February 4, 2020 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda McPhail, Chair
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Update on 5740, 5760 and 5800 Minoru Boulevard be added to the agenda as Item No. 5A.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on January 8, 2020, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on December 17, 2019, be amended and adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

March 3, 2020, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

1.

Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan 
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-RCSA1-01) (REDMS No. 6368161 v.3)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the Rent-Lease-Own survey is similar to one conducted by the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) two years ago, (ii) recommendations will be brought forward as a result of the survey, (iii) the Jennifer Larsen Gains and Losses Survey is about funding received by non-profit organizations, mainly through  government grants, foundation grants and fundraising, and (iv) the RCSAC will undertake the survey with the assistance of the City’s Let’sTalkRichmond program.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee (RCSAC) 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan”, dated December 17, 2019, from the Director, Community Social Development, be approved.

CARRIED

2.

Child Care Development Advisory Committee 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program 
(File Ref. No. 07-3070-01) (REDMS No. 6355766 v.2)

It was moved and seconded

That the Child Care Development Advisory Committee’s 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program, as outlined in the staff report titled, “Child Care Development Advisory Committee 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Program,” dated January 3, 2020, from the Director, Community Social Development, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Council Referral on Signage Improvements for Rezoning and Development Projects – Revised Report 
(File Ref. No. 08-4100-01) (REDMS No. 6361217)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), staff noted that signs are only one way to engage the community, and notification by mail and newspaper are also required. Staff advised that per Council direction, the proposed signage includes larger font, the application number, a public input section, contact information for both the applicant and the City, project milestones, and the City’s web address and logo. Staff then noted that renderings will not be required for rezoning signs as signage requirements are imbedded in the City’s Bylaws to ensure consistency; therefore, it is difficult to apply the rule to only certain applications, as certain types of rezoning’s do not involve new buildings or structures.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the City’s requirements for signage far exceed what is required by the Local Government Act, (ii) physical models are still required for development permit applications, (iii) the City’s Bylaws outline the specific measurements for the sign, (iv) the availability of a rendering of the project is dependent on the timing of the development permit application, (v) under the current proposal all development permit application signs are required to provide an image, and (vi) images will be an artist rendering.

Materials were distributed (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1) and discussion took place on requiring images for all rezoning application signage.

In response to further queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the City of Vancouver’s signage requirements are considered on a case by case basis as the requirements are not embedded within their bylaws and images are not provided on all rezoning signs, (ii) the City does not have control over single family home designs and using stock images could be misleading to the public, (iii) the sign indicates that there is an application and the public can use the information on the sign to inquire further, (iv) some rezoning’s do not involve a new building; therefore, providing an image that would represent the application purpose would be very difficult, and (v) it is difficult to write bylaws with discretions and interpret consistently.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Council Referral on Signage Improvements for Rezoning and Development Projects – Revised Report” be referred back to staff to review options to include images on all rezoning and development permit signage.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion took place on exploring options to include images on all signage.

The question on the referral motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Cllrs. Loo, McNulty and McPhail opposed.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10125, introducing Official Community Plan (OCP) signs, be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Bylaw 10125, having been considered in conjunction with:

§   

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

§   

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

is hereby found to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act.

(3)

That Bylaw 10125, having been considered in accordance with OCP Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is hereby found not to require further consultation.

(4)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10004, respecting changes to rezoning signs, be introduced and given first reading; and

(5)

That Development Permit, Development Variance Permit and Temporary Commercial and Industrial Use Permit Procedure Bylaw No. 7273, Amendment Bylaw 10005, respecting changes to Development Permit and Development Variance Permit signs and to add Temporary Use Permit signs, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllrs. Day
Steves

4.

Application by Ecowaste Industries Ltd. for an Agricultural Land Reserve Non Farm Use for the lands bounded by the Granville Avenue, No. 7 Road, Blundell Road and Savage Road allowances 
(File Ref. No. AG 19-863866) (REDMS No. 6216673)

Staff reviewed the application and highlighted that the (i) purpose of the application is to revise the previously approved application to replace the operator of the materials recovery facilities, increase the size,  add two new material recovery facilities and add 20 years to the term, (ii) site is currently operating as an active landfill, (iii) proposal does not change the elevation of the landfill or waste stream, (iv) proposed materials would increase the recycling capacity of the facility resulting in more waste diversion from the landfill and extend the life of the landfill, and (v) a zoning text amendment is required once all approvals are received.

