MINUTES of a regular meeting of the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL of The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay, held in the Council Chambers, Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay, B.C., on Monday, August 21, 2006.

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton, Chairman

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor S. F. B. Carson

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor P. Copley

Councillor J. D. Herbert

Councillor N. B. Jensen

STAFF:

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Director of Building and Planning, N. Beattie

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

 

On behalf of Council, Mayor Causton offered his condolences to Karen Green, Confidential Secretary, on the passing of her mother.

 

Mayor Causton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – July 24, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday July 24, 2006, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – August 14, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, August 14, 2006, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2006-300

2006 CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE, July, 28, 2006

Re Request for Partial Street Closure – October 1, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That approval be given for the closure of Cedar Hill Cross Road between Henderson Road and Gordon Head Road, and the east side of Gordon Head Road from Cedar Hill Cross Road to the municipal boundary with the District of Saanich, on Sunday, October 1, 2006 to facilitate the staging of the 2006 CIBC Run for the Cure, subject to:

 

 

 

(a)        The event organizers indemnifying the Municipality from any liability in connection with the event and providing evidence of insurability in this regard;

(b)        Adherence with the traffic management plan approved by the Oak Bay Police

            Department; and

(c)        The event organizers bearing any extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in

            connection with the road closure.

 

CARRIED

 

 

2.

2006-301

JANET KNIGHT, August 10, 2006

Re Request for Street Closure for Block Party on  Wilmot PlaceSeptember 9, 2006

 

Mayor Causton indicated that the applicant had contacted the Municipality to request that the street closure for the proposed block party be approved for September 16, 2006 rather than September 9, 2006, and that the hours be from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That permission be given for the closure of Wilmot Place on Saturday, September 16, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., for the purpose of a neighbourhood block party.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2006-302

CATHERINE HOLMES, August 15, 2006

Re Request to Make Application to Minister for Special Authority

to Waive Late Tax Payment Penalty

 

Attention was drawn to the request from Catherine Holmes for Council to make an application to the Province for permission to waive the late tax payment penalty, given the serious health issues faced by her husband that had prevented the property taxes on their property being paid.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Treasurer noted that while the circumstances were indeed unfortunate, they were not that dissimilar to other situations where a penalty had been levied for taxes unpaid by the due date, where it was felt a waiver was not warranted.  Staff at the Municipal Hall, said Ms. Walker, are faced with numerous and somewhat similar situations each year where penalties are imposed for unpaid taxes, cautioning Council that it would be difficult to separate those cases from Ms. Holmes’ case.

 

After considering the facts of the request, it was the view of Council that the circumstances of the case were sufficiently singular and extenuating to warrant an application to the Minister for the required authority to waive the penalty.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That, pursuant to Section 315.3 of the Local Government Act, an application be made to the Minister of Community Services for the authority to waive the 10% tax penalty for late payment of 2006 property taxes for 677 Beach Drive.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.

2006-303

2006-303-1

ZEBRA DESIGN, February 21, 2006

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, July 27, 2006

Re Request for Change to Covenant – 1779 St. Ann Street

 

David Yamamoto, Zebra Designs, representing the owners of 1779 St. Ann Street, outlined the request to amend the covenant registered against 1779 St. Ann Street, which was also registered against 1773 and 1767 St. Ann in 1990, noting that the owners wish to be able to build a more functional bathroom and master bedroom on the upper floor to meet the needs of their family.  The height and floor area limits in the covenant as it is currently worded, it was noted, would not allow the proposed renovation to proceed.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Director of Building and Planning confirmed that the requested increase in floor area for the upper floor would still meet the zoning regulations, and the other parties to the covenant would also have to agree to the proposed changes.

 

Noting that the covenant also requires Council approval of plans for the renovations and that  the plans for the renovation could be channelled through the Advisory Design Panel for a recommendation to Council, it was the majority view of Council that the Advisory Design Panel’s recommendation should be sought prior to making a final decision on whether or not to approve the amendment to the covenant.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the plans for renovations to 1779 St. Ann Street, as attached to correspondence item 2006-303, be referred to the Advisory Design Panel for a recommendation to Council.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Carson against the motion)

 

 

5.

