Council Meeting
October 31, 2023 · 10:30 am
Summary
- 2023 Homeless Count presentation: Staff reported 2,420 people identified as homeless in Vancouver on March 9, 2023 — 605 unsheltered, 1,815 sheltered. 71% had been homeless for over a year, an increase of 17% since 2020. Indigenous people are 18 times more likely to be homeless than non-Indigenous people.
- Council Strategic Priorities 2023–2026 (Report 1): Council approved the "Vibrant Vancouver" framework outlining nine strategic objectives including housing, safety, climate, reconciliation, and good government. Serves as a public-facing guide for resource allocation through October 2026.
- Committee appointments (Communication 1): Council appointed chairs and vice-chairs for the Standing Committees on City Finance and Services and Policy and Strategic Priorities, the Nomination Sub-Committee, and the Auditor General Committee. Councillor Lenny Zhou added as an Alternate to the Auditor General Committee.
- Vancouver Community Sport Event Grants – Fall 2023 (Report 2): Approved 18 grants totalling $101,500 to community sport organizations for events ranging from badminton championships to dragon boat regattas.
- Road closure at 181 West Georgia Street (Report 3): Approved closure of a small road portion at the corner of Beatty and West Georgia Streets to allow consolidation with the adjacent City-owned Block 48, enabling the new Vancouver Art Gallery development.
- Empty Homes Tax rate maintained at 3% (Report 4): Staff reviewed a graduated tax rate option and recommended against it. The 3% rate remains on all vacant properties; a minor administrative change allows late declarations until the second business day of July in the fifth year following the vacancy reference period.
- Integrity Commissioner investigation (Report 5): Council reviewed the Integrity Commissioner's report finding Councillor Christine Boyle in breach of the Code of Conduct for comments about a mayoral staff hire. The Commissioner recommended no sanction, as the respondent had already taken remedial action. Council accepted this recommendation.
- $100M sinking fund debentures (By-law 1): Enacted a by-law to borrow $100 million at 4.90% interest for water, sewer, drainage, and energy utility infrastructure.
- Heritage designation and agreement for 2146 Semlin Drive (By-laws 2–3): Formally designated the Kilpin Residence as protected heritage property and authorized a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the property owner.
- Arts and culture events by-law amendments (By-laws 4–7): Amended zoning, licensing, building, and fire by-laws to remove the word "indoor" from the "Arts and Culture Event" use category, allowing qualifying events to occur outdoors (up to 6 days per month) across a wide range of commercial and industrial zones.
- Procedure By-law amendment – public hearing dates (By-law 8): Updated the Procedure By-law regarding scheduling of public hearings.
- Housing agreements enacted (By-laws 9–10): Housing Agreement by-laws enacted for 3279–3297 Vanness Avenue and 1190 Burrard Street, securing rental housing commitments at those addresses.
- Form of development approved – 2086–2098 West 7th Avenue (Administrative Motion 1): Approved the form of development for a project at West 7th and West 8th Avenues.
- Road closure resolution – 181 West Georgia Street (Administrative Motion 2): Passed a formal resolution giving effect to the road closure approved under Report 3.
Minutes approved
- Approve October 17 Council Minutes
- Approve October 17-19 Public Hearing Minutes
- Approve October 18 City Finance and Services Minutes
- Approve October 19 Public Hearing Minutes
Motions
Appointment of Council Representatives to Boards
- Appointed Council representatives to various boards, statutory committees, and non-profit societies as set out in the communication.
Vancouver Community Sport Event Grants Fall 2023
- Council approved 18 community sport event grants totalling $101,500 from the 2023 Vancouver Community Sport Hosting Program budget of $235,021.
- Grants support non-profit organizations hosting local and regional sporting events that bring economic, social, health, and community development benefits to Vancouver.
- Recipients include swim clubs, tennis associations, running events (RUNVAN), dragon boat festivals, a baseball club, a netball association, a track and field club, a curling club, and a multicultural festival, with events running from November 2023 through October 2024.
- Individual grant amounts range from $2,500 to $10,000, with larger grants going to events such as the Yonex Canadian Senior & Para Badminton Championships, two Canadian Dolphin Swim Club meets, and the Four Fires Festival.
- This was the third and final grant intake cycle for 2023; after this round, approximately $19,921 remains unallocated in the 2023 program budget.
- A two-thirds majority vote of Council was required to approve the grants under Section 206(1) of the Vancouver Charter.
Appoint Committee Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members
Carried Details
- Appointed committee chairs, vice-chairs, and members for the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services, Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, Nomination Sub-Committee, and Auditor General Committee, effective November 1, 2023 to November 9, 2024.
- Councillor Bligh named Chair of City Finance and Services; Councillor Zhou as Vice-Chair.
- Councillor Klassen named Chair of Policy and Strategic Priorities; Councillor Meiszner as Vice-Chair.
- Councillor Fry named Chair of the Auditor General Committee; Councillor Boyle as Vice-Chair.
Approve Council Strategic Priorities 2023-2026
Carried Details
- Council approved a strategic priorities document titled "Vibrant Vancouver: City Council's Strategic Priorities, 2023–2026," intended to guide resource allocation decisions through to Q4 2026.
- The document is organized around five strategic objectives: Vibrant and Diverse City, Housing, Supporting Business, City Services and Infrastructure, and Safety and Security.
- Key priorities include hosting FIFA World Cup 2026, reviving Chinatown, renewing the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, building more parks, modernizing land use planning regulations, enabling missing middle and Broadway Plan housing, addressing homelessness in partnership with the Province, streamlining permitting and licensing, and supporting the local film and tech industries.
- The document is intended to communicate Council's direction to both the public and City staff, but approval does not commit specific funding or direct staff to undertake any particular initiative.
- There are no direct financial or legal implications associated with adopting this framework document.
Closure of Road Adjacent to 181 West Georgia Street
181 West Georgia Street Carried Details
- Council approved the closure and title transfer of a small parcel of road (approximately 98.3 square metres) at the corner of Beatty and West Georgia Streets, adjacent to 181 West Georgia Street.
- The road portion, originally dedicated in 1954 in anticipation of a downtown freeway system that was never fully built, has been determined by Engineering Services to no longer be needed for road purposes.
- Closing and consolidating this road portion with the adjacent City-owned Block 48 (currently a surface parking lot at 688 Cambie Street) is a condition of the approved development application for the new Vancouver Art Gallery (VAGA) building — a nine-storey structure with two below-grade levels on a 99-year ground lease.
- The consolidated land will remain City-owned within the Property Endowment Fund, with a long-term ground lease granted to the Vancouver Art Gallery Association covering approximately the southern two-thirds of the site.
- A road closure fee of $12,240 will be charged to the Vancouver Art Gallery Association; a temporary statutory right-of-way will be registered for public access and utility purposes until affected infrastructure is resolved.
- A small portion of the corner road area will remain dedicated road to accommodate future intersection upgrades and existing Telus infrastructure that cannot be relocated.
Maintain Empty Homes Tax Rate
Carried Details
- Staff reviewed options for a graduated Empty Homes Tax (EHT) rate targeting repeat vacant properties, as directed by Council in May 2023.
- Internal and external consultations (including Ernst and Young) found the current 3% flat rate is effective, simple to administer, and producing a steady decline in vacant properties.
- Concerns raised that a lower first-year rate could increase vacancies, while a higher rate could increase tax avoidance and reduce revenue.
- Recommendation accepted: maintain the 3% rate on all vacant properties and allow time to observe the impact of six new or amended exemptions approved in May 2023.
- A minor administrative amendment was also approved, adjusting the late declaration deadline to the second business day of July in the fifth year following the vacancy reference period (to avoid conflict with property tax sale redemption timelines).
Integrity Commissioner Investigation Report Decision
Carried Details
- Mayor Ken Sim filed a Code of Conduct complaint against Councillor Christine Boyle, alleging she published comments via email and on X (formerly Twitter) that denigrated newly hired mayoral staffer Harrison Fleming, accusing him of past bullying and implying involvement in anti-LGBTQ+ policies and an RCMP corruption investigation tied to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
- The City's Integrity Commissioner, Lisa Southern, investigated the complaint and found that Councillor Boyle breached section 3.4(c) of the Code of Conduct By-law, which relates to communications and confidentiality standards expected of Council members.
- Despite finding a breach, the Integrity Commissioner recommended that no formal sanction be imposed, as Councillor Boyle had already taken the remedial actions the Commissioner would have required — making sanctions redundant.
- Council had the authority to either accept the Integrity Commissioner's recommendation of no sanction, or reject it and impose one of several available sanctions, including a letter of reprimand, a public apology, removal from committees, or public censure.
- Legal Services recommended that public speakers not be heard on the matter, as Council was acting in a quasi-judicial capacity when deciding on sanctions.
- This was the first investigation report brought to Vancouver City Council in which the Integrity Commissioner found a Councillor in breach of the Code of Conduct By-law.
Enact By-law – $100M Sinking Fund Debentures
Carried Details
- Enacted a by-law to borrow $100 million through the issue of 4.90% sinking fund debentures, maturing over 2024–2033.
- Funds are allocated to water, sewer, drainage, and energy utility infrastructure projects under the 2019–2022 Capital Plan (with some projects delayed and now proceeding under extended borrowing authority).
- This is in addition to approximately $181 million previously borrowed under the same Capital Plan approvals.
Enact Heritage Designation By-law 2146 Semlin Drive
2146 Semlin Drive Carried Details
- Enacted the heritage designation by-law for 2146 Semlin Drive (the Kilpin Residence).
