[0:31] Sound check. Sounds are working. Okay welcome everybody. I'm going
[0:41] to call to order this regular Council meeting for Monday
[0:44] July 13th 2026. We begin our meetings in New Westminster
[0:48] by recognising and respecting the new Westminsters on the Unseeded
[0:52] and unsrendered land of the Halcome speaking Peoples. We acknowledge
[0:56] that colonialism has made invisible their histories and their connections
[0:59] to the land and is a city we are learning
[1:01] and we are building relationships with the people whose lands
[1:04] were on. First item on the agenda era is approval
[1:08] of the agenda as it was circulated to council. Ruin
[1:13] a second aid. All in favor, all opposed carried. And
[1:17] then we move on right away to delegations. So in
[1:23] New Westminster, we allow folks to delegate to counsel. We
[1:27] have full sign - up sheet of people today to
[1:30] delegate to counsel. It's a chance for anybody to come
[1:33] and speak for five minutes to council and what issues
[1:35] that are important to them. We just ask folks when
[1:39] they are invited to come when they're called to come
[1:41] forward to the desk up here and speak to one
[1:43] of the microphones in front of you. There'll be a
[1:45] little red lights there that all turn on that folks
[1:48] can hear you. We just ask that, Ryan folks that
[1:53] first of all that, yeah, if you, after your delegation,
[1:56] council members may ask you questions or Council members may
[2:01] direct questions to members of staff. However, you're not in
[2:04] any way compelled to answer those questions. It's not a
[2:06] matter of a dialogue or you're not adhered to be
[2:10] grilled or anything. The idea is for us to hear
[2:12] what's on your mind and for you to relate to
[2:15] us what your concerns are more than it is to
[2:17] get into a deliberation or debate with counsel. We also
[2:20] ask that everyone be respectful. Try to speak to issues
[2:24] and not about people. Try to recognise this is not
[2:28] just a council chambers and a public forum, but it's
[2:31] also workplace and we have to speak with people not
[2:34] to use harassing, disrespectful or discriminatory language. If we hear
[2:39] anything like that, a member of counsel or member of
[2:41] staff may say point of order. If that happens, you
[2:44] just ask you to be quiet for a minute and
[2:45] we'll figure out, um, we'll figure out whether we need
[2:47] to correct language or how we can move forward from
[2:49] that point forward. Um, yeah, there'll be a five minute
[2:52] timer behind me that will count down anyone who comes
[2:55] forward has five minutes. I don't think I've missed anything
[2:57] else. So I will go on with the, uh, first
[3:00] person on the delegation is Lena Grace. Oh, integrations on
[3:09] Zoom, which is going to be, which I didn't even
[3:10] talk about in my introduction to public delegations, but Lena
[3:14] is on Zoom. So Lina, if you're on Zoom, you
[3:16] should be able to, oh, you are. Can we hear
[3:19] you. Hi there, it's Linnea. Yes. Lanea. Hello. How are
[3:24] you? Uh, yes, we can hear you. Um, you, uh,
[3:27] the delegations are on. You have five minutes of four
[3:29] resers. Okay. Fantastic. Thank you so much for having me
[3:33] today. So my name is Lynette Grace and my service,
[3:36] the executive director of the life saving society BCN UConn
[3:40] branch. Um, for those that may not be as familiar
[3:43] with our organisation, the life saving society. If the charitable
[3:47] organisation dedicated to preventing drowning through swim lessons, training programs,
[3:52] water smart education, aquatic safety services. Including expert services available
[3:57] to municipalities and developing or operating aquatic facilities and conducting
[4:02] audits. As well as license sport. The life saving society
[4:06] is recognised as Canada's life starting expert. And one of
[4:10] the five leading agencies in providing first aid. And so
[4:13] across the country, uh, annually over 1. 7 million Canadians
[4:17] participate in our swim life saving lifeguarding first aid. And
[4:22] leadership program. So knowing that July sees the peak of
[4:25] water related incidents each year, the life - saving society
[4:29] chooses the third week of July as National Driving Prevention
[4:32] Week. Or NDPW. So this is our public awareness campaign
[4:36] each year to build community and media support for the
[4:39] drowning prevention cause. Pools and waterfronts throughout BC and UConn
[4:44] helped to communicate preventative drowning information and promote water safety
[4:48] education through public events. Media came media campaigns proclamations and
[4:53] more. This year's theme is safety starts with being water
[4:56] smart prepare and prevent. Um. As you folks know, 202.
[5:01] Has seen an alarming number of drownings in the province
[5:04] since January 1st. As of today, at least 30 people
[5:08] in British Columbia have died in drowning related incidents with
[5:11] additional fatalities still under investigation or with active searches underway.
[5:16] We are seeing risky behaviour in BC, including people not
[5:19] using life jackets when boating or failing to take basic
[5:23] precautions and planning. When it comes to safety for their
[5:26] swimming or paddling activity. Um, drowning is preventable, but only
[5:30] when action. Is taken to prevent it. So with. The
[5:33] support of new Westminster and other municipalities, we will try
[5:36] to light on these risks. And ensure that more British
[5:39] Columbians are kept safe and on and around the water
[5:42] this summer. I'd be happy to take any questions. Or
[5:45] have any discussions anytime. About how you can champion water
[5:49] safety and access expertise in the life saving society. Um,
[5:53] I'll also mention here that our team will be at
[5:55] the union of DC municipalities convention the September and would
[5:58] be pleased to connect then or beforehand. But for now,
[6:01] I want to thank you for the invitation to speak
[6:03] today. For your continued support. In championing water safety. And
[6:08] thank you for making this proclamation. Thank you, Lynnia. I
[6:12] do a proclamation, but before we might have some questions
[6:14] for members of counsel. So thank Councillor Henderson. Hi, Leni.
[6:21] Thank you so much for delegating. This has been, um,
[6:25] a topic at this council a lot about how, how
[6:28] we get more kids through swimming lessons. And I think
[6:31] we're, we're getting creative around the ways we've piloted a
[6:35] project at Kelvin, which is a lot of newcomer, has
[6:39] a lot of newcomer, uh, families and kids, uh, who
[6:42] attend that school and, and getting them in there for
[6:44] initial, um, initial lessons and looking now at how we
[6:47] might be able to expand the financial supports for, for
[6:51] families to do that. So just want to thank you
[6:52] for this work. It's so important. Um, I think everyone
[6:55] at this council has recognised the importance and need for
[6:59] water safety and skills and appreciate the advocacy that you're
[7:02] doing. Thanks. Yeah. Thank you again. Sorry. Thank you again
[7:08] for your delegation and for reminding us about this. Um,
[7:12] yeah, unfortunately it's been in the news quite a bit
[7:15] as of the last few weeks about drowning deaths in
[7:17] British Columbia and the spike, it's happening this year on
[7:20] in drowning deaths. And, um, and I guess it's a
[7:23] good reminder for folks that it's not just about children.
[7:25] It's about adults as well who aren't just doing those
[7:27] basic precautions of work life jackets and acting responsibly around
[7:31] water. And they're totally unnecessary desk. Competitive preventables. So thank
[7:35] you for raising the awareness here. And I will read
[7:38] the proclamation. Whereas the mission of life - saving society,
[7:43] Canada, is to prevent drowning throughout this great country and
[7:47] even one drowning in British Columbia is one too many.
[7:51] And whereas most drownings are preventable in a water sport,
[7:54] smart community, and only through water smart education and healthy
[7:57] respect for the potential danger that any body of water
[8:00] may present can be genuinely enjoyed the beauty and recreation
[8:03] opportunities offered by these bodies of water. And whereas life
[8:07] - saving society urges Canadians and residents of New Westminster
[8:11] to supervise children who are in and around the water
[8:14] to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic
[8:18] activities and to always wear a life jacket when boating.
[8:21] And whereas the United Nations General Assembly passed the UN
[8:24] resolution on drowning prevention and named July 25th of each
[8:28] year as world drowning prevention day. And the life -
[8:31] saving society of Canada has declared July 19th, 25th, 2026
[8:35] National Drowning Convention Week to focus on the drowning problem
[8:39] and the hundreds of lives that could be saved this
[8:41] year. Therefore, I, Patrick draws still in the mayor of
[8:43] the City of New Westminster hereby proclaimed July 195, 2026
[8:48] as National Drowning French and Week in the city of
[8:50] New Westminster. Thank you again for your delegation. Thank you
[8:56] so much and thank you for supporting National Drought and
[8:58] Prevention Week.
[9:11] Okay. Uh, sorry, our next alligate is Halfa. Who's not
[9:16] here might be on Zoom. As well. Fha, how are
[9:23] you? Hello. Thanks for having me everyone. I am sorry
[9:28] that I wish I could be in person, but I'm
[9:29] very sick, so I didn't want to contaminate people. With
[9:34] my flu. Uh, so I'm going to get down to
[9:38] my delegation. Uh. Tonight. I'm the president for New West
[9:46] Pride. So for those who doesn't know me, I'm half
[9:48] a very nice to meet you. And tonight as we
[9:51] gather together in celebration, I also want to take a
[9:54] moment to reflect on something that is an always visible.
[9:57] Pride is often seen as a single day parade, a
[10:00] festival, a celebration. But the truth is that Pride is
[10:03] the work that happens in the other 364 days of
[10:07] the year. Desir New S Pride has been incredibly busy.
[10:11] We closed out last year with the night before Christmas.
[10:14] And evening that celebrated Cruiy Artist, performance and creativity while
[10:18] creating a space for people who may not have families
[10:21] to celebrate the holidays with. It was an opportunity to
[10:24] come together. Bill chosen family and remind one another that
[10:28] everyone deserves a place where they belong. When then marked,
[10:33] then we marked trends day of visibility through our visible
[10:36] AF serious, creating spaces where trends and gender diverse people
[10:40] could simply exist and act, learn and be celebrated. There
[10:45] are Visa Boy F - Market and makeup tutorial. Community
[10:48] members explored self - expression and identity in an environment's
[10:52] free from judgment, ring force mean that visibility is about
[10:55] more than being seen. It's about being welcomed, valued and
[10:59] supported. We've started holding monthly crising beers that support the
[11:03] queer - run business, creating a space for creatures to
[11:06] perform and for our community to find support and connection.
[11:10] It has been incredibly well received and it's quickly becoming
[11:13] a beacon for people seeking acceptance at a time when
[11:17] that acceptance is incredibly under threat. We're seeing people travel
[11:21] for places such as Spartlands and Francisco to be part
[11:24] of our community. Draw by, excuse me. A celebration that
[11:29] is rooted in inclusion belonging and genuine genuine connection. We
[11:33] are incredibly proud of this work and thankful to the
[11:36] CD, the volunteer support and intended that have shown up
[11:39] to the Visible and Share in our community. But there's
[11:42] another side of our work that many people never see.
[11:46] Sometimes that youvocacy happens behind closed doors, boardrooms, over deep
[11:50] good conversations. And across meeting tables. This year specifically, our
[11:54] board made a commitment to ask difficult questions about who
[11:58] we are and what we stand for. We ask the
[12:01] newest Minister Police Department to honour the roots of pride
[12:05] by working with us to imagine a celebration when members
[12:08] of our community could feel safe without a uniformed police
[12:12] presence. That conversation wasn't about exclusion. It was about recognising
[12:16] that Pride begun as a protest against systems that marginalized
[12:20] our community and acknowledging that for many queer people, especially
[12:24] trans people, indigenous folks and other racialized communities. Those histories
[12:29] are not ancient history. They are living experiences and very
[12:32] current ones. Whether we agree on every solution or not,
[12:35] we believe this conversations are worth having because pride has
[12:39] always challenges to imagine something bad. We also took a
[12:44] hard to look at ourselves. We ask whether the organisations
[12:47] would invite into our stages, the businesses we accept sponsorship
[12:50] from and the voices we amplify truly reflect the values
[12:54] we claim to hold. Being an ally isn't something you
[12:57] become because you change your logo for a month. Excuse
[13:03] me? Did someone say something? No, you're still good. No.
[13:07] Okay. Being in light is demonstrated through action. Your policy.
[13:14] I believe in the auto conference room has the audio.
[13:17] So I always keep hearing something. So I think someone
[13:19] is talking to me. I'm sorry. Being analyse demonstrated through
[13:24] action, through policies, through how you treat your employees, through
[13:27] how you support people and nobody's watching. Our responsibility isn't
[13:31] simply to celebrate our community. It is to protect it,
[13:34] to educate forward, to ensure that the platform we've built
[13:38] reflects the values, the generations before us. Fought so hard
[13:42] to secure. The work it isn't always easy. Sometimes it
[13:45] means saying no. Sometimes it means having uncomfortable conversations. Sometimes
[13:49] means choosing integrity over convenience. But that is what Pride
[13:54] has always asked us. And as we celebrate on the
[13:56] weeks to come, I hope you'll remember that every performance
[13:59] volunteer is sponsored. Every person that shows up with an
[14:03] open heart and every young queer person who sees themselves
[14:07] reflected, they are part of something bigger, something much bigger
[14:10] than the festival. We are continuing movement rooted in courage.
[14:15] A movement built through community. And a movement that reminds
[14:18] us that progress doesn't happen by accident. It happens because
[14:22] originary people chose every single day to keep you doing
[14:25] their work. Once again, to close it out, thank you
[14:29] to everyone who hosted and students who has beside us
[14:33] in the US pride of this year. Thank you to
[14:35] our volunteers, to our performers, to our partners, to our
[14:39] board, to our community. Thank you for believing the pride
[14:42] can be both the celebration and a catholic for change.
[14:46] Land back, defend the police, free Palestine and happy Pride
[14:50] everyone. Thank you, Hafa. Excellent, Jab. I don't see any,
[14:57] oh, I cancelled Campbell, sorry. Hi, Rafa, thank you so
[15:01] much for delegating. And I hope you do feel better
[15:03] so we can see each other in person soon. Um,
[15:05] I always like to share when we talk about Pride
[15:09] and the work that you and, um, those before you
[15:12] did in New Westminster and elsewhere. Um, sometimes it is,
[15:17] it feels like it's, we're not or it's, you know,
[15:20] it's the same folks that are engaged, but I know,
[15:24] uh, that there are many families that are grateful that
[15:29] you are existing and growing in newestminster and not just
[15:32] one time of the year throughout the year. Because for
[15:35] many families who are living and experiencing and the joy
[15:39] of, of, uh, pride in their families, it's just nice
[15:44] to know that youth in this community, uh, feel represented.
[15:49] And it's also know that that representation can be the
[15:52] difference between life and death. And it can be the
[15:55] difference between wellness and unwellness. And, uh, it's critical, right?
[15:59] I mean, as you said, it's a party, but it's
[16:02] also something that I know that we need to make
[16:04] sure that we continue and we never forget that it's,
[16:07] it's a protest. It's not just a party, um, and
[16:10] I appreciate all the work that you and others, uh,
[16:12] like I said, now and have done in the past,
[16:15] uh, especially for the youth in this community who need,
[16:19] uh, need that continue support, whether it's vocal or, um,
[16:24] just seen in various representation throughout the community. It's, it's
[16:28] important. And we appreciate you. Thank you so much, Ruby.
[16:33] Appreciate it. Thank you. Rafa, I have one question for
[16:38] you. My proclamation says Pride Week, the extended cut. Explain
[16:43] that title. Uh, we want to go bigger and we
[16:49] want to be want to make a bigger noise this
[16:51] year. So instead of doing one week celebration, we're going
[16:55] bigger. We are doing two weeks celebration. So we are
[16:58] calling the extended cut. We have workshops, we'll see on
[17:01] our socials all of our calendars. We're just as Ruby
[17:05] just mentioned pretty like we want to be celebrated every
[17:08] time that we can. So we are here to stay.
[17:11] So that's why it's the extended cut. Okay. Well, thank
[17:16] you very much for coming in for being able to
[17:19] delegate to us. Uh, there are many members of your
[17:22] board here in the room as well. So they were
[17:24] sending love and support from the room here. Sorry to
[17:27] hear. Love you guys. Sorry to hear you're not feeling
[17:29] well. Um, but I also want to thank you. Thank
[17:32] you and your board for not just for the celebration
[17:35] and the event that is, uh, that is Pride Week
[17:38] are now prided. But also, um, as you said, for
[17:42] always pushing forward, always, um, once again, keeping it about
[17:47] fighting for fighting for the, um, the values of inclusion
[17:51] and community that pride always stood for. It's a constantly
[17:54] evolving organisation in New Westminster. And it's wonderful to see
[17:56] it evolved, but always keeping those values in the centre
[17:58] of it all. So thank you for the work that
[18:00] you do for the entire community in that. So. That's
[18:04] just a thanks for me. Now I will now read
[18:08] the proclamation, Pride Week, the extended cut. Uh, whereas human
[18:13] and civil rights are accorded to everyone in a free
[18:16] and democratic society. And homophobia, transphobia and hateful rhetoric in
[18:21] actions continue to actively threaten the peace wellbeing and lives
[18:27] of two spirit lesbian gay bisexual, transgender, queer questioning intersex
[18:34] and asexual people. As well as people who identify with
[18:38] the community yet cannot be restricted by a label. And
[18:43] whereas the Westminster City Council's first strategic priority is Community
[18:47] Belonging and Collecting, which is viewed through the context of
[18:52] diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti - racism. And whereas Pride
[18:57] Week, the extended cut is a place for two S
[19:01] LGBTQ QIA plus people to show up as fully themselves
[19:06] in their community, in the spirit of diversity, equality, inclusion,
[19:11] and intersectional pride, which contributes to building a more vibrant,
[19:15] accepting city and society. And whereas two S LGBTQ QIA
[19:21] plus people belong in our community. Their lives matter in
[19:26] our community. Therefore, I, Patrick Johnston, the mayor of the
[19:28] City of New Westminster, hereby proclaim August 4th to 15th,
[19:33] 2026 as Pride Week, the extended cut in the city
[19:36] of New Westminster, British Columbia. Thanks, Angela. Let's go. Thank
[19:43] everyone. Hope you see you all there. Thank you.
[20:12] Okay. Our next delegate is Pat News. A
[20:22] is not online. And I don't see Mr. Museum in
[20:26] the room. Okay. If you shows up by the end
[20:29] of delegation, period, we'll have him up at the end
[20:31] of delegations. So the next elegant is Brian O'Neal. Is
[20:40] Brian von Ovenal in the room. Okay. We'll do the
[20:46] same thing at Friday O'Neal shows up for here. We'll
[20:48] put up at the end of the delegations. Um, the
[20:51] next delegate is Tim Takaro.
[21:02] Good evening. Thank you very much for the opportunity to
[21:05] speak to you. About the adaptation and resilience phase four
[21:11] report. I'm a physician scientist and the planetary health lead
[21:19] for the new medical school at SFU. I'm also a
[21:23] member of the Canadian Association of Positions for the Environment.
[21:27] And the mighty new West Climate Action Hub. Um, I'm
[21:34] here to speak to you about, uh, this report. I'm
[21:40] certainly in favor of the contents of the report and
[21:44] what the report is attempting to do. What I wanted
[21:49] to do with you, uh, this evening though is point
[21:52] out the large. Difference that we face, uh, decision that
[22:00] we are in the midst of as to whether we
[22:04] will have a two degree warmer world in 2050. Or
[22:10] a four to six degree warmer world. And this for
[22:16] adaptation and resilience, of course, is a huge difference. What
[22:22] we have seen in the last few weeks from Europe
[22:26] are thousands of excess deaths because of climate change. And
[22:35] yet. Countries like ours continue to increase the emissions which
[22:42] lead to increased temperatures. Which lead to weather disasters and
[22:47] death. We are consciously doing this. In the next slide.
[23:01] You can see, uh, statement from the Secretary General of
[23:06] the United. Pointing out that even back in 2022, we
[23:12] were on a path to more than double, they 1.
[23:16] 5 degree limit. He says some governments and business leaders
[23:20] are saying one thing, but doing another. Simply put, they
[23:24] are lying. And the result will be catastrophic. This is
[23:28] a climate emergency. He went on to say that investing
[23:33] in new fossil fuels, infrastructure is moral and economic madness.
