HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-07 Council Workshop Agenda and Reports.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2.MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of the October 17 and October 24, 2016 Council Workshop Meeting
3.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
4.MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
5.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Appeal of Remedial Action, 20841 McFarlane Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
Letter dated October 21, 2016 advising of an opportunity to make representation
to Council to dispute remedial action issued for property at 20841 McFarlane
Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
November 7, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Blaney Room, 1st Floor, City Hall
The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and
other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at
this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to
Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more
information or clarification. The meeting is live streamed and recorded by
the City of Maple Ridge.
REMINDERS
November 7, 2016
Closed Council cancelled
Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 p.m.
November 15, 2016
Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Council Workshop
November 7, 2016
Page 2 of 4
5.2 Brand Review – Preliminary Findings
Presentation by Michelle Custodio, Illuminata Marketing
5.3 Review of Transportation Issues –Speed Limits; Cycling on Sidewalks; Trucks on
Lougheed Highway through the Town Centre
Staff report dated November 7, 2016 providing information on transportation
issues relating to routing of trucks onto the Haney Bypass rather than along
Lougheed Highway, cycling on sidewalks and speed limits, specifically in the Town
Centre.
5.4 Information Update – Draft Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw
Staff report dated November 7, 2016 providing an update on the progress on
revisions being made to the Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
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 Metro Vancouver – Regional Affordable Housing Strategy
Letter dated June 29, 2016 from Greg Moore, Chair, Metro Vancouver, requesting
a decision on the endorsement of the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy.
6.2 Upcoming Events
November 9, 2016
2:00 p.m.
Regus Grand Opening – 22420 Dewdney Trunk Road
Organizer: Regus Canada
Council Workshop
November 7, 2016
Page 3 of 4
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: _________________
Council Workshop
November 7, 2016
Page 4 of 4
Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting
Section 90(1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered
relates to one or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an
officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour,
or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity;
(c) labour relations or employee negotiations;
(d) the security of property of the municipality;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure
might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of
an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
(h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality, other
than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that
purpose;
(j) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from
disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their
preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of
the municipality if they were held in public;
(l) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress
reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report]
(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting;
(n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of
subsection (2)
(o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings) should
be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
Section 90(2) A part of a council meeting must be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered
relates to one or more of the following:
(a) a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act , if the council is designated as head
of the local public body for the purposes of that Act in relation to the matter;
(b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the
municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial
government or the federal government or both and a third party;
(c) a matter that is being investigated under the Ombudsperson Act of which the municipality has been notified
under section 14 [Ombudsperson to notify authority] of that Act;
(d) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public must be excluded from the meeting;
(e) a review of a proposed final performance audit report for the purpose of providing comments to the auditor
general on the proposed report under section 23 (2) of the Auditor General for Local Government Act .
City of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
October 17, 2016
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on October 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in
the Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for
the purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor N. Read E.C. Swabey, Chief Administrative Officer
Councillor C. Bell K. Swift, General Manager of Community Development,
Councillor K. Duncan Parks and Recreation Services
Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor G Robson F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor T. Shymkiw Services
Councillor C. Speirs L. Darcus, Manager of Legislative Services
Other Staff as Required
S. Matthewson, Social Planning Analyst
W. McCormick, Director of Recreation & Community
Services
C. Carter, Director of Planning
B. Elliot, Manager of Community Planning
S. Murphy, Planner 2
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted as circulated.
2.MINUTES
2.1 Minutes of the October 3, 2016 Council Workshop Meeting
R/2016-465
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of October 3, 2016 be
adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
2.1
Council Workshop Minutes
October 17, 2016
Page 2 of 6
2.2 Minutes of Meetings of Committees and Commissions of Council
• Advisory Design Panel – September 13, 2016
• Public Art Steering Committee – June 28, 2016
R/2016-466
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Advisory Design Panel Meeting of September 13,
2016 and the Public Art Steering Committee Meeting of June 28, 2016 be
received.
CARRIED
2.3 Business Arising from Committee Minutes – Nil
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil
4. MAYOR’S AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
4.1 Union of British Columbia Municipalities Conference/Other
Council members provided individual reports on workshops, sessions and
discussions attended while at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Conference.
Councillor Speirs
Councillor Speirs attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
conference, a presentation by Maple Ridge Staff on homelessness and a
discussion on AirBNB.
Councillor Masse
Councillor Masse attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
conference. He and Mayor Read met with a father and son who will be
speaking at the Dialogue on Homelessness forum. He attended the opening
of Gold’s Gym in Port Coquitlam, several Community Dialogue on
Homelessness Committee meetings, the Community Fentanyl Forum and a
meeting with the Alouette River Management Society (“ARMS”). Councillor
Masse also attended the Ridge Meadows Hospital Society fundraiser.
