The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., October 23, 2000.

Mayor Michael Coleman;

Councillors Mike Caljouw, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Martin Lukaitis, Geoff Maxwell and Ernie Moon.

Paul Douville, City Administrator.

His Worship Mayor Michael Coleman opened the Council Meeting with a prayer and called for order.

Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on October 10, 2000 be adopted.

Carried.

For consideration was the September 2000 Quarterly Report from the RCMP. Inspector Linton Robinson was present to provide highlights of the report and to answer any questions Members of Council may have.

Inspector Robinson noted that the number of assaults have increased dramatically from 3 in 1999 to 17 to date in 2000. He also noted that the drinking and driving statistics continue to be relatively high in relation to other municipalities. He said that at the present time, Duncan has the highest statistics pertaining to driving over .08 in the Province of BC with a total of 55 charges to date in 2000 compared to 39 charges for the entire program last year. It was suggested to Inspector Robinson that the reason that the statistics are high is because the road checks are primarily staged in the City of Duncan and offenders come from all over the Cowichan Valley and elsewhere. It was also noted that Counter Attack personnel are prosecuting suspected intoxicated drivers on a much higher ratio than in other communities. Inspector Robinson did note that the liquor store in Duncan produces the third highest sales in the Province of BC.

Regarding the auxiliary police/crime prevention program, Inspector Robinson noted that we presently have four active auxiliary members and they now have funding to train an additional five auxiliaries.

The Victim Services function has been very busy with 116 cases and 157 clients to date in 2000. Since there is a concern in the community over youth and violence, they are placing another member onto the crime prevention unit within the near future.

Regarding human resources for the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment, Inspector Robinson noted that their six member shortfall with an additional three members on ODS (Off-Duty Sick) has been reduced to three members short with one member ODS.

Inspector Robinson was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting.

Representing the Downtown Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee (DNRC), Paul Osborne addressed Council and presented a report entitled "The Revitalization of "Duncan's Crossing, A Preliminary Look At The Rejuvenation of Duncan's Downtown Neighbourhood Area". Mr. Osborne noted that "Duncan's Crossing" the precursor to "Duncan", officially began April 13, 1886.

It was noted that the DNRC have defined the Downtown Neighbourhood Area as follows:

Trunk/Government - White Road - Duncan Street - James Street - St. Julian Street. He said the greater Duncan area extends from Sahtlam to Maple Bay and from Herd Road to the Koksilah River.

Mr. Osborne then highlighted the following sections of the report:

• Create city centre plaza which offers lots of green space, seating, activity, people watching
• Increase outside business activity, e.g. sidewalk cafes
• Liven up downtown, increase evening activities, increase lighting for safety
• Extend railway landscaping
• Use railway and train station to advantage
• Mix of commercial/residential projects; more residential choices around downtown core
• More green spaces and walkways
• Traffic calming, reduce vehicle congestion; increase pedestrian activity
• Make gateways more appealing
• Streetscape improvements.

• Tie-in of residential neighbourhoods.
• The creation of a city heart, a social gathering place.
• Examine traffic patterns with the goal of decreasing unnecessary pass-through traffic in the DNA, expanding pedestrian traffic.
• A system of safe, convenient and interesting internal and mid block pedestrian routes.
• The encouragement of significant public use buildings in the core area e.g. library, art gallery, CVRD offices.
• The expansion of pedestrian-oriented recreational use land, e.g. Centennial Park, jog/walk trail to and along the Cowichan River.
• The establishment of a significant Totem Park.
• Improvements to the function and appeal of vehicle gateways to the DNA.
• The greening up of the DNA, e.g. along the railway tracks, street trees, internal green spaces.
• The establishment of the Downtown Neighbourhood as a Development Permit Area.
• The encouragement of private investment incentives needed for owners of privately held land within DNA to develop/improve.
• The establishment of appropriate land-use policies that allow the freedom to create market housing that is appropriate for today's user groups.
• Ensure pedestrians feel safe living in and moving about the DNA.
• Emphasize and expand heritage, cultural social and recreational use of the DNA, i.e. reasons other than business to use and enjoy the downtown neighbourhood.

Other points covered by Mr. Osborne and his colleague, David Coulson, were as follows:

• Change Duncan Street between Trunk and Coronation to a one-way north with landscaped bump-outs.
• Provide better overhead lighting at the railway tracks at Trunk/Government.
• Remove portions of the hedge on the west-side of Duncan Street.
• Plant trees along Duncan Street.
• Create more and clearer crosswalks.
• Suggested a site for the proposed new library (Plaskett properties with access from Coronation Avenue and the Chaster Property with access from Duncan Street).

