HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-05 Workshop Agenda and Reports.pdf
City of Maple Ridge
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1 Minutes
• July 18, 2017 Council Workshop Meeting
• August 1, 2017 Special Council Workshop Meeting
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
4. MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Loan Authorization Bylaws and Alternative Approval Process
Presentation by Laurie Darcus, Manager of Legislative Services
5.2 Parks, Recreation & Culture Infrastructure Projects
Update by the General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Culture
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
September 5, 2017
6:00 p.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.
Council Workshop
September 5, 2017
Page 2 of 3
5.3 Review of Estate Suburban Residential and Suburban Residential Land Use
Designations
Staff report dated September 5, 2017 recommending that no changes be made to
the current policies in the Official Community Plan for Estate Suburban Residential
and Suburban Residential land use designations.
6. 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.
6.1 Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) – Termination of Member Service
Agreements (MSA)
Letter dated August 16, 2017 from Councillor Chuck Stam, Fraser Valley Regional
Library Board Chair advising Mayor and Council and Chief Administrative Officers
of FVRL Member Local Governments that the FVRL will not be renewing individual
Member Service Agreements.
Recommendation: Extend an invitation to Fraser Valley Regional Library
representatives to attend a Council meeting
6.2 Discussion Paper: Special Events Permits – Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
Discussion paper dated August 2017 from the Liquor Control and Licensing
Branch seeking input on changes to the special events permits policy.
Council Workshop
September 5, 2017
Page 3 of 3
6.3 Upcoming Events
September 9, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Parkinson SuperWalk – Spirit Square, 12017 Harris Road, Pitt
Meadows
Organizer: Parkinson Society BC
September 9, 2017
2:00 p.m.
Opening Reception, Modern Legends Exhibition – The ACT
Organizer: The ACT Art Gallery
September 10, 2017
10:00 a.m.
Annual Community Service Sunday – 27123 River Road, 272
Street, Whonnock
Organizer: Holy Spirit Anglican Church
September 24, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Walk for Reconciliation, Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Plaza
Downtown Vancouver Reconciliation Canada
7. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
Links to member associations:
• Union of British Columbia Municipalities (“UBCM”) Newsletter The Compass
o http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/resources/past-issues-compass/2016-
archive.html
• Lower Mainland Local Government Association (“LMLGA”)
o http://www.lmlga.ca/
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities (“FCM”)
o https://www.fcm.ca/
8. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
9. ADJOURNMENT
Checked by: ___________
Date: _________________
2.0 Minutes
2.0
City of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
July 18, 2017
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on July 18, 2017 at 6:02 p.m. in the
Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the
purpose of transacting regular City business.
0BPRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read F. Quinn, Acting Chief Administration Officer/General
Councillor C. Bell Manager Public Works and Development Services
Councillor K. Duncan K. Swift, General Manager of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor G Robson L. Darcus, Manager of Legislative Services
Councillor T. Shymkiw 1BOther Staff as Required
Councillor C. Speirs C. Balatti, Recreation Manager, Health and Wellness
D. Speers, Recreation Coordinator, Health and Wellness
C. Carter, Director of Planning
R. MacNair, Manager of Bylaw and Licensing Services
B. Elliott, Manager of Community Planning
L. Siracusa, Manager of Economic Development
F. Armstrong, Manager of Corporate Communications
S. Murphy, Planner 2
A. Grochowich, Planner 1
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
Note: The Mayor participated by telephone. Councillor Speirs chaired the meeting in
her absence
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
R/2017-320
It was moved and seconded
That the agenda for the July 18, 2017 Council Workshop Meeting be
approved as circulated.
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
July 18, 2017
Page 2 of 5
2. MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of the June 20, 2017 and the July 4, 2017 Council Workshop
Meeting
R/2017-321
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of June 20, 2017 and
the July 4, 2017 be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil
4 MAYOR’S AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Councillor Bell
Councillor Bell advised that Philip Hartwick is the Acting Executive Director for
the ACT, that Bard in the Bandstand (Twelfth Night) is playing in Memorial
Peace Park and encouraged all to attend.
Mayor Read
Mayor Read attended the swearing in ceremony for the BC Premier and
Executive Council. She advised that local MLA Lisa Beare Minister was
appointed as the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Councillor Duncan
Councillor Duncan announced that Ridge Meadows Recycling received a
$50,000 bonus from Recycle BC.
Councillor Shymkiw
Councillor Shymkiw advised that he has been involved in many meetings with
business owners to discuss the increasing challenges around the St. Anne
Park camp. He commented on the increased responsiveness from the RCMP,
and advised that there continue to be severe impacts on surrounding
businesses.
Councillor Speirs
Councillor Speirs attended a number of events on behalf of Mayor Read. He
also attended a meeting of the Metro Vancouver Utilities Committee.
Council Workshop Minutes
July 18, 2017
Page 3 of 5
5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Sport & Physical Activity Strategy Update
The General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture introduced staff who
would be presenting.
The Recreation Coordinator Health & Wellness gave a PowerPoint
presentation providing an update on the Sport & Physical Activity Strategy. He
outlined work done since the endorsement of the strategy and benefits and
examples of the intended outcomes of the strategy. He highlighted the
priorities, current outcomes and next steps for the strategy.
5.2 Backyard Chickens – Discussion Paper
Staff report dated July 18, 2017 recommending that a backyard chickens
program be developed to permit the keeping of chickens in residential areas.
S. Murphy, Planner reviewed the staff report and provided a PowerPoint
presentation which included:
• Introduction & background
• Summarized Timeline
• Current Zoning
• Municipal scan of areas in which other municipalities are and are not
permitting backyard chickens
• Advantages
• Potential Issues
• Proposed Process
R/2017-322
It was moved and seconded
That staff in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee, develop a
backyard chickens program to permit the keeping of chickens in residential
areas as identified under the Process section of the report entitled “Backyard
Chickens – Discussion Paper” dated July 18, 2017.
CARRIED
Councillor Masse, Councillor Robson- OPPOSED
Note: The meeting recessed at 6:52 p.m. and reconvened at 8:43 p.m.
Council Workshop Minutes
July 18, 2017
Page 4 of 5
5.3 Home Based Business Review Follow-up and Proposed Consultation Plans
The Manager of Economic Development introduced the item. He advised that
the Home Based Business Task Force was very involved and greatly
contributed to the report and recommendations.
A. Grochowich, Planner gave a power point presentation which included:
• Introduction to the review of home based businesses and proposed
consultation plans
• Definition of a home based business
• Background on the review process
• Comparison of the City of Maple Ridge to other municipalities and how
home based businesses may affect a neighborhood
• Proposed Regulations
o Location and Size
o Expanded Uses
o Further Opportunity
o Proposed Consultation Program
R/2017-323
It was moved and seconded
That the “Proposed Consultation Program” section of the report titled “Home
Based Business Review Follow-up and Proposed Consultation Program”,
dated July 18, 2017 be endorsed.
CARRIED
5.4 Donation Bins within the City of Maple Ridge
Staff report dated July 18, 2017 discussing options and regulatory
requirement for a permit structure to allow donation bins from charitable
organizations to be placed on City owned property.
The General Manager of Public Works and Development advised on
ownership of the bins currently in the City of Maple Ridge.
R/2017-324
It was moved and seconded
That the City maintain the current practice of requiring organizations providing
clothing donation bins to site them on private properties.
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
July 18, 2017
Page 5 of 5
5.5 Outdoor Pool - Reconsideration of a motion according to Maple Ridge Council
Procedure Bylaw 6472-2007 Part 17
Reconsideration of the following motions from the staff report dated July 4,
2017 providing options to pursue or not pursue an outdoor pool.
R/2017-325
It was moved and seconded
That staff be directed to move forward with the process identified on page 3
of the staff report dated July 4, 2017, and report back to Council on potential
locations for an outdoor pool, including any viable City owned lands and other
locations including full cost implications.
CARRIED
Councillor Duncan – OPPOSED
6. CORRESPONDENCE – Nil
7. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL – Nil
8. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT – Nil
9. ADJOURNMENT - 9:41 p.m.
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
L. Darcus, Corporate Officer
City of Maple Ridge
SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
August 1, 2017
The Minutes of the City Council Special Workshop held on August 1, 2017 at 6:33
p.m. in the Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British
Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular City business.
0BPRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read E.C. Swabey, Chief Administrative Officer
Councillor C. Bell K. Swift, General Manager of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Councillor K. Duncan P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor B. Masse F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor G Robson Services
Councillor T. Shymkiw L. Darcus, Manager of Legislative Services
Councillor C. Speirs
1BOther Staff as Required
2BD. Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
Note: Councillor Bell, Councillor Duncan and Councillor Shymkiw participated in the
meeting via telephone.
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted as circulated.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of the July 11, 2017 Special Council Meeting
R/2017-370
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of July 11, 2017 be
adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
Special Council Workshop Minutes
August 1, 2017
Page 2 of 2
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Potential Outdoor Pool Sites
Staff report dated August 1, 2017 providing options to proceed or not proceed
with an outdoor pool and should the option to proceed be chosen,
recommending that a design-build Request for Proposal be issued for an
outdoor pool and providing five potential locations.
3.1.1
R/2017-371
It was moved and seconded
That staff be directed to proceed with issuing a design-build Request for
Proposal for an outdoor pool at Thomas Haney Tennis/Lawn Bowling Site on
232 Street as per the staff recommendation on page 3 of the report related to
Project Timing and Logistics.
Note: Councillor Duncan excused herself and left the conference call at 7:15 p.m.
during discussions specifically related to the Thomas Haney site due to a
potential conflict of interest
CARRIED
Councillor Speirs - OPPOSED
3.1.2
R/2017-372
It was moved and seconded
That staff prepare a report on an engagement process for the design of a
future indoor pool similar to the engagement process used for the Albion
Community Centre.
CARRIED
4. ADJOURNMENT – 8:27 p.m.
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
L. Darcus, Corporate Officer
1
City of Maple Ridge
TO: Her Worship Mayor Nicole Read MEETING DATE: September 5, 2017
and Members of Council FILE NO: 2017-191-CP
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Workshop
SUBJECT: Review of Estate Suburban Residential and Suburban Residential
Land Use Designations
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the September 19, 2016 Council workshop, the following resolutions were passed:
That Item 1. Estate Suburban be referred back to staff to prepare a report
addressing the comments and questions pertaining to options around density
and eco clustering brought forward at the September 19, 2016 Council
Workshop Meeting.
and
That staff draft a bylaw amendment which would allow portions of the
Suburban Residential Land Use designation, specifically Whispering Falls,
Rothsay Garibaldi and Bosonworth areas to complete subdivisions while
maintaining the remainder of land use designations in parcels larger than 0.4
ha (1 acre).
The above arose out of concerns with the number of lots being proposed outside the Urban Area
Boundary within the Estate Suburban Residential and Suburban Residential designations. Council
discussed the impacts of new subdivisions, including the provision of municipal services, such as
community water, schools, parks, and snow removal to outlying areas, as well as the effect new
development has on the existing rural character.
All lands within the Estate Suburban designation are within the Fraser Sewer Area and have the
ability to connect to the sanitary system. A recent Estate Suburban Residential subdivision that
preserved 25% of the site through an eco-clustering density bonus was discussed at the September
19, 2016 Council workshop and led to the above Council resolution.
Most of the lands within the Suburban Residential designation have the ability to connect to
community water, but sewage disposal is required through a private system.
Recently Council gave third reading to an Official Community Plan amending bylaw that re-designates
265 acres of land from Suburban to Industrial. Recognizing this change in designation, the analysis
in this report concludes that only a relatively small number of parcels would remain impacted by the
resolutions above. The report also concludes that there is limited benefit to implementing further
changes to the Estate Suburban Residential and Suburban Residential designations and policies. As
5.3
2
a result, this report recommends that no changes be made. The report does identify alternatives t o
this recommendation.
RECOMMENDATION:
That no changes be made to the current policies in the Official Community Plan for Estate
Suburban Residential and Suburban Residential land use designations, as discussed in the
Council report dated September 5, 2017.
DISCUSSION:
1. Background:
At the May 24, 2016 Council meeting staff were directed to prepare a report on current development
and growth patterns in the Estate Suburban and Suburban Residential land use designations. This
was prompted by recent development applications within these designations that proposed 0.4 ha (1
acre) lots and concern that subdivisions outside the Urban Area Boundary may be impacting the
rural character and promoting suburban sprawl.
