Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

BUT FIRST -- I just have to start this with accolade piled upon accolade of the ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC exhibit on now at the Lib, FBG, and Silk Purse: The Poetics of West Coast Modernism in West Vancouver.   Do see it.  WV is a jewel in BC and Canada's crowns!  Congratulations to local 'jewels', Ruth Payne and team for putting this together, as well as the superb and sensitive architects.  It will even go on tour.  There's also a catalogue, highly recommended, for $15 -- ideal as gifts for visitors to WV and Christmas.  And don't forget the lectures.  Barry Downs's on Tuesday 11th was not just SRO, but also had people waiting outside the locked door hoping to take the place of others as they left.......  (See more in the Calendar below.)

Main items Oct 17 Ccl Mtg; INFObits/Tidbits; Calendar to Oct 26th; Food for Thought: China's Empire; Ccl Agenda Oct 17th; Poetry; Quotations

=  PUBLIC HEARING: Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Zoning Maps)

=  Tri-Party Agreement with the Arts Centre Trust and School District #45, and Service Agreement between the Municipality and the Arts Centre Trust ($100,000 a year added to budget, initially for five years)

=  Operations Center - Recycling Initiatives

=  2006 Permissive Tax Exemptions - Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4453, 2005

= Correspondence: Minutes - BdofVar, NSFCYJ, DAC, LibBd; Brownfield remediation; Clovelly/Caulfeild Neighbourhood Steering Group/Neighbourhood Plan; Infrastructure Planning Grant for Natural Landscapes Demonstration Project; devt 2600 block Ottawa/Nelson; "internet posting of public comments" (and not on District's website!);  black bears; heavy trucks; Caulfeild greenbelt;

= Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee (LMTAC) Background Briefing Note - LMTAC First Principle C:  Support for the BC Treaty Process

=  ...besides Thanksgiving with Mother, excited to be at the book launch of the second book I've copyedited/proofed at the Seattle Public Library on Saturday (8th).

= ... two candidates for mayor -- will a dark horse enter the ring?  The finalized list will appear after closure at 4pm Friday 14th but candidates have a week to reconsider.  As of Thursday afternoon 45 candidate (nomination) packages had been handed out (mayor, council, school board).

Beginning of a series of exhibitions on architecture:

Gallery at the Library Oct 1-31; Ferry Building Gallery Oct 4 - Nov 12; Silk Purse Gallery Oct 4-23

Featuring 18 significant residences and public buildings designed by well-known West Coast architects, focusing on design in relation to the coast landscape: Peter Cardew, Barry Downs, Arthur Erickson, Brian Hemingway, Fred Hollingsworth, Russell Hollingsworth, Zoltan Kiss, Brad [Lamoureux], Blair MacDonald, Henry Yorke Mann, Paul Merrick, Arthur Mudry, Helliwell-Smith, Mark Ostry, John & Pat Patkau, Ron Thom, Daniel White, and Bud Wood.

Opening Receptions:  Gallery at the Library:  Fri Oct 7 - 6:30 > 8pm; Ferry Building Gallery & Silk Purse Gallery:  Tu Oct 11 - 7 > 9pm

[NB: meetings at M Hall unless otherwise noted]

7pm open bar; performance starts at 8pm

West Vancouver Community Foundation presents

                Kay Meek Centre.  Tickets $50 - Net proceeds support the WVCF.

please visit www.westvanfoundation.com or call 604-925-8153 weekdays between 9:00 and 1:00

       Join Biologist/Geologist David Cook for a walk along the trails of Lighthouse Park to see some of the highlights of this old growth forest in its rugged setting of granite bluffs.

        Meet at 2:30pm in the interpretive centre in the Phyl Munday Hut located near the entrance to the lighthouse. This is the fifth of a series of interpretive walks given by David on the third Sunday of every second month for the Lighthouse Park Preservation Society.

       There is no cost for this event nor is membership required. If, however, you find this type of event or the work of the Society interesting, your support by becoming a member of the Society or making a donation would of course be appreciated.  For further information call David at 604 924-0147 or email cookeco2@yahoo.com

Because October 16th will be the first day of World Rainforest Week, the theme of the walk will be Rainforest Ecology of the Pacific Northwest.

+  WV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  +  October is Small Business Month in WV

     In appreciation of our approximately 300 members and the 3738 licensed businesses in our community, the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is recognizing Small Business all month long in October (breakfast Oct 12).

     The Chamber will also host a special seminar, "An Introduction to Succession Planning" on October 18 that addresses another major issue facing business owners in the immediate future - how to exit one's business. Experts in the field of law, accounting, banking, and marketing will help demystify the process of Succession Planning.

