Taking a look at zero emission vehicles

Zero emission vehicles will have to remain parked in West Vancouver driveways for a while longer.

The district is considering following Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam and the City of North Vancouver's lead in allowing Neighbourhood Zero Emission Vehicles (NZEVs) on its roads.

The province permits municipalities to authorize the lightweight, electric motor vehicles on streets with speed limits greater than 40 kilometres but not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour.

"There are challenges as they do not meet safety recommendations of Transport Canada," West Vancouver's roads and transportation manager Brent Dozzi told council on Monday.

The greater vehicle speed variations, the greater the chance of accidents, Dozzi explained.

But in jurisdictions where NZEVs are allowed, there's been no significant legal issues in permitting these vehicles on municipal roads, Dozzi said.

Council wanted more time to look through the pros and cons of NZEVs before making a decision.

The issue will come before council again on Sept. 21.

Turfs up

West Vancouver is applying for two government grants to build an artificial turf field in Ambleside.

The district has submitted applications to Building Canada Fund and Recreation Infrastructure Canada for money to replace field "A."

The field would be designed for field hockey, but with multi-use capabilities, stated the report to council.

If approved, the cash would also build a covered walkway at West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre, a publicly- accessible playground at Ambleside Play Child Care Centre, lighting upgrades at the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre and flagpoles and signage at the Western Civic Site.

A look into the future

After completing phase one of public consultation, West Vancouver's Strategic Planning Working Group has drafted a vision and mission for the district.

"The goals can be used by all departments," group member Christine Banham said. "You have to remember that there is going to be change; if you don't plan for it you're not going to have a vibrant community."

To date the strategic plan's vision is for the district to inspire excellence and lead by example. The power of collaboration and public ideas will drive innovative solutions and strengthen our quality of life, it states.

Under the district's mission the plan singles out restoring and protecting the environment, fostering a sense of inclusion, encouraging housing diversity, enriching community life and improving economic resiliency.

The next step is to focus on goals so council has a bit more of a road map, Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones said.

Moving on up

Two commercial spaces on Clyde Avenue are getting a clean up.

The buildings on lots 1431 and 1437 will combine their back parking lots, adding one additional parking space.

The second floor of 1437 Clyde Ave. will receive an addition of 1136 sq.-ft.

New awnings will be put up and angled parking in front of the buildings will allow for two new parking spots.

West Vancouver council approved the requests.

"I think Clyde Avenue has the potential to grow," Coun. Michael Lewis said.