A Council report was presented at the September 19, 2016 Workshop, wherein Council passed the
following resolution on the Estate Suburban Residential designation:
That Item 1. Estate Suburban be referred back to staff to prepare a report
addressing the comments and questions pertaining to options around density
and eco clustering brought forward at the September 19, 2016 Council
Workshop Meeting.
The discussion that led to Council’s passing of the above resolution included an interest in exploring
clustered development, whereby the development footprint is reduced so that portions of the parent
parcel could be preserved in a natural state. A recent subdivision development on Dogwood Avenue
was cited as an example that may be replicated within this designation, as it resulted in conservation
of forest area, providing valuable wildlife habitat.
Council recognized that decreasing the minimum lot size to enable eco-clustering within
developments could result in a density increase.
There were also concerns expressed with potentially increasing the minimum lot size from 0.4 ha (1
acre), as property owners with current subdivision potential may not support this increase that would
reduce density and limit future subdivision potential.
The following resolution was also passed at the September 19, 2016 Council workshop:
That staff draft a bylaw amendment which would allow portions of the Suburban Residential
Land Use designation, specifically Whispering Falls, Rothsay Garibaldi and Bosonworth areas
to complete subdivisions while maintaining the remainder of land use designations in
parcels larger than 0.4 ha (1 acre).
The neighbourhood developments, listed in the resolution above have active development
applications in process.
3
2.0 Estate Suburban Residential Review, Analysis, and Options
2.1 Current Regulatory Framework of Estate Suburban Residential Designation
Pertinent to the discussion on eco-cluster development and appropriate densities within the Estate
Suburban Designation are existing Official Community Plan policies and Zoning regulations that
currently apply.
The following Official Community Plan policies are integral to this Estate Suburban designation
discussion:
3-14 Urban-level residential densities will not be supported in areas
designated Estate Suburban Residential.
3-15 Maple Ridge will support single detached and two-family residential
housing in Estate Suburban Residential areas. The Estate Suburban
Residential land use designation is characterized generally by 0.4
hectare lots.
3-16 Areas designated Estate Suburban Residential are located outside
the Urban Area Boundary, but are within the Fraser Sewer Area, or on
property where sewer services have already been connected.
Properties within the Fraser Sewer Area that are not connected to
servicing, will require municipal approval prior to connecting to sewer.
Appendix C to the Official Community Plan is the Zoning Matrix that identifies permitted zones within
each land use designation. Two zones are permitted in this designation: RS-2 (One Family Suburban
Residential) and RG-2 (Suburban Residential Strata). For each of these zones, Table 1 below shows
the Zoning Bylaw minimum lot area requirements and the subdivision servicing requirements.
Table 1: Estate Suburban Residential: Zoning and Servicing Bylaw Subdivision Requirements
Permitted Zones in Estate
Suburban Residential
Designation
*properties are located in the
Fraser Sewer Area and have the
ability to connect to the regional
sewer system
Zoning – Minimum Lot Area Servicing Bylaw Standards
RS-2 One Family Suburban
Residential
Min lot area permitted through
subdivision: 0.4 ha (1 acre)
Community water required
RG-2 Suburban Residential
Strata Zone
Min lot area permitted through
Subdivision: 4 ha (10 acres)
Community water and sanitary sewer
required
Any changes proposed to the current development approach and/or density within the Estate
Suburban designation will likely require an amendment to the Official Community Plan and the
Zoning Bylaw.
4
2.2 Subdivision Potential Under Existing Estate Suburban Residential Regulations
Table 2 below shows the number of existing parcels within the Estate Suburban Residential
designation, a range of parcel size categories, and the total hectares within each range. Currently,
there are 782 parcels of land within the Estate Suburban Residential designation covering 209.8
hectares (518 acres).
Table 2: Current Number of Parcels and Net Hectares and Acres – Estate Suburban Residential
Estate
Suburban
Residential
Current Parcel Size Ranges (Net Hectares and Net Acres)
<0.1 ha 0.1<0.2 ha 0.2<0.4 ha 0.4<0.6 ha 0.6<0.8 ha 0.8<1.6 ha <1.6 ha Total
<0.25 ac 0.25<0.5 ac 0.5<1 ac 1<1.5 ac 1.5<2 ac 2<4 ac <4 ac
# of Parcels 389 81 235 38 22 14 3 782
Net Hectares 30.7 ha 14.8 ha 90.1 ha 22.2 ha 18.1 ha 21.6 ha 12.3 ha 209.8 ha
Net Acres 75.8 ac 36.5 ac 222.6 ac 54.8 ac 44.7 ac 53.3 ac 30.3 ac 518 ac
Note: Net hectares above is calculated using approximate stream setbacks to determine developable area on each parcel.
No other constraints to lot area were utilized, such as steep slope setbacks and 20% for provision of roads.
Under the existing regulatory framework, the minimum lot size needed for subdivision is a net of 0.8
hectares (2 acres). Table 3 below shows that there are currently 17 parcels that have a net area of
0.8 hectares (2 acres) and thus have subdivision potential. Of these 17 parcels, covering 33.9
hectares (83.6 acres), it is estimated that 67 new 0.4 hectare (1 acre) lots could be created under
existing regulations. By adding an additional 67 lots to a current total of 782 parcels the total yield
at build-out would be 849 parcels, thereby realizing an increase of less than 8.5%.
Table 3: Estate Suburban Residential - Subdivision Potential and Estimated Lot Yield (0.4 ha lots)
Area of Subdividable Parcels and Estimated Lot Yield of 0.4 ha Lots
0.8<1.6 ha >1.6 ha Total
2<4 ac >4 ac
Existing Parcels 14 3 17
Net Hectares 21.6 ha (53.3 ac) 12.3 ha (30.3 ac) 33.9 ha (83.6 ac)
Potential Lot Yield 43.3 24.5 67
Note: The above were calculated using approximate stream setback areas and a 20% parcel size reduction for provision of
roads. Steep slope setbacks and 5% park dedication were not included. Potential subdivisions through lot consolidation
were not considered in this review.
2.3 Dogwood Eco-Cluster Development Example in Estate Suburban Residential
On March 8, 2016 Council approved zoning amendments enabling a 12 lot subdivision in the Estate
Suburban Residential designation. The gross site area was 3.3 hectares (8 acres) and located on
Dogwood Avenue, east of 232nd Street. The intent of this application was to preserve significant
forest area that would not otherwise be protected through existing regulations in exchange for a
density bonus.
Under the current Estate Suburban Residential Official Community Plan policies and permitted
zones, the minimum lot size for a single-family property is 0.4 hectares (1 acre) if connected to
community water and the regional sewer system. If the site were developed under these policies
and supporting regulations, the lot yield would have likely been seven (7) lots, after watercourse
conservation area dedication, road requirements, and 5% park dedication through subdivision.
Instead, through an eco-cluster density bonus, 12 lots were created, all of which were smaller than
0.4 hectares (1 acre), ranging in size from 0.12 hectares (1/3 acre) to 0.23 hectares (almost 2/3
5
acre). As a result, an additional 25% of the lands were preserved, after conservation of the
watercourse setback area and 5% park dedication.
This density bonus approach was enabled through Policy 2 -9 of the Official Community Plan, which
states:
Community Amenity Contributions and density bonuses may also be considered at
Council’s discretion for all Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amending
applications that are seeking a higher density than is envisioned in Schedule “A”
and/or Schedule “B”, to help provide a variety of amenities and facilities throughout
the municipality.
Steep slope conservation and watercourse setbacks are regulated through the Watercourse
Protection and Natural Features Development Permit Areas and supporting bylaws. However, in the
absence of steep slopes and watercourses, there are limited means for conservation of additional
lands with high environmental values. The density bonus approach, through Policy 2-9 above,
enabled this unique approach for residential development in the Estate Suburban Residential
designation.
At the time the Dogwood development application was underway, the Tree Protection and
Management Bylaw (7133-2015) was being developed. As such, the Dogwood application was
subject to the previous Tree Bylaw, which did not have a requirement for tree retention. The new
Tree Protection bylaw was adopted on January 12, 2016 and applicants are required to follow the
regulation, including obtaining permits and paying related fees. However, it should be noted that if
the Tree Protection and Management Bylaw was in place prior to the Dogwood development
application being received, it is likely that approximately the same number of trees would have been
preserved through covenants on a fewer number of lots, albeit not likely in the continuous green
strip that occurred through the eco-cluster approach. Additionally, the Tree Bylaw has been
implemented with an enforcement component that helps to ensure property owners preserve the
trees under covenant on their land.
2.7 Recommendations for Estate Suburban Residential Designation
Retaining status quo is recommended for the Estate Suburban Residential designation for the
following reasons:
The Official Community Plan recognizes that citizens enjoy the variety of lot sizes available
within the community.
Policy 2-9 in the Official Community Plan allows for clustering and density bonus, which can
be applied in unique circumstances at Counci’s discretion, as it was in the Dogwood
development application.
The new Tree Protection Bylaw is an effective tool for retaining significant tree stands,
providing many benefits to the community, including maintaining existing character.
6
If no changes are made to the existing policies and regulations, it is estimated that a total of
67 new lots may be created resulting in a total build-out for Estate Suburban Residential of
approximately 849 lots. With the contribution of less than 10% of potential new lots to the
existing total, there will likely be little benefit to proposing changes to the Estate Suburban
Residential policies.
Because most of the residential growth within Maple Ridge can be accommodated through
infill and growth areas, such as the Town Centre and Silver Valley, there is no need to identify
opportunities for increasing residential lot yields.
3.0 Suburban Residential Review, Analysis and Options
3.1 Current Regulatory Framework of Suburban Residential Designation
Pertinent to the discussion on Suburban Residential development and appropriate densities are
existing Official Community Plan policies and Zoning regulations that currently apply.
The following are the Official Community Plan policies that support the Suburban Residential
designation:
3-10 Urban-level residential densities will not be supported in areas
designated Suburban Residential.
3-11 Maple Ridge will support some agricultural uses and single detached
housing on large suburban lots. Lot sizes within this land use
designation are generally 0.4 hectares in size.
3-12 Maple Ridge will continue to support garden suites as a form of infill
in Suburban Residential areas. See Zoning Bylaw for more details.
3-13 Areas designated Suburban Residential are located outside the Urban
Area Boundary. City water is required and sewage disposal is
provided through a private system.
Appendix C to the Official Community Plan is the Zoning Matrix that identifies permitted zones within
each land use designation. Two zones are permitted in the Suburban Residential designation: RS-2
(One Family Suburban Residential) and RG-2 (Suburban Residential Strata). For each of these
zones, Table 5 below shows the Zoning Bylaw minimum lot area requirements and the subdivision
servicing requirements.
7
Table 5: Suburban Residential: Zoning and Servicing Bylaw Subdivision Requirements
Permitted Zones in Suburban
Residential Designation
Zoning – Minimum Lot Area Servicing Bylaw Standards
RS-2 One Family Suburban Residential
Min lot area permitted through
subdivision: 0.4 ha (1 acre)
Community water required
RG-2 Suburban Residential
Strata Zone
Min lot area permitted through
subdivision: 4 ha (10 acres)
Community water and sanitary
sewer required
Any changes proposed to the current development approach and/or density within the Suburban
Residential designation will likely require an amendment to the Official Community Plan and the
Zoning Bylaw.
3.3 Suburban Residential Lands with Future Subdivision Potential
The Suburban Residential designation has a total 963 existing parcels on a developable land area of
approximately 570 hectares (1,408.4 acres).
At the September 19, 2016 Council workshop, staff were directed to prepare a bylaw (attached as
Appendix A) to increase the minimum lot size in the Suburban Residential designation and to exclude
the Whispering Falls, Rothsay Garibaldi and Bosonworth developments from the bylaw to allow th em
to continue through to completion under the existing regulations. Additionally, Council granted Third
Reading to the potential Employment Lands Bylaws 7299-2016 and 7335-2017 on July 25, 2017
and some of these lands are currently designated Suburban Residential. The Alouette looping lands
are also excluded from the bylaw in order to enable new development that will require connections to
the community water system and result in establishing a system loop to help ensure it functions
efficiently and effectively. These excluded lands from the attached bylaw are listed in Table 6 below
with the number of parcels and net hectares for each and also identified on a map attached as
Appendix B.
Table 6: Lands Not Included in Draft Bylaw for Density Decrease
Number of Parcels Net Area
Potential Employment Lands 99 107 ha (264.3 ac)
Whispering Falls 219 91.4 (225.8 ac)
Rothsay Garibaldi 284 155.4 (383.9 ac)
Bosonworth 143 63.4 (156.6 ac)
Alouette Community Water Looping
Area
36 32.3 (79.8 ac)
Total 782 449.5 (1,110.4 ac)
Note: Net hectares above is calculated using approximate stream setbacks to determine developable area on each parcel.
No other constraints to lot area were utilized, such as steep slope setbacks and 20% for provision of roads.
8
Excluding the lands discussed above, Table 7 below shows there is currently 181 parcels of land in
the Suburban Residential designation that cover an area of 120.5 hectares (297.9 acres) included in
this review.
Table 7: Current Number of Parcels and Net Hectares for Lands Included in Draft Bylaw
Suburban Residential
Lands Included in Draft
Bylaw
Current Number of Parcels and Estimated Lot Yield
<0.4 ha 0.4<0.8 ha 0.8<1.6 ha 1.6<2.0 ha 2.0<4.0 ha Total
<1 ac 1<2 ac 2<4 ac 4<5 ac 5<10 ac
Number of existing parcels 83 54 26 9 9 181 Lots
Net Hectares 19.5 ha 31.9 ha 30.2 ha 15.7 ha 23.2 ha 120.5 ha
Net Acres 48.2 ac 79 ac 74.6 ac 38.8 ac 57.3 ac 297.9 ac
Note: Net hectares above is calculated using approximate stream setbacks to determine developable area on each parcel.
No other constraints to lot area were utilized, such as steep slope setbacks and 20% for provision of roads.
Under existing regulations, with a permitted minimum lot area of 0.4 hectares (1 acre), subdivision
potential would require that a parcel be at least net 0.8 hectares (2 acres) in size to create one new
lot. Table 8 below shows that a total of 44 parcels, covering 69.1 hectares (170.7 acres), are
estimated to have subdivision potential. The estimated total lot yield of potential future subdivisions
under current regulations is estimated at 170 lots and adding this number to the existing 181
parcels in the Suburban Residential designation would almost double the current total to a build-out
of approximately 351 parcels.
Table 8: Suburban Residential - Subdivision Potential and Estimated Lot Yield (0.4 ha lots)
Area of Subdividable Parcels and Estimated Lot Yield of 0.4 ha Lots
0.8<1.6 ha 1.6<2.0 ha 2.0+ ha Total
2<4 ac 4<5 ac 5+ ac
Existing Parcels 26 9 9 44
Net Hectares 30.2 ha 15.7 ha 23.2 ha 69.1 ha
Net Acres 74.6 ac 38.8 ac 57.3 ac 170.7 ac
Potential Yield of New
Lots (0.4 ha lots) 74.6 38.8 57.3 170 Lots
Note: The above were calculated using approximate stream setback areas and a 20% parcel size reduction for provision of
roads. Steep slope setbacks and 5% park dedication were not included. Potential subdivisions through lot consolidation
were not considered in this review.
However, when considering all the lands outside of the Urban Area Boundary, the net developable
lands total is 4,807.2 hectares (11,878 acres), as shown in Table 9 below. Comparing this total land
area with what is currently remaining with future development potential in the Suburban Residential
designation, excluding the lands in Table 6 above, future development for 69.1 hectares of land is
1% of the total amount of developable land outside the Urban Area Boundary.
9
Table 9: Number of Parcels and Land Area Outside Urban Area Boundary
Current # of Parcels and Total Land Area of Properties Outside
Urban Area Boundary
Land Use Designation Current # of Parcels Net Area of Lands in Land Use
Designation
Estate Suburban 782 209.8 ha (518 ac)
Suburban 963 570 ha (1,408.4 ac)
Rural Residential 799 1,177.5 ha (2,909.5 ac)
Agricultural 1,500 2,874.9 ha (7,103.7 ac)
Totals 4,044 Parcels 4,807.2 ha (11,878.4 ac)
Note: Net hectares above is calculated using approximate stream setbacks to determine developable area on each parcel.
No other constraints to lot area were utilized, such as steep slope setbacks and 20% for provision of roads.
While increasing the minimum lot area permitted for 69.1 hectares of land in the Suburban
Residential designation would reduce the potential future lot yield, the benefits provided to the rural
character outside the Urban Area Boundary is questionable for these lands, which are located in
relatively small pockets of east Maple Ridge. As discussed in the Estate Suburban Residential
section in this report, the new Tree Protection Bylaw is an effective tool in the retention of significant
trees throughout Maple Ridge. Tree retention provides many benefits to the community, including
maintaining the existing character within neighbourhoods. Additionally, such a change would impact
44 property owners, many of whom may have purchased their land based on the ability to subdivide
under current Official Community Plan policies and supporting Zoning Bylaw.
3.4 Recommendations for Suburban Residential Designation
Based on the analysis in section 3.3 above, the recommendation for the Suburban Residential
designation is to not proceed with the attached draft bylaw and retain status quo. The rationale for
this is as follows:
The Official Community Plan recognizes that citizens enjoy the variety of lot sizes available
within the community.
For the small pockets of future development potential in the 69.1 hectares of land in the
Suburban Residential, the impacts of potential new development is minimal.
The New Tree Protection Bylaw, as discussed in Section 2.3 of this report, is an effective tool
for retaining significant tree stands, which provides many benefits to the community,
including retaining existing neighbourhood character.
Decreasing density for the 69.1 hectares of land in the Suburban Residential will negatively
impact 44 property owners who may have purchased their land based on curren t policies
and regulations and they may not be supportive of such a change.
10
The 44 property owners who would be losing their future subdivision potential may be
perceived as a disregarded minority (being 4.78% of total Suburban Residential land owners)
amongst the remaining 919 property owners within the Suburban Residential designation
who have either been allowed to achieve their subdivision potential or have been permitted
to retain their future subdivision potential (i.e. Whispering Falls, Rothsay Garibaldi,
Bosonworth, Alouette Water Looping area, and potential Employment Lands).
INTERDEPARTMENTAL IMPLICATIONS:
Planning and Engineering staff will continue to work closely in sharing information on any policy
changes or future studies to ensure infrastructure capacity needs continue to be met.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No financial implications are identified.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Should Council wish to proceed in a different manner than the recommendations provided in this
report, alternative recommendations have been provided below:
Estate Suburban Residential Designation
1.Should Council prefer the option to increase density, the recommendation is as follows:
That staff prepare a report and Official Community Plan amending bylaw to reduce the
minimum lot size in the Estate Suburban Residential land use designation and include an
outline for a public process; or
2.Should Council prefer the option to reduce density, the recommendation is as follows:
That staff prepare a report and Official Community Plan amending bylaw to increase the
minimum lot size in the Estate Suburban Residential land use designation and include an
outline for a public process.
Suburban Residential Designation
1.Should Council prefer the option to reduce density, there is a draft bylaw attached as
Appendix A for Council’s consideration and the recommendation is as follows:
That staff prepare a report and include the attached Official Community Plan amending
bylaw to increase the minimum lot size in the Suburban Residential land use designation
and include an outline for a public process; or
11
2. Should Council prefer the option to increase density, the recommendation is as follows:
That staff prepare a report and Official Community Plan amending bylaw to reduce the
minimum lot size in the Suburban Residential land use designation and include an outline
for a public process.
CONCLUSION:
Council’s direction was to consider eco-cluster development in the Estate Suburban Residential
designation and to prepare a bylaw to increase the minimum lot size in the Suburban Residential
designation. This arose from Council’s concern with the impacts of residential developm ent outside
of the Urban Area Boundary. An analysis of the impacts of these changes provided in this report
indicates there is limited benefit to a bylaw change, as the remaining lands with future subdivision
potential are small when compared with the existing number of lots and total area of all lands
outside the Urban Area Boundary. As a result, the report recommendation is that no changes be
made to the Estate Suburban Residential and the Suburban Residential Official Community Plan
policies.
A key concern for Council is the retention of rural character as new development occurs and as
discussed in this report, the new Tree Protection Bylaw is an effective tool for retaining significant
trees throughout Maple Ridge and thus helps to maintain existing neighbourhood character.
“Original signed by Lisa Zosiak”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: Lisa Zosiak, M.R.M., MCIP, RPP
Planner
“Original signed by Christine Carter”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Christine Carter, M.PL, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P. Eng
GM: Public Works & Development Services
“Original signed by Kelly Swift” for
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: E. C. Swabey
Chief Administrative Officer
Appendices:
Appendix A Draft Suburban Residential Re-Designation Bylaw
Appendix B Map showing Lands Currently Designated Suburban Residential
1
CITY OF MAPLE RIDGE
BYLAW NO. XXXX-2017
A Bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
_____________________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS Section 477 of the Local Government Act provides that the Council may revise the Official
Community Plan;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend Schedule “B” to the Official Community Plan;
NOW THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the City of Maple Ridge, enacts as follows:
1.This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Suburban Residential Re-Designation Bylaw No.
XXXX-2017.”
2.Schedule “B” is hereby deleted and replaced with Schedule 1, which is attached hereto and
forms part of this Bylaw.
3.Maple Ridge Official Community Plan bylaw No. 7060-2014 as amended is hereby amended
accordingly.
READ a first time the day of , 2017.
READ a second time the day of , 201 .
PUBLIC HEARING held the day of , 201 .
READ a third time the day of , 201 .
ADOPTED, the day of , 201 .
_____________________________ _____________________________
PRESIDING MEMBER CORPORATE OFFICER
APPENDIX A
224 ST132 AVE
128 AVE FERN CRES256 ST248 ST104 AVE
272 ST272 ST112 AVE
264 ST100 AVE 256 ST240 ST112 AVE232 ST224 ST144 AVE
HANEY BYPASS 232 ST232 ST228 ST240 ST248 ST104 AVE
102 AVE 264 STDEWDNEY TRUNK RD DEWDNEY TRUNK RD
LOUGHEED HWY
´
SCALE 1:55,000
MAPLE RIDGE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDINGBylaw No. Map No. From:
To:
Suburban Residential
Rural Residential
XXXX-2017xxxx
"Schedule 1"
City of PittMeadowsDistrict ofLangleyDistrict of MissionFRASER R.^KanakaCreekKanakaCreekWhonnockLakeWhonnockCrWhonnockCrNorAlouetteRiNorthAlouetteRiverFraser RiverAlouetteRiverLOUGHEED HWY232 ST256 ST240 ST216 ST280 ST100 AVE248 ST227 STFERN CRES284 ST132 AVE102 AVER IVE R R D
HANEY BYPASS108 AVE252 ST272 ST110 AVE264 ST130 AVEMTNVIEW CRES136 AVEMCNUTT RD111A AVE243 ST269 ST246 ST286 ST262 STOL UND CR ES287 ST115 AVE266 ST276 ST238B ST288 ST239 ST128 AVEKANAKA WAY105 AVE121 AVEFERGUSON AVEGARIBALDI ST237 STBROWN AVECOTTONWOOD DR249 ST109 AVE277 ST221 ST102B AVEALOUETTE RDBELL AVE268 ST129 AVE232 STGLENHURST ST240 STREID AVETAMARACK LANE126 AVEPARK LANE237A STCEDAR WAY267 ST220 ST223 ST260 ST125A AVE229 ST271 ST285 ST
239 ST263 ST130A AVE235 ST219 ST222 ST125 AVEBOSONWORTH AVE238A STGEE ST238 ST123 AVE103 AVEBURNETT STMILL ST241 STGREENWELL STROLLEY CRESNORTH AVEFLETCHER STBLACKSTOCK STEAGLE AVEYORK STISAAC CRESANSELL ST113 AVEEDGE STHYNES STDOGWOOD AVECUN NIN GHAM
AVE111 AVE232B ST227B ST270 ST245B ST117 AVE217 STAURORA STMARSHALL AVELEE AVE220A ST114A AVESMITH AVEACADIA ST130 CONNECTORDUNBAR STVEZERON AVECARR STMCKAY AVE227A STHALL STODELL STJAC KSO N RDROTHSAY ST120B AVEUNK RD249A ST
218 STRITCHIE AVEGRACE STGRAY STSELKIRK AVESTEPHENS STWICKLOW WAY230B STKANAKACRK RD117B AVELOCKWOOD STFRASER STPBELL AVE107 AVEHILLSIDE STHAWTHORNE ST243A ST231 STADAIR STCARSHILL ST122A AVE262A STBLUE MOUNTAIN CRES251A ST236B STFIS HERM
A
N R D
228ASTCALVIN CRESTA MARACK CRES
ST110B AVEMCINTOSH AVE121A AVE232A STROCK RIDGE DR101 AVE240A ST124A AVEHOLLY STDOVER STGILLEY AVE106B AVERIVERBEND226 STNEHOUSE AVE228 ST26 3A S T
COLEMORE STKATHRYN STHALNOR AVE215 STGRAHAM STHOLYROOD AVESTOREY AVEROGERSAVE119A AVEBIRCH AVEDAVISON ST118A AVESTRENG AVEPALMER R OLPH ST
103A AVE127 PLPLAZA STROYAL CRES227B STST ANNE AVERY PLFULTON ST136ABERNETHY LNFULLER AVECLIFF PL270A ST133A AVEMANOR AVEO PLLAUREL PLNGTON AVE102A AVEWEBSTER ST112 AVE233A STDELCREST STLILLIAN STSANDPIPERAVE263 ST120B AVEBUCKERFIELD DRHARRISDR110 AVECARMICHAEL STGODWIN DR101 AVE100A AVE246B STBOU LD ER PL
SEATON PL126B AVEMcCLURE AVECAMERON CRTOLIVER AVE125B AVEBARNSDALE ST106B AVE264 ST272 ST126 AVE128 AVE235A ST115A AVE246 ST
124 AVE220 ST128 AVE261 ST222 ST113 AVE238 ST108 AVE98 AVE122 AVE253A ST128 AVE118A AVE254 ST125A AVE104 AVE229 ST 122 AVE263 ST237A ST113B AVE236 ST130 AVE248 STNTON AVE100 AVE244A ST239A ST239 ST111A AVE117 AVE122 AVE264ST124 AVE229 ST250 ST112 AVE249 ST121 AVE127 AVE122 AVELOUGHEED HWY128 AVE284 ST272 ST237 ST118 AVE123 AVE236 ST276 ST102 AVE103 AVE26 4 ST 96 AVE233A ST243 ST106 AVERIVER RD260 ST116 AVE118AAVE223 ST119 AVE237 ST218 ST117 AVE123B AVE267 ST117 AVE22 AVE125 AVE103 AVERIVER RD251 ST121 AVESELKIRK AVE127AVE122A AVE116 AVEFERGUSON AVESELKIRK AVE102A AVE122 AVE123 AVE233 STBELL AVE288 ST243 ST
MCINTOSH AVE119 AVE118 AVE221 ST98 AVE119 AVE215 ST244 ST246 ST238A ST261 S T 262 ST124 AVE285 ST
239 ST217 ST96 AVE96 AVE239 ST112 AVE237 ST121 AVE116 AVE223 ST124B AVE122 AVE233 ST247 ST236A STACADIA ST287 ST125 AVE272 S T
123 AVE230 ST238 ST136 AVE96 AVERIVER RD130A AVERIVER RD223 ST221 ST266 ST2 30 ST250 ST247B ST229 ST117 AVE124 AVE124B AVE230A ST125A AVERIVER RD226 ST104 AVECLIFF AVE122 AVE106 AVE268 ST117 AVE134 LOOP229 LOOP135B AVE129 AVE230 STGEE ST132 AVE113 AVE114A AVE228 STRIVER RD220 ST129 AVE116 AVE121 AVE262 ST128 AVE119 AVEVE256 ST125 AVE122 AVE239B ST217 ST244 ST104 AVEGRAY ST243 ST119 AVE250 ST116 AVE115A AVE116 AVE287 ST126 AVEEDGE ST128 AVE124 AVESL AT FO R D ST
GARDENSTMEADOWLARK DRLAURIE AVE121AAVE121A AVE243B STHOWISON AVESLAGERAVE116AAVEMCCAULEY CRESRIDGEWAY CRESBLOSSOM STFULTON STASPEN PLKENDRICK LOOPDOVER RD248A STMORSE CRESHINCH CRESCANUCK CRESBRICKWOOD CLOSE242B STGILLAND LOOP109 LOOP241B STFISHER STNIGHTINGALE AVEPEACH TREE CRT108B AVEEVANS STEVANS ST113A AVEKENDRICK LNARBUTUS PLWHIPPOORWILL AVE118B AVE118B AVEKERRYCRES237B ST105A AVEWILLOW PLDRIFTWOOD DRROLLEY RDAURORA PLSHELDRAKECRT123 PLINGTON PLHIGHVIEW PLMOODY STCRAWFORD STGILLIS PLKEMI PLHARKNESS CRTLIGHTHOUSE CRT TAMARACK PL231A STH IGGIN S
CRT APPLE GROVEIZON CRTBROOKMERECRTCOLEMORE PL245 ST231B ST231B ST115 AVEFRASER ST127 AVE123 AVEEXETER AVE119A AVE286 ST11 3 A VE124A AVE108 AVEYORK STGEE ST117 AVE236 STGILLEYAVE123 AVE231 ST243A ST239A ST110 AVE123 AVE226 STBERRY AVE236A ST 238A ST126 AVE124A AVE127 AVE105 AVE125 AVE123 AVEFRASER ST238A ST229 ST221 ST120B AVE116 AVE123 AVE238 ST114 AVE100 AVE121 AVE218 ST120B AVE236B ST244 ST237A STHOLLY ST118 AVEEDGE ST237 ST220 ST102B AVE218 ST109 AVE124 AVE123 AVE234A ST287 ST118 AVE228A ST119B AVE232A STDONOVAN AVE117B AVE119 AVE238 ST112 AVE237A ST236A ST103 AVE232B ST102 AVE122B AVECALLAGHAN AVE120B AVE217 ST126 AVE119 AVESELKIRK AVE231 ST249A ST112B AVE123 AVE231 STCHERRYWOODDR228A ST100 AVE256 ST249 ST GRANT AVE241 STOD AVE96 AVE280 ST109A AVE124 AVEDEWDNEY TRUNK RDING AVE232 ST236 ST128 CRES234B ST128 AVE249 ST104 AVE106 AVE98 AVE96 AVE276 ST94 AVE132 AVE240 STTRETHEWEY136 AVEMCKERCHER DBIRDTAIL DRLOUGHEED HWY112A AVECHURCHAVEPURDEY AVEDEWDNEY TRUNK RD132 AVE101A AVELO UGH EED HW
YFERN CRESCRES112 AVE224 STGILKER HILLRDBURY CRTDEWDNEY TRUNK RD238 ST239BST225 ST250A ST235 STGRANITE WAY110 AVE251 ST261 ST119 AVE116 AVE127 AVE100B AVE242B ST242B STSPRING CRES118 AVE123A AVE125A AVE243 STMORRISETTE PL248 ST104 AVE116 AVESPILSBURY ST122 AVE216 ST240A STHUSTON DR241A ST241A ST113A AVEHILLAND AVE234 ST112 AVEABERNETHY WAY238 ST108A AVE242 ST108 LOOP108B AVEKANAKA WAY108 AVE249 ST266 ST127 AVE249A ST241 STHAWKINS AVEAPNAUT ST249 ST106 AVEBEEC
H AM PL
240A ST106B AVEERSKINE ST227 STHILL AVE228 STROBERTSON ST234A ST240 STHARRISON ST247A ST132A AVESHOESMITH CRCLIFF AVEBALABANIAN CIRABERNETHY WAYSHOESMITH LOOP130A AVE103A AVE233 ST103B AVE133 AVEMCEACHERN STLARCH AVEBALSAM ST103 AVE130 AVETELOSKY AVEBYRNES RD2 61 A S TLILLEY DR233A STGRIFFEN RD136 AVE248 ST120A LN133 AVENE LSON P EAK D R JACKSON RDBRYANT DR248A STBLAKE239 ST236 STKIMOLA DR113A AVEKATONIEN STCROSS RD106AVEKIMOLAWAY231B STCREEKSIDE ST114A AVE106AVE111A AVE240A ST103 AVE105A AVE246 STMCCLURE LNSAYERS CRESKEARNS AVEMCCLURE DRBAKER PL110 AVE104A AVE129 AVE243 ST112B AVE265A ST244 ST112A AVELANE109 AVENORTH LANE101B AVE113 AVE113A AVESLATFORD PL113 AVE112 AVE248ASTBURNETT STNEL S O N C R T242A ST243A STWYNNYK WAY238A ST103A AVE271 ST124B AVE235A ST113 AVECity of Maple RidgeDistrict of MissionDATE: Aug 23, 2017FILE: SuburbanResLotSizeBreakdown.mxdSuburban Residential LotsPLANNING DEPARTMENT´Scale: 1:17,000BY: DT125435553LegendIncluded in draft redesignation bylaw to Rural ResidentialRemain Suburban ResidentialAlouette Looping AreaBosonworthWhispering FallsRothsay GaribaldiRedesignate To IndustrialPotential Industrial12345Lands Currently Designated Suburban ResidentialAPPENDIX B
6.1
Discussion Paper: Special Event Permits
1 | Page
Discussion Paper : Special Event Permits
Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
August 2017
6.2
Discussion Paper: Special Event Permits
2 | Page
Background
There are over 25,000 Special Event Permits (SEPs) issued by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
(LCLB) each year, covering a variety of events from small private weddings to large public festivals. In the
previous regulatory framework, SEPs were intended to be non-profit. If a permittee chose to charge
over the cost recovery price list all profits made from the event had to be distributed to a charitable
purpose.
On April 6, 2017 the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation was amended authorizing the general
manager to exempt permittees from the requirement to donate profits to charity if they charge over the
cost recovery list. This policy change was made, in part, to support the music industry in BC. However,
due to the election period, an exemption policy and criteria have not yet been determined.
During this interim period the general manager has been considering each exemption request as a
unique submission and basing the approval decision on policy guidelines in use in Ontario. Exemption
approvals were granted during this time with the understanding that once an approved policy is
adopted the criteria for the exemption may change.
At this time, LCLB is seeking input on a draft policy that could guide the general manager’s decisions
respecting exemptions from the requirement to donate profits to charity if the SEP holder were to
charge over the cost recovery list.
Proposed Policy
The general manager may exempt SEP holders from donating event profits to charity when they charge
more than the cost recovery list provided that the permittee’s event is of a municipal, provincial,
national or international significance.
The general manager will use different criteria to determine whether an event is of municipal
significance versus provincial, national or international significance.
Municipal Significance
Municipally significant events are those deemed uniquely important to that specific municipality. For
example, a municipally significant event may have historical value to the region or benefit the
community at large.
• An event of municipal significance requires a municipal resolution or a letter from a delegated
municipal official designating the event as “municipally significant”.
• This documentation will be required at the event site for inspection.
Discussion Paper: Special Event Permits
3 | Page
Provincial, National and International Significance
The Branch will review exemption requests for provincial, national and international significant events.
To determine whether an event qualifies, the following questions will be assessed:
• Where are the participants and/or performers from? Are they primarily from around the
province, Canada, or the world?
• Does the event attract spectators from around the province, Canada, or the world?
• Is there province-wide, nation-wide, or world-wide media coverage of the event?
Consultation Questions
What type of organization do you represent? (Promoter, charity, municipality, etc.)
Is your organization generally supportive of the proposed policy?
Are there any concerns you have with the proposed policy?
Contact
Thank you for your input, your answers to the above questions will help shape government policy on
Special Event Permits.
All submissions will be required by September 15, 2017. You may email your responses to
lclb.lclb@gov.bc.ca – with the heading: SEP Policy Consult – or mail them to:
Policy, Planning, and Communications
Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
PO Box 9292 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9J8
Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns you may contact Josh Huska, project lead, directly at
(250) 952 5794.
The personal information you submit may be collected by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch under s. 26(c) of the Freedom of Information
and Protection of Privacy Act for the purposes of engaging and consulting with the public. To protect your own privacy and the privacy of
others, please do not include any personal information or share personal information about others. If you have any questions about the
collection of your personal information, please contact the Freedom of Information Officer at PO Box 9292 STN PROV GVT, Victoria, BC, V8W
9J8 or by phone at 250.952.5787. If you are outside of Victoria, please call 1.866.209.2111. By fax 250.952.7066.