Date:

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Bill McNulty

Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston, Vice-Chair

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au (entered at 4:04 p.m.)

Councillor Linda McPhail

Call to Order:

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

COUNCILLOR HAROLD STEVES

1.

PHOENIX NET LOFT

(File Ref. No.)

The Chair spoke of development along the Steveston waterfront, in particular the Phoenix Net Loft building. 

Discussion ensued regarding the Phoenix Net Loft building and copies of three past documents related to the usage of the Phoenix Net Loft building were distributed: (i) Background Open House Results – Imperial Landing Waterfront; (ii) Site Analysis and Development Plan – BC Packers (the Steveston Properties); and (iii) Phoenix Net Loft Artists’ Market (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the three documents related to the Phoenix Net Loft building (Background Open House Results – Imperial Landing Waterfront, Site Analysis and Development Plan – BC Packers: The Steveston Properties, and Phoenix Net Loft Artists’ Market) be referred to staff to be considered in conjunction with the development of the Steveston waterfront.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR LINDA BARNES

2.

jack-o-lantern event

(File Ref. No.)

Discussion ensued regarding a jack-o-lantern event held annually in the City of Nanaimo.  It was noted that after Halloween, Nanaimo residents drive to a designated road and drop off their carved jack-o-lanterns for display.  The jack-o-lanterns remain there until they compost.  The notion of the event is to have residents drive by to enjoy all the jack-o-lanterns on display and make donations.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the City of Nanaimo’s jack-o-lantern event be referred to staff to determine whether there is a local organization that would be interested in developing such an event in Richmond and to examine possible locations for such an event.

CARRIED

Councillor Au entered the meeting (4:04 p.m.).

3.

GEOTOURISM

(File Ref. No.)

Councillor Barnes made reference to a GeoTourism Program and circulated a page from a geotourism guide (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2).

Discussion ensued and it was noted that geotourism is like a treasure hunt but with a twist.  It combines outdoor adventure and exploration activities of geocaching and letterboxing, with anecdotal and historical education.  Participants use a global positioning system (GPS) or traditional treasure hunt clues to locate boxes hidden throughout the region and uncover riches along the way.

Discussion further ensued regarding geotourism and it was noted that the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is already offering a geocaching program as are other organizations in Richmond.

It was noted that it may be of value to external organizations and societies to offer such a program in an effort to highlight some of Richmond’s heritage assets.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the notion of geotourism be referred to staff for communication to various heritage groups for their potential use of the concept in their programming.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:10 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 Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Hanieh Floujeh

Committee Clerk