Mr. Osborne then distributed a memorandum dated October 23, 2000 requesting that Council apply for the $5,000 grant from the Provincial Government under the BC Neighbourhood Enhancement Program. In the memorandum, they also suggested the permanent establishment of a Downtown Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the October 23, 2000 memorandum and report from the Duncan Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee (DNRC) be referred to the Planning Committee for recommendation.

Carried.

The Mayor and other Members of Council extended accolades and appreciation to the Members of the DNRC for their commitment to and efforts with this project. The delegates and the majority of the well-attended gallery then left the meeting.

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the Salvation Army to site a manned Christmas Donation Kettle at the corner of Craig and Station Streets (outside the Cowichan Merchant’s Building) November 24 - December 23, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. as requested in their October 1^st, 2000 letter.

Carried.

For consideration was a letter dated October 4, 2000 from the Corporation of Delta.

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan suggest to the Council of Delta that their resolution regarding Land Use Contracts be processed to the UBCM as a late resolution, if possible, at the 2000 Convention.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

THAT the October 5, 2000 requests from the Cowichan Branch (Pacific) 53, of the Royal Canadian Legion be endorsed;

AND THAT a Flag Raising Ceremony be conducted at City Hall on October 29, 2000 at 12:00 noon;

AND THAT the Legion Members be authorized to hold their annual Tag Solicitation Days as follows:

AND THAT the Legion also be authorized to stage the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade at and in the vicinity of the Cenotaph on November 11, 2000 at 10:55 a.m.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT in response to the October 6, 2000 letter from Statistics Canada regarding the 2001 Census, Council designate City Administrator Paul Douville as the Census Contact Person and agree to the five (5) testimonials attached to the letter.

Carried.

Councillor Moon dissenting.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT the October 12, 2000 grant request from the Cowichan Exhibition Society be referred to the 2001 Budget Review Committee.

Carried.

For consideration was a letter dated October 17, 2000 from the Cowichan Valley Lacrosse Association.

Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

WHEREAS the number of Lacrosse players residing in the City of Duncan would be proportionately miniscule;

AND WHEREAS our past experience with a Lacrosse Box in Rotary Park was bad (e.g. constant vandalism with related repair costs, frequent loitering with consumption of alcohol and drugs, occasional free-for-all fights and related risk management/liability issues);

AND WHEREAS City Council does not wish to increase the already substantial grants account;

AND WHEREAS City Council consistently implements fiscal restraint measures;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Duncan deny the October 17, 2000 grant request from the Cowichan Valley Lacrosse Association.

AND FURTHER THAT Council suggest that the Cowichan Valley Lacrosse Association approach the Chesterfield Sports Society requesting that they consider incorporating this project into their overall plans.

Carried.

For consideration was a circular received October 12, 2000 from the Workers' Compensation Board regarding a Workers' Memorial Project.

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor E. Moon

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan participate in the WCB "Workers' Memorial Project" and order the 12" x 13" bronze plaque provided by the Workers' Compensation Board;

AND THAT Council ask CUPE Local 358 to consult with other area unions and to recommend a proposed location for the memorial and, if needed, a display structure.

Carried.

Note: The bronze plaque provided by the WCB is 12" x 13" and reads as follows:

"WORKERS' MEMORIAL

In memory of those who have lost their lives

as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease."

For consideration was a letter dated October 16, 2000 from the Chesterfield Sports Society.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan support "in principle" the application of the Chesterfield Sports Society for financial assistance from the Canadian Economic Adjustment Initiative (CEAI) for the next project phase which includes preparing another section of the site for sports fields.

Carried.

Planning Committee

For consideration were the notes of the October 18, 2000 meeting.

914 Jubilee Street (R-2 to

The recommendation of the Planning Committee was withdrawn at the request of the applicant, Bruce Muir.

For consideration was a letter dated October 23, 2000 from Walbohm Building Materials Ltd. (Bruce Muir) advising that they have entered into an agreement with the owners of the property adjoining their north boundary to acquire a strip of land approximately 4.5 metres in width across the south boundary of their property which is to be added to Lot 1 Plan VIP55390.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT Council agree to process the application to rezone the southerly 4.5 metre wide strip (186 m²) of Lot 3, Plan 798A (914 Jubilee Street) from R-2 (Suburban Residential) to C-1 (General Commercial) to Public Hearing subject to:

1. Payment of the balance of the $550 application (paid $350 for a Development Variance Permit which is not proceeding)
2. Consolidation of the 4.5 metre wide strip with Rem Lot 1, Plan VIP55390, Section 18, Range 6, Quamichan District
3. Compliance with the requirements of the bylaws and Building Inspector for the proposed Ministry of Children and Families Administration Office Building.

Councillor Caljouw reported on the following items:

• On October 18, he participated in the official opening of the new upgrades at the Joint Utilities Board Liquid Waste Treatment Plant. He said the new system is working exceptionally well.
• He participated in the official kick-off of the Cowichan District Hospital Bazaar and noted that it was very well attended.
• He attended the October 21 on-street sale staged by P.L. Baljet Chev Olds Ltd., Valley Floors, Duncan Electronics and Griffiths Plumbing and said he thought it was a great success.
• Earlier in the day, he and Councillor Maxwell were guests of Admiral Buck on the Royal Canadian Navy Ship the "Huron". He noted that the Navy is attempting to encourage recruits and suggested that young people should consider this fine career.

Councillor Moon noted that there was a Vancouver Island Regional Library Board Meeting on October 20 and 21. They considered the preliminary budget and discussed in depth the Saanich Peninsula referendum. It was noted that two of the municipalities (North and Central Saanich) voted to join the Greater Victorian Library System but that Sidney defeated the proposition with a 61% vote. He said there will be no change in the membership for at least two years.

Councillor Moon also noted that he and Councillor Jackson attended the Friends of the Cowichan Theatre Meeting on October 18. He said they are very interested in the future location of the new library.

Councillor Kent reported that he attended a workshop on the revised Local Government Act at the kick-off of the UBCM Convention on October 23. He noted that municipalities have been empowered and have many more useable tools at their disposition.

Councillor Jackson said that the Chamber of Commerce will be holding a full-day meeting on November 18 to discuss the future direction of the Chamber. Assistance from the BC Chambers of Commerce will be available that day.

Councillor Maxwell said that the "Real People - True Community Celebration" on October 22 on Station Street was a great success and much appreciated by the community.

For consideration was a letter dated September 29, 2000 from Canada Safeway Ltd.

Movd. Councillor E. Moon

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

AND WHEREAS City Council feels that the depot in our Community is too far away from the core for people without vehicles to utilize;

AND WHEREAS City Council believes it is not unreasonable for retailers to have to accept 24 containers per customer per day and expecting people to only seek refunds on 6 containers per day is not practical;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council again affirm that retailers should be made to continue to accept 24 containers per customer per day;

AND FURTHER THAT Canada Safeway Limited be reminded that their store in the Duncan area is on Cowichan Tribes Native Self-Government Lands and they may wish to broach this subject with them;

AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Cowichan Tribes Council.

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

THAT the subject of the future of the Duncan Street hedge be referred back to the Parks and Recreation Committee for recommendation.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT July 2, 2001 (Monday) be designated as a Lieu Day for July 1, 2001 (Canada Day - Sunday);

AND THAT November 12, 2001 (Monday) be designated as a Lieu Day for November 11, 2001 (Remembrance Day - Sunday).

Carried.

For consideration were the following items:

• E-Mail dated October 11, 2000 from Cowichan Tourism
• Update to October 11, 2000 CVRD Board Meeting with letters dated October 5, 2000 from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Government of Canada re: Water Buffalo Herd.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan request the Honourable Lyle Vanclief, MP, Minister of Agriculture to extend the quarantine period beyond November 6, 2000 for the Water Buffalo herd owned by Darrel and Anthea Archer (Fairburn Farm) which would allow for proper and thorough analysis of the herd by responsible agricultural authorities and veterinarians in a controlled and safe environment while safeguarding the public interest;

AND FURTHER THAT Council urge the Federal Agricultural authorities to provide Darrel and Anthea Archer with fair and adequate compensation to offset their costs incurred in this matter should the final determination result in an order to destroy their Water Buffalo herd.

Carried.

Councillor Moon dissenting.

For consideration were the following items

• Memo dated October 19, 2000 from the Building Inspector.

• Development Variance Permit Application from Brian McDaniel Personal Law Corp. and the property owners.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT the Development Variance Permit Application from Brian McDaniel Personal Law Corporation regarding signage on the south wall of 64 Station Street be referred to the Planning Committee for recommendation.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan resolve into Committee of the Whole (i.e. Special Meeting) to discuss personnel and land acquisition issues;

AND THAT persons other than Council Members and the City Administrator be excluded from this meeting (Section 242.3 – Municipal Act).

Carried.

At 9:20 p.m., City Council resolved into Special Meeting.

At 10:15 p.m., the following Motion was PUT:

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

THAT this Special Meeting of City Council rise;

AND THAT this meeting of City Council do now adjourn.

Carried.

Michael Coleman

Paul Douville