REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON POLICY AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
FEBRUARY 24, 2016
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities was
held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 9:34 am, in the Council Chamber, Third Floor,
City Hall.
PRESENT:

Councillor Andrea Reimer, Chair*
Mayor Gregor Robertson*
Councillor George Affleck
Councillor Elizabeth Ball, Vice-Chair
Councillor Adriane Carr
Councillor Melissa De Genova
Councillor Heather Deal
Councillor Kerry Jang
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Geoff Meggs
Councillor Tim Stevenson

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE:

Sadhu Johnston, Acting City Manager

CITY CLERK’S OFFICE:

Rosemary Hagiwara, Deputy City Clerk
Katrina Leckovic, Deputy City Clerk
Maria Castro, Meeting Coordinator
Nicole Ludwig, Meeting Coordinator

* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Deal
THAT item 2 be adopted on consent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VARY AGENDA
MOVED by Councillor Deal
THAT the order of the agenda be varied to hear the presentation on item 3 first,
followed by item 6, then return to item 3 for discussion and decision;
FURTHER THAT item 1 be dealt with as the last item of business.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

2

Note: For clarity, the agenda items are minuted in chronological order.
2.

2015 Council Remuneration and Expenses
February 8, 2016

THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council receive this report for information.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
3.

Contract Award for the Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation
January 24, 2016

Jerry Dobrovolny, General Manager of Engineering Services, provided a presentation on the
Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
*****
The following took place after the conclusion of item 4.
*****
Mr. Dobrovolny, along with Paul Storer, Transportation Division, responded to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Deal
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council authorize City staff to enter into, subject to the satisfaction of
the City’s General Manager of the Engineering Services Department, City’s
Director of Legal Services, and the City’s Chief Purchasing Official, a contract
with Graham Infrastructure LP, for the Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation, for a term
of two years, with an estimated contract value of $15,925,484.00, plus
applicable taxes over the two year term, to be funded through $35M approved
capital project budget for Burrard Bridge Upgrades.

B.

THAT the Director of Legal Services, Chief Purchasing Official and General
Manager of the Engineering Services Department be authorized to execute on
behalf of the City the contract contemplated by A above.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6.

Single Room Accommodation for Star Beach Haven (658 Alexander Street)
January 26, 2016

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

3

Abi Bond, Director of Housing Policy and Projects, reviewed the report, and along with
Mukhtar Latif, Chief Housing Officer, responded to questions.
The Committee heard from one speaker who expressed concerns about SRO affordability and
decreasing SRO units, and noted that these issues could be addressed by engaging in
purchasing and proactive strategies.
MOVED by Councillor Jang
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council approve a Single Room Accommodation (SRA) Conversion Permit
in accordance with the Single Room Accommodation By-law for Star Beach
Haven, located at 658 Alexander Street [Parcel Identifier: 015-598-501 Lot 12
Block 43 District Lot 196 Plan 196], to combine two SRA-designated rooms and
add a washroom and kitchen to the combined room, increase the size of
another SRA-designated room and combine it with a reconfigured ground floor
shared washroom, and repair and replace existing fixtures throughout the
building, including rooms and common areas, subject to:
i.

the development permit (DB449673), consistent with the plans provided
for this SRA permit application, being issuable and,

ii.

the owner of the property entering into and registering on title to the
property a Housing Agreement that, for not less than 30 years, requires:
(a)

four rooms (rooms 2, 3, 11 and 12) be rented at a monthly rent
no greater than the average SRO rent for the Downtown Core as
determined by the City of Vancouver’s biannual Survey of
Housing in the Downtown Core (currently $448/month) and;

(b)

four rooms be made available to tenants who are on income
assistance and eligible for rent supplements subject to funding
for the provincial rent subsidy program. Potential eligible
tenants will be referred for consideration by the City or a
delegate of the City and the applicant, as landlord, will make
the final selection after having considered prospective tenants in
good faith (where good faith consideration of a prospective
tenant includes the application of objective and defensible
criteria that meets the legal requirements of the Canadian
Human Rights Act, the BC Human Rights Code and the
Residential Tenancy Act).

(c)

such other terms and conditions as the Director of Legal Services
in consultation with the Chief Housing Officer may require.

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

B.

4

THAT, subject to the approval of A above and execution by the owner and its
mortgagees of the Housing Agreement contemplated by A above, the Director
of Legal Services be instructed to prepare a Housing Agreement in consultation
with the Chief Housing Officer and to bring forward for enactment the By-law
necessary to approve the Housing Agreement.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Robertson absent for the vote)
4.

Contract Award for the Design-Build of the Killarney Seniors Centre
January 15, 2016

Danica Djurkovic, Director of Facilities Planning and Development, provided a presentation on
the Killarney Seniors Centre Design-Build Contract Award, and along with the Acting City
Manager and General Manager of Real Estate and Facilities Management, responded to
questions.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council authorize City staff to negotiate to the satisfaction of the City’s
General Manager of Real Estate and Facilities Management, City’s General
Manager of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, City’s Director of Legal
Services and the City’s Chief Purchasing Official and enter into a contract with
Ventana Construction Company as the Design-Builder for the Killarney Seniors
Centre design-build project for a term that will last the duration of the project
(approximately two (2) years, not including warranty and post construction
services) with an estimated contract value of $5,895,000.00, plus GST, to be
funded through approved capital budget of $7.5 million for Killarney Senior
Centre (CCS- 00064).

B.

THAT the Director of Legal Services, Chief Purchasing Official, General Manager
of Real Estate and Facilities Management and General Manager of Vancouver
Board of Parks and Recreation be authorized to execute on behalf of the City
the contract contemplated by A above.

C.

THAT no legal rights or obligations will be created by Council’s adoption of
A and B above unless and until such contract is executed by the authorized
signatories of the City.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Robertson absent for the vote)
5.

Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion
February 1, 2016

Peter Vaisbord, Business Improvement Area (BIA) Coordinator, reviewed the report and
responded to questions.
The Committee heard from six speakers in support of the recommendations.

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

5

MOVED by Councillor Carr
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council approve the application of the Hastings Crossing Business
Improvement Association (HXBIA) as described in the Administrative Report
dated February 1, 2016, entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”,
and instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of
Planning, to bring forward by-laws to re-establish the Hastings Crossing BIA, to
establish a new funding ceiling, and to remit monies for the business promotion
scheme.

B.

THAT Council approve the application of the Kerrisdale Business Association
(KBA) as described in the Administrative Report dated February 1, 2016,
entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”, and instruct the Director of
Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Planning, to bring forward
by-laws to re-establish the Kerrisdale BIA, to establish a new funding ceiling,
and to remit monies for the business promotion scheme.

C.

THAT Council approve the application of the Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business
Association (K4BA) as described in the Administrative Report dated
February 1, 2016, entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”, and
instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of
Planning, to bring forward by-laws to re-establish the Kitsilano 4th Avenue BIA,
to establish a new funding ceiling, and to remit monies for the business
promotion scheme.

D.

THAT Council approve the application of the West Broadway Business
Improvement Association (WBBIA) as described in the Administrative Report
dated February 1, 2016, entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”,
and instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of
Planning, to bring forward by-laws to re-establish the West Broadway BIA, to
establish a new funding ceiling, and to remit monies for the business promotion
scheme.

E.

THAT Council approve the application of the Davie Village Business
Improvement Association (DViBIA) as described in the Administrative Report
dated February 1, 2016, entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”,
and instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of
Planning, to bring forward by-laws to re-establish the West End BIA, to
establish a new funding ceiling, and to remit monies for the business promotion
scheme.

F.

THAT Council approve the application of the Mount Pleasant Commercial
Improvement Society (MPCIS) as described in the Administrative Report dated
February 1, 2016, entitled “Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion”, and
instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of
Planning, to bring forward by-laws to expand the Mount Pleasant BIA, establish
a funding ceiling, and to remit monies for the business promotion scheme.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Mayor Robertson absent for the vote)

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

7.

6

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy By-law Amendments
February 4, 2016

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.
Barb Van Fraassen, Director, Access to Information, provided a presentation and responded to
questions.
The Committee heard from two speakers, one of whom had concerns regarding processes for
Freedom of Information requests and releases. Another speaker expressed the need for public
consultation on the matter.
MOVED by Councillor Meggs
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council approve changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy By-law to appoint a single Head reflecting the current City process and
the practice of other municipalities, update the fee schedule to remove
outdated items and remove unnecessary sections included in the provincial
legislation, generally as set out in Appendix A of the Administrative Report
dated February 4, 2016, entitled “Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy By-law Amendments”.

B.

THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward a by-law for
consideration by Council generally in accordance with Appendix A of the
Administrative Report dated February 4, 2016, entitled “Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy By-law Amendments”.

carried
REFERRAL MOVED by Councillor Affleck
THAT the report be referred back to staff until the Office of the Information and
Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) completes its audit of the City of Vancouver’s Freedom of
Information procedures, after which recommendations from the audit could be
incorporated into City of Vancouver by-laws.
lost

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

AMENDMENT TO THE REFERRAL MOVED by Councillor Carr
THAT the referral be amended to insert the words “as drafts”, after “incorporated”,
and to insert the words “and taken to public consultation” at the end.
LOST
(Councillors Deal, Jang, Louie, Meggs, Reimer, Stevenson and the Mayor opposed)
The amendment to the referral having lost, the referral was put and LOST, with Councillors
Deal, Jang, Louie, Meggs, Reimer, Stevenson and the Mayor opposed.
The motion to refer having lost, the motion was then put and CARRIED, with Councillors
Affleck, Ball and DeGenova opposed.
8.

Action to Protect Taxpayers from Soaring Assessments
*****
Councillor Reimer left the meeting at 2:32 pm and Councillor Louie assumed the Chair.
*****

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.
The Committee heard from one speaker who expressed concerns regarding split assessments
and its impact on local businesses.
Grace Cheng, Finance, Risk and Business Planning, responded to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Meggs
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS
1.

Very large increases in property assessments, in some cases up to 65 percent,
on commercial properties in certain areas of the city could pose the risk of
business failures by self-employed business owners on fixed term triple-net
leases who have limited ability to pass on increases to customers or to
renegotiate the lease prior to expiry or renewal;

2.

Increases in residential assessments by the BC Assessment Authority (BCAA)
have also been very high, causing real concern and hardship to homeowners
where those increases are above average and sometimes must be managed on
fixed incomes;

3.

Increases for some non-profit and co-op housing societies are high enough to
threaten affordability for residents in certain locations;

7

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

4.

The City of Vancouver has implemented land assessment averaging solutions to
assist property owners and businesses that may only partially mitigate the
impact of these very high assessment increases;

5.

The BC Supreme Court ruling in the Amacon case, on the application of split
assessments, released February 1, 2016, should clarify the assessment and
classification of properties that could be the subject of mixed use
development;

6.

Staff, in response to Council’s motion of July 2014, have requested that BC
Assessment Authority undertake a review of split class assessment and value in
use.

8

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council call on the BC Assessment
Authority (BCAA) to:
a.

Justify the very large increases established in many areas of the city and urge
a careful review of the assessment methodology;

b.

Make their methodology available in open data format so the public can better
understand what factors most affect increases;

c.

Take steps to complete its review of split assessments once the court verdict is
received and "value in use as going concern" based on the court ruling;

d.

Provide clarification on applications for split assessments and "value in use as
going concern”; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT that Council direct staff to report back on the
outcomes of the BCAA work, the implications of the BC Supreme Court ruling and any
other steps that could be taken by the Province to mitigate these increases, especially
the impact of triple net leases on property tax payments for tenants.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Robertson and Councillor Reimer absent for the vote)
9.

