Date:

Monday, February 6^th, 2006

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Cynthia Chen
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Absent:

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., and advised that the following matters would be added to the agenda as additional items:

(1)        Status of Richmond Dykes;

(2)        Appointment of GVRD Alternates; and

(3)        Funeral Services For Former Mayor Gil Blair.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, January 16^th, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

2.

(1)

Jane Bird, representing Canada Line, to make a presentation to the Committee on:

(a)

Canada Line/InTransitBC;

(b)

Guideway Alignment;

(c)

Status of Richmond Stations; and

(d)

Business and Community Relations.  (File No.:  10-6520-02-01)

Jane Bird, of Canada Line, introduced to the Committee, Jean-Marc Arbaud, President, InTransitBC, Steve Crombie, Vice President Public Affairs, InTransitBC, Raymond Louie, Canada Line, and Mike Lichtensteiger, InTransitBC. 

Ms. Bird then gave a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, which addressed the following:

a)         

The Big Picture

b)         

Who’s Who

c)         

Design and Integration

d)         

Stations & Character

e)         

Detailed Design Process

f)           

Construction and Traffic, and

g)         

Working with the Community.

During the presentation, Mr. Jean-Marc Arbaud spoke about the project and its importance to the community.  Ms. Bird also advised during her presentation, with reference to the ‘Stations & Character’ component, that a decision had been made to include retail services at the Richmond stations.  Mr. Crombie commented on the design of the Richmond stations; addressed the proposed construction schedule of the Richmond portion of the Canada Line, and reviewed the No. 3 Road Traffic Management Strategy.

Ms. Bird spoke about the need to work with the community to ensure the successful completion of the project, and she introduced the new Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Jason Chan, to the Committee.  She also provided information on the Richmond Business Liaison and Communication Committee.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and the delegation on:

§            

traffic congestion and related traffic issues along No. 3 Road which could occur when construction commences and how information would be communicated to the public, the businesses along No. 3 Road and area residents

§            

the provision of retail space in the Richmond stations

§            

whether the reports made by the independent engineer would be public documents

§            

whether the Richmond stations would be similar or unique in design

§            

the impact of construction on transit services; whether additional buses would be put into service, and whether any consideration had been given to re-introducing express buses

§            

whether the station to be located at Westminster Highway and No. 3 Road would be named “Brighouse Station”

§            

whether consideration had been given to elevated bus ramps at the Bridgeport Station to reduce the amount of time between departing a bus and boarding a Canada Line car

§            

the need for some form of turnstile or gate at the Richmond stations

§            

the revised guideway structure

§            

whether the proposed current single track component of the Richmond Canada Line could be expanded in the future to accommodate a double track

§            

the location of the guideway adjacent to the Radisson Hotel, whether there would be any mitigation to reduce the impact on the hotel

§            

the development of signage for the Richmond stations

§            

the No. 3 Road streetscape.

Mayor Brodie, during the discussion on the provision of security at the Richmond stations, spoke about a study being done on ‘smart card’ technology.

In concluding the discussion, Mayor Brodie thanked the delegation for their presentation, and they then left the meeting.

(2)

Wendy Pattenden, President and CEO, PacificSport, to speak about the Olympic Oval.  (File No.:  06-2052-50-01)

The Director, Richmond Olympic Business Office, Lani Schultz, introduced Ms. Wendy Pattenden, President and CEO of PacificSport, to the Committee.  Ms. Pattenden then gave a short PowerPoint presentation which outlined the purpose of her company, and addressed performance sport.  A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.  Also on file is material distributed by Ms. Pattenden entitled “Canadian Sport for Life”.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members, Ms. Pattenden and staff on:

§            

the possible location of PacificSport in the Richmond Olympic Oval, and whether it was critical that PacificSport be located in this facility

§            

how youth would advance to sports activities at the regional level as physical education was no longer compulsory in schools

§            

the need for ‘cross roads’ training

§            

how the needs of the recreational sports community would be addressed at the Oval facility.

Ms. Pattenden was thanked for her presentation, and she then left the meeting.

COUNCILLOR ROB HOWARD

3.

SENIORS HOUSING

(Report:  Jan. 12/06, File No.:   08-4057-04)

Councillor Howard spoke briefly about the resolution which he had proposed.  The Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, referred to his memorandum (dated February 6^th, 2006), to describe how the proposed 2006 Affordable Housing Strategy would evolve.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and staff on:

§            

whether there had been any referrals to staff in the past to report to Committee regarding an affordable housing strategy

§            

the intent of the “Abbeyfield” style of housing

§            

the status of the redevelopment of the former Minoru Boulevard apartment site, and the number of units which would be provided for seniors

§            

whether the number of units for seniors should be limited to 20

§            

the availability of funding to finance the preparation of the affordable housing strategy

§            

whether staff would consider opportunities which might arise to provide affordable housing for seniors while continuing to develop the strategy

§            

the need for an all inclusive resolution relating to the various seniors housing projects currently being considered by the City, rather than being specifically directed to one project

§            

whether there would be a policy which would incorporate the provision of affordable housing into future multi-unit residential projects

§            

the services which would be provided if a consultant was hired to develop an affordable housing strategy

§            

the need for a policy which indicated that the City was interested in looking at increased density for seniors housing in the downtown core

§            

whether any other staff (in addition to the consultant) would be required to complete the proposed strategy.