Councillor Bell
Councillor Bell attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
conference. She also attended the Greg Moore Youth Centre’s 15th Year
Anniversary celebration and helped to raise funds for a youth wellness centre
through a Ball Drop fundraiser.
Council Workshop Minutes
October 17, 2016
Page 3 of 6
Councillor Robson
Councillor Robson attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
conference.
Councillor Shymkiw
Councillor Shymkiw attended sessions at the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities conference.
Mayor Read
Mayor Read attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference.
She participated in tours of City Hall for students, an interview with a high school
student on the homelessness situation and met the new Operations Officer for
the RCMP detachment. She attended meetings of the Metro Vancouver
Aboriginal Relations Committee, the Metro Vancouver Housing Committee and
the Mayors’ Council for Transportation. She also attended the last meeting of the
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission and the 15th
Year Anniversary celebration of the Greg Moore Youth Centre. She announced
that the City of Maple Ridge was given the Most Business Friendly and Most
Improved City Award by NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
Mayor Read presented at an Urban Development Institute (“UDI”) luncheon.
5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Harm Reduction Services in Maple Ridge
Presentation by Fraser Health – Dr. Helena Swinkels, Medical Health Officer
and Chris Buckner, Director, Population and Public Health
Staff report dated October 17, 2016 providing information on services offered
by the Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families and the ability
for the City of Maple Ridge to develop a needle exchange program policy.
The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation
Services introduced the topic. She reviewed the staff report.
Dr. Swinkels and Mr. Buckner gave a PowerPoint presentation providing the
following information:
• Explanation of the problems
• Illicit drug overdose death rate per 100,000, Maple Ridge and Fraser
Health, 2007-2016
• Age Distribution of Illicit OD deaths
Council Workshop Minutes
October 17, 2016
Page 4 of 6
• Percentage of illicit drug deaths in which fentanyl was detected
• Maple Ridge Emergency Department visits
• BC Ambulance Service Naloxone Interventions YTD in Maple Ridge
• Paths to drug abuse
• Responses
• Community partners and actions to date
• Information on fentanyl and responses to an overdose
5.2 Response to National Housing Strategy
Staff report dated October 17, 2016 recommending that the draft letter
attached as Appendix A be submitted as the City of Maple Ridge’s formal
response to the National Housing Strategy Let’s Talk Housing consultation.
R/2016-467
It was moved and seconded
That feedback provided by Council at the October 17, 2016 Council Workshop
Meeting be added to the draft letter attached as Appendix A in the report
dated October 17, 2016 entitled “Response to National Housing Strategy”,
and that the revised letter be submitted as the City of Maple Ridge’s formal
response to the National Housing Strategy Let’s Talk Housing consultation.
CARRIED
Councillor Shymkiw – OPPOSED
6. CORRESPONDENCE
6.1 Upcoming Events
October 18, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Briefing on a New Report – South Granville Seniors’ Centre
Organizer: Columbia Institute
October 20, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Community Dialogue on Homelessness, Session 1: The Who,
What, When and How of Homelessness – The ACT
Organizer: City of Maple Ridge
October 22, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Council of Councils – Pacific National Exhibition, 2901 E.
Hastings Street
Organizer: Metro Vancouver Board of Directors
October 23, 2016
11:00 a.m.
Return of the Salmon – Kanaka Creek at 240 Street
Organizer: Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership
Society
Council Workshop Minutes
October 17, 2016
Page 5 of 6
October 24, 2016
6:30 p.m.
Rental Housing Townhall with David Eby – St. James Community
Square, 3214 West 10th Avenue
Organizer: MLA David Eby
October 26, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Community Dialogue on Homelessness, Session 2:
Jurisdictional Matters – Challenges and Opportunities – The ACT
Organizer: City of Maple Ridge
October 30,2016
4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Night Fireworks Event – The ACT
Organizer: Parks & Leisure Services
November 3, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Community Dialogue on Homelessness, Session 3:
Understanding Mental Health and Addictions – The ACT
Organizer: City of Maple Ridge
November 9, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Community Dialogue on Homelessness, Session 4: Housing
Solutions – The ACT
Organizer: City of Maple Ridge
November 17,2016
9:30 a.m.
Leadership Workshop – Ramada Hotel, Abbotsford
Organizer: Fraser Valley Regional Library
November 17, 2016
11:30 a.m.
Economic Forum 2016 – Langley Events Centre
Organizer: Township of Langley
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 – Nil
Council Workshop Minutes
October 17, 2016
Page 6 of 6
9. NOTICE OF CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING
R/2016-468
It was moved and seconded
That the Council meeting immediately following this meeting be closed to the
public pursuant to Section 90(1) and 90 (2) of the Community Charter as the
subject matter being considered relates to the following:
1. The acquisition and disposition of land of which the council considers
that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of
the municipality.
