Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall
6911 No. 3 Road

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Cynthia Chen

Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Gail Johnson, Acting Corporate Officer

Absent:

Councillor Rob Howard

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie opened the proceedings at 7:00 p.m.

PH06/10-1

It was moved and seconded

That the order of the Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings agenda be varied to consider (item 4A ) Proposed Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5434, (item 4B) Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8080, and (item 4C) Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8081 prior to (item 2) Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8016.

CARRIED

Councillor Derek Dang, in accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, advised that he was in a potential conflict of interest for both  agenda items 1 and 3 because of his connection with property owners in the area. He then left the meeting at 7:03 p.m.

1.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7811 (RZ 04-273100)

(7271 Gilbert Road; Applicant:  ATI Construction Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Nikki Apostolis, 6751 Mang Road (Schedule 1)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-2

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7811 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

3.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8058 (RZ 05-321176)

(7311 Gilbert Road; Applicant:  Julian Rey)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-3

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8058 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

Councillor Dang returned to the meeting – 7:07 p.m.

4A.

Proposed Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5434

(The area bounded by Williams Road, No. 5 Road, Steveston Highway, and Shell Road; Applicant: City of Richmond)

4B.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8080 (RZ 06-331753)

(11540 Williams Road; Applicant:  Sal Bhullar)

4C.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8081 (RZ 06-334342)

(11680 Williams Road; Applicant:  Dhinjal Construction Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

Mr. Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development, advised Council that since the referrals made at the July 17, 2006 Public Hearing, staff has revised the proposed lot size policy 5434 to reflect retention of the R1/B zoning for the deepest lots along the west side of No. 5 Road, from Steveston Highway north to Seacliff Road. He also commented that the Transportation Department has investigated traffic accesses; traffic calming measures and ways to restrict access from the lanes to the neighbourhood.

Mr. Victor Wei, Director, Transportation, acknowledged that staff’s investigation did not disclose any significant traffic problems in the neighbourhood; and it is believed that the new development will generate a minimum increase in traffic. However, he noted that staff will review incoming traffic calming requests, and they are prepared to work with the residents to address these issues.

Written Submissions:

Carol Day, 11631 Seahurst Road (Schedule 2)

Daphne Keith, 10671 No. 5 Road (Schedule 3)

Brian and Mary Ho, 11651 Seahurst Road (Schedule 4)

Eric Pun (Schedule 5)

Annie Yung (Schedule 6)

Robert Cunningham, 10691 and 10711 No. 5 Road (Schedule 7)

April Parr, 10680 Seamount Road (Schedule 8)

Harry Keith, 10671 No. 5 Road (Schedule 9)

Daphne Keith, 10671 No. 5 Road (Schedule 10)

Al Akizuki, 10551 Seamount Road (Schedule 11)

A 232 signature petition in support of the lot size policy and bylaw amendments (Schedule 12)

250 form letters in support of the lot size policy (Schedule 13)

Submissions from the floor:

Paul Lermitte, 10860 Seamount Road spoke in opposition to the proposed lot size policy amendment, questioning the affordability of any new home built in this area. It was his belief that long term residents bring a sense of pride to the neighbourhood, and that allowing coach home development will result in an increase in traffic by 100 to 200 cars. Furthermore the existing lanes are too narrow causing traffic and safety problems; with new development, there will be additional stress on parking in the area.

Jack Wagner, 10491 No. 5 Road spoke regarding safety on No. 5 Road and  pointed out that pedestrian traffic is frequently obstructed due to both parked service vehicles and bicycle traffic on the sidewalk. He also commented that the lane is narrow, and vehicles must pull partway into a driveway to allow the other to pass, there is also a blind spot at the corner of Seacliffe and No. 5 Road. The lane is the only option for children to access Daniel Woodruff School.

In response to a question, Mr. Wei indicated that traffic staff would investigate the corner blind spot to see if corrective action is warranted.

Carol Day, 11631 Seahurst Road spoke in opposition to the lot size amendment believing that access to the area is very limited and if coach housing is allowed, the increase in vehicles will create traffic havoc. She stated that if the proposed development was similar in design to the townhouse development on Steveston Hwy, between No. 5 Road and Seaward Gate, she would support it. She concluded by suggesting that a five year moratorium on any change would be her preference. 