Explore Options for Increasing City Support for Music and Musicians

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

9

*****
Councillor Reimer resumed the Chair at 3:09 pm.
*****
The Committee heard from one speaker in support of the motion.
The following motion contains changes from the original motion, which were accepted by the
Committee.
MOVED by Councillor Deal
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS
1.

Vancouver is home to a vibrant, multicultural music ecology, including the
number of musicians, live music performances, independent music producers
and recordings;

2.

The City of Vancouver has been focusing efforts on supporting the arts,
including music, through policy changes such as arts events licensing and
creating new arts spaces;

3.

The City of Vancouver gave out over $2.5 million in grants to music
organizations in 2015 and more to multi-disciplinary organizations that include
music;

4.

The City of Vancouver owns multiple performance venues including the Civic
Theatres, and recently purchased St. James Community Square for $6.8
million;

5.

Music Canada has recently published reports on the health of BC's music sector
and the elements of a music city, both of which contain recommendations for
municipalities;

6.

The recent Mandate Letter of the Ministry of Canadian Heritage contains the
following:
•
•

7.

Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts
Work with the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to make
significant new investments in cultural infrastructure as part of our
investment in social infrastructure;

The Province of BC recently announced $15 million of funding for the BC music
sector.

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
A.

THAT Council direct staff to explore and report back on options for leveraging
support for local musicians and the local music sector, which may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

B.

creating a working group focused on music,
advocating for and supporting music education,
exploring a multi-city music alliance with other cities with a strong
music community,
working with Tourism Vancouver and Business Improvement Areas to
identify and support tourism opportunities,
seeking further opportunities to leverage city-owned properties for use
by artists, including musicians,
continuing to reduce unnecessary processes and regulations which
affect music production and performance.

THAT the work outlined in A above be done in consultation with the City of
Vancouver’s Arts and Culture Policy Council, the Vancouver Economic
Commission, and other music stakeholders; and
FURTHER THAT staff report back with options by May 30, 2016.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
10.

Preparing Vancouver for Autonomous and Driverless Vehicles

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.
The Committee heard from one speaker who expressed concerns regarding driverless vehicles
and its impact on economies.
MOVED by Councillor Meggs
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS
1.

The City of Vancouver's Transportation 2040 plan, adopted in 2012 and now only
four years old, is already showing important progress in supporting the City's
planning and transportation goals, particularly in shifting the share of trips
made by automobile to transit and active transportation, especially walking
and cycling;

2.

Technology for autonomous or driverless vehicles was then virtually unknown
and in its early development stages, with only a single jurisdiction in the world
with legislation to permit the use of such technology;

3.

Driverless or autonomous vehicle technology is now progressing so rapidly that
Ontario has permitted testing of such vehicles in 2016 and may allow regular
use in the near future;

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

11

4.

This new technology poses new challenges to protection of privacy in its
collection of data, and offers new margins of safety, dramatic improvements in
efficiency and the potential to free large areas of urban land for better use;

5.

The widespread implementation of this technology, which several
manufacturers have indicated that they expect to have fully automated
vehicles available by 2020-2025, is forecast to reach as much as 75 percent of
sales by 2040.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to report back on:
•

the implications, both positive and negative, of this technology on the City's
transportation, land use, economic and sustainability plans, as well as the steps
necessary to update those plans; and

•

the views of the City's planning, transportation and technology experts on the
best ways to maximize the benefits of this technology for the city and its
economy while mitigating potential negative impacts.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
11.

Urgent Actions to Combat the Growing Homelessness Crisis

At the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2016, Vancouver City Council referred this
matter to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 24, 2016, to
hear from speakers.
The Committee heard from six speakers in support of combating homelessness, who also
expressed concerns about gentrification and displacement, and the challenges of housing
accessibility and affordability, specifically for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Abi Bond, Director of Housing Policy and Projects, responded to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Carr
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS
1.

