taxicabs to 48, be given first, second and third readings; and

(2)

That staff report back with criteria upon which taxicab licences may be issued by staff.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

Economic Impact Assessment of Richmond Olympic Oval
(File Ref. No. 08-4150-01, 11-7140-20-ROOV1-01) (REDMS No. 5394278)

(1)

That the staff report titled “Economic Impact Assessment of Richmond Olympic Oval”, dated May 16, 2017 from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That the proposed communications campaign in the above staff report, highlighting the economic impacts and benefits of the Richmond Olympic Oval to the community, be implemented.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

2018-2022 BUDGET PROCESS
(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-25-2018-01) (REDMS No. 5355131)

(1)

That the staff report titled “2018-2022 Budget Process” dated May 4, 2017 from the Director, Finance be received for information, and

(2)

That the services as presented in Attachment 2 of the staff report be approved as the base for the 2018 budget.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 9728 to Permit the City of Richmond to Secure Affordable Housing Units at 9491, 9511, 9531, 9551, 9591 Alexandra Road (Polygon Trafalgar Square Developments Ltd.)
(File Ref. No. 08-4057-05, 12-8060-20-009728) (REDMS No. 5405184 v. 2, 5405609 v. 2, 5399284)

That the Housing Agreement (Polygon Trafalgar Square Development Ltd.) Bylaw No. 9728 be introduced and given first, second and third readings to permit the City to enter into a Housing Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto, in accordance with the requirements of Section 483 of the Local Government Act, to secure Affordable Housing Units required by Rezoning Application 16-734204.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

Application by New Continental Properties Inc. and Affiliates for Rezoning of the Properties at 8320, 8340, 8360 & 8440 Bridgeport Road from “Land Use Contract 126”; at 8351 Sea Island Way from “Land Use Contract 126”; and, at 8311 Sea Island Way from “Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA)”and “Land Use Contract 126” to “High Rise Commercial (ZC39) – Bridgeport Gateway"
(File Ref. No. RZ 13-628557, 12-8060-20-009628/9629) (REDMS No. 5180246, 5362906, 5338752, 5345261, 5346590)

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 7100, Amendment Bylaw 9628, to amend the Bridgeport Village Specific Land Use Map - Detailed Transect Descriptions in Schedule 2.10 (City Centre Area Plan) by:

(a)

adding commercial education and university education uses (excluding dormitory and child care uses) to the list of uses permitted on a limited range of properties located south of Bridgeport Road and west of No. 3 Road; and

(b)

or the above-noted properties, providing for up to 50% of the 1.0 FAR Village Centre Bonus floor area to be allocated to education uses,

be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Bylaw 9628, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program;

(b)

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

is hereby found to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 882 (3) (a) of the Local Government Act.

(3)

That Bylaw 9628, having been considered in accordance with OCP Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is hereby found not to require further consultation; and

(4)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9629, to create the “High Rise Commercial (ZC39) – Bridgeport Gateway" zone and to rezone the properties at 8320, 8340, 8360 & 8440 Bridgeport Road from “Land Use Contract 126”, the property at 8351 Sea Island Way from “Land Use Contract 126”, and the property at 8311 Sea Island Way from “Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA)”and “Land Use Contract 126” to a new site-specific zone, “High Rise Commercial (ZC39) – Bridgeport Gateway” and to discharge “Land Use Contract 126”, entered into pursuant to “ Beldee Holdings/ CTS Developments Limited Land Use Contract Bylaw No. 3612, 1979”, (RD85571 as modified by RD150271, RD 154654, RD 156206 and BV268786), be discharged for the properties at 8320, 8340, 8360 & 8440 Bridgeport Road and 8311 & 8351 Sea Island Way be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Application by MaximR Enterprises Ltd. for Rezoning at 7591 Williams Road from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Coach Houses (RCH1)
(File Ref. No. RZ 16-724066, 12-8060-20-009724) (REDMS No. 5397986, 1195062, 5399068)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9724, for the rezoning of 7591 Williams Road from the “Single Detached (RS1/E)” zone to the “Coach Houses (RCH1)” zone, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

Application by Kanaris Demetre Lazos for a Heritage Alteration Permit at 12111 3rd Avenue (Steveston Hotel)
(File Ref. No. HA 17-766440) (REDMS No. 5394773)

That a Heritage Alteration Permit to authorize the removal of a window from the front (east) elevation and to replace it with a new entry and door to match an existing door in the front (east) elevation of the heritage-protected property at 12111 3^rd Avenue be issued.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

17.