[23:39] This has not changed. In the next slide, you can
[23:44] see where we are at a tipping point. Unfortunately, we
[23:50] have already, uh, past the options in the blue lines.
[23:57] And we are now in the magenta lines which show
[24:02] a very significant overshoot. Only if we stop emitting now.
[24:12] So we are at this crossroads. And for the counsel,
[24:19] this means, what can we do locally to be assured
[24:26] that we can meet our adaptation and resilience planning. The
[24:33] next slide. These are some of the choices we're making.
[24:39] Uh, this is from a report that I was a
[24:42] coauthor on published by Health Canada. Which notes some of
[24:47] the most dramatic impacts. And I would point out that
[24:51] this means disruptions of food systems, water resources. Air pollution,
[24:59] reemergence of Climate Sensitive Infectious Disease. And increasing demands on
[25:04] our health system. Where a future at 1. 5 degrees
[25:09] is very, very different from a future at four to
[25:13] six degrees. Next slide. This slide describes the excess deaths
[25:20] that we saw. Many of them in this city in
[25:24] July of 2021. And with our current trajectory of emissions,
[25:31] we are going to be seeing more and more of
[25:33] these debts. So I am asking for the counsel in
[25:39] consideration of your phase four reporting. First, I thank you
[25:43] for the resolution of Councillor Henderson who enabled the passage
[25:53] of a letter to the province. Requesting a cumulative health
[26:02] impact assessment of the BC gas industry. That is a
[26:06] crucial bit of information that we need. We need to
[26:10] understand what all of the emissions are from the fracking
[26:15] to the transport to the liquefaction to the burning of
[26:21] BC gas. So in consideration of this resilience plan, I've
[26:28] shown how much harder it will be to implement in
[26:31] afford to six degree warmer world. I ask that the
[26:35] counsel send a letter. To the BC Environmental Assessment Office.
[26:41] Asking that further expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in
[26:46] our airshed be paused until the cumulative health impacts of
[26:51] the gas industry is completed. In this way, we will
[26:56] stand together with other frontline communities facing threats to their
[26:59] hair and water from expanding gas infrastructure. And I ask
[27:04] that, uh, be sent prior to July 27th, which is
[27:09] the end of the public comment period on the Tilbury
[27:12] gas facility. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you
[27:17] for your delegation. Um, I don't have any comments from
[27:21] counsel right now. Um, I'll just say thank you again
[27:23] for delegating. I mean, the large part of me, the
[27:29] wishes that we didn't have a Climate adaptation and resilience
[27:31] plan. I wish that, um, for the last two decades
[27:35] when people like you from the scientific community had been
[27:37] calling for governments to do work. The governments had actually
[27:40] returned that with action. And we wouldn't be in a
[27:42] situation right now where we have to start spending money
[27:45] on adaptation and resilience planning just to survive this. Um,
[27:51] the parallels between the heat dome we had five years
[27:55] ago and what's going on in Europe over the last
[27:57] couple of weeks are obvious. The exact same weather phenomenon
[28:01] caused by the same kind of climate disruption. Uh, the
[28:04] numbers were staggering. I just read about in Great Britain.
[28:07] They had in England and Wales had 440 deaths a
[28:10] day for that heat dome. It's just staggering what the
[28:13] impacts are. And, um, I just, for those, all those
[28:17] decades, it was all about how we were going to
[28:19] save money by not doing this. And here we are
[28:21] where we have to pay the bill now. And that's,
[28:23] that's unfortunate. We're paying the bill not just in the
[28:25] cost of spending on resilience and spending on adaptation, but
[28:29] we're paying the bill in people's lives and people's health.
[28:32] And that's, that's sad that we're here. But, um, thank
[28:33] you for speaking and in support of the, uh, of
[28:37] the plan that we're trying to bring forward, trying to
[28:39] bring forth, trying to work on. We have actually put
[28:42] some, I counsel might have to remind me about where
[28:44] we were with a Tilbury. There was some communications put
[28:47] forward from us from that resolution around the Tilbury plant.
[28:51] And Council might have to remind me of where we
[28:52] did. But, um, thank you for your note and we'll,
[28:56] yeah, we'll, yeah. Thank you. Anyway, that's how I'll just
[28:58] finish my saying thank you, Dr. Tako for doing this.
[29:00] Thank you. Our next delegate is Leonor Sally.
[29:14] Yeah. Mr. Muzi officially at the end of the queue
[29:16] since you were already on. Yep. Thanks. Good evening council.
[29:21] I thank you for the opportunity to speak. Um, I
[29:25] am here tonight representing the New Westminster Community Response Network
[29:30] and to support counsel's motion regarding training to support the
[29:34] rights of older adults and preventing elder abuse. I want
[29:38] to thank Council for bringing forward this very positive motion.
[29:42] And for recognising that seniors deserve a safe, respectful and
[29:46] supportive city. We appreciate your leadership regarding his concern. I
[29:51] also wanted to let Council know that since the motion
[29:55] was first proposed, we have met directly with city staff
[30:00] to explore opportunities of how the New Westminster Community Response
[30:05] Network can work with city staff and other agencies on
[30:09] this issue and also explore ways to advance his work
[30:12] through the age friendly strategy implementation working group. City staff
[30:18] have been very supportive. And very proactive in this. I
[30:22] want to thank you again for your leadership on this
[30:24] issue. Thank you. Um, Councillor Campbell. Hi, Leonora. Thank you
[30:32] for delegating today and also initially for bringing this idea
[30:35] forward. Yeah, I after putting the motion forward, I realised
[30:39] you're actually on the H - Renly strategy working group,
[30:42] which is fantastic. And I am glad that is coming
[30:44] forward and going to be explored further through that working
[30:48] group. Because since I put this motion forward, I received
[30:51] numerous phone calls from, uh, different organisations that support seniors.
[30:56] And also from businesses who were saying, how do we,
[30:58] uh, how do we know what we don't know, right?
[31:01] So, and I know in the action plan or the,
[31:04] uh, age friendly strategy, the idea to connect with businesses.
[31:09] Yes. I really appreciate that because one of the things
[31:12] that we know is that, um, it's, you know, it's
[31:18] a lot on the kids, a lot of seniors don't
[31:19] even have, they live in isolation. They don't have caregivers.
[31:23] Um, and even if you have a caregiver, caregivers are
[31:26] exhausted and they can't do it alone. Um, I do
[31:30] hope that, um, well, when the motion comes forward, I'll
[31:33] probably quick about it because I'm seeing some comments now,
[31:37] but I do hope that we can action this rather
[31:39] quickly and get information out sooner rather than later, especially
[31:43] as an example that Dr. Tecaro mentioned with the heat.
[31:48] I mean, this is critical now, right? And it's in
[31:52] the heat is also a safety issue. So if we're
[31:55] really talking about H friendly strategies, um, it's something that
[31:59] I feel we, we really need to action sooner at
[32:03] and later. I mean, I love strategies. I love that
[32:05] we need to consult folks. And I just really want
[32:08] to say thank you. And again, whatever you can do
[32:11] from your end as well to hopefully get this information
[32:14] out soon to people through working out, like throughout the
[32:19] city, like even, you know, our frontline staff and businesses,
[32:23] um, uh, I would really value that as our residents
[32:29] are getting older. We can't wait. So thank you very
[32:32] much. Thank you for your delegation. And yeah, this will
[32:35] be on this item will be on the agenda items.
[32:37] So it's 0. 2 a little later in the meeting
[32:39] today. Right. Thank you. Thank you. So fire. Okay.
[32:49] Our next delegate is Bill Chu.
[33:04] Mira Johnson and the council. I'm Bill Chu founder of
[33:09] Canadians for reconciliation society who is also representing 10 other
[33:13] organisations and 20 individuals who co - signed the letter
[33:17] presented to the council already. I would like to thank
[33:21] the city first for accepting CFOS to all nine invitation
[33:26] to a process of reconciliation. And the offering of 10
[33:29] redemptive actions for the city's past discriminatory policies trust the
[33:35] Chinese Community. I also want to thank the CD4LAN exchange
[33:40] with SD40 which enable its successful design construction and opening
[33:47] of brand new school on an exchange site, which is
[33:51] critical. In by 2021. Now this is just my attempt
[33:56] here to update you on just one of those. What
[34:00] happened to one redemptive actions. And this one is about
[34:04] cities undertaking to quoted work with the province and the
[34:08] school district. To explore opportunities for Memorial at the former
[34:13] Chinese cemetery site. And of course under that initiative, SD40
[34:21] formed a memorization advisory committee in 2016. As soon as
[34:28] then equilibrium effort to invite impacted stakeholders, groups. So for
[34:34] why inputs for the design of the memorial semi -
[34:38] tree park, at worst, for an extreme reasons, the MEC
[34:43] meetings were abruptly terminated. After January 2024. Under his current
[34:51] leadership, with our first getting and approved, final published line
[34:57] and approved fact wordings. Now such directly contradicts is terms
[35:03] of reference. Fish Menthesis work to continue until the Memorial
[35:08] Structures I installed. So we strongly object to those procedural
[35:14] failures and the resulting deviations from the agreement point reconciliation
[35:18] process. Namely, a lack of communication. They make minimum effort
[35:25] to engage with 33 stakeholder groups. I have to ask
[35:30] them before I was actually admitted to the MEC in
[35:34] 2021. Five years after. And prematurity spendment, which I describe
[35:40] already and causing the site in an unsightly state for
[35:46] at least a year. And bypassing oversight, circumventing the process
[35:52] to funds an approved drawings and prank worthings. And four,
[35:59] ignoring stakeholder inputs. People like us like to provide constructive
[36:04] feedbacks. That we often ignore it. And five, compromising historical
[36:11] accuracy. Now that's most important for us. Because the PAP
[36:16] is about advancing and accurate. Narrative. Not a fairy tale.
[36:26] And this practice, the only ones on site, educational tool
[36:32] for visitors. So it's important. Now as a city, as
[36:36] I said, has spent so much effort in time towards
[36:39] reconciliation. It will be a shame for the reconstruction of
[36:44] NWSS to end with a disrespectful and an approve. Up
[36:49] design and wordings. Betraying the various history and the histories.
[36:54] And the cities put intentions. Therefore, we sincerely request that
[36:59] this cancel uses votes today. True withholding the approval on
[37:04] item 4. 11 on your agenda regarding SD40's school sites,
[37:10] composals and longed range facility parents. And to cause a
[37:15] school district to pause this project until the MEC is
[37:20] reconvened. And corrective measures taken. They need to update the
[37:26] 33 stakeholder groups and invite them back to MAC. And
[37:31] also they need to invite their comments and approval. So
[37:35] free prior informed consent. Can be a pain from impacted
[37:39] stakeholder groups. Before everything would be considered approved for construction.
[37:49] After all, this particular voice is not for expanded parking
[37:53] random bike roots or pre - ground for skateboards and
[37:57] e - scooters. But as solemn praise to fulfill the
[38:00] city's promise to protect it from any further integnities and
[38:05] desecration. And any wordings purple is just not meant to
[38:10] make the living look good. But to provide a candy
[38:12] refraction on history denied so far from so many. So
[38:16] thank you for listening to me. And it's actually not
[38:20] just me. There are many groups. Thank you again. Thank
[38:24] you. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for your presentation. Um, Council
[38:27] Senakawa. Thank you. Uh, thank you for being here and
[38:32] raising this issue. Um, Council just had a member of
[38:36] the public reach out and ask, uh, you know, about
[38:38] the possibility of like cherry blossoms on this site. And
[38:42] so I don't think that the community fully understands the
[38:45] important. And like you said, the solemn nature of this
[38:48] site. I also served on the MAC Committee for a
[38:52] brief period. I think around the time maybe that you
[38:55] are invited alongside Councillor McAvoy. Um, and I do agree.
[38:59] I think it did come to a rather abrupt end.
[39:03] Obviously it is, um. Important and sensitive conversation. And I
[39:06] think it would feel better to wrap it up in
[39:09] a, you know, in a really meaningful way. So I
[39:12] would be very happy to connect with you the chair
[39:14] of the school board and the superintendent to ask them
[39:17] about, um, whether the opportunity we convene, how do we
[39:20] come back to this conversation? Uh, I know that they
[39:22] have been incredibly busy with, um, managing schools. And, um,
[39:29] planning for new schools, um, and that this isn't necessarily
[39:32] something that they have an extensive background in. And I
[39:37] agree with you that I think when you ask people
[39:39] for feedback for these groups, um, I know like the
[39:43] choke coat nation was there. There was groups from, from,
[39:46] uh, all around who had a connection with that site,
[39:51] that they do want to see how their feedback was
[39:52] taken and want to see that site built in a
[39:56] meaningful way that you're exactly right. So no, nothing celebrate
[39:59] memorializes the history of it. Acknowledges the history, which isn't
[40:03] as well known as it should be. So, uh, we'd
[40:06] be happy to connect with you in the School District
[40:07] about that to follow up on this. Thank you for
[40:10] your comments. I just want to respond by saying that
[40:15] they, on their own website, says this park would be
[40:18] completed this summer. And you guys all know what it
[40:22] looked like right now. Is it impressing anyone. Is Memorial
[40:28] supposed to look like. I think they are so far
[40:31] off the mark that we have to put a stop
[40:32] on it. Before they just pull those everything to whatever
[40:36] they want. Whatever wedding they want. And that's not the
[40:40] way to go. Right. Because the city, because solemn promise,
[40:48] you know, 17 years ago. I spent most of this
[40:51] 17 years. Not in the council with those guys. And
[40:56] he has been really disappointing. And I hope you guys
[41:00] wouldn't allow them to invect the city's name in the
[41:04] month, so to speak. Because everyone would guess, or I
[41:08] assume wrongly, let's say beloved cities, but he somehow, it's
[41:12] been on to them, right? And we cannot just allow
[41:16] them to do whatever they want. It's not my reputation
[41:21] risk. It's yours. So does it make sense to all
[41:25] of you. Okay, thank you. Yeah. I think that you
[41:31] can expect to hear from Councillor Nakawa and we'll try
[41:33] to connect you with, with, we'll try to connect through
[41:36] the school board. It's important, I think that the three
[41:39] party conversation here between us and the school board who
[41:41] owned the land and that conversation would be, I hope
[41:45] you'll be able to find some resolutions to that. But
[41:46] I really appreciate you coming here and delegating to us.
[41:49] You know, we haven't had a delegation from you during
[41:50] this council term. So it's, it's nice to see you
[41:53] again and make your still working on this. And I'm
[41:55] sorry that you're not completed it. I'm sorry. We haven't
[41:57] got a completed yet. So. One, two. Come to offer.
[42:02] I've been here. And I've lost all the councillors. Thank
[42:08] you. Here, our next delegate is Lori Law.
[42:31] Hello. Good evening. Mayor and Council, thank you for your
[42:35] time tonight. Um, we're going to talk about housing. And
[42:40] I was very saddened to hear about the families that
[42:44] lost their home at Pinecrest Manor. Um, so would like
[42:48] to send my condolences out to them. And also say
[42:51] that I'm in awe of how quickly the resident of
[42:57] New S came together to help each other. So that
[42:59] was very helpwarming. Um, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to thank
[43:04] you and Ms. Tambelini, the city's manager of intergovernmental relations.
[43:10] We're joining our walking tour last Wednesday. Um, we would
[43:14] have been more prepared if you had our SVP by
[43:18] the June 26th deadline. Rather than send the last minute
[43:21] request the night before the tour. However, our group of
[43:25] eight neighbours welcomed you for the walk around the transitional
[43:28] housing centre. During the tour, you stated that we had
[43:35] asked for consultation. And that you were present. And therefore
[43:39] available for consultation. And you asked, what do you want.
[43:45] In the future, when you are offering a consultation, we
[43:49] want two weeks notice so we can prepare and better
[43:52] make use of your time and ours. You noted in
[43:58] your Facebook post from last Thursday that you'd offered to
[44:02] set up meetings with leaders in other jurisdictions who hosts
[44:07] similar projects. You did make this offer. And we politely
[44:12] declined because we want to go beyond simple, verbal assurances
[44:18] that these projects are a success. We have been told
[44:23] by BC Housing that the tiny village was a success
[44:28] in Victoria. However, we were given data from 2019. Which
[44:34] is before the tiny home village was commissioned. And the
[44:39] data was for a different style of housing. Studio suites
[44:43] with private bathrooms, kitchenets, and interior hallways. This report card
[44:52] has, uh, data for, for seven units. And as I
[44:56] mentioned, uh, the ones with the interior, um, hallways. So
[45:02] it's similar to the project in Queensborough. And was issued
[45:07] in 2018 for only a six month period of data
[45:11] collection. This brochure quote studies using data from as far
[45:19] back as 1974 and from New York City. At the
[45:26] February 23rd Council meeting and again, not and again at
[45:31] the March 5th small group InfoSessions, DC Housing stated that
[45:35] the data from Victoria was being compiled and would be
[45:39] shared. Five months later, no information has been shared with
[45:44] our community. In March of this year, I submitted a
[45:49] freedom of information request to BC Housing for data on
[45:53] the Victoria Tiny Village. I asked for nine categories of
[45:57] information and was told that half of the data was
[46:00] not available because the operator owns the data. BC housing
[46:06] and I finally arrived that seven categories, they could supply
[46:10] for which I paid 115 dollars for 18 data plants.
[46:15] Delivery took six weeks. So this is a costly and
[46:19] lengthy process for individuals. You stated during the February 23rd
[46:25] Council meeting that you believe this transitional housing village will
[46:29] be a success because useful to the mayors of Kelowna
[46:32] and Duncan about the successes in their cities. The operator
[46:37] for Duncan had offered to send us information but did
[46:40] not follow through. You offered to share the data provided
[46:45] to you. By BC Housing and the housing operators that
[46:49] helped convince you that this isn't a good project. It
[46:53] is this information that I am asking for. I am
[46:59] really disappointed that the concerns we raise have been repeatedly
[47:03] discounted as residents spread misinformation. Yet no information is shared.
[47:09] Only verbal reassurances that tiny villages are a successful model.
[47:14] So please share the information you have from other jurisdictions.
[47:19] I thank Councillor Campbell for our SVPing to our invitation
[47:24] promptly. I was disappointed that councillors McAvoy, Nakagawa and Henderson
[47:30] did not RSVP. At the February 23rd Council meeting, Councillor
[47:37] Henderson stated that she spoke with councillors in Victoria and
[47:40] Duncan and was given a positive impression. I therefore ask
[47:45] Councillor Henderson, would you be willing to share the information
[47:49] you obtained from your counterparts that helped you decide to
[47:53] support this project. This project is part of the crisis
[47:58] response pilot project. Meaning it's a test to determine whether
[48:03] to expand this type of housing. Before this experiment on
[48:08] village tenants, industrial workers and neighbours begins, we would like
[48:14] to see how the data from other jurisdictions supports that
[48:18] this will be a successful project here in the Westminster.
[48:23] We look forward to getting the information from you. Thank
[48:27] you. Thank you. Thank you, Lori. Uh, Councillor Fontaine. Thank
[48:34] you, Mr. West. Thank you, Lori, for coming out. Uh,
[48:39] I believe did RSVP in time. Councilman has to hunt
[48:43] it. And, uh, do appreciate the cookies, the soft drinks
[48:47] and the conversation on site. It was really informative. So
[48:50] thanks for inviting me and for, um, uh, your hospitality
[48:54] and for the information that you provided on site. Could
[48:56] I just get some clarity then just so I'm clear
[48:59] because as if we move forward. So specifically what information
[49:03] are you seeking from counsel or from the mayor so
[49:06] that we, yeah, if you could just clarify that repeat
[49:08] that one more time just so hard. So during the
[49:10] tour, I explain to Mr. Mayor that I was having
[49:15] trouble accessing information. And, um, as he said, he, he
[49:22] has had the opportunity to speak with the, uh, his
[49:25] counterpart in Victoria. Duncan and Kelowna, um, and that there's
[49:31] information that, um, helped convince him that this is a
[49:36] good project. So he offered to share that information. So
[49:39] I don't know specifically what the information is, um, but
[49:43] that's what I'm asking for. And the clarification I was
[49:47] making was, uh, that he had also offered to, um,
[49:52] it sounds like to set up meetings so that we
[49:54] could speak to the other jurisdictions. And I was saying,
[49:58] Oh, I'd actually prefer the data than a verbal reassurance.
[50:06] Okay. That's very clear. So I'll, um, obviously defer to
[50:09] the mayor to respond to you in terms of whether
[50:11] or not he's prepared to provide that. Are you also
[50:13] just to clarify, you're also seeking from Councillor Henderson the
[50:16] information she had obtained in terms of helping her to
[50:19] make a decision. I'm asking if she'd be willing, yes.
[50:23] Okay. So we'll put those are the two requests in
[50:25] terms of information. Thank you. And then I do have
[50:27] just one question for a staff. When we were on
[50:30] site, uh, there last week, I think it was last
[50:33] Wednesday. The trailers are there, but there doesn't seem to
[50:36] be a lot of activity. Can Steph give us with
[50:39] a quick update on when are we expecting, um, people
[50:44] to actually be moving in to this, uh, tiny home
[50:48] village. When would occupancy, because we were told earlier that
[50:51] this was on a fast track and that people would
[50:54] be moving in, I believe they said November or December,
[50:57] but there's not a lot of activity there today. So
[50:59] I'm just wondering if it has something paused or been
[51:02] stalled. We're not aware of. Director, or sorry, CAO. Thank
[51:08] you through the mayor. Uh, we're not aware of any
[51:12] pause or delay, but I will follow up with staff
[51:15] and we can get you that, uh, response. Okay. So
[51:19] it looks like we're on track for November. Yeah. I
[51:22] know that was a question that was posed to me
[51:24] as well on site in terms of whether or not
[51:26] that we're still on track, but we don't have the
[51:28] information. So we'll assume that we're still on track for
[51:31] November. So thanks so much for coming out. Thank you.
[51:33] Thanks Councillor Henderson. Hi, yes. Um, yes, I have spoken
[51:38] with both the mayor of Victoria and Duncan. And neither
[51:42] provided me. Like concrete data. I'm happy to share my
[51:45] notes from those meetings with you. But I think that
[51:48] it would actually be more efficient and productive for you
[51:51] to connect directly with both those mayors who have both
[51:53] offered to meet with whomever, um, would like to have
[51:56] a conversation. As I think then you can ask them
[51:58] the questions that, that you feel that you'd like answered.
[52:01] Um, so I'm happy to make that connection. Both mayor
[52:04] Alto and Nicole's. Michelle have offered that. So I'm happy
[52:12] to make that for you. And perhaps we could connect
[52:15] because I, you know this city. They don't. They know
[52:20] why it was a success in their city. Um, so,
[52:24] so trying to understand what it was about, what they're
[52:28] saying that you believe is transferable and therefore would make
[52:32] it successful here. So happy to have that conversation. Um,
[52:35] early on, I think in April, I met with the
[52:38] resident down on the site for 90 minutes or so
[52:41] and brought staff and did a tour. I was away
[52:44] when the, um, meeting happened, uh, on a family holiday,
[52:47] um, but can connect with you one - on -
[52:49] one. Wonderful. Thank you. Councillor Minas. Thank you, Mr. Ware.
[52:56] Uh, I want to thank you, Lori, for taking us
[52:59] on the tour for the dining village home. And the
[53:03] surrounding area. Those very informative thank you for that. I
[53:08] do have a question for the staff. Um. These are
[53:14] metal containers. And with the summer coming forward, um, are
[53:21] there steps being taken for air conditioning or anything like
[53:26] that? I don't know if CEO or the director of
[53:32] planning a development have the outside answer yet. Thank you
[53:35] for the question councillor and through the chair through the
[53:39] mayor. The exact specifications are BC housing standards. Um, we
[53:45] can certainly ask and get back to you. I'm sure
[53:47] the team here has had those conversations with them. Um,
[53:50] what I can't tell you is that certainly keeping in
[53:53] mind that, uh, folks who are living, uh, you know,
[53:56] in these conditions and the awareness of the heat and
[53:59] the temperatures is top of mind. So, but we can
[54:03] get back to you with some of the specifications. Thank
[54:06] you very much for that. Thank you. Thanks. Councillor Fontaine.
[54:11] Yeah. Just one quick follow up just to follow up
[54:13] to Councillor Minnhause's question. Perhaps in the response back, if,
[54:17] if staff could let counsel know whether the cooling bylaw,
[54:21] the new cooling bylaw that we just approved, does that
[54:23] apply to the tiny home village, meaning that as Councilman
[54:27] has said that they would all have to have, um,
[54:29] a place within the units to be able to cool
[54:32] down. So if that could be part of the response
[54:34] back from staff as to whether or not this particular
[54:37] site is exempt from that bylaw or if the bylaw
[54:40] applies and how it would apply to those. Because as
[54:43] Council Men has rightly noted, um, while the containers won't
[54:47] be occupied until November, which is a cooler time of
[54:49] the year, if we were to go back into a
[54:51] heat dome kind of scenario, those are fully exposed to
[54:55] the southern sunshine. And I can only imagine it would
[54:58] be, um, incredibly hot in those things. So I just
[55:01] want to be assured that there is at least some,
[55:04] uh, plan place from BC housing to ensure that those
[55:07] units are air conditioned. Uh, thank you. Thank you for
[55:16] your delegation, Lori. Um, thank you again for the meeting.
[55:19] Um, I just want to say, uh, I have not
[55:22] forgotten that the conversation we had or the, or the
[55:25] request to have some more concrete data around the other
[55:28] sites and how they measured success and what metrics they
[55:31] used for success. Um, I've already followed up our staff
[55:34] at Indogover Relations have already are following up with BC
[55:37] housing. And they're going to be connecting to those other
[55:39] partners. And we're going to, we're going to do our
[55:40] best to try to get that data for you. So
[55:42] I stand by that commitment too. We're going to, we're
[55:44] going to continue to ask that data and try to
[55:46] get it for you so that you can, you have
[55:47] some numbers in front of it. I recognise that you're
[55:50] more, you sorry, I shouldn't say you recognised. It sounded
[55:53] to me like you were more interested in those sort
[55:55] of numbers in that numerical stuff than the anecdotal data
[55:57] that I shared that the mayor has shared with me.
[56:00] So that's what we're going to try to get for
[56:01] you. Okay. Thank you. Our next delegate is Marion Djordjevik.
[56:28] Thanks. Everyone for attending tonight. Um, I have my notes
[56:33] here. Um. I would also like to start with. The
[56:42] thank you to the NWP for honouring our invitation. To
[56:47] join us on a walk in our neighbourhood where the
[56:49] tiny home village will be placed and become their neighbourhood
[56:52] too, of the people being placed there. The answer at
[56:56] on time, they agreed on what we've agreed. They told
[57:00] us how many people are coming. And because no one
[57:03] from Community First agreed, we extended the invitation to. The
[57:08] US progressives. Candidate councillors 11 days later after the RSVP
[57:13] date. June 26, the mayor assistant email test with an
[57:16] eight hours, 18 hours notice. That the mayor is coming
[57:22] too. Which we understand was most likely because of the
[57:25] backlash on Facebook that no one from Community First is
[57:28] interested in all of these. Despite the fact that many
[57:32] of the councillors and city staff involved in this have
[57:36] already told us. They have not been on site, which
[57:40] is why the whole invitation happened in the first place.
[57:43] No one from Community First Councillors asked questions. Well, we've
[57:47] been here. Asking them in terms of finding resolution and
[57:52] only when they see a liability coming back at them,
[57:56] like the environmental assessment that came last time. For which
[57:59] we didn't receive any document either. Came up a concern.
[58:04] Only newest progressive councillors were asking questions in which they
[58:07] were trying to put some meaning into this madness. Well,
[58:14] who approved this will have a liability ultimately if this
[58:18] happens. A liability on your consciousness when these people being.
[58:25] Not able to judge what they're doing at certain point.
[58:29] We'll die either on this tracks. Because of no fence.
[58:34] On an active crossing with no any sort of protection.
[58:38] Or getting on the cranes, falling off of the cranes.
[58:42] Creating an encampment where there is no any homeless people.
[58:47] Using a program from BC Housing where in fact there
[58:51] is no encampment. There's been one to two people coming
[58:55] and going. Out of which one of them created the
[58:58] fire under the bridge and no one is there now
[59:01] after the cleanup. We know this because we know these
[59:04] people, we live there. We've seen them many times. You
[59:08] will create this encampment now. With many of them putting
[59:12] up their tents on the ministry lands around as we've
[59:14] pointed out on the walk where the city can do
[59:17] anything about it. The mayor did clearly stated on the
[59:22] walk. Many times that he will be happy to have
[59:25] these people in his home and help them anyway he
[59:28] can. So here is an opportunity Mr. Mayor. We can
[59:31] easily recognise these two individuals and happy to bring them
[59:34] over and you can let us when you're ready. But
[59:38] when I asked if any of the councillors talked to
[59:42] the homeless people, no one said they've talked to them.
[59:46] I've talked to them on many occasions to get her
[59:48] with my wife and at my workplace whenever they end
[59:52] up in a tent around her. All of them ended
[59:56] up on the street from many different reasons. So many
[59:59] personal stories. Most of them are even aware they gained
[1:00:04] mental challenges throughout the years. Many of them stated they
[1:00:09] do not even want to go in a shelter or
[1:00:13] of these types of housing that doesn't give them any
[1:00:16] support, help, engagement, mental health service, councillors to work with
[1:00:20] them. No one is even protecting us from the drug
[1:00:24] dealers, they said. The girls clearly stated in anger. Do
[1:00:32] you know how many times we've been abused. And our
[1:00:36] friends being bitten by the drug dealers entering this type
[1:00:39] of housing. No one being able to stop them. So
[1:00:43] I have not. Heard of anyone saying we need less
[1:00:50] housing. For the homeless. But what most of the people
[1:00:56] in the US have been stating is that this is
[1:00:58] wrong. It's a wrong approach. These people need housing that
[1:01:02] will help them to stand up on their feet. Not
[1:01:07] too easily supply them with more heavy drugs. How is
[1:01:10] that going to help them really. There is many different
[1:01:13] types of housing throughout Newest addressing many different groups of
[1:01:17] people who faced home abuse. So there is women's housing
[1:01:21] society, young mothers coming out of adolescence with kids not
[1:01:27] being able to pay for housing. And the risk housing
[1:01:29] for people who are also on the path to come
[1:01:31] off drugs and recovery. Why all of a sudden the
[1:01:35] council is approving a site where any addiction, including heavy
[1:01:40] drugs or alcohol are allowed for use. The support that
[1:01:47] BC housing many times all of these been stated, the
[1:01:52] support that BC Housing was stating that's going to be
[1:01:55] there. And the city staff too. We're referring to their
[1:02:01] only guards. BC housing on March 19th, we asked them
[1:02:07] so many questions and they couldn't get away with it
[1:02:09] anymore. And they said, no, they'll be guards. They need
[1:02:12] to call and I state exactly what they said. The
[1:02:16] guards will call police fire department for ambulance in case
[1:02:19] there is a fight, fire, or stabbing. When there is
[1:02:23] a life - threatening moment. BC housing admittedly to us.
[1:02:29] They're not support. It's using words giving completely different meaning.
[1:02:37] None of the documents, by the way, as Lori mentioned
[1:02:40] too, we've asked so far since March 30th since we've
[1:02:43] been coming have been provided. Where is the data of
[1:02:47] all those success cities that have similar housing. And you're
[1:02:53] keep on telling us about. It's basically, oh, I've talked
[1:02:57] to this person. He said it's great. That restaurant here,
[1:03:01] maybe I have a different experience about the, I mean,
[1:03:04] none of this makes, we don't have clear data. None
[1:03:07] of this breaking your app five minutes is up. Based
[1:03:12] on what, on March 30th, and I was not provided
[1:03:20] by any document based on which data was put in
[1:03:25] a vote for this to go through. Can you, can
[1:03:28] anyone tell me. There was no data provided of any
[1:03:31] of these sites. In a country, all of the other
[1:03:35] sides that no one mentioned about, they have all bad
[1:03:39] data about this. So how come up that all of
[1:03:43] these are success stories based on a hearsay. He told
[1:03:48] me, she told me, I mean, this is how a
[1:03:51] decision was made for this to be put in there
[1:03:53] without any other sort of consideration. And now we're hearing
[1:03:58] that a shuttle, right, for the tiny home village will
[1:04:01] be there to go downtown when they have a need.
[1:04:05] I'm asking you to swim up pretty quick here. You're
[1:04:07] five minutes around. Trying to recap everything we've talked on
[1:04:10] the walk, which it was hour and a half and
[1:04:13] it was long, right? In the same time on the
[1:04:17] weekend, last door society had an event where they present
[1:04:22] a case. Or cases, if you will. A success stories
[1:04:27] where people have been approached on a right way. And
[1:04:32] how is that supposed to be done instead of feeding
[1:04:35] someone who has a cigarette addiction and you're putting CR
[1:04:38] at in front of him, testing him is he's going
[1:04:40] to take the cigaretter. It doesn't make any sense. So.
[1:04:46] I will eventually have to use the petition that I've
[1:04:51] started and get her 2000 votes. And. Explain the people
[1:04:57] there that we're going to have to vote in this
[1:05:01] city for the people who are listening to the voice
[1:05:07] of the residents. And obviously in this case, that's not
[1:05:12] going to be community first. It'll have to be progressive.
[1:05:15] Thank you, Ms. I'm going to have to ask you
[1:05:16] to wrap up now. You're all pastor five minutes. Thanks.
[1:05:18] We were approached. And we were given. Please, Mr. Dirturch,
[1:05:27] you've well passed your five minutes. They've given you lots
[1:05:28] of time, lots of action. I understand. Thanks. Um, okay.
[1:05:33] In terms of transparency, Mr. Djordjewicz, please. Last sentence. Last
[1:05:39] sentence. Thank you. Yes. Thank you. In terms of transparency,
[1:05:44] including the residents from River Drive. All of those who've
[1:05:52] commented on Facebook. Based on the walk we had last
[1:05:57] week, all of them told me that they've been disconnected
[1:06:01] from them putting any further comments. They've been disconnected of
[1:06:07] the Facebook page. So what I'm trying to say is.
[1:06:12] We are supposed to have different views. And we need
[1:06:16] to have a mayor for every resident in the city.
[1:06:20] Thank you, Mr. Only give credit to the mayor. Thank
[1:06:25] you very much. Thanks. Thank you. Okay. Councillor Campbell? Sure.
[1:06:29] I just thank you for coming today. And I know
[1:06:31] that this isn't your first time. So hopefully, you know,
[1:06:34] you recognise that the, there are, um, processes in the
[1:06:39] city. You may not agree with them. Um, but here
[1:06:43] we are. Right. And one of them is recognising that
[1:06:46] we have 10 delegates. And so the time restriction is
[1:06:49] five minutes. So thank you for stopping so imposing so
[1:06:52] we can continue the meeting. What I want to share
[1:06:55] are two things. Um, one is, and they're both specifically
[1:07:00] addressing some of the assumptions you have made. So one
[1:07:04] assumption is that by not showing up that we don't
[1:07:07] care. So let me very clear. I do care. I
[1:07:11] also have another part - time job and family and
[1:07:14] other commitments. And as Lori mentioned, I did acknowledge that
[1:07:18] I wasn't able to attend. That doesn't mean I'm not
[1:07:21] interested. It just means that I do have other, I'm
[1:07:25] not accepting comments at this time. Um, what I am
[1:07:28] sharing is that the assumption that we are not interested,
[1:07:33] I don't take that personally. What I do fear is
[1:07:35] that other people who want to run for office that
[1:07:38] want to be in the community, um, we have to
[1:07:41] recognise that many of us have other commitments. So please
[1:07:45] don't assume that if we don't attend or if we
[1:07:48] don't engage, that doesn't mean that we're not interest interested.
[1:07:51] The other part, I'm not finished, is that we are
[1:07:54] not asking questions. Let me be very clear. I ask
[1:07:58] questions from people who have subject matter expertise. I also
[1:08:03] ensure that I hear the answers. What I do want
[1:08:06] to do is address the fact that we are open
[1:08:09] to hearing comments, which is why we've really encouraged staff
[1:08:13] to reach out and to engage. And the BC housing
[1:08:18] session occurred. And we have been working through staff to
[1:08:21] make sure that information is there. What I will share
[1:08:24] is that there's an assumption sometimes that because, uh, because
[1:08:28] some of those are not on Facebook or social media
[1:08:30] all the time that we are not listening. We are
[1:08:33] listening. Um, so I just want to address these. I
[1:08:37] am present. I am paying attention. I just can't attend
[1:08:40] everything. And that's the case for many of us because
[1:08:43] we have other jobs and we have other responsibilities. But
[1:08:47] I was on the police board before. I was elected
[1:08:49] here. I'm aware of that site. And I've been reading
[1:08:52] all the reports thoroughly and all the information. So I
[1:08:55] am informed and interested. And again, I'll just end with
[1:08:59] seeing the assumption that I am, um, not asking questions
[1:09:03] is untrue. I am, but I'm asking them of the
[1:09:06] people who have the experience and the subject information. So
[1:09:10] I'm not accepting questions. I just wanted to address those
[1:09:12] assumptions. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Fontaine. Thank you so
[1:09:17] much for coming out this evening. Um, I'm going to
[1:09:20] use my limited time not to lecture you. I'm going
[1:09:23] to actually use my time to take some of the
[1:09:25] questions that you posed this evening and try to phrase
[1:09:29] those to staff to try to provide you with some
[1:09:31] response. So my first question to staff, and it does
[1:09:34] pertain to one of the questions that was raised in
[1:09:36] the delegation around the materials that, uh, counsel was provided
[1:09:40] in relation to this project. Now that the project is
[1:09:44] no longer, um, and in camera item or something that's
[1:09:49] to be discussed behind closed doors. I'm wondering if staff
[1:09:51] can advise the public if the materials that counsel was
[1:09:57] provided can be made available to the public now that
[1:10:00] this is no longer an item that, um, would be
[1:10:04] done in camera. What would be the procedure to have
[1:10:07] that information. Uh, provided to the public. I would assume
[1:10:14] that we had an open council report about this project
[1:10:18] that came to us during a presentation from VC housing.
[1:10:21] We had an open council report about this at how
[1:10:23] the data, it had the data. That would be my
[1:10:26] response to have another with due respect. Mr. Mayor, I
[1:10:29] think I posed the question through you to the city
[1:10:31] manager or to other staff. Sorry. Thank you,
[1:10:41] Councillor. And through the mayor, um, I'm unaware of any
[1:10:44] information that may have been in camera that hasn't been
[1:10:47] brought up, but I'm happy to, um, discuss that in
[1:10:51] a different venue. Um, but certainly staff would brought forward
[1:10:54] all of the information that we're allowed to bring forward,
[1:10:57] uh, and required to bring forward as well. There's an
[1:10:59] FAQ on BC housing's website as well as on our
[1:11:03] website that speak to a lot of the things that
[1:11:06] have been talked about tonight. Okay. Just to clarify then
[1:11:10] if the delegate requests the infer, if they're, if the
[1:11:13] delegate requests information that was provided to counsel regarding this
[1:11:17] particular project, would the delegate be permitted to receive that
[1:11:22] information or would they have to put it through an
[1:11:24] FOI to receive the information. I think I believe that,
[1:11:31] um, I mean, there are two ways. One through the
[1:11:34] mayor, of course, NFOI is always available to the delegate.
