Planning Committee Meeting Minutes - March 6, 2001

Date:

Tuesday, March 6, 2001 and Wednesday, March 7, 2001

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Malcolm Brodie, Chair
Councillor Bill McNulty, Vice-Chair
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Lyn Greenhill
Councillor Harold Steves (absent March 7th, 2001)

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. At this time it was noted that translation would be provided, on item 5, for those who required the service.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Tuesday, February 20, 2001, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

Tuesday, March 20, 2001, at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

APPLICATION FOR A MANUFACTURER'S LIQUOR (WINERY) AT 8180 LANSDOWNE ROAD, RICHMOND FOR LE SAUCIER INC.
(Report: February 16/01, File No.: 8275-05) (REDMS No. 288086)

It was moved and seconded

That the application of Le Saucier Inc. to the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch for a Manufacturer' Liquor (Winery) Licence be supported, and that the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch be advised:

of this recommendation; and

that the R.C.M.P. does not object to this application.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATED FOOD OPTIONAL (DFO) AREAS AT:
MILESTONE'S, #200 - 5951 NO 3 ROAD,
THE BOATHOUSE, 8331 RIVER ROAD, AND
THE ZONE BOWLING CENTRE, 14200 ENTERTAINMENT BOULEVARD.
(Report: February 16/01, File No.: 8275-05) (REDMS No. 288653)

It was moved and seconded

That the applications of Milestones, The Boathouse, and The Zone Bowling Centre to the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch for Designated Food Optional (DFO) areas be supported, and that the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch be advised:

of this recommendation; and

that the R.C.M.P. does not object to the applications.

CARRIED

2ND REVISED
GROUP HOME (RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME & FACILITIES) MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
(Report: February 27/01, File No.: 8060-20-7206) (REDMS No. 175365, 271822, 269153, 295996)

The Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe reviewed the staff report, with emphasis on attachments A, B and C, and the accompanying memorandums. He advised that a specific group home proposal was not being put forth. As instructed at a previous Planning Committee meeting staff had reviewed the existing zoning bylaw and Group Home Policy and prepared minor changes. Recommended are minor changes to the Zoning Bylaw, including a proposal to establish zoning standards for the 7-10 category. The existing Group Home Policy 4001 would be rescinded. In preparing the recommendations, a consultation process had been undertaken with representatives from Health Services and the RCMP. The previous concerns of the Odlinwood residents were considered.

Mr. Crowe reviewed the types of facilities excluded from the group home category. The excluded uses are not included in the proposed changes.

In response to a question from Councillor Greenhill, Mr. Crowe stated that the proposed voluntary consultation process would include:

• notification of an operator - neighbourhood meeting date;
• types of group home residents;
• size of the home;

• how the home is to be managed.

The Chair advised that speakers must limit their comments to five minutes each.

Everett MacKenzie, Chair, Richmond Community Health Committee, said that the committee was a community advisory committee appointed by the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board.

The RCHC generally supported the staff report with the exception of the proposed 7-10 group home locational criteria. Concern was expressed that some of the more vulnerable citizens could be marginalized. Mr. MacKenzie stated that there are no facts to support that residents close to group homes are at risk. Mr. MacKenzie strongly emphasized the importance of protecting the vulnerable members of society, including the provision of safe accommodation.

Ron Climenhaga, Chief Operating Officer, Richmond Health Services, also represented the Richmond/Vancouver Health Board on this matter. Mr. Climenhaga spoke against group homes being placed on arterial routes. Referring to the variety of group homes available in Richmond, and the types of clients they serve, it was noted that group homes were managed by size and not type. Eight of thirty-two homes currently existing in Richmond are of the 7-10 category. Mr. Climenhaga pointed out that the cost of housing and labour may make the 6 and under size group homes economically unviable in the future. Mr. Climenhaga opposed any locational restrictions and supported all attempts to maintain Richmond's status as an inclusive community.

Louise Hudson, Richmond Community Services Advisory Council, 11911 Seabrook Crescent, said that the RCSAC comprised a number of social service agencies in Richmond. The Advisory Councils mandate was not only to advise the City on social policies and other issues, but also other government bodies including the Federal and Provincial governments.

