HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-22 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdf
District of Maple Ridge
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2. MINUTES –July 8, 2013
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
3.1
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Education Task Force Composition and Scope of Work
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 recommending that the proposed composition,
scope and objectives of a Post-Secondary Education Task Force be approved, that
staff be directed to carry out and oversee its formation, that two Councillors be
appointed to the Task Force and that the Financial Plan be adjusted.
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
July 22, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall
The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and
other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at
this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to
Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more
information or clarification.
REMINDERS
July 22, 2013
Closed Council following Workshop
Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 p.m.
July 23, 2013
Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Council Workshop
July 22, 2013
Page 2 of 4
4.2 Housing Action Plan Update
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 recommending that the report titled “Housing
Action Plan Update” be received for information.
4.3 Fibre Optic Network – Status Update and Next Steps
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 recommending that a process for the Request for
Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) for participants in a District’s communication
conduit network and services for economic development purposes be undertaken
and that staff prepare amendments to Subdivision and Development Servicing
Bylaw No. 4800-1993 to more formally define communications conduit
development standards.
4.4 Proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008-2013
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 providing information on and a draft of proposed
Maple Ridge Sign Bylaw No. 7008-2013,
4.5 August-December 2013 Council Matrix
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 recommending that the Council Matrix attached
as Appendix I to the staff report be adopted.
4.6 Policy Review - Committees of Council
Staff report dated July 22, 2013 advising that Policy 3.11, Committees of Council
has been reviewed and that no changes are recommended.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is
seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include:
a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be
taken.
b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter.
c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion.
d) Other.
Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent.
Council Workshop
July 22, 2013
Page 3 of 4
5.1 Ridge Meadows Youth Diversion Program – Fee for Service Funding
Letter dated June 28, 2013 from Ranjit Kingra, Program Coordinator, Ridge
Meadows Youth Diversion Program, requesting consideration of an increase in fee
for service funding and exemption from rent.
Recommendation: b) refer to staff
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
8. ADJOURNMENT
Checked by: ___________
Date: _________________
Council Workshop
July 22, 2013
Page 4 of 4
Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting
A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one
or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as
an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or
honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity;
(c) labour relations or employee negotiations;
(d) the security of property of the municipality;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that
disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the
conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
(h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality,
other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council
(i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose;
(j) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited
from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at
their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the
interests of the municipality if they were held in public;
(l) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and
progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal
report]
(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting;
(n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of
subsection (2)
(o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings)
should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
(p) information relating to local government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where
an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential.
District of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
July 8, 2013
The Minutes of the Municipal Council Workshop held on July 8, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in
the Blaney Room of the Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British
Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular Municipal business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor E. Daykin J. Rule, Chief Administrative Officer
Councillor C. Ashlie K. Swift, General Manager of Community Development,
Councillor C. Bell Parks and Recreation Services
Councillor J. Dueck P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor A. Hogarth F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor B. Masse Services
Councillor M. Morden C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
A. Gaunt, Confidential Secretary
Other Staff as Required
L. Benson, Manager of Sustainability and Corporate
Planning
S. Blue, Manager Strategic Economic Initiatives
C. Carter, Director of Planning
D. Spence, Fire Chief and Director of Safety
D. Hall, Planner
Note: These Minutes are posted on the Municipal Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted as circulated.
2.MINUTES
R/2013-293
Minutes It was moved and seconded
June 17, 2013
That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of June 17,
2013 be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
2.0
Council Workshop Minutes
July 8, 2013
Page 2 of 4
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Business Planning 2014-2018 Priorities
Staff report dated July 8, 2013 identifying priorities areas for the 2014-2018
Business Planning Process.
The Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Planning reviewed the report.
She outlined the process followed with Council to set priorities, reviewed the
priorities set in May of 2013 and advised that these priorities will be reflected
in 2104 Business Plans.
4.2 Proposed Bylaw Amendments to direct the use of Medical Marihuana
Production
Staff report dated July 8, 2013 recommending that staff be directed to work
with legal counsel to prepare zoning and other bylaw amendments to
establish the production of medical marihuana as a permitted use in lands
that are within the Agricultural Land Reserve only subject to restrictions
identified in the report.
The Director of Planning reviewed the background for the proposed bylaw
amendments. She advised that a bulletin from the Agricultural Land
Commission which states that the Commission considers medical marihuana
production as an agricultural endeavor played a key role in the development
of a local bylaw.
The Planner addressed the bulletin released by the Agricultural Land
Commission. She reviewed the options for consideration and advised that
staff recommends Option 3 in the report.
The Fire Chief advised that the Fire Department will handle commercial
marihuana production operations in the same manner as any other
production facility or industrial/commercial building.
Council Workshop Minutes
July 8, 2013
Page 3 of 4
R/2013-294
Proposed Bylaw It was moved and seconded
Amendments
Medical Marihauna
Production
That staff be directed to work with legal counsel to prepare
Zoning and other bylaw amendments as needed to establish
the production of medical marihuana (as authorized under
federal legislation) as a permitted use in lands that are within
the Agricultural Land Reserve only, in suitably designed and
serviced structures, subject to the minimum parcel sizes,
separation requirements, and siting and setback restrictions
contained within the report titled “Proposed Bylaw
Amendments to Direct the Use of Medical Marihuana
Production”, dated July 8, 2013.
CARRIED
4.3 Packaging and Printed Paper Recycling in British Columbia – Extended
Producer Responsibility Program
The Municipal Engineer provided an update on the Multi Material BC
(“MMBC”) Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Plan. He advised that the
stewardship plan has been approved by the Provincial Government and is to
be implemented by May 2014. He also advised that the plan was approved in
April and as a result, municipalities have not yet had the time to full address
the complexities of the process.
R/2013-295
Packaging and It was moved and seconded
Printed Paper
Recycling
Received
That the verbal report on Packaging and Printed Paper
Recycling in British Columbia – Extended Producer
Responsibility Program be received for information.
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
July 8, 2013
Page 4 of 4
5. CORRESPONDENCE – Nil
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL – Nil
6.1 Waste Flow Management and Waste to Energy
In response to a question from Councillor Masse, the Mayor advised that the
topics of Waste Flow Management and Waste to Energy have not yet been on
that agenda for the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors.
Mayor Daykin indicated that he will provide reports from the Metro Vancouver
Board meetings discussing the topics.
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT – Nil
8. ADJOURNMENT – 10:05 a.m.
_______________________________
E. Daykin, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
C. Marlo, Corporate Officer
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Workshop
SUBJECT: Education Task Force composition and scope of work
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Following the EAC Education Sector update ‘North Fraser / BC Jobs Plan Education Sector update’
June 11, 2013 Council asked ‘That a Post-Secondary Task Force to work on this strategic priority
sector be established, and that staff be directed to provide a report outlining the proposed
composition and scope of work of this task force.’
The sector update included information about the opportunity in the sector and outlined the
considerable progress achieved by the North Fraser economic partners (Maple Ridge, Mission & Pitt
Meadows) to date. Of particular relevance, the selection by the Government of BC as the first BC
Jobs Plan Pilot community for a range of priority job creation and investment attraction initiatives,
many of which include Post-Secondary education and the related sector of Advanced Technology.
Also as Council is aware, on July 9, 2013 the BCIT School of Business announced a partnership with
the District of Maple Ridge to offer three credit courses in Marketing Entrepreneurship here in Maple
Ridge this September. The announcement event was well attended, and the announcement has
been positively reported in the local media as well. This is the first of many such post-secondary and
industry sector education and training announcements we anticipate in the future.
The primary purpose of the Education Task Force will be to identify opportunities to advance the
goals of attracting multi-institutional post-secondary training to the region.
To that end, we will be seeking to attract ten to twelve individuals from across the North Fraser
communities of Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows.
To be most effective the number of members on the Task Force needs to be manageable, with
representation from knowledgeable sector and industry representatives who can help advance the
desired outcomes. Membership will include a Commissioner from the Economic Advisory
Commission, representatives from School District No. 42, the Chamber of Commerce, the
Government of BC, Post-Secondary institutions and other Government and non-government agencies
and two members of Council, one being an appointed member of the Economic Advisory
Commission.
A number of individuals have already offered to provide their expertise and support to the Task Force
including:
4.1
•Mr. Darryl Soper, Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology–Regional
Executive Director Fraser Valley
•Ms Veronica Madore, BCIT School of Business – Manager Corporate & Industry Services
•Ms Jan Unwin, School District Superintendent
•Marcus Ewert-Johns, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME). He was formerly
with Investor Services with the Government of BC
•Maple Ridge EAC Commissioner Karoline deVries (Douglas College)
•Mr. Bill Tam, President BC Technology Industry Association
Timing:
A letter of request will be sent to these organizations outlining the goals of the Education Task Force
and seeking the name of representatives to sit on the Task Force. This request will be sent out later
this month, however as many are away on summer vacation we will request a response by
September 9, 2013.
These individuals will be invited to attend a meeting at which time they will be provided background
information and the details, scope and outcomes of the Education Task Force will be confirmed.
It is anticipated that the term of the Task Force will be six months to a year in duration, and that an
outcome will be a report outlining their findings and recommendations to advance post-secondary in
the region.
Business Plan / Financial implications:
In support of the BCIT announcement to offer the three courses this fall, Economic Development
requires funds to outfit the two locations where the training will be offered to the BCIT standard
format. These locations include the Fraser Room at the Library and a location on the third floor in the
Maple Ridge Business Centre. When the upgrades to these rooms are complete, the space will be
available to facilitate other education, training and business seminars to the benefit of the District
and our citizens. All the equipment will remain under the ownership of the District.
This investment will include basic furniture as well as Audio visual equipment.
It is estimated that the total cost of outfitting the rooms would be in the order of $30,000. The
required funding is not included in our current financial plan. Having said this, Council can fund
important “one-time” items through Gaming Revenues and/or Accumulated Surplus. If Council is
supportive of this initiative, funding will be included in our next financial plan amendment.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the composition, scope and objectives of a Post-Secondary Education Task Force to work on
this strategic priority sector as outlined in the staff report dated July 22, 2013 be approved and that
staff be directed to carry out/ oversee its formation; and
That Councillors and be appointed to the Task Force; and further
That the Financial Plan be adjusted.
CONCLUSIONS:
Supporting the creation of an Education Task Force encourages collaboration to leverage budget and
resources, create a larger pool of talent and skills, and strengthens our Community’s position to
attract additional investment to the region.
“Original signed by Sandy Blue”______________________
Prepared by: Sandy Blue Ec.D ABC
Manager Strategic Economic Initiatives
“Original signed by Paul Gill”_________________________
Prepared by: Paul Gill
General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule_____________________
Approved by: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
Ec/scb
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Housing Action Plan Update
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Council on the status of the Housing Action Plan
(HAP). Council endorsed a process proposed in a report that went to Council Workshop June 18,
2012. A Request for Proposal (RFP )for the Housing Action Plan was developed in spring, 2013. A
summary of the key components of the RFP were submitted to the Social Planning Advisory
Committee (SPAC) in early July, 2013. The RFP was issued July 10, 2013. It is anticipated that a
preferred candidate will be selected in late August, 2013 and commence work on the Housing Action
Plan in September, 2013.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the report dated July 22, 2013 and titled ‘Housing Action Plan Update’ be received for
information.
DISCUSSION:
Housing Action Plan Process Endorsed by Council June 18, 2012
The process for the Housing Action plan was outlined in a staff report to Council dated June 18,
2012. Council authorized staff to proceed with the Housing Action Plan based on this process. The
process and components of the Housing Action Plan outlined in the report are summarized below.
The full report is attached as Appendix A.
•The Social Planning Advisory Committee will act as the Steering Committee for the Housing
Action Plan, guiding the process and making recommendations on decision items to Council.
•Parks & Leisure Services department staff that support SPAC will be the key staff liaisons to
the project and the Planning Department will provide technical support.
•The Housing Action Plan will identify goals and objectives of the Housing Action Plan which
include, but are not limited to:
o Assessing local housing market conditions
o Identifying housing priorities
o Encourage the supply of new rental housing
o Develop local partnerships and work with other levels of government to secure
affordable housing
o Identify short, medium and long-term actions to meet housing needs across the
housing continuum
•The Housing Action Plan will have a comprehensive consultation program which will
contribute to identifying a Vision, Principles, Priority Issues and Recommended Actions.
1 4.2
•The HAP will also outline a Work Program to implement the recommendations of the Plan.
Key indicators will also be identified to measure progress related to housing affordability and
diversity.
The flow chart attached as Appendix B indicates that background work to prepare for the HAP is
already underway. The chart indicates that background studies for the HAP began with the
participation in the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). It is anticipated that this work will coincide with
the hiring of a consultant who will then begin the process of conducting research related to the HAP.
July 2013 Update to Social Planning Advisory Committee
A summary of the key components of the RFP, based on the Council-approved process from the
report of June 18, 2012 was submitted to the Social Planning Advisory Committee’s regularly
scheduled monthly meeting on July 3, 2012. A select group of five proponents have been invited to
apply. SPAC received the report and recommended that it be forwarded to Council.
Request for Proposal Issued
A Request for Proposal was developed in the spring of 2013 and was issued July 10, 2013. A copy
of the Request for Proposal is attached as Appendix C. The deadline for submission is August 2,
2013. Evaluation will begin shortly after the submission deadline and interviews will be scheduled
for late August. It is anticipated that a preferred candidate will be selected and hired in order for
work to begin September, 2013
CONCLUSION:
The development of the Housing Action Plan is an important step in advancing the municipality’s
sustainability objectives. The HAP will provide a framework for action to address the community’s
housing needs which is a key component of creating a healthy, sustainable community.
“Original signed by Siobhan Murphy”________ ____
Prepared by: Siobhan Murphy, MA, MCIP, RPP
Planning Technician
“Original signed by Sue Wheeler”____________________
Approved by: Sue Wheeler
Community Services Director
“Original signed by Kelly Swift”_____________________
Approved by: Kelly, Swift
GM, Community Development and Parks and Recreation
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule”__________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
The following appendices are attached hereto:
Appendix A – Council Report June 18, 2012
Appendix B – Housing Action Plan flowchart
2
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: June 18, 2012
and Members of Council FILE NO: CDPR-0640-30
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Housing Action Plan Process
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report to is obtain Council’s authorization to proceed with the proposed process
for the preparation of a Housing Action Plan (HAP) for the District of Maple Ridge. The HAP will
articulate a vision, guiding principles, goals and objectives, and a plan for municipal actions and
strategies with the goal of achieving an adequate supply of housing to meet the full range of incomes
and needs in our community.
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be authorized to proceed with the preparation of a Housing Action Plan, in accordance with
the process outlined in this staff report dated 2012-06-18.
DISCUSSION:
a)Background Context:
The proposed HAP was approved as a part of the 2012 Business Plan under the title Affordable
Housing Strategy. This title has been modified to be called the “Housing Action Plan” to align
with the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).
In July, 2011, Metro Vancouver adopted the RGS with the support of member municipalities.
Maple Ridge Council accepted the RGS on March 22, 2011. The RGS demonstrates that
affordable housing with a range of housing options is an essential part of a complete community.
It outlines a series of municipal actions including the development of Official Community Plans,
Regional Context Statements, and Housing Action Plans as actions to assist municipalities in
increasing the supply and diversity of affordable housing at key points along the housing
continuum.
The RGS provides ten year estimates of future housing demands across the region. The 10-year
estimate for Maple Ridge is for 6,600 new housing units; with 4,300 being ownership units and
2,300 being rental units. Of the rental units, it is estimated that 1,700 will need to be affordable
in order to accommodate low and moderate-income households. Of the 1,700, it is estimated
that there is a need for 800 non-market social housing units and 900 affordable market rental
units.
Scope
The District of Maple Ridge’s HAP will identify actions currently underway and will recommend
strategies to address current and future housing needs, with a particular focus on the needs of
low and moderate income households for whom home ownership is not an option. The HAP will:
assess local housing market conditions, by tenure, including assessing housing supply,
demand and affordability;
identify housing priorities, based on the assessment of local housing market conditions, and
consideration of changing household demographics, characteristics and needs;
APPENDIX A
identify implementation measures within the jurisdiction and financial capabilities of
municipalities;
identify strategies to encourage the supply of new rental housing and limit the loss of existing
rental housing stock;
identify opportunities to participate in programs with other levels of government to secure
additional affordable housing units to meet housing needs across the continuum of housing.
