March 26, 2019 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

Call to Order:

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

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on February 26, 2019, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, April 24, 2019, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review 2018
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6139176)

Marie Fenwick, Manager, Museum and Heritage Services presented a brief video (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) with highlights from the 2018 Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review. An additional video (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) depicting the Zylmans family’s journey to Canada was also presented to Committee.  Ms. Fenwick noted that the video was developed as a part of the Animating History workshop where students create a stop motion animation based on Richmond history.

In reply to questions from Committee, Ms. Fenwick advised that (i) the 2018 Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review video will be available on the City’s website and YouTube channel and provided to community groups including Tourism Richmond and heritage societies, (ii) a variety of City departments and staff are involved in the development of interpretive signage and museum and heritage services staff work with the planning and parks departments on its development, (iii) a report regarding the Richmond Museum model is anticipated to come forward in May, and (iv) the artifacts from the Phoenix Netloft have been consolidated into the three collection storage warehouses maintained by the City, two located on River Road and one on Shell Road, and staff worked with real estate to expand the City’s existing footprint in the warehouses to accommodate.

Committee also commended all the volunteers involved in the restoration of the Steveston Interurban Tram in 2018.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review 2018, as presented in the staff report titled “Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review 2018” dated March 4, 2019, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage, be received for information; and

(2)

That the Museum and Heritage Services Year in Review 2018 be circulated to Community Partners and Funders for their information.

CARRIED

2.

2015–2020 Seniors Service Plan: Active and Healthy Living - 2018 Update
(File Ref. No. 07-3400-01/2019) (REDMS No. 6140099 v. 4)

Debbie Hertha, Seniors Coordinator and Heather Muter, Program Manager, Social Development acknowledged the importance of the various partnerships between the City and community partners including associations, societies, and other organization in delivering programs in 2018.

In response to queries from Committee, Ms. Hertha and Ms. Muter commented that (i) a number of volunteer opportunities are available for seniors including Music Works and a number of outreach programs and the Minoru Senior’s Society and Minoru Place Activity Centre actively recruit volunteers for a number of them, (ii) there are a variety of programs with joint senior and youth involvement including the youth technology program and also a number of community centres and associations work with  neighbouring Richmond schools to provide intergenerational programs and opportunities, (iii) there are currently 285 seniors accessing the recreation fee subsidy program, which represents 30% of the total program and staff are monitoring and reviewing the volume of program participation and potential impact, and (iv) the Minoru Seniors Legacy Stories Public Art project is available through the City’s website and the Minoru Centre for Active Living website.

John Woolgar, Manager, Aquatic and Arena Services, in reply to questions regarding the Minoru Centre for Active Living Seniors Centre advised that to date there has been an increased membership of 34%, approximately 500 visits per day, up from 300 visits per day average of the previous facility, and 100% revenue increase in the cafeteria.

In further response to Committee’s questions, Ms. Hertha and Ms. Muter remarked that (i) the City is still in partnership with the falls prevention program and staff refer those at risk or in need of services to Vancouver Coastal Health, (ii) in terms of health and safety for seniors, there are workshops offered through the Minoru Place Activity Centre and the Seniors Advisory Committee on fraud and scam prevention working with the RCMP and the Canadian Revenue Agency as well as free legal clinics through Seniors First, and (iii) staff work with a number of other organizations to provide information regarding programs for seniors in other languages.  

Discussion then took place on (i) providing designated parking for motorcycles, mopeds, electric bicycles, and other personal electric vehicles at Minoru Centre for Active Living, and (ii) fraud protection and awareness programs for seniors.

Ms. Hertha and Ms. Muter, in reply to queries from Committee, advised that (i) there are a number of programs offered through the City and its partners which target men’s health, (ii) staff work in consultation with Vancouver Coastal Health to identify locations in the City where seniors feel isolated, (iii) staff utilize partnerships between schools and other community partners in recruiting participants for intergenerational programs and it can be challenging to recruit a sufficient number of youth to participate, and (iv) a report on seniors housing is anticipated to come forward in late spring.  

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled, “2015–2020 Seniors Service Plan: Active and Healthy Living – 2018 Update” dated March 11, 2019, from the Manager, Community Social Development, be received for information; and

(2)

That the 2015–2020 Seniors Service Plan: Active and Healthy Living – 2018 Update be distributed to key stakeholders and posted on the City website.

CARRIED

3.

Boating BC Association’s Request for Preserving Access to Waterways
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-01) (REDMS No. 6080291 v. 13)

In reply to queries from Committee, Paul Brar, Manager, Parks Programs remarked that the marina located on Shelter Island, Royal City Marina as well as the marina at Tom-Mac Shipyard are the only boating infrastructure locations currently located close to the East Richmond/Hamilton area. In response to further questions regarding the Hamilton area development Jamie Esko, Manager, Parks Planning, Design and Construction advised that there is currently a waterfront park planned for the area where there is a potential for some recreational water based access to be designated.

It was noted that Gilbert Beach, the Gilbert Road access, should be added to the inventory list of public and private boating infrastructure in Richmond listed in attachment 2 of the staff report.  

In further response to queries from Committee, Mr. Brar commented that the Imperial Landing Dock is quite popular from May until October and is promoted on a number of regional and provincial boating sites as it is one of a few transient moorage stops along the Fraser River. Mr. Brar further noted that a parking meter installed on site provides usage information for the dock and a report is anticipated to come forward in July regarding the transient moorage areas and fishing activities at Imperial Landing.

In reply to additional questions from Committee, Mr. Brar advised that (i) marina rent increases in Richmond have typically been consistent with increases in land prices, (ii) Boating BC’s revised UBCM resolution will be submitted by the Township of Esquimalt, and (iii) staff are actively reviewing changes to boating infrastructure in Richmond due to the Dike Master Plan infrastructure for any potential to add waterfront activity infrastructure.

Discussion took place regarding the Gilbert Road access point and staff noted that this location did not appear on an initial inventory scan and will be revisited.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled “Boating BC Association’s Request for Preserving Access to Waterways,” dated March 7, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That the City support the Boating BC Association’s revised UBCM resolution “Public Access to Waterways” and that staff be directed to communicate the City’s support through correspondence to Boating BC.

CARRIED

4.

Community Gardens Update
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-20-CGAR1/2019) (REDMS No. 6058928 v. 11)

In reply to queries from Committee, Emily Sargent, Acting Coordinator, Leisure Services and Mr. Brar clarified that:

§   

complaints received about community gardens are usually addressed by Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) who ensure that the sites remain clean and address any issues;

§   

there is currently a one to three year waiting list for a plot depending on the preferred sites listed by the applicant and there is typically a 15-20% turnover each year for those who do not renew;

§   

the waitlist for a community garden plot is managed by RFSS who follow up yearly with those on the waitlist to provide a status update;

§   

there is no maximum time period in which a space can be rented as long as the plot is renewed yearly;

§   

the bee colonies currently near the Terra Nova, South Dyke, and Paulik Neighbourhood Park community gardens are all still alive and are managed by community partners;

§   

the plots at the Garrett Wellness Centre as well as Gilbert (South Dyke) will be made available by the spring and construction of the proposed plots on the Garden City Lands is anticipated to begin in the fall after Farm Fest; and

§   

signage was increased last year at the community gardens as a way to deter and mitigate theft issues.

Discussion then took place on identifying other locations for additional community garden spaces including the Gardens development on Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road and direction was given to staff to provide an update on the status of the Gardens Agricultural Park garden plots.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Gardens Update,” dated March 7, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR HAROLD STEVES

The Chair advised that a referral regarding the reorganization of Steveston based heritage organizations would be considered as Item No. 5.

5.

Reorganization of Steveston Heritage Organizations
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No.)

The Chair distributed materials to Committee, (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1), and spoke to a proposed referral to review the governance of Steveston Heritage sites as well as potentially establishing an overall Board. The Chair further remarked that the Britannia Heritage Shipyard should include water based recreational activities similar to the previously run Parks Afloat Program and introduced the following referral motion

It was moved and seconded

That governance of Steveston Heritage sites be reviewed to consider:

(1)

the establishment of an overall Steveston Heritage Sites Board including London Farm, Britannia Shipyard, Steveston Museum, and Gulf of Georgia Cannery Societies, with possible representation from the Heritage Advisory Committee;

(2)

the responsibility of the Steveston Historical Society be expanded to include the Steveston Tram and Branscombe House; and

(3)

the responsibility of the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society be expanded to include the Phoenix Net Loft and new moorage float, Imperial Landing Float, Garry Point Pilings, and Scotch Pond.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding the possible inclusion of other Richmond based groups.

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

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

In response to questions from Committee regarding a referral on the Marpole Rail Bridge, Ms. Esko advised that a report regarding the matter is anticipated to come forward later this year.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the public consultations on the Canadian Chinese Museum, Ms. Fenwick noted that staff has contacted the province and had an initial meeting and staff will provide more information as the project develops.

In reply to questions from Committee regarding the damaged trees outside the Richmond Nature Park, Todd Gross, Director, Parks Services remarked that there has been a consolidated effort between parks City staff, engineering City staff and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to alleviate damning issues and flooding in that area. Mr. Gross further noted that staff are waiting to see how much water movement occurs by spring and develop a longer term solution on how to mitigate water issues in the area.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:21 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Amanda Welby
Legislative Services Coordinator