Richmond Response: The Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) 2037 Master Plan Highlights Document
(File Ref. No. 01-0153-01) (REDMS No. 5390227 v. 2, 2017182, 1990009)

(1)

Provided that the City of Richmond be given a copy of the final comprehensive YVR 2037 Master Plan document for comment, before it is submitted to the Minister of Transport for approval, the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) be advised that the City of Richmond supports YVR’s 2037 Master Plan Highlights document outlining YVR’s plans to grow to an estimated 35 million passengers by 2037 and that YVR:

(a)

maximize the capacity of all existing runways, justify the need for any future runway and work with the City to protect the City’s interests prior to pursuing any new runway;

(b)

maintain existing transportation capacity on Sea Island for non-airport users, including the preservation of the existing lanes on the Arthur Laing Bridge, Moray Channel Swing Bridge, the Airport Connector Bridge, and Russ Baker Way for both airport and non-airport traffic;

(c)

explore alternatives to the proposed extension of Templeton Road which may include widening existing corridors, a more effective use of Cessna Drive and encouraging alternate modes of travel; and

(d)

continue to minimize and mitigate noise, light and other impacts on Richmond residents that may result from airport-related activities;

(2)

That the City and the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) continue to work together to coordinate land use, transportation, transit, servicing, amenity and environmental planning;

(3)

That the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR), in conjunction with other regional airports and stakeholders (e.g., NAV CANADA), be encouraged to prepare a Regional Airport Strategy; and

(4)

That a copy of this report be forwarded to the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR).

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

18.

Richmond Heritage Commission 2016 Annual Report and 2017 Work Program
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-HCOM1-01) (REDMS No. 5387270)

(1)

That the staff report, “Richmond Heritage Commission 2016 Annual Report and 2017 Work Program”, dated May 15, 2017, from the General Manager, Planning and Development, be received for information; and

(2)

That the Richmond Heritage Commission 2017 Work Program, as presented in this staff report, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

19.

Advisory Committee on the Environment 2016 Annual Report and 2017 Work Program
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-ACEN1-01) (REDMS No. 5384842)

(1)

That the staff report titled “Advisory Committee on the Environment 2016 Annual Report and 2017 Work Program”, dated May 3, 2017 from the General Manager, Planning and Development, be received for information; and

(2)

That the Advisory Committee on the Environment 2017 Work Program, as presented in this staff report, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

20.

Update: Proposed Steveston Area Plan Village Conservation and Long-Term Streetscape Visions for Bayview, Moncton and Chatham Streets
(File Ref. No. 08-4045-20-04) (REDMS No. 5346627, 4977638, 4572245, 4573262)

That Council direct staff to undertake public consultations regarding the proposed Steveston Area Plan Village Conservation changes and the proposed long-term streetscape vision for Bayview Street, Moncton Street and Chatham Street, to be completed by July 31, 2017 as outlined in the report, and report back to Planning Committee in October 2017 on the feedback and recommendations.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

21.

Non-Farm Use Application for Former Mylora Site
(File Ref. No. 08-4105-04-04)

That staff write a letter to the Agricultural Land Commission seeking clarification on the recent denial of the Mylora non-farm use application and the implication to the City’s No. 5 Road Backlands Policy.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEM

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

22.

new sign regulation bylaw
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009700/9719/9720/9721, 12-8000-03, 12-8060-02-63) (REDMS No. 5337264 v. 4, 5413918, 5414400, 4384413, 4548429, 4556939, 4584872,  4397495, 4403117, 5195144, 5165807, 5144978, 5293139, 5296715, 5337264, 5405303, 4892426, 5383708, 5383704, 5405127)

Cecilia Achiam, General Manager, Community Safety, spoke of the materials presented to Council, noting that the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw is purely technical in nature as it (i) addresses areas that the current bylaw does not like real estate signs and (ii) provides clarity in regulating other signs. 

Ms. Achiam requested that Council move forward with the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw, stating that doing so would not impede Council’s ability to introduce a language provision; however, staff require additional time to fully research the inclusion of a language provision in the Sign Regulation Bylaw.