Through a community and stakeholder engagement process, the HAP will focus on the housing
continuum from home ownership through to non-market housing to identify key
recommendations to address the supply of:
Non-market housing for low income households and for groups that require supportive or
special needs housing;
Market rental housing for low and moderate income households, and
Affordable home ownership.
Non-Market Housing:
Through the Social Planning function, the District of Maple Ridge has been working with
community partners to facilitate solutions to the issues related to inadequate housing options.
Work has included:
Being informed and understanding the issues;
Acting as an advocate to other levels of government, funders, and community stakeholders;
Supporting the implementation of solutions through actions that are within the municipality’s
mandate.
Over the last several years, the District has been proactive in serving as a catalyst for action to
address homelessness. Examples include:
Participation on the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness;
Support for the development 2004 Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Ending Homelessness Action
Plan, as well as the update to this Action Plan that is currently underway;
Support, and in some instances in-kind contribution, for numerous community initiatives
including: the Iron Horse Youth Safe House, the Alouette Home Start Community Outreach
team; the Family Inn; Alouette Heights Supportive Housing; and the Route 29 Youth Housing
support program.
The HAP will explore strategies to build on the Municipality’s current activities and identify
options and opportunities to help increase the supply of non-market housing for low-income
households and supportive housing for seniors, youth and people with disabilities.
Market Rental Housing:
The development of a HAP will provide an opportunity for Maple Ridge to undertake an analysis
of its current market rental housing stock, examine the municipal policies and regulations that
impact the supply of rental housing, and identify priority issues and recommended actions for
tracking and increasing the supply of rental housing.
Home Ownership:
The preparation of the HAP will include an analysis of the municipality’s land use policies and
regulations and investigate how to support and encourage the continued supply of ownership
housing in a variety of forms, and explore opportunities for affordable home ownership.
Proposed Process
The attached HAP flow chart outlines the proposed process for this project. The proposal is that
the Social Planning Advisory Committee will act as the Steering Committee for the HAP, guiding
the process and making recommendation on decision items to Council. The Parks & Leisure
Services department staff that support SPAC will be the key staff liaisons to the project and the
Planning Department will provide technical support.
The flow chart indicates that background work to prepare for the HAP is already underway. The
chart indicates that the work to prepare for the HAP began with the participation in the RGS. It
is anticipated that this work will coincide with the hiring of a consulting firm which will then begin
the process of conducting research related to the HAP. The background studies and policy
papers being prepared by staff include:
Housing and Market Conditions Update - the Official Community Plan includes a section on
population and housing trends, including the population profile of the community at the time
(2005) and housing distribution (2001) and projections. The 2011 Federal Census provides
an opportunity to update this information to ensure it provides relevant information for the
other studies being completed as part of the Housing Action Plan.
Secondary Suites Review - this work includes a review of the Zoning Bylaw regulations and
general issues related to Secondary Suites and Temporary Residential Uses (TRU’s), to
investigate options and ideas to solve the issues and to recommend a set of policy and/or
bylaw amendments for Council’s consideration.
Ending Homelessness Action Plan – work to update the 2004 Action Plan is in the SPAC
2012 Business Plan. The work will be conducted with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie
Community Network Housing Planning Table. The Action Plan will provide an analysis of
current resources and services and will identify current priorities within the format of an
action plan. This plan will guide the work of the Housing Planning Table and partners over
the next five years. The issues and priorities that are identified in this plan will provide
background information to inform the HAP.
Seniors & Special Needs Housing Assessment - the Official Community Plan also includes
planning principles, objectives and policies respecting seniors and special needs housing.
The HAP process provides an opportunity to ensure that the current policies continue to
provide direction for seniors and special needs housing in the District.
These background studies and policy papers, together with additional research, will provide
valuable information and context for the HAP public consultation process. The proposed timeline
is for the consultation process to begin mid January, 2013. The public consultation process will
be designed to engage a diverse mix of stakeholders and community members in dialogue
designed to identify the key housing issues and explore options and opportunities to address the
issues.
The HAP will include a vision, goals and objectives, and actions and strategies. The proposed
final HAP will be assessed to ensure alignment with the RGS and to determine implications for
municipal policy or bylaw amendments. The final proposed HAP, along with an outline of
municipal policy implications, will be presented to SPAC for endorsement and a recommendation
to Council. This process is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013. Once endorsed,
the HAP will contribute to the development of the Regional Context Statement.
b) Desired Outcomes:
Housing is essential in creating healthy, sustainable communities and affordability plays an
important role in supporting a competitive local economy and in promoting the economic and
social well-being of families and individuals.
The proposed HAP will focus on developing recommendations designed to address the
critical needs in the community: the shortfall in the supply of affordable rental housing, the
shortfall in the supply of social housing, the homelessness and the increasing numbers of at-
risk of homelessness, and the shortfall in modest-cost housing appropriate for first-time
home-buyers.
c)Strategic Alignment:
This initiative aligns with Council’s strategic direction of creating a safe and livable community.
This initiative recognizes that the provision of adequate housing is essential to the overall health
of the community. There are three core arguments that suggest that the health and
sustainability of the municipality depends on the provision of adequate housing:
1.Housing, Health and Quality of Life: there is a correlation between housing, health and
quality of life:
2.Links to Economic Well-being: housing affordability is important in terms of supporting a
competitive local economy:
3.Public costs: Homelessness has a social and health cost to both the individual and to the
community:
d)Citizen/Customer Implications:
It is estimated that for one-third of the region’s households, finding and remaining in affordable
housing to rent or own is a problem. Individuals unable to find housing that is suitable in size
and good repair without spending 30% or more of their household income on shelter are
considered to be in “core housing need”. The 2006 census estimated that 17% of households in
Metro Vancouver were in core housing need. It is critical to the well being of individuals and
family, and to the health of the overall community, that there is an adequate supply of affordable
housing options to meet the full range of incomes and needs in our community.
e)Interdepartmental Implications:
Parks and Leisure Services, under the guidance of the Social Planning Advisory Committee will
provide staff support to the development of the HAP with the technical support of the Planning
Department.
f)Business Plan/Financial Implications:
It is anticipated that the recommendations developed for the HAP will have implications for
future business plans for both the Parks and Leisure Services and the Planning Department
business plans.
The endorsement of the HAP itself would not have any financial implications; however there is
the potential that specific recommendations may include a financial commitment. Such
recommendations would be considered by Council individually through the annual business
planning approval process.
g)Policy Implications:
The RGS requirement for municipalities to develop a HAP and to ensure the alignment of the
Official Community Plan with the RGS are implications for Municipal policies.
The RGS requires that within two years of its adoption, each municipality prepare an updated
Official Community Plan and Regional Context Statement. The Regional Context Statement sets
out the relationship between the RGS and the municipality’s OCP, and identifies how local
actions will contribute to achieving Regional Growth Strategy goals. Municipalities are required
to submit their Regional Context Statements to the Metro Vancouver Board for acceptance.
Should a municipality not complete components such as the HAP within the two year time
frame, it is acceptable to indicate in the Regional Context Statement that this work is underway.
CONCLUSIONS:
The development of a Housing Action Plan is an important step in advancing the municipality’s
sustainability objectives. The HAP will focus on meeting critical housing needs in the community
recognizing that housing is essential in creating healthy, sustainable communities and affordability
plays an important role in supporting a competitive local economy and in promoting the economic
and social well-being of families and individuals.
The Housing Action Plan will inform the development of the Regional Context Statement to be
submitted to Metro Vancouver outlining the relationship between the Regional Growth Strategy and
the municipality’s OCP, and identifying how local actions will contribute to achieving Regional Growth
Strategy goals.
The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee has endorsed the proposed Housing
Action Plan process and is recommending that Council endorse the process and authorize staff to
proceed.
“Original signed by Sue Wheeler”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: Sue Wheeler
Community Services Director
“Original signed by Kelly Swift”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Kelly Swift
General Manager: Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services
“Original signed by Christine Carter”
_______________________________________________
Concurrence by: Christine Carter, Director of Planning
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
:sw
Attachment: Housing Action Plan Process
Regional Growth Strategy:
Municipalities to prepare
and implement a Housing
Action Plan
District of Maple Ridge
Council direction to
undertake the work
in 2012
Background Studies and Policy Papers
Summary of Background Studies
and Policy Papers and additional
Research Papers as
required
Key Housing Issues
Housing Action Plan Content
Vision
Goals & Objectives
Actions & Strategies
Alignment with the Regional
Growth Strategy
Recommendations to Council on policy
or bylaw amendments
Housing Action
Plan
Secondary
Suites Review
Ending
Homelessness
Action Plan
Seniors & Special
Needs Housing
Assessment
Housing Market
Conditions
Update
July
2011
December
2011
May
2011
Fall
2012
Winter
2012 / 2013
Spring
2013
Summer
2013 Ongoing Consultation with Residents, Service Providers, User Groups and other levels of Government SPAC
Regional Growth Strategy:
MunicipaliƟes to prepare and
implement a Housing AcƟon Plan
District of Maple Ridge Council
direcƟon to undertake
the work in 2012
Summary of Background Studies
and Policy Papers and addiƟonal
Research Papers as required
Key Housing Issues
Housing AcƟon Plan Content
xVision
xGoals & ObjecƟves
xAcƟons & Strategies
Alignment with the Regional
Growth Strategy
RecommendaƟons to Council on policy
or bylaw amendments
Housing AcƟon Plan
Background Studies and Policy Papers
Secondary
Suites Review
Ending
Homelessness
AcƟon Plan
(January 2013)
Seniors & Special
Needs Housing
Assessment
Housing Market
CondiƟons
Update
September
2013
Fall
2013
Fall/Winter
2013 / 2014
Spring
2014
Summer
2014 Ongoing ConsultaƟon with Residents, Service Providers, User Groups and other levels of Government SPAC
Housing AcƟon Plan Process
Consultant Hired
APPENDIX B
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Fibre Optic Network – Status Update and Next Steps
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The District has been working on developing a fibre optic network in a slowly progressive and
systematic manner over a number of years. The network has grown as funding becomes
available, as opportunities to extend it arise, and as we gain experience in designing and creating
such networks. The initial priorities were to take care of District communication needs first, and
then to route the network to areas of commercial and industrial interest for economic
development purposes. A final priority would be to target residential areas, which may be
attractive to a partner, but less of a priority for economic development purposes. There has been
good progress and some set-backs.
In summary, there are 3 takeaways from this memo:
1. The History: The District has over 15 km of conduit in the ground, achieved through a
combination of:
- capital investments in conjunction with District capital improvements in roads;
- adaptively reusing abandoned infrastructure such as watermains;
- Provincial contributions as part of new infrastructure funding; and
- private sector contributions.
Of the 15 km of conduit, the District utilizes over 3 km for active fibre optic communications
between District facilities (see Table 1, and Appendix 1).
2.Seeking Partners and Connections: To gain the economic development benefits of an
extensive fibre based communications network, an external connection to inter-regional
networks is necessary. The external connection would be necessary to lower the costs of
transport to customers on the network, and to open up markets for innovative digital services.
Presently, Telus and Shaw can transport digital traffic in and out of the community for routing
purposes, but at a relatively high cost.
This external connection, combined with access to our internal conduit network, will be
essential to attracting participants to develop the fibre optics component of the network, and
to offering services to customers. It will also be a source of secondary revenue to the District
for the foreseeable future once it reaches maturity. Staff are working on strategies to gain
that external connection and to attract partners.
1 4.3
Council support is sought to undertake a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) in
searching for participants, and appropriate business arrangements, to further develop the
network for economic development purposes. As part of this effort, the future role of the
District should be defined.
3. Network Development Standards: Staff have developed reasonable design standards and
common construction practices for the building of the network. They have been informal in
acknowledgement. However, it is recommended that amendments be made to our
Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 4800-1993 to more formally define these
underground fibre optic conduit development requirements. This is needed to ensure that if
communications conduit is to be installed, whether by the District or others, that appropriate
standards are followed (Appendix 2). Council support for incorporating appropriate
amendments into the bylaw are sought.
As part of a formal bylaw review and amendment process, Council will have an opportunity to
see the specific changes proposed when the bylaw is ready.
This memo briefly reviews the network status and identifies what the next steps are in the
evolution of the network.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That staff undertake an RFEI process seeking participants to assist in growing the District
communications conduit network and offering services for economic development purposes;
and
2. That staff prepare amendments to the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No.
4800-1993 to more formally define communications conduit development standards that
may be required to be constructed as part of development obligations.
DISCUSSION:
a) Background Context:
The History:
For the last number of years, the District has been targeting major roadways for developing
communications conduit, to develop the ‘backbone’ of a District controlled high-tech
communications network. The ‘backbone’ is the major network element interconnecting major
land uses in the community, such as downtown, industrial areas, and Municipal facilities. The
‘backbone’ is also intended to interconnect to facilities outside the community so that data and
traffic can be routed externally. The ‘backbone’ is equivalent to an arterial road in a community,
and like a key part of the road network, it must connect efficiently to external networks.
2
Table 1: Communications Conduit Construction by Year
Table 2: Abandoned Infrastructure to be Considered for Reuse
In developing the ‘backbone’, the District identified key locations, and took advantage of key
opportunities to develop segments of the network. The practice has been to bury empty
communications conduit along these segments of the network when opportunities arise, and to
pull fibre optic wires into the conduit at a later date based upon need.
The network priorities were to look after District needs first, to interconnect our outlying
buildings and facilities, and some of that has been accomplished. Secondarily, the network
routing was to target higher density urban areas such as downtown and other commercial areas
of the District, and the industrial parks.
A third priority was to investigate the feasibility, and the necessary business models, to support
extending the fibre network to lower density residential areas. However, our preliminary analysis
suggests that extending buried conduit to each house in a new subdivision may not make
economic sense unless certain conditions can be met. These conditions include having an
external connection, a completed network, and a suitable ‘take-rate’1 for services offered. This
may become more feasible as the network matures.
1 ‘Take- rate’ refers to the degree to which customers agree to connect to the network.
Year Distance (m)
2002 98
2008 3,041
2009 2,680
2010 702
2011 8,097
2012 760
2013 to date 387
15,765
Distance (m)
GVRD watermain - 200 St to 227 St 5,309 watermain
GVRD watermain - 200 St to Old Dewdney 5,000 Pitt Meadows
DTR - Laity to 216 St 630 watermain
248 St - Halnor to Alouette/246 St 1,858 force main
12,797
3
Seeking Partners:
The District has had some success in finding partners in the past. A previous attempt yielded a
beneficial arrangement and some investments in the network from an established
telecommunications company. However, the partnership ran into the 2008 recession and
investment dollars dried up and the arrangement folded.
Nonetheless, the investments in the network at that time included fibre optic cabling that
resulted in direct data communications from District Hall to Fire Hall #1, and then to the
Operations Centre. The benefits of having those facilities on our own network included achieving
data disaster recovery capability, centralized data storage and backup, and permitting
enhanced access to business applications and mapping in support of services to citizens.
As well, the participant in the network at that time established an interconnection site with basic
active electronics in a room in the basement of the business tower (see photo). The room was
intended to serve as a co-location facility between various fibre networks and an out-bound
aggregation point. Ultimately, it could function as a ‘transit exchange’ if private networks in the
community and various service providers used it as the meeting and traffic ‘exchange’ place.
The base has been established and the location can still serve that function in the future.
Recently, the presence of the District network has attracted interest from telecommunication
service providers as conditions in the market have recovered to some extent. It is now time to
investigate what sorts of business arrangements would be useful to private sector operators,
and that would generate much needed economic development spin-offs in terms of high-value
jobs and enhanced telecommunication services for District residents and businesses.
4
As well, by leveraging District control of roadways as the network grows, the District would be
able to interconnect the remaining District facilities and offer enhanced services to the non-
profit and public sector in the interests of community development. Finally, a renewed business
model should not only off-set District operating costs to outlying facilities, but identify significant
revenue opportunities to the District as we move forward.
