HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-06 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2.MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of Council Workshop Meetings
•June 15, 2015 Council Workshop
•June 16, 2016 Special Council Workshop
•June 17, 2015 Special Council Workshop
2.2 Minutes of Meetings of Committees and Commissions of Council
•April 1, 2015 Public Art Steering Committee
•May 28, 2015 Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
July 6, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Blaney Room, 1st Floor, City 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. The meeting is live streamed and recorded by
the City of Maple Ridge.
REMINDERS
July 6, 2015
Closed Council following Workshop
Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 p.m.
July 7, 2015
Audit and Finance Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m.
July 14, 2015
Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Council Workshop
July 6, 2015
Page 2 of 4
3. MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
4. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Aquatic Facility Option 9:10-9:45 a.m.
- Future Aquatic Facility Partnership
Presentation by Steve Butz, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA
5.2 Community Infrastructure 9:45-10:15 a.m.
Discussion of next steps
5.3 Community Theatre/Rehearsal Space 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Staff report dated July 6, 2015 providing an update on feedback from discussions
with local community theatre groups regarding community theatre and rehearsal
space needs.
5.4 Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative Update 10:45-11:15 p.m.
Verbal update by the General Manager of Community Development, Parks and
Recreation Services
6. CORRESPONDENCE 11:15 to 11:30 a.m.
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 6, 2015
Page 3 of 4
6.1 Haney Farmers Market Society – Weekend Public Parking
Letter dated June 11, 2015 from Sandra Ramsey, Board Chair, Haney Farmers
Market Society, suggesting a parking initiative for the Maple Ridge Business
Centre underground parking area of a weekend first 2 hours fee with a $2 all day
flat rate for the weekend days.
6.2 Alliance of Beverage Licensees
Letter dated June 18, 2015 from Poma Dhaliwal, President of the Alliance of
Beverage Licensees and Owner/Operator of Jolly Miller Pub and Liquor Store,
Chilliwack, expressing concern with the Provincial Government’s decision to allow
wine on grocery shelves and requesting that Maple Ridge implement a one
kilometer distance rule for all future beverage alcohol retailers in Maple Ridge.
6.3 Upcoming Events
Saturday, July 11
10:00 a.m.
My Watershed Moment – Alouette Lake
Organizer: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Tuesday, September 22 to
Thursday, September 24
7:00-8:30 a.m. (Daily)
2nd Annual Resource Break Series
Organizer: BC Resource Sector
7.BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
8.MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
9.ADJOURNMENT
Checked by: ___________
Date: _________________
Council Workshop
July 6, 2015
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.
2.1 Council Workshop Meetings Minutes
2.1
City of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
June 15, 2015
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on June 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. in the
Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the
purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/General
Councillor C. Bell Manager of Community Development, Parks and
Councillor K. Duncan Recreation Services
Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor G Robson F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor T. Shymkiw Services
Councillor C. Speirs C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
Other Staff as Required
L. Benson, Manager of Sustainability and Corporate
Planning
C. Carter, Director of Planning
J. Charlebois, Manager of Community Planning
T. Thompson, Manager of Financial Planning
D. Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities
B. McLeod, Manager of Park Planning and Development
C. Goddard, Manager of Development and Environmental
Services
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
Note: Councillor Robson was not in attendance at the start of the meeting
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted as circulated.
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 2 of 7
2.MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of the June 1, 2015 Council Workshop
R/2015-251
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the June 1, 2015 Council Workshop Meeting be
adopted as circulated
CARRIED
2.2 Minutes of Meetings of Committees and Commissions of Council
•Agricultural Advisory Committee – November 27, 2014
•Community Heritage Commission – May 5, 2015
•Social Planning Advisory Committee – May 6, 2015
•Advisory Design Panel – May 12, 2015
R/2015-252
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting of
November 27, 2014, the Community Heritage Commission of May 5,
2015, the Social Planning Advisory Committee Meeting of May 6, 2015
and the Advisory Design Plan of May 12, 2015 be received.