During the discussion, concern was expressed that development of a complete affordable housing strategy as opposed to a housing strategy for senior citizens would take that much longer to complete, and reference was made to the shortage of housing options available to seniors at the present time.

Reference was made to the “Abbeyfield” style of housing, and information was provided that this type of housing (similar to the Gilmore Gardens complex), was a model which would allow a small number of units to be placed into a development.  The suggestion was made that staff, when developing the affordable housing strategy, should address the different types of independent living and seniors housing which were available.

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

It was moved and seconded

WHEREAS there is a shortage of Seniors’ housing options in Richmond and the Richmond Seniors’ population is expected to double over the next fifteen years;

LET IT BE RESOLVED:

(1)

That staff develop an overall affordable housing strategy, including a strategy for seniors, and including an assessment for the demand;

(2)

That staff consult with the various stakeholders, including those listed in the memorandum from the Manager, Policy Planning (dated February 6^th, 2006), for their input on the affordable housing strategy;

(3)

That pending development of the strategy, that staff continue to work with the Provincial Government and all developers of multi-unit residential developments to secure affordable housing, including affordable housing for seniors where appropriate;

(4)

That the funding source for the preparation of the strategy be the “Affordable Housing Fund”, up to an amount of $65,000, including $10,000 received from Coast Capital Savings Credit Union; and

(5)

That staff report on additional personnel required and funding sources for same.

CARRIED

FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

4.

APPROVAL OF RIGHTS OF WAY FOR: (1) GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT; (2) BC HYDRO

(Report:  Jan. 3/06, File No.:  06-2285-30-112; 06-2285-30-113) (REDMS No. 1723782)

It was moved and seconded

That approval be given for:

(1)

a right of way in favour of Greater Vancouver Water District over portions of 8111 Nelson Road (Lot 1) and 7991 Nelson Road (Lot 25); and

(2)

an unregistered agreement with BC Hydro to reinstate rights previously registered over 12408 Vickers Way (Bridgeport Industrial Park); and

that staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to finalize the matters, including advertising.

CARRIED

5.

11000 NO. 5 ROAD – DISCHARGE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY

(Report:  Jan. 13/06, File No.:  06-2285-40-01/2006-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1737573)

It was moved and seconded

That the discharging of the right of way over 11000 No. 5 Road be approved (as set out in the report dated January 13^th, 2006, from the Manager, Lands and Property), and that staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the discharge, including advertising.

CARRIED

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

6.

2006 TORINO OLYMPIC COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
(Report:  February 3^rd, 2006, File No.:  11-7400-20-OLYM1) (REDMS No. 1756889)

It was moved and seconded

That the community celebration activities (as outlined in the report dated February 3^rd, 2006 from the Director, Richmond Olympic Business Office), be approved.

The question on the motion was not called, as comments were made about the importance of involving the community in the many facets of the Olympic movement over the next four years, and the need to increase communication with the public about upcoming events and potential sponsorship opportunities.

Information was provided in response to questions that many of the community centres would be erecting displays related to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.  Questions were raised about the provision of multicultural entertainment at the Countdown Celebration 2006 to be held February 26^th, 2006, and staff were requested to contact the Intercultural Advisory Committee on this matter.  The suggestion was made during the discussion that consideration should be given to holding a cultural festival during the holding of the 2010 Winter Games.

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

7.

STATUS OF RICHMOND DYKES

(Oral report.)

The Director of Engineering, Robert Gonzalez, reported that the City faired well during the recent storm, and that only localized problems had occurred in areas located outside the dyke.  He noted that City works crews had done an excellent job in maintaining the City’s pump stations and dyke systems.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on whether (i) there had been any communication with the Federal authorities regarding the dredging of the Steveston Channel, and (ii) there would be any additional material placed on the top of the West Dyke.  Information was provided during the discussion about the City’s partnership with the Fraser Basin Council to determine the capacity of the Fraser River to accommodate the spring freshet. 

As well, information was provided on the City’s participation in the Provincial Emergency Program with respect to dyke elevations.  Mr. Gonzalez advised that staff had made it known that any changes to dyke elevations would be a major expense to the City and that the City would be seeking provincial and federal funding to undertake any work which was deemed to be required.

Reference was made to the Fraser Basin Council partnership, and staff were asked to report to the Public Works & Transportation Committee mid-year on this matter.

Discussion continued briefly, with Mr. Gonzalez confirming that with the regular on-going maintenance and utility programs which were in place, the City’s dykes would continue to function well.

8.

APPOINTMENT OF GVRD ALTERNATES

(Oral report.)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Councillor Rob Howard be appointed as the second alternate to Mayor Malcolm Brodie (first Director position), in the absence of first alternate Councillor Linda Barnes; and

(2)

Councillor Derek Dang be appointed as the second alternate to Councillor Harold Steves (second Director position), in the absence of second alternate Councillor Bill McNulty,

on the Board of Directors of the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

CARRIED

9.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FORMER MAYOR GIL BLAIR

(Oral report.)

It was moved and seconded

That City staff contact the family of former Mayor Gil Blair regarding their wishes on whether they would like to hold a reception at City Hall following the memorial service on Saturday, February 11^th, 2006, and that an amount not to exceed $10,000 be spent from the Council Contingency Account to host this event.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:58 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, February 6^th, 2006.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office