What does the terrible train tragedy in Lac-Megantic, Que. have to do with Vancouver city council?
Two things, according to Mayor Gregor Robertson, who mentioned the train disaster at one of the last council meetings of the summer.
First, he got council's approval to write a letter on council's behalf to formally express his deepest sympathies to the people of Lac-Megantic.
Second, he wants city staff to provide an update to council on "safety protocols in place" for the shipment of dangerous goods by rail in Vancouver.
In doing that, the mayor wants staff to provide any recommendations for enhancing protocols that would "ensure the highest protection for citizens."
"We have a lot of rail traffic in our city and around our region," he said from his desk in the council chambers.
Robertson noted he and councillors have received correspondence from citizens worried about dangerous cargo transported through the city.
"If there are any urgent concerns, we would expect to hear immediately from staff as to actions that we might need to take to ensure that the people of Vancouver have the highest protection from the movement of dangerous goods on our rails," the mayor said. "This is proactive in some sense but certainly the terrible disaster in Quebec is more than reason to take some urgent action to ensure we've identified any risk and we've addressed that in our city."
Vision Coun. Raymond Louie, who represents council on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, noted the national organization has put together a rail safety working group.
"There's work underway across this nation because it is a federal issue and of great importance for all of our municipalities across our country," said Louie, adding the goal is to meet with the federal transportation minister to discuss concerns raised my municipal politicians.
all the summer trade
ALL THE SUMMER TRADE
On a lighter and musical note, many readers will know the mayor has a thing for music and his tastes include David Byrne and Rush.
Yes, Rush. But Kim Mitchell? Let me explain.
At the same meeting last week, Robertson finally got to talk patios and successfully introduce a motion to extend patio hours and increase space "for establishments with a track record of good behaviour."
City staff will now develop a report on policy changes that will include relaxing fencing restrictions and improving the efficiency of getting a patio permit.
Apparently, there were 317 large patio permits and 260 permits for smaller ones in the city last year. The larger patios are typically licensed and open until 11 p.m.
"We did increase the hours of operation during the Olympics and that was very well received, as well," said Robertson, noting the provincial government also plans to update liquor laws in B.C. "So there's an opportunity to start going a little later and giving the people an opportunity - particularly in the summertime - to be outside enjoying the patios and making more of those possible."
Which, of course, means more patio lanterns. Get it? Patio lanterns? A song by Kim Mitchell? Oh, never mind.
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