MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, February 28^th, 2006, be adopted with an amendment to Item No. 13 – Seniors Centre Computer Program, to delete the figure ‘two’ and to substitute the figure, ‘three’.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held Tuesday, April 25^th, 2006 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

COUNCILLOR HAROLD STEVES

3.

RICHMOND MUSEUM

(Oral Presentation)

Councillor Harold Steves addressed the Committee regarding the need for a museum on the Steveston waterfront.  A copy of his presentation is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

(Councillor Dang entered the meeting at 4:03 p.m., during the above presentation.)

At the conclusion of the presentation, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the proposal to examine the Steveston waterfront for a site for a museum, be endorsed; and also, that consideration be given to the type of building which could be used for a museum building.

The question on the motion was not called, as Bob Mukai and Mary Horton, representing the Steveston Museum Board, came forward.

Mr. Mukai provided information on the history of the proposal now being considered.  He commented that a museum would be a lasting legacy to the City and not end with the conclusion of a sports event.  He also spoke about what could be learnt from the research undertaken by other cities which had developed similar museums.  Mr. Mukai stated that the motion now being considered was a starting point and expressed the hope that the new museum would be developed.  In concluding his statements, Mr. Mukai advised that the Steveston Museum Board would be willing to provide any assistance which was needed.

Discussion then took place among Committee members, with support being given for the proposal.  Comments were made that:

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funding could be available not only from the City but also other levels of government and private organizations

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it was important that the City had a much better and larger museum, possibly as a heritage building; the type of museum which could offer many interesting things to see and do; that to make Steveston a complete tourist destination, it was important that not just Steveston but the entire waterfront be developed

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the proposal must be actively pursued, and that staff should be directed to research the availability of private funding and donations, sponsorships, etc.

During the discussion, questions were raised about the fees charged at similar museums located on Canada’s east coast, and advice was given that the cost varied from museum to museum.  Reference was made to the current museum, the former Steveston Post Office building, and advice was given that this facility would continue to operate as the local post office.  Reference was also made to the recent resolution adopted by Council which asked the Sister City Committee to determine the feasibility of establishing a sister city or friendship city relationship with a city on the east coast of Canada, and the suggestion was made that the Sister City Committee could become involved in this project.

Discussion continued, with the Chair requesting staff to examine the feasibility of including the Steveston Community Association, other historical associations and the Library Board as potential partners in the project.  The Chair also voiced agreement with the suggestion which had been made about involving the Sister City Committee in the proposal.

Reference was made to the environmental public art shown at Tacoma, Washington (which had been included in Cllr. Steve’s presentation), and comments were made that the artist who had created this ‘environmental’ art had participated in the City’s 2005 ‘Lulu Series’.  Advice was given that environmental art was art which deteriorated over time, and the suggestion was made that staff should consider the feasibility of having this artist come to Richmond.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair asked that staff provide an update on the amount of any funds from the BC Packers account.

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

The request was then made that staff consider the feasibility of bringing the Tacoma, Washington artist to Richmond to complete a project for the opening of the Terra Nova Park.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

4.

SUBMISSION FROM RICHMOND ARENAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
(Report:  March 7^th, 2006, File No.:  01-0060-20-RACA1) (REDMS No. 1779268)

The Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, and the Manager, Aquatic and Arena Services, David McBride, advised that they were available to respond to questions.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and staff on:

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why the Richmond Sports Council had not been included in Recommendations 4 and 5; with concern being expressed about possibly isolating one group

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whether, if an interesting proposal came along, would the City consider replacing or eliminating the Minoru Arenas

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whether an analysis had been undertaken to determine the future needs of the City with regard to ice usage

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whether opportunities were provided to school students to use the ice facilities during school hours

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the development of a process and schedule to implement natural turf playing field user fees for the next Fall season

Information was provided in response to questions raised during the discussion about (i) the involvement of the Richmond Sports Council and the Richmond Arenas Community Association (RACA); and (ii) the fact that adoption of the recommendations would allow the development of system-wide policies which would allow more equitable pricing to be implemented. 

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2005 – 2015 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan include a reference that there are no plans to replace or eliminate Minoru Arenas in the next decade; and

(2)

That the  current schematic for the Minoru Park Vision be modified to include the Minoru Arenas facility; and

(3)

That RACA be advised of the approved amendments to the 2005 – 2015 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan that includes consideration of RACA’s submission and feedback;  and

(4)

That the Richmond Olympic Business Office consider RACA’s interest in being involved in oval programming when the various options for a governance and operational model are developed; and

(5)

That RACA be invited to participate in the Service Planning Group for Sports, as well as the process to develop system wide policies, including a Pricing Policy.

CARRIED

5.

OVAL SITE WEST PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CONCEPT

(Report:  March 14^th, 2006; File No.:  06-2345-20-OLYM1/Vol.1) (REDMS No. 1785173)

The Director of Parks Operations, Dave Semple, accompanied by the Manager, Parks – Programming, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath, and Chris Phillips, design architect responsible for the proposed Oval Site West Public Open Space Concept, were present to respond to questions.

