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.

1.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8085 (RZ 06-333534)

(8671 Heather Street; Applicant: 450470 B.C. Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was not present.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-1

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8085 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

2.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8217 (RZ 05-319627)

(7080 and 7100 Bridge Street and 7111, 7131 and 7151 No. 4 Road; Applicant: Bridge CWL Investments Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

David and Jennifer Price, 7140 Bridge Street (Schedule 1)

Submissions from the floor:

Linda Hawryluk 7120 Bridge Street, expressed concern about the 10.5 meter road dedication that will encroach on her property to provide the future Sills Avenue off Bridge Street. Ms. Hawryluk concluded by stating that she is not objecting to the proposal, but is seeking reassurance that (1) her property will not suffer from devaluation as a result of the road dedication, and (2) she will be left with options other than selling her property to a developer in the future.

In answer to several queries, the Director of Development, Jean Lamontagne provided the following advice:

§

7120 Bridge Street is subject to road dedication to provide for Sills Avenue which is on the DCC program, making it eligible for credits. The current developer will pay for the full design and full width of Sills Avenue as well as 50% of the total construction costs;

§

lots being developed in the future will be subject to a similar mixture of road dedication and road right-of-ways to achieve the ultimate width of Sills Avenue, and will be treated fairly;

§

during the rezoning application process, the Planning Department works with applicants to ensure that they receive the highest value and best use of their property in keeping with the Local Area Plan designation.

PH07/5-2

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8217 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

3.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8219 (RZ 06-351471)

(2560 Shell Road/2633 Simpson Road; Applicant: Eagle Ridge Enterprises Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-3

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8219 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

4.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8221 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8222 (RZ 04-279819)

(8140 No. 5 Road; Applicant: Matthew Cheng Architect)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Erik Karlsen, Chair, Agricultural Land Commission (Schedule 2)

Cecilia Ting, 411 – 8120 Jones Road (Schedule 3)

Alex Chang, 1506 – 8171 Saba Road (Schedule 4)

Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development (Schedule 5)

Submissions from the floor:

Mr. Lamontagne referred to his memo (Schedule 5) providing clarification regarding the future height variance for the proposed project in relation to height variances granted to other similar developments along No. 5 Road.

Stephen Cheung 10060 Nishi Court, spoke on behalf of the Richmond Environmental Concerns Group, and requested that Council not approve this application until an environmental impact study has been completed. Concern was expressed that the influx of people, traffic, noise, and pollution generated by the proposed development will have a long term impact on the environmentally sensitive site. Visitors to the monastery will park along No. 5 Road, causing traffic safety concerns. Mr. Cheung also voiced his concern about the massing of the proposed structure.

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road spoke in opposition to the proposed development, stating that as an Environmentalist, he would like to adopt this site as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), and provide stewardship work on it. He referred to a map illustrating ESA’s in Richmond, and spoke about the affect on future farmers from loss of habitat and pollination, and the impact from hydrology. Mr. Wolfe concluded by stating that reducing the ESA to 40 meters will result in a monoculture overgrown with invasive species such as blackberries.

Richmond resident Kent Law, objected to the proposal, noting that parked vehicles along No. 5 Road make it difficult to see oncoming traffic when turning from the side streets onto No. 5 Road. The proposed development would add more parked vehicles to No. 5 Road and thus create greater traffic safety concerns.

Chad Law, a volunteer for the Richmond Environmental Concerns Group, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He spoke about the strong and overwhelming visual impact the structure’s height and width will create. Mr. Law stated that exceptionally large congregations are customary for this type of temple, with tourists arriving on buses. He then expressed concern that the current parking proposal will be insufficient and unable to accommodate tour buses and emergency vehicles.