David Withers, 11600 Williams Road expressed his dissatisfaction with the number of rental homes on Williams Road that are in disrepair and contain multiple illegal suites. He believed criminal elements are moving in, and he would like to see new development and the area cleaned up. Mr. Withers also said that speeding and traffic problems are minimal; the same as you would have in any residential area.

Daphne Keith, 10671 No. 5 Road spoke in favour of the development and said that she does not wish to see a moratorium. With regard to the lane and parking issues, she stated that with care, two vehicles are able to pass each other. Mrs. Keith concluded by stating that the new homes along Williams Road are aesthetically pleasing and that she is in favour of the smaller lots.

James Day, 11631 Seahurst Road spoke in opposition to the lot size amendment, noting a blind spot in the lane along No. 5 Road on the south end. He also stated that the existing lane cannot accommodate the traffic that would be generated by new development, and he supported the idea of a moratorium. 

Timothy Lok, 11631 Seahurst Road spoke in opposition to the proposed development, stating that most families have two or more vehicles and there will be insufficient parking, and the back lane cannot accommodate the traffic that would be generated by new development.

Neena Randhawa spoke in support of the proposal, indicating she favoured small lots as they help families continue to live in Richmond by making it affordable for them to stay.

Kim Riley, 10980 Seamount Road spoke about the lanes that are on the side of his house and along the back. He stated that he has repaired his fence several times due to vehicles coming in contact with it. He also stated that the area is busy with heavy traffic.

Ravi Johal, 10371 Seaham Crescent spoke in favour of the proposed lot size policy. He believed  the area does not have traffic problems and felt that the change will be a good way to solve the issue of the  run down homes.

Susan Worfolk, 10691 Seamount Road spoke in opposition to the proposed lot size policy, stating that additional traffic should not be added to the lane at No. 5 Road and Seacliff Road which already has a bad blind spot and poor lighting. 

Pete Cutura, 11771 Seabrook Road spoke in opposition to the proposal due to his concern regarding traffic in the lane.

David Langer, 10720 Seamount Road spoke in opposition to the proposal and talked about the danger to children due to heavy traffic and drivers cutting through the area to get to Steveston Highway. He concluded by stating that he favours splitting the lots, but does not favour coach homes.

Several speakers addressed Council for the second time raising the following points:

·         traffic calming measures are not necessary if the development is rejected; focus needs to be on planning the subdivision better and not calming the traffic;

·         if the lots are split, then one lot should have access to the arterial road and the other lot should have access to the lane. Splitting the access will give the look of single family houses;

·         turning onto Williams or No. 5 Road can pose a safety issue;

·         old run down houses should be sold to first time home buyers; providing affordable alternatives;

·         residents claim that it takes up to 15 minutes to get out of the neighbourhood;

·         proposed development will create additional traffic volume in an already heavily burdened lane;

·         one way lane traffic may be an alternative;

·         these are not considered affordable homes but are executive homes;

·         this neighbourhood does not want change.

Sal Bhullar, the applicant, 11540 Williams Road spoke in support of the lot size policy and stated that increased traffic should not be an issue due to the bus line on Stevestson Highway and continuing improvements to the transit system in this area. She also advised Council that as a result of the canvassing effort made on her behalf, 250 letters and 232 signatures were received in support of this proposal; 88 of the supporters were from other areas within Richmond. She indicated that she lives in the neighbourhood and intends to work with the City to improve the liveability of the area.

In response to a query from Council, staff advised they could commit to using the existing annual capital program for neighbourhood traffic safety improvements to fund any speed bumps and signage in the lanes which would enhance traffic flow and address safety issues.

PH06/10-4

It was moved and seconded

That Single Family Lot Size Policy 5434 for the area bounded by Williams Road, No. 5 Road, Steveston Highway, and Shell Road, be amended to:

(i)

Remove all properties fronting on Steveston Highway from Seaward Gate to No. 5 Road;

(ii)

Permit propertiesfronting on Williams Road from Shell Road to No. 5 Road, properties fronting on Steveston Highway from Seaward Gate to Shell Road, and properties fronting on No. 5 Road from Williams Road to approximately 135 m south of Seacliff Road to rezone and subdivide in accordance with the provisions of Single-Family Housing District 0.6 (R1-0.6) or Coach House District (R9), provided that vehicle accesses are to the existing rear laneway only.  Multiple-family residential development shall not be permitted in these areas.