Staff are seeking Council support for the issuance of an RFEI with the following objectives:
Achieve secure and reliable internet services for all municipal sites and for future non-profit
participants in the District network;
Interconnect the District’s fibre optic plant to a service providers network;
Improve service delivery to the District’s internal and external customers based upon
leveraging the District’s telecommunications network;
Improve the cost-effectiveness of internet services to the community as a whole;
Grow the network footprint for the future including external connections to one or more
transit exchanges;
Develop a plan to achieve a co-locate facility at District Hall;
Develop secondary revenue sources for the District;
Develop a business structure where the District does not ‘manage’ the network directly;
and
Encourage economic development opportunities based upon access to quality and
innovative telecommunications services in the District.
Staff will be returning to Council for a fuller discussion and recommendations emanating from
market investigations as a consequence of issuing an RFEI.
The next section of this memo discusses working with our neighbours to get an inter-regional
connection.
Seeking Connections:
A communications network is of limited utility unless interconnections to the outside world are
achieved. For internet based services, these interconnection points are known as “internet
exchanges”2. Along the way to getting to an internet exchange, network traffic is aggregated into
larger and larger nodes typically at ‘co-location’ facilities.
Presently, external bound traffic is routed via one of the 2 incumbent carriers, Telus or Shaw.
They offer out-bound services, but their business model is one of promoting scarcity through
retail pricing. To truly realize the benefits of the new information economy, competition is
needed, and business models of abundance, in carry capacity, should be promoted.
Staff have been engaging in discussions with adjacent communities and outside internet
carriers, such as BCNet3, seeking ways and means of gaining outside connections. Once we
have an external transit provider identified, we will need to interconnect to their network.
2 An internet exchange is the physical location wherein service provider networks (eg – Telus, Shaw, etc.) meet, and they exchange traffic.
These are essential to allowing the fast delivery of internet based services and communications. The largest local internet exchange is in
Vancouver, with smaller ones in Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Prince George.
3 BCNET is a not-for-profit, shared information technology services consortium led by higher education and research institutions. Owned,
governed and funded primarily by its members, BCNET facilitates a collaborative inter-institutional environment to evaluate shared IT
solutions for mutual technology challenges.
5
District staff have been working on 2 options, a connection at the CPR tracks at the foot of 224
Street, and of one westbound down Lougheed Highway.
The District conduit network has a segment that crosses Haney Bypass and terminates at the
tracks at the foot of 224 St. This location is where several inter-regional fibre optic carriers have
a presence. There is the potential for a long-haul interconnection point at this location, either
now or in the future. This segment crosses the Bypass and terminates at the north end just
beyond the Haney House site. From this point, there is a gap of about 220 metres along 224 St
to interconnect to the segment that goes to District Hall and beyond. Completing this connection
will give the District one option for an exit.
As a second option, there is an abandoned GVRD watermain from downtown that goes
westbound on Lougheed Highway and traverses through Pitt Meadows and terminates in the
vicinity of the Pitt River bridge. Such infrastructure, should it be made available for adaptive
reuse as communications conduit, will be very beneficial to gaining a significant direct inter-
regional connection west bound. This is a very significant asset and staff have been working on
investigating the condition of the pipe, undertaking design work to improve it, and refurbishing
sections as opportunity arises.
Presently, the District has control over the Maple Ridge portion of the infrastructure, and has
had preliminary discussions with Pitt Meadows over their section. Access and control issues
need to be resolved not only with Pitt Meadows but the GVRD as well.
Protecting and adaptively reusing this asset will be the preferred method to gain inter-regional
connections to other networks, such as QNet in Coquitlam for example, and potentially getting to
the Vancouver Transit exchange at SFU downtown.
It is by this method that the District can grow the value of our network and of any services to be
offered. An inter-regional connection will gain strategic economic development advantage for
our network, and allow the District to perhaps begin to participate in shared Municipal services
to citizens.
It is anticipated this outside connection issue should be able to be addressed in developing
responses to the RFEI and is the second bullet in the RFEI objectives noted above.
Role of the District:
In earlier discussions on the role of the District, it was emphasized that the District was not in
the telecommunications business, and should not compete with the private sector. However, the
District controls rights-of-way and can leverage capital improvements to develop network
connections to our own facilities, and to generate secondary revenue.
The District spends on the order of $60,000 a year on telecommunications services from the
private sector, and can off-set much of that cost by developing our own assets through the
control of rights-of-way. It is common practice amongst Municipalities. This was the beginning of
our strategy.
The network was originally guided by general principles of taking advantage of our road works,
build in extra capacity, look after District interests first, and provide for economic development
spin-offs. These principles served the District well as the network started, but it is time to
6
consider enhanced business models in the running of the network if the District is to be set-up
to achieve the benefits of an information economy and to gain the secondary benefits.
Undertaking the RFEI will help define the appropriate business models and role for the District.
Council in the past has asked about placing conduit into the roadworks of residential
development projects. Staff have not recommended that approach at the time because the
District network was not sufficiently mature.
Ducts should only be installed during a road rehabilitation or construction project as part of an
overall telecom duct master plan. It often makes sense to install ducts along major roads as it
can be branched off to minor roads, or to specific development sites at a later date, and can be
more easily integrated to existing network segments. However, if the development community
installs the requisite infrastructure, then it can be integrated into a fibre optic utility at a later
date, at significantly less cost. Preliminary numbers suggest a cost of about $1,000 to $1,500
per home to integrate a subdivision into a fully functioning fibre optic network utility, under
certain assumptions.
However, even if the District were to require residential developers to provide conduit to each
house, it would need to be tied into a functional network, which includes fibre cable, and that
has external connections for service providers, and a business structure to operate as a ‘utility’.
It is anticipated that the conclusion to the RFEI would determine the feasible business options
for the District to consider with a partner.
Network Development Standards:
The existing District network has been built to certain standards and it will be important to
continue to develop a properly designed robust network as we progress. The proposed
development standards should be incorporated into the appropriate sections of the Subdivision
Control Bylaw No 4800-1993 as it is currently under review by the Engineering Department. An
illustrative example of our typical conduit profile, and the standards to be proposed in roadways,
are noted in Appendix 2.
With modest standards in the development servicing bylaw adopted, the District will be able to
facilitate development of the network by identifying the placement of conduit as a Municipal
development requirement, similar to sewer, water or sidewalks, and get the development
community to fund the improvement4.
Rather than all land uses, it made sense to coordinate the installation of District conduit in
those development projects bordering the adopted District conduit strategy (Appendix 1). This
would be identified as a requirement by the Approving Officer and the Engineering Department
in determining the off-site works to be provided by developers consistent with the network
development plan. Where a proposed development is isolated from the network, it would not
likely be a requirement.
For those locations where there is no development activity, the District should continue to install
key segments of the network in conjunction with District road or infrastructure improvements.
This would require recognition, in the capital program, of the incremental additional cost of
installing communications conduit along with other sub-surface works.
4 The latest project to include a standard District communications conduit into the off-site servicing requirements involved a cost of
$11/metre of installed conduit. This improvement was paid for by the District and installed by the developer.
7
b) Desired Outcome:
Council support for:
- undertaking an RFEI process to find partners in the development and extension of
the District fibre optic network; and
- support for the development of construction standards as amendments to the
Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 4800-1993.
c) Strategic Alignment:
Support for the development of an advanced communications network supports Council
objectives of:
- promoting the technology sector;
- developing sources of secondary revenue; and
- taking the long-view on decisions.
d) Business Plan/Financial Implications:
Business plans have recognized the importance of economic development, and the benefits
of advanced communications technologies. Support for this particular District initiative has
been acknowledged in the Economic Development Strategic plan, the Information Services
Business Plan, and the Capital Works Business Plan. There has also been good support from
the Engineering and Operations Departments. This emphasis should continue to keep the
network affordable and keep it moving forward.
However, arising out of the RFEI process, there may be additional considerations that may
have implications for funding or staff time, At this point it is hard to tell, but staff will be
returning for a fuller discussion of the implications of building out the network into a
functional whole.
e) Alternatives:
The present communications network segments that have been constructed were based upon
consistency with the proposed network strategy map (Appendix 1) and a favourable juncture of
circumstance. Funding sources to achieve the network have been varied.
The benefits of the existing network have been limited to District operations. Undertaking the
RFEI process should allow us to determine the future role of the District. This future role could
include anything from looking after our own interests only, to selling the excess capacity of the
network to a service provider, to creating a District run communications ‘utility’ wherein the
maximum benefits to the District and it’s citizens is realized.
In the absence of any significant initiative arising out of a dedicated source of funding, or efforts
emanating out of the RFEI process as noted above, it is recommended staff continue to grow the
network as opportunity and funding sources allow and that are consistent with the strategy map.
8
CONCLUSIONS:
To have a modern, sustainable, high-speed telecommunications infrastructure is a necessary
underpinning to the city of the future. Although there is some private sector involvement in such
infrastructure, benefits are not targeted to community development purposes. This should be the
role of the District: in promoting the development, evolution, and maturity of such modern networks
as a foundation to a ‘smart’ community.
The District has a good start, and needs to take a few more incremental steps along the road. This
memo seeks Council support for finding business partners to assist in growing the District network,
through an RFEI process, and recommends development bylaw amendments to ensure network
considerations are prominent in servicing reviews, and are a part of doing business in Maple Ridge.
“Original signed by J. Bastaja”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: J. Bastaja, B.A., M.R.M.
Director Corporate Support
“Original signed by P. Gill”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: P. Gill, BBA, CGA
General Manager: Corporate and Financial Services
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule”
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
9
Appendix 1: Existing and Proposed Segments of the Communications Conduit Network
10
Appendix 2: Illustrative Examples of Conduit Development Standards
District communications conduit standard cross section:
District communications conduit standard cross section alongside other utilities:
760mm MIN.150mmVARIESBACKFILL AS SPEC’D
OFFSET
VARIES TEMPORARY ASPHALT CAP
FINAL BLACK TOPPING BY OTHERS
DIRECT BURIED
MATERIAL AS SPEC’D
20mm MINUS
CRUSH OR
SAND
OTHER
PROPOSED
UTILITY
MIN.
300mm (12")
SEPARATION
100mm (4") PVC DUCT
3 – 32mm HDPE Sub-Ducts
CL
EXISTING ASPHALT
MIN.
200mm
MIN.100mmMIN.
225mm 300mm75mmMARKER TAPE
300MM BELOW
FINISH GRADE
District controlled 100mm
(4”) carrier pipe (conduit),
containing 3 x 32mm (1.25”)
sub-ducts
District sub-duct
District fibre optic cable
Excess capacity sub-ducts
11
Page 1 of 6
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Workshop
SUBJECT: Proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008-2013
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to present Council with a draft of the proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008 -
2013 in advance of proceeding to further public consultation for additional input. The current Sign
Bylaw was adopted in 1992, over twenty years ago, and Maple Ridge has gone through many
changes in that time particularly in the downtown core. Signs play a major role for businesses and
other community activities for advertising purposes and to assist the public in locating their
operations. There are times when additional temporary signage is necessary to draw attention to
specific sales, a new business location or other similar short term changes in operation.
The proposed new Bylaw is intended to improve and simplify the issuance of sign permits and deals
more with process and providing the correct authorities necessary for enforcement and less on
changing the design, types and size of existing signage in the District. Changes to the size of facia,
free-standing, canopy or projecting signs would create a number of existing non-conforming signs.
This would be challenging for business and sign companies to repair or replace their sign coverage.
This report includes a draft of the proposed bylaw. The draft Bylaw has been reviewed by the
District’s Legal Counsel. The next step is to solicit further public feedback on the proposed draft
bylaw prior to first reading. It is intended to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown
Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMBIA) on soliciting feedback on the proposed
bylaw. A further Public Information meeting is also planned for September 2013.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Receive this report as information.
DISCUSSION:
a)Background Context:
In May of 2012, staff held two Public Information Meetings, the first on May 16, 2012 for
local business owners interested in discussing possible changes to the Sign Bylaw. The
second meeting was held on May 30, 2012 and was attended primarily by local sign
companies who have a vested interest in any potential changes to the Bylaw. The first
meeting was attended by thirty-nine people and the second one by ten (10) people. While
staff did receive some valuable input from the people attending further input from the
businesses that will eventually be affected by the proposed new Sign Bylaw is desirable.
4.4
Page 2 of 6
Staff has now finished a complete re-write of the Sign Bylaw and is now ready to bring the
Proposed Sign Bylaw back to the public forum for further input before bringing to Council for
consideration of adopting the document. The main focus has been to make the Bylaw more
users friendly and easier to read and interpret. The proposed Bylaw corrects a number of
significant problems with the current Bylaw; the key areas are as follows:
1. Significant improvements and additions to the Definition Section of the Bylaw to
provide clarity of terms and positions.
2. Identifying and separating those sign types that either wholly or partially encroach
onto municipal property, whether they are on the roadway, sidewalk, boulevard,
or overhang any of these areas. Liability issues must be dealt with for these
encroachments by way of third party liability insurance to protect the District
against potential liability claims.
3. Sandwich Board or Pedestal Signs to be dealt with as an encroachment
agreement between the Engineering and Bylaw Departments with specific
requirements for placement, size and liability insurance. Encroachments where
permitted, must be incorporated into the streetscape in a safe manner.
4. Where applications are made for sign types that are not addressed in the Sign
Bylaw the applicant has the option of using the Development Permit process.
The appropriate changes have been made to the Bylaw to clarify this process.
5. Incorporate into the Bylaw the current process on requests for the placement of
private and public sector information signs on public rights of ways for specific
short periods of time.
6. More precise regulations around private development signs, their placement and
durations of placement.
7. Clearly defined time frame for the municipality to remove signs that no longer
apply to the property they advertise.
8. The use of “banner” type signs as temporary portable signs instead of the free
standing read-o-graph signs.
9. An increase in sign application fees. The last fee increase was approved by
Council in 1990 by Bylaw Amendment 4373-1990. The following increases in
the proposed Bylaw are to bring them in line with the actual cost of provided the
service.
The work completed on the proposed new Sign Bylaw is to c reate an integrated sign permit
system that involves the Permits and Bylaws Department along with Engineering and at
times the Planning Department. The intent of proposed Bylaw is to provide for more clarity in
the application process and clearly differentiate between signs on private and public
property. The proposed Bylaw sets out the process for applying for each type of sign where
applicable.
Additional amendments provided for in the proposed Bylaw include changes to the
definitions that have been made to clarify the terms and to reflect current staff titles. In
addition, the appropriate amendments were made to provide for imperial conversions to
metric measurements in the Bylaw because this equivalency is requested for by the public on
Page 3 of 6
a consistent basis. The metric measurement is the legal measurement in Canada while the
imperial conversion is for convenience and readability only.
A specific section has been created for Temporary Service Event signs. This type of sign
permit is for Health and Welfare and community organizations such as schools, service
clubs, churches, and municipal sponsored events and only events held in Maple Ridge. The
signs themselves are displayed on public property such as rights of ways and boulevards and
other times on private property.
Election Signs:
Election signs fall under the following categories:
Federal
Provincial
Municipal
School Trustee
The Canada Elections Act, Elections BC Act, Local Government Act and the Community
Charter provide broad regulations pertaining to elections signs. In essence however, they
defer to municipalities to regulate the size and placement of election signs. An exception to
this is that Elections BC Act prohibits the placement of election signs within 100 meters of a
voting place. The Ministry of Transportation also has a policy with regard to election signs on
Provincial roads.
A review of the following municipalities regulations with regard to election signs shows a
range of how election signs are regulated:
Pitt Meadows
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Coquitlam
Delta
Township of Langley
Richmond
Surrey
The District of North Vancouver
West Vancouver
The majority of the above municipalities regulate election signs through their sign bylaws.
Some municipalities regulate election signs through their Election Procedures Bylaws.
Richmond has a specific Election Signs Bylaw.
Within those bylaws are a wide range of regulations. The majority of the bylaws are straight
forward and simply regulate the timing of the placement and removal of the signs, the size of
the signs and the requirement for the signs not to placed in a potential hazard causing
location.
Page 4 of 6
Timing of the Placement of Election Signs
Most municipalities differentiate between the timing of the placement of Federal/Provincial
signs and municipal/school trustee signs. The range of times is as follows:
Federal/Provincial Time of writ to 30 days before the election
Municipal/School Trustee 10 to 21 days before the election
Timing for Removal of Election Signs
Federal/Provincial 4 to 14 days after the election
Municipal/School Trustee 4 to 14 days after the election
Size of Signs
The review of other municipalities bylaws shows a range of permitted sizes and a range of
allowable maximum heights.
Size Range 4 to 32 square feet
Height Above Ground 6 to 10 feet
The draft bylaw includes the following which represent the most common cl auses among the
bylaws reviewed.
In the case of provincial or federal elections, the signs are not erected more than
thirty (30) days prior to the election or event and are removed within four (4) days
after the election;
In the case of municipal and school trustee elections, the signs are not erected more
than twenty (20) days prior to the general local election or event and are removed
within four (4) days after the election;
The sign does not exceed 4 ft by 4 ft;
The placement of the sign does not interfere with traffic signtlines at street
intersections or with the safety of pedestrians.
The placement of election signs are permitted on private property with the consent
of the owner or occupant of the property.
Elections signs are not permitted on any vehicles or trailers attached to vehicles.
Strata bylaws cannot prohibit owners or tenants from displaying campaign signs in
their units, however, they may set reasonable conditions on the size and type of
signs that vcan be displayed and may prohibit signs from be ing displayed in
common areas of the building and property.
Regulations regarding the size, placement and permitted dates for posting Election
Signs apply to those posted on private property as well as public.
The Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under the Chief Election Officer’s
direction, may remove any election sign that the Chief Election Officer, or any person
acting under the Chief Eloection Officer’s direction, has reasonable grounds to
believe is erected or in place in contravention of this Bylaw.
Election signs that have been removed in accordance with the section above will be
stored for a periof of one week after general voting day and the candidate or their
agent may claim the sign(s) during that period, following which the material may be
destroyed or otherwise disposed by the Chief Election Officer or any person acting
under the Chief Election Officer’s direction without notice and without compensation
to the owner of the sign.
Page 5 of 6
Other than as authorized in writing by the District, no person shall display on any
election sign or other election advertising a logo, trademart or official mark, in whole
or in part, owned or licensed by the District.
Some municipalities have unique specific requirements. These include:
1. $100 deposit from each candidate (used to offset the costs of sign removal)
2. A limit of one sign per location
3. Designating specific locations where signs can only be placed
4. Identifying specific street and roadways where signs cannot be placed
5. Prohibiting signs on fee simple property owned or leased by the municipality
As stated above the proposed bylaw includes regulations common to most of the
municipalities and at this juncture none of the above 5 regulations have been included in the
draft bylaw pending discussion with Council. Council may wish staff to pursue some of these
items further.
b) Desired Outcome(s):
That Council support proposed Sign Bylaw 7008-2013 by referring it for further public
consultation.
c) Citizen/Customer Implications:
The proposed Sign Bylaw has the potential to provide a significant improvement to the sign
permit application process and to clean the street scape of a number of unauthorized signs.
d) Interdepartmental Implications:
The Licences, Permits and Bylaws Department has coordinated in the review process and
solicited input from the public, other municipal departments and the municipal solicitor.
e) Financial Implications:
The current sign permit fees are $50.00 for permanent signs and $20.00 for temporary
signs. Staff have conducted a survey of sign permit fees in other jurisdictions in the lower
mainland and are recommending the fee structure that will actually cover the majority of the
costs for plan checking and inspections for permanent costs. The fees are based on the size
of the proposed sign as the degree of complexity in the plan review and necessary
documentation to be checked becomes more difficult and takes more time the larger the
proposed sign becomes. With respect to temporary signs staff are recommending a modest
increase in the cost from $20.00 for a 30 day period to $30.00 for a 30 day period. The
proposed sign fee schedule is set out in Schedule A of this Bylaw.
f) Alternatives:
To not refer the proposed Sign Bylaw 7008-2013 for public consultation at this time and
provide staff with further direction.
Page 6 of 6
CONCLUSIONS:
The proposed Bylaw is the culmination of considerable input and consultation. It is prudent however,
now that the Bylaw has been drafted, to solicit input on the Bylaw itself prior to the Bylaw being
advanced to First Reading an additional phase of public input will be completed. This will include a
public information meeting as well as soliciting feedback through the Chamber of Commerce and the
DMBIA.
“Original signed by E.S. (Liz) Holitzki”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: E.S. (Liz) Holitzki
Director: Licences, Permits and Bylaws
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng
General Manager, Public Works & Development Services
“Original signed by Frank Quinn on behalf of J.L. (Jim) Rule”
__________________________________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Office
LH
Appendix I – Draft copy of Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 – 2013
APPENDIX I
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control
Bylaw No. 7008 - 2013
Effective Date:
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 -- 2013
Table of Contents
Part 1 Citation ................................................................................................................. 1
Part 2 Severability .......................................................................................................... 1
Part 3 Previous Bylaw Repeal ........................................................................................ 1
Part 4 Definitions ............................................................................................................ 2
Part 5 Interpretation ....................................................................................................... 8
Part 6 General Provisions .............................................................................................. 8
Part 7 Exemption .......................................................................................................... 10
Part 8 Prohibited Signs ................................................................................................ 12
Part 9 Non-Conforming Signs ...................................................................................... 14
Part 10 Maintenance of Signs ....................................................................................... 14
Part 11 Sign Permits and Fees ...................................................................................... 14
Part 12 Inspections and Regulations ............................................................................ 17
Part 13 Specific Sign Regulations ................................................................................. 19
Part 14 Penalty and Enactment ..................................................................................... 25
Schedule "A" - Sign Permit Fees……………………..…………………………………………………….26
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table .......................................................................... 27
1
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 -2013
A bylaw to regulate signs within the District of Maple Ridge.
WHEREAS Pursuant to section 908 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.
323 but subject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act R.S.B.C. 1996, C318 and
the Transportation Act, S.BC., 2004 c. 44 Council may, by bylaw regulate the number,
size, type, form, appearance and locations of signs in the District, and the bylaw may
contain different provisions for different zones, different uses within a zone, and
different classes of highways;
AND WHEREAS Pursuant to sections 8(4) and 65 of the Community Charter , S.B.C.,
C. 26 Council may, by bylaw regulate and impose requirements in relation to signs
and advertising in the District and regulate or prohibit the erection, placing,
alteration, maintenance, demolition and removal of a sign, sign board,
advertisement, advertising device or structure;
AND WHEREAS Council wishes to allow for signs in the District, while simultaneously
preserving and enhancing Maple Ridge’s character, and ensuring that signs are
designed, constructed, installed and maintained so that energy consumption is
minimized, and public safety and traffic safety are not compromised.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the District of Maple Ridge enacts as follows:
Part 1 Citation
1.1 This bylaw may be cited as Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008-2013.
Part 2 Severability
2.1 If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then the
invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have
been adopted without the severed section, subsequent, paragraph, subparagraph,
clause or phrase.
Part 3 Previous Bylaw Repeal
3.1 Sign Bylaw No. 4653 – 1992 is hereby repealed.
2
Part 4 Definitions
In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words have the
following meanings:
“Abandoned Sign” means any sign which no longer directs persons to or advertises a
business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product in existence or
available on the parcel where the sign is displayed or which is not identifying the
owner, occupant, occupancy, user or use of the lot of a building or structure on the
lot, on which such sign is situate.
“Awning” means a detachable system of fabric or other material which is supported
entirely from the exterior wall of a building by a fixed or retractable frame.
“Awning Sign” means a non-illuminated sign on an awning which shall only be
painted on, affixed to by means of a decal, or form part of the fabric of an awning
which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning.
“Balcony Sign” means a sign supported on, against or suspended from a balcony.
“Balloon Sign” means an inflated three-dimensional device which is affixed or
anchored to the ground or a structure and which contains information and where the
intent is to attract the attention of persons for the express purpose of the
communication of that information.
“Banner Sign” means a flexible plastic or fabric sign, excluding an awning, affixed to
a building that is used as a temporary sign but excludes a flag. SIZE????
“Building” means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use
or occupancy.
“Bench Sign” means a sign affixed to, painted or placed upon part of a bench located
on public property at a bus stop, rest area or park.
“Billboard” means an exterior structure displaying advertising material of a non-
accessory nature pasted or otherwise affixed flat to the face of such structure and
which exceeds 28m² (301 sq. ft) .
“Bus Shelter” a covered structure intended to shelter bus patrons within or above
public property which is approved by the District located at a bus stop in ordinary use
by buses operated by a public transit authority.
“Business” means the carrying on of a commercial or industrial undertaking of any
kind or nature or the providing of professional, persona or other services for the
purpose of gain or profit.
“Building Inspector” means the person appointed from time to time by the Council to
act in the capacity as District Building Inspector and may include an Electrical
Inspector.
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“Bylaw Enforcement Officer” means the person appointed from time to time by the
Council to act in the capacity as the District Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
“Canopy” means a permanent non-retractable hood, shelter or cover which projects
from the wall of a building but does not include a projecting roof.
“Canopy Sign” means a sign attached to or constructed on the face of the canopy.
“Changeable Copy Sign” means a sign on which copy can be changed manually
through the use of attachable letters, numerals, graphics or pictorial panels.
“Clearance” means the vertical distance measured from natural grade to the
underside of a sign or its supporting structure whichever is less or the bottom of an
awning valance.
“Construction” means construction, installation, erection, attachment, placement,
display, alteration, maintenance, demolition or removal of a building or a structure.
“Construction Sign” means a temporary sign promoting a construction or real estate
development project which may also be used to identify the owner, general
contractor, sub-trades, architect, engineers and others associated with the design,
planning, development and financing of a project under construction.
“Corner lot” means a lot at the intersection or junction of two or more highways.
“Council” means the Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge.
“Development Sign” means a sign required by the District to identify lands proposed
for rezoning or a sign indicating that a site is being developed for any commercial or
industrial purposes following Third Reading of a Zoning Amendment Bylaw for such
change of zone. Electric temporary signs shall not be permitted for this purpose.
“Directional Sign” means a sign which only communicates information regarding
pedestrian or vehicular movement on the lot on which the sign is located.
“Director of Engineering” means the Director of Engineering for the District of Maple
Ridge or their designate.
“Director of Finance” means the Director of Finance for the District of Maple Ridge or
their designate.
“Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws” means the Director of Licences, Permits
and Bylaws for the District of Maple Ridge or their designate.
“Director of Planning” means the Director of Planning for the District of Maple Ridge
or their designate.
“Directory sign” means a sign that identifies the occupants of a building containing
more than one occupant.
“District” means the District of Maple Ridge.
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“Election Sign” means a temporary sign promoting a political candidate, party, or
cause in relation to a federal, provincial, municipal or school trustee election or
public referendum.
“Electronic Message Board Sign” means a sign in or on which the information that is
displayed can be changed automatically by means of the electronic switching of
lamps or illuminated tubes.
“Erected” means attached, altered, built, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, or
moved and shall include painting of signs but does not include copy changes on any
Changeable Copy Sign.
“Facade” means the exterior face of a building upon which a sign is to be placed.
“Fascia Sign” means a flat sign, whether illuminated or not, running for its whole
length parallel to the face of the wall of the structure to which it is attached and not
projecting more than 40.6 cm (16 inches) from the face of the wall to which it is
attached and which does not extend beyond the horizontal width nor above the roof
line of the building to which it is attached.
“Flag Sign” means a flag that represents an organization that is used as a sign but
does not include a flag representing a country of the world or any province, Canadian
territory or municipal corporation.
“Flashing Sign” means an illuminated sign which contains flashing lights, which
includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light, by means of animation or an
externally mounted intermittent light source exhibiting pronounced changes in light
intensity or exhibits rapid repetition of illumination, but does not include an
automatic Changeable Copy Sign indication only the time, date, or temperature, of
electronically controlled messages.
“Freestanding Sign” means a permanent sign which is entirely self-supporting and is
neither attached to nor forms part of a building or structure,
“Frontage” means the length of the common boundary shared by the front lot line of
that lot and a highway djacent to the lot excluding a lane. On a corner lot, the
frontage shall be the shorter of the highway boundaries, regardless of the direction
the buildings on the lot face.
“Front Lot Line” means the lot line common to a lot and an abutting highway
excluding a lane.
“Government Sign” means a sign authorized to be erected or placed within a highway
or on a lot, under the provisions of any statute, Order –in-Council, bylaw, resolution of
Council or by order of the Municipal Engineer, and includes, but is not limited to,
traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings, street name signs, neighborhood
identifications signs, park identification signs and public notice board signs.
“Grade” means the average finished ground level directly underneath the sign.
Where a sign is located over a street, the average finished grade shall mean the
5
elevation established by the District for the surfaced of the public sidewalk or
boulevard, excluding a landscape berm and planter boxes.
“Height” of a sign means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest part of
the sign.
“Highway” means the area of every public right of way lying between two property
lines title to which area is vested in the District and which is designated or intended
for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles or persons and means
the area of every public right of way lying within any District Park title to which area is
vested in the District and which is designated or intended for or used by the general
public for the passage of vehicles. “includes a street, road, lane, bridge, viaduct and
any other way open to public use, but does not include a private right-of-way on
private property.”
“Highway Encroachment Agreement” means an agreement entered into between an
individual or company and the District to allow signs on a highway.
“Home Occupation Sign” means a non-illuminated sign attached to the dwelling or
accessory structure which indicates that a home occupation business, as permitted
by Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw, is conducted within the dwelling or accessory structure
on the property where the sign is located provided a valid business licence for the
District is in place;
“Identification Sign” means a sign which contains no advertising but is limited to the
name, address and number of a building, institution or person and to the activity
carried on in the building or institution or person or the occupation of the person.
“Illuminated Sign” means a sign designed to give forth any artificial light, either
directly from a source of light incorporated in or connected with such sign, or
indirectly from an artificial source, so shielded that no direct illumination from it is
visible elsewhere than on the site and in the immediate proximity thereof.
“Logo” means a symbolic representation, not including any words, names or numbers
unless part of a registered trademark, which is used exclusively to simplify
advertising of a product, business, service or activity and which contains no
additional identification, information or message.
“Lot” means “parcel” as defined under the Land Title Act, including a bare land strata
lot, but excluding a lot created under the Condominium Act. “means land designated
as a separate and distinct parcel on a legally recorded subdivision plan or description
filed in the records of the Land Titles Office. “
“Lot Line” means any line which forms the boundary of a lot.
“Maximum Height” means the vertical distance measured from the grade as defined
in this Bylaw to the highest point of such sign. In the case of a roof sign, the
maximum height shall be measured from the roof or parapet level at the location of
such sign.
6
“Minimum Height” means the vertical distance measured from the grade as defined
in this Bylaw to the lower limit of such sign.
“Municipal Engineer” means the person appointed by Council to that position and
includes his or her delegate.
“Mural” means a pictorial representation other than a logo or graffiti, painted on a
building or structure, which is entirely decorative and does not identify or depict a
land use, a business, the name of a person or place, or the sale of a product or
service.
“Open House Sign” means a temporary sign, which advertises the location of a
property for sale at which an open house is to be held.
“Permanent Sign” means a sign which is affixed to or constructed as part of a
building structure or in the case of a free standing sign, mounted on a permanent
base, column or pole that is attached to the ground.
“Portable Free Standing Sign” means a sign, graphic or display for business or
information purposes, which can be readily moved from place to place and which is
not affixed to a building, to another permanent structure, or to the ground. And may
include a sandwich board sign.
“Portable Sign” means a sign not fixed to the land or to a building or structure and
may include a Banner sign provided the maximum sign area does not exceed 1.2
metres by 2.4 meters (4X8 feet).
“Prohibitive Sign” means a sign that provides a warning, prohibition or penalty
respecting the site or premises on which it is located, such as “No Entry” “Danger”
“Keep Out” or similar such signs.
“Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a canopy or fascia sign, which projects
more than 40 cm (16 inches) from the face or wall of any building or structure.
“Pump Island Canopy” means a canopy built to shelter fuels at a gasoline bar or
gasoline service station and a pump island canopy that is L-shaped or angularly-
connected shall be considered to be one pump island canopy.
Pump Island Canopy Sign” means a sign attached to or constructed as part of a
gasoline bar or gasoline service station pump island canopy.