CARRIED
3.MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Councillor Masse
Councillor Masse advised of upcoming meetings with post–secondary
education institutions. He attended a meeting of the Audit & Finance
Committee meeting and advised that the committee continued discussion of
the financial impact of development and options for the format of business
planning. Councillor Masse also attended a presentation providing an update
on Riverview and a Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement
Association meeting.
Note: Councillor Robson joined the meeting at 9:11 a.m.
Councillor Shymkiw
Councillor Shymkiw attended meetings of the Joint Policing Task Force and
the Parks & Leisure Services Commission. He offered comments on the
proposed tree bylaw in light of correspondence he received from a resident.
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 3 of 7
Councillor Bell
Councillor Bell suggested that Council consider the nomination of a
representative from Maple Ridge for the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities executive.
Councillor Speirs
Councillor Speirs provided an overview of the sessions he attended at the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference.
Councillor Robson
Councillor Robson assisted several businesses.
Mayor Read
Mayor Read requested feedback from Council on the briefing package
prepared for the Special Council Workshop with the MLA’s and MP.
R/2015-253
It was moved and seconded
That the following item be added to the agenda:
8.1 Briefing Package for MLA’s and MP’s.
CARRIED
Mayor Read provided an update on the Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative. She
attended a meeting of the Northeast Sector Mayors and CAO’s and toured
local agricultural lands with North Vancouver’s Mayor Walton, who is also the
Chair of the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Committee. She also
attended meetings of the Mayors’ Council of Regional Transportation, Metro
Vancouver Board of Directors, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure
Services Commission, the School District No. 42 Facilities open house and
several Committee of Committees meetings.
4.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil
5.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
Note: Item 5.1 was deferred from the May 25, 2015 Council Workshop Meeting
5.1 Council Workplan 2015-2018
Staff report dated June 15, 2015 recommending that the Council Workplan as
revised by the Council Subgroup be endorsed.
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 4 of 7
R/2015-254
It was moved and seconded
That the Council Workplan as revised by the Council subgroup established
at the May 25, 2015 Council Workshop (Item 4.1.2), and attached to the
June 15, 2015 report entitled “Council Workplan 2015-2018” be
endorsed.
CARRIED
5.2 Community Infrastructure - Financial Capacity Aspect
5.2.1 Parks Master Plan and Capital Investment
Presentation by K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer and
General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation
Services
The Acting Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the
process for development of the Parks Master Plan. She circulated and
reviewed a list of the significant projects included in that plan.
5.2.2 City-Wide Amenity Zoning Overview and Options
Staff report dated June 15, 2015 providing information on amenity
zoning.
The Manager of Community Planning gave a power point presentation
that provided an overview of amenity zoning and the options for a city-
wide or area amenity program.
5.2.3 Financial Capacity
Presentation by P. Gill, General Manager of Corporate and Financial
Services
The General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services gave a
power point presentation providing an overview of possible funding
sources for the projects within the Parks Master Plan.
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 5 of 7
5.3 Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Grant Application
Staff report dated June 15, 2015 recommending that staff be authorized to
apply to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for proposed
refurbishment of two gravel surfaces at the Albion Sports Complex.
The Manager of Parks and Open Spaces reviewed the report.
R/2015-255
It was moved and seconded
That staff be authorized to apply to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure
Program for the proposed refurbishment of two gravel surface playfields at
Albion Sports Complex by converting them into an artificial turf facility.
CARRIED
Note: The meeting recessed at 12:35 p.m. and reconvened at 3:00 p.m.
6.CORRESPONDENCE
6.1 City of Pitt Meadows – Bridge Tolls and Traffic Congestion
Letter dated May 5, 2015 from the John Becker, Mayor, City of Pitt Meadows
requesting verification of a joint effort between the Cities of Maple Ridge, Pitt
Meadows and Port Coquitlam to reduce tolls on the Golden Ears Bridge
R/2015-256
It was moved and seconded
That the City of Maple Ridge support the proposal of Pitt Meadows to
reduce the tolls on the Golden Ears Bridge for an 18 month period while
the Patullo Bridge is being resurfaced.