Ms. Hudson commended Councils initiative to review the Group Home Policy and hold discussions. Ms. Hudson stated that Richmond residents with long term needs are very much a part of our community. She also noted that group homes are beneficial for providing service for family members of Richmond residents. The policy of providing services for drug addiction, community reintegration, and the behaviourally or physically challenged may not be well understood, however, staff have done a good job and the dialogue needs to continue. As group homes are part of Richmond neighbourhoods it is in the best interest of group home operators that the feelings of the neighbourhood are taken into consideration.

Theresa Jordon, 5888 Dover Crescent, has been a Richmond resident since 1986 and has run a residential site facility under contract with the Richmond Health Services Society since April 1990. Ms. Jordan, a psychiatric nurse for 35 years, said that operators undergo a very stringent process in order to obtain a group home license; and an increasingly stringent process annually to keep the license. Many Acts govern what they do. The City has less control but must ensure that clients/residents fit well into the community. The clients that enter the facility also undergo a very stringent screening process and the homes only take those individuals who want to be there - those individuals that want to have a responsibility to the community in which they live.

The types of residents she has in her facility are persons with major medical illness. There have never been any problems or issues that have involved the RCMP.

Bonnie Rice, Executive Director, Katherine Sanford Housing Society, 2804 West 1^st Avenue, Vancouver, spoke on behalf of the Society. The Katherine Sanford Housing Society is a provider of group homes in Richmond, operating three homes since 1990. The Society also offers 40 other group homes in Vancouver. The Richmond homes have been incredibly successful in their relationships with their neighbours. Ms. Rice supported the recommendations put forth by the Planning Committee.

Ms. Rice said that in her experience it was never an easy task to introduce a new home into a neighbourhood. Difficulties are encountered by both providers and neighbours in spite of a number of different approaches, some of which included public information meetings. The process is particularly difficult for the vulnerable.

Alexander Kostjuk, Executive Chairperson, Association of Richmond Homeowners, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 1 and forms a part of these minutes.

Joe Peschisolido, 1688 Minoru Boulevard, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 2 and forms a part of these minutes.

At this point the Chair advised those in attendance of the current staff recommendation, that the recommendations of the Planning Committee would be made at the end of the meeting, and that those recommendations would be directed to the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 12, 2001.

Philip Tang, 5520 Pearl Court, was concerned about the location of the group homes and the vulnerability of children. Mr. Tang questioned the underlying motive for imposing the new group home regulations and he also questioned the comparison of the number of group homes in Vancouver and Richmond related to the population base. Mr. Tang felt that group homes should be equally distributed by proportion of population in a district, municipality or City.

In response to a question from the Chair, Mr. Crowe referred to the figures provided on page 17 of the Memorandum dated March 1, 2001.

Cllr. Barnes clarified that map, page 9 of the memorandum dated March 1, 2001, indicated existing group homes, not proposed group homes.

Joan Swan, 11640 Seahaven Place, a Shellmont resident, said that she had never heard of Mr. Kostjuks group (Association of Richmond Homeowners) and wished to disassociate herself from his comments. Noting her love of Richmond and its adaptation to change, Ms. Swan read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 3 and forms a part of these minutes.

Brian Wardley, 3091 Pleasant St., stated that although he was speaking as an individual he was also a member of the Richmond Community Health Committee and supported Ron Climenhagas comments. In addition to the RCHC Mr. Wardley is a volunteer with the Steveston Community Police Station and deals with HIV and drug addicted persons in that role. Mr.  Wardley reported that there have been negligible complaints since the inception of Odlinwood.

Mr. Wardley said he came to Canada 27 years ago from a similar culture. He said that coming from a different culture and language makes it hard to assimilate into Canada. He appealed for acceptance for individuals as they are noting that Richmond is a caring and accepting community. He stated that people with physical/mental handicaps, people with HIV, drug addictions or Aids, pose no harm or threat to the community. Mr. Wardley asked that residents come together to volunteer and to be a part of the community. He also asked that the sick residents of Richmond not be driven out of Richmond.

Tony Chan, 4548 No. 5 Road, had a number of questions and concerns relating to group homes. He said that when he moved to this community he wanted peace and security. Mr. Chan also asked that information be announced through the Chinese media.

