February 10, 2020 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Kelly Greene
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves 
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Corporate Officer – Claudia Jesson

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R20/3-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on January 27, 2020, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

R20/3-2

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the recommendation for Item No. 9 - 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, be revised to the following:

That the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, less the proposed grant to KidSport, be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques disbursed for a total of $88,828.32 (with the remaining funds divided evenly between the Hamilton Community Association and the Richmond City Centre Community Association - $364.16 each), as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants,” dated January 2, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services; and

(2)

That the recommendation for Item No. 21 - 2020 Parks, Recreation And Community Events Grants - Kidsport, be revised to the following:

(1)

That $19,000 of the recommended grant of $24,000 to KidSport, as referenced in the staff report titled  “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants”, dated January 2, 2020, from Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be awarded and a cheque disbursed; and

(2)

That $5,000 be held back and allocated to sports groups not recognized by KidSport and that this be administered by staff.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R20/3-3

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. 18 – Birth Tourism

Karina Reid, Richmond resident, expressed concerns with regard to the potentially negative impacts to vulnerable individuals that may arise if legislation to address birth tourism is introduced.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

Keefer Pelech, Richmond resident, spoke on policies related to birthright citizenship and expressed that legislation to restrict birth tourism may negatively impact vulnerable individuals and raise barriers to social services.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

Yousif Samarrai, Richmond resident, referred to his submission (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), and spoke on the history of birthright citizenship and expressed concern with regard to the negative impact of birth tourism activities in Richmond. He noted that the city accounts for a significant portion of foreign births in the province and that Canada can adopt similar initiatives introduced by other Commonwealth countries, with provisions to protect vulnerable individuals, to curb birth tourism activities.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer and policy analyst, referenced his submission (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office) and spoke on statistical data related to annual births to non-residents of Canada and the relationship to the number of temporary residents and workers in Canada. He suggested policy amendments to Federal immigration and taxation policies that Canada could implement to restrict birth tourism activities.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), Kerry Starchuk, Richmond resident, expressed concern with regard to the negative impact of birth tourism activities on local social services in Richmond and in other cities in Canada. She added that she has observed suspicious activity in the community and spoke on options to limit operations of birth tourism activities.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

Cynthia Rautio, Richmond resident, spoke on suspected birth tourism businesses operating in Richmond and expressed that provisions can be adopted to amend citizenship policies that do not impact vulnerable individuals.

Item No. 18 – Birth Tourism

Bo Tanner, Richmond resident, spoke on the negative impacts of birth tourism activities in Richmond and commented on options to target suspicious businesses by enforcing the City’s business license bylaws.

Item No. 16 – Application by EcoWaste Industries Ltd. for an Agricultural Land Reserve Non Farm Use for the Lands Bounded by the Granville Avenue, No. 7 Road, Blundell Road and Savage Road Allowances

Myles Lamont, wildlife biologist, spoke on the application by EcoWaste Industries Inc., and expressed concern with regard to the potential impact to sandhill crane habitat. He noted that the sandhill crane population is critically low in the region and that the local sandhill cranes have been injured by golf activities in the area. He suggested that the City work with the applicant to protect sandhill crane habitat.

R20/3-4

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:51 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R20/3-5

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 17 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting held on January 28, 2020;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on February 3, 2020; and

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on February 4, 2020;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

2020 Community Mural Program Projects 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-255) (REDMS No. 6352114 v. 3; 6211233; 6171284; 6352823)

That the 2020 Community Mural Program projects as presented in the staff report titled “2020 Community Mural Program Projects” dated December 11, 2019, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6360660 v. 4; 6359038; 6359034)

That the 2020 Arts and Culture Grants, less the proposed grant to the Caravan Stage Society, be awarded for the recommended amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $114,315, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program” dated December 17, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6360043 v. 12; 6046994; 6360113; 6360122)

That the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, less the proposed grant to KidSport, be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques disbursed for a total of $88,828.32 (with the remaining funds divided evenly between the Hamilton Community Association and the Richmond City Centre Community Association - $364.16 each), as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants,” dated January 2, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6367626 v. 3; 6367801; 6211019)

That the 2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques be disbursed for a total of $593,133 as per the staff report titled “2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants”, dated December 19, 2019, from the Director,  Community Social Development.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

2020 Child Care Grants 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6356676 v. 4; 6353944; 6161414; 6366741)

That, as per the staff report titled “2020 Child Care Grants,” dated December 11, 2019, from the Director, Community Social Development:

(1)

The Child Care Capital Grants be awarded for the recommended amounts and cheques be disbursed for a total of $50,000; and

(2)

The Child Care Professional and Program Development Grant be awarded for the recommended amount and a cheque be disbursed for a total of $4,000.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

