MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, June 19, 2012, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

1.

RICHMOND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT (ACE): 2011 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2012 WORK PLAN

(File Ref. No. 01-0100-20-ACEN1-01) (REDMS No. 3527086)

Terry Crowe, Manager, Policy Planning, provided background information and commented on the Advisory Committee on the Environment’s (ACE) 2012 Work Program.  Mr. Crowe stated that ACE is considering publishing an information brochure that would highlight its mandate and comment on what ACE does.

Discussion ensued and Committee noted that a brochure is a good way to inform the public of ACE’s activities.  

Mr. Crowe noted that ACE anticipates being more involved in local events in an effort to increase their awareness within the community.  In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Crowe advised that staff would work with ACE to ensure that a brochure is developed in 2012.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

The 2011 Richmond Advisory Committee On The Environment (ACE) Annual Report be received; and

(2)

The 2012 Richmond Advisory Committee On The Environment (ACE) Work Plan be endorsed.

CARRIED

2.

RICHMOND COMMENTS: PROPOSED GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY AMENDMENT BYLAW 1160, 2012

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3534599)

Mr. Crowe provided background information.  He stated that the proposed bylaw does not affect the City and enables that all Regional Growth Strategy Conservation and Recreation designated land amendments be made by a Type 2 Minor (A) amendment.

It was moved and seconded

That, as per the staff report titled: “Richmond Comments: Proposed Greater Vancouver Regional District Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Bylaw 1160, 2012”, the Metro Vancouver (MV) Board be advised that the City of Richmond accepts the proposed Greater Vancouver Regional District Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Bylaw 1160, 2012.

CARRIED

3.

HAMILTON AREA PLAN - FIRST PUBLIC SURVEY FINDINGS AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

(File Ref. No. 08-4045-20-14) (REDMS No. 3532954)

Mr. Crowe provided background information and advised the following:

§          

the first open house was held on March 13, 2012 and there was a good turnout of approximately 135 people;

§          

the public survey results indicate that the community wishes to see various community improvements such as a community safety station, a library, more indoor recreational space, and improved walkways and trails; and

§          

the community has accepted the notion of additional density in the area as it could provide more community amenities.

Mr. Crowe stated that staff anticipate holding a second open house in the near future that would present the three proposed general development options.  Also, he noted that another public survey would be available to seek additional information regarding the proposed three general development options.

Discussion ensued and Committee was pleased with the City-Developer approach to the public consultation process.

In reply to a query from Committee, Dana Westermark, Oris Consulting Ltd., advised that a community safety station is a top priority to the community as there is currently only one RCMP member designated to the area.  Mr. Westermark stated that many members of the community cited concerns with the response time to break and enter calls as a second officer must first be dispatched from the main detachment prior to the RCMP attending.  Also, he commented that the community wishes to be more involved with policing.

Discussion ensued regarding the community’s desire to be more involved in policing and in reply to a query from Committee, Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager – Community Services, advised that Fire Hall No. 5 has a community use space.  She noted that use of the space is coordinated through the Fire Department.  Committee requested that this matter be discussed at the June 12, 2012 Community Safety Committee meeting.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Westermark advised that a consultant has been retained to facilitate a retail market analysis, which would identify what types of businesses may be supported based on the level of density.  Also, he commented on the different shopping experience provided in a neighbourhood strip mall as oppose to that of a big retailer.

Discussion ensued regarding what can be expected in the Queensborough area.  Mr. Crowe advised that he would provide Council with a memorandum addressing the Queensborough Community Plan and any proposed facilities such as a library which may be used by Hamilton residents.

Discussion further ensued regarding the Queensborough area and it was noted that cost-sharing opportunities for certain amenities might exist between the City of New Westminster.

It was moved and seconded

That staff proceed with Phase 2 of the Hamilton Area Plan Update with the three proposed development options included in this report dated May 23, 2012 from the Acting General Manager of Planning and Development.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:35 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, June 5, 2012.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty

Chair

Hanieh Berg

Committee Clerk