PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

An Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Tuesday, 2018 March 13 at 6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS:

STAFF:

Councillor Pietro Calendino, Chair

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Vice Chair

Councillor James Wang, Member 

Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby Crime Prevention Society

Mr. Cory Redekop, Burnaby Board of Trade

Mr. Stephen Baron, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Serena Mawani, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Lloyd Paul, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Reid, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Tony Wong, Chair District #1 – Hastings/Brentwood

Mr. Aki Ediriweera, Chair District #2 – Burnaby Mountain

Ms. Mary Gates, Chair District #4 – Southwest

Councillor Nick Volkow, Member (due to illness)

Trustee Larry Hayes, Burnaby Board of Education 

Ms. Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Bethany McGoldrick, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Tazul Nisha Ali, Chair District #3 – Southeast 

Ms. Jen Mezei, District Parent Advisory Council

Mr. Ken Robb, Burnaby HUB

Mr. Tom Webster, ICBC

Mr. Dave Critchley, Director Public Safety and Community Services

Chief Superintendent Deanne Burleigh, Officer in Charge, RCMP

Fire Chief Joe Robertson, Fire Department

Mr. Doug Louie, Assistant Director Engineering, Transportation Services

Sergeant Lorena Rostie, Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP

Ms. Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner

Ms. Kate O’Connell, City Clerk

Ms. Lauren Cichon, Administrative Officer

The Chair called the Open meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the  Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2018 January 23                                                                      

MOVED BY mr. baron 

SECONDED BY mr. reid

THAT the minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2018 January 23 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

PRESENTATION

MOVED BY mr. reid

SECONDED BY mr. lloyd

THAT the presentation be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Coquitlam Search and Rescue

Re: Coquitlam Search and Rescue Response Capabilities

Speakers: Michael Coyle, Chair and Gord Lyster, President

Mr. Michael Coyle, Chair and Mr. Gord Lyster, President, Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR), appeared before the Committee and provided a PowerPoint presentation on the scope of their work, specialized training, the stages of a search and rescue, call volume, requests by response areas, search types and the results of their searches and efforts. It was noted that Coquitlam SAR is responsible for responding to the following areas: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra and Burnaby.

The Committee inquired regarding the use of dogs for search and rescue purposes.

It was noted that dogs are used for tracking; however, the access to search and rescue dogs is limited as they are brought in by volunteers. Police dog services are often requested as well to support search and rescue efforts.

Councillor Calendino expressed appreciation on behalf of the Committee for hard work, dedication and essential service provided by the Coquitlam SAR team.

4.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY mr. paul

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from the Union of BC Municipalities

Re: 2017 Emergency Social Services - Approval and Terms & Conditions                                                                                              

Correspondence was received from the Union of BC Municipalities awarding funding for the City’s project, Emergency Social Services (ESS) Group Lodging Equipment and Supplies, in the amount of $25,000.

b)

Correspondence from Raj Chouhan, MLA

Re: Pedestrian Safety at Royal Oak Avenue and Clinton Street                                                                                                                    

Correspondence was received from Mr. Raj Chouhan, MLA, Burnaby-Edmonds, advising that a Burnaby resident expressed concern regarding the lack of a crosswalk at Royal Oak Avenue and Clinton Street.

Staff undertook to investigate this matter and follow-up with the writer.

c)

Correspondence from Swedish Canadian Village

Re: Pedestrian Safety at the 7200 Block of Halifax Street

Correspondence was received from Mr. Anders Nordin, President of Swedish Canadian Village, concerning accidents at the crosswalk located in the 7200 Block of Halifax Street. The writer requested the City implement a set of lights and consider additional traffic safety measures.

Staff advised that the crosswalk has been upgraded with a rapid rectangular flashing beacon to help enhance the safety of the crossing.

d)

Correspondence from Frederic W. Dollery

Re: Pedestrian Crossing Concerns at Parker Street and Madison Avenue                                                                                    

Correspondence was received from Mr. Dollery expressing concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Parker Street and Madison Avenue.

Staff advised that an overhead illuminated sign was installed in 2017 and that the City will be installing temporary video monitoring to evaluate vehicle traffic

patterns to gather further driving habit information not provided by vehicle counts.

e)

Correspondence from Debbie Reid

Re: Cycling Concerns at Carleton Avenue and Parker Street

Correspondence was received from Ms. Debbie Reid inquiring if the City can consider widening the existing median refuge at Carleton Avenue and Parker Street as there is significant motor vehicle traffic at this intersection.