Mr. Redpath used an artist’s rendering of the concept to explain the proposal to the Committee.  Mr. Phillips then spoke briefly about the proposed design and the proposed use of open space, during which he talked about the affordable sustainability component; permeability and the ways in which people could move through private developments to reach the dyke. 

Discussion then took place among Committee members, the delegation and staff on:

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whether the dyke elevation would have to be increased in the area of the Olympic Oval West

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the provision of public art on the Oval West site; whether the City’s Public Art Commission had been consulted, and how the Public Art Commission would receive input from the public

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the importance of providing a view corridor through potential developments through to the waterfront

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the feasibility of planting seedlings grown from the acorns of the original oak trees which once grew on the Olympic Oval site

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the design guidelines which had been put in place for the development of the property surrounding the Oval West site

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whether a substantial trail system leading to the dyke from the surrounding area would be included in the proposal.

With reference to the provision of public art at the Oval West site, advice was given that the services of a separate consultant for public art would be engaged, who would evaluate not only the entire site but also the surrounding area.

(Cllr. Dang left the meeting at 5:02 p.m., during the above discussion.)

It was moved and seconded

That the Oval Site West - Public Open Space Concept be endorsed by Council and approved to guide the design and development of the public open space along the Middle Arm of the Fraser River adjacent to the Richmond Oval site.

CARRIED

(Cllr. Dang returned to the meeting – 5:05 p.m.)

6.

(Report:  March 10^th, 2006, File No.:  11-7150-01) (REDMS No. 1784332)

A brief discussion ensued, with information being provided in response to a question, that City staff would compile a list of community partners, as well as actively recruiting partners, and would host an information session or, alternatively, provide the information to the representatives of Katimavik.

It was moved and seconded

That the City not pursue participation in the Katimavik program and make information on Katimavik available to community partners.

CARRIED

7.

TALL SHIPS 2008 REFERRAL

(Report:  March 14^th, 2006, File No.:  11-7400-20-TALL1-01) (REDMS No. 1734977)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That a bid to host the 2008 Tall Ship Challenge not be supported;

(2)

That an enhanced summer Maritime Festival experience (as outlined in the report dated March 14^th, 2006 from the Director of Parks Operations), be supported; and

(3)

That $20,000 be set aside from Council Contingency Fund to support bringing two large ships to Richmond in the summer of 2006 if required.

The question on the motion was not called, as Committee members expressed their support for the holding of an enhanced Maritime Festival.  Comments were made that this type of event would be much more manageable than hosting a Tall Ships Challenge.

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

8.

PROPOSED ATHLETIC COMMISSION

Reference was made to a memorandum (dated March 24^th, 2006, from the Director, Parks Operations), regarding the proposed Athletic Commission, and the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the memorandum (dated March 24^th, 2006, from the Director, Parks Operations), regarding the proposed Athletic Commission be referred to the Richmond Sports Council for comment and report to the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee.

CARRIED

9.

CLOSURE OF PACIFIC SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION IN LOWER SEYMOUR CONSERVATION RESERVE

(Memo:  Mar. 27/06 File No.:   ) (REDMS No. 1794268)

It was moved and seconded

That the GVRD take a leadership role in coordinating member municipalities and the provincial and federal governments in efforts to provide a fully enclosed shooting range facility within the GVRD, that the current Pacific Shooters Association Range be considered as a potential site for the new facility, and that the issue be considered as soon as possible.

CARRIED

10.

REQUEST OF MISCELLANEIUS PRODUCTIONS TO SUPPORT APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO THE UBCM
(Memo:  Mar. 27/06, File No.:   ) (REDMS No. 1794176)

It was moved and seconded

That support be given for the application of Miscellaneous Productions to the UBCM for funding to complete of their ‘erace’ – Phase 3 project.

CARRIED

11.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Manager, Heritage & Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, advised that construction would be commencing on April 3^rd, 2006 at the Britannia site and that the appropriate signage was in place.

Cllr. Steves referred to the Tram Society and advised that that organization would not be making a decision until its annual meeting.

Cllr. Barnes referred to the signage on Highway 99 relating to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, and expressed concern that the ‘closed’ sign on the main advertisement could give the perception that the facility was permanently closed.  She voiced concern about the negative impact which this perception could have on the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Steveston, and staff were requested to address this issue.

DELEGATION

12.

Bonnie Beaman, Chair, representing Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association.

Ms. Beaman congratulated the Committee on taking the initiative to invite community groups to make presentations to the Committee.  She then reported on the status of the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association, its history and its goals for the future.  A copy of Ms. Beaman’s presentation is attached as Schedule B and forms part of these minutes.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and Ms. Beaman regarding the RFWA and its current operation, during which Ms. Beaman provided information on an event being held by the RFWA on May 6^th, 2006, entitled “Come Play with Us”.

Cllr. Barnes, as Council Liaison to the BC Healthy Communities Steering Committee, advised that if it was appropriate, she would be interested in attending a future meeting of the RFWA to discuss how the BC Health Communities Steering Committee might work with the RFWA.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair introduced the following resolution:

It was moved and seconded

That the thanks of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee be expressed to the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association for its hard work and dedication over the past years.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:35 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, March 28^th, 2006.

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Fran J. Ashton

Executive Assistant – City Clerk’s Office