MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, September 26^th, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

3.

Great Places Referral

(Report:  September 28, 2006, File No.:  11-7400-01/2006-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2004783)

Discussion ensued among Committee members and the General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile, on the options outlined in the report, with support being offered by Committee members for all of the options provided.  A suggestion was made during the discussion that a monthly notice be placed in the local newspaper which identifies ‘a great place in Richmond’.  Support was also given for the development of Great Places guidelines which would be considered as part of all future event planning and programs.

(Cllr. Barnes entered the meeting at 6:02 p.m., during the above discussion.)

Questions were raised as to how the options outlined in the report would be implemented, and advice was given that a referral to staff would allow staff to prepare a report to Committee on the options, their related costs and the amount of work which would be required to implement each option.  During the discussion which ensued, staff were also asked to include the financial costs based on the implementation of one, two or all of the options.

The suggestion was also made that staff consider using both newspapers, the Richmond Review and the Richmond News, when publishing various articles about the City.

Discussion continued, with questions being asked about whether Options 1, 2 and 4 would be included in the Department’s work plan.  In response, advice was given that inclusion in the work plan would be addressed through the referral and the report to Committee at the next meeting. 

As a result of the discussion, the following amended motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report (dated September 28, 2006 from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services), regarding the Great Places Referral, be received for information; and

(2)

That the matter be referred to staff to come forward with a proposed plan which incorporates a combination of all of the proposed options, including costing and a source of funds.

CARRIED

4.

Parks, Recreation & Culture Places & Spaces in City Centre

(Report:  September 26, 2006, File No.:  08-4045-20-10) (REDMS No. 2024155)

Discussion took place among Committee members, the Director, Parks & Public Works Operations, Dave Semple, and the Manager, Parks – Programs, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath, about whether the ratio between the City’s City Centre population and the size of parks was sufficient for future growth in the downtown area. 

Discussion also took place on the need to retain as much green space as possible within the City Centre, the form which this green space might take such as atriums, plazas or rooftop gardens, and the need to be creative with the development of green space and potential uses.

Also addressed was the potential population for the City; playing fields and ‘equivalents’ to compensate for the apparent shortage of green space in the City.  The suggestion was made that to make up for the loss of acreage in the downtown core, that consideration be given to establishing urban agriculture in parks, on roof tops, balconies, parking structures, etc., as well as adding indoor recreation facilities to make up for the loss of open space.  A challenge was issued to staff that they come up with the equivalent of 950 acres in kind, in other types of recreational, urban agriculture, park, etc., provided in the downtown core.  Staff were also requested to think about acquiring the 136 acres which comprise the Garden City Lands, rather than the original 68 acres, for outdoor rural open space uses.

Discussion continued on the need for green space and the incorporation of green space into new developments, along with gathering places and cultural areas.  In response, Planner Serena Lusk noted that the report contained a statement which indicated that because of the reduced standard of park and open space, staff would endeavour to co-locate with open spaces but not take up open space with facilities.  Discussion then centred on the need for a formula for cultural amenities and what would be sufficient as it was felt that cultural amenities should be part of every neighbourhood.

Agreement was expressed about the shortage of park space in the City, but it was pointed out that it must be recognized that the value of parks had increased with the installation of all-weather fields.  A further comment was made that it was important to ensure that the City Centre had sufficient dispersed pockets of open space to accommodate the needs of the residents.

Further comments were made about the need ‘to do this right the first time’ otherwise the City Centre could become a concrete jungle, and that a population of 150,000 to 180,000 should be planned for.  Staff were requested to consider areas where passive or active recreation could take place.

Reference was made to the map included with the staff report, and staff were requested to update the map to add the new parks which had recently been approved for the area.  Staff were also requested to circulate the proposed plan throughout the community, rather than just doing a presentation at City Hall.

Mr. Peter Mitchell commended staff in the Planning and Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department on the preparation of an excellent report.  He then offered his comments, stating that among other things, in the City Centre, building direction should be ‘up’; and that buildings should be constructed with parking underneath, housing above, and tennis courts or other amenities on the roof.  Mr. Mitchell referred to existing recreational facilities and offered suggestions on how additional recreation could be provided.  He also noted that the waterfront would be a key area in the downtown centre, and that playing fields could be used more effectively if they were converted to artificial turf.  He also talked about the future population projections for the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the desired parks, recreation & culture places and spaces and location criteria (as described in Table 2 of the report dated September 26^th, 2006, from the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services and the Director, Parks & Public Works Operations, entitled “Parks, Recreation & Culture Places & Spaces in the City Centre”), be adopted into the City Centre Area Plan Update process for inclusion in the amended City Centre Area Plan targeted for completion in 2007.

CARRIED

5.

the vessel "Brora Thor"- REFERRAL
(Report:  September 11, 2006, File No.:  02-0600-02) (REDMS No. 2018016 )

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated September 11, 2006 from the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services) regarding the vessel “Brora Thor” be referred to staff to provide an update on the vision for waterfront development, the Britannia Business Plan, and the Heritage Strategy and how a vessel such as the RFM would fit into that vision and report back in a timely manner (related to the possible purchase of a ship).

