Building and Electrical By-law Updates
Motion 4 · Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, April 1, 2026
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That carries unanimously. So the following have been approved on consent. Report two, 245 East Broadway Street Vernon Block facade grant. Report three, housekeeping and miscellaneous updates to the Vancouver building bylaw and the electrical bylaw. And report four, contract award for the provision of a recreation management system. So we'll now deal with report number one. That's 2026 animal welfare grant. So before we begin this agenda item, if anyone believes they have a conflict of interest, now's the time to declare it. Does anyone have a conflict to disclose? Okay, this item does not have a presentation. Councillor Fry, you held this item. You have five minutes to ask questions to team members.
Thank you.
And sorry, I was just delayed in getting my computer up and running. I'm curious where, I'm looking at the VOCRA grant and to the motion that was passed with a great deal of support from council back in April of 2025, looking for more regularized funding for street cat management. And the number reflected in this grant doesn't nearly cover what the shortfalling for the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association. So I'm curious. can shed any light if there's additional funding forthcoming for this or is there where we at with the funding for field feline control services in Vancouver
Thank you for the question. So this year we did allocate more funds towards VOCRA compared to last year. So last year's grant was $2,610 and this year we've allocated $4,034. We are still working with the organization and other organizations to see if we can provide some relief to VOCRA through other avenues as well. And we are working on the motion currently.
Okay, and so there is conversation with Vocru about their funding challenges? Yes. I think the cost of cat control in the city of Vancouver is closer to $80,000, I think they were looking for.
Yeah, I have been in conversations with them, and we're trying to work towards how we can better support them.
Okay, so that'll come through some kind of different regularized funding rather than animal grants?
I can't speak to if we'll be able to provide more funding or not, but we are looking at other avenues to support them and look at other opportunities for other organizations to also take on some of that care.
Okay. And secondarily to this, on the rabbit control file as well, because I understand that that is still a pressing issue and that we're dealing with a lot of feral stray rabbits in Jericho Park and attendant damage to the fields there. Is that going to be covered through these grants or is that also a separate work plan potentially?
I'd have to get back to you on that.
Okay, thank you.
Okay, thank you, Councillor Fry. Okay, would someone like to move a motion? Okay, Councillor Kerr-Beyond, seconded by Councillor Dominato. Committee members, is there any discussion?
Okay, not seeing any. So I'll now call the vote. Clerk, if you could please take us to the voting screen, and committee, if you could please register your vote on the voting panel.
Statement Watch
On behalf of Sikh Heritage Society of BC, I want to thank the City of Vancouver for inviting us again this year and officially proclaiming April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month in Vancouver. April is more than a mere calendar month for Sikhs as it marks the joyous occasion of Vaisakhi and the pious occasion of Khalsa Sajna Divas. Celebrating it as Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the profound contributions the Sikh community has made to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of this city, this province, and this country. For well over 125 years, it is an opportunity for communities to come together and gain insights and understandings of the values, beliefs, and commitment to those values and how it's central to the contributions that we are gathered to celebrate today. Our organization takes great pride in this moment as we were the ones that began celebrating Sikh Heritage Month in this province back in 2018, well before it received any formal or official recognition. For nearly a decade now, Sikh Heritage BC has been at the forefront of these celebrations and has endeavored to do its part in the preservation and promotion of Sikh heritage. We are honored to see a grassroots initiative grow into an official tradition across public and private institutions. Lastly, I want to thank fellow members of the community who've gathered here, taken time out of their busy schedules on a weekday to come together and mark the start of Sikh Heritage Month. Honourable Mayor of Vancouver, respected city councillors, our community leaders, ladies and gentlemen, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Statement Watch
This is a time to reflect on our journey, our struggles and our contributions. We remember painful chapters such as the Kamagata Maru incident, a time when we were denied the right to vote in this country. Despite all the discriminations and hardships, our community stood resilient. Thal Sadawan Society Vancouver played a vital role supporting early immigrants, preserving faith and building a strong foundation for future generations. Today, we stand in a very different Canada, where Sikhs proudly serve as members of parliament, lawmakers and leaders across all walks of life. This progress reflects not only the grit perseverance, resilience, but also the inclusive values of this great nation. The teachings of our gurus reminds us to live with equality, selfless service, and justice for all. These values continue to guide our contributions to society every day. We thank the city of Vancouver for recognizing Sikh Heritage Month and celebrating our shared journey. Happy Sikh Heritage Month to all. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Good morning, guys, City Council members, and everyone joining us today. I'm truly honored to stand here today at City Hall as the President of Securities Month Vancouver, celebrating this important milestone with all of you guys. This year is especially a meaningful year, as April 7th marks the five-year anniversary for our youth-led initiative, which began as a small idea in a classroom and has grown into a city-wide movement across Vancouver. I want to thank the City of Vancouver for recognizing Sikh Heritage Month and for celebrating their contributions, history, and culture of the Sikh community. In our city, City of Vancouver is a city built with diversity, inclusion, and community spirit, and this proclamation shows how much of our city values all its cultures, and the young leaders who help share them. Securities Month Vancouver is more about the celebration. It's about reconnecting youth to their roots, fostering intercultural understanding, and living the values of CIVA. Compassion, justice, and inclusion. Our programs bring students, teachers, community leaders, and residents together, strengthening Vancouver and welcoming everyone in. As we mark this milestone, I hope our work continues to inspire youth, uplift the community, and create meaningful connections across generations. With Waigru's guidance, we will continue serving, educating, and building spaces where everyone in Vancouver feels recognized, respected, and connected. Thank you again to the City of Vancouver for this recognition, and thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. On behalf of the 75 members of our team, we would like to present a plaque to Murricansum and City Council.