For more information, or to sign-up for these October events visit www.westvanchamber.com and click on Events, or call the Chamber at 926 6614

~ 3:45 - 5:45pm ~ YAC

~ 7 - 9pm ~ CSAC (moved from Oct 4th)

~ 7-9pm ~ Peter J. Peters Room at the Memorial Library

Join Janice Wong, Jeannie Mah, and Larry Wong for a unique panel discussion and slide show of the delicious and poignant history of Chinese food in western Canada.

~ 5:30 - 7pm ~ FAC - CANCELLED

~ 7 - 9pm ~  Lib Bd (at Library); Bd of Variance (in Ccl Chamber)

~ 6 - 8pm ~ NSFC&YJ (in CNV M Hall)

~ 7:30 - 8:30pm ~ Friday night Concert Series (Library 925 7400)

The Vancouver Opera Touring Ensemble will perform Naomi's Road, a fully staged and costumed opera for young audiences.  Everyone welcome (suitable for ages 9 and up).  For information and free tickets visit the Fiction Information Desk in the Adult Department

~ 5 - 7pm ~ PAC

AT THE LIBRARY:

Wed Oct 26 - 10:30am and 1:30pm - Halloween Puppet Show

Thurs Oct 27 - 4 and 4:30pm - Halloween Howl

Pick up tickets for both events at the Youth Department Information Desk.  Registration begins Oct 1.

~ 3:30 - 5:30pm ~ Police Bd (Chamber of Commerce Boardroom)

~ 4:30 - 6:30pm ~ DAC

~ 5 - 7pm ~ NSACDI (CNV M Hall)

Le Monde diplomatique  --  September 2005

              The Ming dynasty's fabulous treasure fleet

                    China's empire of exploration

     ___________________________________________________________

China is celebrating the 600th anniversary of the amazing voyages of Admiral Zheng He, as great a navigator as Captain Cook or Columbus, and of his contribution to Chinese curiosity about the world.

                                                   by Attilio Jesus

   ___________________________________________________________

       SIX hundred years ago, in 1405, the Chinese imperial fleet set out on its first voyage to explore and trade with the world. The logistics of the enterprise remain unparalleled in maritime history - 27,000 men aboard 317 ships. The most impressive vessels were the treasure ships, built of hardwood, 130 metres long and 50 metres wide; by the side of them, Columbus's 28-metre long Santa Maria, in which he reached the Americas, would have looked like a dinghy, and he had only three ships and 270 men.

       The ships had hulls with multiple watertight compartments for buoyancy, nine masts, and 12 gigantic sails made of bamboo slats rather than woven cloth; the slats could be angled like venetian blinds, which enabled the ships to sail in winds unusable by western craft. They carried trade and tribute goods and supplies; aboard was a massive complement of bureaucrats, merchants, interpreters, astrologers, priests, cooks, doctors, marines - soldiers trained to operate at or from sea.

       The fleet had been assembled on the orders of the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di, who had recently usurped the dragon throne.  He wanted to legitimise his claim, and re-establish the prestige and influence associated with China in the Tang dynasty, which had been lost during the period when the Mongols invaded and ruled most of China. The political motive for the maritime expedition was to enlist states in an imperial tribute system that increased the domestic prestige of the emperor, since China considered itself the centre of the world with its emperor the ruler of tian xia (all under heaven).

       Ming foreign policy, which seems surprisingly modern, sought to reassert China as the main Asian power without the expense of establishing colonies, and to spread Chinese culture and its customs abroad, an early exercise of soft power. Under the tribute system, other countries acknowledged the suzereignty [suzerainty?] of the Chinese throne, sending rulers or envoys to China to pay their respects to the emperor and bring exotic goods as tribute. They were given in return gifts and promises of limited Chinese support if they were externally threatened. The aim was to impose the Pax Sinica, to stabilise Asia by making sure no country should become too powerful in relation to its neighbours; and to keep trade routes open, especially maritime routes.

       Unlike his father, Zhu Di believed in foreign trade as a swift way to enrich China, and his dynasty, without imposing a heavy tax burden on his subjects. He decreed: "Let there be mutual trade at the frontier barriers in order to supply the country's needs and to encourage distant people to come" (1).  External trade had always seemed too volatile and dependent to appeal to the inwardly directed Confucian-trained scholar elite of China, who considered agriculture the foundation and sustenance of the nation. They wanted no contact with "barbarians".

