Council Meeting
April 25, 2023 · 10:30 am
Summary
- Accessibility Strategy update: Council approved Terms of Reference for a new Accessibility Committee required under the BC Accessibility Act, with at least 50% of seats for people with lived experience of disability and minimum two seats for Indigenous people with disabilities; staff directed to implement the committee.
- 2023 property tax distribution: Council set the general purpose tax levy split at approximately 57% residential and 43% non-residential for 2023.
- Water works decorative fountains: Council chose the staff-recommended option to keep non-recirculating decorative park fountains off pending a condition assessment report, rather than pursuing by-law exemptions to turn them on for summer 2023.
- Fraser Street rezoning enacted: By-law enacted for 4408-4488 Fraser Street and 707-709 East 29th Avenue, rezoning the site to CD-1 for mixed-use development including multiple dwelling and commercial uses.
- Housing agreements enacted for multiple sites including 512 West King Edward Avenue and three buildings at 500-650 West 57th Avenue (Langara Gardens).
- Inter-municipal ride-hailing (TNS) business licence scheme expanded to include Hope, Kent, and Mission; related by-laws enacted.
- Form of development approved for 319-359 West 49th Avenue and 180 East 35th Avenue.
- Budget resolution approved.
- Land use document amendments (minor and miscellaneous) approved.
- Pedestrian scramble crossing trial approved: staff directed to pilot diagonal pedestrian crossings at select intersections in Vancouver.
- Cornwall Avenue safety measures: motion carried directing staff to take action to protect people cycling and walking on Cornwall Avenue.
- Oak Park designated as permanent public park to enable Marpole Community Centre and outdoor pool construction to proceed.
- Kerrisdale Park/Point Grey Secondary School track and field licence agreement approved between Park Board and Vancouver School Board to enable track upgrades.
- Disaster risk reduction funding application endorsed: up to $2,008,010 sought from UBCM for three climate resilience projects.
- Vancouver Heritage Foundation 2022 Annual Report approved; operating grant of $143,586 approved for 2023.
- 2022 property tax exemptions report received for information.
- Changes to 2023 meeting schedule adopted on consent (business licence hearing start times changed; May 11 public hearing cancelled).
Minutes approved
- April 11 2023
- April 12 2023
- Public Hearing April 13 2023
Motions
2022 Property Tax Exemptions
- In 2022, $56.2 billion worth of Vancouver properties (11% of the Assessment Roll) were exempt from property taxes, resulting in $237 million in forgone general purpose tax revenue.
- Forgone taxes were partially offset by $31.7 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes (PILTs) from federal and provincial governments; the remaining uncollected taxes are redistributed to other taxable properties.
- There are two types of exemptions: statutory exemptions (automatically applied by legislation to properties like Crown lands, churches, hospitals, schools, and charities) and permissive exemptions (granted at Council's discretion for specific goals such as heritage conservation).
- The City's policy limits permissive exemptions primarily to heritage properties approved under the Heritage Building Rehabilitation Program (expired 2015), preferring to support nonprofits through grants rather than tax exemptions.
- For City-owned properties leased to commercial tenants, lease payments are set to equalize the tax burden compared to privately owned properties, ensuring fairness among tenants.
- The Director of Finance recommends Council receive this annual report for information, as required under Section 219 of the Vancouver Charter.
Vancouver Heritage Foundation Annual Report 2022
- Council is asked to approve the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's (VHF) 2022 Annual Report and release $143,586 in operating grant funding for 2023, the first year of a three-year operating agreement (2023–2025).
- In 2022, VHF delivered 25 lectures and workshops, 15 in-person walking tours, and a virtual Heritage House Tour, resuming many in-person programs after pandemic-related interruptions.
- VHF administered Heritage Conservation Grants to 51 applicants and distributed Heritage Energy Retrofit Grants to 20 homeowners, achieving an estimated annual reduction of 95.35 tonnes of GHG emissions with long-term projected savings of roughly 2,002 tonnes over 21 years.
- New initiatives in 2022 included a redesigned Heritage Site Finder tool, an updated Heritage Study Guide for schools, a refreshed True Colours historic paint palette in partnership with Sherwin-Williams, and reconciliation-focused programming in collaboration with local First Nations.
- VHF celebrated its 30th anniversary with a fundraising gala at Heritage Hall and premiered a documentary film reflecting on the organization's legacy and impact.
- Staff recommend approval, noting the annual report fulfils the conditions required under VHF's operating agreement before operating funds can be released.
Kerrisdale Park Track Field Licence Agreement
Kerrisdale Park and Point Grey Secondary School- The Park Board is seeking Council approval of a new licence agreement with the Vancouver School Board (VSB) to enable upgrades to the shared track and field facility at Kerrisdale Park and Point Grey Secondary School, estimated to cost $4.25 million.
- The original licence agreement between the Park Board and VSB dates to 2005; the proposed new agreement expands the licensed area to accommodate the upgraded and enlarged track and field footprint.
- Council is asked to formally designate the expanded ("New Licence Area") portion of VSB land as under the custody, care, and management of the Park Board, which is required for the Park Board to legally use Development Cost Levies (DCLs) to fund improvements on that land.
- Under the arrangement, the VSB will have priority use of the track during school hours and for school events, while the Park Board will manage community and organized sports access outside of school hours.
- The Park Board will bear full responsibility for the installation and ongoing maintenance of the upgraded facilities; construction is targeted to begin in winter 2023 with completion expected before end of 2024.
- The upgrades align with the Park Board's Vancouver Track and Field Strategy (approved 2019), which identified this facility as a priority, and funding has been allocated through the 2019–2022 Capital Plan.
Disaster Risk Reduction Funding Application
- The City applied to the Union of BC Municipalities' Disaster Risk Reduction–Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) program for up to $2,008,010 in provincial grant funding, covering 100% of eligible project costs with no required City contribution.
- Three projects are proposed: a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment of Vancouver's English Bay shoreline and park assets ($118,000); a flood preparedness warning tool for the West Southlands neighbourhood near Musqueam Creek ($90,010); and remediation of deteriorating Oak Street and Fraser Street sewer outfalls along the Fraser River, including new tide gates to reduce flood risk ($1,800,000).
- The Musqueam Creek tool builds on joint work with the Musqueam Indian Band following the 2021 atmospheric river flooding event, and will help both the City and the Band plan future flood mitigation.
- The Oak/Fraser Street outfall work addresses infrastructure identified in 2020 as in very poor condition; structural failures and blockages have been increasing the frequency of local flooding.
- If approved, grant funds would be added to the 2023–26 Capital Plan, freeing up existing City capital to advance additional projects under the Climate Emergency Action Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
- Staff recommend Council endorse the application; a previous DRR-CA application in 2022 was successful, netting the City $975,000 for similar climate-resilience work.
Oak Park Permanent Public Park Designation
Oak Park- Council is asked to formally designate two previously undesignated parcels within Oak Park as permanent public park under the Vancouver Charter, ensuring the entire consolidated park site has protected status.
- The designation is a prerequisite for a development permit condition that requires consolidating Oak Park's five existing legal parcels into a single parcel before construction can begin on the new Marpole Community Centre, Child Care facility, and Outdoor Pool.
- The new facility will replace a 70-year-old community centre and parks field house, and add a dedicated 74-space child care centre and outdoor pool, with construction targeted for Summer 2023.
- Three of the five parcels were already designated permanent public park by Council in 1981; the two remaining parcels were identified during a broader 2022 City-wide parkland inventory and review.
- Permanent public park designation gives the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation exclusive jurisdiction and control over the land, providing stronger long-term protection against non-park uses.
- There are no financial implications associated with the designation itself.
Accessibility Strategy Implementation Update
Carried Details
- Staff recommend Council approve Terms of Reference for a new standing Accessibility Committee and direct staff to establish it, as required by BC's Accessible British Columbia Act (2021).
- The proposed committee would reserve at least 50% of seats for people with lived experience of disability, include a minimum of two seats for Indigenous people with disabilities, and include representatives from the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee and the Older Persons and Elders Advisory Committee.
- The new committee would replace the existing Accessibility Task Force and serve as the primary advisory body for the City's Accessibility Strategy, helping to identify, remove, and prevent barriers.
- The City also plans to build a public online feedback tool by Q1 2024, allowing residents to report accessibility barriers at City facilities and track when issues are resolved; in the interim, feedback can be submitted via 311.
- Phase 2 of the Accessibility Strategy — involving broader community consultation with persons with disabilities and a prioritization exercise — is underway and will be brought to Council in Q1 2024.
- The report also responds to two prior Council directions: an employment practices audit examining accessibility for City staff (noting current HR databases do not capture disability demographics), and a facilities audit action plan to assess accessibility of all City-owned assets.
2023 Property Tax Distribution
Carried Details
- Council was asked to approve the distribution of the 2023 general purpose property tax levy, splitting it approximately 57% residential and 43% non-residential — consistent with long-standing City policy.
- The total general purpose tax levy for 2023 is approximately $1.072 billion, as approved in the 2023 Operating Budget of $1.97 billion passed in February 2023.
- The overall tax levy increased by $113.8 million (11.9%) compared to 2022, driven primarily by a $104.1 million approved tax increase and $10.1 million from new construction and other non-market changes.
- Rising property values do not automatically increase City tax revenue; rates are adjusted each year to remain "revenue neutral" relative to assessment changes, with the tax share set by Council policy rather than market forces.
- For a property valued at $1 million, the 2023 general purpose tax levy is approximately $1,631 for residential properties (Class 1) and $4,948 for business properties (Class 6), reflecting a $158 and $479 increase respectively over 2022.
- The Director of Finance recommended the approach, noting recent measures such as the pilot Development Potential Relief Program and 5-year land assessment averaging for residential, light industrial, and business properties to help manage tax impacts.
Water Works By-law Decorative Fountains
Carried Details
- Council chose the staff-recommended option (Recommendation A) to keep non-compliant non-recirculating decorative park fountains off, pending results of the Water Assets Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation Planning report expected in Q3 2023, rather than proceeding with by-law exemptions to operate them for summer 2023.
- Non-recirculating fountains are currently prohibited under the Water Works By-law and Drinking Water Conservation By-law; exemptions would have required by-law amendments.
Enact By-law CD-1 Fraser Street
4408-4488 Fraser Street and 707-709 East 29th Avenue Carried Details
- By-law enacted rezoning 4408-4488 Fraser Street and 707-709 East 29th Avenue to CD-1 (850), permitting mixed-use development including multiple dwelling, retail, office, and service uses, with maximum floor space ratio of 3.65 and building height of 21.6 m; at least 35% of units must be family-suitable with two or more bedrooms.
Enact By-law Liquor on City Land
Carried Details
- By-law enacted amending the City Land Regulation By-law to designate certain public places where liquor may be consumed, implementing the 2023 Alcohol Consumption in Public Plazas Program.
Enact By-law Zoning Miscellaneous Amendments
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making miscellaneous amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575.
Enact By-law DTES Oppenheimer ODP Housekeeping
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to the Downtown Eastside/Oppenheimer Official Development Plan By-law No. 5532.
Enact By-law Sewer Watercourse Housekeeping
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to the Sewer and Watercourse By-law No. 8093.
Enact By-law Water Works Housekeeping
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to the Water Works By-law No. 4848.
Enact By-law Sign By-law Housekeeping
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to Sign By-law No. 11879.
Enact By-law Sign Fee Housekeeping
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to Sign Fee By-law No. 11880.
Enact By-law Zoning Housekeeping Amendments
Carried Details
- By-law enacted making housekeeping amendments to Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575.
Enact Housing Agreement 512 West King Edward
512 West King Edward Avenue Carried Details
- Housing agreement by-law enacted for 512 West King Edward Avenue, repealing the previous by-law No. 13217.
Enact Housing Agreement 500-650 West 57th Building F2
500-650 West 57th Avenue (Building F2) Carried Details
- Housing agreement by-law enacted for 500-650 West 57th Avenue, Building F2 (Langara Gardens).
Enact Housing Agreement 500-650 West 57th Building C1
500-650 West 57th Avenue (Building C1) Carried Details
- Housing agreement by-law enacted for 500-650 West 57th Avenue, Building C1 (Langara Gardens).
Enact Housing Agreement 500-650 West 57th Building E1
500-650 West 57th Avenue (Building E1) Carried Details
- Housing agreement by-law enacted for 500-650 West 57th Avenue, Building E1 (Langara Gardens).
Enact By-law Subdivision 2009-2037 Stainsbury
2009-2037 Stainsbury Avenue Carried Details
- Subdivision By-law amended for 2009-2037 Stainsbury Avenue.
Enact By-law Subdivision 692 West 29th
692 West 29th Avenue Carried Details
- Subdivision By-law amended for 692 West 29th Avenue.
Enact Inter-municipal TNS Licence Agreement
Carried Details
- By-law enacted authorizing the City to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with participating municipalities regarding a Transportation Network Services (ride-hailing) Business Licence Scheme, expanding the scheme to include Hope, Kent, and Mission.
Enact Inter-municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme
Carried Details
- By-law enacted to enter into the Inter-municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme.
Form of Development 319-359 West 49th
319-359 West 49th Avenue Carried Details
- Form of development approved for 319-359 West 49th Avenue.
Form of Development 180 East 35th Avenue
180 East 35th Avenue (formerly 5107-5119 Main Street and 196 East 35th Avenue) Carried Details
- Form of development approved for 180 East 35th Avenue (formerly 5107-5119 Main Street and 196 East 35th Avenue).
Budget Resolution
Carried Details
- Budget resolution approved, setting out the financial framework for the 2023 municipal year.
Minor Amendments to Land Use Documents
Carried Details
- Minor amendments to land use documents approved.
Miscellaneous Amendments to Land Use Documents
Carried Details
- Miscellaneous amendments to land use documents approved.
Piloting Pedestrian Scramble Crossing Trial
Carried Details
- Staff directed to pilot pedestrian scramble crossings (diagonal crossings where all vehicle traffic stops simultaneously) at select intersections in Vancouver, aiming to improve pedestrian safety and convenience.
- Scramble crossings are used in cities worldwide and can reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at busy intersections.
- Staff to report back on outcomes of the trial.
Protecting People on Cornwall Avenue
Cornwall Avenue Carried Details
- Staff directed to take measures to improve safety for people walking and cycling on Cornwall Avenue, addressing concerns about conflicts between road users on this busy corridor near Vanier Park and the Seawall.
- Motion responds to ongoing safety issues reported by residents and active transportation advocates on this stretch of road.
Agenda documents (26)
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Changes to the 2023 Meeting Schedule
REPORTS
1. Accessibility Strategy Implementation Update and Council Motion Report Back
2. 2023 Property Taxation: Distribution of Property Tax Levy
3. 2022 Property Tax Exemptions
4. Vancouver Heritage Foundation Board – Annual Report 2022
5. Kerrisdale Park/Point Grey Secondary School Track and Field – Licence Agreement and Custody, Care, and Management of Land
6. Funding Application to Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation Program
7. Oak Park – Permanent Public Park Designation
8. Water Works By-law Exemptions and/or Viable Exceptions for Notable Decorative City Water Features
BY-LAWS
MOTIONS
1. Approval of Form of Development – 319-359 West 49th Avenue
2. Approval of Form of Development – 180 East 35th Avenue (formerly 5107-5119 Main Street and 196 East 35th Avenue)
3. Budget Resolution
4. Amendments to Land Use Documents
a. Minor Amendments to Land Use Documents
b. Miscellaneous Amendments to Land Use Documents
1. Requests for Leaves of Absence
2. Piloting a Pedestrian Scramble Crossing Trial in Vancouver
3. Protecting People on Cornwall Avenue
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Vote matrix
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Sim🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||
| Rebecca Bligh🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Christine Boyle🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Adriane Carr🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lisa Dominato🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Pete Fry🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Sarah Kirby-Yung🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mike Klassen🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Peter Meiszner🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lenny Zhou🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Brian Montague🥜 |