December 8, 2025 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au (by teleconference)
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Corporate Officer – Claudia Jesson

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R25/21-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on November 24, 2025, be adopted as circulated; and

(2)

the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on December 1, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PRESENTATION

Staff presented Council with the CIO Canada Award 2025, recognizing the City of Richmond’s achievements in Municipal technology, specifically for the MyRichmond portal.  Staff noted that the MyRichmond portal integrates key services such as property taxes, utilities, recycling, recreation, business licences and permitting into a unified platform and is recognized as a progressive foundational component of Richmond’s digital service delivery.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R25/21-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:04 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items

Item No. 11 – 2026 Proposed Capital Budget

Harold Steves, voiced his concerns that previously approved funding for  Phoenix Gillnet Loft was not included in the 2026 budget or the five year budget. He spoke to the (i) previously approved Council motions, (ii) Provincial and Federal funding, (iii) a timeline for Council moving forward with a Museum-Style interpretive Centre for the site, and (iv) inclusion of Maritime arts.

R25/21-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:16 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R25/21-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 10 and 12 through 15 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting held on November 25, 2025;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on December 1, 2025;

(3)

the Finance and Audit Committee meeting held on December 1, 2025;

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on December 2, 2025; and

(5)

the Special General Purposes Committee meeting held on December 3, 2025;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

West Richmond Pavilion Terms of Reference for Public Art Project

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-376) (REDMS No. 8134670, 8141818)

That the Terms of Reference for the West Richmond Pavilion public artwork, as presented in the report titled “West Richmond Pavilion Terms of Reference for Public Art Project” from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated November 3, 2025, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse

(File Ref. No. 11-7140-20-LFAR1) (REDMS No. 8174091, 8257424)

(1)

That Option 2, as outlined in the report “Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse”, dated November 3, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be approved; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture Division, be authorized to execute all documentation, including an amendment to the Operating Agreement as outlined in the report “Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse”, dated November 3, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

2025 Provincial Natural Resource Permitting Improvements Initiative

(File Ref. No. 110-6125-01; 01-0035-20-RARE1; 01-0035-20-WSUS1; 01-0150-20-FLAN1) (REDMS No. 8200574, 8211249, 8211156, 8196346, 8196325, 8211221, 8192893)

(1)

That the survey responses, as described in the report titled “2025 Provincial Natural Resource Permitting Improvements Initiative”, dated November 5, 2025, from the Director, Climate and Environment, be endorsed and submitted to the Ministry of Water,

Land and Resource Stewardship; and

(2)

That a letter from the Mayor be sent to the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship requesting that more meaningful consultation, as outlined in the report, be implemented to support this provincial initiative.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

2026 Operating and Capital Budgets for Richmond Public Library

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2026-01; XR: 03-0970-01) (REDMS No. 8209786)

(1)

That the 2026 proposed Richmond Public Library budget with a municipal contribution of $12,642,700 as presented in Attachment 1 from the Chief Librarian and the Secretary of the Board, be approved; and

(2)

That the Richmond Public Library request for an additional municipal contribution of $100,000 for physical collection from the Chief Librarian and the Secretary of the Board, be included as a recommended item in the report titled “2026 One-Time Expenditures” dated November 17, 2025 from the Director, Finance.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

2026 PROPOSED CAPITAL BUDGET

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2026-01; XR: 03-0970-02-01; 06-2052-25-PNET1) (REDMS No. REDMS No. 8201906, 8252634, 8258550)

Please see page 7 for action on this item.

12.

