November 29, 2022 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Absent:

Councillor Chak Au

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 October 19, 2022, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

1.

Linda Barnes, Chairperson, and Andrew Wade, Executive Director, Richmond Arts Coalition (RAC), were in attendance to speak to the RAC yearly update, as provided to the Committee (copy on file), highlighting some of the RAC activities that have taken place, plans for the upcoming year, and to advocate for purpose-built arts spaces.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

NEW CAPSTAN VILLAGE PARK CONCEPT PLAN

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-01) (REDMS No. 6997522)

Jim Wright, Richmond resident, spoke to his written submission (copy on file), noting:

·         the opportunity to enable sunny pollinator habitat in an area where there will be some trees lost;

·         the new trees along Garden City Road, with a sidewalk and a berm on the park side, enables noise control, which would be equally beneficial for park patrons and wildlife if the Cambie Road park border was similarly enhanced; and

·         given the relatively small size of the park, and 3 dog off-leash parks within close proximity, it would be prudent to remove the off-leash dog element and any other aspect that detracts from the idealistic and ambitious, but achievable core vision, from the park design.

Sharon MacGougan, President, Garden City Conservation Society, and Richmond resident, spoke to her written submission (copy on file).  In particular, Ms. MacGougan noted (i) appreciation that the bird habitat is firmly embedded in the plan and supported by the community; and (ii) the dog off-leash area is at odds with efforts being made to provide a quiet park to enjoy the sounds of nature and would be better utilized as undisturbed space for birds to congregate and feel safe, and as a park where people can enjoy quiet contemplation in nature.

Yvonne Bell, Richmond resident, was in attendance to express appreciation and concerns with respect to the plans for the park.  In particular, Ms. Bell noted:

·         the 1.34 acre park is much smaller than each of the three off-leash dog areas that are within walking distance from the park;

·         keeping the park as natural as possible, without an off leash dog area or open lawn area, would be more conducive with wildlife habitat; and

·         limited pathways that are water permeable, and preferably something that is 100% biodegradable, will keep the park as natural as possible.

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) alternatives to a dog off-leash area include leaving the area as natural, increase the burms, create pollinator gardens, and other references inspired by the public consultation survey; (ii) the dog off-leash area is not a necessity, but when considering the future density, it was easier to plan in the beginning than create in the future; (iii) as desired through public consultation, there is one covered pavilion planned for the park; and (iv) a washroom facility has not been planned.

The importance of having a small park that is kept as natural as possible instead of diluted with too many themes, was noted.

It was moved and seconded

That the New Capstan Village Park Concept Plan, as detailed in the staff report titled “New Capstan Village Park Concept Plan,” dated October 24, 2022, from the Director, Park Services, be endorsed with the removal of the dog off-leash area and replaced with natural areas.

CARRIED

3.

SOUTH ARM COMMUNITY PARK PLAYGROUND CONTRIBUTION

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-SARM1) (REDMS No. 6999307)

The Committee noted the significance of the $200,000 contribution from the South Arm Community Association to increase the original capital budget, which will be applied to a zip line and a climbing tower.

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the zip line incorporated is a more robust system with maintenance anticipated to be very low, (ii) a warranty will be in place for the zip line and the climbing tower, and (iii) all materials are fairly strong and should be able to be maintained against vandalism, and the opportunity to work with some local youth or graffiti artist to enhance the tunnel, allowing for some sanctioned graffiti, is being considered.

It was moved and seconded

That the capital budget for Playground Replacement and Safety Upgrade Program (2018) be increased by $200,000 as described in the staff report titled “South Arm Community Park Playground Contribution,” dated October 24, 2022, from the Director, Parks Services, and the Consolidated 5-Year Financial Plan (2023-2027) be amended accordingly.

CARRIED

3A.

BURKEVILLE TREES

Councillor Gillanders requested an update on the condition of the trees deemed dangerous in the Burkeville area.  Staff noted there are many mature elm trees in the area and that local residents placed a number of calls for inspections, which were entered formally as service requests and inspected.  Staff will follow-up with an update on the status of those inspections.

3B.

HERRLING RESIDENCE

Councillor Gillanders requested information with respect to a potential relocation plan for the Hurling Residence (on Sexsmith Road).  Staff noted that Policy Planning is currently working on a report back to Council.

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Parks Programs Update

§   

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, over 450 residents picked up the trees they purchased through the City’s inaugural tree sale, expressing their appreciation and requesting additional tree sales events.  Staff are looking at the potential for future plant sales with a greater variety of trees.

§   

On Saturday, November 26, 2022, members of the 10^th Richmond Sea Scout Group, the Eco Team from London Steveston High School, and a member of the Bark Park, dog park community, assisted in planting a mixture of 12 coniferous and deciduous trees at Bark Park.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:06 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, November 29, 2022.

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate