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, June 26, 2006.

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor P. Copley

Councillor F. Carson

Councillor J. D. Herbert

Councillor N. B. Jensen

STAFF:

Municipal Administrator, W. E. Cochrane

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Confidential Secretary, K. Green

Director of Building and Planning, N. Beattie

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

Director of Engineering Services, D. Marshall

 

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

 

AGENDA:

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the agenda be amended with respect to the addition of Communication Item Nos. 2006-193-4, 2006-185-3, 2006-197-1, 2006-201, 2006-202 and Bylaw No. 4322.

 

CARRIED

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – June 12, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday June 12, 2006, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Special Council – June 19, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on Monday June 19, 2006, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – June 19, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, June 19, 2006, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

By consensus, the order of the agenda was varied.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2006-196

AMBROSIO MARKET AND DELI, June 21, 2006

Re Request for Encroachment – 1503 Wilmot Place

 

The Director of Building and Planning offered a brief description of the proposed awning extension, saying that the existing awning would have arms installed that would extend an additional 18 inches horizontally from which a mesh rolled screen would then drop 1.07 metres (3.5 feet) down for the purpose of protecting the produce offered for sale from the afternoon sun. 

 

With respect to the potential interference with pedestrian traffic, it was noted that the drop screen would be far enough away from the building to enable pedestrian traffic to walk on the inside of the screen.  

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That approval be given for an encroachment at 1503 Wilmot Place for the purpose of installing and maintaining a retractable vertical awning extension, subject to the owners entering into an encroachment agreement with the Municipality.

 

CARRIED

 

2.

2006-191

DISTRICT OF OAK BAY ANNUAL REPORT 2005

 

The Municipal Administrator provided an overview of the 2005 Annual Report, which, as required by the Community Charter, has been presented annually for the past three years.  Mr. Cochrane noted that the departmental reports have taken on a more quantitative quality, including the use of statistics in this regard.  

 

Mr. Cochrane noted that the report is available for review at the Municipal Hall or on the Municipal Website.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Annual Report 2005 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2006-192

 DISTRICT OF OAK BAY AUDIT FINDINGS REPORT (December 31, 2005)

 

(Randy Decksheimer of KPMG Chartered Accountants, in attendance for this item.)

 

Randy Decksheimer addressed Council, saying that the 2005 audit is complete, and that, in KPMG’s opinion, the financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Municipality as at December 31, 2005. 

 

Mr. Decksheimer responded to questions from members of Council with respect to various aspects of the municipal audit findings report.

 

 

There was discussion regarding changes in accounting standards, and in this regard, it was pointed out by Mr. Decksheimer that Council should be aware that statements made in the community and at Council meetings may create liabilities that require recognition in the financial statements even though a motion is not passed or an agreement signed.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the District of Oak Bay Audit Findings Report be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.

2006-164

2006-193

2006-193-1

2006-193-2

2006-193-3

2006-193-4

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, May 24, 2006

CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT, June 13, 2006

CATHE PARK, June 12, 2006

JUNE AND MICHAEL STEPHEN, June 21, 2006

E. ACHESON AND D.M. PICKARD, June 21, 2006

VICTORIA ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES LTD.,

June 23, 2006

Re Animal Control Services

 

Attention was drawn to the proposal for the provision of animal control services from Victoria Animal Control Services (VACS), and the Municipal Administrator responded to a question from Council noting that although Capital Regional District’s (CRD) proposal is inclusive of legal costs associated with enforcing the regulations, the VACS proposal is not.  He further noted that to date, in his time with Oak Bay, there has been only one occurrence where legal counsel was required. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That notice be given to the Capital Regional District to the effect that the Municipality will not be renewing the current animal control contract beyond December 31, 2006; and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute a three year contract, commencing January 1, 2007, for animal control and pound services with Victoria Animal Control Services Ltd., all subject to obtaining consent  from Victoria City Council pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Community Charter for the provision of a pound service in that jurisdiction. 

 

Councillor Jensen observed that although the VACS contract proposal offered some cost savings on its face, his preference would be to continue with the CRD animal control service, which was broader in that it included coverage for more complex types of legal proceedings which could arise from time to time.    

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

(Councillor Jensen against the motion)

 

5.

2006-182

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, June 6, 2006

Re Uplands Building Permit Application – 2746 Dorset Road

 

Will Peerboom, Victoria Design Ltd., was in attendance on behalf of the applicants as requested by Committee of the Whole at its meeting of June 19, 2006.   Mr. Peerboom noted the Advisory Design Panel reviewed the original design, and after its suggestions were implemented, the Advisory Design Panel recommended its approval. 

