July 18, 2023 - Minutes


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City of Richmond Meeting Minutes

 

 

Planning Committee

 

Date:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Andy Hobbs

Also Present:

Councillor Laura Gillanders (by teleconference)

Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)

Call to Order:

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

 

 

MINUTES

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on July 5, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

 

 

September 6, 2023, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

 

 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

 

1.

APPLICATION BY WINSTON CHONG ARCHITECT INC. FOR REZONING AT 8520, 8540 & 8560 RAILWAY AVENUE FROM THE “SINGLE DETACHED (RS1/E)” ZONE TO THE “LOW RISE RENTAL APARTMENT (ZLR47) – RAILWAY AVENUE (BLUNDELL)” ZONE

(File Ref. No. RZ 21-936046) (REDMS No. 7070984)

 

 

Staff reviewed the application and highlighted that (i) the new site specific zone will allow for one four-storey apartment building with 58 rental units for seniors, (ii) there will be 29 Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) units, and 29 market rental units, (iii) all purpose-built LEMR units and market rental units will be secured in perpetuity with rental tenure zoning and housing agreements in Title, (iv) there will be a shared indoor and outdoor amenity space, (v) the building will be meet Energy Step Code Step 4, and (vi) a Servicing Agreement for frontage improvements will be required.

 

 

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) tenant income criteria for LEMR units is established through the City’s housing strategy and is reviewed on a regular basis, (ii) reduced parking is supported through Transportation Demand Management measures that encourage more active transportation modes such as walking, and cycling, (iii) a statutory declaration process is used to ensure that the LEMR program requirements are being honoured by the housing providers and tenants, (iv) new innovative housing options are being explored, (v) this year Council approved two purpose-built rental projects that involved various levels of affordability, and (vi) a basic universal housing form is secured through the zoning bylaw and includes important accessibility features whereas a wheelchair accessible unit has the accessibility features specified in the BC Building Code.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10479, to change the designation of 8520, 8540 & 8560 Railway Avenue from “Neighbourhood Residential” to “Apartment Residential” in Attachment 1 to Schedule 1 of Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000 (City of Richmond 2041 OCP Land Use Map), be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

(2)

That Bylaw 10479, having been considered in conjunction with:

 

 

 

·          

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program

 

 

 

·          

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

(3)

That Bylaw 10479, 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 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10480 to create the “Low Rise Rental Apartment (ZLR47) – Railway Avenue (Blundell)” zone, and to rezone 8520, 8540 & 8560 Railway Avenue from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Low Rise Rental Apartment (ZLR47) – Railway Avenue (Blundell)”, be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

CARRIED

 

2.

APPLICATION BY ANTHONY BONI (BONI MADDISON ARCHITECTS) FOR REZONING AT 4831 STEVESTON HIGHWAY FROM THE “SINGLE DETACHED (RS1/E)” ZONE TO THE “LOW RISE RENTAL APARTMENT (ZLR48) – STEVESTON HIGHWAY (STEVESTON)” ZONE

(File Ref. No. RZ 23-018081) (REDMS No. 7259000)

 

 

Staff reviewed the application and highlighted that (i)  the subject site will be zoned a new site specific zone, (ii) the proposal includes one three-storey apartment building with 25 affordable rental units, (ii) all affordable rental units will be secured in perpetuity with rental tenure zoning and housing agreements on Title, (iii) there will be 10 two-bedroom units and 15 studio units, (iv) there will be a shared indoor and outdoor amenity space, (v) the building will be operated by Turning Point Housing Society, (v) there will be eleven parking spaces with five spaces reserved for visitors, and (vi) the applicant is proposing to plant a total of 24 tress on site, which exceeds the 2:1 tree replacement ratio.

 

 

Sherry Bailey, spoke in opposition to proposed development expressing concerns with (i) parking, (ii) construction material of the building, and
(iii) neighbourhood safety.

 

 

Brenda Rubuliak, spoke in opposition to the proposed development, expressing concerns with (i) traffic, (ii) pedestrian safety, (iii) clientele of the affordable housing units, and (iv) safety issues.

 

 

Jesee Li, spoke in favour of the proposed development, noting that the
location is excellent for use of public transportation and cycling, however a direct connection to the Railway Greenway would be beneficial.