2. Any other matter that may be brought before the Council that meets the
requirements for a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Sections 90
(1) and 90 (2) of the Community Charter or Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act.
CARRIED
10. ADJOURNMENT –
_______________________________
N. Read, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
L. Darcus, Corporate Officer
City of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
October 24, 2016
The Minutes of the City Council Workshop held on October 24, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in
the Blaney Room of City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for
the purpose of transacting regular City business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Councillor B. Masse F. Quinn, Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Councillor K. Duncan K. Swift, General Manager of Community Development,
Councillor G Robson Parks and Recreation Services
Councillor T. Shymkiw P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor C. Speirs L. Darcus, Manager of Legislative Services
Other staff as required
ABSENT D. Denton, Property & Risk Manager
Mayor N. Read C. Carter, Director of Planning
Councillor C. Bell A. Bowden, Planner 1
S. Murphy, Planner 2
B. Elliott, Manager of Community Planning
M. MacMilan, Youth Programmer, Recreation and
Community Services
Note: These Minutes are posted on the City Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted as circulated.
2.MINUTES – Nil
3.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL – Nil
2.1
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 2 of 7
4 MAYOR’S AND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Councillor Speirs
Councillor Speirs attended a retirement event for the RCMP Detachment
Operations Officer, the Local Voices event at the Maple Ridge Library, Golden
Harvest, the 15th Anniversary of the Greg Moore Youth Centre and the Ridge
Meadows Hospital Foundation Annual Gala. He attended meetings of the
Metro Vancouver Utility Committee and the Council of Councils and
participated in discussions with representatives from the Alouette River
Management Society on the topic of the Alouette fish passage. He visited
local live music venues.
Councillor Robson
Councillor Robson attended the 15th Anniversary of the Greg Moore Youth
Centre, a public presentation hosted by TransLink and a presentation
provided by the Social Policy Advisory Committee. He requested an update on
Alouette Home Start which was provided by the General Manager of
Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services.
Councillor Masse
Councillor Masse attended meetings of the Metro Vancouver Climate Action
Committee and the Council of Councils. He also attended the Dialogue on
Homelessness Forum.
Councillor Duncan
Councillor Duncan attended the Forward 2020 Launch, a School District No.
42 Board meeting and a Council of Councils meeting.
5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 City Lines of Insurance
Presentation by the Municipal Insurance Association
• Tom Barnes, Chief Executive Officer
The Property and Risk Manager introduced the Chief Executive Officer of the
Municipal Insurance Association.
Mr. Barnes reviewed the values of the Municipal Insurance Association and
provided an overview of the services provided by the Municipal Insurance
Association to municipalities. He addressed liability insurance for community
associations working under the control of a municipality.
Staff report dated October 24, 2016 providing information on the lines of
insurance purchased by the City of Maple Ridge.
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 3 of 7
No motion required
For information only
5.2 Auxiliary Constable Program
Staff report dated October 24, 2016 recommending that Option 3 (Tiered
Program) for the RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program be supported.
The General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services reviewed the staff
report.
R/2016-469
It was moved and seconded
That Council support Option 3 (Tiered Program) for the RCMP Auxiliary
Constable Program.
CARRIED
5.3 Council Policy 6.21 – Development Sign Policy Review
Staff report dated October 24, 2016 recommending draft Council Policy 6.21
– Development Sign Policy be received and be forwarded to the Development
Liaison Committee for review by the Urban Development Institute (UDI) and
the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders’ Association (GVHBA).
The Director of Planning introduced the topic and reviewed the staff report.
A. Bowden, Planner provided a PowerPoint presentation providing the
following information:
• Development Sign Purpose
• Background
• Current information required for development signs
• Requirements and sign templates of other communities
• Proposed changes to the current sign policy and template
R/2016-470
It was moved and seconded
That the attached draft Council Policy 6.21 – Development Sign Policy, dated
October 24, 2016 be received as information and be forwarded to the
Development Liaison Committee for review by the Urban Development
Institute (UDI) and the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders’ Association (GVHBA).
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 4 of 7
5.4 Housing Action Plan Implementation – Incentives for Rental Housing Options
Staff report dated October 24, 2016 recommending reports to be prepared on
incentives for rental housing as part of the Planning Department’s 2017 work
program.
The Director of Planning introduced the topic
S. Murphy, Planner gave a PowerPoint presentation providing the following
information:
• Background and context
• Other ongoing housing work
• Regional incentives
• Provincial and Federal Initiatives
• Outline of possible incentive projects for Maple Ridge
Council discussed the concerns of the federal, provincial and municipal
government jurisdictions and the role of government for addressing rental
housing.