There was discussion regarding the proposed design, and while it was recognized that the dimensions of the proposed new residential dwelling conform to the regulations of the Municipality, it was the majority view of Council that the proposed building was not in keeping with the streetscape of the neighbourhood.  

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the proposed plans for the construction of a new residential dwelling at 2746 Dorset Road be rejected.

 

CARRIED

(Mayor Causton and Councillor Carson against the motion)

 

6.

2006-194

2006-185

2006-185-1

2006-185-2

2006-185-3

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, June 21, 2006

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, June 13, 2006

JANE PATTERSON, [undated]

SUE AND GEOFF VICKERS et al, June 9, 2006

IRENE ASFAR, June 26, 2006

Re Uplands Building Permit / Development Variance Permit Application – 3045 Uplands Road

 

Councillor Cassidy advised that he would be unable to participate in the discussion of the Uplands building permit and development variance permit application at 3045 Uplands Road inasmuch as he has a business relationship with a member of the applicant’s family.  Councillor Cassidy left the meeting at 8:19 p.m.

 

It was noted that at the previous Committee of the Whole meeting staff were asked to prepare a report with respect to Council’s options for dealing with the Uplands Building Permit application for 3045 Uplands Road, following the issuance of a stop work order due to the construction work not being in accordance with the previously approved plans, and the subsequent request for approval of the revised plans.

 

Irene Asfar, 3045 Uplands Road, spoke to her letter included in the agenda regarding the events that let to the construction not in accordance with the approved plans.  Ms. Asfar answered various questions from members of Council regarding the renovations to her home, saying that she felt the “new” design was actually more appropriate in terms of fitting in with the neighbourhood, although she was sorry that the proper process had not been followed.  Ms. Asfar requested that in order to keep the contractor and the neighbours satisfied, she was seeking approval, without delay, of the revised plans.  

 

Attention was drawn to the memorandum from the Municipal Administrator which compared the previously approved plans with the revised plans that were part way through the construction process, and outlined Council’s options for dealing with the application for approval of the revised plans.

 

It was noted that the applicants went before the Advisory Design Panel to present the revised plans, with no changes to the previously approved variances.  However, the Advisory Design Panel only provided comments on the new design, and did not provide a recommendation with respect to approval.   

 

Mr. Cochrane summarized the three options that could be considered:

1)      That Council respond to the new application on its own merit and ask the Advisory Design Panel for its recommendation;

2)      That Council reject the application for approval of the revised plans with construction to comply with the plans as previously approved or new plans would need to be designed; and

3)      That Council start anew the development variance permit notification process if it is satisfied there is enough merit in the revised design.

 

Responding to questions from Council, The Director of Building and Planning noted that double permit fees would apply to any new building permit issued.

 

There was discussion regarding the revised plans, and concerns were expressed that the garage looked out of keeping with the rest of the house.  It was the view of Council that, in accordance with its role, the Advisory Design Panel should be requested to make a recommendation on the application.

 

It was noted that two building permits had been issued for the work at 3045 Uplands Road. The applicants request to continue the work related to one of the permits (i.e. the lower floor) was acknowledged, however, it was felt that the two permits were interconnected in such a way as to require the stop work order to remain with respect to both permits.

 

It was recommended that a copy of the minutes reflecting this item be provide to the Advisory Design Panel.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the revised building plans for 3045 Uplands Road be referred back to the Advisory Design Panel for further review and a recommendation.

CARRIED

 

7.

2006-195

G. ROGER POWELL, April 25, 2005 (received June 14, 2006)

Re Request to Occupy Portion of the Municipal Hall Front Lawn – July 8, 2006

 

Speaking to his letter, Mr. Powell gave an overview of his request to hold a fundraising event for Cops for Cancer on the front lawn of the Municipal Hall, noting that all donations from the refreshments and food would be given over to Cops for Cancer.  

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That permission be granted to the Silver Spurs Evangelistic Ministries to occupy a portion of the front lawn at the Oak Bay Municipal Hall  adjacent to 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, on July 8, 2006, from 11 o’clock a.m. to 3 o’clock p.m. for the purpose of staging a fundraising event, subject to the Silver Spurs Evangelistic Ministries’ indemnifying the Municipality from any liability arising from the occupancy and providing evidence of insurability in this regard, as well as being responsible for any expenses incurred by the Municipality in connection with the occupancy.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

2006-197

2006-197-1

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, June 20, 2006

PHILIP H. WHITE et al, March 21, 2006

Re Application for Official Community Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, Development Permit – Royal Victoria Yacht Club – 3475 Ripon Road

 

Mayor Causton declared a conflict inasmuch as he is an honourary member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, indicating that he would be unable to participate in discussion or vote on the matter.  Mayor Causton left the meeting at 9:01 p.m.