Carli Edwards, Manager, Customer Services and Licencing, advised that should Council wish to include a language provision in the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw, staff require direction on (i) whether a language requirement is to apply to all signs or only those that require a permit, (ii) whether the proposed language provision would be enforced by means of ticketing or by prosecution, and (iii) whether public notification would follow standard requirements as set out in the Community Charter or a separate public consultation. 

Also, Ms. Edwards spoke of technical issues with the inclusion of a language provision in the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw, noting that staff are unclear as to (i) how 50% would be measured – by the size of the text or content, (ii) whether two signs – one in a non-official language and the other in an official-language would constitute 50%, (iii) how image logos like Nike or Lululemon would be treated, and (iii) how non-official language company names like IKEA or Acura would be treated.  She then commented on potential financial implications and a timeframe to report back on the matter, noting that further analysis is needed.

R17/11-6

It was moved and seconded

In respect to implementing de-cluttering, and modernizing the regulations in the existing Sign Bylaw No. 5560, that:

(1)

each of the following Bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings:

(a)

Sign Regulation Bylaw 9700, as revised to include provisions that all future signage require a minimum of 50% of one of Canada’s official languages;

(b)

Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Amendment Bylaw 9719;

(c)

Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 7321, Amendment Bylaw 9720; and

(d)

Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Amendment Bylaw 9721;

(2)

a Full Time Sign Inspector position and the associated costs, to provide outreach and enforcement of the Sign Regulations, be considered during the 2018 budget process;

(3)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw 9723 to make housekeeping adjustments that align with the new Sign Regulation Bylaw be introduced and given first reading; and

(4)

That Sign Regulation Bylaw 9700 be reviewed in one year.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued and Council expressed their views with regard to including or excluding a language provision in the proposed new Sign Regulation Bylaw.  As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

R17/11-7

It was moved and seconded

That provisions for all future signage to require a minimum of 50% of one of Canada’s official languages be referred to staff.

DEFEATED
Opposed:  Mayor Brodie
Cllrs. Au
Dang
Johnston
McNulty
McPhail

R17/11-8

It was moved and seconded

That staff propose policy options encouraging the cooperative use of the English language on all signage, including an analysis of the current policy and report back.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion took place and staff was directed to also include a legal opinion on the difference between a bylaw and a policy.

The question on the referral motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

The Chair remarked that the language provision clause in Part (1) (a) has been addressed with a referral and thus should be deleted from the main motion.  As a result, the following amendment to the main motion was introduced:

R17/11-9

It was moved and seconded

That “, as revised to include provisions that all future signage require a minimum of 50% of one of Canada’s official languages” be deleted from Part (1) (a).

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllrs. Day
Loo
Steves

The question on the main motion, which now reads:

In respect to implementing de-cluttering, and modernizing the regulations in the existing Sign Bylaw No. 5560, that:

(1)

each of the following Bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings:

(a)

Sign Regulation Bylaw 9700;

(b)

Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Amendment Bylaw 9719;

(c)

Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 7321, Amendment Bylaw 9720; and

(d)

Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Amendment Bylaw 9721;

(2)

a Full Time Sign Inspector position and the associated costs, to provide outreach and enforcement of the Sign Regulations, be considered during the 2018 budget process;

(3)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw 9723 to make housekeeping adjustments that align with the new Sign Regulation Bylaw be introduced and given first reading; and

(4)

That Sign Regulation Bylaw 9700 be reviewed in one year.

was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Day, Loo, and Steves opposed.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R17/11-10

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784, Amendment Bylaw No. 9704

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 8783
(Portion of 7531 and 7551 Bridge Street, RZ 10-539727)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9260
(23200, 23241, 23281, 23301, 23321, 23361 and 23381 Gilley Road, 23000, 23060, 23066, Part of 23080 and Part of 23100 Westminster Highway, and Part of 4651, 4671, 4691 Smith Crescent, RZ 14-660662)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9261
(Parts of 23241 and 23281 Gilley Road, Part of 23060, 23066, 23080 and Part of 23100 Westminster Highway, RZ 14-660662)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9262

(23241, 23281 and Part of 23301 Gilley Road, Part of 23060 and 23000 Westminster Highway, RZ 14-660663)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9599
(7531 Williams Road, RZ 15-712649)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9600
(7511 Williams Road, RZ 15-712653)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9635
(4780 Steveston Highway, RZ 16-737903)

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R17/11-11

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:55 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, June 12, 2017.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)