R/2016-471
It was moved and seconded
1. That staff be directed to prepare reports on the following incentives for
rental housing as part of the Planning Department’s 2017 work
program:
a. Fast Tracking Applications
b. Reduce/Waive Development Cost Charges
c. Reduce/Waive Rezoning, Development Permit and Building Permit
Fees
d. Payment of Fees for Legal Documents
e. Detached Garden Suites Pilot Project
CARRIED
Councillor Robson, Councillor Shymkiw - OPPOSED
5.5 Youth Strategy Draft Report
Staff report dated October 24, 2016 recommending that the Youth Strategy
be endorsed and that staff be directed to provide a report which includes a
multi-year implementation plan.
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 5 of 7
The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation
Services introduced the topic.
The Youth Programmer, Recreation and Community Services, gave a
PowerPoint presentation providing the following information:
• An update on feedback from Council, School District No. 42 and
Planning staff
• City Roles
• Potential Partners
• Enhanced Implementation Plan
Note: Councillor Robson left the meeting at 12:07 p.m.
R/2016-472
It was moved and seconded
That the Youth Strategy be endorsed and that staff be directed to bring back a
report that includes a multi-year implementation plan for Council’s
consideration.
CARRIED
6. CORRESPONDENCE
6.1 Metro Vancouver, Consideration of the Five-Year Review of Metro Vancouver
2040: Shaping our Future, the Regional Growth Strategy
Letter dated August 11, 2016 from Greg Moore, Chair, Metro Vancouver
Board, seeking comments from affected local governments on the need for,
and scope of, a review of Metro 2040.
E-mail dated September 20, 2016 from Donna Davis, Parks, Planning and
Environmental Department, Metro Vancouver extending the deadline for
submissions on the need for, and scope of, a review of Metro 2040 to October
26, 2016.
The Director of Planning provided background information and an overview.
R/2016-473
It was moved and seconded
That staff advise Metro Vancouver that Maple Ridge Council recommends
no full review of Metro 2040 – Regional Growth Strategy at this time,
indicating, however, that concerns related to climate change issues were
raised.
CARRIED
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 6 of 7
6.2 Upcoming Events
October 27, 2016
11:30 a.m.
2016 Business Excellence Awards Nominees Luncheon – Pitt
Meadows Golf Club
Organizer: Chamber of Commerce
November 5, 2016
2:00 p.m.
Diwali Festival of Lights – Maple Ridge Library
Organizer: Fraser Valley Regional Library
November 11, 2016
10:45 a.m.
Remembrance Day Service – Memorial Peace Park
Organizer: The Royal Canadian Legion
November 25, 2016
1:00 p.m.
Opening of Blue Mountain Early Years Centre – Blue Mountain
Elementary School
Organizer: Ridge Meadows Early Childhood Development
Committee and School District No.42
December 8, 2016
6:00 p.m.
23rd Annual Labour Appreciation Night – Hilton Vancouver
Metrotown
Organizer: United Way of the Lower Mainland
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. NOTICE OF CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING
R/2016-474
It was moved and seconded
That the Council meeting immediately following this meeting be closed to the
public pursuant to Section 90(1) and 90 (2) of the Community Charter as the
subject matter being considered relates to the following:
Council Workshop Minutes
October 24, 2016
Page 7 of 7
1. The acquisition of land or improvements of which council considers that
disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the
municipality; and
2. Any other matter that may be brought before the Council that meets the
requirements for a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Sections 90
(1) and 90 (2) of the Community Charter or Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act.
CARRIED
9. ADJOURNMENT – 12:25 p.m.
_______________________________
B. Masse, Acting Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
L. Darcus, Corporate Officer
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy ActSection 22(1)(Severed portions are shaded)5.1
To the Attention of Barb Melnyk:
This is to serve notice that I am contesting the order of September 29/16.
Freedom of Information &
Protection of Privacy Act
Section 22(1)
(Severed portions are shaded)
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy ActSection 22(1)(Severed portions are shaded)
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy ActSection 22(1)(Severed portions are shaded)
5.2 Brand Review – Preliminary Findings
Presentation by Michelle Custodio, Illuminata Marketing
5.2
City of Maple Ridge
TO: Her Worship Mayor Nicole Read MEETING DATE: November 7, 2016
and Members of Council FILE NO: 16-8310-01
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Review of Transportation Issues - Speed Limits; Cycling on Sidewalks; Trucks on
Lougheed Highway through the Town Centre
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Transportation and traffic management is a challenging issue as it relies not only on technical
rationale but it brings in the variable of human behaviour, both on the individual scale and as a
larger group. Council has expressed interest in considering a number of traffic related topics that
are included in this report:
Routing truck traffic onto the Haney Bypass rather than along Lougheed Highway
Cycling on sidewalks
Speed limits, specifically in the Town Centre
Modifications to truck traffic on any road in the City is subject to TransLink approval and there is a
defined process in place that includes the development of a business case, stakeholder consultation
(requiring 100% support from all stakeholders), a technical review by TransLink before sending the
request for approval to the TransLink Board and the potential for success is unknown.