(iii)

Permit the properties fronting No. 5 Road from Steveston Highway to approximately 135 m south of Seacliff Road to rezone and subdivide in accordance with the provision of the Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area B (R1/B).

OPPOSED:

CARRIED

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

PH06/10-5

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaws 8080 and 8081 each be given second and third readings.

OPPOSED:

CARRIED

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

PH06/10-6

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate traffic flow in the area of Single Family Lot Size Policy 5434 with a view to improving parking, safety issues and accessibility in the neighbourhood and report back within 60 days on the following:

(i)

types of traffic calming measures that could be implemented in the lanes;

(ii)

signage in the lanes advising drivers of the speed limits and penalties for parking and speeding violations;

(iii)

proposed measures to generally upgrade the lanes, including the improvement of sight lines;

(iv)

restrictions and regulations related to parking in the entire area;

(v)

source of funding for improvements;

(vi)

timing of implementation prior to the completion of any new subdivision in this area.

CARRIED

2.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8016 (RZ 05-301311)

(11111 Steveston Highway; Applicant:  Rosanne Costain)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was not in attendance.

Written Submissions:

Neil and Mary Friesen, 10711 Seamount Road (Schedule 14)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-7

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8016 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

5.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8111 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8086 (RZ 06-329965)

(10171 No. 1 Road; Applicant:  S-8117 Holdings Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Denise North, 8320 Fairfax Place (Schedule 15)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-8

It was moved and seconded

That the Conditional Rezoning Requirement for Registration of a Flood Indemnity Covenant for the application by S-8117 Holdings Ltd. regarding the property at 10171 No. 1 Road be removed and become a condition of approval for the Development Permit for this property (as recommended by the Director of Development in his memo of October 2, 2006).

CARRIED

PH06/10-9

It was moved and seconded

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw  8111 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8086 each be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

6.

Text Amendment Bylaw 8106 – Secondary Suites

(Applicant:  City of Richmond)

Applicant’s Comments:

Mr. John Irving, Manager, Building Approvals advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-10

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8106 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

7.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8108 (RZ 06-329870)

(10820 Southdale Road; Applicant:  Harjinder Mangat)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

John and Pam Dale, 10800 Southdale Road (Schedule 16)

Ross Strachan, 10870 Southdale Road (Schedule 17)

Harjinder Mangat, Unit 106–7565–132 Street, Surrey (Schedule 18)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-11

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8108 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

8.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8109 (RZ 06-333643)

(11251 Williams Road; Applicant:  Ho Yeen Tsang)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Barbara and Clifford Turner, 11260 Seaton Road (Schedule 19)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-12

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8109 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

9.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8110 (RZ 06-341092)

(10551 Williams Road; Applicant:  All Line Construction Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

Laura K. Goold, 10540 Aragon  Road spoke against the proposal stating that as a result of other similar homes built around her house, her property has suffered from extensive water damage due to drainage run-off, resulting in her having to expend thousands of dollars to address problems with dry rot, mold and inadequate drains. Her house is now the lowest in the area and for seven months of the year, her yard is underwater. She concluded by pleading with Council to address these continual drainage issues.  

At Council’s request, Jean Lamontagne indicated he would meet with Ms. Goold and approach the Engineering Department the following day to explore a solution to Ms. Goold’s problem.

PH06/10-13

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8110 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

10.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8116 (RZ 06-337137)

(11471 Williams Road; Applicant:  Benn Panesar)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-14

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8116 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

11.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8118 (RZ 06-332907)

(10111 Williams Road; Applicant:  Balbir S. Biring)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-15

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8118 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

12.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8123 (RZ 06-321434)

(10300 No. 5 Road; Applicant:  Richmond Christian School Association)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicants advised they were available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

April Parr, 10680 Seamount Road (Schedule 20)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/10-16

It was moved and seconded

That a Conditional Rezoning Requirement for Registration of a Flood Indemnity Covenant be added to the application by the Richmond Christian School Association regarding the property at 10300 No. 5 Road (as recommended in the memo dated October 13, 2006 from the Planning Department).

CARRIED

PH06/10-17

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8123 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

PH06/10-18

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:31 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting for Public Hearings of the City of Richmond held on Monday, October 16, 2006.

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Acting Corporate Officer,

City Clerk’s Office (Gail Johnson)