Planning Committee
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Date:
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Tuesday, May 3, 2022
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Place:
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Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall
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Present:
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Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Alexa Loo (by teleconference)
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Harold Steves (by teleconference)
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Also Present:
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Councillor Linda McPhail (by teleconference)
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
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Call to Order:
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
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It was moved and seconded
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on April 20, 2022, be adopted as circulated.
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CARRIED
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
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2.
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Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2021
(File Ref. No. 08-4055-01) (REDMS No. 6823194)
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that they will report back with a memo with information on the correlation between programs and services provided for individuals experiencing homelessness at the shelters and drop-in centre and the potential impact on mental health. Staff also advised that programs and services provided by housing providers enable individuals experiencing homelessness to connect with services in the community that they may need.
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It was moved and seconded
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(1)
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That the Building our Social Future – Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2021, as outlined in the staff report titled “Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2021”, dated March 28, 2022, from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information; and
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(2)
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That the Building our Social Future - Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2021, be distributed to key stakeholders, local Members of Parliament, local Members of the Legislative Assembly and posted on the City website.
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CARRIED
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In response to discussions regarding looking at housing for youth aging out of foster care, the following referral motion was introduced:
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It was moved and seconded
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That staff examine housing for youth aging out of foster care in Richmond.
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(i)
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This would include understanding their needs and what partnering opportunities are available; and
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(ii)
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Information on how many foster care homes, and youth in care there are in Richmond.
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CARRIED
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3.
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HOMELESSness STRATEGY (2019–2029): 2021 UPDATE
(File Ref. No. 08-4057-11) (REDMS No. 6823341)
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It was moved and seconded
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(1)
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That the Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2021 Update (Attachment 1), as outlined in the staff report titled “Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2021 Update”, dated April 8, 2022, from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information; and
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(2)
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That the Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2021 Update be distributed to key stakeholders, local Members of Parliament, local Members of the Legislative Assembly and posted on the City website.
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised (i) that they continue to work with senior levels of government as well as local social service agencies to learn about what programs, provisions and grants may be available for rent subsidies for individuals experiencing homelessness, (ii) that staff will provide a memo to Council with information about individuals staying in shelters in Richmond and where and how they access housing, and (iii) that Council write a letter to senior levels of government to advocate for more programs and funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
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The question on the motion was then called and CARRIED
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In response to discussion the following motion was introduced:
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It was moved and seconded
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That Council write to the Provincial and Federal governments asking for more permanent subsidies for people at extreme risk of becoming homeless.
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CARRIED
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LAW AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
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4.
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Housekeeping Request - Abandonment of Unadopted Bylaws
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 6880422)
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It was moved and seconded
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That the unadopted Zoning and OCP Amendment Bylaws, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “Housekeeping Request – Abandonment of Unadopted Bylaws”, dated April 19, 2021, from the Director, City Clerk’s Office, be abandoned.
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CARRIED
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5.
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Rent-to-own developments in Richmond
(File Ref. No.)
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John Roston, Richmond resident, referred to his submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) commented that rent-to-own agreements have been used for a long time and they are beneficial to a very small percentage of people.
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Discussion ensued regarding (i) the use of rental tenure zoning to regulate rental zoning, (ii) rent-to-own agreements can work in some situations and will be examined through the Official Community Plan review process, and (iii) rent to own could be one option to alleviate the housing affordability crisis.
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It was moved and seconded
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That staff examine and provide analysis to the Planning Committee regarding the feasibility of rent-to-own developments in Richmond within the OCP review.
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CARRIED
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6.
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City of Richmond’s application PROCESs
(File Ref. No.)
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It was moved and seconded
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(1)
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That staff provide commentary regarding the number of residential Rezoning, Development Permit and Building Permits received each year since 2017;
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(2)
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That where possible, statistical data be provided to indicate the number of dwelling units involved each year broken down by Land Use (i.e. single-family, duplex/triplex, townhouse, and apartment);
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(3)
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That information and commentary be provided regarding the overall application review processes including an analysis of application review timelines, the identification of any items that impact the City’s ability to advance applications in a timely manner and potential sources of Provincial and Federal funding to improve processes; and
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(4)
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That staff also identify any existing or proposed actions being undertaken to create efficiencies within the overall application review process.
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The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding review times, processing and the impacts that delays in the application process may have on housing affordability.
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The question on the referral motion was then called and CARRIED
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7.
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INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPERS TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING and OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN review
(File Ref. No.)
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John Roston, Richmond resident, referred to his submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2) commented about reviewing previous staff reports on this issue to ensure that incentives already discussed are included in the referral.
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It was moved and seconded
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(1)
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That staff identify what incentives and actions Council can consider in order to encourage developers to build more affordable rental housing of all forms;
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(2)
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That staff recirculate the terms of reference of the Official Community Plan; and
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(3)
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That staff provide advice to Council around the process and timing of the Official Community Plan.
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(4)
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That staff provide an updated chart of affordable housing that has already been approved.
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The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) encouraging development with incentives, (ii) looking at all viable incentive options to offer developers to increase affordable housing supply, (iii) project delays contribute to higher costs and lower affordability, and (v) actions and progressive ideas are needed that can make a fundamental difference to the housing affordability crisis.
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The question on the referral motion was then called and CARRIED
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8.
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MANAGER’S REPORT
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(i)
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City Snapshots
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Staff updated Committee on the online information session that will be held in mid June on the City’s Let’s Talk Richmond forum. The session will be about sharing information and engaging the community by responding to questions and comments. Various departments will be involved, and a memo will be circulated shortly before the online engagement begins.
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It was moved and seconded
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That the meeting adjourn (4:51 p.m.).
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CARRIED
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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 Monday, May 3, 2022.
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_________________________________
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_________________________________
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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair
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Raman Grewal
Legislative Services Associate
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