[1:11:39] Most of the information would be on our website and
[1:11:43] in our minutes and available through the FAQs. And if
[1:11:47] anything, we are trying to do our best to overcommunicate
[1:11:50] on this topic as well as encouraging BC Housing to
[1:11:54] Communicate their part on this topic because they own the
[1:11:58] majority of the information. Okay. I was just trying to
[1:12:00] get clarity for the public that if they do wish
[1:12:02] to receive that information, uh, it would appear that there
[1:12:05] might be an avenue for you to receive that. My
[1:12:08] second question just pertains to the bus transportation. I did
[1:12:11] hear that on the tour and then I did hear
[1:12:13] it again this evening. Our staff aware of a bus
[1:12:17] or some kind of transportation shuttle bus between the tiny
[1:12:20] home village in downtown. Is that I keep hearing this
[1:12:22] coming up. Are we aware that BC housing is organising
[1:12:27] a formal transportation system? Cause I know that the people
[1:12:30] of Queensborough have been talking about a bus school bus
[1:12:33] for the Queen Sparrows. I'm just wondering if there is
[1:12:35] a bus being planned from the tiny village to downtown.
[1:12:41] CEO. Uh, thank you for the question through the mayor.
[1:12:45] Um, these things are still being worked out from what
[1:12:48] I understand with BC housing, uh, including all of the
[1:12:51] safety measures. Um, I'm not fully aware of timing for
[1:12:57] a bus or if that's confirmed, but certainly there was
[1:12:59] discussion about that. And we can, we can follow up.
[1:13:03] So we're a potential where but not, nothing's been confirmed.
[1:13:06] Okay. If I may, because the, uh, operator hasn't been
[1:13:09] decided on yet, but we will have city staff, um,
[1:13:12] engaged in that discussion and giving the city's perspective and
[1:13:16] advice on, uh, how to move forward with that. With
[1:13:19] a shuttle. Okay. Thank you. And then just to follow
[1:13:21] up and the three of you, Mr. Mayor, to the
[1:13:24] CEO, I have asked this question in the past month
[1:13:26] or so. So I'll ask it again. Um, we did
[1:13:29] request a meeting with BC housing, an open meeting with
[1:13:32] the Rail Companies. And I'm wondering, um, if there's any
[1:13:36] update from BC housing, it's been, I think, a couple
[1:13:38] months since that's happened. And I don't think any meeting
[1:13:41] has taken place that I'm aware of anyways. But perhaps.
[1:13:45] If staff can update the publican council as to what
[1:13:48] the status is on this public meeting with the real
[1:13:50] companies, I'm assuming the residents and counsel. Through the mayor,
[1:13:56] I have not heard any confirmation on any public meeting
[1:14:00] and BC housing, as I said before, would be taking
[1:14:04] the lead on that particular item. Okay. So we haven't
[1:14:07] heard back from BC housing. Last question is, um, again,
[1:14:11] from what I heard, I think believe tonight and also
[1:14:14] what I saw or heard on site was around the
[1:14:17] amount of refuse that the Ministry of Transportation allowed to
[1:14:21] accumulate on their property. Do we have any assurance? As
[1:14:24] I know it's been clean now, but do we have
[1:14:26] any assurances from the Ministry of Transportation? They won't let
[1:14:29] it get to the same state that it was in
[1:14:33] that their residents were living in prior to that. Cause
[1:14:37] I knew it was well documented. I think Councillor Minn
[1:14:39] has went down. It was in the media that this
[1:14:41] was there. I'm glad to see it's been cleaned up.
[1:14:43] But I just don't want it to go back to
[1:14:45] the same scenario two, three, four months. We're now joining
[1:14:47] if we have any assurances from them. So thank you.
[1:14:51] Uh, the structure and system we have in place through
[1:14:53] the crisis response pilot project has worked well by identifying
[1:14:57] these things. Um, and then communicating among city staff. And
[1:15:01] when it's our responsibility, we can then action it. And
[1:15:05] when it's not on our property or not our responsibility,
[1:15:09] we have contacts direct contacts, whether it's with the rail
[1:15:12] or with transportation in other means we are able to
[1:15:16] reach out directly. And then understanding that this is not
[1:15:20] something that anybody wants to leave unattended. Okay. Thank you.
[1:15:25] Thank you very much for your delegation. Okay. Thank you
[1:15:28] Councillor Minhouse. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Marshal, for
[1:15:34] coming down. I appreciate that. I have a question for
[1:15:37] the staff, you for this year. Um. Last week I
[1:15:41] know it's a little bit different here. Um, but just
[1:15:44] wanted to, uh, understand something here. Last week, I believe
[1:15:48] it was Dr. Anne that came from Douglas College. And
[1:15:53] she said that the information was the independent information was
[1:15:57] provided by this city. Now I'm just wondering and curious
[1:16:02] if the information that has been provided to BC housing.
[1:16:07] Was that from the city. True's married. Sorry. I'm not
[1:16:13] sure which information in particular? Uh, just about the tiny
[1:16:18] village home in regards to that. Was all the information
[1:16:22] passed from the city. Two BC housing or was it
[1:16:27] an independent study of BC housing wanting to set up,
[1:16:31] uh, small tiny village home. There. Yeah. I can sort
[1:16:40] of see through the mayor, um, this was a BC
[1:16:45] housing decision. It's their mandate. And certainly we obviously have
[1:16:50] a housing, you know, focus and mandate. But BC Housing
[1:16:54] determines where, um, on what properties and how they're going
[1:16:58] to go about managing those properties. We play a supportive
[1:17:02] role in that. Thank you for that. Thank you. Thank
[1:17:09] you. Thank you. Mr. Rutger. Delegation. Uh, now we have
[1:17:15] two delegations who first is Pat Musey. Is I believe
[1:17:20] you're now.
[1:17:34] What I've come here to talk about is traffic. With
[1:17:39] the geographical centre of the valley. And we have two
[1:17:42] major bridges within our borders. And we're not dealing with
[1:17:46] traffic. We just built a six lane bridge, turned it
[1:17:50] into a four lane bridge. And at the top, a
[1:17:54] 10th in McBride, the right of way. That goes through,
[1:17:58] it's a provincial government right away. It still exists. It
[1:18:03] goes through. And comes out near the Mounty station. On
[1:18:08] number one highway. And right now. Vernaby is building on
[1:18:15] that right away. Has that right away been done away
[1:18:18] with. And why are we not, you don't even have
[1:18:21] to put an overhead to it. A hundred feet, 150
[1:18:25] feet, you make a cut and go through that little
[1:18:27] bluff hot tent. And turn it into a four -
[1:18:31] way intersection. And get rid of one half of the
[1:18:35] traffic that runs through New West. Why aren't we doing
[1:18:39] that. Is that right away still exists? Does anyone know.
[1:18:48] As I know, it's on the maps. And we should
[1:18:52] be demanding that the provincial government used that right away.
[1:18:56] It'll take 50 percent of the traffic out of New
[1:18:59] West. And the other thing is storage them way. You've
[1:19:03] got to deal with it. Coming down through the city.
[1:19:06] That's a highway. I discovered that this week. That that's
[1:19:10] a highway. Provincial Government Highway. And it comes off the
[1:19:16] Queen Sparrow. They're going to replace the Queensborough. What are
[1:19:20] you going to do with it? Are you going to
[1:19:24] traffic has to either go overhead. Underground. Or be dealt
[1:19:30] with on roads that are only for the traffic passing
[1:19:35] throws? How you go walking in Safford and Park. Every
[1:19:38] morning. And the amount of transfer trucks that come through
[1:19:41] that route, they're coming up from the American border, across
[1:19:45] the Greensboro and down and out and out the Fraser
[1:19:49] Valley. And there's hundreds of them. More than that. And
[1:19:55] it's steady traffic all week long. And they're on the
[1:19:58] weekend too. You're not dealing with traffic in this city
[1:20:02] properly. And Byrne B is building on that right away.
[1:20:07] Does that right away still exist. At the top of
[1:20:12] Tenth of McBride and he comes out at the mounting
[1:20:14] station on the number one. And you should be going
[1:20:17] to Burn and B right now and say, cease and
[1:20:20] desist. We're going to, you don't even have to put
[1:20:22] it overhead. You can cut 100 foot grade there and
[1:20:25] you'd be ready to online. Hundred, 150 feet just to
[1:20:29] cut to give it a, above that 10 feet. We're
[1:20:35] not addressing traffic. And if you want to get rid
[1:20:38] of your drug addicts, I can give you the perfect
[1:20:41] place. It's called Kitsong. It's 137 miles north of terrorists
[1:20:47] at 187 miles north of Prince Rupert. I work there
[1:20:52] in the 1980s. It's an old mining town and it's
[1:20:55] pristine. And it'll hold between 1500 and 2, 000 people.
[1:21:01] The provincial government should someone bought it and tried to
[1:21:05] turn it into a recreation area. No one's going to
[1:21:08] go that far. No it for recreation. But it would
[1:21:11] make a perfect drug treatment centre. That gets them out
[1:21:15] of our city's and into isolation where they can treat
[1:21:20] it. They say five weeks you can clean them up
[1:21:23] 10 weeks. They have a better chance of recover. That
[1:21:26] means 2, 000 times 10 weeks, five. 10, 000 to
[1:21:32] 20, 000 people, depending how long you put them in
[1:21:35] there. So why aren't we dealing with it in a
[1:21:39] logical manner. So, and I want to deal with this
[1:21:45] right away. We're going to be shouldn't be building on
[1:21:47] that right away unless it's been done away with. And
[1:21:51] they're right now, they've been blocking it for years of
[1:21:54] building on it because they don't want it running through
[1:21:56] burning. But it's the solution New West traffic problem.
[1:22:06] And we have to deal with traffic in this city.
[1:22:10] Where the geographical centre of the valley. The monuments raked
[1:22:15] down in Hume Park. And everything runs through us. We've
[1:22:22] got two bridges within our borders. Major bridges. We build
[1:22:27] a six lane bridge and turned it into four lanes.
[1:22:29] We got sidewalks there with a sidewalk and the wind
[1:22:33] of the traffic land. It's time you addressed it. Okay.
[1:22:41] Thank you, Mr. Muzi. Oh, Councillor Fontaine. Just really quickly
[1:22:47] through you, Mr. Mayor, to staff just to confirm this
[1:22:50] storm on connector, um, I'm assuming that director, or deputies
[1:22:54] city manager acting director of engineering can respond. But, um,
[1:22:58] is that still, I have had that question posed to
[1:23:00] me in all seriousness multiple times, but I don't actually
[1:23:02] have the answer for that. I know I keep hearing
[1:23:05] it's a right of way and et cetera. But I
[1:23:07] do notice they are building on top of it now.
[1:23:09] So I'm assuming that the strum on connector is no
[1:23:11] longer, um, a right of weight connection. I don't know.
[1:23:18] Definitely CAO or cancer that. I will dig deep into
[1:23:24] through the chart. My understanding is that the storm on
[1:23:30] connector concept plan, um, is no longer being actively pursued.
[1:23:36] And I'm not sure that I can say any more
[1:23:38] than that without a statement from them, Ministry of Transportation
[1:23:41] and Transit. Thank you. Thank you. And I did have
[1:23:48] one delegate who, uh, Brian O'Neal, if he showed up.
[1:23:54] There's space in the. Uh, and I don't think Brian
[1:23:59] Oehle is here. So what I will do is call
[1:24:01] to an end of the public delegation period. Um, counsel,
[1:24:05] I think we might want to think about taking a
[1:24:06] bit, a short break just to for a bit of
[1:24:09] a nature break. Just to get a drink. But I
[1:24:11] would rec, can we please go through, um, uh, the,
[1:24:15] um, consent agenda first, please. Can Councillor's go down the
[1:24:20] queue. And, um, remove things from the agenda. They wish
[1:24:23] to remove. Starting with Councillor Nakagawa. 4. 3 4. 4
[1:24:31] and 4. 12, please. That's 412.
[1:24:41] 4. 2. Sorry.
[1:24:54] Um, Councillor Henderson. Thank you. Can I pull 4. 6.
[1:25:04] Or 410. 410? Yeah. Thanks.
[1:25:16] Again to 410, but it looks like that's done. Yeah.
[1:25:18] Okay. Councillor Fontaine. I'm going to be pulling Mr. Mayor
[1:25:24] item 49. 804 11. And I believe Council Nathagawa called
[1:25:32] item 412. I just reconfirmed that. 411. And 412. It's
[1:25:37] fart even pulled. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Okay. Oh, and I'm
[1:25:41] going to push poll number 415, 415. So can I
[1:25:49] get a motion to approve on consent 41 and 42
[1:25:53] at our minutes? No moves. Uh, hold on. 4. 5.
[1:26:01] 4. 8. And the two proclamations. So moved.
[1:26:10] Second. All in favor. All opposed carry. And we will
[1:26:14] take, let us take a seven minute break and get
[1:26:17] back here at 25 two. And we will start with
[1:26:19] item 4. 3 at that point. Thanks.
[1:35:46] Okay folks, let's take our seats.
[1:36:03] In there.
[1:36:21] That's why. Okay. So I'm
[1:36:31] sure she'll get back. But I'm gonna call, we have
[1:36:37] quorum, and I will get this meeting back in order.
[1:36:43] There in Nakagawa. All right. Okay. Thank you very much
[1:36:50] for getting this back to us. It feels so important
[1:36:56] to be talking about this. I have two questions and
[1:37:01] one sort of comment, so maybe I'll start with the
[1:37:02] questions. The first is I just wanna clarify, for example,
[1:37:05] that if a councillor or another staff member was to
[1:37:10] put, like closed information like closed reports into some sort
[1:37:13] of an AI model, that this would be considered a
[1:37:15] breach of closed information. Director of Finance, CFO. Hi through
[1:37:25] the mayor, thanks for the question. Based on the guidelines,
[1:37:29] yes, that would be considered a breach. Based on our
[1:37:33] guidelines. Okay, yeah, I think that is really important for
[1:37:37] the city to be aware of that. Obviously, people use
[1:37:41] generative AIs for a number of purposes and putting closed
[1:37:45] material and does create more training data based on that
[1:37:48] confidential information. So I think that is really important to
[1:37:52] pull that apart. My second question are sort of, I
[1:37:56] guess it's kind of feedback, it's kind of question is
[1:37:59] there was a list of AI platforms that are unacceptable
[1:38:03] and a list that works acceptable. I can really understand
[1:38:07] why Grock would not be acceptable, and I support that.
[1:38:11] I'm wondering if the bit of a framework or a
[1:38:15] description of what makes the platforms acceptable or unacceptable. Like
[1:38:19] if the guidance, because like it says in the report,
[1:38:21] these are just proliferating, you know, just every single day
[1:38:28] the ones popping up, so I guess, what is the
[1:38:32] matrix for determining what makes a platform acceptable or unacceptable?
[1:38:36] Director Finance. Thanks through the mayor, I would like to
[1:38:41] actually introduce our chief information officer, Paul Taylor, who would
[1:38:46] be the best suited to answer that question. Through the
[1:38:49] mayor, thank you for the question. It's tough to keep
[1:38:52] up, as you mentioned, with all the proliferation of online
[1:38:55] platforms. So we leaned into the ones that offer, I
[1:38:58] guess, the greatest flexibility in terms of creating account. Portal
[1:39:02] allows you to toggle off the training data option. It
[1:39:04] sort of makes it a bit safer so that whatever
[1:39:06] you're inputting is not there for use for training data.
[1:39:09] So that was one of the guiding principles that we
[1:39:10] used. But as we get further into this with the
[1:39:13] working group, we're going to analyse this much more deeply.
[1:39:16] Okay. So the other piece of feedback that I would
[1:39:20] just include in this is that obviously generative AI has
[1:39:24] huge climate and environmental impacts. And I would like that
[1:39:28] also to be included in it, a consideration, you know,
[1:39:31] I think there's good guidance there around for staff, for
[1:39:34] example, that it should supplement, it shouldn't replace judgment, et
[1:39:38] cetera. Um, I would also like a consideration of whether
[1:39:40] or not it's necessary given its huge water usage and
[1:39:44] electrical usage. Um, people are using this, no doubt. I
[1:39:48] think using it responsibly is acknowledging that even though we
[1:39:53] cannot see it, every time that we generative AI, it's
[1:39:58] gobbling up resources. We've been, we've just, I think, moved
[1:40:02] out of stage three watering restrictions back into stage two,
[1:40:06] but I mean, um, I think this is something we
[1:40:08] should be concerned about. So I would love to see
[1:40:09] that included as a working group continues to do their
[1:40:12] work. So thank you. I'll move the recommendation. Okay, thank
[1:40:16] you. Councillor Henderson. Thank you. Yeah, I have the same
[1:40:22] concern and comment about, uh, resource implications. Um, yeah, and
[1:40:29] I guess just, just some comments, not questions, but, uh,
[1:40:32] the way that I read this AI, this policy here,
[1:40:36] um, there's a piece around it's not to be used
[1:40:38] to make decisions on behalf of the city, um, or
[1:40:42] in any context where accuracy, professional judgment, or originality is
[1:40:46] critical. Um, for me, I interpret that as, uh, my
[1:40:51] remarks, my comments as a councillor. I think that people
[1:40:54] expect us, I think it's important that residents hear us
[1:40:58] in our own words. I think that as elected officials,
[1:41:00] I think there is an expectation that we are sharing
[1:41:03] our own, uh, unique thoughts. And so, um, I have
[1:41:07] a disclaimer on my signature now to let residents know
[1:41:10] that I never use AI in any of my emails
[1:41:12] back, social media written remarks and chambers, anything like that.
[1:41:15] And, um, I would encourage, um, that same transparency with
[1:41:18] my council colleagues here, um, just in terms of, uh,
[1:41:22] letting, letting folks know, uh, when and when they don't,
[1:41:25] uh, use AI in our comments as councillors. So thanks.
[1:41:28] Thank you. Um, thanks, thanks for the report. It did
[1:41:32] help clarify a lot of things. It also helped clarify
[1:41:36] me that the challenge actually in front of us about
[1:41:38] recognising where, where the line is in this technology. I
[1:41:45] am, I have to admit I am, I think maybe
[1:41:47] the first time my life starting to feel like a
[1:41:49] bit of a luddite. I'm starting to feel a little
[1:41:51] bit questionable about where the technology is going and not
[1:41:54] wanting to not wanting to engage with. So I don't
[1:41:56] take the time. I haven't taken the time to learn
[1:41:57] how to use these tools or want to use those
[1:41:59] tools right now. But that said, um, I am a
[1:42:02] person who uses word. I use Excel. I use Microsoft
[1:42:06] programs. I use Adobe to read by read my tuils
[1:42:09] that I provided by me. And I guess, I don't
[1:42:11] know, maybe there, I guess my concern would be maybe
[1:42:15] we need to have a conversation about some training for
[1:42:18] council on, on this. Cause council is one part of
[1:42:22] the organisation here that is privy to close information. And
[1:42:27] I think that maybe there might be an opportunity for
[1:42:29] us on council to get some training about how we
[1:42:32] actually protect and make sure that we don't unintentionally, uh,
[1:42:35] end up providing close information into, like we may not
[1:42:40] even know. And the idea that we can't write anything
[1:42:42] into a Word document that might be enclosed is a,
[1:42:46] might be close information is concerning, right? Or anything into
[1:42:48] a note piece and piece of note taking software on
[1:42:51] your desktop, right? So I think we're all aware that
[1:42:54] we don't share it. And we don't store closed information
[1:42:57] on computers that don't belong to the city. We have,
[1:43:00] you know, there's some data hygiene things around that. But
[1:43:02] I think maybe we might need some further training for
[1:43:05] council who with all, how do I say this? Perhaps
[1:43:11] not as up on it as staff are. I think
[1:43:14] that's a good way to say, yeah, we're not as
[1:43:15] up on the changes of technology of staff R. So
[1:43:19] that would just add that maybe as a suggestion for
[1:43:21] first off to think about whether they, whether that's something
[1:43:23] that they, they may want to consider either for this
[1:43:26] council or for the next council as part of the
[1:43:28] training for the new council when they come in. Cause
[1:43:30] I think we're getting, we're heading into areas that are
[1:43:32] really difficult for a lot of people to understand where
[1:43:34] the lines are. With that said, um, thank you for
[1:43:36] the report and thanks for the update. And I will
[1:43:40] see no more comments or questions. I'll call the question
[1:43:42] all in favor. I'll oppose Kerry. Thank you. Thank you.
