Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities
June 28, 2023 · 09:30 am
Summary
- Equity Framework Implementation Update: Council received the Chief Equity Officer's annual progress report on internal equity initiatives, accepted a new Language Access Policy establishing translation standards for public-facing city services, and approved a new Respect in the Workplace policy to replace two older policies on human rights and respectful workplace conduct, effective January 1, 2024.
- DTES Plan Grants 2023: Approved $932,400 in matching grants to 22 non-profit organizations in the Downtown Eastside to support social, economic, and environmental goals of the DTES Plan.
- QMUNITY Additional Funding: Approved an additional $2.5 million for the social purpose facility at 981 Davie Street (future home of QMUNITY), bringing the City's total contribution to $11 million, due to construction cost escalation.
- Ductile Iron Pipe Contract: Awarded a three-year contract to EMCO Corporation for supply and delivery of ductile iron pipe, valued at approximately $16.9 million, with options to extend.
- Copper Pipe and Fittings Contract: Awarded a three-year contract to Flocor Inc. for supply and delivery of copper pipe, saddles, and brass fittings, valued at approximately $3.8 million, with options to extend.
Motions
Equity Framework Implementation Update
- Council received the Chief Equity Officer's annual progress report on internal equity initiatives across city departments.
- The report assessed progress using the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB), noting significant advances in communications, learning and development, and external partnerships, with steady progress in most other areas.
- A new Language Access Policy (ADMIN-073) was received for information; it sets principles and standards for translating public-facing city services and brings visibility to local Indigenous languages, though interpretation services and accessible formats for people with disabilities are flagged for future phases.
- Council approved replacing the Human Rights and Harassment policy (AE-002-05) and Respectful Workplace policy (AE-002-06) with a consolidated Respect in the Workplace policy and procedure, effective January 1, 2024, to better reflect current legislation and restorative justice values.
- One member of the public spoke in support of the recommendations.
DTES Plan Grant Allocation 2023
- Approved $932,400 in grants to 22 non-profit organizations in the Downtown Eastside, supporting neighbourhood improvements, community economic development, and protection of community assets under the DTES Plan.
QMUNITY Additional Funds Allocation
981 Davie St- Approved an additional $2.5 million for the QMUNITY social purpose facility at 981 Davie Street, increasing the City's total contribution to $11 million, funded from West End Community Amenity Contributions (CACs), due to construction cost escalation driven by mass timber supply chain issues and contractor risk premiums.
Contract Award Ductile Iron Pipe
- Awarded a three-year supply contract for ductile iron pipe to EMCO Corporation, valued at approximately $16.9 million plus taxes, used for the city's water main renewal program.
Contract Award Copper Pipe and Fittings
- Awarded a three-year supply contract for copper pipe, saddles, and brass fittings to Flocor Inc., valued at approximately $3.8 million plus taxes, used for water main construction and service connections.
Agenda documents (18)
REPORTS
1. Equity Framework Implementation Update
2. Downtown Eastside (DTES) Plan Implementation and Strategic Grant Allocation –2023
3. 981 Davie - Allocation of Additional Funds for Social Purpose Facility (QMUNITY,BC's Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre Society)
4. Contract Award for Supply and Delivery of Ductile Iron Pipe
5. Contract Award for PS20220147-ENG-RFP - Supply and Delivery of Copper Pipe,Saddles and Brass Fittings
6. 518 Main St. – Bagheera Hospitality Ltd. (“Happy Valley Turf Club”) – Dual Licence–Liquor Primary Application – Liquor Establishment – Class 1
COUNCIL MEMBERS’ MOTIONS
1. Requests for Leaves of Absence
2. Addressing Ongoing Inequities by Improving Social Infrastructure and Access to Services Across South Vancouver and Marpole Neighbourhoods
3. Naming the City’s New Chinatown Office
4. UBCM Resolution: B.C. Affordable, Net Zero, Offsite Wood Housing Industrial Development
5. UBCM Resolution: Tackling BC’s Toxic Drug Health Emergency
6. UBCM Resolution: Decreasing Food Waste, Increasing Food Security
7. UBCM Resolution: Increasing BC Hydro’s Feed-In-Tariff for Renewable Energy Production
8. UBCM Resolution: A New Fiscal Framework for Sustainable and Predictable Local Government Funding
Vote matrix
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Meiszner🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Christine Boyle🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Adriane Carr🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lisa Dominato🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Pete Fry🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mike Klassen🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lenny Zhou🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Rebecca Bligh🥜 |