“Real Estate Sign” means a temporary sign indicating that a parcel of land or
property on which the sign is located is available for rent, lease or sale.
“Revolving Sign” means any sign or portion of a sign, all or part of which revolves or
rotates, or partly revolves or rotates, but does not include animated signs.
“Roof” means the top enclosure of a building and does not include a roof that is
sloped more than 60º from horizontal.
7
“Roof line” means the horizontal line made by the intersection of the wall of the
building with the roof of the building. In the case of a building with a pitched roof, the
roof line shall be at the level of the eaves. Or means either the horizontal line made
by the intersection of an exterior wall of the building with the roof covering or the top
of a parapet wall, whichever is higher.
“Roof sign” means any sign erected or placed wholly or partly above the top of the
roofline or parapet of a building.
“Sandwich Board Sign” means any one or two or multi-faced non
“Sign” means any structure, device, advertisement, advertising device or visual
representation that is visible from any street, highway, lane or private property other,
used to advertise, indentify, or communicate information or attract the attention of
the public for any purpose and without limiting the generality of the forgoing includes
any symbols, letter, figures, illustrations or painted forms, but does not include a flag,
mural, traffic control device, or any element which is an integral part of the design of
a building.
“Sign Area” means the total area within the outer edge of the frame or boarder of a
sign. Where a sign has no frame, border or background the areas of the sign shall be
the area contained within the shortest line surrounding the whole group of letters,
figures or symbols of such sign. Except as hereinafter provided, each side or face of
a multiface sign shall be counted in computed the sign area thereof. If a side or face
of a multiface sign cannot be seen by a person not on the site of the sign it shall not
be counted in computing the sign area thereof. Sign Area means the total area
within the outer edge of the borders of a sign, counting all faces, and where the sign
has no frame, border or background, the sign area means the area contained within
the shortest perimeter surrounding the copy.
“Sign Copy” means letters, characters, numbers or graphics making up the message
on a sign.
“Sign Owner” means the person or his or her authorized agent in a lawful control of a
sign.
“Sign Permit” means a sign permit issued pursuant to this Bylaw.
“Special Event Sign” means a temporary sign indicating that a community event or
activity is to be, or is being carried on and excludes third party advertising.
“Temporary Sign” means a sign which may be moved or removed and is in place for a
limited period of time.
“Third Party Advertising” means a sign advertising a business, merchandise, service
or activity which is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished or performed on the
parcel on which the sign is located.
“Under Awning Sign” means a sign suspended from, and entirely under, an awning.
“Under Canopy sign” means a sign suspended from, and entirely under, a canopy.
8
“Vehicle Sign” means any sign or signs attached to or painted on or otherwise
attached to a vehicle where the principle purpose of the vehicle is to serve as a sign
or a sign support structure. (having an area in excess of 0.4 sq. m (4 sq. ft) for any
single sign or where there is more than one painted/attached sign on the vehicle, a
cumulative rea in excess of 1.0 sq. m (10.8 sq.ft.)
“Wall Sign” means a sign which is painted on or attached generally parallel to a
building facade and includes permanent signs installed inside a window which are
intended to be viewed from the outside.
“Window Sign” means a temporary sign, picture, symbols or combination thereof,
painted on, attached to or installed on, or otherwise placed on a window, intended
for viewing from outside and includes posters, placards, decals or similar
representations but excludes seasonal holiday lighting and decorations, hours of
business, street addresses, telephone numbers, accreditation signs and credit card
logos. (means a sign painted on or attached to or installed inside a window for
viewing from outside the premises.
Other Definitions.
2. For words not defined in this Bylaw, the definitions contained in the Maple Ridge
Zoning Bylaw and the Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Bylaw as amended from time
to time shall apply.
Contradicting Definitions
3. Where the same words are defined in more than one bylaw, the definition in this
Bylaw shall apply for purposes of administering this Bylaw.
Part 5 Interpretation
5.1 Metric units of measurement are used for all measurements in this Bylaw. Use of
Imperial measurements in this Bylaw are for convenience purposes only and should
there be a dispute the valid measurement defaults to metric.
5.2 The illustrations in this Bylaw are for illustration purposes only and they shall in no
way be held or deemed to define, limit, modify, amplify or add to the interpretation,
construction or meaning of any section in this Bylaw or the scope or intent of this
Bylaw.
Part 6 General Provisions
6.1 No person shall set up, exhibit, erect, place, alter, move or maintain a sign in the
District except those permitted by and in conformance with this Bylaw. A valid sign
permit shall be obtained prior to the set up, exhibition, erection, placing, altering,
maintaining or demolition of a sign pursuant to this Bylaw. Read-o-graph and
changeable letter signs and electronic message board signs are not considered
altered by virtue only of the message being changed.
9
6.2 The design of every sign shall be aesthetically pleasing and shall not detract from the
architectural integrity of any building or structure to which it is attached, or beside
which it is located. The arrangement and grouping of signs on a building shall be
integrated with the architecture of the said building. Structural supports, bracing and
ties for signs shall be kept to a minimum number, consistent with structural
adequacy and as much as possible shall be concealed within the body of the sign
itself.
6.3 All signs together with their supporting structures and any electrical equipment shall
be kept fully operable, in good repair and maintained in a safe and clean condition.
6.4 No sign shall be erected, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, relocated or attached to,
suspended from, or supported on any structure or the lands on a lot unless the sign
fully complies with the provisions or Maple Ridge Building Bylaw and this Bylaw.
6.5 No sign shall be erected or lighted in such a manner as to interfere with the visibility
or safe operation of a traffic control device or to interfere with motorist visibility at an
access to or egress from a highway or so as to be unsafe to the public in the vicinity
of such sign.
6.6 Any sign erected in contravention to this Bylaw may be removed at the expense of the
owner, applicant or lessee.
6.7 Signs not specifically permitted in this Bylaw are prohibited.
6.8 Nothing in this Bylaw shall be taken to relieve any persons from complying with the
provisions of any other Bylaw of the District.
6.9 This Bylaw applies to the entire area of the District.
6.10 No sign, canopy of structural element for the support or protection of a sign shall
have affixed to or contained any flashing, animated, rotating, moving or oscillating
electrical components, except for electronic message boards unless expressly
permitted in this Bylaw.
6.11 A permit will be issued for either one banner sign or one portable sign at any one
time, but not both at the same time.
6.12 Signs projecting over a pedestrian area shall have a clearance to the underside of the
projection of at least 2.4 m (8.0 ft) above grade or sidewalk while signs projecting
over an area frequented by vehicular traffic shall have a clearance to the underside
of the projection of at least 4.5 m (15 ft) above grade. No sign shall project over the
travelled portion of a highway.
6.13 The illumination for any sign shall not create a direct glare upon any surrounding lot
or premises.
10
Part 7 Exemption
7.1 This Bylaw does not apply to:
(a) notices issued by the government of Canada, the government of British
Columbia, a Court, by the District or by the School Board;
(b) traffic control devices provided for in the Motor Vehicle Act;
(c) signs erected by the Provincial Ministry of Highways for highway purposes.
These signs may be flashing and/or illuminated where special circumstances
or safety dictates;
(d) signs on or over District highways installed or authorized by the Director of
Engineering for control of traffic and parking or for street names and
direction;
(e) signs located in the interior of buildings and not visible from a highway;
(f) murals provided that the mural does not advertise or intend to advertise a
specific product or service and they are located on public use buildings or on
properties where a Development Permit specifically permits such use;
(g) non-illuminated signs inside a store window limited to providing the following
information:
(i) store hours;
(ii) whether the store is open or closed; or
(iii) the existence of a sale, where the sign is present for not
more than thirty (30) consecutive days in any one (1) six
(6) month period;
(h) display of goods inside store windows or inside store fronts;
(i) flags and emblems of civic, or non-profit societies, educational, religious
organizations;
(j) signs authorized by the Director of Engineering in connection with public
conveniences including signs on benches, bus stop shelters, and other
similar structures;
(k) signs containing the building number and street name only, provided the sign
area does not exceed 0.18 m (2 sq. ft.) and the numbers or lettering shall not
exceed 20 cm (8 in) in height;
(l) the Flag of Canada or the Flag of British Columbia;
(m) a sign required by law including prohibitory signs;
11
(n) home occupation signs provided they are not larger than .610 m (2 square
feet) and are attached to the dwelling or building where the home occupation
business is operated from;
(o) signs depicting danger, hazard or other safety conditions erected by an
individual authorized by a public agency in the performance of his or her duty;
(p) memorial plaque, historical tablet and similar market provided it does not
exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.) in area and 2.4 m (8 ft.) in height;
(q) neighbourhood watch or Block Parent sign;
(r) permanent subdivision identification sign such as an entry gate sign provided
the sign is authorized by a Development Permit or by the Approving Officer at
the time of subdivision approval;
(s) one (1) Real Estate sign erected on the premises offered for sale for the
duration the premises is for sale;
(t) one (1) on-site real estate sign per premise frontage advertising the lease,
sale or rental of the lot or premises upon which the sign is located provided
that:
(i) In Residential Zones the sign area shall not exceed 0.7 sq.
m (8 sq. ft); and
(ii) In Commercial and Industrial Zones the sign area shall not
exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.);
(u) signs erected by the District for municipal purposes;
(v) sponsorship signs (for the purpose of acknowledging sponsors but not for
advertising sponsor’s products) erected by the District’s Parks & Recreation
Department and/or Community Groups provided the sign area does not
exceed 3.0 sq. m (32 sq. ft.);
(w) window sign provided the sign does not cover more than 50% (fifty percent) of
the window area:
(x) banner sign used by the District and non-profit and community organizations
for special event and fund raising activities, provided the banner is used
exclusively for:
(i) promotion of a special event for a period of no longer than
thirty (30) consecutive days in a six (6) month period;
(ii) street beautification purposes in the District’s downtown
core;
(iii) the sign area of the banner does not exceed 2.2 sq. m (24
sq. ft) and
12
(iv) the banner receives District approval prior to the erection
of such sign.
(y) temporary sign advertising a special event for a community cause or
charitable fund raising campaign not exceeding in area of 2.2 sq. m (24 sq.
ft);
(z) temporary sign advertising an opening date of a place of business or a
change of proprietorship provided:
(i) the sign area does not exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.) and;
(ii) the display of the sign is limited to no more than 30 (thirty)
consecutive days;
(aa) District of Maple Ridge welcome sign or transit information sign;
(bb) vehicle sign except when the vehicle is stationary and visible from a
highway for a period in excess of four (4) hours.
(cc) “Beware of Dog”, “No Trespassing”, “No Discharging of Firearms” and
“No Dumping” signs, and signs warning the public of existence of danger
provided none of the signs exceed 0.2 square metres in area and do not
exceed four (4) feet in height.
Part 8 Prohibited Signs
8.1 Signs that are not expressly permitted or exempted by this bylaw are hereby
prohibited.
8.2 Without restricting or limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following signs are
specifically prohibited:
8.2.1 Any revolving or partly-revolving sign or any sign in respect of which any
part thereof is revolving or partly revolving.;
8.2.2 Any flashing, animated or chasing-border signs or moving signs of any
kind (other than the plainly illuminated hands of a clock or temperature
indication), or any sign in respect of which any part thereof is flashing,
animated or moving. This subsection applies to any strobe light or
other devices which have emissions whether emitting sound, odour or
other matter;
8.2.3 Pennants, bunting, flags (other than patriotic flags), balloons or other
inflatable devices;
8.2.4 Banner signs except as specifically permitted under this bylaw;
8.2.5 Roof signs, balcony signs and signs mounted or supported on the deck
of a canopy;
13
8.2.6 Any sign that obstructs any part of a doorway, balcony, or a window that
would otherwise be capable of opening;
8.2.7 Off-premise or third party signs;
8.2.8 Any open tube neon sign except;
(a) Those exempted pursuant to Part ?? of this Bylaw;
(b) Those permitted by a Development Permit;
(c) Those permitted inside windows of a business premises
pursuant to section Part ?? of this Bylaw;
(d) Any sign on the side of any facia, awning or canopy;
(e) Signs recessed in canopies or awnings above fuel dispensing
facilities;
(f) No signs shall create a real or potential hazard to the safe,
efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(g) No sign shall be placed in a manner that may obstruct any
window opening, door opening, passageway, fire escape,
walkway, vehicular driveway or similar feature;
(h) Flashing sign, except in special sign areas;
(i) Roof signs;
(j) Portable sign, excluding sandwich-board signs;
(k) Revolving signs, except in special sign areas;
(l) Billboard sign;
(m) Gas or other inflated signs supported from the ground or roof
by rope or wire line;
(n) Any other sign not specifically permitted under this Bylaw; and
(o) No signs, whether made out of paper, cardboard, cloth,
canvas, plastic or similar materials, shall be tacked, posted or
otherwise affixed to the walls of any structure, tree, pole,
hydrant, bridge, fence or any other surface within a public
place. This section shall not apply to banners, posters,
placards, or notices posted by or on behalf of the District
pertaining to municipal matters, or police traffic control signs
and notices. Where a fence hoarding is erected on any street
during the construction or alteration of a building, no signs
other than those relating to the said construction or alteration
shall be placed upon the said fence or hoarding.
14
Part 9 Non-Conforming Signs
9.1 Any sign or advertisement lawfully erected, constructed or placed at the time of
adoption of this Bylaw, although such sign does not conform with the provisions of
this Bylaw, may remain and continue to be used and maintained, provided however,
that no such sign shall be reconstructed, altered or moved in the District unless such
sign shall be made to conform in all respects with the provisions of this Bylaw.
Part 10 Maintenance of Signs
10.1 Every sign shall be maintained in good repair and in a neat and safe condition at all
times.
10.2 Normal sign maintenance, including replacement copy, lighting and refurbishing of
signs shall not require a sign permit but shall conform to all other requirements of
this Bylaw.
10.3 All signs shall be maintained structurally sound and free from all hazards caused or
resulting from decay or failure of structural members, fixtures, lighting or
appurtenances. All sign area, background, copy and lighting shall be maintained in
readable and clean condition and the site of the sign shall be maintained free of
weeds, debris and rubbish.
Part 11 Sign Permits and Fees
11.1 Requirements for a Permit
Every person proposing to construct, erect, place, alter, rebuild, reconstruct, move, demolish
or remove a sign shall obtain a sign permit if required by this Bylaw, and all necessary
approvals as required by the Maple Ridge Building Bylaw and Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
11.2 Application Requirements
11.2.1 An application for a sign permit shall be made to the Building
Department and shall:
(a) be made on an approved application form;
(b) be signed by the property owner or his agent;
(c) specify:
(i) The street address of the premise and legal
description of the parcel on which the proposed sign
will be located;
15
(ii) The name and address of the owner of the premises or
parcel or the company for whose benefit the sign is
intended and where the application is made by an
agent of the owner or company, the name and address
of the agent; and
(iii) A letter of authorization from the lot owner if the
applicant is not the lot owner;
(d) The name and address of the person or sign company
manufacturing, erecting, placing, altering, demolishing or
removing the sign for which the application is made;
(e) every application shall be accompanied by 2 copies and
duplicates of scaled drawings of the lot and improvements
thereon specifying:
(i) details of all existing signs and buildings on the lot;
(ii) scaled drawings showing location, type, size, weight,
construction, colour, finishing material and estimated
costs of all proposed signs, or proposed changes to
existing signs and supporting structures;
(iii) detail survey of property showing existing and
proposed setbacks in accordance with the Districts
Zoning Bylaw of all existing and proposed structures
and signs;
(iv) the dimensions, maker’s name and weight of the
sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the
wall surface and the height of the building to which it
is attached;
(v) the dimensions and weight of the supporting
members of the sign;
(vi) the maximum and minimum height of the sign from
grade;
(vii) the proposed location of the sign in relation to the
boundaries of the parcel upon which it is to be
located;
(viii) the off-street parking area, parking lot aisles and
driveways;
(ix) the dimensions and areas of any proposed
landscaped areas, if applicable to the sign type;
16
(x) the description of the advertising copy of wording to
be displayed, including the style, size, colours of all
the letters, logos or similar copy of the sign;
(xi) for an illuminated sign, information on the technical
means by which the illumination is to accomplished;
(xii) where the sign is to be attached to an existing
building, a current photograph of the face of the
building to which the sign is to be attached;
(xiii) structural, footing details and material specifications
for a proposed free-standing sign;
(f) the Manager of Inspection Services may require, as a
condition of the issuance of any permit, that all drawings and
specifications, or any part thereof, be prepared by and sealed
by and the construction carried out under the supervision of a
Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British
Columbia and may refuse to issue a permit until he is provided
with a letter by a Registered Professional Engineer in the
Province of British Columbia undertaking to supervise the
work or any part thereof authorized by such permit.
