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 Tuesday, 2017 October 03 at 6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

STAFF:

Councillor Pietro Calendino, Chair

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Vice Chair

Councillor James Wang, Member

Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby Crime Prevention Society

Trustee Larry Hayes, School Board

Ms. Jen Mezei, District Parent Advisory Council

Mr. Ken Robb, Burnaby HUB

Mr. Tom Webster, ICBC

Mr. Stephen Baron, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Eric Laity, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Serena Mawani, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Bethany McGoldrick, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Lloyd Paul, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Reid, Citizens’ Representative

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

Ms. Mary Gates, Chair District #4 – Southwest

Councillor Nick Volkow, Member (due to illness)

Mr. Paul Holden, Burnaby Board of Trade

Ms. Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative

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

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

Mr. Dave Critchley, Director Public Safety and Community Services

Mr. Dave Ellenwood, Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural 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

Inspector Kathy Hartwig, Community Programs Officer, RCMP

Sgt. Gregor Aitken, Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP

Sgt. Lorena Rostie, Technology Crimes NCO, Surrey RCMP

Ms. Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner

Ms. Nikolina Vracar, Administrative Officer

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2017 July 11                                                                    

MOVED BY TRUSTEE HAYES

SECONDED BY MR. REID

THAT the minutes of the Public Safety Committee Open meeting held on 2017 July 11 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

PRESENTATION

MOVED BY MR. PAUL

SECONDED BY MR. REID

THAT the presentation be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correctional Service of Canada - Metro Vancouver East Community Corrections

Re: Overview of Correctional Service of Canada

Speakers: Jodi Harbour, Acting Area Director

 Tracey Valmassoi, Parole Officer Supervisor

Ms. Jodi Harbour, Acting Area Director, Ms. Tracey Valmassoi, Parole Officer Supervisor and Mr. Vin Ha, Parole Officer at Metro Vancouver East Community Corrections, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of CSC.

Ms. Valmassoi advised that CSC, a federal agency operating within the Ministry of Public Safety, is responsible for the care, custody and supervision of offenders serving a jail sentence of two years or more.  Further, CSC supervises provincial and territorial parole cases serving a sentence between six months and two years.

CSC’s mission is to contribute to public safety by encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.  CSC’s partners include the RCMP, Crown, Parole Board, Provincial Corrections and Community Residential Facilities (CRFs). 

The speaker noted that in the Pacific Region, CSC oversees 12 institutions, 15 parole offices, and five community correctional centres.  CSC provides the following programs and services:

·         CRFs and Treatment Centres;

·         Integrated Correctional Program;

·         psychological counselling;

·         a community mental health team;

·         community interventions (e.g., substance abuse counselling);

·         police partnerships;

·         Prolific Offender Program;

·         police and parole workshops; and

·         employment and education.

Ms. Valmassoi explained the difference between parole and probation, and provided an overview of standard and special conditions of release, types of conditional release, CRFs, supervision of parolees, grounds for suspension of parole and consequences of suspension.

The Committee inquired regarding employment and training opportunities for offenders, rehabilitation and parolee supervision. 

Ms. Harbour advised that CSC encourages companies in the community to hire offenders, and CSC provides job opportunities within its institutions and CORCAN, CSC’s private company. Offenders are expected to work towards obtaining Grade 12 education.  The speaker noted that the majority of offenders who have gone through the Integrated Correctional Program do not re-offend. 

Mr. Ha advised that offenders are monitored in a variety of environments (e.g., at home, work, and in the public), and the frequency of interaction with offenders depends on their risk and needs.

In conclusion, Mr. Ha advised that CSC is conducting an outreach with ethno-cultural organizations regarding services for non-English speaking offenders, and will be exploring services available in Burnaby.

4.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY MR. REID

SECONDED BY MR. PAUL

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from Fraser Health

Re: Pedestrian Safety Concerns near Burnaby Hospital

Correspondence was received from Ms. Deirdre McLachlan, Director, Health Emergency Management British Columbia, Fraser Health, regarding pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection of Kincaid Street, MacDonald Avenue, and the Burnaby Hospital access road.  The writer noted that a pedestrian was recently struck by a vehicle while walking in the crosswalk in this location.

Staff advised they have reviewed the intersection, and determined it meets the criteria for installation of a specialized crosswalk with flashing lights.  A report on the matter will be forthcoming.

b)

Correspondence from Keri Brummitt

Re: Traffic Light Request at Cariboo Drive and Cariboo Road & Semi Truck Traffic on Cariboo Road                                                                       

Correspondence was received from Ms. Keri Brummitt regarding a request for a traffic light at Cariboo Drive and Cariboo Road.  The writer advised that vehicles travelling through the intersection at high speeds endanger pedestrians and make it difficult for vehicles to turn left from Cariboo Drive onto Cariboo Road.  Subsequent correspondence was received from Ms. Brummitt regarding the use of Cariboo Road by semi truck traffic.

The Committee expressed concerns regarding the existing situation at the intersection of Cariboo Drive and Cariboo Road, and requested that staff present potential solutions to the Committee.

Staff undertook to follow-up.

c)

Correspondence from Sau Mui Lin

Re: Pedestrian Safety Concerns on Patterson Avenue near George McLean Park                                                                                                                                        

Correspondence was received from Ms. Sau Mui Lin regarding pedestrian safety concerns due to vehicles speeding along Patterson Avenue near George McLean Park.  Ms. Lin requested that the City post 30 km/h speed limit signs and park zone signs on Patterson Avenue near the park.  Further, the writer requested installation of a pedestrian crosswalk and increased enforcement.

Staff advised they have recently installed 30km/h speed limit signs on Patterson Avenue, and they will conduct a formal evaluation to determine if a marked crosswalk is warranted at Patterson Avenue and Bond Street.   

d)

Correspondence from Hildegard Weber

Re:  Response to Traffic Concerns on Dover Street between Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue                                     

Correspondence was received from Mrs. Hildegard Weber expressing dissatisfaction with the City’s response to her 2017 May 26 letter concerning traffic issues on Dover Street between Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue. 

Staff advised they have contacted Mrs. Weber to explain the rationale for the current road design, and they will continue to monitor intersection operations and any short-cutting along Oakdale Road, and make adjustments where required.

The Committee inquired if the left turn arrow could be extended or traffic signals delayed to allow more vehicles to make the left turn from Dover Street on Royal Oak Avenue.

Staff undertook to investigate. 

e)

Correspondence from Nick Podas

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns on Oakland Street between Royal Oak Avenue and Sperling Avenue                                              

Correspondence was received from Mr. Nick Podas regarding traffic safety concerns on Oakland Street between Royal Oak Avenue and Sperling Avenue.  The writer advised of several single vehicle crashes and near-misses resulting from speeding and distracted driving.  Further, Mr. Podas noted it is challenging to cross Oakdale Street in either direction.

Staff noted that Council has previously approved installation of a roadside mounted special crosswalk at Oakland Street and Dufferin Avenue, and the crosswalk will be installed in 2018.

The Committee inquired if the RCMP could monitor the area for speed control.

Staff advised that the RCMP Traffic Section is currently monitoring traffic speed.

f)

Correspondence from Chris Lochhead

Re: Garbage and Needles in Kisbey Park

Correspondence was received from Mr. Chris Lochhead regarding garbage and needles found in Kisbey Park, and advising that the area is frequented by drug dealers and users.  The writer requested that the City dispatch a clean-up crew and post signs in the area warning park visitors regarding the needles.

**Councillor Wang left the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and did not return.**

Staff advised that the area of concern has been cleaned-up, and the RCMP Bike Section conducted patrols in the area without finding any needles.

g)

Correspondence from Erik Graff

Re: Unpublicized Fatal Incident

Correspondence was received from Mr. Erik Graff regarding lack of reports by police through the news media concerning a recent fatal incident at a local coffee shop. 

The RCMP advised that information regarding the case was not released as there was no threat to the public, and the media release would not have advanced the investigation.

5.

REPORTS

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DHALIWAL

SECONDED BY MR. PAUL

THAT the reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Public Safety and Community Services

Re: Public Safety Committee 2017-19 Workplan                       

The Director Public Safety and Community Services submitted a report providing an update on implementation of the Public Safety Committee’s 2015-17 Workplan, and proposing a Workplan for 2017-19. 

The Director Public Safety and Community Services recommended:

1. THAT the Committee request Council to endorse its proposed 2017-19 Workplan, attached as Appendix 1.

MOVED BY mr. paul

SECONDED BY councillor dhaliwal

THAT the recommendation of the Director Public Safety and Community Services be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED BY MR. REID

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR DHALIWAL

that the report be AMENDED to state smoke alarms instead of smoke detectors.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee suggested that an article regarding the use of smoke alarms be published in InfoBurnaby.

Staff undertook to follow-up.

moved by mr. paul

seconded by ms. mawani

THAT the report be further AMENDED to include that the City will provide information regarding the Business Watch Program when renewing or issuing licences to businesses.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Report from the Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services & Director Public Safety and Community Services

Re: Safety & Security Enhancements in Parks and Public Places                                                                                          

The Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and the Director Public Safety and Community Services submitted a report seeking Council’s approval in principle to initiate measures to enhance safety and security in parks and public places.

The Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and the Director Public Safety and Community Services recommended:

1.    THAT Council approve in principle the additional safety measures in parks and public places, as outlined in this report.

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT the recommendation of the Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and the Director Public Safety and Community Services be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee noted the importance of uniformed bike patrols as a safety measure, and the use of a public awareness campaign in schools and community centres to educate residents regarding general precautions when using parks or walking at night.  Further, the Committee inquired regarding the potential use of volunteer-based bike patrols.

Staff noted that bike patrols are one part of the approach, and the RCMP advised that bike patrols involve volunteers.

The Committee advised that lights along some City walkways (e.g., Rochester Walkway) are damaged, and inquired if a survey will be conducted to determine infrastructure in need of repair.

Staff advised that the review of existing inventory will be the first step of the proposed approach.

6.

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY TRUSTEE HAYES

SECONDED BY mr. reid

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

District #1 - no submission

No report was provided at this time.

b)

District #2 - July/August 2017

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

·         CPAC is anticipating additional youth members after several members have left following their high school graduation;

·         measures have been implemented to address the increased number of youth smoking marijuana near Seaforth Elementary and Burnaby North Secondary schools; and

·         citizens are concerned regarding recent fatality in Central Park. 

c)

District #3 - no submission

No report was provided at this time.

d)

District #4 - July/August 2017

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

• Burnaby Citizens Crime Watch and Community Police Offices volunteers participated in vehicle and foot patrols in Central Park to distribute safety pamphlets and encourage residents to remain vigilant; and
• eight policing volunteers attended the RCMP Musical Ride on 2017 August 18 and participated in interactive public safety activities.

e)

RCMP - June/July 2017

Acting Chief Superintendent McDonald submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during June/July 2017.

Acting Chief Superintendent highlighted the following items:

·         crime statistics are good with slight increases for some of the indicators in Districts #1, #2, and #4, and a decrease for all indicators in District #4;

·         fentanyl is an ongoing concern; and

·         the RCMP will compile stories regarding the members’ involvement in fighting 2017 BC wildfires.

f)

Fire - June/July/August 2017

The Fire Chief Robertson submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during June/July/August 2017.

The Fire Chief highlighted the following items:

·         fentanyl statistics remain static with the highest number of incidents in Metrotown and Edmonds neighbourhoods;

·         the City Manager and the Director Public Safety and Community Services attended Fire Operations Academy organized by the BC Professional Firefighters Association; and

·         thank you to the RCMP for including the Department in the Musical Ride.

A video of the Fire Department’s 2017 Youth Academy was played for the Committee members.

The Deputy Fire Chief Samson provided an update of the Department’s involvement in fighting the BC wildfires, noting that Burnaby firefighters provided structural protection alongside BC Wildland staff.

The Committee thanked the Fire Department and the RCMP staff for their service during the wildfires crisis.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

Jen Mezei

Ms. Mezei advised that the Provincial Government is seeking input regarding cannabis legalization.  Individuals can provide feedback by 2017 November 01 at www.engage.gov.bc.ca/BCcannabisregulation.

Staff advised that the City has provided feedback to the Province through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.  

Bethany McGoldrick

Ms. McGoldrick expressed concern regarding speeding on Government Street between Lougheed Highway and Cariboo Road, and inquired if it is possible to implement Speed Watch and traffic policing in the area.

Staff undertook to investigate.

8.

INQUIRIES

Bethany McGoldrick

Ms. McGoldrick inquired regarding the existence of an RCMP program for youth similar to the Fire Department’s Youth Academy (e.g., “ride-alongs”).

Staff advised that Burnaby youth have an opportunity to participate in the annual RCMP Lower Mainland Youth Academy, and ad-hoc programs can be created. 

The Committee requested that the RCMP and Fire Department consider developing a program to allow youth to spend time with the first responders. 

Staff undertook to follow-up.

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 7:57 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Nikolina Vracar

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Pietro Calendino

CHAIR