Council Report
17 May 2004

by Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org

WVM: Ccl Mtg Notes May 17 & Mtgs/Events to 27th

Meeting/Event changes/additions; ccl mtg highlights on Shaw tonight (Biz Hours and Good Nbr Policy -- how high is your grass???  Big Brother DWV may be watching you!); Meetings/Events; More info on RAV/LRT (Report from CAGE, Questions for TransLink); Quotation

NOTE: Sports/Rec Fac Planning mtg has been changed to Thursday 8:30, Biz after Biz on Wed at 5pm, and a WV Streamkeepers public mtg Thursday 7:30.


=3D=3D=3D  CCL MTG NOTES for May 17th&nbs= p; =3D=3D=3D

        Ccl Mtg was 7 to 10:25pm so 9 to 12:25am on Shaw Ch 4 Tues; videotape at Library

=3D  First half hour consists of two interesting delegations with slides: one on walks in WV and the other on heritage conservation.

=3D  The disability issues conclude about 8pm

=3D  Interesting discussion re 1257 Marine strata conversion: rental, precedence. Motion failed.

=3D  The Biz regulation bylaw took from 8:20 to about 9:30

Mostly on whether to change commercial closing hours from 6 to 7pm to 9pm or whatever.  Left at 7pm Sat to Wed, 9 Th/Fr at second reading to be sent out for public input.  Presentations on leaving it up to business when to be open and closed.  Vote was split.  Thx to Cclr Jean Ferguson for wanting notification to be more than just biz reg so people know what's at stake (hours), and more than minimum notice required by Cmnty Charter as well as sent to ratepayer groups.  This was echoed by Cclr Durman (thx!) and Cclr G-J incorporated it into the motion (more thx!).

Interesting to note that NV stays open later and of course some of those businesses compete with ours.  The Chamber of Commerce strongly supports allowing businesses to set their own hours.
Yours Truly pointed out that the issue of 6pm closing came up when I and Cclr Day were on Council and there wd have been a riot if Stong's and Caper's had been closed then b/c people needed till 7pm at least to get over the bridge (and miss rush hour).  Dear Readers, you may have noticed they stay open till 7.  Cclr G-J wasn't aware that it was indeed 6 and just not being enforced.  I also said that perhaps a resident concern wd be any noise b/c of late opening but I hadn't noticed any or heard any complaints about Thursday and Friday nights.

=3D next contentious issue was the Good Neighbour Bylaw (9:30 to 10:10).

A resident brought up incredible examples in the bylaw for which staff judges as to what is a 'nuisance' and is not defined (answer was that it can't be so gives discretion to staff) wch cd result in $10K fine and even six months in jail.  This goes beyond 'untidy premises' and includes "brush", Canada thistle, bindweed, morning glory, standing water, night lights, length of grass, height of fencing.  Some provisions wd "prohibit a plastic container -- a majority of garbage cans are plastic now; so then we can't put them out; many owners haven't garages they have carports; many people, older generation, accumulate [stuff] for longer than 15 days".  What about birdbaths?  What about water pooled on flat roofs?  As to lights, states "outdoor light that causes a nuisance", but many lights are installed for security, activated, and as a deterrence, and for many older residents they are a form of assurance for them.

The Dir/Admin agreed saying the bylaw is "a very subjective bylaw, intended that way, meant to give authority to District".  Stay tuned for a lively discussion.  Cclr VD asked wch bylaw wd take precedence when there's one coming up to ban pesticides.  He als asked if it wd apply to crown corporations (thinking BC Ferries no doubt) and to DWV itself pointing out some graffitti [yes, tt, not t] on municipal property there for 13 years.  WRT ponding, Cclr G-J sensibly said the bylaw shd then specify the West Nile virus potential (so pools with fish, for example, wd not be targeted).  Several had questions and wanted answers and changes.

Cclr Sop asked it be deferred (VD said bylaw was not well thought out and had inconsistencies; G-J also asked for deferral) saying it stepped on the toes of residents and their rights but it was a split vote and the Mayor voted to go to second reading saying "so something to go out to the public as the MMgr suggested".  While it is true amendments can be made at second reading, this ignores the successful practice of releasing the draft bylaw (eg pesticides) for public comment so that most of the work can be done resulting in fewer amendments and less debate at second reading before approving the bylaw.   When the Mayor said there was nothing to go out, Cclr Sop pointed out that there was a draft that cd go out but the Mayor apparently dismissed that and voted to go for second reading.

The MMgr seemed a bit perplexed that it had been out for a while but did suggest/agree it go out to the public now.  The impression left was that if a resident hadn't taken the time to go through this bylaw carefully and then bring up problems he saw to Ccl, it wd have sailed through.  Council cd have rejected or amended this bylaw themselves long ago but guess they have a lot to read.  The MMgr's frustration is that staff wd have been more than happy to answer and respond to their concerns before this late date when it's on the agenda for three readings!  We're grateful a citizen blew the warning whistle and some of Council listened.

This will affect lives in our neighbourhoods.  One remark was that we shdn't operate with neighbours as snitches.   We are, however, handing over staff wide powers of discretion wrt to our little plots of paradise.  Come to think of it, I haven't heard grumblings about our present untidy premises bylaw and when asked, the MMgr said there have only been a few cases over the past few years.  Hm.  If the bylaw now is considerably expanded to anything that someone thinks is a 'nuisance', surely that has the potential of an increase!  Maybe some staff writer is enthusiastically prescriptive.  Please give your views on how you want your neighbours' yards to look next to you.  The MMgr said it wd not come back before July.

=3D  In Reports, Cclr JF referred to MLA Ralph Sultan's talk at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and that the Citizens' Assembly process has nearly ended and there will be a public referendum on changes with the election next May.  There will be a delegation to Ccl at a ccl mtg soon re the Citizens' Assembly looking into the voting system.

=3D  Cclr Sop and Mayor attended Lower Mainland Municipal Assn mtg in Whistler; Mayor and Dir/Engg attend the safety awards (some Blue Bus drivers over 20 years accident-free)

=3D PQP at 10:13 had a riveting account of a 130km-an-hour chase of some reckless motorcyclists on the Sea to Sky Hwy after speeding out of WV with no response from WV Police (who are known to be diligent in WV proper) in spite of five phone calls finally ending with recommendation to call the Squamish RCMP.  As Cclr Clark said, you'd think the WV Police at least wd call ahead instead of leaving it to a driver with a cell phone.  In any case, the Squamish RCMP office was closed when she got there!  Warning: watch for bikers!

=3D Meeting over just before 10:30 pm.  Enjoy Victoria Day weekend!.... next ccl mtg is May 31st.


=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D  MEETINGS/EVENTS  =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

+ TUESDAY, May 18th

=3D 3:30 - 5pm =3D Youth Adv Cmte at Hall
=3D 6 - 8pm =3D Opening Reception "Natural Selection" Painting/Collage by Ken Prescott & Stone Sculpture by Ian Rowles. =46erry Building Gallery (Exhibit from May 18 - June 6)
=3D 7pm =3D is there a WRA mtg at GCC???  Is Liz still in Europe?  Will Bruce send out a mtg notice?

+ WEDNESDAY, May 19th

=3D 8:30am - Sports & Rec Facilities Planning Select Cmte at Hall - MOVED TO THURSDAY
=3D 5 - 7pm =3D WV Chamber of Commerce's Business After Business in their boardroom
=3D 5:30-7pm =3D Finance Adv Cmte CANCELLED (AGAIN)
=3D 7 - 9pm =3D Library Board in the Peter J. Peters Room at the WV Library
=3D 7 - 9pm =3D Board of Variance in the Council Chambers