Vancouver’s homelessness crisis persists, with the highest ever homeless count
last year in the Downtown Eastside (836 individuals living on the street or in
shelters) and the city’s overall homeless count only slightly decreasing by 57 in
2015 despite 615 new housing units being opened up that year with 458
specifically targeted for the homeless;

2.

Vancouver’s homeless count is likely to go up by hundreds in 2016 based on the
rise in rents of Single-Residence Occupancy (SRO) units, fewer private SRO
units being available at the welfare/disability/basic pension shelter rate of
$375 per month, and the loss of temporary housing, specifically the expiration
in November of 2016 of the City’s lease for the 157-room Quality Inn where
many homeless people who had set up camp in Oppenheimer Park have been
living;

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

12

3.

Homelessness is also likely to increase even more with the potential conversion
of SRO hotels and other affordable housing in Chinatown, Strathcona and the
Downtown Eastside in anticipation of the demand for short-term stay
accommodation associated with the move of St. Paul’s Hospital from the West
End to the False Creek Flats;

4.

Solutions to the homelessness crisis depend on provincial and federal support
which has been slow in coming, thus just 152 units of new social housing are
opening in 2016 and 819 units are scheduled to open by next year, of which 176
units are currently targeted for the most vulnerable population--those who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness and only able to afford the
welfare/disability/basic pension shelter rate of $375 per month, with that
number increasing depending on additional senior government support;

5.

The ability of the City to formulate solutions to homelessness also depends on
timely information, for example, regarding the numbers of people at risk of
homelessness;

6.

The City of Vancouver has offered the federal government 20 sites of city land
worth $250 million with a request for $500 million over five years to build 3,500
units of social housing, and the Province has pledged $355 million over five
years to construct and renovate 2,000 units of affordable housing, however it
takes years to complete such housing projects and, because the level of
affordability depends on contributions from senior levels of government, it is
uncertain how many units will be targeted for Vancouver’s homeless.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
A.

THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
and Premier Christy Clark, thank them for their commitment to tackle the issue
of housing affordability and request that their efforts focus on the needs of the
homeless and providing the funding needed to amplify the City’s efforts to
acquire, upgrade and build sufficient social and supportive housing to end the
city’s growing homelessness crisis.

B.

THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Province requesting that:

C.

a.

the Province provides the City with data for the Vancouver area that
can help the City better mitigate homelessness, including the numbers
of people receiving rent supplements, children leaving care, people
being released from prisons and hospital discharges of people with no
fixed address.

b.

the Province increase the number of rent supplements in order to meet
the need of tenants at risk of homelessness to pay rents at income
assistance rates and the need of landlords to receive rents that cover
operating and maintenance costs.

THAT Council direct staff to assess the short term need for housing to mitigate
the growing homelessness crisis in 2016, and report back to Council within two
months on specific mitigative actions, with options including those that will
require senior government support to supply sufficient housing, estimated at a

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Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

13

minimum of 500 units, at the welfare/disability/basic pension shelter rate of
$375 per month.
D.

THAT Council direct staff to provide ongoing data in the reports on housing and
homelessness that identify how many units of social housing in the city are
available at the welfare/disability/basic pension shelter rate (currently $375
per month) and how many at HILs (Housing Income Limits) rates.

amended and referred
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor DeGenova
THAT C be amended to insert the words “including specifically the needs of seniors
and persons with disabilities”, after the first instance of the word “housing”, as shown
below.
C.

THAT Council direct staff to assess the short term need for housing, including
specifically the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities, to mitigate the
growing homelessness crisis in 2016, and report back to Council within two
months on specific mitigative actions, with options including those that will
require senior government support to supply sufficient housing, estimated at a
minimum of 500 units, at the welfare/disability/basic pension shelter rate of
$375 per month.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REFERRAL MOVED by Councillor Jang
THAT the motion as amended be referred to staff for inclusion in the 2016 housing
report card and refresh of the housing and homeless strategy as appropriate.
carried
AMENDMENT TO THE REFERRAL MOVED by Councillor Affleck
THAT the referral be amended to strike the words “as appropriate”.
LOST
(Councillors Deal, Jang, Louie, Meggs, Reimer, Stevenson and the Mayor opposed)
The amendment to the referral having lost, the referral was put and CARRIED, with
Councillors Affleck, Ball and DeGenova opposed.
*****
The Committee recessed at 5:42 pm and reconvened at 8:03 pm.
*****

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

1.

14

Elected Officials – Remuneration and Council Support

Paul Mochrie, Acting Deputy City Manager, responded to questions.
The Committee requested the components of the following motion be separated for the vote.
MOVED by Councillor Carr
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A.

THAT Council approve the following changes to the current remuneration for
Mayor and Council:
1.

Commencing May 1, 2016, the Acting Mayor will receive a monthly
supplement equivalent to 8.0% of the Mayor’s monthly salary.

2.

The Acting Mayor will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 8.0% of
the Mayor’s salary payable between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016.

3.

Commencing May 1, 2016,the Councillor assigned to serve in the Duty
Councillor role will receive a monthly supplement, in recognition of the
additional duties required of Councillors in the Duty Councillor role and,
further, Council will establish a monthly Duty Councillor roster that
provides for equitable assignments for all Councillors, other that the
Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor. The monthly supplement will be
equivalent to the monthly value of the Deputy Mayor supplement.

4.

Each Councillor who served as Duty Councillor for one or more months
during the period from January 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016 will receive a
one-time payment equivalent to the monthly value of the Deputy Mayor
supplement payable for the same months that Councillor served as Duty
Councillor.

5.

The Mayor and each Councillor, including the Deputy Mayor and Acting
Mayor, will receive an annual supplement of $3,048, commencing in
2016.

6.

The Mayor and each Councillor, including the Deputy Mayor and Acting
Mayor, will receive a one-time payment of $3,048.

7.

The Mayor and Councillors who serve their full term and who do not run
for re-election or are not elected to a subsequent term of office will be
entitled to a transition allowance. The transition allowance will be paid
to the member of Council as part of her/his last bi-weekly payment and
will be equivalent to one week’s salary for every year of service on
Council, including years of service that were non-contiguous. Where a
Councillor receives a transition allowance on leaving office and is
subsequently re-elected in a future election, any service considered for
purposes of payment of the initial transition allowance will not be
included in calculation of a subsequent transition allowance.

8.

The base remuneration for Councillors, including the Deputy Mayor and
Acting Mayor, for 2016 will be increased by $8,968, in order that the

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

15

combined annual amount of the base remuneration and the average
Duty Councillor supplement aligns with the median base remuneration
paid to Councillors in Canadian cities of relatively equivalent population
size and complexity, as represented in the staff presentation received
by Council on February 24, 2016.

B.

9.

Each Councillor, including the Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor, will
receive a one-time payment equivalent to $8,968.

10.

The formula used to determine the base remuneration for the Mayor
will be adjusted to 2.02 times the base remuneration for Councillors in
order that the Mayor’s base remuneration for 2016 will remain
consistent, notwithstanding the increase to the base remuneration for
Councillors.

11.

On an annual basis commencing January 1, 2017, the base remuneration
for Councillors will be adjusted by a percentage consistent with the
percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for Vancouver over the
twelve months ending October 31 of the prior year.

THAT Council approve the following changes to the current remuneration for
the Park Board Chair and Park Board Commissioners:
1.

The base remuneration of each Park Board Commissioner for 2016 will
be increased by $8,326 in order to re-establish the percentage
relationship of 20.4% relative to the base remuneration for Councillors,
such as existed in 1995.

2.

Each Park Board Commissioner, excluding the Commissioner who served
as Chair in 2015, will receive a one-time payment of $8,326.

3.

The base remuneration of the Park Board Chair for 2016 will be
increased by $10,407 in order to re-establish the percentage
relationship of 125% relative to the base remuneration of a Park Board
Commissioner.

4.

The Park Board Commissioner who served as Park Board Chair in 2015
will receive a one-time payment of $10,407.

5.

The remuneration of the Park Board Chair and Park Board
Commissioners be adjusted annually using the same methodology used
to adjust Councillor’s remuneration.

C.

THAT the remuneration paid to the Mayor and Councillors be reviewed every
four years with the next review occurring in 2019.

D.

THAT the remuneration paid to the Park Board Chair and Park Board
Commissioners be reviewed every four years with the next review occurring in
2019.

E.

THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to bring forward the
necessary by-laws amendments to support the above-noted changes to

 Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

16

remuneration of Council and the Park Board generally in accordance with the
direction provided by Council.
F.

THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to pursue the necessary
legislative changes to the Vancouver Charter that would authorize Council to
enact by-laws in relation to:
1.

Extended health, dental and group life insurance benefits consistent
with the coverage provided to exempt staff.

2.

Income continuity of up to one year should the Mayor or a Councillor
become disabled during their term of office.

G.

THAT Council approve funding for an additional full-time position to
supplement the existing complement of assistants assigned to provide
administrative support for Councillors in the execution of their duties.

H.

THAT Council approve funding for a full-time position within the City Clerk’s
Office to support improved management of correspondence addressed to Mayor
and Council, including tracking of incoming contacts and responses,
assignments to departments for background information or response as
appropriate and communication of staff responses to Mayor and Council.

I.

THAT Council approve the creation of a discretionary fund in the amount of
$6000 per Councillor per year for Councillors to utilize for purposes of
obtaining research support and constituency management functions that are
outside the scope of the duties performed by administrative assistants and,
further, that staff be directed to report back to Council with a recommended
framework of terms and conditions for use and reporting of discretionary funds.

CARRIED
(Councillors Affleck and De Genova opposed to A1, A2, and H)
(Councillor Affleck opposed to A5 and A6)
(Councillors Affleck, De Genova, and Reimer opposed to A8 and A9)

The Committee adjourned at 8:35 pm.
*****

 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
POLICY AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
FEBRUARY 24, 2016
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Wednesday,
February 24, 2016, at 8:35 pm, in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the
Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities meeting, to consider the
recommendations and actions of the Committee and enact a By-law.
PRESENT:

Mayor Gregor Robertson
Councillor George Affleck
Councillor Elizabeth Ball
Councillor Adriane Carr
Councillor Melissa De Genova
Councillor Heather Deal
Councillor Kerry Jang
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Geoff Meggs
Councillor Andrea Reimer
Councillor Tim Stevenson

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE:

Sadhu Johnston, Acting City Manager

CITY CLERK’S OFFICE:

Katrina Leckovic, Deputy City Clerk
Nicole Ludwig, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities
February 24, 2016
Council considered the report containing the recommendations and actions taken by the
Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities. Its items of business included:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Presentation: Elected Officials – Remuneration and Council Support
2015 Council Remuneration and Expenses
Contract Award for the Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation
Contract Award for the Design-Build of the Killarney Seniors Centre
Approval of BIA Renewals and Expansion
Single Room Accommodation for Star Beach Haven (658 Alexander Street)
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy By-law Amendments
Action to Protect Taxpayers from Soaring Assessments
Explore Options for Increasing Support for Music and Musicians
Preparing Vancouver for Autonomous and Driverless Vehicles

 Regular Council
Minutes, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

11.

2

Urgent Actions to Combat the Growing Homelessness Crisis

Items 1 to 11
MOVED by Councillor Deal
SECONDED by Councillor Ball
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Policy
and Strategic Priorities at its meeting of February 24, 2016, as contained in items
1 to 11, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
ITEM 5 BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Deal
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT Council, enact the by-law listed on the agenda for this meeting as number 1,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-law.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1.

A By-law to provide for the Administration of the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act for the City of Vancouver (By-law No. 11452)

ADJOURNMENT
MOVED by Councillor De Genova
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the meeting be adjourned.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 8:36 pm.
*****