(g) Any other information that is relevant to the issuance of the
sign permit.
11.3 Permit Fees
As per Schedule “A” of this Bylaw.
11.4 Permit Expiry
11.4.1 Where:
(a) an application has been made for a permit;
(b) the proposed work set out in the application conforms with
this and all other bylaws of the District and the British
Columbia Building Code;
the Building Department shall issue a sign permit for which the application is
made. The permit shall expire if active work is not commenced within a period of
90 (ninety) days from the date of issue of the permit.
11.5 Refusal of Permit
11.5.1 The Building Department may refuse to issue a permit if:
(a) the information submitted for the sign permit is contrary to the
provisions of the bylaw;
17
(b) the information required to be submitted under this bylaw is
incomplete or incorrect;
(c) issuance is prohibited by or does not comply with the
provisions of a Municipal Bylaw, the British Columbia Building
Code or the specification of the “Canadian Electrical Code:
adopted by the Canadian Standards Association; or
(d) the sign creates a potential hazard to the safe efficient
movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
11.5.2 Notwithstanding any clause in this bylaw, if any work for which a permit
is required by this bylaw has been commenced before the permit has
been issued by the Municipality; the applicant shall pay the Municipality
a permit fee that is equal to 2 (two) times the permit fee described in
section 11.3 of this bylaw.
Part 12 Inspections and Regulations
12.1 Inspections for Compliance
12.1.1 The Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws or any other
official of the District is hereby authorized to enter at all
reasonable times on any property, building or premises that is
subject to regulation under this bylaw to ascertain whether the
regulations and provisions of the bylaw are being or have been
complied with and any person employed from time to time by
the District as the Manager of Inspection Services, Bylaw
Enforcement Officer or Building Inspector is hereby designated
to act in his place for the purpose of administering this Bylaw.
12.1.2 The Building Inspector and Bylaw Enforcement Officer and their
respective designates has the authority to order the painting,
repair, alteration, clean-up or removal of signs which have
become deteriorated, dilapidated, abandoned or which
constitute a hazard to public safety.
12.1.3 Where necessary, the projecting cantilever system shall be
used to support signs, and in no case shall the “A” frame
system be used.
12.1.4 No sign, nor any guy, stay, or attachment thereto shall be
erected, placed or maintained by any person on rocks, fences
or trees, except in the case of temporary signs complying with
the requirements of this Bylaw and decorative logo designs
painted upon or affixed to a temporary construction fence or
hoarding erected on a construction site only, for a time period
not exceeding the period of construction. No sign, guy, stay or
attachment thereto shall interfere with any electric light, power,
telephone or telegraph wires, or the supports thereof.
18
12.1.5 Every sign and the immediate surrounding premises shall be
maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean,
sanitary and inoffensive condition and free and clear of all
obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds, except in the case
of temporary signs under the provisions of Section ?????
12.1.6 The Building Inspector may order the correction of any work
which is being or has been improperly done under a permit.
12.1.7 The Building Inspector may order the cessation of work that is
proceeding in contravention of this bylaw by the placing of a
“Stop Work Order” on the building, sign or elsewhere as
appropriate on the property on which the contravening work is
taking place.
12.1.8 It shall be unlawful for any person to continue to work once a
Stop Work Order has been issued.
12.1.9 It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with, deface or
remove a Stop Work Order once it has been placed on the
property by the Building Inspector.
12.2 Special Approvals
12.2.1 No sign except a light weight canvas awning or canopy sign
shall be displayed upon or suspended over any public street or
public place unless the owner has entered into an agreement
with the District and has deposited a comprehensive general
liability insurance policy for limits of not less than five million
dollars ($5,000,000) inclusive and duly endorsed to note the
insured’s acceptance of contractual liability under the “Hold
Harmless” clause in the sign agreement and further endorsed
to note such policy will not be lapsed or cancelled without thirty
days written notice to the District as long as the named
insured’s sign remains on or over any public street. A copy of
each renewal certificate shall be deposited with the District as
a condition for the continued display of such sign. In the event
that the owner shall fail or neglect to provide the insurance
coverage required by this section, it shall be lawful for the
District to forthwith and without prior notice, order the owner to
remove such sign which is erected on private premises but
encroaches onto or over a public street or public place and the
said sign shall be removed forthwith, and in default thereof by
such owner, it shall be lawful for the Director of Engineering
with such employees or agents of the District as he may deem
requisite, to enter upon the said premises and effect such
removal at the expense of the person in default, and the District
shall recover the expense thereof, with interest at the rate of six
(6) percentage per annum, with costs in like manner as
Municipal Taxes on the said premises.
19
Every such owner shall remain fully responsible for all losses, costs, damages or
expenses which may arise as the result of the display of said sign until such time
as the same has been removed.
12.3 Removal of Signs
12.3.1 The owner of any lot upon which an abandoned sign is located
shall remove such sign within thirty (30) days of the same
becoming an abandoned sign.
12.3.2 The Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws or their designate
may remove from public property any sign installed or placed
without a valid permit.
12.4 Comprehensive Sign Plan
12.4.1 Any development site of not less than 0.2 hectares in any
Commercial or Industrial District that is comprised of a number
of individual establishments forming a comprehensive
development unit may make application for comprehensive
sign plan approval. Such a plan, which shall include the
location, size, height, colour, lighting and orientation of all
signs, shall be submitted for approval to the Director of
Licences, Permits and Bylaws.
12.4.2 Such a comprehensive plan shall comply with the overall sign
area and density regulations of the bylaw and shall result in an
improved relationship between the various parts of the plan.
12.5 Development Permit Areas
On lands which have been designated Development Permit Areas, sign
regulations contained in this Bylaw may be varied through the application
and approval of a Development Variance Permit by Council. The erection
of a new sign or the replacement, alteration or modification of an existing
sign (a sign permitted and constructed through a Development Permit)
which has been included in an existing Development Permit, shall require
an amendment to the Development Permit.
12.6 Variance
Variances to the provision of this Bylaw may be granted by Council through
a Development Variance Permit in accordance with the District of Maple
Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
Part 13 Specific Sign Regulations
The following regulations apply specifically to the types of signs referred to in each
section heading.
20
13.1 Awning signs:
(a) shall be permitted in Commercial, Industrial and Public
Service zones excluding ????
(b) shall only be permitted where the awning is projecting more
than one (1) metre (3.3 feet) from the building face;
(c) shall not be electrified;
(d) may be indirectly lighted;
(e) copy area shall be the same as that permitted in Schedule xxx
of this bylaw for requirements of facia signs;
(f) shall have a minimum height of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) from the
nearest finished grade of the site and shall not project below
the lower edge of the canopy or awning;
(g) shall have a maximum height of 7.62 metres (25) feet and
furthermore the sign shall be no higher than the top of the
roof line or wall of the building to which it is affixed;
13.2 Canopy Signs
13.2.1 Shall be permitted in Commercial, Industrial and Public Service
zones excluding ?????
13.2.2 The minimum height of a canopy sign above the nearest
finished grade of the site shall be 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and
shall not project below the lower edge of the canopy;
13.2.3 The maximum sign area shall be 0.6 square metres (6.5 square
feet) lineal metre of the canopy frontage to which it is affixed
and a maximum of sixty (60) percent of the background of the
sign can be copy. For theatres and cinemas, the maximum shall
be 1.6 square metres (17.2 square feet) per lineal metre of the
canopy frontage to which it is affixed and a maximum of sixty
(60) percent of the background of the sign can be copy.
13.2.4 No canopy sign shall extend or project above the upper edge of
a canopy or marquee by more than 600mm (2.0 feet)
13.2.5 The vertical dimension of a canopy sign shall not exceed
600mm (2.0 feet). For theatres and cinemas the maximum
shall be 1.5 metres (4.9 feet).
13.2.6 The width of the base of the canopy shall not be less than the
length of the projection.
13.2.7 What about maximum height
21
13.3 Facia Signs
13.3.1 Only the frontage of the property on which the sign is located
shall be used for sign area calculations.
13.3.2 A facia sign shall not project beyond 300mm (1.0 feet) from the
building face and shall not extend above the sill of any window
or above guard rails or balustrades immediately above such
sign.
13.3.3 The minimum height of a facia sign shall be 2.5 metres (8.2
feet) from the nearest finished grade of the site on which they
are situated; provided however, that this subsection does not
apply to:
(a) Facia signs created by printing, painting or inscribing directly
upon a wall of a building or structure;
(b) Facia signs situated entirely over private property and
immediately above a landscaped area designated to keep
pedestrians away from the wall to which the sign is affixed;
(c) Facia signs entirely recessed into the wall to which they are
affixed.
(d) No part of a facia sign shall project above the wall to which it
is affixed.
13.4 Freestanding Signs
13.4.1 The minimum height of a freestanding sign shall be 2.5 metres
(8.2 feet) provided, however, that freestanding signs may be
less than 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) from the nearest finished grade
of the site upon which they are situated where:
(a) They are situated on or over land other than that is used from
time to time as a place for the parking of automobiles or used
as a driveway; and
(b) such signs do not obscure the view from a road or sidewalk or
other premises in the vicinity; and
(c) Where such signs are an integral part of a permanent
comprehensibly designed landscaped area, such landscaping
to be in size equal to that of the sign.
13.4.2 Where a freestanding sign projects over a vehicular traffic area
such as parking lot aisles or driveways, a minimum clearance of
4.2 metres (13.8 feet) shall be maintained.
13.4.3 The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10.5
metres (34.5 feet).
22
13.4.4 A freestanding sign may be located in a required yard provided
that such sign is not closer than 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) to:
(a) The point of intersection of the intersecting street lines on a
corner lot;
(b) Any adjoining lot.
13.4.5 For each freestanding sign, landscaping around the base of the
sign on the site shall be provided as follows:
(a) 1 square metre (10.8 square feet) of landscaping for every 1
square metre (10.8 square feet) of sign copy; and
(b) 0.2 square metres (2.2 square feet) of landscaping for every
0.1 metre (4 inches) height above 3 metres (9.8 feet).
13.4.6 For a freestanding sign, no guy wires shall be used. The support
structure shall form an integral part of the design.
13.4.7 The copy area for freestanding signs shall not exceed sixty (60)
percent of the sign area.
13.5 Projecting Signs
13.5.1 The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be 2.5 metres
(8.2 feet) from the nearest finished grade.
13.5.2 The maximum area of a projecting sign shall be 7 square
metres (75.4 square feet) and the copy area of the sign shall
not exceed sixty (60) percent of the sign area
13.5.3 No part of a projecting sign shall be higher than the top of the
roof line or wall to which it is affixed, except that the
surrounding structure may extend 300mm (1.0 foot) above the
parapet or roof line of a building.
13.5.4 The maximum height of a projecting sign shall be 7.5 metres
(24.6 feet) from the nearest finished grade.
13.5.5 The maximum projection shall be 1.5 metres (4.9 feet)
13.5.6 The sign may project 250mm (10 inches) from the building face
for each metre that the sign is located from the nearest edge or
corner of the business premise.
13.6 Temporary Portable Sign
13.6.1 One portable non-flashing sign identifying a business may be
permitted per legal lot provided that:
23
(a) Where a legal lot is comprised of a number of strata lots, only
one sign is permitted for the parent legal lot;
(b) The sign is no larger than 3 square metres (32.3 square feet)
in area per sign face;
(c) The sign shall not be located on any public right-of-way nor on
any public property;
(d) No portable sign shall be energized by any means other than
that approved by the electrical code.
13.6.2 A temporary portable sign shall be permitted for one thirty (30)
day consecutive time period in a ninety (90) day period.
13.6.3 Any portable sign up for longer than the permitted thirty (30)
days may be removed at the owner’s expense.
13.6.4 Any portable sign placed on public right-of-way may be removed
at the owner’s expense.
13.7 Electronic Message Board Sign
13.7.1 Changeable copy Electronic Message Board signs shall be
permitted to a maximum area of 3 square metres (32.3 square
feet) per sign face in addition to the allowable sign area for the
primary freestanding sign in those zones allowed in Schedule xx
of this bylaw. Electronic Message Board signs are not
permitted on secondary freestanding signs on the same
property. Where permanent Electronic Message Board signs
are installed, no temporary portable signs are permitted.
13.7.2 Any area exceeding the above mentioned 3 square metres
(32.3 square feet) shall be included in the total calculation for
sign area.
13.8 Readograph Signs
13.8.1 Changeable copy readograph signs shall be permitted to a
maximum area of 3 square metres (32.3) square feet) per sign
face in addition to the allowable sign area for the primary
freestanding sign in those zones allowed in schedules 4,5 and
6 of this bylaw. It is not permitted on secondary freestanding
signs. Where permanent readograph signs are installed, no
temporary portable signs are permitted.
13.8.2 Any area exceeding the above mentioned 3 square metres
(32.3 square feet) shall be included in the total calculation for
sign area.
24
13.9 On Site Directional Signs
One directional sign not exceeding 0.75 square metres (8.0 square feet)
per side shall be permitted at each entrance and exit from a property in
addition to signs permitted in Schedule xx of this bylaw.
13.1 Menu Board Signs
One exterior menu board sign not exceeding a total sign area of 3.0
square metres (32.2 square feet) shall be permitted for drive-through
restaurant type businesses in addition to signs permitted in Schedule xx of
this bylaw.
13.2 Election Signs
Election Signs for federal, provincial, municipal and school trustee
elections are permitted provided that:
(a) in the case of provincial or federal elections, the signs are not
erected more than thirty (30) days prior to the election or
event and are removed within four (4) days after the election;
(b) in the case of municipal and school trustee elections, the
signs are not erected more than twenty (20) days prior to the
general local election or event and are removed within four (4)
days after the election;
(c) The sign does not exceed 4 feet by 4 feet;
(d) The sign is not illuminated;
(e) The placement of the sign does not interfere with traffic
sightlines at street intersections or with the safety of
pedestrians.
(f) The placement of election signs are permitted on private
property with the consent of the owner or occupant of the
property.
(g) Elections signs are not permitted on any vehicles or trailers
attached to vehicles.
(h) Strata bylaws cannot prohibit owners or tenants from
displaying campaign signs in their units, however, they may
set reasonable conditions on the size and type of signs that
can be displayed and may prohibit signs from being displayed
in common areas of the building and property.
(i) Regulations regarding the size, placement and permitted
dates for posting Election Signs apply to those posted on
private property as well as public.
25
(j) The Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under the
Chief Election Officer’s direction, may remove any election
sign that the Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under
the Chief Election Officer’s direction, has reasonable grounds
to believe is erected or in place in contravention of this Bylaw.
(k) Election signs that have been removed in accordance with the
section above will be stored for a period of one (1) week after
general voting day and the candidate or their agent may claim
the sign(s) during that period, following which the material
may be destroyed or otherwise disposed by the Chief Election
Officer or any person acting under the Chief Election Officer’s
direction without notice and without compensation to the
owner of the sign(s).
(l) Other than as authorized in writing by the District, no person
shall display on any election sign or other election advertising
a logo, trademark or official mark, in whole or in part, owned
or licensed by the District.
Part 14 Penalty and Enactment
14.1 Every person who violates a provision of this bylaw, or who consents, allows or
permits an act or thing to be done in violation of a provision of this bylaw, or who
neglects to or refrains from doing anything required to be done by a provision of this
bylaw, is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties imposed under this bylaw,
and is guilty of a separate offence each day that a violation continues to exist.
14.2 Every person who commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding the maximum allowed by the Offence Act.