+ THURSDAY, May 20th

=3D 8:30am - Sports & Rec Facilities Planning Select Cmte
=3D 6 - 8pm =3D NS Family Court & Youth Justice Cmte at the CNV Municipal Hall
=3D  7:30pm =3D WV Streamkeepers' Public Meeting at St Stephen's, 885 - 22nd; hear reports on creeks by the various streamkeepers, the Adopt-a-Fish program, and projects/plans such as the Hadden fish ladder
=3D 7:30pm =3D Author Michael Hetherington will talk about the process of writing and getting published and read from his short story collection The Late Night Caller in the Peter J. Peters Room at the library

+ FRIDAY, May 21st [to 23rd]

=3D 10am =3D  "Arts of a Lifetime" at the Seniors' Centre; Opening Celebrations with music and refreshments (Exhibit: 10 - 4pm Fri and Sat; 10 - 2pm Sun)

+ SATURDAY, May 22nd

=3D 2pm =3D  Artists' Talk, "Natural Selection" Painting/Collage by Ken Prescott & Stone Sculpture by Ian Rowles. =46erry Building Gallery

+ MONDAY, May 24th  =3D No Council Meeting =3D Municipal Hall Closed - Victoria Day


***  NEXT WEEK a glimpse ahead, to be updated  ***

+ TUESDAY, May 25th
=3D 8:30am =3D Arts and Culture Cmte mtg moved to May 26th
=3D 6:30 - 9pm =3D  Lighthouse Park Draft Mgmt Plan mtg at WV Yacht Club

+ WEDNESDAY, May 26th
=3D 8:30am =3D Arts and Culture Cmte mtg at Hall
=3D 4 - 6pm =3D Police Bd (moved from May 27th) at Ch of Commerce Boardroom
=3D 5 - 7pm =3D PAC

***  Also at 7pm perhaps WVHistorical Society and WV =46oundation annual report

+ THURSDAY, May 27th
=3D Police Bd moved to May 26th
=3D 4:30 =3D DAC
=3D 5 - 7pm NSACDI at CNV Municipal Hall

***  May 31, televised ccl mtg with delegation by Citizens' Assembly


=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
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***  RAV and LRT  ***


Just in case you've seen the press release, have put questions from Liz James of CAGE 
(dedicated to accountability in govt)

Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 17:46:48 +0100 (BST)
=46rom: Elizabeth James <cagebc@yahoo.com>
Subject: Truth or Consequences: RAVCo opted for the consequences

Comments on Malcolm's four questions:

1.      "What is it about SkyTrain that has made it so worthwhile for, first, RTP-2000 and now RAVCo to be so willing to risk the ongoing wrath of the people by pursuing that option?" and,
2.      "Why is it that local business leaders are so upset by a turndown of a business plan that would have been laughed out of their own boardrooms?" 

By any normal, rational business evaluation, it just doesn't make sense... so how about it, Auditor-General Strelioff? How about you go over TransLink one more time?

Regards,
Liz James
[604] 988-0456

_____________________________________________________________

 
Four questions for the Chair of TransLink:

1.      Is it true that TransLink and RAVCo. rejected outright a $890 million light rail option for RAV from Siemens - Fluor and then cut them from the bidding? Background: I have now been told by four different unrelated sources that the Siemen/Fluor bid was rejected without discussion by RAVCo. and TransLink planners.

2.      Is it true that the cost of RAV, as advertised, has now escalated to $2.5 billion to $2.7 billion? Background: A discussion with Mark M. Miller of Vimarc Consulting revealed that in his opinion, RAVCo. has greatly understated the cost of subway construction and RAV, built as advertised (Subway from downtown Vancouver to 63rd, then viaduct and bridges for the rest of the route) would cost $2.5 to $2.7 billion!! As steel and concrete prices escalate, the final cost for RAV may rise dramatically!

3.      RAVCo and Jane bird are trumpeting a poll that gives 80% support for RAV, is this poll valid? Background: Only 400 people, living along the RAV route were polled, this works out to 20 persons per km. of route. Certainly this isn't a scientific poll!

4.      RAVCo. estimates that over 100,000 passengers a day will use RAV, is this assumption valid? Background: Recent, international studies have found the vast majority of ridership on any transit line comes from about 300m around each station; also, it is well known fact that  upwards of 70% of potential ridership can be lost per transfer. Enforced transfers (bus to RAV to bus) and lack of population around RAV may only generate ridership of 40,000 passenger per day. RAV may even force people into cars!