Amendments to the Council Procedure Bylaw In Relation to Agenda Preparation and Distribution 
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010124) (REDMS No. 6367198; 6367188)

That Council Procedure Bylaw No. 7560, Amendment Bylaw No. 10124, which introduces amendments relating to agenda preparation and distribution, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Appointment of Acting Corporate Officer 
(File Ref. No. 05-1400-01) (REDMS No. 6386303)

That Matthew O’Halloran, Manager, Legislative Services, be appointed as an Acting Corporate Officer for the purposes of carrying out statutory duties prescribed in section 148 of the Community Charter in the absence of, or as directed by, Claudia Jesson, Director, City Clerk’s Office (Corporate Officer).

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan 
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-RCSA1-01) (REDMS No. 6368161 v. 3; 6351799; 6351785; 6370329; 5276844)

That the staff report titled “Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan”, dated December 17, 2019, from the Director, Community Social Development, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Child Care Development Advisory Committee 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program 
(File Ref. No. 07-3070-01; 01-0100-30-CCDE1-01) (REDMS No. 6355766 v. 2; 6355671; 6355669)

That the Child Care Development Advisory Committee’s 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program, as outlined in the staff report titled, “Child Care Development Advisory Committee 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program,” dated January 3, 2020, from the Director, Community Social Development, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

Application by Ecowaste Industries Ltd. for an Agricultural Land Reserve Non Farm Use for the lands bounded by the Granville Avenue, No. 7 Road, Blundell Road and Savage Road allowances 
(File Ref. No. AG 19-863866; AG 14-654361) (REDMS No. 6216673; 6384921)

That the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Non-Farm Use Application (AG 19-863866) by Ecowaste Industries Ltd. to revise the previously approved ALR Non-Farm Use Application (AG 14-654361) in order to:

(a)

replace the operator of one of the previously approved materials recovery facilities and increase the size from 1.3 ha to 3.3 ha and processing capability of the facility;

(b)

add two new materials recovery facilities to the four facilities previously approved; and

(c)

add 20 years to the previously approved term to allow landfill activities to continue until 2055;

on the lots bounded by the Granville Avenue, No. 7 Road, Blundell Road and Savage Road allowances be endorsed and forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

17.

Application by DA Architects & Planners for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit at 8991 Charles Street 
(File Ref. No. TU 20-891050) (REDMS No. 6389247)

That the application by DA Architects & Planners for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit for the property at 8991 Charles Street be considered at Public Hearing to be held March 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Richmond City Hall, and that the following recommendation be forwarded to that meeting for consideration:

“That a Temporary Commercial Use Permit be issued to DA Architects & Planners for property at 8991 Charles Street to allow “Vehicle Rental, Convenience” limited to the storage of rental vehicles only with no associated buildings and no public access as a site specific additional use for a period of three years.”

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE 
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

18.

BIRTH TOURISM 
(File Ref. No. 08-4430-03-12) (REDMS No. 6386271)

Information and newspaper articles on birth tourism was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

R20/3-6

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond City Council write letters to the Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Prime Minister, Richmond Members of Parliament, the Premier, the BC Minister of Health, the BC Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Richmond Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Vancouver Coastal Health requesting immediate permanent changes to the Canadian immigration laws which would end automatic Canadian citizenship being bestowed on babies born in Canada to non-resident parents who are not citizens of Canada.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to:

§   

the negative impact of birth tourism activities on community services;

§   

policies adopted by Commonwealth countries to restrict birth tourism;

§   

potential strategies to curb birth tourism activities in Richmond without negatively affecting vulnerable individuals;

§   

enforcement of unlicensed businesses and illegal rental units; and

§   

advocating senior levels of government and regional health authorities to amend policies related to citizenship and taxes to restrict birth tourism activities.

In reply to queries to Council, staff noted that suspected unlicensed businesses can be investigated and non-compliant businesses will be ticketed. Staff added that some business licences are granted by senior levels of government and that business licenses can only be issued for legal activities.

It was noted that a memorandum titled “Regulatory Options Related to Birth Tourism”, dated February 4, 2020, from the Manager Business Licence and Bylaws, was distributed to Council (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

A motion to include citizenship policy provisions for stateless and vulnerable children was introduced, but failed to receive a seconder.

The question on the main motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Greene, Loo and Wolfe opposed.

19.

