MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, March 28^th, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATION

3.

Catherine Gunther, of Ipsos-Reid Public Affairs

Using a power point presentation, Ms. Gunther reviewed the findings of a study conducted between January 23 and January 30, 2006, the primary objective of which was to assess residents’ physical activity levels, recreation behaviours, and needs. A total of 300 telephone interviews were conducted with Richmond residents aged 16 or older. The survey found that information, affordability, and access are the most important factors in helping residents become physically active. Another finding was that the majority of Richmond residents are very satisfied with Richmond’s recreation facilities.

Committee members and Ms. Gunther briefly discussed the survey’s findings, before the Chair thanked Ms. Gunther for the presentation.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

4.

RICHMOND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TERRA NOVA RURAL PARK ENDOWMENT FUND OPPORTUNITY

(Report:  March 16, 2006, File No.: 06-2345-20-TNRPI/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1787491)

The Manager, Parks Programming, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath was accompanied by Mike Brow, a Board Member with the Richmond Community Foundation. Mr. Brow distributed an information package outlining the Foundation’s programs and provided a brief overview of the Foundation’s history since its inception in 1990. The Board is currently working  to become more visible in the community and to set and achieve reasonable objectives for  building the Foundation to a higher level.

In April 2006 the Foundation approached staff with a proposal to establish an ongoing Terra Nova Rural Park Endowment Fund, the purpose of which is to provide a legacy at the Terra Nova Rural Park site through ongoing funding opportunities.  The Foundation’s strategy would include approaching former donors, businesses, and pioneer families to gain exposure for the Terra Nova Rural Park.

Committee members asked Mr. Brow and Mr. Redpath a variety of questions and learned that the Foundation is working closely with the Parks Department. Both the Foundation and the Parks Department have undertaken research and have gathered oral histories from many pioneer families. Mr. Redpath noted that policies with regard to the Terra Nova Rural Park vision will be defined, with approval from the Committee. The endowment fund may reduce the reliance on City capital revenue sources over time as the fund accumulates.

It was moved and seconded

That staff be directed to develop an Endowment Contribution Agreement with the Richmond Community Foundation for the Terra Nova Rural Park.

CARRIED

5.

FEEDBACK ON THE 2005 – 2015 PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES MASTER PLAN

(Report:  April 12, 2006, File No.: 01-0340-20-CSERI ) (REDMS No. 1729969)

The Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, accompanied by the Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, Dave Semple, informed the Committee that since the Master Plan was brought forward in the autumn of 2005 the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has consulted with the public, community partners and stakeholder groups. Mr. Semple stated that the Master Plan now more strongly reflects the concept of cooperation and collaboration. Ms. Sparrow advised the Committee that there were a number of speakers from community organizations in the audience who wished to address the Committee.

Councillor Steves stated that he believed much more time was required for discussion of this important document which should only be received for information today. He suggested further meetings be held devoted to additional review of the Master Plan.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff as follows:

·            

the recommendations in the Executive Summary of the Master Plan are not prioritized

·            

throughout the process there have been many opportunities for input by many community organizations

·            

various elements of the Service Agreements have been examined by staff. This information will be re-circulated to Council for direction prior to negotiating these agreements

·            

the significance of the document, and the impact it will have on the community, necessitates a greater investment of discussion time

·            

the Master Plan is ambitious in its scope, and much still has to be done

·            

concern was expressed about the decline in volunteerism

·            

concern was expressed that the Master Plan relied on outdated statistics with regard to the volunteer sector.

The Committee discussed how to proceed with further review of the Master Plan and the Chair suggested  that a number of special meetings be scheduled for this topic only. The General Manager, Parks Recreation and Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile noted that some appendixes have to be inserted into the Plan, and should be considered during future discussions.

Three members of the audience provided comment:

·            

Barbara Mathias, Chair, Aquatic Services Board spoke in support of the Master Plan. She referred to the recommendation concerning the Minoru Place Activity Centre (Section 7.4), noting that the Master Plan is not a fait accompli and there is a sequence of events that should take place before the Minoru Place Activity Centre undergoes changes.

