MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

The Chair advised that there would be two additions to the Agenda to be discussed after Item 8:

8a.

Illegal dumping at 8731 No. 5 Road

8b.

Significance of a circa 1890 building at 4091 Chatham Street

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

3.

APPLICATION BY GREAT CANADIAN GAMING CORPORATION FOR REZONING A PORTION OF 8840 RIVER ROAD AND A PORTION OF THE RAIL RIGHT-OF-WAY ON LOT 102, SECTION 21 AND 22 BLOCK 5 NORTH RANGE 6 NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT PLAN 46989 FROM “AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6)” TO “COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/87)”

(RZ 07-359525 - Report:  April 18, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8212) (REDMS No. 2087692, 2196955)

Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development stated that the application is to permit a seven storey parkade to provide approximately 1200 park-and-ride spaces to support public transit, plus an additional 324 parking spaces to serve the five storey hotel expansion to the River Rock Casino Resort.

The applicant, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, is in partnership with the Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. (CLCO) and TransLink.

He drew the Committee’s attention to: (i) commercial units on River Road and Great Canadian Way, (ii) a street-level community policing office facing the bus loop, and (iii) one pedestrian bridge connecting the Canada Line Bridgeport Station to the proposed parking structure and another pedestrian bridge connecting the parkade to the River Rock Casino.

In response to queries, Mr. Lamontagne advised that:

·            

the police station’s location at the juncture of two major streets guarantees the maximum exposure of the station as possible and promotes the visibility of the police presence;

·            

the parkade staircases protrude outside the building, they are transparent and as much light as possible enters the parkade; all elements of the parking structure were designed with the safety and security of visitors in mind;

·            

the amount of parking proposed in the application meets the requirements of the parking bylaw

·            

access around the station is a key component of the design, and is in line with the Canada Line Bridgeport Station design, the bus loop project and the City’s vision to encourage the development of an entertainment district in this part of the City Centre;

·            

landscaping elements such as vines and trellises enhance the exterior of the proposed parking structure and are placed to conceal much of the  mass of grey concrete;

Jane Bird, President and CEO of CLCO addressed the Committee and stated that this application is a good example of transit oriented development (TOD). She praised City staff for their work in bringing forward concurrent Canada Line projects, and she remarked that this application demonstrated how a partnership could work well.

In response to queries, Ms. Bird advised that:

·            

wrapping the development around the Bridgeport Station could not be accommodated, although the proposed development could be described as a nesting environment

·            

the activity level at this site, at street level and above, will be high and will enhance the safety and security of all those people taking advantage of the hotel, the casino, the transit station and the other commercial outlets at the site;

·            

the Bridgeport Station is a “sister station” to the Marine Drive station located across the river and the two stations were designed as bookends; each of Richmond’s other Canada Line stations will have a different design, complementary to the neighbourhoods in which they will be constructed, and have been designed to be transparent, well lit, welcoming spaces;

·            

the retail outlets at this station are integrated into the proposed buildings, while CLCO’s plans for retail at other outlets, including the Lansdowne Station, include kiosks;

The Chair invited Randy Knill and James Kao, architects with Downs/Archambault & Partners Architects/Planners to address the Committee.

Mr. Knill spoke briefly and stated that: (i) the street level police station is centrally located and is highly visible; (ii) the parking structure featuring green screens, art panels and other elements will make it an attractive structure; and (iii) he does not refer to the proposed structure’s “back” due to the fact that the south-west facing side will have occupied offices that will overlook the bus loop.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Bylaw No. 8212, for the rezoning of a portion of 8840 River Road and a portion of the rail right-of way (ROW) located on Lot 102, Section 21 and 22 Block 5 North Range 6 New Westminster District Plan 46989 from “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/87)”, be introduced and given first reading.

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8212 be referred to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

4.

APPLICATION BY FAIRCHILD DEVELOPMENTS LTD. FOR REZONING AT 4000 NO. 3 ROAD (FORMERLY 4020, 4040 AND 4060 NO. 3 ROAD) FROM "AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6)" TO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/183)"
(RZ 06-355420 - Report:  April 19, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8229) (REDMS No. 2119938, 2133572)

Mr. Lamontagne, stated that this commercial project includes retail and a hotel component. The applicant is proposing to build the transit plaza around the Aberdeen Canada Line Atation in a seamless manner. The applicant and CLCO have been cooperating on the design to ensure there are similar elements within the station and within the hotel/retail structure.

