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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPAC 2007-11-07 Minutes.pdfJ District of Maple Ridge SOCIAL PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Social Planning Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Road, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Judy Dueck Councillor Linda King Paul Livingstone Gwen Champagne Kathy Chiu Jim Wakely Valerie Spurrell Ian Brooks Kim Macey, Chair STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Sue Wheeler Shawn Matthewson Tracy Camire GUESTS Christine Carter Sheila McLaughlin REGRETS/ABSENTS Caroline Wilkins Rick Butler Candace Gordon Ross Dunning Andy Libbiter Vicki Kipps Lyn Taylor-Scott Connie Schmid 1. Called to Order and Introductions Council Liaison Council Liaison Community at Large Community Living BC Mountain View Community Church and The Caring Place RCMP Fraser Health Community at Large Community at Large Director, Staff Liaison, Parks & Leisure Services Committee Clerk Planning Alouette Home Start Society Ministry of Children and Family Development School District No. 42, School Trustee Ridge Meadows Child, Youth & Family Network Community at Large Fraser Health Ridge Meadows Child, Youth & Family Network Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living Ridge Meadows Seniors Society The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. Adoption of the Agenda R06-71 Motion was moved and seconded That the Agenda for November 7, 2007 be adopted with the following changes; Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 1 of 7 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 Defer item 5.3 Three Year Work Plan Review and Item 5.3.1 Discussion meeting on Recovery Houses Add item 5.7 Cythera -Request for letter of support CARRIED 3. Minutes of the Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting R06-72 Motion was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Social Planning Advisory Committee October 3, 2007 Regular Meeting be adopted CARRIED 4. Delegations and Presentations 4.1 Policies/Zoning for Supportive Housing Request from Minister of Community Services - Christine Carter, Planning Christine Carter, Manager of Community Planning gave a presentation in response to the Committee's request for more information on the request from the Minister of Community Services that municipalities with populations over 25,000 should identify and zone appropriate sites for supportive housing and treatment facilities for persons with mental illness or addictions. Ms. Carter shared a short paper that she had developed to help the committee understand municipal zoning as it related to supportive housing and treatment facilities. She stated that in 2004 the Community Care Facility Act was replaced by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. Under this Act, facilities fall into three broad categories: provincially licensed community care facilities with 3 or more adults receiving 3 or more prescribed services; provincially registered assisted living units (for people that can function relatively independently but require some support); unlicensed recovery houses and treatment facilities with 6 or fewer residents being exempt from the Zoning Bylaw. Ms. Carter also outlined the Official Community Plan policies that address affordable and special needs housing. She also outlined the current Zoning Bylaw for the committee. In terms of the Ministers request for pre-zoning of land for supportive housing and treatment facilities, Ms. Carter noted that as a rule municipalities do not pre-zone land for a number of reasons: lack of clarity re: future use for community; doesn't provide for a Public Hearing at the time of the development; does not leave municipalities with a mechanism for achieving servicing improvements and road dedication; and Official Community Plans have committed to citizen engagement and pre-zoning land for contentious land use may be perceived as a way of avoiding public review of an issue. Councillor King suggested that the Ontario model should be explored as an example successful model that ensures even distribution of supportive housing. Ms. Carter noted that the District had retained a summer student to prepare a report regarding impacts of the changes to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and make recommendations. This report will be presented to Council. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 2 of7 ) Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 Ms. Carter explained to the Committee that the Planning Department is exploring the notion of garden suites and has prepared a discussion paper that will go before Council prior to Christmas. There was a request that the Planning Department consult with other communities on their practices related to zoning for supportive housing and treatment facilities and that this topic be placed on a future agenda when this information is available. 4.2 Affordable Housing Update -Sheila McLaughlin, Alouette Home Start Society Sheila McLaughlin from the Alouette Home Start Society gave a presentation on Affordable Housing. R06-73 Motion was moved and seconded That the Social Planning Advisory Committee recommends that the report on Homelessness is brought before Council Workshop as soon as possible CARRIED 5. Unfinished and New Business 5.1 First Call Award -"Stand Up Stand Out Award" Nomination Results Kim Macey advised the Committee that she attended the First Call "Stand Up Stand Out" Awards and also advised the Committee that Randy Cranston was quite impressed with his nomination and award. 5.2 GVRD Regional Affordable Housing Strategy -Council Response and update Sue Wheeler advised the Committee that the Committee's recommendation that the Draft Metro Vancouver Draft Regional Affordable Housing Strategy be endorsed went forward before Council for consideration and was endorsed. Ms. Wheeler also advised the Committee that Council would like to be involved in the development of the specific action strategies and looks forward to the development and implementation of the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy. 5.3 2007 Budget Status Update Sue Wheeler reviewed the 2007 budget report with the Committee. R06-74 Motion was moved and seconded That the Committee allocate $1425.00 to the Child, Youth and Family Network to implement and test their website CARRIED 5.4 Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) -Impact of Funding Changes Shawn Matthewson reviewed the history of the CAPC funding with the Committee along with the impacts it would have on our community to no longer have the CAPC funding available Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 3 of 7 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 to our agencies. Ms. Matthewson advised the Committee that the recommendation to send a letter to Dr. Keith Lietch supporting the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) funding will be forwarded to Council for endorsement. 5.5 Spirit of Community Awards -Good Neighbour Award Kim Macey advised the Committee that on Saturday, November 3rd the Spirit of Community Awards, Good Neighbour Award was presented to Julie Feil. Ms. Macey also advised the Committee that Julie will be presented this award at an upcoming Council meeting. 5.6 Child, Youth and Family Network Resource Fair Shawn Matthewson advised the Committee that this was the 5th annual resource fair. It was the 3rd fair that was publicly hosted and it was well attended by the community and ran smoothly. An evaluation was completed today and the response from service providers was very positive. Sue Wheeler introduced Christine DiGiamberardine who has joined the District of Maple Ridge as the Neighbourhood Development Coordinator 5.7 Cythera -letter of support Kim Macey advised the Committee that Cythera Transition House is seeking letters of support to accompany an application to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Seed Funding for housing development. The initial objective is to determine the feasibility of redeveloping the Cythera Counselling Centre is currently located (22318 McIntosh Avenue) to provide the existing office/counselling space with the addition of five safe, supportive housing on two additional floors. The currently underutilized site is and zoned appropriately. Cythera's intent is to relocate their existing two second-stage housing units to this location. All tenants would be women and children who have experienced, or have been at risk of, abuse, threats or violence. R06-73 Motion was moved and seconded That Social Planning send a letter in support to Cythera Transition House funding application to CMHC for housing development CARRIED 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Child, Youth and Family Network Updates V. Kipps Sue Wheeler advised the Committee that CYFN is doing an orientation for new members or staff members from other agencies on November 26th at 11:30 a.m. at the Greg Moore Youth Centre -please send Sue Wheeler an email to confirm attendance Shawn Matthewson advised the Committee that Roberta O'Brien has been hired s the Coordinator of the Early Childhood Development (ECO) Committee of the Child, Youth and Family Network. Ms. Matthewson also advised the Committee that CYFN is hiring a part-time coordinator in the near future. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 4 of7 ) Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 6.2 School Community Connections Update Sue Wheeler advised the Committee that the School Community Connections Task Force of CYFN is in the process of applying for the third phase of funding under the UBCM School Community Connections Funding. This third and last round of the grant is intended to fund small capital improvements and project start-up costs. The Committee will be applying for funding to complete small renovations at both the "HUB" School and the proposed three satellite locations. The Committee will be applying for the full $125,000 and has been able to generate enough funding through partnership in-kind contributions to match the required commitment of $375,000 of matching funding. 6.3 School Neighbourhood Garden Update 6.4 Christine DiGiamberardine advised the Committee that the School Garden Committee is currently gathering data, stories and pictures to document and evaluate the project. All final project evaluation and report will provide important information as the Committee moves forward with its goal of encouraging other schools to replicate this project in the future. The findings to date are that there is evidence of changed behaviours related to nutrition and eating habits of children and that the learning's are being taken home by the children and shared with their families. Building Community Solutions Shawn Matthewson advised that the work with the Pilot Neighbourhoods has been on hold pending ongoing funding approval from United Way. Eighteen Neighbourhood Seed Grants were distributed this summer with 18 Neighbourhoods hosting event that encouraged strengthening of their neighbourhoods. Farmers Market will be hosing their Winter Market on December 8th . Watch for more details. 6.6 Committee Members 6. 7 Round Table Kathie Chui Kathie advised the Committee that she has attended three Business Improvement Association (BIA) sessions; the first one Kathie made a presentation to the BIA and answered many concerns of the Committee. The Caring Place is working on renovations and received a grant for $37,000 to go towards renovations and to upgrade the alarm system. The Caring Place was also funded for $24,000 to go towards improving employee salaries for 2008. Paul Livingstone Paul wanted to know if there was a date set for a discussion on recovery houses; this was deferred to next the Social Planning Advisory Committee meeting in December. Jim Wakely Jim was at the same BIA meeting where Kathie Chui presented. He stated that the presentation was helpful in supplying accurate information and that the concern regarding the cold weather beds were addressed. Jim congratulated Kathie for doing her organization a great service by stating the facts so calmly. Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 5 of7 Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 Inspector Wakely also advised the Committee that the RCMP have noted a significant decrease in the level of youth (under 19 years) crime in comparison to a few years ago. He stated the RCMP feel that the community is seeing the benefits of the focus on building the network around youth services and working together to provide services to support youth such as the Iron Horse Youth Safe House. Inspector Wakely also advised he is organizing a group to travel to Victoria to meet with the Mayors' Task Force on Homelessness to understand their process and see what we can bring back to Maple Ridge to learn from. On November 22nd Jim will be heading over with (Kathie Chui, Mike Slater, Sheila McLaughlin, and possibly Linda King) to Victoria to meet with the Mayor's task force. It was suggested the Ernie Daykin also be invited to this meeting. Jim will bring back a report to the next Social Planning Advisory Committee meeting. Gwen Champagne Gwen would like to invite everyone to a Supportive Employment Workshop next Thursday, November 15th and advised that this is for anyone who has a barrier to employment. This is being hosted by Community Living BC, Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, BC Association for Community Living and the School District No. 42. Please RSVP to Gwen Champagne. Ms. Champagne also advised the Committee that Community Living BC will host an Open house which is on November 22nd, 2007. Linda King Linda King would like to see someone from the Municipality attend the Supportive Employment workshop that is being hosted by the Community Living BC organization and Councillor King also advised the Committee that she was impressed to hear the rates for youth crime have decreased. Christine DiGiamberardine Christine DiGiamberardine advised the Committee that she is happy to be back working in the community again and it is very heart-warming to hear how much has continued to happen within our community in the two years that she was away. Shawn Matthewson Shawn Matthewson reported that the District was able to send a Recreation Programmer to an international conference on Experiential Learning. The District also was successful with an expression of interest that was submitted under the UBCM Community Health Promotion Fund. The District has been invited to submit a full proposal to receive $35,000 to fund a pilot project called "Beyond the Walls" which is intended to educate and encourage youth and their families to become more active and healthy in their communities. Ms. Matthewson also advised the Committee that this year's Halloween party for children was a success and the winter Recreation Program guide will be out November 2Qth. Sue Wheeler Sue Wheeler advised the Committee that the City of Pitt Meadows was also successful with an expression of interest that was submitted under the UBCM Community Health Promotion Fund. The City of Pitt Meadows in partnership with the Child, Youth and Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 6 of 7 ) Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes November 7, 2007 Family Network has been invited to submit a full proposal to receive $35,000 to fund a pilot project called "Listen for Us" which is a proposed pilot project. to engage citizens and families together with service providers in a process designed to assess the effectiveness of the current Integrated Case Management processes; to conduct a mapping of services and assets; and to engage community in a meaningful dialogue regarding meeting needs and the development of a seamless approach to supporting families." Ms. Wheeler also advised the Committee that on November 16th between 1:30 -4:00 the Canadian Mental Health Association will have an open house for its Sheppard House. Ms. Wheeler reminded the committee that this is the supportive housing project that the Committee supported to access a municipal rental property. ~ CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 2008 Social Planning Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule Maple Ridge Council Procedure Bylaw No. 5871-2007 Review changes to Part 18 - Delegations United Nations Special Report on Adequate Housing Canada West Foundation Release of Building The Future: Public Policy Considerations for Affordable Housing in Canada BC Housing Call for Non-Profits for Seniors Supportive Housing Public Workshop on Development Permit Guidelines for the Maple Ridge Town Centre Area Plan Triumph Information Folder 8. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Social Planning Advisory Committee is scheduled to be on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Blaney Room, Maple Ridge Municipal Hall. Upon no further discussion coming from the Committee members, the meeting was adjourned. The Regular Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. t!M Chairperson ~ , /tc Social Planning Advisory Committee Regular Minutes Page 7 of7