Frances Clark, 8160 Railway Avenue, stated that she has been a Richmond resident for 46 years and during that time she had never encountered a concern or problem related to a group home. Ms. Clark expressed her concern for the proposed use of arterial roads for locating future group homes and also posed a number of questions relating to the possible broader implications of the proposed changes.

Satya Nand Lal, Secretary, Richmond Residents Homeowners Association, 10431 Odlin Road Richmond read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 4 and forms a part of these minutes.

At this point the Chair advised that the meeting would proceed until eight o'clock at which time the meeting would adjourn until 5:00 p.m on Wednesday, March 7, 2001.

Michael Fung, 6-7471 Moffatt Road, advised the Committee that he had purchased property in Richmond because the crime rate is low, its clean and close to the airport. He also operates a business in Richmond. Mr. Fung was concerned that there had not been enough time or opportunity for consultation with the citizens.

Stella Wong, 3028 Cunningham Drive, said she appreciated the efforts of the Councillors. Ms. Wong expressed concern for the safety of children, given the presence of group homes and needle/drug exchanges.

Jennifer Larsen, 8680 Foster Road, stated that she has been a Canadian citizen since 1955 and a Richmond resident since 1968. Ms. Larsen said that she has been involved with many people in an effort to open group homes in the City and that she had been privy and witness to the angst and anguish these meetings generated. Ms. Larsen did not support public hearings as a requirement for all new group homes as she felt it would be a detrimental process.

Grace Lo, representing Andy Leong, 12160 McNeely Drive, provided 10 letters of support for his position. Although agreement was stated for the policy of locating group homes within the community, concern was expressed for the safety of neighbourhood residents. It was stated that residents have not been informed of the before and after crime rates relating to group homes and that all information on group homes was negative.

The Chair asked Mr. Crowe to respond to the issue of crime rates. Mr. Crowe referred to the information contained in the memorandum dated March 1, 2001, noting that the information was up to date.

C.C. Poon, 12611 Jack Bell Drive, said he fully supported the Group Home Policy but also wanted a bylaw for group homes of 7-10 persons, so that citizens would have their say and input. Mr. Poon submitted letters from neighbouring residents with similar concerns.

Kelly Lam, 12360 Harrison Avenue, said he would like to be informed if a group home were to locate into his neighbourhood. He said he would like a public hearing process and he provided letters from neighbouring residents with similar concerns.

Mr. Benny Tsui, 4440 Cameron Court, had no objection to the Group Homes Policy, however, he felt a bylaw was strongly required. Mr. Tsui submitted 32 letters from his neighbours for consideration.

William Chan, 12200 Cameron Drive, said he was captain of his neighbourhoods Block Watch program. Mr. Chan asked for a bylaw to regulate group homes for 7-10 people noting his concern for the safety of children and the neighbourhood.

Paul Lau, 4486 Wyne Crescent, said he strongly supported the Group Home Policy for Richmond but asked for a bylaw to govern group homes for 7-10 persons.

Angela Fong, 12371 Harrison Avenue, said she did not oppose group homes. Ms. Fong expressed concern about the impact group homes might have on the value of residential property and the crime rate.

The Chair again advised that any recommendation would go forward to the next City Council meeting, March 12, 2001.

John Wong, 3858 McKay Drive, President of the Oaks Residents Association, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 5 and forms a part of these minutes. Mr. Wong also submitted signatures and letters of support for a bylaw for rezoning 7 - 10 group homes to be enacted.

Florence Chiu, 4120 Blundell, said that without the Planning Committee meeting citizens had no chance to speak out. She said she hoped for better preparedness next time.

Bob Ransford, 5071 Steveston Highway, questioned how many in attendance would support a group home in their neighbourhood. He stated that this community is compassionate and has a caring attitude toward the disadvantaged, and that this is an accepted part of the culture in this country. Mr. Ransford expressed concern about public hearings being a part of the 7 - 10 size group home process.

Bosco Choi, 12631 Carncross Avenue, said he had attended the previous meetings and that he was in favour of an alternative option, as outlined in Section C, Item 2 page 7 of the staff report. After referring to the public hearing component of rezoning, Mr. Choi said he would like residents to have a voice, and a choice, in the matter.

