June 25, 2024 - Minutes
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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Chak Au, Chair |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
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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 May 28, 2024, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATIONS |
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1. |
Gordon Farrell, President, and David Yan, Vice President, Richmond BC Pickleball Association (RBCPA), were in attendance to present on the current demand for pickleball courts in Richmond. |
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Mr. Yan provided an overview of the RBCPA, the role they play in offering coaching and education of the sport to its members and the general public, and the many benefits of the game, most notably that pickleball (i) can be played year round, (ii) contributes to a very active and vibrant community, promoting physical activity and social interaction, highlighting the sport’s inclusivity and social connectedness, and (iii) is seeing a shift with the fastest growing demographic being 50 years and under, adding further to the overwhelming demand for more outdoor pickleball courts in the community. |
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In reply to queries from the Committee, Mr. Yan noted (i) the cost and benefits of being a member of RBCPA, (ii) RBCPA members are wanting to play more regularly scheduled pickleball times, (iii) RBCPA voluntarily maintains the Richmond public courts for the members and public, noting that RBCPA added paddle racks, ball stops, gates and court cleaning equipment, (iv) there is a preference for 9-12 courts in one location to potentially host future tournaments, and (v) it is difficult to play competitive pickleball on other surfaces such as tennis, badminton and basketball courts due to the lines and type of flooring needed. |
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As a result of the presentation, the following referral motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the presentation from the Richmond BC Pickleball Association be referred to staff and report back prior to 2025 budget considerations. |
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The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to the request and feasibility of attaining additional pickleball courts. |
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In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted the demand for additional pickleball courts was identified last year and continues to increase with the growing popularity of the sport for all types of players and groups independently of the RBCPA, and have been working this year on identifying sites for nine outdoor pickleball courts. |
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The question on the referral motion was then called and it was CARRIED.
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2. |
Dr. Mike Bomford, Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), provided an overview of the KPU Farm at Garden City Lands 2023 Activity Report, together with a brief presentation of the site overview, summary of the 2024 production, student research projects and the learning garden (copy on file City Clerk’s office). |
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Next steps were noted to include: |
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Outreach (food forest and signage around the farm, continued partnerships with Richmond schools); |
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Collaborative bog and wetland conservation / restoration |
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North Field Expansion (additional mineral soil to be layered on the North Pad, drainage installation); and |
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Completion of the shed (larger cooler, dry secure central space for tools, equipment, materials, and supplies). |
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In response to queries from the Committee, Dr. Bomford noted (i) there is a six plot/six year crop rotation in the market gardens, (ii) with the recent review and revision to the Sustainable Agricultural Program, KPU is hoping for an increase in student enrolment, (iii) KPU Farm is looking to increase capacity of food production and working on selecting certifiable crops to restore wholesale sales, (iv) the learning garden is utilized for school field trips, summer camps, and the public, and (v) KPU Farm is certified by the British Columbia Association for Regenerative Agriculture.
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A brief discussion ensued with respect to student research and demographics.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION |
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3. |
Heritage Boat Restoration Program at Britannia Shipyards |
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In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the report sets out the request to extend the current one year program for an additional two years, (ii) the report provides a concept plan for the park with the major feature of identifying a display case for the vessels that is accessible and well presented to the public, (iii) should the program proceed, staff will move forward in the planning process, including extensive public engagement, with concept options and costing anticipated for Council consideration at the end of 2025, early 2026, (iv) ongoing maintenance of properly restored (under cover) vessels is minimal and would be overseen by the shipyard operations supervisor, (v) the Starliner is currently not in a state where it can be safely moved, and (vi) removal of contaminated surface coating is done offsite either at the Harbour Authority or Shelter Island Marina. |
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Loren Slye, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Society (BSNHS), spoke to the work of the BSNHS Board members, noting that the members are available to assist the City in the Heritage Boat Restoration Program. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That the pilot Heritage Boat Restoration Program, as detailed in the staff report titled “Heritage Boat Restoration Program at Britannia Shipyards”, dated May 27, 2024, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed; |
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(2) |
That funding Option 1 – One-Time Additional Levels to support a pilot Heritage Boat Restoration Program for 2025 and 2026, be considered as part of the 2025 budget processes; |
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(3) |
That the development of a site concept plan for Britannia Shipyards, as detailed in the staff report titled “Heritage Boat Restoration Program at Britannia Shipyards”, dated May 27, 2024, be endorsed; and |
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(4) |
That funding of $80,000 to support the development of a site concept plan be considered as part of the 2025 budget process.
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The question on the motion was not called as further discussion ensued with respect to planning process. In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) in addition to the standard planning for park space (consulting, site investigation, etc.), an extensive public consultation process will also be undertaken, (ii) the development process includes idea generation and concept evaluation, estimated to take six to nine months’ time, and (iii) the BSNHS Board would be consulted as part of the process, with their input received and considered as part of the plan. |
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As a result of the discussion, the following amendment motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the motion be amended to add: |
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(5) |
That the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society be consulted and be an integral part of the site concept plan for Britannia Shipyards.
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The question on the amendment motion was not called as further discussion ensued with staff noting that Option 1 of the report does not consider the future of the Starliner which currently is resting in a space that will be required for future construction and will need to be moved. Staff can investigate alternative spaces and review reinforcement options to move to the display. |
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It was noted that BSNHS members have expressed their support for the proposed restoration program to proceed. |
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The question on the main motion as amended, which reads as follows: |
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(1) |
That the pilot Heritage Boat Restoration Program, as detailed in the staff report titled “Heritage Boat Restoration Program at Britannia Shipyards”, dated May 27, 2024, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed; |
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(2) |
That funding Option 1 – One-Time Additional Levels to support a pilot Heritage Boat Restoration Program for 2025 and 2026, be considered as part of the 2025 budget processes; |
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(3) |
That the development of a site concept plan for Britannia Shipyards, as detailed in the staff report titled “Heritage Boat Restoration Program at Britannia Shipyards”, dated May 27, 2024, be endorsed; |
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(4) |
That funding of $80,000 to support the development of a site concept plan be considered as part of the 2025 budget process; and |
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(5) |
That the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society be consulted and be an integral part of the site concept plan for Britannia Shipyards. |
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4. |
Richmond Arts Strategy 2025–2029 |
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(1) |
That the current Council-endorsed Richmond Arts Strategy 2019–2024 Vision and Guiding Principles be reaffirmed to guide the development of the updated Richmond Arts Strategy 2025-2029; and |
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(2) |
That the proposed scope of work for the updated Richmond Arts Strategy 2025–2029 as presented in the report titled, “Richmond Arts Strategy 2025–2029”, dated May 24, 2024, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed. |
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CARRIED
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5. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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McDonald Beach |
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In response to queries from the Committee regarding MacDonald Beach, staff were directed to provide an update at the next meeting to address (i) Fergusson Way road access and maintenance, (ii) erosion of the bank affecting the main trails on the waterfront side, (iii) the grass cutting schedule, and (iv) the floating dock procurement in construction. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:35 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, June 25, 2024. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Chak Au |
Lorraine Anderson |