Statement Watch
This is on. Is it on? This is for speaker, not for keep.
Thank you very much for allowing me to say a few minutes here. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh. The Khalsa belong to Divine Vaheguru. And victory belong to the Divine. Good morning, Mayor, Council Members, and Honour Guests. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TTsleil-Waututh peoples. On behalf of the Sunset Community Center Association and as a proud member of the Sikh community, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the mayor and city council for proclaiming the April as a Sikh Heritage Month. This recognition means a great deal to our community. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, contributions of Sikhs in our city, across Canada, and around the world. Sikh values are rooted in equality, seva, selfless service, and service to humanity. They are a value we strive to live with every day through volunteering, supporting families in need. and building inclusive space where everyone feels they belongs. This remind us that we are all created from the same divine light and that no one is higher or lower than another. At the Sunset Community Center Association, see these values in action every day, supporting seniors, newcomers, youth and families in need where the food hampers, and bringing everyone together as one united community. Carry on with this torch of Manukta Di Seva. It gives me immense pleasure to share that a new Sunset Senior Center will be opening to the public very soon, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for our seniors and the broader community. Thank you to the mayor and city council and power board commissioner for your continuous support in making this a reality. We are grateful to the city of Vancouver for recognizing the importance of Sikh Heritage Month and for standing with the community in celebrating diversity, inclusions, and unity. Thank you once again for your leadership and support Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Statement Watch
Thank you very much for allowing me to say a few minutes here. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh. The Khalsa belong to Divine Vaheguru. And victory belong to the Divine. Good morning, Mayor, Council Members, and Honour Guests. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TTsleil-Waututh peoples. On behalf of the Sunset Community Center Association and as a proud member of the Sikh community, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the mayor and city council for proclaiming the April as a Sikh Heritage Month. This recognition means a great deal to our community. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, contributions of Sikhs in our city, across Canada, and around the world. Sikh values are rooted in equality, seva, selfless service, and service to humanity. They are a value we strive to live with every day through volunteering, supporting families in need. and building inclusive space where everyone feels they belongs. This remind us that we are all created from the same divine light and that no one is higher or lower than another. At the Sunset Community Center Association, see these values in action every day, supporting seniors, newcomers, youth and families in need where the food hampers, and bringing everyone together as one united community. Carry on with this torch of Manukta Di Seva. It gives me immense pleasure to share that a new Sunset Senior Center will be opening to the public very soon, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for our seniors and the broader community. Thank you to the mayor and city council and power board commissioner for your continuous support in making this a reality. We are grateful to the city of Vancouver for recognizing the importance of Sikh Heritage Month and for standing with the community in celebrating diversity, inclusions, and unity. Thank you once again for your leadership and support Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Statement Watch
We appreciate the ability to gather on the unceded territories of our indigenous sisters and brothers to mark this moment. On behalf of the World Sick Organization of Canada, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the city of Vancouver, Mayor Sim, and all city councillors for this proclamation and its recognition of the sick community in Canada. The World Sick Organization of Canada has for over 40 years promoted and protected the interests of sick Canadians, but also all Canadians, regardless of background around the world, and advocated for the human rights for all. Thank you again for marking this moment with the six Canadian community.