Thursday, 26 March 2015

Key decisions from today’s Council meeting

Christchurch City Council met today (Thursday 26 March), with the key decisions made outlined below:

Council seeks more feedback on scattering of ashes in parks

The Council today rejected a Hearings Panel recommendation to pass the Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2015 without reference to the issue of scattering the ashes of deceased people in public parks and reserves. Instead, it has decided that the full Council should decide the matter after wider consultation, particularly with its partner Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd, the funeral industry and the public.

Riccarton Racecourse development

The Council agreed to formally promote the Christchurch Racecourse Reserves Amendment Bill to Parliament. The local Bill seeks to amend the Christchurch Racecourse Reserves Act 1878, and forms part of a wider legal and planning process to develop housing, including affordable housing, on part of Riccarton Racecourse.

City Mission project

The Council agreed to provide an additional $294,434 from the Mayoral Earthquake Relief Fund towards the City Mission Emergency Homelessness Accommodation project. The extra cost is largely due to the fire-safety compliance needed for converting the old City Mission building. The Council also agreed that a memorandum of understanding should be signed between the Council and the City Mission, to ensure the service is provided for a minimum of 10 years.

Affordable housing options

The Council agreed to investigate funding up to $2 million in the 2016–17 Annual Plan for a development contributions and resource-consent loan scheme. The scheme would apply to not-for-profit affordable housing and social housing providers, with loans capped at $25,000 per residential unit. It would be administered through the Council's Community Organisation Loan Scheme.

Cycle-pedestrian crossing gets go-ahead

Staff will prioritise work on consultation and design for a signal-controlled pedestrian/cycle crossing of Waimairi Road. The crossing will be part of the Uni-Cycle route, one of a network of 13 Major Cycle Routes the Council plans to build. The crossing will provide a permanent solution for students at University of Canterbury who need to cross the road to move between campuses.

Groups benefit from earthquake relief funds

Two projects will receive money from the Mayoral Earthquake Relief Fund. A grant of $38,399 will go towards the Imagination Station in Cathedral Junction run by charity BUG 4/2. It offers a free place for children up to 16 years old to play and be creative while learning. Showbiz Christchurch will receive $54,388 to install sprung wooden flooring for dancing at its new site at 69 St Asaph Street.

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