Present: Mayor Johnstone, Councillor McEvoy, Councillor Campbell, Councillor Nakagawa, Councillor Fontaine (electronically), Councillor Henderson (electronically), Councillor Minhas.

>> Video.

Workshop was chaired by Councillor Nakagawa, since she is acting Mayor. Minutes from the April 20th Workshop were adopted.

The first bit of the Workshop dealt with the Climate Change Adaption & Resilience Plan (CCARP) the city has, and the Community Advisory Assembly (CAA) made some recommendations, particularly related to heavy rain and strong heat:

1. Building Retrofitting & Future Proofing: That New West lobbies the provincial government so that there's legislation that requires buildings to provide cooling retrofits that ensure livable temperatures by 2030. Also that New West introduces municipal tax incentives for buildings that introduce cooling retrofits.
2. Public Cooling Spaces, Shower Facilities & Rain Shelters
: That New West extends hours for cooling resources - cooling centers close during the evening. Also that New West adopts a more flexible threshold for opening cooling centers, instead of "2 consecutive days at 29°C".
3. Resource Access: That New West works to leverage and improve existing incentives and subsidies with BC Hydro, and to bridge existing gaps at municipal and provincial level in certain programs. Also that New West ensures its power infrastructure can support energy-efficient features and retrofits on new and existing buildings, so that citizen participation in incentives and programs is more accessible.
4. Social Supports: That there are more and more inclusive 24/7 water response sites. Also that New West establishes peer-led outreach groups in neighbourhoods in order to support youth, seniors, unhoused people, etc. Also that these outreach teams are supplied with basic things (fans, water, blankets, etc.) to assist vulnerable residents if needed. Lastly the creation of an opt-in registry for vulnerabe residents in order to receive information, support and checks-in.
5. Infrastructure & Nature Based Solutions for Heat & Rainwater Management: That New West provides incentives for private citizens to plant trees in their property, as well as educating them in the upkeep of said trees. Also that New West reviews drainage at a city-wide level, specifically in areas affected by heavy rainfall (Moody Park, Ryall Park) - using substrate materials and absorbent plants would be helpful. Also that New West incentivizes developers to restrict heat-absorbing surfaces, favouring instead draining ground and heat-reflecting surfaces.

Mayor Johnstone mentioned that a lot of these things are stuff that the city already tries to do. He had some questions about the outreach teams (who does the work or how does the city support them?) The Assembly said that they hadn't thought that far ahead, but volunteering would be ideal, and there would be collaboration between staff and the volunteers. They also pointed out that these networks already exist informally (true), and that community is the priority.

Councillor Minhas asked Staff whether the city has a formal policy governing members of the Community Advisory Assemby or other board members seeking to run for elected office (very strange non-sequitur?) Councillor Nakagawa requested a quick answer from Staff, but reminded Councillor Minhas that the questions are supposed to be for the Community Advisory Assembly. Staff replied that to their knowledge there is no such policy. Councillor Minhas then asked of Staff at what point does "exploration nomination[sic] or official candidacy does seeking public office constitute a real or perceived conflict of interest that would require a member to step down from the Assembly?" There was a point of order from Mayor Johnstone, who pointed out this is not what is being discussed at the moment (which is true), and that it is not germaine to the topic. Councillor Nakagawa, being the Chair, agreed with Mayor Johnstone that it is not germaine to the topic but it is germaine with the Assembly. She encouraged Councillor Minhas to keep the discussion centered around the topic at hand. Councillor Minhas said his question was important, that transparecy is necessary and that if any member of the Assembly is seeking candidacy it needs to be talked about. Councillor Nakagawa said it is important but it has to be talked about in a different context, and to return to the current conversation.

Councillor Campbell really liked the presentation, and the care the Community Advisory Assembly put into their considerations. She asked Staff whether there is a liability in not doing the work of Climate resilience building, since there are a lot of people who are climate change deniers or just plain disinterested in it. She acknowledges that the louder voices in the community tend to be those with the most resources to protect themselves with, and as the CAA pointed out, not everyone has such resources. The Assembly replied that it is comprised of very diverse members, but there was very little disagreement over the goal of what is trying to be achieved in supporting New West's climate action.

Councillor Minhas spoke again in disagreement with the ruling that the conversation remain in topic, saying that he has the right to ask certain questions. Councillor Nakagawa reiterated that she ruled his question out of order because it has nothing to do with the topic of the presentation. Minhas questions, she points out, are more in relation to the terms of reference and membership of the Assembly. Councillor Minhas then challenged the Chair's ruling. Councillor Nakagawa explains that if the vote is affirmative there is agreement with the Chair's ruling, and if the vote is negative it is in disagreement with the ruling. Then Councillor Fontaine raises a point of order, asking what sections of procedures are being used to implement the ruling. Councillor Nakagawa says that there is already a point of order on the floor that needs to be addressed - though a Clerk does look to see what section is valid to uphold the Chair's decision. The Clerk brings forth the procedures (after Councillor Nakagawa spills some water accidentally):

17(7c) - Must speak only in connection with the matter being debated.

May we add that this little side-quest has taken at least 15 minutes of the meeting's time? Seems redundant and unnecessary, but moving on.

Councillors Minhas, Campbell, McEvoy & Mayor Johnstone seem to be in favour, and Councillor Fontaine in opposition. Then Councillor Minhas says he misunderstood the instructions and he meant to vote in opposition. 3 in favour, 2 against, the Chair is sustained.

Councillor McEvoy raises a point of order. He says that for future reference it is well-established that discussion on an agenda item is on the agenda item, not a general discussion on related topics, and this is well-understood in parliamentary procedures. Also challenging the Chair is on whether the Chair made a mistake and not whether there is a disagreement, he says. And that there shouldn't be points of order when entertaining a pre-existing point. Councilor Fontaine then raises a further point of order asking "who is charing this meeting? Is it Councillor McEvoy or Councillor Nakagawa?" Councillor Nakagawa closes the discussion.

Gonna be honest, this got petty pretty fast, for seemingly no reason. Councillor McEvoy should not have raised this point and let the discussion move, as much as his admonishment was correct and well-intentioned. Councillor Fontaine's annoyance seems childish, too. Councillor Nakagawa says they could all use a refresher on procedures, and the conversation (hopefully) moves on.

Councillor Campbell comes back on the microphone and points out that the Assembly is now a pseudo-ambassador to the city, and that she appreciates their comments.

Councillor Henderson thanks everyone in the Assembly for their comments, and appreciates the work and research, and that she looks forward to talking with them soon.

Mayor Johnstone says he'd like to move the recommendation in its entirety.

Councillor Nakagawa expresses that she likes the Assemby and thinks it is what we need in the community. She has a couple of questions: Are there more comments as to what would make this more inclusive and welcoming. The Assembly replies that there are spaces that are not welcoming of children, or specific population sectors. So diversity of resources and spaces is important. Councillor Nakagawa also mentions that Stratas can block bringing in things like heat pumps and cooling units. She also asks how it can be facilitated that there is outreach from the City to the community. She praises the presentation and information brought in.

The recommendations are accepted!

Now there is a recommendation from Energy & Climate Action, and an update on CCARP.