Tom Land, President & CEO, Ecowaste Industries Ltd., with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as  Schedule 2) provided the following information:

§   

the site is currently being used for a number of agricultural related activities, including: processing of contaminated soils or manufacture of custom soils blends, some of which are reused in the landfill as the site is reclaimed for agriculture or sold for off-site uses and 25 acres of land is being used to grow forage grasses;

§   

three proposed materials recovery facilities (MRFs) will reduce incidents of:

i.       

illegal dumping on agricultural land;

ii.      

increase the range and quality of soil available to farmers

iii.     

produce ground wood for animal bedding or as hog fuel for greenhouse boilers; and

iv.     

reduce pressure by others to apply to the Commission to convert productive farmland to landfill operations.

§   

Ecowaste is contributing to agriculture through development of the industrial park to the south of the subject site with a new storm water drainage system with direct discharge to the Fraser River;

§   

The MRFs will:

i.       

be governed by Ecowaste’s Operating Certificate issued by BC Ministry of Environment;

ii.      

enable the region to recover/repurpose 45% to 50% more demolition, construction and land clearing waste each year;

iii.     

recover or repurpose more types of waste; and

iv.     

be removed at the end of the term and rehabilitated for agricultural use.

§   

there will be no change to the content or annual limit of the waste stream;

§   

there will be no change to the source of this waste;

§   

there will be no change to the final site elevation of the landfill which was approved in 2015;

§   

there will be no organics or green waste accepted as is currently the case;

§   

MRFs will generate more topsoil for use on local farms;

§   

MRFs will generate ground wood for bio-energy users, including farmers;

§   

lawful, regulated landfill will continue to take pressure off illegal dumping on ALR land;

§   

there will be significant reduction in storm water from property, improving upstream drainage;

§   

60 hectares (150 acres) of land will be rehabilitated for agriculture; and

§   

there will be significant increase to agricultural land base (future) in Richmond.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Land noted that (i) about 10% of soil remediation is for farmland, (ii) the proposed MRF is an automated system to increase efficiency, (iii) no plans are currently underway for the property on the west; however, options can be explored with the City, and (iv) activities will not affect the adjacent properties.

It was moved and seconded

That the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Non-Farm Use Application (AG 19-863866) by Ecowaste Industries Ltd. to revise the previously approved ALR Non-Farm Use Application (AG 14-654361) in order to:

(a)

replace the operator of one of the previously approved materials recovery facilities and increase the size from 1.3 ha to 3.3 ha and processing capability of the facility;

(b)

add two new materials recovery facilities to the four facilities previously approved; and

(c)

add 20 years to the previously approved term to allow landfill activities to continue until 2055;

on the lots bounded by the Granville Avenue, No. 7 Road, Blundell Road and Savage Road allowances be endorsed and forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission.

CARRIED

5.

Application by DA Architects & Planners for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit at 8991 Charles Street 
(File Ref. No. TU 20-891050) (REDMS No. 6389247)

Staff reviewed the application and highlighted that (i) no associated buildings are proposed, (ii) there will be no public access, and (iii) a 3m landscaping buffer will be implemented to ensure privacy, safety and accessibly to the site is clear.

It was moved and seconded

That the application by DA Architects & Planners for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit for the property at 8991 Charles Street be considered at Public Hearing to be held March 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Richmond City Hall, and that the following recommendation be forwarded to that meeting for consideration:

“That a Temporary Commercial Use Permit be issued to DA Architects & Planners for property at 8991 Charles Street to allow “Vehicle Rental, Convenience” limited to the storage of rental vehicles only with no associated buildings and no public access as a site specific additional use for a period of three years.”

CARRIED

5A.

Update on 5740, 5760 and 5800 Minoru Boulevard 
(File Ref. No.)

Correspondence from Thind Properties was referenced (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 3). Staff provided an update on the rezoning application for the property located at 5740, 5760 and 5800 Minoru Boulevard and noted that the applicant has advised staff that (i) all tenants have been offered a reduction in rent, (ii) all tenants have first right to refusal, (iii) tenants have been offered the services of Dorset Realty to find a new location, and (iv) options with respect to the affordable housing provision are still being explored.

Ahlay Chin, Founder and Executive Director, Community Wellness Association of Canada, expressed concern with regard to the demolition and relocation process.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the demolition permit is independent of the rezoning application and can move forward as long as the applicant has met city bylaws, (ii) a progress update will be provided when the staff report is brought forward for consideration, and (iii) staff can speak with the commercial tenants.

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:12 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, February 4, 2020.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda McPhail
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Legislative Services Coordinator