CARRIED
6.2 Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (“CPAA”) – Support of Rural
Post Offices
E-mail and letter dated May 28, 2015 from Brenda McAuley, National
President, CPAA) requesting support to have the resolution advocating for
rural post offices put forward to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities by
Marystown, NL debated on the convention floor.
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 6 of 7
R/2015-257
It was moved and seconded
That the correspondence from Brenda McAuley, National President, CPAA
dated May 28, 2015 be received and Ms. McAuley notified that no further
action will be taken.
CARRIED
6.3 Upcoming Events
Monday, June 22
1:00 p.m.
4th Annual Community for Charity Golf Tournament – Meadows
Gardens Golf Course
Organizer: Maple Ridge Community Foundation
Wednesday, July 1
10:00 a.m.
Canada Day Celebrations – Memorial Peace Park
Organizer: Canada Day Planning Committee
Saturday, July 25 Celebration of Eid – Maple Ridge Library
Organizer: Maple Ridge Public Library/Islamic Society of Ridge
Meadows
Council discussed attendance at the events.
7.BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
8.MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
8.1 Briefing Package for MLA’s and MP’s
Council reviewed and recommended changes to the draft briefing package to
be forwarded to the MLA’s and MP’s in advance of the Special Council
Workshop on June 17, 2015.
8.1.1
R/2015-258
It was moved and seconded
That the briefing package for MLA’s Bing and Dalton be endorsed with the
replacement of the text “The provision of funding for an interim no barrier
shelter with harm reduction focus, along with the appropriate level of health
supports is an immediate and urgent need in addition to the continuation of
planning discussions for sort and long-term solutions” under the heading
Request to the Province with the text “The provision of no/low barrier shelter
space along with the appropriate levels of health supports is an immediate
and urgent need, in addition to regional planning discussions for short and
long term solutions.
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
June 15, 2015
Page 7 of 7
8.1.2
R/2015-259
It was moved and seconded
That, in the briefing package for MP Randy Kamp under the heading Request
of the Government of Canada, the text “The City requests that the Member of
Parliament support an application moving forward for the City of Maple Ridge
to access funding from this source to address this immediate and compelling
need in our community” be replaced with the text
“The City requests that the Member of Parliament have a dialogue with the
City on the criteria that applies to this funding and how it can support our
community. In addition, the City requests that the Member of Parliament
support an application by the City to access funding from this source for
immediate and compelling needs in our community. One example is $75,000
for a consultant to conduct an assessment of current social service provision
in Maple Ridge to gain critical information needed to prepare for the next
round of HPS funding”
CARRIED
The Acting Chief Administrative Officer will circulate the revised material.
9.ADJOURNMENT – 3:45 p.m.
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
C. Marlo, Corporate Officer
City of Maple Ridge
SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
June 16, 2015
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on June 16, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. in the
Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the
purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/General
Councillor C. Bell Manager of Community Development, Parks and
Councillor K. Duncan Recreation Services
Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor G Robson F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor T. Shymkiw Services
Councillor C. Speirs C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
Other Staff as Required
C. Carter, Director of Planning
J. Charlebois, Manager of Community Planning
S. Murphy, Planner
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
Note: Councillor Masse was not in attendance at the start of the meeting.
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved as circulated.
3 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Overview of the Agricultural Plan
•Maple Ridge Agricultural Policy Review Executive Summary 2004
•District of Maple Ridge Agricultural Land Use Inventory 2004
•Maple Ridge Agricultural Area Planning Situation Analysis: 2008 Update
•Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan: December 15, 2009
Special Council Workshop Minutes
June 16, 2015
Page 2 of 2
Note: Councillor Masse joined the meeting at 4:35 p.m.
The Planner gave a power point presentation that provided a history of the
Agricultural Plan and an overview of the key elements of the plan.
Council provided input on the elements of the plan which they would consider
priorities.
Note: C. Robson left the meeting at 5:57 p.m.
R/2015-260
It was moved and seconded
That staff be directed to prepare a survey to enable Council to prioritize the
goals within the Agricultural Plan.
CARRIED
8.ADJOURNMENT – 6:12 p.m.