In answer to several queries, staff provided the following advice:

§

as a requirement prior to development, the applicant acquired the services of Phoenix Environmental Services. As a result of the Environmental assessment, a strip of approximately 40 meters will be retained as an ESA area;

§

a traffic impact study detailing provisions for special events and off street parking was provided as part of this application. The applicant has met the current parking bylaw requirements, and demonstrated the ability to accommodate the congregation;

§

65 general public parking spots are located at the back of the property, which is actually where the front of the temple will be located, with a passage-way large enough to accommodate buses and emergency vehicles;

§

in an effort to retain farming and to provide a habitat for sparrows and other birds, the proposed development includes planting of fruit and native trees;

§

the massing of the proposed building will be similar to other buildings along No. 5 Road.

In response to comments and queries, the applicants provided the following advice:

§

the structure’s volume and massing meets the site coverage F.A.R. requirements, and a height variance has been requested. The top of the parapet is 12 meters, anything beyond that is non functional and for decorative purposes only;

§

a monastery is different from a church, as it provides a residence for monks. Tour buses with visitors are not expected, and limited number of special events will take place. The monastery’s supporting community consists of 50 – 60 members;

§

overflow traffic will not become a street hazard; public consultation has taken place with neighbouring temples and churches about sharing parking facilities during special events;

§

the monastery is very cognisant of protecting the ESA, and according to environmental consultants, the current plan to retain the 40 meters of ESA and plant an orchard will enhance wildlife;

§

a prominent decorative shrine approximately 35 feet x 35 feet in size will be featured at the front of the monastery, and a smaller feature will be located at the back.

With regard to a writer’s concern about plans to place a 140 foot statue of Buddha on the site, the applicants clarified that the writer had been misinformed, and there are no such plans.

PH07/5-4

It was moved and seconded

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8221 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8222 each be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

5.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8223 (RZ 07-359348)

(8451 No. 1 Road; Applicant: Malhi Construction Ltd)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-5

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8223 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

6.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8224 (RZ 07-361386)

(10391 Williams Road; Applicant: Parmjit S. Randhawa)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-6

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8224 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

7.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8228 (RZ 06-350825)

(11451 Williams Road; Applicant: Raman Kooner)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-7

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8228 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

8.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8230 (RZ 06-354537)

(13951 Bridgeport Road; Applicant: Loon Properties Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH07/5-8

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8230 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

9.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8233 (RZ 05-308086)

(9091 and 9071 Williams Road; Applicant: Matthew Cheng Architect)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Que, 10251 Aragon Road (Schedule 6)

Anna Pietraszek, 9111 Williams Road (Schedule 7)

Lynda Murdoch, (Schedule 8)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

In answer to queries, Mr. Lamontagne provided the following advice:

§

staff has reviewed the perimeter drainage of the property, and a requirement of the building permit is that storm water remains within the property and will not spill over to neighbouring properties;

§

there is an internal lane located in the middle of this multi-family project.

PH07/5-9

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8233 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

10.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8234 (RZ 04-287969)

(8391 and 8411 Williams Road; Applicant: Matthew Cheng Architect)

Applicant’s Comments:

In answer to a question about acquisition of the lot between Pigott Drive and the site for the proposed development, the applicant advised that his client has been unsuccessful at attaining the lot.

The applicant was then very strongly encouraged to try and acquire the lot, which would enable access within the project and not to Williams Road.

Written Submissions:

Cassy Wittermann, 8711 Pigott Road (Schedule 9)

Richard and Wendy Anderson, 8400 Pigott Road (Schedule 10)

Submissions from the floor:

Wendy Anderson, 8400 Piggot Road spoke in opposition to the proposal and voiced her concerns stating that this area is very busy and it is already difficult to cross the road. An access onto Pigott Drive will further disrupt the quiet neighbourhood.

PH07/5-10

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8234 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

11.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8212 (RZ 07-359525)

(A portion of 8840 River Road and a portion of the rail right-of way on Lot 102, Sections 21 and 22 Block 5 North Range 6 New Westminster District Plan 46989; Applicant: Great Canadian Gaming Corporation)

Applicant’s Comments:

In answer to a question about construction dust and the impact on neighbours, Terrance Doyle, Executive Director of Construction for Great Canadian Gaming advised that dust control methods such as wetting down the site during construction will be implemented.