The adoption in 2010 of the amended Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 6704-2009 allows
for cyclists to ride on City sidewalks and was done so with the support of the local bicycle advocacy
group. The intent of the provision was to allow residents to ride on the sidewalks along busy
roadways in a manner that was respectful to pedestrians and other road users although recent
behaviours may have eroded that goal. Given the volume of vehicular traffic, especially in east-west
directions, one can expect cyclists to continue to utilize sidewalks until appropriate cycling facilities
are in place regardless of whether it is permitted in a bylaw or not.
The default speed limit within a municipality is set at 50 km/h in the Motor Vehicle Act, although
there is a provision for cities to set the speed limit higher or lower; any roadway with a speed limit
different from that established must be signed at all interfaces between the two speeds, so each
intersection on and off the specific roadway as well as the terminus of the speed zone. A literature
review indicated that where lower speed limits have been established it has not been supported by
technical analysis. Council has expressed an interest in reviewing the speed limits in the Downtown.
The City of Victoria is the closest location where lower speed limits have been implemented on a
larger basis and their findings are that there has been marginal reductions in speed - approximately
2%; collision rates are largely unchanged, and appear to have increased for pedestrians and cyclists;
and the transit service has been reportedly impacted.
5.3
RECOMMENDATION:
This report is for information.
DISCUSSION:
a) Background Context:
There are a number of transportation related issues for which Council has requested
information, namely:
Routing truck traffic onto the Haney Bypass rather than along Lougheed Highway
Cycling on sidewalks
Speed limits, specifically in the Town Centre
Routing of Trucks onto Haney Bypass
At the July 26, 2016 Council Meeting, Motion R/2016-356 was passed:
That staff provide a report on the options for requiring truck traffic to utilize the Haney
Bypass from 222 Street and the Lougheed Highway to the west and from the intersection at
the Haney Bypass and Lougheed Highway to the east.
The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (SCBCTA) is a provincial authority
purposed to provide a regional transportation system that moves people and goods, and
supports the Regional Growth Strategy, provincial and regional environmental objectives and the
economic development of the transportation service region.
Part 2; Section 21 (2) of the SCBCTA Act addresses the limits of municipal authority and states:
Despite the Community Charter, the Vancouver Charter or any other enactment but subject
to subsection (3) of this section, a municipality must not, without the approval of the
authority, take, authorize or permit any action that would prohibit the movement of trucks on
all or any part of a highway in the transportation service region.
The City contacted TransLink and they confirmed that approval from the TransLink Board is
necessary should a municipality seek to restrict trucks on any road in the municipal network,
regardless of whether or not it is on the Major Road Network. TransLink provided a process flow
chart, appended to this report that outlines the process that a municipality mus t follow should
they seek to restrict truck traffic.
The review process requires an initial motion from Council outlining the request along with a
business case that addresses issues such as:
justification
traffic volumes and travel times
impacts on adjacent routes
emergency access
other transportation modes
current and future land uses, and
the net impact of factors such as greenhouse gas emission, noise etc.
The municipality must also undertake stakeholder consultation, and obtain support from all of
the following: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI); Port Metro Vancouver;
Vancouver Airport; BC Trucking Association; Greater Vancouver Gateway Council; Metro
Vancouver, as well as adjacent municipalities (if valid).
In response to the business case, TransLink would prepare a technical report and undertake a
legal review before preparing a staff report for Executive Review before submitting to the
TransLink Board for review and final approval.
It was noted by TransLink staff that the last truck route request was submitted by the City of New
Westminster in 2014 but was not approved by the TransLink Board.
Should Council seek to pursue the reallocation of trucks on to the Haney Bypass , a Council
resolution requesting such would be the initial step before then commencing the development of
the business case and public consultation and ultimate request to the TransLink Board.
Cycling on Sidewalks
There are two sections of the Motor Vehicle Act that pertain to cycling on sidewalks:
Section 183:
(2)(a): A person operating a cycle must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a bylaw
made under Section 124 or otherwise directed by a sign,
(14)(b) A person must not operate a cycle on a sidewalk without due care and attention or
without reasonable consideration for other persons using the sidewalk.