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
C. Marlo, Corporate Officer
City of Maple Ridge
SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
June 17, 2015
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on June 17, 2015 at 5:10 p.m. in the
Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the
purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/General
Councillor K. Duncan Manager of Community Development, Parks and
Councillor B. Masse Recreation Services
Councillor G Robson P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor T. Shymkiw F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor C. Speirs Services
C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
ABSENT
Councillor C. Bell GUESTS
Doug Bing, MLA
Marc Dalton, MLA
Mike Murray, Assistant to Randy Kamp, MP
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative Update
Mayor Read gave a power point presentation providing an overview of the
Maple Ridge Resilience Initiative.
Note: Councillor Masse left the meeting at 5:21 p.m.
Special Council Workshop Minutes
June 17, 2015
Page 2 of 2
A discussion was held on the type of assistance needed from the Provincial
and Federal Governments to provide for the immediate, medium and long
term needs of persons living on the streets in Maple Ridge.
The MLA’s and the MP will be copied on weekly updates of the Maple Ridge
Resilience Initiative.
4.ADJOURNMENT – 6:20 p.m.
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
C. Marlo, Corporate Officer
2.2 Committee and Commission Meetings Minutes
2.2
Public Art Steering Committee Minutes Page 1 of 3
City of Maple Ridge
PUBLIC ART STEERING COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Art Steering Committee, held in the Coho Room,at
Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on Wednesday,April 1,2015 at 3:00 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Susan Hayes, Chair Artist
Barbara Duncan Curator, Maple Ridge Art Gallery
Kristin Krimmel Artist
Councillor Duncan City of Maple Ridge
Leanne Koehn Community at Large Member
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Yvonne Chui Manager, Arts and Community Connections
Sunny Schiller Committee Clerk
REGRETS/ABSENTS
Wayne Bissky Architect
1.CALL TO ORDER
There being a quorum present,the Chair called the meeting to order at 3:12 pm.
2.AGENDA ADOPTION
R15-009 It was moved and seconded
That the Agenda of April 1, 2015 be adopted with the following amendment:
Addition of Item 5.3 Artist in Residence –Maple Ridge Art Gallery
CARRIED
3.MINUTE ADOPTION
R15-010 It was moved and seconded
That the Minutes of February 18, 2015 regular meeting be adopted with the following
amendment: correction to Leanne Koehn’s name in Item 4.1.
CARRIED
4.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4.1 Public Art Opportunities: Project Allocations 2015 & 2016
The Staff Liaison reviewed the potential projects: Exterior at Greg Moore Youth Centre
(GMYC), Hammond Stadium, Permanent Sidewalk Art.A budget for Phase 1 of the
Permanent Sidewalk Art project has been developed.
Regular Meeting -April 1, 2015
Public Art Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 of 3
Six potential zones for public art have been identified by the Staff Liaison and Parks
staff at Hammond Stadium: exterior chain link fence, paved concrete apron, asphalt
path, scorekeepers cage and light posts around the stadium. Installation will need to
be scheduled around baseball season. A theme of heritage and baseball has been
discussed.
The Staff Liaison has met with Christopher Moreno from 365 Productions i n regards
to the GMYC project. LED technology that can be surface mounted on the building
exterior was discussed. This technology allows artists to essentially paint with LED.
This technology has proven to be durable and flexible. Another idea is to use LED
projectors to create designs and patterns around the Centre. The facilities manager
has been consulted in regards to this project.
The Committee discussed the budget for 2015 art installations. The largest project
will be GMYC due to the size of the project, the technology and the requirement for a
lighting technician to work with an artist.
The Chair and Staff Liaison will present the proposed projects (sites and general
concept ideas) to Council in May. Council approval is required to move forward with
the projects. The Staff Liaison suggested that one of the proposed projects be
selected as a mentorship opportunity.
R15-011 It was moved and seconded
That $144,000 be allocated for permanent installations in 2015 as follows: Greg
Moore Youth Centre, Hammond Stadium, Permanent Sidewalk Art.
CARRIED
5.NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Community Forum
The addition of Community Forum as a standing item to the agenda was discussed.
The item will be added at the beginning of the meetings (after minute adoption).