Kaiwo Maru Tall Ship Recruitment – Proposed Delegation to Japan National Institute for Sea Training 
(File Ref. No. 11-7400-20-STSH1) (REDMS No. 6392279 v. 10)

R20/3-7

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That a delegation comprising of Councillors Bill McNulty and Harold Steves be sent to Japan in April 2020 to pursue recruitment of the Kaiwo Maru as outlined in the staff report titled “Kaiwo Maru Tall Ship Recruitment – Proposed Delegation to Japan National Institute for Sea Training,” dated January 22, 2020, from the Director, Parks Services; and

(2)

That delegation travel costs of up to $40,000 be funded from the Council Contingency account.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) the importance of meeting with Japanese officials to recruit the Kaiwo Maru, (ii) revising the Richmond Maritime Festival from an annual event to an event held every few years, (iii) utilizing a translator from Japan, (iv) options to utilize electronic means of communication with Japanese officials to recruit the Kaiwo Maru, (v) the dolphin hunting practices in Japan, and (vi) seeking assistance from the Consul General of Japan to recruit the Kaiwo Maru.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Au, Greene and Wolfe opposed.

20.

2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program – caravan stage society 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6360660 v. 4; 6359038; 6359034)

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Cllr. McPhail declared to be in a conflict of interest as her husband has business interests in the Caravan Stage Society, and Cllr. McPhail left the meeting – 9:00 p.m.

R20/3-8

It was moved and seconded

That the grant to the Caravan Stage Society be awarded for the recommended amount and cheque disbursed for a total of $2,500, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program” dated December 17, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

Cllr. McPhail returned to the meeting – 9:01 p.m.

21.

2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants - kidsport 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6360043 v. 12; 6046994; 6360113; 6360122)

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Cllr. Loo declared to be in a conflict of interest as she is involved in KidSport fundraising activities, and Cllr. Loo left the meeting – 9:02 p.m.

R20/3-9

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That $19,000 of the recommended grant of $24,000 to KidSport, as referenced in the staff report titled  “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants”, dated January 2, 2020, from Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be awarded and a cheque disbursed; and

(2)

That $5,000 be held back and allocated to sports groups not recognized by KidSport and that this be administered by staff.

CARRIED

Cllr. Loo returned to the meeting – 9:03 p.m.

PLANNING COMMITTEE 
Councillor Linda McPhail, Chair

22.

Council Referral on Signage Improvements for Rezoning and Development Projects – Revised Report 
(File Ref. No. 08-4100-01; 12-8060-20-010125/010004/010005) (REDMS No. 6361217; 6118110; 6122871; 6165828; 6365497; 6366222; 6369058)

R20/3-10

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10125, introducing Official Community Plan (OCP) signs, be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Bylaw 10125, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(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 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act;

(3)

That Bylaw 10125, having been considered in accordance with OCP Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is hereby found not to require further consultation;

(4)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10004, respecting changes to rezoning signs, be introduced and given first reading; and

(5)

That Development Permit, Development Variance Permit and Temporary Commercial and Industrial Use Permit Procedure Bylaw No. 7273, Amendment Bylaw 10005, respecting changes to Development Permit and Development Variance Permit signs and to add Temporary Use Permit signs, be introduced and given first reading.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to extending requirements for renderings on signage to rezoning applications and development signage requirements implemented in other municipalities. Examples of development application signage renderings were distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3).

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

R20/3-11

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Council Referral on Signage Improvements for Rezoning and Development Projects - Revised Report”, dated January 10, 2020, from the Director, Development, be referred back to staff to make it mandatory to have renderings on all rezoning and development permit application signage.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the suitability of renderings on some rezoning application signs, and options to revise renderings on signage as development projects advance.

The question on the referral motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Greene, Loo, McNulty and McPhail opposed.

The question on the main motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Steves and Wolfe opposed.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Mayor Brodie announced the following:

§   

On January 23, 2020, the City entered into two three-year agreements with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (“KPU”) permitting KPU to occupy up to 5.78 acres of land at the South Dyke Agricultural Lands to operate an organic orchard for the purposes of research, demonstration and class work in support of the Richmond Farm School and the Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems’ degree program, and an organic incubator farm to provide opportunities to new farmers to actively farm in an applied, cooperative and supportive manner;

§   

The Interim Service Provider Agreement for Minoru Seniors Society was approved;

§   

The Interim Service Provider Agreement for Richmond Arenas Community Association was approved;

§   

Contract 6610Q – Supply and Delivery of Richmond Fire-Rescue Occupational and Uniform Clothing for an initial three year term be awarded to three vendors – Unisync Group, Derks Fine Group of Companies and Prototype Integrated Solutions, for the estimated amount of $379,959, with an option to renew for two further one year terms, for an estimated total contract value of $696,591 over the five year term; and

§   

Council will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture that comments and provides recommendations on potential legislative changes for additional residences on agricultural land.

ADJOURNMENT

R20/3-12

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:28 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, February 10, 2020.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)