2006-304

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, August 17, 2006

Re Request for Road Closures – Tour de Rock Event

 

That the request for:

  • Occupancy of the front lawn of the Municipal Hall between 11 o’clock a.m. September 16, 2006 and 12 o’clock noon on September 17, 2006;
  • Closure of Hampshire Road between Oak Bay Avenue and the entrance to Athlone Court and between Oak Bay Avenue and Theatre Lane, between 8 o’clock a.m. and 3 o’clock p.m. on September 17, 2006;
  • Closure of Oak Bay Avenue between Elgin Road and Monterey Avenue between 8 o’clock a.m. and 3 o’clock noon on September 17, 2006;
  • Closure of Monterey Avenue between Oak Bay Avenue and Windsor Road, Windsor Road between Monterey Avenue and Hampshire Avenue, Granite Street between Hampshire Road and The Municipal Hall parking lot, and through the Municipal Hall parking lot to Oak Bay Avenue between 10 o’clock a.m. and 10:45 o’clock p.m. and between 11:45 o’clock a.m. and 1:00 o’clock p.m. on September 17, 2006,

 

all in connection with the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association’s Tour de Rock fundraising event, as laid out in correspondence item 2006-304, be approved subject to:

 

a)   The event organizers executing a letter of undertaking setting out the terms and conditions under which the occupancy and road closure is permitted, and providing evidence of insurability in this regard;

b)   The event organizers adherence with a traffic management plan approved by the Oak Bay Police Department; and

c)   The event organizer assuming all responsibility for any and all extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in connection with the event.

 

CARRIED

 

 

6.

2006-305

2006-305-1

2006-305-2

2006-305-3

2006-305-4

NORMAN SPECTOR, August 15, 2006

LARRY JEFFERSON AND BARBARA TAYLOR, August 17, 2006

CARMEN F. BERTRAM, August 20, 2006

DOROTHY YOULDEN, August 19, 2006

JACQUELINE HORTON, GENESIS LAW GROUP, August 21, 2006

Re Development Variance Permit Application – 925 Foul Bay Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence items 2006-305 through 2006-305-4, be received.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Clerk confirmed that the issue before Council at this time was the development variance application with respect to the shape of the lots within the proposed subdivision of the property. 

 

The Director of Building and Planning, also responding to questions, indicated that later on, through the subdivision approval process, should the application proceed to that point, staff, along with the applicant, would be looking into options to ensure traffic safety with respect to access to the newly created lots.

 

Attention was drawn to the requirement by the Subdivision Approving Officer for a covenant to restrict the height of any residence constructed on the proposed Strata Lot D, as described in the resolution appearing later in the agenda, and the point was made by a member of Council that design controls on any new homes built on the new lots would also be desirable.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

7.

2006-306

CHARLINE AND MARK HOOPER, August 16, 2006

Re Development Variance Permit Application – 2169 Beaverbrooke Place

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That correspondence item 2006-30 be received.

 

CARRIED

 


 

8.

2006-307

2006-307-1

2006-307-2

2006-307-3

FRANCES PEPLER, August 1, 2006

ANDREW MOYER, August 3, 2006

MARION SPILLETTE, August 3, 2006

PETER BAZOWSKI, August 4, 2006

Re Development Permit with Variance Application – 2265 Oak Bay Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That correspondence items 2006-307 through 2006-307-3, be received.

 

Responding to concerns raised by a member of Council regarding the proposed variance and its departure from the sign regulations, it was pointed out by another member that the proposed variance for a projecting hanging sign would be preferable to other options available under the regulations.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Herbert against the motion)

 

 

9.

2006-308

IRENE SZLANKO, August 17, 2006

Re Development Variance Permit Application – 3045 Uplands Road

 

Councillor Cassidy advised that he would be unable to participate in the discussion on the development variance permit application for 3045 Uplands Road because he had a business relationship with a member of the applicant’s family.

 

Councillor Cassidy left the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That correspondence item 2006-308 be received.

 

Although it was acknowledged that the item before Council was the development variance permit application, it was noted that the landscaping plans, attached to the correspondence from the applicants, would be reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel in the near future. 

 

The Director of Building and Planning noted that although the landscaping plans, including the proposed fence noted in the Szlanko’s correspondence would be reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel, Council does not have the power to approve or reject the proposed fencing under the Uplands Regulations Bylaw.

 

It was noted by Mayor Causton, however, that in previous discussions the applicants had indicated they would adhere to recommendations from the Panel in that regard.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillor Cassidy returned to the meeting at 8:08 p.m.

 

10.

2006-309

2006-309-1

2006-309-2

2006-309-3

ADELE CURTIS, August 9, 2006

TONY MARSHALL, August 10, 2006

MARGARET AND NEIL WALKER, August 12, 2006

OAK BAY GREEN COMMITTEE, August 17, 2006

Re Expanded Tree Protection Bylaw

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence items 2006-310 through 2006-310-6 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

11.

2006-310

2006-310-1

2006-310-2

2006-310-3

2006-310-4

2006-310-5

2006-310-6

MUNICIPAL CLERK, August 17, 2006

HINDA AVERY, August 16, 2006

ROSEMARY SHORT, August 21, 2006

G. G. MAYHEW, August 17, 2006

JOHN C. ADAMS, COOK ROBERTS, August 21, 2006

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, August 21, 2006

BISON PROPERTIES, WALKER HOSPITALITY GROUP, August 21, 2006

Re Oak Bay Beach Hotel (Bison Properties Ltd.) – Application for

Rezoning/Official Community Plan Amendment /Discharge of Land Use Contract/ Development Permit

 

Kevin Walker, Bison Properties Ltd., provided an overview of the information contained in correspondence item 2006-310-6, noting that the materials address the various questions and requests made by Committee of the Whole at its meeting held August 14, 2006.

 

The photographs of The Pier project underway in the Town of Sidney were displayed, and Mr. Walker drew comparisons between that development and the proposed Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and answered questions from Council in that regard.  He also drew attention to the photograph of the hotel, viewed from the water, with the proposed hotel superimposed upon it, which, he said, illustrated how the hotel would look from the water side.

 

Mr. Walker noted that a complete animation package would be available for public viewing within the following week, with additional public information meetings being held for that purpose.

 

There was discussion regarding the public/administration main floor space comparison to other hotel developments, and Mr. Walker explained the various areas that were and were note included in those calculations.  

 

The discussion turned to the “hotel residence” portion of the development, and Mr. Walker answered questions from Council, indicating that the actual floor space of the hotel residence may be variable early on in the project, however, fixed floor areas for the hotel residences would be implemented later on. 

 

 

 

Mr. Walker went on to answer further questions from Council with respect to the plans for the dock space, noting that the proposed dock facility would provide two, thirty-six feet docks for mooring boats.  The 40 foot connection between the two arms of the dock, he said, would not be used for boats.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That correspondence items 2006-310 through 2006-310-6 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

The question of whether or not to hear from the public at this point was raised, and there was agreement to permit anyone who so wished to provide new comments regarding any aspect of the proposal.

 

John Adams, 130 Linden Avenue, representing a group of White Hall Apartments residents (1120 Beach Drive), queried whether the proposed amendment addressed the comments made by Councillor Carson at the August 14, 2006 Committee of the Whole meeting, noting that he thought the covenant wording was very general, where it should be more specific with respect to access to the waterfront.

 

Responding to Mr. Adams’ concerns regarding the availability of the materials contained in the Council Agenda, the Municipal Clerk noted that the information was all available at the Municipal Hall.

 

Councillor Carson indicated that the revised covenant wording did address his concerns with respect to access to the foreshore.

 

Hinda Avery, Seaview Apartments, noted that she was unsure how the concerns of the immediate neighbours would be addressed, and it was suggested that the concerns she highlighted, such as safety and noise in the evenings and lighting, among other things, would largely be addressed through good management of the property.

 

Mr. Walker said that good management of the property, including retaining the peace and quiet currently enjoyed on the hotel property would be a priority for him as an Hotelier in order to be successful.

 

Responding to questions regarding the loss of views for neighbouring properties, Mr. Walker reiterated that the computer generated view studies expected to be complete in the near future would be of interest to the hotel’s neighbours, and would be available for viewing.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Mayor Causton drew attention to the August 19th Home and Garden Tour, organized by the Heritage Foundation, noting that it was an excellent event and well attended.

 

Councillor Herbert provided an overview of upcoming Centennial events, noting that a croquet tournament would be held at Windsor Park on August 25 and 26, and that the Baseball Canada Pee Wee AAA Championship would be held at Carnarvon Park commencing on August 24, 2006.

 

Councillor Herbert said that sales of the Centennial Book are brisk, noting that it is a quality publication being enjoyed by many.

 

TABLED:

 

Development Variance Permit – 925 Foul Bay Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a development variance permit with respect to the proposed bare land strata subdivision of 925 Foul Bay Road (Lot 1, Sections 23 and 68, Victoria District, Plan 2600, except parts in Parcel A (DD 239888-I) and in Plan 10577),

 

which would vary the requirements of Section 3.6.3 of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, to allow the proposed Strata Lots C and D to be created with a general shape different from the shape of the lots in the immediate area,

 

substantially as shown on the sketch plan of the proposed bare land strata subdivision prepared by Glen Mitchell Land Surveying Inc., as appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item #2006-207, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 12, 2006, when and if the Approving Officer grants preliminary approval to the proposed subdivision, and upon the applicant satisfying all conditions of preliminary approval set out by the Approving Officer including but not limited to the payment of all required off-site servicing costs and the execution of a covenant in favour of the Municipality which, in addition to any other restrictions required by the Approving Officer pursuant to his application of the Bare Land Strata Regulations, sets a 1½ storey height limit on any residence constructed on the proposed Strata Lot D.

 

The discussion with respect to the desirability of registering a design covenant against each of the newly created lots was discussed, and Mr. Miller, Abstract Developments, indicated that he would not be opposed to such a covenant.

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That, should the subdivision of 925 Foul Bay Road be approved by the Approving Officer, a restrictive covenant be registered against the additional lots to require architectural design and siting approval of any new development.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

Development Variance Permit – 2169 Beaverbrooke Place

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 2169 Beaverbrooke Place (Lot 14, Section 22, Victoria District, Plan 1136), varying the following provisions of Bylaw No. 3531, being the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, with respect to the setback of a principal building:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

 

 

 

 

6.5.4(2)(a)

Minimum Front Lot Line Setback

 

7.62 m

 

5.90 m

 

1.72 m

 

 

 

 

4.6.5(1)

Maximum Stair Projection into Required Front Setback

 

1.2 m

 

4.85 m

 

3.65 m

 

to accommodate the excavation of an existing basement and reconstruction of front steps, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item #2006-210, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 12, 2006.

 

CARRIED

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – 2526 Eastdowne Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 2526 Eastdowne Road (Lot 5, Section 28, Victoria District, Plan 8990), varying the following provision of Bylaw No. 3531, being the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, with respect to the maximum permissible paved portion of the front yard of a residential lot:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

 

 

 

 

4.15.1

Maximum Paved Portion of Front Yard

 

25%

 

43%

 

18%

 

to accommodate a vehicle turnaround area, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of the Whole item #2006-211, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 12, 2006.

 

CARRIED

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Development Permit – 2265 Oak Bay Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Permit with respect to 2265 Oak Bay Avenue (Lot A, Sections 23 & 69, Victoria District, Plan 31610), allowing exterior alterations to the building located thereon in the form of the installation of a business sign as described in Committee of the Whole agenda item #2006-208, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 11, 2006, and as more particularly shown in the photographic representation attached thereto, and which in addition would vary Section 15(1) of Bylaw No. 3946, Sign Bylaw, 1997, to permit the said sign which is of a type that would not otherwise be permitted, namely a hanging sign projecting out from the face of the building.

CARRIED

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

CARRIED

(Councillor Herbert against the motion)

 

Development Variance Permit – 3045 Uplands Road

 

Councillor Cassidy again advised that he would be unable to participate in the discussion of the development variance permit application for 3045 Uplands Road because he had a business relationship with a member of the applicant’s family. 

 

Councillor Cassidy left the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the following resolution be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 3045 Uplands Road (Lot 2, Section 31, Victoria District, Plan 5615), varying the following provisions of Bylaw No. 3531, being the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, with respect to the setback of a principal building:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

 

 

 

 

6.2.4(2)(c) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Interior Side Lot Line Setback

 

3.96 m

 

2.98 m

 

0.98 m

 

 

 

 

6.2.4(2)(e) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Total of Side Lot Line Setbacks

 

9.75 m

 

6.58 m

 

3.17 m

 

to accommodate the renovation of a house and attached garage, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item #2006-209, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 11, 2006.

 

CARRIED

 

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed variance and the view was expressed that the proposed design gives undue emphasis to the garage.

 

The Director of Building and Planning answered questions from Council regarding the penalty to the owners for proceeding with plans that were not approved, and Mr. Beattie noted that double permit fees would be applied as per the building bylaw regulations.

 

Referring back to the previous discussion regarding the proposed fence and landscaping, it was reiterated by members of Council that it would be desirable to receive the comments from the Advisory Design Panel on this aspect of the development prior to consideration of authorizing the issuance of the Development Variance Permit.

 

Mr. Beattie again noted that under the Uplands Regulations Bylaw, Council did not have the authority for design or siting approval.

 

Irene Asfar, 3045 Uplands Road, noted that the proposed house design, fence, and landscaping plans had all been circulated to her neighbours with the opportunity to comment.  None of her neighbours, she said, made submissions.

 

It was pointed out that correspondence from neighbours favouring the previously approved design had been received by Council at a previous meeting.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the resolution with respect to the development variance permit for 3045 Uplands Road be tabled.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillor Cassidy returned to the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Bare Land Strata Subdivision of 925 Foul Bay Road:  Payment in Lieu of Park Land Dedication

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen,

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That

 

Whereas:

 

A.                 Pursuant to Section 941 of the Local Government Act, the owner of land being subdivided so as to create 3 or more additional lots must, at the owner’s option, either provide without compensation park land of an amount and in a location acceptable to the Municipal Council, or pay to the Municipality an amount equal to the value of the land that may be required for park purposes;

 

B.                 The agent for the owner of 925 Foul Bay Road, being the applicant to subdivide that property, has elected to provide payment in lieu of the dedication of park land;

C.                 The amount of land that may be used for establishing the amount to be paid pursuant to Recital B is not to exceed 5% of the land being proposed for subdivision;

 

D.                 The land value to be used for the purpose of calculating the amount to be paid pursuant to Recital B is the average market value of all the land in the subdivision at the date of preliminary approval, as though the land is zoned to permit the proposed use and any works and services necessary to the subdivision have not been installed;

 

E.                  The value of the land proposed to be subdivided as assessed by the Assessment Authority of British Columbia for 2006 is $981,000;

 

F.                  The applicant has agreed to pay the amount of 0.05 x 981,000 = $49,050 pursuant to Section 941 of the Local Government Act.

 

Therefore be it resolved that the District of Oak Bay require payment in the amount of 5% of the value of the parcel of land, described as Lot 1, Sections 23 and 68, Victoria District, Plan 2600, except parts in Parcel A (DD 239888-I) and in Plan 10577, which is proposed to be subdivided, based on an agreed market value of $981,000 for the said land; provided, however, that in the event preliminary approval of the subdivision does not occur before December 31, 2006, the market value used for the purpose of calculating the amount of the payment in lieu of park dedication shall be the 2007 preliminary or final land value, whichever is applicable at the time, as assessed by the Assessment Authority of British Columbia.

 

CARRIED

Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2006 Convention

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Council approve the payment of expenses for Mayor and Council members’ attendance at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2006 Convention in Victoria, BC, October 24 to 27, 2006.

 

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – Municipal Hall Parking Lot

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite,  That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit in respect