Public Safety Committee

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 May 15 at 6:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS:

STAFF:

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Vice Chair

Councillor Nick Volkow, Member

Councillor James Wang, Member

Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby Crime Prevention Society (arrived at 6:14 p.m.)

Trustee Larry Hayes, Burnaby Board of Education

Ms. Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Lloyd Paul, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Reid, Citizens’ Representative

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

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

Ms. Mary Gates, Chair District #4 – Southwest

Councillor Pietro Calendino, Chair

Mr. Paul Holden, Burnaby Board of Trade

Mr. Stephen Baron, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Bethany McGoldrick, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Serena Mawani, Citizens’ Representative

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

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. Lauren Cichon, Administrative Officer

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

MINUTES

Minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2018 March 13

MOVED BY MR. REID

SECONDED BY MR. PEREIRA

THAT the minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2018 March 13 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

DELEGATIONS

MOVED BY MR. PAUL

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR VOLKOW

THAT the delegations be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Tracey Mayede-Lok, PAC Chair, Kitchener Elementary School

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns along Gilmore Avenue

Speakers: Tracey Mayede-Lok, PAC Chair, Kitchener Elementary School

Lara Boljuncic, Melina Calero, Puneet Dhinsa, Lauren Maio and Lauren Schmidt, Students, Kitchener Elementary School

Ms. Mayede-Lok, PAC Chair of Kitchener Elementary School, and Ms. Boljuncic, Ms. Calero, Ms. Dhinsa, Ms. Maio and Ms. Schmidt, students of Kitchener Elementary School, appeared before the Committee to express concerns regarding the traffic safety along Gilmore Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Ms. Mayede-Lok provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining their concerns of increased traffic, the school zone speed limit, on-road markings, and the safety of the Kitchener Crossing Guards.

The delegation requested the City improve the crosswalk by on-road crosswalk markings along Gilmore Avenue, curb/sidewalk/barriers, overhead crosswalk lighting, pedestrian-controlled signal, and speed readers.

Staff advised the crosswalk on Gilmore Avenue (north of Kitchener Street) is to be upgraded this year and will be upgraded with rapid rectangular flashing beacons. In addition, staff undertook to investigate the option of installing concrete barriers.

MOVED BY MR. PEREIRA

SECONDED BY MR. REID

THAT the delegation’s presentation be REFERRED to staff for review and report back to the Committee.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Elizabeth Byrne, Teacher, Burnaby North Secondary School

Re: Pedestrian Safety Messages and Campaign

Speakers: Bicheng An, Kevin An, Noelle Cheng, Alexa Derksen, Seulgi Kim, Kevin Lee, Amy Leong, Vanessa Nguyen, Valentina Pagetto, Ryann Thomson and Alice Yang, Students, Burnaby North Secondary School

Mr. An, Mr. An, Ms. Cheng, Ms. Derksen, Ms. Kim, Mr. Lee, Ms. Leong, Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Pagetto, Ms. Thomson and Ms. Yang appeared before the Committee to communicate their messages on pedestrian safety geared to youth. The students presented a video highlighting the importance of peripheral vision, and the consequences of one’s behaviour.

The students’ goal is to put the video on social media (e.g. Facebook and Instagram) and to introduce their video into elementary schools.

Ms. Audrey Flagel

Re: Commuter Traffic on Duthie Street between Hastings Street and Inlet Drive/Barnet Highway via Ridge Drive

Speakers: Audrey Flagel and Anne Van Akker

Ms. Flagel and Ms. Van Akker appeared before the Committee to express concerns regarding the high volume of commuter traffic on Duthie Street between Hastings Street and Inlet Drive/Barnet Highway via Ridge Drive.

Ms. Flagel advised the high volume of commuter traffic is creating noise, pollution and hazards with speeding vehicles affecting residents, pedestrians, children, cyclists, and pets. The speaker expressed the high volume traffic is putting the neighbourhood at risk, and doesn’t align with the City’s Transportation Plan.

Ms. Flagel requested the City to restrict access to vehicles by closing the access at Ridge Drive to Inlet Drive/Barnet Highway or another acceptable means of control.

The Chair advised the Transportation Plan is in the process of being updated, and the issues raised are mainly a regional problem; however, the City is investigating options to slow traffic down.

MOVED BY MR. PEREIRA

SECONDED BY MR. REID

THAT the delegation’s presentation be REFERRED to staff for review and report back to the Committee.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY MS. LI

SECONDED BY MR. PAUL

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Correspondence from Tracey Mayede-Lok, Janice Chiem and Kristina Murray, Kitchener Elementary School

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns along Gilmore Avenue

Correspondence was received from Ms. Tracey Mayede-Lok, Janice Chiem and Kristina Murray, Kitchener Elementary School, regarding the traffic safety along Gilmore Avenue and the surrounding streets.

The concerns expressed by the writers were discussed under item 3(a) of the agenda.

Correspondence from Audrey Flagel

Re: Duthie Street between Hastings Street and Inlet Drive/Barnet Highway via Ridge Drive

Correspondence was received from Ms. Audrey Flagel regarding the high volume of commuter traffic on Duthie Street between Hastings Street and Inlet Drive/Barnet Highway via Ridge Drive.

Ms. Flagel submitted a petition containing 36 signatures from residents of Barnet Road, Duthie Avenue and surrounding streets. The petition reads as follows:

“We, the undersigned residents of Burnaby, B.C. draw the attention of the City of Burnaby Public Safety Committee to the following:

THAT:

· residents deserve and have a reasonable right to a livable neighbourhood that is free from excessive noise; emission pollution; and acceptable safe conditions;

· Duthie is strictly a residential street with no commercial businesses;

· the high volume of commuter traffic on Duthie accessing Inlet Drive and the Barnet Highway and travelling from the Barnet to Duthie is causing high levels of pollution from vehicle emissions, intolerable levels of noise as well as creating a public safety hazard;

· traffic speeding through our neighbourhood is creating safety concerns for pedestrians, children, pets and cyclists as well as making it significantly more difficult for residents on side streets to safely access Duthie Street, specifically from Pandora Street.

THEREFORE, we call on the City of Burnaby to (1) restrict access from Inlet Drive to Duthie by prohibiting left hand turns and restricting right hand turns during rush hour periods i.e. 3:30 to 6:30 or (2) close the access.

The concerns expressed by the writer were discussed under item 3(c) of the agenda.

Correspondence from City of Vancouver

Re: Modernizing the BC Motor Vehicle Act

Correspondence was received from Ms. Tanya Paz, Chair, Active Transportation Policy Council, City of Vancouver, regarding endorsement and support modernizing the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The Act was passed in 1957, and has not had any significant changes since that time.

Correspondence from Mike Bird

Re: South Burnaby Traffic Safety

Correspondence was received from Mr. Mike Bird regarding traffic safety issues in the South Burnaby area. Mr. Bird expresses concerns regarding speeding cyclists in Central Park, noisy car mufflers from vehicles driving down Willingdon Avenue between Imperial Street and Central Park Boulevard, and lack of police patrol in Central Park.

Correspondence from Paul Salandini

Re: Fire Hall on Burnaby Mountain

Correspondence was received from Mr. Paul Salandini regarding building a Fire Hall on Burnaby Mountain. The writer expressed concern that residents on Burnaby Mountain have to wait for fire trucks coming from fire stations located at Brighton Avenue, Duthie Avenue or Hastings Street.

Correspondence from Edward Schmitt

Re: Cycling Safety

Correspondence was received from Mr. Edward Schmitt regarding cycling safety concerns. Mr. Schmitt noted he has encountered problems with motorists on streets and trails.

Staff undertook to follow up with the writer.

Memorandum from the Administrative Officer

Re: Burnaby Transportation Plan Update: Outcomes from the Phase 1 Public Consultation and Phase 2 Scope

A memorandum was received from the Administrative Officer advising that Council, at its Open meeting held on 2018 March 12, received and adopted the above noted report providing information on Phase 1 (Public Consultation Program) and seeking approval for the Plan's vision, themes and goals.

Memorandum from the Administrative Officer

Re: Safety and Security Enhancements in Parks and Public Places

A memorandum was received from the Administrative Officer advising that Council, at its Open meeting held on 2018 May 07, received and adopted the above noted report providing information regarding safety and security enhancements in parks and public places.

Correspondence from Tony Wong

Re: Resignation from Committee

Correspondence was received from Mr. Tony Wong, Chair, District #1 CPAC, informing the Committee of his resignation.

The Chair thanked Mr. Wong for his involvement and contribution to the Committee over the years.

Correspondence from Anders Nordin, Swedish Canadian Village

Re: Letter of Thanks to the Committee and Staff

Correspondence was received from Mr. Anders Nordin, Swedish Canadian Village, thanking the Public Safety Committee and those involved approving and installing the flashing beacon and new signs at the crosswalk on the 7200 block of Halifax Street.

Mr. Nordin noted residents of the assisted living and low income housing buildings are much safer, and many have expressed their appreciation of the new crossing upgrade.

Arising from consideration of the correspondence, the Committee also received correspondence from Mr. Frederic Dollery and Mr. Dave Reid.

MOVED BY MS.LI

SECONDED BY MR. PAUL

THAT the correspondence from Mr. Frederic Dollery and Mr. Dave Reid be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Correspondence from Frederic Dollery

Re: Pedestrian Crossing Concerns at Parker Street and Madison Avenue

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

Staff undertook to follow up with the writer.

Correspondence from Dave Reid

Re: Vehicles Speeding on Government Street near Government Street and Austin Road

Correspondence was received from Mr. Dave Reid expressing concerns regarding vehicles speeding on Government Street near the Government Street and Austin Road intersection.

The Committee advised concrete roadside barriers will be installed this year along the south and east side of Government Street (along the 9400-9500 block) to prevent speeding vehicles from veering off the roadway.

REPORT

MOVED BY mr. paul

SECONDED BY mr. pereira

THAT the report be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: 2018 Traffic Safety Initiatives

The Director Engineering submitted a report informing the Committee about various traffic safety initiatives being implemented in 2018.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee receive this report for information.

Staff advised an all-way stop control at Pender Street and Esmond Avenue has been installed. Additionally, the rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Beresford Street and Gilley Avenue has been installed.

MOVED BY MR. PAUL

SECONDED BY MR. PEREIRA

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY MR. REID

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR WANG

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

District #1 - March/April 2018

Mr. Wong, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #1 during March and April 2018, and noted the following from their meeting:

residents are pleased to see pedestrian operated traffic lights along Willingdon Avenue in conjunction with the new Willingdon Linear Park. Additionally, prior to the new traffic signals being installed on Willingdon Avenue, near Willingdon Linear Park, the lights were operated on flashing yellow lights for several days that raised safety concerns;
traffic safety concerns were raised for drivers proceeding through traffic round-abouts and who has the right-of-way;
commuters are taking alleys adjacent and parallel to Hastings Street to avoid traffic along Hastings Street causing concerned merchants; and,
District 1 Community Police Offices achieves its 20^th anniversary in 2019. The Chair suggested at events such as Hats Off Day and Halloween that the CPO take the opportunity to engage the public in promoting community policing and describe volunteer opportunities.

District #2 - April 2018

Mr. Ediriweera, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #2 during April 2018.

Due to shortage of staff and no assigned CPO, there was no meeting held in March.

District #3 - February/March/April 2018

Ms. Ali, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #3 during February, March and April 2018.

District #4 - March/April 2018

Ms. Gates, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #4 during March and April 2018, and noted the following from their meeting:

· sleepers/campers around the Bob Prittie Library have been moved;

increased parking issues in the Metrotown Area at the Bonsor Recreation Centre, Bob Prittie Library and in the residential area between Kingsway and Imperial Street; and,
discarded syringes have been found in public areas.

Staff undertook to follow up on the increased parking issues in the Metrotown area.

Ms. Gates inquired if there is a City policy on the disposal of syringes.

Staff undertook to investigate.

The Committee inquired to provide further information what areas were the syringes found in Wesburn Park, and how to alert residents coming into the park.

Staff undertook to follow up.

RCMP - February/March 2018

Chief Superintendent Burleigh submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during February/March 2018.

The Chief Superintendent highlighted the following items:

crime statistics are lower;
alleged car thief is facing eight charges thanks to the Prolific Offender Suppression Team (POST);
over 500 tickets were issued as part of Distracted Driving month in March;
over forty-nine violation tickets and sixteen warning tickets were issued near Kitchener Elementary School;
forty-seven violation tickets were issued at the vicinity of Springer Avenue and Beecher Park;
RCMP Strike Force captured the suspect who robbed four women in early April of their purses in a parking lot in the 4440 block of Hastings Street;
the driver of a stolen vehicle rammed through three police vehicles and struck three civilian vehicles on April 05 causing extensive damages. The following day, the driver was arrested facing a number of charges on an outstanding warrant by Coquitlam RCMP;
six auxiliaries attended the RCMP Youth Academy and volunteered over 335 hours that helped with the successful event;
regular patrols of school zones continued in February and March by the Youth Investigative Team due concerned school staff and parents;
Burnaby RCMP and Transit Police played in the annual Pink Shirt Day hockey game on February 28 against students from Burnaby Central High School;
the RCMP raised just under $1,500 for Special Olympics B.C. through a raffle and bake sale; and,
thanked Mr. Tony Wong, Chair of CPAC District #1, for his service.

Fire Department - March/April 2018

Fire Chief Robertson submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during March/April 2018:

The Fire Chief highlighted the following items:

a fire occurred on May 14^th at Cascade Elementary School in the cafeteria and shutting down the school for the day;
medical emergencies have decreased;
overdoses have decreased;
recruited 12 graduates from January – March;
15 high school students attended a youth outreach camp in April; and,
continuing high-rise and routine low-rise building inspections.

The Committee thanked the Burnaby Fire Department for their quick response to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 83 on Grimmer Street.

NEW BUSINESS

Margaret Manifold – Supportive Homes

Ms. Manifold noted that the Progressive Housing Society, a non-profit operator, will be working with BC Housing and the City to provide approximately 52 supportive homes to Burnaby residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The new homes are proposed to be located at Norland Avenue and Ledger Avenue. The first open house is scheduled for June 5 – 7 at the Bill Copeland Community Centre. Further information can be found on the BC Housing website.

Councillor Dhaliwal – Letter of Thanks

MOVED BY MR. PAUL

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR WANG

THAT the Committee send a thank you letter to Mr. Tony Wong.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

INQUIRIES

David Pereira – Bike Squad

Mr. Pereira inquired regarding the status of the Burnaby RCMP Bike Squad and whether it is in existence.

Staff advised the RCMP Bike Squad is not in force this summer.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR volkow

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR wang

THAT this Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.



________________________	________________________
Lauren Cichon ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER	Councillor Sav Dhaliwal VICE CHAIR

No Item Selected

Details

History

Vote Result