5.2 Whonnock Lake Public Art Project –Review submissions, Selection Committee
formation and Timelines
The expressions of interest received for the Whonnock Lake Public Art Project were
reviewed by the Committee. The Staff Liaison will communicate the feedback
generated to the artists.
The makeup of and meeting schedule for the Selection Committee were discussed.
5.3 Artist in Residence –Maple Ridge Art Gallery
Tabled
5.4 Gift Guidelines
Gift guidelines are being reviewed by staff and will be shared with Council soon. The
planned reserve was discussed and it was agreed by the Committee that a reserve
was not needed as a separate line item.
Regular Meeting -April 1, 2015
Public Art Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 of 3
6.ROUNDTABLE
Susan Hayes –raised the date of the next meeting and after discussion by the Committee it
was decided to reschedule the meeting from April 22nd to April 29th.
7.ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded
That the meeting be adjourned at 5:24 pm.
CARRIED
8.NEXT MEETING
Next Meeting:April 29, 2015
Agenda Deadline:April 13, 2015
Location:Coho Room, Maple Ridge Municipal Hall
_____________________________________
Chairperson
/ss
City of Maple Ridge
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room,
at the Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Thursday,
May 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm.
______________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Bill Hardy Member at Large
Stephanie James Equestrian Agricultural Sector
Candace Gordon Haney Farmers Market
Chris Zabek Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands
Margaret Daskis, Chair Community at Large
Councillor Speirs City of Maple Ridge
Al Kozak Agricultural Sector
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board
Kimberly Lauzon, Vice-chair Member at Large
GUESTS
Christian Cowley Executive Director, CEED Centre Society
Darren Stott Greenchain Consulting
Katie Robinson and Josh Baker Young Farmers
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Sunny Schiller Committee Clerk
Siobhan Murphy Staff Liaison,Planning Department
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
Ian Brooks Member at Large
Georgina Rodriguez Agricultural Sector
Jennifer Zickerman Agricultural Sector
Councillor Duncan City of Maple Ridge
1.CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS
There being a quorum present, Councillor Speirs called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
2.AGENDA ADOPTION
R15-001 It was moved and seconded
That the Agenda be amended to include Items 5.8 Front yard food garden and 5.9 Budget
update and be adopted as amended.
CARRIED
Agricultural Advisory Committee Page 1 of 4
Regular Meeting of May 28, 2015
Agricultural Advisory Committee Page 2 of 4
3.MINUTE ADOPTION
R15-002 It was moved and seconded
That the Minutes of November 27,2014 and the notes of March 5, 2015 be adopted.
CARRIED
Lorraine Bates entered the meeting at 7:09 pm.
4.PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Christian Cowley, CEED Centre Society and Darren Stott, Greenchain Consulting –
North Fraser Centre
Christian Cowley requested that the Agricultural Advisory Committee recommend to
Council that Council work with CEED to create the North Fraser Centre. Mr. Cowley
made a presentation on the proposed Centre, which would include a farm school,
support for new farmers and the establishment of a community garden site. As the
anchor tenant the CEED Centre would establish a farm on the site.Darren Stott
provided an explanation of food hubs,which are an aggregation and distribution of
local food by farmers. Examples of existing hubs in North America (including
Vancouver) were provided.Local farmers have expressed interest in a hub and a
feasibility study has been done.
4.2 Katie Robinson and Josh Baker –Young Farmers
Josh Baker and Katie Robinson are young farmers trying to become established in
Maple Ridge.Mr. Baker and Ms. Robinson shared their experience seeking agricultural
land in Maple Ridge. They explained that connecting land seekers with land owners,
grants or incentives to encourage farm development and connecting food buyers with
sellers would help farmers to begin a new farm. They highlighted the dwindling number
of farmers, especially new/young farmers.
5.NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 2015 Chair and Vice-Chair Elections
R15-002 It was moved and seconded
That Margaret Daskis be appointed Agricultural Advisory Committee Chair.
CARRIED
R15-003 It was moved and seconded
That Kimberley Lauzon be appointed Agricultural Advisory Committee Vice-Chair.
CARRIED
Ms. Daskis chaired the meeting following the election.
Regular Meeting of May 28, 2015
Agricultural Advisory Committee Page 3 of 4
5.2 Council Update
Councillor Speirs provided an update on the review of the Advisory Committees.
Feedback on potential future changes was provided by the committee.
It was decided to proceed with Item 5.9 as the next item of business.
5.9 Budget Update
The Staff Liaison reviewed the current budget.
5.3 Committee Business Plan Review
The Business Plan was discussed.
5.4 Golden Harvest
The Committee discussed holding a 2015 Golden Harvest. The committee determined
the event provides education regarding local agricultural products for the public and
local restaurants and that planning should begin immediately for 2015. Candace
Gordon volunteered to chair a Golden Feast sub-committee. Ms. Gordon will work with
the Staff Liaison to check facility and school availability and hire a coordinator.$4,000
from the committee budget has been allocated for this event.
5.5 Request for Support for Food Security Project
Candace Gordon reported the Food Security table of the Community Network is working
to create a food charter. The goal is to have the charter included in the sustainability
plan being developed by the City. Ms. Gordon requested $3,500 from the AAC budget
be spent to fund consultation with the community to develop the charter.
The committee discussed how to determine which projects should be funded by the
AAC budget.
R15-004 It was moved and seconded
That the project proposed by Ms. Gordon be supported with a grant of $3,500 to support the
development of the food charter.
CARRIED
Al Kozak,Bill Hardy OPPOSED
5.6 Agriculture and Real Estate
Al Kozak provided a newspaper article from a lower mainland real estate publication
and highlighted comments made in the article by realtors in regards to agricultural land
as a real estate investment.
R15-005 It was moved and seconded
That the real estate publication article be sent to Mayor and Council for their information.
CARRIED
Regular Meeting of May 28, 2015
Agricultural Advisory Committee Page 4 of 4
5.7 Demo International –Councillor Craig Speirs
Google “demo international”to find out what’s happening in September 2017 in Maple
Ridge.
5.8 Front Yard Food Garden
This contest is an annual event to promote gardening in front yards. Stephanie James
volunteered to chair the Front Yard Food Garden sub-committee. Kimberley Lauzon,
Candace Gordon and Lorraine Bates volunteered to join the sub-committee.
It was suggested that back yard gardens be included in the competition. The sub -
committee will determine what categories will be included.
6.CORRESPONDENCE
A request for support of the Backyard Farming project was received from the Maple Ridge Pitt
Meadows Agricultural Association.The project teaches Country Fest visitors how to grow their
own food.After discussion
R15-006 It was moved and seconded
That the Country Fest application for $1200 for the Backyard Farming project be approved.
CARRIED
7.ROUNDTABLE
The planned marihuana growing facility in Whonnock was discussed.
8.COMMUNITY FORUM -Nil
9.ADJOURNMENT –9:27 pm
NEXT MEETING:
Thursday,June 25, 2015
AGENDA ITEM SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Monday,June 8, 2015
/ss
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City of Maple Ridge
TO: Her Worship Mayor Nicole Read MEETING DATE: 2015-07-06
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Community Theatre/Rehearsal Space
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The 2015-2018 workplan endorsed by Council recently includes exploring community
theatre/rehearsal space alternatives for performance artists as a priority. The 2015-2018 Parks
and Leisure Services (PLS) Commission approved business plan also includes an action item
regarding investigating the feasibility of utilizing existing facilities for community theatre use as this
has been highlighted as a need in the community. In addition, during the Commission business plan
deliberations the need for a cultural plan was recognized as a current gap. That, as the cultural
sector of the community continues to grow, they are becoming increasingly concerned about the lack
of a long term community vision and plan to guide and shape their future.
On June 29, 2015, PLS staff hosted a meeting with representatives of the majority of community-
based theatre groups. Groups that were unable to attend will be consulted to ensure that they have
the opportunity for input. The groups in attendance indicated that they were very pleased to be
invited to participate in this process to assist in identifying both the immediate and longer term
performance and rehearsal space needs. The topics discussed included the current space needs,
barriers, opportunities, and the potential for collaborative partnerships between the groups focusing
on sharing of resources.