 

Acting Mayor Jensen continued on as Chairman.

 

Don Thain, 3475 Ripon Road, Chair, Moorage Expansion Special Committee, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, gave an overview of the history and membership of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) and its need to accommodate its continuing growth. 

 

Speaking to the submission to Council, Mr. Thain noted that this is the first of the three government levels to be approached regarding the proposed breakwater and moorage facility expansion for the Yacht Club into Cadboro Bay.  The outcome of a municipal decision, said Mr. Thain, would be crucial prior to provincial and federal approvals being sought.  Further he said, in order to meet its timelines, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club respectfully requests that the Municipal process be finished by October 1st, 2006 to facilitate the anticipated construction by the summer of 2007.  

 

Mr. Thain advised that the expansion proposal includes an additional 60 berths and an extension of the breakwater in order to protect those berths.   It was noted that the breakwater, depending on the wind and wave measurements, may extend from the existing rubble breakwater or a floating breakwater used as the main dock may be considered.  The size of the berths would accommodate 35 foot to 50 foot boats.

 

The action taken by the Yacht Club to date, said Mr. Thain, has been to conduct information and consultation meetings with the neighbourhood followed by an information mail-out.  Members’ meetings were also organized, he said, noting a 96% approval of the proposed project.

 

Ramsay Murray, was in attendance on behalf of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, noting that the “standard design” proposed breakwater will be well built.  In response to a question regarding how it can be assured that the extension would not have a negative impact further up Cadboro Bay, Mr. Murray said there was no evidence of “drift” in Cadboro Bay in the computer generated studies viewed to date so no negative impact was anticipated.

 

In response to a question from Council, Mr. Thain noted that approximately 15 of the anchored boats in the bay would be displaced with the proposed moorage and breakwater extension. 

 

There was further discussion regarding the proposed project and its implications on the surrounding area, and concerns were noted regarding the extension further into the bay.  Responding to questions, Mr. Thain advised that no further expansions would be requested because more parking would need to be created in that scenario. 

 

There was consensus to receive public input at this point, and it was noted that there will be other opportunities should the proposal go forward.

 

Philip White, 3525 Beach Drive, speaking to his letter contained in the agenda, and noting that he was a one time member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, said that the immediate neighbours were invited to attend an information evening where the Yacht Club stated its expansion plans.  Although he was unable to attend the meeting, Mr. White said he was able to obtain a detailed explanation of the plan and expressed his and his neighbours’ opposition to the proposal saying their lines of sight will be affected, as will the value of their real estate.  Further, said Mr. White, he sees the proposal as private use of public property.

 

Ewa Lupin, 777 Mountjoy Avenue, expressed her concerns that by expanding the moorage in the bay, the anchored boats in the bay would be displaced, posing a hardship on those boat owners as they may not be able to afford the cost of moorage at the Yacht Club.  In addition, Ms. Lupin asked what rights a private organization has to this part of the bay.

 

In response, Mr. Thain noted that the anchored boats were in the bay because of the protection the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s breakwater offers and possibly because there are no vacant berths available at the existing dock.

 

Shelley Mohr, 3160 Humber Road, expressed concern regarding the impact the enlarged moorage and breakwater would have on the environment.  As well, Ms. Mohr felt there would be potential for increased traffic and noise in the neighbourhood should the proposed project go through.

 

There was further discussion regarding the proposal and its impact on neighbouring properties, and Mr. Thain indicated that concerns with respect to parking were voiced by neighbours, noting that the Yacht Club would work towards ameliorating those concerns.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Cochrane said that if the application was to go forward, an amendment to the Official Community Plan would be required, noting that no significant expansion of the Yacht Club is currently contemplated in the Official Community Plan.  He went on to say that in response to Mr. White’s comments about the bay being a park, while it does have “park like” characteristics, it is zoned Sea Zone for public recreation use.

 

With respect to any engineering considerations related to the proposed construction, it was noted that the federal government would be involved in this aspect, as would Oak Bay through the Development Permit process.

 

It was noted that environmental impact assessment information may be desired by the Committee at some point should the application proceed.

 

In reviewing the plans, a member of Council requested that a BC Land Surveyors’ Plan be submitted that shows the proposed development in the context of the surrounding properties, including those in nearby Saanich just past the Oak Bay border.  Additionally, further information was requested with respect to the dock design and proposed breakwater.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the application for an Official Community Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Development Permit for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club located at 3475 Ripon Road, be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration subject to receipt of additional information as requested by Council.

 

CARRIED

 

Mayor Causton returned to the meeting at 10:02 p.m.

 

9.

2006-198

JENNIFER ROY, June 15, 2006

Re Request for Street Closure for Block Party on Cardiff Place – July 1, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That permission be given for the closure of Cardiff Place between Frederick Norris Road and Swanson Place on Saturday, July 1, 2006, from 3 o’clock p.m. to 9 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of a neighbourhood block party.

 

CARRIED

 

10.

2006-199

UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MUNICIPALITIES,

June 8, 2006

Re Request for Grant – Local Government Leadership Academy Request for Support

 

Council members noted that because the District of Oak Bay pays fees to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annually, it may not be necessary to provide additional funding for special projects such as the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Local Government Leadership Academy. 

 

Mayor Causton suggested that inasmuch as the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) would possibly be considering using a portion of its surplus for similar education opportunities to those proposed by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), it may be premature for Council to consider funding the program at this time.

 

While there was some support for contributing to the program, it was the majority view not to provide funding at this time.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That Item No. 2006-199 be received.  

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Jensen against the motion)

 

 

11.

2006-200

CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT, June 19, 2006

Re CRD Bylaw 3322 - Hazardous Materials Incident Response Service Establishment Bylaw, No. 1, 2006

 

Council expressed its concern with giving consent to the adoption of the proposed Capital Regional District bylaw as attached to the agenda package for the implementation of a hazardous materials incident response (Hazmat) service, noting that further information on the breakdown of the budget was needed.

 

It was agreed that staff would obtain the requested information to be brought back with the proposed Bylaw at the next meeting of Council.  

 

 

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the request for support for CRD Bylaw 3322, Capital Regional District Hazardous Materials Incident Response Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1, 2006, be deferred.

 

CARRIED

 

12.

2006-201

OAK BAY VOLUNTEER SERVICES SOCIETY, June 26, 2006

Re Request for Tag Days

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That approval be given to the Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society to hold tag days throughout Oak Bay Municipality on Saturday, July 18th, July 19th, August 3rd and August 4th, 2006.

 

CARRIED

 

13.

2006-202

MUNICIPAL TREASURER, June 26, 2006

Re Request for Permission to Reproduce Photograph of Former Oak Bay Reeve

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the request for permission to reproduce a photograph of a former Oak Bay Reeve be approved, subject to the District of Oak Bay being credited for the photograph in Mr. John Newth’s publication.

 

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS/REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

2006 Centennial Committee

 

Councillor Herbert provided an update on the 2006 Centennial Committee’s upcoming events, noting that the organization of Oak Bay’s 100th birthday party, which is to be held July 2nd at Windsor Park from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., is well in hand and will include old style games (i.e. sack races), a variety of music, a very large birthday cake, and topping off the day with fireworks.  All donations will go toward Oak Bay centennial legacy projects.  The event has been well advertised and the Windsor Park neighbours have been notified, said Councillor Herbert.

 

The Oak Bay Centennial Book Launch was a success, and the book was very well received.  Mayor and Council offered their congratulations and to the book editors and photographer for their dedication to seeing this project through. 

 

Provincial Capital Commission

 

Councillor Cassidy drew attention to the grand opening of the BC Experience at the Provincial Capital Commission’s former Crystal Gardens site, saying it was well worth seeing.

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Development Variance Permit – 3570 Beach Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit in respect to Amended Lot 3 (DD65267I), Block 2, Section 31, Victoria District, Plan 1216A (3570 Beach Drive) that will vary the following section of the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, to permit the construction of a new single family dwelling in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on June 19, 2006:

 

Bylaw Section

Permitted

Requested

Variance

6.2.4 (10) Front Lot Line Setback

between 13.6 m and 16.6 m

19.2 m

2.6 m

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 3570 Beach Drive be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – 2757 Dorset Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit in respect to Lot 4, Block 43, Section 31, Victoria District, Plan 8777 (2757 Dorset Road) that will vary the following sections of the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, to permit renovations to the single family dwelling in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on June 19, 2006:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.2.4 (2)(c) & Schedule “C” Minimum Interior Side Lot Line Setback

3.66 metres

3.05 metres

0.61 metres

6.2.4(2)(e) & Schedule “C” Minimum Total Side Lot Line Setbacks

8.53 metres

6.1 metres

2.43 metres

 

 

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 2757 Dorset Road be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

Development Permit – 2333 Beach Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Permit in respect to Lot 1, Section 2, Victoria District, Plan 11985 (2333 Beach Drive) to permit the renovation of the 26 suite apartment building in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on June 19, 2006, at such time as security in the amount of 2.5% of the value of the development, as determined by the Director of Building and Planning, has been received and a collateral agreement with respect to the security deposit has been executed.

 

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – 975 Beach Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit in respect to Lot 7, Section 73, Victoria District, Plan 3310 (975 Beach Drive) that will vary the following section of the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, to permit the construction of a new single family dwelling in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on June 19, 2006: