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, September 10, 2007 following the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m.

 

PRESENT:

Councillor A. R. Cassidy (Acting Chairman)

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor P. Copley

Councillor J. D. Hebert

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

 

Pursuant to Section 130 of the Community Charter it was the consensus of the attending Council members that Councillor Cassidy be designated as Acting Chairman for the regular meeting of Council. 

 

Acting Chairman Cassidy called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m.

 

It was the consensus of Council to amend the order of the agenda to bring forward Bylaw No. 4374, Seventy-Fourth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007 following adoption of the minutes of the meetings.

 

MINUTES OF MEETINGS:

 

Council – August 20, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday, August 20, 2007, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Special Council – September 4, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole September 4, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

BYLAWS:

 

For Third Reading and Final Adoption (Subject to Outcome of Public Hearing)

 

Bylaw No. 4374

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4374, Seventy-Fourth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

Regarding the zoning amendment that would permit the proposed relocation of the Oak Bay Village VQA Wine Store to 2579 Cadboro Bay Road, it was expressed by members of Council that the business would be a suitable addition to the area and would offer a convenience for north Oak Bay residents.  Members also acknowledged that applicant practiced due diligence in taking steps to notify and talk to the schools nearby regarding his proposed plans.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4374, Seventy-Fourth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2007-236

2007-236 -1

ROYAL VICTORIA MARATHON, August 29, 2007

GAIL SHORE, August 31, 2007

Re Request for Approval of Royal Victoria Marathon Route – Sunday, October 7, 2007

 

(Cathy Noel, General Manager, Royal Victoria Marathon, in attendance for this item.)

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That permission be granted for the closure and occupancy of the same streets in Oak Bay used for the Marathon in 2006 and detailed in correspondence item no. 2007-236 for the staging of the 2007 Royal Victoria Marathon on Sunday, October 7, 2007, subject to the following conditions:

 

1)         the event organizers indemnifying the Municipality from any liability in connection with the staging of the event; 

2)         approval of a traffic management and marshalling plan approved by the Oak            Bay Police Department;

3)         the event organizers assuming all responsibility for any and all extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in connection with the event; 

4)         sufficient notice being given by the event organizers to all property owners along the proposed route.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Ms. Noel indicated that the route is the same as last year and that notice would be given to all residences along the Marathon route.  It was indicated that the traffic plan has been approved by the Oak Bay police.  The police and marshals will ensure that the traffic will be able to get through when needed, she said.  The Royal Victoria Marathon organizers will be training 1300 volunteers for the event this year.  

 

Ms. Noel noted that the event incorporates rolling road closures and openings as the race progresses limiting the time a section of the road is closed.    

 

In response to Councillor Herbert asking if the event organizers would be contacting Gail Shore regarding her letter (correspondence item no. 2007-236-1) that expresses concern of being a ‘prisoner in her home’ during the marathon, Ms. Noel was unaware of the letter but assured Council a Marathon representative would contact Ms. Shore with respect to the concerns as outlined in the letter.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

 

2.

2007-237

2007-237-1 

2007-237-2

2007-237-3

2007-237-4

2007-237-5

2007-237-6

2007-237-7

2007-237-8

 

    - -

 

2006-360

PHILIP WHITE, August 2, 2007

NEVILLE GIBSON, September 4, 2007

GEORGE MACMINN, September 4, 2007

JOHN CHUDYK, September 6, 2007

PAUL THOMAS, September 9, 2007

PETER READER, September 6, 2007

TOM CROFT, September 10, 2007

ATHOLL AND R. SUTHERLAND BROWN, September 2, 2007

SAVE THE SHORELINE OF CADBORO BAY SOCIETY, August 21, 2007

EXCERPT FROM COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – October 30, 2006

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, October 24, 2006

Re Application for Official Community Plan Amendment Regarding 3475 Ripon Road (Royal Victoria Yacht Club)

 

Councillor Herbert declared a conflict inasmuch as his presence could be a perceived bias, as he is a member of a Saanich Peninsula Yacht Club with reciprocal privileges with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, indicating that he would be unable to participate in discussion or vote on the matter.  Councillor Herbert left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

 

Acting Chairman Cassidy queried whether or not it would be pre-emptive to consider Mr. Philip White’s application at this time as the Royal Victoria Yacht Club had been requested at a previous meeting to provide further information regarding its competing application for an Official Community Plan amendment, zoning amendment and development permit regarding expansion of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and apparently is in the process of doing so. 