Malcolm Johnston
Light Rail Committee

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*******  Ebroadcast news below sent Monday 17th  *******

This just in.  As you know RAV's been cancelled but some want to revive it.  Here's an alternative for consideration.  Presume if not acted on 'big time', RAV will be resurrected.
                                                        -- Editor

********

Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 18:21:11 +0100 (BST)
From: Elizabeth James <cagebc@yahoo.com>
Subject: URGENT: LRT TO RICHMOND: AN EFFECTIVE, MUCH CHEAPER - AND MORE ATTRACTIVE - ALTERNATIVE

In my opinion, this is the way to spend taxpayers' dollars wisely: In other words, get the most effective and attractive product  for the dollar - that way we can have more transportation than the gold-plated, underestimated, SkyTrain will ever allow. To build the type of solution shown below, leaves money left over for other routes, or even for other municipal uses. Moreover, it will not threaten the well-being of the Municipal Finance Authority. Liz James
_________________________________________________________________________________
 

Light Rail Committee

Box 105 ~ DELTA, B.C. V4K 3N5 ~ CANADA

Phone 604-889-4484 ~ Fax 604-943-5314 ~ Email dmjohnston@imag.net

Vancouver to Steveston: "The Return of the

Interurban" and Affordable Light Rail Transit

[photo] Modern LRT on a lawned reserved right-of-way (LRTA)

The problem.

The recent demise of the RAV/SkyTrain/subway rapid transit project, again brings up two very important questions:

1) Is there the ridership to justify a rail transit option from Vancouver to Richmond?

2) If so, what route or routes shall a rail option take?

RAV=92s first premise was: not to build with LRT on the former dual tracked interurban route known as the Arbutus Corridor.

RAV=92s second premise was: to design rapid transit for the proprietary SkyTrain mini-metro (ART) system.

Except for Vancouver, there is no SkyTrain versus light rail debate, as the debate is really metro or light-metro (including monorail) versus light rail. The basic question is: Is there the ridership to justify LRT or metro? There is no firm rule as what ridership demands what mode, but a general rule of thumb is that LRT can economically handle traffic loads of between 2,000 and 20,000 persons per hour per direction. Metro or light metro, because of its more expensive construction costs for segregated rights-of-ways, needs much higher traffic loads, in excess of an average of 10,000 pphpd, to justify construction costs. Light metro, such as SkyTrain, built on lightly used transit routes will need much larger operating subsidies than LRT, conversely LRT carrying heavier passenger loads, becomes less costly to operate.

As modern LRT has proven in revenue service, to easily handle heavy passenger traffic, on simple and relatively inexpensive rights-of-ways, has made it very hard to justify metro construction, unless peak hour ridership exceeds over 20,000 pphpd on a transit route! Of course there are exceptions, but one thing is true; the weaker the ridership, the larger the annual subsidy to cover debt servicing charges resulting from much higher construction costs. It is for this reason that modern LRT is built in quantity around the world!

[photo] Modern LRT on lawned right-of-way, could be the Arbutus Corridor or Railway Ave.!  (LRTA)

Is there the ridership to justify a rail transit solution to Richmond?

RAV Co. was overly optimistic in their prediction of 100,000 riders a day to Richmond centre and the airport. Lack of population on the Cambie St./No. 3 Road route and the close proximity of YVR (about a 20 minute cab ride) to Vancouver=92s downtown certainly would make their predicted high ridership an almost impossibility, as well, the predicted 100,000 passengers a day certainly would not justify hugely expensive subway construction!

The LRC estimates that ridership from Vancouver to Richmond on either the Arbutus corridor or Cambie Street would be about 40,000 passengers a day, thus demanding the most economic of rail option. The Arbutus Corridor is an established rail route, it would also be the cheapest as compared with any rail on or under Cambie St. as it would be very expensive =91greenfields=92 construction. To boost ridership, the rail option must not just serve Vancouver but also serve an inter community role in Richmond. Simply, this means any rail option must reach as far as Steveston to ensure sufficient ridership.