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting be adjourned and reconvened at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2001 in the Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

The Chair reconvened the meeting at 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2001 with all members of the Committee present with the exception of Councillor Harold Steves.

The Chair advised those in attendance that the translation would be primarily into Mandarin followed by a summary in Cantonese.

Rosa Stuiver, 8911 Fairdell Place, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 6 and forms a part of these minutes.

Olive Bassett, 14-8311 Saunders Road, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 7 and forms a part of these minutes.

Frank Chang, 4235 Lancelot Drive, said he has been a Richmond resident for 26 years. Mr. Chang was not aware of the group home issue until he read it in that mornings Chinese newspaper. The impact of alcohol and drug recovery group homes and the safety of children were of concern to him. He said he hoped discussions could take place that would alleviate fears.

Allie Chen, 6380 Gibbons Drive, said she has been a Richmond resident for 10 years. Ms. Chen was also not aware of the issue until today. Parking, noise and a potential increase in crime were of concern to her. Ms. Chen also felt that group homes of 7-10 persons should be treated in the same manner as group homes with 11 or more people. Ms. Chen did not want to discriminate, but wanted to make neighbourhoods safe and the community a better place to live in. She supported a public hearing process.

Susanna Choi, 12631 Carncross Avenue, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 8 and forms a part of these minutes.

Mandia Lo, 4831 Wyne Crescent, accompanied by her mother, expressed concerns about safety.

Gilbert Lei, 8600 Jones Road, spoke of the rights of the disadvantaged and the rights of Richmond residents. Mr. Lei recognized the need for group homes but considered public hearings to be a necessary part of the process. Mr. Lei made reference to the bylaws in place in other communities.

Jessica Chen, 5711 Williams, stated that Richmond is a beautiful city. She said she feels safe in Richmond but that she would be afraid of drug addict/alcohol group homes.

Rainbow, 8771 Whelan Road, voiced her concern about the number of group homes. She thought group homes should be concentrated in specific areas and not scattered throughout the city. Rainbow was also concerned about the effect the homes would have on children.

Clara Tam, 8211 Sunnycroft, stated she has been a Richmond resident for 6 years. Ms. Tam said she was not in favour of group homes and that she was concerned about the lack of publicity surrounding this issue as she was not aware of it until this morning. Ms. Tam said she would like public hearings to be a part of the process.

The Chair advised that there were no plans to add specific numbers of group homes in Richmond.

Noel Fung, 12491 Jensen Drive, expressed his concerns on group homes.

Anthony Tam, 36-12891 Jack Bell Drive, said that he wanted input into the process. He referred to the number of people that were unaware of the issue.

Wendy Lee, 12320 Harrison Avenue, said that she was concerned about safety for all. Ms. Lee felt a consultation process would be in order and that she would like a bylaw to regulate group homes.

Julie Lin, 4151 Bonavista Drive, spoke on behalf of her fellow students. She said that there was a lack of awareness of this issue and that she didn't know what a group home was. Ms. Lin had safety concerns and she referred to the staff report, notably the RCMP comment.

Kim Wai Fung, 6071 Madrona Crescent, strongly requested a bylaw, for group homes of 7-10 people, similar to those in neighbouring communities. She said she thought it would be unfair if Richmond did not follow suit.

Spencer Yeung, 7331 Lindsay Road, a new immigrant, said he was not familiar with the mentality of mainstream society. He said he could not find any information through the website and that it would have been beneficial to have more information. He stated that he would like advance notice of who would reside in the group homes and indicated that population should determine the number of group homes. Mr. Yeung supported a bylaw to govern group homes.

John Yeung said he has been a Richmond resident for over 20 years. Mr. Yeung would like group homes for 7-10 people to have the same bylaw as group homes of over 11 people. Mr. Yeung recommended that the public hearing notice be placed in Chinese newspapers.

E. Huang, a Jack Bell Drive resident, requested bylaws to regulate group homes for 7-10 persons.

Rosa _, said she had looked on the City website for information regarding the meeting of March 6th. She was concerned about the number of group homes existing in Richmond. She said that there are four group homes situated in her area and that she was afraid for the safety of her children. She asked to be informed as to who might be in a home in her area.

