MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (0 ITEMS)

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (1 ITEM)

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

2.

FRASER RIVER PORT AUTHORITY – WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

(Report:  Apr. 4/05, File No.:  10-6530-01/2004-Vol 01; xr 0140-20-FRHA1) (REDMS No. 1360655)

Discussion ensued among Committee members, the Acting Director, Transportation, Victor Wei, and the Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe on:

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the rationale for asking the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) to include goods movement and marine transportation in the Liveable Region Strategic Plan – advice was given that the GVRD’s influence in the Lower Mainland and the review currently underway of the Liveable Region Plan provided an opportunity to place a strong emphasis on marine transportation in the updated Plan

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the pursuit of funding for public infrastructure to address flood protection and future river management, and whether funding sources would comprise part of the proposed recommendation

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regarding the Fraser-Richmond Properties – Coast 2000 Terminal development node, and whether the Fraser River Port Authority would consider providing a passenger ferry service as part of its proposal

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the need to create a wider and wider partnership with federal, provincial, municipal and private agencies relating to marine transportation on the Fraser River

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the need for dredging of the Fraser River to accommodate larger ships if the river was to be promoted as a waterborne transportation route

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the proposed Fraser-Richmond Properties – Coast 2000 Terminal development node, and the need for the extension of Blundell Road to Highway 99 to be a top priority, if this project was to be a success.

During the discussion, reference was made by the Chair to a meeting being held in Whistler in May, at which representatives of the Ministry of Fisheries & Oceans would be in attendance, to work with their counterparts to address dredging and river management on a project building basis.  Cllr. Howard suggested that it might be appropriate for staff members to attend all or a portion of the meeting.

Also during the discussion, Mr. Wei provided a brief update on the status of discussions regarding the extension of Blundell Road to Highway 99.

It was moved and seconded

That the City support the efforts of the Fraser River Port Authority to enhance waterborne commerce on the Fraser River by requesting the GVRD to specifically include goods movement and marine transportation as components in the updated Liveable Region Strategic Plan.

CARRIED

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (0 ITEMS)

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3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Wei advised that staff would be providing monthly updates on the status of the RAV project.  An information bulletin was circulated regarding the need for a further environmental assessment conducted on the “cut and cover” portions of the Vancouver component, and Mr. Wei spoke further on this matter.  Mr. Crowe then provided information on the Council Visioning workshop held on April 15^th, 2005 to begin defining the ‘guiding principles’ for use by RAVCO and the City on the preliminary and detailed streetscape and precinct plans. 

Reference was made by Mr. Wei to a memorandum circulated to all members of Council (dated April 18^th, 2005), and he spoke further on timing and the use of funds; the location of the South Terminus Station; and the communication and public consultation processes.  A brief discussion ensued among Committee members and staff, during which staff were requested to ensure that safety issues were addressed.  Also addressed was the issue of whether the Richmond portion of the line would be a single or double track between Bridgeport Road and Cambie Road, and information was provided that a double track would be constructed only if funding became available.

The Manager, Engineering Design & Construction, Jim Young, reported on the success of the recent Capital Projects Open House.  He also provided information on an initiative being undertaken with London Secondary School to participate in the School’s careers program.  A brief discussion ensued, during which the Chair asked that the Committee’s thanks and congratulations be passed on to the participants in the Open House for a job well done.

The Director, Engineering, Robert Gonzalez, reported that the Public Works Open House would be held on May 14^th, 2005.

The Chair referred to a complaint which had been received about traffic in the area of the 22000 block of River Road.  Mr. Wei advised that staff were reviewing the situation and would be preparing a response to the complainant.  He added that staff would be undertaking a traffic speed and volume survey as part of the review.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:45 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, April 20^th, 2005.

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Councillor Rob Howard
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office