 

 

Jamie Liu, expressed concern with (i) shadowing and blocked views for the two-storey townhouses, (ii) closeness of the building to the fence, (iii) garbage and recycling disposal facilities, (iv) children’s safety, (v) lack of amenities such as daycare nearby, and (vi) frequency of transportation services.

 

 

De Whalen, representing the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition, spoke in favour of the proposed development and read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).

 

 

Heidi Petersen, noted that (i) there is a disconnect between the proposed unit sizes and providing housing for families, (ii) the national occupancy standard should be considered, (iii) it is a great location if you can cycle, and (iv) the proposed development needs to meet the needs of the people living there.

 

 

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) Turning Point Housing Society is the housing provider with a very reputable experience in the community, (ii) Turning Point Housing Society will vet the applications for women who are in need of affordable housing, (iii) Steveston Highway is an arterial road with no parking, (iv) should parking become a further issue the use of Branscombe House parking lot can be considered, (v) when developing the Official Community Plan the Richmond School Board is consulted and (vi) direct access to the Railway Greenway was not provided as it would require additional park maintenance and providing access at the Steveston Highway and Railway Avenue intersection is a safer option.

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10478 to create the “Low Rise Rental Apartment (ZLR48) – Steveston Highway (Steveston)” zone, and to rezone 4831 Steveston Highway from the “Single Detached (RS1/E)” zone to the “Low Rise Rental Apartment (ZLR48) – Steveston Highway (Steveston)” zone, be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place on (i) the need for affordable housing, (ii) traffic issues, and (iii) the national occupancy limits. 

 

 

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

 

3.

RESPONSE TO METRO VANCOUVER’S REFERRAL: LAND USE DESIGNATION AMENDMENT TO THE METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY PROPOSED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY FOR PROPERTIES AT 23699 AND 23737 FRASER HIGHWAY

(File Ref. No. 01-0157-30-RGST1) (REDMS No. 7283827)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That comments from the City of Richmond be provided to the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board as outlined in the staff report titled “Response to Metro Vancouver’s Referral: Land Use Designation Amendment to the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy Proposed by the Township of Langley for Properties at 23699 and 23737 Fraser Highway”, dated July 4, 2023 from the Director, Policy Planning.

 

 

CARRIED

 

4.

HOUSING AGREEMENT BYLAW NO. 10443 TO PERMIT THE CITY OF RICHMOND TO SECURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS AT 9300 AND 9320 CAMBIE ROAD

(File Ref. No. 08-4057-05) (REDMS No. 7179261)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Housing Agreement (9300 and 9320 Cambie Road) Bylaw No. 10443 to permit the City to enter into a Housing Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto, in accordance with requirements of section 483 of the Local Government Act, to secure the Affordable Housing Units required by

Development Permit DP 21-933765, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

 

 

CARRIED

 

5.

CITY OF RICHMOND YOUTH STRATEGY 2022–2032

(File Ref. No. 07-3425-02) (REDMS No. 7232894)

 

 

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that there are a number of actions related to overcoming barriers for participation and options are being examined, and the strategy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. 

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the City of Richmond Youth Strategy 2022–2032 as outlined in the report titled, “City of Richmond Youth Strategy 2022–2032”, dated June 19, 2023 from the Director, Community Social Development, be adopted.

 

 

CARRIED

 

6.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (2013–2022): PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2022

(File Ref. No. 08-4055-01) (REDMS No. 7138848)

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That the Building our Social Future – Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2022 as outlined in the staff report titled, “Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2022” dated June 20, 2023, from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information; and

 

 

(2)

That the Building our Social Future – Social Development Strategy (2013–2022): Progress Report for 2022, be distributed to key stakeholders, local Members of Parliament, local Members of the Legislative Assembly and posted on the City website.

 

 

The question on the motion was not called as in reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that this strategy will be relevant until the new one is presented. 

 

 

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

 

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

 

 

Rosewood Village

 

 

Staff advised that BC Housing is investigating the potential redevelopment of Rosewood Village, which is located in the 8200 block of No. 2 Road The potential redevelopment could involve approximately 800 rental units. It was noted that the applicant has been engaging with the tenant’s onsite and the community in the neighbourhood and they are working with staff towards a formal application by early summer or end of fall.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the meeting adjourn (5:26 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, July 18, 2023.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Legislative Services Associate