Staff undertook to trim trees and cyclist and pedestrian counts. Further, staff undertook to investigate options to improving overhead lightning at the intersection and also review the possibility of widening the median and/or widening the yellow paint lines around the median in the centre of the street.

f)

Correspondence from Kathy Woo

Re: Pedestrian Safety at Gilley Avenue and Imperial Street

Correspondence was received from Ms. Kathy Woo requesting the City to enhance safety measures at the intersection of Gilley Avenue and Imperial Street.

Staff undertook to consider adding a light signal or zebra cross walks with recessed stop signs to this intersection.

The Committee considered the close location of Windsor Elementary School and indicated a preference for staff to install a pedestrian controlled signal or intersection light.

Staff undertook to contact the school and the Parent Advisory Council to discuss student/parent volunteers’ participation in crosswalk duties, and solicit feedback on the options presented by staff.

g)

Correspondence from William Fitzmaurice

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns at Beecher Park and Beecher Creek Trail                                                                                               

Correspondence was received from Mr. William Fitzmaurice regarding vehicles not obeying the speed limit. Mr. Fitzmaurice inquired whether signage and/or a crosswalk be installed to reduce the speed in the area.  

Staff advised that based on pedestrian counts, a crosswalk is not recommended at this location. New playground signs have been installed and debris surrounding the trailhead has been cleared making trail users more visible from the road.

The Committee recommended pedestrian counts take place on weekends during the peak use periods of the trail.

h)

Correspondence from Kathy and Paul Lawson

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns on Royal Oak Avenue at Rumble Street and Marine Drive                                                                        

Correspondence was received from Mr. and Mrs. Lawson regarding traffic concerns on Royal Oak Avenue between Rumble Street and Marine Drive involving commercial vehicles. The writers requested the City consider restricting commercial vehicle access on Royal Oak Avenue.  

The Committee inquired staff review the crash history in the area.

Staff advised that a review has not been conducted and will liaise with the RCMP to review the writers’ concerns.

i)

Correspondence from Peter Graveson

Re: Lane Traffic Safety Concerns from Fir Street to Moscrop Street                                                                                                         

Correspondence was received from Mr. Peter Graveson regarding increasing traffic volume and speeding vehicles in the lane that runs from Fir Street to Moscrop Street. The writer advised this route has become a shortcut for commuters to avoid the congestion at Moscop Street and Smith Avenue.

Staff undertook to respond to the writer.

*Councillor Dhaliwal left the meeting at 7:26 p.m.*

j)

Memorandum from the City Clerk

Re: Implementation of a Bike Patrol Unit to operate in City parks and public spaces                                                                     

A memorandum was received from the City Clerk, advising that Council, at its Open meeting held on 2018 March 05, received and adopted the above noted report advising of the implementation of a bike patrol unit to operate in City parks and public spaces.

5.

REPORT

MOVED BY mr. paul

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT the report be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: 2018 Local Area Service Program for Speed Humps

The Director Engineering submitted a report to review applications for the 2018 speed hump program and recommend streets that should proceed to the Local Area Service Program (LASP) process.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1.    THAT the Committee recommend that Council advance the requested speed humps, as discussed and recommended in this report, to the 2018 LASP process.

2.  THAT the Committee recommend that Council send a copy of this report to the residents who requested speed humps as part of the 2018 LASP.

MOVED BY mr. paul 

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the recommendations of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY mr. paul 

SECONDED BY mr. wong

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

*Councillor Dhaliwal returned to the meeting at 7:29 p.m.*

a)

District #1 - January/February 2018

Mr. Wong, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #1 during January and February 2018:

·         a citizen reported the intersections of Douglas Road, Madison Avenue and Halifax Street are dangerous for pedestrians as drivers fail to stop at the stop signs eastbound on Halifax onto Douglas or northbound on Madison onto Halifax near the Masonic Cemetery; and,

Staff undertook to consider installing a pedestrian controlled crosswalk at the intersection of Halifax Street and Douglas Road.