·            

Lorne Slye, a Director of the Steveston Community Centre expressed his support of the process by which the Master Plan was arrived at and he commended the diligence of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff. He stated that they have been cooperative and quick to address issues raised by those who participated.

·            

Elizabeth Specht, Executive Director, Volunteer Richmond Information Services conveyed support for the Master Plan in its current state. She commented that principles outlined in the Master Plan have been useful when working toward development of a volunteer management strategy. Trends and statistics in the Master Plan were based on the 2001 census and she reported that in June, 2006, she will attend a conference in Ottawa and will be able to share updated information after that date.

It was moved and seconded

That the 2005-2015 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan be received for information by the Committee with the following amendments and recommendations as guidelines for discussion at future meetings of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee:

(1)

Incorporate an Analysis of Current Facilities into the Places and Spaces (Section 7.4) of the Master Plan.

(2)

Develop a Facility Evaluation Framework  for future facility development to assess how the City will make decisions regarding infrastructure investment and that this be added to Section 7.6 (Facilities and Amenities Recommendations).

(3)

Reprioritize 2007-2011 Capital Priorities to include the Minoru Place Activity Centre (Section 7.4).

(4)

That the Facilities and Amenities Section (Section 7.4) include a reference that there are no plans to replace or eliminate Minoru Arenas in the next decade.

(5)

When the Garden City Lands Master Planning process begins, bring forward the PRCS Master Plan facility and park priorities for consideration within that process; and

(6)

Incorporate the public feedback and consultation comments into Book 2 of the Master Plan. (as outlined in Attachments 3, 4 and 5 to the report dated April 12^th, 2006, from the Director, Recreation and Cultural Services and the Director, Parks.)

CARRIED

6.

NEW BUSINESS

(1)

Steveston Legacy Project

Lorne Slye, representing the Steveston Legacy Project, distributed a letter from fellow Project member Jim Kojima, requesting access to the $50,000 that the City had granted to the Project, while fund raising continues.  Some funds have already been raised but to allow the artist to commence work on the statue which is to be unveiled on July 1, 2007, additional monies are needed.

The Committee entered into a brief discussion with Mr. Slye who clarified that the Project Committee is responsible for raising $200,000 which is in addition to the $50,000 granted by the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the City release $50,000 upon a written commitment being made by the Steveston High School Alumni Association  to raise the necessary funds required to complete the Project.

CARRIED

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Cathy Volkering Carlile stated that her department would establish a contribution agreement.

(2)

Trail Walkway - Steveston

The Chair stated concern that the trail walkway located near the Steveston Hotel is unsafe in its incomplete state.

It was moved and seconded

That staff take the necessary action to ensure the walkway at the south side of the Steveston Hotel is completed.

CARRIED

(3)

Watercraft in Steveston Harbour   

The Chair expressed concern with the increasing presence of small watercraft in Steveston Harbour and suggested that an investigation be undertaken to determine how this hazard could be addressed.

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate the jurisdiction of the City and the Steveston Harbour Authority with regard to the presence of small watercraft in both the harbour and the South Arm of the Fraser River and report back to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee.

CARRIED

(4)

Dog Park Signage

In response to a query about better signage for the path that links the two off leash dog parks near Steveston, staff advised that new signage alerting users to the fact that the path is not part of the off leash area was being installed today.  Further it was agreed a review would be undertaken to determine if the path could be widened.

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Manager, Projects and Programs, Vern Jacques reported that Earth Day at King George Park’s gathering place had been a success, and reminded the Committee about Youth Week events.

The Manager, Parks Programming, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath reminded the Committee that April 28 is the National Day of Mourning.  He also referenced the Spring clean-up activities during Environment week.

The Manager, Aquatic and Arena Services, Dave McBride reported that there had been a fatality at the Richmond Ice Centre on Friday, April 21, when a senior male hockey player had collapsed on the ice. Mr. McBride commended staff on their actions during the incident.

The Manager, Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough reported that construction has started on the Historical Zone at Britannia Shipyard, and she reminded the Committee about the upcoming Lulu Series, and the annual Heritage Fair.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:55 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, April 25^th, 2006.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Sheila Johnston

Committee Clerk