This preliminary meeting was very productive as the groups were very open in sharing their
strengths, as well as their frustrations and challenges. The priorities expressed included:
Affordability (space and promotions),
Access to appropriate venues for a range of needs related to their productions, and,
The need to build connections between groups to increase affordability by sharing resources and
costs as well as working together to promote the importance of community theatre experiences.
A detailed description of these points is included in this report.
Over the summer staff will gather input from the groups unable to participate in the first meeting,
and the combined information will be used to conduct an analysis of potential venues. The groups
will meet with staff again in the early fall to review the outcome of this research. A recommendation
at the conclusion of this process related to addressing the current needs will be presented for
Councils’ consideration in the fall. In addition, the concept of embarking on a cultural planning
process will be re-introduced for consideration through the business planning process.
RECOMMENDATION:
No resolution required.
5.3
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DISCUSSION:
a)Background Context:
The current workplan endorsed by Council includes exploring Community Theatre/Rehearsal
Space alternatives as a priority. The 2015 Commission approved business plan also includes
an action item regarding investigating the feasibility of utilizing existing facilities for community
theatre use as this has been highlighted as a need in the community.
During the 2015 Business Planning presentations to Commission the growing recognition of the
important role that the arts and culture play in strengthening quality of life and contributing to a
strong economy, as well as building a healthy, vibrant and resilient community was highlighted.
Municipalities are turning to cultural planning to promote culture as a key component in
promoting sustainability. The local context provided in this discussion indicated that volunteers
have made significant investments in the community’s cultural sector development which has
resulted in significant strengths and assets. However, as the cultural sector has grown, it is also
demonstrating a restlessness about potentially missed opportunities and barriers to success due
to a lack of a community vision and direction for this sector.
The 2015 Business Plan recommendation, based on the needs being expressed by the cultural
sector, included three incremental packages that Commission endorsed to be forwarded to both
Councils for consideration, all of which related to the culture sector:
- firstly that a Cultural Planning process be funded as the last plan completed in 1996 is now
essentially complete and outdated;
- secondly, that consideration be given to funding a Cultural Facilities Rental Grant Program to
support community-based emerging and established local grassroots groups to access
facilities appropriate to their needs; and
- thirdly, that consideration be given to increasing the funding level of the Festival Support
Fund to support the growing number and increasing complexity of festivals hosted by local
volunteer groups that also contribute to the fostering community engagement, spirit and
ultimately vibrancy.
Council has not reviewed these incremental packages to date as they are being referred back to
Commission due to turnover in membership. They will be brought forward to PLS Commission,
and if recommended, will be brought forward to Council this fall.
A recent meeting of local community theatre groups was facilitated by PLS as a preliminary
meeting regarding community theatre and rehearsal space needs. The purpose of the meeting
was to identify both immediate and longer term performance and rehearsal needs of the groups.
The discussion explored: current facility space needs, current barriers to accessing facility space,
potential facilities and opportunities to accommodate space needs, and potential opportunities
for collaboration between the groups to share space and resources. The goal was to develop
criteria that will be utilized to evaluate the feasibility of current facilities accommodating the
current space needs that will be defined through this process.
To begin this process, the preliminary meeting on June 29, 2015 was attended by the majority of
community theatre groups that currently operate in Maple Ridge including representation from
Emerald Pig Theatrical Society, SPECC-tacular Productions Theatre Group, Xtreme Theatre,
Theatre in the Country and Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts (regrets from The Royal
Canadian Theatre Company, Odeum Theatre Society and Showstoppers Academy). Through the
discussion, these groups shared their passion to create and offer quality theatrical programming
to the community and expressed the potential role community theatre could play in enhancing
the local economy and creating a vibrant and sustainable community.
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It was a productive meeting with the groups being very open in sharing their strengths as well as
their challenges and frustrations. They were pleased to have the opportunity for the discussion
and expressed their appreciation of staff providing both the context and overview of community
decision making processes. They also indicated that they were pleased that Commission had
recognized the need for the development of a long term vision that could be addressed through a
cultural planning process and that they are looking forward to this discussion continuing.