Written Submissions:

George Woodward, 8980 River Drive (Schedule 11)

Submissions from the floor:

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Cresent spoke in general support of the proposal, stating that the Park and Ride will help the City’s rapid transit system as well as generate community policing for the area. He made reference to some trees that have died on the parkade of the existing Great Canadian Casino (GCC) building, and suggested hanging vines. Also, Mr. Mitchell believed the proposed building should be tapered and shifted as it will block surrounding views.

PH07/5-11

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8212 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

12.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8229 (RZ 06-355420)

(4000 No. 3 Road (formerly 4020, 4040 and 4060 No. 3 Road); Applicant: Fairchild Developments Ltd.)

Jean Lamontagne drew Council’s attention to a revision which has been made to the rezoning conditions for this application to ensure that construction of the Canada Line is not impeded by this development.

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Jack Bu, owner of King of Karaoke, 110 – 4160 No. 3 Road (Schedule 12)

Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 5811 Cooney Road (Schedule 13)

Mario Pavlakovic, Manager Properties, Canada Line (CLCO) (Schedule 14)

Revised Rezoning Considerations Concurrence for RZ 06-355420 (Schedule 15)

Submissions from the floor:

In answer to a query, Mr. Lamontagne advised that the developer is integrating the use of bus passes for a period of one year to promote transit use.

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent spoke in support of the plan, expressing his appreciation to the developers of Aberdeen Mall for resolving previous parking issues. This proposal will reduce parking but the developer is providing an opportunity to train the public to use the rapid transit system. The construction of the connection from the Aberdeen Mall to the rapid transit area will create a transit corridor to the new No. 3 Road station to Hazelbridge Way and adjacent properties.

In answer to a query about this development blocking the logo and business facility of King of Karaoke, Danny Leung, Vice President of Fairchild Developments advised that the building in question is set back and has never been very visible. He agreed that if an opportunity arose, assistance with this problem might be possible.

PH07/5-12

It was moved and seconded

That the Revised Rezoning Considerations Concurrence for RZ 06-355420 be substituted for the original set of rezoning conditions (Schedule 15 to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council for Public Hearings held on Monday, May 22, 2007).

CARRIED

PH07/5-13

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8229 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

13.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 7882 and Zoning Amendment Bylaws 7883, 8113 & 8117 (RZ 03-254977)

(3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way; Applicant: Andrew Cheung Architects Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant reviewed the many community amenities to be provided within this project including a gateway feature to be located at the entrance with public art and a gathering plaza, and accessible roof top green spaces.

Staff was requested to receive further information about the square footage of green roof for the project from the applicant.

Written Submissions:

Ken Morris, Secretary Treasurer, Richmond School District (Schedule 16)

Jose Gonzalez, 8935 Cook Crescent (Schedule 17)

Anne Murray, Vice President, YVR Airport Authority (Schedule 18)

Terry Crowe, Manager, Policy Planning (memorandum) (Schedule 19)

Submissions from the floor:

Anne Murray, Vice-President, Community and Environmental Affairs with the Vancouver Airport Authority indicated that the proposed development will be affected by high levels of aircraft noise which is anticipated to get worse over time. She noted that in other provinces this type of development may be prohibited. She also spoke about increased traffic congestion, indicating that every effort should be made to ensure that traffic flow on the airport roads and bridges isn’t affected.

Kushla Curtis, 9400 Pattison Road raised questions about the level of land and if it will be raised, and whether pile drivers will be used during construction.

In answer to Ms. Curtis’ questions, Mr. Lamontagne advised that the land will be raised in accordance with the flood protection policy, and the applicant will need to provide full storm water protection for area residents. Information regarding pile drivers will be available in the geo-technical report during the building permit process.