Section 124:
(1)The council of a municipality may, by bylaw not inconsistent with or derogatory to this
Part, provide for the following:
(b) the regulation, control or prohibition of pedestrian traffic, ridden or herded animals,
vehicular traffic and traffic by other conveyances, either singly or together, or sidewalks,
walkways or boulevards, or in or on lanes or ways separating the rear property lines of
parcels of land fronting on highways running more or less parallel to and on each side of the
lanes or ways, and at intersections of the lanes or ways with each other or with highways;
(v) the use, in places, under conditions and in circumstances specified by the bylaw, of
sidewalks and crosswalks by persons riding cycles.
Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 6704-2009 was adopted in January 2010, Section
11.1 of which states:
A person on cycles, roller skates, a skateboard or other means of transportation, shall not
ride without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons
using a sidewalk, footpath or walkway.
Though public consultation on the proposed bylaw amendments in 2009-10, the then Maple
Ridge / Pitt Meadows Chapter of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) supported allowing
cyclists on sidewalks stating “The VACC strongly urges the District to allow cyclists on the
sidewalks on Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway, including those sections that are in
the Town Centre.”
In a 2013 email, the former head of the RCMP Traffic Services noted his understanding that “this
bylaw was enacted to protect vulnerable road users such as children cycling to school with a
safer option. With our east/west corridors becoming so congested with commuters, this bylaw
was for the greater good of the community and the safety of our biggest asset, our children,” and
he notes that for those cyclists that choose to abuse this right there are several infractions for
police to address the situation.
In preparing this report staff discussed cycling on sidewalks with the current local RCMP Traffic
Services and the member noted that the likelihood of securing a conviction in Court on a charge
of riding without due care and attention is extremely low – around 5%.
A review of other municipalities in the Lower Mainland was undertaken to determine if any
permitted cycling on sidewalks and it was found that only New Westminster has a similar bylaw
that lists nine locations where cycling on sidewalks is not permitted.
Based upon the review of correspondence from when the bylaw was amended in 2009-10 it
would appear that the intent of permitting cycles on the sidewalk was to encourage participation
in cycling and provide an option other than riding on busy streets which can be a disincentive for
many residents who would wish to use their bicycles but lack confidence. Given the comments
by the former RCMP Traffic Services Supervisor, there is agreement that there will still be
residents riding on sidewalks irrespective of whether a bylaw permits it or not. The City is
investing considerable funds in providing cycling facilities across the City but given the limited
east/west corridors it will remain a challenge to build a comprehensive bicycle network.
Speed Limits, Specifically in the Town Centre
The topic of speed limits was one of several transportation re lated matters presented at the
Council Workshop on November 02, 2015.
Section 146 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) establishes the speed limit in municipalities at 50
km/h and 80 km/h on a highway outside a municipality. Through Sections 146(6) & 146(7)
municipalities do have the ability to post speeds greater or less than those stated in Section
146(1) but there is a requirement to erect signage on those specific streets with speed limits
other than the standard 50 km/h and 80 km/h. Signage is required at all interfaces on and off
the designated streets with varied speed limits.
At the Workshop presentation in November 02, 2015, staff presented the findings from a
literature review of studies and pilot projects in municipalities across the Country and it was
noted that there were examples of lower speed limits having been set in cities in BC and across
Canada albeit with limited success. The most recent BC example has been in Victoria, on
Vancouver Island where in 2014 the City Council decided to reduce the speed limit in an area
around the James Bay area, although not supported by the technical analysis. This is
overwhelmingly the case across Canada wherein the technical analysis does not support an
artificial lowering of the speed limits.
The City of Victoria has recently undertaken a review of the area where the speed limits were
reduced and the general findings are stated thus:
The introduction of lower speed limits has had a minor impact on actual vehicle speeds,
noting a decrease of approximately 2% with average speeds still above posted limits.
Collision rates remain close to pre-installation levels, and actually indicate a slight
increase for pedestrians and cyclists.
The transit authority has stated that the lower limits make it difficult to ensure the buses
stay on schedule and has written to the City expressing their concerns, especially around
routes that are part of the frequent transit network.
The City of Victoria is continuing to evaluate the performance of the portions of the road
network where speed limits have been reduced.
General findings from the literature review indicate that the physical environment is the key
factor in determining the appropriate travel speed. From a local perspective this is reflected in
the measured speeds on 224 Street between Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road
where the 85th percentile speed over a seven day period is 37.4 km/h, reducing to 34.6 km/h
between the hours of 9 AM to 6 PM. For comparison, the section of Lougheed highway east of
227 Street where there is a wider, less obstructed cross-section had a measured 85th percentile
speed of 57.2 km/h over a seven day period, dropping to 54.7 km/h between 9 AM and 6 PM.
Speed data for these areas and other streets has been collected throughout the Town Centre
and a map is appended to this report stating the 85 th percentile speed (defined as the speed at
or below which 85% of all vehicles travel at).
Another stated concern regarding implementing lower speed limits without adjusting the physical
environment is the variability in range of vehicle speeds because a proportion of drivers will drive
at the posted speed limit while others will not, resulting in unbalanced traffic flow which may
result in higher accident rates.
Cyclists are another vulnerable sector of road users and the City is committed to providing
improved cycling infrastructure and has implemented an ongoing funding program. The former
Bicycling Advisory Committee developed a City-wide cycling network that has been adopted into
the Strategic Transportation Plan. In the Town Centre area, Dewdney Trunk Road and Lou gheed
Highway are not designated cycle routes – the parallel corridors of Brown Avenue and North
Avenue respectively are noted as designated routes.
The City’s road network has a strong north-south component but there are limited corridors for
transiting east and west, which is the major desire line for the majority of residents whether it be
for work or pleasure.
Based upon the foregoing, the lowering of speed limits on specific roadways is not supported
from a professional engineering practice or technical analysis perspective.
b) Strategic Alignment:
Council has espoused the development of a truly multi-modal transportation system rather than
depending upon the single occupancy vehicle and is committed to ensuring the safety of all road
users whether they be pedestrians, cyclists, transit users or automobile users. The Financial
Plan includes ongoing program funding to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities as well
supporting transit.
c) Citizen/Customer Implications:
Continued growth will provide challenges to all residents when it comes to moving through the
City as well as across the Region. The goal is to provide a truly multi -modal transportation
system that reduces the reliance on automobiles but provides dependable transportation
options.
d) Interdepartmental Implications:
The Engineering Department works continuously with the Bylaws Department and RCMP
Detachment to identify and address issues related to transportation and parking.
e) Business Plan/Financial Implications:
There is no current allocation of resources to pursue any of the matters discussed in this report
and should Council decide to pursue any or all, then staff would review the implications for the
Business Plan as well as any financial implications.
f) Policy Implications:
Should Council elect to pursue the speed and/or cycling matters discussed in this report it would
require the amending of the Highway and Traffic Bylaw.
g) Alternatives:
Council may elect not to amend any or all of the matters identified in this report.
CONCLUSIONS:
Traffic and transportation are complex topics as they do not rely solely upon the evaluation of
technical information but draw in the variable of human behaviour. In relation to the moving of truck
traffic from the Lougheed Highway to the Haney Bypass there is an application process to the
TransLink Board, although it requires considerable effort to compile the business case and the
potential of success is unknown. The regulation of cycling on sidewalks is challenging in that the City
is seeking to increase citizen participation but still in the process of constructing a comprehensive
network of cycling facilities and in reality there will always be some people that will utilize the
sidewalk rather than the roadway for safety or convenience. Vehicle speed is another challenge –
speed limits are consistently applied across the Province but drivers still operate their vehicles in
excess of the posted speed. Driver behaviour is found to be more influenced by the form of the
physical environment rather than the posting of slower speed limits.
“Original signed by David Pollock”
Prepared by: David Pollock, PEng.
Municipal Engineer
“Original signed by Frank Quinn”
Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, PEng.
General Manager: Public Works & Development Services
“Original signed by E.C. Swabey”
Concurrence: E.C. Swabey
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Maple Ridge
TO: Her Worship Mayor Nicole Read MEETING DATE: November 7, 2016
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Information Update – DRAFT Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Planning Department is in the final stages of completing the revised Maple Ridge Zoning
Bylaw and wish to provide Council an update on the progress. Much work has been completed to
improve the look, ease of use and content of the bylaw from past versions. A recently retired
senior planning technician from the Planning Department has been retained part-time to work
with the Manager of Development and Environmental Services to complete the bylaw revisions for
the spring of 2017. Moving the bylaw forward as one entire project has proven difficult given
heavy development workloads, limited staff resources and new and competing priorities.
Therefore, it was decided to incrementally move elements of the new Zoning Bylaw forward as
applications are received, opportunities arise and Council priorities dictate. The following
provisions of the Zoning Bylaw have been updated recently: enlarged use of secondary suites in
residential zones; increased building heights for residential zones; new fence provisions;
prohibition of certain uses such as payday loans and shipping containers and various text
amendments.
There is also work currently underway on Council priority items such as: enlarged home
occupation uses; new duplex, triplex and four-plexes provisions; and additional secondary suite
and garden suite regulations and rental housing above commercial uses. In addition, new Council
initiatives may also trigger additional Zoning Bylaw amendments in the near future pertaining to
the implementation of the: Housing Action Plan; Agricultural Plan; Environmental Management
Strategy; Commercial Industrial Strategy; the Suburban / Estate Suburban Review and the
Hammond Area Plan implementation.
From its inception, the goal of the Zoning Bylaw review has been to achieve an updated Zoning Bylaw
that:
Aligns with current regulatory language, Provincial legislation and policies in the Official
Community Plan;
Identifies and resolves issues/concerns raised by the public, the development community
and City Departments;
Responds to new market trends and the City’s sustainability goals and vision; and
Improves consistency and format to result in a Zoning Bylaw that is user-friendly, easily
interpreted, enforceable and effective in regulating land use in the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
For information only.
5.4
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BACKGROUND:
A Zoning Bylaw is, by its very nature, a complicated document being both regulatory in nature, rich in
detail and extensive in length. The bylaw’s impact is significant; influencing directly the form our
community takes and the opportunities, activities and land uses permitted. The Zoning Bylaw is
essentially the engine that powers and gives form to the vision outlined in the Official Community
Plan. Given these characteristics, the Zoning Bylaw should be described as a living document. As a
living document it must remain both relevant and flexible enough to respond to new initiatives by
Council, the community and other interested parties. Therefore, a Zoning Bylaw is never truly
complete or finished. It can be expected that challenges to provisions of the Zoning Bylaw will
continue to occur. In fact, provincial legislation that governs municipal legislation empowers such
actions via: Development Variance Permits; Board of Variance appeals and court challenges. It
should also be expected that normal housekeeping amendments to the Zoning Bylaw will be
required to keep the bylaw relevant. Council initiatives, as described above, are also examples of
positive change that will impact the drafting of the bylaw.
The City has had three comprehensive Zoning Bylaws since the early 1960s, each of which acted as
a foundation for the next and introduced new components that were relevant at that time. Zoning
Bylaws are technical and “organic “in nature (i.e. always evolving or reacting to new trends &
policies) and are expected to ensure consistency for implementation. The City’s current Zoning Bylaw
is no exception to this and has been amended innumerable times since 1985. However, a review of
the current Zoning Bylaw is necessary to continue ensuring the bylaw’s usefulness and relevancy.
DISCUSSION:
In 2015, during business planning Council confirmed support for the “Zoning Bylaw Review”. The
Planning Department is in the final stages of the review with the following work having been
completed:
Early efforts focussed on important background work such as: information gathering;
research of issues and problem identification; coordinating with other departments for their
specific areas of concern; tracking historical bylaw revisions; looking at various alternative
bylaw formats; testing other formats as examples and identifying key deficiencies and
inconsistencies. This ground work was accomplished internally with existing resources to
streamline the review process.
A consultant was hired to assist staff in revising the bylaw and aligning it to Council’s vision
and priorities. In general, the scope of the review included the following: identification of
issues, concerns and discrepancies; reformatting for ease of use and language; review of all
zones and definitions for consistency and modernization; introduction of more graphics and
illustrations to improve ease of use and understanding; introduction of new provisions that
reflect the goals and objectives of Council and the Official Community Plan.
Countless staff meetings, formal joint departmental working group meetings, and a number
of technical and workshop sessions were held with developer representatives. (The City is
extremely grateful to those parties and individuals identified in Schedule A for contributing
there time ad efforts to achieve a revised zoning bylaw. They provided both useful feedback
and constructive input some of which has already been implemented such as the adoption of
a uniform 11 metre building height for single family dwellings to reduce the number of
Development Variance Permits requested).
Consultation sessions were held with the public, developer’s representatives, and Council.
- 3 -
An initial legal review to ensure the amended draft Zoning Bylaw is enforceable has been
completed.
CONCLUSION:
The importance of a clear, concise, legally enforceable and user-friendly Zoning Bylaw is the goal of
this review. The Zoning Bylaw Review is a significant piece of work that requires consistent, steady
and careful review. Work continues to fine tune, update and coordinate the draft bylaw with
Council’s goals and objectives in mind. The bylaw is now in its final form but is still in need of
refinement and examination by senior staff prior to presentation to Council. What remains is a “fine
tooth combing” of the bylaw to ensure consistency and accuracy of all the provisions.
To complete the bylaw a recently retired Planning Department senior technician has been retained to
work with the Manager of Development and Environmental Services to implement the latest staff
revisions. A final legal review will then take place prior to first reading of the bylaw. It is anticipated
that the bylaw will be ready for first reading in the first quarter of 2017 as projected in the Planning
Department’s 2017-2021 Business Plan.
“Original signed by Chuck Goddard”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: Charles R. Goddard BA MA
Manager of Development and Environmental Services
“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 E.C. Swabey”
_______________________________________________
Concurrence: E.C. Swabey
Chief Administrative Officer
The following appendices are attached hereto:
Appendix A – List of Stakeholders
APPENDIX A