The priority needs expressed by the community theatre groups included:
Affordability of space and promotions:
o All of the groups in attendance noted being challenged by rising facility and
promotional costs;
Availability of appropriate space/venues:
o Access to venue(s) that meet their needs for:
workshop space to accommodate set design/building,
storage for sets and costume,
rehearsal space,
performance space with seating for 150 people (also require exclusive use
for the duration of a performance production);
o In addition, the discussions highlighted some challenges for these groups when using
multi-purpose space, including the coordination of access at prime times;
Development of a collaborative partnership between community theatre groups:
o There is a need to develop a mechanism designed to support groups to share costs
and resources related to advertising (including developing one brand for community
theatre with centralized promotions); sets and costumes; and sharing of storage,
rehearsal, and performance venue(s).
o In addition, the need to collaborate on the general promotion of important role
community theatre plays in the vibrancy of the community was noted.
The information from this initial discussion will be utilized to evaluate the ability of the current
facility inventory to address these needs. The information provided by the groups will inform the
research of potential venues including exploring: existing PLS facilities, potential commercial
space leasing, and the potential for partnerships (ie. School District). In the consideration of
existing facilities, PLS facilities are currently well used and the impact of community theatre use
on other groups, programs, and revenue will need to be considered in the analysis of these
venues.
The 2010 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan recommendation, that the use of the
Heritage Hall in Pitt Meadows for potential community theatre space be explored, was shared
with the community theatre groups. The groups expressed interest in this facility being included
in the analysis of potential venues as both the size of the performance and seating areas would
accommodate their needs, with some modifications. Concerns were expressed related to the
facility accessibility challenges as well as the capacity to support parking needs generated when
combined other uses within the Hall vicinity.
The next step in the process is utilizing the information from the preliminary meetings to conduct
an analysis of potential venues, followed by convening a meeting in the fall with the community
theatre groups after the research is complete. This information will be presented to the groups
to assist in defining a recommendation regarding the provision of community theatre and
rehearsal space. The proposed consideration to update the Cultural Plan will be reintroduced for
consideration through the 2016-2019 Business Plan deliberations. There are many indications
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that this Plan will be beneficial in providing a community vision and direction and for the entire
arts, culture, and heritage sectors and will provide guidance for the development of opportunities
for arts and culture that will shape the future of Maple Ridge.
b)Desired Outcome:
That the community theatre groups have access to appropriate venues to support their ongoing
development and success in providing opportunities for citizens to contribute to community, and
to contribute to providing quality, affordable, and vibrant opportunities for the citizens.
c)Strategic Alignment
It is recognized that encouraging citizens to develop their creative potential and sense of
community through cultural events such as community theatre contributes to building a healthy,
vibrant and engaged community. Citizen participation is integral to Maple Ridge’s strategic plan.
d)Citizen/Customer Implications:
Supporting community groups in the provision of community-based theatre production
opportunities provides opportunities for the building of both individual and community capacity.
Research shows that the development of social capacity is critical to the health and wellness of
communities. The availability of quality grassroots community theatre experiences encourages
positive cultural opportunities that promote citizen engagement and strengthen sense of
community.
e)Business Plan/Financial Implications:
The recommendations that are formulated through this feasibility analysis will have financial
implications that will be presented for Councils consideration at the completion of the review in
the fall of this year.
CONCLUSIONS:
Staff have initiated discussions with local community theatre groups regarding their space needs in
terms of access to appropriate venues. A key theme that emerged was that the need for a long term
vision and plan has been a gap for the cultural sector of the community and that they look forward to
the discussion regarding the need for a roadmap to guide, nuture, and shape the future
development of the communities’ cultural sector.
“Original signed by Sue Wheeler”
_______________________________________________
Prepared By: Sue Wheeler, Director Community Services
“Original signed by Wendy McCormick for Kelly Swift”
_______________________________________________
Approved By: Kelly Swift, General Manager,
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: Frank Quinn, Acting/Chief Administrative Officer
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6.1