       Through the later Tang and Sung dynasties, there had been international trade out of China's southern ports - far more goods, especially silk and ceramics, were shipped south or west than ever came overland on the Silk Road to the Middle East, and thence to Europe. Large trade junks out of these ports were the models for the imperial fleet: some of its craft had private suites, with their own entrances and lavatories, for merchants, their staff and goods, which, besides silk and porcelain, included cotton, hemp, wine, oil, tea and the much coveted, exactly calibrated, measurin instruments of China, notably balances and scales. China would not trade in weapons, claiming to want to encourage peace not conflict, and did not allow foreigners to see Chinese maps or records with details of towns and defences.  The heavy presence of marines aboard the fleet was intended to safeguard trade goods; they were also drafted to clear pirates from the Strait of Malacca, a permanent, and indeed modern, problem.

       In command of the fleet was an extraordinary explorer, Admiral Zheng He, the equal or better of Columbus, Drake or Cook. Until the 1990s his exploits were not much mentioned by the Chinese and unknown elsewhere. He came from what is now Yunnan province, and was born in 1371, at the beginning of the Ming dynasty, son of central Asian Muslims who had been displaced during the Mongol upheavals. The Chinese army, hunting elements of the fallen Mongol regime, attacked the region when the boy was 10. His father was killed in the fighting; the boy was captured and castrated; he was to be a eunuch slave.

        The Imperial Chinese, like the Ottomans, noticed and utilised the talents of such slaves, and Zheng He was spotted, put into the service of the Ming emperor's fourth son, Zhu Di, and educated at the imperial college in Nanjing. Zheng He grew close to Zhu Di and supported him in a coup in 1402; his reward was command of the fleet, for seven voyages over 28  years, visiting some 30 countries and sailing perhaps 300,000km.

       Officially, the expeditions sought peace and friendship. The emperor declared: "Zheng He has been sent overseas with gifts to declare my will. It is forbidden to bully small and weak nations" (2). The first three voyages put in at important ports in what are now Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. The fourth also visited these, and sailed on to Hormuz on the Persian Gulf; the final three voyages went down the east coast of Africa to Mogadishu, Malindi in Kenya, and possibly to Madagascar. A retired British naval officer, Gavin Menzies, even claims (3) that the fleet did not turn back from the African coast but continued round the Cape of Good Hope and reached America, 71 years before Columbus, then circumnavigated the globe, landing in Australia. However, even Chinese Zheng He enthusiasists are wary of this claim.

       The ships brought back wonders: the first giraffe China had seen (it was thought to be a qilin, or unicorn, a mythical symbol of just government), spices, wood, precious stones and Arabian horses. Where they went ashore, they left behind tokens of Chinese culture, among them thousands of calendars listing Ming rituals indicating the best time for activities, and thousands of classic books, including Lie n=FC zhuan (Biographies of heroic women).

       Besides being an exploratory and trading fleet, the ships acted as China's oceanic police force, constantly intervening in the balance of power in Asia. When the ruler of Malacca, between Siam and Java, both of which were gaining power, visited China to swear allegiance to the emperor, the Chinese rewarded him by recognising Malacca as an independent city-state. That checked both Siam and Java and ensured stability.

       On the second voyage the Chinese helped install a leader in the state of Calicut; 10 years later, the fleet on another voyage supported Calicut's rival, Cochin. Fleet marines kept balance and restored order. When the fleet called in at the Sumatran city-state of Semudera, a civil war was in progress.  China supported the status quo; Zheng He was attacked by the rebel leader's forces, angry at this policy. Zheng He captured the rebel leader and took him to China for execution. Fleet policy was a very contemporary realpolitik. As Louise Levathes points out: "The Chinese simply arranged to replace unfriendly leaders in countries where they  encountered difficulties with someone willing to trade on their terms" (4). And the fleet's large military force was useful for persuading foreign countries that they should open to trade. When Zheng He first reached La-sa, a walled town near Mogadishu, locals were wary. After the town was bombarded, using gunpowder, they surrendered.

       The Chinese never intended to establish permanent colonies to exploit resources and labour, or to make profits; the first Ming emperor had pointed out that it would be foolish to try to support garrisons around the world. (It took several centuries for westerners to work that one out.) But in 1408 the Chinese did invade Annam, now North Vietnam, where the ruling dynasty had collapsed, and the imperial army was dragged into a guerrilla war that lasted more than 20 years.

       During that time the whole expansionist outlook of the new Ming dynasty changed. In 1424 Zhu Di died, and the conservative Confucian scholars gained ascendancy over the eunuchs, the executive branch of government, with their investment in trade. The Confucians thought merchants were parasites and wanted to curb increases in their power. Under the tribute system, the cost of return gifts often amounted to more than the benefits from tribute, and profits from trade went directly to the court; overseas trade did not lead to the hoped-for lessening of taxes.

