Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities
March 29–30, 2023
Sessions
Session 1 Wed, March 29, 2023 · 09:15 am–09:07 pm Watch
- Broadway Plan Implementation: Council debated a package of measures to advance the Broadway Plan, including a pace-of-change policy to manage renter displacement, amendments to reduce protected views to City Hall from nine to two, and False Creek Flats plan alignment. The overall motion was defeated after extended public hearing and debate spanning two days.
- Broadway Active Transportation Lanes: Staff presented three design options for protected cycling and rolling lanes on Broadway. Council directed staff to advance Option 1, which preserves the possibility of future active transportation lanes without committing to immediate construction, and to report back as part of the Broadway Corridor Streetscape Plan.
- West End Rezoning – Burrard Corridor: Council approved making permanent a previously time-limited policy allowing 100% secured rental housing with below-market units as an alternative to inclusionary social housing in the Burrard Corridor of the West End. The pilot had successfully delivered rental units since 2020.
- 2022 Statement of Financial Information: Council approved the City's 2022 financial statements for filing with the province, including auditor's report and council remuneration disclosure.
- 2023-24 BIA Budgets: Council approved budgets and recoverable grants totalling $17,419,920 for 22 Business Improvement Areas across the city.
- Liquor licence applications: Council endorsed six new or converted liquor licences: SWITCH (1339 Robson), Union Latino's (1149 Granville), Mount Pleasant Vintage (67 West 6th Ave), Osita (1728 Commercial Drive), Blind Tiger Dumplings (251 East Georgia), and Blood Alley Music Hall (23 West Cordova).
- 2022 Municipal Election Review: Council received a staff review of the October 2022 election for information, noting new initiatives including vote-by-mail expansion, more advance voting locations, and homebound voting pilot. Voter turnout held at the historic average of 36%.
- Water Works By-law – Decorative Fountain Exemptions: Council directed staff to explore potential by-law exemptions or temporary exceptions for decorative water fountains with health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain, and to report back by end of April 2023.
Session 2 Thu, March 30, 2023 · 02:30 pm–02:55 pm Watch
- Broadway Plan Implementation: Council received updates on plan progress and approved several policy measures including a Pace of Change Policy to manage redevelopment impacts on renters, amendments to View Protection Guidelines (reducing protected views to City Hall from nine to two), and amendments to the False Creek Flats Plan. Staff directed to return in Q4 2023 with a fixed development contributions policy. The standalone motion to adopt all recommendations as presented was defeated; an amended version incorporating additional reporting requirements was ultimately not adopted either.
- Broadway Active Transportation Lanes: Council directed staff to advance Option 1, a design that improves curb space for pedestrians, parking, and public space while preserving the possibility of adding active transportation lanes in the future, rather than immediately building protected bike/micro-mobility lanes. Staff to report back as part of the Broadway Corridor Streetscape Plan.
- West End Rezoning – Burrard Corridor: Council approved making permanent a previously time-limited pilot policy allowing 100% secured rental housing with below-market units as an option in the Burrard Corridor of the West End, updating both the Rezoning Policy and the West End Community Plan.
- 2022 Statement of Financial Information: Council approved filing the City's 2022 financial statements with the province as required by the Financial Information Act.
- 2023-24 BIA Budgets: Council approved recoverable grants totalling $17,419,920 to 22 Business Improvement Areas for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
- Six liquor licence applications: Council endorsed new or upgraded liquor licences for SWITCH (1339 Robson St), Union Latino's Restaurant (1149 Granville St), Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions (67 West 6th Ave), Osita (1728 Commercial Drive), Blind Tiger Dumplings (251 East Georgia St), and Blood Alley Music Hall (23 West Cordova St), each subject to capacity limits, hours conditions, acoustic reporting, and Good Neighbour Agreements.
- 2022 Municipal Election Review: Council received for information a review of the October 2022 municipal election, noting a 36% voter turnout consistent with historic averages, and new initiatives including expanded vote-by-mail and a homebound voting pilot.
- Water Works By-law – Decorative Fountain Exemptions: Council directed staff to explore potential by-law exemptions or exceptions for decorative water fountains in city parks with notable health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain, and to report back by end of April 2023.