The question on the motion was not called, as Cllr. Steves reviewed the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Collections Policy with the Committee.  Also addressed was the timing of the report back to the Committee, and advice was given that staff would be reporting to the next meeting.  At the same time, staff were requested to use Canadian dollars rather than US dollars when providing costs on the financial considerations. 

Information was also provided by Cllr. Steves that the referral could consider (i) the purchase of the Brora Thora, (ii) the purchase of another vessel, or (iii) the construction of a tall ship.  Further direction was also given that staff include the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in the waterfront vision update.

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

6.

Gateway Theatre
(Report: October 6, 2006 , File No.: 11-7025-01) (REDMS No. 2028257, 2028745)

A brief discussion ensued among Committee members, during which the suggestion was made that Part (1) of the staff recommendation should be amended to read ‘That the consultant’s report (Attachment 1) on the Gateway Theatre Review be forwarded to the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society Board of Directors for their consideration and analysis, and the possible implementation of some of the recommendations.”

Ms. Janice Chapman came forward and expressed her appreciation that the concerns which had been expressed about the operation of the Gateway Theatre had been taken seriously.  She noted that a majority of the concerns which had been raised were investigated and answered in the report, and she urged the Committee to accept the report as presented.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and Ms. Chapman on the role of the City and the Gateway Theatre Board with respect to the operation of the theatre.  Also addressed with Ms. Chapman was the need to determine at the end of the twelve month period, whether all of the recommendations had been implemented and had addressed the concerns which had been raised.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the following amended motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the consultant’s report (Attachment 1) on the Gateway Theatre Review be forwarded to the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society Board of Directors for their consideration and analysis, and the possible implementation of some of the recommendations;

(2)

The City identifies its expectations of the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society and forward them to the Society; and

(3)

That the Committee request the Richmond Gateway Theatre Board to report on their progress regarding these recommendations in 12 months.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued on the recommendations contained in the consultant’s report, and in particular, the meaning of the recommendation that clarification be sought from the City regarding its annual expectations.  Also addressed was the question of whether the new operating agreement with the Theatre could form the basis for the new operating agreements with other City boards. 

Reference was made to those recommendations which had budget implications, and the comment was made that the budget would have to be reviewed and the appropriate increase made, otherwise volunteers would be fund-raising for personnel rather than programs.  A further comment was made that the Gateway Theatre Society Board would need to consider budgetary constraints as it reviewed the consultant’s recommendations. 

During the discussion Committee members commented on the positive nature of the consultant’s report. 

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

7.

BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE 2007
(Report:  October 2, 2006,  File No.:  11-7400-01) (REDMS No. 1965347 )

It was moved and seconded

That the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society and Tourism Richmond, host the British Columbia Museums Association’s annual conference in October 2007.

The question on the motion was not called, as the comment was made that the City needed to start sponsoring conferences such as the one now being proposed, as a means to showcase the City’s accomplishments.

(Cllr. Dang left the meeting at 6:56 p.m., and did not return.)

Also discussed was the importance of the use of volunteers, especially with the events relating to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Mr. Graham Turnbull, representing the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Board, advised that the Gulf of Georgia Cannery was happy to be involved in the hosting of the Conference.  He added that a group of Richmond volunteers was responsible for the operation of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.

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

8.

TOBACCO-FREE ZONE

It was moved and seconded

That staff be authorized to create tobacco-free zones at all sports venues including and not limited to swimming pools, community centres and arena entrances, sports fields and children’s playgrounds.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued on the rationale for the proposal.  While there was general support offered by Committee members, concern was expressed by Cllr. Barnes that a number of people got pleasure from smoking and she indicated that she was not convinced that the proposed action was the way to proceed.  Comments were made however that smoking should be banned wherever there were children.

Questions were raised about whether (i) bus stops could be included in the referral now being considered; and (ii) the City had any jurisdiction to ban smoking at entrances to facilities, etc.  Information was provided by staff about the implementation of successful tobacco-free zone programs established in other cities which relate to children.  However, concern was voiced that to add bus stops at this time would delay the process to implement such zones at City facilities.

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

Discussion continued on the issue of smokers at bus stops, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff examine the feasibility of banning smoking at other locations, including bus stops, and report to the Community Safety Committee accordingly.

CARRIED

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Supervisor, Richmond Museum & Heritage Services, Connie Baxter, provided an update to Committee on the status of the Heritage Strategy.  She advised that an open house would be held at City Hall on Tuesday, October 24^th, 2006 to obtain public input.

Ms. Carlile reported that Serena Lusk would be taking maternity leave for the next year, effective Friday, October 20^th, 2006, and she introduced Lucy Tompkins who would be assuming Serena’s duties for that time.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (7:10 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, October 17^th, 2006.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

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