April 27, 2021 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair (by teleconference)
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
Councillor Chak Au (by teleconference)
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day (by teleconference)

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Parks Afloat at Garry Point be added to the agenda as Item No. 7A.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on March 23, 2021, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

May 26, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Proposed 2021 Operating Hours for Steveston Outdoor Pool
(File Ref. No. 11-7143-01) (REDMS No. 6436380)

Staff advised that extensive consultation with the petitioners, Kigoos Swim Club and the Aquatics Advisory Board has taken place and that staff have endeavoured to accommodate all requests.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) there are slight differences in timing with regard to Option 3 and Option 4, (ii) closures for cleaning are not required as that can be completed throughout the day, (iii) there have been requests for swim times before work, at lunchtime, and after work, and (iv) the School Board has not committed to the activities at the end of the year due to the dynamic situation of the pandemic.

Jim McGrath, Richmond resident, commented on the (i) 2019 petition from swimmers regarding the Steveston Outdoor Pool services, (ii) new proposed hours, noting that Option 3 does not utilize the pool at optimal levels, and (iii) proposed Option 4, noting it was the preferred option and the most equitable for all users.

Louise Shaffer, Richmond resident, spoke on (i) the various options outlined in the staff report, (ii) Option 4, noting it was the preferred option, and (iii) the Terms of Reference of the Aquatics Services Advisory Board, noting that they are mandated to maintain and objective and unbiased approach.

Duncan Smith, Richmond resident, spoke in support of Option 4 and was of the opinion that (i) there are inconsistencies with the financials for the various options, and (ii) the majority of the revenue increase was due to pass holders.

Rosemary Nickerson, representative for Kigoos Swim Club, provided background information on the Kigoos Swim Cub and noted that (i) the club brings in many swimmers and their families to the pool facilities in Richmond during competitions, (ii) club rental fees cover the costs of running the pool, (iii) due to Covid the swim schedules have been adjusted to accommodate health regulations, and (iv) Option 4 is not supported as they do not want children swimming until 10:30 pm and would prefer Option 3.

Rosemary Nygard, Richmond resident, noted that (i) Kigoos Swim Club participants will become public swimmers in the future, (ii) during the Covid-19 pandemic, swimming has been important, and (iii) other pools are available for public swim if there is insufficient opportunities at Steveston Outdoor Pool.

Sonja Dong, Vice-Chair, Aquatic Services Advisory Board, noted that (i) the topic of the Steveston Outdoor Pool has been discussed extensively, (ii) the Board has done extensive consultation with the petitioners, and (iii) a combination of Option 3 and Option 4 can be considered.

Discussion took place on amalgamating Option 3 and Option 4 as outlined in the staff report, and as a result the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That a hybrid model for 2021, based on Options 3 and 4 as detailed in Attachments 3 and 4 of the memo titled “Response to Referral – Proposed 2021 Operating Hours for Steveston Outdoor Pool,” dated April 23, 2021, from the Manager, Aquatic and Arena Services, with the following modifications:

(1)

Kigoos Swim Club have evening swim times of 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and retain their 10 hour combined weekday morning swim times from July 2, 2021, to September 6, 2021; and

(2)

The 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekday public time slot totalling two and half weekly hours from July 2, 2021, to September 6, 2021, as outlined in Option 4, to be removed and be added to the weekday morning length swim times to ensure length swimming five (5) mornings per week;

be approved for the operation of Steveston Outdoor Pool for the summer of 2021.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place on ensuring adequate public swim time in the morning and appropriate swim times for the Kigoo Swim Club.

It was requested that a revised schedule and budget be provided prior to the next Council meeting.

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

2.

Minoru Lakes Renewal Detailed Design Plan and Next Steps 
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-MINO1) (REDMS No. 6612925 v. 6)

Staff with the aid of a PowerPoint (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) provided background information on the project.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the water will recirculate in the lakes from north to south and pumped back through the waterfall in a continuous loop, (ii) there will be wildlife management measures put in place to ensure they do not enter the lake, (iii) further education will be provided to the public with regard to feeding the ducks and geese, (iv) the vine maple trees are not being relocated due to cost benefits; however, this can be revisited, and (v) the channel will include rocks of various sizes and soils that will help filter the water, and only activated if the lakes are full and overflowing.

