Special Presentation
Council recognized three (3) community photographers for their promotion of our community through their photographs:
- Christy Fox;
- Corry Kriticos; and,
- Donna Wooldridge.
Question and Answer Period
One (1) submission was received via email regarding Tour de White Rock funding in the 2022 financial plan. Staff’s answer to this question will be posted on the City website, under the Questions and Answers page.
The following questions/comments were presented in person:
- Concerns were noted regarding the proposed Affordable Housing Strategy Action Plan with respect to development in the City, removing single-family zoning and waiving public hearings.
- Comments were noted regarding the process followed for the Housing Strategy Action Plan encouraging Council turn it down at this time.
- Comments were noted regarding Affordable Housing Strategy Action Plan in relation to the White Rock Tree Bylaw, concerns were noted with the potential loss of greenspace for the types of development suggested within the plan.
- Concerns were noted with the Affordable Housing Strategy Action Plan, the Official Community Plan that was brought forward by Council this term should be adhered to.
- Comments were provided on the Affordable Housing Strategy Action Plan, that it is not inclusive and affordable housing is needed in this area for seniors, those on a fixed income, people with disabilities and “the missing middle”.
- Questions were asked regarding the plan for Maccaud Park and concerns were raised with the lack of public feedback for the park design, tree removal, the widening of pedestrian paths in the park and the installation of picnic tables.
- Staff confirmed that the current White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw would stand unless Council provided direction otherwise.
Delegation
A member from the New Westminster & District Labour Council attended the meeting to inform on the Canadian Labour Congress 2022 theme: Work Shouldn’t Hurt: Make Health and Safety a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work. Workers Day of Mourning, which will be recognized on April 28, was also discussed.
Staff noted that this year CUPE will be holding a virtual event on April 28 in recognition of Workers Day of Mourning.
COVID-19 Update
The Fire Chief provided an On-Table update on the COVID-19 pandemic.
White Rock Pride Day – Change of Location
Council endorsed a requested change in location for the 2022 White Rock Pride Day event. White Rock Pride Day will now be held on Saturday, July 23 at the Miramar Village Plaza, and will be organized by the White Rock Pride Society. Activities are tentatively scheduled to run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1485 Fir Street – Final Adoption of the Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2363
Council received for information a report outlining the steps taken to date for a Zoning Amendment Bylaw and a Major Development Permit (No. 432) for the development of a six (6) storey, 80-unit rental building at the southwest corner of Fir Street and Russell Avenue.
Final adoption of Bylaw 2363 was given later in the evening. The next step for the project will be for staff to bring forward the Major Development Permit to a future Council meeting.
2022 Local Government Election Appointments and Election Bylaws
Council appointed the Chief and Deputy Chief Elections Officers and endorsed intended voting places for General Voting Day, which will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
More information on the 2022 Local Government Election can be found on the City’s Website
Status Update of Council’s 2021-2022 Top Priorities
An updated progress report was provided on Council’s top priorities.
Housing Advisory Committee
Council received for information recommendations regarding the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan, and endorsed two of recommendations:
- To accelerate and depoliticize the approval process; and,
- To look into the local use of the Speculation and Vacancy tax; and
Council did not endorse the remaining four (4) recommendations.
History And Heritage Advisory Committee
Council endorsed the Committee’s work plan for the remainder of their 2022 term.
Arts And Cultural Advisory Committee
Council endorsed the following three (3) recommendations from the Committee:
- Directing staff to work with representatives from the Public Art Advisory Committee, Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and Economic Development Advisory Committee to participate in a roundtable discussion on creating a report regarding placemaking in White Rock.
- Directing staff to focus programming of Canada Day with an emphasis on celebrating White Rock’s diverse communities.
- Endorsing the Committee to prepare a report and work with the White Rock BIA to present to commercial business owners, informing of the benefits of allowing their vacant storefronts to be used to display artwork from local artists.
International Poetry Month
Mayor Walker recognized April as International Poetry Month and read out a poem from Sanjana, a student from White Rock, titled “The Pier”.