[1:43:51] Next item is on the Community Advisory Assembly Updates Councillor
[1:43:54] Nakagawa. Thank you. Um, really appreciated this report. And as
[1:44:02] somebody who has led and been part of a lot
[1:44:06] of conversations about diversity inclusion, uh, very interesting to read
[1:44:10] the model that was used, um, to have this, this
[1:44:13] conversation. A lot of the recommendations I think make really
[1:44:17] good sense. And I appreciate, you know, the, the assembly
[1:44:22] taken this on. This is a tricky conversation. A couple
[1:44:25] of pieces that I just wanted to, um, uplift and
[1:44:29] maybe ask that for an update on. When is the
[1:44:32] boat accessibility descriptions of buildings? This is a huge part
[1:44:36] of inclusion. And, um, some of our buildings have somewhat,
[1:44:40] uh, accessibility descriptions on them. Um, others say fully accessible,
[1:44:45] which really isn't inaccessibility description. Um, it needs to have
[1:44:48] more nuance and detail than that. Um, and then the
[1:44:51] other piece I wanted to ask for an update on
[1:44:54] was just today, and this was great timing, not related
[1:44:57] to this report. Um, I received a couple of emails
[1:45:00] from members of the community asking, and this is also
[1:45:04] a good timing because new us Pride was just here.
[1:45:06] Um, asking about updates on gender inclusive washrooms, uh, for
[1:45:10] city facilities, um, for I know, for example, the Massey
[1:45:13] theatre has had upgrades to make, um, inclusive washrooms. Um,
[1:45:17] but, um, wanted to ask for an update on how
[1:45:19] the city is progressing on this file. It's really, really
[1:45:21] important for some members of our community to have their
[1:45:25] basic needs met. So, um, not sure if staff have
[1:45:29] an update on that at the ready, but would like
[1:45:32] to request that they come back, um, to let us
[1:45:34] know what the plan is about that and what a
[1:45:36] timeline for completion will be. Services. Thank you for the
[1:45:43] question through the chair. Uh, we will take that away
[1:45:46] and bring that, bring back an update for you. Thank
[1:45:48] you. Great. Great timing. We have washrooms on the agenda
[1:45:51] later on too. So important thing to talk about. Thanks.
[1:45:54] Okay. Recoindations were moved. Isn't the seconder. And I see
[1:45:59] no other comments or questions. So I'll call the question
[1:46:01] all in favor. All opposed, it's carried. Item 4. 6
[1:46:08] is trained whistle cessation resolution for braid street rail crossings.
[1:46:11] Councillor Henderson. Hi. Thank you. Uh, yeah, I will move
[1:46:16] recommendation of the gate. And seconded. Awesome. Yeah. This is
[1:46:22] obviously really exciting. Um, to see come forward. Um, really
[1:46:27] happy that staff were able to, um, move on this
[1:46:30] crossing. Um, this will be welcomed news for the folks
[1:46:36] particularly who are at the new tower, um, along Brave
[1:46:40] Street there. Um, can you help, I think what is
[1:46:45] also important is, um, helping us understand and helping residents
[1:46:51] understand why, uh, braid was able to move a bit
[1:46:54] faster than spruce and cumberland. I understand some of those
[1:46:58] technicalities, um, but I just want to, um, make sure
[1:47:01] that, uh, the brewery district residents understand, um, that, uh,
[1:47:07] sort of the, the timeline of events, um, because I
[1:47:11] know that they are also eagerly awaiting. We have finished
[1:47:13] the work on Cumberland. And I know that we are
[1:47:16] just waiting for the railway to complete some of their
[1:47:18] work, um, and spruce is a beast. And we are
[1:47:22] getting there. But I'm just wondering if, if you might
[1:47:25] be able to, uh, just help us understand, you know,
[1:47:28] sort of what happened at Braid that led to its
[1:47:31] relatively, um, quicker, uh, success. Thanks. So to the deputy
[1:47:37] CAO or does that go to, okay. Um, thank you
[1:47:43] for the question and through the chat. The work on
[1:47:52] braid. Has been years in the making. We have been
[1:47:58] actively working on all the infrastructure to help support. All
[1:48:05] the infrastructure that goes, that has gone into getting us
[1:48:09] to the point of resourceation for, uh, a number of
[1:48:12] years now. And that includes a lot of, you know,
[1:48:16] technical designs, technical studies that we've been diligently working on
[1:48:22] in the background. Um, I think we, we found a
[1:48:27] sweet spot where we were able to bring all the,
[1:48:31] um, stakeholders and all the folks from on the regulatory
[1:48:38] regulators as well as obviously on the railway side. We
[1:48:41] were able to bring them together behind our technical solution
[1:48:45] that we proposed. And that kind of got us a
[1:48:48] lot of the momentum. And we were able to go
[1:48:50] out and build it. And that is generally what has
[1:48:55] led us to this point right now that we're able
[1:48:57] to put those resolution forward. Great. That's awesome. So not
[1:49:02] a matter of, um, super seething, but actually this one
[1:49:05] was burning Ember's burning in the background. That's really helpful
[1:49:08] to be reminded of. The report outlines that if counsel
[1:49:13] passes this resolution, which I don't want to speak for
[1:49:16] all of counsel, but I suspect that it'll be unanimous.
[1:49:19] Uh, and, uh, the railway has 30 days to cease
[1:49:26] blowing their whistles with the exception of, you know, safety
[1:49:29] issues and when things come up, um, can you help
[1:49:31] us understand if they were, is there an opportunity for
[1:49:34] any of the railways to object and what that process
[1:49:37] would look like. There is a process for them to
[1:49:42] provide comments and to. I wouldn't go as far as
[1:49:48] to call it a formal objection, but they'll raise their
[1:49:52] concerns. And there is a process that is laid out
[1:49:56] in the regulation of how we can work through that
[1:49:58] process in order to, um, overcome their concerns. To get
[1:50:03] us to the point where we are able to cease
[1:50:08] the whistling. Okay. So would that have to come back
[1:50:10] to counsel if that was, you know, if that exchange
[1:50:13] happened or is that just something that you'll work on
[1:50:15] within the 30 days? That is something that's that full
[1:50:18] worker. Okay. Great. Great. Awesome. Yeah. Well, this is wonderful
[1:50:20] news. Um, Southern will be delighted as this opportunity. I
[1:50:25] will help spread that news. And yeah, thank you for
[1:50:28] all your work. I know that this is the, um,
[1:50:31] tedious, uh, David and Goliath battle of all time. Uh,
[1:50:34] with the railway crossings and really appreciate staff's commitment on
[1:50:37] this. Thank you. I don't see any of their comments
[1:50:42] or questions. There's a motion on the floor. It's been
[1:50:43] seconded. So I will call the question all in favor.
[1:50:47] I'll oppose it's carried. Thank you. Thank you, Coco.
[1:51:01] Next item is, sorry, I'm just getting through a minute.
[1:51:04] It's 4. 9 housing agreement. Amendment bylaw to permit guest
[1:51:08] suite. Councillor Fontaine. Mr. Mayor, I have to recuse myself
[1:51:12] due to proximity to this apartment building. Yeah. Thank you.
[1:51:34] Calznakawa. Uh, move recommendation. And seconded yours to speak to
[1:51:41] it. No. Councillor Campbell, do you speak to it? No.
[1:51:44] Okay. In that case, I see no one speaking to
[1:51:47] it. I'll call the question all in favor. I'll oppose
[1:51:49] carried. And can we grab Councillor Dave.
[1:52:03] Okay. Next item is 4. 10 New Westminster Citywide Torrent
[1:52:08] Strategy. Councillor Henderson. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you for this
[1:52:18] work. Um, I'm hoping that you can provide some clarity
[1:52:23] around the, uh, 115, 000 and 205, 000 dollars outlined
[1:52:29] in the short term recommendations and what that's used for.
[1:52:34] It's, it's more obvious to me, um, the 80, 000
[1:52:38] amount there needed for way signing and updating updating things
[1:52:43] like that. It's not clear to me what it means.
[1:52:47] Like, you know, what the need for that money is
[1:52:49] for building community partnerships, for example. So some clarity would
[1:52:52] be helpful. Thank you. Amen. We're playing. One of
[1:53:02] us has to push it the other way. Okay. Go
[1:53:03] for it. Through the chair to Councillor Hempson. Thank you
[1:53:07] for the question. Um, in relation to Community Partnerships in
[1:53:10] the short term, uh, there would be a focus on
[1:53:13] supporting a partnership with a nonprofit organisation to address the
[1:53:18] needs of people experiencing homelessness. Um, that is something that,
[1:53:21] uh, tentatively allocated 25, 000 dollars in 2026 and 75,
[1:53:27] 000 dollars in 2027 towards developing that partnership. Um, that
[1:53:33] is a partnership that we could seek senior government funding
[1:53:37] for, given that it is the responsibility of the provincial
[1:53:40] government to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Um,
[1:53:44] there is additional budget allocated towards, um, developing partnerships with,
[1:53:49] um, businesses. So with the private sector. And so in
[1:53:52] the short terms, the budget for that amount would support,
[1:53:57] um, further engagement with local businesses to understand the toolkit
[1:54:03] of incentives that is needed to, um, develop those partnerships.
[1:54:07] Um, we did have representation from businesses on our working
[1:54:10] group and have a general sense of, um, supports that
[1:54:15] would be, that would facilitate businesses to provide wider access
[1:54:18] to their washrooms. Um, but that initial work would support
[1:54:22] developing a wider tool kit for that business committing partnership
[1:54:26] model. Okay. So is that, um, both the 115 and
[1:54:32] the 205 amount. Um, there's, there's, there's a breakdown of
[1:54:38] kind of three steps. Um, the Community Partnerships, uh, 115,
[1:54:44] the Communications Wayfinding, information tracking is AD. And then the
[1:54:47] implementation governance. Can you help me understand what the costs
[1:54:51] associated with that. Are. Yes.
[1:55:14] So the, uh, the short - term recommendations related to
[1:55:18] Community Partnerships involves, um, 25, 000 dollars in 2026 towards
[1:55:24] establishing partnership with the faith - based or non -
[1:55:26] profit organisation, um, to support people experiencing homelessness in the
[1:55:30] 90, 000 dollars for people experiencing homelessness in 2027. The
[1:55:38] 80, 000 dollars in the communications wayfinding and information, tracking
[1:55:41] section of the report relates to communications and wayfinding in
[1:55:49] 2026, um, print materials that would provide information about the
[1:55:56] city's public toilets. It would also include, um, expanding the
[1:56:01] downtown wayfinding strategy to other areas across the city. Um,
[1:56:06] it would also include integrating C click fix as a
[1:56:11] public reporting tool across the city, uh, so that members
[1:56:15] of the public could identify when mushrooms are in need
[1:56:19] of maintenance or upgrades and provide that information to staff.
[1:56:24] It also includes a small amount for small scale retrofits
[1:56:27] and upgrades to increase accessibility, pump, prudence, safety. And so,
[1:56:30] um, in particular, that would look like small scale retrofits
[1:56:36] such as, um, ensuring that washrooms have infant change tables
[1:56:42] universally across the board, things like step stools to support,
[1:56:46] um, small children to reach the sinks, looking also at
[1:56:51] hand bars and garabrails as needed and nonstick flooring for
[1:56:55] people experiencing, um, with visibilities or seniors. Okay. That's really
[1:56:59] helpful. Thank you. That was not clear to me. So
[1:57:01] that's really helpful. Um, the, uh, there have been some
[1:57:08] signs around saying new signage is coming around the downtown
[1:57:12] and the director of Community Services let us know today
[1:57:14] that that was tourism in the West who's taking on
[1:57:16] that wayfinding piece. Um, and that those are set to
[1:57:19] be done sort of at the end of the month.
[1:57:21] Um, how can we weave these together? I don't want,
[1:57:25] you know, we just have done that wayfinding. Is there
[1:57:27] a way to coordinate, uh, with that, you know, just
[1:57:30] in terms of, um, obviously the downtown is a highly
[1:57:34] dense area where they signs would be really appreciated. And
[1:57:38] so I'm just wondering how, um, how the, if there
[1:57:42] have been conversations with Jura 70 West, if those are,
[1:57:44] you know, in the works right now, I don't want
[1:57:46] to duplicate their work or replace the work that's already
[1:57:48] been done. So yeah, if you could speak to that.
[1:57:52] Through the chair, uh, we do have wayfinding consultant who
[1:57:56] is doing a concept design with regards to Sonic and
[1:58:00] wayfinding. Uh, we are looking for coordinated process, uh, so
[1:58:05] we will be reaching out to tourism in the West.
[1:58:09] And also with regards to the implementation coordinated, which was
[1:58:12] a vision which we're looking at, that would take, um,
[1:58:16] really take responsibility for trying to coordinate work moving forward,
[1:58:20] recognising, uh, having the standardized signage throughout the city is
[1:58:24] really important. Uh, so, uh, we will be reaching out
[1:58:27] to tourism in the West. Okay. Awesome. Thanks. Yeah. Thank
[1:58:30] you so much. Um, yeah, I mean, we, uh, everyone
[1:58:33] needs a washroom a few times a day. So, uh,
[1:58:38] this is definitely needed. We need to be thinking about
[1:58:40] this in a really concrete way. So I appreciate the
[1:58:45] work on this. Thanks. And if you don't, you should
[1:58:48] see your doctor. Okay. Uh, Councillor Campbell. Sorry, just laughing
[1:58:53] because now we're doing comedy. Okay. Yeah. Thanks for this
[1:58:58] report. Quite extensive. They toilet strategy. So I appreciate, you
[1:59:05] know, I didn't realise there was so complex. Like in
[1:59:09] one of the things that was addressed in the short
[1:59:10] term, um, actions is staffing and increasing the needs, uh,
[1:59:16] to maintain, um, the public toilet. So I appreciate that
[1:59:20] that's been addressed. And I know it's a work in
[1:59:23] progress, but we want to make sure that it's a,
[1:59:25] uh, a safe workplace for employees. And we want to
[1:59:28] make sure that the needs of the community are met.
[1:59:30] So I'm really looking forward to the way forward there.
[1:59:33] Um, I do have some questions and you may not
[1:59:36] know all the answers and you can just shoot me
[1:59:38] an email if you want, but it's about, um, the
[1:59:41] short term implementations, uh, and it's on attachment one page
[1:59:45] 44. Some of these projects understand have already been approved
[1:59:49] in the capital plan. So yay, that's great. Um, one
[1:59:52] of them is the completion of the freestanding public toilets
[1:59:56] at Park C West. Minister, or Westminster Pierre Park, the
[2:00:01] expansion piece in case people don't know what Park C
[2:00:03] is. Um, I'm wondering if we know how many freestanding
[2:00:08] toilets are going to be there and the operating hours,
[2:00:11] if you know those. Through the chair, there will be
[2:00:15] two. I'm going to let Annie, you know the opportunity
[2:00:18] hours. I don't know if they're known yet. Um, the,
[2:00:22] through the chair, uh, the operating hours for the, uh,
[2:00:24] washrooms will be the same as the operating hours for
[2:00:26] the park. Okay. So it will be dusted on and
[2:00:29] whatever. Yeah. And changing during the seasons. Okay. So that's
[2:00:33] great. And that's expected to be summer 2026. So are
[2:00:38] we in summer yet? I don't know. Are they there?
[2:00:41] No soon coming. Oh, sorry. I can take that question
[2:00:50] to answer the Councillor's question. The grand opening of the
[2:00:53] extension of Westminster peer park can schedule for August 5th.
[2:00:57] Okay. Mark your calendars. Um, the washrooms are going to
[2:01:01] take a little bit longer. Um, there are some details
[2:01:05] around kind of connecting hooking those up. Um, but we
[2:01:08] will see those late summer early fall, but they will
[2:01:11] not be open for the opening, but we will have
[2:01:13] some up toilet provisions temporary in place for that day.
[2:01:17] Okay. But they're coming. Great. And then the one at
[2:01:20] old school park for 2027. I know that's, uh, like
[2:01:26] not imminent, but it is in the plan and in
[2:01:29] the capital plan. So that's great. Um, my only question
[2:01:31] around that one would be where they might be located
[2:01:35] in order. Like, are they going to be fixed? Is
[2:01:38] it a fixed toilet or is it going to be,
[2:01:41] um, kind of a temporary one? Just trying to understand
[2:01:44] what that service delivery will look like. So through the
[2:01:50] chair, I can also answer that question to the councillor.
[2:01:55] Where right now in our, um, exploration kind of looking
[2:02:00] at the different options for the toilets for that particular
[2:02:03] park. There is a placeholder location. So when the park
[2:02:07] was constructed, we always knew we would phase in toilets.
[2:02:11] So if you know the park, it's between the field
[2:02:13] and the parking lot. Kind of central near the shelter
[2:02:17] there. Yeah. So, uh, so we'll be looking at the
[2:02:19] option of prestanding toilets versus like a build. Yeah. Okay.
[2:02:25] Um, so, and of course, we'll be looking at cost
[2:02:28] efficiency around those options. Um, so to answer your question,
[2:02:33] they are permanent toilets. It's just whether they come prefabbed
[2:02:36] or we built them in place. Perfect. Okay. And, um,
[2:02:40] I guess the other pieces is one of the things
[2:02:43] that I know is there are toilets available. It's just
[2:02:47] some people don't know where they are. And I understand
[2:02:50] there can be more signage. Um, and maybe it was
[2:02:53] in the 60 page document. And I apologise for this
[2:02:55] question if it was in there. But is there going
[2:02:58] to be something like, you know, where you people can
[2:03:01] just say, here I am and the toilet that comes
[2:03:04] up on there, Google map or something, is that something
[2:03:06] that we think we can, I don't want to reivent
[2:03:09] the wheel, but I know Crohn's and Kaleitus has something
[2:03:11] like that. But is that something that we think we
[2:03:14] might be able to do? Or maybe it already exists.
[2:03:19] Through the chair, thank you for the question. The part
[2:03:23] of Enhancing our digital resources will be looking at the
[2:03:26] resources and the map that's available on the city's website
[2:03:29] and building on some of the work that we did
[2:03:30] through the situational analysis to, um, map out all of
[2:03:34] the Publique locations. So we would be looking at ways
[2:03:39] to make that resource as accessible and available to the
[2:03:42] public as possible in ways that it might be available
[2:03:45] on a mobile device through that work. Uh, we also
[2:03:48] have been working with Crohn's and Clydeus Canada through the
[2:03:55] external working group had them represented at that table and
[2:03:59] hope to continue the conversations about the Go Heerhab and
[2:04:02] making sure that our resources and our maps, um, that
[2:04:05] outline where the city's toilets are available on their app
[2:04:08] as well. Okay. Perfect. Well, thank you. Um, it feels
[2:04:12] like it's almost there. And I appreciate that. And so
[2:04:15] maybe I'll move the recommendation and report if it's not
[2:04:18] too late to do that. Okay. It's removed seconded. Um,
[2:04:23] I don't see any other comments or questions. So I'll
[2:04:26] call the question all in favor. All opposed. Carrie. Thank
[2:04:30] you. Thank you for the work on this. It's been
[2:04:32] quite a while. And I really appreciate they were moving
[2:04:34] forward on this. And yeah, thanks. Item 411 is new
[2:04:44] Westminster of School District's eligible school sites proposal. Um, and
[2:04:48] that is Councillor Fontana. Thank you Mr. Mayor. I do
[2:04:52] have just two relatively quick questions for staff. The first
[2:04:55] is pertaining to the report itself. I noticed it was
[2:04:59] absent of any reference to a new high school in
[2:05:02] Queensborough. And I'm wondering if staff can comment where this
[2:05:06] is on the radar in terms of school board and
[2:05:10] city and discussions around location of a site. Because I
[2:05:14] am worried that we're in 2026 and it's still not
[2:05:16] even close to being referenced as anywhere near. It looks
[2:05:20] like a top priority. And I keep hearing from parents
[2:05:23] and Queen Sparrow that, um, you know, they've been waiting
[2:05:26] patiently for a high school and to read a report
[2:05:29] like this without even any reference of that is beyond
[2:05:32] disappointing and given that the students are having to cross
[2:05:35] the Queen's Burbridge every day. So if staff can just
[2:05:37] help me to better understand where this, um, high school
[2:05:40] in Queensborough fits within the context of this report. Development.