It was moved and seconded

That the Minoru Park Renewal Detailed Design Plan be received for information and that the Minoru Lakes Renewal project proceed to contract award and construction, as detailed in the staff report titled “Minoru Lakes Renewal Detailed Design Plan and Next Steps,” dated March 30, 2021, from the Director, Parks Services.

CARRIED

3.

Options for Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards Dock Operations
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-01) (REDMS No. 6649086)

Loren Slye, Society Past Chair, highlighted that the Society is working diligently to get their affairs in order to take on this project and urged Committee to support the recommendation.

Terry McPhail, spoke in favour of the report and noted that (i) subsidized rates would be examined, (ii) a utility recapture program would be explored, (iii) a green certified marina rating would be examined, (iv) a revenue contract would be drawn, and (v) collaboration with the Steveston Businesses and other stakeholders would be necessary.

Linda Barnes, Co-Chair, Steveston Historical Society, spoke in favour of the staff report and noted that Steveston Harbour is the largest small craft harbour in Canada and that Britannia will now be a part of that.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. McPhail noted that (i) the docks will provide both electricity and water, (ii) there is not sewage pump in Steveston, (iii) there are rules around holding tanks, (iv) oily water disposal is the responsibility of each boat, and (v) as the project moves forward details can be straightened out.

It was moved and seconded

That option 1 “Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society Pilot” be endorsed as the preferred option for the future operations of the docks at Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards as detailed in the staff report titled “Options for Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards Dock Operations,” dated April 8, 2021, from the Director, Parks Services and Director, Arts, Cultural and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the City take necessary steps to remove an unauthorized boat that is docked at the Imperial Landing Dock.

CARRIED

4.

Spring Break Program Update 2021 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6650067)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “Spring Break Program Update 2021”, dated April 9, 2021, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

Bowling Green Community Activity Centre Terms of Reference for Public Art Project 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-283) (REDMS No. 6402985)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the next steps are a call for artist and then to Council for approval, (ii) there are two proposed locations for the placement of the artwork, a stand-alone artwork located near the arrival plaza or an integrated artwork as part of the surface paving for the main pedestrian east-west corridor, (iii) bowling participants spectate from different view points, and (iv) an overhang is not anticipated in the promenade area.

It was moved and seconded

That the Terms of Reference for the Bowling Green Community Activity Centre public artwork, as presented in the report titled “Bowling Green Community Activity Centre Terms of Reference for Public Art Project” from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated March 22, 2021, be endorsed.

CARRIED

6.

Arts Services Year in Review 2020 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6643650)

It was moved and seconded

That the Arts Services Year in Review 2020 as presented in the staff report titled, “Arts Services Year in Review 2020,” dated March 16, 2021, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be circulated to Community Partners and Funders for their information.

CARRIED

7.

City Appointees to the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society Board of Directors
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6628585)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) Council will have the opportunity to review the applicants prior to their appointment, and (ii) the vacancies will be advertised to the public.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society be advised that, in response to its letter, three City appointments will be made to its Board of Directors in 2022.

CARRIED

7A.

parks afloat at garry point
(File Ref. No.)

Materials were distributed (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1) and discussion took place on installing floats to encourage and promote fishing.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff prepare a revised plan for the Garry Point Legacy Pier, similar to the No. 3 Rd. Pier, (or a transition float) containing it entirely on City owned land and water lot, with the potential for, 1, 2, or 3 floats from Imperial Landing, in front and to the west of the pier only.

(2)

That the City immediately invite a ship, or ships, for a tall ship event in 2022, if possible. 

CARRIED

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Summer Programs

Staff noted that summer programs registrations begin May 4, 2021 with Aquatics registrations beginning at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. for all other programs.

(ii)

Pitch and Putt

Staff advised that the West Richmond Pitch and Putt will be open on May 3, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week, weather dependent. 

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:07 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, April 27, 2021.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Legislative Services Associate