The Director of Parks Operations, Dave Semple, and the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, provided an overview of the proposed Master Plan.

Mr. Semple, in speaking about the plan, advised that the Master Plan was a change document which focused on three key outcome areas: ‘To Live’, ‘To Connect’, and ‘To Grow’.  He noted that the Master Plan was intended to be (i) a strategic and directional resource to guide policy development and decision making; and (ii) a comprehensive document to be used as a reference by all those involved in the delivery of parks, recreation and cultural services.

Mr. Semple advised that the Master plan process combined an understanding of community needs, societal trends and shifts in community demographics and values with the current service delivery approach and resources, which allowed for informed decision-making on how and where resources should be allocated in the future.  He explained that staff obtained information from a variety of resources, including trends; demographics; undertaking a survey of services, facilities, parks and open spaces; policies, procedures and operating principles, and human resources.  Mr. Semple also talked about the significant community involvement in the creation of the Master Plan.

Ms. Sparrow noted that the Master Plan made 63 recommendations to guide actions over the next ten years, and outlined an action plan for the first three years which would be reviewed and updated regularly.  She spoke about how the Plan provided a framework on how the City would work together with the School District and community associations towards a common vision.  Ms. Sparrow spoke about the intent of the document:  working together in a relationship-based approach; being accountable; working within a service-based approach; deliverable programs and services; providing places and spaces; and dealing with the financial implications of the PRCS ‘system’.

In concluding their presentation, it was noted that there were a number of major projects, including the Olympic Oval Project, development of the DFO lands, and RAV which would impact the provision of parks, recreation, and cultural services in Richmond, and which would have to be carefully monitored and integrated into the overall PRCS system.  It was noted that the Master Plan was based on a community relationship approach and that this would continue to be foundation of the PRCS system.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

§           

the success of the provision of parks and recreation services in the past because of the use of volunteers, and the role which volunteers would play in the future

§           

whether the recommendations of the Community Working Group had been incorporated into the proposed Master Plan

§           

the need for direction as to where and how to proceed

§           

the need for additional parkland and the current shortfall of 676 acres

§           

the need to obtain public input on the proposed Master Plan.

During the discussion, staff were commended for the preparation of an excellent report.  Comments were made that the factual information contained in the report provided a valuable resource.

Mr. Ian Shaw, of 10611 Anahim Drive, stated that while the information on the City’s demographics were very useful, the document did not contain any information on the results and anticipated costs of implementation.  He further stated that the Master Plan did not provide ‘specifics’.  Mr. Shaw also suggested that there were very few recommendations contained in the material which had been generated by the Community Work Group.

During the brief discussion with Mr. Shaw on the direction which the City should take, he referred to the three-year recommendations (2005 to 2008) and stated that these were not quantifiable or measurable and should be more specific on how ‘to get started’.

It was moved and seconded

That the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services 2005-2015 Master Plan be received, and that staff seek public feedback on the proposed plan (attached to the report July 13^th, 2005, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services) and report the feedback to Council in the Fall, 2005.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Community Working Group be reconvened to review the Master Plan documentation.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, advice was given that the Master Plan documentation had been provided to the Community Working Group.  As well, information was provided that a series of open houses and public forums would be held to obtain dialogue on the proposed Master Plan.

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

(Mayor Brodie left the meeting at 4:39 p.m., and did not return.)

4.

MINORU PARK PLAN

(Report:  July 12/05, File No.:  06-2345-MINO1) (REDMS No. 1614093)

The Manager, Parks – Programs, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath, and Dave Semple, reviewed the (i) guiding principles which formed the basis for the creation of the new plan, and (ii) the proposed park plan with the Committee.  Discussion then took place among Committee members and staff on:

§           

the feasibility of requiring developers of perimeter property on the east side of Minoru Park to contribute funding towards the redevelopment of the park

§           

the need to create more opportunities for visitors to the park to circulate around Minoru Lake in an effort to revitalize the area

§           

the plans to provide better access to Richmond Hospital and adjacent seniors facilities

§           

the appearance that the emphasis on sports use of the park had been decreased, and whether other facilities were available for those sports which took place at Minoru Park

§           

the possible expansion of Minoru Lake and the increase in maintenance which would result

§           

whether a moratorium was required to limit future uses of Minoru Park to parks and recreation uses only

§           

the rationale for showing the location of the No. 1 Fire Hall to be further north on Gilbert Road

§           

the feasibility of negotiating with the developers of new high rise buildings constructed around Minoru Park, the provision of one floor of space for City use.

During the discussion, reference was made to Attachment 3 – Minoru Park Development Framework, and staff were requested to include on the map, the palliative care facility, the lawn bowling greens and the seniors’ centre.

It was moved and seconded

That staff explore the feasibility of negotiating with the developers of new high rise buildings constructed around Minoru Park, the provision of one floor of space for City use.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the City initiate a moratorium on Minoru Park against any uses which are not parks and recreation uses.

The question on the motion was not called, as advice was given that staff would be obtaining input from the public about using the park for other than park and recreational uses.  Concern was expressed that the proposed resolution, if adopted, could limit the public’s feedback.  Assurance was given that staff would take the intent of the resolution as direction by adding a seventh principle, “That Minoru Park be utilized for park, recreation and cultural programs and services”.

As a result, the motion was WITHDRAWN.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Minoru Park Vision and Guiding Principles (as outlined in the report dated July 12^th, 2005, from the Director of Parks Operations and the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services), be adopted; and

(2)

That staff take the Vision and Guiding Principles to the public for further input.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Kate Sparrow reported on the success of the recent “Play Day” held at South Arm Park on Saturday, July 23^rd, 2005.

Dave Semple also provided information on activities held in Richmond during the past weekend, including a soccer tournament, a baseball tournament and the Kite Festival at Garry Point Park.

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow advised that the water was being replaced in Minoru Lake and that the filtration system would be activated on July 27^th.  He also reported on a fire which occurred at McNair School and the resulting loss of baseball and other equipment.

Cllr. Sue Halsey-Brandt commented on the spectacular flower displays in the City’s medians and congratulated Mr. Barstow and his crews on a job well done.

At the request of Cllr. McNulty, information was provided on the status of the various Steveston art projects.  As a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That provisions be made in the Minor Capital account for any funds which may be required to provide foundations, etc., for the Steveston community art projects.

CARRIED

The Chair referred to the large number of trees on private property which were being destroyed, and he urged staff to complete the proposed tree bylaw and submit it to Committee for review as soon as possible.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:11 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, July 26^th, 2005.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office