 

The Municipal Administrator explained that it is an unusual situation to have competing Official Community Plan applications before Council for cross purposes.  When Mr. White’s application was first put before Council in 2006, he said, Council chose to consider the two applications at the same time.  The question now would be whether Council should deal with the two opposing applications separately or at the same time, said Mr. Cochrane.

 

Mr. Cochrane noted that a year has elapsed since the Royal Victoria Yacht Club first submitted its application and apparently the Club is not yet in a position to provide the details that are needed even to post required signage in relation to the application process.

 

In terms of Council’s options, Mr. Cochrane proposed three possibilities.  The first described by Mr. Cochrane would be to continue on the current path of considering the applications together.  Council’s second option would be to deny Mr. White’s application.  The third option would be to proceed to the Committee of the Whole level for further consideration of Mr. White’s application, and notify the Yacht Club in this regard.   Committee of the Whole would at that time receive a memorandum from the Municipal Clerk regarding public consultation options for consideration.  It would be relevant, said Mr. Cochrane, to hear from the Yacht Club as to what stage it is at with respect to its application.

 

It was the view of a member of Council that it would be unfair to unduly deny hearing from Mr. White because Council is waiting for the Yacht Club to provide more information on its application, and it was suggested that Council consider proceeding with Mr. White’s application unless the Yacht Club is ready to proceed in the near future.

 

Further discussion ensued regarding whether or not to hear from Mr. White at this time or to provide more time for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club to finalize its application then hear from both applicants at the same time regarding the opposing proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen, That Mr. White’s application of an amendment to the Official Community Plan be referred to Committee of the Whole.

 

Motion failed due to the lack of a seconder.

 

It was agreed that, with this being a significant issue, having a full Council in attendance would be desirable, and that consideration from Mr. White’s application should be deferred to a future meeting of Council when this could be accomplished, and both Mr. White and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club could be heard at that time.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the application to amend the Official Community Plan be deferred to a future meeting of Council.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Jensen against the motion)

 

Councillor Herbert returned to the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

 

 

 

3.

2007-238

2007-238-1

 

CITY HARVEST, August 10, 2007

JOYCE LEVY, August 22, 2007

Re Application for Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Permit Agricultural Use on Residential Properties

 

Responding to questions with respect to the request to amend the Zoning Bylaw to permit an agricultural use on residential properties, the Municipal Administrator noted that although there could be the potential for farm classification for some properties under the Assessment Act should such a use be permitted, a decision to allow it should be made from a land use planning point of view and not based on the size of a lot which would trigger various farm revenue thresholds in relation to farm classification.

 

Mr. Cochrane advised that should Council wish to see such a small scale agricultural use permitted, it would be possible to draft a bylaw in that regard, however, at this time there have been no complaints with respect to farming on residential properties and staff is unaware of any properties where such a use is being undertaken.

 

Council, noted Mr. Cochrane, also has the option to consider taking no action at this time, which would avoid a situation where properties might qualify for farm classification, but which is not ideal in terms of non-enforcement of the regulations.

 

There was discussion regarding the request by City Harvest and it was the general view of Council that such an initiative could be supportable as an innovative use of land that would positively impact the environment, and that having staff draft a bylaw to accommodate such a use for review would be desirable.  In this regard, Mr. Cochrane noted that information from the applicants with respect to their operation would be useful in order to assist with drafting a bylaw.

 

Martin Scaia, 2246 Bowker Avenue, provided an overview of City Harvest’s operations, saying it is a small scale urban agriculture business that uses suitable residential properties of willing homeowners to grow organic produce for which the homeowner receives a small share of the harvest, to set up an efficient composting system and to maintain garden areas. The produce is then sold to local distributors, he said. 

 

Mr. Scaia answered questions from Council regarding the process of generating a garden plot and the regulations that apply to the business.  He noted that City Harvest focuses on growing local produce following organic gardening standards, although due to the cost of organic certification, it has not been sought.  Mr. Scaia noted that City Harvest has agreements with property owners not to use chemical sprays on surrounding trees and lawns and soil testing is undertaken.     

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That staff be requested to provide a report and draft bylaw with respect to the application to amend the Zoning Bylaw to permit agricultural use on residential properties for consideration by Committee of the Whole.