[2:05:49] Or. Yes. So through the chair, I have Meredith Scene
[2:05:52] here. She'll provide a response. She's our senior line spunter.
[2:05:57] Thanks through the chair. Um, yeah, so the report alludes
[2:06:01] to the update to the long range facilities plan at
[2:06:05] the school district is working on. And, um, they've so
[2:06:08] far just shared some preliminary directions. They explored some scenarios
[2:06:12] and they're going down a path where they're moving from,
[2:06:16] um, elementary schools middle schools high schools towards just having
[2:06:19] elementary schools and high schools. And specifically the scenario that
[2:06:25] they supported at their June 16th meeting was about exploring
[2:06:30] Tweets Mirror Elementary becoming shifting over time towards being a
[2:06:33] junior secondary school and accommodating significantly more, um, some of
[2:06:39] the high school population school capacity needs. And, um, staff
[2:06:45] hasn't received their full long range facilities plan yet. I
[2:06:48] understand it's going towards the school board targeting for this
[2:06:52] fall. So, uh, we haven't received anything about future of
[2:06:57] a high school in Queensborough. But what we do see
[2:07:00] in the capital plan is some funding your mark application
[2:07:06] for, uh, for renovating Queensborough middle school into becoming also
[2:07:10] an elementary school. And then presumably some of that tweets
[2:07:15] mere renovated site would accommodate high school students as well.
[2:07:20] Okay. Thank you for that update. Um, I don't have
[2:07:23] anything further on that other than to say that even
[2:07:25] if the kids were at tweets mere, they still have
[2:07:27] to cross the queen's bro bridge. So while it's a
[2:07:30] little shorter distance for them, it still is, um, an
[2:07:33] incredible, um, inconvenience and the still will likely be a
[2:07:36] long time for them to get to and from school.
[2:07:38] So I'm still interested in that and look forward to
[2:07:41] getting a report back from the school board. And hopefully
[2:07:44] there is some indication there. Lastly, just in reference to,
[2:07:48] um, I was intrigued by the whole concept of beginning
[2:07:51] to charge, uh, school acquisition fees. And I know it's
[2:07:55] not being, um, reproved in here. But can staff comment
[2:07:59] a little bit about how this is going to work
[2:08:01] for Council. If we start charging them on smaller, kind
[2:08:05] of more micro development projects and not the big ones.
[2:08:10] When would we anticipate actually charging beginning to charge? Are
[2:08:16] we concerned at all around the issue of affordable housing
[2:08:19] and this just being tacked onto the cost again of
[2:08:22] the construction of a new home. And that's just passed
[2:08:25] along obviously to the end purchaser. Um, I don't know,
[2:08:29] I don't need to get a detailed because obviously this
[2:08:32] is coming back to counsel, but the census is the
[2:08:34] first time I think I've seen this in a report
[2:08:36] that this is coming forward. And I was bitten. Yeah.
[2:08:39] It is something through the chair. Um, it's something that
[2:08:41] school district staff raised with us. Um, the exemption in
[2:08:44] the local government Act for not charging school side acquisition
[2:08:48] charges on, on development projects of four units or less.
[2:08:52] And, um, that hasn't been typically something we see much
[2:08:56] of in the city, but we have a newly minted
[2:08:58] info housing program. And so school district staff raised that
[2:09:01] as a consideration. And although the bylaw for school site
[2:09:05] acquisition charges is a school district, Bylan Government Act Awarding
[2:09:10] is that it's the local government that could pass a
[2:09:12] bylaw to override that exemption. So we, um, have in
[2:09:18] response to that request from School District staff suggested that
[2:09:21] we could bring a report back to Council that includes
[2:09:25] some financial consideration on, you know, the school site acquistational
[2:09:28] charge for low density is perhaps small compared to all
[2:09:37] the fees and infrastructure and amenity pieces that go into
[2:09:42] advancing a project, but we recognise that every piece adds
[2:09:45] to that. So we want to bring a more fusome
[2:09:48] report forward on that. Okay. Good to know. And I
[2:09:52] agree that while a thousand dollars in itself isn't perhaps,
[2:09:55] um, significant amount when you add it to all the
[2:09:57] layer upon layer upon layer of additional fees and charges
[2:10:00] that go on to the development, it does then, um,
[2:10:03] add to the affordability issue of making housing affordable. So,
[2:10:07] so just so I'm clear then, um, this will have
[2:10:10] to be a counsel decision to bypass the exemption, I
[2:10:17] guess. Yeah. So we have to counsel. We'll have to
[2:10:19] decide. And that won't come until I'm assuming into 2027.
[2:10:23] I'm assuming that report like from a timing perspective. So
[2:10:27] through the chariot, when we bring forth a report then
[2:10:29] we would bring forward a timeline for one that would
[2:10:31] be plus forward. Okay. Thank you. So then we'll get
[2:10:33] the report first and then the timeline will be in
[2:10:36] the report. So okay, thank you very much. That's with
[2:10:38] that Mr. Mayor. I can move the motion if you'd
[2:10:40] like to. It's been seconded. Okay. Uh, councillor Henderson. Thanks.
[2:10:47] Um, yeah, looking forward to more information about the cost
[2:10:50] charges. I think we have had a lot of conversations
[2:10:53] about, um, uh, that growth needs to pay for growth.
[2:10:58] And so I do think that there is potentially space
[2:11:01] there for this and find a good balance there. Um,
[2:11:04] because I, yeah, it has to come from somewhere. So,
[2:11:07] um, we've had, uh, ample conversations about that around this
[2:11:10] table. Um, the, um, I get this question a lot
[2:11:14] around, you know, obviously this is the work of the
[2:11:17] school board. And I will let them do their job.
[2:11:21] Um, but I do get the question a lot about
[2:11:22] why we can't just sort of pre - zone sites,
[2:11:25] you know, across the city say, this is designated for
[2:11:29] a school 30 years from now. And so I just
[2:11:31] wonder if you can help clarify that. So, um, that
[2:11:35] all of counsel has that same clear information that we
[2:11:38] can share with residents when we're asked that question. Yeah,
[2:11:42] certainly through the chair. So in as Councilman recall through
[2:11:46] the most recent OCP update that went through, we did
[2:11:49] make some amendments to the official community plan to allow
[2:11:51] public schools in the vast majority of our land use
[2:11:54] designations. Just for that reason so that, um, the land
[2:11:57] use designation isn't a barrier when we get a proposal
[2:12:00] for, for a public school site. In the past, in
[2:12:05] long range facilities plans that the school district has advanced,
[2:12:08] they've identified school needs like on a kind of a
[2:12:12] school zone basis. So it's sort of broad areas of
[2:12:16] the city and haven't disclosed site specific expectations for where
[2:12:21] a school is anticipated to be. And so we haven't
[2:12:25] been able to put those sites in the official community
[2:12:27] plan. Um, and we've, through collaboration and discussion with school
[2:12:31] district staff, have landed on that approach of broadly permitting
[2:12:35] school, public schools throughout the city, um, but certainly we
[2:12:39] look forward to seeing the updated long range facilities plan
[2:12:43] this fall and see if there's, um, for be given
[2:12:46] through our OCP to advance that work. Great. So if
[2:12:50] I'm hearing you correctly, um, is this, the school board,
[2:12:54] school district decide on sites and then would give that
[2:12:58] information to the city. And if that, if they have
[2:13:01] not decided on a specific site themselves, then we cannot
[2:13:04] proactively, you know, say that over here in this corner,
[2:13:08] there's going to be a school. So I just wanted
[2:13:09] to confirm that because the question does come up about
[2:13:12] why can't the city just, you know, decide or a
[2:13:15] lot. And I think that the, um, the roles of
[2:13:17] the school board versus the city are often confused Zing
[2:13:21] to folks in the community. So I just wanted, um,
[2:13:25] wanted to hear that from you. So thank you for
[2:13:26] that. Um, and yeah, looking forward to, um, seeing all
[2:13:29] these amazing schools get built. Thanks. Hey, thank you. Um,
[2:13:35] I don't see any other questions. Uh, it's been moved
[2:13:37] in second. I just want to say thank you for
[2:13:38] this. Thanks for, and I'm glad to hear that, uh,
[2:13:41] the school approved this. And now I'm assuming it sounds
[2:13:44] like Council is going to approve this. I just think
[2:13:47] it's great to be in a place now where, uh,
[2:13:49] the school district and the city are together both planning
[2:13:53] for schools for 10 years in the future and 15
[2:13:56] years in the future, recognising that we, um, if we
[2:13:59] get, if they get through there, uh, their facilities plan
[2:14:03] and their work here, um, that they will be building,
[2:14:06] we won't be having capacity crisis at our schools. And
[2:14:09] that, um, that projects that counsel is approving that are
[2:14:13] aligned with our official community plan, our projects that are
[2:14:16] already included in the school's long - term planning. So
[2:14:19] I think that's a really important message for the Community
[2:14:21] to know that OCP approved our OCP aligned projects. We've
[2:14:27] already accounted for that growth and the School system is
[2:14:29] already accounted for that growth. And that's, that's part of
[2:14:31] their long - term pie. That's really a good place
[2:14:32] to be. I think it's worth a much better place
[2:14:34] now than we were a decade or two ago about
[2:14:37] how schools were planned. And so, um, I think all
[2:14:39] we need now is to make sure that the province
[2:14:42] does the work of actually investing in the schools that
[2:14:44] we need to get built now that the plans exist.
[2:14:47] And yeah, thank you. So I will call the question
[2:14:50] at that all in favor. I'll oppose it's caring. Thank
[2:14:56] you. Uh, Sony amendment by law. How's the agreement to
[2:15:05] special event to allow it permit for 611 Agena Street.
[2:15:12] I've lost track of who pulled this. This was Council
[2:15:15] Dr. College. I need to recuse myself because I live
[2:15:19] in proximity to this week.
[2:15:32] I've got Councillor Minhas on the Q next. Yeah, Mr.
[2:15:36] Mayor, I got to refuse myself as well. I live
[2:15:39] right next to that. Okay. Yeah. Thank you.
[2:15:56] Okay. We still have quorum accounts that are fun team.
[2:16:00] Mr. Mayor, I need to recuse myself. I'm joking. Thank
[2:16:04] you. No, I'm not leaving. Stay here. Um, I did
[2:16:07] want to speak, um, to this item. I do have
[2:16:11] a few questions first about the, uh, proposal at 611
[2:16:16] Agnustry. Given the discussion we had earlier today, um, guest
[2:16:24] suite, um, wondering, does this come with a guest suite
[2:16:27] already in it? It sounds like they are kind of
[2:16:30] like now considered a standard fair. But I just want
[2:16:33] to confirm that the guest suites already there. We don't,
[2:16:35] we won't have to go through a process of yet.
[2:16:37] So I'm seeing staff not. So that's good. Thank you
[2:16:40] very much. The other question I have pertains to amenity
[2:16:44] cost charges. So this particular building, because it's, uh, a
[2:16:49] rental building, there are no amenity cost charges. So if
[2:16:53] we would have charged amenity cost charges, what would that
[2:16:56] have totaled. Uh, direct planning development. So for the chair,
[2:17:03] I have Edison Tank, we'll provide response to that. So
[2:17:06] through the merit to Councillor Fontaine. So we have, uh,
[2:17:09] ACC was applied. It'll be about 7 million. 7 million
[2:17:14] dollars. Okay. Okay. Um, so Mr. Mayor, I'm not going
[2:17:19] to be supporting this project this evening. I have a
[2:17:22] feeling it's going to pass, but I will not be
[2:17:25] supporting it this evening. What we have in front of
[2:17:28] us, uh, tonight is a 37 story tower with 323
[2:17:34] units. We also, it's downtown on Agenda Street. We also
[2:17:38] have, um, an infrastructure I've mentioned it before, an infrastructure
[2:17:42] desert in the downtown, some call it infrastructure deficit. This
[2:17:46] tower, uh, based on my kind of back end estimation
[2:17:52] will bring in approximately 750, up to 750 people. Um,
[2:17:57] based on kind of some forecasting, there could be up
[2:18:00] to 80 students based on what, uh, the numbers are
[2:18:04] for the amount of units in there. We know we
[2:18:08] were just talking about schools. We know that cocate elementary
[2:18:11] downtown had already has multiple portables. Absolutely overcrowded. And in
[2:18:17] fact, when you talk about overcrowded schools, uh, that's pretty
[2:18:20] much, uh, standard fair for newestminster. Many of our schools
[2:18:24] are at capacity and well beyond. And as a result,
[2:18:28] we have, I believe on a per capita basis, if
[2:18:31] not the highest one of the highest amounts of portables
[2:18:35] in the entire province of British Columbia, I think only
[2:18:37] City might be competitive to us. Not a place we
[2:18:41] want to be. We know Mr. Mayor, this counsel in
[2:18:45] this term of counsels approved nine towers, 50 stories at
[2:18:49] Columbia Square. We've recently approved at Royal Towers 240 story
[2:18:53] towers and two smaller towers on that site. We've also
[2:18:57] counsels approved a 40 story condo tower and, uh, hotel
[2:19:02] down at 8th and Canarvin. And the other towers that
[2:19:06] have been approved in the downtown too many to actually
[2:19:09] mention tonight in my limited time. We also know Mr.
[2:19:13] Mayor that the downtown. We've heard loud and clear from
[2:19:16] the residents there that they have concerns about the fact
[2:19:21] that they don't have a community centre downtown. They do
[2:19:24] not have a full service library. Um, they might have
[2:19:28] a kiosk kind of a vending machine similar to what
[2:19:32] you would get, um, coke and pretzels and chips at.
[2:19:36] You do have a kiosk, but not an actual library.
[2:19:39] There is no fire hall downtown. And we hear constantly
[2:19:43] that there's not enough, uh, green space parks, et cetera,
[2:19:47] in the downtown course. So that's all a matter of
[2:19:50] fact. I mean, this isn't anything that probably hasn't been,
[2:19:53] um, spoken about here, uh, prior. We've just heard that
[2:19:59] this particular project, which is likely going to be approved
[2:20:02] tonight, 37 story tower. 7 million dollars. And I don't
[2:20:07] blame the proponent, they're following the rules. But if counsel
[2:20:11] approves this tonight, um, had we charged amenity charges on
[2:20:14] this and not exempted this building. 7 million dollars could
[2:20:19] have gone towards a library. 7 million dollars could have
[2:20:23] gone towards a new community centre in the downtown. There
[2:20:26] could have been 7 million dollars more towards public amenities
[2:20:30] in the downtown. That's not going to happen tonight. Simply
[2:20:34] not going to happen tonight. And sadly, uh, what I'm
[2:20:37] talking about this evening has happened time and time and
[2:20:39] time again where these towers get approved. There are no
[2:20:44] amenity contributions charged. And as a result of that, we
[2:20:48] are cramming in more and more people in the downtown
[2:20:50] core with less and less infrastructure and public amenities, which
[2:20:54] is not a recipe, in my opinion, for building complete
[2:20:58] communities. We are building a lot of, um, housing. We
[2:21:01] are not building complete communities. We are building in this
[2:21:05] case. While it's not listed in the report, um, I
[2:21:09] just have to look, for example, um, in the building
[2:21:13] that was constructed not more than a stone's throw from
[2:21:16] my own home in the moody park area, the rents
[2:21:19] there are incredible. A market rents 2, 000, 3, 000
[2:21:23] dollars for units. And they're not luxury condos. They're just
[2:21:29] not luxury apartments. They're just apartments. And yet these towers
[2:21:33] are going up. The owners of these towers are charging
[2:21:36] market rents making money handover fist and no money is
[2:21:41] going into public amenities as a result. And this council
[2:21:44] has been approving them. One, after another, after another, after
[2:21:47] another. And I'm not prepared to do that tonight. I
[2:21:51] haven't been for previous projects and I will not support
[2:21:54] that until this council puts its money where its mouth
[2:21:59] is and that we're charging the, uh, developers of these,
[2:22:02] uh, towers amenity, community charges so that we can invest
[2:22:07] in the libraries and the community centres that we need.
[2:22:10] So I will not, Mr. Mayor, be supporting this. I
[2:22:13] have no doubt the project will get approved. If past
[2:22:15] history is any indication, this will get the supportive council
[2:22:19] like all the other towers have been approved. But I'm
[2:22:21] not prepared to do this. I'd rather pull back on
[2:22:24] this. Have a discussion with, uh, with the developer trying
[2:22:29] to look at finding policies that actually help build those
[2:22:32] complete communities, build those public amenities and address that infrastructure
[2:22:37] deficit. And that infrastructure desert that unfortunately is our downtown.
[2:22:42] Thanks so much. Thank you, Councillor Carell. Um, sure. So
[2:22:46] one of the challenges that we have in New Westminster
[2:22:49] is, um, having commercial office space. And so for me,
[2:22:58] one of the benefits of this is actually having, um,
[2:23:01] that opportunity to increase. Um, and as we know, one
[2:23:05] of the other issues is having tenure that is rental.
[2:23:09] Um, so for me, this as well as the daycare
[2:23:12] as well as some of the other amenities does make
[2:23:14] sense. Um, it is something that's on a pivotal corner
[2:23:19] that we know needs a significant public realm update. Um,
[2:23:24] in terms of other contributions, I believe if staff can
[2:23:29] correct me, um, the development cost charges. Maybe you can
[2:23:32] share how much we'll be contributed to the city in
[2:23:35] development cost charges. Director of Plain Development. So through the
[2:23:40] chair, I'll pass this question over to Addison and Mike
[2:23:44] Watson. Yeah. So blue to me or do Councillor Campbell
[2:23:47] based on current amount. It'll be about 7 million in
[2:23:50] DCC. Okay. So the city will receive 7 million DCCs.
[2:23:55] Okay. And my understanding is, is that the correction, 3.
[2:24:00] 2, my bad. 3. 2 million. Okay. Thank you. Yeah.
[2:24:02] No, that's good. And my understanding is the amenity cost
[2:24:05] charges would not have been applicable to this project. Is
[2:24:08] that correct? Yeah. The way in the IT Council at
[2:24:13] Temple. That's correct. Yeah. And it's not that we waved
[2:24:15] it. It just wouldn't have been applicable. Yeah. Okay. Uh,
[2:24:18] so it's not like we're, um, not. Yeah. So that's,
[2:24:22] that's helpful. It's a different context. Not waiting at versus
[2:24:26] not being applicable. Um, so I mean, we've had numerous
[2:24:29] conversations at our arts culture, economic development advisory committee in
[2:24:33] terms of commercial lease space. We've also had lots of
[2:24:36] conversations with the downtown business improvement association and the chamber
[2:24:40] all looking at revitalizing downtown numester recognising that we also
[2:24:46] need amenities. And that's a conversation that, as we saw
[2:24:49] from the previous report, we're having, uh, with this school
[2:24:52] board, um, continue to have with the school board. So
[2:24:55] that's not something that we take lightly. Those are conversations
[2:24:59] that happen concurrently. Um, and in terms of other community
[2:25:03] space downtown, we know that we've just, uh, negotiated with
[2:25:07] the Fraser of Discovery Centre to have half of that
[2:25:10] building that we can now serve as a public space
[2:25:13] in Envil Centre, uh, given the 10 year review that
[2:25:17] we've had, we're looking at different uses of that. So
[2:25:21] agree, you know, we need to have more public spaces
[2:25:23] downtown, Newismester. And fortunately, we're doing that good work too.
[2:25:27] And so we will, um, and like I said, we'll
[2:25:30] have some more commercial space. So I support this project
[2:25:35] and appreciate the proponent coming back to us and tweaking
[2:25:39] it after addressing some of the needs. Thank you. Thank
[2:25:44] you. Um, Councillor Fonting. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think
[2:25:48] it's important to, you know, facts matter. And we don't
[2:25:51] want to leave this meeting here tonight with people being,
[2:25:54] uh, perhaps confused. I just want to clarify. So the
[2:25:58] interim density bonus policy can staff advise me who passed
[2:26:02] that policy. Councillor Fontaine, I'm going to respectfully ask you
[2:26:09] not to ask rhetorical question to count two members of
[2:26:11] staff. That's, you know the answer to that question. I
[2:26:14] know the answer to the question. You're free to answer
[2:26:16] it for the public, but I don't, I just don't
[2:26:18] like rhetorical questions being asked the staff in a political
[2:26:20] debate. Thank you. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Mayorwell.
[2:26:23] And I will clarify. So my understanding is that the
[2:26:27] interim density bonus policy was passed by council. This is
[2:26:30] a council decision. So my colleague just made a comment
[2:26:35] here which, uh, if you had just interpreted it without
[2:26:39] knowing that there's an interim density bonus policy passed by
[2:26:43] this counsel, not necessarily this one per se. Previous ones.
[2:26:49] This interim density bonus policy. If it were not in
[2:26:54] effect, it was passed by this counsel. We would be
[2:26:57] tonight talking about 7 million dollars. Being allocated potentially to
[2:27:04] a library or a community centre. So it is not
[2:27:08] to me clear to make a comment in this chamber
[2:27:11] that we haven't waived or not waived. Of course we
[2:27:14] haven't waived it. Why would we need to waive at
[2:27:17] counsel has made the decision to waive a long time
[2:27:20] ago. As I said earlier, building after building after building
[2:27:24] after building has had these amenity cost charges, waived because
[2:27:29] counsel said that the benefit to the public is market
[2:27:33] rental. Whatever it is, these units that are going into
[2:27:41] the community at astronomical rents. Is being deemed to be
[2:27:46] a public benefit. And as a result of it being
[2:27:49] a public benefits, 7 million dollars because of this policy
[2:27:53] is not going in. I can't tell you how often
[2:27:56] I hear from families. And I've said it before and
[2:27:59] I'll say it again tonight time and time again, they
[2:28:02] want new parks. They want new playgrounds. They want new
[2:28:05] community centres. They want new libraries. The only way we're
[2:28:07] going to pay for that is if we are charging
[2:28:10] things like amenity cost charges to projects like this so
[2:28:14] we can put money into the bank. The money doesn't
[2:28:16] come from anywhere else other than taxation. So I want
[2:28:20] to be very, very clear that this interim density bonus
[2:28:23] policy is a policy of counsel. It is a directive
[2:28:27] of counsel directing staff. The developer is doing what the
[2:28:31] developer is going to do. And staff are doing only
[2:28:33] what counsel has told them to do, which is to
[2:28:36] waive the seven million dollar charge and to take market
[2:28:41] rentals, which as I said can be two three thousand
[2:28:45] dollars for a one bedroom apartment that I simply don't
[2:28:50] agree with that. That's why I'm not going to be
[2:28:52] supporting it. But I want to clear the record that,
[2:28:55] uh, the issue of waving or not waiving. It is
[2:28:57] policy. It has been policy for this council for many,
[2:29:01] many years. And we haven't had a single debater discussion
[2:29:04] on this in four years. They just keep getting approved
[2:29:06] over and over again. And as a result, the infrastructure
[2:29:08] deficit and the infrastructure desert only gets worse in our
[2:29:12] downtown and beyond. Thank you. Hey, thank you. Um, I
[2:29:17] will follow that up by just clarifying the record. The
[2:29:20] interim density polic interim density, um, policy was passed by
[2:29:26] this council. Second, the amenity cost charges tool was not
[2:29:34] waived. The amenities cost charges tool did not exist when
[2:29:37] this proposal was brought to council. It did not exist.
[2:29:40] It was out of tool available for this application because
[2:29:42] the application long precedes long proceeds the ACC tools. The
[2:29:47] ACC tool was not waived for this. The notion that
[2:29:52] counsel is on a whim waving 7 million dollars in
[2:29:56] amenity benefits. The Community on this project is simply not
[2:29:59] factual. And it is not aligned with the way the
[2:30:02] planning processes work in the city of New Westminster or
[2:30:05] frankly in any other city. Um, the, I just want
[2:30:11] to make sure that's clear. Um, other than that, I
[2:30:14] mean, yeah, this is a project that is affordable. It
[2:30:17] is, it is a rental building and it is a
[2:30:19] commercial building in downtown in the tower district adjacent to
[2:30:23] transit aligned with every policy around rental building in our
[2:30:28] city around supporting the commercial density in our city around
[2:30:32] family, friendly housing. And, um, yeah, I think it's, it's
[2:30:35] been a long project to be developed in order to
[2:30:38] fit in the space appropriately. And, um, I, uh, yeah,
[2:30:42] and I have heard the concern again, raised once again
[2:30:45] about schools. I just want to clarify that, um, replacement,
[2:30:50] a new and expanded elementary school in downtown at Simcoe
[2:30:53] to meet elementary school needs in downtown will be built
[2:30:57] long before this building is completed. We have again, this
[2:31:00] is a project that is aligned with her official community
[2:31:02] plan. And that means that the density needs of the
[2:31:05] schools are already included. This is one of the buildings
[2:31:07] that is included in density of the schools. So. Um,
[2:31:10] yep, that's, I just want to clarify those points. And
[2:31:12] I am in support of this project. Councillor Campbell moved
[2:31:15] the recommendation, please. Is there a seconder. And with that,
[2:31:21] I will call Councillor Fontaine. Thank you, Mr. Merritt. Now
[2:31:26] that the motions on the floor, I just want to
[2:31:28] clarify, it does indicate here in the financial implication section.
[2:31:32] I'm just going to read this. It says per the
[2:31:33] interim density bonus policy as a development is secured market
[2:31:37] rental. It is exempt. From density bonus requirements. If this
[2:31:43] is the most important line, if counsel rejects this application,
[2:31:46] any subsequent application would be subject to amenity cost charges,
[2:31:50] unquote. Hence, if counsel doesn't support this project tonight, the
[2:31:55] application would be subject to amenity cost charges, which we've
[2:31:57] been told tonight would be in the neighbourhood of 7
[2:32:00] million dollars So again, facts matter. And I think it's
[2:32:03] important that that's clarified. And the statement made was at
[2:32:07] the ACC's rewaved, which is an incorrect fact. And so
[2:32:10] we will, we will leave it at that. I never
[2:32:12] said they were waved. That was not my counts there,
[2:32:15] Fontaine. No, but please, Mr. Mayor, I never made that
[2:32:18] statement. So Councillor Fontaine, I don't want to have to
[2:32:21] pay back the tape, but it was clearly said. So
[2:32:24] anyway, we will move on. We will agree to disagree
[2:32:25] on that and we will all look at the video
[2:32:27] after and decide who, what was said. Thank you. Um,
[2:32:30] so I will call the question on this all in
[2:32:33] favor. All opposed. It's carried with Councillor Fontana Post. We
[2:32:39] can get the other two counts there. It's into the
[2:32:41] room.
[2:33:02] Okay. The next item is item, uh, 415 Canada Post
[2:33:07] Transition to Community Mailboxes in U. S. Münster. Um, I
[2:33:10] pulled this just because I want to add to the
[2:33:12] recommendation. The recommendation is that the report be received for
[2:33:16] information. Um, I would actually like to add to that
[2:33:19] recommendation I provided a copy for the cleric. Um, just
[2:33:24] moving that council send correspondence to our member of parliament,
[2:33:27] the Minister of Public Services and procurement and to Canada
[2:33:30] Post expressing the concerns of the community that were set
[2:33:33] out in the next steps of this report. And so
[2:33:36] I would like to have moved that second. And, um,
[2:33:40] I don't think I need to motivate this too much.
[2:33:42] It's just, uh, we have heard. I mean, I know
[2:33:43] other people along with, along as I'm along with me
[2:33:46] have heard from members of the Community about concerns about,
[2:33:49] uh, Canada Post transitioning away from door, door delivery in
[2:33:53] large parts of New Westminster along with Burnaby Coquitlam, Pork
[2:33:57] Equiltnum and Port Moody. Um, and I have talked to
[2:34:01] some other mayors of those cities and they're also raising
[2:34:03] similar concerns. And the two aspects. One being that this
[2:34:06] is a significant change in service which disproportionately affects seniors
[2:34:11] and people disabilities in our community. And the second is
[2:34:13] that there are actual material costs to local governments for
[2:34:16] this shift. We actually are going to suffer costs related
[2:34:20] to hosting Community mailboxes in every residential neighbourhood in the
[2:34:24] city. The city of Hamilton did a report a few
[2:34:27] years ago, uh, figuring it would cost them about 500
[2:34:30] dollars per box while making the post was willing to
[2:34:33] compensate them about 50 dollars box. So we want to
[2:34:37] make sure that we are sending correspondence to Canada Post
[2:34:39] and to their appropriate level of government to let them
[2:34:42] know that this is a concern to us. And we'd
[2:34:44] like to let them to engage with us in a
[2:34:45] conversation about, about what this house decision was made and
[2:34:49] what the impacts in our community are. So. Uh, with
[2:34:52] that, I don't have anyone on the queue. So I
[2:34:55] will call the question all in favor. I'll oppose Kerry.
[2:35:01] Next we have motions for discussion decision. Um, requesting an
[2:35:04] independent section 765 review Council era Fontaine. You may read
[2:35:09] the resolved portion. And if you have a secondary, you
[2:35:11] may motivate. Sorry. Very cool. Uh, thank you Mr. Mayor.
[2:35:17] I will read the motion submitted to Council. It reads,
[2:35:21] therefore be it resolved that the city of New Westminster
[2:35:23] formerly support the city of City's efforts to seek greater
[2:35:26] transparency, accountability, and independent oversight regarding Metro Vancouver Governance and
[2:35:31] the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plan Project. Be it further
[2:35:34] resolved that the city of New Westminster formerly request that
[2:35:37] the inspector municipalities undertaken independent review or inquiry under Section
[2:35:42] 765 of the Local Government Act regarding governance oversight procurement
[2:35:46] financial management and decision making processes associated with the North
[2:35:50] Shore Wastewater treatment plant project. Be it further resolved. The
[2:35:54] Council request the review examine whether existing Metro Vancouver governance
[2:35:58] structures reporting practices and oversight mechanisms remain appropriate for the
[2:36:03] scale and complexity of major regional infrastructure projects. Be it
[2:36:07] further resolved at Council Affirm that the purpose of such
[2:36:09] a review is to provide clarity, strength and public trust
[2:36:13] identify lessons learned and improve accountability and governance practices for
[2:36:17] future regional infrastructure projects and that be it further resolved
[2:36:22] at copies of this motion before ited to the inspector
[2:36:24] of municipalities, Metro Vancouver, all metro Vancouver member municipalities. The
[2:36:29] Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Environment
[2:36:32] at Parks and the Union of BC Municipalities. You may
[2:36:36] motivate. You've been seconded. Thank you Mr. Mayor. I first
[2:36:41] of all thank my colleagues for entertaining and this motion
[2:36:45] here this evening and for council to entertain this. I
[2:36:49] first off will note that our colleagues in both the
[2:36:52] city of North Vancouver and the district of North Vancouver.
[2:36:55] I believe it was just last week passed almost identical
[2:37:00] motion requesting that the inspector municipalities under Section 765 undertake
[2:37:07] this review. And I was really pleased to see that.
[2:37:10] It is in addition to the city of Surrey. So
[2:37:12] if we were to pass this motion tonight, there would
[2:37:15] be four cities who would be requesting to the inspector
[2:37:18] that this, um, truly independent review be undertaken. Um, Metro
[2:37:23] Vancouver's review, in my opinion, is not truly independent Metro
[2:37:28] Vancouver, the review that they're doing right now, they're paying
[2:37:31] for it. Metro Vancouver, I watched a meeting where the
[2:37:36] 41 directors sat and debated and discussed. And then if
[2:37:40] moved a motion to approve the scope of the review,
[2:37:44] uh, and then Metro Vancouver will be receiving that review,
[2:37:48] which will eventually be provided to the public. To me,
[2:37:51] that does not meet the bear definition of independent. And
[2:37:55] unfortunately, um, this type of review, um, this discussion we're
[2:38:00] having tonight about Section 765. To me, should have been
[2:38:04] happening at Metro Vancouver, but it's been happening in district
[2:38:08] of North Vancouver, Surrey, and also the city of North
[2:38:11] Vancouver now here tonight in New Sminster. I personally, um,
[2:38:16] along with other elected leaders in this region wrote to
[2:38:18] the federal auditor general, got no response. Asking them to
[2:38:24] intervene on the North Shore Wastewater treatment plan. Wrote to
[2:38:27] the provincial auditor general got no response. Wrote to the
[2:38:32] minister. God, I've no response. Wrote to the premier, ask
[2:38:37] the premier to intervene got no response. I reached out
[2:38:41] to the chair Metro Vancouver asked for a meeting with
[2:38:45] the chair of Metro Vancouver and was declined a request
[2:38:48] to meet with the chair to discuss this issue of
[2:38:52] the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plan. Really all we're left
[2:38:56] now is this one option, which is to send, um,
[2:38:59] send this motion and to request section 756, sorry, 765
[2:39:06] be invoked and that the inspector intervene. Just for the
[2:39:09] benefits public and the benefit of counsel tonight, this does
[2:39:12] not require the approval of a minister does not require
[2:39:15] the approval of the premier. This is truly independent. Similar
[2:39:20] to a public inquiry, not quite the same. If the
[2:39:23] inspector comes in, they do have the ability to, as
[2:39:26] I understand it, to subpoena. They do have the ability
[2:39:29] to request, um, individuals be called in for, uh, testimony,
[2:39:34] which is currently not the case with the review that
[2:39:37] Metro Vancouver has undertaking because we already know that Axiuna,
[2:39:41] the company for which, um, was the original contractor is
[2:39:44] not subject to any requirement to provide information to the
[2:39:48] consultants that Metro Vancouver has hired. I think the more
[2:39:51] cities that approved these motions, the more likelyhood that the
[2:39:54] inspector of municipalities can't ignore it, uh, four cities is
[2:39:58] not an insignificant number of cities in the Metro Vancouver
[2:40:01] area. And I would be remiss if I didn't remind
[2:40:04] everyone tonight that this project started at 700 million dollars
[2:40:09] is now nearing four billion dollars. And tonight if we
[2:40:13] can get this past, I think perhaps taxpayers might get
[2:40:17] some answers. They deserve those answers. Not only taxpayers and
[2:40:20] U. S. Münster, but taxpayers in our region as well.
[2:40:23] So tonight we have the opportunity, my opinion, to join
[2:40:26] our colleagues in three other cities and making this ask.
[2:40:30] I'm hoping and encouraging all my colleagues to support this
[2:40:33] motion. And if we can get unanimous support from council,
[2:40:37] I think that'll be a strong message like the unanimous
[2:40:39] support and the North Shore and in Surrey. I think
[2:40:42] that will send a very strong message to the inspector
[2:40:44] to take this seriously, to undertake this review and to
[2:40:47] provide taxpayers with, um, some clarity as to what happened
[2:40:51] on this MECO project, which has gone so wrong financially.
[2:40:54] Thanks, Mr. Bear. Thanks, Councillor Gawa. Thanks. I believe we
[2:41:00] already passed something like this some time ago. So I
[2:41:05] do think that this is redundant. Nevertheless, um, I'm willing
[2:41:09] to support it. I didn't support it when it came
[2:41:11] previously. Um, but now that Metro Vancouver has settled its
[2:41:15] 235 million dollar lawsuit with a, an independent review coming.
[2:41:21] I mean, we can debate what independent means. Um, arm's
[2:41:25] length from the organisation with, uh, full disclosure to the
[2:41:28] public. I would describe as independent, but, um, I am
[2:41:33] willing to support this as well. Um, regarding information about
[2:41:36] the wastewater treatment plan, this has been provided, um, to
[2:41:41] some extent repeatedly at Council of Councils. And it had
[2:41:46] councillors wanted information about that. That would have been a
[2:41:48] really great venue to have attended and raise these questions.
[2:41:52] Um, we don't have another Council of Council's scheduled before
[2:41:54] the end of the term. Unfortunately, um, but, uh, you
[2:41:59] know, I am willing to support this, even though I
[2:42:01] do think it is redundant. And I think it is
[2:42:04] important that, uh, we lay this to bend that people
[2:42:08] feel satisfied with the information that comes out about this,
[2:42:11] this project. Thanks. Okay, thanks. I don't have any other
[2:42:16] anyone else on the queue. So I will call the
[2:42:18] question all in favor. Holo Post, it's caring. Thanks. Item
[2:42:24] 4. 2 trained to support rights of older adults. Councillor
[2:42:27] Campbell. You can read the resolve section. And if you're
[2:42:30] a secondary, you can motivate. Be you resolve the city
[2:42:37] offer opportunities for staff training and professional development related to
[2:42:41] elder abuse prevention age friendly practices and the promotion of
[2:42:45] the rights of older adults to ensure that municipal services
[2:42:49] are responsive informed and inclusive. So if I can get
[2:42:53] a seconder all motivate. Okay. Thank you. Um, so I'll
[2:42:56] just really touch lightly on this given that we had
[2:43:00] Lenore Sally from the newest Community Response Network delegate previously,
[2:43:05] which is what precipitated this motion and then delegated again
[2:43:08] today. Um, I do want to reinforce the fact that
[2:43:12] this is, uh, in the age friendly strategy, uh, that
[2:43:16] the staff have prepared for this year actually 2026. Um,
[2:43:22] I didn't realise that when I originally put this motion
[2:43:25] forward. So it was, it was reaffirming to know that's
[2:43:28] in the strategy. Um, and, and even more reaffirming me
[2:43:32] because I received calls from some seniors in many represent,
[2:43:36] many members from Century House, but other organisations throughout the
[2:43:40] city, uh, asking that we really do this, uh, and
[2:43:44] now, uh, I can say, Hey, it's actually in the
[2:43:47] H friendly strategy. So it's not just something that we
[2:43:50] hope to do. It's something that's actioned in the strategy.
[2:43:54] As mentioned earlier, I do hope that we can start
[2:43:58] this work sooner rather than later. Cause I do worry
[2:44:01] about, um, many of the seniors who, who really are,
[2:44:07] uh, connected to anybody. And I know our city staff
[2:44:11] who are out in the parks, uh, at the rec
[2:44:14] centres, um, even like, you know, changing, doing electrical work
[2:44:18] in the city. They're the ones that really do connect
[2:44:21] with a lot of our residents. Um, they really are
[2:44:24] a phenomenal master's for the city. So if we could
[2:44:27] actually not just get training to the usual folks, I
[2:44:31] mean, century house, of course makes sense. But I think
[2:44:33] it makes sense too. People who staff that work in
[2:44:36] utilities that are out in the community, um, to our
[2:44:40] building service workers and to others is the intent so
[2:44:43] that we can all take care of the community as
[2:44:46] we have recognised and done, um, just over this weekend.
[2:44:50] And I'll just add, you know, with the fire over
[2:44:53] the weekend. I hear a lot of people saying, wow,
[2:44:55] newestminsters really stepped up. Well, I wasn't surprised. We know
[2:44:58] this. This is the, this is just how our community
[2:45:01] rolls. So, um, uh, so I hope that we can
[2:45:05] pass this motion and I know that staff, uh, what's
[2:45:12] the word, I guess, or probably going to be, uh,
[2:45:16] the best way forward for us to take care of
[2:45:18] our community. So look forward to giving them the tools
[2:45:21] to do that. Thank you. I don't see any other
[2:45:26] comments. So I'll just say thank you for doing this.
[2:45:29] This is, I mean, this was obviously a call that
[2:45:32] we got for the public. And I'm just glad that
[2:45:34] we're hearing from the public. And I know that there
[2:45:36] was a discussion. There's been a lot of discussion in
[2:45:38] the subsequent record a couple of weeks with, um, with
[2:45:41] century house around the value of this and seeing how
[2:45:44] this fits into our age friendly. So I really appreciate
[2:45:46] the Councillor bringing this forward. And I look forward to
[2:45:48] seeing where this work develops. Thank you. So I'll call
[2:45:51] the question all in favor. I'll oppose Carrie. We now
[2:45:57] have two bylaws for adoption. Uh, first is bylaw notice
[2:46:02] enforcement bylaw. Number 7318 2009. Amendment bylaw number 8557 2026
[2:46:09] Ford option. Mo adoption. All in favor. All opposed carried.
