MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

The Chair advised that the order of the agenda would be varied to deal with Item 4 following Item 2.

The Chair further advised that before hearing oral reports under Item 10, the Committee would hear a referral from Councillor Barnes with regard to the dialogue on “Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government” co-sponsored by the City of Vancouver and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) on Friday, March 16, 2007.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

4.

PROVINCIAL CHILD CARE FUNDING CUTS

(Report:  February 28, 2007, File No.: 07-3070-03-01, xr: 01-0150-01) (REDMS No. 2083269, 1724307)

Terry Crowe, Manager, Policy Planning proposed to the Committee that the recommendations outlined in the report be referred to the March 20, 2007 Planning Committee meeting. He stated that a two week period would enable staff to:

·            

seek clarification from the Provincial government regarding the recently announced 75% funding reduction to the Child Care Resource and Referral program (CCRR) as well as clarity regarding the subsequent announcement from the Provincial government of its intention to maintain a $9 million annual provincial contribution to the CCRR program;

·            

consult with community partners in order to understand the impact and what the City can do to mitigate that;

·            

to more accurately provide information and advice to Committee on how to proceed; and

·            

if necessary, modify the report’s recommendations based on further information from the Province.

Discussion ensued, and Councillor Linda Barnes referred to a memorandum (on file, City Clerk’s Office.) from the Vancouver Coastal Health, dated March 1, 2007, outlining the background of the issue

Committee took no action on the staff recommendations, but generally supported the suggestion to bring the report forward at the March 20, 2007 Planning Committee meeting. 

After further discussion regarding the February 12, 2007 Council Resolution to write letters to the Provincial and Federal Governments protesting the cuts to child care funding and advocating the restoration of the funds cuts from the CCRR, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That a strong letter be written to the Provincial and Federal Governments stating that the City advocates long term sustainable funding to child care programs and advocates that the Provincial and Federal Governments restore full funding to the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Program.

The question on the motion was not called as Committee heard from the Delegation comprising Elizabeth Specht, Executive Director of Volunteer Richmond (VR) and from Belinda Boyd, Vice-Chair of the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC).

Ms. Boyd thanked the Planning Committee and Council for their demonstrated support for the restoration of funding for the CCRR. She noted that Richmond’s only CCRR program, operated by VR, was an integral service for Richmond, and that when it ceased service provision on February 15, 2007, as a direct result of the Provincial cuts, there had been negative impactions to the community.

Ms. Boyd stated that the recent situation was not unique, and that service providers in the community have to jump through hoops to maintain programs and funding for those programs, and still experience instability in their funding.

Ms. Boyd clarified for Committee that the recent cuts to the CCRR had a negative impact on the 26 organizations that provide 46 child care spaces. She encouraged the Committee to advocate for long term and sustained funding.

In response to a query, Ms. Specht advised that the recently suspended resource and referral program had 320 registered care givers, reflecting the full spectrum of child care, and that the program made 6,000 referrals per year. It was noted that besides referrals, the program had also provided resource material to caregivers as well as networking opportunities for child caregivers.

In response to a query regarding the availability of a childcare referral program at the college level, Ms. Specht responded that colleges can offer resource centre services to caregivers, but that community-based referral programs can service caregivers and families.

Ms. Specht responded to a query regarding web-based referral systems and noted that websites can act as referral services, but that they cannot replace the personal service provided by a program such as the one formerly operated by VR.

Ms. Specht thanked the Committee, the Mayor and Council for their support for the former referral program. She remarked that VR did not have the option to continue a program for which the funding was severely cut. The Province initially announced that as of July 1, 2007 the funding would be reduced to 2005 levels (i.e. cut to $14 million), and that by October 1, 2007 funding to Child Care Resource and Referral Centres would be reduced by 77% (i.e. $3 million).

As of February 27, 2007, the Province then announced that the status of the Child Care Resource Referral Program funding would be maintained at $9 million, on an ongoing basis. The Province has not yet made further announcements regarding service delivery details. 

Cathy Volkering Carlile, General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, suggested that Committee could direct staff to develop a recommendation to support ongoing child care programs and funding as a UBCM  resolution.

As a result of the discussion, it was agreed that the following main motion should be strengthened and the following should be added as Part 2:

“That staff draft a recommendation with regard to the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Program for submission as a UBCM resolution.”

The question on the motion, as amended, was then called:

(1)

That a strong letter be written to the Provincial and Federal Governments stating the City’s belief that long term sustainable funding for social service programs has long term benefits, and that the City advocates that the Provincial Government fully restore funding for the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Program, and requesting that the Federal Government fully restore funding for the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

(2)

That staff draft a recommendation  with regard to the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Program for submission as a  UBCM resolution.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

3.

Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) representatives to address the Provincial Child Care Funding Cuts.

Please see Page 3. of these minutes for the presentation made by the delegation.

5.

APPLICATION BY WESTMARK DEVELOPMENTS LTD. FOR REZONING AT 7300 AND 7340 BLUNDELL ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT (R2-0.6)

(RZ 05-320327 - Report:  February 12, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8149) (REDMS No. 2028655, 2074599)

Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development advised that this and the application listed as Item 6 of the agenda are a combined project.

In response to a query regarding whether the driveway shared by the two projects could come off Moffatt Road and not Blundell Road, staff advised that the applicant had proposed this idea to the strata council in the adjacent condo building, but that the strata council had denied the applicant’s request.

Mr. Lamontagne further advised that the Planning and Development Department is working with the Law Department in order to ensure that future cross access easement is secured through developments.

In response to a query regarding the type of amenity provided, staff advised that play equipment is planned and specifics will be finalized at Development Permit.

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8149, for the rezoning of 7300 and 7340 Blundell Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Townhouse District (R2-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

6.

APPLICATION BY DAKOTA HOLDINGS INC. FOR REZONING AT 7360, 7380, AND 7420 BLUNDELL ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT (R2-0.6)

(RZ 05-320332 - Report:  February 12, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8150) (REDMS No. 2077157, 2077231)

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8150, for the rezoning of 7360, 7380, and 7420 Blundell Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Townhouse District (R2-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

7.

APPLICATION BY 450470 BC LTD FOR REZONING AT 3500 LOCKHART ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA B (R1/B)

(RZ 06-345319 - Report:  February 13, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8160) (REDMS No. 2037102, 1081048, 2037224)

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8160, for the rezoning of 3500 Lockhart Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area B (R1/B)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

8.

APPLICATION BY BALBIR BIRING FOR REZONING AT 10640 WILLIAMS ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT (R1-0.6)

(RZ 06-354159 - Report:  February 13, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8201) (REDMS No. 2076866, 1791415, 2077254)

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8201, for the rezoning of 10640 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

9.

APPLICATION BY BENJAMIN MCCONNELL FOR REZONING AT 7860/7880 EPERSON ROAD FROM TWO-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT (R5) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA B (R1/B)

(RZ 06-355328 – Report:  February 15, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8202) (REDMS No. 2078271, 280118, 2079753)

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8202, for the rezoning of 7860/7880 Eperson Road from “Two-Family Housing District (R5)” to “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area B (R1/B)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

9a.

INCREASING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

Councillor Barnes circulated material published by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) regarding the need for more women to serve in government positions. FCM has developed a set of strategies that municipal councils could use to further the involvement of women in municipal government.

Discussion ensued regarding a dialogue on the subject of increasing women’s participation in municipal government, to take place on Friday, March 16, 2007 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Vancouver and the FCM.

Cllr. Barnes stated that it was incumbent upon the City of Richmond to financially support the event with a sponsorship of $2,000.

It was moved and seconded

That the City sponsor the March 16, 2007 event, “Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government”, with the amount of $2,000 to be taken from the Council Contingency account.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place. Cllr. Barnes advised that FCM wants the number of women in municipal government increased from its present level of 21.4 per cent to 30 per cent by the year 2026. She noted that the City of Richmond had already surpassed the 30% mark, and that participation as a sponsor of the March 16, 2007 event would demonstrate that Richmond is leading the way in increasing women’s participation in municipal government.

In response to a query, Cllr. Barnes reported that the City of Vancouver’s investment in the March 16, 2007 event totalled $5,000, and that other municipalities, such as Richmond, were being encouraged to invest $2,000.

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

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(1)

Affordable Housing – No report was given.

(2)

City Centre Area Plan (CCAP) – Mr. Crowe reported that between March 1 and March 16, 2007 City staff would be hosting open houses to elicit comments from the general public, and would be making presentations to organizations regarding the CCAP Concept.

(3)

Steveston Study – No report was given.

(4)

Official Community Plan/Liveable Region Strategic Plan Review – No report was given.

11.

RENEWED FISHERIES ACT

Councillor Linda Barnes referred to a memorandum from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), dated February 23, 2007, (on file, City Clerk’s office) regarding a renewed Fisheries Act tabled in the House of Commons on December 13, 2006. The Federal Government is proposing an overhaul to the act to modernize the way fisheries are managed.

Councillor Barnes recommended that staff review the act to learn how it would impact Richmond. Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development advised that David Brownlee, Planner  along with environmental staff review the Act.

It was moved and seconded

That staff review the Federal Government’s renewed Fisheries Act, as referred to in the memorandum from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities dated February 23, 2007, with a view to providing comment and advice to the Planning Committee at a future meeting.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:43 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, 2007.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sheila Johnston
Committee Clerk