PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMISSION MINUTES

Wednesday, 2017 June 21

An ‘Open’ meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission was held in the Council Chambers, Burnaby City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Wednesday, 2017 June 21 at 7:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

Councillor P. McDonell, Chair

Commissioner Guyle Clark

Commissioner James Jang

Councillor Dan Johnston

Commissioner Barbara Larkin

Commissioner Lee Loftus

Commissioner Lance Matricardi, Deputy Chair

Commissioner Dan Staschuk

School Trustee B. Narang

ABSENT:

Commissioner Karin Alzner

STAFF:

Mr. Dave Ellenwood, Director Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

Mr. Craig Collis, Assistant Director – Recreation

Mr. Don Hunter, Assistant Director - Parks

Mr. David O’Connor, Assistant Director - Golf Operations

Mr. Denis Nokony, Assistant Director - Cultural Services

Ms. Heather Edwards, Manager - Parks, Planning, Design & Dev.

Mr. Dean Pelletier, Manager - Business Operations

Mr. Johannes Schumann, Sr. Current Planner - Planning & Building

Ms. Kathryn Matts, Commission Secretary

Ms. Theresa Cheng, Recording Secretary

The ‘Open’ Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LARKIN

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JANG

“THAT the Open Commission meeting do now convene.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open Commission meeting convened in the Council Chambers.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Open meeting of 2017 May 17

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the minutes of the Open Commission meeting held on 2017 May 17 be now adopted.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JANG

“THAT the following items of correspondence be received.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Burnaby Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee
Re:   The 2017 Burnaby Terry Fox Run - Request for In-Kind Support

Ms. Anna Solnickova, Burnaby Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee, requested a waiver of the fees for the use of the Central Park trails, Swangard Stadium and two black pop up tents on 2017 September 17 for the 37^th Annual Burnaby Terry Fox Run.

Item 7 of the Director's Report refers to this matter.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT Item (vii) of the Director’s report be brought forward for consideration at this time”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

vii)

Burnaby Terry Fox Run Fee Waiver Request 2017

Ms. Anna Solnickova, 2017 Run Organizer for the Burnaby Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee,  requested a fee waiver for the use of Central Park trails, one hour of stadium rental and two tents for the Burnaby Terry Fox fundraising event on 2017 September 17.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT a fee waiver for the use of Central Park trails be approved and use of the tents be an in-kind donation.

2.      THAT a fee waiver of one rental hour at Swangard Stadium be denied.

3.      THAT a copy of this report be sent to Ms. Anna Solnickova, 2017 Run Organizer for the Burnaby Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

“THAT the three recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Administrative Officer
Re:   World Rivers Day 2017

The Administrative Officer advised that Council received a report re: World Rivers Day 2017 and forwarded a copy of the report to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission for information. 

c)

Deputy City Clerk
Re:   Launch Activities for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy

The Deputy City Clerk advised that Council received a report re: Launch Activities for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and sent a copy of the report to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission for information.

The Director advised that the Planning Institute of British Columbia has awarded Burnaby’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy an Excellence in Policy Planning Award in the City and Urban Areas category.

The Chair commented that there was very wide public input to the Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

Commissioner Larkin inquired if the Burnaby School District has been involved in the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and if there is a timeline to launch the activities.

Staff advised that the Environmental Sustainability Strategy has a very broad based consultation including the School District which brought information into the planning program and we try to share mutual interest and objectives in terms of school facilities especially in the building component of the standard for environmental sustainability.

School Trustee Narang advised that the School District’s youth organization is in tune with the City’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

The Director advised that there is a plan to report periodically on activities for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

4.

DIRECTOR'S REPORTS

a)

Director's Report No. 6
2017 June 21

The Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services submitted his Report No. 6, dated 2017 June 21, covering the following items listed i - x.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the Director’s Report be received.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

i)

125 Weekend of Fun

The report outlined a proposal to culminate the summer events and activities with a Burnaby birthday party.  125 Weekend of Fun is proposed to be held on the weekend of Burnaby’s 125^th Birthday – 2017 September 22 - 24.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT approval be given to charge $1.25 for select drop-in sessions during the 125 Weekend of Fun from Friday, 2017 September 22 to Sunday, 2017 September 24, in celebration of Burnaby’s 125^th birthday as outlined in this report.

2.     THAT Council receive this report for information.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

School Trustee Narang inquired if there are posters or advertising material on the 125 Weekend of Fun available to the School District for the new school year.

The Director advised that posters and flyers will be provided to the School District for schools.

ii)

Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park Fitness Circuit - Dedication and Recognition Plaques

The fitness circuit installation is underway and will be ready for dedication at an opening ceremony proposed for 2017 September 15.  A facility dedication plaque and a recognition plaque are proposed to be mounted on concrete plinths at the pathway junction where the fitness circuit commences.

It was recommended:

1.    THAT the layout and wording for the Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park fitness circuit dedication and recognition plaques be approved as outlined in this report.

2.    THAT a copy of this report be sent to the three Rotary Clubs of Burnaby.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

iii)

Sponsorship of the 2017 Easter Seals Woman2Warrior fundraising event

Easter Seals, part of the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities,  requested a fee waiver for the use of Swangard Stadium and Central Park for their 5^th annual Woman2Warrior fundraising event on 2017 September 30 at Swangard Stadium and through the trails of Central Park in support of camps for children with disabilities.  Woman2Warrior is a women’s only team obstacle adventure race and is the primary fundraiser for Easter Seals Camps.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT approval be granted to sponsor the Easter Seals Woman2Warrior  fundraising event at Swangard Stadium on 2017 September 30, under the terms and conditions outlined in this report.

2.      THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to Mrs. Charlene Krepiakevich, President and CEO of Easter Seals.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LARKIN

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MATRICARDI

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

iv)

Recreation Credit and Adaptive Programs

At the Commission meeting on 2017 February 15, Ms. N. Wong and Ms. R. Goddyn spoke to Commission regarding adaptive recreation programming and recreation service credit for persons with disabilities.  This report provided Commission with the requested information.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT Commission receive this report for information.

2.      THAT Ms. N. Wong and Ms. R. Goddyn receive a copy of this report.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

v)

2017/2018 Community School Grant

Burnaby’s eight Community Schools provide an additional layer of recreation and community services to the citizens of Burnaby.  Burnaby School District #41 requested and outlined the Community Schools’ operating budget and funding sources for the upcoming year.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT approval be given for the expenditure of $470,899 as the City of Burnaby’s share of the operating funds for the 2017/2018 Community School Program.

2.      THAT Council authorize the execution of an agreement with the Burnaby School District #41 for the support and operation of eight Community Schools (Edmonds, Gilmore, Lochdale, Maywood, Second Street, Stride Avenue, Byrne Creek and Stoney Creek).

3.      THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to the Burnaby Board of Education for their information.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CLARK

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LARKIN

“THAT the three recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY  

School Trustee Narang expressed appreciation of the City’s share of the operating funds for community schools.

vi)

East Vancouver Newcomer Camp

Appearing as a delegation on 2017 April 19, Dakota Koch represented the East Vancouver Newcomer Camp, a non-profit initiative that operates a free educational and recreational camp for recently arrived refugee children in Vancouver.  The organization plans to expand to Burnaby to accommodate a larger number of children. Staff reported that with existing programs and services already in place and planned for all recreation and sport facilities, there is no available space to accommodate the Newcomer Camp.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT Commission receive this report as information.

2.      THAT a copy of this report be sent to Mr. Dakota Koch of the East Vancouver Newcomer Camp.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

vii)

Burnaby Terry Fox Run Fee Waiver Request 2017

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

viii)

Barnet Marine Park – Boat Rental Business Delegation

At its meeting of 2017 March 23, Commission received a delegation from Mr. Leon Li regarding a proposal to set up a marine boat rental business at Barnet Marine Park.  The park is situated along Burnaby’s eastern foreshore at the third narrows of Burrard Inlet.  The core area of the park is in close proximity to an active shipping lane. The majority of the western foreshore area of the park is leased from Port Metro Vancouver and the lease terms prohibit commercial activity within the lease area.

It was recommended:

1.      THAT this report be received for information purposes.

2.      THAT a copy of this report be sent to Mr. Leon Li.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STASCHUCK

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ix)

Permissive Exemptions from Taxation – 2018

The Community Charter provides municipalities with authority to exempt certain lands and/or improvements from municipal property taxation and the general authority for permissive exemptions.  The City of Burnaby has extended permissive exemptions to recreation and athletic clubs that encourage the clubs to make available their facilities to the general public and to meet other specific guidelines. 

It was recommended:

1.      THAT approval be given for permissive tax exemptions to the organizations identified in this report, and that these are included in the Burnaby Tax Exemption Bylaw - 2018 to be presented to City Council for approval.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MATRICARDI

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

“THAT the recommendation be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

x)

2017 June - Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Capital Funding Bylaw

The 2017-2021 Annual Financial Plan for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services contains four projects to be funded from Capital Reserves.  To enable work to go ahead on the project, approval is requested to bring down a bylaw for funding.

It was recommended:

1.        THAT the expenditure of $629,000 from the 2017-2021 Annual Financial Plan for the projects outlined in this report be approved.

 2.     THAT Council be requested to bring down a bylaw to appropriate $658,393 (inclusive of GST) from Capital Reserves to finance these projects.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

“THAT the two recommendations be approved.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Loftus noted that the City is moving forward with the covered sports box project with the geotechnical study completed.

Commissioner Larkin thanked staff for the memorandums responding to her inquiries at a previous meeting and suggested a new swing set for the playground in Deer Lake Park.  It was noted that on public properties, the cherry blossom trees are pruned to give way to power lines, creating a valley in the crown.

Staff advised that B.C. Hydro handles all tree pruning around power lines to protect their infrastructure.

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MATRICARDI

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON

“THAT 4 golf passes to the Riverway Golf Course or Burnaby Mountain Golf Course be donated to the Recreation Foundation of BC for their annual fundraiser, the 2017 RecreOPEN Golf Tournament.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Commissioner Clark announced that in the evening on July 13, the Burnaby Art Gallery will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary with festivities.  The Commission and the public are invited to see the wonderful exhibits and live entertainment.

6.

INQUIRIES

Commissioner Clark inquired about the operational hours of food services at Riverway Golf Course.  It was suggested that when there are functions at the Clubhouse, Mulligans Express should be open to serve food to golfers.  It was inquired if food services could be open earlier in the morning during the week to serve golfers.

Staff advised that the operational hours of food services change with the season.  Staff will meet with Commissioner Clark for further discussion.

The Chair suggested that event schedules of the Clubhouse be posted at the Pro-shop for golfers’ notice.

7.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOFTUS

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON

“THAT the Open Commission meeting do now adjourn.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open Commission meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Kathryn Matts

COMMISSION SECRETARY                  

Councillor Paul McDonell

CHAIR