READ A FIRST TIME on [Date]
READ A SECOND TIME on [Date]
READ A THIRD TIME on [Date]
ADOPTED by the Council on [Date]
Schedules
Schedule “A” – Sign Permit Fees
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table
PRESIDING MEMBER CORPORATE OFFICER
26
Schedule “A” – Sign Permit Fees
a) Each applicant for a sign permit shall submit a non-refundable processing fee of
$62.00 plus applicable taxes. If the sign is approved, this fee will be credited
towards the appropriate permit fee as set out below.
b) The following permit fee, plus applicable taxes, will be assessed for all new signs
based on total sign area. For multi-faced signs, the total sign area shall be the
aggregate of sign area on all faces.
Up to 3 sq. m [32 sq. ft.]..................................................................................$136.00
Larger than 3 sq. m [32 sq. ft.] up to 6 sq. m [64 sq. ft.]..............................$201.00
Larger than 6 sq. m [64 sq. ft.] up to 10 sq. m [110 sq. ft.].........................$268.00
Larger than 10 sq. m [110 sq. ft.] up to 15 sq. m [160 sq. ft.].....................$337.00
Larger than 15 sq. m [160 sq. ft.] up to 18.6 sq. m [200 sq. ft.].................$403.00
Over 18.6 sq. m [200 sq. ft.]...........................................................................$536.00
c) If an applicant proposes to relocate or alter an existing sign (excluding a
temporary on-site real estate development/construction sign or temporary off-
site real estate development/construction sign) on the same lot without enlarging
it, a relocation or alteration fee of $126.00 plus applicable taxes will be charged.
d) Enlargement, rebuilding, relocation and extension of an existing sign (in height,
sign area or both) amounts to an erection of a new sign and requires a sign
permit.
e) Temporary on-site real estate development/construction signs and temporary off-
site real estate development/construction signs shall be assessed the permit fee
stipulated in Section xxx of the attached bylaw and a removal deposit of
$500.00 shall be paid by the applicant. This deposit is refundable if the
applicant removes the sign within the stipulated period. If the applicant fails to
remove the sign to the satisfaction of the District of Maple Ridge, the removal
deposit shall be forfeited and the District of Maple Ridge may use the money
to offset the cost incurred by the District to remove the sign.
27
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table
The following cross reference indicates the type of sign that shall be permitted in a specific
zone.
This diagram is included FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY and is not part of the sign bylaw.
SIGN TYPES ZONE AWNING CANOPY CHANGEABLE READOGRAPH DEVELOPMENT FACIA FREESTANDING HOME OCCUPATION PROJECTING A-1
A-2
A-3
R-1
RS-1B
RS-1A
RS-1
RS-2
RS-3
RM-1
RM-2
RM-3
RM-4
RM-5
RT-1
SRS
RG
RG-2
RG-3
RE
RMH
√ - PERMITTED in the zone
× - NOT PERMITTED in the zone
×× – PROHIBITED IN THE MUNICIPALITY
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council FILE NO: 0530-01
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: August – December 2013 Council Matrix
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Attached to this report as Appendix I is the Council Matrix for the period of August 26 through
December 10, 2013. The Matrix captures items that Council identified as priorities, presentations
to update and inform Council on local issues, and policy discussions. The matrix includes items
scheduled for Council Workshop, presentations to be made at Committee of the Whole and notes on
the status of items. Staff will make every effort to meet the dates outlined on the Matrix but it
should be noted that the dates listed may be altered depending upon availability of information and
personnel. Attached as Appendix II is the January 7 to July 22, 2013 Matrix showing the status of
each item. The use of the term “complete” in describing the status identifies that the item was
included on a meeting agenda but does not necessarily mean that the issue itself is complete.
Further action may be required on those items.
At the May 13 Special Council Workshop, Council rated 28 additional items identified by individual
councillors as being priorities to them. Those items that were rated as a high priority by a majority of
Council will be considered for inclusion in the 2014-2018 work plans at Business Planning in
December.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council Matrix attached as Appendix I to the staff report dated July 22, 2013 be adopted.
DISCUSSION:
The matrix was developed to track key items identified as priorities by Council. The matrix lists those
items that are of particular interest to Council but these items are only a small fraction of the work
that occurs at the District on a daily basis and a fraction of the work identified in the 2013-2017
Business Plan.
It should be noted that agenda items at these meetings are not limited to the items on the matrix.
Emergent issues will also be added to agendas as they arise.
“Original signed by Ceri Marlo”_____________ “Original signed by Frank Quinn” for
Prepared by: Ceri Marlo, C.M.C. Concurrence by: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Manager of Legislative Services Chief Administrative Officer
“Original signed by John Bastaja” for ___
Approved by: Paul Gill, B.B.A, C.G.A, F.R.M
General Manager: Corporate & Financial Services
/cm
Page 1 of 1 4.5
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (August 26 to December 10, 2013) Appendix I
Page 1
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
1 2014 Financial Update CFS 26-Aug COW
2 Vibrant Downtown CDPR 26-Aug W/S Steering Committee Recommendations
3 Property Tax Collection Period CFS 26-Aug W/S
4 September Public Hearing Date CFS 26-Aug W/S
5 Update on the exclusion
applications in the Albion Flats
PWDS 26-Aug W/S Update on ALC decision on two exclusion
applicantions west of 105 Avenue
6 Permissive Tax Exemptions CFS 9-Sep COW
7 Economic Development Strategy Admin 9-Sep W/S
8 Housing Action Plan Update CDPR 9-Sep W/S
9 Commercial/Industrial Strategy PWDS 9-Sep W/S Update on feedback from consultation
process
10 MMBC - Paper and Packaging
Producers
PWDS 9-Sep W/S Status report
11 Tandem Parking PWDS 9-Sep W/S Draft bylaw amendments
12 Recreation Facility Rental Fees CDPR 23-Sep COW Update
13 Community Safety Officers CFS 23-Sep W/S RCMP Update
14 Environmental Management
Strategy Update
PWDS 23-Sep W/S
15 Heritage Strategic Plan Update PWDS 23-Sep W/S
16 Bicycle Advisory Committee PWDS 23-Sep W/S Discussion on structure of committee
17 E-Comm Services CFS Oct COW Presentation by E-Comm - October date to
be confirmed
18 Library Update CDPR 7-Oct COW Presentation by Maple Ridge Library
19 Albion Flats PWDS 7-Oct COW Exclusion application
20 Invasive Plant Management
Strategy
CDPR 7-Oct W/S
21 Whonnock Lake Update on Capital
Improvements
CDPR 7-Oct W/S
22 Overhead Power Lines PWDS 7-Oct W/S Review of policy
23 Secondary Suites Bylaw PWDS 7-Oct W/S Draft bylaw amendments
24 Zoning Bylaw PWDS 7-Oct W/S
to COW
First reading of bylaw
25 Emergency Program Update Admin 21-Oct W/S
26 Compassionate Cities Update CDPR 21-Oct W/S
27 RCMP Contract Update CFS 21-Oct W/S
28 Municipal Telecommunications
Towers Strategy
PWDS 21-Oct W/S
29 Update on Regional Growth
Strategy
PWDS 21-Oct W/S Feedback on Metro Vancouver comments
re: Regional Context Statement
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (August 26 to December 10, 2013) Appendix I
Page 2
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
30 Customer Service Admin/
CDPR
4-Nov COW Update
31 Strategic Economic Initiatives Admin 4-Nov COW Update
32 Community Sport Strategy CDPR 4-Nov W/S
33 Policy on Alcohol Service in
Municipal Facilities
CDPR 4-Nov W/S Update
34 Noise Bylaw Update PWDS 4-Nov W/S Proposed amendments
35 Information Technology Update CFS 18-Nov COW
36 Recycling Society Update PWDS 18-Nov COW Annual Update
37 Incentive Program - next phase Admin 18-Nov W/S
38 Infrastructure and Capital Assets
Analyses Update and Capital Works
Update
CDPR/CFS/P
WDS
18-Nov W/S Update of projects
39 Transportation Plan PWDS 18-Nov W/S Draft plan
40 Traffic Calming PWDS 18-Nov W/S Update on specific projects
41 RCMP Finances CFS 2-Dec COW
42 Compassionate Cities
Recommendation
CDPR 2-Dec W/S
43 Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw PWDS/
CDPR
2-Dec W/S Ban of dogs at parks and sports fields
44 Building Maintenance Bylaw PWDS 2-Dec W/S Proposed amendments
45 Smoking Bylaw PWDS 2-Dec W/S Proposed amendments
46 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw CFS 10-Dec Council
Legend
Abbreviation
Admin
CDPR
CFS
PWDS
Items to be presented at Committee of the Whole
Administration (includes SEI and Sustainability)
Community Development Parks & Recreation
Corporate and Financial Services
Public Works & Development Services
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 1
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
1 Interfor Presentation Admin 7-Jan W/S Complete - presentation by Ric Slaco
2 Labour Relations Service BL Admin 7-Jan W/S Complete - Review of Metro Van
Correspondence approved at January 8
Council Meeting
3 Wildfire Development Permit Area
Guidelines
CFS 7-Jan W/S Complete - report referred back to staff
4 Pitt Meadows ALR Exclusion PWDS 7-Jan W/S Complete - resolution to forward report to
the ALC - January 8 Council Meeting
5 BC Assessment
2013 Property Assessment
Overview
CFS 21-Jan COW Complete - Presentation by BCAA
Complete - Presentation by the Manager of
Revenue and Collections
6 New Library Manager CDPR 21-Jan W/S Complete - Introduction of the new
manager of the Maple Ridge Library to
Council
7 Matrix CFS 21-Jan W/S Complete - 2013 Matrix reviewed; first 7
months approved; next update scheduled
for July
8 Fisheries Act (Bill C-38)PWDS 21-Jan W/S Complete - Update provided
9 Streamside Protection Regulations PWDS 21-Jan W/S Complete - General overview of regulations
provided
10 Tree Bylaw PWDS 21-Jan W/S Complete - Overview provided
11 GVRD Services Admin 4-Feb COW Complete - Presentation by Metro
Vancouver Chair Greg Moore; CAO Carol
Mason
12 MTI Bylaw PWDS 4-Feb COW Complete - bylaw adopted at the March
26, 2013 Council Meeting
13 Environmental Management
Strategy
PWDS 4-Feb W/S Complete - update from consultant
provided; report forwarded to February 12,
2013 Council meeting; consultation
process and timelines authorized; further
update provided June 10, 2013; next
update scheduled for September
14 Intermunicipal Business Licencing PWDS 4-Feb W/S Complete - verbal update provided
15 Amenity Zoning PWDS 4-Feb W/S Complete - forwarded to February 12
Council Meeting; study to be presented at
a public open house, authorized; further
reports provided to Council on June 10
and July 8
16 North Albion Area Plan PWDS 4-Feb W/S Complete - forwarded to February 12
Council Meeting
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 2
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
17 Bar Watch CFS 18-Feb COW Complete - update on program provided by
Inspector Dave Fleugel at Council
Workshop
18 Building Bylaw Amendments PWDS 18-Feb COW Complete - First, second and third
readings; Final reading at March 12, 2013
Council Meeting
19 Heritage Procedures Bylaw PWDS 18-Feb COW Complete - spoken to at Council Workshop;
forwarded to February 26 Council Meeting
for three readings; adopted at March 12
Council
20 Medical Marihuana Bylaw PWDS 18-Feb COW Complete - March 12 Council; first and
second reading; forwarded to Public
Hearing - item was deferred by Council on
April 23; reviewed July 8; revised bylaw
scheduled for consideration on July 22
21 Municipally Owned Parking Lots CFS 18-Feb W/S Complete - presentation provided at
February 4 COW; recommendations
approved at February 12 Council Meeting
22 Ending Homelessness Strategy CDPR 18-Feb W/S Complete - update provided by Communty
Services; received for information;
forwarded to SPAC for comment
23 Albion Flats PWDS 18-Feb W/S Further updates pending the Agricultural
Land Commission decision
24 Zoning Bylaw PWDS 18-Feb W/S Complete - draft zoning bylaw discussion;
received for information; forwarded to
future COW; interim report to W/S dealing
with points raised during review of bylaw
requested
25 Commercial/Industrial Review Admin
PWDS
4-Mar COW Complete - Update provided at Council
Workshop; consultation process endorsed;
further updates provided on May 27
26 Downtown Update (retitled Vibrant
Downtown Task Group Update)
CDPR 4-Mar COW Complete - update provided at Council
Workshp
27 Cell Towers (retitled Wireless
Industry Co-Location Research)
CFS 4-Mar W/S Complete - update provided
28 Grants Policy CFS 4-Mar W/S Complete - presented at February 18
Workshop; approved at February 26
Council Meeting
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 3
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
29 North Albion Servicing PWDS 4-Mar W/S Complete - presented in conjunction with a
report on Latecomers Fees at March 18
Council Workship
30 Secondary Suites PWDS 4-Mar W/S Complete - summary of issues and
consultation program provided; process
endorsed; further report provided on June
17; bylaw scheduled for consideration on
October 7
31 Fire Department CFS 18-Mar COW Complete - presentation provided
32 Year End Results CFS 18-Mar COW Complete - report provided on Preliminary
2012 Year End Update – General Revenue
Fund
33 E-Billing & Payment Options CFS 18-Mar COW Complete - report provided on Tax Notice
Delivery and Payment Options
34 Regional Context Statement PWDS 18-Mar W/S Complete - update provided; received for
information and input; further report
provided on June 17; bylaw scheduled for
consideration on July 22
35 Transportation Plan PWDS 18-Mar W/S Complete - presentation John Steiner,
Urban Systems at the April 8 Council
Workshop; presentation of draft plan
scheduled for Fall 2013
36 Traffic Calming PWDS 18-Mar W/S Complete - presentation provided by the
Municipal Engineer
37 Abernethy Way PWDS 18-Mar
to 8-Apr
W/S Complete - component of the
Transportation Plan presented by John
Steiner, Urban Systems
38 Customer Experience Program Admin
CDPR
8-Apr W/S Complete - update presented at the April 8
Council Workshop
39 Grants/Donations CFS 8-Apr COW Complete - report on application provided
40 Municipal Campground Admin 8-Apr W/S Complete - update provided by Strategic
Economic Initiatives on May 27, 2013
under heading "Use of District Land for
Economic Development Opportunities "