·         residents have reported break and enters into detached garages breaking into cars stealing radios and other valuables.

b)

District #2 - January/February 2018

Mr. Ediriweera, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #2 during January and February 2018:

·         Transit Police held a successful event “Cocoa with a Cop” where hot cocoa was provided to commuters at the skytrain by Lougheed Mall encouraging interaction between the RCMP and community members;

·         youth from Burnaby Mountain Secondary School continue their CSI Club and inquiries have been made by schools outside of Burnaby to have them present on their anti-graffiti initiatives;

·         reports have been made of a man purposely stepping in front of moving cars and claiming injury in the Lougheed Mall area. Businesses along North Road have been informed; and,

·         CPO Manager, Julie McNamee, will be retiring on March 14^th, 2018.

Arising from discussion, the following motion was introduced:

MOVED BY MR. REID

SECONDED BY MR. PAUL

THAT the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, send a letter of appreciation to Ms. McNamee, CPO Manager, for her service.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

c)

District #3 - January 2018

Ms. Ali, Chair, submitted a report of activities that took place in District #3 during January 2018.

d)

District #4 - November 2017/February 2018

Ms. Deb Thomas, District 4 Representative, provided a report of activities that took place in District #4 during November 2017 and February 2018:

·         concerns regarding thefts at Station Square, around transit stations, Bonsor Recreation Centre and in the library;

·         RCMP reported on their response to protests about the Kinder Morgan Pipeline;

·         increase in drug activity, disruptive behaviours and homelessness in and around public and commercial buildings;

·         a need to increase RCMP numbers to match the density/population in the City, particularly the Metrotown Area;

·         ICBC’s distracted driving campaign launch; and,

·         an awareness campaign by Transit Police regarding sexual assault and harassment on transit, transit stations and bus loops.

The Chair advised there was no meeting in December 2017 and due to flooding in the District #4 Boardroom, the January 2018 meeting was cancelled on short notice.

e)

RCMP - December 2017/January 2018

Chief Superintendent Burleigh submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during December 2017 and January 2018. The Chief Superintendent highlighted the following items:

·         a successful Provincial launch of the Counter Attack initiative was held in Burnaby focusing on impaired drivers. Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services caught 48 drivers during December who were suspected of driving impaired;

·         RCMP made a number of significant drug seizures in December;

·         in January, Transit Police and the City’s Community Response Team hosted “Hot Cocoa with a Cop” events at the transit stations;

·         RCMP responded to two serious pedestrian-involved accidents at the crosswalk on Cariboo Road.

·         police also handed out pedestrian reflectors, provided by ICBC, to increase pedestrian visibility during the winter months; and,

·         the Burnaby RCMP organized a Toy Drive in honour of Keian Blundell, a five year old boy who lost his battle with cancer in 2014.

f)

Fire Department - January/February 2018

The Fire Chief submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during January and February 2018. The Fire Chief highlighted the following items:

·         the number of naloxone doses administered decreased;

·         fire departments across BC attended an survival course hosted by the City;

·         the Fire Department will be meeting with the Fraser Health representatives to discuss strategies on how to prevent drug overdoses; and,

·         14 firefighters were recruited this month.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

Margaret Manifold

Ms. Manifold advised that the City of Burnaby and the City of New Westminster are encouraging residents to participate in the 2018 Walk30 Burnaby New West Challenge (Walk30). The challenge encourages residents walk at least 30 minutes a day to increase wellness and establish social connections to their community. The walk will take place from April 9 – May 11 with a wrap up celebration on Saturday, May 12, at Edmonds Community Centre from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Further information is provided on the website: http://www.walkerscaucus.ca/walk30-burnaby-newwest .

8.

INQUIRIES

Dave Reid

Mr. Reid inquired regarding vehicles speeding on Government Street near the Government Street and Austin Road intersection, and whether signage may help slow traffic down.

Staff provided an update that there will be concrete barriers installed this year at this intersection.

Councillor Dhaliwal – CPR and Defibrillator Training

Councillor Dhaliwal inquired if the Fire Department provided training on the use of defibrillators.

Staff advised The Firefighters Charitable Society does provide training on CPR to students in local high schools. The Firefighters Charitable Society is independent from the Burnaby Fire Department.

Councillor Dhaliwal – Red Light Cameras

Councillor Dhaliwal inquired about who is responsible for maintaining red light cameras.

The Committee advised that ICBC administers and installs the cameras but the RCMP issue violation tickets to offenders.

9.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY mr. reid

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT this Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Lauren Cichon

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Pietro Calendino

CHAIR