Mr. Henry Peters made comments regarding group homes.

Another gentleman, a Richmond resident for four years, questioned the ratio of population to group homes in Richmond and in neighbouring communities. He said that he thought Richmond had more than its share of group homes. Expressing his concern about the devaluation of property, the gentleman said that he would like group homes of 7 - 10 people to be governed the same as group homes of 11 or more people.

Stella Wong, 12551 Harrison Avenue, stated that she picked Richmond for its fairness and justice and because it was a safe and good environment. Ms. Wong said she was not here to oppose the policy but that she wanted a voice and a choice in the process.

Hanson Lau stated that he thought that the audiences message and request for a bylaw regulating group homes of 7-10 people was clear. Mr. Lau asked that the speakers list be finished, noting that people could speak at the next council meeting. The Chair advised Mr. Lau of the procedures of the meeting.

Margaret Chen said she was totally against the group home policy as she is concerned about her safety. Ms. Chen also stated that group homes would increase crime in the community.

Peter Woo said he has been a Richmond resident for fifteen years and said that he was here to unite and not divide and he praised the Committee for their patience, time and understanding. Mr. Woo stated that he had resided next to three group homes with mentally challenged individuals and had never had a problem, however, if drug addicts and needles had been involved, that might have been different. Mr. Woo asked for the implementation of a policy that would make group homes work better and that would allow for public comment. He also asked for the implementation of bylaws.

The Chair asked for second-time speakers and noted that the speaking time allowed was one minute.

Tony Chan, had community safety concerns.

Michael Fung referred to the Chinese community as being a caring community. He said there are five group homes in his area and that he was concerned about the safety of children.

The Chair called the end to public comment.

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw 7206, to amend the existing Zoning Bylaw and Development Bylaw 5300 by deleting existing group home references and requirements, and substituting requirements to manage "residential care homes and facilities", and "health care facilities", be introduced and given first reading

That the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board be:

- advised of these changes once approved, and

- requested, along with operators and funders, to communicate regularly with neighbours when locating and managing residential care homes and facilities.

That the City appoint a Task Force to formulate a recommended Group Homes Policy (7-10).

The mandate of the Task Force will be to:

inquire into the negative and/or positive impact on the community of existing group homes;

educate and inform the community about the role and operation of the various types of group homes;

recommend a model for citizen/community input into the location and operation of group homes; and

recommend a City process for the consideration of new group homes in Richmond.

The Task Force will have the power to:

retain consultants;

hold public information meetings/public hearings;

advertise/communicate; and

request staff resources/support (including RCMP and media).

The Composition of the Task Force will be as follows:

Two nominated by the Association of Richmond Homeowners;

One selected at random from those who spoke at the Planning Committee in favour of a rezoning requirement for group homes;

Three nominated by the Richmond Community Services Advisory Council;

Four chosen at random from the civic voters list and who are willing to serve.

Quorum will be five.

Voting will be majority of those in attendance at a meeting.

Must report to Council by October 31, 2001.

$50,000 to be allocated from the Casino Fund to establish the Task Force.

That the existing Group Homes Policy 4001 be rescinded.

Prior to the question being called a discussion ensued on the benefits the proposed Task Force could provide. The Task Force would allow for meaningful input from the public while working toward resolution of the difficult issues and clarification of information.

The Chair clarified that the motion included the mandate and composition of the Task Force.

Councillor Greenhill questioned the locational factors of the proposed bylaw and asked that the Task Force carefully consider the issue of a bylaw regulating group home of 7 - 10 people. Councillor Greenhill requested that the resolution be split so that Committee could vote on Part 3 separately.

The Chair noted that he was impressed with the compassion and thoughtfulness of those who spoke.

The question on Parts 1,2 and 4 of the resolution was then called and it was CARRIED with Councillor Greenhill opposed.

The question on Part 3 of the resolution was then called and it was CARRIED.

The Chair advised those present that the matter would go to Council on Monday, March 12, 2001.

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:07 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7, 2001.

_________________________________

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Councillor Malcolm Brodie
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant