HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-08 Adopted Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
September 8, 2015
The Minutes of the City Council Meeting held on September 8 , 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chamber of the City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British
Co lumbia for the purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials
Mayor N. Read
Co uncillor C. Bell
Co uncillor K. Duncan
Co uncillor B. Masse
Councillor G. Robson
Councillor T. Shymkiw
Councillor C. Speirs
Appointed Staff
K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/General
Manager of Community Development, Parks and
Parks and Recreation Services
P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
C. Carter, Acting General Manager of Public Works and
Development
D. Denton, Acting Corporate Officer
A. Gaunt, Confidential Secretary
Other staff as required
R. Carmichael, Director of Engineering Operations
H. Exner, Deputy Fire Chief
Superintendent D. Fleugel, Ridge Meadows RCMP
Note: These Minutes are also posted on the City's Web Site at www.rnapleridge.ca
The meeting was filmed by Shaw Communications Inc. and live streamed and
recorded by the City of Maple Ridge
100 CALL TO ORDER
200 INTRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS
300 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved with the addition of Item 601
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 2 of 19
400 ADOPTION AND RECEIPT OF MINUTES
401 Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 2015
R/2015-348
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 2015 be
adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
402 Minutes of the Development Agreements Committee Meeting of July 29,
2015 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2015
R/2015-349
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Development Agreements Committee Meeting of
July 29, 2015 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2015 be received.
CARRIED
500 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
501 Needle Distribution Program -Fraser Health Authority
• Dr. Marcus Lem, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health Authority
• Erin Gibson, Fraser Health Harm Reduction Coordinator
Dr. Lem and Ms. Gibson gave a PowerPoint presentation providing
information on the Fraser Health Authority's Harm Reduction program
including a definition for harm reduction, a review of the guiding principles
of the program and highlights of the needle distribution program.
502 August 29, 2015 Wind Event Update
Presentation by R. Carmichael, Director of Engineering Operations and H.
Exner, Deputy Fire Chief
The Director of Engineering Operations and the Deputy Fire Chief gave a
PowerPoint presentation providing information on the wind storm on August
29, 2015 including damage done by the storm throughout the community
and the response on the part of the Fire Department, Public Works and the
RCMP.
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 3 of 19
600 DELEGATIONS
601 Blanket BC Society Presentation
• Gregory Quid, Executive Director
Mr. Quid gave a PowerPoint presentation providing information on the
Blanket BC Society. He outlined the history of the society, the work being
done currently and the successes of past years. He invited Mayor and
Council to a "Decade of Warmth" celebration in New Westminster.
700 UNFINISHED BUSINESS -Nil
800 CORRESPONDENCE -Nil
900 BYLAWS
Bylaws for Final Reading
901 2012-047-RZ, 22577, 22569, 22557 Royal Crescent and 11771 226
Street
Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading
901.1 Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6967-2013
To permit a site specific text amendment for floor space ratio
Final reading
R/2015-350
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 6967-2013 be adopted.
901.2 Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6927-2012
CARRIED
To rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to RM-2 (Medium
Density Apartment Residential) to permit the future construction of a five
storey, 48 unit apartment building
Final reading
R/2015-351
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 6927-2012 be adopted.
CARRIED
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 4 of 19
902 2013-113-RZ, 21530 Donovan Avenue
Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7050-2013
Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading
To rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to RS-1b (One Family
Urban [Medium Density] Residential) to permit subdivision into 2 single
family residential lots
Final reading
R/2015-352
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 7050-2013 be adopted.
903 2014-016-RZ, 23908 and 23920 Dewdney Trunk Road
Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7083-2014
CARRIED
Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading
To rezone from RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential)
and RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to R-2 (Urban Residential District)
to permit subdivision into 12 single family residential lots
Final reading
R/2015-353
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 7083-2014 be adopted.
CARRIED
904 2015-158-RZ, 23980 Kanaka Way
Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7155-2015
Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading
Site specific Zoning Bylaw text amendment to add a Child Care Centre
(daycare) at 23980 Kanaka Way as a use to the C-1 Neighbourhood
Commercial Zone
Final reading
R/2015-354
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 7155-2015 be adopted.
CARRIED
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 5 of 19
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1100 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Minutes -August 31, 2015
R/2015-355
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of August 31,
2015 be received.
CARRIED
Public Works and Development Services
1101 2015-160-RZ, Bylaw Amendment, Resident ial Building Height
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zon e
Amending Bylaw No. 7165-2015 to create a unified maximum building
height of 11.0 m for principal dwellings in sin gle family and in low rise
multi-family zones be given first and second rea ding and forwarded to
Public Hearing.
R/2015-356
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 7165-2015 be given first and second reading and be
forwarded to Public Hearing.
CARRIED
1102 2014-070-RZ, 10470 245B Street and 24589 104 Avenue, RS-2 to RS-1b
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zon e
Amending Bylaw No. 7157-2015 to rezone from RS-2 (One Family
Suburban Residential) to RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density]
Residential) to permit a subdivision of approximately 16 lots be given first
reading and that the applicant provide further information as described on
Schedules A, B, and F of the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 5879-
1999, along with the information required for a Subdivision application.
R/2015-357
It was moved and seconded
In respect of Section 879 of the Local Government Act, requirement for
consultation during the development or amendment of an Official
Community Plan, Council must consider whether consultation is required
with specifically:
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 6 of 19
i. The Board of the Regional District in which the area covered by the
plan is located, in the case of a Municipal Official Community Plan;
ii. The Board of any Regional District that is adjacent to the area covered
by the plan;
iii. The Council of any municipality that is adjacent to the area covered by
the plan;
iv. First Nations;
v. School District Boards, greater boards and improvements district
boards; and
vi. The Provincial and Federal Governments and their agencies.
and in that regard it is recommended that no additional consultation be
required in respect of this matter beyond the early posting of the proposed
Official Community Plan amendments on the City's website, together with
an invitation to the public to comment, and;
That Bylaw No. 7157-2015 be given first reading; and
That the applicant provide further information as described on Schedules
A, B, and F of the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 5879-1999, along
with the information required for a Subdivision application.
R/2015-358
It was moved and seconded
Note:
1103
That the motion for first reading of Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No.
7157-2015 be deferred to a meeting following a Council discussion on
amenity contributions.
MOTION TO DEFER CARRIED
Councillor Robson, Councillor Speirs -OPPOSED
Mayor Read excused herself from discussion of Item 1103 at 8:50 p.m. as
she lives in the vicinity of the property. Councillor Duncan acted as Chair.
2013-086-RZ, 23262 Silver Valley Road, 13738, 13702 and 13660 232
Street, RS-3 to RS-1, RS-1b, R-1, R-3, RST-SV, C-5 and P-1
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge
Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 7160-2015 to revise land use
designation boundaries and an equestrian trail location be given first and
second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing and that Maple Ridge
Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7023-2013 to rezone from RS-3 (One Family
Rural Residential) to RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential), RS-1b (One
Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential), R-1 (Resid ential District), R-3
(Special Amenity Residential District), RST-SV (Street Townhouse -Silver
Valley), C-5 (Village Centre Commercial) and P-1 (Park and School) be given
second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing.
Council Minutes
September 8 , 2015
Page 7 of 19
R/20 15-359
It was moved and seconded
1) That, in accordance with Section 879 of the Local Government Act,
opportunity for early and on-going consultation has been provided by
way of posting Bylaw No. 7160-2015 on the municipal website and
requiring that the applicant host a Development Information Meeting
(DIM), and Council considers it unnecessary to provide any further
consultation opportunities, except by way of holding a Public Hearing
on the bylaw;
2) That Bylaw No. 7160-2015 be considered in conjunction with the
Capital Expenditure Plan and Waste Management Plan;
3) That it be confirmed that Bylaw No. 7160-2015 is consistent with the
Capital Expenditure Plan and Waste Management Plan;
4) That Bylaw No. 716Qc-2015 be given first and second readings and be
forwarded to Public Hearing;
5) That Bylaw No. 7023-2013 be amended as identified in the staff
report dated August 31, 2015, be given second reading, and be
forwarded to Public Hearing;
6) That the following terms and conditions be met prior to final reading:
i) Registration of a Rezoning Servicing Agreement as a Restrictive
Covenant and receipt of the deposit of a security, as outlined in
the Agreement;
ii) Amendment to Official Community Plan Schedule "A", Chapter
10.3, Part VI, A -Silver Valley, Figure 2 -Land Use Plan, Figure 3A
-Blaney Hamlet, and Figure 4 -Trails/ Open Space,
iii) Road dedication on 232 Street and Silver Valley Road as
required;
iv) Park dedication as required, including construction of multi-
purpose trails; and removal of all debris and garbage from park
land;
v) Purchase of the land identified for future neighbourhood park by
the City of Maple Ridge;
vi) Consolidation of the subject properties;
vii) Registration of a Restrictive Covenant for the geotechnical
report, which addresses the suitability of the subject properties
for the proposed development and confirms that the slope failure
area has been remediated;
viii) Removal of existing buildings;
ix) Approval from the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural
Resources for in-stream works on the site;
x) In addition to the site profile, a disclosure statement must be
submitted by a Professional Engineer advising whether there is
any evidence of underground fuel storage tanks on the subject
properties. If so, a Stage 1 Site Investigation Report is required to
ensure that the subject property is not a contaminated site.
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 8 of 19
R/2015-360
It was moved and seconded
Note:
1104
That Application 2013-086-RZ be deferred to allow staff to engage in a
discussion with the applicant on additional rental accommodation and a
perma nent daycare use requirement.
MOTION TO DEFER CARRIED
Councillor Masse, Councillor Speirs -OPPOSED
Mayor Rea d returned to the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
2014-110-RZ, 11716 Burnett Street, RS-1 to R-1
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zone
Am ending Bylaw No. 7123-2014 to rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban
Residential) to R-1 (Residential District) to permit a subdivision of
approximately three single family lots be given second reading and be
forwarded to Public Hearing.
R/2015-361
It was moved and seconded
1105
1) That Bylaw No. 7123-2014 be given second reading, and be forwarded
to Public Hearing;
2) That the following terms and conditions be met prior to final reading:
i) Registration of a Restrictive Covenant for the Stormwater
Management Plan;
ii) Removal of existing building/s (through demolition permit);
iii) If the Director of Waste Management from the Ministry of
Environment determines that a site investigation is required
based on the submitted Site Profile, a rezoning, development, or
development variance permit cannot be approved until a release
is obtained for the subject property;
iv) In addition to the site profile, a disclosure statement must be
submitted by a Professional Engineer advising whether there is
any evidence of underground fuel storage tanks on the subject
property. If so, a Stage 1 Site Investigation Report is required to
ensure that the subject property is not a contaminated site.
CARRIED
2011-082-DVP, 10150 and 10190 Jackson Road
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2011-082-DVP to increase the
ma ximum permitted R-1 zone building height and to reduce the R-1 zone
rea r yard setback for lots 29-39.
'. Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 9 of 19
The Acting Corporate Officer advised that one piece of correspondence
pertaining to the application was received.
R/2015-362
It was moved and seconded
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal application 2011-
082-DVP respecting property located at 10150 and 10190 Jackson Road.
CARRIED
1106 2012-047-DVP, 2012-047-DP, 22577, 22569 and 22557 Royal Crescent,
11771226 Street
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-DVP to reduce front yard
setbacks, to reduce interior yard setbacks and to increase maximum height
and that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-DP
to permit construction of a 48 unit apartment building in the RM-2 (Medium
Density Apartment Residential) zone.
R/2015-363
It was moved and seconded
1) That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-
DVP respecting properties located at 22577, 22569, and 22557 Royal
Crescent; and 11771226 Street; and further,
2) That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-DP
respecting properties located at 22577, 22569, and 22557 Royal
Crescent; and 11771226 Street.
CARRIED
1107 2015-158-DVP, 23980 Kanaka Way
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2015-158-DVP to reduce tile parking
requirement for the Child Care Centre and to reduce the parking
requirement for commercial uses.
R/2015-364
It was moved and seconded
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2015-158-DVP
respecting property located at 23980 Kanaka Way.
CARRIED
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 10 of 19
Note:
1108
Councillor Shymkiw excused himself from discussion of Items 11.08 and
1109 at 9:21 p.m. as he has a property in the area.
2013-082-DVP, 13260 236 Street
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Offi cer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DVP to increase maximum
building height, to increase maximum retaining wall heights and to red uce
minimum setbacks to the property line.
R/2015-365
It was moved and seconded
1109
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DVP
respecting property located at 13260 236 Street.
CARRIED
2013-082-DP, 13260 236 Street
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DP to permit development
of a 61 unit townhouse project.
R/2015-366
It was moved and seconded
Note:
1110
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DP
respecting property located at 13260 236 Street.
Councillor Shymkiw returned to the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
2015-257-SD, 12016 York Street, Stata Conversion
CAR RIED
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the issuance of a
Certificate of Approval for strata conversion of residential townhouse
buildings located at 12016 York Street be approved and that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to sign the Certificate of Approval.
R/2015-367
It was moved and seconded
That the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the strata conversion of
the residential townhouse buildings located at 12016 York Street in
accordance with Section 242 of the Strata Property Act be approved; and
,( Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 11 of 19
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the Certificate of Approval.
CARRIED
1111 2011-095-SD, 2% Money in Lieu of Parkland Dedication, 11219 243 Street
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the owner of the
subject property pay an amount that is not less than $30,000.00
R/2015-368
It was moved and seconded
That pursuant to Local Government Act, Section 941, regarding 2%
Parkland Dedication or payment in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of
land proposed for subdivision at 11219 243 Street, under application
2011-095-SD, shall pay to the City of Maple Ridge an amount that is not
less than $30,000.00.
CARRIED
1112 2013-103-SD, 5% Money in Lieu of Parkland Dedication, 12366 Laity
Street
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the owner of the
subject property pay an amount that is not less than $37,500.00.
R/2015-369
It was moved and seconded
That pursuant to Local Government Act, Section 941, regarding 5%
Parkland Dedication or payment in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of
land proposed for subdivision at 12366 Laity Street, under application
2013-103-SD, shall pay to the City of Maple Ridge an amount that is not
less than $37,500.00.
CARRIED
Financial and Corporate Services (including Fire and Police)
1131 Disbursements for the month ended July 31, 2015
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the disbursements
for the month ended July 31, 2015 be received for information.
Coun cil Minutes
September 8, 2015
Pa ge 12 of 19
R/2015-370
It was moved and seconded
1132
1133
That the disbursements as listed below for the month ended July 31, 2015
be received for information:
General
Payroll
Purchase Card
2015 Council Expenses
$32,722,315.
$ 1,798,214.
$ 99,001.
$ 34,619.530.
CARRIED
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 providing updat ed Council expenses
recorded to the end of July for 2015.
For information only
No motion required
2016-2020 Financial Planning Guidelines
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that staff be directed to
prepare the 2016-2020 Financial Plan, incorporating the Financial Plan
Guidelines.
The General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services provided a
PowerPoint presentation outlining the purpose of the financial plan
guidelines;
R/2015-371
It was moved and seconded
That staff be directed to prepare the 2016-2020 Financial Plan
incorporating the Financial Plan Guidelines as itemized in section d) of the
August 31, 2015 staff report titled, "2016 -2020 Financial Plan
Guidelines".
CARRIED
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 13 of 19
1134 2016 Permissive Tax Exemptions
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Tax
Exemption Bylaw No. 7170-2015 be given first, second and third readings.
R/2015-372
It was moved and seconded
That Bylaw No. 7170-2015 be given first, second and third readings.
CARRIED
Councillor Robson -OPPOSED
1135 Assurance Requirements -Downtown Parking Society
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the agreement with
the Downtown Parking Society be amended to require a financial statement
audit once every five years with assurance achieved in intervening years
either through the work of City staff or through a review engagement, as
recommended by the Audit & Finance Committee.
R/2015-373
It was moved and seconded
1136
That the agreement with the Downtown Parking Society be amended to
require a financial statement audit once every five years with assurance
achieved in intervening years either through the work of City staff or
through a review engagement, as required by the Audit & Finance
Committee.
CARRIED
Partnering Agreements, Employment Land Investment Incentive Program
and Town Centre Investment Incentive Program
Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate
Officer be authorized to execute Partnering Agreements with Meridian
Acquisitions Ltd. under building permit number 15-107398 and Anmore
Holdings Inc. under building permit number 15-111021.
R/2015-374
It was moved and seconded
That the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute Partnering Agreements
to:
1.
2.
Meridian Acquisitions Ltd. under building permit number 15-107398
in the amount of $5,539.35; and,
Anmore Holdings Inc. under building permit number 15-111021 in the
amount of $8,610.29.
CARRIED
Co uncil Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 14 of 19
Community Development and Recreation Service -Nil
Correspondence -Nil
Other Committee Issues -Nil
1200 STAFF REPORTS -Nil
1300 RELEASE OF ITEMS FROM CLOSED COUNCIL
From the August 12, 2015 Special Closed Council Meeting
• 02.02 Homeless Shelter Update and Options
From the August 14, 2015 Special Closed Council Meeting
• 02.01 Lease of 22239 Lougheed Highway
From the August 31, 2015 Closed Council Meeting
• 04.04 City-Owned Town Centre Lands -Approval of Purchase and
Sale Agreement
For information only
No motion required
1400 OTHER MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
1401 Rescheduling of the September 22, 2015 Council Meeting
Discussion on rescheduling of the September 22, 2015 Council Meeting to
September 29, 2015
R/2015-375
It was moved and seconded
That the September 22, 2015 Council meeting be rescheduled to September 29,
2015.
CARRIED
1500 NOTICES OF MOTION AND MATTERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS -Nil
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 15 of 19
1600 QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Jen Watts
Ms. Watts referred to an article in a local newspaper suggesting a community forum
on the proposed temporary shelter and asked that if the public requested an open
town hall meeting on the temporary shelter, whether such a request could be
accommodated, when this would happen and what such a forum would look like.
Mayor Read advised that the announcement of an official shelter provider is the
jurisdiction of BC Housing and that the service provider will engage the surrounding
neighbourhood to discuss issues related to the temporary shelter.
Ms. Watts asked whether the forum will be open to all, with questions directed to the
service provider.
Mayor Read advised that this would be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Danielle Rose
Ms. Rose stated her questions were directed at the Fraser Health representatives.
She expressed concern over the large amount of needles being found throughout the
community and the amount of time it took to have a needle picked up once it was
reported by using a phone number posted on the Resilience Initiative website.
Ms. Rose feels there is not enough harm reduction in areas where children play. She
asked if Fraser Health will balance the harm reduction with the health concerns of
the community and families.
Rhonda Murray
Ms. Murray asked for clarification on whether or not a public forum was announced
or held in regard to the establishment of low barrier housing in a building to be
leased to the City prior to Council voting on the issue. She expressed co ncern with
the change to the flavour of the community and asked whether Council had voted on
the issue without public consultation. Ms. Murray asked for confirmation that a public
forum will be held once a service provider is in place and questioned whether Council
is aware that almost every business in the downtown area is opposed to this being
put into their business district. She also asked that as BC Housing has a contract
with Salvation Army whether they will have two contracts in Maple Ridge.
Mayor Read provided an explanation on why a public forum was not held pertaining
to the location of the temporary shelter. She explained that a public hearing is held
when a property goes through a rezoning process, however, the property did not need
to be rezoned as the existing zoning permitted this use in that space.
Mayor Read provided clarification on the topic of the public forum. She advised on
steps to be taken by the service provider to mitigate impact and to address any
concerns, including those of surrounding businesses and residents in the
neighbourhood. She responded to the concerns of downtown businesses and
advised on the BC Housing contracts.
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 16 of 19
Melissa Crich
Ms. Crich referenced a newspaper article pertaining to a public forum and a
statement that there will be a forum at the end of six months about continuing the
shelter or location. She requested clarification on that statement. Sh e asked
whether the community will be consulted in a forum or through a committee of peers
should the use of the shelter continue and how the public would find out about such
a process should it occur. Ms. Critch asked whether the public can expect
consultation on anything coming forward once the temporary shelter closed. She
expressed concern with the current temporary shelter not being required to go
through a rezoning process and asked whether such a scenario could occur again.
Ms. Grich referred to funding of $370,000 and asked if there is accountability for the
spending of that funding which the public can view.
Mayor Read provided clarification on the forum and advised on future plans of the
Resilience Initiative and Council. She also advised on public consultation should
there be need for a new supportive housing complex or a new shelter and outlined
the process which will be followed should an application be required to go through
rezoning in order to allow construction of a new building or conversion of an existing
one. She advised that public consultation will be an expectation should the rezoning
of a property or building be required, however, she stipulated that discussion needs
to be held with BC Housing on any plans for the future.
The Mayor advised on the approved funding envelope for $370,000.
Note: Councillor Robson left the meeting at 9:53 p.m.
Alison Ailles
Ms. Ailles commented that needles are considered hazardous waste and questioned
Fraser Health's version of harm reduction. She advised that she has looked at the
site of 'who to call' for needle pickup. She expressed concern over the length of time
it took to have a needle picked up as per a previous speaker's comments and asked
what a reasonable response time for retrieval would be. She asked responses also
be made available after hours and on weekends.
The Acting Chief Administrative Officer advised on work to be done to provide more
information on the time taken to retrieve needles and to streamline the process
originally implemented in order to improve response time.
Councillor Bell asked what School District No. 42 and the schools are doing to
participate and where their accountability was.
The Acting Chief Administrative Officer advised that the School District has
information posted on its website pertaining to discarded needles.
Councillor Bell requested that a report be provided detailing how the School District
and the schools are contributing. Mayor Read advised that school principals do
sweep school grounds.
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 17 of 19
Karen Leo
Ms. Leo commented that she did not feel it is the School District's responsibility to
pick up dirty needles. She addressed her question to the RCMP representatives.
She referred to well-known drug houses and asked what information or proof is
required and what citizens can do to help the RCMP shut down and eliminate such
houses from the community.
Superintendent Fleugel addressed Ms. Leo's questions and outlined what citizens
can do to assist the RCMP in closing down drug houses and dealing with suspicious
activity in a neighbourhood.
Ricki Funk
Ms. Funk addressed her question to the RCMP representative. She asked why
persons continue to be allowed to live in or return to residences which have been
busted by police, even if they are renters.
Superintendent Fleugel advised that tenancy eviction, though recommended to a
landlord by police, is not within police control. He also advised on the process which
persons arrested for an offense go through in the court system.
Ronald Rogers
Mr. Rogers expressed concern about a house across the street from his building and
the amount of illegal activity going on in and around that house. He asked what type
of evidence the RCMP needs from neighbours to have this house closed down and
what the RCMP and the Bylaws Department can do.
Superintendent Fleugel addressed the question. He advised that he will meet with
the resident following the meeting to further address concerns and that an officer will
follow up with the resident as well.
Riekie Armstrong
Ms. Armstrong expressed concern with the harm reduction program and asked why a
needle which has been thrown away by a drug user is considered harmless to
residents. She asked why a drug user cannot use a needle for a second time as it is
considered harmful, yet is not considered harmful when on the ground. She
suggested asking for a deposit for needles and providing a dollar for each needle
returned. Ms. Armstrong spoke against the temporary shelter.
Robin Wehmet
Ms. Wehmet asked how residents can be assured there will not be another tent city
once the temporary shelter is open. She commented that the shelter will only have
40 beds and that there are more than 40 people living in the existing camp. She
asked what will be done with campers who are not willing to leave and whether
smaller tents cities which are being established will be dispersed as well. She asked
how this will be done.
Mayor Read spoke to the shift in the dynamic of the camp on Cliff Avenue in the last
month and expressed Council's concern over flow of other persons replacing those
Council Minutes
September 8 , 2015
Page 18 of 19
moving into housing. She advised that 30 persons from the camp have bee n moved
into supportive housing and outlined what is being done to work through the issue of
persons coming into the community to replace the core group of campers who have
now been housed. She stated that persons who are not willing to leave to move into
shelter provided will be dispersed by an injunction. She also advised on actions
which will be and have been taken to deal with smaller tent cities.
Ms. Wehmet requested clarification on the low barrier aspect of the new shelter. She
asked why it will be classified as low barrier and how that will work. She wondered
whether individuals accessing the shelter will carry on with street activities as they do
currently. She expressed concern that things were not changing when compared to
what is happening currently.
Mayor Read provided clarification on why a low barrier format for a temporary shelter
was chosen.
Ricki Funk
Ms. Funk asked why the public cannot get clarification from Mayor and Council as to
which service provider will be running the temporary shelter, as this information has
been posted over social media.
The Mayor provided an explanation on why information pertaining to a service
provider for the temporary shelter has not been provided by the City. She explained
that it is the responsibility of BC Housing to announce a service provider once a final
agreement is in place.
Jen Watts
Ms. Watts asked how much has been spent on emergency calls to Cliff Avenue and
other well-known camps around the community on such things as the RCMP and
ambulance.
Mayor Read advised that currently there is no accurate picture on funds spent.
Superintendent Fleugel outlined funding for the RCMP and budget allocations. He
advised that an estimate on spending by the RCMP on Cliff Avenue can be provided.
Debra Brookes
Ms. Brookes expressed concern that residents were not consulted on the low barrier
housing due to rezoning not being a requirement. She asked whether residents will
be able to vote or if some sort of referendum will be held should another shelter be
put in place in Maple Ridge after six months. Ms. Brookes asked whehter Council
can say no to the Provincial and Federal Governments should constituents say no.
Mayor Read indicated that this will be a future discussion for Council. She outlined
the process which will be looked at during that discussion.
Council Minutes
September 8, 2015
Page 19 of 19
Rhonda Murray
Ms. Murray expressed that residents can appreciate problems with mental illness
and drug addictions. She questioned whether this is a provincial responsibility rather
than a municipal one. Her main concerns are that the temporary shelter was
designated, and will be opened, without public consultation, the negative impacts on
the downtown area of Maple Ridge and the movement of more persons onto Cliff
Avenue to replace people who have been provided with housing.
Ms. Murray also expressed concern that the open and transparent government
mandate in terms of the location of the temporary shelter was not adhered to and
that this type of facility will not be closed after six months.
Mayor Read addressed the question of open and transparent government. She
explained Council's need to move quickly on the issue in order to find a location
which fit BC Housing specifications. She acknowledged that this iss ue has been
downloaded onto the City and advised on work being done to work with the Provincial
and Federal Governments to resolve the issue. She advised that mitigation
strategies will be in place to control impact on the neighbourhood and that these
strategies will be followed up on by Council.
Matthew Bosco
Mr. Bosco addressed his question to the representatives of Frase r Health. He
referred to a bucket he had presented to the representatives containing drug use
material he found on school grounds. He expressed concern over used needles
being compared to rusty nails by the Fraser Health representative. He asked for a
plan to clean up needles.
Dr. Lem, Fraser Health, addressed concerns expressed by the public and Council.
Mayor Read expressed her concerns to Fraser Health about the large number of drug
use related materials such as used needles being found in the co mmunity and the
need to deal with the issue moving forward.
1700 ADJOURNMENT-10:48 p.m.
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
Corporate Officer