       Taxes had in fact gone up hugely to pay for the stabilisation of the empire's northern regions against the ever-threatening Mongolian confederation. There were annual expedition against the enemy, always unsuccessful. The capital was moved in 1421 from Nanjing to Beijing, where the Forbidden City was built with a labour force of a million, and the Great Wall renovated. All this cost so much, at a time of epidemics and recurrent famine, that other endeavours were begrudged: a minister of war accused of losing Zheng He's logs complained, "The expeditions wasted tens of myriads of money and grain. . . Although he returned with wonderful, precious things, what benefit was it to the state?" (5).

       Zheng He died at sea on the way back from Calicut in 1433, and the fleet returned home for the last time to a cold welcome. An imperial decree banning ocean-going vessels was issued in 1436, and by the end of the 15th century it was a capital offence to construct a multi-masted vessel. Trade turned towards the internal, along the Beijing-Hangzhou grand canal, expensively renovated and reopened in 1416. China's coastal communities went on opposing the imperial ban, and smuggling profitably, depleting government revenue; piracy worsened, since there was no effective navy. The ban was lifted in 1550. There are conflicting claims over China's self-imposed insularity: one side believes that it led to decline and the inability to resist 19th-century colonial forces, while the other points out China's continued strong maritime trading links with Asia and Africa until the 19th century.

        Since China is in an extrovert, trading phase at present, it wants to celebrate Zheng He's achievements and there are events and exhibitions, all emphasising China's wish for peaceful relations (6).

       ________________________________________________________

     (1) "China's maritime legacy", Shanghai Star, Shanghai, 14 July 2005.

     (2) Louise Levathes, When China ruled the seas: The treasure fleet of the Dragon Throne 1405-1433, Oxford University Press, New York, 1994.

     (3) Gavin Menzies, 1421: The year China discovered the world, Bantam Press, London, 2002.

     (4) Levathes, op cit.

     (5) Levathes, op cit.

     (6) "Voyages reflect desire to grow peacefully", China Daily, Beijing, 12 July 2005.

                                        Original text in English

      ________________________________________________________

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED =A9 1997-2005 Le Monde diplomatique <http://MondeDiplo.com/2005/09/18zhenghe>

======================== ========================== ==========

 >>>>>>>  CCL AGENDA Oct 17th Mtg  <<<<<<<

1.         CALL TO ORDER

2.         PUBLIC HEARING

            The Director of Planning, Lands and Permits will describe the subject application:

Affected Lands:  All lands in the District.

Purpose:  The amendment bylaw will provide for the digitization and administrative update of the District Zoning Maps.

On September 19, 2005 Council set the date for the Public Hearing.  The statutory notice of Public Hearing was published in the North Shore News on October 09 and October 12, 2005.

The Municipal Clerk will note written submissions received for the October 17, 2005 Public Hearing, with respect to the proposed bylaw amendment.

Mayor Wood will call for public input.

             Following public input:

            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT all written and verbal submissions... up to and including October 17, 2005 be received.

            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT the Public Hearing ... be closed.

OR

            If Council wishes a further staff report, then:

            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT staff report back to Council regarding the October 17, 2005 Public Hearing regarding "Zoning Bylaw 2200, 1968 Amendment Bylaw No. 4452, 2005" and that the Public hearing be adjourned to ______________________.

Members of Council are not permitted to receive further submissions once the Public Hearing is closed.

                A Supplemental Information Package/Agenda May be Issued on Friday

1.         CALL TO ORDER   //     2.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA

3.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES: September 26, October 03

4.         REPORTS

            Bylaws are passed by a simple majority vote unless otherwise noted. 

            RECOMMENDED: be approved and authorization given for its implementation....on the effective dates.

            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT the Municipal Clerk give notice that Development Variance Permit Application No. 05-013 (5717 Eagle Harbour Road), which would provide for a new single family dwelling with variances to setbacks, highest building face, retaining wall location and grade line, and rock removal will be considered at the meeting of Council on Monday, November 07, 2005.

RECOMMENDED: THAT

1.        Council endorse development of a Visitor Strategy for the District of West Vancouver, utilizing current project funding allocated for the Economic Sustainability Strategy;

2.        Staff be directed to apply to the Community Foundations Development Program (Phase I) sponsored by Tourism BC (TBC) and Vancouver Coast and Mountains (VCM) to assist in developing the Visitor Strategy;

3.        Staff work with the VCM Program facilitator, with input from a variety of stakeholders, including business and community groups, recreation service providers and the Arts and Culture and 2010 Implementation Select Committees to complete the Visitor Strategy;

4.        Staff be directed to investigate and where appropriate, apply for funding from the UBCM Community Tourism Program and the Community Foundations Marketing Program to cover any costs associated with the Visitor Strategy.

RECOMMENDED:

THAT Council receive the report titled Operations Center - Recycling Initiatives, September 29, 2005 from the Manager, Roads and Transportation.

RECOMMENDED: THAT

1. The District of West Vancouver approve cost-sharing of the Substance Abuse Coordinator in the amount of $20,000 for the 2005/06 school year;

4.6      2006 Permissive Tax Exemptions - Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4453, 2005

            RECOMMENDED:

            THAT current policy with respect to Permissive Tax Exemptions be expanded to include the land surrounding places of public worship and necessary ancillary buildings, as provided for in Section 224(2) of the Community Charter.

RECOMMENDED:...be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

            RECOMMENDED: be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

5.         REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

6.         OTHER ITEMS

===  No Action Required (receipt only)

6.1.1             Committee and Board Meeting Minutes

                      (a)          Board of Variance Minutes, July 20, 2005

                      (b)          North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee Minutes, June 16, 2005

                      (c)           North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee Minutes, July 21, 2005

                      (d)          Design Advisory Committee Minutes, August 18, 2005

                      (e)          West Vancouver Memorial Library Board Minutes, July 20, 2005

6.1.2             M. Van Steinburg, Director, Labour Participation Department, Canadian Labour Congress, September 21, 2005 regarding 13th Annual Labour Appreciation Night

6.1.3             M. Coleman, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, September 26, 2005 regarding new funding opportunity for Brownfield remediation

6.1.4             E. Britton, Township Clerk, Township of Langley, September 21, 2005 regarding Fireworks Regulation Bylaw 2004 No. 4344

6.1.5             Clovelly/Caulfeild Neighbourhood Steering Group, October 02, 2005 regarding Clovelly/Caulfeild Neighbourhood Plan

6.1.6             D. Branson, ESS Director, City of North Vancouver, North Shore Emergency Management Office, 2005, regarding Emergency Social Services Annual Training Day

6.1.7             I. Chong, Minister, Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues, September 23, 2005, regarding approved Infrastructure Planning Grant for Natural Landscapes Demonstration Project

6.1.8             C. A. Wallace, October 07, 2005, regarding development concerns 2600 block Ottawa and Nelson

===  Action Required

6.1.9          G. B. Orr, Producer, Ports Alive, September 19, 2005 regarding "Ports Alive - Vancouver's Harbour Adventure"

                  Referred to the Municipal Clerk for response confirming scheduling of the delegation for the October 24, 2005 meeting.

                  Attachment available for viewing in Clerk's Department (CD?ROM).

6.1.10       P. Saxvik, October 03, 2005, regarding internet posting of public comments

                  Referred to Director of Administrative Services for consideration and response.

6.1.11       M. Theil, President, BSP Bicycle Sports Pacific Inc., September 26, 2005 regarding proposed 30% federal surtax on bicycles

                  Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response.

6.1.12       T. Watts, September 22, 2005, regarding black bears

                  Referred to Director of Parks & Community Services for consideration and response.

6.1.13       K. Samuda, October 03, 2005, regarding heavy trucks in West Vancouver

                  Referred to the Municipal Clerk for response confirming scheduling of the delegation for the November 21, 2005 meeting.

6.1.14       K. Samuda, October 07, 2005, regarding safe trucking practices in West Vancouver

                  Referred to the Municipal Clerk for response confirming scheduling of the delegation for the November 21, 2005 meeting.

6.1.15       C. Gould, October 05, 2005, regarding development concerns 2600 block Ottawa and Nelson

                  Referred to Director of Parks & Community Services for consideration and response.

6.1.16       D. Close, October 04, 2005, regarding Caulfeild greenbelt

                  Referred to Director of Parks & Community Services for consideration and response.

6.1.17       R. Wilson, May 11, 2005, regarding Caulfeild greenbelt

                  Referred to Director of Parks & Community Services for consideration and response.

6.2      Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee (LMTAC) Background Briefing Note - LMTAC First Principle C:  Support for the BC Treaty Process

            Correspondence from Mayor R. Drew, Chair, Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory committee dated September 22, 2005 regarding Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee (LMTAC) Background Briefing Note - LMTAC First Principle C:  Support for the BC Treaty Process.

            Designated Presenter:  Director of Administrative Services

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