July 20, 2021 - Minutes
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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Councillor Harold Steves, Chair (by teleconference) |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Carol Day (left the meeting at 6:14 p.m.) |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on June 29, 2021, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE |
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September 28, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. |
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COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION |
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1. |
NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK JULY 18 - 24, 2021 |
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Staff highlighted that signage throughout waterfront areas have been updated to include information about wave and boat activity. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) there is signage at Garry Point Park along the water, (ii) drowning prevention material is included on posters and is part of the curriculum in swimming lessons, (iii) the number of participants in swimming lessons was approximately 8,000 due to Covid-19, (iv) the City is working with the School District to revamp the WaterSafe program, and (v) signage is typically installed at high-use areas. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “National Drowning Prevention Week July 18 - 24, 2021,” dated June 19, 2021, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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Councillor Loo left the meeting (5:23 p.m.). |
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2. |
COMMUNITY SERVICES – NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WELLNESS CHECK |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Community Services staff continue to collaborate with non-profit community organizations on addressing the organizational impacts of COVID-19, including conducting a follow-up Wellness Check, as outlined in the staff report titled “Community Services – Non-profit Organizations Wellness Check,” dated June 23, 2021, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, and the Director, Recreation and Sport Services. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT GRANTS PROGRAM |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the Environmental Enhancement Grants Program is open to other non-profit societies, and (ii) the City currently works with community groups to incorporate beekeeping in City parks. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That, as described in the report titled ‘Community Environmental Enhancement Grants Program’ dated July 6, 2021 from the Director, Park Services and Director, Sustainability & District Energy: |
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(a) |
The purpose, scope and process of Option 1 to support ongoing environmental initiatives be endorsed; and |
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(b) |
Council approve the proposed amendments to City Grant Policy 3712. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
COMMUNITY GARDENS REFERRAL RESPONSE |
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Councillor McNulty withdrew his remarks in regard to community gardens made at the June 29, 2021 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting. He offered a sincere apology to the volunteers and staff of the Moncton Avenue community garden, and said he continues to be a strong supporter of community gardens. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) a public consultation takes place when considering the location for a community garden, (ii) next steps would be to prepare for a public consultation process, and (iii) a public consultation process would be completed before selecting a site. |
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In response to queries from Committee, Ian Lai, Executive Director, Urban Bounty, highlighted the benefits that community gardens bring to the community. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Community Gardens Referral Response,” dated July 2, 2021, from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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Councillor Day left the meeting (6:14 p.m.). |
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5. |
manager’s report |
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(i) |
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site |
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Staff highlighted that (i) the Britannia Shipyards Society is actively working on developing a dock management plan, and (ii) they have reached out to the owner of the Chinese junk ship to invite them to have a presence at Britannia Shipyards on an ongoing basis as well as at Richmond Maritime Festival. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that the possibility of staff attending the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, depending on Covid-19 restrictions, can be discussed with the CAO. |
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(ii) |
Heat Wave Update |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) Community Services staff are working with Emergency Support Services staff and Vancouver Coastal Health to review the City’s response to the heat wave at the end of June, 2021, and (ii) portable drinking fountains were not installed, but could be considered for future use depending on Covid-19 restrictions. |
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(iii) |
Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival |
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Discussion ensued with regard to the possibility of sending staff and Councillors to Port Townsend for the Wooden Boat Festival. As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That two Councillors be named and approved to travel to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, provided Covid restrictions permit. |
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CARRIED |
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(iv) |
Temporary Dog Parks |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the cost of installing a temporary dog park depends on the size of park and materials, and (ii) some parks have been identified as future dogs off-leash areas. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (6:19 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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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, July 20, 2021. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Harold Steves |
Shannon Unrau |