2026 PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2026-01; XR: 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 8216955, 8246844)

(1)

That the 2026 Proposed Operating Budget as presented in Budget

Option 2 for a total of 3.04% be approved as outlined below:

(a)

A same level of service budget increase of $3,905,151 after tax growth with a tax increase of 1.19% be approved;

(b)

Ongoing funding for expenditures previously approved by Council totaling $2,742,450 as presented in Table 13 with a tax increase of 0.84% be approved;

(c)

Emerging organizational additional levels in the amount of $1,045,361 as presented in Attachments 10, 11, and 12, of the staff report titled 2026 Proposed Operating Budget with a tax increase of 0.32% be approved;

(d)

The Rate Stabilization Account be used to pay for the one-time initial capital costs for the recommended No Tax Impact Positions from Attachment 11 totaling $75,211 be approved;

(e)

Transfer to reserves for Investment in Community Facilities as per Council’s Long Term Financial Management Strategy in the amount of $3,271,701 with a tax increase of 1.00% be approved;

(f)

Senior level government and other government agency increase of $700, 259 with a tax increase of 0.21% be approved;

(g)

Use of reserves for program expenditures for Affordable Housing, Child Care and Public Art programs of $1,360,000 as presented in Attachment 9 be approved;

(h)

Operating budget impacts from the 2026 Proposed Capital Budget totalling $101,581 with a tax increase of 0.03% be approved; and

(i)

The Rate Stabilization Account be used to reduce the overall impact of additional operating costs for a total of $1,800,000 resulting in a tax decrease of 0.55% be approved.

(2)

That the 2026 Operating Budget as approved be included in the

Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030); and

(3)

That item 2 of the Long Term Financial Management Strategy

(Council Policy 3707) be amended as follows:

Gaming revenues are designated for the capital reserves, the

major capital community facility replacement program, the

grants program, and the Council initiatives account.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

Staff provided a memorandum (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) with respect to the change in E-Comm estimate in the 2026 Proposed Operating Budget report.

13.

2026 One-Time Expenditures

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2026-01; XR: 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 8217651)

That the one-time expenditures totaling $3,504,797 as outlined in Attachment 1 of the 2026 One- Time Expenditures staff report, be approved with funding from the Rate Stabilization Account and included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030).

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

Application by Peter Liu for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Residential MixedUse Commercial (ZMU17) – River Drive/No. 4 Road (Bridgeport)” Zone to Add “Health Service, Minor” as a Permitted Use at Unit 2005 - 10011 River Drive

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010726, ZT 25-007646) (REDMS No. 8216986, 8219784, 8216987)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10726, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Residential Mixed Use Commercial (ZMU17) – River Drive/No. 4 Road (Bridgeport)” zone to add “Health service, minor” as a permitted use at Unit 2005 - 10011 River Drive, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Housing Agreement Amendment Application for 7378 & 7388 Gollner Avenue (formerly 6251 Minoru Boulevard)

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010677; XR: 08-4057-05) (REDMS No. 8210765, 8129422, 8072388, 8247669)

That Housing Agreement (6251 Minoru Boulevard) Bylaw No. 8996, Amendment Bylaw No. 10677 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

11.

2026 PROPOSED CAPITAL BUDGET

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2026-01; XR: 03-0970-02-01; 06-2052-25-PNET1) (REDMS No. REDMS No. 8201906, 8252634, 8258550)

R25/21-5

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2026 Proposed Capital Budget as presented in Appendix 3 totaling $245,724,000 be approved; and

(2)

That the 2026 Proposed Capital Budget as approved be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030).

The question on Resolution R25/21-5 was not called as in response to queries from Council, staff advised that (i) after deconstruction and salvage of select elements, and planning work to date, $17.64 Million of the original $19.44 Million remains in the capital budget for the Phoenix Net Loft project, (ii) every year the amount is included when the 5 year financial plan bylaw is brought forward to Council, (iii) the contract with Scott Construction covered only the deconstruction of the Phoenix Net Loft and concluded once that work was complete, (iv) staff are currently working to respond to a Council referral to review reconstruction options and (v) staff will be providing Council with a memorandum in Q1 of 2026 with a status update, as well as details and a timeline for the public consultation plan, (vi) the long-term financial management strategy including the 1% to reserves supports sustainability by reducing unplanned borrowing, provides for well maintained facilities and ensures financial stability and flexibility to fund projects.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) clarity on the plans, uses, programs timeline, and budget for the Phoenix Net Loft, and (ii) the City’s investment of $33.6 million into the Flood Protection program which includes dike upgrade designs and improvements, drainage pump station rehabilitation and generator upgrade program, canal stabilization, and utility improvements.

The question on Resolution R25/21-5 was then called and it was CARRIED.

As a result of the discussion related to the rebuilding of the Phoenix Net Loft the following referral motion was introduced:

R25/21-6

It was moved and seconded

That the matter of rebuilding the Phoenix Net Loft project be referred to staff to comment and coordinate discussions on the various uses for the rebuilt facility, the potential programs and costs and potential external government sources of funding.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) an outstanding referral from November 27, 2023 related to the topic, and (ii) the need for more detailed discussions to align expectations, and confirm Council’s direction for the Phoenix Net Loft facility among all parties.

The question on the Resolution R25/21-6 was then called and it was CARRIED.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

16.

Application To Amend Food Primary Liquor Licence # 311573 - Change to Hours of Liquor Service – Yokai Tapas & Sake Bar – 140 – 6386 No 3 Rd

(File Ref. No. 12-8275-30-001) (REDMS No. 8166612, 8208484)

R25/21-7

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the application from Imagin Restaurants Concepts Ltd., doing business as Yokai Tapas & Sake Bar, for an amendment to Food Primary Licence #311573, requesting an increase to their hours of liquor service from 09:00am to Midnight Monday to Sunday, to 09:00am to 2:00am Monday to Sunday, be supported; and

(2)

That a letter be sent to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, which includes the information as set out in Attachment 1 to this report, advising that Council recommends the approval of the amendment to the Food Primary Liquor Licence as described in the Recommendation 1 of this report.

The question on Resolution R25/21-7 was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) the potential for noise and the impact on the community, and (ii) City bylaw enforcement of noise complaints.

In response to queries from Council, staff advised that (i) response to complaints is dependent on prior history of the establishment and may include warnings or tickets; persistent issues could lead staff to recommend suspending or cancelling the business licence through a report to Council, (ii) when reviewing requests to extend liquor service hours, staff consider factors such as background checks, zoning, input from nearby residents and businesses, and due diligence with other municipalities to assess overall risks and benefits, and (iii) based on staff analysis, staff consider the risk of extending service hours to be low and will monitor and address any future concerns.

The question on Resolution R25/21-7 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Wolfe opposed.

17.

Official Community Plan 2050 Targeted Update – Update to Land Use Map, Housing Affordability Policies, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Regional Context Statement

(File Ref. No. 8060-20-010724; 12-8060-20-010725; XR: 08-4045-30-02) (REDMS No. 8220791, 8203779, 8217432, 8249199, 8257393)

R25/21-8

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, to update the Official Community Plan Land Use Map, Housing Policies, Regional Context Statement and associated housekeeping and in-stream provisions, be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, to update the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Map, ESA Development Permit Guidelines and ESA Development Permit Exemptions, be introduced and given first reading;

(3)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City's Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(b)

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

is hereby found to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act;

(4)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, having been considered in accordance with Section 475 of the Local Government Act and the City's Official Community Plan Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is found not to require further consultation with the exception of a referral to the Board of Education of School District No. 38 (Richmond);

(5)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725 be referred to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission for comment, as required by Section 477(3)(b) of the Local Government Act;

(6)

That following first reading for Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, that the updated Regional Context Statement of the Official Community Plan be referred to the Metro Vancouver Board for acceptance as a condition for final adoption;

(7)

That Council Policies, for single-family lot size policies, as listed in Attachment 1 to the report titled “Official Community Plan 2050 Targeted Update – Update to Land Use Map, Housing Affordability Policies, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Regional Context Statement” dated November 19, 2025 from the Director, Policy Planning, be rescinded; and

(8)

That the following bylaws that have received third reading, Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10649 (9040 Francis Road) and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 10655 (9000 No. 3 Road), be adopted for the purposes of in-stream provisions.