Session 3 Thu, March 30, 2023 · 03:00 pm–10:00 pm Watch
- Broadway Plan Implementation: Council debated a package of implementation measures for the Broadway Plan, including a pace-of-change policy to limit the rate of redevelopment in existing apartment areas and protect current renters; amendments to View Protection Guidelines reducing protected City Hall views from nine to two; and amendments to the False Creek Flats Plan for consistency. The motion was defeated.
- Broadway Active Transportation Lanes: Staff brought three design options for adding protected bike and active transportation lanes to Broadway. The recommended Option 1 (preserve space for future lanes without building them now) was the subject of debate; Council approved advancing designs for Options 2 and 3 with public engagement and a report back in Q4 2023.
- West End Burrard Corridor Rental Housing: Council made permanent a previously time-limited pilot allowing 100% secured rental with below-market units as an alternative to inclusionary social housing in the West End's Burrard Corridor. The pilot had been successful in delivering rental and below-market rental units.
- 2022 Statement of Financial Information: Council approved filing the City's 2022 financial statements with the province, as required by the Financial Information Act.
- 2023-24 BIA Budgets: Council approved recoverable grants totalling $17,419,920 to 22 Business Improvement Areas for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
- Liquor licence approvals: Six new or upgraded liquor licences endorsed, covering SWITCH (1339 Robson), Union Latino's (1149 Granville), Mount Pleasant Vintage (67 West 6th Ave), Osita (1728 Commercial Drive), Blind Tiger Dumplings (251 East Georgia), and Blood Alley Music Hall (23 West Cordova).
- 2022 Municipal Election Review: Council received a staff review of the October 2022 election, noting new initiatives such as expanded vote-by-mail, homebound voting pilot, more advance voting locations, and translated materials; overall turnout held at the historic average of 36%.
- Water Works By-law Decorative Fountain Exemptions: Council directed staff to explore by-law exemptions or temporary exceptions for decorative water fountains with notable health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain, and report back by end of April 2023.
From official documents
- Broadway Plan Implementation: Council debated a package of measures to advance the Broadway Plan, including a pace-of-change policy to manage renter displacement, amendments to reduce protected views to City Hall from nine to two, and False Creek Flats plan alignment. The overall motion was defeated after extended public hearing and debate spanning two days.
- Broadway Active Transportation Lanes: Staff presented three design options for protected cycling and rolling lanes on Broadway. Council directed staff to advance Option 1, which preserves the possibility of future active transportation lanes without committing to immediate construction, and to report back as part of the Broadway Corridor Streetscape Plan.
- West End Rezoning – Burrard Corridor: Council approved making permanent a previously time-limited policy allowing 100% secured rental housing with below-market units as an alternative to inclusionary social housing in the Burrard Corridor of the West End. The pilot had successfully delivered rental units since 2020.
- 2022 Statement of Financial Information: Council approved the City's 2022 financial statements for filing with the province, including auditor's report and council remuneration disclosure.
- 2023-24 BIA Budgets: Council approved budgets and recoverable grants totalling $17,419,920 for 22 Business Improvement Areas across the city.
- Liquor licence applications: Council endorsed six new or converted liquor licences: SWITCH (1339 Robson), Union Latino's (1149 Granville), Mount Pleasant Vintage (67 West 6th Ave), Osita (1728 Commercial Drive), Blind Tiger Dumplings (251 East Georgia), and Blood Alley Music Hall (23 West Cordova).
- 2022 Municipal Election Review: Council received a staff review of the October 2022 election for information, noting new initiatives including vote-by-mail expansion, more advance voting locations, and homebound voting pilot. Voter turnout held at the historic average of 36%.
- Water Works By-law – Decorative Fountain Exemptions: Council directed staff to explore potential by-law exemptions or temporary exceptions for decorative water fountains with health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain, and to report back by end of April 2023.
Motions
2022 Statement of Financial Information
- Approved the 2022 Statement of Financial Information for filing with the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs under the Financial Information Act.
- Includes audited annual consolidated financial statements, schedules of debts, supplier payments, and remuneration and expenses for Council members.
Approval of 2023-24 BIA Budgets
- Approved recoverable grants totalling $17,419,920 to 22 Business Improvement Areas for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
- Grants are recovered through a special property tax levy on eligible commercial and industrial properties within each BIA boundary.
1339 Robson Street SWITCH Liquor Licence
1339 Robson Street- Endorsed a new Dual Licence (Liquor Primary, Class 3) for SWITCH at 1339 Robson Street, allowing up to 190 persons inside.
- Extended hours: 10 pm to 2 am Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm to 3 am Friday and Saturday.
- Conditions include a Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
1149 Granville Street Union Latino's Liquor Licence
1149 Granville Street- Endorsed a new Dual Licence (Liquor Primary, Class 2) for Union Latino's Restaurant at 1149 Granville Street, allowing up to 84 persons inside.
- Extended hours: 10 pm to 2 am Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm to 3 am Friday and Saturday.
- Conditions include a Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
Broadway Plan Implementation
Carried Details
- Proposed adopting a package of Broadway Plan implementation measures, including a Pace of Change Policy to cap the rate of rental apartment redevelopment; amendments to View Protection Guidelines reducing protected City Hall views from nine to two; False Creek Flats Plan amendments for consistency with the Broadway Plan; and directions to staff on fixed development contributions and upcoming zoning amendments.
- The Pace of Change Policy was intended to manage displacement risk for existing renters in apartment zones by limiting the number of active rezoning applications at any one time.
- View Protection Guideline amendments would have enabled more housing and job space near the Broadway Subway and Canada Line by removing seven of nine currently administered view corridors to City Hall.
- Speakers were divided: two spoke in support, ten in opposition, and two raised other aspects; opposition focused on renter displacement concerns and the pace of redevelopment.
- The motion was defeated.
West End Rezoning Burrard Corridor
Carried Details
- Made permanent a previously time-limited (2020-2022) pilot policy allowing 100% secured rental with below-market rental units as an alternative to inclusionary social housing in the West End Burrard Corridor (Areas D and E of the Rezoning Policy for the West End).
- The pilot had delivered a significant number of rental and below-market rental units before expiring December 31, 2022; staff recommended making it a standing option.
- Consequential amendments also approved to the West End Community Plan to align with the updated rezoning policy.
Broadway Active Transportation Lanes
Carried Details
- Staff presented three options for adding protected active transportation lanes to Broadway, as directed by Council's June 2022 Broadway Plan amendment committing to AAA-safe cycling infrastructure on Broadway.
- Option 1 (staff recommendation): reprioritize curb space for pedestrians and public realm, preserve the possibility of future active transportation lanes, no immediate bike lanes built.
- Option 2: reallocate curb lanes to active transportation lanes, limiting parking and loading; requires changes to station block designs coordinated with the Broadway Subway project.
- Option 3: reallocate curb and an additional travel lane, leaving one travel lane each direction; significantly reduces motor vehicle capacity and requires TransLink and regional approval.
- Council approved advancing designs for Options 2 and 3 (the alternatives), with public and stakeholder engagement, coordination with the Province on station blocks, interim designs for non-station blocks, and a final recommendation report back in Q4 2023.
67 West 6th Avenue Mount Pleasant Vintage Liquor Licence
67 West 6th Avenue Carried Details
- Endorsed a new Dual Licence (Liquor Primary, Class 2) for Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions at 67 West 6th Avenue, allowing up to 96 persons inside and 92 on an outdoor patio.
- Extended hours: 10 pm to 1 am Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturday; patio liquor service ends and patio vacated by 11 pm nightly; no patio music or entertainment.
- Conditions include a Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
1728 Commercial Drive Osita Liquor Licence
1728 Commercial Drive Carried Details
- Endorsed a new Liquor Primary licence (Class 2) for Osita at 1728 Commercial Drive, converting from an existing Food Primary licence, with up to 150 persons inside and a seasonal patio of 22 persons (transferred from interior capacity).
- Hours: 9 am to 1 am Sunday to Thursday, 9 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday; no patio music or entertainment.
- Existing Food Primary licence to be surrendered upon issuance of the new licence; conditions include Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
251 East Georgia Blind Tiger Dumplings Liquor Licence
251 East Georgia Street Carried Details
- Endorsed a new Dual Licence (Liquor Primary, Class 2) for Blind Tiger Dumplings at 251 East Georgia Street, allowing up to 95 persons inside and 5 on an outdoor patio.
- Extended hours: 10 pm to 1 am Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm to 2 am Friday and Saturday; patio liquor service ends and patio vacated by 11 pm nightly; no patio music or entertainment.
- Located in the Downtown Eastside under the Council policy lifting the Liquor Primary moratorium for existing Food Primary licensees seeking dual licensing; conditions include Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
23 West Cordova Blood Alley Music Hall Liquor Licence
23 West Cordova Street Carried Details
- Endorsed a new event-driven Liquor Primary licence (Liquor Establishment Venue) for Blood Alley Music Hall at 23 West Cordova Street (below grade), with a capacity of 598 persons.
- Liquor service is event-driven and only permitted in conjunction with pre-booked events; food service required while operating; standard hours 11 am to 1 am Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday for a minimum of six months.
- The venue is part of a new 10-storey mixed-use development retaining the heritage facade, with 142 dwelling units (80 social housing, 62 market rental) and cultural/recreational hall space; operations to be managed by Live Nation Canada and Siegel Entertainment.
- Conditions include a Time-Limited Development Permit, acoustic report, and Good Neighbour Agreement.
2022 Municipal Election Review Receipt
Carried Details
- Council received for information a staff review of the October 15, 2022 municipal election, with no recommendations requiring a decision.
- New initiatives in 2022 included expanded vote-by-mail (10,523 applications), a homebound voting pilot (50 participants), more advance voting locations (22, up from 12), translated materials in 10-plus languages, ASL on demand, and ballot numbering.
- Overall Vancouver voter turnout held at the historic average of 36%, higher than other large Metro Vancouver municipalities; report includes recommendations for the 2026 election.
Water Works By-law Decorative Fountain Exemptions
Carried Details
- Directed staff to explore potential by-law exemptions or temporary exceptions for decorative water fountains deemed to have notable health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain in the West End.
- Background: the City's Water Works By-law requires non-recirculating flow-through water features to be shut off as a water conservation measure, resulting in several park fountains being turned off; community members, particularly those near the adjacent seniors home, had called for the Bute Street fountain to be restored.
- Motion notes a perceived conflict between the Water Works By-law's conservation objectives and the City's Healthy City Strategy goals around public space, mental health, and social well-being.
- Staff directed to report back with recommendations for exemptions or exceptions no later than end of April 2023, including how to balance health benefits with water conservation until Park Board can upgrade features to recirculating systems.
Agenda documents (17)
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Broadway Plan Implementation
2. Broadway Active Transportation Lanes - Next Steps
3. West End Rezoning Policy: Secured Rental Housing Option in the Burrard Corridor
4. 2022 Statement of Financial Information
5. Approval of 2023-24 Business Improvement Area (BIA) Budgets
6. 1339 Robson Street – 1339 Robson Holdings Ltd (“SWITCH”) Dual Licence – Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment – Class 3
7. 67 West 6th Avenue – Turntable Hospitality Corporation (“Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions”) Dual Licence – Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment – Class 2
8. 1728 Commercial Drive – 1280646 B.C. Ltd (“Osita”) Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment – Class 2
9. 1149 Granville Street – Yorlenys Zuniga Morelo (“Union Latino’s Restaurant”) Dual Licence – Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment – Class 2
10. 251 East Georgia Street – Blind Tiger Hospitality Ltd (“Blind Tiger Dumplings”) Dual Licence – Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment – Class 2
11. 23 West Cordova Street – 1220123 B.C. Ltd. (“Blood Alley Music Hall”) Event-Drive Liquor Primary Licence Application Liquor Establishment (Venue)
12. 2022 Municipal Election Review
REFERRED ITEMS
13. Water Works By-law Exemptions and/or Viable Exceptions for Notable Decorative City Water Features (Motion B.2)
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Vote matrix
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Meiszner🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Ken Sim🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||
| Christine Boyle🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Adriane Carr🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lisa Dominato🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Pete Fry🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Sarah Kirby-Yung🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mike Klassen🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Brian Montague🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lenny Zhou🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Rebecca Bligh🥜 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lucy Maloney🥜 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sean Orr🥜 |