[2:46:15] And municipal ticket information bylaw number 8007 2019 amendment by
[2:46:19] law. Number 8558 2026 Ford Option. All in favor. Holo
[2:46:26] Post carried. Okay. We can now move on to public
[2:46:30] announcements. I have a couple of quick public announcements from,
[2:46:33] um, from the record. One is that Councillor Jeannie McAvoy
[2:46:36] was nominated to represent the city of New Westminster on
[2:46:40] the Ecom Board of Directors for the 2026 to 2027
[2:46:44] term. With the city of the second announcement of the
[2:46:48] City of New Westminster will be entering into a sister
[2:46:51] city agreement with a vinyl Frankievich in Ukraine. There was
[2:46:55] more news coming out about that soon. But that will
[2:46:58] be, uh, yeah, there'll be more public discussion about that
[2:47:01] coming out soon. But that we have interesting deagreement. Um,
[2:47:06] my third announcement is the good news of the day.
[2:47:09] And I just found out that the new Westminster under
[2:47:11] 14 boys. One, the BC provincial A Cup soccer championships.
[2:47:17] It is the first time in New Westminster team has
[2:47:20] ever achieved provincial championship in soccer in that. And so
[2:47:24] I just want to say congratulations to the Pumas. They
[2:47:27] want it yesterday in an IMO. Um, so congratulations to
[2:47:30] all the players and to dedicated coaches that made it
[2:47:33] happen. We have a big future in soccer based on
[2:47:36] the quality of our under 14 team in New Editors.
[2:47:39] So, uh, that's a, that's exciting for them. And congratulations
[2:47:42] on that accomplishment. And finally I do want to say
[2:47:45] a few things about the, I want to be, I'll
[2:47:47] try to be very, very brief. We could talk for
[2:47:49] a long time about the fire. Obviously that happened on
[2:47:51] the weekend. Um, I just want to, I just want
[2:47:56] to put a few thanks out. And I'm always afraid
[2:47:58] of put, when we put thanks out for an event
[2:48:00] this size, there's always a risk that I'm going to
[2:48:03] miss some people. So I apologise immediately for people who
[2:48:06] were doing great work. And I should have probably apologised.
[2:48:09] I should certainly be thanking right now. But, um, just
[2:48:12] the quick list I put together on the top of
[2:48:14] my head. Um, first of all, of course our first
[2:48:16] responders, um, at the fire department, um, and their support
[2:48:20] they received from Burnaby in our, uh, that, the ability
[2:48:24] for our organisations for a fire department to work together
[2:48:27] and coordinate a large events like this is really valuable
[2:48:30] to all of the cities. And I just appreciate the
[2:48:33] amount of work. The firefighters were there for that was
[2:48:36] a 24 hours on site during that fighting that fire.
[2:48:40] And, um, a couple of shifts, uh, a lot of
[2:48:42] the new recruits were getting their first big structure fire.
[2:48:45] It was, it was interesting to talk to them and
[2:48:47] hear their experiences. Everybody got away safe. There was a
[2:48:50] couple of minor injuries that were checked at the hospital,
[2:48:53] but everyone got away safe. And, um, I just think
[2:48:56] that, uh, we cannot appreciate enough for the heroic work
[2:48:59] that takes place, uh, when an event like this happens,
[2:49:03] uh, of course, the police department was also there. I
[2:49:05] saw a lot of our city crews there at the
[2:49:07] site. They were there to help manage the water situation
[2:49:10] at the site in order to help with utility cutoffs
[2:49:13] and things like that. So it really is all hands
[2:49:16] on deck with something like that. And I want to
[2:49:17] thank all the staff who made that happen. Along with
[2:49:20] emergency social services, um, as the event was happening, that
[2:49:25] evening emergency social services were on site helping folks in
[2:49:29] the moment and getting them placed to stay that evening
[2:49:31] so they could be safe and secure. And then the
[2:49:33] next day they set up a century house. Century house
[2:49:35] staff helped accommodate them. And we also had again, more
[2:49:38] support from both the city of Delta and the city
[2:49:41] of Vancouver sent emergency social services staff to help process
[2:49:47] folks and help make sure that all the paperwork was
[2:49:49] done correctly so that folks would get the benefits that
[2:49:51] they required to survive the initial response. Um, I want
[2:49:57] to give a shout out to Mary Trent to do
[2:49:59] and the Westminster neighbourhood house, uh, what that organisation, um,
[2:50:04] they called us and said, you have got a bunch
[2:50:06] of donations. It looks, you are going to need to
[2:50:10] summon the coordinated armor to the social services as we
[2:50:13] just don't have the capacitors to do that. And the
[2:50:15] neighbourhood house reached out and said, we can do that
[2:50:17] for you and just took that on. And really, um,
[2:50:20] showed some, um, they were just incredibly nine o'clock in
[2:50:24] the morning on Saturday morning, they were at Century House
[2:50:27] starting to get on the phone starting to contact people
[2:50:30] connected with the school board. Uh, the school board was
[2:50:32] able to connect to get them space. I mean, they
[2:50:35] just did all that kind of busy work in order
[2:50:37] to get the, all this positive energy in the city
[2:50:40] channeled towards actually getting those donations to people who could
[2:50:44] help to who they will actually help. So I just
[2:50:47] want to appreciate Mary's work in making that happen in
[2:50:50] tasks work in helping coordinate that at the event. And
[2:50:53] I think on day one, especially in Daniel Connolly from,
[2:50:56] um, was from school board was there on day one
[2:50:58] in that room helping do all that work and doing
[2:51:01] that or doing that, that really busy setup work in
[2:51:04] order to make sure that when donation is did arrive,
[2:51:07] they actually did it in a way that was actually
[2:51:08] useful organised and was actually going to be able to
[2:51:10] get out to the people who needed to help as
[2:51:11] soon as possible. And then there is a long list
[2:51:14] of organisations in this community who called and provided different
[2:51:17] kinds of help. The good warray cigar were very quick
[2:51:21] to call and say, Hey, do you guys need food?
[2:51:23] We're going to get you food. And we're able to
[2:51:25] get food on site for the many different crews who
[2:51:28] were there to get them fed and get drinks to
[2:51:30] them. So they were able to keep on doing their
[2:51:32] work without worrying about that. Grunatic Street Kitchen showed up
[2:51:36] with meals at Centray House in order to get those
[2:51:38] to folks, uh, Fraser side reached out. Senior services reached
[2:51:42] up. There's so many organisations in this community who reached
[2:51:44] out to say, you know, we can get you housing.
[2:51:47] We can get you different kinds of support and just
[2:51:49] wanted to make sure that, um, yeah, it's, it's, it's
[2:51:53] heartening to see so many people in this community step
[2:51:56] up. And those are just the organisations. And then there
[2:51:58] was the people that dozens and dozens of people who
[2:52:04] just volunteered all Saturday and all Sunday in order to
[2:52:07] help in the community. And it's just, it's heartening that
[2:52:10] is what community is all about. That is why we
[2:52:12] have to have a connected community. That's why we should
[2:52:16] all be proud to live in new Westminsters. So as
[2:52:18] our hearts go out to the people who have lost
[2:52:20] so much, uh, the people who've been displaced to have
[2:52:23] had their lives incredibly disrupted. You know, our hearts go
[2:52:27] to them. We feel for them. We're sorry for their
[2:52:29] loss, but we also are lifted by the folks who
[2:52:31] stood in to help them. So thank you to everybody
[2:52:34] who did that work. And I will go on on
[2:52:36] the table. Councillor Henderson. Thanks. Yeah. I won't repeat what
[2:52:42] you've listed there mayor. Um, but, uh, it's endless. The
[2:52:49] amount of community members. I believe that, uh, we actually
[2:52:52] had to turn away volunteers today. It was, uh, people
[2:52:57] just showed up so intense. Um, which is a really
[2:53:01] good problem to have. There aside from the organisations you
[2:53:05] listed also just so many, um, organisations outside of the
[2:53:10] community that have stepped up to say we can start
[2:53:12] storing furniture for you. We can pick up the extra
[2:53:15] clothing and take it to nonprofit thrift stores. It's pretty
[2:53:19] amazing. Lots of volunteers there from Bernaby and Coquitlam as
[2:53:23] well. Um, and then businesses, of course, um, big bees
[2:53:26] was offering meals, burger heaven brought 70 gift cards, uh,
[2:53:30] to us to give to residents, um, pause veterinarian care
[2:53:35] Bosley's lots of folks are out there doing stuff. And
[2:53:37] so, yeah, it's been really wonderful. Um, we're, we're actually
[2:53:40] creating the resource list for residents now, um, just to
[2:53:45] help them get supports and also the lots of community
[2:53:47] members who have offered their, their housing, their space for
[2:53:50] people to stay. You know, we talk a lot about
[2:53:52] affordable housing in this, uh, you know, and the need
[2:53:56] for Morehousing in this, uh, council chamber. That's one of
[2:53:59] our jobs. And these 42 households, um, argument need to
[2:54:03] find a new home in the city. Um, aside from
[2:54:06] that, I also just want to say that I'm really,
[2:54:08] uh, grateful for my mayor and council colleagues in Northern
[2:54:11] Communities. I immediately reached out to folks that I knew
[2:54:15] up north who have struggled with the impacts of wildfires,
[2:54:19] uh, for some, um, support on, uh, how to best
[2:54:24] distribute, uh, the massive amount of influx of donations that
[2:54:28] we're getting, um, they've connected Mary and I to a
[2:54:32] whole host of organisations who have done this work. So
[2:54:34] it's just amazing to see everybody come together. Canada Post
[2:54:37] was just reaching out to me around how we get
[2:54:40] information to residents. It's, yeah, it's kind of wild. And
[2:54:44] yeah, but really a huge thank you to, um, the
[2:54:47] community who just came to drop off goods and then
[2:54:51] ended up staying for four or five hours, uh, to
[2:54:53] help yesterday. And, uh, yeah, it's been really wonderful. Um,
[2:54:57] and I think the tally this morning ish was about
[2:55:01] 70, 000 dollars donations and the GoFundMe page, Huge shout
[2:55:10] out to Isbella Wang. For getting that going right after
[2:55:14] she heard the news. So anyways, it's just a pretty
[2:55:16] amazing, um, the residents have started coming in. They have
[2:55:21] private times to shop and, uh, no shortage of, of
[2:55:24] goods for them to, to have it this time. So,
[2:55:27] uh, just a huge thank you to everybody. Thank you.
[2:55:30] Counselman house. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First, I want to
[2:55:37] thank the Victoria Hill Ginger Drive. Residents Association for putting
[2:55:42] on the picnic, uh, yesterday. And as always, Carl Moser
[2:55:47] and everybody there just as they do a wonderful job
[2:55:50] of, uh, accommodating all of us, and, uh, there was
[2:55:54] a great turnout by yourself and other councillors and school
[2:55:59] trustee. And even the people that are going to be
[2:56:04] running in the next election. I also want to again,
[2:56:10] just like yourself and Councillor Henderson over here want to
[2:56:14] thank, uh, first and foremost, uh, all the first responders,
[2:56:19] especially our firefighters, um, the Burnaby firefighters, uh, amazing work,
[2:56:27] uh, that has been going on for the residents of
[2:56:32] Pinecrest on Fourth Avenue.
[2:56:42] It's a little hard topic for me. Um, it reminded
[2:56:45] me a lot of what I was going to, but
[2:56:49] in different ways, um, this was a place where somebody.
[2:56:54] It was somebody's home. Mine was a little bit different.
[2:56:58] It was a place of business. But a lot of
[2:57:02] people knew that that was also my place of home
[2:57:04] in some ways. And, um, I cannot even imagine as
[2:57:10] to. What they have gone through and some of the
[2:57:14] stories that I've been hearing because they've been coming to
[2:57:16] the pub. I did not know what to do. And
[2:57:25] the first thing that came to mind was. That the
[2:57:29] fact, thank God everybody's alive. And there were a few
[2:57:34] injuries. But, uh. We think about food. And. Since the
[2:57:44] young child, uh, with my family, have been working with
[2:57:50] a thing called sava, which is at the gour. And,
[2:57:55] uh, I thought, uh, even without talking to my staff.
[2:58:00] And yes, it does take some time to organise everything
[2:58:03] and get the logistics down. Also not knowing how many
[2:58:06] people are going to show up. Uh, we were trying
[2:58:10] to gun for Saturday afternoon for lunch, but we managed
[2:58:13] to at least open for them for Saturday evening for
[2:58:16] dinner. And for this whole week, um, it's just not
[2:58:20] the people from the building itself that has gone. It's
[2:58:25] also the building, uh, where there has been flooding. And
[2:58:31] as of today, this morning, sorry yesterday, I would like
[2:58:36] to, um, let everybody know out there. Even the volunteers
[2:58:42] at Lord Calvin, they can come down. I know they're
[2:58:47] working hard. And they donating their very precious time. Please
[2:58:53] come on down. You need a by tweet. You just
[2:58:55] need to rest a little bit. You're more than welcome
[2:58:58] down to come down and have a meal. Nice hot
[2:59:02] meal. So, um, again, once again, uh, I want to
[2:59:07] thank everybody, including the staff members. That jumped in at
[2:59:14] a minute's notice. Um, it's not easy. Um, something like
[2:59:20] this happens. Um, and, um, like I said, I know
[2:59:25] firsthand. And your life changes in different ways. Especially what
[2:59:33] we have gone through COVID and so much more. Our
[2:59:37] behaviours have changed and at a time like this, when
[2:59:42] our city can come together, yes, we are known for
[2:59:45] being the besties. And that's a great thing. But it
[2:59:48] brings us even closer. As much as we are a
[2:59:52] big city of 90, 000 or whatever, but deep down
[2:59:55] inside, people of New West, they have, they will and
[3:00:01] will carry on to help in time of need. And
[3:00:05] I love that about our community. It's one of the
[3:00:08] things that I love about this city. Um, and, um,
[3:00:14] my heart soft to everybody in the city that has
[3:00:17] a contributed in any way, shape or form. Um, thank
[3:00:21] you is not enough. But, uh, once again, thank you.
[3:00:26] Thank you. Councillor Fontine. Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Um, yeah, I
[3:00:31] won't repeat my colleagues have really very eloquent in terms
[3:00:35] of capturing. I think the sentiment in the city, I
[3:00:38] will just say that, uh, what acknowledge and thank Councillor
[3:00:41] Henderson for recognising one of her Council colleagues and the
[3:00:44] contribution that Councillor Minnhause has made amongst a number of
[3:00:49] business people volunteers, the community who stepped up and selflessly
[3:00:56] either gave their time or their money, um, or opened
[3:01:00] up their business or their home. Um, and it is
[3:01:03] often, you know, we know we live in a great
[3:01:05] city, but it's often in a time of tragedy like
[3:01:07] this that we, um, realise how special, um, our community
[3:01:12] is. And it's, it's unfortunate that it takes a tragedy
[3:01:15] like this for it to be so focused and for
[3:01:18] us to kind of really take a moment to appreciate
[3:01:19] it. Um, but, um, it's an incredible, uh, exhibition of,
[3:01:25] of humanity and people caring for people. And we are
[3:01:29] very fortunate and very blessed to live in a community
[3:01:32] where when a tragedy like this happens, uh, people do,
[3:01:35] do step up. So I do want to also Councilman
[3:01:40] appreciate. And knowing your history with your loss of your
[3:01:44] business in a fire that I realise and appreciate how
[3:01:47] personal this is for you. So I know how, how
[3:01:49] challenging it can be. Um, I just want to, Mr.
[3:01:53] Mayor, a couple of quick items. I don't want to
[3:01:55] get to process oriented tonight, but I do think whenever
[3:01:58] there are things like this that happen, I think there
[3:02:02] are lessons we can learn as a city. And in
[3:02:04] particular, through our emergency response. And I don't need a
[3:02:07] response tonight from the CEO. But I would like to
[3:02:10] be able to, when things that are a little bit
[3:02:13] more calm, um, not obviously in the next few weeks,
[3:02:15] but it would be good for us to, to see
[3:02:18] if there's anything we can do better in the future.
[3:02:21] We've done a lot of great things, but are there
[3:02:23] lessons that we could have learned in this particular tragedy
[3:02:27] so that, uh, and unfortunately it will happen again. Things
[3:02:30] happen like this, uh, fires do happen. But are there
[3:02:33] things we can, we can learn from this. And I'd
[3:02:35] be very curious to hear once things have settled down
[3:02:40] any feedback from fire department or at the department's, uh,
[3:02:43] to, to do that. So that's number one. Number two,
[3:02:47] which is kind of related. And it pertains to, um,
[3:02:51] again, maybe it's coming back around Lessons Learned around contributions
[3:02:54] that people made. A number of folks did say to
[3:02:57] me that, um, we might have been able to get
[3:03:00] more contributions had people been able to have given it
[3:03:03] and get a receipt. I don't think neighbourhood house can
[3:03:06] issue. I guess that charitable status tax receipt. I don't
[3:03:10] believe so. But, um, or maybe they're not in that,
[3:03:12] that place yet. But, um, that had the dollars come
[3:03:16] through the city that there would have been something that
[3:03:17] we could have provided as an official tax proceed or
[3:03:21] something. I'm not going to get one. So I don't
[3:03:23] know how all this works. But it may be something
[3:03:25] for us to think about. But I notice CEO looks
[3:03:28] like she wants to jump in. So I'll let her
[3:03:30] thank you, councillor, through the mayor as regular practice, ESS
[3:03:35] does a debrief afterward and best practices and promising practices
[3:03:39] are identified. So it's a great suggestion and a follow
[3:03:42] - up. And we can bring that information back to
[3:03:44] counsel for sure. As far as the tax receipt goes,
[3:03:47] I know there would be implications going through the city,
[3:03:51] not exactly sure what they are. I'm not going to
[3:03:52] put anybody on the spot, but certainly that can be
[3:03:56] part of the debrief for us to look into those
[3:03:57] things. Yeah. That would be great. And I don't know
[3:03:59] that I'm just passing along some of the feedback that
[3:04:02] I had received. And lastly, I just want to as
[3:04:05] well just echo Councillor Minhas'comments about Victoria Hillgender Drive and
[3:04:10] just thank them for the invitation for the summer event
[3:04:13] yesterday, which was fabulous. So really enjoyed it. Thanks so
[3:04:16] much. Thanks. Pierre, so they're not going to go. Thank
[3:04:22] you. Yeah. It's unfortunate. It's unfortunate. Circumstances to bring us
[3:04:29] together, of course, but it really, in some ways, does
[3:04:32] bring out the best of this community. Um, I remember
[3:04:35] a fireback on Ash Street. Oh, this was going back
[3:04:38] probably 10 years. Um, and it was the same response
[3:04:40] people just very, very eager to take care of their
[3:04:43] neighbours. Yeah. That's what I love about New West. On
[3:04:48] a different note, I want to let folks know that
[3:04:50] there is an event coming up on July 19th at
[3:04:53] Bikewatch Party at CAPS Bicycles, one to four o'clock on
[3:04:57] the 19th. You can learn how to take good care
[3:05:01] of your bike. And they're also collecting donations of unwanted
[3:05:04] bicycles. Um, I raised this because maybe, uh, these families
[3:05:08] might also want bikes when they're eventually, um, have new
[3:05:11] homes. Um, it's run by the By School Rescue Service,
[3:05:15] which is a nonprofit service. So folks are interested. Please
[3:05:18] do check that out. And if you do have an
[3:05:19] extra bike, that would be a good place to direct
[3:05:21] it. Okay. Thank you. Um, so that ends announcement. And
[3:05:27] I just want to thank Council for a good night
[3:05:29] of work tonight and for getting us out of here
[3:05:31] while there is still a little bit of sunlight left
[3:05:34] outside. And so I mean, this sun's that up. But
[3:05:36] thank you all for a good night's work tonight. And,
[3:05:38] uh, without call us for motion to a turn. All
[3:05:44] in favor, all opposed, Kerry. Thank you everybody. Good.