The question on resolution R25/21-8 was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) the extensive Official Community Plan (OCP) update public engagement and consultation process, (ii) the impact of Small-Scale, Multi-Use Housing (SSMUH) on the OCP update, (iii) ESA DP exemptions for small-scale species removal, (iv) the concepts of local area villages and arterial connectors for residential and mixed-use development, (v) concerns regarding the impact of three-storey townhouses front and back and four-storey buildings abutting into residential neighborhoods, (vi) support for Tier 1 development and densification, (vii) Provincial housing legislation significantly limiting land use planning for local governments, (viii) the need for a variety of housing, (ix) the new Provincial legislation mandating that Council must review the OCP every 5 years, (x) prezoning for rental development to incentivize affordable housing and simplify construction, (xi) density bonusing to incentivize greater housing affordability, diversity and higher achievable density, (xii) encouraging rental tenure zoning, and (xiii) concerns with the proposed setbacks and reduced arterial road access.

As a result of the discussion the following amendment motion was introduced:

R25/21-9

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw 10724 be amended to remove the reference to “400 m” from the Local Villages and Arterial Connectors neighbourhood types in Schedule A at Section 1.5, in Schedule D at Objective 2, and in Schedule F at Goals 1 and 5.

The question on Resolution R25/21-9 was not called as staff noted that 400 m is a reference illustrating the Tier 2 Local Village neighborhood extent and removing it would not alter any policies or affect the Local Village or Arterial Connector neighbourhood types.

The question on the Resolution R25/21-9 was then called and it was CARRIED.

The question on Resolution R25/21-8 as amended, which reads as follows:

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724 as amended, to update the Official Community Plan Land Use Map, Housing Policies, Regional Context Statement and associated housekeeping and in-stream provisions, be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, to update the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Map, ESA Development Permit Guidelines and ESA Development Permit Exemptions, be introduced and given first reading;

(3)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City's Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(b)

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

is hereby found to be consistent with said program and plans, in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act;

(4)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725, having been considered in accordance with Section 475 of the Local Government Act and the City's Official Community Plan Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is found not to require further consultation with the exception of a referral to the Board of Education of School District No. 38 (Richmond);

(5)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10725 be referred to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission for comment, as required by Section 477(3)(b) of the Local Government Act;

(6)

That following first reading for Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10724, that the updated Regional Context Statement of the Official Community Plan be referred to the Metro Vancouver Board for acceptance as a condition for final adoption;

(7)

That Council Policies, for single-family lot size policies, as listed in Attachment 1 to the report titled “Official Community Plan 2050 Targeted Update – Update to Land Use Map, Housing Affordability Policies, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Regional Context Statement” dated November 19, 2025 from the Director, Policy Planning, be rescinded; and

(8)

That the following bylaws that have received third reading, Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10649 (9040 Francis Road) and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 10655 (9000 No. 3 Road), be adopted for the purposes of in-stream provisions.

was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Day and Hobbs opposed.

As a result of the discussion the following referral motions were introduced:

R25/21-10

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate and report back regarding townhouse heights on Local Village, Tier 2, and Arterial Connector, Tier 1, where they interface with Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) neighbourhoods, and provide options for townhouses without a rear third storey, where the development abuts an existing Tier 1, Neighbourhood Residential.

R25/21-11

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate and report back regarding limiting four storey rental buildings to arterial road intersections, sites abutting multi-family sites, schools and parks for Local Village, Tier 2, and Arterial Connector, Tier 1, including consideration of additional density (five or six storeys) with, for example, the inclusion of LEMR or seniors housing.

The question on the referral motions was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) the merits of the two referrals, (ii) the next steps for the OCP update, and (iii) concerns about limiting four storey rental buildings to arterial road intersections.

The question on the Resolution R25/21-10 was then called and it was CARRIED.

The question on the Resolution R25/21-11 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Gillanders and Wolfe opposed.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

18.

Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030) Bylaw No. 10727

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010727, XR: 03-0970-01) (REDMS No. No. 8232223, 8232225, 8248121, 7877789)

R25/21-12

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030) Bylaw No. 10727 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings; and

(2)

That staff undertake a process of public consultation in accordance with Section 166 of the Community Charter.

CARRIED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie announced:

The following people were appointed to the Aquatic Advisory Board for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Aria Cheema;

§   

Kristian Frantzen;

§   

Qin (Richard) Ji;

§   

Andrea Globa; and

§   

Rosemary Nickerson (Richmond Aquatic Users Association).

The following people were appointed to the Minoru Centre for Active Living Program Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

David Jones;

§   

Rosemary Nickerson (Aquatic Advisory Board);

§   

Bernard Seo; and

§   

Becky Wong.

Richard Marion was appointed to the Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027.

The following people were appointed to the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Vladimir Choi;

§   

Mikaela Nuval;

§   

Nikhat Qureshi;

§   

Victor Yan; and

§   

Jill Lee.

The following people were appointed to the Richmond Youth Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Jasamine Bains;

§   

Owen Chan;

§   

Miranda Se;

§   

Joe Vu;

§   

Wendy Zhang;

§   

Ravinder Johal;

§   

Alvin Li;

§   

Jason Liu;

§   

Gregg Loo;

§   

Sabrina Chang;

§   

Xiangyi He;

§   

Alealeh Hope Tanierla;

§   

Daryl Yeung; and

§   

Dora Zhang.

The following people were appointed to the Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Phil Carriere;

§   

Vida Rose;

§   

Garrett May; and

§   

Isbah Mahmood.

The following people were appointed to the Richmond Advisory Committee on the Environment for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Anthony Leung;

§   

Carolyn Jimenez;

§   

Gonzalo Wong;

§   

Stewart Cohen;

§   

Rynn Zhang; and

§   

Nadia Xenakis.

The following people were appointed to the Richmond Heritage Commission for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027:

§   

Jim Carter-Huffman;

§   

Samuel Boisvert;

§   

Harley Grusko; and

§   

Theresa Magee.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R25/21-13

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, AmendmentBylaw 10446 be adopted.

CARRIED

Opposed: Cllrs. Day

Wolfe

R25/21-14

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment ; Bylaw No. 10533;

Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10534; and

Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10716.

CARRIED

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R25/21-15

19.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes of the Development Permit Panel meeting held on November 13, 2025, and the  Chair’s report for the Development Permit Panel meetings held on June 11, 2025, be received for information; and

(2)

That the recommendations of the Panel to authorize the issuance of Development Permit (DP 23-028741) for the property at 7511 St. Albans Road, be endorsed and the Permit so issued.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R25/21-16

20.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (9:04 p.m.).

CARRIED

Jeff  and Anne Hickling, Richmond residents and single-room home based short-term rental operators, raised concerns that the business licence fee for Short Term rentals increased from $154 to $423, treating single-room and multi-unit operators equally. They also expressed concern that new rules now prohibit microwaves, which were previously allowed, resulting in a fine without prior notice.

The delegation urged Council to adopt a tiered licensing fee structure, and to clarify the interpretation of Bylaw 7538 and restore the previous guidance that permitted microwaves.

Discussion took place with respect to what a tiered fee structure may look like.

As a result of the delegation the following referral motion was introduced:

R25/21-17

It was moved and seconded

That staff examine a tiered fee structure based on operation size, consider single-room versus multi-unit rentals, review requirements for microwaves and fridges in Short Term rentals, including when changes occurred and why a fine was issued and report back.

The question on Resolution R25/21-17 was not called as further discussion ensued regarding requirements for Bed and Breakfast (B&B) operations. It was noted that microwaves are allowed in B&B’s.

The question on Resolution R25/21-17 was then called and it was CARRIED.

R25/21-18

21.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (9:13 p.m.).

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R25/21-19

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:14 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, December 8, 2025.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)