In response to queries, Mr. Lamontagne advised that:

·            

accessibility to the development would incorporate wheelchair and other mobility accessible measures;

·            

a portion of the hotel building would protrude slightly over the transit  guide rail thereby utilizing some of the airspace above the transit line;

·            

the developer has volunteered to provide up to $100,000 worth of 2-zone fare saver tickets for use by employees and customers to encourage the use of transit among regular users of the site; the goal of this program is to raise transit use and decrease shoppers’ reliance on family vehicles;

·            

the vision of the applicant includes amenity space on the roof and details of this idea would be forthcoming at the Development Permit stage;

·            

noise mitigation would result from having parapets on both sides of the transit line which provide sound shutters; window treatments would also dampen the sound from the Canada Line;

·            

due to Richmond’s unique geotechnical situation, it is costly to extend a structure completely over the guideway, but the proposed design extends the structure partly over the Canada Line station;

The Chair invited the applicant Danny Leung, as well as Robert Sandilands, an architect with, Bing Thom Architects, to address the Committee. In response to queries, the delegates responded that:

·            

plans for the rooftop amenity space include a pond that will be lit at night;

·            

public art is to be incorporated to extend the “art wall” expression from the original Aberdeen Mall to the proposed addition;

·            

the architect has worked closely with the IBI Group in the design of the transit plaza, and they foresee using quality paving materials, as well as a family of high quality street furnishings to stay true to the principles of No. 3 Road;

·            

the project will be environmentally sensitive, using low energy lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and high efficiency heating and cooling treatments.

In response to a query, staff advised that if the deadline to open the Aberdeen Station was not November, 2009 other construction and design elements could have been considered.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Bylaw No. 8229 for the rezoning of 4000 No. 3 Road (formerly 4020, 4040 and 4060 No. 3 Road) from “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/183)”, be introduced and given first reading.

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8229 be referred to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

5.

APPLICATION BY ANDREW CHEUNG ARCHITECTS INC. FOR REZONING AT 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 SEXSMITH ROAD AND 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300 & 3320 NO. 3 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/F), 3360 NO. 3 ROAD FROM ROADSIDE STAND (CLASS C) DISTRICT (RSC), AND 8511 CAPSTAN WAY FROM AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6) AND GAS STATION DISTRICT (G1) TO SCHOOL AND PUBLIC USE (SPU), COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/181), AND COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/182)
(RZ 03-254977 - Report:  April 19, 1007, File No.: 12-8060-20-7882/7883/8113/8117 ) (REDMS No. 2155044, 1382224, 2090175, 2090172, 2013029, 2142616, 1362722)

Dan Daszkowski of CIVITAS Urban Design and Planning Inc. introduced the project by stating that this is a master plan for a community that will take ten years to build. He remarked that his company and senior City staff had met to discuss the set of development principles they wanted to see implemented in the design. These include:

·            

to design vibrant, activated streets with activities including retail, residential and work spaces;

·            

to ensure, through the use of colours and materials, that the area is a distinctive neighbourhood;

·            

to provide a diversity of housing types, utilizing different shapes, podium heights, and so on;

·            

to create block sizes that are small so that there will be easy movement throughout the neighbourhood, especially on foot, and a variety of many ways to gain entry into the neighbourhood;

·            

to design a transit oriented development where nothing is more than a 5 minute walk away;

·            

to create an integrated area, with a landscaped plaza, a commercial centre, public art, and pathways.

Mr. Lamontagne stated that the City sees this project as an opportunity to raise the grade of the area to meet the flood policy requirements. An advantage of this is to allow the developer to have parking structures hidden in the middle of the site so that it is the residential structures that will be visible and foremost at street level.

Discussion ensued on the affordable housing contribution the developer is making. Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development, advised that if this master plan is approved, the developer will apply for a series of development permits and it is at that stage that the Committee can get a close look at the number and size of units, and generally monitor the affordable housing units initiatives. 

In response to queries, staff advised that:

·            

this project includes many opportunities for green initiatives, including the buildings’ podiums, as well as other outdoor features including the designated park of 1.5 acres, pathways, community gardens and other green and open spaces;

·            

this plan fits well into the arts district component of the City Centre Area Plan Concept, with the live/work units located at ground level appealing to artisans who would enliven the area;

·            

City staff will promote the idea of a vehicle share program in this development;

·            

upon completion, the project could be home to up to 4,500 residents;

·            

the City is speaking with CLCO and with the developer in terms of a future Canada Line station;

·            

the change in grade idea includes a gentle rise from approximately 1 metre on the outer rim of the project, rising to 4.5 metres at the centre;

·            

the buildings nearest the proposed future transit station would have the most retail units.

(Councillor Dang left the meeting at 6:05 p.m. and did not return to the meeting.)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Bylaw No. 7109 to redesignate 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320, and 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, and 3291 Sexsmith Road, and 8511 Capstan Way from “Detailed Land Use Study Required” to “Urban Entertainment District” in the Official Community Plan Land Use Map in Schedule 2.10 (City Centre Area Plan) of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100; and to add the definition of Urban Entertainment District under Section 1.2.2 (Land Use Map Definitions) of that same schedule as “a medium- to high-density pedestrian-oriented district supporting a dynamic mix of entertainment and related uses”, be abandoned.

(2)

That Bylaw No. 7110, for the rezoning of 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, and 3320 No. 3 Road and 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, and 3291 Sexsmith Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, 3360 No. 3 Road from “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, and 8511 Capstan Way from “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)” and “Gas Station District (G1)”, to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/97)”, be abandoned.

(3)

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7882, to:

(a)

redesignate 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 from “Mixed Use” to “High Density Mixed Use” in Attachment 1 (Generalized Land Use Map) to Schedule 1 of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100, and to revise the map in section 3.1, Neighbourhoods & Sense of Community, Neighbourhoods in Richmond, City Centre, accordingly; and

(b)

redesignate 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 from “Detailed Land Use Study Required” to “Mixed Use – High Density” and “Park – Configuration and location to be determined” in the “Land Use Map” in Schedule 2.10 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100 (City Centre Area Plan), together with associated amendments to the accompanying “Development Permit Guidelines”,

be introduced and given first reading.

(4)

That Bylaw No. 7882, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(b)

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

is hereby deemed to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 882(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.

(5)

That Bylaw No. 7882, in accordance with the City Policy on Consultation during OCP Amendment, be referred to the following agencies for comment by May 22, 2007:

(a)

Vancouver International Airport Authority (VIAA); and

(b)

School District No. 38 (Richmond).

(6)

That Bylaw No. 8117, for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “School and Public Use District (SPU)”, be introduced and given first reading.

(7)

That Bylaw No. 7883, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)”, be introduced and given first reading.

(8)

That Bylaw No. 8113, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)”, be introduced and given first reading.

(9)

That Bylaw No. 7882, Bylaw No. 8117, Bylaw No. 7883 and Bylaw No. 8113 be referred to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

6.

It was moved and seconded

That the following recommendations be considered in conjunction with general rezoning application RZ 03-254977:

(1)

That Highway Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw 8220 be introduced and given 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd readings;

(2)

That the required notice of road closure and disposition of the road closure be advertised prior to final adoption; and

(3)

That staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to raise title to the three road closure areas and transfer the road closures, totalling 581 square metres (6,254 square feet), to Pinnacle International or its designate as detailed in this report dated April 26, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services.

CARRIED

7.

Mr. Lamontagne described the project as a three, 4-storey buildings consisting of approximately 259 units over a parking structure and an amenity building.

In response to an inquiry regarding the potential use of geothermal heating and power for the project, Steve Jedreicich, Development Manager of Polygon Meridian Gate Homes Ltd., advised that his firm has had meetings with Terasen, a leading vendor, and that his firm is continuing is research and investigation into the use of Terasen’s products.

In response to queries, staff advised that:

·            

the City’s Planning and Law Departments have finalized a new aircraft noise covenant and each development project the City considers will receive a copy of the covenant; in addition staff is: (i) working with sales offices, (ii) working with the Urban Development Institute, (iii) posting signage at development sites, and (iv) working in collaboration with YVR;

·            

the City has collected an affordable housing contribution in lieu from this developer, and there are at least two opportunities staff foresees for building affordable housing units in the West Cambie neighbourhood in the future

·            

staff has reviewed correspondence from a resident expressing concern for safety of school children in the area during the construction period, and will ensure necessary safety measures are in place during construction of the project.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Bylaw No. 8238 to introduce “Comprehensive Development District (CD/186)”, and to rezone 9200, 9240, 9280, 9300 and 9320 Odlin Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)” to “Comprehensive Development (CD/186)”, be introduced and given first reading; and

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8238 be referred to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

8.

Mr. Lamontagne confirmed that the potential use of geothermal heating and power for the project is being investigated by Polygon Development 172 Ltd.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Bylaw No. 8241, to create a new multi-family residential zone, “Comprehensive Development District (CD/185)” and for the rezoning of  9680, 9700, 9720, 9740, 9760, 9762, and 9800 Odlin Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)” and "Two-Family Housing District (R5)"  to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/185)” and “School & Public Use District (SPU)”, be introduced and given first reading; and

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8241 be referred to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

8a.

Councillor McNulty stated that he had been made aware that some illegal dumping had taken place along No. 5 Road, and at 8731 No. 5 Road specifically. As a result of his comments the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate alleged illegal dumping at 8731 No. 5 Road and if action is taken by City staff, to provide advice on action taken to the Planning Committee at a future meeting.

CARRIED

8b.

The Chair mentioned that the building at 4091 Chatham Street has some historical significance and that it has recently undergone a change in ownership. As a result of his comments the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate (i) the recent purchase by the Army, Navy and Air Force Branch of the Legion (Steveston) of a heritage building at 4091 Chatham Street, and (ii) the new owner's intention to move the building to another location, and (iii) provide comment and advice to the Planning Committee at a future meeting.

CARRIED

Mayor Brodie inquired whether the City has received correspondence from the Province with regard to the City’s soil. Committee directed staff to pursue the matter by contacting the Provincial Ministry responsible and gaining further insight.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(1)

Affordable Housing - Terry Crowe, Manager, Policy Planning advised that the Affordable Housing Strategy report will be brought forward to the Planning Committee on May 23, 2007.

(2)

City Centre Plan – No report was given.

(3)

Steveston Study – No report was given.

(4)

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:32 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, May 8, 2007.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sheila Johnston
Committee Clerk