41 Gravel Agreement PWDS 8-Apr Complete - report provided on April 8
42 LED Lights Report PWDS 8-Apr W/S Complete - Update on pilot project,
presented at the April 22 Council
Workshop
43 Grow Op Bylaw PWDS 8-Apr Complete - report provided on June 10
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 4
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
44 RCMP Integrated Teams CFS 22-Apr COW Complete - presentation provided by RCMP
Chief Superintendent Brian Cantera
45 TransLink Services Admin 22-Apr COW Complete - presentation provided at the
July 8, 2013 Committee of the Whole
Meeting
46 Council & Staff Liaison Roles Policy
3.10
CDPR
CFS
22-Apr W/S Complete - review of policy - no revisions
required
47 Public Art CDPR 22-Apr W/S Complete - update provided
48 Business Plan Process & Guidelines
(titled Business Planning 2014-
2018 Priorities)
CFS 22-Apr W/S Complete - presentation provided at the
July 8, 2013 Council Workshop
49 Consolidated Financial Statements CFS 22-Apr W/S Complete - update provided at Committee
of the Whole
50 Investment of Municipal Funds
Policy 5.44
CFS 22-Apr W/S Complete - reviewed by Audit and Finance
Committee
51 BC Ambulance Services CFS May COW Complete - presentation provided at the
June 17 Committee of the Whole Meeting
52 SPCA Update PWDS May COW Complete - presentation provided February
18
53 Economic Development Review Admin 6-May COW Complete - update by Strategic Economic
Initiatives provided at the May 28 Council
Meeting
54 Pedestrian Connectivity and Trails
Strategy
PWDS
CDPR
6-May W/S Complete - Update provided by
Engineering Dept and Parks and Leisure
Services Dept
55 On-site Parking Standards PWDS 6-May W/S Complete - part of staff report titled "4.2
Tandem and Off-Street Parking Discussion
Paper'; staff directed to prepare bylaw
revisions to RM-1 zone and Off-Street
Parking and Loading Bylaw, report
provided at the May 27, 2013 Council
Workshop Meeting
56 Tandem Parking Garages PWDS 6-May W/S Complete - as per Item 55 above, bylaw
amendments scheduled for consideration
on September 9
57 Resident-Only Parking Policy No.
9.09
PWDS 6-May W/S Complete - review of policy provided
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 5
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
58 Reserve Funds CFS 27-May W/S Complete - Report provided at the April 22
Committee of the Whole Meeting
59 BC Hydro Fish Ladder PWDS 27-May W/S Complete - Presentation provided by ARMS
at Committee of the Whole
60 Sign Bylaw including election signs PWDS 27-May W/S Rescheduled to July 22, 2013 Council
Workshop
61 Incentives for Industrial Lands PWDS 27-May W/S Complete - reviewed as part of the Job
Creation Incentives Report provided by
Administration
62 District Website Admin 10-Jun W/S Complete - Update provided by IT
63 Information Technology CFS 10-Jun W/S Complete - Update provided by IT
64 Mobile Apps. Update CFS 10-Jun W/S Complete - Update provided by IT
65 Water Conservation/Meters PWDS 17-Jun COW Complete - detailed report provided at the
June 17 Council Workshop
66 Homelessness Action Plan CDPR 17-Jun W/S Complete - rescheduled to July 22; item
has been revised to read "Housing Action
Plan"
67 Tax Rate Survey CFS 17-Jun W/S Complete - Report on survey results
provided
68 Hammond Area Plan PWDS 17-Jun W/S Council resolution item to be further
assessed after decision by the Agricultural
Land Commssion on Albion Flats
69 Customer Experience Program Admin/
CDPR
8-Jul COW Update
70 Vacant Properties/Development
Incentives
Admin 8-Jul W/S Rescheduled to November 18
71 Municipal Alcohol Policy CDPR 8-Jul W/S Rescheduled to November 4, 2013; review
of draft policy
72 Subdivision Control Bylaw including
fibre conduit and municipal utility
CFS/
PWDS
8-Jul W/S Rescheduled to July 22
73 Untidy/Unsightly Premises Bylaw PWDS 8-Jul W/S Complete - Bylaw adopted at the July 9,
2013 Councl Meeting
Council Work Schedule Matrix 2013 (January 7 to July 22) Appendix II
Page 6
ITEM DIVISION
DATE OF
MEETING MEETING STATUS AND COMMENTS
74 Gaming Revenue Policy No. 5.55 Admin Budget revised to reduce overall property
tax burden. Review policy after one year of
experience with the new gaming centre
75 Matrix CFS 22-Jul W/S Review and update
76 Policy Development & Maintenance
Policy No. 3.09
CFS 22-Jul W/S Rescheduled for review in January
77 Committees of Council Policy No.
3.11
CFS 22-Jul W/S Review of Policy
78 Equipment Replacement Reserve CFS All reserves, including equipment,
replacement revenue, reviewed each
Spring; see Item 58
79 Solid Waste Bylaw PWDS 22-Jul W/S Complete - bylaw given three readings at
the July 9, 2013 Council Meeting
Legend
Abbreviation
Admin
CDPR
CFS
PWDS
Items to be presented at Committee of the Whole
Administration (includes SEI and Sustainability)
Community Development Parks & Recreation
Corporate and Financial Services
Public Works & Development Services
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: July 22, 2013
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: POLICY REVIEW – COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Policy 3.11, Committees of Council establishes guidelines for the formation and operation of
advisory committees of Council. The policy has been reviewed and no changes are recommended.
RECOMMENDATION:
No recommendation re quired.
“Original signed by Ceri Marlo”_______________________
Prepared by: Ceri Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
“Original signed by John Bastaja” for _________________
Approved by: Paul Gill, BBA, CGA
General Manager, Corporate & Financial Services
“Original signed by Frank Quinn” for___________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
:cm
Attachment:
District of Maple Ridge Policy No. 3.11
4.6
POLICY MANUAL
Title: Committees of Council
See also Council and Staff Liaison Roles Policy No. 3.10
Policy No : 3.11
Supersedes: New
Authority: Legislative Operational
Approval: Council CMT
General Manager
Effective Date: January 26, 2011
Review Date: 2012
Policy Statement:
Advisory committees/commissions/panels, and task forces provide opportunities for citizens to
become more actively involved in their community, and for issues to be considered in depth.
The Council of the District of Maple Ridge will appoint advisory committees/commissions/
panels and task forces to:
• Provide information and advice to Council and staff on issues of concern to the public and
the District which Council will consider in its decision making
• Educate and raise the awareness of Council and staff; and
• Provide recommendations for consideration by Council and staff.
Unless authority to make decisions has been delegated by Council to a Committee or
Commission by bylaw, it is not the role of these bodies to establish policy, but to act in an
advisory capacity to Council. The decision-making responsibility and authority remains with
Council.
Purpose:
To establish guidelines for the formation and operation of Committees of Council.
Definition:
Committees – Advisory committees, commissions and panels that provide on-going advice of a
policy nature. Committees may also include Task Forces that have responsibility to consider
issues within a bounded time period. Once finished their work, through resolution of Council,
task forces cease to exist.
Selection Committee – A committee comprised of the Mayor and/or the applicable committee
Council appointee(s) and staff liaison(s), if appointed, that reviews applications for committee
positions, interviews selected applicants and makes recommendations to Council on appointed
positions.
Page 1 of 6 Policy 3.11
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Action to Take
1. Functions
The functions of the committees of Council are to:
a) respond to issues referred by Council and staff;
b) listen to and report on the community’s views;
c) gather necessary facts, information, and opinions;
d) educate and raise the awareness of Council and staff;
e) in the case of advisory committees/commissions/panels,
offer longer term visions of the community;;
f) provide advice and recommendations to Council, staff and
the public;
g) raise issues to Council and staff that need to be addressed
further.
2. Council Expectations
Committees are expected to:
a) respond to the issues referred by Council and by staff;
b) within their mandates, raise issues to Council and staff
that committee members believe need to be addressed;
c) give well-considered and timely responses to Council's
need for advice;
d) work within the strategic directions as outlined in
Council's annual business plan;
e) prepare an annual business plan (excluding task forces);
f) carry out their work effectively, efficiently, and creatively.
3. Committee Expectations
Committees can expect from Council and staff:
a) Sufficient information on the issues being addressed;
b) consistent and effective staff support (where provided),
within the budgetary limits of the district;
c) orientation and training;
d) prompt feedback on the outcomes of their advice and
recommendation;
e) a commitment from Council to refer issues for committee
consideration as they arise.
4. Committee Opportunities
Committees can expect opportunities to:
a) learn more about their community, and the issues that
need to be addressed;
b) engage with other people in dialogue and debate about
the community and its issues;
c) create broad visions of the community over the longer
term;
d) make recommendations to Council and staff.
Council acknowledges that it is vital that committee members
feel that they are making a real difference in the life of their
community.
Responsibility
Council
Staff
Council
Page 2 of 6 Policy 3.11
5. Governing Legislation
Committees will be governed by the bylaw (if any) of the
particular committee, the Council Procedure Bylaw and
applicable provincial and federal legislation.
6. New Committee
In considering a new committee, Council will ask:
a) What work needs to be done, or what issues need to be
considered by the committee?
b) Is the work on-going, or of a more time limited nature?
What are the timelines?
c) Is there a need for public involvement? Why? Who needs to
be involved?
d) Are there existing groups within the District or the
community who could undertake the work or consider the
issues?
e) What is the capacity for funding the committee and
providing staff support?
In addition, Council will give consideration to the make up of
the committee in terms of skills, expertise, and the diversity of
interests required.
7. Membership
Membership of committees of Council will be diverse, and
broadly reflective of the community (for example: age, gender,
cultural background, occupation, and neighbourhood, where
appropriate).
Membership of some committees will also reflect the desired
experience, knowledge and expertise.
Unless otherwise specified in a Committee’s bylaws or terms
of reference, members at large must reside or be employed in
the District and membership will be limited to no more than
three terms to permit others the opportunity to contribute.
8. Appointment of Members at Large
Opportunities for citizen participation on the committees of
Council will be advertised in a local newspaper, on the District
web site, on any other media deemed appropriate by the
Selection Committee and through community associations,
where appropriate, so that any citizen who is interested can
apply.
Candidates will be requested to submit an email or letter of
application providing information on their qualifications for
the position.
Even when a sitting member’s term is up and they have
indicated a willingness to continue their participation, others
should be given the opportunity to apply and be considered
alongside the sitting member. This is the only time that
Committee/Commission members are evaluated in terms of
their involvement and Council should have the opportunity to
Council
Clerk’s Department
Page 3 of 6 Policy 3.11
determine if other citizens should be appointed because their
background and skill set is more suitable to the upcoming
work of the Committee/Commission.
Members of Council may nominate individuals whom they
know are interested in serving on a respective committee.
Such nominees are to be advised that they will be required to
follow the same application procedures as others and will be
assessed against other candidates who have responded to
the advertisings.
The Clerk’s Department will prepare an alphabetical list of
applicants that will specify where an individual is a sitting
member of another Committee. If an individual applies for
more than one Committee, the Clerk’s Department will
identify with the applicant the most appropriate Committee.
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee to
determine if an interview process is required and who will be
interviewed. Generally an interview will be required even if
there is only one candidate to ensure the candidate is
suitable for the position. Interviews should also be conducted
if a sitting member has reapplied and others have applied so
that fair consideration can be given to all candidates. The
Clerk’s Department will arrange the interviews.
Following the interviews, the Selection Committee will forward
a report to a Closed meeting of Council with their
recommendations for appointment to the Committee. The
report is to be accompanied by resumes of the candidates
under consideration. Council will vote to appoint members to
the committee and announce the results at a subsequent
Regular Council meeting. The term of the appointment will be
specified in the resolution. A full orientation will be provided to
new committee members.
Council may remove a member at any time.
In general, it is the policy of Council not to appoint any
individual to serve on more than one committee
simultaneously. It is the intent of Council to afford the
opportunity for as many interested citizens as possible to
serve on Committees.
9. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists where:
a) a committee member is a director, member or employee
of an organization seeking a benefit from the District of
Maple Ridge upon which the committee will make a
recommendation;
b) the committee member has a direct or indirect pecuniary
interest in the outcome of committee deliberations.
Clerk’s Department
Selection Committee
Clerk’s Department
Selection Committee
Council
Page 4 of 6 Policy 3.11
A conflict of interest does not exist if:
a) the pecuniary interest of the member is a pecuniary
interest in common with members of the municipality
generally, or
b) the pecuniary interest is so remote or insignificant that it
cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to influence the
member in relation to the matter.
Where a conflict of interest exists, committee members:
a) are not entitled to participate in the discussion of the
matter or to vote on a question in respect of the matter;
b) must declare to the committee that a conflict exists; and
c) must absent themselves from the meeting during
consideration of the issue to which the conflict relates.
The member’s declaration of a conflict and their exit from and
return to the meeting shall be noted in the minutes.
Where a perceived conflict of interest might exist, the member
may note that a perception of conflict might exist but need not
declare a conflict and exit the meeting if in the member’s view
there is no actual conflict of interest.
Where in the opinion of a committee a member is in a conflict
of interest and has not so declared, the committee may ask
for a review of the matter by the Corporate Officer. The
matter, if unresolved, may then be referred for Council review.
10. Council Appointee
Council will appoint at least one Council member and an
alternate to the Committee. The role of the appointee
includes:
a) ensuring that Council is adequately briefed as to the
development of issues;
b) communicating Council's position and policy;
c) facilitating a clear and open dialogue between Council
and the community committee;
d) clarifying when they are stating their personal opinions.
See also Council and Staff Liaison Roles Policy No. 3.10
11. Staff Liaison
The Chief Administrative Officer may provide staff support on
a case-by-case basis. The role of staff in supporting
committees of Council includes:
a) providing information and professional advice;
b) supporting the chairperson in developing agendas,
arranging meetings, and promoting effective committee
functioning;
Committee Members
Council Appointee
Staff Liaison
Page 5 of 6 Policy 3.11
c) assisting with the preparation reports to Council;
d) assisting with the creation of the annual Business Plan;
e) providing an annual orientation to Committee members
on the work of the committee, the structure of the District,
and Council’s annual Business Plan and budgeting
process.
12. Reporting
The committees of Council are appointed by and report
directly to Council.
a) They are consultative groups.
b) Council has the responsibility for making final decisions.
c) Committee members will not misrepresent themselves as
having any authority beyond that delegated by Council.
13. Reporting to Council
When responding to an issue that was referred by Council,
committees will submit reports directly to Council.
Committees will report to Council on their activities at least
twice a year either in writing or by appearing as a delegation
at a meeting of Council.
14. Annual Business Reports
The committees of Council, with the exception of Task Forces,
will annually submit a Business Plan to Council that is in
alignment with Council’s strategic directions. The format of
the plan and timelines for submissions will be provided to the
committees.
15. Minutes
Committee minutes, which record the decisions made at
meetings, will be submitted to the Clerk’s Department.
Council and the Chief Administrative Officer will consider
providing clerical support on a case-by-case basis.
Committee
Page 6 of 6 Policy 3.11
5.1
offering a direction to
June 5, 2013
succeed
District of Maple Ridge
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
11995 Haney Place,
Maple Ridge, BC Canada V2X 6A9
Dear Mayor and Council:
Ridge Meadows ar
youth-1/rsio
Program
I am writing on behalf of the Ridge Meadows Youth &Justice Advocacy Association to request
your consideration for a permanent rent exemption and an increase in our funding. We are
currently faced with a considerable budget shortfall this year ($20,500) and the cost savings
Worded by a rent exemption would assist us to reduce our deficit. Our annual budget is
$93,000 and of that $5,500 is paid to the District of Maple Ridge as rent with another $6,200
expended on office expenses and supplies.
Although we have fundraising efforts in place and are actively pursuing funding streams from
grants, donations, and municipal and provincial grants, we believe we can only realistically
reduce our budget shortfall by $4,500 to $16,000. We have explored and implemented all
available cost savings measures on our end and now look to the District of Maple Ridge to
reinstate a similar arrangement to what was originally afforded to us back in 1994 — office
space free of charge. In exchange for this, we will continue to ensure that our programs actively
contribute to the community in all capacities possible by making our community as safer place
to live, work, and play as our youth are held accountable for their behavior and actions.
It may also be beneficial for the council to know that other local organizations such as Tourism
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows are given municipal office space or receive a permissive tax
exemption as well as fee for service funding. Many other restorative justice programs in the
Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are also either housed by their local police agency or
municipalities free of charge with some also having their office expenses and supplies covered
while others are in the fortunate position of being fully funded by their municipalities. For your
information I attach a graft demonstrating the funding levels for various local restorative justice
programs. We would greatly appreciate a similar type of arrangement.
The City of Pitt Meadows and the District of Maple Ridge have historically followed a 20/80 split
when it comes to funding for our program. For the past three years the City of Pitt Meadows
has provided a grant to us in the amount of $6,500. They recently confirmed the same funding
for the next three years. The District of Maple Ridge provides a total grant of $20,000; from
this we must pay the District $5500, which effectively means we receive a grant of only $14,500
11960 Haney Place i Maple Ridge I BC I V2X 6G1 T 604 467 5889 F 604 466 5863 'connect@youthdiversion.ca www.youthdiversion.ca
from the District of Maple Ridge. Therefore of the total effective funding we receive from both
municipalities ($21,000) the District of Maple Ridge contribution amounts to only 69% of the
total. To assume the 20/80 split the District of Maple Ridge should be contributing $26,000 in
addition to the $5,000 to offset the rent. That level of funding would essentially allow us to
meet all of our obligation and the program would continue to provide the many benefits it
offers to the community.
In closing, council's consideration of a reinstatement of our fee for service funding to the
original agreed upon 20/80 split and an exemption from rent would be greatly appreciated and
would play a significant role in our program's ability to sustain itself for the coming years.
We look forward to your decision.
Sincerely,
Ranjit Kingra
Program Coordinator
Enclosure
li
/ I I I • I
Abbotsfor
Ridge
Mission
Surrey
Burnaby
Chilliwack
d
Meadows
Em Office space and supplies provided
100
100
100
100
100
0
by municipality
Funding from Municipalities
100
100
100
34
50
30