PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

An Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee was held in the Council Chamber, main floor, City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Thursday, 2017 November 09 at 6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

STAFF:

Councillor Pietro Calendino, Chair

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Vice Chair

Councillor Nick Volkow, Member

Councillor James Wang, Member

Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby Crime Prevention Society Representative

Trustee Larry Hayes, School Board Representative

Mr. Ken Robb, Burnaby HUB Representative

Mr. Tom Webster, ICBC Representative

Mr. Stephen Baron, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Eric Laity, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Serena Mawani, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Lloyd Paul, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative

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

Ms. Maisie Cheng, Chair District #2 – Burnaby Mountain

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

Ms. Mary Gates, Chair District #4 – Southwest

Mr. Paul Holden, Burnaby Board of Trade Representative

Ms. Jen Mezei, District Parent Advisory Council Representative

Ms. Bethany McGoldrick, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Reid, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Critchley, Director Public Safety and Community Services

Acting Chief Supt. Chuck McDonald, Officer in Charge, RCMP

Fire Chief Joe Robertson, Fire Department

Mr. Doug Louie, Assistant Director Engineering, Transportation Services

Deputy Fire Chief Dave Samson, Fire Department

Sgt. Gregor Aitken, Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP

Sgt. Lorena Rostie, Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP

Ms. Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner

Mr. Aidan Buckley, Communications Strategist, RCMP

Ms. Nikolina Vracar, Administrative Officer

Ms. Monica Macdonald, Administrative Officer

The Chair asked the members to observe a minute of silence in the honour of Constable John Davidson, who was killed on duty in Abbotsford, BC.

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2017 October 03                                                               

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the minutes of the Open Public Safety Committee meeting held on 2017 October 03 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DELEGATIONS

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT the delegations be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Peter Cech

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns in North Burnaby

Speakers: Peter Cech and Troy Tack

Mr. Peter Cech appeared before the Committee regarding traffic safety concerns in the Confederation Park neighbourhood. 

Mr. Cech thanked the City for responding to residents’ traffic safety concerns and conducting a neighbourhood study a few years ago, but noted that traffic concerns have not improved on Cambridge Street.

The speaker advised that there has been an increase in traffic volumes during rush hours as drivers cut through the area via Cambridge Street when westbound traffic is congested on Hastings Street.  Approximately 1,800 vehicles per day drive down Cambridge Street at Beta Avenue as vehicles with GPS technology are re-routed through residential streets to bypass the congestion.  Mr. Cech advised of three recent accidents where a vehicle drove off the road, and crashed on the nearby park grounds.

Mr. Cech noted that the Social Sustainability Strategy, the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the City’s new Corporate Strategic Plan, and the Transportation Plan consultation website mention safer, more walkable and likable residential streets, and making the streets and sidewalks more enjoyable.  The speaker requested that staff generate solutions, which can be immediately implemented, to address the problem.

The Chair asked Mr. Cech for specific suggestions to address the problem.

Mr. Cech noted that one opportunity is to close off access to North Gamma and Beta Avenues, as well as the laneway between the two avenues, in order to prevent rat runners from cutting through the neighbourhood.  

The Committee inquired if 1,800 vehicles per day is too high, and whether vehicle speed studies have been conducted in the neighbourhood.

Staff advised that 1,800 vehicles per day is not too high compared to similar streets, and previous speed checks did not uncover unusually high speeds. 

The Committee inquired if the speaker has spoken to TomTom or Google regarding algorithm for maps, and adjusting calculations so that the neighbourhood is not included as an alternative route.

Mr. Cech has not spoken to either company.   

The Committee requested that staff review potential traffic calming measures and implement speed monitoring in the area. 

Arising from discussion, the Committee introduced the following motion:

MOVED BY TRUSTEE HAYES

SECONDED BY MR. PEREIRA

THAT the delegation’s requests be REFERRED to staff to investigate. 

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Kingsway Imperial Neighbourhood Association

Re: Pedestrian and Public Safety Concerns near Kingsway and Imperial Street

Speakers: Diane Gillis, President

                  Susan Lee, Vice President

Ms. Diane Gillis, President and Ms. Susan Lee, Vice President, Kingsway Imperial Neighbourhood Association (KINA), appeared before the Committee regarding pedestrian and public safety concerns in KINA’s neighbourhood. 

Ms. Gillis thanked the City, the School Board and the RCMP for supporting KINA’s mission of strengthening the neighbourhood in order to make it a better place to live, work and attend school. 

The delegation advised that traffic accidents involving pedestrians in the neighbourhood are a result of driver and pedestrian inattention, and low lighting or lack of lighting.  Ms. Lee noted that since 2013 pedestrian traffic in the area has increased as a result of safety improvements and developments. 

Ms. Gillis highlighted ICBC crash statistics and the number of crashes involving pedestrians at: Beresford Street and MacPherson Avenue, Rumble Street and MacPherson Avenue, Rumble Street and Royal Oak Avenue, and Rumble Street and Roslyn Avenue.  The speaker recommended the City install a pedestrian activated special crosswalk at Rumble Street and Roslyn Avenue, and Antrim Avenue and Beresford Street.

Ms. Gillis expressed concern regarding parking of recreational and other vehicles overnight and for long periods of time on the City’s streets.  The speaker noted that residents have observed break-in attempts, drug related activity, and vehicles without license plates.  Furthermore, residents have stopped reporting suspicious activity in the neighbourhood due to long wait times on the non-emergency police telephone line.  

In conclusion, Ms. Gillis invited the Committee to the Annual KINA Community Clean Up on 2018 May 26 at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House Hall, and encouraged members to write what community means to them on provided strips of paper.  The strips will form a part of community garland that will be presented to the City at 2017 November 27 Open Council meeting.   

The Chair noted that much of the neighborhood’s success is a result of KINA’s work, and thanked the delegation for their commitment to the community. 

Staff advised they have recently met with E-Comm representatives, who are working on improving their response to non-emergency telephone calls.   Further, staff undertook to review Rumble Street and Roslyn Avenue, and Antrim Avenue and Beresford Street to determine if the crosswalks are warranted and other potential solutions to address the problem.

The Committee recommended that the Building and Planning Department consider the need for improved lighting in the neighborhood with future developments.

4.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from Rodney Lu

Re: Traffic Lights Request at Byrne Road and Market Crossing                                                                                         

Correspondence was received from Mr. Rodney Lu regarding a request for installation of traffic lights at Byrne Road and Market Crossing.  Mr. Lu expressed concerns regarding several crashes at the intersection within the last two years, and risky driving behaviour observed during the lunch hour on weekdays. 

Arising from discussion, the Committee introduced the following motion:

MOVED BY MR. PAUL

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR WANG

THAT staff review Mr. Lu’s request.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Correspondence from Cathy Griffin

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns near Lake City Way SkyTrain Station                                                                                            

Correspondence was received from Ms. Cathy Griffin regarding traffic safety concerns near Lake City Way SkyTrain station.  Ms. Griffin advised that her concerns expressed in 2016 November 03 correspondence to the Traffic Safety Committee have not been addressed.  Ms. Griffin's concerns include lack of safe cycling infrastructure:

• on the west side of Underhill Avenue, from Broadway to Lougheed Highway;
• on the east side of Underhill Avenue, from Lougheed Highway to Eastlake Drive;
• along Enterprise Street; and
• near the SkyTrain station.

Ms. Griffin also expressed concerns regarding:

• a dangerous mix of pedestrians and bikes at the SkyTrain station and lack of a path for the bikes to go in and around the station; and
• lack of pedestrian crossing lights and a crosswalk in the SkyTrain station and Enterprise Street area.

Staff advised that one potential solution is to connect the existing Underhill Avenue urban trail to Lougheed Highway urban trail, and undertook to report back to the Committee regarding solutions.

c)

Correspondence from Holly McCallum

Re: Ban on Fireworks                            

Correspondence was received from Ms. Holly McCallum urging the City to ban fireworks in Burnaby.  The writer expressed concern regarding the impact of fireworks on the wildlife in Central Park.  Ms. McCallum suggested that the City close its parks during the weeks near October 31, and have staff guard parks' entrances to prevent discharge of fireworks.

d)

Correspondence from Michael Volpi

Re: Request for Pedestrian Controlled Crosswalk at Springer Avenue and Lougheed Highway                                                     

Correspondence was received from Mr. Michael Volpi regarding a request for a pedestrian controlled crosswalk at Springer Avenue and Lougheed Highway.  Mr. Volpi advised that the closest crosswalks in the area are located at Delta Avenue and Holdom Avenue.

Staff advised they have reviewed the intersection, and it does not meet the criteria for a pedestrian or traffic signal at this time, noting that upgrades may be made to the intersection in the future as a result of increased activities from developments planned on the south side of Lougheed Highway. 

5.

REPORTS

MOVED BY mr. laity

SECONDED BY ms. li

THAT the reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Traffic Control Upgrade at Parker Street and Gilmore Avenue                                                                                           

The Director Engineering submitted a report assessing the need for a new traffic signal at the existing stop-controlled intersection at Parker Street and Gilmore Avenue. 

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Parker Street and Gilmore Avenue, as detailed in this report. 

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee inquired regarding sidewalks on the west side of Gilmore Avenue, and planned upgrades to Gilmore Avenue.

Staff advised that sidewalk corners at Parker Street and Gilmore Avenue intersection would be reconstructed as a part of the proposed upgrades to ensure there is a place for pedestrians to stand, and drop-curbs for wheelchair users.  Further, staff confirmed that there are plans to upgrade Gilmore Avenue north of the intersection, and the upgrade will include curb, gutter and sidewalks.

The Committee inquired if there has been any analysis of drivers cutting through the neighbourhood to avoid the four-way stop at Parker Street and Gilmore Avenue.

Staff advised they have not received any complaints on the matter, and acknowledged that the proposed traffic signal would create a more efficient flow of traffic through the intersection. 

b)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Request for Traffic Signal at Cariboo Road and Cariboo Drive                                                                                                  

The Director Engineering submitted a report assessing the need for traffic control and safety improvements at the Cariboo Road and Cariboo Drive intersection. 

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council the implementation of road safety improvements at Cariboo Road and Cariboo Drive, as detailed in this report. 

MOVED BY TRUSTEE HAYES

SECONDED BY MS. MAWANI

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor the area for traffic volumes. 

Staff advised they are considering measures that could be implemented in a long term.

6.

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

District #1- September/October 2017

Mr. Wong, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #1 during September/October 2017:

• Community Police Office (CPO) Constable is overseas, providing training to police in Ukraine;
• used syringes are being found near bus shelters along major routes, and the RCMP and CPO continue to talk to users regarding disposal of syringes;
• detached garages continue to be targets of break and enters;

• several elementary schools have had their windows broken, and parents have indicated to the School Board that existing lighting could be improved to better illuminate the schools; and
• Brentwood Mall Security representative has joined the CPAC.

The Committee inquired if the schools have video surveillance on the premises.

Trustee Hayes advised that majority of schools have video surveillance, and the School District is currently reviewing and updating the systems.

b)

District #2 - September/October 2017

Ms. Cheng, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #2 during September/October 2017:

• a CPAC member has reported that fraud charities seem to be more frequent, and another member has expressed concerns regarding the lighting and winter safety at the Simon Fraser University campus and UniverCity;
• aggressive driving has been observed along University Drive East and Gaglardi Way; and
• Todd Polich will attend CPAC’s November meeting to provide information regarding graffiti and relevant City bylaws.

The Committee inquired if a speed reader board is still posted on Gaglardi Way.

Staff confirmed that the board is posted on Gaglardi Way southbound, and the RCMP took the report of aggressive driving under advisement. 

c)

District #3 - September 2017

Ms. Ali, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #3 during September 2017:

• in response to Central Park homicide, CPO volunteers and the RCMP distributed pamphlets and implemented safety initiatives;
• during September CPO focused on distracted driving;
• church attendees at the Southside Community Church have expressed concerns regarding safety due to a conflict between church attendees and homeless individuals in the area; and
• a bear was seen in Robert Burnaby Park and Lakeview Elementary school.

d)

District #4 - September/October 2017

Ms. Gates, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #4 during September/October 2017:

• a member was concerned with waiting 16 minutes on the non-emergency telephone line to report an issue;
• CPO volunteers and the RCMP handed out pedestrian reflectors at the Metrotown SkyTrain station as a part of the ICBC education campaign; and
• Station Square and Metrotown Security Managers continue to network and alert each other about possible issues and trends.

e)

RCMP - August/September 2017

Acting Chief Superintendent McDonald submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during August/September 2017.  Acting Chief Superintendent highlighted the following items:

·         from 2016 to 2017 there has been a 30% increase in auto thefts but the number is expected to decrease due to work of the Prolific Offender Suppression Unit;

·         there has been a decrease in business break-ins and thefts from auto;

·         a joint enforcement effort by the RCMP and the City’s Bylaws staff regarding truck traffic on Cariboo Road resulted in issuing of 35 bylaw tickets and 5 provincial tickets for infractions; and

·         Sgt. Aitken is moving to the Strike Force and will be replaced by Sgt. Lorena Rostie.

The Committee inquired regarding a use of different strategy to address thefts from auto in District #4, and the cause for increase in the use of Victim Services.

The RCMP advised that the Crime Reduction Team will investigate specific targets that could be developed, and noted that the increase in the use of Victim Services is due to effectiveness of services, more individuals utilizing services, recently extended the definition of a victim in the Canadian Victim Bill of Rights, and supporting individuals through the court system years after a crime has occurred.

Two videos regarding RCMP soccer camp and bike squad were shown for the Committee members. 

f)

Fire - September/October 2017

The Fire Chief Robertson submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during September/October 2017.  The Fire Chief highlighted the following items:

·         the number of medical emergency incidents is comparable to the previous months;

·         the number of overdose related calls has decreased since spring while the number of interventions with Naloxone remains consistent;

·         the Fire Department and the RCMP met with Fraser Health Authority to discuss what could be done regarding overdoses;

·         the Training Division is overseeing the recruitment process, and firefighters are participating in a training block in October and November;

·         the Fire Department Prevention Week was organized at Lougheed Mall;

·         firefighters were busy on October 31 attending to tree and bush hedge fires and a fire on the 14^th floor of a high rise.

The Committee advised that there was a long response time to a recent call for medical assistance at Burnaby Lake, and noted that paramedics were the first to arrive at the scene despite the proximity of the nearby Fire Hall. 

The Fire Chief advised that the 9-1-1 system forwards calls to the ambulance dispatchers, who then forward the calls to the Fire Department.  Occasionally, the Fire Department is missed in the process.  The Fire Chief encouraged citizens who find themselves in a similar situation to call the Department directly. 

7.

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Margaret Manifold

Ms. Manifold advised that the ICBC, the RCMP and the Building and Planning Department have met with students at Burnaby North Secondary School to develop pedestrian safety messages that will appeal to their peers.  Students will produce the messages by March 2018, and would be interested in presenting them to the Committee.  

Councillor Wang

Councillor Wang advised that racist fliers have been posted in front of the Metrotown branch of Burnaby Public Library, and asked the RCMP to investigate.

The RCMP reported that they will be referring the materials to the Serious Crimes Section and Hate Crimes Unit at the Headquarters. 

The Chair encouraged the members to contact the RCMP if they see racist posters in the community.

Trustee Larry Hayes

Trustee Hayes advised that he will help raise awareness regarding CPACs and volunteer opportunities with CPACs in Burnaby’s high schools.  Trustee Hayes inquired regarding a contact person that the schools could liaise with on the matter.

The Director Public Safety and Community Services undertook to be the contact person.  

Trustee Hayes thanked the RCMP for ensuring that the annual fireworks event at the Second Street Community School was a safe event.   

Councillor Calendino

Councillor Calendino informed the Committee that Mr. Eric Laity has completed his term as a Citizens’ Representative, noting that he has served 12 years as Citizens’ Representative on a number of the City committees.  Councillor Calendino thanked Mr. Laity for his service, and noted that Mr. Laity’s wisdom, knowledge and suggestions will be missed.  

8.

INQUIRIES

Ms. Donna Dawson

Ms. Dawson inquired if there are plans to get a helper dog for Victim Services.

The RCMP advised they have had preliminary discussions on the matter. 

Mr. Tony Wong

Mr. Wong inquired regarding the Provincial Government potentially bringing back the photo radar.

The Chair advised that the Provincial Government does not plan to bring back the radar.

9.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT this Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Nikolina Vracar

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Pietro Calendino

CHAIR