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent commented that the proposed rapid transit station in the area is very desirable, and questioned if the affordable housing for the project will be sufficient, and if the public amenity space could be configured for daycare. He felt that since the project is so large, the building site lines should be given careful consideration. Mr. Mitchell also spoke about the roof gardens, stressing the need for a greater ratio to be accessible.

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road indicated that he did not expect Council to approve this proposal. He felt the proposal provided insufficient amenities, lacked in planning affordable housing, and as a result of the proposal, many trees will be lost, and a traffic crisis will be created.

In answer to comments and several queries, staff provided the following advice:

§

the letter submitted by Mr. Jose Gonzalez was reviewed and issues relating to amenities will be addressed at a future Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting (tentative date: June 2007), prior to integration of the implementation strategy and the City Centre Area Plan;

§

the estimated number of affordable units is currently based on 500 square feet per unit, however, there may be a mix of smaller and larger units to accommodate single residents and families;

§

the Richmond School Board has indicated in previous discussions that it is prepared to address school needs arising from this project;

§

covenants conditional to rezoning ensure adequate acoustical measures are taken to address noise impacts in accordance with the OCP aircraft noise sensitive area;

§

aircraft noise warnings will be included in each disclosure statement stating that there will be aircraft noise, and all measures will be taken to make potential buyers fully aware before signing purchasing agreements;

§

signs will be placed on the site to warn of the aircraft noise;

§

as part of the development permit process, the applicant must provide a professional acoustical report;

§

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department is currently finalizing a facilities study to be brought forward in June or July 2007, addressing a variety of City Centre facilities, including provision of child care spaces,

§

access to the development for people with disabilities will be reviewed in further detail;

§

there are no Geothermal initiatives planned by the developer for this project at this point;

§

construction of the Capstan Station without the voluntary $15 million developer contribution could be delayed for years; this station will make a huge difference in the City with regards to traffic.

PH07/5-14

It was moved and seconded

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 7882 and Zoning Amendment Bylaws 7883, 8113 and 8117 all be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

14.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8238 (RZ 06-344033)

(9200, 9240, 9280, 9300 and 9320 Odlin Road; Applicant: Polygon Meridian Gate Homes Ltd.)

Councillor Dang, in accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, declared a potential conflict of interest for this item and item #15 as he owns property in the area. He left the meeting at 10:04 p.m. and did not return.

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

V.J. Sidhu, 9211 Odlin Road (Schedule 20)

Submissions from the floor:

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road spoke in opposition to the proposal and voiced his concerns regarding illegal removal of trees, pollution caused by idling trucks, speeding traffic and disturbances to the neighbourhood.

In answer to a question, Mr. Lamontagne advised that the applicant has worked with an arborist, and tree cutting permits were given for tree removal, along with timelines.

PH07/5-15

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8238 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

15.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8241 (RZ 06-354959)

(9680, 9700, 9720, 9740, 9760, 9762 and 9800 Odlin Road; Applicant: Polygon Development 172 Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Susan Thompson, 9620 Odlin Road (Schedule 21)

Submissions from the floor:

Michael Wolfe 9731 Odlin Road spoke in opposition to the proposal, feeling the area should be designated as one large park. Mr. Wolfe spoke about environmental issues including loss of habitation for hawks and eagles, and soil conservation. He referred to traffic safety letters sent out by Thompson School and voiced concerns about fast travelling large diesel trucks, effects of traffic congestion upon emergency vehicle accesses and a shortage of bike lanes.

In response to the Thompson School and traffic safety concerns, Victor Wei advised that traffic counters will be implanted in the area and if warranted, traffic measures will be taken to address these concerns in combination with RCMP enforcements. The future development of Odlin Road will provide a permanent solution regarding traffic issues, and at this time, staff is satisfied with the staging of construction in terms of safety.

PH07/5-16

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8241 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

PH07/5-17

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:36 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, May 22, 2007.

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Acting Corporate Officer, City Clerk’s Office
(Gail Johnson)