Certainly the ridership is established for a lean and mean light rail route, using the existing former interurban route from downtown Vancouver as far as Steveston.

[photo] A modular light rail vehicle in the city centre. (LRTA)

Where would the route run?

To maintain the economy of light rail, the proposed LRT route starts at Granville Street at Hastings, with a simple stub terminus and proceed South, along the Granville Transit Mall and over the Granville St. Bridge to 6th Ave. (3 km.).

The route will then turn West for 2 blocks (500 m.) until it reaches the Arbutus Corridor and then proceed South to Marpole (11 km.). This 14.5 km. of route would be of double track construction, with lawned or grassed right-of way on the Arbutus Corridor proper, giving a park like atmosphere, until just prior to the Fraser River swing bridge.

The route would then use the existing CPR bridge (single track (500 m.) and proceed into Richmond on a double tracked viaduct over Bridgeport and Sea island Way to Garden City, then travelling south, to Granville Ave. (4.5 km.), turning West and following Granville Ave. till it reaches the former interurban right-of-way (3.5 km.) paralleling Railway Ave. This part of the route would be double tracked for 7 km. from Sea Island Way, adjacent to the Sexsmith Park and Ride operating on a central reservation to the end of Granville Ave.

Travelling South on the former interurban formation, the proposed route would be single track, with passing loops at stations, to Steveston Highway (3.5 km.), turning North on Steveston to No.1 Rd. (1 km.) South on No.1 Rd. to Moncton St. (1 km.) and East, terminating at a simple stub terminus on Railway Ave. (1 km.).

Proposed LRT specifications

Estimated Construction Costs

(Estimates are from contemporary light rail lines built and conversations with international experts in the field.)

Total...................................................................................................................... $779 million

Notes

1. Based on LRT construction figures on newly opened lines.

2. Based on Siemens Combino modular light rail vehicle

3. This figure is just an estimate, but based on recent court actions, it is the opinion of the LRC that this figure is conservative.

 [photo] Simplicity and economy is the hallmark of modern LRT; note the simple pedestrian crossing! (LRTA)

Conclusion:

The term Light Rail Transit comes from the English. Light Railway or a railway that is cheap to build. In North America LRT has been called rapid transit and lumped in with light metro, which planners prefer to plan for, treating LRT as a poor-man=92s metro. It is not! Certainly TransLink=92s planners have fallen into this trap, as they do not understand the philosophy behind modern LRT and continue for grand metro planning like RAV.

LRT is able to share roads and bridges with other traffic, share existing railway infrastructure with other railways, as well as operating on its own rights-of-ways. This flexibility of operation enables modern LRT to be built much cheaper than metro, yet by using modern operational principles, enables LRT to carry large traffic loads at commercial speeds near that of metro=92s operating on hugely expensive segregated rights-of-ways.

The LRC=92s Return of the Interurban illustrates modern LRT=92s ability to be built cheaply to Richmond, by utilising the Granville St. bridge and the Fraser River swing bridge and by using single track on lightly travelled parts of the route. Of course when ridership demands and a link to the airport is built, the route will have to be double tracked throughout and a new Fraser crossing be built, but for the time being it is more important to build a work horse light rail to where people live and want to go, rather than a hugely expensive show case Light Metro system.

The question never asked by politicians, the GVRD, and TransLink is "how cheaply can we build LRT on this route?"

Addendum

What attracts customers to rail transit? A study by Professor Carmen Haas-Klau, Professor of Public Transport in the =46aculty of Civil Engineering, in the University of Wuppertal, Germany, found in a recent study eleven influences in success for light rail and rapid transit.

(Future of Urban Transport, Learning from Success and

****Editor:  the press release above apparently was clipped midsentence -- this is what I had received         

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QUOTATION:

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.

                                -- H.G. Wells, writer (1866-1946)