- The designation covers the structure, exterior envelope, and exterior building materials of the heritage building, as approved in principle at a May 2022 public hearing.
Enact Heritage Revitalization Agreement By-law 2146 Semlin Drive
2146 Semlin Drive Carried Details
- Enacted the Heritage Revitalization Agreement by-law for 2146 Semlin Drive (the Kilpin Residence).
- Authorizes the City to enter into a formal agreement with the property owner to facilitate conservation of the heritage building, as resolved following the May 2022 public hearing.
Enact Arts and Culture Events Zoning By-law Amendment
Carried Details
- Amended the Zoning and Development By-law to remove the word "indoor" from the "Arts and Culture Indoor Event" use definition and rename it "Arts and Culture Event."
- Events of an artistic or cultural nature (visual, performing, media, literary, craft, or interdisciplinary arts) occurring no more than 6 days per month may now take place outdoors as well as indoors.
- Amendment applies across a wide range of commercial, industrial, and heritage area zone schedules and CD-1 by-laws.
- Follows a public hearing held October 19, 2023.
Enact Arts and Culture Events License By-law Amendment
Carried Details
- Amended the License By-law to align licensing requirements with the zoning change facilitating outdoor arts and culture events.
Enact Arts and Culture Events Building By-law Amendment
Carried Details
- Amended the Building By-law to reflect the removal of the "indoor" restriction for arts and culture events.
Enact Arts and Culture Events Fire By-law Amendment
Carried Details
- Amended the Fire By-law to reflect the removal of the "indoor" restriction for arts and culture events.
Enact Procedure By-law Amendment – Public Hearing Dates
Carried Details
- Amended the Procedure By-law regarding scheduling of public hearing dates, following public notice given at the October 17, 2023 Council meeting.
Enact Housing Agreement By-law 3279-3297 Vanness Avenue
3279-3297 Vanness Avenue Carried Details
- Enacted a Housing Agreement by-law for 3279–3297 Vanness Avenue, securing rental housing commitments at that address as a condition of a prior rezoning approval.
Enact Housing Agreement By-law 1190 Burrard Street
1190 Burrard Street Carried Details
- Enacted a Housing Agreement by-law for 1190 Burrard Street, securing rental housing commitments at that address as a condition of a prior rezoning approval.
Approve Form of Development 2086-2098 West 7th Avenue
2086-2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue Carried Details
- Approved the form of development for the project at 2086–2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue, establishing the approved building design and massing for that site.
Resolution – Road Closure 181 West Georgia Street
181 West Georgia Street Carried Details
- Council considered closing a small portion of dedicated road (approximately 98.3 square metres) at the corner of Beatty Street and West Georgia Street, adjacent to 181 West Georgia Street, and consolidating it with the City-owned Block 48 (688 Cambie Street).
- The road closure is a necessary condition for the Vancouver Art Gallery Association's (VAGA) development application to construct a new nine-storey art gallery building on the southern two-thirds of Block 48, under a 99-year ground lease negotiated with the City since 2013.
- Engineering Services determined the road portion is no longer needed for road purposes; it was originally dedicated in 1954 in anticipation of a downtown freeway system that was ultimately cancelled after the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts were built in 1972.
- A portion of the corner will remain as dedicated road to accommodate future intersection upgrades and existing Telus infrastructure that cannot be relocated.
- The road portion will be transferred into the City's Property Endowment Fund and consolidated with Block 48 at no cost to the City; the Vancouver Art Gallery Association will pay a Road Closure Fee of $12,240 and cover all survey, administration, and Land Title Office costs.
- Conditions include registration of a temporary Statutory Right of Way for public access and utilities until infrastructure is resolved, as well as written consent from Telus confirming their infrastructure is unaffected by the closure.
Agenda documents (19)
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
PRESENTATIONS
1. 2023 Homeless Count
COMMUNICATIONS
• Standing Committee on City Finance and Services, Chair and Vice-Chair; • Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, Chair and Vice-Chair; • Nomination Sub Committee members; and • Auditor General Committee members.
2. Appointment of Council Representatives to Boards, Statutory Committees and Non Profit Societies
REPORTS
1. City Council’s Strategic Priorities, 2023 – 2026
2. Vancouver Community Sport Event Grants – Fall 2023 Intake
3. Closure of a Portion of Road Adjacent to 181 West Georgia Street
4. Report Back – EHT Graduated Tax Rate and an Administrative By-law Change
5. Decision Re: Integrity Commissioner Investigation Report
BY-LAWS
ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
1. Approval of Form of Development – 2086-2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue
2. Resolution - Closure of a Portion of Road Adjacent to 181 West Georgia Street
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Vote matrix
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Sim🥜 | 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 |
| Christine Boyle🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | 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 | N | 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 |
| Pete Fry🥜 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | 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 |
| 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 |
| Brian Montague🥜 | 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 |
| Sarah Kirby-Yung🥜 |