 

The discussion turned to the possible impact of the business on neighbouring properties, such as increased traffic and noise, and Mr. Scaia confirmed that rototillers are used.  Mr. Scaia went on to note that they typically produce $100 worth of produce from a 25 feet x 2 feet  piece of land, and that City Harvest currently is working twelve such plots of land at this time.  With respect to possible complaints regarding the number of employees, he confirmed there are no plans to expand the home based business at this time, nor is it planned to take on more than 20,000 square feet of land.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2007-239

 

JILL CROFT, September 9, 2007

Re Tod House Lease (fixed term tenancy) – 2564 Heron Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That correspondence item no. 2007-239 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS/REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

Chinese Cemetery Lookout

 

Councillor Jensen drew attention to the number of idling vehicles that stop at the Chinese Cemetery lookout and suggested that as a public education measure Parks and Recreation staff place ‘no idling zone’ signs at this location.  Staff agreed to pass the request along to that department.

 

Oak Bay Child and Youth Committee

 

Councillor Braithwaite invited Members of Council to attend a luncheon Thursday, September 20, 2007 hosted by the Oak Bay Child and Youth Committee to meet with local schools, community groups, Oak Bay volunteers, Recreation Oak Bay, Oak Bay police and local sports groups from the community who work with the children and youth of Oak Bay.

 

RESOLUTION:

 

Tod House Lease (fixed term tenancy) – 2564 Heron Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That authorization be given for the disposition of property located at 2564 Heron Street (Tod House), legally described as Amended Lot 26 (DD 225937I), Block 9, Section 2, Victoria District, Plan 379 and Lot 27, Block 9, Section 2, Victoria District, Plan 379 by way of a lease (fixed term tenancy) for a period of one year from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008 to Roger and Catriona Charles for the rent of $1,195 per month. 

 

It was noted that currently Tod House is jointly owned by the Province of British Columbia and the District of Oak Bay, and it was suggested by members of Council that although a Free Crown Grant application process is underway to grant the Province’s share to the District of Oak Bay, the long term use of the property should be reviewed some time in the future, following the conclusion of the Free Crown Grant process.

 

With respect to ensuring the preservation of Tod House, the Municipal Administrator advised that there is a protocol in place to deal with any proposed work on the building which includes consultation with a member of the Heritage Advisory Panel beforehand.  It was further noted that a member of the Heritage Advisory Panel was involved in the process of recommending a tenant for Tod House.  Mr. Cochrane further advised that the provision of basic yard maintenance has been incorporated into the rental agreement, with an increase in rent to reflect that. 

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit  1745 St. Ann Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a development variance permit with respect to 1745 St. Ann Street [LOT 1, SECTION 61, VICTORIA DISTRICT, PLAN 8902], which would vary the requirements of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as follows:

 

Bylaw Section

Permitted

Requested

Variance

6.4.4.(4) Maximum Lot Coverage

(Accessory Structures)

5%

13.38%

8.38%

 

to permit the construction of an in ground pool and patio area in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on September 4, 2007.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 1745 St. Ann Street be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – 843 Newport Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a development variance permit with respect to 843 Newport Avenue [LOT A (DD ET51389), BLOCK 1, SECTION 73, VICTORIA DISTRICT, PLAN 992], which would vary the requirements of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as follows:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.5.4.(7) Minimum Clear Space Between Buildings and Structures

3.0 metres

0.0 metres

3.0 metres

 

to permit the construction of a roofed gazebo, in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on September 4, 2007.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 843 Newport Avenue be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

CARRIED

 

Appointment of Animal Control Officer

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the following Victoria Animal Control Services Ltd. animal control officer, for as long as he is so employed and acting in the course of his duties, and for as long as Victoria Animal Control Services Ltd. is contracted to provide animal control services for the District of Oak Bay, be appointed as an animal control officer for the District of Oak Bay pursuant to Section 49 of the Community Charter:

 

§         Mario Dubois

 

CARRIED

 

BYLAWS:

 

For Adoption

 

Bylaw No. 4375

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4375, Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Braithwaite and Jensen against the motion)

 

Bylaw No. 4376

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4376, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 5, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

For First, Second, and Third Reading

 

Bylaw No. 4380

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4380, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4380, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4380, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2007, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the open portion of the meeting of Council be adjourned and that a closed session be convened to discuss the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements as Council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the Municipality and the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

 

 

Certified Correct:

 

 

 

_______________________________

Municipal Clerk

 

 

_______________________________

Acting Chairman